This chapter will have flashbacks, I tried to write a full training chapter but couldn't, so I am just going to show some of it in flashbacks.
Chapter 2
Genin Exam
A twelve year old Naruto Uzumaki was sitting in the back of the class. He was a little tall for his age, at 12 years old, he stood about 5' 1". He had short, spiky blonde hair and the bluest eyes since the Yondaime Hokage. He was wearing his usual cow-pattern white and black camouflage pants that the Hokage special ordered him from Kiri for his birthday, a black long-sleeved shirt with a burnt orange Uzumaki spiral on the back, and black shinobi sandals. Though few knew about it, Naruto always kept his zanbatou, a six foot long katana like weapon(Ichigo sword from season 1 of Bleach) sealed into a scroll in his kunai pouch.
Naruto wasn't on the best terms with most of the members of his class. He knew he was being unfair, but it didn't truly matter to him. There was only one person in his entire class that Naruto had any respect for. That was Sasuke Uchiha. While to boy was very dark, and was always brooding, he had every right to be.
When Sasuke was 7 years old, his older brother, his idol, and the pride of the Uchiha clan, committed near-genocide. He killed every member of the Uchiha clan, leaving only Sasuke. However, the boy's brother didn't leave without a parting gift, that gift just so happened to be 36 hours of constantly replaying the death of their parents, by his hand.
Since that time, the boy had come very far, already he was named as a prodigy. While not on the same level as Itachi. He was impressive. He lived for one reason. Revenge.
While Naruto had no real friends from his current class, he was good friends with Team 9. The students of Maito Gai. Lee was a Taijutsu specialist that tried to be just a little to much like his rather eccentric sensei. Tenten was a pretty, brown haired, brown eyed girl with a fetish for anything sharp and pointy. Neji was an arrogant Hyuuga that Naruto was sure there was a stick up his ass. It was a rather strange team.
Team 9 had happened on him when he was practicing combining his Kenjutsu with the Silent Killing Jutsu. They actually became pretty good friends. Lee was drawn to his hard work and the fact that he had gone from the Dead-last to competing for rookie of the year, Tenten was drawn to the giant sword he swung like it weighed as much as a kunai. Neji had a grudging respect for him because he showed him his greatest weakness. If he couldn't get close, than he couldn't win.
*Flashback*
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu"
The surrounding area was filled with a mist so thick that visibility was zero.
Naruto Uzumaki, no longer able to see his prey, thanks to his self created mist, just listened. The slight rustle of clothes, the shifting of feet, even down to the beating of the heart and the oxygen entering the lungs. While that may not seem like much, to someone fighting with zero visibility, that is the way of the hunt.
SNAP
Naruto head shifted for the direction of the broken twig with his zanbatou at the ready. With one downward slash, the fight was over.
Instead of blood, there was only smoke.
As his shadow clone's memories returned to him, Naruto couldn't help but be disappointed in himself.
'Damn, still to loud. I was startled by the breaking twig and gave away my position, not to mention he heard my footsteps and change in breathing. I'll have to work on that.'
Just as Naruto was about to dispel his mist Jutsu and go home to rest for the night, Naruto was made aware that he was not as alone as he had believed.
"LEE"
"GAI-SENSEI"
"LEE"
"GAI-SENSEI"
"LEE, MY BEAUTIFUL STUDENT, YOUR YOUTHFULNESS IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL."
When Naruto heard the voices he attempted to quickly dispel the mist and hide his sword but he was to late. The group had a Hyuga who just so happened to be attempting to test his telescopic vision distance.
"Gai-sensei, there is someone occupying our training ground. He appears to be our age, maybe a little younger, and is wielding a very large katana like sword."
As soon as Neji had spoke of the katana, Tenten had stars in her eyes. She was unable to suppress the urge to squeal and began skipping over in the direction he was in.
Neji sweat-dropped at seeing his usually, tomboyish teammate go girlie over a sword.
Meanwhile, Lee and Gai started yelling about Tenten's youth and began to power-skip after her.
Sighing, Neji walked after them, all the while mumbling about his insane teammates and sensei.
Meanwhile, Naruto is rushing as fast as he can to seal all of his gear away.
It had been two years since he began taking his training seriously and he was proud that nobody knew of his skill, aside of course from Iruka-sensei and Sarutobi-sensei.
However, he was too slow. Tenten came skipping through the trees, as soon as her eyes landed on his sword, she was at his side faster than he could blink. He was slightly scared when he noticed the stars in her eyes.
"Uhh… Hey?"
Who would have thought that, that could result in one of his only true friendships.
*End Flashback*
Currently Naruto was sitting in his class waiting for the graduation exam to begin so he can get this done with. Naruto loved Iruka-sensei like a big brother, but being in his current class just put him in a bad mood. All those talks by Iruka and even the Hokage, and his fellow academy students, with the exception of Sasuke were still children.
Like right now, he had to listen to Sakura Haruno, the current head Kunoichi of the class, and Ino Yamanaka, the heiress to the famous mind walking Yamanaka clan argue over something as petty as who sits next to their 'love'. It sickened him to think that this was what was considered his equal.
When Iruka walked into his class he had to sweat-drop.
'These are supposed to be ninja?'
Iruka takes a deep breathe to perform his famous Jutsu and Naruto covers his sensitive ears. No matter what he tried, he couldn't figure out how to desensitize his ears to sudden, loud noises.
"Your supposed to be ninja, what the hell is the matter with you?! SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!"
'I've been spending to much time around Naruto-kun. His attitude is starting to rub off.'
Shaking the scary thoughts away, Iruka continues what he was there for.
"Today is your graduation test to become ninja, act like it!"
The glare he sent the class made some of them shiver.
"Ok, today's test will have five parts. Written, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu. The final and most important stage is an all out spar using any and all shinobi arts and tactics."
"The first test will be the written test. Here you go."
Iruka handed out papers.
"OK, the test contains twenty five question. You have forty five minutes. Begin."
As the students finish, they bring their test to Iruka and sit back down. Iruka begins grading the tests.
'Hmm, what element is weak against fire…wind, very good… What is a ninja's greatest weapon…cool jutsu…sorry Kiba, it's deception…'
An hour later, Iruka stands up from his desk.
"Ok, here are the top five scores."
"Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha, Shino Aburame, Ino Yamanaka, and Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at his academic grade. He remembered back when Iruka blackmailed him into trying in class.
*Flashback*
"Please, Iruka-sensei."
"I said NO Naruto, your not even trying in theory, why would I help you with something else?"
"But it's so boring and useless."
Iruka stopped. An overwhelming smile overtook his face.
Naruto started to back away from the slightly maniac gleam in his sensei's eyes.
"You say theory is useless? Well then, lets give it use, I will help you."
Naruto's smile almost split his face.
"If you pass theory."
Naruto's giant smile disappeared.
"WHAT?"
Iruka's smug smile just made Naruto angrier.
"I don't think it's to much to ask. If you start to score in the top…eight in theory then I will help you with your other training."
Naruto just walked away muttering to himself.
"Stupid stubborn senseis, can't even give a guy a break."
Seeing Naruto walk away in the opposite direction of his house, Iruka was curious.
"Hey, Naruto, where are you going?"
Naruto's new personality showing, he yelled out as he kept walking and gave his sensei the bird.
"To the library!"
*End Flashback*
"Ok, the next test will be the Taijutsu test, you will be paired up and spar. It does not matter if you win, only if you show enough skill to warrant Genin status. Now, you know both me and Mizuki, this here is a Special Jonin by the name of Genma Shiranui."
The newcomer was wearing the standard Jonin uniform of Konoha with shoulder length brown hair and a bandana on the top. He was impassive as he chewed on a senbon.
The first few fights were pathetic. Out of the entire class, the only ones with Taijutsu skill were Kiba, if he could control his emotions better, Hinata, if she would stop being so meek, and Choji, if he would train more and get faster. The last match was rather anticipated.
Naruto Uzumaki vs. Sasuke Uchiha
Naruto himself was pretty excited about this match. They were the first and second of the class with Naruto barely leading Taijutsu and Ninjutsu and Sasuke leading thrown weapons, book smarts and Genjutsu.
"Begin"
As soon as they were told to start, Sasuke charged with a punch towards the face. Naruto side-stepped, grabbed and twisted Sasuke's wrist and attempted to knee Sasuke in the ribs. However, much to Naruto's surprise, Sasuke jumped to the side and allow his body to twist with his wrist. While in the air, Sasuke brought his foot down in a heal drop, aimed at Naruto's shoulder. Just before the hit connected, Naruto released Sasuke's wrist. Both jumped back to give some space.
"You didn't think that would work again did you? How dumb do you think I am."
Naruto just continued to give the last Uchiha a blank stare before shrugging. Using the 'War-face' Sarutobi-sensei had taught him about.
"I must say that I'm surprised. I had believed you were to arrogant to learn from your mistakes, because that would mean you acknowledge them as mistakes."
The condescending tone that Naruto spoke in, caused Sasuke's previous level-headedness to vanish.
Unable to keep his war-face, Naruto smirked.
'Always keep your emotions in check, Shinobi rule #3'
Charging in at his top speed, Sasuke got sloppy, his poor attempt at a right hook was negated when Naruto went low, knocking the raven haired boy's feet out from under him. However, the boy recovered quickly and avoided Naruto's backhand.
The two exchange several blows. After almost a minute of constant fighting, Sasuke finds himself on his back. He sees Naruto coming in for a drop kick to the chest but he was having none of that. Sasuke kip-ups, narrowly avoiding the blonde's foot. Being to the side, Sasuke spins and lands a backhand to Naruto's face, at the same time as Naruto's right hook catches Sasuke's stomach. Before either recovers they hear Iruka whistling to signify the end of the match.
The entire class was speechless. Including the instructors. Genma could hardly believe what he had just seen. Which was made obvious by the senbon that was sitting at his feet. No matter how many times they saw them, two academy students shouldn't be that strong.
The two Chunin and one Special Jonin moved to a smaller area and began discussing the fights, they were only there for a few minutes before Mizuki stormed off, rage on his face and the other two came back to the group.
Iruka began reading off his sheet.
"Top 5 Taijutsu are, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuuga and Choji Akimichi. Now we have the Genjutsu test."
Sasuke's anger was easily seen but the boy held his tongue. He knew it would get him no where.
Iruka spoke up, getting everyone's attention again.
"Feel free to rest out here, you will come back to the class room when we call your name, we will cast a Genjutsu and you will have to find it and dispel it. First up Shino Aburame."
Everyone went through the test. Only Hinata, Shino, and Sasuke were able to find and dispel the Genjutsu. Everyone else except Kiba were at least able to find it. They received their scores for how fast.
"Top 5 Genjutsu are. Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame, Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Ino Yamanaka."
Sasuke was seething.
'Damn it! I need the Sharingan! No matter what I do, it won't unlock. It should with my first mission…'
"Ok, now the Ninjutsu portion will be held outside. You will perform Substitution, Clone,and Transformation. For extra credit you can perform a Jutsu outside of the basic three, whether it is a clan Jutsu or just one you picked up during your time here."
Everyone went, the ones from clans doing their clan Jutsu. While most of the civilians didn't know any.
"Naruto Uzumaki"
Naruto went through the basic three with the exception of the clone which he used Water Release: Water Clone Jutsu.
Naruto had to walk over to the nearby pond for his personal Jutsu.
'Ok, no higher than B-rank. No reason to get any extra notice.'
"Water Release: Five Eating Sharks Jutsu"
Naruto slammed his hands onto the surface of the water and nothing happened.
Sasuke just looked arrogant, thinking that Naruto made a mistake.
"So, blondie screws up again, no surprise, it's a wonder you waited this long to choke."
"How about you take a stroll onto the water and let me know what you think of my Jutsu."
"Hn"
Sasuke just turned up his nose and walked away.
"Hey Iruka-sensei, can you just send a clone so I can finish?"
Iruka nodded and made a water clone.
It didn't get five feet onto the water when two large sharks made of water jumped and tore the clone apart. Had it been the real Iruka, he would be missing his right leg and left arm.
"Satisfied?"
"Yes, very good Naruto."
"Tch. What a worthless Jutsu, needing water for it."
Naruto glanced at Sasuke who didn't even seem to be paying attention any more.
"I use Ninjutsu to supplement my Taijutsu. Of course if you were as smart as everyone claims then you would know that."
Sasuke went red in the face and was about to attack Naruto when Iruka called out.
"Ok, good job Naruto. Next Shikamaru Nara."
As Naruto walked towards a tree so he could relax in the shade, Naruto could help but think back to when he had learned that he had a water affinity.
*Flashback*
"GRRRRRRR!"
Two weeks and he hadn't learned anything that would help him get stronger. He had stolen, ahem, borrowed, one textbook for every year at the academy, but those only had the very basic of stuff in them, designed to have a teacher teach the students…It wouldn't help anyone out if the other villages could get their hands on exactly what their young Genin would know.
"Damn it! I can't do this alone, the library probably wouldn't help, I wouldn't understand it, maybe the old man will have an idea…but, that would mean I have to tell him what I'm doing. I wanted to surprise everyone… well, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if I didn't learn anything anyways…oh well, off to the old man's office."
Doing something that very few could get away with, Naruto walked right into the Hokage's office, most others would have been restrained by Anbu, but this is Naruto.
"Old man, um, can you help me?"
As soon as the words left the boy's mouth, the elder Kage was searching the boy for injuries, he saw some scraps but that was normal for a ninja in training.
"No, nobodies hurting me anymore, I-I don't want to be weak anymore."
This caught the Hokage off guard.
"Then why don't you pay attention in class?"
Naruto only seemed to be trying to hide in his jacket.
"Whenever I would do good, the teachers would punish me."
The Hokage's eyes went wide with surprise before a righteous anger overtook his face.
'When will those fools ever come to terms with the fact that Naruto is NOT the Kyubbi?'
When old man Sarutobi saw Naruto's face, he was taken aback, it was full of raw determination, nothing would stop him on his quest, he didn't want pity or remorse, all he wanted was to correct it. The decision was easy.
"Well, what is it you want help with."
The old Naruto quickly returned.
"I want learn Water Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu."
That surprised the old man.
'Water Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu? Why? Water Ninjutsu is often viewed as the weakest of the elements, it lacks the density for defense that earth has, and the damaging abilities that fire, wind, and lightning have.'
Naruto watched nervously as Sarutobi proved how he got the name the professor, as his mind continued to work through the problem.
' And Kenjutsu, while popular in the elemental nations, Konoha has never had any truly great Kenjutsu specialists so it never truly took hold. The closest I would say was Orochimaru and that was because the snake summons possessed the Grass Cutter, or Kushina but she was relatively unknown since she was in ANBU and her identity was kept a secret. Our Nindaime, he used Water Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu with the Raijin. The only other possibility would be one of the Seven Swordsmen of Kiri… That's it, he must have discovered some info on either the Seven Swordsmen, maybe one of the seven, or our own Nindaime. Well, now for a test.'
"What kind of sword did you want to learn? A katana? Maybe a Ninjato? There are so many to choose from."
Being the naïve kid he is, Naruto didn't know he was walking right into Sarutobi's trap.
"I want a Zanbatou."
That did it.
'So, something got him hooked on the Seven Swordsmen, I wonder what.'
"So, Naruto. What has inspired you to take on the fighting style of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kiri?"
Naruto eyes went wide at being discovered.
"What? But how?"
Sarutobi gave a light chuckle.
"Experience my boy. Water Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu is the primary fighting style of the Seven Swordsmen, you just sealed the deal when you specified that you wanted a zanbatou. Four of the seven use a zanbatou, the only ones that aren't have different specialties and uses."
Naruto looked down, his face unreadable even to Sarutobi.
'Damn, he saw right through me. I need to learn how to read people and give away only what is needed.
Seeing the face on Naruto, the old man decided to calm him down.
"No worries Naruto, I was known as 'The Professor' because of my ability to read people and the best move and what each person might do. To gauge your ability to conceal your actions against someone like me, would be like trying to run before you have even heard of crawling."
Naruto was in thought for a few more seconds before he smiled at the man who had been like his grandfather.
"So, what has you so interested in the Seven Swordsmen?"
Slowly, Naruto reached into his jacket and showed the Hokage several pieces of paper.
After reading through the insert from the Bingo Book, Sarutobi looked at Naruto with a stern expression.
"Naruto, it is great that you have found the drive you have been sorely lacking but you must know that there could be a time down the road that you have to fight him or just a Kiri nin in general. You need to understand that you may have to kill them."
Naruto surprised Sarutobi by answering quickly, and seriously, a feature never before seen on the orange wearing ninja-to be.
"I know old man, we are different villages."
"Good, now lets see if what your affinity is, if it is anything but water, then they will be harder to use. If it is fire or earth, water Ninjutsu will be very difficult…Nearly impossible."
Naruto nodded in understanding, having read the basics of affinities in the fourth year academy textbook.
Sarutobi hands Naruto a small, white sheet of paper and tells him to channel chakra into it.
As fate would deem, the paper got wet.
*End Flashback*
Naruto couldn't help but smile at the memory.
Meanwhile, several other ninja wanna-bes went, mostly civilian.
"Sasuke Uchiha"
Sasuke did the basic three with ease. Then he got a smirk and whipped four kunai towards a tree, one stopped short and fell to the ground, while the rest each embedded in the center. Only Iruka noticed the wire that was to short on one of the kunai. Sticking the remaining three in his mouth, Sasuke flashed through some hand seals.
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Jutsu"
Fire roared to life and traveled down the wire before burning the tree to a crisp.
Iruka was impressed.
The last few go and they give out the top 5 for the Ninjutsu test.
"Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yamanaka, Shino Aburame, and Nara Shikamaru."
Before anyone could say anything, Sakura's and Ino's voices could be heard.
"WHAT HOW DID HE GET A HIGHER SCORE THAN SASUKE!? HIS JUTSU NEEDED WATER!"
A voice from behind answered for Iruka.
"You see, this test is not to see who knows the biggest or most powerful Jutsu. It is to see how well you can do your Jutsu. Judging by young Sasuke's simple mistake he has yet to master this Jutsu, if you use this in combat, there is a possibility that you could make another simple mistake and it could cost your life."
Everyone except Naruto and Iruka were shocked that the Hokage had come to see them graduate.
"Ahh, Hokage-sama, is there anything I can do for you?"
"Oh, no. I just wanted to see this years batch of Genin, I have been so busy with paperwork I haven't been able to check on their status in class. Please, continue, pretend I'm not here."
Iruka nods.
Iruka couldn't help but shake his head when he thought about how nervous he used to be around the Hokage…
"Understood Hokage-sama."
"It is now time for the Shinobi Arts spar. You are allowed to use any Jutsu in your arsenal, just don't kill your opponent."
"First up, Kiba Inuzuka vs. Naruto Uzumaki"
"We got this one in the bag Akamaru."
Naruto just walked to the ring.
"Good luck, you can use any and all ninja tools, Jutsu, or weapons. If I suspect you are going for a killing blow I will be removing you from the charter. That means you would automatically be placed in the reserves and only called on in a time of war."
"Understood?"
Receiving a nod from both.
"Begin"
"Tch, you don't stand a chance. I've been training really hard! Just give up."
Naruto gave Kiba a nod before speaking.
"Hey Kibble, didn't I beat you on every part of the test? You should train harder."
Kiba stopped listening after the kibble comment and was about to charge in before he thought of something and got a wicked smirk on his face.
"Just for that, instead of beating you, I'm going to embarrass you."
Kiba thinking this will be easy, just goes through several hand seals.
"Secret Jutsu: Four Legs Jutsu"
Kiba hunched over as his hands and feet grew claws while his fangs extended.
Kiba launched at Naruto with speed on the border of Chunin level. The increase in speed allowed Kiba to land an elbow to Naruto's stomach. However, his water clones hit harder. The blow didn't even leave him winded. Naruto retaliated with a kick that Kiba barely managed to dodge.
When Kiba righted himself, he saw Naruto make a few hand seals.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu"
The area became clouded with fog before nobody could see two feet in front of them.
With out bothering to test his theory, Kiba starts to mouth off.
"Hah, Idiot, I'm an Inuzuka. We hunt just as well with our noses as our eyes."
Kiba channeled chakra to his nose and took a whiff. His sense of smell was assaulted. It seemed as he was surrounded by him.
"What the hell? How is your scent everywhere?"
Naruto's voice came from everywhere. It sounded slightly demonic.
"And you call me the idiot? This mist was created with my chakra. All the surrounding mist has my scent. You will never be able to track me here."
As soon as Naruto was done talking, Kiba received a punch to the face. Before he could even think about recovering, he was pounded in the stomach by Naruto's foot. The fight went on for a few minutes like this. Kiba unable to find Naruto, and Naruto appearing from the mist, just long enough to hit Kiba before disappearing again.
Four minutes into the fight, the mist cleared to reveal a perfectly fine Naruto and a battered and bruised Kiba.
"Winner Naruto Uzumaki. Ok, Next up Choji vs. Shino."
Naruto ignored the rest of the fights. He knew what would happen with all of them anyways. Shino sucked chakra, Shikamaru would fight just long enough to show he could win and then give up, it would be pointless to pay attention.
"Ok, everyone to the classroom to find out who passed and who failed."
The class just sat in their seats talking about this and that until Iruka returned.
"Congratulations, everyone passed. The top five are, Naruto Uzumaki as rookie of the year, Sasuke Uchiha is a close second, Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuuga, and Ino Yamanaka."
If one were to look at Sasuke you would see rage stretched across his face. His desk was slightly cracked from how hard he was squeezing it.
'If I can't beat the blonde idiot, how am I going to kill him!?'
Iruka began walking around the class handing out headbands. He gave Naruto a black one with an extra long cloth. Which Naruto put on his head sideways much like Zabuza's in his bingo book picture.
"Ok, some time today, you must go to the Hokage Tower to have your Shinobi ID picture taken. You all need to come back tomorrow for team placement."
After quickly getting his picture taken, Naruto was just walking around, he had nothing to do…receiving looks contempt from everyone, Naruto decided he would train for a while to clear his mind.
Four hours later, a slightly bloody, bruised and exhausted Naruto is laying in the middle of training ground 37. His mind is still clouded.
'Why did I want to become a shinobi for this village? It's not like anyone likes me. I have no friends, no family, the only people to actually care about me are Lee, Tenten, possibly Neji, Sarutobi-sensei and Iruka-sensei.'
Not liking the dark turn of his thoughts, Naruto decides to go home and go to sleep.
The next morning, we find Naruto Uzumaki roof hopping towards the shinobi academy. He had trained hard and forgot to set his alarm.
He burst through the classroom door to find everyone there and Iruka with the role call in his hands. Iruka gives him a pointed look before continuing.
"Ok, once again, congratulations on graduating. However, as ninja, your life just got a lot harder. Listen up for your name Team 1 is…"
Naruto noticed that the civilians with the least talent were the ones in teams 1-6.
"Team 7 will be Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno 'queue Sakura's declaration of true love' and… Naruto Uzumaki."
Everyone stopped at this. The tension between Naruto and Sasuke was easily noticed.
"Excuse me Iruka-sensei, I must have heard you wrong, did you just put me on the same team as both, the Uchiha and the bookworm?"
The whole class laughed at how true it was. While Sakura went red in the face and Sasuke just grunted.
"Sorry Naruto, these teams came directly from the Hokage."
Naruto just nodded, still not understanding why the old man would put him in this situation, with this team, it was torture.
"Team 8 will be Hinata Hyuuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame."
None of them had any complaints. Except Hinata who wanted to be on the same team as her… Hinata couldn't even think about being on his team without her face getting painfully red.
"Team 9 is still active, so Team 10 will be Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara."
This got three different reaction.
Ino started yelling about how Sakura got to be with 'Sasuke-kun' and she was stuck with the lazy pineapple head and the human garbage disposal.
Shikamaru just put his head down muttering to himself.
Choji just munched on his chips…
Three hours later, Team 7 is the only ones left. Iruka had left about an hour and a half ago. This left Naruto alone with his 'teammates' and he uses the word lightly.
Kakashi Hatake was walking towards the academy to pick up his future students. He knew they would be mad that he was late but he didn't care.
'They will only be my students for a day before they fail.'
Kakashi had long since stopped bothering to even read their files. After the first 14 teams he failed he just didn't see the point of even knowing their names.
When Kakashi walked into the classroom, he was greeted with the sight of a pink haired girl fawning over a brooding black haired boy while a blonde haired boy appeared to be taking notes.
"Ahem."
This got all of their attention. Naruto quickly covered his ears. It proved to be smart because it turned out the pink one had a healthy set of lungs on her.
"YOU'RE LATE"
Blinking his eyes after having his ear drums assaulted he couldn't help but glare slightly at the girl.
"Shhhh. Iam right here after all."
The slight edge to his voice, and hard look in his eye made Sakura shiver in fear. The small dose of Killing intent may have had something to do with that though.
"Meet me on the roof."
With that he disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
The two Genin just sat their, not sure what to do while Naruto stood up and started walking towards the stairs.
This seemed to snap the others out of their stupor and they followed him up.
When they arrived on the roof, they saw their future sensei sitting on a bench reading an orange book while letting out an occasional giggle. They just sat in front of him and waited to be acknowledged.
10 minutes of perverse giggling and the three Genin had still not been noticed.
Each showed there annoyance in different ways. Naruto's fists were clenched so hard that blood had actually been drawn. Sasuke kept his cold indifference on his face, with the exception of his twitching eyebrow. Sakura was glaring death at the one-eyed man.
Just when it looked like Sakura was gonna blow, the little orange book snapped shut.
The silver haired Jonin looked up, staring into the souls of each Genin.
"Sorry, that was my favorite part. Masaki sure is a dirty little girl."
Kakashi was internally smiling when he saw how close to the edge the three were.
"My name is Kakashi Hatake. Several years ago, I would have had you introduce yourselves. However, at this point I don't see a reason. Just know, 14 teams in seven years have taken this test. Zero have passed. Hell, none have even come close to passing. The test will be at Training ground seven tomorrow at seven. Do not eat. Failure to obey my orders is grounds to immediately fail."
Training Ground 7 at 7am
When Kakashi arrives at Training Ground 7 at 10am, he is greeted with a sight similar to every other time he has seen his team. Sasuke is brooding while Sakura stares at him. However, this time Naruto isn't here.
That is until he notices Naruto sitting at the stream at the edge of the training field.
"Gather round everyone so we can find out if your Genin material."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN GENIN MATERIAL? WE ARE ALREADY GENIN."
Kakashi doesn't even acknowledge the Kunoichi.
Naruto walked closer and leaned against a nearby tree to listen to their sensei.
"Well, only 33% of the class will actually become Genin. The rest will either be put in the reserves or be removed from the program."
This got the reaction he desired, almost. Two of the three Genin were floored.
Sakura's eyes were wide and her mouth was moving like a fish out of water.
Sasuke's head snapped toward the Jonin and glared death at him.
He was disappointed in Naruto's reaction who just rose his eyebrows and stared impassively. However, Kakashi wasn't an A-rank ninja for nothing, he could see the wheels turning in the blonde's mind.
"Your test will be to get a bell."
Kakashi pulled out two bells.
"But Kakashi-sensei there are only two bells."
Sakura's statement silenced the next think Kakashi was going to say before he managed to get passed the obvious statement without insulting the girl.
"Yes, that means that no matter what, one of you will fail. You have two hours. Oh, and if you want even the slightest chance than come at me with intent to kill. Begin."
All three Genin disappeared into different parts of the training ground. Sasuke was in a tree, Sakura was under a bush, and Naruto was in a tree near the same stream he was at before he arrived.
After 15 minutes, Kakashi got bored and decided to test them individually.
'Maybe showing them how outclassed they are will make them see the true meaning…Nah. Never worked before.'
It didn't take long for Kakashi to sneak up behind Sakura, she was so concentrated on looking for Sasuke that she didn't even notice he was two feet to her left.
'She has a lot of work ahead of her. The only question is will she do it.'
With the skills of an Elite Jonin, Kakashi casts a D-rank Genjutsu without hand seals or calling it out.
'Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Jutsu'
Sakura was determinedly on the search for her 'Sasuke-kun'. After about 20 minutes she was getting frustrated. She began ranting about how incredible Sasuke-kun was to be able to hide so well. Her ranting were cut off by a weak voice.
"Sa-kur-a h-hel-help m-me."
"Sa-kur-a."
When the pink haired fangirl turned around she saw a most gruesome sight.
Sasuke was crawling on the ground, kunai and shuriken sticking from his back while blood dripped from his mouth. She did what any skilled Kunoichi would do. She screamed before fainting.
Kakashi just watched to proceedings with a sweat-drop.
'I figured with her low chakra reserves, she would have turned to Genjutsu, I was obviously wrong.'
Kakashi just shrugged and went off to find Sasuke who was not to far away.
As Kakashi walked past the tree he knew Sasuke was hiding in he heard the tell-tale sound of kunai flying through the air. Performing a seal-less Substitution just as 3 kunai impact the log.
Sasuke, seeing the Jonin escape knows he has to leave as his position is compromised, Sasuke quickly vacates the tree. He begins to look around for his new sensei but can't find him. Relaxing his guard slightly before a whisper reaches his ears.
"You shouldn't let your guard down."
Sasuke reacting on instinct, quickly turns and attempts to kick the Jonin, this turns out to be for not, as Kakashi just takes a step back and continues to read his book.
'Jonin or not, I can't fail here!'
Sasuke charges head on towards the obviously superior ninja. The Taijutsu match that occurs, is… Interesting.
The only point at which it seemed Sasuke had the upper hand, was when he managed to touch one of the bells. However, all that did was force Kakashi to put the book away, and Sasuke never even got close.
Even through his Uchiha pride, Sasuke can see that Kakashi is better than him at Taijutsu.
'Lets see how he likes Ninjutsu.'
Going through a few hand seals that make Kakashi's eye widen.
'A Genin shouldn't have the chakra for that.'
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu"
A small explosion occurs when the fireball hit. When the fire and smoke cleared, there was nothing there.
'Hah, nobody can stand up to the Uchiha clan's Ninjutsu.'
Sasuke heard a muffled voice that he was unable to understand.
It became clear that Kakashi was not dead when a pair of hands wrapped around his ankles and dragged him under the ground up to his neck. Before Kakashi reappeared from the ground.
"Your not bad… not good either, but not bad. I still have one more Genin to toy with before this test is over, have fun digging yourself out."
As Kakashi began the long walk over towards the stream, he sighed.
'Maybe I could just let him come to me? No, this will be more fun. He probably uses water Ninjutsu. At least he knows he will need every advantage he can get.'
And so, Kakashi was not far away from the stream, but the strange thing is that he can no longer sense Naruto.
'It is as if Naruto was luring me into a trap. Nah, this is a fresh out of the academy Genin.'
As Kakashi was walking towards the stream he had sensed Naruto at, he was side-stepping an occasional trip wire, he was noticing that the closer he got, the traps got more complex and harder to detect. He had to admit he was impressed.
That only brought him to the thought that he still couldn't sense the Genin.
'Did he leave?'
The answer to his question came when he saw the Genin standing about 50 yards away on the stream.
At this point several things surprised him.
If it wasn't for him being in sight, he wouldn't know where the Genin was. The fresh out of the academy Genin, was able to walk on water. However, the biggest surprise was the six foot katana strapped to his back.
While his attention was on his clone, the real Naruto snuck behind him to quickly add in traps to give the Jonin no escape.
The Jonin and the clone just stood there. Staring each other down. However, Kakashi's eyes widened when his danger sense told him to duck. Had he not, he would have lost his head to a Genin with a really big sword. When he looked towards the Naruto he had been staring down, he was surprised when it turned to water.
"Water clone? Surprising for an academy student."
"That's not all I know."
Naruto went through a few hand seals.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu"
Naruto is almost positive that his skill in Silent Killing Jutsu is not high enough to fight Kakashi head on, but it may allow him to get a bell if he is underestimated.
'Damn, this mist is so thick I can't even see my hand.'
Having developed a dependency on his Sharingan, fighting with sound was never Kakashi's strong point. He quickly drew two kunai to defend himself.
Kakashi is thinking about how hard to fight this Genin, it is obvious he is skilled.
'I may have to fight with a third of my ability.'
Naruto can hear the tell-tale sound of kunai against leather.
'He drew kunai. To bad he is to experienced to mess with his head… but maybe.'
Naruto forms a hand seal and silently creates 5 Water Clones.
Kakashi is silently standing in the mist, just waiting for the attack. Then it comes. Kakashi blocks a slash from the zanbatou with a kunai and lashes out with his foot, dispelling the clone. Seeing his attacker be a water clone set Kakashi on edge.
The four remaining clones all charge at the Jonin from different sides. Kakashi, hearing the comparatively clumsy steps of the clones, is able to dodge the strike from the front and behind while redirecting the strikes from the sides to kill two of the clones.
The two remaining clones didn't last long as Kakashi dispelled the clones with a short burst of lightning charka.
'He appears to be very skilled in Silent Killing I should get out of the mist to take away his advantage…I won't be able to see the traps but luckily I was able to memorize their location.'
Kakashi began sprinting away in the same direction as he had come. He did not get far until he heard a sizzle sound. He immediately knew it was an exploding tag. He jumped to the left as fast as possible, only to activate a trap and have it send several kunai and shuriken at the Jonin.
'He added traps after I came. These ones are more deadly. I have to admit he is good.'
Kakashi was forced to continue dodging traps for a few minutes. A few even almost got him.
Kakashi is surprised when the mist begins to lift.
However, he is shocked when standing in front of him is the real Naruto holding two bells.
"Looks like I win."
Kakashi could only stare.
'I got beat…by a Genin. A Genin.'
If one were to look inside Kakashi's head right now, you would see a chibi-Kakashi crying while cuddling with two dolls, one with black hair and red eyes(Obito) and the other blonde hair and blue eyes(Minato).
Naruto's voice broke Kakashi out of his depression.
"If I were to fail the test, than what are my options, could I go back to the academy and wait until the next class?"
Kakashi just looked at him like he was stupid.
"No you would be put in the reserves until there is a need to bolster our forces."
Naruto started mumbling about stupid gay brooders and pink hair fangirls.
"Fine"
Naruto walked back to where Sakura was trying to dig out Sasuke while he sent her glares. It was a rather comical sight.
Naruto arrived slightly before Kakashi and threw the bells, one to Sakura and one to Sasuke, to say they were shocked was an understatement.
Sasuke's face went from shock to anger.
'Is Naruto really stronger than me?'
Kakashi got their attention before Shunshining away.
"Be here tomorrow at 7am"
And so began Team 7
That is it! My re-write of Ch. 2 is done!
Please let me know what you think about what I have so far! That means Review!