Nikki's POV

7 years has passed since me and Naruto met and became friends. We both had enter the academy to become Ninja but of course Naruto had causing a lot of troublemaker which leads him getting hurt so I had to treat him throughout our academy years.

Now we both 12 years old and right now I'm waiting for Iruka-sensei to return.

While waiting I kept myself busy by reading a book. "Hey Nikki, what are you reading?" I look up to see Choji Akimichi in front of me, eating chips.

"Oh, hey Choji. Just about different plants the can be use to make medicine." I told him with a smile as he nodded in understanding and walk back to his seat.

"Hmm... I wonder where is Naruto?" I mumble to myself. "Hn, probably doing something stupid." I look to my right where Sasuke Uchiha was sitting.

"Oh! I'm sorry Sasuke. Did I bothered you." I said not meaning to bothering him. "It's fine." He replied while looking at me from the corner of his eyes.

Suddenly I heard the door open as I turn towards it, only to see Iruka-sensei came in with a tied up Naruto. What did you do this time, Naruto. I thought as I let out a sigh while shaking my head at him but smile never the less.

"I'm at the end of my rope Naruto. You failed the graduation test last time and the time before that. Tomorrow you got another chance and you're messing up again." Iruka-sensei lectured him.

"Hmph!" Was Naruto only response as he turn his head away from Iruka-sensei causing me to sweat drop at his screw up.

Iruka-sensei glared at him with vein on the side of his head as he then turn to the rest of us. "Find, because you missed it, everyone will review the transformation jutsu." Iruka-sensei announce. "Aww!" Was everyone response except for me, Sasuke, and Hinata.

"As we stood up to form a line up front, I went over to Naruto and untie him. "Thanks Nikki, believe it!" I giggle as I help up. "Your welcome Naruto." I tell him as we took our place in line.

Up first was Sakura Haruno, who was standing in front of the line, ready with the needed hands seal. "Alright Sakura her, let's do it. Transform." She announce as smoke covered her and soon revealed her transform into another Iruka-sensei.

"Transform into me. Good." Iruka-sensei said after he check it and write down her scolded as she release the transformation. "Yes I did it!" She cheered for herself.

"Sasuke did you see that!" Sakura asked him as she had stop her cheering which causing me to mentally sigh at her obsession of Sasule. I feel sorry for Sasuke. It must be overwhelming to have all those fan girls.

Sasuke ignored her and look at me from the corner of his eye causing me to blush at how intense his glance was.

Why is he looking at me? I mean sure I have a crush on him too but I don't stand a chance. I thought sadly as I looked down.

"Next Sasuke Uchiha." I snap out as Iruka-sensei announced and look to Sasuke as he walk up front with hands in his pocket as Sakura had walk away but not without sending me a glares as well as a scowl but I ignored it and watch Sasuke turn into another Iruka-sensei also. "Ah, good." Iruka-sensei said after checking as Sasuke turn back and walk away but glance at me real quickly with soft eyes and sent me a small nod as he walk passed me.

I shyly looked down to his my red face and try to calm down my beating heart. "Next Naruto Uzumaki." I look back up after calming down my face and turn towards him.

"This is a total waist of time Naruto." I saw Shikamaru Nara said to him, looking bored. "We always pay for you screw ups." Into Yamanaka complained with her hands on hips.

"Like I care." Naruto said not caring as he walk up front with both hands on his hips causing me to smile at him. Good luck Naruto, try not to do anything stupid. I prayed in my mind as I watch Naruto perform the jutsu. "Transform!" He said but he had turn into a female version of himself causing my eyes to wide at the sight.

What was worst was that his transformation was not wearing anything at all, completely naked but thankfully clouds was floating over the inappropriate parts. Naruto blow a small kiss size heart to Iruka-sensei, this causing him to stare at Naruto is shock before he was sent backward from his large amount of blood, shooting out of his nose.

I gasp in surprise before quickly grab some tissues while Naruto laugh at Iruka-sensei as well as pointing. "Hahhahaha... Gotcha' that's my sexy jutsu." Naruto told him as I handle Iruka-sensei the tissues as his shoulder started to shake.

"CUT THE STUPID TRICKS! THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!" Iruka-sensei yelled at him causing Naruto and my hair to fly while tissues in his nose.

"Alright, let's continue. Nikki Mikage." Iruka-sensei called out to me. "Yes sensei." I step forward and held my head high and took a deep breath and perform the jutsu without hands seal.

I turn to the first Hokage as everyone gasp in shock, not just because I turn to the Hokage but also because I did it without seals.

I looked at everyone and their all had their jaw dropped to the ground. "W-well...done...Nikki." Iruka-sensei could barely form a sentence from the shock.

I return to normal and giggle a little. I went over to Naruto as we high-five each other before starting a conversation with each other.

Sasuke's POV

I watch Nikki and that idiot start having a conversation with each other from afar, not really liking how close they were to one another. Since I have a crush on her.

I also remember what she did for me and the promise she made to me and what made me realize my feeling for her.

>Flashback<

We were outside of the academy for kunai and shuriken practice and Iruka-sensei was lecturing us about safety first. I was bored and ignore his lecture since I already know this, being from the Uchiha clan and all.

I looked around at my classmate until my eyes land on a girl with long brown hair, who's back was facing me while she was talking with Naruto.

She suddenly turn towards me and I feel my breath being caught in my throat as I saw her beautiful golden-brown eyes.

As I look at her, I could help but think how beautiful she was.

She suddenly smile at me and give me a small wave before face front again.

(Image her eyes golden-brown)

I feel my cheeks warm up and my heart beats fast then it normally does.

After the massacre.

I was sitting by the lake, keeping to myself, thinking how I have to get stronger to kill Itachi as I watch the sunset.

I suddenly heard someone humming and cause me to turn to way it was coming from, only to see it was Nikki, who was picking some herds and put them inside a basket that she had with her. While she was also holding a book in her other hand.

I glance at her as the light from the sun made her hair shine.

She looked stunning under it and with the water sparkly behind her, just made her look even more gorgeous.

I stood up and when over to her, shoving my hands into my pocket and I when over to stand in front of her.

"What do you think you're doing." I said blankly which cause her to look up, surprise to see me.

Then she smile at me. "Hello Sasuke." She greeted me without any sight of pity.

"Hn, are you going to answer or not." I said to her as I kneeled down to one knee and took the book.

"I'm just getting some herds to make some medicine." Nikki responded, picking up a flower and sniff it with a smile.

"Hn." Was all I say as I handle her book back and stood up to leave.

"Wait! Sasuke!" I stop and turn to her only to be suddenly hug by Nikki, catching me by surprised.

"No matter what Sasuke, I promise to be by your side, just don't push me away okay." Nikki whispered in my ear as I blush a little at our closeness. I felt something wet on my shoulder causing my eyes to widened as I realized Nikki was crying as she sod quietly. "Sasuke it's okay to cry, don't hold it all in." I heard her murmured into my shoulder as I slowly hug her back, feeling happy.

>End of flashback<

Every since that day I knew that what I felt for Nikki was not some childish crush, I had falling in love with her and I swore to myself that I would protected her with my life and I won't let Itachi touch her, over my dead body.
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Nikki's POV

I was sitting next to Iruka-sensei as we watch Naruto clean the mess he did to the Hokage's faces. I wanted to help but Iruka-sensei told me it was Naruto's mess so he has to do it on his own.

"Your not going home until you cleaned off every single drop of paint." Iruka-sensei told Naruto as rubbed the paint of the stone.

So what it's not like there's anyone at home waiting for me!" Naruto said angrily as he return to cleaning as I look at him sadly.

"Naruto?" Iruka-sensei called out causing Naruto to stop and glares up at him. "What do you want now, sensei?" I frown at Naruto's response as Iruka-sensei scratching his cheek. "Well I was just thinking. Maybe after you cleaned all of this up. I could take you out for some ramen, the good suffered. What do you think?" Iruka-sensei told him looking into the distance.

When I look down to Naruto, I saw that excitement look on his face. "Now that's some serious motivation. I'll have this clean up in no time." I giggle as Naruto started to clean fast.

"Do you like to join us Nikki." Iruka-sensei asked me but I shake my head. "No thank you, sensei. I think I'll do some training." I reject politely as I stood up and bow to him while he nodded in understanding and patted my head.

"Bye Naruto!" I called down to him. He look up and wave. "Bye Nikki, see ya tomorrow, believe it!"

I launch myself of Mt. Hokage and landed on a root and run on it above the streets of Konoha.

I run off the root, gracefully landing on the ground in a crouched position before running toward the training ground.

Suddenly I sensed something at the training ground and quickly hid into a bush. I peek out to see that it was just Sasuke at the training ground by himself, training.

"I know your there." I quickly cover my mouth before I squeak when he startled me when he had already notice my present.

I walk out of my binding spot and went over to him as my hands was behind my back as I stood in front of him, keeping my eyes at the ground. "Why were you hiding in the bush Nikki?" Sasuke question me but I didn't answer. I feel like a child. I though in my head.

I flinch as he grab my chin gently and turn it up slightly as I blush at how close we were to each other.

Sasuke smirk amuse as he lean in so our noses touch each other. "Are you going to answer me, Nikki." Asked me as I could feel his breath fan on my face causing my blush to darker.

I couldn't think straight as I stared into his eyes. I felt like time has stopped.

I snap out of my trance when I hear Sasuke chuckle. "I-i...I j-just...came t-to train..." I stuttered and move away from him still blushing but a lot worse then before.

"Hn, I see." Was all he said as he put his hand in his pocket and look up at the sky.

I move some of my hair behind my ear as it was silent between us.

"Hey, wanna sparing." I look at him surprise. "Huh?"

Sasuke turn to me. "I asked do you wanna spare." He repeated.

I thought of a second before nodded but yelp as he took my hand and leading me to the field then let go and created some space between us.

I close my eyes and took a deep breath before reopen them, taking a serious expression as well as a fighting stand. "Don't hold back on me Sasuke Uchiha because I won't go easy on you."

He chuckle as he also took position. "I wouldn't dream of it Nikki Mikage."

We stared at each other in completely silence as the wind blown thought our hair, a single leaf fell down.

I slowly sneaked my hand into my pouch that was strapped around my waist as I watch the falling leaf intensely.

Once it touch the ground I quickly throw multiple senbon needles at him and disappeared completely, catch Sasuke off guard.

I hid up in the tree branches as I watch him block them with his kunai.

Sasuke look at his surrounding, trying to sense me but I had already hid my charka.

I pull out many more senbon needles in each hand and them at him and jump to a different tree branch and throw more and continue until all senbon needles came flying towards him in all direction, catching Sasuke off guard and surprise him as well, cast he didn't except it.

As the senbon needles all landed around him, confusing him until he notice small ball wrap on the needles. He gasp as he quickly jump up as the balls were explosions.

I watch as he jump up avoiding the explosion and landed safely in the distance causing me to 'tsk' and smirk.

I jump high up into the sky, pulling out a kunai and launch myself at him.

Sasuke snap his head up and look at me, shock and surprise, and quickly brought up his own and block mine.

As our kunai blades clash into each other as well as we were close to each other, Sasuke smirk at me. "No bad." He said to me as I grinned at him.

"Your not so bad yourself but you are an Uchiha after all." I said playfully causing him to chuckle.

We jump away, creating a distance between us and we both still smirk at each other while we hold our own kunai ready.

We both launch toward each other at full speed and clash against each other once again. The impact from the clash of the two blades causing them to slide out of our grip and fly to the ground. I reacting quickly and throw a kick but Sasuke saw it and caught it, spinning us around before throwing me as I slam into a tree.

I gasp at the impact and landed on all four as a bit of blood drop from the corner of my mouth.

I look up at Sasuke as he look at me with a grinned. I wiped off the blood with the back of my hand before smirk at him as I stood up.

I quickly disappeared and reappeared in front of him causing him to gasp in shock as as I throw a punch at his stomach causing him to bend forward and spit out some saliva and I did a spinning kick at his legs, knocking him off the ground. I sit on Sasuke's stomach, one of my feet was on his left hand, pinching it down while I hold his right hand over his head with my other hand as my free hand hold a kunai right at his neck.

I smirk in victor as I lean closes. "Look like I win, Sasuke." I whispered quietly but all he did was smirk at me which cause me to look at him confused until...

*POOF!!*

I gasp as 'Sasuke' turn to a log. He use the substitution jutsu then where is he? I wonder as I look around, keeping my guard up.

I yelp as I suddenly was laying on the ground with Sasuke on top of me.

Sasuke was holding my hands at both side of my head as my legs was in between his, completely cage by his body.

I blush at our position then look at Sasuke, who also notices our position and look surprised as well as shock.

Sasuke had a tiny blush as he stared into my eyes. "I win." He whispered as we continue to stared at each other.

I felt lost as I stared into his black eyes. Sasuke glance at my lips as I did the same with his.

Sasuke slowly lean in as I could feel his breath on my lips. My eyes slowly close as our lips was so close yet so far.

Suddenly our eyes snap open as we realize what was happening and Sasuke pull back while his cheeks was red. "I-I'm s-so sorry." He said as I sit up, looking at him shyly and embarrassed.

"I-It's fine." I told him, avoid looking at him. I cleared my throat. "It's getting late, we should probably go home."

"Hn, yeah." Sasuke agreed as I stood up, brushing the dust off my clothes. "I'll walk you home." I freeze and look over at him surprised.

I wave my hands in front while blushing. "Y-you d-dont have too, Sasuke!" I stuttered causing him to smirk.

He suddenly grab my hand, ignore my protest. "Let's go." He said and start walking with me behind him. I could literally feel steam coming out of my ears as my face was completely red.

After I had finally calm my face down, I noticed that we we're walking the wrong way. "Sasuke." I called out to him causing him to look at me over his shoulder. "You're going the wrong way. My place is that way." I told him as I point the right way as a small giggle slipping out of my lips when Sasuke's eyes widened and a pink dust covered his cheeks and pull me to the right direction.

When we reach the front door to my condo, I noticed Sasuke was still holding my hand. "Sasuke, you can let go now." I said softly and look away shyly. "Hn." Was all I heard as I felt him slowly let go of my hand.

I turn my head slightly toward him with a smile as I was still blushing. "Thanks for the match and for walking me home." I said to him shyly.

"Heh, no problem and it was a good sparing. You have gotten a lot strong over the years." Sasuke compliment me causing me to smile.

"Of course! I made you a promise and I'm going to keep it, no matter what!" I exclaim as I punch the air.

I notice Sasuke was staring at me amused which causing me to blush in embarrassment.

Sasuke's stare turn intensely at me which made me to wonder what was he thinking. I was so deep into my thought that I didn't notice that was right next to me until I feel something that I did not expected.

SASUKE UCHIHA KISS ME ON THE CHEEK!!

He pull back, allowing me to turn towards him and seeing him smirk at me with the famous Uchiha smirk.

Sasuke put his hands inside his pockets. "I'll see you at the graduation tomorrow at the academy." He said before leaving me standing in a blushing mess.

I snap out of it and put a hands on my cheeks, face completely red as I walk inside my condo still in shock.

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The next day at the academy. I listen to Iruka-sensei as he talk about the exam when he suddenly mention that the clone jutsu causing me to look over at Naruto, who was sitting next to me and was freaking out which made me worried for him. The clone jutsu is Naruto's worst jutsu. I hope he will be okay. I thought to myself before praying for him before putting a hand on his shoulder to comfort him and a lightly squeeze. He look at and smile, appreciatively.

I suddenly heard my name being called out. "Wish me luck, Naruto." I told him as I stood up and walk over to the door.

"GOOD LUCK NIKKI, BELIEVE IT!!" Naruto shout out to me causing me to chuckle as I wave at him over my shoulder.

I walk out of the classroom and close the door behind me and went down the hallway to the examination room when I saw Sasuke lean his back against the wall.

"Sasuke?" I question him, confuse as to why he was still here as I went over to him. "Why are you still here?" I asked but then I notice he was wearing the leaf head band.

"No way, you passed! Congratulation, Sasuke!" I smile at him while praising him.

He smirk while he stand straight in front of me. "Hn, thank and about your question, I just want to wish you good luck." He said to me causing me to blush.

I look away shyly as I move some of my hair behind my ear. "Thanks" I whispered quietly but loud enough for him to hear me.

I suddenly remember the kiss from him yesterday and look at him from the corner of my eyes still blushing.

I took a deep breath and turn to him, gently putting my hands on his cheek and stood on the tip of my toes as I peck his other cheek causing his whole body to tense as he look at me, shock as I pull back.

I smile at him as my blush darken and went inside the examination room.

Sasuke' POV

I was completely frozen in shock as I watch Nikki walk into the room.

I feel my cheeks slowly warm up as I put a hand over the cheek she kiss, making a small smile appeared.

One day Nikki and I will tell you my feeling for you. I thought as I left.
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Nikki's POV

I walk out of the examination room with a big smile on my face as I was wearing my headband around my neck.

I look around as I parents was praising their child making me a little sad as I didn't have parents to praise me.

I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder causing me to turn my head and a smile formed on my lips. "Grandpa Hokage!" I greeted him happily.

"Hello my dear." He greeted back. "I see you passes and earn your own leaf head band. Congratulation my dear, I'm very proud of you." He praise me which made me very happy as he patted my head gently.

"Hehheh... I training really hard for this day grandpa." I said giggling and look around for Naruto.

I was confuse when I couldn't found him. "Grandpa Hokage, have you seeing Naruto?" I asked him.

"I'm afraid he didn't passed and left to be alone for now my dear." I look at him shock at the news then look at the ground sadly. Poor Naruto.

"Don't worry my dear, I'm sure Naruto will be fine. Now come along, Konohamaro is on edge to know your result." I look at grandpa Hokage and smile sadly at him before nodded as he lead me away so we can celebrate.

But my thought were wondering about Naruto. Hopefully Naruto will find a way to graduated. I prayed looking up at the sky.

My ninaj journey is about to begin and I will be facing many challenge but I'll face them head on. I thought determination.