Hot 'N' Dangerous

Chapter 22: The Paper Test

We finally arrived at room three hundred and one and saw that Kakashi was waiting for us, "Oh, Sakura, so you came too," Kakashi seemed surprised, "Now we can properly take the exam."

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.

"The truth is, this test can only be taken by teams of three," Kakashi started and I raised my hand, "You two are a special circumstance," he said and I lowered my hand.

"What? But you said taking the test was an individual choice! You lied to us?!" Liz asked incredulously.

"If I told the truth, you guys would have pressured Sakura into taking the exam," he then turned to Sakura, "If Sasuke asked you, you would obey for his sake," Kakashi explained.

"So if I didn't show up then they wouldn't be able to proceed?" Sakura said, horrified.

Kakashi nodded solemnly, "But you guys all came of your own will, I'm proud of my team," Kakashi smiled, "Now go!" he encouraged.

We returned his smile and pushed open the door behind Kakashi, "Let's go," Naruto urged.

What greeted us on the other side took our breaths away.

"Wow..." murmured Naruto as he beheld the huge room stuffed to the edges with examinees.

There were long rows of seats in the room as well, it looked like an Academy classroom, just bigger.

"Wh... what's this?" Sakura gasped.

Every head in the room turned to look at us, "Um... how's the party going?" Liz said weakly.

I felt several pairs of eyes study me simultaneously, I stared forward defiantly.

"Oh! I didn't know that beauty pageant models were also taking the exam! This means I can have some fun during the test, eh?" a gruff voice called out.

My hand twitched toward my sword handle but Liz stopped me. Sakura looked intimidated by the huge number of people taking the exam. I walked back towards her and grabbed her hands.

"We'll all be here for you, we're a team after all," I smiled at her warmly, "I suggest that you grab Sasuke before you're rival does."

"My rival?" she repeated, unsure of what I was talking about.

"Oh well, too late," I sighed, "There goes your chance."

Ino Yamanaka, the bleach-blond girl from when Liz and I first met them when escorting Snow to the aviary, wrapped her arms around Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun! she squealed, "You're late!" she said, smothering Sasuke with her love.

I smirked at Sasuke, making sure I kept it on my face long enough for him to see. He looked annoyed.

"I haven't seen you in a while, so I've been waiting with excitement!" she cooed.

"Get away from Sasuke-kun, Ino-pig!" Sakura screamed, flailing her arms madly.

"Why if it isn't, Sakura, big forehead as always," teased Ino.

"Hi, Ino, remember us?" I waved.

"Ah, the brunette and the red-head, I'm surprised you guys made it," she scoffed.

"What did you say?" Sakura's eyes were round with anger.

Ino stuck her tongue out at Sakura while Liz and I struggled to keep Sakura from charging. Suddenly, I felt Sakura's strength double... or did it? Liz had let go.

"You guys are taking this stupid test too? Don't die..." Shikamaru trailed off.

Liz and Shikamaru looked at each other, stunned into silence. Sakura had stopped raging and I let go of her to push Liz forward a bit. The chubby boy standing behind Shikamaru, who was eating a bag of chips, choked when he saw me.