Naruto the Elemental Star
Chapter 10: The Chūnin Exams
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, I am an American and the author is Japanese and an artist. You chose if I own Naruto or not.
Beta Reader: Albert
Last Update: 05/11/2018
Scene I
It has been over a month since Team Vixen completed the Tsunade Retrieval Mission and they have conducted numerous D-rank missions and two C-rank missions of wiping out bandit camps. One was an airstrike that led many powers to look at Fire Country with interest and fear. An interest that doubled as Konoha hosted the upcoming Chūnin Exams, the selection exams that promote Genin to Chūnin outside of a field promotion. Every Country planned to send out some of their Genin so they would have an excuse to observed Fire Country and its Leaf Forces. These exams have the potential to be the most crowded exams in recent history, especially if a particular rumor about a specific Team was true.
"So Naruto, I heard the Hokage plans to send us in the Exams. Is that true?" Tukiko asked while walking down the road.
"Where did you hear such a rumor?" Naruto asked in bewilderment.
"I heard that all the rookie teams are being sent to either shows them off or make it in a do or die mission," Tukiko explained. "Apparently we are the talk of a lot of ninjas and clients outside Konoha, and we are to be shown off."
"Especially after we have completed the first air strike in Leaf history," Haku explained.
"I don't know… I don't really pay attention to rumors," Naruto admitted. "I am not one for gossip."
"I can say that," Hinata stated from experience, as she tried various times to pass on tidbits of gossip to her. It often ended with Naruto losing interest entirely or distorting them beyond any useful content. Perhaps it was a good thing Hinata mussed, as Team Vixen wandered over to the meeting spot that their senseis have made. However, they stopped when they noticed a rock was following them, a rock that had eyeholes.
The girls stared at the rock before Hinata decided to call them out, "Um children, you do know that rocks don't have eye-holes."
The rock exploded into pieces revealing four children two of which everyone in Team Vixen recognized. One was a brown-haired child with his head covered by a scarf that looked like the Hokage. The child was the third Hokage's grandchild, Konohamaru. The other was a green-haired girl in brown combat robes modified to look like Naruto's science jacket. The girl was a member of the Nature Clan, named Fox Spirit.
The other two, Naruto did not recognize. One was a girl, with orange hair tied with red elastic bands into large pigtails. She also wore a purple vest and skirt with high black shoes. The other was a dull brown-haired boy with glasses and a grey vest. All four of them had goggles and trench coats similar to Naruto's, except in colors that matched their clothing and as it turned out their personality.
"I told you the eye holes were a bad idea," Fox Spirit told Konohamaru.
"Well, how were we supposed to see where we're going?" Konohamaru pointed out.
"Maybe we should have made the eyes less transparent," the other girl suggested.
The second boy then added, "Yeah, we could get things to cover them and still see."
Before they could discuss new ideas for their camouflage, Hinata bent down to ask, "Konohamaru, can you introduce your friends?"
"Hmm… of course Hinata-san," Konohamaru nodded quickly. "Alright guys, introduce yourself! I am Konohamaru, leader, and powerhouse."
"I'm Fox Spirit, second in command and group's tactical support," Fox spirit stated.
"I'm Moegi, the group's lookout and sassiest girl in the academy," Moegi explained while she showed some above average assets for a girl her age.
"I'm Udon, group tactician and I like math," Udon stated quietly.
"And we are the Konohamaru Corps!" the four yelled at once, and the four girls groaned in response.
"That's nice dear, but why are you guys following us?" Hinata asked the academy students.
"We came to ask if you guys can play ninja with us," Fox Spirit stated adorably.
"What kind of a ninja plays a ninja?" an annoyed pink-haired girl name Sakura asked sarcastically.
"Bi… Sakura shut up. This is none your business," Tukiko stated but stopped herself from chastising Sakura in front of the children.
Sakura twitched as she looked down to mumble uncharacteristically, "Sorry." Ever since the Wave Mission where she saw the massacre at the bridge, Sakura has changed. Therefore, where the original would have yelled, this new one began the backup.
One Naruto was grateful as she told the kids with a friendly smile, "Sure, since we have free time."
The children were not paying attention as they stared at Sakura before Konohamaru asked Naruto, "Um, boss, who is that flat-chested girl?"
"What did you say?!" Sakura screeched.
"How come you have a flat chest? Mommy said I will start to develop mine due to my ninja training, but you do not have much of a chest, and you are a ninja. So how come you don't have one?" a young, innocent Fox Spirit asked an irritated Sakura.
One that had no other way to respond, even with the changes she has been going through. Sakura gave a war cry and chased after the academy students, yelling out, "I have been training brats! Come back here and say I haven't been training!"
Naruto ran after Sakura as she yelled, "Sakura if you harm one hair on their heads, I will carve your brain out and use it like a basketball!" The others followed Naruto.
The chase went on until Fox Spirit, and Konohamaru ran into a man that wore a black suit that resembled cat pajamas with purple paint that looked like make-up. The man twitched as he yelled, "Hey brat, you hit me!" The guy then grabbed onto Konohamaru's scarf and Fox Spirit's shirt before he pulled them up to his eye level. He stared at them in with disdained, dark green eyes.
"Kankurō. Let the brats go. We don't want to keep him waiting," a girl with blond hair tied in multiple knots told Kankurō with glaring green eyes.
"Don't worry Temari, I'm just going to teach those four brats a lesson," Kankurō was about to hurt Fox Spirit and Konohamaru when Naruto appeared behind him, her swords drawn across his neck.
"If you harm them, I will make you weigh ten pounds less," Naruto told Kankurō while Temari stopped herself from interfering when she noticed Tukiko had her gun pointed directly at her while Hinata had moved into position to strike her down. Haku supported them with Naruto's latest invention: a rapid-fire gas propelled crossbow that she pointed at Kankurō.
Deciding living outlived bravado, Kankurō let the two kids down, hoped it allow him to survive the encounter. Once down, the two kids and their friends ran behind Tukiko, Haku, and Hinata for safety. Once the children were safe, Naruto let Kankurō go and moved back with her teammates, facing the boy she let go. Kankurō was slowly calming down to a less impulsive state when a rock hit the side of his head, rekindling his fire. He turned to see a pale kid with black hair and coral eyes defiantly looking at him with a smug expression.
"What are you doing, Sasuke?" Naruto yelled in frustration.
"We had the situation peacefully under control, cousin," Tukiko snarled in retaliation to her most hated cousin, having been told from Aunt Mikoto Uchiha what Sasuke planned.
While Sasuke glared at Tukiko, Kankurō removed his secret weapon hidden in a bundle attached to his back. He planned to attack the distracted Leaf-nins in retaliation when he heard a voice he had rather not hearsay, "Kankurō, you are a disgrace to our village."
Everyone turned to see a redheaded boy walked out from the back of the tree. He was a small boy with the word 'love' tattooed above his raised right eyebrow and a gourd strapped to his back. The boy gave an intense glare that became even more intimidating due to the black rings around his dark green eyes.
"G-G-Gaara, we just…." Kankurō never had the chance to finish as Gaara released his killing intent on the older Sand-nin.
"Shut up, or I will kill you," Gaara told Kankurō before turning to the others with a less murderous rage he showed his brother to a more cold, calculating look. "I apologize for my brother. My name is Gaara of the Sand, and these are my siblings. May I ask who you four are?" Gaara asked the four girls, who compiled by introducing themselves.
"Hinata Hyūga."
"Tukiko Uchiha."
"Haku Momochi."
"And my name is Naruto Ryū."
Kankurō laughed, "You have a boy's name."
He stopped laughing when Naruto shot off a warning shot at his feet. "Do you have a problem with my name?" Naruto asked in a sweet tone. Kankurō was shaking his head no, as Temari smirked at her brother being put in his place.
"What about me? Am I not interesting as well, being an Uchiha and all?" Sasuke asked with a smug smirk.
Gaara looked over Sasuke before stating, "You are interesting with your eyes of hate, but you do not interest me at this time. These girls do for I sense a strength in them, and my mother is very interested in the blond-haired one."
'Naru-Chan be careful, I sense the Shukaku within the boy. He has an unhealthy desire for me, and not just in romance. He may send Gaara after you if you're not careful' Colonel Nine of Nine told Naruto.
"Kankurō, Temari, we're leaving," Gaara ordered.
Gaara was about to leave, but Sakura asked, "Wait a moment, can you tell us why are you here?"
"Miss Haruno, they are obviously here for the Chūnin Exams," Haku answered for the Sand team.
"Correct," Gaara had stated before he disappeared in a swirl of sand with Kankurō while Temari stayed behind.
"I guess we will be seeing you in the exams?" Temari asked.
"Yes," Naruto answered the older girl.
"Good," Temari said before giving the girls a wink before she had disappeared in the wind.
"Well… that was interesting," Haku stammered.
"Anyone else scared?" Hinata asked, and the others nodded their heads yes.
"Boss," the four children stammered.
"It is not safe right now. Let's get you guys home. We'll play Ninja another time," Naruto told the kids as they were taken away. They left behind a scarred Sakura, a fuming Sasuke, and a team of redheads spying on them.
Scene II
In the tower, Sarutobi stood still as he gazed at his various Jōnin teachers. They were here to determine if their Genin should enter into the Chūnin exams or not. At the very front were the teachers of the youngest Genin from last year and this year. To the right was the blue-haired sensei for Team 6, Inferno Pyro, who is followed by the one-eyed, silver-haired Kakashi Hatake, from Team 7. In the middle was a tall, sickly man name Hayate Gekkō, sensei of Team 8. Hayate was an expert swordsman that suffered from a disease that made him cough constantly. Fortunately, his old condition was now successfully being treated by advances in medical technology.
Next to Inferno was Might Guy or just Guy, as he preferred. Guy was the best martial artist and leader of Team 9, the Genin team from last semester. He was also known to be eccentric, with his bowl cut black hair, thick eyebrows, and his tight green jumpsuit. Next was the leader of Team 10, the Hokage's son Asuma Sarutobi. The final senseis were Team Vixens' senseis, Anko Mitarashi and Kurenai Yūhi.
The Hokage listed off teams and stopped at the last six requested, after much thought and argument, he agreed to let them in, "It is decided, Team Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten and Thirteen will be in the Chūnin exams."
"I'm still not sure this is the best idea, Hokage-Sama," Iruka, the scared-nose Chūnin that was once their academy teacher stated as he stared at the papers.
"Iruka-Kun," Anko consoled. "Don't worry, the Chūnin exams are probably safer than some of the missions we take as we hosting the exams this year."
"And since its being held here, it makes it the perfect environment as it will help some of our teams realize what they could face that live combat would with half the risks," Asuma added while he mumbled, "Lazy Genin," as he took a puff from his cigarette.
"Besides, they are our soldiers now, not yours," Kakashi added, his eyes never leaving his orange book. Iruka wanted to argue, but he held back for he realized his arguments were going nowhere.
"Very well, the Chūnin exams will start in one week. I hope you prepared them for what will be a tough adventure. Everyone, dismissed," the Hokage ordered, and the Jōnin left.
Alone, he looked over the various teams being sent into their village. One that caught his eye was the team that Uzumaki sent with Naruko and Kushina Uzumaki. He grinned as things were going as planned and all that was left to do was to remove the seal using a seal removal technique developed by his student, Jiraiya. Soon a mother and daughter will be free from a life of fear and allow them to reunite with a lost family member.
Scene III
At the front of the Leaf forces Ninja Academy, three members of Team Vixen stared at the academy with nostalgic gazes while a forth wondered what it is like to go to school. They stood there for a moment before they walked in, as though they belong. The group moved inside the academy and went up the stairs to the second floor. Once they reached the floor, the group noticed a large number of Genin being held back by two tall men in front of a room that read '301.' However, the numbers on all the other doors were designated in the two-hundreds.
Tukiko activated her Sharingan to confirm it was a lie before she went up to the girls and whispered, "The quote 'Genin' and the door number have a genjutsu over them. Looks like the Chūnin exams have begun with a prelim test."
"Then let's try to pass them by, quietly," Haku suggested.
"Good idea," Naruto commented as they crept around the competition.
As they passed on by, Naruto, Hinata, and Tukiko saw people they recognized and pointed them out to Haku. They were members of Team 9 with one of them being a friend of Naruto and a fellow orphan, Tenten. Tenten was a weapon mistress with all her weapons held in scrolls attached to her back. She had gotten taller since the girls had last seen her, centimeters above them, as she stood proudly in her pink and white Chinese battle suit. They were able to recognize her with her brown hair tied into what resemble panda ears. To her side was Rock Lee, a Might Guy min-clone with orange arm warmers and leg bands. The duo pretended to fall for it and convince several Genin that the door was real to thin out the competition.
At the back, ready to help his team escaped with subterfuge was Neji Hyūga, Hinata's cousin. He resembled Hinata's father in that he had white eyes, long black hair and white robes. The only real difference between him and Hinata's father was that he had a colder personality. Neji was a member of the Branch family, the servant branch despite being a talented member because of his abilities was considered to be in the realm of what could be called a real prodigy. He is also considered to be a stick in the mud that Team Vixen ignored in favor of Tenten and Lee. Therefore, they tried to get Tenten's attention subtly.
Tenten noticed Team Vixen, and she had given them a wink to invite them over. The team had complied as they snuck a quiet conversation with Tenten. She started the conversation in a hushed voice, "Good to see you again, I believe you have a guest."
"This is Haku, she's the fourth member of Team Vixen," Tukiko explained while keeping the trend of its being a hush, hush conversation.
"Are you allowed to have a four-member squad in these exams?" Tenten asked.
"Our senseis said we could, but the examiners will be harder on us for being a four-man squad," Naruto explained.
"That's sucks but understandable," Tenten stated. "They wouldn't want it to be unfair."
It was then that Rock Lee moseyed over and gave a smile with teeth that you could see your reflection in. He stated in a chivalrous manner, "Ah such lovely ladies, you should head on upstairs. Don't want to be late for the exams."
The girls looked at Lee before Hinata stated, "We know about the prelim test. We just wanted to talk with Tenten while we still could."
Lee nodded with understanding as he stated, "Such valuable, youthful friends. It's a shame we will be enemies soon, but until then, you take care, my friends."
The girls nodded and were about to leave when a voice yelled out, "Hey, drop the Genjutsu and let us pass!" before dispelling the Genjutsu that made '201' look like '301.'
Many of the Genin looked on in disbelief while Team Vixen remained calm as they recognized the boy that had revealed that it was genjutsu over the door. A boy that performed a deed that higher-ranked ninjas would consider such an act to be idiotic all to give himself an ego boost. It was Tukiko's cousin, Sasuke Uchiha, a member of Team 7 packed by Sakura and the pale, artistic boy named Sai. At the very front, Sasuke smirked as though he was declared the winner of the exams.
That was until Sai stated, "Good job dick-less. You have now increased the competition by revealing the fact that they were just using genjutsu to thin out the Genin testers."
Sasuke was angry as he was made out as if he was an idiot and Sakura had not come to his defense. Meanwhile, the two 'Genin' twitched before one of them sneered, "Well, looks like the gig is up. I can't believe someone was stupid enough that they could not tell it was a genjutsu and allow us to get rid of competition like that team." The 'Genin' pointed to Team Vixen who wished they could just disappear.
"Well, now that you ruined our fun, we'll just have to take you out," other 'Genin' stated before charging at Sasuke. However, before they could hit Sasuke, their attacks were blocked by Lee at speeds Team Vixen had only seen Jōnin perform.
"I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to beat them just yet," Lee stated with a big grin.
"Lee, I thought you wanted us to down-play our skills," Neji scolded Lee.
"I am sorry, but I couldn't allow them to fight with this Genin team, especially a team with such a beauty like this pink blossom," Lee stated while looking to Sakura, who remained very uninterested. Tenten gave a dark glare at Rock Lee until he quickly added, "Though your beauty is greater, Tenten-chan."
Tenten smiled brightly until Neji noticed Team Vixen. She feared confrontation as her teammate looked upon Naruto and Hinata with disgust. He did not even hide his disgust as he acknowledged their presence, "Hinata-Sama, Ryū-Sama."
Naruto Ryū glared as she returned Neji's gesture, "Neji."
"Neji-San," Hinata also stated with a silent glare.
"Well, it's probably bested we head to the exams, so good luck," Tenten suggested, avoiding confrontation so early in the exams.
Tenten waved goodbye before diffusing the situation by taking Neji and Lee away. Sakura also dragged Sasuke and Sai up to prevent a fight from breaking out. Fights that were created by Sai's mouth, or as much as Sakura hated to admit Sasuke's attitude. They needed to get out of harm's way. Sakura had matured since the Wave Mission, much to the surprise of Team Vixen.
Once Team 7 and Guy were gone, Tukiko pushed Naruto and Hinata up the stairs while Haku asked, "So, what is with you guys and this Neji fellow?"
"Neji is my cousin, my very cold cousin," Hinata answered Haku. "He was nice a long time ago, but that was before he began to believe the junk his father has been feeding him all his life. That I was weak and that he should have been the heir instead of being sent to the Branch Member Family. He along with the elders sneers at me and tries to put me down whenever they can."
"Okay, so he hates you too Naru-chan because you are friends with Hinata?" Haku asked.
"That and I broke his nose when he insulted Hinata right in front of me," Naruto told Haku in her matter of fact manner.
"He also believes that the Hyūga are superior to everyone else, much like the Uchiha used to be," Tukiko added. "I just hope they don't wind up having history repeat itself in having their own massacre. Though sometimes, I feel they would be better off," Tukiko muttered the last part under her breath.
"Well, let us get into the room," Haku suggested as Team Vixen walked to the real 301 room.
In front of the door were Anko and Kurenai smiling. "Well, looks like you girls all made it," Kurenai stated.
"That is good, any later and you may have immediately failed, maggots," Anko continued off Kurenai.
"A true Ninja is never late," Tukiko started.
"Nor are they early," Hinata followed up.
"They arrive," Haku spoke up next.
"Exactly when they are meant to," Naruto finished off their joke.
Anko laughed, "Get in there."
The group smiled before they walked into a huge lecture room for their continued career. They already started off with a bad mark as the room was filled with hostiles, all radiating their killing intent. "You know, I feel loved," Naruto commented.
"Why are they so angry?" Haku asked.
"Because we are the first rookies to participate in the competition since the end of the Third Shinobi War," a new, cold voice answered behind them. The group turned to see a purple-haired girl in black robes.
"Revan, long time no see. How are you doing?" Tukiko asked.
"Fine; now who is your friend there? Is she this fourth teammate we've heard so much about?" the brown-haired, warmer sister of Revan, Bastila asked.
"My name is Haku, and yes, I am the fourth member of Team Vixen," Haku answered.
"Troublesome. I should have known you guys would bring in a ringer," stated Shikamaru Nara, the lazy Genin with brown hair pulled-up and resembling a pineapple commented. Walking behind him was the rest of his Team 10. Ino Yamanaka, a blond girl in all purple, and Chōji Amachi, a large-boned boy in red battle armor with long brown hair.
"Afraid you are going to have to work Shikamaru?" Tukiko teased Shikamaru.
Before Shikamaru could retort, a loud, boastful voice rang out, "Hello ladies. Kiba is in the house."
Kiba was a wild boy with wild brown hair and red marks on his checks in a grey hoodie that hid his small white ninja partner dog named Akamaru. Kiba jumped around as he was leered at all the 'hot' girls. This upset all of them except Naruto, who was oblivious to emotions outside of battle. Luckily, her friends were not as oblivious as they steered her away from Kiba's boasts.
Boasts by a purple-haired girl yelled, "Shut up idiot, we don't need the attention and ire of others!" The girl then smacked the back of Kiba's head, who in response grumbled as he complied.
"Thanks, Ami…" Ino stuttered as she looked at her former classmate and former bully Ami.
Once a scrawny girl with odd clothes, Ami now looked like a proper ninja. With her short, black tank top and black that fitted her firm, healthy body. Her purple hair was tied into a long ponytail that was out of the way of her long duel-blade sword strapped her back. However, what really caught their eye was the way Ami moved. It was not like the fangirl move, but that of a kunoichi that was beautiful and dangerous to many of the boys in her class.
"I see you noticed the new and improved me," Ami stated boldly as she showed off her improved physical form.
"You are different..." Chōji stuttered while holding onto his chip bag.
"Thanks, cutie. Hayate was a good, yet harsh teacher. Too bad, he couldn't get rid of Kiba's boastful perversion. Shino-Kun hardly changed because Shino-Kun is perfect as is," Ami commented while Chōji glared at Shino, who wore a huge grey coat and black shades that covered everything but his pale, now blushing cheeks.
"Wow… m-miracles do happen," Hinata had stammered.
"What?" Haku asked.
"Ami was Sasuke's biggest fangirl and bully to everyone," Naruto bluntly told Haku.
"So you see, we truly are surprised to see that Ami has changed so much," Tukiko added.
While they discussed things they had done since the academy, Ami disappeared. At first, no one noticed Ami had been strangely quiet after her introduction, as though she was waiting for someone. Just as Shino and Chōji were about to ask where she was, they heard a loud smack. They looked around to find that Ami had smacked Sasuke hard enough to leave a pale handprint on his cheek. The rest of his face was red with anger.
Sakura looked down in shame, and Sai watched with amusement as Ami yelled, "Who is the whore now, bitch!"
Sasuke glared as Ami walked away while Shino and Chōji covered her. He then glared at everyone but stopped when a new voice spoke up, "Hey keep it down! You are causing a ruckus."
"Who are you?" Tukiko asked the silver-haired Genin.
"The name's Kabuto," a silver-haired man in grey ninja clothing said while fixing his glasses. "And I advise you do not make any more enemies than you already have. Many here had to wait before they were allowed to participate in the exams while you rookies get in on your first year. Not to mention the fact that they see you as easy prey."
"Well, they are about to find this prey has very sharp teeth and claws," Naruto spoke up for the group.
"So, is this your second time?" Haku asked the older Genin.
"No, seventh," Kabuto admitted.
"How come you are not a Chūnin?" Tukiko asked.
"I never passed the second part of the exam or made a good enough impression on the right people for a field promotion," Kabuto skillfully answered.
"So you just suck," Kiba had quipped.
"Maybe, but through these exams, I have gained a huge bounty of information," Kabuto told Kiba before pulling a card that had the stats that each village had earned in previous exams and now had for the current trials. From the major players, there are twenty-six Leaf-nin teams, eleven Cloud-nin teams, five Rock-nin teams, five Sand-nin teams, three Rain-nin teams, and two Grass-nin teams. There are also several more teams from a bunch of ninja villages, with a grand total of sixty-eight competing teams.
"As you can see, we have a few newcomers, including a team from Whirlpool and Sound," Kabuto explained.
"Who is the Whirlpool-nin?" Naruto asked Kabuto.
"I believe Aka Uzumaki, Kokushibyou Uzumaki, and Naruko Uzumaki. I do not have much on them. This is the first time that the Whirlpool clan has participated in any exams in over twenty years."
"No need. I just wanted to confirm something," Naruto replied while Colonel Nine of Nine thought mentally, 'Things are coming together as planned.'
"Can you provide information on Neji Hyūga, Rock Lee, Gaara of the Sand, and Team 13?" Sasuke asked Kabuto.
"Too easy, you know their names and the team," Kabuto replied while he pulled the first card out, "First up is Neji Hyūga, last year's Rookie of the Year. His bloodline is the Byakugan, and he is an expert in Gentle Fist style. He also has the necessary skills in ninjutsu and genjutsu. He is part of Team 9, and his teammates are Rock Lee and Tenten Faiadoku. They have completed one B-rank, fifteen C-Rank, and a hundred and sixty D-Rank missions with his team. He is considered the prodigy of the Hyūga family. Next is Rock Lee, who was dead last in the exams last year and he is a member of Team 9. He has no skills in ninjutsu and genjutsu due to a rare chakra disease that has weakened, if not destroyed his coils. However, it is said he is very fast and skilled in close quarters combat to be considered an equal to his teammates' level.
"Now Gaara of the Sand or sometimes called Gaara the 'Sand Demon' is an interesting one. He has completed ten D-Rank, nine C-Rank and five B-Rank missions with his sibling Temari the 'Wind Goddess,' and Kankurō 'The Puppeteer.' Not much else except it is said he completed the B-Rank missions without a scratch and he can use sand to kill people."
It was quiet for a moment as the ninjas nervously overheard Kabuto relate how the Sand-nins walked away from high-ranking missions without a scratch. Temari and Kankurō smirked before Kabuto went to the final group, Team Vixen. "Now, for the first four-man team in fifty years, there is Team 13 or better known as Team Vixen. The Team has completed one A-Rank, one C-rank upgraded to A-Rank, one B-Rank upgraded to A-Rank, five C-Rank and sixty D-Rank mission, the most impressive record so far. The team is also wanted alive by Whirlpool clan with a bounty of eight-hundred-thousand Ryo for killing Elite Jōnin Tenbatsu Uzumaki."
It was quite as Team Vixen record sunk in before Kabuto went onto individual team members, "First is Haku Momochi 'The Ice Mistress.' She was brought in from Wave Country, and her bloodline is Hyōton. She has not done any missions with Team 13 except two of the A-rank missions, but with her adopted father Zabuza Momochi, she completed three A-Rank, twelve B-Rank, and forty C-Rank missions. She is said to be skilled in Ninjutsu, medical techniques, and throwing weapons.
"Next is Tukiko Uchiha 'The Fire Mistress.' Her bloodline is a fully developed Sharingan, and her element is fire. She is said to be a master of the fire element, deadly with guns and throwing knives, skilled in martial arts and genjutsu. Then there is Hinata Hyūga the 'Lavender Bladed Healer,' whose bloodline is the Byakugan, and her elements are water with a little lightening. She is very skilled in her new style the Gentle Blades, medical techniques, and dispelling genjutsu.
"Then finally, there is the unofficial Genin leader: Naruto Ryū 'The Elemental Kitsune Assassin,' 'The Elemental Vixen,' and 'The Inventor,' and this year's unofficial Rookie of the Year. Her bloodline is the Elemental Star and judging by her eyes, she has mastered all five elements but is weak on Fire. She is at the forefront of developing new technology for Fire Country and said to be very skilled in every field except genjutsu. Though, it was remarked that she is low-Chūnin to high-Genin in speed and strength. She is also one of the few girls out there with a boy's name."
Naruto twitched at that the comment before Kabuto continued, "Most countries have a dead or alive bounty on her. Though you could get more if she were brought in alive because they want to breed her rare bloodline with their clans or steal technological secrets from her mind. The biggest bounty is for her capture of one-million and five-hundred-thousand Ryo to be returned back to the Uzumaki clan in Whirlpool."
Everyone heard Kabuto's assessment of the group caused quite a discussion as to whether they should avoid or go after Team Vixen. Meanwhile, the girls narrowed their eyes at Kabuto. He somehow got information that should not be available to a Genin. Also, they now had a target on their back, not something fellow Leaf-nins would not have done.
Luckily, Haku took care of that by giving them a new target when she stated, "You mentioned the Sound-nins are sending ninja." Kabuto nodded before Haku asked, "I never heard of such a village, exactly how new are they or are they just a really small village?"
"They are new," Kabuto stated with a small smile. "In fact, they are brand new and were only formed a few years ago and are making their debut this year. They were formed in Rice Country by wandering clans and possibly missing-nins. So we can probably not expect much from them."
Three individuals with black hair and musical note (sound) like voice did not take kindly to being mocked. "You know, I don't like leaf huggers and the way they are talking as if they are superior to us," spoke a spiky brown-haired boy with a beige shirt with two black stripes and three prints of the kanji for 'death.'
"I agree with Zaku," noted a black, longhaired girl with soulless black eyes in a grey cameo. "We can't have them talk down about us like we are some weak competitors."
The mummy man, Dosu stared at Kabuto with his one brown eye, "Kin, Zaku. Let's show this tree hugger that we are not weak."
The three then rushed to the back of the room for a single target in mind. They moved so quickly that before the Genin knew it, they had to evade a bunch of senbons thrown by the girl, Kin. Leaving an opening that was soon closed as the group regrouped and moved to attack. Kin was soon surrounded by Team Vixen, pushed to the ground, and put into a submissive lock before she even realized it. While Kin was being subdued, Kabuto was engaged by Zaku as he evaded Zaku's wild punches. Team 6 stepped in and forced Zaku back while Dosu rushed Kabuto with his right hand covered in a metal gauntlet with holes. Kabuto barely evaded the gauntlet, but then fell down in pain as he coughed out blood.
Naruto felt vibrations and muttered, "Soundwaves."
"Write this in your cards," Dosu growled as Kabuto slowly healed himself with medical jutsus. "The Sound-nins will win the Chūnin exams."
Before a brawl broke out, a burst of smoke revealed several Chūnin and one scared Jōnin in a black trench coat and a bandana over his head. The Jōnin yelled, "No more fighting or I will have you disqualified!"
Dosu shuttered before commenting back with a remark, "We were just relieving our anxiety. We will back off, for now." The Sound-nins and Leaf-nins backed off as the scared Jōnin nodded in acceptance.
"See that you do," the man said before he began his speech. "Alright maggots, I am the proctor Ibiki Morino, and I personally welcome you all to hell."
Scene IV
In the Jōnin lodge were various senseis, waiting to hear if their teams had failed or not. In one side of the room were the rookie teams' Jōnins: Anko, Kurenai, Kakashi, Asuma, Inferno, Hayate, and Might Guy. Sitting around the table, Kakashi mused aloud, "You know, despite their annoying attitude, I am already starting to miss those brats."
"Well, don't worry Kakashi, as you may see them soon," Asuma commented. "Ibiki is heading up the first part of the test."
"Oh, Ibiki is likely to put them through hell," Inferno added.
"Ibiki?" Kurenai wondered aloud. "That name sounds familiar."
"It should," Anko told Kurenai. "He is the head of the T&I: Tortured and Interrogation. The department I use to work in. He is considered the most sadistic man alive. I used to love it when he would get grown men to cry before they talked."
"Which will mean," Hayate coughed, "he will certainly mess with their minds."
"He is the best man to get in someone's head and make you reveal information without even touching you," Anko nodded while she formed a sadistic smile. "However, I am confident mine and Kurenai's team will pass."
"What makes you so confident?" Hayate asked.
"It's really simple," Kurenai explained with a smile. "Tukiko and Haku have been trained to see deceit or created deceit. So they can easily go through the test as they wouldn't trust Ibiki by his words."
"Yep, they are that skilled and awesome thanks to us," Anko chimed with a smiled.
Kurenai nodded as she continued, "The only weak links for this kind of test are Hinata and Naruto. Hinata due to her shy nature and Naruto due to her blunt personality made it difficult for her to tell if someone is lying or not unless she is fighting for her life. She usually takes people she trusts at their word. However, I doubt they will have any problems with the test with Naruto's analytical mind for solving problems, and Hinata's ability to read people thanks to her bloodline."
"Wow, you are as great of a teacher, as well as beautiful. Maybe you can give me some pointers in private when this is over… if you want that is," Asuma stated with a nervous smile while Kurenai blushed.
"Well besides Asuma's attempt to give a woman a hint, I can say my team will breeze through it as well," Inferno added. "They are too smart and confident to allow Ibiki to intimidate them."
"My youthful team will no doubt run through the competition!" Guy yelled. "No way will Ibiki be able to damper my student's spring time."
"I wish I can say I have the same amount of confidence, but I trust my team to do their best," Asuma stated while taking a puff from his cigarette. The other two had similar sentiments, but Kurenai only tried to cheer Asuma while Anko gave a knowing, lecherous smile.
"Well, whatever will happen, we might as well pass the time, so is anyone up for some poker?" Anko asked before she got into a seductive mood. "We can even ask each other for favors if you don't have any money to bet with."
"Anko," Kurenai muttered, she sometimes wondered why they were friends, though she did not object to a friendly game herself. The Jōnins soon engaged in the card game as they wait for the results.
Scene V
Within the academy lecture room, the Genins were given a written test of hell as they were forced to follow some unusual rules written by Ibiki:
"1. You start with ten full points.
"2. You are given nine questions for the first fifty minutes and given the last one at the end of the test.
"3. For every question missed or not answered, you lose one point.
"4. For every time you are caught cheating, you lose two points.
"5. If one member of a team gets a zero, the whole team fails."
It did not take long for the Genins to realize that the whole point was to cheat as much as possible, as the test was so hard that even most Jōnin would be hard pressed to answer these questions, if not be able too. That was the reason teams were dropping out like flies, as they were caught in a spider's web of contradictions. Around the room, Chūnin watched the Genin like hawks, marking down times they cheat and took out teams that failed. They even had beaten up a few when one of the teams tried to fight it. However, several teams were able to get through. Some were able to answer the questions through their book knowledge, like Sakura who was the best when it came to academics. Others were able to use bloodlines, special techniques, animal companions (Shino's bugs that lived in him and Kiba's dog), creative thinking, or relying on their teammates.
For instance, Team Vixen had four different types of cheating techniques that they used. Hinata applied her Byakugan to see the test with her x-ray vision, while Tukiko used her Sharingan to copy the pencil movements of a fellow tester. Others used similar techniques, like Neji, Sasuke, and Shikamaru, who used the shadow possession technique in reverse to copy a tester. Haku noticed Tenten using mirrors to get answers for her and her teammate Lee and she mimicked this technique by creating ice mirrors, no one ever looks up. Finally, Naruto was able to answer the questions on her own. However, unlike the pink-haired bookworm Sakura, Naruto got some of the answers from herself and others from the Colonel Nine of Nine.
Others were just as creative, like Bastila's flash of a hand to switch her failing test with that of a neighbor without anyone being the wiser. Night Wolf used his invisible spirit animal to spy from above and leave hints for him. Similar to how Kankurō had one of his puppets sit as a Chūnin to copy the exam for himself and a copy of his sister, and Gaara used his special sand to get one. Revan piggybacked on the various teams around her to steal the information from a test. She lost two points as she could not do it without being caught, but she got all the answers at once, so it was a calculated move. Ami was aided by her teammate, Shino with his bugs while the Uzumaki used stealth and silent shadow clones to get the answers. However, what was interesting was that the Sound team was able to answer the questions all on their own as if someone had given them the answers before the test.
As the numbers continued to dwindle, only thirty-four teams remained, and they were waiting for the last question. However, before this last question was given out, Ibiki had one last card to play, "Alright maggots, its time for the tenth question. However, before we begin, I will give you a choice on whether to take the test or not. If you take the last question and fail, you will never become Chūnin."
"What? Others have taken the exams many times," Kiba pointed out.
"Well, too bad for you to have me as your examiner then," Ibiki told to Kiba while giving a belly laugh. "Now it time to decide, will you take the tenth question and risk the possible end of your career, or will you give up now and take it another day. You must choose."
It soon became quite, as teams began to quit from the pressure of losing everything and Ibiki's killing intent. Many left in fear, but just as many stayed. Team Vixen in particular, as Naruto could not logically see why so many would be eliminated when they were so needed by the community. Colonel Nine of Nine agreed as she mentally stated, 'It would do no good to possibly eliminate so many Genin from your own village, or to enforce it when all fighters are needed. He is lying, and is very effective, for his intimidation will make them lose sight of logic and fall into the trap. Let's hope your teammates don't fall for it.'
Hinata trusted her teachers would not send them to a test that could destroy their career or if they did, they trusted their team to pass no matter what they faced. Tukiko and Haku also trusted their team in their ability, and they could see through some of Ibiki's lies. Others had similar thoughts or just did not care about their teammates. Once they reached the end of the test, ten teams had quit, bringing the number to twenty-four teams.
Once it was clear that no one else was going to quit, Ibiki developed a sadistic smirk before yelling, "Congratulations, you all pass!"
Many were silent at the announcement until Temari yelled, "But the last question?!"
Ibiki laughed as he stated, "There was no tenth question or rather the tenth question is whether you continue the test or drop out."
The Genin were still silently confused until Naruto muttered, "It was a do or die moment."
Ibiki stared at Naruto before stated, "So you figured it out, little girl."
"Yes," Naruto answered. "You don't have the power to enforce it on foreign teams and the Leaf would not let potential ninjas not be able to achieve a higher rank based on one choice. So logically, you are trying to test our resolve to see the exam through to the end, to see a mission through to the end."
Ibiki smirked before nodding, "Very good. You are right; the beginning was testing your skills in stealth. However, even when all the information has been gathered, it may not be enough or even useful when to determine what should be done. Does that mean you can quit? No!"
Several Genin jumped before Ibiki continued, "You must continue the mission even if death is certain. You must trust yourself and your team to get through this mission and win even if the deck is stacked against you! That is why you are here, to see if you have the will to succeed under adversity. And that is why you pass, so congratulation you maggots."
It was quiet as the Genin were getting over that they had passed with flying colors. Before they could pat themselves on the back, the widows suddenly flew open, and the room became filled with black ravens. The ravens swirled in front of Ibiki to form a black tornado. Then the birds dispersed to reveal a black-haired man in black robes. His expression was like dark clouds, and his eye gave an eerie glow that only increased the creepiness of his presence.
The man stood straight when he announced himself in a cold voice, "I am Raven Hunter of the Nature Clan, and I am your second examiner for the Chūnin Exams."
"You are always one for a flashy entrance, aye Raven Hunter. Well, they are all yours," Ibiki stated to Raven Hunter.
Raven Hunter ignored the man as he examined the number, "Twenty-four teams, a little higher than I expected. But that is alright; I plan to cut it down to be at least half the number in the next part of the exam." The group was quite before Raven Hunter announced, "I want you all to report to Training Area 44 tomorrow at eight-hundred hours for the second part of the Chūnin Exams. Pack enough provisions to last you for quite a while. Everyone is dismissed."
Raven hunter dispersed into the wing flaps of a hundred ravens. Mainly friends or close comrades talked about the first part of the exams and what as a group, they would be facing in the second part. "Knowing Raven Hunter, it is going to be hard and difficult," Night Wolf stated.
"You know him?" Tukiko asked.
"Yes, he is the war clan leader of my clan, the Nature Clan," Night Wolf explained.
"When I met him, he was cold, uncaring, and very deadly," Bastila added.
"Also ruthless if he need be," Revan finished explaining. "He is a keen strategist during battle and a war hero for his actions during the Nine-tails demon incident and was able to keep our forces alive while keeping the Nine-tails away from the village."
'I wish my program could have stopped that chakra virus,' Colonel Nine of Nine mumbled in Naruto's mind as she remembered the terrible night that got her sealed into Naruto.
"Well, no point in guessing," Naruto had stated. "It's better to prepare for the worst that comes tomorrow."
The other nodded before they returned home as Ibiki picked up the tests around the room.
Scene V
"That place looks scary," Haku commented
"Really, it feels like a home away from home," Naruto stated.
Hinata sighed, "You've been spending much too much time in the forest."
Tukiko twitched while stating to Haku, "You're lucky we couldn't use this training field when you were with us." Haku nodded in acceptance as in the girls, and the other hopeful Genin stood in front of an enclosed forest with a fence around it with the sign hung that had said:
"Danger,
"Training Ground 44
"Keep Out."
What the fence held was a vast black forest that just seemed to ooze a dark, sinister feeling. The trees and plants were huge and almost an unnatural dark green. In the wild undergrowth, many predators' eyes could be seen, looking at the fresh meat that would be the Genin. "Welcome to the Forest of Death," Raven Hunter said as his face gave an unnerving smirk.
Done, please review, tell me your opinion, and do not forget to vote for Sasuke's fate.
Author Note
A) How will Sasuke die?
1. Orochimaru accidentally kills Sasuke (curse seal mark): 10 (33%)
2. Die by accident (do something stupid that gets himself kill): 7 (23%)
3. Itachi kills him after Tobi recruits Sasuke: 6 (20%)
4. Mikoto puts Sasuke into a trance to kill himself: 6 (20%)
5. Piss an enemy ninja off and killed by said ninja (same as original or by request in review/private message): 1 (3%)
6. Die by 'accident' (assassinated possibly by Sai): 0 (0%)
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