I do not own Naruto or this story. I'd like to thank Gomjibar22 for allowing me to adopt this story and change it in ways that suited me.

Chapter 11 – Reunions and Exams

"Hey, leave him alone!" calls out a small with orange hair.

"So, does this hurt punk" Says a teen wearing a black full body suit with a red and yellow circle on the front and cat-like ears. He was also wearing purple face paint in triangular designs for some reason.

He was holding a small brown haired boy by the large blue scarf he was wearing around his neck.

"Put him down Kankurō or you know you'll pay for it later" A sand haired blond girl wearing a purple garment over top of her clothes with a Suna forehead protector hanging around her neck says.

"Hey, I'm sorry the whole thing was my fault" Says a pink haired girl wearing a red qipao dress.

"Put him down now!" A girl with forest green hair, brown eyes, and stripes along the sides of her face and under one eye says. She was wearing a light blue dress with black shorts underneath and bandages covering her lower arms and legs.

"What the fuck are you freak!" Kankurō shouts.

In the past Isaribi would have gone into full melt down mode and tried to kill this prick but instead a deadly aura enveloped her as she showed a sharp set of teeth and nails.

'What is this? Some type of new bloodline?' The blonde haired girl thought with interest.

"Isa-chan what's going on" Called out a platinum blonde haired girl with a purple outfit on.

"We could feel your chakra from several streets away" Says another girl with medium length dark blue hair and white eyes wearing a lavender hooded coat and blue pants.

"Ino, Hinata … this jerk is hurting the Sandiame's grandson" Isaribi says.

Just as she tells them that the rest of teams 8 and 10 came running down the street.

"Ino"

"Hinata"

"Why did you run off?" Questions Kiba.

"What's going on here?" Shikamaru questions.

"Great more brats" Kankurō grouses.

"Hey, we got a few minutes before he gets here. Let's mess with these punks, huh" Kankurō says with a grin.

"Let go of me you jerk!" Shouts the little boy as he kicks at the sand-nin.

"Your feisty, but not for long" Kankurō says eerily.

"Didn't you hear that he's the grandson of our Hokage" Ino says.

"I don't care if he was that old man's newly born son. He's not going to get away with running into me and not apologizing"

Kankurō moved to hit the kid when he found that he couldn't move.

"Hey, what's going on? Why can't I move?" Kankurō says.

Only he did move as he slowly set Konohamaru down and who instantly kicked him in the shin and ran off with his friends.

"That little brat is going to pay for that!? Kankurō shouts in pain despite not being able to move or hold the his hurt leg which made it worse in his mind.

But a gust of wind stopped Shikamaru's Shadow Possession jutsu allowing him to move freely.

"What was that?" Ino says shocked at the strong wind that pushed them back.

"It was that blonde girl, after she used her fan to stop my technique" Shikamaru analyzes.

"Can she do that?" Ino asks wearily as she goes on guard.

"What's this Konoha-nin and Suna-nin fighting? I thought you were allies" Came a voice from beside Kankurō.

Shocked everyone froze turning to see the newcomer except for Temari who was facing her and likewise shocked. She also had blond hair, but with brown eyes and a heart shaped face. She stood close to 5 feet but a little under and was wearing the standard Kiri ninja attire with a Kiri forehead protector and flack jacket. She also had 2 small curved weapons of unusual design hanging sheathed on her hips and a sword on her back.

The new girl raised her left hand and caught a rock.

"The two of you might as well come down here" She says looking towards a nearby tree

Everyone looked up and saw a kid about 4'10 in height with black hair wearing a blue short sleeved shirt and white pants.

"Sasuke!" Sakura and Ino yell.

He jumps down instantly on guard as well.

"Who are you?" Sasuke asks.

"Let's wait until your other friend joins us?" The girl says confusing everyone.

That's when a red head sand-nin holding a gourd on his back materializes.

"You're an embarrassment to our village, have you forgotten the reason why we came all the way here" Says the red-head.

"Uh … uh … I know, but they challenged us" Kankurō says in a pleading voice.

"They started the whole thing really, see here's how it happened …" Kankurō tries to get out.

"Shut up … or I'll kill you" came the ice cold response.

Everyone except for the Kiri-nin were shocked by the exchange. The two sand ninja however just seems frightened. That's when someone else walked into the scene.

"Surume, what are you doing?" Says a dark green haired male with deep blue eyes, whiskered marks on his cheeks, and wearing a Kiri forehead protector.

"Sorry sensei, but when I felt the chakra of those 2 I had to check them out" The blonde girl from Kiri says pointing at Gaara and Isaribi.

"Hers reminds me of yours" The girl now known as Surume says pointing at Isaribi.

"Hello, Isa-chan it's been awhile hasn't it" The green haired guy says.

"N-Naruto …" Isaribi says unsure.

The young man in front of her was taller than what she remembered being an inch taller than the girl from Kiri and he didn't seem to have scales anymore or their markings, but somehow she felt it was him.

"You look more beautiful than I remembered" Naruto teases causing the girl to get an atomic style blush that would make Hinata jealous.

"SENSEI!" "Flirt when I'm not here, or maybe I'll tell Haku-san or Hotaru-chan what you have been up to" Threatens Surume.

"Fine, fine, let's go the others are waiting for you and want to get some rest before finding something to eat" Naruto tells her.

"We should go to" Gaara orders as he stares at the green haired guy.

As both groups turned to leave Sakura suddenly finding a back bone now that things have calmed down shouted out at the 2 groups of foreign ninjas.

"Hold on" Sakura says.

"HEY!" She yells when they ignore her.

Both groups stopped with only Naruto turning to look at her, which scares her slightly but she calms down knowing her Sasuke-kun is there to help her.

"What is it?" Naruto asks bored and a bit irritated.

He had just spent several days on a ship to get to the land of fire and while he was accustomed to being on the sea it was usually with him being in the sea swimming to where he needed to get to. Not to mention since they hit land, he hadn't been able to find a decent body of water to swim in and relax at all. Frankly even though his scales were not visible anymore or the markings he felt itchy and dry despite the rubberized suit he wore meant to keep moisture in.

"I can tell from your headband that you come from Kirigakure and they come from Sunagakure. Of course the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire are allies, but no shinobi can enter another's village without permission.

"So, state your purpose and it better be good" Sakura says authoritatively.

This time the Suna group turned to look at her as well.

"Really have you guys been living under a rock or what? You don't know what's going on do you" The blonde haired Suna girl says before pulling out a passport.

"We have permission. Of course, you are correct we are hidden sand genin, are home is the Land of the Wind and we're here for the Chūnin Exams. Get the picture" Temari says confidently.

"The Chūnin Exams, what's that?" Isaribi asks for the moment focusing on something other than Naruto.

"Simply put, the Chūnin Exams are in order to find out if a genin is ready to move up the ranks and become a Chūnin" Naruto interrupts.

Feeling that they were done here the Suna and Kiri groups turn around and continue to move forward away from the large group of Konoha genin. When Sasuke steps forward.

"Hey you, identify yourselves" He says.

"Who me?" Temari asks hopefully.

"No, you with the gourd on his back and the other blond girl" Sasuske says.

"My name is Gaara of the dessert"

"My name is Surume" the girl says turning to face him.

"I'm curious about you too" Says Gaara also turning to face him.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha" He responds.

"Hey, wait a minute, that girl called you sensei" Ino butts in as she points at Naruto.

"So?" Naruto asks confused.

"So you're our age, you can't be a Jōnin" Ino responds.

At that Naruto grins and puts out a terrifying amount of chakra with Ki that froze everyone even Gaara and Surume, but as suddenly as he started he stopped.

"Believe what you want girl. Surume let's go" Naruto calls as he walks away.

"Yes, sensei" Surume calls quickly catching up to him.

'What was that?' The Konoha genin think.

Sasuke was particularly shaken by the brief display of power. Of course, if they had been more aware they would have noticed the surrounding ANBU that had used shunshin to appear in the area immediately with their weapons drawn, which was why Naruto had stopped.

'That was like Gaara' Temari and Kankurō thought afraid.

Gaara however was excited by the display and moved to follow the Kiri-nin.

"Temari, Kankurō we're leaving" Gaara calls as they also leave.

After they left the area the group of Leaf genin unfroze and stared at each other shakily.

"What was that?" Ino says.

"I don't know, I've never felt so much chakra" Sakura says.

"If felt tainted" Says Shino suddenly catching everyone's attention.

"Did you see that thing on his back?" Shikamaru says curiously.

"Yeah, what was it?" Chōji asks.

Shikamaru juts shook his head.

"It looked like some kind of weapon" He responds.

"I-I-saribi … did you know him?" Hinata says shaken so bad she returned to stuttering.

"Yeah, he seemed to know you" Ino says now looking at said girl and noted they had similar hair color.

Isaribi nodded.

"That was Naruto" She says.

"Naruto … the one who left the village Naruto?" Ino says surprised.

Isaribi nodded.

The group of genin had never met Naruto since he wasn't in their class and between Orochimaru's abduction and then him quickly leaving after he returned none of them had ever met him. Although, they all had heard stories about him from their parents or family members.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was literally still shaking. He had never felt that much chakra. Not even Itachi had that kind of power in his mind and he was his age. What had he been doing all this time. Having calmed down he also made to leave.

"Sasuke-kun, where are you going?" Sakura says.

"To train, I suggest you do the same" He says coldly before leaving.

Slowly each of the genin took their leave except for Isaribi who stood staring at where she last saw Naruto.

'I've got to tell Anko' She says and also leaves.

Meanwhile in a tree seemingly away from the action hid 3 genin.

"That was scary. I'm glad we won't have to face him" the girl of the group says.

"His power, it reminded me of him" Says one of the males cryptically.

"We should report this, he could be a problem" Says the other male.

A day later

"Tadashi you are using to much power in your swing, calm down and focus on your kata. Remember picture your opponent with each swing and what your trying to do"

"Kaito remember to always be aware of your surroundings. Even one false step will give you opponent the chance to kill you"

"Surume, your too slow. Your controlling your power, and you have good balance but your swings are too slow. Even a novice would be able to avoid your attack"

"YES Sensei!" The three yelled.

The trio had been practicing their kata's on top of the water for an hour while Naruto swam around them creating Waves meant to disrupt their control and attention. Naruto smiled at his 3 students, he really hadn't been their teacher for long. In fact he only met them a few short weeks before they embarked on their voyage to the Leaf for the Chūnin Exams. Kiri was basically just getting past the bloody civil war with Yagura being defeated and Naruto's team being sent here along with two others was an attempt to make alliances and renew contacts and contracts with the outside world. Plain and simple this team was a ringer formed with 3 genin age kid that actually participated in some of the fighting on the bloodline side.

Each one had a Kekkei Genkai. Surume was an interesting case. She was the result of a secret mission undertook by the Third Mizukage whom had kunoichi seduce a member of Kumo's forces to gain the Storm Release Kekkei Genkai. Unfortunately she was the only surviving member of that experiment after Yagura ordered the execution of all bloodlines. Her mother and siblings had all been killed by his forces. Surume was generally a serious girl training hard and long into the day and night so nothing like that happens to her again, but since she met Naruto and he became her squad leader even if only temporary she had begun to tease him a little, but all in fun. Surume had 2 butterfly swords in her possession that she normally kept hidden in her sleeves of her kimono tops that she wore for their loose sleeves or sheathed on her sides either separately or together like she did for these exams. On her back she carried an ōdachi, which was a little awkward at her current height.

Tadashi was child captured by Yagura from the Kaguya Clan. After dealing with traitorous fools, he had ordered several members of his forces to raid where several children left behind were found. One was bound in a cage and left there to die because the one who searched that particular portion of the home had lost several friends in the Kaguya's assault on the village. Tadashi wish that had been him, because he spent the next year being tortured by Yagura's minions in a hidden site before he was rescued by the rebel faction. It was during one of the torture sessions that he awakened the feared bloodline of the Kaguya the Shikotsumyaku and killed one of the guards before they could knock him out. Despite having the bloodline Tadashi liked to use more blunt weapons, being taller than your typical 12 year old at 5 foot 3 inches he liked using longer bigger weapons his mainstay being Bō staff made of bamboo and lined with chakra enhanced wood on the inside that would allow him to use chakra to make it even harder once he struck an enemy.

Lastly Kaito was a new recruit whom was entrusted to Naruto by Mei the new Mizukage. Kaito was the new holder of the 3-tails, and really didn't have a Kekkei Genkei unlike his two team mates. However his parents were cousins of Mei and held the potential for the boil release. Kaito carried a pair of battle axes. At the moment the axes were light weight less than a pound each surprisingly making it easier for him to wield both in combat. Eventually he would get bigger, heavier ones or graduate to a war hammer.

Anyway Naruto was instructing his students on the basics to keep the sharp and mainly so they don't reveal too much in enemy territory. The goal maybe to form alliances and show that Kiri was back and strong once again, but it made no sense to reveal things unnecessarily. Actually Naruto wasn't supposed to be the sensei for this team, but Naruto managed to persuade Mei into sending him and his apprentice. He needed to see Isaribi. There was talks of the remaining bloodline users being placed in the CRA, but Naruto wanted no parts of it at least not until he talked to Isaribi again. He could really only see being with one person and it was her. That's why he smirked when he sensed a familiar presence.

"Team take a break and head back to the hotel" Naruto calls to his team.

"YES!" They all shouted and ran for the hotel so they could relax.

Laughing Naruto continued to float in the water for a little while longer until he looked over towards the banks of the river.

"It's been awhile Anko-chan" Naruto says to the purple haired Jōnin.

"What are you doing here brat?" Anko asks getting straight to business.

"What not happy to see me again, Anko onee-san?" Naruto replies.

"Don't you call me that, you lost all rights to say that word when you abandoned me and Isaribi. Do you know the hell she went through because of you!" Anko shouted.

Naruto stopped smiling at that and proceeded to swim to shore where he donned his clothes again.

"I won't apologize for leaving Anko-san. If I had stayed with the way things were, none of us would have been happy" Naruto replies.

"You should have trusted in me Naruto-kun, me and Isaribi have made it through okay and now that she's a registered Ninja of the village the civilians have to back off and she has become more accepted by those around her" Anko says.

"Really Anko-san, I saw her team. A guy who thinks to much of himself and a fan-girl. Neither seemed that concerned about her, but I will admit she seems to have made other friends even if her team is crappy" Naruto responds.

"If you had stayed I would have recommend that the 3 of us form a team so it would have been a lot better and the only civilians you would have had to deal with then would be the council" Anko argues.

"You know ... after everything that happened to me in Kiri, my only regret is that I couldn't convince Isa-chan to come with me" Naruto says surprising her.

"So many scary, terrible things happened to me. Kisame turned out to be a fraud, I was sold into slavery for a time, and then there was fighting in the civil war ..." Naruto recounts.

"Yet, you will wanted her to go through all that with you and risk being killed" Anko asks incredulously.

"Yes, because once it was all over we would have been together with a brand new country that doesn't look at us like the shit they stepped in and want removed not to mention I now have a seat on the council in Kiri as a registered jōnin" Naruto says.

"As a matter of face that's why I'm here. I want Isaribi to join me in Kiri" Naruto tells her.

"WHAT!?" Anko screams.

She immediately rushes to engage him in a fight, but what she found was Naruto was better than she was. He easily dodged her attacks and blocked her strikes while not even fighting back. He wasn't even moving as she punched and kicked at him. Naruto then punched her hard in the Kidneys forcing her to drop to a knee.

"I apologize for the pain your going through Anko-san, but I needed you to stop attacking me and my time from the war doesn't allow me to pull punches" Naruto says.

"F-uck y-o-u brat" Anko spits out including a bit of blood.

"I know your angry, because you can't imagine Konoha without Isa-chan but tell me this. Outside of you and a handful of people who aren't scheming to use her or hate her ... what does she have in this village to keep her here? Even more what are you doing here?" Naruto says.

"Outside of a few people most of the village still regards you as that traitor's disciple and if the Hokage hadn't needed you to play babysitter for a couple of brats you didn't even really know you'd be stuck fighting for scraps and getting very little back. So why do you stay loyal to a village that doesn't even value your service?" Naruto continues.

"Ask yourselves those questions and then ask why not go somewhere better. Isa-chan could join me and we could start a clan and be part of a real village that values us and wants us. You also could join us and be more than cannon fodder for a village that will never appreciate your sacrifices. There is also what I can do for you personally" Naruto says.

"Yeah, what's that? Betray me and use me like everyone else!" Anko argues.

"Believe me or not, but I do value what you did for me all those years ago and what you have continued to do for Isa-chan. But what I can do for you is this ..."

Naruto pulls out a paper with an intricate design that Anko couldn't help but be memorized by.

"What does that do, make me your slave" She responds.

"Actually quite the opposite" Naruto says.

Anko just stares in confusion.

"This is a seal that removes that ugly mark on your neck" Naruto tells her.

"Not possible, the Hokage and Jiraiya have looked at my mark and have told me it's impossible to remove" Anko says angrily.

"Your former sensei has been up to a lot of shit since you broke us out of that lab of his in the Land of Seas. He especially targeted Kiri using the confusion of the Civil War to fill his dungeons and labs with fresh meat" Naruto informs her.

Anko scowls as she can see him doing just that.

"Of course he was particularly interested in those with bloodlines. That's when he found out that I was outside of Konoha, he actually tried to brand me with that seal of his" Naruto reveals.

"What!? Are you okay!?" Anko shouts rushing to check him.

Naruto cleanly avoids her.

"I'm here aren't I?" Naruto says calming her.

"I'm only telling you this because after the war was over it was decided we had to track the snakes movements in Kiri. We uncovered a number of his labs and bases in the country and some neighboring countries. I thought you might be particularly interested in this" Naruto reveals a black rectangular option and throws it to Anko.

"What's this?" Anko asks confused.

"It's a tape of your time with Orochimaru, I thought it might clear up some things for you" Naruto tells her.

"I know you have questions you wanted answered, I hope this gives those to you"Naruto tells her.

"Why are you doing this?" Anko asks.

"There are a couple of reasons, mostly I wanted to clear any debt that remains between us" Naruto says.

"And the 2nd?"

"I really do hope that you will convey my offer to Isa-chan and consider it" Naruto answers.

"Heh, thanks for the memories but if you think you can buy my loyalty or Isaribi's your mistaken Naruto" Anko responds with a glare.

Naruto just smiles.

"Hey can't blame a guy for trying. I am serious though if the both of you came to Kiri with me I would remove the curse seal and help Isaribi loose the scales but retain the ability like me" Naruto tells her.

"Oh and one more thing" Naruto says before leaving.

"What's that you want us to be a part of some sick harem for you and have your babies in exchange for betraying our home and friends" Anko replies back.

"Your old master will pay you a visit some time during the Exams" Naruto says before vanishing.

"WHAT!?" Anko cries out.

Half an Hour later

'Knock' 'Knock' 'Knock'

"Uzumaki Naruto!" A voice calls from in front of his teams hotel room.

Naruto opens the door.

"I expected you ten minutes ago ... either Anko is slower than I remembered or ..."

Naruto never got to finish his thought as he was suddenly surrounded by ten ANBU and several Jōnin.

"Uzumaki Naruto you are requested by the Hokage" An ANBU says.

"Interesting ... you do realize I am a visiting Shinobi from another village here leading a team taking the Exams right?" Naruto says.

"It doesn't matter Uzumaki-san, you have information critical to the security of the village. Now come quietly or we will be forced to arrest you" Says 1 one of the Jōnin.

"Well, if it isn't Konoha's famous Hatake Kakashi ... doing errands now?" Naruto mocks ignoring the threat.

"Calm down, Naruto Hokage-sama just wants to ask you a couple of questions that's all" Kakashi says.

"Really ... a couple of questions requires 10 ANBU operatives plus Hatake Kakashi, former 12 guardian and elite Jōnin Sarutobi Asuma, and a genjutsu specialist in Jōnin Yūhi Kurenai ... oh I'm sorry there is also my former handler and Jōnin Mitarashi Anko" Naruto responds.

"... but okay, I'll come quietly" Naruto says after a few moments.

"Surume, your in charge" Naruto tells his team.

He then walks out the door and closes it allowing the ANBU to take him into custody. A quick shunshin later and Naruto was standing in front of the Hokage and his elder council. The ANBU had disappeared but the 4 Jōnin stayed.

"Ahh, Naruto-kun my boy. Let me have a look at you ... you look different from when I last saw you" The Hokage remarks.

"The years have been kind to me Lord Hokage" Naruto replies.

"That they have my boy, perhaps you would be willing to tell an old man about what you have been up to since you've been away" Sarutobi says.

"You make it seem like I was away in training camp or something ..." Naruto says.

"You know Naruto-kun, I remember when you used to call me jiji. I always considered you as family, so surely you have nothing to hide from me" He tries.

"Hmm ... did I? I can't recall Lord Hokage. Perhaps we should move on to why I am here ... I'm assuming it has to do with what I told Mitarashi-san" Naruto says.

"Ahh, yes ... Anko tells us that you believe my former student will appear in the village during the Exams" Sarutobi says.

"Your former student has been busy in Kiri using the confusion of the war to slip in under the radar and steal bloodline carrying individuals and others of interest for his own purposes. When we found out and were able to assemble a task force to track what he and a number of other individuals were doing in Kiri during the war we found a base of operations and several labs not only in Kiri but in some surrounding countries and areas.

We what we know is he has taken a number of children with bloodlines or abilities and has performed experiments on them among other things. We also know he's the founder of the new village in Rice country the Sound Village and has increased their numbers ten fold in preparation for something. We don't know for sure what exactly, because most of the labs and the base in Kiri had been abandoned by the time we could infiltrate them, but it's safe to say he's obsessed with bloodlines and outside of Kiri Konoha has the most. I also, saw a team of his running around here spying on a Konoha team ... the one with one of the last Uchiha I believe" Naruto informs them.

"What!?" Kakashi says.

"There was some minor conflict between a Sand team of the KazeKage's children and the Hokage's grandson and the Uchiha's team" Naruto says.

"Yes, yes we are aware of what happened with Konohamaru-kun Naruto ... not sure what that had to do with Oto or Orochimaru" Sarutobi says curious.

"Well off in the distance during the squabble I saw the Oto team up in a tree observing the whole thing. Could be a coincidence and they were just scouting the competition, but I thought I'd say something just in case" Naruto reports.

"Very well Naruto-kun, thank you for informing us of what Kiri has found out. I do hope you will stop by while you are here and talk about your experiences in Kiri" Sarutobi says.

Naruto just nods and leaves the room.

"What do you think?" Hiruzen says.

"I think you messed up Hiruzen. The boys not coming back ... willingly" Mitokoda Homura responds.

"I agree, the boy didn't even acknowledge you as anything other than Lord Hokage even after you prompted him to do so" Utatane Koharu says.

"You should have just given the boy to me Hiruzen" Shimura Danzō interjects.

"And make him a mindless tool. You felt that power he unleashed on those genin he wouldn't be nearly that powerful without experiencing the tragedy of war like he did. Unfortunately in times like these Ninja have become soft, if we kept him here he wouldn't be what we need him to become. Besides, you are forgetting we still have leverage over him" Sarutobi tells them.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU OLD GEEZERS TALKING ABOUT!?" Anko shouts.

All 3 elders and the Hokage just look at her.

"He just said that Orochimaru is here and targeting the Uchiha brat. I could give a fuck about the Uchiha but one of the villages biggest traitors and threats is here and planning something and your more concerned over some brat!?" Anko yells.

"Anko I know how you feel about my former student ..."

"No, because if you did you wouldn't be worrying about if your date with some blonde brat is going to get you LAID or not! No you'd be worrying over the fact an S-ranked criminal who has all our codes, knows how to sneak in and out of the village, what people to bribe/kill, and probably has secret fucking agents helping him as we speak doing kami knows what is planning kami knows what and is going to do kami knows what to the damn village over some brat that would rather tear off his arm than come back to his village let alone help it!" Anko yells huffing at the end.

"Are you done?" Hiruzen asks.

Feeling a little embarrassed about her outburst Anko just nods after catching her breath a bit.

"Good, we already know Orochimaru is tageting Sasuke" Hiruzen informs them.

"What, but Hokage-sama why would you have me put my team up for the Exam if you knew they would be endangered" Kakashi asks.

"First Kakashi, I didn't tell you to put your team up for promotion your emotions ... actually the three of you let your egos get to your head. When was the last time a rookie team was nominated for the Exams? Even Gai waited at least a year to put his team up and I saw the training he did with his team, none of you even come close to the amount of work he does with his team" Hiruzen chastises the three Jōnin.

The three bow their heads knowing that they made a mistake, but then why ...

"Then why did you approve our decision?" Asuma asks.

"Honestly, your squads have more potential to do great things for this village than any group I have seen in some time" Hiruzen starts.

The three sensei's puffed up their chests feeling they were doing a good job.

"But it's not because you three ..." He says defelating whatever pride they felt.

"The Inuzuka's, the Aburame, the Yamanaka's, the Nara's, the Akimichi, the Hyūga, even young Sasuke has mostly been training with all the material left by his clan. All of them are being trained more by others more than anything they have received so far from their actual sensei's. It's disappointing to see their potential being wasted. You all know the academy these days is little more than a daycare thanks to the civilian interference. I needed the three of you to not just guide your students but really train them and push them hard as they represent the new faces of the village" Hiruzen tells them.

"That's why do we need Uzumaki, it's because he's exceptional. I have not seen talent like his since Itachi" Danzō says.

"Your the reason we lost such a prodigious talent" Hiruzen argues.

"And your about to be the reason we loses the next one" Danzō fires back.

"What's so great about Uzumaki?" Kurenai asks.

"I agree with Kurenai, he's just a kid" Asuma says.

"What do you think Kakashi?" Hiruzen asks.

"Naruto is skilled ... he acts a veteran ... beyond that he seems a lot like her ..." Kakashi says trailing off.

"Like who?" Kurenai asks.

The question is ignored.

"Well then let me tell you what we know of young Naruto's exploits in Kiri. After being betrayed by Hoshigaki Kisame, he was captured by a group of slavers who sold him to a rich member of the former Mizukage's guard whom liked to torture those with bloodlines. The information gets cloudy from there but we do know he escaped after butchering the man, his family, the workers the guards the man that kept him locked up, even the dogs the man had were all killed by Naruto. He then at some point joins the resistance where he killed upwards of 50 men in one battle and helped the new Mizukage take down Yagura. He also recently encountered Momochi Zabuza where in 5 minutes he killed Zabuza and the Demon Brothers all on his own before taking his body, sword, and apprentice back to Kiri" Hiruzen says.

"Is he really that skilled?" Anko asks surprised.

"Yes he is, there are rumors that it was him alone that defeated Yagura and that he turned down the position of Mizukage" Danzō tells them.

"Was Yagura really that strong?" Kurenai questions.

"Was he that strong ... he was made Mizukage at the age of 14 as he was already considered the strongest shinobi in Mist at that time. He was also known was one the few 'perfect' jinchūriki" Danzō says.

"He was also the impenitence behind Kiri being called the 'Bloody Mist'" Koharu adds.

Hiruzen just sighed before looking outside at the village.

"My hope that by allowing you to put your teams up, that your teams themselves would see the need to be better and stronger to overcome future trails" Hiruzen says before focusing back on the occupants in the room.

"And that they would force you to do better, maybe even make yourselves stronger while teaching them. Frankly each of you has become stagnant and weaker than you should be" Hiruzen says with the elders nodding.

"Kurenai and Anko are excused, because they are newly appointed Jōnin although you both should be training to get stronger as well" Sarutobi says.

Both Kunoichi nod. Kurenai had been a bit miffed by Naruto categorizing her as merely a genjutsu specialist like she didn't have other skills that made her a Jōnin as well while Anko knew her jutsu repertoire had mainly stayed to what Orochimaru had taught her and she hadn't expanded upon it for the most part since coming back with the brats. She spared occasionally with Yamato and Kurenai but that was it.

"But you Kakashi, you were a genin at age 5, chūnin at age 6, you were in ANBU and a Captain for a decade before being given Team 7 but since I relieved you of your duty as a member of ANBU all you have done is wallow in the past. Frankly you've gotten weak Kakashi. If you were to face young Naruto right now he would probably kill you" Hiruzen says.

Kakashi flinches at that last part. He knows he's slacked off in his training despite Gai's insistence on training with him, he usually found a way to get out of it, but to suggest Naruto could beat him ...

"Surely your joking Hokage-sama, I think you are making too much of Naruto and these rumors" Kakashi responds.

"So you think I'm wrong?" Hiruzen asks.

Kakashi nods. He may not be as strong as he once was, but he was sure he was stronger than what had to be a newly appointed Jōnin from a village that probably promoted him due to their lacking numbers.

"Very well ... then when Finals of the Chūnin Exams commence we will have a little exhibition between you and Naruto to start things off" Hiruzen says with a smirk.

"You can't be serious Hokage-sama, no way the Mizukage would allow it!" Anko shouts.

"I'm sure something could be worked out for all parties involved" Hiruzen says with a smile.

"Alright ... I accept, but when I prove that Naruto's rank is a gimmick I request he be returned to Konoha and placed on my team in Sakura's place" Kakashi bargains.

"Very well, but be prepared Kiri and Naruto may have requirements of similar value" Hiruzen warns.

Kakashi nodded. He hated Kiri for what they did to Rin and what they forced him to do to her. He could still hear the calls of Friend-Killer Kakashi 'Nakamagoroshi no Kakashi' and he blamed Kiri for it.

Anko glanced between the Hokage and Kakashi. She didn't like this wager all, she still cared for Naruto and didn't want to see him hurt but she remembered the way he handled her. Not to mention she knew what Naruto would ask for 'Isaribi'. If Kakashi didn't prepare he was going to get embarrassed. She'd have to make sure he did.

"Then meeting adjourned" Hiruzen says and everyone left.

Several Days Later

Naruto had just finishing meeting his team at the door of Room 301 when a Konoha ninja pop up.

"Hello Hatake-san" Naruto greets.

"Maama, call me Kakashi Naruto" Kakashi responds.

"I wasn't aware we knew each other" Naruto responds.

"Well ... maybe not really, but there is nothing wrong with getting to know each other now is their?" Kakashi asks.

"I think I'll pass Hatake-san" Naruto replies and starts to use a shunshin to leave.

"How about we move to the teachers lounge and have some food and snacks with the other Jōnin?" Kakashi asks.

"Don't you have to be here to greet your team and make sure they all showed up?" Naruto questions.

"Maama, I'm sure they all will. If they don't the proctor will handle it" Kakashi responds.

"That seems like a really laissez-faire attitude to take with your team Hatake-san" Naruto says.

"They'll be fine, should we go?" Kakashi motion.

Naruto shrugs and follows the man. Truthfully, he was curious about what a Teachers lounge looked like remembering his time in the school. They leave just as a Team of Rain ninja walk towards the room. They enter a room on the top floor of the Academy and Naruto notices several other Leaf Jōnin including 2 he saw a few days ago.

"Asuma, Kurenai" Kakashi greets.

"Kakashi" they both respond.

"What's the kid doing with you?" Asuma asks.

Naruto's eyes lock on Kurenai's as noticed her eyeing him.

"Maama, we all have cute little genins going through the Exams and Naruto was a former student here. I thought he might want to look around a bit" Kakashi responds.

Naruto goes over and sits opposite Kurenai with Kakashi sitting next a few seats over. Naruto has to admit it was a comfortable seat so he lay back and unseal a family sized bag of Mochi Candy Desert Rice Cake Read Bean flavor and pops a few in his mouth. He then notices Kurenai looking at him.

"Want some?" Naruto asks offering up the bag.

"No" she asks bluntly.

Shrugging Naruto goes back to eating his snack.

"It's quiet without the rookies around" Kakashi muses.

"I'm sure they'll be back sooner than you think" Asuma says as he taps his cigar against a box like object that seems like a vent.

"Why's that?" Kakashi asks curiously.

"I heard that their first examiner is Ibiki" Asuma tells them

"Huh, so the Leaf is sicking that guy on innocent genin" Naruto muses.

"So even Kiri-nin know about him" Asuma asks.

Naruto just nods and continues eating his Mochi.

"Great, sticking them with that sadist right off the bat" Kakashi says seemingly depressed.

"Huh, what sadist?" Kurenai asks.

"Hehehe, I forgot your a new jōnin Kurenai other wise you wouldn't have to ask that" Asuma seemingly gloats.

"So I'm ignorant, who is he?" Kurenai asks.

"He's what you might call a specialist" Kakashi responds.

"Oh yeah, in what?" Kurenai asks.

"Interrogation" Asuma answers after taking a puff of his cigarette.

"More like torture" Naruto cuts in.

"Of course he won't be using physical torture" Asuma says going on.

"Nahh, that bastard is the master of mental torture. Everyone knows about the famous Head of the Leaf's ANBU Investigation and Torture Force" Naruto says.

"I'm sure Ibiki will appreciate even Kiri-nin fear him" Kakashi tells Naruto.

But he just ignores him and eats his Mochi.

"You see this guy Ibiki. He's a master of interrogations because he understands how the human mind works. He knows just where to probe to uncover your weaknesses. The things is he's so good at his job that he doesn't use physical torture. He just messes up your mind so bad you torture yourself" Asuma says scaring Kurenai a bit.

A short time later they were informed that all of their genin had passed through to the 2nd exam.

"What's the second exam?" Naruto asks.

"A 5 day survival tests in the Forest of Death" The ANBU tells him.

"Huh, a survival test huh" Naruto responds.

"You will be notified if your team passes so that you can greet them" The ANBU says.

"Huh, I might as well go with you. If it's a test of survival it won't take my team long" Naruto says confidently.

"Cocky aren't we?" Kakashi admonishes.

Naruto just grins at the other genin.

"Why wouldn't I be. All 3 Kiri teams maybe young, but each grew up in a war zone and saw actual combat" Naruto reveals.

"You maybe surprised Naruto-kun, our genin maybe stronger than you think" Kakashi says

"I'm here to bring all of you to the building where you are to stay until your team either arrives or are disqualified" The ANBU says.

"Why would be stuck somewhere for 5 days?" Kurenai asks.

"I have to agree with her, why not notify us of their passing and then send for us when the next phase happens?" Naruto asks.

"Actually Uzumaki, the Hokage asks that you be brought to him" The ANBU informs him.

"Huh ... fine, let's go" Naruto says as the ANBU takes him to the Hokage.

"You really think the genin will be fine Kakashi?" Kurenai asks concerned for her squad.

"They'll be fine, we taught them well right" Kakashi responds.

The three nod, but each of them are worried. Meanwhile,

"Lord Hokage" Naruto greets with the customary bow.

"There is no need to be so formal Naruto-kun, no one else is around" The Hokage responds.

"It was drilled into me Lord Hokage that formalities are important" Naruto responds.

"Well I'm sure in Kiri things like that are important, but here you are among friends Naruto-kun. You can address me however you like, maybe you'd like to call me Jiji as you once did" Hiruzen offers.

"I would think someone as learned as you Lord Hokage would know that we are always being watched" Naruto responds.

"Huh ... I guess I won't convince you otherwise, but you can relax and sit. I assure you the couch is quite comfy" Hiruzen offers.

"You almost sound like some delinquent school boy trying to get a pretty girl to fool around with him" Naruto teases taking a sit on the opposite end of the couch.

"Haha, well Kiri hasn't taken away your humor that's good to see" Hiruzen responds.

"How are you my boy?" Hiruzen asks.

"Can't complain. Once Yagura was dealt with things in Kiri are slowly coming around" Naruto answers.

"Are these TV's displaying the 2nd stage of the Exams?" Naruto asks.

"Yes they are, is it true Kiri sent 3 teams with genin that have been through the war?" Sarutobi asks.

"It's important to make a good show, Kiri has been forced to become blind to the world and it's problems in favor of our own. This is the first step in making a bridge of sorts" Naruto answers.

"By sending war vets into a competition against wet behind the ears genin?" Hiruzen responds questioningly.

"Like you and the other villages have not placed a few aces into the exams?" Naruto responds.

"I assure you I don't know know what you are inferring Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen responds.

"Well, let's go beyond the older genin that will never advance to be more than cannon fodder. You have 3 teams comprised of Clan Heirs, not to mention Suna bringing in their jinchūriki. Although I'm surprised you let such an unstable container into your village" Naruto responds.

"Suna sent their jinchūriki?" Sarutobi questions.

"His team was the one that was messing with your grandson" Naruto tells him.

Hiruzen quickly takes a few puffs of his pipe to mask his surprise.

"Speaking of my report, how have you handled the Orochimaru situation?" Naruto asks.

"I assure you Naruto-kun, we have the situation handled" Hiruzen responds.

But before Naruto asks how a man barges into the room.

"Hokage-sama, Orochimaru has been spotted in the Exam confronting Team 7. Anko has gone to confront him Hokage-sama" The man says.

"Ahem ... thank you for your report. I'll take it from here Deer" Hiruzen responds.

"You know Lord Hokage, I could get you and a couple of your ANBU to where Anko is now if your interested?" Naruto says.

"Really?" Sarutobi asks curious.

"I may have marked her a few days ago when she confronted me" Naruto admits.

"Very well, Bird & Boar your with me the rest of you find us" Hiruzen orders.

As soon as he said it Naruto places a hand on Hiruzen and his ANBU and they vanished from the room.

"Hehheheh well, well Anko it's been awhile hehehheh" Orochimaru greets his former pupil/victim with a chuckle.

"This is no time to reminisce, your an S-Class criminal top of the most wanted listed. You've got to be taken down and it's only fitting that I'm the one to do it" Anko says as she prepares to fight as several senbon are prepared to be released.

"Because after all you are the one who taught me everything, right sensei" Anko finishes.

"Not quite" Orochimaru replies.

But before Anko can even throw one of her senbon she felt a mild burning sensation on her back and then there was a large puff of smoke. From the smoke came Naruto, Sarutobi, the Bird mask ANBU, and the Boar masked ANBU.

"I see we have some rude guests that threaten to interrupt our dear reunion Anko dear" Orochimaru says.

"Naruto!" Anko shouts surprised.

"Hello Mitarashi-san, I hope you don't mind that we crashed your little party" Naruto asked.

"Actually brat I do" Anko replies with a frown.

"Now, now Anko-chan don't blame Naruto-kun. I also, wanted to see my former student as well" Hiruzen says.

"Well hello sensei, I can't say I'm not surprised that your here" Orochimaru responds.

"You can blame Naruto-kun for that" Hiruzen replies.

"Ahh, my former experiement ... you look different from what was last reported about you" Orochimaru says quizzically.

"I've under gone some upgrades since my time in Kiri, perhaps you would enjoy a demonstration?" Naruto asked.

"Well as fun as that sounds, the odds don't really suit me but before I go I'll give one last warning" Orochimaru tries.

"HaHaHa, you made it sound like I was giving you a choice" Naruto says before his body with awash with unfiltered chakra.

A fierce wind blew through the trees stripping some bear of an foliage and revealing deadly predators lurking above and below that had wisely chose this moment to run, slither, crawl, or fly further into the forest and away from Naruto. Quickly the chakra turned green as Naruto's skin once again grew green and scaly on this time the scales were thick like armored plating especially around his shoulders and forearms. His clothes ripped as he seemed to grow several inches and every muscle on his body expanded and grew with his arms resembling body builder on steroids. His chest grew large pecs in correspondence to the growth of his muscles which led down to an 8 pack of abs that would have shamed most men. Naruto's thighs and legs busted out as well, but the bottom half of the jumpsuit contained them barely, but you could see the rippling muscle they barely hid. Which led down to his strong armored ankles down to his feet that had busted out of his boots and now along with his finger tips now sported razor sharp wickedly curved claws that dug into the tree bark nearly crushing the limb beneath him.

All in all gone was the sleek and stylish look that Kyubi had gifted him after Amachi's experiments, now Naruto was a predator as he smiled showing off his rows of razor sharp teeth. The Konoha-nin and Orochimaru stood transfixed and shocked by the Naruto's transformation so much so that when the chakra died down and Naruto opened his eyes revealing the slitted eyes that actually shined eerily with a power that wasn't from the Kyūbi.

Naruto flexed his muscles as he stretched and lightly hopped on the tree branch once again feeling the poor this form gave him. Then like signal went off his eyes fixed on the one who gave him this power and he was gone only to appear where Orochimaru was and use his clawed hands to slice into the trunk of the tree. Orochimaru barely escaped but the tree splintered and shattered where Naruto had clawed it causing the rest of the top portion of the tree to fall nearly taking the Hokage, Anko, and the 2 ANBU with it.

However, if Naruto was gone he didn't show it because his throat visibly contracted as bulge went up his throat before a high pressurized stream of water came out next to Anko hitting Orochimaru with concussive force that threatened to tear him apart.

"Suiton: Teppōdama - Water Release: Gunshot" Naruto calls as the jutsu hits the mark.

Of course Orochimaru wasn't going out like that and from a different position a swarm of large snakes converged on Naruto.

"Sen'ei Tajashu - Many Hidden Shadow Snakes"

However, while startled Hiruzen decided to get in the game.

"Katon: Karyū Endan - Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet" Hiruzen calls as his jutsu destroys the Snakes and travel towards Orochimaru's position.

"Thanks for the assist Lord Hokage" Naruto greets the man as he jumped close to his position.

"I can't let you have all the fun Naruto-kun. It's been some time since I was able to use these old bones for something other than paperwork" Sarutobi says with a smirk.

"Watch out" Called Anko

Not the she should worry, because the tongue that shot out from the lames was easily caught by Naruto has his clawed hands ripped to shreds.

"Damn you!" Orochimaru shouted as his tongue regenerated.

This time Anko was the first to act as she threw her senbon at Orochimaru and then launched her next attack when he dodged it copying her former sensei.

"Sen'ei Tajashu - Many Hidden Shadow Snakes"Anko calls.

"Get over here!" She shouted as the technique threw Orochimaru into the air.

However Naruto wasn't done as he cupped his hands around his mouth and water in the form of shuriken were released.

"Water Release: Water Shuriken" Naruto called his jutsu.

Bound in Anko's technique Orochimaru wasn't prepared for when the Shuriken sliced into his body tearing off one of his arms and a leg, but one again showing the benefit of his own personal experimentation a new Orochimaru was expelled from his old body fresh and unharmed by the technique. But Anko was quick to pin him to a tree at the expense of her left hand.

Naruto watched as Anko seemed to be gathering chakra and Orochimaru seem scared for a moment before he grinned.

"I got you. You and I are going to die here"

'Sōjasōsai no Jutsu - Twin Snake Mutual Death Technique' Anko intoned.

Naruto noted she forced Orochimaru to join her in using an unusual handseal using her right hand and his left, but Naruto also noted what Anko had pinned was a clone. That's when a darkly amused voice called out from behind Anko as Orochimaru rose from the tree branch completely unharmed.

"Hehehe, I'm afraid your going to die alone Anko" Anko calls from behind her.

Fear washed over Anko as she looks behind her.

"That's right substitution" Orochimaru tells her.

However, his gloating cost him as he was skewered from behind by Naruto everyone was shocked when the sword suddenly ignited litterally cooking Orochimaru from the inside out. His screams were unnatural as his body deformed and contorted and extended to ten feet in the air then bringing out his own sword the Legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi twisting around to see Naruto he aims his sword to stab him and lunges. Naruto quickly yanked his sword still glowing with flames licking around the blade of what originally looked to be a standard katana and used it to deflect the Kusanagi.

"Damn you brat!" "I'll kill you!" Orochimaru roars.

Stretching his neck out Orochimaru moves to bite Naruto only to have his had connect with the shaft of Sarutobi's Adamantine Staff which blew him away and knocked the Sannin through several trees before he came to a rest with a still burning hole in his stomach. The group watches as the body twitches and them a bulge goes through his throat and out of his mouth revealing a completely unharmed Orochimaru.

"Damn you brat, I promise you you will pay for this" Orochimaru threatens.

"Empty words Snake, can I feel you have little to no chakra right now after shedding your skin" Naruto says.

"Tschk" Orochimaru curses.

"I'll be back boy" Orochimaru says as he begins to sink into the bark of the tree.

"And sensei, don't cancel the exams. Three of my followers are here and if you deprive me of my fun it'll mark the end of the Leaf Village" Orochimaru threatens before vanishing.

"Huh, can you believe that guy leveling threats when he's half dead" Naruto says with a smirk.

Naruto's body then shrinks before returning to it's original form and he reseals his sword.

"This isn't a laughing matter Naruto!" Anko yells.

"It is to me, unless he's joined up with another village his Oto village is full of misfits and low level missing-nin. I would hope the Leaf could survive an attack from such a low level threat" Naruto says.

"Your wrong Naruto-kun" Sarutobi says as his staff dissappears.

"How so?" Naruto asks.

"If Orochimaru is still so confident in his threat it must mean there is something or someone else in play. Orochimaru would never risk his neck and attack as on his own, he isn't that foolish" Sarutobi says.

"So he's partnered up with some other weak village?" Naruto asks.

"No, if he's doing this now chances are he's allied with a strong village ..." Sarutobi muses.

Thinking for a moment, it's clear to Naruto who it is.

"Gotta be the Sand Village" Naruto says.

"What?" "What proof do you have to suggest one of our oldest allies would betray us?" Sarutobi asks.

"I don't have any proof, but I don't need it either. It's clear when you think about it" Naruto starts.

"He wants you to continue the exams, which means he's planned something for the Exams probably the Finals. Which means his partner would have to also be in the exams. I doubt he would be so bold to do this if it was Ame, Kusa, or Taki and only one village has sent their jinchūriki whom I've heard tell to be very unstable and a complete psychopath" Naruto argues.

Listening the argument no one there could argue as it made sense.

"I'll have to convene a council meeting after the second part is finished. But I believe we should move to the Tower, anyone could over hear us" Sarutobi says.

"Anko do you need any help?" Sarutobi asks.

"No, I'm fine Hokage-sama we should get going" Anko says.

Everyone quickly leaves the area through sunshin jutsu and arrive at the tower. When they arrived they went to a room in the tower where there were TV's displaying the area around the Tower and the surrounding Forrest. Naruto was about to excuse himself when one of the chūnin helping with the exam enters the room.

"Sorry to interrupt" the Chūnin says.

"What do you want!" Anko yells at the man.

"Can't you see we're busy" She says.

"Now, now Anko-chan he obviously has something important to say" Sarutobi admonish her.

"Sorry Hokage-sama" Anko says.

Sarutobi just waves her off and looks towards the Chūnin to continue.

"It's this tape, you have to see it" The man says as he walks over to the VCR to play the tape.

"What is it?" The Eagles masked ANBU asks.

"Okay now when you watch this pay special attention to the time" He says as he presses play.

When the video starts up they notice it's the Kiri team that Naruto led walking to the entrance of the tower and looking around. Looking at the time stamp they all see.

"What?" "How is that possible?"

"But that means ..." Anko says.

"That's right Anko, this is recorded from inside the tower. It's incredible. Those ninja finished the 2nd Exam in one hour after the 2nd phase of the exam started completely destroying the record for finishing the 2nd test" The Chūnin says shocking everyone except Naruto.

"That's impossible" Anko says shocked standing up.

"That's not all, soon after the other 2 Kiri teams showed up as well as the Sand Team" The Chūnin relays.

Everyone in the room looks at Naruto as the tape keeps playing to show the other teams arrive as well.

"What?" "I told you Kiri is trying to prove a point. All 3 teams are comprised of genin age ninja, they're just better than most genin" Naruto says nonchalantly.

"It took just 97 minutes for all 4 teams to arrive at the Tower" The Chūnin says.

"Nothing like this has ever happened before" Sarutobi says in disbelief as well.

"Those aren't genin, they are way above genin level ninja. They all beat the previous record by 4 hours" The Chūnin goes on to say.

"I'm afraid it's not just that" Sarutobi says knowing Anko sees it to.

"I see it as well Hokage-sama" Anko confirms for him.

"I don't get it. What are you talking about?" The Chūnin asks.

"It's 10 kilometers from the text entrance gates to the Tower and inbetween are ferocious predators, poisonous insects, not to mention the other ninja. Could they all have really avoided all those things. Especially the brown haired kid and and Naruto's team" Anko says.

"What's so special about them, aside from the obvious" The Chūnin asks.

"You didn't see" Anko says.

"Oh, interesting" The Boar masked ANBU says

"That is quite the surprise" The Bird masked ANBU says.

"I still don't get it. What am I supposed to be seeing?" The Chūnin asks confused.

"It's what your not seeing Iwashi-kun" The Hokage interjects.

"Look closely at his body" Anko tells him.

The now reveals Tatami, Iwashi looks closely at the red head and Naruto team members after rewinding the tape.

"I see it now" Iwashi says.

"Not a single scratch and I haven't even been able to inspect a single ounce of dirt on their clothing" Anko says she looks out into the forrest.

'Not even I or any of the Chūnin would be able to make to the tower without at least getting a scratch. It's impossible' Iwashi thinks.

"They must have some special ability" The Bird masked ANBU says.

"It's been a long time since we've hosted such promising candidates" The Boar masked ANBU says.

"Yes, but this video confirms some of the rumors. That look in the red heads eyes ... " Sarutobi says.

"Nothing but pure evil" He remarks.

"It's no surprise given how he's treated in his village" Sarutobi reveals.

"Still, is it safe for any of the genin to fight that monster?" Iwashi asks.

"Ehh, he's not so bad. I've encountered a lot worse than him" Naruto says.

"But if I may make a request?" Naruto asks.

"Hmmm ..." Sarutobi gestures.

"Try to keep my team especially Kaito-kun from facing him" Naruto says.

"Why scared for your brat?" Anko taunts.

"Nothing like that Mitarashi-san, it's just I wouldn't want this whole Tower to come down on us if they fought" Naruto warns.

"Oh, is Kaito-kun that strong?" Sarutobi asks.

"I've only had a team for a month, but Kaito is my apprentice. I'll leave you to guess why he would be apprenticed to me" Naruto says as he leaves the room.

Everyone in the room ponders what he's talking about when Sarutobi gaps.

"What is it Hokage-sama" The ANBU ask.

"Naruto already told us Gaara's a jinchūriki, Naruto must be warning us that Kaito is a jinchūriki as well" Sarutobi concludes.

"Why is telling us?" Anko asks.

"Because if two jinchūriki were to fight and go all out in an enclosed environment like this ... the destruction would be catastrophic" Sarutobi says.

"Is it going to be a problem?" An ANBU asks.

"No, there were already requests from certain members of the council to provide certain match-ups although with the amount of teams already here we could be forced to hold a preliminary event to cut down the number of participants for the Finals" Sarutobi says.

"We should leave Hokage-sama" The Boar masked ANBU says.

"Yes, your right" The old man says.

"This whole thing is fucked up" Anko says angrily.

Everyone in the room could only agree with her as they moved to do their jobs.

5 Days Later

"Alright everyone, congratulations on finishing the 2nd Exam" Anko tells them over the sound system.

'Huh, there so many ninja that took the second phase of the exams that frankly I'm surprised so many passed. I believed only half would make it, and I really thought the number would be in the single digits' Anko thinks.

Looking at the teams the three rookie teams made it as did the three Kiri teams, the Suna team, the Oto team, Gai's team, and an older Konoha group.

Naruto looks at his team team and the other two Kiri squads before look at who's leading them. To Naruto's right was Utakata the jinchūriki of the 6-tailed beast. After the war Naruto made it known he believe Kiri would need the strength of it's jinchūriki to help get the village back on track. It took him nearly a month before he found Utakata training his own apprentice Hotaru. Of course Utakata wanted no part of returning to Kiri so he and Naruto fought and it was a fierce battle since he used version-2 of his jinchūriki 6-tail form to match him Naruto used his own 6-tail version 2 form where he nearly killed Utakata until Hotaru interfered pleading for him to spare her sensei. Once they both recovered they were able to talk and Naruto convinced Utakata to rejoin Kiri where he insisted on bringing Hotaru which was difficult thanks to her clan but they succeeded in returned to Kiri where Utakata become a jōnin sensei for a team that included Hotaru. Although Naruto was tired of his complaints about being a sensei for his team.

To his left Naruto was a jōnin named Chōjūrō whom was also the at the moment the last and only loyal member of the Seven Swordsmen although there were efforts inside Kiri that were trying to remake the group. Which was why his group held a member of the Hozuki clan that was captured by Orochimaru and found in one of the labs they broke into before demolishing it. Actually Haku Zabuza's apprentice was also a member of his group as the lone female as she wanted to take up the Kubikiribōchō as a reminder of her former master, but it was unclear if she was even suitable to wield the sword mainly because of her attitude as she doesn't like to fight ... unless it was with Naruto.

Naruto observes the other jōnin listening to some of the chatter in the room. That's when noted the Oto Jōnin standing next to the Suna Jōnin.

'I wonder if anyone else notices it' Naruto thinks.

"Alright, now pay attention Lord Hokage is going to explain the Third Exam to you. You better listen carefully maggots" Anko says before giving way to the Hokage.

"First, before I tell you what the Third Exam entails. I want to explain something about the test itself. Listen closely now, it's something you all need to understand. I'm going to tell you the true purpose of these Exams. Why do you think our country holds the Exams in conjunction with our allies?" He asks them.

He gives them a moment to think before he continues.

"To raise the ability levels of the shinobi and to increase the friendship between allied nations, for sure but it's important that you understand it's true meaning" Sarutobi says.

"The Exams are so to speak ... a representation of the battles between allied nations. Now if we look at our history all the countries that we are now allied with were once neighboring nations that continuously fought with each other for power. In order to avoid destroying each others military power needlessly those nations picked champions to do battle on behalf of their countries at mutually selected location. That was how the Chūnin Selection Exams originally began" Sarutobi the stunned group of genin.

Of course there are always a few loud mouths so one of them decided to ask a question.

"Wait a minute, it's not we're fighting now. What's the purpose of going through all this?" Asks the pink haired girl Naruto remembers from before.

"Well actually there is no question that part of these exams is to select shinobi qualified to be chūnin, that's just not the whole story. These Exams also allow a place for shinobi to carry the pride of their nations on their very backs and fight against other ninja for their very lives. Many leaders and people of prominence from various countries are invited to attend this exam as guests and also to possible seek shinobi to work for them. This exam could determine the course of your ninja work from here on out.

And more importantly those rulers will watch your battles and take note of the strengths of each ninja that a nation is developing. If there is a gap in power the stronger nations will be inundated with job requests for their ninja and conversely the requests to countries that are deemed weak decline. Therefor the stronger our nation is the better positioned a nation is when negotiating with neighboring countries.

So it's important to show how much strength our military village has" Sarutobi says.

"Okay but even so why is it necessary for us to risk out lives?" Inuzuka Kiba questions.

"The countries strength, is the village's strength, the village's strength is the shinobi's strength, and the true strength of the shinobi is only achieved when it's pushed to it's limits like in a life and death battle. This exam is a chance for each nation to display the strength of it's shinobi and hence the strength of the nation itself. It's because this is an exam where your life is on the line that it has meaning. And it's for that very reason and for the strength of the nation that your forerunners fought in this exam. It's truly a dream worth striving for" Sarutobi says.

"But then why did you use the expression 'Friendship' before" says a girl with her hair in two buns that Naruto has never seen before.

"You've only remembered half of what i said. You also mustn't have the wrong idea of the exams meaning. This is a custom in which balance is preserved by fighting and dying. In the World of the Shinobi that is friendship. The Third Exams is a fight for your life with the pride of your village and own dreams at stake" Sarutobi finishes.

"Any test is find, just tell me the details get on with it already. I can handle anything or anyone you throw at me" Gaara says darkly while looking directly at Naruto.

"Hmm, very well then now listen closely I'm going to tell you exactly what you will all be doing on the Third Exam" Sarutobi says before a new shinobi jumps down.

"Lord Hokage, before you do please allow me Gekkō, Hayate appointed as proctor of the Third Exams to speak first" Hayate says.

"It's nice to meet you all 'cough, cough, cough' there's something I'd like you all do do 'cough, cough, cough, cough, cough' before the Third Exam" Hayate says before recovering and smirking at the assembled genin.

"Ughhh... we have to have a preliminary Exam before we can move on to the real one" Hayate tells them.

"WHAT!"! The genin explode


Alright, thanks for reading this new chapter of Foxfish. I hope it was good enough to partially make up for the lull between chapters. I know most of you are still waiting for me to get back to Work Release ... I can only say I'm half way through it I think, but I've been stuck on that for the past couple of months for some reason. As for fans of Speed or one of my other stories I can only apologize. I'm not done with those stories but it may take a long time to finish them. Hopefully I can reward all of you for your patience. It may not seem like it, but I really appreciate all of you.

Anyway Happy Independence Day! I hope you all will go out and have some fun ... well after reading this. Good luck and Stay Safe