MINAKO'S POINT OF VIEW

It was my sixth month at the Academy and it was so much fun. I loved learning and being friends with Irukei Sensei made my time there easier to deal with. Especially with Kakashi always being the one to beat me in everything.

Obito and I started to become friends, goofing off with each other which often resulted in us getting in trouble. I didn't mind though because I felt really happy when I spent time with Obito. I learned a lot more about him these past few months because of our friendship. He didn't have parents, like me. I luckily had my sister though. She was my idol and I aspired to be as cool and strong as her. I was always klutzy and never did anything right. I especially felt that way when I would end up as number two in the class while Kakashi was number one. I never could catch up to him but I would never stop trying.

Even though I am good friends with Gai, Tsume, and Obito...Kakashi always acknowledged me and took me seriously, something that no one has ever done before. I was running late with Obito currently because we stopped when we saw a black cat. It is unlucky to take the same way as a black cat! When we arrived to school, Irukei Sensei was already halfway through the lesson.

"Obito, Minako! How nice of you to join us. Why are you so late?" He growled, sparks flying off of him. Both Obito and I shivered. Obito responded.

"A black cat crossed our path and we had to take the long way." Irukei sensei had a vein pop out on his forehead before he started yelling.

"How are either of you ever supposed to become Hokage if you don't even show up to class on time?!" I turned to look at Kakashi who seemed to be unfazed by the two of us getting yelled at. I looked back at Irukei Sensei and growled.

"I will be Hokage." I whispered in defiance, an angry and embarrassed blush painting my cheeks red. To be scolded in front of my rival, Kakashi, like this was so embarrassing.

The rest of the day, I couldn't sooth the heat on my cheeks from the red hot shame. Once the final bell rang, I ran out of the room. I ran as fast as I could towards the first person I could think of since Kushina wasn't back from her mission yet. I knocked on their door and as soon as they answered, I pratically pounced on them.

"Oof! Mina!" He sighed. He then saw my tears and picked me up swiftly before sitting me down at his kitchen table. He took his thumbs, wiping away my tears on my reddened cheeks. It didn't take long before his shining smile made its appearance.

"I have some fresh strawberries from the market. Want some?" I nodded my head, my short hair matching the fruit he handed me. I started munching on them, Minato looking at me with a raised eyebrow and concerned blue eyes.

"Mina, what's wrong?" He asked. I looked up at him and shook my head.

"My sensei yelled at me...he said I won't be Hokage...I felt bad cause I wanna beat Kakashi...he always wins at everything." I sniffed. Minato sighed before kneeling down to my level.

"So what?" He said, a small smile on his bright features.

"Huh?" I asked, confused.

"Well, what does it matter what your sensei thinks? Work hard and train hard everyday and you'll be better than Kakashi. Natural talent can only get someone so far...but if you never give up and always work hard, there will be no one stronger than you." He smiled. I smiled slightly and he wiped the remaining tears off of my cheek.

"Now what is your worst jutsu?" I looked at my sandal clad feet.

"Transformation and clones." Minato laughed before smiling at me.

"What's so funny hm?" I raised my eyebrow at him. He then took my hand before taking us to a training field.

"That was Kushina's worst too."

"So let's start with clones. I want you to show me what you can do." I nodded before peforming the handsigns.

"Let's go!" I felt some of my chakra swirl around me before another one of me stood next to me. I then looked at my clone and realized it was laying on the ground, white, and half dead looking.

"Whoops." I said while scratching the back of my head. Minato started to laugh before performing some handsigns.

"Let's perfect this, then I'll show you the shadow clone jutsu." My eyes bugged out.

"Isn't that a forbidden jutsu, ya know?!" Minato smirked.

"We can't always follow the rules can we? Don't tell your sister."

~~

Minato and I practiced for a whole week the transformation and shadow clone jutsu. He convinced me to never give up and to strive to be as good or even better than Kakashi...to be good enough to get Obito's attention from Rin. I tried my absolute best, skipping my pranks with Obito and missing out on hanging out with Tsume and Gai...and the result was amazing. I was able to successfully fill up the training field with my clones. Minato was astounded by my chakra reserves and my determination. He said I might surpass my sister. I giggled alot when he said that.

I woke up early to see Kushina and Minato asleep, cuddled up on the couch downstairs. Her long red hair was draped over him and he was laying his head in her lap. I kissed them both on the forehead before leaving the small apartment. I saw Obito standing outside, waiting for me like he always does before school. I felt a blush creep on my face and I grinned.

"Good morning Obito!" He grinned as he scratched the back of his head.

"Good morning Mina! Ready for the academy?" I smiled and nodded. We walked casually while talking about nothing in particular when Kakashi showed up about five minutes into it. Obito and I were slightly irritated. Me because he was interrupting my private time with Obito and Obito was mad because...well...he just doesn't like Kakashi.

"Kakashi! What do you want? To show me up again?" I pouted. Kakashi just looked at us before grabbing my hand and walking with me faster.

"No I just don't want to be late." He said. I tried shaking my hand out of his grip but he was too strong.

"You chose to walk with us, ya know!" I stated.

"Exactly." He responded. A small hint of pink ghosted his cheeks before it dissappeared.

"Huh?"

"Hey you let her go Kakashi!" Obito yelled. Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

"Or what?" He challenged.

"Or I'll-"

"Good morning Kakashi! Good morning Obito and Minako!" Rin said as she walked out of the alley we just passed, her neighborhood being there. I sulked slightly but placed a small smile on my face.

"Morning Rin." I responded. Kakashi just ignored her and kept pulling me along to school while Obito oogled over Rin.

"Stop Kakashi! It's starting to hurt, ya know!" I whined. He immediately released and muttered an apology.

"We are here. Let's go, exams are today." I turned to Kakashi in utter confusion.

"Huh?!?" I asked surprised.

"We've only been here for like six months!" Kakashi rolled his eyes.

"Just because it is our first year doesn't mean it's everyone else's first year too. Everyone has the chance to take the test, regardless of how long we have been here." I started to get nervous.

I have to become a ninja before Kakashi.

I WILL become strong and respected! I WILL become more than just Tomato Girl! I will be noticed by Obito and stronger than Kakashi!

I walked into the classroom to see Tsume sitting on my desk waiting for me.

"Hey Mina! You ready to wreck this place! You and I are gonna be genin buddies!" She said in her rough voice. I smirked at her.

"Yeah!" Gai of course was performing some stretches and nervous sweat caused his body to be covered in salty water.

"My flower! Minako! Beautiful sunshine! I shall become a ninja and protect your beautiful heart! You can count on it!" Kakashi walked in during Gai's little speech and he had a vein mark pop on his forehead.

"You idiot. Knock it off." Gai growled and pointed a finger at Kakashi.

"You! You're after her heart as well aren't you!? I, Might Gai, declare you...Kakashi Hatake...as my eternal rival!" Kakashi rolled his eyes and I decided this was annoying so I left with Tsume to talk to some other kids. I was looking at Obito talking to Rin and I noticed the way his onyx eyes sparkled with life when he was with her. A constant stain of pink was on his cheeks, a grin never leaving his features. He will never look at me that way.

"Hey Tomato girl! You prepared to fail? Hahaha!" Some idiot in the class remarked while grouping up with their other friends.

"Yeah! I bet a headband couldn't even fit around that big round head of yours!"

"Hah! As if she could pass to begin with! Tomato girl couldn't even create a single clone!"

"My name's not Tomato girl ya know!? And you'll all see! I'll kick all your butts!" I replied. I felt angry and my short red hair was spiking up slightly.

"Yeah right, what are you gonna do, drown us in your tears?"

"I'm gonna destroy you!!" I shouted with my fist raised. Before I could do anything though, Irukei Sensei poofed into the room whilst holdng my arm up.

"Mina you can't keep threatening to hurt your comrades!" I snatched my arm out of his grip and pouted as we all were told to go to our seats. I looked at Obito to see him sending dreamy glances towards Rin but the messages weren't delivered. I felt someone's eyes on me and turned towards them, seeing Kakashi.

"What?" I whispered. Kakashi turned quickly back towards the board.

"N-nothing. It's just...I like your hair...it reminds me of a rose." I felt my eyes widened and I felt some of the silky strands of my hair. The hair I came to loathe...to despise and resent...Kakashi liked it? He must be kidding or lying...trying to make a fool out of me. Well it's not going to work! I won't be made a fool of so easily!

I looked at the board with a faint blush to see what we had to know for the final exam or else we'll have to wait another year. If Kakashi or I graduated from the Academy after only six months while being five years old...Konoha would go crazy.

"First up, Hikari Akiko. A girl with black hair and blue eyes got up and nervously proceeded towards the exam room. Hikari was a quiet girl so I never really talked to her. Irukei Sensei kept calling us out one by one. Soon enough..it was Gai's turn...then Kakashi's...then Tsume and Asuma. This girl Kurenai went and eventually Rin went as well. Finally, it was just Obito and me left.

"Obito Uchiha." He was called out. He placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me a thumbs up.

"Good luck Mina! You'll do great!" He said. I grinned back at him with a smile as bright as the sun.

"I know you can do it Obito!" He grinned back and walked into the exam room. I was the only one left in the classroom so I decided to meditate for a little...something Minato taught me would be good for chakra control. Soon enough, my name was called.

"Minako Uzumaki." I quickly stood up and ran towards the room to see Irukei Sensei sitting with two other chunin I didn't recognize.

"Alright Mina...in order to graduate...you must preform three fully successful clones." Irukei Sensei said. I sweatdropped. After perfecting the shadow clone jutsu...honestly this was going to be too easy for me.

"That's it?" I asked, sounding bored. Irukei Sensei got a little mad.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'THAT'S IT'?! YOU COULDN'T EVEN DO ONE LAST WEEK!" Irukei Sensei yelled at me. I rolled my eyes while grinning.

"That was the old me! This is the new, strong, and totally awesome...Minako Uzumaki! Believe it, ya know!" Irukei Sensei smiled while looking a little nervous for me. I knew he was wishing me well.

"Shadow clone jutsu!" I performed the jutsu successfully and filled the entire room with perfect clones, showing off my new skill. Irukei Sensei and the two other Chunins were surprised to say the least.

"T-that's...a-amazing!!" One of the chunins said.

"She...could be another child prodigy...just like Hatake!" The other spoke. I released the jutsu and grinned while giggling and scratching the back of my head.

"So do I pass?" I asked politely. Irukei Sensei grinned so wide, it was like I told him he won the lottery. He then knelt to my height in front of me and told me to close my eyes. I did and felt something warm and soft cover my forehead. I opened my eyes when he said it was okay and he gave me a grin. Then I noticed something was missing from him.

"Congratulations Mina. You really are going to be a spectacular ninja. I am so proud of you." I looked in my reflection in the window to see a Leaf headband on my forehead.

I'm a ninja!!