Sharp pupils surveyed the area, somewhere between indifference and madness. Before the broadcasting machine even publicized the results, Gaara left. Traces of dust scattered as he stood before the referee, expectant of his opponent.
A flickering, electronic screen projected the results from above, selecting the possible combinations for battle; the preliminary test stretched their patience – such a sizable group juniors – an unusual circumstance which indicated an entire generation of promising soldiers.
"Gaara (of the Sand) versus Kou (of the Leaf.)"
Scarlet locks graze her forehead, masking the genin's eyes; rawboned legs awkwardly revealed themselves – a muddy pair of worn capris and an oversized tee to match the unsightly presentation. The malnourished rookie walked towards him.
Everyone's attention zeroed in on the underequipped ninja. Tattered clothes and beat-up sandals weighed the sickly figure down. She dragged her feet across the pavement.
"Kou, such an unfortunate child. War orphans." Sarutobi, an elderly man, commented. Fixed on the strange, imperfect pairing, he wordlessly cautioned the surrounding jonin to be prepared.
Worry tainted the atmosphere. A terrible, sickening sensation settled within the pit of the judge's stomach. Tired, stressed eyes glanced over at Kou; Hayate sent a silent prayer.
"I pity the bony red hair. Sad that this is what the Leaf has to offer: pathetic shinobi in their cowardly wake." Temari smirked, though faltered just slightly. A stern look followed the confident reactions. 'She should forfeit quickly before blood is spilled. Unlike most of these novices who shed sympathy, including Kankuro and I, that ill-tempered boy…brute won't bat a single eye.'
Resting her chin upon the metal railing, Sakura grimaced. 'No shuriken or kunai in sight. Kou only possesses somewhat proper footwear with an added forehead protector. The rest of her clothes are…questionable.' Another dry hack, loud and uncomfortable, filled the empty silence.
'Please be safe. Your existence…was unknown to all of Konoha. Stand your ground and live, Kou.' Hinata paled as her face twisted into concern and heavy guilt.
Was this person ever alive?
Ino, a recovering Yamanaka, tried to draw some conclusions about the freaky sand nin. Something was...off about him. 'He gives me the creeps. Those eyes...'
The furry canine slipped into his owner's jacket, shaking with such intensity at the encircling waves of chakara. A stronger, fearful turning overcame Akamaru – more concentrated whimpers pierced the air than Team Eight's previous encounter with Gaara in the Forbidden Forest.
'Whoever this kid's teacher is, they don't seem to be present. Geez, when have the standards for jonin been so...low?' He folded the corner page of his Icha Icha Paradise book, wary of the situation. Kakashi sighed, drifting in and out of desire. 'I guess the drama can wait.'
"You may begin!" A drowsy shout. The supervisor sandwiched himself in between the one-sided match, slicing an arm downward to signify its unfolding.
I live off reviews like Naruto lives off ramen; thank for reading the first chapter of the rewritten Chuunin Exams Arc! This story entails the friendship and trials of Gaara and Kou. Since Red Sand is just the beginning, I would like to know if it catches anyone's interest. In a way, I'm repeating the history of Naruto differently. Ah, um, the single apostrophes ('...') outline the character's thoughts, while quotes ("...") are dialogue - just to clear up some things.