Chapter 7: To Catch a Spy

A/N: So as you may have noticed I have decided to cut updates back to every other day. Not feeling good right now so it's easier on me. Don't worry though it's a simple cold so I'll be fine. Also I recently got a request from Raimundo Gardell to complete a story by another author that passed away. It's a story by Living Paradox. I told him I don't think I should because I feel that I wouldn't be able to honor it and do it justice. However, I also told him I'd ask you guys to see if you want me too. Let me know and enjoy!

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A few days after they got back from Wave, Naruto and Kiba was summoned to the Hokage's office by Sartuobi. They heeded the summons and came just as soon as they could. They knocked on his door and received an enter from inside. "You wanted to see us Hokage-sama?" Nartuo asked upon closing the door.

"No need for formalities Lord Seventh. No one is here besides us," Sarutobi chuckled. Naruto sighed in relief and relaxed. "So what is it you needed?" Naruto asked curiously. "As you know quite well the chuunin exams is coming up. In fact it starts tomorrow. According to you that is when the sound and sand will strike and attempt to take us down. And that is when I will die," Sarutobi grimaced. "Actually it will be during the final phase a month from now that they will strike," Naruto corrected.

"Right. Also you said that there was a spy among us for Orochimaru but you never said who it was," Sarutobi asked. "It is Kabuto Yakushi. He's Orochimaru's right hand man and chief medical assistant," Naruto said. "So do you two think you'll be able to make it to the finals this time?" Sarutobi asked. "Yes as long as when there's a preliminary round after the second don't have us fight. I won last time and so Kiba wasn't in the finals," Naruto said laughing. "Hey you won on a technicality Naru," Kiba pouted.

"That is true and I have apologized over that many many times before. Give it a rest it was almost 30 years ago," Naruto rolled his eyes. "Well now it's coming around again," Kiba said in protest. "It won't happen again I promise," Naruto swore.

Sarutobi watched this exchange with amusement then cleared his throat to get their attention. "Yes well moving on in the finals I want you both to protect as many as possible. Kiba do you think you can deal with Gaara?" Sarutobi asked. "Yeah I should be able to with the new tricks I've learned since. What about Naruto though?" Kiba asked confused. "Sadly since he said I die I wouldn't mind having the help of Naruto a fellow Hokage in the fight against Orochimaru. He might have the strength to do what I never could," Sarutobi said sadly.

"I would be honored to fight alongside you Lord Third. You did so much for me growing up. Watching you die once was one of the hardest things I ever did. I will not let it happen again I swear," Naruto said with conviction. "Thank you Naruto it warms an old man's heart to know how well you turned out," Sarutobi beamed.

He gave them their scrolls with the time to be there and bade them farewell. They left and went their separate ways to prepare for tomorrow.

When the next day arrived Naruto met up with his team and headed to the testing area. He completely ignored the door with all the genin crowding it and continued on to the real testing room. On the way they were stopped by Rock Lee who challenged Sasuke to a fight. Naruto smiled letting them fight on their own knowing the outcome. Gai arrived stopping the fight before it went too far but Lee was giving Sasuke a run for his money.

They arrived in the room to find the same crowd as last time. Many of them were already crowded around Kabuto with him spilling secrets. Naruto snuck behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. "That's illegal ya know. Against exam rules," Naruto informed him. Kabuto jumped in surprise having not sensed Naruto behind him.

"How the hell?!" Kabuto exclaimed jumping away from him. "How did you do that?" Kabuto asked curious. "My info card doesn't say anything about you being able to do that," Kabuto narrowed his eyes at him.

"Sorry to surprise you like that. I would have thought dealing with snakes so much would have you used to surprises. My bad," Naruto winked then walked off. Kabuto narrowed his eyes dangerously at him but decided to take care of him later. Obviously he knew something about him being Orochimaru's spy and that was bad. Luckily he's only a genin easy enough for a shinobi of his caliber.

When Ibiki Morino came in and instructed them to take a number and go find their seats they dutily did so. He explained the rules and Naruto internally laughed at how hard it all had seemed the first time. Now that was a lot older the questions were easy but he also knew that the test didn't matter and that Ibiki got a laugh out of the blank test so he left it that way again. The only thing he changed was not bursting out in outrage at him and he also drew a winky face on the front with a thumbs up.

When he left he could practically feel Ibiki's confoundedness at having gotten his and laughed to himself.

The next day he met up with Kiba and the rest of the Konoha 12. Naruto and Kiba promised each other to make it all the way to the finals and do their best to keep the third safe. The rest of them promised to make it as far as possible but Naruto knew a few certain people would have no hope in making it very far.

When they got their heaven scroll and got to their gate Naruto gave the other two a warning. "Careful in their. During this test there will enemy shinobi mainly the sound ninja. They are here on business to destroy the leaf for Orochimaru. The leaf ninja Kabuto Yakushi and his team is with them. If you seem them alert me over our personal radio channel and I will deal with them. They are way above you guys," Naruto cautioned.

Of course neither paid him any mind Sakura saying Sasuke can do anything dobe and Sasuke just grunting. Naruto knew that he was in for a long two days and would have to save their asses many times.

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A/N: So how was that guys? Sorry I know it's a little late but I've been really sick and just started to feel better. But I do mean what I said up top to sticking to one every other day and maybe more if I get really inspired. Was rereading some of my stuff and ouch really bad at tiny errors but overall not bad in the beginning. Kinda makes me feel I've started slacking lol. So still looking for a beta for any stories sent out a few messages to fellow authors hoping to hear but that was just registered betas. If any of ya'll that aren't want to do it just pm me and get the convo rolling. As always fave, follow, and review I'm whore for feedback XD. Cya!