Author's Note
WARNINGS- This is Yaoi, Male/Male, Slash, Gay, whatever you want to call it. Hit the back button if you don't like. This is a Time Travel story (Should start about the 10th Chapter). Again, hit the back button if you don't like. This story was not meant to be very different from the original show (Japanese dub). It was meant to show the consequences of a small change. And given that I SUCK at writing fight scenes, I had a tendence to either summerise or write them out as they appeared on the show. SPOILERS- Naruto Original, Naruto Shippuuden, and two Naruto Shippuuden movies (4- The Lost Tower and 6- The Road to Ninja).
If you don't like any of these, just don't read this story or comment. My confidence is already in the rubbish bin, I don't people beating me down any more. Please, no flames/trolls.
Team 7 parted ways with Kakashi after another B ranked mission that had brought them outside the gate. The three staid together, slowly moving towards the training grounds. However, a square 'rock' was following them. They all realised it but none really cared that much, waiting for Konohamaru to make his move on his own.
"Do you think Kakashi-sensei will sign us up for the exams?" Naruto asked, his arms behind his head as he walked.
"He better. We've been doing more B ranked than the Chuunins!" Sakura said.
Sasuke gave a small snort and nod in agreement. A small explosion occurred behind them, making the three stop and look back. Multi-coloured smoke came off three children, who were on the ground, coughing.
"Konohamaru, what are you doing?" Naruto asked, "Explosives? Was that really necessary?"
They stood quickly.
"The one who possesses the sex appeal of an adult, and the female ninja from the senior group, Moegi!" the girl said.
"The one who loves dividing numbers, Udon." the boy said.
"This village's number one genius ninja, Konohamaru!" the Sarutobi heir said.
"The three of us make the Konohamaru Corps!" they finished together.
Konohamaru laughed, "Naruto-nii-chan, you didn't even realise we were here!"
The children froze when the three Genin gave them a deadpanned look.
"Do you really think we wouldn't notice you?" Sakura asked.
"Nii-chan, who is this big girl?" Konohamaru asked, "She's ugly."
Naruto and even Sasuke froze hearing the words leave Konohamaru's mouth. They carefully took a step away when she stepped forward and smacked the boy sharply. Then, she walked away.
"That ugly, wide forehead girl... Is she really a girl?" Konohamaru asked, holding his head as he stood.
"Konohamaru!" Naruto looked at the boy in horror.
Sakura slowly turned around. Sasuke took a step back as the three Academy students and Naruto started running. That is, until Konohamaru slammed into someone. Naruto quickly took note of the Sunagakure hitai-ate.
"That hurt..." the face painted boy said.
He was probably two or three years older than Naruto. Before Naruto had a chance to pull the eight year old away, the Suna nin picked him up by the collar, hoisting him into the air.
"That hurt, brat." he said again.
"Stop it. We're going to get scolded later." the blonde female by his side said.
She appeared to be a year or so older than the nin and was likely his teammate.
"I'm sorry, I was joking around, so..." Sakura tried.
"Release him!" Naruto said firmly.
"But I want to play around before some noisy people come." the painted boy said.
"Let go!" Konohamaru ordered weakly, kicking at the older boy.
"You're very energetic, kid." the Suna nin responded.
Naruto shot forward, ready to force the Suna nin to release Konohamaru. The boy moved his fingers and Naruto was tripped. He back flipped, landing back on his feet and continuing forward.
"I hate short people anyway. And you're so impertinent for someone younger than me." the painted boy said, holding up his fist, "It makes me want to break you."
"I'm not going to be responsible for what you do." the girl sighed.
"After this short kid, the short kid over there is next." the Suna nin said.
He pulled his fist back to punch. Naruto caught sight of Sasuke in a tree. He was about to throw a stone. Naruto shot forward just as the stone was thrown. As it hit the painted nin, he dropped Konohamaru right into Naruto's arms. Naruto tossed the boy back to Sakura, who caught him and sat him on the ground, putting herself between the foreign ninja and the children. The painted nin held his wrist as he looked up at Sasuke, who was tossing another stone up and catching it.
"What do you think you're doing? Behaving like that in another's village." Sasuke said.
Naruto said the blonde kunoichi blush lightly as she looked at Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura squealed.
"Another kid that pisses me off..." the boy said, still holding his wrist.
Sasuke crushed the pebble in his hand, "Get lost."
Sakura went all fangirl on him, along with Moegi.
"Naruto-nii-chan, you're not cool!" Konohamaru accused, pointing at Naruto.
The blonde gave him an annoyed look.
"Hey, come down here, brat." the boy ordered Sasuke.
Sasuke just stared.
"I hate kids like you, who think they're so clever." he went to pull the bundle from his back.
"Hey! You're going to use Karasu?" the girl asked.
"Kankurou, stop." an ice cold voice spoke from the tree next to Sasuke.
Instantly, Naruto felt a pain in his head. It was Kyuubi. He couldn't hear him but whatever it was about this voice angered him. They turned to see a red haired boy, around Naruto's age, with mint green eyes and dark circles around them, like he hadn't slept in some time.
"Sasuke, get over here." Naruto ordered sharply.
Sasuke gave him a surprised look but quickly did as he was told.
"You're a disgrace to our village." the boy continued.
The two Suna nin looked terrified.
"G-Gaara..." Kankurou stuttered out.
"Why do you think we came all the way here to Konoha?" the newly identified Gaara said.
"Listen, Gaara, these guys started it." Kankurou tried.
"Shut up." Gaara ordered, "I'll kill you."
"I got it. I was at fault. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." Kankurou told him.
Naruto grabbed Sasuke's arm, stopping him from stepping forward. Gaara turned to them.
"Excuse them." he said, just as coldly as he spoke with his teammates.
The boy disappeared into sand and appeared before his teammates.
"Let's go. We didn't come here to fool around." he told them.
"I know." Kankurou said.
They turned to leave.
"What's your name?" Sasuke asked before Naruto could stop him.
He yanked his arm sharply, though.
"Me?" the girl asked hopefully, turning back.
"No, the one next to you with the gourd." Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, shut up." Naruto muttered to him.
The boy turned, "Sabaku no Gaara." he answered, "I am also interested in you. What's your name?"
"Uchiha Sasuke." the boy responded with a smirk.
The three walked away. When they were out of sight, Naruto elbowed his teammate sharply.
"What is it?" Sasuke growled holding his stomach.
"Stay the hell away from him." Naruto muttered, mindful of the kids.
"Why?" he asked.
Naruto looked after Gaara, "I... I can't really explain, but he's dangerous. More dangerous than probably even Kakashi-sensei could deal with."
Sasuke looked at him. Then, slowly, he nodded.
Genjutsu... It was too easy. Waiting outside the wrong classroom, a large group of perspective Genin were being prevented from entering, thinking that it was where they needed to be. A Henge'd Kotetsu and Izumo were beating them back. Sakura and Sasuke went to put them straight but Naruto stopped them.
"If they're too stupid to realise, let them fail." he told them.
Sakura opened her mouth to protest, but stopped herself, "You're right. Let's go." but she stopped and looked back, biting her lip.
Naruto sighed, "You're too nice, Sakura-chan." he turned back, "Hey, Kotetsu-chan, Izumo-chan!"
Everyone looked over. The said Chuunin looked at him in surprise.
"You own me some sake, you damn gate watchers!" he yelled.
Instantly, the Genin looked over at them.
"Ah, you are the ones who let my team through the gate, aren't you?" one foreign ninja said, pointing accusingly at them.
"This is just a Genjutsu!"
Naruto looked back at his team, "Better, Sakura-chan?"
She gave him a weak smile. They continued their way to the third floor.
"Wait a minute!" a boy in a green suit walked up to them.
He and his teammates were the ones they saw get hit by Kotetsu and Izumo.
"My name is Rock Lee." the bowl cut said to Sakura, "You are Sakura-san, right?"
"What?" she asked in surprise.
He gave her a thumbs up, "Let's go out together! I will protect you until I die!"
She was stunned, "No way..."
Devastation appeared on the boy's face, "What?"
"You're to 'unique' for my tastes." she said delicately.
He bowed his head. His teammates came up behind him. Naruto saw that one was a Hyuuga, he had to be with those eyes, and there was a girl whose hair was in two buns.
"Hey, you there." the Hyuuga said, "Identify yourself."
He was talking to Sasuke. Naruto just shook his head, turning away. He was fighting the urge to be mad that no one noticed him yet again. He should think of it as a good thing; no one noticed him despite the bright colours of his hair and jumpsuit.
"You're supposed to identify yourself before asking someone else to." Sasuke said.
Naruto rolled his eyes, considering the Gaara incident last week.
"You're a rookie, aren't you?" the Hyuuga asked, "How old are you?"
"I'm not obligated to answer that." Sasuke stated.
The pissed the Hyuuga off, "What?"
Naruto walked up, throwing his arm around Sasuke's shoulder. The Uchiha just looked at him.
"Aren't Hyuugas supposed to be emotionless?" Naruto asked, "You showed your anger. Best work on that before your clan finds out you have feelings."
Sasuke smirked, looking away.
"Come on. We're going to be later than Kakashi-sensei at this point." Naruto said.
"You too. What's your name?" the Hyuuga asked.
Naruto glanced back, "Ask Hinata."
He grabbed Sasuke's arm and pulled him with him as they left the room. They made it to another room before the bowl cut boy stopped them once more. His teammates weren't there this time.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked.
"Will you fight me right here, right now?" he asked.
"Fight you right here, right now?" Sasuke repeated.
"Yes." he jumped over the railing, landing in front of them.
"My name is Rock Lee. You're supposed to identify yourself before you ask for someone else's name, right...? Uchiha Sasuke-kun." he said.
"So you know my name." Sasuke said.
Lee took a stance, "I would like to fight you. I would like to see how my moves will do against a descendant of the genius ninja clan. Also..." he looked to Sakura and blushed, "Sakura-san, I love you."
Sakura was completely disgusted, "No! I hate those eyebrows!" she hugged herself, "Your hairstyle, fuzzy eyebrows, and everything about you is too unique for me!"
"You're an angel." Lee said.
Naruto looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Are you insane?"
He started to blow kisses at her, which she actually dodged. He looked crestfallen.
"You don't need to avoid them that much..."
"So, you're challenging me knowing my name is Uchiha? I'm sorry to say this, but you're ignorant." Sasuke told him, "Do you want to see what this name of Uchiha is capable of, Gejimayu?"
Naruto rolled his eyes as his teammates arrogance.
Lee took another stance, "Please."
"We don't have time for this, Sasuke." Naruto said.
"It'll be quick." he answered.
Naruto sighed, "Yeah, it'll be quick. You're going to get your ass kicked."
Sakura glared at him sharply, showing she was still a fangirl.
"I'll declare this now, you're not going to win. Because I am the strongest of the Konoha Genins right now." Lee stated.
"Interesting." Sasuke said.
He charged at Lee but the older boy disappeared. He reappeared behind him.
"Konoha Senpuu!"
He kicked out but Sasuke ducked. Lee used his arm as a pivot point to swoop down and kicked Sasuke. He wasn't even able to block it. He was throw several feet away.
Sasuke stood, "Oh well, I'll use this time to get used to using my things. I'll show you."
Naruto sighed as he saw the Sharingan blazing. He charged again. Lee kicked Sasuke into the air.
"Yes, my moves are neither Ninjutsu nor Genjutsu." Lee stated.
Sasuke landed on his feet a ways away. They got into a short dodge exchange before Sasuke was elbowed in the stomach.
"Yes, my moves are just Taijutsu." he stated, "Sasuke-kun."
He disappeared again, reappearing behind him.
"You may not be able to believe it right away, but..." Sasuke tried to back hand him but he jumped away. "I hear that the Sharingan has the ability to see through Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu. You can definitely see through and deal with Genjutsu and Ninjutsu that require forming seals and kneading chakura, but for Taijutsu, it's a little different."
"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked.
"Even if you can see my movement with your Sharingan, your body does not have the speed to keep up with mine. In other words, there's no point even if you can see with your eyes, if you can't keep up with your body. Do you know that there are genius types and hard working types among the strong? If your Sharingan is a genius type that carries the blood of the Uchiha... I am a hard working type that continuously improved my Taijutsu.."
Sasuke charge again and tried to punch him but he just dodged.
"Your Sharingan and my ultimate Taijutsu are a bad combination." Lee went in and kicked Sasuke in the jaw. He disappeared, reappearing behind Sasuke
"And I will prove to you with this move that hard work surpasses geniuses."
Naruto sensed the danger in this move and went to stop him but a pinwheel slammed into his bandages that he was going to wrap around Sasuke, nailing it to the wall. A turtle appeared. Lee stopped his attack, kneeling before the turtle. Sakura caught Sasuke as he fell.
"Are you all right, Sasuke-kun?" she asked.
Naruto came over, smacking his teammate.
"Your anger is getting away from you again." he said.
Sasuke looked back at Naruto but bowed his head in shame. Lee was being scolded by the turtle before being punched by a man who looked just like him, only older.
"Let's get the hell out of here before he notices us..." Naruto muttered, watching the two hug.
Nodding quickly, the three raced off. They didn't stop running until they arrived outside the door to the classroom. Kakashi was waiting for them.
"Ah, you all came. You can now officially register for the Chuunin Exams." he told them.
"I told you so." Sakura said, turning to the boys, "Three man teams here too."
Kakashi chuckled.
"I'm proud of the three of you. You're my team." Kakashi told them before stepping away, "Now, go."
Sasuke and Sakura stepped forward and opened the doors. They weren't all that surprised to see a room full of unfriendly Genin. They were all staring at them too. Sakura gulped.
"Don't worry about them, Sakura-chan." Naruto tried to reassure her.
"Sasuke-kun, you're late!"
Yamanaka Ino suddenly jumped on to Sasuke's back. He glared at her.
"I've been eagerly waiting for you ever since I heard that I could see you for the first time in a long time." she said.
Sakura growled, "Get away from Sasuke-kun! You Ino-pig!" she yelled pointing at the girl.
"Oh my, it's you, Sakura." Ino got off Sasuke but kept her arm around him, "Your forehead is wide and you're still ugly... as usual."
"What did you say?" Sakura snapped.
Ino stuck her tongue out at the pink haired girl.
"What, are you three going to take this troublesome exam, too?" Nara Shikamaru said, walking up with Akimichi Chouji.
"Hey, it's the baka trio." Naruto said.
"Stop calling us that. It's annoying." Shikamaru snapped lightly.
"Sasuke-kun is mine." Ino said to Sakura, sticking her tongue out again.
"Yeah! Found you all."
Naruto sighed and looked over. It was Team 8; Inuzuka Kiba, who spoke, with Akamaru on his head, Aburame Shino, and Hyuuga Hinata.
"So I see that everyone is here." Kiba said.
"H-Hello..." Hinata said softly.
She blushed when Naruto looked at her.
"What? So you three made it too? Geez..." Shikamaru said.
Naruto grabbed Sasuke's arm, pulling him free of Ino and making her glare. He put himself between the fangirl and her victim.
"Sakura-chan, let's find a seat before the other Genin try and kill us for being too loud." Naruto said softly.
"I see, so all nine Genin rookies this year are going to take the exam." Kiba said, "How far do you think we can get, Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke opened his mouth but Naruto elbowed him.
"Don't hit my Sasuke-kun, Naruto-baka!" Ino yelled.
Naruto winced, "Would you shut up?!" he snapped, "Take a look around. These people aren't in the mood to hear some fangirl whine!"
She was visibly surprised at his words.
"We trained like hell. We won't lose to you, Sasuke." Kiba told him, completely ignoring Naruto.
Chouji took a step towards Kiba, looking hungrily at Akamaru, but Shino stepped in the way.
"What?" Chouji asked.
Shino looked down and Naruto followed his gaze to see a bug crawl across the floor in front of Chouji.
"Don't step on it." the quiet boy said.
"Huh?"
"I said, 'don't step on it'." he repeated.
"You're going to eat that?" Chouji asked.
Dead silence.
"Hey, you guys."
They turned to see a grey haired man walk up to them. He was a Konoha nin, probably around nineteen years old.
"You should quiet down a little. So you're the nine rookies that just graduated from the academy, correct? You're all fooling around with those cute faces... Geez, this isn't a field trip." he said.
"Who are you to tell us that?!" Ino snapped.
"I am Yakushi Kabuto. Look around you..." they finally did, making Naruto grumble. "The ones behind you are from Amegakure. They have a short temper. Everyone is tense since it's right before the exam. I warned you so that you won't get picked on. I guess it can't be helped though, since you are just rookies who don't know anything."
Naruto's eye twitched.
"It makes me remember the old me." Kabuto finished.
"Kabuto-san, was it?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah."
"Is this your second time, then?" she asked.
"No. It's my seventh." he admitted, "This exam only takes place twice every year, and it's my fourth year."
"That means you know a lot about this exam, right?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah."
"But he hasn't passed it." Shikamaru said.
Kabuto looked embarrassed, rubbing the back of his head, "Well, yes, that's true."
"Is the Chuunin Exam that difficult? This is getting even more troublesome." Shikamaru muttered.
"Maybe I should give my cute underclassmen some information, then..." Kabuto said.
He pulled out some cards. The moment he did, Naruto was put on edge. Sasuke looked at him in question as Kabuto explain to the others about the exams, and the true purpose of them.
"Are there any cards there that have detailed personal information?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto groaned, "Would you quit asking questions?" he whispered to the boy.
"Yes. Is there someone that interests you?" Kabuto asked.
"Yes." Sasuke admitted.
"The information of this exam's examinees are not perfect, but I've burned and saved them. They include the information about the nine of you, as well. Tell me whatever you know about the people that interest you. I'll look it up for you." Kabuto said.
"Sabaku no Gaara of Sunagakure and Rock Lee of Konoha." Sasuke said.
Naruto leant into Sasuke's ear, "You shouldn't ask about Konoha nin."
"Oh, you know their names. Then it won't take much time." Kabuto said.
He took two cards out.
"Let's start with Lee. He's a year older than you. Mission experience; 20 D ranked and 11 C ranked. The squad leader is Gai. His Taijutsu skills have increased dramatically this past year, but his other skills are terrible. He got everyone's attention last year as a skilled rookie Genin, but he didn't take the Chuunin Exams. Like you, this is his first time. His team is composed of TenTen and Hyuuga Neji." the older boy narrated.
Naruto watched for a reaction from Hinata but there was nothing.
"Next, Sabaku no Gaara. Mission experience, eight C ranks and... this is amazing! He did a B ranked mission as a Genin."
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura shared a look. They were up to six B ranked and an A ranked.
"He's foreign and this is his first time taking the exams, so I don't have any more information on him." the boy admitted, "But... it seems that he has returned from all his missions unharmed."
"He did a B ranked as a Genin, and was unharmed?" Shikamaru asked in shock.
They were sat in the desks with paper tests in front of them. Naruto was definitely nervous. He may have gotten quite a bit better on the field, but on paper? He was going to fail and drag his teammates down with him. He glanced back. Sakura was a few rows directly behind him and Sasuke was behind him to his right. Neither could help him cheat. The only decent thing was that Hinata was sitting right next to him. When Morino Ibiki had them start, Naruto looked it over and groaned. There was no way he'd be able to answer even one of them. Not good, not good...
He stopped though. Closing his eyes, he slipped into his mind.
"What do you want, brat?" Kyuubi asked.
He was visible aggravated, pacing his cage.
"I need help with this test." Naruto said, holding it up.
"I have no need to understand your human concepts." it said absently.
"What's got your tails in a twist?" Naruto asked in annoyance.
"The Ichibi's here!" he growled.
"The what?" Naruto asked.
He glared at Naruto, "I am the Kyuubi. The Ichibi is there. Someone you met days ago."
It clicked for Naruto, "Wait, there's more than one of you? There's nine of you?!" Naruto ran his hand through his hair, "Great."
"Shukaku, the Ichibi, he's not been sealed properly. Whoever his host is, I'd be surprised if they're sane." Kyuubi continued to mutter.
"It's Gaara." Naruto said, remembering the fox's reaction, "And I don't think he is. Which is exactly why you need to help me with this test."
"Why is that?" Kyuubi growled, finally stopping his pacing.
"We need to keep an eye on him, don't we? He's going to the second test for sure. He could lose control and attack the village." Naruto tried to reason with him.
"I care not for your village, brat." Kyuubi started to pace again.
"I'll protect this village with my life." Naruto snapped, "And if I die, you die! So, you better start helping me, you damn fox! That means your chakura and your knowledge. Now help me!"
Kyuubi sighed, "Let me see."
Naruto walked closer to the sage and showed the fox the test.
"These concepts are foreign to me." he stated.
Naruto groaned, "Well, is there something you can do to help me cheat? Like, mimicking the Sharingan or Byakugan?"
"Maybe-"
"Time's up!" Ibiki's voice pulled Naruto from his head.
"Damn it." Naruto muttered.
He'd have to get the last of the questions then. He waited as Ibiki tried to psyche everyone out. The guy on his left gave up, failing his teammates as well. Naruto watched as another six raised their hands. He glance back as saw Sakura about to raise her hand. Instead, he raised his own hand. Then, he slammed it on the desk.
"Screw you! I'm not going to run away! I'll take this problem! Even if I become a Genin forever, I'm going to become a Hokage no matter what anyway!" he stood, "I'm not scared!" Then, he sat back down and crossed his arms.
He glanced back at Sasuke, and motioned to Sakura. The Uchiha turned and realised she was about to raise her hand.
"I will ask one more time. This is the choice that will impact your life. If you want to quit, now is the chance." Ibiki said.
"I'm not going to take back my words." Naruto said, "That's my Nindou."
Around them, everyone had regained their confidence.
"Nice determination. Then... For the first exam, everyone here... passes!"
Training Grounds 44, AKA The Forest of Death. It was definitely imposing. Twenty-six teams, a total of seventy-eight people, ended up passing the first exam. Team 7 received the 'Ten' scroll, meaning they'd need the 'Tsuchi' scroll before getting to the tower. Naruto held on to it, putting it in his shuriken pouch. They were taken to gate 12 for the start. The moment the gates opened, they shot it, heading for a tall tree to meet on.
"Do you have a plan, Naruto?" Sasuke asked, watching the trees for anything.
"Not so much a plan." he muttered, "We need to avoid Gaara's team at all costs."
"What is it about him?" Sasuke asked, "You've been like this since we first met him."
Naruto bit his lip, "He's just dangerous, all right? The best we can do is just hope that the first team we come across has the right scroll."
They heard a scream.
"One down." Sasuke muttered, "We need to be careful about being separated. Someone could try to use Henge and pretend to be us."
"They won't be able to trick me." Naruto said, "I know my teammates."
Sakura nodded as well.
A wind blew through the trees, knocking them back. Naruto was thrown farther away from his teammates. He immediately went to race back but he was met by a snake. A really, really big snake. He tried to dodge it but it's tail wrapped around him, trapping him. He bit down, swallowing him.
"Gross..." Naruto muttered angrily.
He made a hand sign, making enough Kage Bunshin to explode the snake. The moment he was out, he started back in the direction of his team. He hoped he would get there in time to help them. He arrived to see a half snake man slithering up a tree to Sasuke. Sasuke's leg was bleeding, and he was looking panicked. More so than he had ever seen the boy before. He tossed a handful of shuriken and kunai in front of the snake man. It stopped him long enough for Naruto to arrive and punch the man, knocking him away.
"You beat that big snake, Naruto-kun." the man said, standing.
He weirded Naruto out.
"Naruto, run! This guy's way above our level!" Sasuke said. He turned to the man, "I'll give you the scroll. Please, take it and leave us in peace."
The action shocked Naruto.
"What the hell, Sasuke?" the blonde snapped.
"Shut up!" Sasuke ordered, "You don't understand the situation we're in."
"I see, you're smart." the snake man said.
Naruto jumped down in front of Sasuke.
"I don't know how strong this guy is, but there's no guarantee that he'll let us go even if we hand over our scroll!" he snapped, "You're the one who is scared, the one who doesn't understand the situation."
The snake man chuckled, sending chills down Naruto's spine, "Naruto-kun, you're correct." he licked his oversized tongue and pulled up his sleeve to show a tattoo, "I just have to... kill all of you to take the scroll."
He bit his thumb and swiped the blood across the tattoo. Naruto shot over to stop him.
"Don't mess with us!" he yelled.
"Stop! Run, Naruto!" Sasuke called after him.
It was too late. The man summoned another giant snake. He was forced to move out of the way. He dodged several more times. He felt Kyuubi's chakura enter him as he took multiple blows. As he was about to be eaten, he flipped himself around to kick the snake in the jaw. He headed for the Kusa nin, but he blew fire at him, knocking Naruto back. He struggled to remain conscious, but managed to force himself to his feet as the snake went after Sasuke. He landed in front of the snake, using the Kyuubi's chakura to stop the snake dead in it's tracks with a kunai in each hand.
"Are you all right, Sasuke?" he asked, breathing heavily.
He took some damage from the snake. Sasuke looked at him and his eyes widened when he caught Naruto's eye.
"This idiot and coward I see isn't the Sasuke I know." Naruto muttered, trying to snap the boy out of it.
The Kusa nin's incredibly long tongue wrapped around Naruto, pulling him into the air.
Naruto struggled, "Let me go, you snake bastard!"
He pulled Naruto closer and make a hand sign. Naruto saw what appeared to be purple fire on his finger tips. The tongue came around and pulled up his shirt. Naruto's eyes widened when he realised this guy knew. He knew about Kyuubi and he was going to do something to the seal. Physically, there was nothing he could do. His arms were pinned in a way that he couldn't get free.
"Fox! Do something!" Naruto yelled in his mind, "This bastard is going to do something bad to your seal!"
Just as the man's hand connect, Naruto felt Kyuubi put a layer of chakura over the seal. He was thrown back, smacking his head on a tree and blacking out.
Naruto felt weak as his eyes opened. His head hurt badly. He was hanging from a tree with a kunai going through his jacket. He reached back, pulling the kunai free and dropping to the ground. He looked around to see if Sasuke and Sakura were all right. The Kusa nin was still there, on a far away tree. Sakura was kneeling next to Sasuke, who appeared to have been fighting. He was behind them so none of them took notice that he was awake. The Kusa nin, whose face was burnt, made a hand sign and his neck stretched out, heading for Sasuke. With wide eyes, Naruto pumped as much chakura into his feet as he could. He appeared in front of Sasuke just as the snake man went to bit the Uchiha. His teeth sank into Naruto's neck instead. He screamed in pain, but didn't let it stop him from slicing at the Kusa nin, cutting into the flesh of his long neck.
"You've wasted my jutsu, Naruto-kun." the man said.
Holding his neck, he shakily forced himself to his knees.
"Keep your disgusting paws off Sasuke." Naruto muttered.
His neck retracted.
"I will get you next time, Sasuke-kun." he said, sinking into the ground and leaving them.
Naruto collapsed. Sasuke grabbed him.
"Naruto, why did you do that?" Sasuke said, pulling him close.
He pulled down the blonde's collar, showing a mark appear next to the bite.
"I t-told you, didn't I?" Naruto muttered, "No one will care if I die. I need to protect you."
"Naruto..." Sakura was crying.
"I don't need you to protect me, Naruto." Sasuke said. He looked like he was fighting his own tears, "You need to protect yourself."
"I-I'll be all right." the boy said, grinning weakly at his teammates.
He fell limp as the darkness took him again. He ended up standing before Kyuubi.
"What was?" the fox asked.
"I don't know." Naruto muttered, "Were you able to stop whatever he tried on the seal?"
Kyuubi nodded his large head.
"What about the bite? Can you fix that?" he asked.
"What do you think I am; a human?" it sneered, "It'll take some time, but you will heal. That seal he put on you will be removed along with it."
"So it was a seal?" Naruto asked, "What for?"
He closed his red eyes, "Some sort of corruption seal. It holds a lot of nasty chakura. Mind altering. Who was that for?" he looked at Naruto.
"Sasuke..." Naruto was deep in thought, "He was trying to lure Sasuke away. Corrupt him and make him leave, probably because of the Sharingan."
It nodded, lying down.
"Might as well get some sleep, brat. You trust your teammates, right? Let them protect you." it said.
Taking the fox's advice, he closed his eyes to rest.
Sasuke sat on the ground next to Naruto inside some large tree roots as the sun went down. The blonde was running a fever and was moaning in his sleep. He was in a lot of pain.
"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura whispered.
He glanced at her.
"Is he going to be all right?" she asked.
"I... I don't know." he muttered.
"What did he do to Naruto?" she asked.
Sasuke pulled down the boy's collar again, "It's some sort of bruise or seal. Whatever it is, he's in a lot of pain."
"Maybe we should forfeit. If Naruto can't continue..." she said softly.
"We'll wait. If he's not better by the fifth day, we'll have to forfeit." he said.
Slowly, she nodded.
Naruto remained unconscious. On the fourth day, they prepared to quit, though they would wait until the timer ran out. They took turns watching over him, making sure not to leave him alone in case he took a turn for the worse, or another team decided to attack.
Naruto groaned, his eyes opening slowly.
"Naruto!"
He looked over to see Sakura, only her hair was short.
"What happened to your hair?" he asked.
She touched it, "I... I had to cut it. We were attacked while you were asleep. Sasuke's couldn't take care of them on his own. The girl grabbed my hair, it was the only way I could get away."
"Are you all right? Where's Sasuke? Who was it that attack you guys? Was Sasuke hurt?" Naruto asked quickly, sitting up.
"Be careful, Naruto!" she said, "Don't push yourself. It was the Oto nin from the first exam. Sasuke's fine. He's just getting some fish for us to eat."
Naruto breathed a sigh of relief, "How much time do we have to finish the exam?"
"A day or so." she said.
"Have you been able to get another scroll?" he asked.
She shook her head, looking down, "We weren't sure if you would even live, Naruto. You were running such a high fever."
Nodded, Naruto pulled himself to his feet.
"You shouldn't be standing." she said quickly, trying to pull him down.
"I'm fine, Sakura-chan." he said, just using where she was holding him to pull her to her feet as well.
"Are you sure?" she asked as they left the cave.
"Just a little sore. That's all." he gave her a grin.
They found Sasuke nearby, his shirt off as he tried to catch some fish. Sakura squealed when she saw him.
"You're supposed to be watching Naruto." the Uchiha said without looking back.
"I'm right here." Naruto said.
Sasuke looked over quickly. He got out of the water, hurrying up to Naruto. He touched his face, feeling for a fever.
"I'm fine." he said.
Sasuke went to look at the bruise on Naruto's neck but the boy covered it before he could.
"I'm good, Sasuke. Let's get some food so we can get a scroll." Naruto said.
He walked over to the edge of the stream. He tossed some shuriken into the water. Blood filled the stream. Sasuke, still giving Naruto a worried look, went in to retrieve them. They cooked them up and ate quickly. He did his best not to notice their worried looks.
"Our best bet's going to be around the tower." Naruto said, "Maybe we'll be able to get someone whose already got both."
Sasuke nodded.
"Are you going to be up to that?" Sakura asked.
He nodded. The moment they ate, they moved out, heading to the tower.
"Treat this like we would a mission. Surround and swoop." he told them.
"Understood." Sasuke said.
"Got it, Naruto." Sakura replied.
They came across a team from Amegakure. The team had set a Genjutsu up, waiting for someone to walk into it. They didn't even see Team 7 until it was too late.
"Anyone got a scroll?" Sakura asked as they met back up, "Mine didn't."
Sasuke pulled out the 'Tsuchi' scroll.
"Great. Let's get to the tower."
Naruto took the lead. They were in the tower by sunrise. They arrived in a large empty room with a saying on the wall.
"If you do not possess Heaven, gain knowledge and be prepared. If you do not possess Earth, run through the fields and seek strength. If you open both Heaven and Earth scrolls, dangerous paths turn into safe paths. This is the secret of something, something... It shall lead you on your way." Sakura said, "I think it's telling us to open the scrolls."
Naruto handed Sakura the Ten scroll and the two opened them together. There was a seal on the inside.
"It's a summoning!" Sasuke said, "Throw the scrolls away."
Quickly, they did. There was a poof of smoke. Iruka-sensei was standing there.
"Iruka-sensei!" Naruto launched himself at the Chuunin, hugging him.
"Congratulations on passing the second exam." he said, laughing.
He explained the meaning of the saying on the wall and what would happen if they tried to open the scrolls during the exam.
They left Iruka, lining up in another room with the other two rookie teams, Lee's team, Gaara's team, the Oto nin, and Kabuto's team. That was all that made it through. Naruto saw the senseis lined up behind the Hokage, as well as a few ninja he didn't know. The Hokage explained to them the true meaning of the exams. Then, a man named Gekkou Hayate told them about the preliminary exams. One on one battles, no longer in teams. If they failed at this stage, it wouldn't affect the others in the team. Kabuto quit, increasing the suspicion Naruto felt for him.
"Naruto, maybe you should..." Sasuke muttered, "Have Kakashi-sensei look at that mark."
"I'm fine, Sasuke. Trust me."
The first round would be Sasuke verses one of the nin on Kabuto's team; Akadou Yoroi. The others walked up to the landing to watch.
"Sasuke." Kakashi said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Naruto saw him look at the boy's neck and was surprised. He looked at Naruto in worry.
"Good luck." he finished, watching Naruto.
The remains of Team 7 headed up to the landing.
"Naruto, we need to talk." Kakashi said.
"Can it wait? Sasuke-" Naruto tried.
"Now." It was a rare order from the man.
Nodding slowly, the two walked away from the others.
"Were you the one bit?" Kakashi asked softly.
"How do you know about that?" Naruto asked, looking at the man with narrowed eyes.
"Anko fought Orochimaru in the forest, after he was done with you. He gave us the impression he marked Sasuke." Kakashi explained, "It was you?"
"Orochimaru? That's who attacked us? Why does that name sound familiar?" Naruto muttered.
Kakashi leant in closer, glancing around them to make sure no one was listening.
"He's one of the Sannin. You would have heard about them in school. He betrayed the village. Is he after you or Sasuke?" Kakashi asked.
Naruto nodded, deep in thought. That's right. The Sannin; Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. The Sandaime's students.
"He's after Sasuke. I jumped in front of him when he went to bite Sasuke, so he bit me. I don't think he can use it often because he took off, saying I wasted it. He also said he'd come after Sasuke." Naruto told him.
"Let me see." Kakashi ordered.
Naruto pulled down the collar, showing the bare flesh. Kakashi was surprised.
"The fox..." Naruto started slowly, "He wasn't too happy about an attempt to control us. You should know too, that he tried to mess with the seal on my stomach." Naruto looked around himself, "Kyuubi stopped it, feeding some of his chakura to block whatever that bastard was attempting to do. Though, not until I screamed for him to do something."
"Are you in communication with it?" Kakashi asked.
Slowly, watching his sensei, he nodded. There was no immediate reaction, like Kakashi may attack him.
"Has he tried to influence you?" Kakashi was visible worried.
Naruto just shrugged, "He tried to make me remove the seal but it was only words. I know enough not to touch the damn thing. He can't get to me, only let me use his chakura. That's it. That damn fox can go screw himself."
Kakashi actually chuckled.
"You should tell Jiji something, though." Kakashi looked at him, "The Ichibi, he's here. Kyuubi told me. He flipped out when I first met him."
That alarmed Kakashi immediately.
"Who?" he asked.
Naruto looked over at Gaara. He was watching Sasuke fighting.
"Gaara; that red head from Suna. It wasn't sealed properly, though. Kyuubi doesn't think Gaara's going to be very sane. He could be a threat." Naruto said.
Kakashi nodded, "I'll inform Hokage-sama."
"Winner- Uchiha Sasuke!"
Naruto looked around sharply, "Damn it! You made me miss his fight!"
He raced back over to Sakura. Sasuke forced himself up the steps to them, refusing the medics. He collapsed into Naruto's arms, letting the boy set him down. The billboard spat out the names Zaku Abumi and Aburame Shino next.
"Where's the mark, Naruto?" Sasuke muttered.
Naruto groaned when he realised that the Uchiha saw his neck.
"It went away I guess. I told you I'm fine. Kakashi-sensei's not worried either." Naruto assured him.
Sasuke looked up at their sensei and he gave him a smile and a nod. Kakashi knelt down.
"Sasuke, you shouldn't go anywhere alone until the mess with Orochimaru has been dealt with." he said gently, "Naruto said he'd come back for you. I think he will."
Sasuke nodded.
"I will be staying with you at the compound as well." he told him.
"Just don't try anything... pervert." Sasuke muttered.
Kakashi's eye twitched, "Brat."
Naruto and Sakura snickered.
Shino won his battle, crippling Zaku for life. The next battle was Tsurugi Misumi, the last member from Kabuto's team, and Kankurou.
"Kakashi-sensei, do you know what that is on Kankurou's back?" Sakura asked.
"A puppet, if I'm not mistaken." the man said over his book.
"That explains how that bastard tripped me." Naruto growled, glaring down at him, "He must've attached a chakura string to my foot."
Sakura nodded.
"When was this?" Kakashi asked.
"A couple days before you gave us our permission slips." Sakura said, "We were with Konohamaru and ran into them."
They watched Misumi wrap his body around Kankurou like a snake.
"Kankurou's going to win this." Sasuke muttered.
The Kankurou that was wrapped up turned out to be the puppet. He crushed the Konoha nin, causing him to pass out. The battle was less than five minutes.
There was a small break before the next match was announced. Sakura verses Ino...
"Good luck, Sakura-chan!" Naruto said, "Kick her ass."
"Good luck." Sasuke muttered to her.
She blushed before going down to the arena. As the match started, they both immediately charged. Sakura kicked out, but Ino dodged. Ino punched but Sakura deflected it. It turned into a trade off of, both girls fairly matched. However, Naruto noticed that Ino was going easy on Sakura. Sakura, though, was going just as easy on Ino. Their former friendship was standing in the way of the fight. It wasn't until the girls moved their hitai-ate to their foreheads did things get serious. Over 10 minutes passed and the battle was still going on. Then, Ino sliced her hair off, throwing it at Sakura.
Naruto leant into Sasuke, "Does Sakura-chan realise that's a trap?"
Sasuke looked at him in confusion, "A trap?"
Naruto blinked, before looking at Kakashi, "Am I over thinking it?"
The man chuckled, shaking his head. He pointed back down to the arena. Sakura ran to avoid the Yamanaka family jutsu but stopped as Ino released it. Or at least, pretended to. She actually used the opportunity to kneel and send her chakura through the hair to trap Sakura by the ankle. She stepped on the hair, continuing to send chakura through it and really did the jutsu. Ino fell limp while Sakura's head bowed. She went to make Sakura forfeit.
"Sakura-chan! Kick her ass! Don't let that mind trading freak control you!" Naruto yelled.
Ino began to struggle, grabbing Sakura's head as she attempted to keep control over the pink haired girl's body. Sakura forced Ino out of her mind.
"Damn..." Sasuke muttered, impressed.
"Come on, Sakura-chan! You're better than her!" Naruto yelled again.
"Stubborn girl." Kakashi said.
Both girls were left panting as Ino was forced to release the jutsu.
"You have two minds...? Who are you?" Ino asked.
Naruto sat back, "That explains the bipolar attitude."
Sasuke snorted in amusement. Sakura and Ino charged once more at each other, punching one and other in the face. They both fell unconscious. It was a tie; no one passed. Kakashi and Asuma retrieved the two, leaning them against the wall next to each other.
"She's got potential." Sasuke muttered.
Naruto nodded.
The next battle was TenTen verses Temari. TenTen had some moves, Naruto had to admit, but she was pitted against the wrong person. For a weapons specialist to go against a wind specialist... It was a one sided battle. Temari won with ease, leaving TenTen to slam backwards on the Suna nin's giant fan before being thrown away. Naruto winced, worried for the older girl's spine.
The sixth battle was Shikamaru verses Tsuchi Kin, from Oto. Naruto didn't even bother watching. Shikamaru would win, simple as that. However, the ringing of the bells was hurting his ear. He was doing his best no to wince with every ring.
"What is it?" Sasuke asked, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, those bells are just hurting my ears." Naruto muttered, rubbing them.
Shikamaru beat Kin quickly, thankfully.
The seventh battle...
"About time," Naruto muttered, standing, "But Kiba? I can't get a break."
"Hell yeah! We got lucky!" Kiba said, "We can win against him for sure, Akamaru."
Naruto jumped down to the arena. Kiba following suit.
"Naruto!" Sakura called, "Don't go easy on him!"
Sasuke used the railing to force himself to his feet, "Be quick. I want to see that Suna nin and the Hyuuga fight before I pass out."
"Then quit pushing yourself, idiot!" Naruto shot back at him. He turned to Kiba, "This'll be easy."
That ticked Kiba off, "That's my line! Drawing you as my opponent means I've already won!" he said, pointing at the blonde.
Naruto just smirked. Akamaru was set on the ground next to Kiba.
"Acting tough, loser?" the Inuzuka said.
"Naruto?"
Sighing, the boy looked back up at the landing, "What now, Kakashi-sensei?"
"You're still recovering. Be quick."
"I will, I will..." Naruto said, pushing his hands in his pockets.
"Begin." Hayate said.
Kiba knelt down, forming a hand sign. Naruto looked at him curiously. He knew of the Inuzuka clan. Kakashi had informed them all of the prominent clans of Konohagakure. With Akamaru being small still, Kiba's techniques would be limited compared to his older clan members. The boy's nails grew long and he charged at Naruto. However, Naruto disappeared, using the Shunshin that he'd made Kakashi teach him. He reappeared behind Akamaru and scooped the puppy up. He held a kunai to the dog's throat. He whimpered.
"Akamaru!" Kiba yelled, "Let him go, you bastard! That's low!"
"We're ninja... dobe. That's how it works." Naruto said simply.
He lowered the blade, though, throwing the dog in the air.
"Akamaru!" Kiba took his attention off of Naruto, looking to catch his dog.
Naruto used Shunshin again, this time appearing behind Kiba. One strike with the butt of his kunai and the Inuzuka was out cold.
"Akamaru!" Kurenai called.
Naruto jumped into the air, catching the dog. As he landed, he scratched Akamaru about the ears.
"Winner- Uzumaki Naruto." Hayate said.
Naruto jumped up to the landing with Akamaru as Kiba was brought up to the landing by Kakashi.
"Here, Hinata." Naruto handed the puppy over.
She blushed heavily but took Akamaru.
"Sorry, Akamaru. Hope I didn't hurt you." Naruto apologised, petting him one last time before rejoining his team.
He could see most of the Genin, and Jounin, in the room were in shock. He plopped down next to Sasuke.
"Fast enough for you guys?" he asked.
Sasuke smirked, bowing his head. Sakura chuckled while Kakashi patted his head.
"Good job, Naruto." his sensei said.
"What the hell have you been teaching them, Kakashi?" Asuma asked.
"Kakashi-sensei, teach? That's funny!" Naruto laughed.
Sakura covered her mouth, giggling. Even Sasuke was chuckling. Kakashi lightly punched Naruto in the head.
"I taught you Shunshin, brat." he said.
"Because he forced you." Sasuke muttered.
Kakashi just gave them annoyed looks as they laughed. Naruto caught Shikamaru looking at him with a calculated look.
The next match; Hyuuga Neji verses Hyuuga Hinata. Instantly, Naruto had a bad feeling for the shy girl. He knew Neji was dangerous. The girl was visibly terrified at the match up.
Naruto watched. Hinata was doing her best, but she was no match for Neji. It saddened and angered Naruto, seeing her get beaten. She had the potential to be a great ninja, but right now and against him... The senseis were forced to intervene in the fight at the end. Neji was going to kill her. Naruto barely stopped himself from killing the boy as he jumped down to check on Hinata with Sakura and Lee. Even Sasuke looked about ready to kill him, though he could barely move. Naruto returned to Sasuke after Hinata was rushed from the room.
"Destiny..." Sasuke muttered, "Bullshit."
Naruto nodded sharply, glaring.
"I hope I get him in the next round." Naruto said.
The next match was Lee verses Gaara. Naruto turned to Kakashi. As Lee jumped down to the arena, Kakashi leant in to whisper to Gai. The man's eyes went wide and filled with worry. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do. Gai couldn't pull Lee from the match. It was up to the boy to fight. Unfortunately, he didn't realise what he was up against. He did well, even hitting Gaara through the wall of sand repeatedly, to the point that Naruto thought that he might actually win, but in the end he lost, getting severely injured in the process.
"I-I actually thought he might win." Naruto muttered as the boy was taken away on a stretcher.
"Me too." Sasuke said.
His Sharingan was blazing as was Kakashi's. Even Neji's Byakugan was going. Apparently, not even he knew of his teammate's secret weapon.
Chouji and the last Oto nin, Dosu, fought last. Chouji definitely surprised Naruto, but he lost either way. They drew lots to determine who would fight who in the next round. Naruto would be up against Neji first, something he definitely looked forward to. Sasuke was against Gaara though. That worried him. Shino would be going against Kankurou in the third match and Shikamaru would be against Dosu. The winner between Shikamaru and Dosu would be facing off with Temari for the fourth match. The winners from the first two and last two would face off, and the winners from them would fight.
Naruto sighed as he met up with his teammates after the end of the second exam. A month... He'd have to wait an entire month before fighting Neji. That sucked. When he got to the training grounds, he found Kakashi and Ebisu, but no Sakura or Sasuke.
"Naruto, I found someone to supervise your training." Kakashi said.
Naruto deadpanned as he looked at him and the other pervert.
"Really, Kakashi-sensei? The closet pervert?" he asked.
"Ebisu-sensei is a closet pervert?" Kakashi asked.
"How impolite." Ebisu said, adjusting his glasses.
Naruto looked at him, "I'd have better luck training myself. I've already beaten him in a fight. I used my Haaremu no Jutsu..."
Ebisu quickly covered Naruto's mouth. Naruto elbowed him sharply and slid behind him, kneeing the man to the ground. Sighing, he stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"Whatever, Kakashi-sensei. Go train Sasuke. I'll find someone myself." Naruto turned and walked away, "If you care to check on me, I'll be at the onsen working on my water walking."
He couldn't say he was that surprised that Kakashi chose not to train him. Sasuke had the Sharingan after all. He made his way to the hot springs. The waterfall that fed the onsen was not fenced so he went there to train. He'd heard that working at the onsen, with it's piping hot water, would be more beneficial than cold water. Walking out on to the water, he instantly sunk.
"Hot, hot, hot!" he quickly jumped back out.
He concentrated. He didn't need to stick, but to send out a steady stream to push against the water. He tried again and managed to stick shakily for a moment before an old man peeking in on the women's bath distracted him. He fell in.
"Damn it!" he cursed.
Crawling back out, he glared at the pervert.
"Geez..." he walked over to the man, "What the hell are you doing, pervert?"
"Shh!" the man said quickly, covering his mouth, "You're interrupting my data gathering."
"Data gathering?" Naruto said, his voice muffled by the hand, "You're interrupting my training."
"I'm a writer." he pulled out his book. The same book Kakashi always read.
"Ah!" He pulled away, "You're the write of that? What do you mean, data gathering? You're just peeking into the women's bath!"
The woman inside ran screaming.
"Ah! They found out I was peeking! You damn brat!" the man said, holding his fist up to Naruto.
"You pervert..." Naruto muttered.
"You fool! I am no ordinary pervert! I get inspiration to write better novels from peeking!" he said.
"Liar. Stop with the excuses. Anyway, what are you going to do about my training?" Naruto snapped.
The man stopped, "Training? You mean the water walking training?"
"You know of it?" Naruto asked, "Then be responsible and cooperate with my training!"
The man walked passed him, "I don't care about your training."
"Hey! Hey! Hey! Wait up, ero-sennin!" he yelled, following him, "Cooperate with my training, damn it!"
"Shut up!" he turned, "I don't like people who don't know the proper way to ask for a favour. And I don't like men."
Naruto glared, but took a breath, "W-Well, Icha Icha Paradise was really exciting, cool, and entertaining."
"People under 18 are not allowed to purchase or view that novel. Don't lie." the man said.
"That's what I heard about it!" Naruto snapped.
"There's no use in trying to flatter me!" he said, "I'm a hermit. I am not foolish enough to be deceived by a youngster like you!"
He jumped on to a fence and made a hand sign. A wind blew in and the pervert took off over the roof. Naruto raced after him. As he walked by a restaurant he heard a commotion involving a 'pervert'. The old man walked out, apologising to a lady. Naruto walked up to him.
"Ero-sennin!" Naruto snapped.
The man shushed him, "Don't call me that so loudly."
"Shut up! Anyway, I'm holding you responsible for ruining my training!" Naruto yelled.
The man picked him up, putting him in a barrel. It took a while for him to get out. He immediately took chase. He found the man in the woods, daydream. Naruto threw several shuriken, which the pervert dodged, jumping over the a trunk.
"I'm going to get you for what you did!" Naruto told him.
He was met by a doll.
"Damn it." Naruto raced off, but circled around.
The doll turned back into the man.
"Got you." he said when he showed himself.
Finally the man sat down with Naruto. He tried to get Naruto to bring him a girl.
"How about I just do this?" Naruto said. He made hand sign, "Oiroke no Jutsu!"
The man instantly melted. Naruto played it up too.
"You pass!" the man said, "You're a genius!"
'Are all adults weak to this?' Naruto couldn't help thinking.
"Will you supervise my training?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, but there is one condition." he said.
Still in a female form, he gave the man a cute smile, "Condition? What type of condition?"
The man got a nose bleed, "You must remain in that form whenever you are with me."
Naruto instantly changed back, "Pervert! Hell no!"
The man actually did agree to train him though, taking him to a river to continue the water walking training. It was slow going. He was able to take a few steps before falling.
"Damn it." Naruto got out.
He pulled off his clothes.
"Mould your chakura again, kid." he said.
Naruto did, keeping an eye on him,
"You!"
Naruto looked at him.
"You're quite sexy when you get naked." he covered himself.
"Shut up." Naruto said.
He concentrated again. The man stood and knelt in front of him. He rubbed Naruto's stomach.
"I was able to stop Orochimaru from messing with it." Naruto told him.
The man froze, looking up at him.
"That's what you're looking at, right? The seal. That snake bastard tried to do something to it, but I was able to block it." Naruto said, lowering his arms.
"How?" he said, "Orochimaru's a little strong for a Genin."
Naruto watched him carefully but just shrugged. He moved back to the water. Taking a deep breath, he tried again. This is time, he stuck. Keeping his mind clear, he jumped on the water a few times.
"Yes!" he yelled, continuing to jump up at down.
He turned and looked at the man. He plopped down, but fell straight through the water.
"Damn it." He forced chakura through his feet, making him float back to the top of the water.
"You're in the third part of the exam?" the man asked.
Naruto nodded, trying to keep stable.
"Where's your sensei?" he asked.
"Off training Sasuke." Naruto sneered. He sighed, "I'm trying not to get jealous, Sasuke deserves Kakashi-sensei teaching him. But it really annoys me. All everyone cares about is him." he looked down.
"Kakashi didn't get you a teacher?" he asked.
Naruto sneered again, "No, he did. Too bad it was someone I can beat in battle. And who hates me. I told him I'd fine someone myself."
He sighed and looked at his teacher.
"You're Jiraiya, aren't you?" Naruto asked, "You were Orochimaru's teammate. That's why you're here. Jiji called you back."
The man looked at him, "Yeah. I'm Jiraiya. And it's exactly as you said. The old man called me back." Jiraiya stood, "Come on, I'll teach you a new jutsu."
The third exams came around very quickly in Naruto's opinion. Jiraiya ended up teaching Naruto the Kuchiyose, the Summoning Jutsu. Naruto could now summon toads to help him in battle. Jiraiya was also teaching him to use Kyuubi's chakura, though the man didn't tell him as much, Naruto was able to figure it out. Jiraiya had explained to him, after much bugging, how the Hyuuga fight. Naruto took this information to heart and learnt everything he could about a way to defeat Neji. He also learnt everything he could about Gaara, which wasn't much, unfortunately. He got more from Kabuto's cards than he was able to find anywhere else.