Episode 3: New Routine

  Before the start of class, Nato sits in a middle row as he stares at Hinata and Ruto slides in next to him. As people chat, the two boys whisper;

  Ruto: You're real into her, ain't ya?

  Nato: What? Who?

  Ruto: Don't be acting! Can't keep your eyes off her. You like 'em shy and quiet, don't you?

  Nato: That's not it...

  Ruto: Hey, come on. I've got a thing for Sakura. Wild and reckless, like ice-cream.

  Nato: More like, shrieks about Sasuke all day.

  Ruto: … That's not an ice-cream flavor. Should've said “Shrieking cherry.”

  Nato: Her hair isn't red.

  Ruto: Strawberry, then.

  Nato: No. What?

  Sakura walks in and Ruto's attention immediately turns to her.

  Ruto: Shh! That's her!

  Sakura: (What's that?! No Ino AND an open spot right next to Sasuke!! But, ugh! I have to get through Ruto. At least that other kid isn't annoying)

  She steps up to Ruto's aisle.

  Sakura: Mind letting me in?

  Ruto: (She's really gonna sit next to me! Yeah!!)

  Sakura: I said, Move It, Ruto!

  Ruto: Right! Yeah.

  Ruto quickly stands up as Nato calmly gets up.

  Sakura: Thanks, kid.

  Sakura slides in.

  Ruto: Nato, what're you... Sasuke.

  Ruto steams as he sees Sasuke arrogantly sitting at the other end of the aisle as Sakura slides next to him.

  Sakura: How ya doin', Sasuke?

  Sasuke: Thinking.

  Sakura: 'Kay!

  Ruto: I'm gonna-!

  Before Ruto can climb on the long desk, Nato grabs his shoulder.

  Nato: Let's sit, Ruto.

  Ruto: *Grumbles*

  The two sit back down, with Nato between Ruto and Sakura.

  Ruto: How come I'M the one on the outside?

  Nato: I don't want you causing a scene again.

  Ruto: “Scene?!” Like wh-

  Nato: *Glares*

  Ruto: … Alright, alright. I get your point.

  Meanwhile, Ino walks in and sees Sakura next to Sasuke.

  Ino: (That little-)

  Just then, Shikamaru bumps into her.

  Shika: Sorry. Didn't see ya.

  She turns to him.

  Ino: JERK!!!

  She then stomps off.

  Shika: What'd I! Do?

  Before long, Iruka walks in.

  Iruka: Alright, class. Find your seats.

  All the students find a place to sit.

  Iruka: I'm sure you've all been looking forward to this day. The day you finally get to be assigned your teams and start training with Jonin level ninja.

  Ruto: Yeah!

  Iruka: But, before we get too excited, I'd like to thank all of you for coming to my class every day. I don't think I'll ever find a more unique group of students. So, thank you for brightening up my life.

  Class: Aww.

  Shika: What's “Unique” supposed to mean?

  Iruka clears his throat, dispelling the emotions inside of him.

  Iruka: Now! Let's get straight to the point, what do you say? We've tried to make well-balanced teams based on everyone's skills and test scores. However, due to the amount of kids who've dropped out this year, we were forced to make one team of four. Could it be Your team? That said, everything should still balance out in the end. As for who's where, let's start with Team 1-

  Nato: (C'mon, Hinata, Hinata, Hinata!)

  Ruto: (Sakura, Sakura, Sakura!)

  Sakura: (Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke!)

  Sasuke: (Can't you give me a one-man team of my own? Not like I need these losers)

  Iruka: Team 3. Neji Hyuga.

  Neji: (Whoever they are, they better carry their weight)

  Iruka: Tenten Buki.

  Tenten: Oh, yeah!

  Iruka: And, Rock Lee.

  Lee, who's next to Tenten, turns to her and extends his hand. He has long hair and a blue getup on, which is totally different from his normal manga/anime look. I wonder why that is... (Tee hee)

  Lee: I look forward to working with you as Both Equals and Partners! May we win countless battles Together, my fellow Compatriot!

  She shakes his hand.

  Tenten: Yeah! Let's get 'em!

  Neji: (They're idiots, but I can work on them. At least it wasn't “Her”)

  As Hinata looks at Neji, he glares back at her, making Hinata look away.

  Iruka: Team 7. Ruto Uzi.

  Ruto: (Come ooon)

  Iruka: Nato Maku.

  The two boys look at each-other and high five.

  Nato & Ruto: Yeah!

  Iruka: Sakura Haruno.

  Sakura: *Slumps* (My life is over...)

  Ruto: Woohoo! (Got the dream team!)

  Iruka: And, Sasuke Uchiha.

  Ruto: What?!

  Sakura straightens up and smiles.

  Sakura: Yes! (That's What I'M Talkin' About!!)

  Sasuke: (Great. I get stuck with the biggest group here. Of course)

  Ruto: Hey, Iruka! I think you're reading off the wrong list there! How come I'm stuck with that Jerk Sasuke?

  Nato looks at Hinata, she looks at him, and they both instantly look away.

  Iruka: Well, you see, Ruto, we tried to balance teams based on both test scores and physical abilities.

  Ruto: … Ah! I see. I tested so well that you had to throw in Sasuke to tip the scales the other way.

  Sasuke: You put our names in the wrong order. I get perfect scores on half the tests I take, and I never get lower than a 95%. You couldn't hope to be half that good. You might be the biggest idiot in this whole school. Now, sit down before you embarrass yourself more.

  Ruto: You Piece Of-

  Nato stands up and grabs Ruto's shoulder as his Shadow Clone grabs Sasuke's shoulder.

  Sasuke: (How did-)

  Nato: If you two wanna fight, do it later. But, at least try to get along for our sake, 'kay?

  Ruto: Hmph!... Fine.

  Sasuke: Whatever. (How'd that guy sneak a Shadow Clone behind me? Who even Is he?)

  The boys sit down as the Clone disappears. Sakura whispers to Sasuke;

  Sakura: Don't listen to Ruto. I! Know you're the smart one.

  Sasuke: Where's that leave You?

  Sakura: …

  Iruka: Team 8. Shino Aburame. Kiba Inuzuka.

  Shino: Fascinating.

  Kiba: Better not give my pup fleas.

  A puppy rests in Kiba's hoodie against his back.

  Akamaru: *Arf*

  Iruka: And, Hinata Hyuga.

  Hinata looks down at the table.

  Nato: (At least those guys are weirdos. Still have a chance)

  Hinata: (At least we still have that arcade day)

  Sakura whispers to Nato;

  Sakura: Hey, kid. What'd you get on the final?

  Nato: Oh, it was a, uh, an 87.

  Sakura: Cool! I got an 89%. That makes me second best!

  Nato: (How much do these stupid test scores matter? Ruto trained harder than any of us)

  Iruka: Team 10. Choji Akimichi.

  Choji pauses his chip eating.

  Choji: Hm?

  Iruka: Shikamaru Nara.

  Shika: (Great. I get the fatso)

  Iruka: And, Ino Yamanaka.

  Ino: You're kidding me.

  Shika: (That ain't too bad)

  Many teams later, Iruka finishes reading off the list.

  Iruka: Now, we'll give you an hour break to eat and get to know your new teammates. When you come back, you'll be acquainted with your team leads. Dismissed!

  Iruka sits down with a newspaper and leans back as the students get up and move around.

  Nato: How about we all eat outside together?

  Sakura: I'm down! How about You, Sasuke?

  Ruto: I'm not eatin' with him. See ya!

  Ruto runs out of the room.

  Sasuke: I'm not eating with anyone.

  Sasuke walks away.

  Nato: I guess that's just us, then.

  Sakura: *Sigh* Yeah...

  Meanwhile, Kakashi looks around Sakura's room as Sarutobi waits patiently.

  Sarutobi: What do you think of her?

  Kakashi: Neat, cute room. Secret diaries. Drawings of guys she likes.

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  Sarutobi: I believe those are meant to be the same person.

  Kakashi: Hm?... Lacks artistic talent. Parents are a bit pushy about her, but she seems like the average teenage girl to me. Now, tell me what exactly I missed.

  Sarutobi: You missed nothing, I'm afraid. She's about as regular, if you could call it that, as a young girl gets. Can you take on such a creature?

  Kakashi: Hmm. I can work with regular.

  Sarutobi: Good, for the next one is slightly less so.

  Kakashi: Must be Sasuke.

  Sarutobi: Hm. Yes.

  As the two walk out of the room, Nato and Sakura eat lunch on a bench outside.

  Sakura: Nice use of your jutsu in there. You really caught Sasuke by surprise.

  Nato: Wish I didn't have to use it. Why do guys like that always have to pick fights?

  Sakura puts her hand on her forehead, then looks at it.

  Sakura: Hey, you think I'll ever get a guy with this huge forehead I have? I should probably just hide it with my headband.

  Nato: I think you look cute.

  Sakura: *Blushes* Um-

  Nato: Oh! I-I'm not into you.

  She grits her teeth and makes a fist.

  Nato: I mean! I'm into someone else, is all!

  She sighs and calms down.

  Nato: (Whew!) A-Anyway, I'm sure someone'll like you. Just gotta find the right guy.

  Sakura: I already have...

  Nato: (I said, the “Right” guy) So, what do you think of Ruto?

  Sakura: Oh, yeah. How are you two such good friends?

  Nato: I don't know if I'd go That far. We just started hangin' out recently, but I guess we got a lot more in common than I thought.

  Sakura: I find That hard to believe. You're so quiet I don't even know you're there half the time, but he's such a stupid, annoying orphan that-

  Nato: What?

  Meanwhile, Sasuke is leaning next to an open window as Ruto walks up to him.

  Sasuke: Ugh. What do You want?

  Ruto: That was a pretty neat trick Nato pulled on ya, huh? Sneakin' up with a Shadow Clone like that.

  Sasuke: Hmph! It won't work next time.

  Ruto: I mean, you can't be Too sure. I guess even You have your blind-spots.

  Sasuke: What're you trying to s-Ack!!

  Just then, Ruto's Clone pulls Sasuke into the building through the window and Ruto jumps in after him.

  Sakura: I mean, half his issues are probably 'cause he never got the right discipline for going out too late, spending too much money, or drawing on the walls. Even if he had stepparents, that'd be better. But, no. He got lucky and got to make up whatever rules he wanted. It's not fair.

  Nato quickly gets up with his fists curled.

  Nato: You're Right!! It's not fair growing up alone and knowing nobody loves you! Thanks, Sakura!!

  He storms off as Sakura looks guilty.

  Sakura: I-Is he. Did I... (Crap!! How did I get the Quiet kid to hate me?)

  Sarutobi shows Kakashi Sasuke's room.

  Sarutobi: Any distinct thoughts?

  Kakashi: Books. Weapons... Loner. Too bad. Possibly paranoid. Book smarts, but do they translate to fighting knowledge?... We catch his brother yet?

  Sarutobi: Itachi remains ever illusive.

  Kakashi: Hm. This one'll be tougher, but nothing Too tough.

  Nato leans against their classroom door as Hinata walks by.

  Nato: Hey.

  Hinata: Hi.

  Nato: So, how about those teams?

  Hinata: You're lucky. You get to have more people by your side.

  Nato: Yeah. I get to keep hiding behind people.

  Hinata: At least you can hide. I don't know how I'm going to carry my weight with those two.

  Nato: I'm sure you'll find a way. You've got that Kekkei Genkai on your side.

  Context: A Kekkei Genkai is an ability that is passed on through a family bloodline, such as the Byakugan.

  Hinata: … Maybe I will.

  Nato: … I guess that arcade's gonna have to wait.

  Hinata: Are you canceling our plans?

  Nato: No, just... It'll be a while, you know?

  Hinata: … Hopefully, we'll get some off days here and there.

  Nato: Yeah...

  Hinata: See you later.

  Nato: See ya.

  As she walks away, he looks down.

  Nato: (Blew it...)

  Sasuke walks up to Sakura.

  Sasuke: 'Sup? You thinkin' about how cool I am?

  Sakura: Um. Are you okay?

  Ruto: (Crap! That was lame!)

  Sasuke: That's probably something lame enough for Ruto to say, right?

  Sakura: Oh. Yeah. So annoying.

  Sasuke: I know why I hate him, but what about you?

  Sakura: I don't know if I Hate him, he just never does anything right and he always says the dumbest thing that comes to his mind. It's like he's trying to be annoying, or something.

  Sasuke: … You think he'll ever get any better?

  Sakura: Why fix what's beyond repair? But, a-anyway, Sasuke... Can I tell you something important?

  Sasuke: Why not?

  Sakura: Well, you see, I, uh...

  She blushes and looks down.

  Sakura: I-I don't know how to say this.

  He grabs her shoulders and they look into each-other's eyes.

  Sasuke: Go ahead.

  Sakura: Sasuke... I lo-

  Sasuke: Ugh!!

  He clutches his stomach.

  Sakura: You okay?!

  Sasuke: B-Bathroom. Now!

  He runs away.

  Sakura: Hurry Back! Such a shy guy...

  As he uses the nearest restroom, his Transformation wears off, revealing that he's really Ruto to a totally shocked audience who hasn't seen the show or manga.

  Ruto: (Whew! Almost lost the jutsu out there... I wonder how Sasuke's holdin' up)

  The real Sasuke throws away some rope as he walks around outside.

  Sasuke: (When I find that stupid, little-)

  Sakura: Hey, Sasuke! Wanna get back to what we were doing?

  Sasuke: I don't have time for this. Have you seen Ruto?

  Sakura: Ruto, this. Ruto, that. You're so obsessed with him, you might as well be his brother.

  He glares at her.

  Sasuke: If you're not going to help me, then stop being a stupid Bimbo.

  He storms off, leaving her stunned.

  Sakura: … Am... Am I the problem?...

  Sasuke finds Ruto outside of the bathrooms.

  Ruto: Great, You're here.

  Sasuke: You'd better get ready for what's com-

  Ruto: Ugh!! Not Again!!

  Sasuke: What's-

  Ruto clutches his stomach and runs into the bathroom.

  Sasuke: ….. You know what? That's a far more fitting punishment.

  Sasuke walks off as Kakashi analyzes Ruto's apartment.

  Kakashi: Notes all over, but about random info. Any ninja could tell you half of this. Porn mags under the desk.

  Sarutobi: Younger and younger kids are getting these terrible things.

  Kakashi: There're notes all over those, too. It's like he's studying them, not just jerking.

  Sarutobi: Must you use such language?

  Kakashi: Hm? Sorry. Not just masturbating.

  Sarutobi: *Sigh*

  Kakashi: Maybe he'll be a biologist. Gynecologist. Painter... Punching bag is nearly off its hinges. Rage, or just practice?

  Sarutobi: Do you think he could be a good Jinchuriki?

  Kakashi: Hasn't killed anyone yet... You can tell a lot from how someone acts, their living situation, but not if, or when, they'll snap.

  Sarutobi: Something we both know far too well...

  Kakashi: … Milk's expired.

  Sarutobi: How long for?

  Kakashi: Two weeks.

  Meanwhile, at the school, Team 7 is the last team in the classroom, still waiting for their Jonin, when Iruka stands up.

  Iruka: Well! I'm not sure why your leader is so late, but I'm going home. If you want, you can go too and try again tomorrow.

  Sasuke: …

  Nato: …

  Ruto: We've waited This long. We're here. We'll wait a bit more.

  Sakura: For once in my life, I agree with Ruto.

  Iruka: Suit yourselves. (I hope he isn't too far away)

  As Iruka leaves, Kakashi looks around Nato's room.

  Kakashi: Not much of a studyer, is he?

  Sarutobi: Odd. He gets good grades in school.

  Kakashi: Then, he pays attention. Won't have to repeat myself too much... A bit of a gamer. Procrastinator. Masturbator.

  Sarutobi: Does That truly matter?

  Kakashi: There's a girl on the team. It might... Snacker. Neat packer. Not much of a napper. Doesn't go out much. Milk's more creamy, not mush. Might be the depressive type. That could be an issue.

  Sarutobi: As far as I've heard, he acts fairly normal. Just a quiet one, it would seem.

  Kakashi: Quiet's good... Why's this kid got an apartment to his own?

  Sarutobi: If the Nine Tails is ever released by mistake...

  Kakashi: Then, he'll die first?

  Sarutobi: We needed a way to keep the village safe without alerting anyone as to who has the Nine Tails. Nato, back then, seemed like a good solution. We had no idea he'd make it this far.

  Kakashi: … Smart. Evil, but smart.

  Sarutobi: Some evils are necessary.

  Kakashi: (Is That how Orochimaru thinks?) I think I have enough info.

  Meanwhile, Ruto sets up a used chalk eraser to drop on whoever comes into the classroom next.

  Nato: What're you doing, Ruto?

  Ruto: This is what he gets for being so late!

  Sakura: Ruto, that's so... I'm not... Hm!

  Ruto: Not gonna stop me, Nato?

  Nato: Why would I? Your funeral.

  Sasuke: (What kind of Jonin would fall for such a dumb trick?)

  Just then, Kakashi sees the trap from the other side.

  Kakashi: (A prank, huh?... Why not?)

  Kakashi purposefully positions his head in such a way that the eraser falls on it.

  Ruto: Hah! Gotcha!

  Sakura: He! Did it! (This! Bus is Yours to roll under, Ruto!)

  Sasuke: (Must've been caught off guard. Nobody makes it to Jonin if they're That stupid)

  Nato: (The way he poked his head in...)

  Kakashi picks up the eraser.

  Kakashi: Great. I'll have to take another shower today. Just for that, I guess I hate you all.

  Sasuke: Nice goin', Ruto.

  Sakura: I'm Gonna-! Haaah! (Kill! Kill! Kill!)

  Nato: (What's this guy's deal?)

  Ruto: Ah, come on! Lighten up.

  Kakashi: Yes, lighten up so you can follow me up to the roof.

  Kakashi casually opens a window and steps out of it as he hangs onto the side of the school.

  Kakashi: Of course, you could always take the stairs. Up to you.

  He starts climbing.

  Sakura: Is this a test?!

  Ruto: Who Cares?!

  Ruto just about jumps out of the window, followed by Sasuke. Sakura then climbs out carefully.

  Sakura: You comin'?

  Nato: I guess, yeah.

  They all find a place to sit near each-other on the roof with Kakashi leaning against a rail in front of them.

  Kakashi: Alright, this is the part where we get to know each-other. Tell me what you like, hate, dream about, do for hobbies, and all that.

  Ruto: Shouldn't you go first?

  Sakura: Yeah. You're our leader and we don't know you at all.

  Kakashi: Me, huh? Okaay. My name is Kakashi Hatake. I like and hate all sorts of things. My dreams are none of your business, and my hobbies are best kept private.

  Ruto: No Fair!

  Sakura: Do it again!

  Kakashi: Kid on the right, you're up.

  Ruto: If That's the way we're doing it, my name is “Blah,” and I like blah bluh blah.

  Kakashi: Is that all, mister Blah?

  Ruto: No, wait! My name is Ruto Uzi! I love ramen, and I hate how long it takes to heat up. My dream is to prove all these losers wrong about me, and in my free time I'm always gettin' better at jutsu!

  Kakashi: (We'll see about that) Let's go leftward.

  Nato: I'm Nato Maku. I like... I like playing games. I hate doing my homework too late. I want to make tons of friends one day, and I don't have that many hobbies.

  Kakashi: Mm Hm. (That tracks)

  Sasuke: My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I'd tell you what I like, but it'd be easier to tell you what I don't hate. I don't have time to dream, I'm too busy thinking about how to restore my clan. Before I can do that, there's one man out there I know I have to kill.

  Ruto: (Better not be me)

  Sakura: (So cool!)

  Kakashi: (I knew it)

  Sakura: Um. My name is Sakura Haruno. I like... Well, I like this person. He's, uh... Anyway! I hate... Well, I'm not a fan of Ruto. My dream is to... *Giggles* A-Anyway, my hobbies-

  Kakashi: (You never get anything out of a love-struck girl or someone trained in torture resistance) I think I've heard enough. Tomorrow, we're going to the lake for your first mission.

  Sakura: We're going on a mission already? Don't you think we should train together first?

  Kakashi: We will. It's a training mission. Here.

  He hands the team sheets of paper with instructions on them.

  Kakashi: Those are all the details you'll need to get there and be ready.

  Ruto: Aw, man! It's in Kanji!

  Context: Japan has 3 systems of writing characters. Kanji is the biggest and toughest.

  Nato: Don't worry. I'll read it for you.

  Sasuke stuffs the paper in his pocket and starts walking off.

  Sakura: Why shouldn't we eat breakfast?

  Kakashi: 'Cause, you'll puke if you do. See ya.

  Nato: (Must be somethin' intense)

  Later at night, Nato finishes reading the paper to Ruto.

  Ruto: That sucks. Anyway, hey, you know about that fox inside me?

  Nato: How could I forget it.

  Ruto: Right, well... I know we haven't actually talked about it, but we're keeping it a secret, right?

  Nato: Yeah. Sure. I haven't told anyone.

  Ruto: Thanks, man. I don't know what I'd do if they saw me as an even bigger freak... Anyway, good night!

  Nato: Uh, yeah. Night.

  Meanwhile, Sakura reads a dictionary as she lays on her bed in her pajamas.

  Sakura: Bimbo... “An attractive but unintelligent, or frivolous, young woman...”

  She hugs the book.

  Sakura: He Does think I'm attractive!

  Written By: Joshua F. R. Chitwood

  Inspired By: Naruto

  Thank you for reading!

  Episode Listing

  Episode -4: Twin Worlds

  Episode -3: The Night of Nine

  Episode -2: Family Man

  Episode -1: A Murder at the House of Hyuga

  Episode 0: Pain and Sorrow

  Episode 1: Fragile Mind

  Episode 2: Play My Tricks

  Episode 3: New Routine

  Episode 4: That I've Learned

  Episode 5: To Understand and Know

  Episode 6: As We Move On

  Episode 7: Heavy Pulse

  Episode 8: Sweaty Clothes

  Episode 9: Bloody Eyes

  Episode 10: Rest Your Head On Me

  Episode 11: Wake

  Episode 12: I'm Not Here

  Episode 13: There Must Be Some Mistake