While Iruka went on with his explanation, the trio decided a chat would kill some time.
"So, Hina." Nariko whispered, making sure a certain nosy pinkette wasn't listening in, "Your sister still being a brat?"
"Do you have to ask? She finally pissed me off enough on our last spar, going on and on about me embarassing the clans 'nobility'. So, I put her over my knee. Little Miss "I'm Superior' won't be walking or sitting right for a week."
Naruto had to stifle a laugh at that, while he liked Hinata, the rest of her family he'd gladly go without, "Well, we can only hope you managed to knock that stick loose, Hina-chan." He commented, earning a giggle from the pale-eyed girl
"I hope so." She replied.
They were soon broken out of their conversation by the call for them to head outside.
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Iruka allowed himself a grin when everyone made their way out to the first half of the exam, something he and a few of the other instructors affectionatly called 'The Gauntlet' The students were expected to make their way through a covered obstacle course as fast as they could without activating the noisemaking traps inside.
"All right, First up: Sakura Haruno."
"Ugh, no matter how many times I see it, it still amazes me." Ryu muttered as she went through, setting off a few, almost screaming as she did, and immedantly went over to ask Sasuke how she did, while trying to play off her mistakes. "Are they kunoichi or goddamn groupies?"
"Tell me about it." Venom replied, "It's kinda depressing, to be honest. Let's just be thankful Hinata and Nariko are taking this seriously. Don't think I could handle my host dating someone like that Haruno. That IS a girl, isn't it? Been five years and I STILL can't tell."
Overhearing his tennants' conversation, Naruto silently agreed and made his monthly thanks to Kami for the two girls. The three had been an item for close to a year now, though only Kurenai and Anko were really aware of how close they were, knowing Hinata had spent the night with the two blondes more than once. At first he had been somewhat oblivious as the two began harboring feelings for him, at least until they finally came out and said it. Granted, niether were sure how to admit it, since they refused to put their friendship at risk fighting over a guy, but were too stubborn to surrender. That lasted until they finally came to a compromise.
Naruto was rather dumbstruck when they asked if they could share him as a boyfriend, but once he got over the surprise the three quickly found the set up rather enjoyable. However, Kurenai and Anko made them agree they wouldn't go any father than second base until they graduated.
One by one the students made their way through, with Naruto showing his annoyance at the cheers as the Uchiha took his turn. He had to cover his ears at the squeals that were let out when he finished, setting one of the higher times
Nariko and Hinata were the next two. While Hinata came through a few seconds slower, Iruka had to get on to Nariko for cussing after she set off a trap near the end.
Finally Naruto was called, amist the jeering and insults from Sasuke fans. He simply gave them the finger before readying himself at the starting line. Iruka gave the signal and he leaped in.
"I don't know why you two like that waste of space." Sakura commented haughtily, "He'll never compare to Sasuke-kun!"
"Did you hear something, Nari?" Hinata looked around, confusion etched on her face.
"Listen to me!" Sakura yelled, earning a 'Dammit woman, not so loud!' from Kiba.
Nariko took on a thoughful expression, "Sounds like the mating call of the Pink-crested Banshee, if I'm not mistaken."
Sakura's screech of indignation was interruped when Iruka called out, "Time!" As Naruto came out of the course, throwing the chunin something wrapped up in webbing.
"That one almost got us." He commented. It was one of the boobytraps, and from the looks of it, it had just ignited before getting webbed.
A few of the fangirls protested, demanding he be failed for cheating until Iruka sent a look that quickly silenced them, "While avoiding is the preferred method, actively stopping them is not against the rules. Any of you could have done that if you considered it." He finished jotting down a few things on his clipboard, "All right, time for a little one-on-one."
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Yes, this chaper is sort of a filler; felt it best I get it out instead of letting it gather more digital dust bunnies.
Now, here's your chance to give a suggestion or two on what team(s?) Naruto and Nariko will be on.
