* Important - IN other words Read this this god damn message, or else*
Just released a new fic called the 'Uzumaki-Hatake Prodigy'. It's about Naruto being three years older than in Canon, is raised by Kakashi and is a prodigy and jounin by 12. He then takes a Genin team at 17 and guess who he gets, Team 7. there will be an (the thing that just stands for created character, OC?) of my creation, he will have a new Kekkai genkai, and I don't think it's been used before. Have a look and tell me what you like about it.
Zera of the Half Moon : That's good to hear, fangirls are awesome. That is until you reach the newly dubbed 'Sakura Level' which is just amazingly annoying. But that also brings up another point, is Sasuke gay in Cannon? I mean he has hordes of fangirls and just glares at them, it's like he's scared of what he might get. * fantasizes about the various scenarios * But no, he ditches them, joins a known pedophile who literally said "I want your Body, Sasuke-kun" and then proceeds to lick his lips. Who does that if they're straight?
Rikudou Naruto : I don't know how it would fit into my story line, but it's definitely some food for though and is hinting towards one of my new story ideas that I'm setting up, so be ready.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan : He will use it in its true form when he can, but right now it looks cooler than a normal Katana, is heavy, strong, chakra resistant, can channel chakra and is faster than it's old self.
roboguy45 : thanks for that character like. The wives front will most likely be single, but I might make him love two people to add some drama. Maybe even a break up, because who actually does that in the fandom, its all 'I love you - Really, I love you too, Lets walk of into the sunset and live happily ever after' no one ever gets dumped in Naruto, so I'd like to see that unfold, but with what pairings I'm not sure, if anyone has some preferences just shout.
Darkryus : Thanks for the review, and I'll try and be quicker next time.
Arctic Berzerker34 :Cheers for the opposite oppinion, I wouldn't count it as a flame as your point was valid. But I'd prefer him with someone who could challange him and allow for an intresting relationship. Not just a yes man (or woman). But I'm saying that from Naruto's current view, none of those things have happened for him yet.
kitsuneki: thank you for the praise, I'll try and keep it up.
darthmasterbane: I think your comment just opened the biggest mystery than since people tried to figure out who Jack the Ripper was. Seriously. 'Outrageous', as in good, bad, a bold choice? Please verify as I think more people now want to know what you mean than they want to read my fic ;)
kumo no sennin: Eh, had to do it. Not much else I can say really, but thanks for the review.
jh831: Thank you. And I probably will, it makes no sense why Orochimaru actually did that. He was a Sannin, he could have knocked Naruto out in two seconds if he wanted to, but no he has to do damage that's annoyingly irreparable.
semaxx3: I wasn't bashing. I was just trying to emphasize character traits so that I could show the development in the later chapters.
SBP21: Thank you. Even though it was mainly a negative review, I take as the best I've had. Reading this Iv'e tried to correct my errors to make for better reading. The Hokage was already the first two scenarios you mentioned, I just added the third to show he's had enough and is no longer taking crap, I may have done it too abruptly, but hey Im a new Fanfic writer, I'll learn from my mistakes.
Also about the feuling the Sasuke x Naruto rivalry, that was meant more light heartedly, more like a passing comment of an old man enjoying the actions of the youth.
The shadow clone thing I realised aswell, but can't stop it or it'd look weird. "Oh look, I have the ultimate training technique, but I'm not gonna use it", but I'm trying to circumvent that with some exercises that only the real one can do.
Also, I'm trying to show his progression instead of the way others do it. Oh look hes at Genin level, shit he suddenly a chunin. You get my point, especially with Sage mode and Hiriashin.
Sasuke and Sakura are developing into new people, but it's hard to change my writing for one person, let alone change it for three. So, I may be doing things wrong there, but I'm trying to pay close attention to them now so that Idon't get it wrong.
And lastly, the time skip thing, ye I didn't realise I was doing that. The third eye Kunai thing was a little to easy so I didn't use it this chapter as you'll see for obvious and understandable reasons.
Thanks for the great review.
cal : Thank you, its what I'm aiming for.
Guest : Yep, went back and fixed all of that.
Sakura and Sasuke waited outside of the hall that was being used to start the off the Chunin exams. They had both arrived early due to the importance of the event and hoped to get a head start on everyone else …... that was two hours ago and Naruto still hadn't shown up, much to his team-mates ire. It was now reaching the time at which the first phase would start and they'd be disqualified if Naruto didn't show up soon, Sasuke and Sakura were starting to sweat a little at that possibility.
"Do you thinks he's scared, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked in a worried tone causing Sasuke to snort.
"Please, that fool probably just forgot to set his alarm." Sasuke said with a smirk, but was still hoping that Naruto arrived soon otherwise he'd have to beat him to a bloody pulp for ruining his chance at promotion. 'Besides, he can't be scared once I've finally considered him my equal. If he is I'll have to kick some sense into him' Sasuke thought with a twisted smile at the possibility of beating Naruto to a pulp.
Sakura was about to reply but was stopped when a smiling Naruto came into view. Turning to him with a glare she asked "Where were you? We were supposed to meet up here 2 hours ago!".
Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "About that, well I kinda woke up on the wrong side of the bed and decided it was bad luck, so decided to go back to sleep and wake up on the right side... and I did" he said with a small chuckle causing the others to sweat drop at his excuse.
"Your excuses get worse and worse, you're starting to pick up our sensei's annoying habits to an annoying extent" Sasuke said with a sigh before turning and walking into the hall.
"Heh, suppose we best follow him or we'll be late" Naruto said as he followed. 'I hope they don't find out I have a copy of sensei's book in my family library' He thought nervously, 'Sakura would flatten me'. He had even decided to give the book a quick read.. and then another... and then he'd moved on to the sequels. They were very good books for a young teenager who needed to... learn, ye that works, about the other sex. He was afraid that Sakura would not see it as a learning experience though and would beat him six different ways into next Sunday.
"And who's fault would that be, I wonder" Sakura shot back sarcastically.
With a fond smile Naruto replied "My bed, it's just to damn comfortable."
Walking up the stairs they came to find a large group of people convening around two middle aged teens, about three years older than them. These two people were currently holding all of the genin back from a door with a sign that read room 301, Naruto and Sakura could see the genjutsu over it and knew that it was really room 201.
Sighing, Naruto could tell that this was a part of the information gathering test, to be able to discern whether information was reliable or not, and this was being used to weed out the weaker and more worthless applicants. Because after all if you handed false information back to your village it could lead it's attack, destruction or many other undesirable situations. It was a perfect way to make a load of teams fail, all you had to do was ….
"Get rid of that pathetic excuse of a genjutsu, it's obvious this is only the second floor".
…... keep quite.
Which idiot was that?
Naruto scowled as he looked at a red headed girl in a white shirt and black trousers, standing next a blonde girl with short hair and huge …. assets that Naruto's gaze lingered on more than he'd care to mention. Damn that book. A boy with white hair and similarly dressed sucking on a... well, sucker. And lastly a tall blonde girl wearing mainly black with white wraps around her hair.
'What sort of idiot makes it easier for their enemies?' Naruto thought in disdain, 'seriously, but then again I have heard Kumo ninja were brash and arrogant' this was them believing they were the strongest ninja village. So he wasn't all that surprised by the Kumo ninja's actions.
'So that's the Nibi Jinchuuriki' a low growl came from within Naruto's head, making him stop for a second. Confused Naruto looked around but realised no one was there.
'Who the hell just said that, and who the hell is the Nibi Jinchuuriki.' Sighing, Naruto scratched the back of his head, 'I need more sleep if I'm hearing things' Naruto thought to himself with a scowl but went wide eyed when he heard the reply.
"Fool. I am the Kyuubi no Kitsune, the Nine-tailed fox. And stop looking to see who's talking to you, I'm in your head" the voice boomed once more, trailing of into mutterings about human fools, leaving Naruto stunned beyond belief.
'I can talk to You' Naruto screamed in his head, getting over the shock this was Kyuubi, the legendary fox that had nearly destroyed Konoha and was later sealed inside of him. 'What the hell, since when'.
A heavy sigh signified the Kyuubi's annoyance. "Not so loud, whelp. And since always, I have just had nothing to talk to you about until today. And I sure as hell wasn't gonna talk to that old orange wearing fool you used to be" Kyuubi replied lazily.
Naruto grunted and, despite himself, smiled, 'It seems my old self left much to be desired, even for demons like yourself...' Naruto thought, but stopped suddenly realising something. 'You said Nibi's Jinchuuriki is here, where?' Naruto said urgently. This would have a large effect on his team if they had to fight another jinchuuriki as Naruto had absolutely no control over his Bijuu but, he knew the other jinchuuriki would. He would have to warn his team about the threat, but didn't know how to broach the subject without bringing up his own little demon infestation.
Naruto could almost imagine a large grin coming across his Bijuu's face for a second, " The blond Kumo genin, no not the one with the huge jugs that you seem to be paying attention to" Kyuubi said with a chuckle as the blonde's cheeks got a little red, " It's the one with the wraps around her hair, and it appears she's quite strong. She can at least use one of her two tails... damn you make me feel weak Kit" Kyuubi muttered in a low growl.
Naruto was seriously interested now. From what he had read all Jinchuuriki have the ability to use their Bijuu's chakra in the form of a chakra cloak and a number of tails representing the amount of power they were using. He would have originally thought that meant this girl could use half of the Nibi's chakra, but he knew that there was a second and third state of chakra consumption. The first was a coloured transparent chakra cloak, the second was a non transparent and more dense chakra cloak and lastly was becoming the beast inside of them completely. It was said each tail increased the chakra by a large amount, the second stage doubled it and the last allowed the full amount of power that could destroy nations, a scary power for those who could master it.
'Thanks for the warning Kyuubi, ugh, I guess I'll speak to you later' he thought to Kyuubi who grunted in response.
'Sure thing Kit, just a heads up she also knows that I'm lodging inside of you. Now don't wake me up until you start some fights' Kyuubi said with a feral grin before going to sleep.
'Well that was extremely weird... ye I'm gonna have to ask Jiji or Kakashi-sensei about this. But for now lets get on with the exam' Naruto thought with a tired sigh and watched as the redhead now started arguing with the guys at the door.
"Idiots" Sasuke said appearing next to his team mates with a visible scowl.
Smirking, Naruto got an idea. "Ha, tell me about it. They might think they're the strongest village, but what good is strength if you're an idiot" Naruto said loudly so that the Kumo ninja heard him, smiling all the way when he got a glare from the boisterous red-head.
"What was that Whiskers?" the read head shouted as a tick mark appeared on her head, which doubled in size as Naruto chuckled, "And what's so damn funny".
"Oh, nothing really, just that you're a knuckleheaded idiot who just gave us all more enemies to deal with that we never needed. Unless you haven't realised, this was the first test and you just passed all the people here" Naruto said dryly whilst clapping at the end in mock applause, which seemed to infuriate the red-head further as she went to attack him. But, was stopped by her blond female friend.
"Stop, Karui. That's not cool" She said calmly to the now named red-head.
"But Samui, he was making fun of Kumo" Karui said pleadingly, no doubt to hit the blonde.
"No, he was right. Plus if you calmed down for a second you would see that he's trying to antagonise you, anyone who fights outside of designated areas and times are disqualified, or did you forget?" the blond said looking at Naruto with a calculative look. "And he managed to manipulate you knowing you were a hot head after only hearing you say one sentence, he's clever and sly, meaning more dangerous than he looks. So pay more attention".
That got everyone's attention, every other genin in the hall was now sizing Naruto and his team up. All the Konoha genin knew who their team was and already knew what they were made of, an Uchiha prodigy in ninjutsu, an Uzumaki prodigy who had lately been given clan status and a civilian girl who was said to be an up and coming Tsunade with perfect chakra control and amazing medical potential. They all knew to be weary of this team.
But the other teams from foreign lands did not know this, but slowly pieced together that the one with the fan on his shirt was an Uchiha and therefore dangerous, the blonde was a clan head if the news was true that a blonde boy with whisker marks had been given clan status and meant he was an Uzumaki, and therefore dangerous. But the girl was an oddity that did not look so strong, but more of a support for the other two making it a well balanced team to be very weary of.
"Well it's nice to be thought of as dangerous" Naruto said with a smirk as he traded looks between the blonde and the jinchuuriki who also looked back at him with interest in her eyes, it was evident she knew. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, you" he asked looking straight at the blonde jinchuuriki.
The blonde looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Yugito Nii, I look forward to fighting you in the finals" She said before walking away with her confused team.
Naruto smiled and turned to leave, "You coming, or are you still going to blame me for being late" he said as he walked up the stairs, followed by his team.
As they walked Sasuke looked at Naruto with a smirk, "You know I think you just made us a target for all the hopefuls looking to earn themselves a name" he said feigning anger.
Naruto raised and eyebrow and barked a laugh, "don't tell me you're not happy for the extra competition, because I know you are" he said with a smile. 'Damn prick would be happy if Orochimaru himself wanted a fight' Naruto thought with a smirk. But shivered slightly at the thought, 'well that was weird. I hope I didn't jinx our luck'.
Smiling back Sasuke raised his eyebrow, "I never said I was, did I?" he asked rhetorically. Sasuke was definitely looking forward to the competition other than Naruto, he wanted to see how far he had progressed. Fighting Naruto had made him far stronger and it had shown he had progressed, but how far he didn't know because every time they fought it ended in a draw. But fighting someone else would definitely show him how he had grown. How much closer he was to achieving his goal.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
After a short walk team 7 arrived in front of a set of double doors, but were stopped by Kakashi-sensei, who, for once, wasn't reading his book. Instead he was standing straight with a brilliant eye-smile.
"Sensei?" Sakura asked in surprise.
"Hello Team 7. I'm glad you made it here together, otherwise I would have been forced to remove you from the exam" he said looking at his Genin.
"And that would be due to round 2 being a team event, wouldn't it?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow.
Looking to Naruto he smiled under his mask. "Yes and no. It's true that you need a team for the second round, but this is also a small test on how well you can work with your team. If you two came" he said pointing at Naruto and Sasuke, " And Sakura didn't, it would show you are willing to leave a team-mate behind, something a Chunin shouldn't consider unless absolutely necessary."
Sasuke grunted and put his hands into his pockets. "Well, we're here now, so can we go on" he asked.
"Yes, you can. But know this, whether you win or lose I'm proud of you either way" Kakashi said before walking of, leaving behind three smiling Genin.
"Well, its nice to know our sensei has faith in us and is proud of us either way. But I say we show him that faith isn't miss placed, I say we go out there and show everyone what a Konoha ninja is capable of" Naruto said firmly, his voice full of conviction and determination, gaining a grunt from Sasuke.
Walking through the double doors was a room packed full of genin, all ranging from their age to people in their late teens. All of the genin instantly turned to look at the new arrivals and most smirked upon no doubt seeing easy prey, Naruto had to hold back the bored sigh he was about let go of. Mainly because all he saw was idiots that didn't feel the need to worry about some 'rookie' genin that couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag, how painful their injuries would be when he proved them wrong made Naruto smile, he'd get them back for underestimating him.
Looking to his left Naruto found the rest of his graduating year group and what appeared to be Tenten and her team-mates. Smiling, Naruto walked over to them with his team. "Yo, how is everyone" he asked everyone present and was met with a wave of greetings.
"Naruto-kun" Tenten said with a smile as she saw her little blonde customer. It also made her smile widen when she saw Kubikiribocho on his back. " there's my favourite little blond".
"Aw, come on. I'm not that small," he said pouting. "and 'Naruto-kun'?" he asked with a raised eyebrow and a smile.
Tenten put her finger to her lip and looked as though she was thinking, "Well you did let me practice with a sword that I've dreamt about since the age of three and you're a good customer and a friendly guy who actually stopped by a couple of times just to talk, not to shop. So ye, I think you deserve a kun my cute little whiskered friend" she said with a laugh at Naruto's pout at being called cute in-front of a room full of people out to kill him. "It was either you I call kun or Neji and Lee. I don't think I could call Neji a kun because he'd just tell me some prophetic crap about fate and Lee would just dance up and down for hours on end cheering" She said with a sweatdrop as she looked at her pouting and stoic team-mates.
"So un-youthful, Tenten" Lee, wearing the same eyesore as Mighto Gai, said with tears in his eyes.
'Damn the man who invented those jump-suits, I wouldn't be surprised if his sensei makes them himself' Naruto thought with a grimace at the awful attire.
"I don't see how fate is, as you so put it, 'crap', we are all governed by fate. Every action we do and every choice we make is preordained by fate, so I would not mock me" Neji said with a scowl.
Naruto just laughed as he got a look from Tenten that said 'told you so' and had to agree after meeting her team for a short time from when he had first shown Tenten Kubikiribocho. As he stopped laughing he looked up to Lee and patted him on the shoulder and looked at him with a serious face "You'll get a Kun too if you ask her for one 30 times every minute, and if that doesn't work you'll ask 50 times every minute, and if that doesn't work you'll ask 100 times a minute" he said which seemed to suddenly seemed to lee as he suddenly went into a nice guy pose and added his glistening smile.
"And if that doesn't work I'll-" Lee started but never managed to finish his sentence as Tenten knocked him out with a quick neck chop, and he hit the floor with a thud.
"Why the hell did you do that, he'll be asking for months now" Tenten said with a large tick mark on her forehead.
"Heh, it was worth it for me" Naruto said with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Well it wasn't for me, just to make up for it you're going to let me borrow Kubikiribocho for a few days after this is done" Tenten said still vexed but wanting that sword. But as soon as he heard this he started to protest as he and Tenten started to brake into an argument that made all the other teams sweatdrop.
"I guess those troublesome idiots know each other very well" Shikamaru said as he watched the two argue.
"Ye, I think she's that girl he talked about who he said had shown him how to change his sword's size. It looks like they get along well though" Ino said as she watched them argue in amusement, smelling potential gossip.
"Hn, like it matters. I just hope that he doesn't mind fighting her when the time comes" Sasuke said haughtily, but secretly enjoyed watching Naruto use his natural ability to annoy people at will.
Ino smiled as she suddenly clung to Sasuke's arm "Oh Sasuke-kun," she cried in a sing song voice. "How nice to see you again, it must be horrible to have to put up with billboard brow all day long" she said as she clung to him and stuck her tongue out at Sakura.
"Whatever Ino pig, like he'd ever enjoy being around you anyway" Sakura shot back calmly, but was glaring daggers at her as lightning seemed to fly between the two causing everyone else to role their eyes.
"I hope you brought you're A-game, Naruto. I won't lose to you a second time, ya hear" Kiba said as he stood forward, Akamaru barking at his sides. Obviously he was trying to assert his male dominance, and Naruto knew exactly how to handle that.
Naruto just ignored Kiba and bent down to stroke Akamaru, "Who's a good doggie" Naruto said as he scratched behind his ear, making Akamaru purr in joy.
Kiba's face contorted in rage as he heard all the snickers around him, "When this is over I'll kick your ass, come on Akamaru, ya little traitor" Kiba said with a growl as he walked back to his team.
Laughing, Tenten walked up to Naruto. "Are you trying to annoy everyone or something?" She asked as she held her side from laughter, like most people. But before Naruto could reply everyone turned around as they heard someone call out to them.
"Hey, you might want to quiet down. That is unless you're trying to make an enemy of everyone in this room" as they all turned they saw the speaker was a tall silver haired teen, a few years their senior, in a purple shinobi get up with a leaf headband and glasses. Looking at them with a disarming smile he said, "You're the rookie Nine I've heard so much about, right? And you three are the team Konoha's been hearing a lot about, what with you taking out an A-S-rank shinobi" always keeping up his smile. "And hello there Sakura, how are you fairing with those books I gave you?" he asked, confusing everyone there.
"Fine, thank you, Kabuto-sensei" Sakura said with a returned smile, "I see you're taking the Genin Exam aswell, Hopefully you'll make it this time, you're definitely capable".
"Thank you for the kind words Sakura, I hope you do well aswell. Oh, would you like some info on the exam" Kabuto said with a bright smile as he looked over the group, "It's the least I can do to look after my student and her friends".
Stepping forward, Naruto looked straight at the new arrival. "And who are you?" he asked evenly. 'Shinobi rule *27, never trust information given to you from someone you don't know or trust'.
"Me? Oh, I'm Sakura's medical sensei" Kabuto said, never letting his smile drop. Naruto accepted that, and as a leaf nin and friend of his team-mates he could rely on some information.
"Oh, that's cool then. So what's this about information, have you done this before?" Naruto asked as he was intrigued to know everything he could about the test. Plus this Kabuto guy looked like a decent person, and Sakura seemed to like him.
"Yes, this is my seventh time" He said, shocking everyone there.
'Is it really that hard?' were the thoughts of all the genin.
"This happens twice every year, and this is my fourth year. It's very difficult indeed" he said calmly, but then shrugged his shoulders with a smile, which seemed to lift the heavy atmosphere. "For those who don't know what they're doing at least, but that's were I'll help you with my Recognition cards" He said, his face lighting up with a bright smile again.
"Recognition cards?" Sakura asked, just as confused as the others.
"Recognition cards. Made from a type of tree that is grown with chakra, much like nature affinity paper. The owner can store information onto their cards by using chakra and this information can only be viewed when that person uses his chakra once again to reveal the info." Naruto informed them all and just shrugged his shoulders when everyone looked at him strangely. "What, I read it in a book".
Ino laughed at that, "I'm never gonna get used to you being this clever" Ino said with a smile, but Naruto just snorted.
"Please, you just can't handle the awesomeness that is me" Naruto said which caused everyone to laugh.
"And an ego to match" Kabuto said with a friendly smile, making everyone laugh again. "Moving on then. Ask anything you want about anyone here, terrain or anything else" Kabuto said, pulling out the cards. Everyone quickly gathered round, interested in the cards. "So, who should I check up on".
Naruto smiled as he knew exactly who he was going to need to be informed about. "Yugito Nii, genin of Kumo and her team." Naruto said, confusing everyone other than his team.
Kabuto seemed to pout at that though, "Damn, you know there names, makes it less fun" He said as he shuffled through his cards, before pulling one out. "Lets see, I'll start with her team-mates. First of all we have Omoi, a white haired, dark skinned male. He's had one year at being a genin like the rest of his team, is said to be highly capable with lightning Jutsu, skilled with a sword and is good with tactics. Apparently the thinker of the team. Next we have Karui, A red head and dark skinned female. She is a very powerful and aggressive swordsman, has good chakra reserves and is very durable. She is supposed to hold the enemies attention for her team whilst they do some damage in short or long-range combat. Next we have Samui, fair skinned female with short blonde hair. Kumo's prodigy from what I hear. She has high capabilities with her Tanto, hand to hand combat, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu and is a natural calm and cool leader. Dangerous to say the least. And lastly we have Yugito Nii, Tall, fair skinned, long blonde hair and female. Another prodigy it seems. She has an insane chakra reserve, excellent chakra control to boot, near perfect hand to hand, is a Ninjutsu powerhouse and is extremely agile and fast. This team is said to be favourites to win. They have been on 127 D-rank missions, 13 C-rank and 2 B-rank." As he finished he looked up to see everyone's contemplative look and smiled. 'This is who Orochimaru-sama wants you to fight, Sasuke-kun, if you are worthy he will take you and aid you in your quest for power.' he thought with an evil smirk. All Sasuke had to do was make it to the finals to fight them and Orochimaru could make his choice on whether or not to take Sasuke.
After a few minutes of contemplation, Naruto looked to Sasuke. "Oi, bastard. I think we should avoid them in the second stage and fight them in the finals." Naruto said calmly as he watched Sasuke's confused face. "That way everyone can watch when we destroy the favourite team and with one less person" Naruto said with a smirk as he watched Sasuke's confused face suddenly smile.
"I think you're right about that, loser" He said, before looking to his right to see a large man in a trench coat suddenly appear in the middle of the room.
"Alright you maggots, take a seat. It's time to get the Exams underway" He shouted over the hall, effectively silencing everyone there. Everyone quickly hushed and walked to a their seats.
"You better pass you bastard" Naruto whispered as he walked off.
"Same goes for you, loser" was Sasuke's quick reply.
Smiling, Naruto walked to his seat and sat down. He would so pass this test with higher marks than Sasuke, and then he'd rub it in the smug bastards face. And then he'd be one step closer to being the same rank as Iruka-sensei and that much closer to fulfilling his promise to him. The thought of his sensei made his smile falter, but he quickly picked his mood back up, he resolved to always remember Iruka in happiness, as he would have liked it to be, rather than in tears.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Konoha Jounin lounge
"So, Kurenai, how do you think your Genin will do?" Kakashi asked as he read from the latest book in the Icha Icha series.
Turning to look at the lazy Jounin, Kurenai crossed her arms and smiled smugly. "Well, Hinata has the Byakugan to see everyone else's answers, so she'll pass. Kiba has Akamaru to help him, so he should pass. Hopefully" she said as an after thought, after all this was Kiba. "And then theirs Shino with his Kikaichu, just as effective as Hinata's Byakugan." She said confidently, mainly because this was Konoha's legendary reconnaissance trio. "So how do you think yours will do?".
"Hm, Sasuke will use his Sharingan to copy someone's muscle movements and get the answers that way." he said as he continued to flick through his book. "Sakura is a natural genius, mentally speaking, so she'll probably be able to do this on her own. And Naruto... well with his shadow clones he should just ace this test as he's even smarter than Sakura is, or at least I think so." surmising it with a small shrug. "What about yours, Asuma".
Turning to look at them, the chronic smoker shrugged his shoulders. "How the hell am I supposed to know?" he asked, making the others sweat drop.
"Uh, because you're their Sensei?" Kakashi said.
Asuma just shrugged his shoulders again. "Whatever, they'll do fine".
"Your lack of knowledge over your Genin is outstanding, I thought I would know less about my students, but I was clearly wrong." Kakashi sighed. "Ah-well, like I care about your Genin. Might as well chalk yours off" he said as he continued to read.
"Hey, I said I don't know how they'll do it, not that they can't." Asuma said angrily. "Just because you got a team to brag about doesn't mean mine's going to fail, Shikamaru has an IQ of over 200, Ino can talk to him using her telepathy, get the answers and then give them to Choji. There, how's that, you ass". He finished with a glare, which turned ever more sour after Kakashi's shrug.
"Like I said, I don't really care. I know my team's gonna pass and that's enough for me." he said as he stood up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have to comfort Gai. I'm sure he's at home crying about how he's no longer going to be able to train his precious Genin once the exams are done, ugh, this is gonna be the worst night of my life I think."
Despite themselves, all three sensei smiled at Gai's usual antics. He always went on and on about his Genin, their abilities, habits, age, height, personal needs and hobbies, everything about them. Sometimes they swore they knew Gai's Genin better than their own, he was like a mother hen. The thought sent shivers down their backs of Gai actually having children, they hoped it would never come to that... and prayed.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Naruto had answered all nine questions on his test paper, but was surprised by their difficulty. He now understood were the information gathering was, you had to gather the answers off of the proctors hidden within the room, who were placed at strategic intervals so that each Genin had a chance at gathering the right information.
He had seen various techniques being used, such as flying eyes (something that left him confused for a little while), bugs, Sharingan, Byakugan, subtle glances at others papers and many more that he no doubt missed. Although he, and Sakura he guessed, had done it off of actual intelligence.
Over the course of the test, he had seen many of the teams being kicked of the test due to being caught and others that had just given up and left. Obviously incapable of filling the test requirements and becoming a Chunin.
Now though, he sat waiting for the last question, along with everyone else.
"Alright, time for the tenth question" the proctor, Ibiki Morino as he had introduced himself, called out across the hall, drawing everyone's attention.
" 'bout time" he heard Kiba mutter.
"Yes, well there is something you should know" his voice echoed through the hall. "Those who decide to take the last question must know, that if you fail this question you, along with your team, will fail and are never aloud to become Chunin."
"What!" were the multiple choruses of many shocked Genin.
Ibiki smirked as he looked across the room. "You heard exactly what I said. So will you take the last question, or wont you?!" he asked.
As he said that, a few Genin stood up shakily and quit, effectively ending their chance at becoming a Chunin along with their team-mates as they were evicted from the hall.
Naruto, though, wasn't bothered as he was confident he could handle whatever they threw at him. He was sure Sasuke was having the same thoughts, and Sakura wouldn't quit unless he or Sasuke did. So he knew they were all doing the next question, win or lose.
Around him though, he watched many other Genin waver, and sweat nervously at the risk of this question. Slowly, more Genin began to trickle out of the room. To his right, Naruto saw Hinata shaking and starting to raise her hand, obviously breaking under the pressure.
Despite his early comment about creating more opponents for themselves, Naruto caught her arm with his hand, much to her surprise as she looked at him with wide eyes.
"N-Naruto, w-what do you-" she tried to ask him, but was stopped as Naruto stopped her.
"Hinata, don't quit. Look at your team-mates and see how they stay, if not for yourself, then stay for them. Ok" he said calmly, trying to steady her nerves. He was successful as she lowered her hand and nodded with a shaky smile, he smiled back.
"No more, huh?" he asked as no one made to leave the room. He smirked again, "Well then, you all pass".
At first there was silence as they were all stunned by the announcement, but suddenly Kiba jumped up.
"What the hell?" he shouted. "What about the tenth question?".
"I guess you could call that the tenth question, deciding whether to stay or not" he said with a smile, and then proceeded to remove the bandana covering his head to reveal a very large scar.
"As Chunin you will be expected to lead teams, and with that leadership comes hard decisions that will decide whether your team survives or not." he said, making Kiba sit down and everyone go silent. "And some times those choices are even harder, were you'll be forced to leave behind team-mates, friends and even loved ones. That is what that final test was about, are you truly willing to make those tough decisions, if not then you aren't worthy of the rank of Chunin. That is what I believe. Now I officially declare the first stage of the Chunin Exams over, I wish you luck."
As he finished everyone sat in an eerie silence, shaken by the obvious link between his scar and a choice he made. All the Genin around the room contemplated what it now meant to them to be a team leader, someone who holds other's lives in their hands. A daunting task and a very hard one, one that could cost much and gain little.
Their days as the followers would seem like heaven in some situations, compared to the role of leader they would soon be taking. To follow without question and constantly have your fate in the hands of others, or to lead and hold the fates of others in your hands, which was worse?
The silence was broken though as the window suddenly smashed, due to a women flipping through it and landing in the centre of the room.
She stood around six-foot tall, wore extremely revealing clothes and a trench coat, she had black hair tied into a pony-tail, a shit eating grin. And her name was Anko Mitarashi, as the banner behind her proudly displayed.
"I'm your second exam proctor, the sexy Anko Mitarashi" She shouted as she placed her hands on her hips.
All of the Genin looked at her as if they had just seen something... strange, weird, shocking, freaky, bemusing and many other strange looks.
Stepping from behind the newly erected banner, Ibiki looked at his co-worker. "Read the atmosphere, Anko" he said plainly.
Frowning, Anko turned to her superior. "You let 31 teams pass, I think you're losing your touch, Ibiki." she said, her frown turning to a large grin.
"No, this year we just have some very good Genin".
Anko's smile deepened. "Either that or you just can't admit your finally losing it."
"Whatever, get on with your introduction." he said with a huff.
"Heh, thought you'd say that" she said with a smile, before turning her attention and shit eating grin towards the Genin, making some sweat nervously. "Right, listen up. You're to ask your sensei for directions to the Forest of Death, this is were your second exam will be held, and you are to be there at noon. I hope to get rid of more than half of the teams here, so be prepared."
"More than half?!" Sakura exclaimed with wide eyes, was this test really that much harder. And if the name was anything to go by then she should expect danger as well.
Almost as she had picked up on Sakura's panic, Anko turned to her with that sadistic smile. "Oh, yes. More than half, and of that group that fails more than half of them will be dead. Sounds like fun, doesn't it. Oh, and just so you know, there will be no proctors to save your life in there, so do be careful, bye" she said and disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving behind a group of shaken Genin.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Naruto stretched with a yawn as he stepped out of the test room along with Sakura and Sasuke. Although the test wasn't as hard for Naruto as others, it was still boring and slow work to fill out the answers, especially the one on a Kunai's trajectory after bouncing of a wall at a 45 degrees angle. Oh the cramp in his hand from the long winded answers, which he had found was pointless after the ninth question, much to his ire.
Although the test was based on information gathering skills, Naruto decided to just answer the questions, seeing as he already knew them and didn't need to bother with the real test. He had also found the test was ridiculous and biased. People like him and Sakura could just answer the questions and didn't need to rely on ninja skills, unfair for those who did. Then their was also the fact that some ninja, I.e powerhouses like him and Sasuke, were trained to fight and not in the skills needed for this. If it were a real mission, the candidates would have been chosen according to their skills so that they succeeded. They wouldn't send a random assortment of people that contained people who couldn't spy as well as others, making the point of this test moot.
He found it unfair that people had just been kicked off of the test and lost their chance at promotion, due to stupid exam modulation and requirements that weren't necessary. He decided he'd have a word with the Hokage about it at a later date, but for now he'd like some ramen.
"Ugh, I'm going to get something to eat, you two coming?" Naruto yawned.
Grunting, Sasuke nodded his head. "Fine. That test lasted far to long and left me hungry. I could do with some food, even if it is ramen" Sasuke answered, and began to walk in the direction of Ichiraku's ramen. Sakura following shortly behind.
"Bastard likes it, he just thinks he's to cool to admit it" Naruto mumbled before shrugging his shoulders. "What do I care, ramen is waiting" he said with a smile before jogging to catch up.
After a short jog he was walking next to Sasuke and Sakura, one who was trying to spark a conversation, and the other who just grunted in acknowledgement every now and then. Sakura smiled at that as it was better than when he would flat out refuse to spend time with her or Naruto, now he was going to get something to eat with them and grunting in response! He no longer just ignored her and told her to go away. She would have smiled if it weren't still a poor relationship, but she'd take what she could.
"So, Sasuke." Naruto said, instantly getting the raven heads attention.
'How can he get Sasuke's attention so easily, he barely realises I'm there when I talk, but Naruto gets his attention straight away' Sakura thought with a jealous twinge, but scolded herself. 'It must really mean that Sasuke sees him as a friend, someone worthy of his attention. I'm going to have to train so much more to gain some worth in Sasuke's eyes...' Sakura sighed with a slightly depressed sag in her shoulders.
"Ye, what do you want" he asked.
Naruto linked his hands and put them behind his neck as he walked. "I was wondering, when do you and me become clan heads instead of just the heirs" he asked.
The had been bothering Naruto for a little while as he would like to become the official clan head, so that he could get all of the clans official documents, like the ones that the Hokage had kept when they went to the vault, and so that he could join the council if he choose to. The benefits as a clan head would be large, not only would he be able to get his hands on all the jutsu scrolls within Konoha that weren't clan techniques or forbidden, but people would start to look at Naruto with respect and not animosity. Furthermore he would be considered a clan elder as of the same moment, due to certain laws and obligations, which would generally give him diplomatic immunity within Konoha, so that people wouldn't just charge him of petty crimes he didn't do. He'd have a hand in his life choices, instead of being governed by the council, he'd have the right to put in mission requests with the Hokage (something only a clan elder or head had the privilege to, if you're a ninja that is, merchants and civilians already had that right) and he would probably be able to ask the Hokage who his parents were.
All these things stacked up and made Naruto want to become head of the Uzumaki all the quicker.
"Hm, I think it's when you turn 18, or achieve the rank of Chunin." Sasuke answered with a raised eyebrow. "Why?".
"Just want to get to that position, I think when I do, the Hokage will tell me who my parents are. That and I wouldn't mind the benefits, like being able to see any and all non clan or forbidden jutsu, joining the council and the ability to request missions. Those sorta things" Naruto answered whilst scratching the back of his, frowning slightly.
Sasuke raised his eyebrows at that. "You don't know who you're parents are, but the Hokage does and is keeping it secret from you. That has only happened in the past when very, very important people die, it's usually done to protect their child from any enemies they may have made." Sasuke said, more pondering the thought himself than to inform Naruto.
'I wonder who your parents are, dobe' Sasuke thought to himself.
Sighing, Naruto nodded his head. "I know, that's why I want to become strong enough so that he can tell me." he said with a small frown, but then turned to a smile. "It's a good thing we'll be Chunin soon, eh? This wait is killing me, I just wanna know their names, you know what I mean?" Naruto sighed again. "Ah well. So, you gonna join the council?" he asked, generally wondering id Sasuke was interested.
But, to his surprise, Sasuke frowned and his mood seemed to drop, chilling the air around them. "The Uchiha are not entitled to a council seat" he said, a low growl like sound emanating from his throat, obviously annoyed at the fact.
"What?! Why don't you get a seat, Sasuke-kun? I thought the Uchiha were one of Konoha's royal four clans, you're owed one" Sakura screeched, making both boys wince at the sound, but Sasuke nodded his head.
"I know." Sasuke said, his frown deepening. "That's what I think. We never used to have one as we ran Konoha's police department, and it would have been considered favouritism of my clan if we got that responsibility and a council seat. But now that we are no longer able to do it, Konoha's ninja forces have taken over the job. That means I don't get to run the police department or a council seat, It's starting to make me think that Konoha has forsaken my clan".
"Why don't you talk to the Hokage about it" Naruto offered as Sasuke looked at him incredulously. "What?" he said shrugging his shoulders. "If you asked for an appointment with him as the heir to the Uchiha, then he'd have to make one as it's Konoha law. Then you just bring that up and I'm sure he'll understand, and if not... well, me and him are pretty close, I could sway his mind".
Sasuke was surprised for a moment, but then smirked. "I never thought to actually ask for an audience with the Hokage, that'll probably work, after all who could say no to the Uchiha" he said confidently.
Naruto rolled his eyes and muttered, "Arrogant bastard".
"Hn" Sasuke grunted at the remark and kept walking.
The group continued to walk towards the Ramen stand situated a few blocks away, mainly all thinking their own thoughts.
Sasuke thought about the he would soon be a Chunin, a rank befitting of his clan and skill, and would then be able to become the head of his clan and would be one step closer to reviving his clans glory and honour.
On top of that this would all prove he was truly worthy of baring the Uchiha legacy and will on his shoulders... and their vengeance on Itachi Uchiha. He would use his new power and strength to take Itachi down, and make him beg for forgiveness for the acts he committed against the clan.
Sakura's thoughts were more based on her desire to prove her worth to Sasuke, that she was no longer a complete weakling and had an actual use within their team. No matter what, she wouldn't let him or Naruto down. She would help them pass no matter what, and then she'd pass as well. Of course, it didn't hurt that she was letting her thoughts stray as to how her crush would 'thank' her for helping him pass... Oh, the possibilities. She just wished he had noticed her before he started acting friendly with Naruto, after all she tried hard for years just to be noticed by him and Naruto does it in a few weeks. It was annoying and upsetting, and made her jealous.
Naruto, though, was mainly stumped for training regimens. He had several lighting Jutsu and one wind Jutsu in his arsenal, he even had Shadow clone Jutsu a few variations of it. So his Jutsu list was fine, and to top it off, he had even completed that lightning manipulation tests so that his lightning based jutsu would be stronger, faster, cost less chakra and last longer. Therefore he was fine chakra and jutsu wise, heck, he could even levitate three leaves on each hand simultaneously, walk up trees and on water.
Then there was his Kenjutsu and Taijutsu. Both of which he had mastered intermediate level for, and was now working on using them together instead of as separate fighting styles. Kubikiribocho was even good for his style as it helped to fatigue his opponent by repeatedly bludgeoning their defence, thanks to it being heavier and thicker than normal Katana. No, he was fine in this department.
All that was left was his physical training and Fuinjutsu. His physical training was going well, but he'd hit a wall. No matter how many push ups, sit ups etc, he didn't gain muscle or stamina (mainly because his latter was abominably high). So, he needed to ask someone how best to further his physical assets, or ask whether it was just the fact that his body size couldn't take anymore muscle, as his muscles were insanely compact and felt like steel. That could wait though, for now he would start his Fuinjutsu, seeing as he had absolutely perfect handwriting, and Jiji's warning be damned. He was ready for this and would start.
They all continued walking for a while, Naruto pointedly ignoring all the whispers and glares sent his way, until they heard a little kid shouting.
Out of interest, they turned a corner to look for the screaming child to find Genin wearing and all black garbs, war paint and had a large, bandaged item on his back, holding up a kid, that Naruto recognised, by the neck.
Shortly behind him was a girl with tanned skin, blonde hair tied of in ponytails and a large fan on her back. She also looked roughly a year older than the first.
What they all noticed most of all, though, was the forehead protectors they wore were of Suna, not Konoha.
"Hey, let go of me" the kid screamed as he tried to kick free of the Suna Genin's hand, but to no avail.
The Genin just smiled. "Why should I do that, ya pathetic little runt?" he asked as he tightened his hold on the child's neck.
The next thing he knew, he found someone to his right grabbing his wrist and squeezing it with such force that he instantly let go of the child's neck. "Because I said so" Naruto growled as he looked the black clad ninja in the eye with a glare that could freeze magma.
"Why you little weakling, what do – ahhh!" the Genin screamed as Naruto quickly twisted his wrist and pulled it behind his back and started applying enough pressure to nearly brake it.
"Weakling, eh? Sure you wanna be insulting me, 'weakling'" Naruto whispered into his ear mockingly.
Looking to his right, he nodded to his partner and she quickly jumped forward and went to hit Naruto in the back with her giant fan, but was surprised when Sasuke caught it with one hand, the other resting lazily in his pocket.
"I suggest you don't do that" Sasuke said cooly, turning to Naruto he nodded his head. "Let him go".
Naruto complied and pushed his 'opponent' away from him, smiling as he watched him rub his sore wrist. "I suggest you don't attack the Hokage's grandson, wars have been started for less" Naruto stated, shocking the other Genin.
"Kankuro, you fool! I told you you'd get us into trouble, now look what mess you've got us into." the blonde shouted at her patner, who was now sweating nervously.
"Sis, I'm sorry. How was I supposed to know, I mean come on Temari he looks nothing like the Hokage" Kankuro stammered in fear.
Naruto snorted. "He isn't supposed to, he's his grandson, not his son. And one last piece of advice, cross dressing in your sisters clothes and make up is bordering on the homosexual" He said with a grin as he saw the Genin flare up in rage.
Despite herself, Temari chuckled at that statement. "he got you there Kankuro" she said with a laugh as her brother spluttered.
"It's WAR PAINT! WAR PAINT! Not bloody makeup" He screamed as his face went dark red in rage or embarrassment.
"Ye, whatever" he said with a barely contained smirk, but then frowned. "you can also tell your other team-mate to come out, its annoying to be spied on" Naruto said casually and watched as a red headed boy appeared in front of his team in a swirl of sand.
Both Genin were surprised to see there team-mate as a look of fear crossed their faces. "Gaara!" they said in unison.
"Shut up, or I'll kill you" Gaara commanded in monotone voice that sent shivers down everyone's back. Both Genin looked thoroughly shaken by the comment and went silent.
'He means it' Naruto thought with a frown, 'What sort of person threatens to kill their team-mates without a hint of regret. This kids a psychopath'.
"And another Jinchuuriki it seems" the Kyuubi's voice echoed within Naruto's head, surprising the blonde as he groaned in frustration.
'Another one, seriously?' he thought in exasperation. This day just got better and better.
"Yep, this ones especially dangerous though. He's the Jinchuuriki of the One Tailed Beast, and very unstable it seems, kid can't even sleep without his Bijuu being set free" Kyuubi commented, Naruto could almost feel the grin on Kyuubi's face.
'You're loving this aren't you, the chance for me to fight two of your kind's containers. And that unstable thing does not sound good, should I warn the old man?' Naruto thought, but got no reply.
'Hey ya damned fox, answer me' He shouted in his head, but heard the subtle sounds of snoring and sighed, "Damn furball" he complained in a whisper to himself.
The red head turned to Naruto and smiled, not the normal warm kind, but the kind that promised blood and pain. "I'll enjoy seeing you in the finals" he then turned to Sasuke "You aswell, mother will enjoy your blood" he said before disappearing in a swirl of sand.
'Hm, he's an unstable Jinchuuriki, dangerous just for that fact, but he also has no hesitation about killing and excellent at hiding his presence' Naruto thought as he tried to find the best way to figure out how dangerous he was.
"Are you two alright" Sakura asked as she jogged up to her two team-mates with a worried frown.
"Ye, I never got touched. Unless poor little Sasuke hurt his hand, then I'm sure he's fine" Naruto said with a mocking smirk as he looked at the frowning Uchiha.
He snorted, "Whatever, loser" Sasuke before looking in the direction of his home. "I'm going to go home for some last minute preparations, I'll have to pass on dinner. See ya" Sasuke said before walking off.
"Ye, I think I'm gonna go home aswell, sorry Sakura" Naruto apologised before heading off home.
Naruto needed to do some research on some certain Jinchuuriki, that and he wanted to reed some more of that Icha Icha Paradise. The thought of the book instantly put a smirk on his face, oh the wonder of the perverted person that wrote them. He'd have to thank him some day for the super pervert he is. He continued to walk home, meeting his clan gates after a matter of minutes, he smiled before entering.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Somewhere in the Land of Fire
Behind a woman's only bath house, a perverted old man smiled as he realised he'd just bagged another customer. Pumping his fist he cheered "Yes! Bagged another one".
Unfortunately for him, his loud cheer had alerted the female bathers to his presence, who rapidly screamed and ran for their clothes and the nearest weapon to assault him with.
Quickly running away, he cursed his rotten luck. 'They were such fine specimens as well', he thought with a perverted giggle.
Well, thats another one. Sorry it took longer than expected, been dealing with some pain in the ass insomnia (sleep depravation, unable to sleep at alll, and not getting more energy once you've slept) but I'm trying to get over it. * sigh * why couldn't it be something simple, like a chest cough? fuck my life.
Anyway, in this chapter I have added Kumo's 4 (tell me what you think of that) to hopefully change up the Exams a bit, mainly at the later stages though.
After this i have introduced Kyuubi. My aim is to make him more talkative than in Cannon, I'm not sure if I mean nicer, but not always demanding blood at least, but he'll still only pop up at serious points, not just for menial conversations. He'll also still try to brake out of the cage whenever possible, and wont help chakra wise unless Naruto is somehow coughing up his heart or lung.
Anything else that you wanna know about, then just lave it in the review section and as always I'll reply to all the reviews.
Come again!
