(UCHIHA) .:[Until Death Do Us Part]:. (SASUKE) - 09

"Ahhh!!! There's no end to this!" Sakura yelled.

"Then I'll do this…!" Naruto made the handseal for kage bunshin.

"Stop, Naruto-kun! Don't waste your chakra! Attacking them is pointless!" Kabuto said. Naruto was already shaking from having to move around by dodging so much.

"If we defeat all of the illusions at once, then while they're returning to normal then the enemy can't throw kunais, cause they'll be found!" Naruto yelled before doing Kage Bunshin. The enemy countered by making more bunshins.

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"Ugh. It's over…" Naruto said, skidding to the ground in front of us.

"Heh. That's enough Mubi."

"The sun is coming up. It's time for the kill…"

"Hehe… Their spirit is already dead. Only their bodies remain. Lucky!" The enemies came out and it was the rain nin from before that had transformed into Naruto. "You. You're the guy who got my shoulder. I've finally found you." He pulled out a kunai. "Making things so difficult… Lucky! I can return the favor!" The real us came out from the bushes behind the enemy.

"You're trapped rats."

"It went perfectly Naruto!" Sakura yelled, holding up a fist in success.

"Them?!? How!" The rain nin screamed, turning around. The four clones disguised as us poofed and Naruto sat there.

"Idiots! We finally got you by the tails! Bastards!!!" He stood up. " The kage bunshin was just a trick! It was a diversion while I became the whole team!"

"The moment Naruto released the jutsu, the three of us hid. You genjutsu users got a taste of your own medicine." Sasuke said coolly. Naruto fell on his knees from using so much chakra. "Naruto. You've used too much chakra. I'll take it from here." Sasuke got ready to attack them but Naruto came and punched all of them, thankfully they were in a line.

"I'm damn sick you always taking the best parts." Naruto said to Sasuke, holding a fist up. Sasuke was looking at him surprised.

"You're pretty lucky… But we're not done yet." The rain nin got up and made handseals. "There's a little time left. Now we'll show you our ninjutsu!" They used mist clone technique but they were just regular bunshins. Naruto fell over again and I walked over to him and pulled him up, dropping him next to Sakura.

"Naruto-kun, I'm kinda pissed they took up so much of our time. Let me handle this?" I asked and he nodded. We knocked fists and I stood up with the Zetsumeigan on, taking a nap while waiting for the enemy to show up last night let enough chakra to build up for this. When I looked over at the mass of clones and gaped. "Sasuke-kun, this is…"

"Yeah. You can't find the real one through them." He said after activating Sharingan. "Ugh!"

"Sasuke-kun, please stop using Sharingan!" Sakura yelled. I turned around and saw Sasuke crouching on the floor, something dark wiggling across his shoulder. The cursed mark again?...

"You shouldn't create openings!" My head snapped up and I threw a kunai but it was an illusion so I relaxed until Kabuto tackled me to the side. We landed next to each other and he was holding a cut on his leg.

"Kabuto-kun? They're just normal clones so why can they attack!" Another clone was in the air above us and I took a kunai out to block.

"Behind you!" Kabuto and I turned around. I saw the three rain nins coming out of the ground holding kunais and Kabuto get cut across the face, his glasses flying off. The nins stopped motionless and were shaking. I took that opportunity to attack. I jumped over Kabuto and landed on my hands and twisted, kicking the one on the right in the head. He flew into the other guy and him into the last one. They tumbled over into a tree, one of the guys masks came off and blood spilled from his mouth. I pulled out another lollipop and stuck it in my mouth. Strawberry is beast flavor. Lol. Kabuto managed to sit up and rubbed the back of his head.

"Thanks Arashi-chan."

"Woo! Go Arashi-chan!" Naruto yelled, pumping a fist in the air. I got Kabuto's glasses and handed them to him and helped him up. Sasuke was still on the floor and I walked over, holding a hand out. The mark had stopped spreading but it was up to his neck by now.

"What is that? An injury? It looks horrible." Kabuto said, suddenly beside me. Sasuke saw me looking as well and covered it up, putting his hand over his neck.

"It's nothing."

"I found it! I found it!!!" Naruto yelled. I ran over to him and looked at where he was pointing. "It's the Heaven scroll!" I grinned and picked it up and spun around with Naruto laughing.

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We made it to the tower and two guys were standing there. "You're late Kabuto." Aah, Kabuto-kuns teammates.

"Sorry about that. We ran into some trouble." He replied.

"But, but! Thanks to you, we got the scroll!" Naruto said.

"No, it was because of you guys. You were great at the end, Naruto-kun." Both of our teams were walking around the tower until we stopped at a door. "We're going through this door. Good luck to both of us!"

"Yeah!" Naruto said crossing his arms behind his neck. I was looking at Naruto and almost laughed at how beat up he was but still managed to stay cheerful as ever. I was smiling, thinking to myself that he really could be the next Hokage, if he quit all his pranks that is. My smiling face turning into confusion when Kabuto leaned down and kissed my forehead. What the hell. I'm not a little kid! He walked back with his teammates and waved. Naruto and I waved back and I could sense some killing intent from behind me. I turned my head slowly and saw Sasuke glaring at the door. He saw me looking at him and huffed and turned around.

"Let's go already." He said agitated.

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We got to a door and broke the seal opening it and walked in. "No one's here…" Looking around, Naruto was right. The only thing was a poster thing on the wall in front of us. "What should we do?"

"Hey, look at that." Sakura said, pointing to the poster.

"Without Heaven… What the hell does this mean?" Naruto asked growling in frustration.

"It looks like there's missing words here." Sakura said, pointing to a blank space. "This is probably about the scrolls. It think it's telling up to open them." Naruto handed me Heaven and he and I opened them at the same time. I blinked when I recognized the pattern.

"Naruto, it's a summoning scroll, toss it!" I yelled and threw mine towards the door. He threw his and they landed over each other. "Hey, It's Iruka-sensei!"

"Hey." He said with his arms crossed. "Long time no see."

"What's going on?!?" Sakura yelled. Iruka eyed us over.

"It looks like you guys had a rough time."

"Huh? Why was Iruka-sensei summoned?!?" Naruto asked, a confused look on his face.

"At the end of the second test, it's set up so that we Chuunins meet up with the exam takers. And I was allowed to be the one to greet you." He pulled out a watch and checked it. "Phew. Just in time, you guys! The second text of the Chuunin Exams… You all pass. To celebrate your successful completion of the second test, I'd like to buy you a round of ramen but…" He trailed off. Naruto was grinning like a fool beside me and jumped on Iruka.

"We did it!!!"

"Hey, Naruto, listen to the end…" He stopped trying to quiet Naruto down when all he did was yell 'We did it!' over and over again.

"Heh. I see." We all turned to Sasuke. "If we had opened the scrolls during test… What were you going to do, sensei?"

"As always, you're sharp, Sasuke." Iruka leaned down and held up one of the scrolls. "As you may have figured out, this test's rules are set up to test your ability to perform missions properly. So if you were to break these rules and open the scrolls…" Sakura still looked confused. "Those exam takers would be put in a condition of unconsciousness for the remaining of the test period. Those were my orders." He finished.

"Heh. Good thing you guys didn't open it." Sasuke said to Sakura and Naruto. They looked relieved that they didn't.

"Oh, right! Sensei, what's the meaning of the writing on the wall?" Sakura asked, pointing to it.

"Who cares? We passed!" Naruto yelled. I grinned and highfived him.

"Ahh… no. I'm actually here to explain that too." Iruka said, looking apologetic. "Read it. This is the motto of the Chuunin written by Hokage-sama. The 'Heaven' in this refers to the mind and the 'Earth' refers to strength. If you lack heaven, seek wisdom. So that's basically Naruto's weakness in the brain. Gain knowledge and prepare yourself for the missions. If you lack earth, run in the field and seek advantages. So if Sakura's weakness is stamina, it's saying to continue working hard. If you have both heaven and earth, you can succeed in the most dangerous mission." He turned back to the poster and pointed to a line. "Do you see this?"

"You mean that line?" Naurto asked raising an eyebrow.

"It reads 'Between heaven and earth is lightning and it will harm both the clouds and the trees.' Which is a warning to not abuse your power for wrong things."

"Then… the part for the missing word?"

"The words that represent a Chuunin. The 'person' word from the scrolls go there. The last sentence is 'These rules will guide a persons' extremes'. These five days of survival were to test the exam takers basic abilities needed to become a Chuunin. And you guys successfully pass that. Chuunins are at the rank of a military captain, you have the responsibility of leading a team… the knowledge, stamina, and inner wisdom are needed for your missions. I want you guys to challenge the next step with this Chuunin motto in mind." There was a pause. "But this final test… Don't push yourselves too hard." He sounded a bit… worried? Glum? I can't tell. "Especially you, Naruto. I'm worried about you the-"

"From the moment I got this forehead protector I was no longer an academy student! There's no need to worry! And this is the symbol that I'm all grown up, right?! The part about me never relaxing may not have changed, but I'm not a kid anymore! Now… I'm a ninja." Iruka smiled and looked reminiscent of something.

"I see… I'm sorry Naruto." Naruto grinned and chuckled.

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The 25 of us that passed stood in five rows. "First off, for the second test, congratulations on passing!" I looked around and all of us rookies passed. Gaaras, Kabutos, Dosu's, and that guy with the red eyes teams passed too. "Hokage-sama will now explain the rules for the third test so listen up!"

"For the coming third test… but before I explain that, there's something I'd like you all 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… this exam is a replacement for war among the allied countries." Tch. Figured. All that bs about this 'peace by having kids fight' was just a front. Because I doubt any country would like having their Genin killed off in an exam. "If you 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 the Chuunin Exam."

"Why the hell do we have to do that crap?!? Isn't this thing for deciding who would become a Chuunin?!?" Naruto yelled from in front of me.

"It is a fact that this exam decides which shinobi have what it takes to become a Chuunin. But on the other hand, this exam has another side where each counties shinobis risk their own lives to protect their lands prestige. Watching this exam will be leaders and influential individuals from many countries who make up the clients of the shinobi. And the leaders of the countries will also be there to watch each of those 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. This will signal to potential enemies that 'out village had this much power.' So it will send a political message to the outsiders."

"Yeah, but why?!? Why do we have to risk our lives in battle!?!" Kiba shouted.

"The strength of the country is the strength of the village. The strength of the village is the strength of the shinobi. And a shinobi's true strength is… born only through life-risking situations. This exam is a place to see each countries strength and to show off your own strength. It only has meaning because lives are at stake. And that's why those that have come before you have fought in the Chuunin exam for this dream is that meaningful."

"But why do you bother saying stuff like 'its about friendship'?"

"I said it in the beginning. That 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 shinobi world. Before we begin the 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 countries prestige on the line. I'd like now to explain the third test but actually…" a cough came followed by a person who suddenly appeared in front of us, bowing to Hokage-sama.

"From here on, as the referee, will you please allow me, Gekkou Hayate."

"By all means." Hokage-sama responded. Hayate stood up and faced us.

"Hello everyone. I'm Hayate." He coughed a bit and looked like he should be in a hospital. "Before the third test… something I'd like you to do… Is a preliminary for the… third test to decide who will… who gets to participate in the main event." He managed to say, pausing to cough.

"Sensei… I don't understand this preliminary but why aren't all the people here allowed to participate in the next event?" He coughed again before answering.

"That's because the first and second test may have been too easy this year. We have a bit too many people remaining. According to the Chuunin Exam rules, we must have a preliminary and reduce the number of participants for the third test. As Hokage-sama indicated earlier, there will be many guests at the third test. So the fights could take long and we have a limited amount of time. So anyway… Those that aren't feeling well or those that feel like quitting after those explanations, please come forward now. Since we will be beginning the preliminary immediately."

"What?!? Right now??!" Several people started muttering about the suddenness of this.

"Um… I'm going to quit."

"Kabuto-kun?"

"Kabuto-san…"

"Yakuushi Kabuto from Konoha, correct?" He nodded.

"Me too!"

"A-Ah, me too…" The voices came from a boy and a girl that looked to be twins.

"Fumizuki Kasumi and Shiro from Sound. You two may leave as well."

"Actually, are we allowed to watch the battles?" The girl asked. Hayate turned to Hokage-sama who nodded.

"You may."

"Kabuto-san, why are you leaving?!?" Naruto yelled.

"Sorry, Naruto-kun… But I'm all beat up and actually, I haven't been able to hear out of my left ear since before the first test. And to have to risk my life now, well…" Naruto looked at the ground.

"Hey, who the hell?!?" We looked up from the board that read 'Tenma Arashi vs. Iwahara Hideaki'." I blinked. Naruto nudged me.

"Nice, you got first." I bit down on the candy part of the lollipop and tucked the stick away in my pocket.

"Yeah. But who's that Hideaki person?" I asked, looking around. The only option was that guy with the red eyes.

"Now… there are no more who are going to quit, right?" Hayate asked. Sakura almost made a scene with Sasuke about the cursed mark. "Well then… Let's begin the preliminary matches. These matches will consist of one on one fighting. Since there are exactly 22 contestants here, there will be 11 matches and the winners will advance to take part in the main matches. There are basically no rules. The fight continues until one of you die or give up. If you don't want to die quickly, then just accept defeat. But when I have decided that a winner has been decided, since we don't want to pointlessly increase the amount or corpses, I'll jump in and stop the match myself. That electric scoreboard will display the names of the two contestants. Now let's begin. Um… Those two people whose names are up. Do you want to continue with this match up?"

"Yes." Hideaki said.

"Hell yeah."

"Then will everyone else please move yourselves to the balcony. Those who are not participating in the preliminaries and choose to stay, you go up as well and if you need medical treatment, go out that door." He said, pointing to the one on the left.

"Be careful." Sasuke said, patting my shoulder before moving up with Sakura and Naruto. Naruto gave a thumbs up and ran up the stairs.

Hideaki and I stood in the middle of the arena and I looked up at the balcony in front of me. Naruto was leaning on the railing and Sakura was standing next to Sasuke looking worried. "Ready… Begin!"