{Later that Day} ~ Kimi's pov:

***********************

"What? The Chunin exams?!" Kiba exclaims, not realising how close they were.

Kurenai-Sensei nods slowly, before pulling out forms.

"Yes, I have recommended all four of you," She replies. "Here are the applications.....make sure you get a guardian to sign it, or even a parent...and this is by your own choice..."

Taking the application from her, I purse my lips wondering if Shiro would allow me to nominate myself in.

"Does my brother know?" I ask her softly, lifting my eyes to meet her gentle crimson red ones.

Nodding she folds her arms, after passing them out.

"Yes, and the chunin exams begin within a week.....seven days from today," She adds, warning us. "I know fully well you four have been training very hard for this, I've got great faith."

Hinata shyly holds her hand up, making Kurenai hum softly.

"What is it, Hinata?"

The shy timid Hyuga glances our way before turning back to sensei, "So what do we have to do, to prepare ourselves?" She questions.

"Excellent question, the first exam is the written exam," She replies. "Then the second is unknown, but I know you must still train physically along with your mental state of mind......each year it's slightly different. So please train, rest, hydrate and make sure you eat properly...."

Why does it seem like she's mainly directing that towards me?

"So I will let you four continue to do whatever for the rest of the day," She says, about to head off. "Just hand in the application to room 301 at the Academy, and it's at 3pm five days from now....alright?"

Nodding she finally leaves us four to dwell on the Chunin exams, as Hinata sighs deeply.

"Well I guess I better go do some training with father," She informs us, making me look at her in concern.

"You sure?" I ask her, double checking that she will be alright.

She nods timidly.

"But we can train again tomorrow, we have a week so......let's do it," She quietly encourages us, as Shino, Kiba and I nod in unison.

Watching her walk away made my heart ache, knowing the amount of expectation and verbal abuse her father has placed upon her. He sometimes made me despise him, yet he's the elder of the village. Especially with one of the large clans in the village, especially alongside the Senju, Uzumaki and the Uchiha clan.

Tightening my fists in frustration, unable to do anything I quietly breath in and out slowly.

"Well I guess I have to be off," Shino waves, when suddenly Kiba bounces in front of me.

"Hey wanna train with me?!"

Completely ignoring Shino from behind I scowl softly, "Kiba, say goodbye to our comrade.....don't ignore him," I hiss lightly, pinching his ear.

"Ow!!!!" he whines, as I release him folding my arms.

"Seeya Shino, we will see you tomorrow.....okay?" I smile softly, as Shino nods quietly.

"Thank you.....seeya,"

With that I turn on my heel when I hear Kiba following along with me, "So can we train?" He questions, eager to know.

"I will train with you...." I began, hearing him shout 'Yes!' "......but......"

His smile falters, "There's a but........I don't like this...."

Turning to him I place my hands on my hips in annoyance, "...you gotta stop excluding Shino, he's a comrade........how would you feel if some excluded you?" I question him.

He hums in thought.

"I will hit 'em!"

I slap his arm not harshly but enough, to let him know that it isn't right.

"No! You just--" I groan, running my fingers through my white locks. "....listen, I know Shino is rather quiet and has bugs, which you dislike.....but remember we're all equal here.....and that goes for Shino, Hinata, Akamaru and you...."

"What about you?"

Smirking softly I nod, "And me......"

He soon starts to understand before lifting his arms folding them behind his head, "Alright, I will try and include him......I didn't realise I was.....I'm sorry," he apologises.

Shaking my head, I raise an eyebrow.

"You apologise to Shino tomorrow, okay?"

He nods slowly, seeing how serious he was being now which made a smile curl upon my lips. Turning back to facing the trail,

"Alright, where do you wanna train?"

He hums as he scratches Akamaru's cheek softly, "Um how about at your place?" he suggests. "I absolutely love the training grounds you have, so many trees and some open space!"

Smiling widely I nod, turning around.

"Alright sounds good, big brother won't be there anyway," I reply, as he grins widely soon bringing back his bright energy.

"Alright, let's get to it!!!!" he rushes ahead of me, making me look at him in surprise before chuckling softly. With our friendship, we both have our odd ways when challenging each other. He just made me smile, even in times when I'm low.

"Damn that dog,"

**********************

Our training grew intense within seconds, but our movements were strong enough. Throwing punches, and sharp jabs.....and practicing with our clan's special jutsu's. The gentle breeze blows gently, giving us a cool start after sweating a little. Having able to last a little longer than a normal shinobi with how much chakra I have, my body still grows weaker and weaker.

I'm not used to so much as once, despite what I can really do.

"Wow, you're.....so......" Kiba pants, on his knees trying to recollect his breath. ".....damn, no matter how much we train......we come out as equal."

Smirking softly, while resting up against the tree in my backyard.

"Yeah I guess.....you....can...." I slid down onto my butt, when Akamaru runs over to me. "Hello........cutie...."

The little pup jumps into my arms, curling up on my lap with cute whimpers.

Kiba pouts, looking rather jealous.

"Awe come on Akamaru, you always go to her when we're together," KIba whines, before falling back onto his butt as well.

Patting the small pup I hum softly, realising how soft Akamari's fur is.

"So.........what to expect....huh?" I comment, loud enough for Kiba to hear. "I've heard my older brother has passed the chunin exams first try, but I didn't hear him how? Yet they change sometimes every year, in different locations too."

Kiba smirks.

"Yeah well no matter what, we're gonna make it through and through," he encourages the small mindset I had. "And we have you, you're our strongest.....and that's something I won't admit in front of anyone else."

My eyes widen, taken back by his words that left my heart thumping.

"I....I appreciate the compliment, Kiba,"

He grins, baring his canines.

"Anything for ya, cub!"

Akamaru shifts a little nuzzling his nose into my torso, making me chuckle softly. "I'm sorry that I'm a little harder when we train, I keep wearing out little Akamaru here," I lift my gaze, facing kiba.

Kiba shook his head.

"No we needed a challenge, and I can easily just train with you than the others," he replies. "You know I like my challenges, going all out till I drop."

Nodding in agreement, I try to stifle my laughter.

"Right yes........"

Soon my mind drifts off thinking about the encounter I had earlier today, with the three sand shinobi. Why do most of these shinobi hold such dark looks? What past did they experience to become like this? During my time away from the academy a while ago, big brother decided to teach me about the outer world. The different villages he had already visited, or fought against.

Things weren't at all easy, nor was everyone good people.....it's just another fantasy to abide by to distract ourselves from what's really true......on reality.....

My eyes drift up noticing the sun setting, I lift up Akamaru upon my head softly before making my way up the stairs nearby. "Kiba.....I'm gonna make some dinner, wanna stay over?"

His eyes light, nodding.

"If that's alright, with ya?!"

Smiling warmly I slip my sandals off, before sliding open the shoji door walking into the kitchen that wasn't far at all. Letting Kiba rest or do some kunai throwing, I begin to rummage through with what I had in the fridge.

'Bark'

Lifting my hand I scratch under Akamaru's chin.

"Do you wanna rest on the pillow?" I ask him softly, pulling away from the fridge.

'Bark'

Making it was a yes I walk over to the low table and pulled out a pillow from teh side, and placed Akamaru upon the plush pillow. Soon following I place a small water bowl, giving it to him to drink.

Soon resuming my cooking I step over to the sink and washed my hands first, while my mind sinks into deep thought. I remember mother teaching me so young how to cook, yet I was scolded by father all the time to stop cooking. I never understood father's view upon me, or his thoughts on the world.

He was such a complicated man, such hatred towards me......I don't understand...

Chopping up some carrot along the chopping board within seconds, I begin chopping some potato too and some meat following along. Hearing the water boiling in the pot nearby, I soon take all the veggies and slid them in leaving the meat to place on the pan.

Finally I turn to start cooking up the rice, placing a timer on just to let me know.

Soon turning back to the pot I mix some beef broth in, before stirring it slowly letting the flavour soak in. Growing up learning how to take care of myself, I've learnt my own ways around cooking. It was hard at first, but the more I put effort in learning....the more I grew experienced and gotten better.

"Wow, something smells so good!!!!" Kiba exclaims, inhaling the savoury meal that was cooking in the pot.

He sits down right beside Akamaru, sitting cross legged while taking off his jacket. His ruffles his shaggy chestnut brown hair, looking rather ragged.

"Guess I really did out did it this time," I sigh deeply, while waiting for the timer to set off.

He lifts his head up, scolding at my small assumption.

Shaking his head he smiles, "No you didn't, we trained rather hard earlier......it's just been a big day..that's all," he assures me, while I lean against the counter facing him. Groaning I place my face on the cold bench, stretching my arms out feeling my muscles straining from the intense we really did.

"Okay.....whatever you say....." giving in, allowing to know it's not my fault.

After a few moments of silence, I had my eyes closed with my top half still resting on the counter. Should I tell him about what happened earlier? About the three sand ninja I approached, that almost took Konohamaru out?

"Listen Cub.......something's been bothering me all afternoon,"

Lifting my head up lazily, I hum in response.

"Yeah, what is it?"

He looks at me slightly nervous, "Um.......I can smell a different scent on you, an unfamiliar one at that too," He brought up, making me freeze for a moment. "What happened when you went to grab us water earlier? Who did you approach?"

Sighing deeply, I roll my eyes.

"Just three sand shinobi......."

He furrowed his eyebrows for a moment, before realisation hits him.

"Wait did they mention they're registering in the chunin exams?" nodding he smirks. "Alright......which one touched you?"

"huh?"

He looks at me thinking the shinobi touched me, but I actually tried making him release Konohamaru instead. Shaking my head, I chuckle softly.

"Actually I was the one trying to calmly release Konohamaru........everything is fine, for now.....at least," I assure him, and at that moment I hear the timer going off. Quickly turning around I begin to place the rice into two bowls, before scooping the cooked vegetables and meat placing them on top of the rice.

"Hmm, smells so good!"

Enjoying his compliments, I pass his bowl to him along with some washable chopsticks.

"Thank you!"

Soon we both knelt down at the table and began to eat away, enjoying the meal that I came up from scratch. Might need a few adjustments, but I do enjoy some fresh vegetables with meat. Usually seen it's always me alone, I would buy what little I could afford and eat.

Kiba's eyes widen with cheeks reddening in delight, "Damn cub, you would make a great wife when you get older!" He exclaims, making me pause midway from eating a bite of meat. "That man will sure be lucky, I can guarantee ya!!!"

"W-Wife?"

He nods, taking another ravenous bite into his meal.

"Yeah, I mean......cooking is always key to a man's heart, I'm telling ya!!!!" he laughs, making my cheeks burn.

His compliment raised some hope, but then again that's way too long to dwell on for now.

"Um thank you," I blush furiously, while trying to down my second bite of the meat.

"Anything, and hey.......one day you should let Hinata and Shino try it out sometime," he suggests, eyes locking with my own surprised ones. "I mean I'm trying my best not to brag as always, but I wanna trust your cooking from now on..."

Smirking I hike an eyebrow up.

"Oh really, what about your own mothers?"

He smiles sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"Well.......I mean I love her cooking, but tasting this........makes me feel really at home," He swiftly compliments again. "Besides.......it's different, I grew up on her cooking......"

Waving my hands around, I chuckle nervously.

"Okay that's enough, you're overdoing with the compliments," feeling a little too overwhelmed with his praises. "I'm just glad you like it, and....."

"Hmmm?"

I glance back up meeting his eyes, "....I'm glad you enjoy my cooking...."

His eyes widen with the warmest smile I've given to him, before we continue to eat. My mind soon drifts back to the chunin exams realising that we have to be there in five days, which I knew we have to train hard. Kurenai-Sensei just warned us to be mentally and physically prepared, so I wonder what these exams are about?

**

"I'm home!!!"

Washing the dishes while Kiba remained sitting beside Akamaru, my head perks up at the sound of my big brother.

"Big brother, your home early!" I exclaim, placing the bowl to the side to dry.

Tapping my hands dry against the towel beside me, I turn on my heel to see him looked rather ragged and exhausted. I went over picking up the bowl of food I made up for him, just in case he came late.

He runs his fingers through his shaggy white hair, taking his headband off.

"Yeah, nothing much going on tonight and I've been at it for a few days already," he replies, letting out a deep yawn from his throat.

Passing him his dinner, his eyes widen in surprise.

"Oh.....what was on the menu tonight?" He questions, before noticing Kiba. "Hey kid, how are ya? Did you two do some training for the chunin exam?"

My eyes widen, taken back from his correct assumption.

"Yeah we did, you know about it?" Kiba lifts his head up, facing Shiro while he walks over to sit down beside Kiba.

Placing some chopsticks down beside his bowl on the table, I head back to dry up.

Shiro nods, "Yeah, most chunin exams occur twice a year," he clasps his hands, before closing his eyes before having his meal. Once he was done he picks up his chopsticks, and began to eat up.

"Oh yeah, around when I became chunin it was held here for me," He replies, before taking a mouthful of rice. Chewing quietly, I dry the dishes and began putting them away.

"They won't really tell you what the exam is on, they want you to be.......unprepared in a way. You have to adapt to anything, so.......you guys have got this!"

Kiba grins giving him the thumbs up.

"Sure will, and with Kimi......there's no stopping u--"

I whack in the head not hard, but enough to scold him.

"Don't use me like I'm your greatest weapon, it's about teamwork.....okay?"

He pouts bashfully, cheeks slightly tinting red while rubbing his sore head.

"Fine,"

Soon a loud laugh echoes within the room seeing Shiro clutching his stomach, in fits of laughter. He swipes a stray tear, "You two really are peas in a pod, it makes me happy," Shiro smiles brightly, my eyes widening with the more sincere he's given me.

"Shiro......."

****

Kiba finally left to go home leaving me with Shiro, as it was time to rest. Trudging to the bathroom I pick up my toothbrush, and began to scrub quietly when feet shuffle inside as well. Glancing in the mirror, big brother walks in shirtless with his pyjama pants on.

"You know........I love seeing you smile," Shiro admits, hearing how proud he is. "It's rare, especially with other people..........I don't want to force it upon you, but......I would love for you to smile more."

My eyes slowly widen before inhaling calmly, finishing my teeth I wash my brush before turning around leaning against the sink.

"I'll try....."

He smirks softly with a breathy smile, ruffling my white locks.

"No pressure, okay?"

Big brother grew to be someone I admire, someone I can lean upon. Yet the true Shiro, he was goofy as can be. Always thinking he's a handsome guy, attractive.....and loved admitting he has the looks. But it eased myself to know that he's alright, that he's being himself.

"Kay......oh that reminds me," quickly running out, I collect my application form before running back in. I pass him the form, "Could you sign it?"

He took the paper in hand, glancing over it.

"Sure thing, especially I'm your legal guardian," he chuckles, taking the pen from my hands he begins to write his signature and details, against the bench. Soon he was done, he passes the form and pen back.

"There......hopefully that will help," he grins widely, making me give him a weak smile.

He turns back to the sink, bending down he splashes his face with water.

"Kay.........night, Shiro......sleep well," I rub my eyes gingerly, with a tiny yawn leaving my lips.

Hearing the tap running from behind me, I leave the room and head down to my own bedroom. Slight hesitation makes me pause in my steps, not wanting nightmares again. They're becoming more constant than before, making it harder for me to sleep. Yet I need rest to keep my strength up, especially with the chunin exams coming up.

Walking to my room I close the fusuma door behind me, before sitting down upon my futon. Placing my form beside me on my bedside table, I notice the small picture frame resting next to me.

"Hey Okaasan......guess what, I'm gonna become chunin......I will make you proud," I weakly smile, hoping she will watch me from above. My eyes soon drift upon my father, anger quietly boiling inside me. He wouldn't care at all whether I would become chunin or not, I just don't understand......why?

Finally lying back down after turning the lights off, I adjust myself before wriggling my shoulders slightly. Taking a few deep breaths in and out, I try my best to calm my nerves and mind. Nice deep breath in..........inhaling slowly, I exhale after feeling my body slowly calming down.

Everything fell silent after a few moments, hearing the crickets in the background.

"I can do this," I whisper to myself, feeling myself sink into a deep sleep not realising how exhausted my body really was.

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