I still dreading the whole thing with the chunin exams. I couldn't even get out of bed today because I was depressed again, remembering the day I met them and the day I lost them.

If only I hadn't let my problems get in the way of our friendship.

At first, I was angry with them for leaving me. I blamed them for the problem I had as it continued to get worse, but then I started realizing I was the problem. I was the one who didn't let them help me. 

If I could turn back time and undo all of that, I would. 

I wish I could go tell Lord Hokage how uncomfortable I am with this, but I know it's strictly business and I have to be professional about it. 

That and there was a small sliver of hope that Anko would eventually talk to me after having to do this with me.

We were all supposed to have another meeting today at noon about how the exams are gonna go and we have to go over safety precautions and all of that. It was a pain in the ass, but I would actually like to see how Naruto does in the exams.

After hours of daydreaming and reminicing in the past, I finally got up from my bed and got ready for the day. 

I realized it was almost noon, so I had to hurry up so I wouldn't be late. I immediately rushed out of the house so I could get there on time and while I was speed walking, I realized I didn't know where the meeting was.

Damnit. This day is already off to a bad start.

I continued walking to the Hokage's Tower so I could ask there, and then heard my name being called.

"Hana!"

I turned to where I heard my name being called and saw Naruto with his team. They were at someone's house and appeared to be weeding someone's garden.

I walked over and put on a fake smile. 

"What are you guys up to?"

"We're on a mission today," Sakura answered.

"A lame one too," Naruto added with disdain. "We're just picking up weeds in this lady's yard,"

I chuckled. "I had to do that same mission back when I was your age. I remember I nearly fell down a well,"

"How did you almost fall into a well?" Sakura asked.

"We don't talk about that," I laughed. "Needless to say, if it weren't for Kakashi, I would've been stuck down there,"

"Wait, you were on the same team as Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto asked, widening his eyes.

"Yes I was," I replied. "Speaking of Kakashi, where is he?"

"He's probably reading that perverted book," Sasuke answered. "He's always late because of that,"

I was a bit surprised that Sasuke actually said something. He's not very talkative.

"Which is ironic, because he used to get on me about being late," I chuckled. 

As soon as I said that, I realized I was late for the meeting.

"I gotta go now! See you guys later!" I waved and started speed walking off again. 

I started reminicing about the mission I had with Obito, Rin, and Kakashi. I remembered being competitive with Rin that day and how Kakashi actually worked as a team with me that day. 

I got to the Hokage's office and panted. 

I saw Asuma was at the door.

"Aren't you supposed to be at that meeting?" He asked me.

I felt awkward now. Kurenai wasn't here, so it wasn't too bad this time.

"Yes, but I don't remember where it's at," I said, avoiding eye contact with him.

"It's at the academy again," He said. "Also I wanted to talk to you-"

"Thanks, I'll see you around!" I said, cutting him off and left for the meeting.

I know it was a little rude, but when people tell me they want to "talk to me" I instantly get nervous and I automatically think it's bad news. Plus, I had a feeling he was going to say something about Kurenai and I, and I don't want to deal with that right now.

Especially since I have to deal with Anko already.

I finally made it to the academy and walked in the classroom where the meeting was. Everyone stared at me immediately and I had slight flashbacks of my academy days. I always hated it when my classmates would stare at me for being late.

"Sorry I'm late," I bowed my head in apology. "I had a rough start this morning,"

The Hokage smiled. "It's no problem,"

I sat down next to Ibiki and the Hokage started going on about how each rounds were going to work and all of that. I felt bad that the kids were gonna have to deal with Ibiki for the first round. I'm surprised he's not doing the forest of death part, since that seems more fitting for him.

Once the meeting was over, everyone left and I was the last one.

"Hana?" 

I turned around and the Hokage was behind me.

"Yes?"

"I hope you know that I didn't pair you with Anko to upset you or anything," He said.

I fake smiled. "It's okay! I-"

"Hey, I've known you for years. I can tell when something is bothering you. I just wanted to let you know that I did it for a reason and it wasn't to upset you. I want you two to reconnect, so I thought this was the way to do it,"

I sighed. "I appreciate the thought, but I don't think anything is going to work at this point. The damage can't be undone and I realized things before it was too late,"

He was about to speak again, but I cut him off on accident.

"But it's okay. I'll keep things professional and I won't let my emotions get to me,"

"I was just going to say that don't doubt things. You'll never know what could happen and you two are both quite stubborn, so I'm sure things will be repaired soon. Same thing for Kurenai," He said.

"Like I said, I don't think the damage can be undone, but I will keep things professional. I won't let my problems get in the way of the exams," I replied. "But I appreciate the thought,"

He didn't say anything to that. "I'll let you get going. Be safe Hana."

For a second, I almost forgot I had pissed off war criminals after me. 

I waved and left the classroom.

I walked back to my house and decided to catch up on cleaning and laundry. 

I got started immediately and as soon as I was about to start laundry, there was a knock at my door. I huffed a little and put the pile of clothes down, then went to answer the door.

My eyes widened when I opened the door.

"Y...Wh...What are you doing here?"

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I'm sorry this chapter sucks. Like I said, writers block was kicking in and I need to get the story to an important part coming up. Stay tuned for the next chapter. I've had this part planned for a while.