talking: Ya' know
thinking: Ya' know
jutsu: Flying Raijin Jutsu
Tailed Beast talking: Damn you 4th Hokage
Tailed Beast thinking: Damn you 4th Hokage
I don't own Naruto or any other manga/anime in any way shape or form. (sorry for not disclaiming in the last chapter.)
story has some slight x-overs.
Chapter 4: The Chunin Exams Begin
-Hidden Sand-
Pakura had just been granted entrance into the Hidden Sand, and was currently on her way to the Kazekage Tower. Which of course she knew was in the exact center of the village. Luckily, the guards were young Chunin and didn't recognize her. Though, she still kept herself covered in a cloak.
Eventually, she made it to the Kazekage tower. She was about to check in with the Kazekage's secretary, when someone called out to her. "There you are. I figured you'd be here sometime today." Said Hikari, signaling for her to follow her.
Pakura had done so, and they soon found themselves outside the Hidden Sand's Council Chambers. The ANBU outside the doors, acknowledging their arrival, went inside the room to inform the Kazekage of their arrival. It didn't take long for them to be admitted inside.
They currently stood in the center of the room alongside Haku. They all bowed to the Kazekage, with Haku giving the verbal greeting. "We thank you for taking the time to meet with us."
"It's no problem. But, I assumed you village's leader would be here as well today." Gaara replied.
Straightening up, Hikari was the one who decided to explain. "If I may Lord Kazekage. Our leader is still currently in the Hidden Leaf. But, he can be here instantly if you allow me to pull out a kunai."
"What does a kunai have to do with your leader arriving here instantly?" Asked a younger councilman.
Pulling out a three-pronged kunai, Hikari explained. "The 4th Hokage used the Tri-kunai, along with the sealing formula on it's handle, to transport himself instantly to it's location. His son, our village's leader, has learned this jutsu at the age of eleven. I'm sure that by now, you all know of whom I'm speaking." Said Hikari, seeing the surprised looks on most of their faces.
"I see. How exactly does it work?" Gaara asked.
"Only our leader knows the specifics. But, I just need to simply toss it into the air. He'll then appear, as if he was here the whole time." Hikari answered, getting a nod from Gaara in response.
"Very well. Then simply toss up the kunai." Said Gaara, giving them permission to use the tri-kunai in order to bring Naruto here. Hikari then did as told, tossing the tri-kunai a few feet in front of her. Then, in an orange flash, Naruto appeared wearing his white robe with orange flames.
"Yo, Gaara. How's it going?" Naruto asked, tossing the kunai back to Hikari.
"How dare you greet Lord Kazekage so disrespectfully!" Yelled a councilwoman, starting an uproar within the room.
Gaara held up his hand, signaling for silence. Once the noise had dissipated, Gaara spoke as he lowered his hand. "You all have a point that he should be more respectful. However, you all should show your respect as well. It was this man that saved me from myself. Because of him, I am no longer filled with constant bloodlust. He also assisted in saving me from the Akatsuki. In fact, he's the one who retrieved my body from their hands. And thanks to his words, Elder Chiyo decided to give me life, in exchange for hers." Said Gaara, causing the council to bow their heads in slight shame. Some however, showed disgust on their hidden faces.
"Thank you, Gaara. And sorry for not showing you the proper respect. You are the Kazekage after all." Said Naruto, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"It's alright. Now, shall we get to the negotiations?" Gaara asked, already knowing the answer.
-An hour Later-
The alliance between the two villages have been accepted by the Hidden Sand council. Taking this chance, Naruto wanted to bring one more thing to light. "There's one thing I would to bring to light. We've all agreed to give a pardon to all the 'rogue ninja' my village has taken in. But there is a ninja within my ranks, that the Hidden Sand has declared KIA." Said Naruto, his statement causing everyone to lean forward. Interest clearly on all of their faces.
"And what does this have to do with our alliance?" Baki asked.
"First, I'd like to know how many of the current council members were in their position back when Pakura of the 'Scorch Style' was killed on her mission?" Naruto answered/asked. Surprisingly, most of the council's hand went up.
"That's about what I was expecting, considering I remember most of their damn faces." Pakura thought, pissed that so many of the ones who sent her to her death were still in power.
"That's more than I thought." Naruto commented.
"Naruto. What's this about?" Gaara asked. "Pakura was sent to battle against the Hidden Stone ninja, and was killed in the battle."
"Ah, it seems your history lessons have been corrupted. You see, she was actually sent as a sacrificial pawn to the Hidden Mist Village. She was supposed to discuss a possible peace treaty with them, but as I said she was actually a sacrificial pawn." Naruto answered, causing another verbal outbreak.
"How dare accuse us of betraying a member of our own village!? What proof do you have of this?!" Yelled a councilman, once Gaara had gotten everyone to settle down.
"NO! HOW DARE YOU BETRAY ME LIKE I'M TRASH!" Pakura yelled, stepping forward and pulling her hood off. This resulted in shocked *gasp*s from everyone, except the Whirlpool ninja, in the room.
Naruto placed his hand on her shoulder, in an attempt to keep her calm enough to prevent attacking the guilty council members. Pakura looking into Naruto's eyes, and saw that he was upset as well. See the sympathetic look in his eyes, she nodded and took a deep breath.
Naruto then turned to the council members. "As you can all see, Pakura of the 'Scorch Style' is alive and well. Thanks to the former leader of the Land of Water's revolutionary forces, and the current 5th Mizukage. Pakura assisted in the 4th Mizukage's reign. Not long afterward, I made Pakura an offer and a promise." Naruto explained.
"What kind of offer and promise?" Gaara asked.
"I offered her a spot within the ranks of the Hidden Whirlpool. I promised I'd try to get some retribution on those responsible for her involuntary sacrifice. Non-violently of course." Naruto answered, reassuring that he wasn't going to cause a blood bath.
"I see. Personally, I'd want to see those responsible dead." Said Gaara.
"I do. But, Lord Uzumaki would only have so much say on my behalf. And he also prefers not to cause a war with potential allies. I admit that I don't like it, but I agreed on the condition that he wouldn't betray me. That's when he told me how that he had just been betrayed himself. So I know that he would never betray those that are loyal to his village." Said Pakura, glaring at the guilty council members.
Those same council member flinched when she mentioned the word 'loyal'. One of said councilman, stood up in an attempt to explain their actions. "Pakura please, you must understand." Unfortunately for him, he wouldn't get to as he was interrupted by Pakura.
"Save it! I don't want to hear your excuses! You and the rest of this village proclaimed me as a hero! Yet you were willing to throw me away as if I were a broken kunai, when I was still strong enough to be of use to this village!" Pakura yelled.
"It's obvious you're angry, and rightfully so. Well then, what is it you propose we do with the guilty party?" Gaara asked, looking toward Naruto as he did so.
"We request the resignation of the guilty party, and be replaced with new and honorable people of your village. That's all." Naruto answered, earning stunned faces from the guilty members, as well as complete silence from the others.
"That's not something we can do so easily, Naruto. And even if we could, you don't exactly have the power to make us do so." Gaara replied, gaining hopeful looks from the council members.
"That's why I said that 'we request'. I understand the we have little say on how to run your village, but keeping these people in power could put one of my ninja's life in danger. They've already sent her to her death once before. If they remain in power, they could send assassins after her. Behind you're back." Said Naruto. Seeing that the council members were about to object, he raised his hands to silence them.
"It's all just hypothetical. But, I wouldn't put it past you. In fact, I have been on receiving ends of assassination attempt after assassination attempt. And that's even though I'm not a ninja of the Hidden Leaf, which are the one's who have been performing these attempt. Of course, they were ordered by Danzo Shimura." Naruto finished, seeing the shocked faces on the eldest of the council members.
"Now, I know that this is the Hidden Sand and not the Hidden Leaf. But, the chances of orders being made behind the village leaders back are just as possible in any village."
"And that would include yours' as well, Lord Uzumaki. Isn't that right?" Asked an elder councilwoman.
"Yes. But I've given a home to many ninja, both old and new to the Hidden Whirlpool. No one has a reason to go behind my back, for any reason. And I've gone through a thorough background check on the newer members of our village." Naruto replied.
"And what of your village's clans? The Kudo clan were known pirates, from what we've uncovered." Said another councilman.
"Yes, they were pirates. But they had standards. They never ruthlessly killed anyone. If a subordinate had done so, they were punished not nearly as ruthlessly as they killed their victims. The Kudo Clan believes in justice. Funny as it sounds. They became pirates, to increase the Hidden Whirlpool's pockets, should the Uzumaki's return to rebuild the village. Good to know that their efforts weren't in vain. As for the other clans, only one clan joined another village. They're the only ones who'd go behind my back, since we know that they're the ones who betrayed the Hidden Whirlpool Village.
"But they're still part of the Hidden Stones. And they've been seen attacking our village, during our war. And no, we don't expect you to help us in our war. But we're getting off topic. I want my ninja to be safe from our allies. There is only so much I can do against our enemies, but I can do a little more when it comes to our allies. So please, Lord Kazekage. Take my request in serious consideration." Naruto finished, finally returning back to the point at hand. Making his request with a low bow toward Gaara.
The room was silent, as the saw the foreign village's leader bow his head. The sight also surprised Gaara as well. Naruto was always a loud mouth who talked a lot, but he also knew that he'd go to great lengths to protect his comrades.
"Very well. I'll take your request into consideration. Due to Pakura's past with this council, do I have your word that she won't do anything should I revoke your request?" Gaara asked, breaking the silence.
Raising his head, Naruto answered. "I already made it clear that there wasn't much we could do, and made her promise not to act out on her anger. If she does, regardless of your decision, I'll punish her myself. I'm just looking out for one of my ninja, to the best of my abilities. My request applies to the current active members of your council, at least those that were on the council during Pakura's 'sacrifice. And not those who are now no longer part of the council. We're only going for the current guilty members, and not even asking for their heads. Just their loss of political power. And I know you can do this, because Danzo Shimura has lost his power within the Leaf Village."
"I've heard of this Danzo. And that he'll do anything for the Leaf Village. How did you get him out of power?" Gaara asked.
"I was within my right to asked for his head. I gave them an alternative, which they accepted. I won't go into details, but if he's tries anything, I'll kill him myself." Naruto answered.
"I see. I'll have my decision tomorrow morning, when we have our signing." Said Gaara, has he stood up, silently dismissing everyone in the room.
Leaf Village
-Danzo's home-
Danzo was in his home office, speaking with one of his former ROOT. Said ROOT was kneeling before him, waiting for him to speak. "Sai. The foundation is being 'disbanded'. The others are going to 'quit' being ninja. Except for you, of course." Said Danzo.
"I see. What is it you want me to do, Lord Danzo?" Sai asked.
"You will join Tsunade's ranks. The Hyuga heiress will most likely be taking part in the upcoming Chunin Exams but, she will be needing teammates. It's possible that you'll be place on her team, as you'll be one of the only choices. Your mission is to gather any information you can on Naruto Uzumaki. He is the leader of the Hidden Whirlpool Village."
"I assume the information you'd would appreciate best would be any information on the Whirlpool Village's security?" Sai asked, receiving a nod in confirmation. "Very well, I will certainly do my best. Is there anything else?"
"Yes. If you believe she's a threat to our village, end her. But this must be determined before the Second Stage. End her during said stage, and only when an opportunity presents itself. She may have had Jiraiya teaching her, but she was considered a lost cause by her own clan due to her overly kind nature." Danzo answered.
"Very well. I accept this mission. I'll make my way to the Hokage's office immediately." Said Sai, bowing his head and leaving the house after Danzo gave him a nod.
-Streets of the Leaf-
Team Kakashi with Hinata, had returned to the leaf village yesterday. Hinata was currently with her teammates and sensei form Team Kurenai. She had found out that Kiba had challenged Naruto to a spar. Before even hearing what happened, Hinata had called him an idiot. The comment surprised them, as they've never heard her call anyone that before.
"C'mon, Hinata. How was I supposed to know he would be able to beat me with out the 'Flying Raijin Jutsu!'?" Kiba asked, holding his arms out to the side.
"That should've been obvious to anyone, who's not a complete fool. Naruto had been trained, both physically, mentally and politically, by the clans of the Hidden Whirlpool Village. While he was helping to rebuild the destroyed village. And thinking of new techniques and security measures." Hinata replied, sounding as if was so simple.
"Y..you're kidding!? There's no way he could do that! He was the dead last from our class!" Said Kiba, only to be glared at by Hinata.
"Don't insult Naruto. I've been to the Hidden Whirlpool a few times now, and every time it has become more and more secure. I can honestly say that the Hidden Whirlpool is just as secure, if not more so, than any of the 'Five Great Shinobi Villages'." Said Hinata. Despite her glare, her voice was very calm.
"R..right. Sorry...Hinata." Kiba replied. "Note to self: Don't insult Naruto with Hinata around."
While Hinata and Kiba were talking, Kurenai and Shino were recollecting Kiba's 'spar' with Naruto.
-Flashback-
Naruto with Tayuya and Guren, and Team Kurenai, minus Hinata, were on training ground 8. Kiba and Naruto were in the middle of the training ground's clearing, while the others were by the sideline.
"Ready, Naruto? I'm not gonna hold back." Said Kiba, as he and Akamaru got ready.
"Yea, yea. Let's get this started." Naruto replied, getting into his own stance. Naruto's stance seemed pretty relaxed. His left arm in front of him, with his fist jus below his eye. His right fist was centered by his chest. His body was turned sideways, with his feet about six inches apart and at a 45 degree angle.
Kiba then immediately dashed forward, with Akamaru following a bit behind. Naruto parried Kiba's left punch. Spinning as he parried the punch, he looked over his shoulder just before kicking Akamaru in his chest as he jumped at Naruto. The kick had easily sent Akamaru back the way he came.
"You asshole!" Kiba yelled, as he turned back around swinging toward Naruto with a right hook.
Naruto simply jumped to the side, dodging Kiba's attack as he did so. "You're the one who wanted this match. You should be prepared to accept that either you and/or Akamaru can and will get hurt. You should know this with your fight against the Sound ninja." Said Naruto, returning back to his stance.
"Oh, yea? What would you know about fighting the Sound Ninja, huh? Last I checked you didn't fight any of them, not like the rest of us did!" Kiba yelled.
"Kiba. I may not have fought them, but I'm the one that put an end to the Hidden Sound Village. Orochimaru died by my hand. Not only that, but I'm the leader of the Hidden Whirlpool. I send ninja almost everyday to defend our home. Most of them get hurt, others aren't so lucky. So, I know a lot more about it than you do." Naruto replied, in a dark tone.
The way Naruto spoke, it sent shivers down Kiba's and the other's spines. Well, except for Guren and Tayuya. After letting what Naruto said sink in, he suddenly realized what he said. "Wait, what? You killed Orochimaru!?"
"Yea, I just said that. I'm surprised you've just now heard that the Hidden Whirlpool's leader killed Orochimaru." Said Naruto.
"I've heard the news!"
"Just didn't pick up on the fact that it was me that did it, huh? Well, whatever. Let's get back to the 'spar'."
Kiba got right back into his stance, along with Akamaru from the side. Kiba and Akamaru charged, with Kiba pulling our some smoke bombs.
*Poof* "Oh please. Does he really expect to beat me like this? Oh brother." Naruto thought, as he jumped high into the air. Upon coming out, he found that Kiba and Akamaru were right there waiting for him using their 'Fang Over Fang!' "Heh. Not bad, but not good enough." Naruto thought, as he performed some hand-signs. "Wind Style: Wind Wall Jutsu!"
An invisible wall of wind appeared between Naruto and Kiba w/ Akamaru. The jutsu put a stop to Kiba's and Akamaru's attack, forcing them crashing back to the ground. "Ugh. What was that?" Kiba asked, as he and Akamaru stood back up.
"It's just as the jutsu says. A wall of wind. It's knocked you on your ass and gave you a couple cuts." Naruto replied.
Kiba looked himself and Akamaru over, and sure enough there were cut in his clothes and a few cut on his hands. There were cut shallow cuts on Akamaru as well. Kiba looked back toward Naruto, ready to continue their fight. Albeit with more caution. "Man, I didn't expect a defensive 'Wind Style' jutsu. Not from Naruto. Still, Naruto is still Naruto. As long as he doesn't use his old man's jutsu, I can beat him."
"Thinking you can beat me as long as I don't use my dad's jutsu right, Kiba?" Naruto asked, getting a surprised look from Kiba. "Heh. Thought so. Let me ask you something, Kiba."
"How did he read me like that?" Kiba thought. "Ok. Shoot."
"Do you think I'm the leader of a Hidden Village just because of my dad's jutsu?" Naruto asked, earning another shock from Naruto. "That jutsu is my trump card but, I've beaten quite a few enemies with out it. Even Jounin. So, don't think that I can't beat you simply because I'm Naruto!" Said Naruto, with a confident and stern voice.
"Don't go all 'high and mighty' on me Naruto! I'm no pushover either!" Kiba yelled, as he and Akamaru charged using their 'Fang Over Fang' again.
"That again?" Naruto asked rhetorically, as he prepared another jutsu. Dodging out of the way, Naruto fired his jutsu. "Wind Style: Air Bullet Jutsu!"
Naruto fired off four blasts of air, two for each of his opponents. Kiba and Akamaru quickly stopped and then dodged Naruto's jutsu. Seeing them dodge, Naruto sped toward them.
As soon as Kiba landed, he went to charge Naruto. Before even realizing that Naruto wasn't there anymore, he heard a yelp from Akamaru. Turning to where he heard his partner, he saw Akamaru headed toward the ground. Then he felt something hit the left side of his head, just above the ear, before he lost consciousness.
Naruto was walking toward the others, showing that this 'spar' was now over. Shino and Kurenai were shocked, that Naruto could move that fast. "What happened? How did he beat Kiba?" Shino asked, seeing as he didn't really see what exactly happened.
"He shoulder charged Akamaru, and then kicked Kiba in the head? How on earth did Naruto get so fast?" Kurenai asked, not even registering Shino's question.
"I trained. The Chikara Clan don't mess around when it came to training that knucklehead." Tayuya answered, causing Kurenai and Shino's heads to turn. "Naruto was trained by the head of the Whirlpool's clans. They didn't go easy on him. It took a while, but Naruto is now stronger and faster than anyone in the Hidden Whirlpool. Even without his dad's jutsu."
"Technically, it's the 2nd Hokage's jutsu. Dad just made it better." Said Naruto. "Anyway, let's get back to the hotel."
"Right." Tayuya and Guren answered.
Narut then turned to Kurenai and Shino. "Let Kiba know that I had some fun. It's not often I can fight without using my head. Haha." Said Naruto, as he and the others left.
-Flashback End-
"You've really grown more confident, haven't you Hinata?" Kurenai asked, with a smile.
Smileing back, Hinata replied. "Yes, I have. It's thanks to Naruto, Lord Jiraiya and the Head of the Chikara Clan. Anyway, I have to go home and report to my father." With that Hinata left to head for home.
-The Next Day-
Tsunade was currently in her office. In front of her was Sai and Hinata, the latter being curious as to who the young man next to her was.
"Hinata. The young man next to you is Sai. He'll be teaming up with you for the Chunin Exams, as will Konohamaru. As he and his teammates decided to help you participate in the exams. The three of you will be training together until the exams begin. This is so that you can get to know how your teammates and yourself can learn to work together. As you Hinata, are already aware that teamwork in critical during the second phase. Is that understood?" Tsunade asked, after explaining their situation.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Hinata replied.
"Yes, Lady Hokage." Sai answered.
"Very well. Sai, you're dismissed." Said Tsunade. Once Sai had left the office, Tsunade waited a few moments before continuing. "Hinata, listen up."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade. What is it?" Hinata asked.
Seeing she had Hinata's undivided attention, Tsunade began. "I'm sure you're aware of Danzo Shimura's actions against Naruto?" Tsunade asked, receiving a nod from Hinata. "Good. Danzo may have lost political power as well as control over his own organization of ninja, I'm sure he still has something planned."
"I see. What does this have to do with Sai?" Hinata asked.
"Sai is supposedly the only one who transferred from Danzo's control, to my own. I have little doubt that he's up to something. So, I'm telling you to be on guard at all times. Chances are Danzo wants intel on the Hidden Whirlpool Village. Be careful not to let anything slip. I fear that once Sai believes you have any affiliation to that village, he'll take you out. So be careful, but don't let him know you're on to him." Tsunade explained.
"I understand. I'll keep an eye on Konohamaru as well, incase something does go down. Naruto wouldn't want something to happen to him." Hinata replied.
"Good. You're dismissed now." Tsunade said, watching Hinata leave her office. She didn't want to let Konohamaru on this team, but his sensei seem quite adamant about it. So, she reluctantly agreed.
-With Hinata-
Hinata had left the tower, and began walking home. "If Sai does try something, his best chance would be during the second phase of the Chunin Exams. That's when I'll have to be on guard the most." Hinata thought, as she activated her Byakugan. She saw Sai following her, but didn't react to it. *Sigh* "It's already begun. Bring it!" Hinata smirked, not that Sai could see it.
-Day of the Exams-
Hinata, Konohamaru and Sai had met up in front of the academy. Konohamaru was the first to show, as he was the most excited to show what he's got in the exams. Hinata was next, and the two greeted each other while smiling brightly. Sai had arrived shortly after, smiling as he greeted them. "Hello. Nice day today isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." Hinata replied, with a smile of her own.
"Yeeeaa." Said Konohamaru. "What's up with this guy? I can't find a hint of emotion behind that smile of his, and Big-sis Hinata's smile is fake too. But she seems cautious around this guy. Why is that?" Konohamaru asked himself. He new from the beginning that Sai was off somehow, he just didn't know what. And Hinata always seem a little different with him around.
"Shall we go inside?" Hinata asked.
"Of course." Was Sai's answer.
"R-right." Konohamaru replied.
-Next Day (Forest of Death)-
The trip up to the exam room was uneventful, except when two 'Genin' were preventing other from entering back on the second floor. Konohamaru was going to expose their Genjutsu, but was stopped by Hinata. When asked why, Hinata just told him that if they couldn't figure it out for themselves, they more than likely weren't ready to take the exams.
Hinata of course remembered the two 'Genin' being the exact same way they were, when she first took the exams. Which did make her a little curious, but just put is aside for now.
The first exam was similar to the one she took three years ago. Even the tenth question from Ibiki Morino was the same, so she knew not to be discouraged. the only difference this time, was that it was Konohamaru that yelled out in confidence. Hinata swore that he had said the exact same thing as Naruto had, causing her to chuckle.
Now they were about to take the Second Phase of the Chunin Exams. And like last time, Anko Mitarashi was the proctor.
Hinata with her teammates, were now at their starting gate. Just waiting until the exam to begin. As soon as the gate burst open, they rushed inside, remaining high in the trees.
Well that's chapter 4. Not as long as the other ones, but the next one will be longer. Obviously the next chapter is going to focus purely on the Second Phase of the Chunin Exams. In other news, I thank those who have reviewed my sample chapter. Although it was only two reviews and one PM, but I only count Reviews. Even if I counted the PM, the possitives were higher. If you haven't reviewed to the sample chapter and didn't like it, I'm sorry but it's not my fault.
I've also decided that I will post the official chapter one early. As in right after this one early. No on has to read it if you don't want to, but those who's interest I managed to obtain I'd like to say thank you. It will start out slow, but in the later chapters I hope to make up to that.
Thank you all, and Please review.