The stadium was a hive of activity. Today was the final exam; the culmination of the genins' training. And the end to the month of festival-like air Konoha had enjoyed. But it promised to be a hell of an end. The tournament was stacked with some of the biggest names; two Hyuga, an Aburame, an Akimichi, one of the Kazekage's sons and the last Uchiha. The remaining two were less known but no less talked about. For good or ill the people always talked about Naruto. And rumors had begun to circle about a girl capable of not only surviving, but thriving under Maito Gai's tutelage. A legendary kunoichi in the making if there ever was one. It was in this type of atmosphere Sakura and Ino found themselves.

"Hard to believe it's already today, isn't it Sakura?"

"Yeah. Doesn't feel like it's been long enough since the second exam and the prelims"

"Man. I still feel jyped. Naruto beat me so easily"

"That's just the way it is. He's always surprising people"

"Maybe next year then"

"Next year it is"

The girls clink their glasses together before downing the contents. The flavored iced teas were always much better when the weather was hot. The kunoichi survey the throngs of people around them.

"Guess we better head for the stadium soon. It won't be easy getting through all these people"

Sakura wordlessly agreed and the two began the trek to the focus of the day's entertainment.

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Jiraiya looked at his newest student with pride.

'I almost forgot how good it felt to teach. Guess that's one I owe you, Naruto' "Okay gaki let's see your summoning one last time"

"Hai ero-senin! Kuchiyose no jutsu!"

A frog the size of a bull appeared beneath Naruto.

"How was that?"

"That was great. You're ready for the finals; more than ready! Now get going and show the crowd and more importantly the judges what you can do"

"Chunin rank here I come!!"

Jiraiya had a hearty laugh as Naruto sped off.

'Minato said the same thing when he went up for promotion… like father like son I suppose'

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Hiashi looked at his daughter and nephew. They had trained hard over the past month.

"You both will be upholding the Hyuga family pride today. Nothing less than your fullest effort will be expected"

Hinata and Neji nod. The older Hyuga smiled.

"Even if you do not receive a promotion we-I am still proud of you for making it this far"

"Thank you, Hiashi-sama"

"Tou-san"

A watery-eyed Hinata gave her father one last hug before dashing off to the arena. Neji followed at a more sedate pace.

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The Hyuga children arrived at a moderately full arena. There was still some time before the fighting began. The other competitors were also there; minus Sasuke.

"Hina-chan! You're here!"

"Naru-kun!"

A faint 'Aww' ran through the crowd (and Tenten) as the pair hugged. Neji just rolled his eyes.

"You should cease such behavior; it is degrading for one of your station"

"Oh shove it. Like you wouldn't hug your girlfriend. If you had one"

"There is no one I think of that way; and even if there were I stil-"

"We all know you jack off thinking about Tenten; stop denying it"

"I do nothing of the sort!!!"

Hinata interjected herself between Naruto and Neji, diffusing the argument for the time being. Tenten merely did a very convincing impression of a tomato and Lee stood there slack jawed.

"Is this why you insisted on having separate tents? So you could have such unyouthful thoughts about our teammate in private?"

"Shut up Lee!"

"Neji… you did not deny it…"

"I said SHUT UP!"

The spontaneous floorshow was greatly entertaining for the crowd. It also served to piss off Gaara, but all he did was glare more than he was originally, but no one could tell. Chouji and Shino felt the tension they had been feeling leave.

"I suppose that is his power"

"Huh? You say something Shino?"

"You felt it too. Naruto was able to change the atmosphere of the arena with just a few words"

"Yeah you're right. He sure is something else. But when did you get so talkative?"

"… it happens"

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The Sandaime sat back in his chair and smiled. Children were so entertaining. One could never predict what they would say next.

'But I suppose all old people think like that. Seems to be time for the fun to begin'

The aged leader stood up and walked to the edge of the Kage box, where he and the Kazekage were seated. The younger shinobi called out to the Sandaime.

"So it is time to begin? With one person missing?"

"We have little choice. It wouldn't do to let the crowd become restless"

"But most came for the Uchiha did they not? Are you going to deprive them of that?"

"He still has some time; his match is last after all. But I cannot change the rules for someone who cannot obey them"

"As you say"

The Sandaime turned back to the crowd. He called their attention to himself.

"Citizens of Konoha, feudal lords of Hi no Kuni, and visiting lords from abroad. It is now my pleasure to welcome you to the final part of the chunin exams. Before you stand the nine young shinobi who have earned their right to try for promotion. Now I officially declare the exams: have begun!"

A roar flowed from the crowd. The gravity of the situation again crashed over the genin. They looked up, seeing friends, family, comrades and strangers. The proctor, Genma, took a stand between the genin and the crowd.

"Alright. The rules here are the same as in the preliminaries; we just have a change of venue. Like before if I see a match that's over I'll step in and stop it to prevent unnecessary deaths. So be sure to give it your all. First up is Hyuga Hinata and Akimichi Chouji. The rest can go to the waiting area"

Hinata and Chouji face off. The others leave and the proctor raises his hand.

"Hajime!"

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Hajime – begin