Authors Note (IMPORTANT): Hey everyone. I know this one is really short, but my ideas are dwindling. I know what I want to do in regards to the team when the new school year comes around, but I don't know how I want the exams or times between to go. This will be it until I look over the third exam period again and see what I can do about changing it to fit my needs. Should Shikamaru become a Chuunin? Or should his whole team? I'm really stumped and I can't update enough to get the team back to Hogwarts if I don't have ideas. Any and all ideas are welcome, even if you think they might be silly! You'll get credit in my Authors note, of course, for the chapter the idea is used in. I may not even use the whole idea, but mix it with parts of my own or others. Unfortunately this happens to me a lot. I get stuck then have no idea where to go for several weeks before inspration hits and suddenly I'm putting out pages like no tomorrow. So review or message me with ideas! I want to hear them all!
As soon as the preliminaries are over, the Gennin that need it are all healed by some on duty medics. Team Anko walks home together. Hariko is the first to branch off, waving goodbye as he heads into the Hyuuga compound. Shikamaru is the next to leave, leaving Sakuno to continue home alone. The pink haired Gennin lives with his parents and sister near the market place, since they're not part of a clan and thus can't get a home in the Clan district.
Team Anko meets up after a good nights rest and some home cooking. Much to Shikamaru's displeasure, they end up meeting quite early in the morning. Hariko, while not happy with the meeting time, isn't that grumpy because he's had a full nights sleep. Sakuno, as he always is first thing in the morning, is creepily perky.
"Alright brats!" Anko exclaims, perching on top of the small roof-like structure that a table was set up under to hand out the scrolls for the second exam. "It's time to get training even more! Now, we've started on elemental affinities, but you three haven't been tested yet. We'll do that today, then we'll set about getting you some Jutsu for whatever your affinity is. I'm Fire natured, like quite a few of the ninja here in Fire Country, so I can help if any of you are that. I have the nature papers here."
Each Gennin gets a slip of paper. Anko tells them they just have to push some Chakra into the paper and it will react differently depending on their Chakra nature. Sakuno goes first. His paper splits in half, with one half crumbling to dust.
"Wind with a second nature of Earth" Anko says with a grin. "I once saw someone use earth jutsu to make some huge rocks, then use wind to help him throw them at people"
Sakuno looks very excited about the idea of that.
"Awesome! Next, next!"
He urges Hariko to go next.
Hariko focuses some Chakra into the paper and one half gets soggy while the other half starts to crinkle.
"Now I didn't expect that!" Anko exclaims. "Equal Water and Lightning! Normally, people don't get opposing natures like that. Well, you're a special kid, Hariko"
Hariko blinks.
"The Hyuuga clan rarely test for Chakra natures, but those that have usually find out that they have lightning nature along with equal ability in a different nature. Sometimes a nature that works well with lightning, other more rare times it's a conflicting nature. I suppose you could liken it to the Uchiha's, when they were alive. They all had at least some talent at Fire Jutsu, but they also each had another nature they could use. Most of them used lightning or earth, but I heard that Uchiha Itachi can use water just as well as fire" Hariko says.
Shikamaru is the last to go. Because shadows are unique to his clan and are a sort of bloodline, it doesn't show on the chakra paper. What does show is that Shikamaru has water type Chakra with a slight more minor affinity for earth.
"Alright, Maggots! Let's get to work!" Anko exclaims.
The training is grueling and the Gennin return home covered in blood and dirt. Anko really likes sharp things. If those sharp things explode too…well more fun for her.
One morning, a week into the month-long training period, Hariko comes to training with a smile on his face. He tells his friends that he finally got his father to see some sense in regards to Hinata, and that she's being allowed to find another style of Taijutsu that she can use in combination with the theory of the Gentle Fist. With some sweet talking by Hariko, an ANBU woman that Anko is on friendly terms with agrees to teach Hinata her style of Taijutsu.
Shikamaru, when he's not training with his team or spending time with his friends, can be found out behind his house watching the clouds or on the wrap-around porch playing Shogi against whoever will agree to a game. Most of these games are against his father or his fathers friend Sarutobi Asuma.
There's little time for fun and games, though, as Anko trains them from sunrise to sunset. She gives them several days off before the start of the third exam. It wouldn't do to be too tired to put their training to use.
The Gennin spend their free days in the hot springs, relaxing and resting.
The day of the third exam dawns bright and early, and all the participants except Sasuke are there on time. They stand in the stadium, listening to the cheers from the crowd. Shikamaru smirks a little. This will be interesting.
Authors Note part 2: It's so short. I'm sorry. I wish I could give you something more or something better. I need ideas desperately but unfortunately, my muse has disappeared. Usually, I get my ideas by talking with a friend of mine who's living and working in Japan, but he's been so busy lately that I haven't been able to talk to him. If anyone else is willing to make suggestions, I promise to take them into consideration! Even just a guest review with the idea in it is appreciated! I'd like to say thanks to "unknown girl" who left a guest review saying my story is amazing. I only wrote this much and updated for you! You, my dear, are the only one to review on the last chapter and encourage me to update, and for that I thank you. I hope to hear from you again, and I'm very glad you enjoy the story. I've enjoyed writing it so far.