AN: This might disappoint some of you but I hope you stick with the story!
Chapter 10: Chunin Exams!
The jonin of team 7 was impressed with his charge's progress. In the two weeks since returning from their 2nd mission outside of the walls of Konoha they had met the goals of the two week training he designed. Naruto's skill with the blade was now passable. While not truly impressive, it was all that was needed to still be frighteningly effective. Without his weights he simply moved with enough speed that even when faced with someone with greater skill he would have the advantage purely from speed.
Kakashi was under no illusion that Naruto could handle a jonin weapon master but he would put his money on Naruto to defeat most chunin in a kenjutsu duel. That was before he abused the Kage Bunshin to create a swarm of viciously fast katana wielding clones. Naruto's chakra control had continued to improve through his clones. 'He is an impressive shinobi. I can only imagine at what level he would have been if he hadn't been stunted through malnourishment and neglect all his life.'
Sasuke had mastered the shadow clone technique and the insight the clone provided him after watching him spar was quite beneficial. The young genius rarely made mistakes as it is but now he corrected them after every spar. Sasuke still lacked the speed to keep up with his eyes but one couldn't expect to become an A ranked shinobi in just a month or two. The steady improvement was sufficient.
Sakura lacked a Jinchuriki's massive chakra or the incredible powers of a dojutsu but she was still progressing into a fine shinobi. Despite the massively unfair advantage Sasuke's Sharingan gave him he actually had to work to pin Sakura down. Her taijutsu movements were fluid and constantly shifting away from the fight at odd angles. Sakura was also becoming effective with using simple tricks at gaining distance. The pink haired genin used makibishi, Kawarimi and natural agility to avoid Sasuke for several minutes in one spar much to the raven haired boy's frustration.
Her chief achievement however was the mastery of a Genjutsu that could distract or even capture a trained shinobi. The Genjutsu masked itself as a Raiton element attack. His student would flash through hand seals and shout Raiton: Mahi (Lighting Release: Paralysis). At that point lightning would appear to surround her opponent sending electric shocks that caused their muscles to spasm and hold them in place. In actuality it was Magen: Genkaku Mahi (Demonic Illusion: Illusionary Paralysis) a surprisingly effective Genjutsu.
Kakashi had laughed when Naruto was first caught in the Genjutsu. In between his faux screams of pain (the illusion created some pain but not to the extent he had been screaming) he had yelled, "What!? Sakura has two different elemental jutsu, I want to learn too!" All the while he was completely paralyzed and Sakura just had to tap him on the base of his neck with her kunai to win the spar. At the time it was humorous but shortly thereafter he realized Naruto needed work on escaping Genjutsu. Kakashi had spent some time with him learning the Kai release process. With his chakra reserves all but the most dangerous Genjutsu should be disrupted. Of course the problem with Genjutsu was realizing you were under it in the first place, which mean Naruto still had a ways to go. On the positive side Sakura's illusion was nearly perfect; she used the hand signs for an existing Raiton jutsu but turned it into a Genjutsu. Only someone very skilled with chakra detection would be able to determine she was not changing the chakra nature to lightning. Alternatively they could counter the perceived lighting attack with their own jutsu, when their attack failed to do anything it might tip them off that they were under a Genjutsu. While it wasn't perfect it was a potentially lethal surprise, and with the speed Naruto and Sasuke had as well as the power of their combined jutsu it was precisely the sort of jutsu that filled the needed support role in team 7.
Kakashi thought about his team as he reported to the Hokage tower. He knew what the meeting was about. It was time for the semi-annual Chunin exams. His team was already chunin in terms of raw taijutsu and ninjutsu abilities. While they lacked experience their team work was quite formidable. While he wouldn't want his team to face a team of seasoned chunin from an opposing village in the field three on three, he wouldn't have bet against the three genin.
Several of the other jonin were there before Kakashi but he was not late. The last jonin instructor arrived and the Sandaime Hokage made his announcement. In seven days the chunin exams would be hosted. Genin from several villages would compete for the chunin rank. The Hokage ticked off the villages, "Sunagakure (Sand), Amegakure (Rain), Takigakure (Waterfall), Kusagakure (Grass) and even a team from a newly founded village, Otogakure (Sound). Kakashi kept a broad knowledge base of the hidden villages but had not yet heard of Otogakure. 'They must be extremely new then,' Kakashi thought.
The Hokage then asked which jonin sensei's were going to recommend their team take the chunin exams. The jonin instructors began to declare their teams ready. Gai enthusiastically proclaimed his team was ready and that the team would impress everyone with the power of youth. When it came down to the rookie nine Asuma spoke first. "My team needs to get some motivation," he took a puff from his cigarette and continued; "Team 10 is in." There was some surprise at the announcement; most jonin did not have their teams participate at the first possible chance after graduating from the academy.
Kurenai looked at Kakashi who was silent and unreadable behind his mask. She wasn't sure if her team was fully ready but their teamwork was excellent. With the way the chunin exams were going to be set up this year a tracker team would have a distinct advantage in navigating the Forest of Death. Seeing that Kakashi was waiting for her answer she spoke up, "Team 8 will participate." More murmurings could be heard. All eyes then turned to Kakashi.
Kakashi shrugged his shoulders, "It's too early for my team, team 7 will not compete." The Hokage almost dropped his pipe. Gai looked at his rival; he was surprised and a bit disappointed as he would have loved to see his genin compete with Kakashi's. Iruka loudly stated, "Finally a jonin with some sense. What are you two thinking putting your teams through the chunin exams so soon?" Asuma chuckled, "It will be a good test for the team." Iruka shook his head and made to speak up again but Kakashi interjected, "Iruka they are no longer your students, they are our soldiers it is not your place to challenge this decision." Iruka subsided and the Hokage dismissed everyone except for Kakashi.
Kakashi waited and Hiruzen sighed heavily and asked just one question. "Why?" The son of the white fang responded, "I see no need for my team to be promoted to chunin. I have no desire for additional leadership responsibilities to be given to them at this time. This team will be a combat team and should stay together for several years. Being chunin won't change anything for them so why should I disrupt their training regime for a meaningless title?"
Sarutobi muttered, "The council won't see it that way. They will question your ability to train. No one with any sense can doubt your combat prowess but they will claim you are not capable of being an effective sensei." Kakashi was not moved by that argument. "You are the Hokage; you have final authority on the shinobi force disposition. The council cannot and will not remove me as the team 7 jonin."
"They can make things difficult Kakashi. Do you not think this would be a good opportunity for your team to prove themselves out from under your shadow?" Kakashi shook his head, "They will have plenty more opportunities in the future. I also don't want anyone to realize the potential threat Naruto and Sasuke are. A spectacle in front of an audience may lead to attacks to nip their budding potential. While I am confident in my abilities to keep them safe I cannot be with them at all times." The third Hokage sighed; a headache was already beginning to form at the thought of meeting with an angry council demanding the last Uchiha participate.
"Very well Kakashi, I will not override your decision." Kakashi bowed respectfully, "Thank you Hokage-Sama." Sarutobi nursed his pipe, it would have been better if none of the rookie nine had participated. But with team's 8 and 10 selected for the chunin exam the council may very well riot.
'I hope you know what you are doing Kakashi.'
***BREAK***
Team Gaara had arrived in Konohagakure early for the chunin exams. Gaara had to suppress the bloodlust flowing through him. He longed to kill in the name of his mother, to prove his existence against blood that was worthy. But he had to wait. The waiting filled him with rage but outwardly his appearance never changed. His siblings were wary of him for good reason; he was Gaara the jinchuuriki of Sunagakure.
The Naruto clone that was currently under a Henge to look like a villager saw the three Suna nin. The three looked competent and moved with the practiced ease of an experienced shinobi. The one with the red hair sent a shiver down its spine. There was something very off about him, Naruto was by no means an expert in reading people but he had two clones just wander and observe shinobi and villagers each day. He started to pick up people's mannerisms, the way they looked when they were lying or when they were scared or angry.
What he was picking up here was quite odd. The two taller siblings were very wary about their red haired leader. Wary wasn't quite the word either. More like outright terror that they had learned to live with. The Naruto clone decided to follow for a bit. Naruto wasn't highly skilled at stealth but he had picked up a number of tricks from his sensei. This meant it was a surprise when the red haired boy stopped and turned looking directly at him. Sand flowed around him and his voice was low and direct, "Why are you following me?"
The disguise was that of a civilian villager, the clone responded saying, "You look new in town I was curious." Gaara merely responded, "Stop or I will kill you." The threat was made so matter of fact that it stunned the clone. An outside shinobi threatening a Konoha citizen with death for being curious? Naruto decided not to press the issue but would report it to Kakashi when he dispelled.
***BREAK***
Ino was irritated with her one time friend and now rival. Though her opinion of Sasuke was damaged she had rationalized that maybe he had been in a bad mood that day. Having to get stuck with Naruto and the forehead would drive even the kindest of souls to distraction. The reason she was irritated with Sakura was because Sakura still hadn't come home! The sun was already setting and she wanted to find out if team 7 was also going to be in the chunin exams.
'Where could she be?'
Just when Ino was about ready to give up and head home herself she saw the pink haired kunoichi turn toward her home. Ino huffed and crossed her arms and said, "Where have you been?" Sakura was a bit taken aback by the sudden question. She hadn't agreed to meet with Ino today so why was she blaming her? "I was training, why?"
Ino looked surprised. "Training? This late in the day?" Sakura nodded, "I want to get better and be useful to my Sasuke-kun." Ino gave a condescending laugh, "My Sasuke-kun doesn't need any help from you!" Sakura rolled her eyes, "Why are you here anyway?" Ino huffed again and said, "I just wanted to see if your team is also going to be part of the chunin exams."
Sakura shook her head, "Chunin exams? Kakashi-sensei hasn't told us anything about that. Wait, are you saying your team is going to participate?" Ino stood a little bit straighter, "We sure are! I guess you and Naruto are dragging down Sasuke-kun so badly your sensei didn't nominate you." She sighed dramatically, "I feel so awful for Sasuke, having to put up with you two."
Sakura had the urge to kick her friend in her haughty face. "You don't know anything Ino, just go." Ino had not wanted to start a fight; she had secretly hoped that team 7 would also be in the exams. At that point there was no easy way to save face so she just harrumphed and stalked off. 'That didn't go very well. I really shouldn't have been so mad that she made me wait; she didn't even know I was coming. Oh well.'
Sakura had gained some perspective and to be honest she had missed her friend. Kakashi-sensei taught his students to see underneath and then look underneath the underneath. That type of dedication and awareness to one's surroundings had made one thing painfully clear to Sakura.
Sasuke hated fan girls.
The way she and Ino had acted had filled the boy with contempt for them not love. And the way they competed with each other had driven in a wedge between her and Ino, her first friend. At the moment Sakura was too tired to even think about it. She just wanted to eat and collapse asleep. Her training kept intensifying more and more and she knew despite all of her hard work her two teammates were pushing themselves even harder. 'I will be strong, not just for my Sasuke-kun but for Naruto and everyone in the village.'
***BREAK***
Team 7 met the following morning. Naruto immediately reported the strange genin from Suna to Kakashi. Kakashi was a bit surprised, "He actually threatened to murder you in broad daylight if you kept following him?" Naruto nodded. Kakashi had a few theories on this. Either the boy was braggart who was all bark and no bite, a borderline psychopath or extremely powerful beyond that of most genin.
"Good work Naruto, I'll make sure we keep eyes on him while in the village. Security has been increased due to the exams so the ANBU forces are a bit stretched but it will be doable. I'll also see if I can dig up any information on him and his team." Sasuke had not realized the chunin exams were here, he had focused solely on his training and had for the most part ignored events occurring in the village.
"Are we going to be competing in the chunin exams Kakashi-sensei?" Sasuke kept an even tone but he longed to participate. The training surpassed his expectations but he had a strong desire to fight without being babysat by his sensei. Kakashi looked at Sasuke and asked, "What do you think?"
Sasuke took the challenge for what it was and replied, "Yes we are ready." Kakashi just looked at Sasuke impassively. Sasuke was shinobi trained he didn't fidget but he was uncomfortable by Kakashi's flat look. Kakashi allowed the silence to drag on for a minute before he finally replied, "Tell me what you really think."
"Hnn, my actual guess is that we aren't, all part of your plan to have us be underneath any notice," Sasuke finished in a frustrated tone.
Kakashi condescendingly clapped his hands. "The logic is simple to follow Sasuke, by following through with my plan you are better positioned to avenge your family and rebuild your clan. And yet you are still angry with the decision. Explain yourself shinobi."
Sasuke forced himself to keep a respectful tone, "I have no way of knowing how I compare to others! I need to know I am the best because if I'm not I need to find out how I can be the best otherwise I'll never do what I need to!"
Kakashi scratched his mask as he answers, "Hmm so comparing yourself to the weakest of the shinobi ranks will determine if your skills are where they need to be?"
"Hnn, quit twisting my words! I need to prove myself!" Sasuke's respectful tone had left rather swiftly.
Sakura was concerned at the heat coming from her Sasuke-kun's voice. He was angry and his frustration was boiling over.
"You don't need to do anything Sasuke. You are a solider under my command. You have been a shinobi of this village for less than 6 months. Do you think this is the only opportunity you will receive? You want to compete because of your pride, not because you have coldly analyzed the advantages and negatives for competing."
Sasuke wanted to retort but Kakashi held up his hand.
"It is that kind of thinking that makes me certain you are not ready for the chunin exams. Yes this team would probably crush all of the other genin teams out there. So what? Being a chunin is more than just your ability to fight it is also about making the right decisions. You are allowing your pride and emotions to cloud your judgment; you aren't ready to become a chunin."
Sasuke forced himself to calm down. Kakashi was always testing him; if he blew up at him he would just be validating Kakashi's decision. A shinobi did not yell at his superior. Sasuke took in a deep breath. "Thank you for clarifying your decision, I see that you are correct and I respect your decision." Kakashi moved with every ounce of his speed. If Sasuke had his Sharingan active he would be able to see the movement but even then it was doubtful he could have stopped the blow.
Kakashi slammed his fist into Sasuke's stomach driving the wind completely out of him. He lifted the genin off the ground with the blow and then while the boy was still in mid air he hit him with a spinning heel kick that sent Sasuke crashing into a tree. Sasuke gasped like a fish for air, he crumpled toward the ground only to be caught by Kakashi by the front of his shirt. Kakashi pinned him to the tree and fixed him a one eyed glare.
"I told you not to lie to me Sasuke. On our very first day of training I told you not to put up a false front, disagree with me if you like but do not attempt to deceive me. You don't respect my decision I can sense your deception even before you spoke."
Sakura gasped at the harsh treatment Sasuke-kun was receiving. However she knew interfering would only embarrass him and solve nothing. Naruto kept his expression even and did his best to avoid moving at all. Sasuke got his breathing under control, "What do you want from me then?"
Kakashi released him and backed up giving the boy some space. "I want your honesty as well as the appropriate level of respect. I don't expect you to agree with my decisions if you disagree with them. I would have accepted something as simple as "I disagree sensei and will do my best to prove myself in the next six months." Kakashi paused, "Instead you choose to lie and pretend I had convinced you of my decision. I am here to train your chakra, body and mind. Do not parrot words you think I want to hear, state your case cleanly and respectful but never lie to me or your team."
Sasuke was angry at himself now. Kakashi had warned him about this before. He was only worsening his position, the decision had already been finalized all he had done was earn the ire of the person best suited to train him. "I apologize Kakashi-sensei; I should not have lied to you." Kakashi turned to the other two, "And what about you two, what are your thoughts on not being able to compete in the chunin exams?"
Naruto answered first. "I'm disappointed Kakashi-sensei, I see the value in keeping strength hidden but it's hard to see my classmates compete while I'm stuck on the sideline." Sakura chimed in, "I think I need more training anyway. Naruto and Sasuke are ahead of me and I'd probably ruin their chances against the experienced teams anyway." Naruto responded, "No way Sakura-chan! That's not how a team works, you play a support role – it's not expected for you to go toe to toe with the front line components of the team."
The three shinobi stared at Naruto. Naruto rubbed the back of head sheepishly, "Um what? I read it in two different books on the appropriate roles for a combat team. This team has three ninjutsu/taijutsu specialists; a fourth wouldn't add any synergy. Having a Genjutsu specialist is even better then another front line fighter! I can show you the book if you don't believe me!"
Kakashi couldn't help but laugh, "Naruto its fine, thank you for supporting your teammate. Sakura I have no doubts this team could handle the chunin exams but by doing so everyone would see the team's abilities. That is my concern." Seeing that the team needed some cheering up he said, "Since you are not in the chunin exams that gives us time to do a C ranked mission." That did brighten the team's disposition as their sensei began to explain what they would be doing.
***BREAK***
Hinata Hyuga was nervous. Her team had entered the chunin exams and she did not want to let Kiba and Shino down. The test in front of her scared her; they would pass and fail as a team. Thankfully her dojutsu was perfect for this type of exam. She located someone confidently writing answers and copied them with her Byakugan. She had already finished the nine questions on the exam and that left her time to think.
She had not seen Naruto-kun in the exam area. 'That must mean Naruto's team was not selected for the chunin exams! If they aren't ready how am I ready? All of the genin in here are older and wiser than us. I know Kiba and Shino have worked very hard but I'm going to bring them down!' Hinata was working herself up to greater heights of worry and anxiety as the minutes of the exam trickled down.
Ibiki Morino then introduced the 10th question. Hinata gasped. If she got the last answer wrong Kiba and Shino could never become chunin! As long as someone wrote the answer down she would just copy it but what if it was different? This question was a curveball maybe there was another twist. Maybe each person had a different question that was given to them. Hinata was sure that Shino would pass but she also worried about Kiba who didn't have a skill to help him copy answers like she and Shino did.
'And even if we all answer the question correctly I'm still way out of my league here. I can't ruin Kiba and Shino's careers; I have to raise my hand!' Perhaps if there had been someone to distract her from these thoughts in the exam room things would have gone differently. But without that distraction… Hinata raised her hand and her team was dismissed.
Shino inclined his head toward Hinata, while disappointed he knew she had acted based on a desire to help her team. Kiba was not so understanding. Kiba growled, "What the hell were you thinking Hinata!? We've failed the test because you were too scared! You're pathetic!" Hinata bowed her head in shame at her teammate's angry words. Shino put a hand on Kiba and said, "Enough." Kiba pushed Shino's hand away and stalked out of the building furiously.
"T-thank you Shino-san," Hinata stuttered out. The Aburame simply nodded and walked with Hinata as they went to find their jonin instructor.
Shikamaru saw team 8 leave and was tempted to follow course. While he knew there was no 10th question it sure would be a drag to have to continue competing in the chunin exams. While he was considering the pros and cons to not having to do the exam versus Ino's shrill screams the proctor announced they pass. "How troublesome…"
***BREAK***
Team 7 returned from a rather simple C ranked mission on the fifth day of the Chunin exams. They would be allowed to watch the preliminary bouts that the survivors of the Forest of Death had to fight before the 3rd portion of the exam. The other genin would not know they were there as they would be behind a false wall above the 2nd tier of the battle area. It was a blatant favoritism shown to team 7 however the Hokage could see the advantage of having Sharingan observers pick up any jutsu that was used. Kakashi was a regular observer to most chunin and jonin exams. Hiruzen saw little reason to exclude the rest of team 7 when Kakashi made his request.
Sasuke had given thought to his spat with Kakashi and realized he really had acted like an idiot.
Kakashi was remarkably straightforward with his team. He clearly outlined what he expected of them at every turn. Work as a team. Train hard. Don't lie to him or each other. Hide your strength. Work as a team. Kill swiftly when required. Don't take chances. His sensei had succulently explained why these were of vital importance.
It all followed a logical pattern, all Sasuke had to do was follow the instructions and he would be granted power through training and new jutsu. And twice now he had risked his sensei's wrath. Why? Why would he risk one of the great assets he had at his disposal? The training and support of the leaf's most elite jonin. The shinobi who had copied a 1000 jutsu.
Kakashi taught him to analyze himself with the Kage Bunshin, and at the same time he taught him to analyze his own actions and the reasons for them. Why did Sasuke care about competing in the chunin exams? He wanted to say it was because he needed to find out how strong he was. He wanted to say that it would allow him to test himself against other powerful shinobi. But looking inwardly proved that false. Kakashi had taught him to see things as they are not as he wanted them to be.
He faced the truth. He wanted to revel in victory, personal victory not just a victory for his team. He wanted to stand triumphant to have other people acknowledge his power, the power of the Uchiha clan.
With this new piece of self discovery he considered its importance compared to the stated goals he had. Destroying Itachi and rebuilding the Uchiha clan. If his third goal was pride and adulation of the village was it more important than his initial two goals?
'No, it isn't, it's pure vanity!'
Realizing this didn't mean it wasn't a desire for Sasuke. He would bring pride to the name Uchiha, he would be the Uchiha most remembered by history. But he should also go about it in a way that maximized his chances. The Sharingan did not make him invincible; he could be killed in battle before he achieved any of his three goals. If the world knew that he had an unlocked Sharingan he could be the target of ambitious villages like Iwa or Kumo. If they wished to war with Konoha in the future it would be in their best interest to eliminate a true heir of the Uchiha clan.
Kakashi had showered them with stories of powerful shinobi with vast potential who were cut down before their prime. Sasuke shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He thought so different now than he had a few months ago. It was almost like he was a different person; the overt analysis of every action he made, the actions of those around him and the potential ramifications of everything he thought or did gave him a new outlook. In a way it was exhausting but he knew it made him stronger.
He cleared his head and ordered his priorities. Kill Itachi. That was still more important than rebuilding his clan or showcasing his power to the village. After that was rebuilding his clan. And finally it was to showcase his talent to Konoha and the world. Kakashi-sensei had been right about everything so far, he would follow his game plan and become stronger. When the time was right and team 7 was disbanded he would do things differently but he would keep the lessons Kakashi had taught him.
Mind clear and ready to fulfill his role he walked in with the rest of team 7 to stand with his sensei behind the false wall. He listened to the Hokage's brief speech and saw Kabuto's choice to remove himself from the chunin exam. That left 14 genin. Too many for the finals and it was decided that there would be a series of six battles, with two "buys" that would automatically progress to the final rounds. This would leave 8 contestants to fight in the last stage.
The contestants were mostly from Konoha. Gai's team, team 10, and Kabuto's team made eight from the leaf. Team Gaara from Suna was there as was the team from Oto. Sasuke was interested in seeing how Neji fought; as another dojutsu user there might be much he could learn from how Neji used his bloodline. The genin also was curious about Gaara; he had heard Naruto's report of the boy and was intrigued. Sasuke grinned at the possibility of learning new jutsu with his Sharingan. He looked intently at the board as the first names populated.
AN: Ah don't hate me for not putting team 7 in the chunin exams. It really doesn't make sense from the way this Kakashi thinks about things.
I've attempted to make Sasuke's changes slow and natural. I feel they all follow a natural progression. If Sasuke wants strength and Kakashi is giving it to him he's going to use what he's given. With Kakashi's obsession with calculation and seeing underneath the underneath it would be obvious to have him force the team to do self reflection. You can see it with Sakura and Sasuke most clearly.
How could a shinobi taught to analyze her surroundings not see Sasuke hates fan girls? How could Sasuke not realize pride could lessen his chances for revenge?
I hope you stick with the story – I won't spend a lot of time on these preliminary matches. The time I do spend will be viewed through the eyes of team 7. I will also make it COMPLETELY random.