PLEASE READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS CHAPTER!
Disclaimer: Anything and everything Naruto belongs to Kishimoto-sensei; which means characters, places, and all the flippin' awesome Justus are not mine. What do I own? My kickass plot tweaks that make the story better.
Summary: This is how I think things would have gone if Naruto was born a girl
Rating: Rated "T" for language and possible violent and/or bloody scenes (I mean come on they are ninjas).
Regular speech
'Thought'
Flashback
'Flashback thought'
Bijuu speech
'Bijuu thought'
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A/N: I apologize in advance because this chapter and the next will be so long I will shorten it were I can and hope they aren't too canon.
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Chapter Nine: Chünin Exams Part 1: No More Secrets
Over the next month and a half Team 7 would do a lot of training, Kakashi-sensei had changed their meeting time from 8am to 6am but he was still an hour late. So while they were waiting Naruto had talked Sakura into doing her light training regime while they waited; it took Sakura a while to get up to the routine but now she was fine and only slightly out-of-breathe, Sasuke however just sat off to the side ignoring them. Once Kakashi showed up they would do two or three D-rank missions to fill the morning, then after lunch they would do four hours of team training; after team training the group would go out for dinner. After dinner on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Kakashi would take Sasuke and train him until dark; Tuesday and Thursday Kakashi would train Sakura, and on Saturday he would check Naruto's progress. Sasuke thought he was getting the most attention but in truth Sakura and Naruto were just training with Kurenai on Wednesday and Friday; therefore Team 7 was progressing rather well in their ninja skills and in their teamwork even if there were still a few personality flaws. Sakura was still a fan girl and tried to take every chance to get Sasuke's attention, Sasuke was still antisocial, but had taken up the annoying habit of stalking Naruto and asking her out when no one was around, Naruto refused to try reigning in her emotions, but had opened up to her team a lot more.
Today it was 9am and the trio was all sitting at the training ground still waiting for Kakashi to show up.
"Seriously where is he?" Naruto fumed, "You don't think he's going back to old habits do you?"
"Why are you missing him, Na-chan?" Sakura asked mockingly,
"No, I just want to get those boring ass D-ranks out of the way." Naruto replied with a slight blush.
"Sure." Sakura drawled.
"Sa-chan quite it or I swear I'll tell Ino." Naruto warned.
"You wouldn't, "Sakura said but saw Naruto's look, "Okay, okay. So what should we do? Do you have any ideas Sasuke-kun?"
"Hn. Just be quiet." Sasuke said just then Kakashi appeared on a puff of smoke.
"YOU'RE LATE!" Naruto and Sakura shouted.
"You better have a good excuse." Naruto said.
"Hn."
"Maa… Relax I have a legitimate reason," Kakashi drawled, "I was at a meeting for the sensei's, we were discussing the Chünin exams; I nominated you three."
"Really?" Naruto asked, Kakashi just nodded and Naruto launched herself at him shouting, "Thank you, I love you!"
"Umm… yeah!" Kakashi said uncomfortably.
"Ahem!" Someone coughed, Naruto finally noticed what she had done and let go of Kakashi babbling incoherently.
"Right, Anyway the exams are in two days meaning you have 48 hours from now to prepare," Kakashi said, "You should be ready for anything because this test is designed to test your skills. Now you do not have to take the test just because I nominated you, it is a personal decision. I'm giving you tomorrow off so you can think this decision through. Be at the academy in two days at 9am for the start of the exam." When he finished speaking Kakashi left in a swirl of leaves.
"So do you guys plan on taking the exam?" Naruto asked her teammates.
"I'm not sure." Sakura said, "I'm not positive I am ready."
"I think you are but it's up to you." Naruto said with a reassuring smile, "What about you Teme?"
"How about just the two of us talk about it over an early lunch?" Sasuke suggested.
"How about not." Naruto said, "If we have an early lunch Sakura comes too."
"Hn." Sasuke said, "I'm gonna take the exam, but I have some more practicing to do; see you at the academy." With that Sasuke walked away from the two girls.
"So are you taking the exam, Na-chan?" Sakura asked.
"Of course," Naruto said, "I just have to become a Chünin."
"Why? Plan on confessing for real this time." Sakura teased.
"No, we've already been over this; I'm not confessing until I'm at least 15. That's only if I even still like him than." Naruto said blushing, "But remember I told you jii-chan will tell me about my parents once I make Chünin."
"Sorry forgot, we generally avoid any topic related to your family," Sakura said, "Anyway, knowing you and Sasuke are taking it doesn't really help me, if anything it makes me more self- conscious seeing as I know I'm not as good at you and Sasuke-kun? I mean I can't even get Sasuke to notice my progress."
"Don't worry about Sasuke," Naruto said, "Kashi never would have nominated you if he didn't believe you were ready, have a little more faith in yourself."
"I guess you're right, I'll just talk it over with my parents and get their opinion." Sakura said.
"Good idea, but don't be so down." Naruto said, "Well while you're talking to your parents I'll go let everyone know I decided to take the Chünin exam. Oh I know how about you help me go shopping tomorrow I have some extra money and I need some new clothes."
"Yeah, that sounds good," Sakura agreed, "What time should we meet?"
"How about 10 am outside Ichiraku's?" Naruto suggested.
"Okay, well I'm gonna go home." Sakura said.
"'K, see ya tomorrow." Naruto said as she also left to find people. Naruto was walking down the street when she suddenly heard someone shouting.
"Let me go!" a childish voice cried out, Naruto recognized it as Konohamaru and ran around the corner to the source of the cry.
"Hey let him go right now." Naruto demanded as she grabbed the arm of the boy who was dangling Konohamaru in the air.
"Why should I; the little shit ran into me!" The boy said.
"Kankuro, just drop the brat no point in starting a war over nothing." The blonde girl, Naruto hadn't taken any notice of, said.
"No one would start a war over one useless brat, Temari." Kankuro replied as he started to squeeze Konohamaru's throat causing the boy to gasp for air.
"They will if it's the Hokage's grandson." Naruto said as squeezed Kankuro's wrist making him wince, but as soon as Kankuro dropped Konohamaru Naruto let go and backed up; Konohamaru scrabbled to his feet quickly as well, as he got up to hide behind Naruto and was joined by his two friends.
"What did you do to him Konohamaru?" Naruto asked.
"Nothing I promise," Konohamaru said, "I was just playing ninja with my friends when I ran into him on accident. Next thing I knew I was dangling in the air. Thanks for saving me Naru-nee."
"No problem, but you still need to apologize to the grouchy sand-nin." Naruto said and when Konohamaru opened his mouth to argue added, "It's only right and if you don't I'll tell jii-chan you slipped away from closet-perv again."
"Don't do that, nee-chan, please." Konohamaru shouted then turned to Kankuro and bowed, "I'm sorry I ran into you, I'll watch where I'm going better."
"Good job Kono, now you three run off and play." Naruto said,
"Hai." The kids shouted and took off, Naruto watched them go and then next thing she knew she was lifted off the ground by her collar.
"Whoa!" Naruto shouted in surprise.
"What do you mean by 'grouchy'?" Kankuro asked through gritted teeth as Naruto tried to think of a way out of her situation that wouldn't cause any damage, when suddenly a stone came out of nowhere and hit Kankuro's hand causing him to drop Naruto.
"Do you really think it's wise to pick fights with Konoha's ninja while you're a guest in our village?" A voice asked that Naruto knew all too well.
"Were you following me again, Teme?" Naruto asked looking toward the tree the voice had come from.
"Good thing I was seeing as you ran into trouble," Sasuke said, "So I'd take it you foreign ninja are here for the Chünin exam, am I right?"
"I don't answer to Konoha brats." Kankuro replied,
"Can't you just drop it Kankuro, let's just go to the hotel before things get complicated?" Temari asked, "What if Ga-?"
"What if what, Temari?" a dark voice interrupted from next to Sasuke in the tree, causing everyone to turn toward the newcomer.
"Gaara?!" Kankuro and Temari said in unison, sounding both affectionate and terrified at the same time.
"What are you doing?" Gaara asked in a dead voice, "We were supposed to go straight to the inn, now let's get going." Gaara jumped out of the tree and started to go down the street.
"Wait who are you?" Sasuke asked as he jumped down to stand next to Naruto, Gaara turned around and stared at him for a moment.
"Sabaku no Gaara." Gaara stated, "I am interested in you as well."
"Uchiha Sasuke." Sasuke replied, Gaara and his siblings left leaving Naruto alone with Sasuke. "How about dinner to pay me back for saving you?" Sasuke suggested with a smirk.
"Ugh." Naruto said exasperated, "I didn't even need saving." Naruto started to walk away.
"Either way you should pay me back." Sasuke said, Naruto stopped and turned around.
"No, I shouldn't you stepped in on your own. Also, I only think of you as a brother therefore I will never go on a date with you!" Naruto said, "So you can stop asking, and you can also stop stalking me around the village it's creepy and not to mention illegal." That said Naruto walked away from Sasuke, leaving him to his thoughts, and went to inform everyone she was taking the Chünin exams.
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Naruto had arrived at Ichiraku's early the next morning seeing as she knew Sakura was always punctual, she was eating some ramen while she waited but seeing as it was ten minutes after the time the girls were supposed to meet Naruto was starting to worry; that is until she heard Sakura shouting from down the street.
"Ino-pig stop following me, I already told you I was just going shopping with a friend." Naruto paid for her food and headed out of the shop to greet Sakura.
"Well then why won't you tell me who, Billboard brow?" Ino said, "It's almost like you're trying to hide something." Naruto decided now would be a good time to intervene before Sakura's temper got the better of her.
"Why don't you just invite her to come along with us, Sa-chan?" Naruto asked walking up to Sakura and Ino.
"Na-chan?" Sakura said as she shifted her attention, "Are you sure?"
"As long as she promises to keep a secret until tomorrow." Naruto said looking at Ino.
"I can keep a secret." Ino said nodding enthusiastically as she was now very interested and looked Naruto over, "Are you gay?"
"What?" Naruto asked caught off guard, "No."
"I'm just asking cuz you grow your hair out and if Forehead was telling the truth you're going shopping." Ino explained, "Boys never go shopping willingly."
"That's your reasoning," Naruto asked, "Long Hair and shopping?"
"Forget her stupid question, let's get back on topic." Sakura said, "Why only until tomorrow?"
"I feel that if I can take the Chünin exam, I can protect and be myself." Naruto said.
"Is that why we're shopping?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah, more than just my hair has grown since the Wave," Naruto said, "most of my clothes are getting too tight; I already threw out my other jumpsuits and other clothes. So I need some help with getting new outfits for when I'm off duty and ninja outfits. I mean I still have a handful of dresses but I think jii-chan would like me to have more."
"Um… why do you have dresses?" Ino asked, "I hope I'm not helping with some weird fetish you have."
"No, that's where Naruto's secret comes in, pig." Sakura replied.
"Yeah, you see…" Naruto pauses dramatically and smirks mischievously, "I'm actually a girl." God she loved seeing Ino's flabbergasted look.
"I don't believe you." Ino said, once she regained her senses.
"I didn't think you would without proof," Naruto said, "but I'm not flashing you in the middle of the street or anywhere else for that matter; so you're only option it to come with us so you can see for yourself when I try on clothes."
"So how much do we have to work with?" Sakura asked, "It can't be that much."
"Well actually I got around $500 dollars." Naruto said.
"Is all of it from Hokage-sama?" Sakura asked in awe.
"No only some of it." Naruto said, "When people heard what I was doing they offered money to help, Iruka-sensei, Ku-nee, and Jii-chan each gave me fifty dollars to go with the fifty I had saved up. I tried to say no, but they were very persistent."
"That's only $200 dollars." Sakura pointed out, "Where'd the rest come from?"
"Asu-nii, he said it was totally worth every penny to see me be me and be happy." Naruto said. "Plus, it made some smart-ass remark about needing costumes for Wolf."
"Kami, you are so spoiled." Sakura said, "I wish my parents would give my just fifty dollars to go shopping."
"Who cares if Naruto's spoiled," Ino exclaimed, "Hell, right now I don't even care if he's a she or what, just think of everything we can buy with that much money. You wouldn't mind getting us a couple outfit as well would you?"
"I guess not." Naruto said with a smile, "But I still want to spend smart."
"Of course, the best clothes are always on discount anyway." Ino said as the three headed to the ninja clothing store.
While shopping and trying on clothes Sakura and Ino noticed that pastels really made Naruto's eyes 'pop', however there was still plenty of orange in all of Naruto's new clothes. As a matter of fact Naruto new ninja outfit was an orange halter belly-shirt and orange paneled skirt (think Sakura in Shippuden) with tight short black shorts under it and black fingerless elbow-length gloves and a pair of regular black shinobi sandals. The girls had been shopping all day only stopping for a quick snack instead of lunch seeing as Sakura and Ino were on diets, it was now dinner time and the girls decided to go out to a restaurant seeing as Naruto still had some money left over.
"Wow that was so much fun." Naruto said.
"I agree," Ino said, "But I still think you should have gotten more make-up."
"I don't think I really need it I only got the lip gloss and stuff for in case I need to dress up for something." Naruto said, "I'm more the roll-in-the-dirt-type, not the dress-up-to-go-to-the-store-type."
"Whatever, I still say every girl needs lots of make-up." Ino said.
"You know I didn't see Sasuke-kun once today." Sakura said off-handedly as their food arrived.
"That's because I wasn't in need of his 'heroics'," Naruto said, "Besides his creepy ass would rather stay hidden then risk getting mauled but his fan girls."
"Sasuke-kun is not creepy." Sakura and Ino said together.
"I beg to differ," Naruto said, "after we split up yesterday and I ran into some sand-nin that are here for the exam; anyway I had the situation under control, but apparently Sasuke, thought saving the day would get him a date, and jumped in. He even admitted he was stalking me and that was how he was able to 'rescue' me."
"Sasuke-kun was just showing he cares and how nice he really is." Ino defended.
"I wish he would do that for me." Sakura said dreamily.
"I agree." Ino said, "You're so lucky Naruto."
"I don't see it that way, I just think it's creepy." Naruto grumbled.
"How can you not like Sasuke-kun," Ino asked scandalized, "He was our 'Rookie-of-the-Year' and he's just so cool."
"Na-chan likes the elite, powerful, and mysterious type." Sakura said giggling.
"Ooh, do I smell a scoop?" Ino asked excitedly, "It almost sounds like Naru likes an older man."
"Sa-chan, you promised not to tell anyone." Naruto whined.
"Come on, we're friends," Ino said, "And who better to tell secrets then your friends."
"No way I not saying." Naruto said stubbornly.
"Oh come on, I promise I won't tell." Ino begged.
"Won't tell what?" a bored voice asked, from beside Naruto causing the girls to look. When they did they were greeted with the sight of their sensei's, Asuma, Kakashi, and Kurenai, as well as Anko, who only Naruto knew, and a man in a forest green spandex suit and orange-ish leg-warmers and shiny black hair worn in a bowl-cut, then none of the girls recognized.
"Oh hello Asuma-sensei, Kurenai-sensei, and Kakashi-sensei." Ino greeted, Sakura continued to giggle and Naruto could only manage a nod because of her embarrassment and how uncomfortable with the situation she was.
"So are any of you going to answer Kakashi?" Asuma asked the trio.
"I was trying to get Naruto to tell me who she has a crush on." Ino stated, Naruto's face now resembles a strawberry. Sakura was now laughing and Anko joined her. The green-clad man shouted something about "youthful loves"; while Asuma and Kakashi's eye had widened in shock but Kurenai took pity and tried to change to subject.
"So how was your shopping girls?" Kurenai asked.
"Really great, thanks for the money. Asu-nii, Ku-nee." Naruto chirped, Kurenai just smiled.
"Anytime Naru-chan." Asuma said.
"Don't call me that." Naruto whined as she flashed her KI quickly.
"Well we'll let you finish your dinner, girls." Kurenai said.
"Yeah, we have some stuff to talk about anyway." Anko said as she practically welded herself to Kakashi's side giving Naruto a knowing grin, Naruto narrowed her eyes and glared back.
"Anko, get off Kakashi or your boyfriend might see you." Kurenai admonished.
"No he won't, he still busy grading papers." Anko pouted as she clung tighter to Kakashi as he tried to break away, "Besides I'm entitled to some fun."
"You'll regret this." Kurenai said as she saw the look on Naruto's face, but that was the last thing the girls heard as the group of Jönin left.
"Who was that woman?" Ino asked.
"I don't know I've never seen her before." Sakura said, "It sounds like she dating one of the teachers though. Do you know her, Na-chan?"
"Or why she was clinging to Kakashi-sensei like a leech?" Ino added.
"Her name is Mitarashi Anko, she's part of the T&I department. I'm surprised Ino's never met her before." Naruto said.
"No but I have heard of her," Ino said, "Dad said she has a sadistic streak."
"She does, I've known her since I was little she would babysit me sometimes when my guardians were out on missions," Naruto said, "I even introduced her to her boyfriend."
"Really how?" Ino and Sakura asked together.
"Well this one time when I was ten, I got in trouble and she was the only one available to go to the meeting." Naruto said, "She flirted with Iruka-sensei and the two oddly hit it off, they started dating shortly after that."
"Wow." Both girls said.
"I'm full how about you guys?" Naruto asked both nodded in agreement, "I just have to go to the bathroom, why don't we say good-bye to our sensei's as well?" All three girls got up and gathered their bags and Naruto paid the check, they left their bags with the Jönin as they all went to the bathroom and Naruto gave Anko a hug as a sorry for not greeting her earlier, then all three girls headed for the door; just as they reached the door they heard a scream.
"Ahhhh… I'll get you Naruto."
… … .N. … …
Meanwhile with the Jönin –
Just as the girls were leaving Gai noticed something on Anko jacket.
"Anko, what is that on you most youthful jacket?" He asked.
"What are you talking about?" Anko asked as she looked down and saw a couple of explosion tags, she quickly shed her jacket and tossed in on the floor only to hear the others gasp. Looking down again she saw she was covered in tags, only she noticed now weren't explosion tags; that's when she realized some said 'shock' while others said 'spiders'. She stood and tried to take them off and that's when the 'shock' tags emitted electricity and zapped her. Once they finished she was laying on the ground twitching, she soon stood up the other tags went off with poofs and Anko found herself covered in hundreds of little spiders.
"Ahhhh" Anko screamed in fear as she tried to get the spiders off of herself.
"You should have known better than to tease Naru." Kurenai said to her friend without pity, "I told you, you were going to regret it."
"I'll get you, Naruto." Anko shouted at the door the three Genin had just exited, while the three men just sat dumbfounded; two wondering what Anko had done to earn Naruto's wrath and one wondering how such a 'youthful' looking girl could be so 'unyouthful'.
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The next morning Team 7 met at 8:30am so that they would have a few extra minutes before the exam started.
"Alright!" Naruto cheered, "Let's go kick some ass!"
"Na-chan you look like a girl, but you still sound like a boy." Sakura complained.
"It's called being a 'tomboy' Sa-chan," Naruto smirked, "You should try it."
"You two quit it," Sasuke said, "I think Naruto is fine the way she is." Naruto rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, let's just go." Naruto said and the trio headed into the building; Naruto and Sakura following Sasuke as they frowned, though for different reasons. Once inside they headed to the third floor were the exam was going to be held but as soon as they reached the second floor, Sakura paused before muttering "genjutsu" so only her teammates heard her.
"Hn."
"I guess we'll see who cast it seeing as we have to go down the corridor to get to the stairs," Naruto said, "but I'll have to trust your lead because my genjutsu skills are practically non- existent."
"I'll take lead," Sasuke said, "Naruto stay at Sakura's side."
"Hai." The girls replied as they linked arms and the trio headed down the hall; soon they came upon a group of Chünin-hopefuls that were trying to get in to a classroom. They watched as one kid in a green bodysuit got kicked across the hallway.
"Hey doesn't he look like that guy who was at the restaurant last night?" Naruto whispered to Sakura.
"Yeah, maybe it's his kid or something," Sakura replied, "I just hope he's not as creepy." The group just continued down the hall thinking they would just walk around the genjutsu, but they soon found their path blocked with a barrier.
"Naruto can you break the barrier?" Sasuke asked, Naruto channeled some chakra to her hand to scan the barrier.
"Not without using enough chakra to make us a target for whatever is planned for this exam, seeing as it's poorly done." Naruto said, "You'll have to persuade the caster to dispel it. My guess is it's one of two guarding the genjutsu-ed door seeing as they have high Chünin-level chakra levels."
"Should we break the genjutsu as well?" Sakura asked.
"No, it will help eliminate enemies." Sasuke said, "We'll only dispel it as a last resort." They headed back to the 'guards' and saw a girl with two buns knocked away from the door, the guards were saying something about weeding out the ones who would never pass because of the difficulty; the exam was said to be so difficult in fact that many had died during it.
"Well, how about you drop the barrier that's stopping us from going where we need to be," Sasuke said, "I'm definitely strong enough to pass."
"Oh, so you noticed," one 'guard' said as he dropped the genjutsu, making Sasuke frown.
"Not bad for a rookie." The other 'guard' said taking down the barrier.
"Let's go Naruto, Sakura." Sasuke said, just then the first 'guard' charge at Sasuke with a roundhouse which Sasuke was going to return; only the boy in green spandex step in and stopped them in mid-kick.
"I thought you wanted to stay inconspicuous?" a long hair boy with white eyes asked as he and the girl with buns joined the boy in green, who blushed as he looked at Sakura.
"Oh boy" the girl said, "Here he goes again." That said the boy in green walked up to Sakura.
"Hello, my name is Rock Lee." The boy said enthusiastically, "You're Sakura, right? That name suits you WONDERFULLY. Go out with me, and I promise to protect you forever!"
"No way!" Sakura shrieked once she got over her shock, "You're too intense." Lee hung his head dejectedly.
"Sakura, Naruto let's go," Sasuke ordered, Naruto glared but followed him down the hall.
"Hey you!" the long haired boy called out making Sasuke pause, "What's your name?"
"Isn't it polite to introduce yourself first?" Sasuke said as he turned around.
"You're only a rookie right?" the boy said, "How old are you?"
"I'm not obligated to answer you." Sasuke said.
"Hyūga Neji, you?" Neji said finally.
"Uchiha Sasuke." Sasuke said, Sakura who had been watching the whole thing noticed Naruto getting agitated and looked about ready to exploded; so Sakura did the smart think and started to drag her down the hallway.
"Come on Sasuke-kun, we don't want to waste any more time." Sakura said as she dragged Naruto passed him, he just followed with an 'hn'.
… … .N. … …
Seeing as the trio still had 20 mins before they had to be to the exam room Sasuke and Sakura decided to go to the indoor gymnasium so that Naruto could blow off some stream before she was enclosed in a room with more people.
"I know I wanted to be underestimated," Naruto fumed as she beat a wooden training dummy, "but to be completely ignored is just too much. Does no one see me as a threat?"
"Not really, dobe." Sasuke smirked.
"I could kick your ass, Teme!" Naruto yelled, "It's about time you remember that."
"Calm down, Na-chan," Sakura said trying to think of something that would placate her friend, "He just meant that you are really good at fooling everyone. Just imagine how shocked they'll be when you wipe the floor with them."
"Yeah, you're right, Sa-chan!" Naruto said calming down, "They'll all be so shocked- hehehe."
"Are you really sure you want everyone to know you're a girl?" Sasuke asked, "I mean that will probably be the biggest shock."
"They probably already know, Ino went shopping with Sa-chan and me," Naruto said, "and Asu-nii said she is horrible with secrets, funnily enough." Naruto froze for a second, "That Lee guy is coming here, and he's alone."
"I wonder why?" Sakura asked, just then Lee appeared.
"Uchiha Sasuke, I wish to challenge you to a fight," Lee announced, "I will prove myself worthy of Sakura-san's heart." Sakura was officially creeped out.
"Fine," Sasuke agreed cockily, "Anyone dumb enough to challenge an Uchiha deserves to be beat."
Sasuke wound up getting his ass handed to him but escaped serious injury by the arrival of an equally green-clad Gai-sensei. Sakura healed Sasuke's wounds quickly and the trio escaped Lee and Gai's creepy sunset thing. They arrived at the exam room with ten minutes to spare and were greeted by Kakashi-sensei.
"I glad you all decided to take the test, now I can let you pass." Kakashi said.
"What do you mean sensei?" Sakura asked, "You said participation was an individual decision."
"It was, kind of." Kakashi said, "In order to participate the whole team has to agree but if I told you that, you Sakura, would have just gone along with your teammates. Half-hearted participation would have had deadly consequences, but seeing as you all choose on your own I know you'll do fine." Kakashi added an eye smile at the end.
"Oh." was the only response he got.
"Well you are my cute little Genin after all." Kakashi said, "Now go on, by the way I like you're new look Naru-chan, it's very grown-up; and speaking of grown-ups you should apologize to Anko for that stunt you pulled last night."
"Thanks, Kashi." Naruto mumbled with a blush, "But I'm not apologizing to her, she deserved worse for taunting me, remind her of that before she tries to get payback." Naruto said with an icy gaze as she followed her teammates into the room.
'I think we may have done something wrong when we raised her.' Kakashi thought, 'Well on the plus side I'd hate to be the enemy ninja that crosses her path.'
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The tension in the room was sort of nerve-wracking but that feeling was soon put off as Sasuke was tackled by a screeching blonde.
"Sasuke-kun you're late!" Ino squealed, "I haven't seen you in forever, I was so excited."
"Ino-pig!" Sakura screeched, "Get off him!"
"It's not like he belongs to you, billboard brow." Ino said.
"So troublesome," Shikamaru said, as he looked at the group, he noticed Naruto trying to hide and gave her a weird look, "Tch, so you guys are in this exam too." Chöji just munch on his potato chips mindlessly.
"Yahoo!" Kiba cheered as he came into view, "We finally found you." Naruto really hid from sight now, as she jumped behind Ino and Sakura who had stopped bickering upon the arrival of more friends.
"H-hello" Hinata greeted quietly.
"Not you guys too," Shikamaru mumbled, "This is way too troublesome."
"Hey, where's that dead-last, loud-mouthed idiot?" Kiba asked
"You're louder and dumber than me and I could kick your ass any day." Naruto defended from her hiding place.
"Naru, why are you hiding?" Ino asked as she looked over her shoulder.
"I didn't expect to run into everyone at once." Naruto said, "I thought it was going to be a slower reveal." Sakura started to laugh, "It's not funny Sa-chan."
"What's with Naruto?" Chöji asked, "He's not acting like himself."
"I believe this is her real self." Shino stated.
"Ooh, can I tell them?" Ino asked, "Keeping it a secret has been so hard!"
"It's only been one day since Na-chan told you, Ino-pig!" Sakura said exasperated.
"Whatever." Ino said, "So, can I?"
"Sa-chan, just let her do whatever?" Naruto said, by now most of the Rookie 9 were looking confused, except for those who knew.
"Naruto is actually a girl!" Ino said as she stepped to the side showing off Naruto in her new outfit. Chöji dropped his chips in shock, Kiba was yelling about it being a trick, and Hinata fainted only to be caught be Shino before she hit the ground.
"I love their reactions." Ino and Sakura squealed together.
"You guys are really brave to call so much attention to yourselves." A voice said from behind the group, who turned around to see an older boy with bluish-tinted white hair.
"What do you mean?" Ino asked.
"Just look around," the boy said, "As you can see everyone is nervous in some way and on a short fuse; so I would suggest that you tone down your care-free attitudes."
"You are you to order us around?" Sasuke asked.
"It was only a suggestion," the boy said, "However I'm Yakushi Kabuto."
"Kabuto-san you seem to know a lot about the exam," Sakura said, "Is this you're second?"
"No, it's my seventh," Kabuto said causing the Rookie 9's eyes widen, except for Shikamaru and Naruto who eyes the man suspiciously, "The test is held twice a year so this if my fourth year."
"Wow." was the collective response as most of the Genin were rethinking their decision to take the exam.
"I can share some of the information I have gathered with you cute rookies." Kabuto offered as he pulled out a stack of cards, "These are my nin-fo cards they contain information on every Genin participating in the exam, just give me their name and I can give you their information."
Sasuke jumped on the offer, without further thought, and asked about Gaara, Neji, Lee, and Naruto; Naruto had moved herself and Shikamaru closer to Kabuto so she could read over his shoulder and noticed the boy smelt of snakes and blood. As Kabuto was reading the information about Gaara Naruto caught a glimpse of her card and notice some on the information was from her 'unofficial' file.
"Shika, big distraction." Naruto whispered and the boy nodded as he formed discrete hand signs, Kabuto had just started reading Lee's card when a fight broke out catching everyone attention; Naruto used the distraction to quickly steal all of Kabuto's cards and hind them in her hip pouch. Just then a group of proctors poofed into the room, effectively ending all nonsense.
"Quite down!" the imposing man at the front of the group said, "I'm Ibiki Morino, the proctor of the first test and my word is law, got a problem leave now. Rules no fighting without a proctors permission, intentional killing will not be tolerated; those who break the rules with be eliminated immediately." Death glare and an impressive amount of KI, "Do I make myself clear?" When there was no response Ibiki continued, "Now everyone will be given a number and be seated accordingly?"
Everyone did as told; Naruto was in an aisle seat and had Hinata right next to her, so while everyone was getting situated Naruto decided to speak to her.
"Hey, Hinata I'm sorry I lied about be a boy." Naruto said.
"I-its o-okay." Hinata whispered.
"I know it's the biggest shock for you because of your crush," Naruto said and saw Hinata blush, "but I don't think you every really liked me that way."
"W-what d-do y-you m-mean?" Hinata asked confused.
"You've always tried to please your dad," Naruto said, "You really admired how I didn't let what anyone said bother me, and you only ever admired me because you aspired to be like me. Honestly I think you're fine the way you are you kind, caring, and protective; you just need to have more confidence in yourself because I think you're great."
"T-thank y-you." Hinata whispered tearily.
"I just stated the truth so don't cry." Naruto said awkwardly, "besides I don't want Kiba to beat me up for making you cry."
"W-what?" Hinata asked.
"Well being a boy had its perks." Naruto smirked mischievously, "Kiba's had a crush on you since the academy but didn't say anything because he knew you liked me. How about after the exams we work on getting you a date?"
"U-umm… I… are…" Hinata blushed really red and nodded. Just then Ibiki started talking about the exam; once they were told to start Naruto quickly scanned the questions and realized the really propose of the test, to check their information gathering skills.
'To hell with this.' Naruto thought, 'It's too boring to figure out who has the right answers, what to do for 45 minutes? Oh, I know.' With that Naruto flipped her paper over and started to draw on the back. After 45 minutes Ibiki gave the last question; when only a third of the people were left Naruto stood up.
"I don't care if I'm a Genin forever, I'll still become Hokage someday." Naruto declared as she stared at Ibiki, he looked back at her and she smirked as she lifted her paper, "Now everyone has to see this picture I drew of Ibiki-san sleeping with a teddy bear." Naruto showed everyone the paper.
"You little shit!" Ibiki growled as he saw the drawing, just then the window was broken as something came barreling through it. Suddenly there was a large curtain blocking Ibiki with the words 'The fabulous, sadistic beauty Mitarashi Anko!' and Anko standing in the front of the room. Anko glanced around the room seeing lots of people and finally spotted Naruto's picture ended up rolling on the floor.
"Anko you're early and was that entrance necessary?" Ibiki asked, "Stop laughing and I wasn't finished with this bunch yet, I still need to give the results."
"Oh get over it we both know you were done." Anko said regaining her breathe and turning to the group, you all pass. If you can't figure out why don't go to the next part of the test. Speaking of which I am Mitarashi Anko, the next proctor, you have half an hour to meet me at training ground 44, dismissed. Oh, and gaki great photo."
"Thanks, Anko-san," Naruto said, "I appreciate the applause, I'd hate to be thought of as some sort of sneaky snake or something for mocking a proctor." Anko and Ibiki's eyes widened in understanding.
"True, how about you stay behind and I'll talk to you about buying that picture you drew," Anko said, "It would look great in my office."
"Sure thing." Naruto chirped as the stunned Genin finally started to move. Naruto met with her team and told them she would meet them at Training Ground 44 after she sold her picture and got some lunch; she also told them to make sure they had enough weapons in their pouches for a B-rank mission. Naruto then went up to Anko and they started talking prices until every last Genin was out of the room.
"Okay gaki, what's wrong." Anko said as she took the picture and put it into one of her pockets.
"One of the examinee's smelled of snakes and blood," Naruto explained, "I know it's not all that unusual but he had a Konoha headband."
"Name? And Anko get rid of that infernal drawing." Ibiki said.
"Yakushi Kabuto." Naruto said and reached into her pouch pulling out the cards she had stolen. "That's not all; I stole these from him when Shikamaru caused a distraction." Ibiki took them.
"What are they?" Anko asked.
"He called them nin-fo cards. You channel chakra into them and the information appears." Naruto said, "I caught a glimpse of mine and it has all the information from my 'unofficial' file."
"Interesting." Anko said. "But it would appear we have a spy in this test."
"If Naru is right it's one of his spies." Ibiki said, "I'll go inform Hokage-sama, Anko keep an extra close watch in case he sent more than just a spy. You know as well as I do about his new village."
"I can't think of anything that would cause him to come directly," Anko stated, "but he does have some Genin in the exam. Naru-chan go get ready for the exam, watch out for the Sound-nin, and if anything out of the ordinary happens during the exam flare your chakra."
"Fine," Naruto said, "but you owe me for that picture."
"Not after what you pulled last night." Anko said, "I still owe you for that."
"You deserved it for hanging onto Kashi like that." Naruto retorted, "Ku-nee warned you and I did go easy, now pay up I need ramen."
"Fine." Anko said, "But don't think I won't get you back."
"Anko, grow up." Ibiki said; once they were done the three went their separate ways.
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Naruto arrived at Training Ground 44 and met up with her teammates, once Anko did the introduction and they were assigned a scroll and gate (Number 7, go figure) they entered the "Forest of Death". Once inside they hid under a large fallen down tree to plan their strategy; Sakura looked to Naruto to take the lead but Sasuke decided he was the strongest and therefore leader. Soon Naruto had to take a bathroom break and was separated for her team on her way back because she got swallowed by a large snake. Creating hundreds of clones she made it exploded, as Naruto looked at the dead snake it vanished in a puff of smoke.
'A snake summons?" Naruto thought, 'But proctors aren't allowed to interfere in the test, Anko won't go against jii-chan… which means someone inside the exam had to but the only snake summoners according to jii-chan and my Ero-kyoufu* are Orochimaru and Anko. Shit!'
Realizing Orochimaru was in the exam hiddensomewhere Naruto flared her chakra and did a sensory scan to find her team; she found them pretty close but noticed someone with Kage-level chakra approaching them fast and knew even at top speed the person would reach them first.
… … .N. … …
Outside Forest of Death
"Tell Hokage-sama that he is here and has entered the exam." Anko ordered a couple of Chünin.
"But why, what could he want with any of the Genin?" one Chünin asked.
"I'm not sure." Anko said as she thought, "I can think of a couple reasons, one of them being the Uchiha. Hokage-sama will know, for now I'm going to go look for the bastard and hopefully I'll find him before he does any damage."
Suddenly the shinobi around the forest felt a chakra flare.
"Shit!" Anko said, "Tell Hokage-sama that 'trouble found Blondie'. Now go hurry!"
The two Chünin headed to the Hokage's Tower and Anko headed to the general area in the forest were she had felt the flare.
… … .N. … …
Naruto had reached the clearing as the unknown shinobi had sent a fatal attack toward Sakura; seeing that Sasuke was down at the moment she rushed to Sakura's side hoping to get there in time, which she did. However as she saved Sakura, who had frozen from the amount of KI in the air, she was hit in the side by the poisoned kunai; the poison didn't last more than five seconds as the Kyuubi cleansed it from Naruto's system.
"You want the scroll right?" Sasuke called out after he had seen his team mates in danger, "Fine, here it is you can have it." However, before Sasuke could hand over the scroll Naruto had punched him in the face.
"You idiot," Naruto spat, "Even you should be able to tell this person is strong enough if they wanted the scroll they already would have killed us and taken it. Don't give up so easily."
"Kukuku… how smart of you Naruto-chan." The person said, "You're correct, I did not come for the scroll."
"Who are you and what do you really want?" Naruto asked.
"Kukuku…how bad do you want to know?" the person asked, "How about you try to get the information out of me, I'll even throw in the scroll you need." Naruto launched at the person and tried to get in some punches but the person dodged then throw Naruto across the clearing into a tree causing her to lose her breathe for a moment but she was back on her feet and spammed a bunch of clones. The person was not able to block all the hits but as soon as the attacks stops the person shed their skin like a snake.
"Orochimaru." Naruto growled from her place next to her teammates, Sakura gasped in horror knowing they were out of their league even with as strong as Naruto and Sasuke were, Sasuke was looking for an escape route with his Sharingan when he saw the Snake Sannin move.
"Move, he's coming." Sasuke shouted as he moved to dodge. Naruto charged back at Orochimaru when she saw him head for Sasuke, but before she could get him she was kicked across the clearing; standing up she saw Sasuke get bitten and tapped into the Kyuubi's power her eyes glowed red and there was red chakra swirling around her body but unlike the time against Haku she stayed conscious and in control.
"How dare you mark Sasuke!" Naruto snarled.
"Kukuku… are you jealous?" Orochimaru taunted, "I would mark you as well sweet little Naruto if not for the fact the fox would block it. Maybe next time?" Naruto charged at Orochimaru. "Un-uh Naruto." Orochimaru said as he channeled chakra into his fingers and slammed them into Naruto's stomach causing her to pass out.
"What did you do to them?" Sakura asked.
"Nothing much, they will both awaken in a few hours; that is if Sasuke survives the curse mark," Orochimaru said, "and if he does he will seek me out for power." With that said the Snake left; Sakura decided she needed to hide her teammates somewhere safe until they woke up.
Team 7 was hidden under some tree roots, Naruto was still out cold and Sasuke was burning up with a fever; Sakura was worried but didn't think she could get her two teammates to the tower by herself. Suddenly she was attacked by the Genin from Sound. Team 10 and Lee showed up for back up, plus Naruto had woken up about half way through the fight. When the fight was almost over Sasuke came out of the hiding place covered in strange marking and proceeded to mercilessly beat one of the enemies and broke one of his arms. He finally stopped his rampage when the female Sound-Nin surrendered their scroll and the three defeated shinobi took off. Lee's team came to retrieve him and Team 10 also took off after Ino helped even out Sakura's hair from her fight with the Female Sound-Nin. Team 7 headed to the tower seeing as they had both scrolls, however along the way they ran into Kabuto.
"Kabuto-san." Sakura greeted, "Where is your team?"
"Oh we got separated after collecting our scrolls." Kabuto said, "But don't worry we had a plan for in case something like this happened. So are you three on your way to the tower maybe we could head there together."
"No." Naruto said briskly, "We don't need your help."
"Na-chan be more polite," Sakura scolded, "he's just offering his fellow leaf-nin a hand."
"No he's not." Naruto said, "He's trying to earn our trust so he can give information to his master. I suggest you leave now Kabuto before I do to you what should have been done to that Snake-teme years ago." Naruto's eyes flashed red.
"So you were the one who took my cards then, Uzumaki-san, I seem to have underestimated you." Kabuto said, "It's not very nice to take others things maybe I should make you give them back."
"What's going on?" Sasuke asked as Sakura was to shocked to vocalize the question.
"Kabuto is Orochimaru's spy," Naruto stated, "As for your cards I have already handed them over to the head of the T&I Department as evidence, you have already been discovered as a spy it's only a matter of what they'll do to you."
"We'll see about that." Kabuto said as he disappeared in a swirl of leaves. Sasuke and Sakura were still confused about what had just transpired, but Sakura shrugged it off knowing she would never understand half the things Naruto did and the trio headed to the tower reaching it without farther incident; Team 7 had two days to rest up before part two of their exam was over. The team from Sand was already there as was Team 8, six hours after Team 7's arrival, Team Gai arrived, followed by Kabuto's team a few hours later, Team 10 arrived the next morning followed by the Sound team.
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Author's Note-
Kyoufu means godfather, so Naruto is calling him perverted godfather in her head, though when in private she just calls him kyoufu, and later Ero-sennin in public. The two have met a couple times but only in quick meetings when Jiraiya came to the village to give reports every few of years. I'll explain why she refuses to call him Jiraiya or Jiraiya-sama and why she doesn't call him her godfather in public when they 'meet'.
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Other Author's Note -
I know this story is being posted early, but I felt bad for the readers following my stories and decided I had to post something and this in the only story I had a complete chapter for. Some of you know I was having some Trouble with my Sekirei story, but thankful I got the inspiration I needed to get over my writers' block with that particular story. However I haven't had much time to write since last Thursday as I was called in for work (and let's face it the choice between money or no money is pretty obvious), Plus it was my father's birthday Saturday and that is not the end of my craziness this week. You see my little sister is getting married Saturday and everyone who's helped with or watched someone help with wedding know the week before is the busiest time with all the last minute planning; so needless to say I don't know when I'll be able to really work on my stories but I promise to update my Sekirei story and 'Betrayal' ASAP (hopefully by Oct 3rd at the latest, i'll probably pull a couple all-nighters to get the stories out but they will be posted).