Tsk! Sasuke, surely you can't be this arrogant! To challenge Rock Lee, a known master of taijutsu and showing capabilities beyond what you're up to? You're an idiot!!!

I remain silent, however. I see the rest of team 9 hovering close by, watching with no concern for Rock Lee at all. I see Neji staring right back at me, pale lavender eyes boring into me. When he gives me a sly wink I feel a sense of comfort from the fact that I have friends close by. Friends that won't put me down with mean comments, friends that won't bash me up, friends that won't merely ignore me.

Yes, my friends are in Team 9.

" There he is!!!" My hiding place is exposed, drawing in a swarm of villagers.

They seem to radiate malicious intent, causing me to flinch at the mere sight of them. The alleyway is cramped, restricting my access to escape. I feel the solid, cold brick wall on my back and I take large gulps of breath, trying to calm myself down. I watch as the mob approaches me, weapons at the ready. I close my eyes, expecting the pain that had become a familiar friend. Then...

" That display of actions is NOT YOUTHFUL!!!"

I peek through my eyelids, trying to find the source of the noise. What I see surprises me. Four figures are fighting the small crowd of citizens. It only takes a few minutes before the attackers are driven out.

" Are you okay?" I see a man approach me, stretching out his hand for me to take. Uncertainly, I place my hand in his, allowing him to pull me up but also showing a sign of trust. I allow them to guide me to a new spot, it holds a spectacular view of the city below and it seems to smother me in blankets of comfort.

"Hey! My name is Gai, these are my three genin students: Rock Lee, Hyuuga Neji and Tenten. What is your name, my youthful new acquaintance?".

I feel my mask instinctively rise up. I feel myself start to launch into another act. But something holds me back. Then it hits me, these people aren't like everyone else. They've already seen me without my defences. There is no need to keep up my little charade. With an internal sigh of relief, I introduce myself. Not the goofy, ramen-loving prankster, me.

" Hello, my name is Uzumaki Naruto. I like foxes, onigiri and people who don't hold grudges against things we can't control. I dislike people who hurt others for fun or vengeance, when animals are harmed by humans and starvation. My dream is to become a strong shinobi and protect the few people I care for." I feel myself grow closer to them, these people saved me, they showed something no one has shown me before...

They showed me empathy.

I was excited, ecstatic, relieved. Finally, I could do this exam with people I knew, people I trusted, people I cared for. I felt a subtle smile spread on my face as I looked back at the Hyuuga. Then I turned my attention onto the match.

All in all, Sasuke was SMASHED.

Everyone except for Sasuke and Sakura already knew this was going to happen. However, the smaller details that were uncertain had been bet on. I watched as a disgruntled Tenten passed a smug Neji ¥2000. It was enough to get a soft chuckle out of my lips.

Sasuke seemed confused by my amusement and Sakura was growing agitated by this as well. I brace myself for what I knew was going to happen.

" Naruto-Baka!!! Don't laugh while Sasuke-Kun is hurt on the ground!!!" She raised her fist and it slowly descended towards my head.

The impact never happened.

I looked up to see Lee gripping the arm inches away from my skull.

" That was most unyouthful!!!" Was all he managed to choke out before Tenten and Neji were on the scene. Let me tell you, what they did to the Haruno wasn't pretty...

Author's Note: Well.... On the bright side, I am starting to become the queen of procrastination! Yeah, that's not really fabulous, huh...