Chapter 31: 31. Punctuality
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While Team 7's misadventure was unfolding, Sora and Hanabi were still hot on the trail of Team 8. The newly formed genin team had been zigzagging across Konoha for hours, employing their unique abilities in an attempt to locate their elusive sensei.
"You know," Sora whispered to Hanabi as they perched on a rooftop, watching Kiba sniff the air for the umpteenth time, "I'm starting to think Kurenai-sensei might be better at this whole 'hiding' thing than we gave her credit for."
Hanabi nodded, her Byakugan active as she scanned the area. "She's a jounin for a reason. Even my father speaks highly of her genjutsu skills."
Sora's eyes lit up. "Genjutsu? Oh, that gives me an idea for my next prank-"
"Focus," Hanabi hissed, elbowing him none too gently. "They're on the move again."
Indeed, Team 8 had huddled together, apparently formulating a new plan. As Sora and Hanabi watched, Shino's insects began to spread out in a wide pattern, while Hinata activated her Byakugan, scanning in a different direction than her little sister.
"They're getting smarter," Sora noted with approval. "Dividing the search area and using their abilities in tandem."
Hanabi couldn't quite hide the pride in her voice. "Hinata-neesan is doing well. Father will be pleased."
As they followed Team 8's renewed search efforts, Sora's clone watching Team 7 finally dispelled, flooding him with memories of Kakashi's chaotic chase through the village.
Sora nearly fell off the roof trying to stifle his laughter. Hanabi shot him a glare that could have frozen fire, but her expression softened when Sora, still giggling, filled her in on what had transpired.
"You're terrible," she said, but there was a hint of admiration in her tone. "Kakashi-san is going to make you regret that, you know."
Sora waved off her concern. "Eh, it'll be worth it. Did you see how well they worked together, though? That's the real win here."
Hanabi raised an eyebrow. "So you did it to help them? Not just for the chaos?"
"Why not both?" Sora grinned. "The best pranks are the ones where everyone wins... eventually."
Their conversation was cut short as they noticed a change in Team 8's behaviour. Hinata was pointing excitedly towards the Hokage Monument, while Shino's insects were buzzing more intensely.
"Looks like they found something," Sora murmured. "This should be good."
As Team 8 raced towards the monument, Sora and Hanabi followed at a discreet distance. They arrived just in time to see Kurenai emerge from a complex genjutsu camouflage, a proud smile on her face.
"Well done," the red-eyed jounin praised her team. "You've managed to find me with ten minutes to spare. Now, let's see if you can tag me before time runs out."
What followed was a frantic game of high-stakes tag, with Kurenai effortlessly evading her students' attempts to touch her. Hinata's Gentle Fist strikes came close a few times, while Kiba and Akamaru's coordinated attacks forced Kurenai to stay on her toes. Shino's insects provided constant pressure, limiting the jounin's movement options.
From their hidden vantage point, Sora and Hanabi watched in awe as the genin's teamwork improved with each passing minute. They were learning from each failed attempt, adjusting their strategy on the fly.
"They're actually going to do it," Hanabi whispered, her eyes wide with excitement.
Sora nodded, equally impressed. "Yeah, they've really come together as a team. Your sister's got some moves!"
Just as he said this, Hinata made a bold move. Instead of trying to tag Kurenai directly, she used her Gentle Fist to disrupt the chakra flow in the jounin's leg without touching her, causing her to stumble for just a fraction of a second. It was all the opening Kiba needed. He lunged forward, his hand brushing Kurenai's sleeve just as the timer buzzed.
"Yes!" Hanabi cheered, quickly clapping a hand over her mouth in horror at her outburst.
Sora tensed, ready to employ every stealth trick he knew. But to their relief, Team 8 was too busy celebrating their success to notice the small sound.
Kurenai gathered her team, her face beaming with pride. "Excellent work, all of you. You've passed the test with flying colours. Welcome to Team 8!"
As the new genin team shared excited hugs and high-fives (well, Kiba and Hinata did - Shino settled for a stoic nod), Sora tugged on Hanabi's sleeve.
"Come on," he whispered. "Let's get out of here before they notice us."
Hanabi nodded, taking one last look at her sister's joyful face before following Sora away from the scene.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, chaos of a different sort was unfolding. Jounin senseis were filing in to report on their team's performance, and the news of Kakashi's on-time arrival had thrown everyone for a loop.
"He's actually here?" Asuma Sarutobi asked incredulously, his ever-present cigarette threatening to fall from his slack-jawed mouth. "On time?"
Kurenai, who had just arrived via the Body Flicker technique, looked equally stunned. "I thought I felt a disturbance in the natural order of things earlier. This explains it."
The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, merely puffed on his pipe, an amused twinkle in his eye. "Now, now, let's not make too much of it. I'm sure Kakashi has his reasons for punctuality today."
As if summoned by his name, Kakashi chose that moment to saunter into the office, his nose buried in his ever-present orange book.
"Yo," he said casually, seemingly oblivious to the stares directed his way.
"Kakashi," the Hokage said, a note of curiosity in his voice, "I hear there was quite a commotion in the village earlier. Something about a wave of Narutos chasing you?"
Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in what might have been a smile or a grimace - it was hard to tell with most of his face covered. "Ah, yes. About that..."
What followed was Kakashi's retelling of the day's events, from his confusion at being chased through the village to his realization that his team had been tricked by a certain pint-sized prankster. By the time he finished, the other jounin were torn between amusement and disbelief.
"So, let me get this straight," Asuma said, trying and failing to hide his grin, "a six-year-old managed to impersonate you convincingly enough to fool your entire team?"
Kakashi shrugged. "It seems Sora's reputation as a master prankster is well-earned. Though I do wonder where he got the idea for the bell test..."
The Hokage coughed suspiciously, suddenly very interested in the papers on his desk.
"Well," Kurenai said, her red eyes dancing with mirth, "at least your team passed. Even if it was in the most roundabout way possible."
"Indeed," Kakashi agreed. "Their teamwork was impressive, even if it was misdirected. How did your team fare, Kurenai?"
As Kurenai launched into her own report, praising Team 8's tracking skills and coordination, the Hokage allowed himself a small smile. It seemed this year's crop of genin would be interesting indeed.
As the sun began to set over Konoha, Sora and Hanabi found themselves walking towards Ichiraku Ramen, their stomachs growling after a day of covert observation.
"So," Hanabi said, breaking the comfortable silence, "what did you think of the tests?"
Sora grinned. "They were pretty awesome, actually. Both teams really came together when it counted. Your sister was especially impressive."
Hanabi beamed with pride before schooling her features back into a more neutral expression. "Yes, well, she is a Hyuga after all."
"Of course, of course," Sora nodded sagely. "And what did you think of my little prank on Team 7?"
Hanabi rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "It was reckless, irresponsible, and could have gotten you in a lot of trouble." She paused for a moment. "But it was also kind of brilliant."
Sora's grin widened. "High praise indeed from a Hyuga! I'm honoured."
As they approached Ichiraku, they were surprised to see Team 7 already there, along with Kakashi. The jounin was regaling his team with the true purpose of the bell test, while Naruto slurped his ramen with gusto.
"Oh no," Hanabi muttered. "Maybe we should go somewhere else..."
But it was too late. Naruto had spotted them.
"Sora!" the blond genin shouted, waving enthusiastically. "Come join us! And bring your friend too!"
Hanabi's face turned an interesting shade of red. "I am not his friend!" she hissed, while Sora just laughed.
"Well," he said, steering them towards the ramen stand, "we might as well face the music. Besides, I'm curious to hear what Kakashi-san has to say about our little adventure."
As they took seats at the counter, Kakashi fixed Sora with a look that was equal parts exasperation and amusement.
"So," the jounin drawled, "I hear I have you to thank for today's excitement."
Sora rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah, I have no idea what you are talking about"
Kakashi's eye crinkled in what might have been a smile. "Nice try. But I have to admit, it was an... interesting approach. Though next time, maybe leave the test administration to the actual jounin sensei?"
"No promises," Sora grinned, earning him an elbow to the ribs from Hanabi.
'All in all,' he thought, slurping his noodles contentedly, 'not a bad day's work for a six-year-old prankster.'
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Thank you to Desire96,J4F, emanuel_2085, Tsniper, CR077, Osas_Destiny_4852, gentlebreeze03, Pheathon, Kay_smiles101, Kevon_Lewis, Kennchan, Jean_R_6763, Saeed_AI_Sahaf, SgtoPepinilo, novel_99, Matejko90, and Cindy_Davis_5782 for Powerstones.
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