7 2/2

I got up and brushed off what dirt I could. I made my way out of the clearing. Tossing a hand over my shoulder in farewell, I started the trek home. Mind racing with all the things I had to work on. Lightning manipulation, water manipulation, body-flicker, clan techniques. My plate was not full, it was overflowing. I steeled my resolve right there in the old Uchiha clan compound. I would master it. I would master it all. Or die trying.

-KY-

Three Months Later

I lay on the ground of our team's training field, panting. My hands and arms were completely numb. For the last 3 hours I had been practicing my lightning chakra transformation. I had gotten the process down weeks ago, but I wasn't content with just being able to do the bare minimum, no I had to master it. Great-Grandma would expect nothing less. So there I was creating sparks that flew between my fingers, the lightning chakra creating a beautifully deadly dance that could turn on me the second my control slipped. I had been creating the circuit for 15 minutes straight and was nearing my limit, but I continued to push. One minute, Two, Three, Four, Five.

"Alright, Kenta. 20 minutes is more than enough. Anymore and you might start causing scaring on your chakra pathway." Cpt Genma said, smiling down on me, pride dancing in his eyes.

I slowly let the currents dissipate. One the last spark was discharged, I flopped unceremoniously onto the lush grass, breathing a sigh of relief. I closed my eyes for a few minutes before cracking one eye open and smirking at my teacher.

"You said I wouldn't have this down in a month. You owe me $100, Captain. I not only mastered the first step for lightning transformation, but I've had water down now for 2 months!" I said happily but tired. "I have no idea why lightning was so much harder for me, but it was so worth it."

It was true. I had mastered the first step of water transformation in just under 2 weeks. It just seemed to click with me. Mom says it's probably because that's her affinity and I've always been quite flexible for being a boy. I'd never admit this but I think I was slightly afraid of lightning so I put up some mental barriers. But I pushed through them and the results were so worth it.

"Yeah, yeah you disrespectful cretin. I'll get you your money. One of the few times I'm quite happy to have been proven wrong." He said smiling once again.

I laughed and pushed myself into a sitting position. I looked at my captain and mentor and smiled genuinely. "Thank you so much. Cpt Genma. Your guidance and help is what really made the difference. I couldn't have gotten this far, this quickly without you. Come by the house this weekend. Home cooked meal, I know you don't get many of those." I finished with a mischievous smirk.

Genma let out a bark of laugh "I think I will. Your mom is the best damn cook in Konoha, no way would I pass up that offer." He then looked at me, all traces of laughter gone. "But you did all the work kid. I just gave input, asked a couple friends for tips, and made sure you didn't kill yourself. You, and your two teammates at that are unbelievable. You all soak up information like it's water and you work twice as hard as any Genin I've ever met. You're like little demonic sponges, I tell you!"

"Whether you think you did or didn't do much, your help is invaluable. I wouldn't trade you for any other Captain. Except maybe Kurenai. She's a lot prettier to look at than you, Old man."

That made Captain laugh long and hard. He then dismissed me for the day and vanished in a swirl of leaves. I laid back down and started watching the clouds, a favorite pastime of one Skikamaru. I thought back to all that I had accomplished over the last 3 months, and I had to say I was damn proud of myself.

Mastered the first step to both water and lightning transformation. Learned two D-Ranks for each and got comfortable enough to use them both with a single hand sign. Learned and can proficiently use a C-Rank from each of my elements and got them down to under 5 hand signs respectively.

Cpt Genma kept his promise and showed me how to properly perform the 'Body-Flicker' technique. I am NOWHERE near Shisui's proficiency with the technique, but I'm comfortable enough to use it two or three times in succession to confuse my opponents. It had gotten me a couple good shots in on Sasuke. Speaking of the Prince of Moods, he and I made a schedule of sparring two or three times a week depending on missions. It was helping the both of us grow even more, and I had to admit the dude really wasn't that bad. He's just lonely, and full of hatred for his brother. But there's more to it than that. I can tell he still loves Itachi, and that confuses and angers him more. I'm not going to be his therapist, but he's opened up to me a few times about little things. As I've said before, take the small victories where you can get them.

On top of my elemental training, I've been working on my clan techniques as well with father. He's recognized that I am above my peers in the clan and has got me working on some of our more advanced techniques. I've learned the basics of the 'Mind Walk' and 'Projection' techniques. He also has me working on one of the clan's most feared techniques; 'Mind-Body Disturbance Technique.' The advanced version of 'Mind-Body Transfer,' the Disturbance technique allows the user to take over the body of the target, similar to Transfer. But unlike Transfer, our conscious stays in our body but we can still take control. This leaves the target's conscious awake as well. The horror of killing your own comrades without being able to control your body is enough to shake up even the hardest veterans out there. I still can't properly do the technique and it'll probably take me many more months to be able to. I'm ok with that though as is Father. Konoha wasn't built in a day as they say.

As I said. Damn proud of myself. It also helps that all the training I've been doing as well as my nightly routine of wall walking with leaves stuck to every inch of my skin is having a very noticeable impact on my chakra reserves. Dad estimates that I'm now at a level of some of the more promising Chunin; those that have a real shot at making special if not full Jonin. Yeah, life was going good. My dream of becoming my clan's first S-Rank shinobi in over a century was looking more promising every day.

My teammates training was progressing at an alarming pace as well. Both Anko and Jiraiya had taken Naruto and Ami on as part-time apprentices respectively. Ami was learning to be a mini-Anko, which scared not only Naruto and I, but all of Konoha that had heard the rumors. Ami was becoming a real threat during our spars if I wasn't careful and let her get in too close for too long. I will fully admit that Ami has surpassed me when it comes to hand to hand. The only thing that keeps me on top is that I've been training and fighting longer than her. But in a few short months I won't be able to keep up. The style she is learning is viscous and deadly. Aiming for vitals and joints using a combination or insane flexibility and lightning quick strikes. It makes me proud to be her teammate when I think how far she's come, and I know for a fact she's still hiding some tricks from Naruto and I.

Speaking of Naruto, the kid is the next coming of Lord Fourth. Who Naruto oddly looks a lot alike. But it's probably just coincidence. Naruto is an Uzumaki through and through and his insane progress with seals proves it. Lord Jiraiya has been putting Naruto through the ringer from what he tells me. After their initial meeting and skill assessment, Lord Jiraiya was so impressed with how far Naruto has gotten just self-studying that he immediately started training him in the small, little intricacies that only a seal master could know. The result? Naruto is a god damn nightmare to try and spar with now. He has seals or can write them on the fly for every situation. Tried to pepper him with senbon? Magnetized Seal that all my senbon were instantly drawn to. Hit him with water? Absorbed into a seal and shot back with twice the force; same with lightning. Engage him in hand to hand? The little shit slapped a gravity seal on me that had me struggling to even stand. As I said, a goddamn nightmare! Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Lord Jiraiya has also been refining his hand to hand style to complement his unpredictable nature and natural speed. OH, let's also not forget those damn hair techniques he's started learning as well as creating a god damn fucking swamp right under your feet. Overall, my team was over powered for Genin and I'm just waiting for the day when we can show the world what we can do in the Chunin exams.

Aside from our rigorous training the three of us have been doing, we have also been able to notch 6 more C-Rank missions under our belts. Actual C-Ranks mind you, not C-Rank turned we're gunna die-rank. A bandit clear-out, a couple escort missions, a courier mission. You know, normal things! There was one mission though. One that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It wasn't dangerous, not even that exciting really. It was a diplomatic mission. Our very first one. We were sent to The Village Hidden in Waterfalls. Lord Hokage and the Waterfall Leader needed to renew their trade agreement as well as work out any new provisions. That mission will stand out to me for two reasons. The first being that was the day I met my future wife. The second, was the mission that Ami and I learned Naruto's darkest secret and the day our team became a family.

-Inception-

"HOLY SHIT! This place is beautiful!" Naruto's shout was heard by all those in a mile radius.

Ami cuffed him upside the head. "Naruto, watch your language and what have I said about your inside voice?"

"Aw, Ami don't be like that! I'm sorry for swearing but c'mon! You have to admit that this place is awesome. Plus, we're outside, y'know?! Why do I have to use my inside voice?!"

Ami just sighed and gave me the 'you deal with it' look. I sent her a sympathetic smile.

"Naruto, we may be outside, but we're in a foreign ally's village. We are not only representing Konoha, but Lord Third. The last thing we want to convey to these people is that we have a village full of loud mouthed barbarians. Now, talk normal. I'm excited too. This place is beautiful, you're right. But represent Lord Third well." I reprimanded Naruto in my "Dad Voice" as Naruto likes to call it.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head and laughed sheepishly. "Well putting it like that I can see your point, Kenta. I'll try to keep it down. Hehe."

I smiled at Naruto and then turned to our guide and gave a quick, formal bow. "I apologize for my teammate. He was raised by wolves (Oi, screw you Kenta!) and we're just now teaching him manners."

The woman, Tsubame, giggled at our antics and shook her head. "It's quite alright. It's nice to see someone who can appreciate the beauty of our small little village. We don't get many visitors, so the few we get we hope to impress to tell the world just how amazing it is here."

I nodded in understanding. "Well loudmouth over there will spread the word for all four of us." Tsubame giggled again and beckoned us to follow her. Presumably to the village leaders house or office. I, in all my wisdom, was right. We approached a small, but handsomely built building with the sign of Waterfall carved above the entrance. We entered the building into a small reception area.

"This is where we part ways, Konoha shinobi. I hope you all have a pleasant stay in Taki." Tsubame then bowed to us before she made her way back to the village entrance.

Cpt Genma approached the young man sitting at the desk who had been watching us with a pleasant smile since we arrived.

"Hello. We're here to see Lord Shibuki. We're here on behalf of Lord Third in regards to renewing the trade agreement between Waterfall and Leaf." Cpt Genma explained in a formal voice. One I'd rarely heard. It was his 'I have to be professional because if I'm not and Lord Third finds out I'm a dead man' voice. The young man smiled and rose from his chair and entered the door directly in front of us.

After a few moments he returned with that smile still plastered on his face. "Lord Shibuki will see you now, Konoha shinobi."

We thanked the man and entered Lord Shibuki's office. Lord Shibuki was… not what I expected. He actually reminded me a bit of Haku. He was slightly feminine looking and… my god how old was he? He looks only a few years older than us!

"I welcome you, Konoha Shinobi, to our humble village. I hope that your stay here is pleasant." Lord Shibuki greeted us. His voice soft and melodic to match his looks.

"Thank you, Lord Shibuki. Your village is very beautiful. I hope that our time spent here is fruitful and that both parties walk away from these negotiations satisfied." Cpt Genma replied formally with a small bow.

Lord Shibuki smiled and replied "I hope so as well. May I have your names?"

"Ah, yes. I am Genma Shiranui and these are my minions Ami Kogure, Naruto Uzumaki, and Kenta Yamanaka." He indicated each of us as he pointed to us, receiving glares from the three all three of us after being referred to as "minions."

Shibuki laughed at the sight "It is a pleasure meeting all of you. Now I know you all must be exhausted why don't I show you-"

He was subsequently cut off by the door banging open. All present in the room turned towards the disturbance and I felt my stomach do a backflip. In walked the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Her mint green hair, striking orange eyes, and tanned skinned only enhanced her exotic beauty. Not noticing the room was occupied the mystery beauty she started talking a mile a minute.

"Oi! Big Bro Shibuki! Can we go train? I'm so BORED! I-" She cut off abruptly noticing the four foreign shinobi all staring at her with mixed reactions. Curiosity from Ami, Confusion from Naruto, Indifference from Genma, and Embarrassment from Me. She instantly perked up.

"Oh! Oh! You all are from Konoha! Will you be my friends? Do you want to spar? What's your favorite food? Do you like to train? What's Konoha like? Do you want me to show you around?" All this was said within a matter of seconds. I was impressed she didn't need to breathe. She blushed, realizing what she'd just said. "Hehe. Sorry. I get a little excited sometimes meeting new people. I'm Fú, who are you?"

Shibuki replied for us all. "Hello, Fú. As you can see I'm in the middle of meeting. These four Konoha shinobi are here to renew our trade agreement with Konoha. I was just about to show them to where they'll be staying. Would you like to come? I'm sure Lord Genma's students wouldn't mind someone their age showing them around tomorrow."

Fú squealed in delight. "Of COURSE I'll show them around. I'll show them all the best places for everything!" She ran up to each of us and shook our hands. When she got to me I couldn't help the blush that adorned my face, she was gorgeous. She wasn't as oblivious as Naruto was despite being just as excitable as he was. She noticed the blush and sent me a wink, causing my face to feel like a furnace. She laughed and moved on to Naruto. When she shook his hand though her eyes went wide.

"You. You're like me! Oh my gods, I've never met another Jinchuriki! It's a pleasure to meet you nine! I cannot believe-" She was cutoff as a sense of dread filled the air and with just a blink Cpt Genma had a shocked Fú pinned to the opposite wall, kunai at her throat.

"Who. The Fuck. Are you? Are you a spy? How do you know about Naruto? ANSWER ME!" Cpt Genma looked ready to do murder. Fú could sense it as well for she was wide-eyed and on the verge of tears.

"I'm sorry! I didn't know! My bijuu just got really excited and she told me! I swear! I promise I mean him no harm. I-I-I" The shock had gotten to her and the dam was released. Cpt Genma slowly lowered her to the ground and removed the kunai. Shibuki rushed to her side and checked to make sure she was OK, physically at least, before turning his glare on Cpt Genma.

"I certainly hope you have a very good reason for assaulting and threatening my shinobi, Lord Genma!" Shibuki growled at Captain. "Fú is in fact a Jinchuriki and a loyal Taki kunoichi. Explain yourself. Now!"

Whatever thoughts I had about this man vanished. I could see why he was their village leader. His chakra levels were nothing to write home about, and he looked physically weak. But his strength of character were shining through right now and they just screamed "leader."

Cpt Genma sighed and put his kunai away. He rubbed his hand across the top of his head a few times, searching for the words he was trying to find. "Naruto is a special case. No one is supposed to know about him. His secret is an S-Rank secret in our village on penalty execution on the spot. No trial needed. His own teammates don't even know. When Fú mentioned his status, I thought that she was a spy or an enemy. I apologize for my actions. I was simply reacting to a potential threat to my student. Please forgive me." He finished with a low bow, eyes to the ground.

Shibuki gave Fú a consoling shoulder squeeze before turning on Cpt Genma. "Please rise, Lord Genma. As you can see I'm quite protective of Fú myself. I can understand your thought process and your actions, as I honestly would have done something similar. Fú here knows she shouldn't be disclosing her own status so freely." At this he sent a glare Fú's way but there was no heat behind it. "To make amends we will add clauses in our agreements to neither party to divulge the information that was gained today. Is that agreeable?"

Cpt Genma nodded and then knelt down next to Fú. "I truly am sorry, Fú. I hope you can forgive me."

Fú sniffed a few more times before turning a watery smile on Captain. "I'm sorry too, Mister Genma. I didn't know that it was that big of a secret. I just, like I said never met another one and I just got so excited and words were escaping me mouth and-"

"Breathe, Fú" Shibuki chuckled. He then noticed the three of us. The confusion written across mine and Ami's faces, and the look of complete fear on Naruto's face. That only added to my confusion. Why did Naruto look ready to bolt and hide away. He wouldn't look any of us in the eye, except Cpt Genma. And those were only quick, panicked glances. "I will take Fú out of the room for some time. It looks as though a conversation that outsiders shouldn't be privy to needs to take place. Come on, Fú. We'll go get tea." Fú nodded and marched out of the room with Shibuki.

Another sigh, this one even longer and more annoying than the last escaped Captain's lips. "Well, Naruto. Either you can tell them or I can. But the Tora is out of the Daimyo's wifes hands now."

Naruto cast another quick glance at the door and seemed to internally debate if he could make it or not. He then finally looked at Ami and I and sighed.

"I'll tell them, Cpt Genma. You guys know the story of how Lord Fourth killed the Kyubi? Well, that's not how the actual story goes."

-Uh oh-

Naruto finished his story and the silence that followed was deafening. My brain was firing a mile a minute. Thinking back on it now knowing the truth, the story they told us was complete and utter bullshit. No matter how powerful a person may be, they can't kill something made purely of chakra. God how dumb was I? Now though, things were falling into place. Naruto's treatment over the years, the looks and glares he received. The night I met the blonde. My stomach dropped.

"We're demon hunting! We're finishing what Lord Fourth started!"

I'm going to be sick. Ami was reaching the same conclusion as me. Her eyes widened in realization and they swam with tears. She threw herself at Naruto and crushed him in a hug, sobbing on his shoulder. The look of utter shock that crossed Naruto's face stirred something in me.

"Naruto. No. It all makes sense. The looks you get when we're in town. Kenta having to throw his clan name to get us into a restaurant that isn't Ichiraku. Lady Tori buying your groceries. The stories our parents, MY parents told us about you growing up. Oh, Naruto. I am so, so sorry. You didn't ask for this. You don't deserve hatred. The villagers should be throwing themselves at your feet and thanking you daily for keeping us all safe." She pulled back and smiled warmly at Naruto. "Since the day you were born, you've been a HERO to Konoha, and the people spit on your sacrifice. Thank you, Naruto. Thank you for doing the job Lord Fourth gave to you without your choice so well. For almost 13 years we haven't heard a peep out of the Kyubi. And it's all because of you. You're amazing and I'm so proud to call you my friend."

The look of relief that washed over Naruto's face was evident. Each word Ami spoke his shoulders seemed to slump less and less. By the end of her speech the two of them were hugging and crying. Naruto thanking Ami profusely and Ami doing likewise. Cpt Genma was watching the two with a small smile on his face and relief in his eyes. He was worried that we wouldn't accept him. It finally clicked. The feeling I couldn't place because it was so out of character for this situation. Anger. No RAGE. How fucking date he. Naruto turned my way, apprehension back on his face. That was the nail in the coffin. I rushed forward and with all the force I could muster, my fish crashed into his cheek. Naruto was sent flying and I was right behind him. Before he could hit the ground I had him pinned to the wall. Confusion and hurt were the dominant expressions he wore, as well as a hint of anger. Ami opened her mouth but Cpt Genma cut her off with a quick shake of us head.

"How dare you. How FUCKING DARE YOU!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "We're friends. We've been friends for 6 fucking years! Did that mean nothing to you? Did you honestly think so little of me that I would abandon you?! I'm your best friend! I should have been the first person you told! I would have been there for you. You're the brother I never had and you couldn't trust me with something like this? Fuck you, Naruto. I'm so glad you think so highly of me." I spun on my heels and mad a beeline for the door. I didn't get far before I was tackled from behind. Naruto had me pinned. To add insult to injury, he knew me too well and placed a paralysis seal on me.

When I looked at him, I was expecting to see anger. What I saw instead was bone-deep sorrow and desperation painted clear as day on his face. "I'm sorry, Kenta. I'm so, so sorry. You don't know how often I wanted to tell you. I wanted to, honest! I swear. But there was never a good time to bring it up. I only found out the day I became a Genin so I've still been trying to process it all. 12 years of hatred and not knowing why. It messes you up. I'm always looking over my shoulder. Always expecting to happen what happened the night you and your parents found me. I spent 12 years confused and alone and then I'm finally told why and I just don't know how to deal with it!" Naruto was sobbing by now. His concentration breaking down and undoing the seal. I instantly wrapped him up in a hug and was crying along with him. "I'm sorry, Kenta. Don't hate me. I could lose everyone in the world but you. You're my brother too."

I don't know how long we spent there hugging and crying on the floor of a foreign leader's office. But I didn't care. Any resentment or betrayal that either of us felt was washed away in that time. By the time we reined our emotions in and stood up. We were the only two left in the room. An embarrassed laugh was exchanged before a tight hug ended our little spat. Hey, even families punch each other in the face now and again, right?

- Fú Bae-

Overall we spent three days in Taki hashing out the details of the trade agreement. And by we I meant Cpt Genma and Lord Shibuki. Naruto, Ami, and I spent all our time with Fú. It was a nice break from the stresses of training and every day Shinobi life. I quickly developed the world's largest crush on Fú. She was loud, excitable, carefree, cheerful, tough, beautiful… but most of all resilient. Walking around I noticed that Fú received the same exact treatment that Naruto did. But just like Naruto she faced the hatred with a smile on her face and showed the world it didn't bother her. We knew differently, but the strength of character to weather that hatred was a sign of her rock solid character. It seems as though those who carry the largest burden in the world are destined to be feared and hated no matter where they lived.

On the third day we stood at the village entrance saying our goodbyes.

"Promise you'll write to me? I had so much fun with all of you! Please come back and visit anytime you want. I'm so happy I made three new friends!" Fú, as hyper as ever, seemed to not breathe until the end of any sentence. No matter how long or short it was.

Ami was first to respond. She rushed forward and gave Fú a crushing hug. She was whispering in her ear low enough I couldn't pick up what was being said. Fú went from a watery smile to laughter to a slight blush. Ami pulled away with a knowing smirk on her face. That was a smirk that said girls weren't up to any good.

Naruto was next. He hugged Fú just as tightly as Ami and included lifting her off the ground and spinning her, much to her delight. Naruto made promise after promise to write and that he would visit but only if she promised to visit, which she of course agreed to.

Finally it was my turn, and I have never been one to be tongue tied. But this mint-haired vixen had some type of hold over me.

"I, uh, that is to say. I enjoyed spending, uh, you know. Time with you, and I uh." Damnit, Kenta! Get it together.

Fú sent me a knowing smile and approached me in the cutest way possible. Hands behind her back she skipped up and kissed me on the cheek. "Write to me too, k? If I don't hear from you soon, I'll come and kick your ass."

I didn't know if the heat radiating from my face would cause steam to erupt from my mouth if I opened it. I nodded. "My father has a summoning contract that is perfect as couriers. I'll make sure to keep in contact." I managed to get out, no steam, thank the gods.

Fú laughed delitedly. "Summons?! What kind? Can they fight? Are they cute or badass?"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "You'll just have to wait and see. Don't want to ruin the surprise. I will say though that they're both cute and badass."

Fú smiled brightly, "Then I can't wait. Take care of yourself, Kenta."

I smiled back, "You too, Fú. And remember, if it all gets too much, I'm sure that Lord Third would welcome you with open arms if Taki can't appreciate what they have."

It was Fú's turn to blush. "I'll keep that in mind."

With that, the four of us said our final goodbyes and with one last wave, we left The Village Hidden in Waterfalls.

-Inception End-

I smiled at the memory of our trip to Taki. Since then I'd written Fú four times and had received the same number in return. She was positively thrilled seeing my father's summons. The Owl Clan fit him perfectly. I wasn't lying when I said cute and badass. She went on for a full page about how adorable the messenger was. I couldn't help but think how adorable she was gushing over the little messenger. Chuckling once more to myself I stood up and stretched. Pleased at the sounds of all my joints popping. I brushed myself off and started making my way home.

Suddenly there was a gust of wind, and two clones of my captain appeared in the clearing along with my two teammates. The clones both waved cheekily before disappearing in a poof of smoke.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked my teammates. Both looked at each other, then back at my and shrugged.

"No idea. I was working on counter-barrier seals with Pervy-Sage when Cpt Genma appeared, said he needed me for a few minutes and he'd return me when he was done with me." Naruto supplied first.

Ami nodded in agreement with Naruto. "Same. Cpt Anko was working on a new technique with me when he appeared and said the same thing. Cpt Anko tried to attack him but he was quicker, and now I'm here."

The three of us were discussing what he could possibly want when the annoyance appeared a few feet from us.

"Yo."

"Don't steal Cpt Kakashi's line, you unoriginal senior." I said. Naruto and Ami snorting at my greeting to our Cpt.

"One day, you will look back on this moment and weep. You will curse yourself that you were so, so very mean to your kind and stunningly handsome Captain. I promise you." Cpt Genma replied, not missing a beat.

All three of us laughed at that. "Seriously though, what do you want Captain? I had almost found the formula to take down most common barriers!" Whined Naruto.

"Well. I just wanted to give you all a little news today. I was called into the Hokage's office today. He called in every single Jonin that is assigned a Genin team. Do you want to know why?"

We all exchanged excited glances before nodding vigously to our team captain.

He smirked at our response. "Chunin exams. Two weeks. Here are your forms. Bring them to room 303 two weeks from the day if you want to compete. Well, that's all! See you cretins in the morning, bright and early!" He disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

"HELL YEAH! FINALLY!" Naruto shouted.

"For once I won't correct your tone, Naruto. I'm just as excited. Time to show the village what all my training has been for. Including Mom and Dad." Ami replied much quieter but just as excited.

I stared down at the form in my hands, and smiled wide. Two weeks. In two weeks I would take the first big step in my dream to become an S-Rank shinobi. I looked at Naruto to my left, and Ami to my right and my smile only widened.

"Let's kick some ass. Team 11 is going to be the first team to have all its members make it to Chunin from our graduating class!"

"YEAH!" Both my teammates shouted in reply.

"Two weeks, Ami, Naruto. We have two weeks to fine tune everything we've been learning since we graduated. Let's take these exams by storm."

The three of us made our way off the training field. One thing on all of our minds. Make Chunin. But first, I had a letter to write!

OK! So having an OC = a little more time character building and shit. Hopefully no one thought this chapter was too boring. I know it wasn't that exciting, but it's setting up everything for the future chapters. More visions. More training. More connections. More Lurrrrvvveee. Fú was hardly in the anime or manga but I just love her character and she is Wifey for Kenta. Things will quickly pick up next week as we're jumping right into Chunin exams. Some twists and turns and other fun stuff await you all. On the next episode of DRAGON BALL Z!

Read/Review/Comment if you feel inclined. I enjoy constructive criticism. It makes me a better writer!

P.S. Checked reviews right before posting this chapter so replying to Zerak-

Kenta's goal is to become S-Rank. He will reach that level, there's no doubt. So if that makes him OP then so be it. But he comes from a clan not known for being frontline, hardhitters. His body and physique reflect that. He's stronger than most in his clan, due to his mother's genes, but he will always be limited by his chakra pool. He's not going to have huge reserves. This will make him a smart, tactical fighter. Knowing when to play it safe and wear down an opponent with his speed and skill, and knowing when to go for the big attack to take someone out. That is why, in my mind at least, he will never be OP like Naruto, Sasuke, Madara, etc. He's much more Kakashi hokage than Naruto Hokage. All that being said, yes he will still fuck people up. But he's not solo, one shotting a kage level opponent.