Author's Note: Darn...five seconds away from posting and then computer froze. But this chapter went way faster. Finished about a day or two after posting last one, just waited for roommate to proof it. Cause he has a life outside of proofing my fic. Shocking I know. But apparently we're actually humans or something...weird. Anyways yay broke the 20 review point. Hey guys, if this fic breaks the 50 point before I get Star Wars: The Old Republic (pre-ordered so getting it as early as five days before official release) I'll write a chapter and post the next day. BUT THEY HAVE TO BE ACTUAL REVIEWS. Not just the word 'review.' If I know people, they like to find loopholes...so ha pre-emptive strike.

Review Shoutouts:

ddcj1990: Thanks for the encouraging words! As for pairings...well we shall see, but your opinion is noted hahaha.

alchemists19: Thanks! I hope to retain your interest!

JKArcanus: Haha indeed. But like love, jealously knows no bounds. Glad you like Tsukiko, was hoping people would.

Krulk: YES another Genkyouien reader. Love that fic, can't wait for it to update. Thanks for the encouraging words btw.

The Lament Beast: LOL YES. Three of my favorite Thu'um...though OD-AH-VIING is growing on me. Gotta love the dragon being on YOUR side :D. HAHAHA the Nords do seem a bit light on the knee armor don't they? Except for guard captains who from what I hear don't have good chest armor.

harubanana: haha thanks! Hopefully not, but he's Sasuke...but he's not traumatized...we shall see.

Chapter 6: Just A Relaxing Stroll In The Park

Seventy-eight genin stared at Ibiki, mouths wide open in shock. Sakura spoke up.

"Wait…What do you mean? We already pass? What about the tenth question?"

Ibiki smiled cheerfully.

"There never was such a thing. Or you could say that those two choices were the tenth question."

Sakura's eyes opened even wider.

"Huh?"

The blonde-haired Suna genin from before looked angry.

"Hey! Then what were the other nine questions for? They were pointless then!"

"They were not pointless…" Ibiki calmly explained. "They had already served their intended purpose."

Temari now looked confused and let out a 'hn?'

Ibiki continued cheerfully.

"To test your individual information gathering ability…that purpose."

Temari still looked confused, but for different reasons now. 'He's suddenly changed personalities…'

"Information gathering…?"

Ibiki went on.
"First, as the rules explained, success on this test is based on the whole team doing well. This put pressure on each member not to mess things up for their teammates."

Naruto nodded.

"I had a feeling this test was like that."

Tsukiko giggled.

"But the questions on this test were not the types a mere genin could answer. Because of that…I'm sure most of the people came to the same conclusion that to score points…I'll have to cheat. Basically, the premise of this test is to cheat. As cheating targets, we had two or so chūnin who knew all the answers mixed into the crowd, to help you guys out."

Naruto chuckled. 'Haha I actually figured it out! Hm, maybe I shouldn't let everyone know how smart I am though…keep the surprise.'

Sasuke looked at Naruto in surprise. 'Normally he'd have had an outburst by now, did he actually figure it out?'

Ibiki reached back and started untying his bandana.

"But those who cheat poorly fail, of course."

Ibiki pulled off his bandana. The entire room gasped at the sight of Ibiki's scalp, completely covered in scars and burns.

"Because at times, information is more important than life…and on missions and the battlefield, people risk their lives to get their hands on it."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. 'Horrible burns, screw holes, scars…the after effects of torture…'

Ibiki retied his bandana and made a serious face.

"If the enemy or a third party notices you…there is no guarantee the info will be accurate. I want you to remember this: Important information in your hands can be a powerful weapon for your comrades and for the village. So we had you gather information through cheating. This clearly separated those that did not have the right abilities."

Temari still looked confused.

"But, I don't understand the final question."

Ibiki smiled.

"Question ten is the true purpose of this test. The "take it or don't" decision. Obviously these were painful choices. Those who choose the latter fail with their teammates. Those who choose to take it could lose the chance to take the test again, a true leap of faith. Now about these two choices. Say you guys become chūnin. Your mission is to steal a secret document. The amount of ninja, their abilities, etc. is unknown to you. And of course, there could be traps set up all around you. Now, do you accept, or not? Because you don't want to die or see your comrades hurt, can you avoid this dangerous mission?"

Ibiki leaned forward a bit, still smiling but with a slightly more serious look in his eye.

"The answer is no! No matter what the danger, there are missions you can't avoid. The ability to be courageous and survive any hardship…that is the ability needed to become a chūnin captain. Those who can't put their destinies on the line, who cling to the uncertain future of 'there's always next year' and then walk away from their chance…those pieces of trash who can only make such cowardly choices don't have the right to become chūnin! That's how I feel! Those who chose to take it answered the tenth question correctly. You will be able to survive any troubles you face in the future. You made it through the entrance; the first test of the Chūnin Selection Exam is now finished. I wish you guys luck."

Ibiki suddenly glanced to the side. A spinning, dark mass smashed through the window and shot into the room. Two kunai connected to the mass shot out, embedding themselves in the ceiling above Ibiki. Ibiki sighed and smiled. 'Geez, not this one…'

Naruto, along with everyone else in the room, stared with massive, shocked eyes.

"What's this?"

The two kunai lifted up a massive, black banner with the words "Second Examiner" on the top and a name that couldn't be read, because standing in front was a woman in her early twenties. She had light brown, pupil-less eyes, violet hair in a short, spiky ponytail, a Konoha forehead protector, and a small pendant that looked like a snake fang around her neck. She wore a tan overcoat over a fitted mesh body suit with a dark orange mini-skirt.

"You guys! This is no time to be celebrating! I am the examiner for the second test, Mitarashi Anko! Now let's GO!"

She raised her right arm into the air.

"Follow me!"

The entire room just stared silently. Ibiki leaned out from behind Anko's banner.

"Bad timing…"

Anko turned and looked at Ibiki.

"78…? Ibiki! You left 26 teams? The test was too easy this time!"

Ibiki smiled as he looked at Anko.

"There are a lot of talented ones this time."

Anko looked back at the stunned genin.

"Bah, that's fine…I'll cut them in half at least in the second exam."

Sakura looked worried.

'Cut us? At least in half?'

Anko made a devious face.

"Ahhh…I'm getting excited. I'll explain everything once we've changed location, follow me."


Anko led the group out of the village, stopping in front of a large, fenced off forest. The trees here were massive, much larger than the normal trees around Konoha. In front of the fence was a small booth with three Konoha shinobi sitting behind it. All along the fence were signs saying "Danger! Stay out!" A few of the seventy-eight genin left gulped.

"Welcome to the stage for the second test, Practice Area 44. Also known as…'The Forest of Death!'"

Sakura gulped.

"This place looks creepy."

Anko smiled mischievously at the genin.

"You'll soon find out why it's called the 'Forest of Death.'"

Kiba pointed at Anko.

"You think that scares us? Akamaru and I can handle anything, no problem!"

Anko smiled with her eyes closed.

"Yeah, you're spirited."

Suddenly a kunai appeared in Anko's hand, a moment later embedding itself in the ground behind Kiba. Anko herself appeared behind Kiba, holding him while licking blood from a scratch on his cheek.

"Kids like you are quickly killed…hehehe…"

A certain grass ninja watched the exchange, a disturbing look in his eyes. 'Kukuku, this is exciting. Too bad Konoha's on high alert for some reason, or I might have some fun with dear old Anko now. Not that their 'caution' would help them in the slightest.'

Everyone just stared as Anko let go of Kiba and retrieved her kunai.

"Hehehe this should be fun. Now before we start the second test, there's something I have to pass out."

Anko reached into her trench-coat and pulled out a stack of papers.

"You must sign these waiver forms."

Everyone looked confused, especially Naruto.

"What?"

Anko smiled cheerfully.

"There will be deaths in this one…and if you don't sign these it will all be my responsibility, hehe. I'm going to explain the second test, then you can sign it afterwards. After that, each team will check in at that booth behind me."

Anko handed the stack of papers to Kiba, the closest genin to her.

"Ok! I will now explain the second test. Simply put, you will attempt the ultimate survival challenge. First, I'll explain the area in which it will take place. Around Practice Area No. 44 are forty-four locked gates. There is a forest bisected by a river and a tower in the center; from the gates to the tower is about ten kilometers. During the challenge you will be asked to complete a certain task. Using your many weapons and jutsu, you will compete in a no-rules scroll battle."

Anko held a white scroll with the character for 'heaven' on it in front of her face. One genin spoke up from the crowd.

"Scroll?"

Anko held the white scroll in her right hand while a black scroll with the character for 'earth' appeared in her left.

"Yes, you will fight over two scrolls, the 'heaven' and 'earth' scrolls. There are seventy-eight people here meaning twenty-six teams. Half, thirteen, will get the 'heaven' scroll. The other thirteen teams will each get the 'earth' scroll. To pass this test…"

Anko held both scrolls in one hand in front of her face.

"Your team must make it to the tower with both scrolls."

Sakura's eyes narrowed as she did some quick math.

"So, thirteen teams will lose their scrolls…half the teams will definitely fail."

Anko continued.

"But, there's a time limit. The second test will last one hundred and twenty hours, exactly five days."

Team 10 looked horrified and shocked.

"Five Days?" Ino cried out.

Chōji's eyes widened as he realized the implications.

"What about dinner?"

Sort of.

Anko closed her eyes and shook her head.

"You're on your own. The forest is full of food. Just watch out for man-eating beasts, poisonous insects, poisonous plants…"

Chōji looked down, resigned to his fate.

"Oh! And thirteen teams passing is unlikely. As the days go on, the distance to the goal will become farther and the time to rest will become shorter. Not to mention the area is crawling with enemies; you won't get much sleep. So not only will some fail by losing the scroll, some will die from the harshness of the course."

Anko smiled cheerfully and held up a hand.

"Now, I'll talk about what will disqualify you. First, those that don't make it to the tower with both scrolls and within the time limit. Second, those who lose a teammate or those who have a teammate killed. As a rule, there is no quitting in the middle; you will be in the forest for five days. And one more rule: you must not look inside the scroll until you make it to the tower."

Kōta looked curious.

"What happens if you do?"

Anko lifted one finger to her mouth.

"That will be a surprise for anyone who does."

Sakura smacked Kōta over the head when his face grew even more curious.

"A chūnin will be asked to handle classified information; this is to test your trustworthiness. That is it for the explanations. Exchange the three forms for your scroll, then choose a gate to get ready for the start. A final word of advice: Don't die!"

The booth had had a black curtain drawn across it during Anko's explanation. The curtain rustled and a chūnin stepped out from behind.

"It's about time to exchange for the scrolls."

The teams lined up and each walked into the booth, one at a time. Sasuke glanced at his teammates as his team headed for the booth.

"Hinata?"

Hinata nodded. The team stepped behind the curtain.

"Forms please."

Naruto and Hinata passed Sasuke their forms, who handed them to the chūnin. The chūnin handed them a white 'heaven' scroll in return.

"Thank you, please head to Gate 12."

Team Fire bowed and followed an instructor towards the gate. They were silent as the instructor unlocked the gate and stood by it, staring at his watch. Suddenly the instructor threw the gate open and yelled 'Go!' Team Fire shot through the gate and up onto the trees. Once they were out of sight of the gate, Sasuke turned to Hinata.

"Well Hinata?"

Hinata nodded and pressed her fingers together.

"A t-team with the 'earth' scroll was assigned to Gate 11. None of them have h-higher chakra than we do, so we m-might be able to beat them…"

Sasuke nodded. While Sasuke was the nominal leader of the team, he and Naruto normally acted more like partners. Naruto had been strangely quiet and willing to follow his lead today. Sasuke noticed him glance worriedly at Hinata.

'Hm, some sort of problem between them? Darn it Naruto, now's not the time for drama! We need you at one-hundred percent for this!'

"We'll head after that team then. Once we get the scroll, we'll travel straight for the tower. Even in a hostile environment ten kilometers isn't that far, we should be able to finish this on the first day if we do it right. Everyone clear?"

Sasuke watched as his two teammates nodded.

Sasuke grunted and closed his eyes.

"Let's go."


Team 8 stood in the middle of a clearing. Kiba looked at their female teammate.

"Well Hisako?"

Hisako closed her eyes and formed a half ram sign with one hand.

"There's one team headed this way. There's also a large group of leeches between us and them."

Kiba chuckled.

"Shino?"

Shino simply nodded.


Anko heard a bloodcurdling scream and chuckled.

"Sounds like it's started."

Anko narrowed her eyes and turned as an ANBU leapt in front of her.

"Big trouble, Anko-sama! Three bodies…you better come see this."

Anko narrowed her eyes and leapt after the ANBU.


A group of Konoha genin landed on a branch at the edge of a clearing. They looked down at a team in the middle of the clearing. There were two girls and one boy, one of the girls significantly younger than the other two. The lead Konoha genin smirked.

"What luck! Not only one of the rookie teams but the one babysitting during the exam! Looks like this is our lucky day guys!"

The group in the trees leapt towards the group in the clearing, kunai ready. However, as they got closer, the three genin in the clearing exploded into a mass of branches and cherry blossom petals, which surrounded and immobilized two of the attackers. The leader managed to jump back in time to avoid the branches, only to feel a hand grab his ankle.

"Doton: Shinjū Zanshu no Jutsu (Earth Style: Headhunter Technique)!"

Kōta crouched in front of the now buried Konoha genin, tossing the 'earth scroll' he took from the genin's kunai pouch while smirking.

"Heh heh good job Sakura and Tsukiko. Looks like this exam will be a piece of cake."

Sakura and Tsukiko stepped out from the bushes, each holding a ram handsign.

"Would you quit playing around Kōta? My genjutsu doesn't last forever."

Tsukiko formed a few more handsigns. Both of the Konoha genin trapped in genjutsu suddenly screamed and fell over, unconscious. Sakura sweat-dropped.

"Uhhh, thanks Tsukiko?"

Tsukiko nodded silently while Kōta smiled cheerfully at Sakura.

"See Sakura? You worry too much! Now, let's try to find some other teams, see if we can't scope them out before the next exam."

Sakura sweat-dropped as Kōta leapt off and turned to Tsukiko.

"Mugyuu…."

Tsukiko leapt after Kōta, leaving Sakura sighing and shaking her head to herself before leaping off after her team.


A group of Ame ninja with re-breathers rushed through the forest, intent on some goal.

"All right, if we calculated this right, another team should be arriving here soon. We'll split up and lay traps around the…wait, do you hear that?"

The ninja looked around as they heard the sounds of a flute being played. Suddenly they cried out as they found their bodies impaled on a bunch of stakes, and their arms began melting away. Three senbon shot from the bushes below, ending their misery via highly precise targeting of their pressure points.

Team Water exited their cover and walked over to the group.

"Good work Tayuya-chan, Haku-chan. Let's grab their scrolls and go."


A group of Taki nin landed at the edge of another clearing.

"Hey look, it's one of those Kumo teams."

One of them chuckled.

"Look at them, barely out of the academy I'll bet. They probably have no idea what to do."

The leader smirked.

"Right, we'll take them out, grab their scroll, and head to the tower."

As the ninja prepared to attack, they heard a voice from behind.

"Oh, really now?"

The ninja turned to see a chokutō, a kodachi, and a cleaver held at their necks. The leader glanced back down at the clearing and saw one of the ninja wave at him before all three disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Good work, Hinata, loser. Now, which one of you has the scroll?"

Sasuke deactivated the genjutsu over his eyes, letting the leader peer into his Sharingan.


A grass ninja, who is obviously not Orochimaru in disguise, stood over the bodies of four Konoha ninja, dressed in ANBU gear with masks that had the character for "root" on them.

"Kukuku, my, my Danzō it seems your information network is better than I imagined. But why, I wonder, go through all the trouble only to send such weak underlings after me? You should've known this group could barely handle a competent jōnin, let alone someone like me."

Not-Orochimaru turned his head.

"Kukuku a little genin team up ahead. Well, if Root could get through seems like dear old Anko isn't watching too closely. Looks like I'll have time to play."


Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata sped towards the center of the area at full speed. It took them less than half an hour to obtain the needed scroll; forgoing running into any teams, which was unlikely if they took a direct path at full speed, they should finish the exam in record time. That was, until Hinata suddenly gasped as she activated her Byakugan at the regular intervals established for missions. Sasuke looked back at her.

"What is it Hinata?"

Hinata seemed worried.

"T-There's s-someone heading t-toward us."

Sasuke frowned. Hinata was stammering even more than usual, and Sasuke could've sworn she was trembling.

"H-His chakra…it's a-almost as strong as N-Nagato-sensei's."

Sasuke's eyes widened. 'Someone almost as strong as Nagato? How was that even possible?'

Sasuke gulped.

"Can we avoid him?"

Hinata shook her head slowly.

"H-He continues to head t-toward us…l-like he's t-tracking us."

Sasuke gritted his teeth.

"Darn, we can't fight someone Nagato's level…"

Even Naruto looked worried.

"What are we going to do, Sasuke?"

Sasuke shook his head.

"If he's reasonable, we give him whatever scroll he wants and hope he doesn't want to waste time fighting us. If he's not, you and I hit him with any and every jutsu we can and look for a moment to escape. Hinata, stay out of the battle as best you can. I have a feeling we'll need your medic-jutsu after this…"

Team Fire gulped, and they leapt off into the distance, eyes open.


Not-Orochimaru watched as the three genin approached.

"Kukuku it's one of the Kumo teams…the Raikage will be so disappointed to hear about their deaths."

Not-Orochimaru bit his finger, performed some hand signs, and placed his palm on the ground.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu)!"

A giant snake appeared next to not-Orochimaru and launched itself at the three genin. Two of the genin leapt above the snake, landing on a branch in front of not-Orochimaru while the third tried to hide herself.

"Kukuku…"

Not-Orochimaru released a fraction of his killing intent, stunning the two boys in front of him.

"Shall we begin the battle for each other's scrolls now boys? Or will you scurry off like your little teammate?"

Not-Orochimaru pulled out a kunai, as the two boys trembled.

"Hehe, you can no longer move."

Not-Orochimaru lazily tossed two kunai at the two genin. One of the genin stabbed his leg with his own kunai, then grabbed his teammate and leapt out of the way.

'Kukuku…to injure his own body to erase the feeling of fear with pain…hehe this is no ordinary prey.'

Naruto sat trembling as he watched Sasuke look out from behind the tree.

"Snap out of it Naruto, I can't handle this guy alone! If we're going to survive, I need you!"

Sasuke unsheathed his chokutō and slashed at a snake that was about to bite Naruto. Sasuke looked at Naruto, but Naruto still didn't react. Sasuke closed his eyes, and reached into his pocket.

"Fine, you know what. Find Hinata, and then get out of here."

Sasuke opened his eyes, revealing his Sharingan for a moment before activating the genjutsu over them, then pulled out five kunai, one in his mouth and four in his right hand, with a large shuriken in his left.

"I'll do whatever it takes to protect my comrades, even a scaredy-cat like you."

Sasuke jumped out from the tree, launching the kunai at his opponent. The enemy ninja bent his body around the kunai, almost like a snake. Sasuke grabbed a nearby tree and swung around, throwing the shuriken along the path the enemy shinobi was flying. He then reached into his mouth, grabbing the kunai which had a small metal wire attached to it, and launched it. His opponent leaned his head to the side, smirking.

'Kukuku…not bad…it's as if he can read my movements…as if…'

His thoughts were cut off as he watched Sasuke lean back against the tree with two wires, one in his mouth and the other in his hand. The shinobi turned around to see the shuriken and kunai pulled back towards him.

'String? This…this is like the Sharingan Windmill Triple Blade! How can this brat do it?'

However, the shinobi was able to catch the shuriken in his mouth and dodge the kunai.

"Heh, too bad."

'Still, to read all the places I could run and attack from where I couldn't see…only one clan is able to do this at such a young age…'

Sasuke smirked and formed a rat handsign. "Bah, Raiton: Kagekiha (Lightning Style: Emotion Wave)!"

Lightning shot out from Sasuke's hands onto the wire, and surged towards the shinobi. The shinobi's body trembled as electricity surged through it.

"Kukuku…truly you are no normal prey. You face me alone to allow your teammates to escape, brave but foolish boy. Do you truly believe you have a chance?"

The shinobi looked up, his face burned and scarred but otherwise seemingly unaffected by the jutsu.

Sasuke smirked.

'As I thought, didn't even touch him. His chakra levels, his jutsu, his snake-like movements…only one person fits that description…'

"As a shinobi of Kumogakure, I'll do anything for my comrades. And I have no illusions of winning or even surviving this fight, Orochimaru of the Sannin. But I'll do whatever it takes to give my friends a chance."

'Come on Naruto, get out of here.'

Orochimaru chuckled.

"Kukuku…smart little brat. Smarter than half this village to figure out my identity like that. And not un-talented either. But what about your teammates?"

Orochimaru disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Sasuke panicked and spun around towards the direction of Naruto and Hinata. 'A Kage Bunshin? Darn it!'

Sasuke saw Orochimaru leap towards where Hinata was hiding. 'Darn it! There's no way I can get there in time.'

Orochimaru lazily tossed a kunai at Hinata. 'Kukuku…she can't even see it coming.'

To his surprise, Hinata quickly jumped out of the path of the slow kunai and spun around, throwing a handful of shuriken at Orochimaru. Orochimaru blocked the shuriken and released a blast of killing intent, freezing the poor girl.

'Kukuku, interesting. It's like she has eyes on the back of her head.'

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball)!"

Orochimaru calmly watched the ball of flame race towards him.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!"

Orochimaru summoned a giant snake which the fireball harmlessly dissipated over, and then sent the giant snake after Sasuke.

'Darn it! I can't avoid it in the air. Sorry Naruto, Hinata, Nagato-sensei…looks like this is the end for us…'

"Kukuku, nice tries, fighting, hiding, and running like prey should. But it's not enough to stop this predator…"

Orochimaru raced towards the frozen Hinata. Suddenly he felt a blast of chilling evil chakra.

"HINATA!"

Orochimaru gasped as a giant fist made of red chakra burning with hate slammed into him and sent him flying into a nearby tree. Sasuke also gasped as another hand of chakra grabbed him, pulling him out of the way of the giant snake.

'It's about time Naruto! But what is this chakra? It's evil…and burns like fire! Can this really be Naruto?'

The hand pulled Sasuke and dropped him next to Hinata, behind Naruto. There stood Naruto, covered in a fox-shaped cloak of bubbling red chakra. His eyes had turned red, his whisker marks more pronounced, and he now had claws and fangs.

"I won't let you hurt Hinata-chan! Or Sasuke!"

The chakra was enough to overpower the killing intent and snap Hinata out of her trance. She spoke in barely a whisper.

"N-Naruto-kun…"

Sasuke shook his head, trying to rid himself of the fear of both his opponent and his teammate.

"Forget it Naruto! We're facing Orochimaru from the Sannin! I hit him with a jutsu and he barely flinched! I doubt even your attack phased him!"

"Kukuku…you're correct."

The dust from the wrecked tree cleared to reveal Orochimaru standing in a hole in the tree Naruto had smashed him into. His face seemed like it was peeling off, but otherwise he didn't seem worried or injured. Both Naruto and Sasuke grit their teeth.

"Naruto, listen! We can't win this fight! If Nagato taught you anything that can get us out of here, use it now!"

Naruto nodded slowly, trying to suppress the urge to attack Orochimaru. 'Dang, this bijū chakra is still hard to control. Well, I heal too fast in this mode.' Naruto released the bijū cloak, and the bubbling chakra vanished although an aura of fiery, red chakra surrounded Naruto and he retained his fox-like traits. Naruto bit his finger, formed some hand signs, and placed his palm on the ground.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)!"

A giant chameleon with a snake for a tail and concentric circles in its eyes appeared. It opened its mouth, and Naruto grabbed Sasuke and Hinata then leapt inside. The chameleon closed its mouth, then vanished.

"Kukuku…this is just too hilarious. A boy who can read my movements and is the splitting image of his brother? A girl with eyes in the back of her head? And the Kyūbi brat? Raikage-sama, I envy your audacity, sending them here. I think I'll even let them go, just for the slap in the face to the old man. Kukuku…you three better make it to the finals, now, I believe I have other business to attend to…"

-Kumo Teams' Hotel-

Konan paced in the hotel room while Nagato rested on a couch.

"Calm down Konan, I'm sure your team will do fine."

Konan turned to Nagato and sighed.

"I know Nagato…I believe in them, but I can't help but worry. What about you? I'd think you'd be twice as worried."

Nagato continued to focus on something.

"Indeed, that's why I sent a squirrel summon. If anything happens I'll intervene."

Konan shook her head.

"I should've known you'd have something up your sleeves, how is your team doing?"

Nagato looked up at Konan, his mouth curling into a slight smile.

"They just survived an encounter with Orochimaru."

Konan gasped and took a step back.

"Nagato! You let your team fight Orochimaru? What was the point of even watching them then?"

Nagato held his smile.

"Orochimaru obviously wasn't serious about the fight and was somewhat surprised at their abilities; I don't think he knew who they were. Had he been serious about killing them, I would've stepped in. Besides, the point of this all is for them to experience real combat, fighting someone infinitely stronger than them is exactly what they are going to face in the future. As long as Orochimaru wasn't truly trying to kill them, it was a good opportunity to see how far they've come."

Konan shook her head.

"Still, that was too risky Nagato. What if Orochimaru had gotten serious before you had been able to respond?"

Nagato nodded. "It was a leap of faith, both in my reading of Orochimaru and in my team. But it paid off in the end. Besides, if I'm sensing this right, a group of Konoha ANBU is actually en route. My team needed only to survive for a while, and I had faith that they could do it."

Konan shook her head. "Sigh, Nagato that's good to hear in this case, but sometimes I can't help but feel your faith might be the death of you."

Nagato smiled cheerfully. "Better a dead fool full of faith than a shinobi who's lost his purpose. More importantly though, we need to keep our eyes open. I have a feeling Orochimaru's up to more than scouting out the new genin…"


-Forest of Death-

Team Fire stepped out of the chameleon's mouth, which then vanished in a puff of smoke.

"About time loser, being the meatshield for you was getting tough."

Naruto half glared at Sasuke but his heart wasn't in it. Sasuke put a hand on his shoulder.

"But hey, Naruto, good work back there. We'd all be dead right now if it weren't for you."

Naruto looked at Sasuke in surprise.

"I'm sorry about what I said earlier, but I needed you to snap out of it. We may hate each other when we're alone, but there's no one more reliable than you, loser."

Naruto smiled, this time genuinely, and rubbed the back of his head.

"Wow, um thanks Sasuke. Sorry you had to cover for me back there and thanks for bringing me to my senses."

Sasuke closed his eyes and waved him off.

"Whatever, I'll always be here when you need a good insulting. Now go get us some food or something, you didn't do your job as the meatshield so now you get to find the supplies."

Naruto glared at Sasuke and shook his fist.

"You jerk!"

But, still embarrassed about freezing up in the last battle, Naruto obediently turned and left.

Sasuke watched as Naruto walked away.

"You know, we played up my insults, but it wasn't until you were in danger that Naruto snapped out of it. That should tell you where you fit in Naruto's priorities. If his complete withdrawal due to you not talking to him much didn't already. You're my comrade and my friend Hinata, but we need Naruto more than ever right now, and right now he just wants his best friend back and whatever this is about it's not helping. Figure out your problems later; I can't let you drag down Naruto."

With that, Sasuke walked to the edge of the clearing.

"Hey loser, you're taking too long. Get back here, I'll do it. Useless…."

Sasuke walked away as Naruto came back glaring. Hinata looked up at Naruto. Sasuke was right. Naruto had snapped to protect her, and she hadn't been treating him well. What kind of a friend was she?

"H-Hi Naruto-kun, t-thank you for saving me."

Naruto grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head.

"Oh, sure thing Hinata-chan. That's what friends do, right?"

Hinata nodded, then looked down and pressed her fingers together. Why was this so hard?

"I-I'm sorry I h-haven't been as friendly, Naruto-kun. I..uh…um…"

Hinata felt her face heating up as Naruto watched her intently.

"Uh…w-wasn't feeling well, t-that's all. T-Thank you for p-putting up with me…" Hinata closed her eyes and prayed he wouldn't hate her now. To her surprise, Naruto smiled and looked relieved.

"Oh whew, I was worried I had hurt you somehow Hinata. Are you ok? I'm a little worried about you now, but I'm really glad we're still friends!"

Hinata watched Naruto smile and felt color rush to her face. 'I-I'm so dumb…N-Naruto-kun's been my best friend for years. Why would a little eight-year old girl he just met change that?'


"Achoo!"

Sakura looked at her teammate with concern.

"Are you ok Tsukiko-chan?"

Tsukiko looked back at her.

"Mugyuu…" as if that explained everything. Sakura dead-panned. 'What on earth does 'mugyuu' mean and why has Tsukiko-chan started using it? It was bad enough that she only spoke a few words without them being incomprehensible!'


Sasuke walked out from behind a tree.

"Right, now that that's dealt with, can we get to the tower? We're taking so long that Nagato will send us to Bee-sama for conditioning…"

The team shuddered at the thought and leapt off towards the center.


Kōta suddenly stopped and motioned for Sakura and Tsukiko to come closer.

"Do you guys see that?"

Sakura looked around.

"See what Kōta?"

Kōta pointed.

"In that clearing, two teams are about to fight. Let's check it out."

Sakura reached for him.

"Kōta, wait!"

However, Kōta's curiousity got the best of him and he had already left. Tsukiko shrugged and followed, leaving Sakura to sigh alone once more. Sakura caught up to Kōta and Tsukiko, hiding in a bush on the edge of a clearing. In the middle of the clearing, a squad of large genin from Amegakure faced a group of much younger Suna genin. Tsukiko suddenly started shaking.

"What's wrong, Tsukiko-chan?"

Tsukiko pointed towards the shortest Suna genin who was standing in front. She spoke in barely a whisper.

"Bijū…"

Sakura looked at her confused. 'Tailed beast? What does she mean by that? Does she mean he's some sort of monster?' Sakura turned her attention back to the two teams about to fight.

"Suna brat…challenging us head on like this…"

The head Ame ninja took over.

"How foolish…you'll die."

The small Suna ninja's face didn't change.

"Enough talking. Let's do it, old man from Amegakure."

The Ame ninja's eye twitched. The Suna genin in all black spoke up.

"Gaara! It's best to get some information first. If we both have the same scroll, then there's no need to fight. Pointless fighting is…"

Gaara interrupted.

"That doesn't matter. Those who meet my eyes, all must die."

The Ame ninja pulled out several umbrellas from his back.

"Bah…then let's hurry up and do it! Here I come!"

The ninja tossed his umbrellas into the air, which began floating and spinning. The ninja formed a tiger hand sign.

"Die Brat! Ninpō: Jōro Senbon (Ninja Art: Needle Rainstorm)!"

Team 7 watched with wide eyes as needles shot out from the spinning umbrellas, forming a hail of needles.

"Flying needles?" Kōta asked.

The needles spun around and flew towards Gaara from all directions.

"Ha, there's no escape from this jutsu! Plus all the needles are controlled by my chakra to strike their prey!"

The Ame ninja smirked as the needles crashed where Gaara was standing, creating a cloud of dust from the impact. His smirk vanished though as the dust cleared.

"Hn…what is that?"

The needles stuck out of a cocoon of sand surrounding Gaara, who stood unmoving and completely unharmed.

"No way…not a single one? He came out unscathed? Impossible…"

The Ame ninja frowned and formed a hand sign. More needles rained down towards a hole in the cocoon, but sand moved and blocked the opening.

"A rain of needles eh? Then I guess I'll make it rain blood."

The Ame ninja looked worried.

"Ugh, a wall of sand?"

Gaara's teammate in black spoke up.

"Yes, sand based total defense! The sand is packed into the gourd with chakra; it protects his body and the surrounding area. A jutsu possible only for Gaara; plus it happens regardless of Gaara's will. For some reason, it takes place automatically. Basically, against Gaara, all attacks are useless."

The Ame ninja frowned.

"That's not possible, those needles have the power to pierce five millimeters of steel! Darn it!"

Gaara's teammate listened, unimpressed.

"You cannot defeat our Gaara."

The Ame ninja charged at the Suna genin.

"Shut up!"

Gaara formed a triangle with his hands, then stuck his right palm out at the Ame ninja while forming a half ram sign with his left.

"Sabaku Kyū (Sand Coffin)."

Suddenly hands of sand shot up and grabbed the Ame ninja's leg, then wrapped up around his body. In moments, the ninja was completely encased in sand except for his face, and lifted into the air.

"Ugh…I can't move…"

Team 7 and the other Ame genin watched in shock. Gaara's blond, female teammate explained.

"The sand in the air or on the ground can be controlled by Gaara's will."

The Ame ninja grit his teeth and tried to break free.

"This is…guh…ugh…"

Gaara picked up one of the umbrellas which had fallen from the sky using his left hand, keeping his right hand pointed at the ninja palm open.

"Shut up, I can cover your mouth and kill you but…"

Gaara opened the umbrella.

"That's just too pitiful."

Gaara raised the umbrella above his head and suddenly clenched his right hand into a fist.

"Sabaku Sōsō (Sand Burial)!"

Suddenly the sand surrounding the ninja imploded, and the ninja disappeared into an explosion of blood and sand. Blood rained from the sky, drenching the dead ninja's comrades while Gaara stood calmly in the rain of blood, umbrella overhead.

"No suffering because I killed him so quickly he didn't have time to experience it. The blood mixes with the flowing sand and grants more power to its killer."

One of the remaining Ame genin, now trembling, placed a 'Heaven' scroll on the ground.

"We…we'll give you the scroll. Please…let us go…"

Gaara stuck out both hands, palms out. The Ame ninja began screaming as they were covered in Sand. Gaara's female teammate smiled cheerfully and waved.

"Bye bye!"

The last thing the crying genin saw was Gaara's hands clench into fists.

Team 7 spun around. Kōta voiced their thoughts.

"Oh no! Let's get out of here! If they find us…"

Gaara turned to the bushes where Team 7 was hiding. He seemed to be staring in Tsukiko's direction.

"Mugyuu…"

Tsukiko grabbed Sakura and Kōta and vanished. A small trail of sand which had been inching towards them dropped to the ground lifeless…

Team 7 leaned against some trees, panting heavily.

"T-Thanks Tsukiko…if you hadn't gotten us out of there…"

Tsukiko shook her head. Kōta did as well, trying to get those thoughts out of his head. Sakura turned to her little teammate.

"Tsukiko-chan…what did you mean by bijū?"

Tsukiko held herself and trembled slightly, once again speaking so softly Sakura had to strain to hear.

"Demon…"


Neji stood with his two teammates, Rock Lee and Tenten, arms crossed.

"All right, let's split up and gather food and water as planned. If you meet the enemy, run away, we meet back here in thirty minutes. Got that?"

Tenten smiled and nodded.

"Ok!"

Lee saluted.

"Roger!"

Neji smirked. "All right, go!"

Neji watched as Lee and Tenten shot off into the forest, then activated his Byakugan.

"You can come out now, I know you're there."

Orochimaru stepped out from behind a tree.

"Kukuku, as talented with the Byakugan as they say, Neji-kun. But tell me, why send your teammates away when you knew I was here?"

Neji turned around and faced his opponent. His arms remained crossed, and he made no move to attack. He deactivated his Byakugan, hoping his opponent would accept his truce.

"Your chakra is larger than anyone in the village except Hokage-sama's and you approached us without Lee or Ten Ten or even myself, without the aid of the Byakugan, noticing. You are obviously not a genin and are obviously strong enough to kill us all if you chose to. Had Lee been here, he would not have understood the situation and would have tried to engage, thus we would end up dead. Alone, I can at least find out why you're bothering with us, and try to avoid a hopeless fight."

Orochimaru smiled.

"Kukuku, you're as smart as they say, Neji-kun. It's truly heart-breaking to see such talent locked away in the destiny and traditions of the Hyūga clan. But what if, Neji-kun, there was someone who was strong enough to break free of destiny and tradition and to roam the world however they pleased? Would such power interest you?"

Neji closed his eyes.

"Such power does not exist. We are all trapped in our destinies and we cannot change what we are or what we will become. Thus is the way of life."

Neji suddenly screamed as Orochimaru bit into his shoulder, his neck stretched out from his body.

"Kukuku…that is because you don't know true power Neji-kun. I've left you a little going-away present. If that small taste interests you, seek me out. I will quench your thirst, and show you how to break your cage and forge your own destiny."

Orochimaru slid back into the shadows as Neji fell to the ground, intense pain coursing through his body. The pain was worse than any he felt, including that of the caged bird seal. Yet, underneath all that pain, Neji sensed incredible power, as if the pain was but a taste of what he could accomplish if he accepted this gift. With that final thought, Neji fell into black.

Orochimaru walked away, satisfied at the day's events. 'Kukuku…we'll see if you have the strength to survive, Neji-kun. Another kekkei genkai is always welcome among my followers. Now, one last thing to do it seems…'


"Kukuku…no need to be shy Anko. Even though we haven't seen each other in a while, we were once so close, close enough that we need not hide from each other."

Anko landed in front of Orochimaru.

"You won't escape this time, Orochimaru. If need be, I'll give my life to stop you or if that's not possible, slow you down long enough for ANBU to reach here."

Orochimaru laughed.

"Please Anko, you insult me. I already know about the ANBU surrounding us. You'd need at least twice as many to stop me…kukuku."

Anko grit her teeth, and shot her hand forward. Snakes launched from under her sleeve at Orochimaru.

"Sen'eijashu (Striking Shadow Snakes)!"

The snakes slammed into Orochimaru, who vanished in a puff of smoke.

"Kukuku…Anko you're a special jōnin of Konoha now, you shouldn't use all those jutsu I taught you."

Anko grit her teeth even more.

"What do you want? To assassinate Hokage-sama?"

Orochimaru chuckled.

"No, I'm just taking a relaxing stroll in the park. Besides, I don't have enough men for that yet and Kumo beat me to all the unloved, little orphans, so I thought I'd stop by and pick up some talent from home after my walk."

Three tomoe appeared on Anko's shoulder and she grabbed them with a look of pain.

"Ugh…"

Orochimaru smiled.

"I just gave a kid one of those 'curse seals.' There's a kid I find promising…"

Anko smirked.

"How selfish…that kid's going to die."

Orochimaru chuckled.

"The chance of survival is one in ten, like you, he might not die. And if my calculations are correct…his 'family tradition' might even increase his chance of survival."

Anko continued to smirk.

"You must really like this kid…"

Now it was Orochimaru's turn to smirk.

"Jealous are we? Are you still upset I threw you away?"

A wave of pain shot through Anko from her shoulder.

"Unlike you, this one is talented, a genius even when caged. I simply want to set him free, and see how far he can fly. Unlocking the talent of the next generation, is that not what the 'will of fire' is all about? Or do you prefer to lock away and ignore those with promise, until kinder individuals such as myself come along and show them what they can become? No, if he survives things could get very interesting. Please don't end the exam prematurely; about three from my village are also taking part and I'm going to enjoy this. If you try to end my enjoyment, believe me that Konoha is finished."

With that, Orochimaru vanished in a puff of smoke and ANBU leapt out from the bushes.

"You, go alert the Hokage and ask him to come to the tower, the rest of you, grab Anko and let's go."


Lee and Tenten stood over Neji in the cave where they had laid him down. They had found him unconscious after they returned with supplies, and were waiting for him to recover. They also noticed a strange mark on his shoulder.

In the bushes, three Oto genin watched the two.

"Our target is Hyūga Neji, let's go."

"We can kill the other two if they get in the way?"

"Of course."

Lee and Tenten turned to face three Oto genin who walked out of the bush. The female one spoke first.

"Please wake up Neji-kun."

The hunched over one continued.

"We want to fight him."

Lee made a fist while kunai appeared in Ten Ten's hands.

"Lee?"

Lee nodded.

"Let's go."

Tenten launched her kunai towards the middle of the genin while Lee charged at them. The genin dodged the kunai only to notice an explosive tag that blew them all apart, separating the girl and spiky haired boy from the hunched boy. Lee chased after the pair while Tenten launched a barrage of shuriken which the hunched boy dodged.

'That kid uses some sort of trick that damages you even if you dodge him; I can't let him get close to Lee. If I keep him away from Lee, Lee should be able to handle the other two.'

As Lee charged, the spiky-haired boy put his arms forward.

"Zankūha (Slicing Sound Wave)!"

A blast of supersonic sound waves shot out at Lee. The boy smirked until he noticed there was no body. He noticed a moment too late as Lee appeared behind him and dealt him a chop to the neck. The boy fell over unconscious. The girl tossed two senbon, one with a bell, one without. Lee easily dodged them and charged at her. The girl pulled a string to ring the bell, but as the bell rang Lee launched a kick that caught her in the head.

"Konoha Senpū (Leaf Whirlwind)!"

The hunched genin continued to dodge Ten Ten's barrage, blocking with the metal device on his arm. 'This is not going well…these two are too strong. And if Neji is supposedly stronger than these two…'

The ninja put one hand up and pulled out his team's scroll with the other. He placed it on the ground.

"It seems you two are too strong for us. We'll give you our scroll if you let us go. Know though, that failure isn't an option for us Oto-nin, we will kill Neji, one way or another."

The hunched ninja walked over, picked up his two teammates, and disappeared while Lee picked up his scroll.

-In the center tower-

Anko rested on a couch, waiting with two ANBU for the Hokage to arrive. As she did, a chūnin burst into the room.

"We've been waiting for your arrival, Anko-san! There is something I must report!"

Anko glared at the shinobi.

"What is it? We're in the middle of an important meeting!"

The chūnin held up a video tape.

"Take a quick look at this!"

The chūnin put the tape in a VCR player.

"Now here! Please look at this time!"

Anko's eyes widened.

"This…this is…."

The chūnin pointed at the time.

"This is the recording of the second test, an hour and twenty minutes into it, and again at an hour and thirty seven minutes. Three shinobi from Kumogakure, and three from Sunagakure, have passed the second test. And not only that, but the other team from Kumogakure just arrived a few minutes ago…"

Anko stared at the screen.

"How is that even possible?"

The chūnin spoke up.

"To pass in only eighty, ninety, and one hundred and twenty minutes…this has never happened before. It is very abnormal. These guys are not at genin level to demolish the test like that…"

Anko kept her eyes on the screen.

"That's not all."

The chūnin looked at Anko.

"What?"

Anko walked to the window.

"From the arena entrance to the tower is about ten kilometers. Wild beasts, poisonous insects, rough terrain. They made it seems as if it was nothing. Especially that brown haired Suna kid…"

The chūnin turned back to the footage of the Suna team.

"What about this kid?"

Anko turned her head.

"Haven't you noticed?"

One of the ANBU nodded.

"…I see…that's amazing."

The chūnin looked at the ANBU, confused.

"What about him is so…?"

Anko turned back towards the chūnin.

"Take a good look at his body."

The chūnin's eyes narrowed and he smiled.

"…I see."

Anko smiled slightly.

"Not a single scratch. Not only that, but you can't even spot any dirt on his clothes…"

One of the ANBU crossed his arms.

"It must have something to do with his abilities…looks like a reliable guy has appeared. I don't like the look of his eyes though…"

-Bottom Floor of the Tower-

Team Fire walked through the central tower after chatting with the Konoha chūnin who had been summoned. They had never seen him before, but the team agreed something about that chūnin with a scar across his nose had seemed quite familiar…

"Hello, Naruto-san, Hinata-san, and Sasuke-san."

Team Fire turned to see Team Water, Haku and Kimimaro bowing politely while Tayuya scoffed.

"What took you guys so #$!-ing long?"

Naruto smirked.

"Oh nothing much. Seeing the sights, smelling the flowers…"

Naruto shrugged.

"Fighting Orochimaru…you know, the little things."

Tayuya burst out laughing.

"Yeah right, don't #$! with me. Next you'll tell me you're the #$!-ing son of the #$!-ing Yondaime Hokage."

The Sandaime Hokage, who had just entered the building, began violently coughing.

"Hokage-sama! Are you all right?"

The Hokage waved off the ANBU.

"I'm fine, I'm fine."

Tayuya looked horrified. Sasuke smirked.

"Great going, you nearly assassinated the Hokage and started a war."

Tayuya growled.

"Why you!"

Kimimaro nudged Tayuya as he and Haku bowed to the Hokage. Tayuya and Team Fire followed suit.

"Greetings, Hokage-sama. Please forgive our teammate's language."

The Hokage laughed.

"Ah ha, it's perfectly fine, you've just completed a tough test. Congratulations by the way, I believe you've made it in record time. Kumogakure has sure sent some fine shinobi this year I see."

Kimimaro bowed once more to the Hokage.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. It is an honor to be here."

The Hokage laughed once more.

"No, the pleasure is all mine. Such courtesy too! If only we had more shinobi like you! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend. Please, relax and prepare for the next exam.

-Upstairs-

Anko grunted, leaning over while sitting on the couch. The Hokage stood in front and to the left of her, with the two ANBU in the corners of the room and Kotetsu and Izumo standing behind the couch.

"Now, does the curse still hurt?"

Anko looked up at the Hokage as she grabbed her shoulder.

"No, thank you, it's much better now."

Behind the couch, Kotetsu and Izumo interrupted.

"By the way, Orochimaru is one of the three legendary Sannin, right? Isn't he the Bingo Book class S missing ninja that even ANBU can't get close to? I heard that he had already died…"

"Why would he come to this village now?"

Anko grimaced and thought back to her encounter.

"He's interested in a boy, Hyūga Neji."

The Hokage rubbed his chin.

"Hmmm…"

Sandaime let a puff of smoke out of his pipe.

"Well…Let's continue the exam as planned. We will keep our eyes on Orochimaru's movements."

Anko nodded.

"Yes…"

-Five Days Later-

Anko sat on a couch, enjoying her meal of dango and juice.

"Anko-sama! The second test is now complete. We have confirmed twenty-seven have passed the second test. In accordance with the rules, for the first time in five years we will start preparations for a preliminary before the third test."

Anko shook her head.

"Hehe twenty-seven? Darn, I said I'd cut them in half, but I was expecting single digits. Talented group this year…"

-Tower Bottom Floor-

Twenty-seven genin gathered in a large room. On two opposite walls were walkways with railing, looking over a large, arena-ish area. On the wall in between were two large, stone hands forming a ram hand sign, the wall to either side of the hands divided by black wallpaper into four rectangles. In front of the genin stood Sandaime Hokage, all the examiners, and the jōnin sensei of all the teams who had passed.

The genin looked around, sizing up who had passed.

"Onī-chan! You passed!"

Naruto smiled, as Tsukiko waved to get his attention, and waved back.

"Hey Tsukiko-chan, glad to see you passed too.

Kōta eyed the Suna team warily.

'Darn, I hoped we'd never run into him again…'

A man who looked like an older version of Rock Lee but with a flak jacket smirked at Kakashi.

"Your team isn't too bad, maybe they were lucky. But as long as my team is around, getting any farther is impossible since from now; it's all about real ability. Well, with youth there are sweet times and there are sour times, eh Kakashi?"

Kakashi turned and faced the man.

"Huh? You say something, Gai?"

Gai turned away, eyes white with rage and fist shaking.

'Heh, not bad my rival Kakashi…you're cool in that way and it really gets on my nerves…"

Sasuke smirked.

"Heh, I can't say that I'm getting a good feeling…"

Sandaime smiled.

'For this many to make it…and most of them are rookies. Both teams from Kumogakure as well, it seems I'll be meeting the Raikage face to face soon…'

"No wonder they all nominated them…"

Anko stepped forward.

"Hokage-sama will now explain the third test. Listen carefully! Now Hokage-sama, please."

Sandaime took a breath.

"Yes, for the coming third test…but before I explain that, there is something I'd like you to know. It concerns the true reason for this exam. Why do we have all the allied countries taking the exam together? "To promote friendship among the countries." "To raise the level of shinobi." I don't want you to be confused about the true meaning of these. This exam is…"

The Hokage took out his pipe for a moment, refilled it, and put it back in his mouth.

"A replacement for war among the allied countries."

All the genin looked confused.

"What does that mean?" asked Tenten.

"If you go back in time, the current allies were enemies who fought each other over who would rule. In order to prevent wasteful fighting, the stage that these countries chose for battle…that is the origin of this Chūnin selection exam."

Kōta looked curious.

"So how do we fit into that? Isn't this test for deciding who's a chūnin?"

Sandaime let out a puff of smoke.

"It is a fact that this exam decides which shinobis have what it takes to become a chūnin. But on the other hand, this exam has another side where each country's shinobi risk their own lives to protect their land's prestige."

"Prestige," Ino asked.

Sandaime nodded.

"Watching this third exam will be leaders and influential individuals from many countries who make up the clients of the shinobi. And the leaders of our countries as well will also be there to watch each of your battles. If the strength of a country is clear, that country will receive more clients. And conversely, if seen as weak, they will lose clients. And this will signal to potential enemy countries that "Our village has this much power" so it will send a political message to the outsiders."

Kiba looked somewhat irritated.

"Yeah, but why? Why do we have to risks our lives in battle?"

Sandaime pulled out his pipe again.

"The strength of a country is the strength of the village. The strength of the village is the strength of its shinobi. And a shinobi's true strength is born only through life or death battle. This exam is a place to see each country's strength and to show off your own. It only has meaning because lives are on the line. That's why those who have come before you have fought in this chūnin exam for this dream that is meaningful."

Tenten still looked confused.

"But then why do you say stuff about it being for friendship?"

Sandaime narrowed his eyes.

"I said it in the beginning; I don't want you to confuse the purpose of this. By losing life and establishing balance; this is the shape of friendship in the world of shinobi. Before we begin the third test I will tell you one more thing. This is not just a test…this is a life-risking battle…with your dreams and your country's prestige on the line."

Gaara leaned forward.

"I don't care what it is, just hurry up and tell us what this life-risking battle entails."

Sandaime took a breath.

"Yes, I'd like to explain the third exam now, but…"

A Konoha shinobi who hadn't been introduced stepped forward and bowed in front of the Hokage.

"Actually…cough…I apologize Hokage-sama. From here on, as referee, will you please allow me, Gekkō Hayate…"

Sandaime nodded.

"By all means."

Hayate stood up and turned to face the genin.

"Hello everyone, I'm Hayate. Umm…before the third test, there's something I'd like you to do. Umm…it's a preliminary before the third test to decide who gets to participate in the main event."

The genin looked shocked. Sakura asked the question on their minds.

"Preliminary?"

Shikamaru looked angry.

"Preliminary? What do you mean?"

Sakura continued, a worried look on her face.

"Sensei…I don't understand this preliminary but…why aren't all the people here allowed to participate in the next exam?"

Hayate coughed before answering.

"Umm…because the first and second test may have been too easy this year, we have a bit too many people remaining. According to Chūnin Exam rules, we must have a preliminary and reduce the number of participants for the third exam."

Sakura looked shocked.

"No way…"

Hayate continued. "As Hokage-sama indicated earlier, there will be many guests at the third test and the fights could take too long, so we're limited in time and number of matches. Umm…so anyway…those who are not feeling well…those who feel like quitting after these explanations please come forward now, since we will be starting the preliminary immediately."

All the genin looked stunned. Kiba looked somewhat angry.

"What? Right now?"

Kabuto took a step forward and raised his hand.

"Umm…I'm going to quit."

Hayate coughed as he looked at a book.

"Ummm…you're Yakushi Kabuto-kun from Konoha right? You may leave now. Umm…does anyone else want to retire? Oh…umm…I forgot to tell you that from now on it will be individual battling. You may raise your hand based on your own judgment."

Kiba looked at Kabuto with outrage.

"Why quit now Kabuto? This is your seventh time! Don't you want to pass?"

Kabuto nodded.

"I'm sorry, little rookie, my body is all beat up. Actually, I haven't been able to hear out of my left ear from the time I got attacked by the Oto nin before the first test. And now we'll have to risk our lives…"

A few genin noted the Hokage and Anko looking at Kabuto and discussing something. Kabuto glanced at the 'jōnin' from Otogakure. Hayate let out another cough.

"Umm…now…there are no more retiring, right?"

Neji rubbed his shoulder, but no one spoke. Sandaime watched Neji.

"I thought so."

Ibiki looked at the Hokage.

"What should we do?"

Anko leaned closer.

"We should remove him from the exam and have the ANBU watching over and protecting him."

Neji's instructor, Maito Gai, also the Rock Lee lookalike talking to Kakashi earlier, interrupted.

"He's not the type to easily agree to that. He's from the Hyūga Clan after all."

Sandaime rubbed his chin.

"Hmm, perhaps the other seal will counter it. For now, we'll let Neji continue and watch. If the curse begins opening and releasing power, then jump in and stop him."

Hayate let out one more cough.

"Um…now…let's begin the preliminary. This preliminary will consist of one on one fighting. You will basically fight as if in a real life confrontation. Now, since we have exactly twenty-six entrants, we will conduct thirteen matches and…umm...the winners will advance to the third test. There are basically no rules. The fight continues until one of you dies or is knocked out or admits defeat. Cough, umm…if you don't want to die then quickly acknowledge your defeat. But when I decide that a winner has clearly been established…umm…since we don't want to pointlessly increase the number of corpses, I'll jump in and stop things. And the object that controls your destiny…"

Anko pulled a mouthpiece closer to her mouth.

"Open it."

One of the rectangular sections of the wall behind the stone hand sign rose up, revealing an electronic screen.

"Is this…this electronic score-board will show the match-ups for each battle. Now, this is sudden, but let's announce the two names of the first fight."

The genin watched as the score-board cycled through the names randomly. Who would be up first?


Moar Author's notes: Just because I like talking. Anyways, so yea Orochimaru doesn't really care about Neji, at least not as much as he did about Sasuke. Not just using Neji as a Sasuke 2.0. Or maybe am but in a different way. Anyways, he sees Neji as just a promising bloodline kid with emotional issues he can mess with. It's more a just for kicks thing with the chance of getting a powerful new minion if things go well. Cause I see Orochimaru as a Joker-ish, just for the fun of it type villain though way worse at planning. Seriously. Just dig up some old Uchiha, edo tensei him, and take over that body. Or just steal his eyes if you can't take over an edo tensei body. See I'm a way better Orochimaru than Orochimaru. Anyways...


Jutsu List:

Kuchiyose aka Summoning yea you guys know what that does. Same with Kage Bunshin aka Shadow clones.

Raiton: Kagekiha: sends lightning out of users hands onto something conductive, can be used to boost attacks.

Ninpou Jourou Senbon: yea, throw umbrella in air, it spins and sends out a hail of armor piercing senbon that can be controlled via chakra.

Sabaka Kyuu and Sabaka Sousou: Gaara grabs people with Sand, covers them, and then squishes them. Terrifying, bloody, but immediate and painless.

Zankuha: Zaku's move, sends out massive blasts of air and sound waves to pulverize stuff and deflect attacks.

Konoha Senpu: LEAF WHIRLWIND. Lee kicks things. Ok more officially a succession of high and low kicks to try and catch the enemy off guard after they dodge one.