The Jounin Exams were coming and all the chunnin ranked shinobi and kunoichi were excited. The Exams were being held in Konoha and most of the ninja from the other countries and nations had already showed up. Everyone was ready, except squad 5.
Squad 5 was short one member. Lance Uchiha had left the village, two months ago and there squad won't be able to enter the exams until they find a replacement.
Sarutobi paced back and fourth and thinking about it. Kakashi was to busy with the other Jounin's to come and help find them a new member. Jakie sat against a tree, watching Sarutobi.
"This sucks! We'll never become Jounin unless we find a replacement for Lance! Oh he just had to leave didn't he? He just had to walk right out of the village leaving us in the dilemma!" Sarutobi whinned.
"Sarutobi, Lance wouldn't of known about the Jounin exams." Jakie said.
"But still!" Sarutobi yelled, getting frustrated.
Jakie sighed and looked towards the village. The two of them were just outside the village on a hill. The summer breeze felt nice on Jakie's face.
"Why don't we ask Jade?" Sarutobi asked.
"He's already a Jounin." Jakie replied.
"Kyon? Nura?"
"They have there own teams."
"Blake?"
"Already a Jounin."
"Amaya?"
"Her and Sakura aren't entering."
"Darn, who else is there to ask?"
Jakie looked at Sarutobi and asked, "What about Arik?"
"Oh no! We're not asking him!" Sarutobi protested.
"Why not?"
"Because you have a crush on him!"
"Your jealous aren't you?"
"No I'm not!"
"Sarutobi, you still have a crush on me don't you?"
"Yes..."
Jakie shook her head and stood up, heading back to the village.
"Where are you going?" Sarutobi called after her.
"To ask Arik if he could join our squad for the Jounin exams." Jakie called back.
"What!? No! Don't ask him!" Sarutobi yelled, running after Jakie.
Jakie ignored Sarutobi and took off at full speed to the village.

When Jakie arrived at the village, she tried to figure out where Arik would be, especially since the exams started tomorrow. Seeing Kyon and Nura, she quickly ran over to them and asked, "Have you two seen Arik?"
"I haven't seen him all day." Nura replied.
"I think I saw him by Ichiraku Ramens." Kyon answered.
"Ok. Thanks." Jakie said, heading off to the ramen shop.
When she arrived, she saw Selina, Azul, Blake, and Amaya. Not seeing Arik, she quickly ran to the academy.
When she arrived at the academy, she saw Arik sitting on a bench. Slowing to a walk, she headed over to the bench and sat down next to Arik.
"Hello." Arik greeted.
"Hey. I have a question." Jakie said.
"What?" Arik asked, looking at her.
"As you know, the Jounin exams are tomorrow and well, my squad is short one member and I was wondering if you could....uh...be the replacement?" Jakie asked.
Arik looked at the sky, thinking about it.
The silence was suffocating. Jakie was afraid he would refuse.
"Sure. Why not?" Arik replied.
"Really? Yay! Thanks Arik!" Jakie squeeled.
"Your welcome." Arik smiled.
"I finally caught up with you!" They heard Sarutobi say behind Jakie.
Jakie turned and looked at him.
"Your too late Sarutobi, I already asked him." Jakie said.
Sarutobi groaned and fell on his butt. Jakie looked at Arik and smiled.
"Thanks again Arik. I guess we'll see you tomorrow." Jakie said.
Arik nodded as Jakie stood up and headed to her apartment.
Sarutobi cursed under his breath and stood up and headed back to the Uzumaki residence.