Chapter 2

Disclaimer: i do not own the Naruto series (manga or anime)

Rated M for violence, language, and some sexuality

Enjoy


Konohagakure Council Room, June 24...

Naomi sat with her arms folded into her sleeves with her usual expression on her face. "Have the Genin from the other villages arrived, yet?"

"I suspect so," the Third Lord replied. "Besides our village's own entries, the Sand village and the Sound Village have a lot of prospective Genin."

"The Hidden Sound Village...who exactly runs that?" she asked.

"No one really knows. They've only sprung up recently."

Naomi sighed and stood up, "There's no harm in keeping a cautious eye out. Have you sent out the bird?"

"Yes, the Jonin will be assembling soon," the Third Lord stood up as well. "Would you like to accompany me to the meeting?"

"That's very kind, Lord Third, but it's not my place to interfere in your affairs."

The Third Hokage took a long drag on his pipe, "Now, now...you are still a Jonin, Naomi. Besides being a Council member, you are apart of the military. I suspect that Kakashi will nominate his team for the Exams...are you not interested in how Sasuke will fair?"

Naomi said nothing. She glanced out the window, seeing a hawk flying around in a specific pattern.

Back street on the west side...

Sasuke walked with his hands in his pockets and deep in thought. He glanced up and noticed someone walking by, "Marise?"

Marise stopped and glanced in his direction, "Sasuke? What're you doing here? I thought you were busy with missions?"

"I could say the same to you," he walked over to her. "I wanna ask you something."

"What?"

"I want you to help me hone my skills. I need better practice. These lame missions I've been going on...they're doing nothing for me," he grumbled, irritated.

"Going to the Land of Waves, fighting Zabuza Momochi, and nearly dying...your definition of lame is a bit off, Sasuke," she retorted, crossing her arms under her chest.

"Are you gonna help me or not?"

Marise sighed dramatically and uncrossed her arms, "Alright, fine, since you twisted my arm. I got the afternoon off anyways, so c'mon."

She turned around and motioned for him to follow. Sasuke took a step then froze. He glanced back the way he came, "Wait. Something's wrong."

"Huh?"

"Gimme a second, I'll be right back." He jumped off into the trees.

Marise frowned and pouted her lips. What's he in such a hurry for? She glanced down the back street, hearing a commotion. She walked over to the turn and saw two Genin and two Academy kids standing and watching as a tall boy in a black outfit and purple make-up held up another Academy kid by his scarf. The boy's female companion crossed her arms and glanced away. Sand Genin? Already? I thought the Exams were still a way's off.

The Sand Genin boy raised his fist and prepared to strike the kid until a pebble shot out, hitting his wrist and forcing him to drop the Academy kid. Sasuke was sitting on a tree branch just above the fence, bouncing a pebble in his hand. "You're a long way from home and you're way out of your league."

"Sasuke!" the pink-haired Konoha Genin squealed.

Marise raised a brow in disbelief, so he was just waiting in the tree for the perfect moment to interfere?

The Sand Genin rubbed his wrist, "Oh, great. Another wimp to piss me off."

"Get lost," Sasuke warned.

The Sand Genin narrowed his eyes, "Make me, you weakling."

"Weakling, huh?" Sasuke smirked and held tight onto the pebble in his hand. "Maybe that earlier hit wasn't enough of a warning. Let's see if you hear this one."

The Sand Genin growled as Sasuke raised his fist and threw the pebble. Marise appeared and caught the pebble just two feet from the Genin's face. Sasuke, the other Genin, and the Sand Genin all gasped in surprise by her sudden appearance. Marise smiled politely and lowered her hand. "Sorry about that. He's a bit of a hot-head. Though, I think I could say the same about you."

"Who're you?" the Sand Genin demanded, glaring down at her.

Marise kept up her smile, "Relax. There's no need for things to escalate higher. Just forget about this and return to your Jonin."

"Who do you think you are, bossing me around?" he stepped closer, looming a good 11 inches above her.

"Kankuro, just drop it," the female Sand Genin insisted.

"By the looks of you, I'd say you're a good whole year older than me...but, even that won't help you if you push this further because I will kick your ass."

"What'd you say?!"

Marise lowered her smile to a smirk, completely unfazed by the significant difference in height. "You are still a Genin, boy. Your best bet is to tuck your tail between your legs and walk away now."

Kankuro clenched his fist and growled in frustration. He slipped his giant pack off and set it down. His female companion gasped, "You're gonna use the Crow for this?"

Kankuro ignored her, "You're the kind of pesky snot I hate the most. All attitude and nothing to back it up. You're gonna pay for that 'tail' comment."

"I suppose, but...maybe your other squad member has a different opinion." Marise glanced up at the tree.

Sasuke frowned then gasped, sensing someone standing on the other side of the tree. The others followed her gaze and gasped at seeing the red-haired boy standing upside down on the thick branch. Kankuro smiled nervously, "H-hey, Gaara."

"Kankuro...back off," Gaara said in a low, monotonous tone. "You're an embarrassment to our village...challenging a Konoha Chunin like that."

Kankuro widened his eyes in shock, glancing at Marise in disbelief. This shorty?

"Have you forgotten the reason we came here?" Gaara asked. "Put it away."

He obeyed. Marise stared at the boy with a giant gourd on his back, so that's Gaara of the Sand. They weren't kidding when they said he carries evil in his eyes. Kankuro re-strapped his giant weapon to his back. He held his hands out defensively, "I know. I-I mean, the challenged us. They started the whole thing, really. See, here's what happened-"

"Shut up." Gaara narrowed his eyes. "Or I'll kill you."

"I-I was totally out of line. Sorry, Gaara," Kankuro insisted with a nervous smile.

Gaara glanced over at Sasuke then dispersed into sand, reforming on the ground in-between Kankuro and Marise. He faced her, despite being short himself, even he was taller than her. "I'm sorry for any trouble he caused."

"It's fine," Marise said, returning to her polite smile. "I see no reason to report this. It's an exciting time after all."

"Thank you," he nodded his head and turned to his squad members. "Let's go. We didn't come here to play games."

"Sure, I get it," Kankuro squeaked.

They turned to leave. Sakura ran forward, pushing past Marise. "Hey, wait! Hey!"

"What?" the female Sand Genin asked.

"I can tell from your headband...that you come from the Village Hidden in the Sand." Sakura frowned with confidence and determination. "Of course the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind are allies...but no shinobi can enter another village without permission. So state your purpose and it better be-"

Marise grabbed Sakura by her shoulder and pulled her back, "Shut up, girl. Obviously, if I didn't arrest them, they have permission to be here. As skilled as they are or might be, Genin aren't clever enough to sneak into the village what with all our methods of defense."

Sakura shook herself free, "But they need a purpose for being here. Shinobi from other villages can't-"

"If I haven't arrested them, they have permission and purpose for being here," Marise frowned in annoyance. "Are you sure you weren't dropped as a baby?"

"Uh," Sakura froze, unable to think of response.

"Why are they here?" Sasuke asked, still sitting in the tree.

"For the Chunin Exams, of course," the female Sand Genin responded, blushing.

"Chunin Exams?" Naruto tiled his head. "I've never heard of any Chunin Exams, believe it."

"Yeah, I believe it. That you're totally clueless."

"Excuse the obliviousness of our Rookie Genin," Marise waved her hand dismissively. "They haven't been properly informed."

Gaara turned around and continued on walking with his squad. Marise placed a hand on her hip, sheesh, what a piece of work...all three of them. If this is what we have to look forward to in the Exams...I can't wait until the Third Exam.

Sasuke hopped down, landing next to Marise. "Hey, you, identify yourself!"

The female Sand Genin whisked around, "You mean me?"

"No, him. The guy with the gourd on his back," Sasuke pointed.

Gaara stopped and glanced at them over his shoulder, "My name is Gaara of the Sand. I'm curious about you, too. Who are you?"

"I am Sasuke Uchiha."

Gaara narrowed his eyes as Sasuke smirked, deeply intrigued. Marise raised a brow, ugh, rookies. Naruto stepped forward with a smile, "Hi, you wanna know my name?!"

"I couldn't care less." Gaara turned around and jumped away with his squad.

"Well, that was fun," Marise sighed dramatically. "Shall we, Sasuke?"

Sasuke was still smirking. He motioned to walk away with her, "Yeah. Let's go."

"Hold on! Just who the heck are you?!" Sakura demanded, pointing her finger at Marise. How can someone so beauti-I mean, so ugly be so familiar with my Sasuke?!

Marise frowned, blinking at Sakura for a moment. "Sasuke, who is this fool?"

"My teammate."

"Really? Well, glad I'm not you," she shrugged and walked past Sakura.

"Hey! Don't ignore me, shorty! How do you know Sasuke?! Why're you so familiar with him?!"

"Sorry, I couldn't quite hear you. What was that?" Marise smirked at Sakura's boiling anger. "Girl, you're pompous and annoying...traits that usually get damsels-in-distress like you killed. At this rate, you probably won't even pass the Chunin Exams."

Sakura gasped, obviously hurt. She clenched her fists and snarled in anger, "Why, you...!"

Sasuke stepped in-between them, glaring straight into Sakura's eyes. "Back off."

"S...Sasuke," Sakura trembled in disbelief. "B-but..."

"Hey!" Naruto interjected. "You can't talk to her-"

"Shut up, loser. You don't know anything," Sasuke turned a cold shoulder to Naruto. "Let's go, Marise."

Why do I feel like I've suddenly been thrusted into some kind of love triangle nonsense? Marise frowned at Sakura, wrinkling her nose in disgust at the girl's severely depressed expression. "The only way a kunoichi can make it in a man's world...is by proving that she's stronger then they are in every way that she can."

Sakura gasped and glanced up, moved by her words. Marise turned away then glanced to the side, sensing the presence of three ninja in the trees. Naruto was growling at Sasuke who refused to even acknowledge him, and Sakura was still dewy-eyed over Marise's words. Marise exhaled sharply and disappeared without the others noticing. She reappeared not far away, standing on a tree branch above three kids who were definitely her age. She noticed their headbands immediately, Sound Genin...interesting.

"What do you think, Dosu?" the spiky-haired boy asked.

"The usual weaklings. Nothing special," said the boy with his face almost entirely wrapped in bandages. "But the one from the Uchiha Clan and that sand rat...we should definitely watch them...carefully."

"Oh, yeah. I totally agree."

The three Sound Genin gasped and rose to their feet, facing Marise. The spiky-haired boy got into a battle position, "Who do you think you are, sneaking up on us like that, huh?!"

"Well, I am a shinobi of the Leaf Village," Marise said with a "isn't it obvious" tone. "I'm well within my right to be sneaky all I want. You three, however, have no business sneaking around. Return to your accommodations, or find some if you haven't any. Or, shall I escort you myself?"

"Why, you-"

"Zaku, don't." Dosu bowed his head. "Forgive us, we're...just curious about the competition. We won't let it happen again."

Marise nodded and the three Genin hopped away. She sighed and returned to the others. Sasuke and Naruto tore away from their bickering. Naruto glanced around, pointing to the spot where she was standing moments earlier, "Uh...weren't you...now you're...how'd you do that?!"

"Giving warnings to pesky children isn't my only talent," she beamed politely at Naruto and patted his head.

"Can we go now?" Sasuke grumbled, walking away. Marise rolled her eyes and followed. Sakura furred her brows as she watched the two of them walk away, she...doesn't seem interested in him. They way they act...it's like their brother and sister, but...that doesn't make sense. Sasuke's the only Uchiha left. Did some survive? She blinked, noticing Marise's bare feet. What?

Jonin Meeting Room...

The Third Hokage sat at his desk with the Jonin squad leaders gathered in front of him. "I have summoned you for a very important purpose," he stated, blowing smoke from his mouth. "Seeing your fellow Jonin here, I'm sure you know what this is about."

"So soon? I thought we had a bit more time," Kakashi said.

"I take it the other lands have been notified about the coming event," Asuma Sarutobi spoke up, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. "I noticed that some of their Genin have already arrived in the village."

"And?" Kurenai Yuhi interjected. "When do we start?"

"We will begin in one week."

"That's pretty short notice," Nanami noted.

The Third Hokage blew out a big whiff of smoke and sighed, "Take heed. Exactly seven days from today, on the first day of July, the Genin will be gathered and tested. Only the very best will be selected as Chunin. Now, it's time we choose our candidates for the Chunin Examinations. To begin, will those in-charge of the rookie Genin step forward."

Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma stepped forward. "Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma...what do you say? Are there any in your squads you'd recommend are ready for the exams despite their inexperience. As you know, any Genin who has carried out 8 or more missions is technically eligible for the examinations. Beyond that, only you can decide when they are ready. Of course, most Genin require a much longer training period. At least twice that many missions."

"There's no need to rush," Iruka whispered. "It's too soon."

"Why?" asked the woman standing next to him. Iruka glanced at her, slightly blushing. She was a splitting image of Kurenai, almost like an identical twin. She wore the standard flak jacket with dark red pants and ninja shoes. Like Kurenai, she wore a mesh undershirt with only one sleeve, but hers was white and on her left side. She also had a sturdy brown belt which held two empty sword holders on each hip. Her untamed black hair was slightly longer than Kurenai's, but her crimson eyes were just as deadly. "You think the rookie's don't have what it takes? I thought you mentored them in the Academy?"

"I did, but..."

"Kakashi," the Third Hokage said. "You begin."

"I lead Squad 7," Kakashi informed. "Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno...I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend all three of these Genin for the Chunin Selection Exams."

Iruka gasped in shock.

"My Squad is number 8," Kurenai stated. "Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and now, I, Kurenai Yuhi, recommend all three."

"And my Squad is number 10," Asuma said with a faint smirk. "Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and now, I, Asuma Sarutobi, recommend all three."

The Jonin erupted into gossips and whispers. Iruka stepped forward, "Hold on just a minute!"

"Yes?" the Third Hokage raised a brow. "What is it, Iruka?"

"Lord Hokage, with all respect, the nine names that were just given were all my students at the Academy. I know they're skills and they're abilities. Every one of them has great promise, but it's too soon. They need more experience before they're tested. If they try now, they're sure to fail!" Iruka insisted.

"When I became a Chunin, I was 6 years younger than Naruto is now," Kakashi reminded.

"Naruto is nothing like you!" Iruka snapped. "Are you trying to destroy him?"

"Well, they're always complaining about not being challenged enough," Kakashi shrugged. "Maybe wiping out on the Exams will teach them a lesson. A little pain is good."

"What did you say?!"

"Iruka, calm down," the woman said, crossing her arms under her chest. "You're in no position to protest the recommendations of those rookie Genin."

"Of course I am, Karina!" he retorted. "You should know better than anyone why this isn't a good idea. You held your squad back a year!"

"Yeah, because I said that they weren't ready. Now, they are," Karina lowered her hands to her hips. "If Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma see these rookies fit for the Exams, then they are."

"Alright, Karina, back off," Kurenai interjected. "You've said enough."

"No, Kurenai. Iruka needs to realize that these kids are not his students anymore. He has no say in this."

Iruka clenched his fist, glaring at Karina with anger. Asuma rolled his eyes, bored. Kurenai sighed, "Fine."

Nanami crossed her arms, frowning at the whole situation. Stupid Iruka, always blowing things out of proportion. Still...it is unheard of, rookie Genin recommendations. It's been five years since the last time anyone recommended rookies. I'm actually surprised Kakashi went through with it. I was certain he'd wait. Guess he would know better than I would...

"Hm, rookie Genin. Should be fun."

Nanami glanced at the woman standing next to her, "Seriously, Anko? You're excited?"

"Hell yeah. I wanna so what those kids of Kakashi are made of," she giggled disturbingly with glee. Nanami made a face, great.

Isolated Training Ground, South Side, June 30...

Sasuke panted heavily. He was leaning on his knees, trying to keep himself up. He glared at Marise who stood several yards across from him, unscathed. Sasuke gritted his teeth, damn it. Not a scratch!

"Wanna try again?" she asked.

"Yeah." Sasuke stood up straight and wiped the sweat from his eyes.

"Okay."

Marise closed her eyes. Sasuke got into a battle position. He carefully reached into his holster and pulled out two shuriken. He tossed them then ran to the right. Marise dropped into a crouch with her leg out, and the shuriken passed over her. Sasuke squatted and tossed two more. Marise hopped back, sliding on the grass to cease her momentum. Sasuke made it behind her and threw another two. Again, she dodged. He hopped up onto a tree and threw the last two at her right side. Marise didn't move. Only when the shuriken were two feet away did she turn around to dodge them.

She was slower that time...why? Sasuke hopped back down to the ground and threw a kunai knife.

Marise grabbed the kunai by it's handle and threw it right back. Sasuke jumped back into the tree to avoid it. There was no hesitation there...so, whats the difference?

He watched carefully. Marise waited then finally stood up. She tapped the ground with her bare foot then turned her head in Sasuke's general direction. She's not facing directly at me...but she's got an idea of where I am. Okay, I pretty much figured out how her "sixth sense" works.

Sasuke jumped through the trees, staying as quiet as he circled back around to her left side and grabbed a tree branch, and aimed his kunai low. He pulled his arm back then threw it. Marise wasn't moving. It's gonna make it!

Marise turned towards her left and the kunai bounced off her forehead protector. Sasuke's eyes widened, what?! How could she...?!

Marise opened her eyes, blinking in surprise. "Uh...that was unexpected."

Sasuke's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, she didn't sense it all...at least, not in time. She deflected it by pure luck! Damn it!

Marise picked up the kunai and stood up, damn, that was lucky. Naomi would have my hide for not sensing it in time. To be able to test the limits of my sixth sense by jumping through the trees and throwing shuriken from all around...even elite shinobi have difficulty figuring out how the sense works. Trees makes it take longer to pinpoint an enemy's location. By following the rhythmic vibrations of Sasuke's movement, I calculated that he would pass by my left side...so I turned. She flipped the kunai in her hand. Sasuke really does live up to his reputation. Maybe he does have a chance.

A small bird landed on her shoulder and chirped. Marise noticed the little ribbon tied around the bird's ankle. Seriously?! "Alright, I'm coming," she grumbled at the bird. "Hey, Sasuke, I gotta go!"

Sasuke hopped down from the trees, "Where're you going? You said we'd start ninjutsu after I figured out your sixth sense."

"Yeah, I did say that," she nodded then pointed to the bird on her shoulder. "But I've been summoned. Got a mission. Sorry, Sasuke. We can continue after I finish my mission."

"The Exams'll be over by then."

"No," she shook her head. "Look, I'm a Chunin, they don't send Chunin on many far off missions that often. So, relax, would you?"

Sasuke harrumphed as he watched Marise walk away. The bird flew on ahead, and Marise pondered. Naomi said Sasuke had a lot of potential and that she was training him just so that he'd graduate with the other kids his age...but if she trained him outright, he could've been a greater prodigy than Itachi.


end of chapter 2

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