"Talking"

'Thoughts' or past event

"Demon talking or Jutsu name"

(Jutsu Description)

Author's Note: So this is my new story and winner of the poll I had in my profile by 3 votes. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to update my other story Uchiha Naruto, but I just recently finished Football. Football took up about 48% of my day (school taking up 50%) so I've had very, very little time to type. But luckily football is finally over and I can start typing again. So far the only thing I've done is put up a poll for what my next storied be. When I looked it turned out this one won by 3 so I'm going with this one. This doesn't mean I'm not going to do the other story; it'll just be after this one.

This is just the prologue so it's not as long as my stories usually are, but it will next chapter. This story is about Naruto getting the Curse Seal instead of Sasuke, nothing more and nothing less. Naruto will be super strong in later chapters, and when I say later I mean later. He's probably going to be even stronger then my other Naruto character in the story Uchiha Naruto.

Also I'll be able to get chapters out faster now that I'm done with football. I'm already half way done with the next chapter of Uchiha Naruto even though I started it yesterday. Yeah, it's good to be back.

I do not own Naruto, or anything else that doesn't belong to me. Please Review :)

Chapter 1: The Curse of a Snake

"Who the hell are you?" Naruto asked, watching the movements of the Grass-nin. He had just fought this giant ass snake, and right when he comes back to his squad he finds this Shinobi trying to attack his team.

"Naruto!" Sakura yelled happily, glad her teammate was safe.

"N-Naruto?" Sasuke asked, turning around and facing Naruto on the same branch as him. It didn't matter though, not even Naruto – with his 'never give up' attitude – could defeat this 'Orochimaru'. If he couldn't defeat this Grass-nin then there was no way in hell Naruto could.

Naruto slowly walked by the stunned Sasuke, looking over his shoulder as he past him. Naruto was slightly shocked himself that Sasuke was scared, but if he was scared then that meant trouble for the rest of his team, and he wasn't about to let that happen.

Naruto stopped a couple feet past Sasuke as he slowly turned his vision from Sasuke to the Grass-nin on the same branch as them, but on the far side. Naruto may have not seemed like it all the time, but when he wanted to be smart and act serious he would. He could tell this wasn't any ordinary Genin ninja, for some reason he emitted this scarce dark Chakra. He knew even if all of them worked together they'd be no match for this guy. He was trying to think of a battle plan they could use, and sadly he found the only one.

"Psst, Sasuke." Naruto whispered behind his shoulder, drawing Sasuke's attention. "I got a plan…"

Orochimaru was watching the two Genin intertwine in conversation, knowing they were trying to find a way to battle him. But that didn't concern him, what did was the fact that the Kyuubi brat, that 'Naruto', was able to kill one of his servant snakes was just impractical. Even Chuunin can barely survive a one-on-one with one of his snakes, yet this mere Genin was able to. Maybe he should reconsider giving the Uchiha the Curse Seal. I mean so far he's been a disappointment; all the Uchiha's been doing thus far is dodging his attacks. Orochimaru really had to think of this new revelation.

Sakura, standing on a branch far from her companions, pondered on what her two teammates were discussing. She was getting kind of mad seeing as they kept her out of the conversation. Another thing to add to her long list of stuff she was useless at. She was glad her teammate, Naruto, was safe and all, but what could they do. Not even her 'Sasuke-kun' was able to stop this guy, so there was no way Naruto, the dead-last, could do anything. But part of her doubted that, because recently she's started to realize that Naruto isn't as weak as every portrays he is. She just hoped they could figure out something.

Sasuke could only be taken aback by Naruto's plan, he wanted to yell, but he knew he needed to be quite, "what are you nuts?!"

Naruto looked to the Grass-nin before looking back to Sasuke, "You have to. It's the only thing we can do, and it might as well be me. I do know the Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)after all."

Sasuke didn't think he'd ever say this about Naruto, seeing as he'd always pull out something stupid, however affective, but it seems this time he can't, "B-But this isn't a basic training session with Kakashi, this is real life, you'll die…"

"…Gaman shiro… (…Just deal with it…)" Naruto said calmly, not looking at Sasuke anymore, nor the Grass-nin, but at the girl he so loved, Haruno Sakura. He didn't know if she was looking at him when he mouthed something quietly to her, but it didn't matter, at least he was able to see her one last time.

Sasuke didn't seem to care about keeping quite anymore as he yelled out, "Don't tell me to just deal with it!"

Naruto looked behind him at the Uchiha's distraught face, "Sorry… but…you have to… NOW!"

And with a strong will to do as Naruto ordered him, Sasuke turned and jumped to Sakura, grabbing her around the waist, while throwing her over his right shoulder. Sakura would have been yelping happily if they were in any other situation, but not now. Because now she realized where Sasuke was going and where Naruto was staying. They were running from the predator, and Naruto was staying to distract it.

"You got guts gaki (brat), thinking you could take me on" Orochimaru said, his disguise still up, talking to the backside of Naruto's head as he watched his teammates escape.

Naruto slowly turned his gaze to that of the vile snake. His fierce gaze doing little to that of a seasoned ninja, who's killed countless people. Naruto drew two kunai from the pouch on his right thigh, throwing one into his left hand so both knives were pointing down. And with one more stern look he charged the snake, "Nameru ja nai (Don't underestimate me)!"

Orochimaru, at first, thought it was funny the kid actually thought he might be able to fight him. But then it dawned on him, that Naruto knew he was no ordinary ninja, and was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice just to save his teammates; such loyalty and determination. This brought a devilish smirk to his maw, his tongue curling around his lips just thinking about how he'd make a great experiment, especially if he learned to control the Kyuubi no Yoko within him. He would be unstoppable. Now all he had to see was his skills, and maybe he'll forget about the Uchiha and focus upon this child.

Bringing his attention back to the charging Genin, Orochimaru jumped back avoiding a cross-chop from the two kunais Naruto was holding, landing on the side of an upright tree. Using his Chakra to hold his feet against the tree's bark. It was going to take more then some kunai to impress him. Then he heard something he didn't think a measly Genin would ever say.

"Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)!" A hundred clones that looked just like Naruto puffed into existence as they surrounded Orochimaru with the intent to kill. Naruto put on a fighting smirk, he and his clones taking battle stances. Adding a small pulse of Chakra to his feet, giving him an extra boost of speed, he and his clones charged Orochimaru ready to sacrifice themselves for their two teammates.

"Sasuke stop! What about Naruto." Sakura screamed looking over her right shoulder to the back of Sasuke head, "How can we just leave him!"

"It was his choice Sakura!" Sasuke yelled, not wanting to deal with her complaining. He knew Naruto was no match compared to that man, and he knew Naruto was going to most likely die. But Sasuke had promised Naruto he'd take care of Sakura for him no matter what. He could still remember the conversation between them just a moment ago.

Flash Back

"I got a plan…" Naruto had said, turning around to face Sasuke. Giving him a stern look before turning back to the 'snake' they were plotting against, "Take Sakura-chan, and run as far away from this guy as you can."

"What? What are you going to do." Sasuke asked, not liking how this was going so far.

"I'm going to stay behind and cause a distraction to give you time to runaway." Naruto said calmly. This was probably the first time Sasuke had ever seen Naruto so calm and serious. It was obvious to him, that Naruto knew how strong and dangerous this guy was, and shouldn't be taken lightly. He couldn't let Naruto stay behind, yeah he might be annoying all the time, but he was still his teammate.

"No, you're going to come with us." Sasuke argued, not wanting to lose his teammate.

"Sasuke, you promise me, you'll take care of Sakura-chan no matter what, got it!?" Naruto said not listening to his teammate anymore. "You better run fast, because I won't be able to hold him for too long. And once you get out of this area keep running, 'cause I'm going to use a new Jutsu that I've been trying to learn and it's very unstable. I don't know what could happen if I make a mistake."

Sasuke had a downed look, "What's the Jutsu?"

Naruto turned around, making it seem like it was a valuable bit of information, "It's called…"

Flash Back End

Sasuke could still see his lips move as he spoke the technique, causing Sasuke to yell out quietly, "What are you nuts?!" Not only was Naruto able to learn the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, but to learn that technique as well was just unimaginable, and he was only a Genin! Sasuke didn't know how Naruto was getting so strong all of a sudden, and it was starting to irritate him.

Sakura didn't care if it was his choice. He was their teammate and they were just leaving without trying to save him at the very least. But no, they were being cowards and ran. And now Sakura realized what Naruto had meant what he mouthed to her right before Sasuke took her away. He thought they were never going to see each other, and that's why he had said, "Ja Ne (Goodbye)…"

Sakura couldn't help but be silent as she looked out into the forest were Naruto was probably fighting that 'Orochimaru'. Her vision starting to go blurry, tears floating away from her face, as Sasuke picked up his pace.

'To think a simple Genin could know an A-ranked Jutsu like Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. It's just unattainable. Kabuto really needs to update those stupid 'Ninja Info Cards' he's always saying are so great.' Orochimaru, one of three legendary Sannin, thought looking at a drained Naruto. Naruto was on his knees; his fatigued arms barely able to hold him up from the ground as he gave Orochimaru another death stare.

Naruto had made hundreds of Kage Bunshins, one after the other. But nothing ever got to the guy. He kept pulling out different Jutsus, each destroying almost the whole lot of them. He also used this weird sword he would ever so often pulled out of his throat, whenever the real Naruto got close to him, maiming Naruto whenever he got to close, physically telling him to backup. Naruto had a long while ago deduced this guy was around high Jounin if not Kage level, I mean some of these Jutsus he was pulling out were just unreal. But he couldn't give up, he wouldn't! With a vicious grunt he pulled himself up.

With a quick cross shape of his hands, using his pointers and middle-fingers, Naruto screamed, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)!"

As he said this several clones came into existence, three of the clones jumping at Orochimaru, who eagerly cocked his right-arm back. Swinging it forward a giant snake elapsed out of his sleeve, "Jagei Jubaku (Snake Authority Spell)!" The three clones wrapped their arms around each other's back, creating some kind of small wall, as the snake rammed into them. The three grabbed the snake so it wasn't able to move as another clone jumped onto the head of the great snake, holding the real Naruto. Slinging the real Naruto at Orochimaru, the clone called out, "Bunshin Taiatari (Clone Ramming Suicide Attack)!"

The real Naruto saw Orochimaru open his mouth, most likely about to strike with that weird sword he's been using whenever he got too close, but before he could, Naruto created yet another clone. Jumping on the clone's back and flipping over Orochimaru, as a snake holding the ominous sword within its mouth extended from Orochimaru's maw and sliced into Naruto's clone. Naruto landed stiffly, on the small part of the branch, where Orochimaru was standing, and spinning on his heel Naruto twirled around, bringing out a kunai as he did so. With one swift and strong slice, he cut Orochimaru's head off, the thing flying through the air, landing off somewhere.

Naruto had a victorious smirk until he saw that the body was starting to turn into mud. "Tch…" Naruto said to himself, '…Tsuchi Bunshin (Earth Clone)!' Naruto knew he didn't have much time to hide, seeing as Orochimaru was probably watching him this very instant, but he had to think up something. Should he really use that Jutsu? What if Sasuke and Sakura were still in the vicinity? No that couldn't be, he's been fighting this guy for almost thirty minutes now. Wait what if one of his other friends, from his rookie years, are somehow close by. Well, it didn't really matter, they never actually thought him as a friend, so what does it matter?

Orochimaru looked at him closely, contemplating whether or not he should have the Curse Seal. He did show great stamina and Chakra creating so many Kage Bunshins. He showed he could make wise choices, sacrificing his life for his friends so they could get away. He showed he could come up with various battle strategies in difficult situations. He also showed great Taijutsu skills when using his Kage Bunshins. This kid is close to beginning low-Chuunin level and probably never had a good sensei, seeing as he's the Kyuubi brat. Orochimaru could just imagine how strong this boy could become if he had a good sensei. A strong sensei, yes, this boy was perfect for the Curse Seal. While being the jailer of the Kyuubi no Yoko, and living in Konoha, will better help him get the boy. Seeing as Konoha's ignorant population most likely scarred the boy through his life. It was perfect; all he needed to do was push the boy to leave the village.

"Boy…" Naruto heard in all directions, figuring out Orochimaru was projecting his voice everywhere, "… why stay in this village?"

Naruto didn't know what the man was doing, but at least it slightly delayed his inevitable end, "Because I have people here to protect."

"Oh, like who?"

"My friends…" Naruto said slightly lower in tone, this being a sensitive subject.

"What friends? You're the Kyuubi no Yoko."

Naruto didn't pay any attention to the fact that he knew what was inside him, "I'm not the Kyuubi. I'm just the jailer!"

"That's right, you're not the Kyuubi. Then why does everyone see you as it?"

"B-Because…" Naruto wanted to say why, but he just couldn't, he couldn't talk about his village like that.

"Because what!"

"Because they're ignorant!" and there it was, Naruto had finally lowered his mask for once, showing the anger that lay underneath that fake rouge.

"That's right they are. So why not come with me, and I'll train you, so one day you and me can come back and destroy Konoha."

"…N-No!" Naruto screamed, his mask going back on, "I will protect this village in which my friends live!"

"Oh and what kind of companions just leave their friend to die? It might have been your choice to stay behind, but they were the ones that listened and left. If my friend ordered me to escape, knowing he would not survive, I'd stay and die beside him!" the snake said lying.

"S-So what, I still have other people." Naruto said. He could feel the sides of his eyes starting to water.

"Like who?!"

"Old Man Sarutobi!" Naruto called out.

"Oh, what has the old man ever done for you?"

"H-He's given me a place to live!" Naruto yelled out, defending the old Hokage.

"Has he given you a family?"

"T-The Hokage can only do so much." Naruto said, trying to come up with something to say.

"No, the Hokage is the leader of the village, he can do anything he wants, he could have easily just adopted you himself, but no he just gave you an apartment void of love and kindness."

"Y-You're wrong…" Naruto said through watery eyes.

"Am I? Or is it you just don't want to believe me, and listen to your inner self?"

"Just… shut-up!" Naruto screamed, not wanting to listen to this man anymore. 'I'm sorry my 'friends', but it looks like I'll have to use it."

Orochimaru watched as Naruto started to smirk, while wiping away the tears that were once descending his cheeks. Naruto, with the same fierce look he'd been giving Orochimaru throughout their fight, raised his right hand, positioning it over his heart.

"I don't know or care where you are, you snake freak! But it doesn't matter. You see a couple months ago, I stole the Scroll of Sealing which contains many Forbidden Jutsus. I was fooled into thinking that if I learned one, I could become a Genin. So I took the scroll to a hidden place I once stumbled upon, and learned the first Jutsu in the scroll, which was the Kage Bunshin…" Orochimaru could see the smirk on the boy's face growing larger, "after learning the first technique I was about to return the scroll when I accidentally bumped it. Making it open, showing the second technique within. I never really got all the details on how to use it, but I've actually created a variation of it. This technique… was called… Bunshin Bakuha (Shadow Clone Explosion)... and my variation, which I'm about to show you…"

Naruto then clasped his right hand hard against the place over his heart, sending large quantities of Chakra to his heart, "…is called… Daijigabakuha (Great Self Explosion)!" and using all his might, he completely stopped the flow of Chakra from entering his heart, causing a mass eruption within. And with a final scream Naruto exploded, blasting away anything within a kilometer radius of their current position, leaving nothing but ash and the charred ground underneath.

"W-What was that?" Sakura asked, finally starting to calm down about how they left Naruto behind. She was kind of worried seeing as the explosion was right in the vicinity of were Naruto was fighting the guy.

"I don't know." Sasuke answered, looking for some fish in the river they were near.

'Please Naruto, be okay.' Sakura thought to herself, watching the smoke from the blast rising high into the sky, knowing it would rain cats and dogs soon as the clouds above started to turn pitch black.

Naruto's eyes blinked tiredly, trying to awaken from his unconscious state 'W-What?' he thought to himself, falling back onto his rump, looking at his right hand. He wasn't dead? That's impossible, that Jutsu should have killed him. Naruto looked around; yeah it was the same area he was in, only now the only thing he saw was charred earth and small piles of ash in which the trees used to lay. A pale looking thing then caught the side of his eyes, looking over he saw something with many folds. With much effort, Naruto pushed himself up and walked to the weird looking thing.

When close he saw that it was the skin of that Grass-nin, like he'd actually shed himself, like a snake? The entire right side of the skin was missing the edges, being charred, showing he was hit by the Jutsu.

"That was very impressive." Naruto heard behind him. Twisting in the air as he jumped forward, away from the voice, he laid his eyes on this 'new' version of Orochimaru.

This Orochimaru was very pale, his skin almost being complete white. He had the eyes of a dangerous snake, the irises being yellow with slit pupils. His eyelids were covered in a light purple color, were they ran down the sides of his nostril in a pointed fashion. His dark hair ran down to the top section of his back. He was wearing a tan shirt, with black around the collar. Under the tan shirt was a tight black long-sleeved shirt. Large purple rope wrapped around the man's waist being tied in the back, to look like a knot. From his waist down he wore normal ninja attire.

"How am I alive?" Naruto asked, taking a step back just missing the exoskeleton of Orochimaru's old skin.

"Lucky for you, I was fast enough to come in and use my Fusokufuri no Jutsu (Neutral Technique) to cancel the Jutsu at the same time you exploded. This effectively kept you alive, but did not stop your Jutsu's destructive power."

"Then how are you still alive?" Naruto asked.

"Easy, I used my Taisha Atogama no Jutsu (Regeneration Replacement Technique)" Orochimaru said, getting a raised eyebrow from Naruto. "It let's me rejuvenate myself, or something like that."

"What a Jutsu…? Naruto said quietly, not believing there was such a strong technique on earth.

"Please, that's just the tip of the iceberg." Orochimaru said evilly, raising his right hand up high, looking at the palm of his hand, "there are much more Jutsus to learn in this world…"

Orochimaru's eyes slowly looked down to the boy who was still holding his battle position, Orochimaru's hand still holding high. With a devilish smile he lowered his hand to be even with the boy, "…and you could help me."

Naruto looked at the man's hand for a couple of seconds before slapping it away, "like I'd ever join someone like you!"

Orochimaru then chuckled lightly, using his left hand to hold his right elbow, so he could lay his chin on the back of his right hand. "You may deny me now, Uzumaki Naruto, but I can clearly see the inner you. I can see the person that's been sealed by this mask you wear. And soon it will come off, and you'll want revenge upon this village you once cared so much for. And when that happens, I'll take you as my student, and teach you everything I know. For now there's a special present I have to give you."

Orochimaru then punched Naruto in his solar plexus, completely knocking him unconscious. Grabbing Naruto by the shoulders so he wouldn't fall onto the ground, he heaved him over his shoulders and used Shunshin (Body Flicker) to get away, knowing full well this was the best choice for the Curse Seal, 'to think this boy could have created such a technique like that. It's undoubtedly S-Rank do to its requirements. But to have created such a technique on top of knowing both Kage Bunshin and Tajuu Kage Bunshin, B- and A-Ranked Jutsus. This boy has more talent then even me, it's just so untouched. This village is just a hoard of imbeciles and fools…'

Naruto faintly tried to open his eyes. His eyes taking slower then they usually do to adjust to the scenario around him. He must have been in a whole different area then where he last was, seeing as there was no place that was marked by burned or battle scorn land nearby. Looking to his left he saw a clear river quietly flowing by. He was very thirsty. Getting two feet under him, Naruto stood up only to fall back down on his butt. Naruto didn't know what just happened. All of a sudden his legs felt like rubber and he couldn't help but fall back down. Why was he so tired?

It then dawned on Naruto that he'd just been fighting that Orochimaru man and was knocked out. Using all the energy he had Naruto spun around, now standing up, but crouching on his legs and left hand. The right hovering over his kunai holster just incase Orochimaru was still near by. Sensing nothing for awhile off he calmed down. Naruto couldn't help but collapse at that instant, whatever energy he had from the short nap now gone. Looking back over to the river Naruto crawled closer. Once he was a foot away, Naruto reached forward receiving a massive about of pain shot throughout his entire body.

Naruto didn't know what was going on, but he wasn't able to move, the pain still constant within his body. Although most of the pain he was receiving seemed to originate from his left shoulder. Using anything he had within, to pull himself just a few inches further to the river, he looked in its reflection. Nothing out of the ordinary, seeing as there was nothing wrong he decided to take a look at his left shoulder. Pulling his white collar and the black shirt he had underneath the jacket down, he saw three black comma-like figures cycling each other. What on God's earth is that?

'Oh what does it matter?' Naruto thought to himself, falling down onto his back. Forgetting about the Mark on his neck and the solemn need for water, 'I just need to sleep…'

"Seems like were finally here…" Sasuke said quietly, still depressed about his friend/rival's diversion of death.

"Y-Yeah…" Sakura agreed not caring about the fact that they had finally made it to the tower in the middle of the forest. Sakura still had the dry tear marks down her cheeks, as she had been cry for some while.

"Um, then I'll see you two inside?" Yakushi Kabuto asked looking over to the dejected group of ninja as his own teammates came into view.

"Yeah…" the two said in monotone unison.

Kabuto didn't want to hang around them anymore, do to their gloominess, as he walked through the doors with his companions. He had already helped them get an Earth and Heaven scroll, what more could he give?

Kabuto was about to open the scrolls when he noticed his snake master leaning against the wall. "Orochimaru-sama… the information regarding Uchiha Sasuke has decreased. He seemed to be very depressed for some reason, and I haven't really seen his skills that much, also I didn't detect the Curse Seal on him, Orochimaru-sama?"

The snake Sannin wasn't paying attention, his mind still wondering about the boy with the new Curse Seal. "Forget about the Uchiha…" Orochimaru ordered surprising Kabuto.

"What why?" the Sound spy asked not believing what he was hearing. After all the trouble dealing with Itachi down to his little brother Sasuke, always talking about holding the Sharingan within his grasp. Why would he change his mind all of a sudden?

"What of the Kyuubi brat?" Orochimaru asked, not listening to his servant's question. He was hoping Kabuto could give him some information about the boy, not like before when he called the boy 'talent-less'. Although he wasn't quite sure whether or not Naruto had made it back to his team, he did try to place the boy as close as he could without being detected by the two disheartened Genin.

"Um… he wasn't with his group for some reason. I thought that's why the girl and Sasuke-kun seemed so down in the dumps. But what could you possibly gain from him?" the glass wearing man asked, not understanding his master's plan.

Orochimaru jadedly let out a sigh, knowing his subordinate had no more information on the Jinchuuriki, "… Nothing at all Kabuto… nothing whatsoever…"

Man was Naruto lucky. Well at first it didn't seem so, seeing as he had just woke up from his 30 minute nap and learned that the end of the second part of the Chuunin Exams were about to close in an hour, by that of a group of Mist Genin. Though the fact that he was close to the Tower that marked the end of the exam, and that the group of Genin had both a Heaven and Earth scroll, was just magnificent. So just incase his two teammates failed in getting one of the scrolls he could come in to save the day. The last good thing was the fact that that same group passing him was exceedingly gullible. Falling into a self-springing kunai trap quite easily, I guess one gets very careless when in a hurry.

Taking the two scrolls from the fallen corpses and using whatever he had within to push forward, Naruto walked closer to that of his destination.

Sasuke and Sakura had just entered an empty room, thinking it was the end of the Second Exam. All they saw was a scroll hanging against the wall. Sakura walked closer to the scroll, not getting what it meant she turned to her teammate – Sakura had to stop, chocking up a little, still not use to using the singular term –, "I don't get what this scroll is saying, something about Heaven and Earth. The scroll seems to be missing different parts of itself."

"We probably have to open the two scrolls…" Sasuke said nonchalantly, like he'd done this before, but in reality just didn't feel like going into great description.

"Oh…" she said, for the first time not caring that Sasuke had made another brilliant observation.

Unraveling the two scrolls a puff of smoke like a summoning happened, Umino Iruka, their old academy teacher came into existence. With a wide smile he greeted his former students, "Congratulations, you three pass the Second Exam!"

Sakura and Sasuke had stunned faces, not know what was going on, but soon looked downcast hearing him say '3'.

Iruka wondered why they looked so down when he had just blurted out that they had past, but he soon realized what was missing. Where was the outburst of how good he did? Where was the cry of how good he was? Where was the roar of how he was going to become Hokage? Where the hell was Naruto?

"Um, where's Naruto guys?" the man with a scar across his nose asked, dreading what their answer might be.

Sakura looked to the right, not wanting to look at her old teacher's expression as she told him what happened. Sakura couldn't help but hug herself as salty droplets of water cascaded down her cheeks, "N-Naruto sacrificed himself to let us escape from this powerful ninja…"

Iruka couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was no way Naruto could die, not before becoming Hokage. What about his dream, his ambition, and his way of the ninja. Looking to his right Iruka saw Sasuke looking at the ground, not wanting to look at his sensei's staggered face, and now he knew this no sick trick. The boy that was like his little brother was gone. Uzumaki Naruto was dead.

"Well, I might as well get you guys up to the Third Exam before the Hokage beings his instructions, come on…" Iruka said, suddenly feeling sad and depressed, waving for them to follow, not telling them the whole thing about how Earth symbolized the body and how Heaven symbolized mental strength.

"Hey Sakura, listen to me…" Sasuke said, coming up from behind Sakura, grabbing her wrist gently, "I know that because Naruto is gone it's going to be hard for us seeing as it's just the two of us. But I promised Naruto I would protect you with my life, and that's what I intend to do. So, instead of moping around, we need to keep pushing forward and become strong, got it."

Sakura nodded, a new resolve coming over her. A smile that seemed like it'd never returned came upon her face, "Right!"

Sasuke then did something that shocked her. He grabbed her hand lightly, but tight enough that it wouldn't slip out. For the first time in her life she saw Sasuke truly smile. "Come on." He said softly following Iruka up the stairs, never once letting go of her hand.

Kabuto was slowly trying to find out why Orochimaru didn't give the Uchiha the Curse Seal and why he wanted to know so much about the Jinchuuriki boy know as 'Naruto'. At first he thought it was because Orochimaru gave the Uzumaki the Curse Seal, but that was impossible, well more like why would he? He went through the different stories of Team 7 with Orochimaru before the exam's start. Haruno Sakura was the only one in her family to be a ninja and had hardly, if any, ninja talent. Uzumaki Naruto had absolutely no talent either being dead-last in his class. The only thing he had working for him was the Kyuubi and he couldn't even control it. While Uchiha Sasuke had enough talent to fill out for his teammates, had the Sharingan, and graduated first in his class. Could he really have chosen Naruto over Sasuke?

"W-What?!" Kakashi asked, as Iruka told him what happened to Naruto. Iruka was right behind Kakashi, overlooking the remaining Genin of the Chuunin Exams as the Hokage continued his short speech about why the Chuunin Exams were taking place.

"I-It's true, they told me just a couple minutes ago." Iruka said, having a monotone look about him, not changing from the impassive face he was holding.

"I-I see, thank you…" Kakashi said quietly as Iruka walked behind the lined up Jonin back to his spot. Kakashi looked to his squad that was now one less, thinking about how their loss would affect them in the near future. He watched all the groups consisting of three Genin closely. Seeming to read each one of them and thinking how lucky they were that they haven't gone through the loss of one of their teammates like Team 7 has. The wheel of time seemed to slowdown as he viewed his lined up team. Now, without the energetic form of a little orange boy, it'll be very dull at practice for all of them.

Kakashi could feel Gai's Youthful eyes on him. He was very grateful that Gai was serious when he wanted to, and wasn't talking. Be it saying how Gai had told him his team wasn't ready, or be it encouraging words of consolation. This was a reason why Gai was his greatest rival and greatest friend even though Kakashi never acted like it.

On the other side of the rows of Jonin, one disguised Orochimaru was seething. How could they do such a thing? He jammed it into Anko's mind, in their quarrel just an hour ago, that if they even touched Naruto with the intent of taking him out of the Chuunin Exams he'd bring hell upon Konoha and destroy it. Maybe he wasn't clear enough when he referred to Naruto during their encounter, always saying how he 'holds something very important'. Although it was a bad idea to not give them a name, he didn't care, because he knew Anko would try and stop him from competing in the match.

Anko herself was silently biting on her fingernails lightly, still thinking on who Orochimaru could have given the Curse Seal. None of them seemed to be in pain, other then the soreness and tiredness they got through the exam itself. Damn it! Why didn't Orochimaru give them a name! This was so frustrating, first she feels her curse mark react confusing her as to why, then she learns Orochimaru is back and is taking part of the Chuunin Exams in some diabolical ploy to destroy Konoha. After that she actually encounters him in the Forest of Death and is ready to sacrifice herself in order to kill him. Turns out when she's about to sacrifice her life he turns into mud. Leaving her for dead, and if it wasn't for the Anbu, she would have.

Anko kept her mind off that, trying to find the one placed with that horrid curse. As if destiny slapped her in the face, everyone in the arena crooked their heads to the uproar coming from the entrance.

"Let go of me you jackasses!" A boy with blonde hair and cerulean eyes complained, indefatigably dragging 5 Chuunin onward, wanting to advance in the Exam so he could compete against other strong opponents. "Come on already, I got the two damn scrolls what more do I need to pass!"

"We're sorry! But we've told you already! You're to late; the Second Exams are already over!" One of the Chuunin cried, still holding onto Naruto's right leg tightly, trying to stop him from going further, but too little avail. They had to stop anyone that entered without the requirements, but they were prohibited from using lethal means do the Hokage's orders.

"I probably would have made it up in time if you all didn't decide to spring on me, and make me drag all your asses up five stories!" Naruto howled back, dragging them even further into the small showground.

"N-Naruto?" Sakura said, seeming to tremble in place. H-He was alive, all that worry and regret for nothing. It felt as if a ton of weight just came of her shoulders as she watched him do his usual rebellious thing as he bickered some more with the Chuunin clutching onto him.

Sakura turned to Sasuke and was surprised by his reaction. This was the first time she saw him so shocked. His eyes were bugged out; not believing what was before him. His best friend and rival – who was thought to be dead – was standing in front of them.

"Ahem…" the Sandaime cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Mind explaining to me, what on earth is going on?"

All five Chuunin who were once compressed around Naruto jumped into a straight line, each one bowing their heads. "We're sorry Hokage-sama, but this kid entered without reaching the requirements you set for use." Said the Chuunin in the very middle of the line up

"The hell are you talking about, I have the two scrolls right fucking here!" Naruto roared pointing to the two scrolls in his left hand, not caring about his foul language, for these Chuunin were becoming really irritating.

"Naruto!" the Uzumaki heard from a far. Turning to the voice's origin he saw a bustle of pink and black hair. Looking down a little he spotted Sasuke and Sakura, his teammates, waving to him. Putting a weary smile he walked over to his teammates. "I'm so relieved you're okay!"

Sakura then did something that shocked the entire Rookie Nine, she hugged him. Him, the dead-last in the academy and the one said to have no talent at all. Naruto couldn't help but wonder why his chest felt wet all of a sudden. But once Sakura pulled back he understood. She was crying tears of joy. She thought he, her teammate, was dead.

Naruto then felt someone's hand pat itself on his shoulder. Turning his head he saw Sasuke smiling. "I'm glad you're okay" he said nicely glad that they were a whole team again.

The Sandaime watched Naruto as he reunited with his teammates. Sarutobi knew all along Naruto was not with his squad, and even though he wanted to, he wasn't aloud to find out what happened to Naruto do to him having to give the remaining Genin the speech about the Hidden Village's alliances. Looking at Naruto closely he noticed Naruto would occasionally grab the left side of his shoulder, flinching in pain as he did so. It then hit the old man as to who Orochimaru possibly gave the Curse Seal. He and Anko were trying to figure who it might have been, but could it really be Naruto of all people. What could Orochimaru possibly want Naruto fo- the Kyuubi!

Remembering the words Anko had told him Orochimaru said, "He holds something of great importance."

He wanted to stop the exams right there and put Naruto under great surveillance. But he couldn't do that, he had to think of Naruto's well being. Even if that was the right thing to do, he couldn't. He cared for the boy like a son. So doing what he had to, he dismissed the five Chuunin that were still standing in the same position as they were before.

A Jounin, wearing his headband like a hat so the top of his hair was patted down, appeared in front of the lined up Genin. Quieting down they looked at him questionably.

Cough, Cough

"Should we start the preliminaries now, Hokage-sama cough, cough" the ninja asked, turning to face the village's leader.

The Hokage nodded his head in reply, "yes Hayate."

"Um, excuse me…" Yamanaka Ino said raising her hand, to get Hayate's attention.

Looking at his small clipboard he replied, "Yes, um… cough, cough… Yamanaka Ino."

"What are these 'preliminaries'?"

"You see… cough, cough… this is the first time we've had so many competitors, so… cough, cough… we need to narrow down the numbers before we go to the Third Exam."

"Oh, okay…"

"Cough, cough okay good, now that that's done I like for you all to forward your attention to the big monitor behind me…" turning around he pointed to the monitor that just appeared behind a hidden wall panel, "cough, cough these matches will be one-on-one an will begin right away so if there is anyone that does not want to fight you can leave now cough, cough."

Some were shocked by what he had just said, why would any of them quit after coming so far? Hayate, seeing that no one wanted to quit turned back to the monitor. "…well lets begin cough…"

Different names flew by, the monitor decided who will face who, until two names came up

Yakushi Kabuto vs. Uzumaki Naruto

'Fuck me…' Naruto thought. Why did he have to be the first to compete, he couldn't have a little time to rest.

'I couldn't have asked for a better opponent.' Kabuto thought to himself, Naruto being the only reason he had not quit.

"Cough, cough the two combatants please stay here, the rest make your way up the platforms" Hayate said, getting everyone to leave the lower arena so the two could have bigger room to fight.

Naruto noticed that Kakashi walked a bit slower as he came behind Naruto, "I'm glad you're alright." He whispered quietly

"Thanks" Naruto said, looking at the back of his sensei as he walked away.

"Now do either of you have anything to say cough, cough" getting no answer it was apparent they didn't, so with an intake of air Hayate called out.

"Fight!"

Taijutsu Definition

Bunshin Taiatari (Clone Ramming Suicide Attack); A-Rank: Bunshin Taiatari is a Taijutsu technique used by Uzumaki Naruto as a way to get behind the enemy. Naruto first uses Kage Bunshin to create several clones. These clones launched themselves at their opponent. If the ninja tries to stop the oncoming clones they will stop the approaching attack, as another facsimile will land on the lined up clones. Using that momentum, the clone will sling the real Naruto at the enemy. This fast speed, at which he is thrown, allows Naruto to get in closer to the foe. While flying towards the ninja, the real Naruto forms another Bunshin, letting him maneuver over his adversary to get behind.

Ninjutsu Definition

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique); B-Rank: Kage Bunshin is a Jounin level Ninjutsu technique. The normal Bunshin technique creates a copy of the ninja that lacks any substance. The Kage Bunshin distributes the ninja's chakra evenly among the clones and creates a real copy with form and substance. The clone itself can also utilize any jutsu the original ninja knows. When the clone finally disperses, any new knowledge it has gained is passed back to the original ninja and any additional clones. This makes Kage Bunshin an excellent training method if the ninja has the chakra capacity and stamina to maintain the Kage Bunshins for an extended period of time. This allows the ninja to essentially reduce the time it takes to train and learn with each clone added. This is especially true when used with Tajuu Kage Bunshin.

Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique); A-Rank: Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu is an advanced variation of the Kage Bunshin Ninjutsu technique which was banned by the First Hokage. This has not stopped many Jounin-level ninja from learning the technique however. Instead of creating several clones, several hundred clones are created. Like normal Kage Bunshin a ninja's chakra is split evenly among the clones when created. The clones themselves can utilize any jutsu the original ninja knows. When the clones finally disperse, any new knowledge they have gained is passed back to the original ninja and to any additional clones. This makes Tajuu Kage Bunshin an excellent training method if the ninja has the chakra capacity and stamina to maintain the Kage Bunshins for an extended period of time. This allows the ninja to essentially reduce the time it takes to train and learn with each clone added. With the great number of clones in Tajuu Kage Bunshin, the ninja can effectively learn in a few weeks with a hundred clones what would take one ninja numerous years.

Jagei Jubaku (Snake Authority Spell); C-Rank: Jagei Jubaku is a Ninjutsu technique utilized by Orochimaru. Using his snake abilities, Orochimaru can extend large snakes from his sleeves, which will coil around the target and bind them. The further addition or the user's murderous intent can weaken their target's resolve.

Tsuchi Bunshin (Earth Clone); B-Rank: Tsuchi Bunshin is a variation of the Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone). Like the other Hidden Villages Iwagakure wanted to create a technique like Kage Bunshin, so using their element, earth, they created the Tsuchi Bunshin. It served with the same abilities as the Kage Bunshin with the exception of anything the clone learns will not pass back to the original ninja.

Bunshin Bakuha (Shadow Clone Explosion); A-Rank: Bunshin Bakuha is a secret Ninjutsu technique sealed within the Scroll of Sealing. At first glance the clone appears to be a normal Kage Bunshin, but the ninja can detonate the clone at any time to form a very large explosion. To do so the ninja will create a corrupted clone, which has no Chakra Coils, but a mass amount of Chakra stored up like an explosive charge. With the flick of a wrist the real ninja can setoff the charge, causing the clone to explode.

Daijigabakuha (Great Self Explosion); S-Rank: Daijigabakuha is a Ninjutsu created and used by Uzumaki Naruto. This technique is a dissimilarity of the Bunshin Bakuha (Shadow Clone Explosion). Unlike the Bunshin Bakuha, a clone is not used for this skill. Instead of a clone the user uses themselves. This Jutsu should only be used as a last resort. Also, unlike Bunshin Bakuha, the user will center all his Chakra around his heart, before completely shorting it out, causing a mass eruption.

Fusokufuri no Jutsu (Neutral Technique); A-Rank: This technique is only used to stop other Jutsus. You must have both hands on the enemy as he uses the Jutsu in order to stop it. Pumping in the same amount of Chakra it requires to create the Jutsu your enemy is making, will utterly cancel said Jutsu.

Taisha Atogama no Jutsu (Regeneration Replacement Technique); S-Rank: This technique allows Orochimaru to experience a near total rebirth of his physical form at the cost of a large amount of chakra. Should a significant portion of his body be damaged in battle, he can emerge from his mouth and cast off the skin of his former body. This new body will not bear the damage of the previous incarnation; however over-use of this technique will greatly weaken him. This jutsu can also be used as a form of Kawarimi (Change of Body Stance), allowing Orochimaru to avoid an attack by leaving his previous skin behind.

Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique); D-Rank: Shunshin no Jutsu is a basic Ninjutsu technique. The ninja will appear and disappear in an instant, allowing them to retreat or attack suddenly. To facilitate the movement the ninja will often use nearby elements such as mist, sand or leaves to mask their appearance or disappearance.