Chapter 11 Chunin exams, Naruto P.O.V all the way!

Crazy: Helooo! Im going to try to get back to a chapter a week! Yay! um, anywayyy... thanks as always to all you wonderful readers and reviewers for dealing with my insanity and imagination, and I don't own Naruto!

No matter what my insane brain tells me, I don't. 'le sigh'

Fair warning, I winged it with the information cards, so please forgive my mistakes.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Naruto P.O.V–––––––––––––––––––––

"Kakashi sensei!" I yell when I see him as I round the corner. I run up to Sakura, now that there isn't any reason to try to look cool. I grin, feeling the familiar stretch as my lips reveal my teeth. "You should have seen Sakura–chan! It was sooo cool! This jerk guy with long girly hair was being all rude and she was all like 'This is Sasuke Uchiha, that is Naruto Uzumaki, I am Sakura Haruno, and this is us leaving!' an–"

Kakashi was completely ignoring him, his gloved hand gently patting Sakura's head of pink. She watched him idly, a delicate frown on her face. She didn't like when Kakashi treats her like a child, and Naruto watched, now quiet, as she swatted Kakashi's hand away. He didn't really feel the same enthusiasm to tell the story anymore and glanced at the door behind Kakashi. That would be the start of our chunin exams. He wondered what it would be, but hey! He's Naruto, the future Hokage! He'd be fine.

Perfectly Fine.

Just Fine.

...Right...?

"Im glad all three of you showed up, if one of you hadn't" Kakashi glanced surreptitiously at Sakura "Then none of you would have been able to do the exam."

Sasuke 'cough' bastard 'cough' made a noise in the back of his throat "What? Why didnt you tell us that?"

Kakashi shrugged "To give you all a choice. You need to be able to come of your own free will, not by the pressure of teammates. If you don't have the will, then you shouldn't be here." He straightened from his slouched posture, starting to walk out of the building. He paused right next to Sakura and said something too low for Naruto, or Sasuke by the frustrated expression on his face, could hear. But Sakura heard, and she lowered her eyes, nodding. She looked thoughtful. Kakashi left but not without another pat on her head and a mask–hidden smile at him and Sasuke.

Naruto was going to ask what Kakashi said, but she rose her head and walked leisurely to the door and placed her tiny gloved hands on it's surface, the pretty blue crystal on her hand shining. "Let's go, you guys."

Naruto trotted up to her left side, Sasuke already on her right and both boys slightly behind her, and she pushed the doors open. They were met with the glaring, unfriendly eyes of MANY genin. Naruto's eyes flitted over the many headbands. Sand, sound, cloud, and some he didn't recognize.

He watched as some of the other academy students of Konoha came over, focused on the members of Team 7. That Yamanaka girl who claims to be 'best friends' with Sakura, who hardly knew her, latched onto Sasuke her arms in a strangle hold around his neck. Naruto guessed that Ino thought if she was close to Sakura she would get closer to Sasuke and become as popular as the pinkete. Sasuke can't stand her since she is a creepy stalker. Sakura only barely knows she exists.

Speaking of which... "Oh, Sasuke–kuuuun! I've missed you soo much! Ah, you too Sakura–chan! I wish I was on YOUR guys' team, rather than that blonde idiot! What was his name again? Nato Uzuki?" Oh god, he HATES her voice. It was like someone dragging their nails down a chalkboard, it made your back tense and your teeth clench.

Sakura frowned "Yamanaka–san. Refrain from speaking to me so familiarly, if you would not mind. Also, please shut up! What do you know about Naruto! He's a talented guy, and I am happy he is on my team." Sakura was steaming mad, eyes narrowed, arms crossed, and cheeks red. Naruto wanted to hug her, not only because she looked cuter than a kitten, but she stood up for him. She said she's happy he is on her team. So what did he do? He dove at her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and rubbing his cheek against her own soft skin. Hey, he's not called impulsive for no reason. He smiled deviously at the angry expressions on Sasuke and Ino's faces.

Kiba Inuzuka and his dog, Akamaru, both let out their protests, Naruto had almost forgotten that there were others. For that matter that there were guys other than Sasuke and himself that had crushes on the girl. Someone grabbed the back of his jacket, pulling him off the small girl. He looked back, unhappy that he no longer had the girl in his arms, meeting the eyes– or he should say shades– of Shino Aburame. The guy didn't say a word, merely letting go of the orange in his hand, nodding his greeting to Sakura. There was a faint blush visible just below his shades. Naruto's teammate smiled lightly, nodding back. She had calmed down from her agitation with Ino, no longer red in the cheeks, and patted Naruto's head comfortingly.

Shikamaru walked forward "Man, you guys made it too huh? What a drag... More competition..."

Ino gasped dramatically "Of COURSE they made it! Sakura–chan is, like, the strongest girl– other than me of course. And Sasuke–kun is ,like, too cool NOT to be here!"

Sakura ignored her. Sasuke shrugged her off, annoyed by her clingy tendencies. Naruto snickered.

Sakura smiled at Shikamaru, who blushed a little, saying "Well, I'm glad we all made it here."

He nodded, Choji who had been standing behind him munching happily on those barbeque chips. Naruto asked for one once. Choji quite near bit his hand off. Naruto never asked again. So he was very annoyed when the guy offered the small pinkete one, who smiled genuinely and gingerly picked one out of the offered bag. She ate it kind of like a chipmunk, both hands holding, and she took tiny bites. Kiba chuckled, throwing an arm around her shoulders "Hey Saku! Miss me?"

The pinkete looked up at him through her long dusty eyelashes, smiling slightly. "Yeah, I suppose. I really missed Akamaru–kun though."

Said dog barked from inside Kiba's jacket, his white head appearing at the neckline. Sakura reached out her hand, petting the dog with gentle fingers, scratching behind it's ear. The dog whimpered happily, licking her hand in appreciation. Sakura giggled, eyes closing. Naruto glared accusingly at the arm still wrapped around the girl's shoulders.

"Hey, you lot mind keeping it down? You are all one big red target with all this noise."

Naruto froze, turning blue eyes to the voice. A kind of tall guy with white hair in a spiky ponytail stood there, giving them a stern glare. Sakura narrowed her eyes at him. She abruptly turned her back to him, causing Kiba's arm to drop from her shoulders.

Naruto was startled by that, sure she wasn't exactly social, but she isn't normally so bluntly cold. Now wait that guy said something about them being a red target... he turned his head slowly, and gulped. If those glares had looked mean before, they looked psychotic now. Naruto watched them from under his blonde spikes, their eyes almost seeming to glow red with anger.

Sakura glanced over her shoulder at him, and Sasuke himself was looking over their competition with a glint in his eyes. Naruto pointed a finger at the genin in the room, yelling "I'm Naruto Uzumaki! I'm a member of team 7! You remember that, and you remember my teammates Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha! 'Cuz we're gonna beat every last one of you! Believe It!"

Sakura smiled, laughing behind her hand quietly, her shoulders shaking with her mirth. Sasuke sighed, but smirked, crossing his arms. The white haired guy and the rest of the rookies stared at Naruto in horror.

Yamanaka bonked his head, a tick mark on her forehead "NARUTO! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US ALL KILLED?!"

Naruto groaned, rubbing his head "So you suddenly remembered my name, huh? Too bad for me, you're voice should be called cruelty. Even worse with my awesome name in that annoying mouth of yours!"

"YOU MORON!"

Sasuke snapped "Shut up already. You're making it worse."

Ino immediately quieted, simpering at Sasuke. Naruto was just happy her voice wasn't killing his eardrums anymore.

"You guys... are too damn loud...!"

The voice remained unidentified, a sharp noise being heard. Naruto watched in shock as the white-haired guy fell backward, glasses falling, broken. Sakura threw a kunai, somehow knowing where it came from, and it made a thunk just above some people's heads. She stood in front of a group of sound genin. Her arms were crossed and she looked angry again. She was being set off a lot today. What had her on edge?

"Attacking because of noise? How petty. Especially when you made more noise than us with that one attack. Do it again anywhere near my friends and I will make sure you can never do it again." For emphasis, she stroked the hilt of her sword, smiling darkly.

Ya know, for such a small girl...

And despite that pretty face of hers...

She could be terrifying.

One of the sound guys seemed to ignore the threat, trying to flirt with the now disinterested pinkete.

Naruto, deciding she could take care of herself since the guy was far from interested in hurting her, turned to the white-haired guy. Hinata Hyuuga was helping him up, the glasses left forgotten. Naruto walked forward, picking them up, careful of the shards of glass on the floor around the frames. Hinata met his eyes shyly, her cheeks turning bright red and her eyes flitted downwards. Naruto wondered if the girl was sick. She is kind of on the pale side.

"Ah... thanks... my name is Kabuto. I have taken this exam quite a few times before. I came to offer you all some help, since it's obvious you are all rookies."

Sasuke frowned "How convenient. Someone who's been back many time before wants to help us get through this exam. Whats in it for you?"

Huh, good point. Kabuto pulled out some cards, ignoring the question. "These cards will give you information on anyone you ask about. So, is there anyone you want to know about in specific?"

Sasuke eyed him warily, frowning. "Gaara of the Sand."

"You already know the guy's name? How boring. Alright..."

He pulled out a card, placing it on the floor face up so Sasuke could examine it.

Naruto's own eyes scanned over the information, and his eyes widened.

Name: Gaara Subaku

Age:12

Hair: Red

Eyes: Pale Green

Clan: N.G.

Village Affiliation: Sunagakure

Team:

(Temari Subaku)

(Kankuro Subaku)

(Baki)

Rank: Genin

Missions:

0 D's

7 C's

13 B's

21 A's

Abilities: N.G.

Jutsu: N.G.

Notes: Dangerous. If approach is necessary, with caution. Avoid otherwise. Son of Kazekage, teammates are his siblings. Returned from every mission ever done without a scratch.

Kabuto grunted "21 A rank mission and always coming back without a scratch. He's impressive. How's he still a genin?"

"Sakura Haruno."

Naruto's head swung around, giving him whiplash momentarily, his eyes meeting Gaara of the Sand and Kankuro who stood behind him, quiet. Gaara ignored Naruto, eyes trailing over to where Sakura stood. She was still ignoring the sound guy's advances, arms crossed. Temari now stood next to her, speaking to the small girl. Sakura occasionally nodded, her expression hidden by her pink hair.

Kabuto looked startled, but nodded slowly and pulled out a card.

A small picture of Sakura, unsmiling, peridot eyes burning into the camera with annoyance. Next to the picture–

Sakura Haruno

Age: 11

Hair: Pink (natural)

Eyes: Light Green

Clan: Haruno

Village affiliation: Konoha

Team: 7

(Naruto Uzumaki)

(Sasuke Uchiha)

(Kakashi Hatake)

Rank: Genin

Missions:

12 D's

0 C's

0 B's

1 A

Abilities: Adept in close–combat. Adept in Genjutsu. Average Taijutsu. Adept in Ninjutsu.

Jutsu: N.G. Though she seems to have picked up a few from her mother, including

Thunderblade

Eruption

Others not identified

Notes: Daughter of Kratos Haruno and Anna Haruno. Younger sister of Lloyd Haruno. She is extremely talented with dual swords like her brother, and can use broadswords if need be. Her elements remain unidentified by refusal of taking the test. Reason unknown. Her speed is jounin level, and she takes after her father in she is loyal to family. Extremely quick learner. Perfect Chakra Control. Well rounded, few identified weaknesses.

Kabuto rose his eyebrows "Longest notes I have seen in a while" his eyes trailed to Sakura who had moved away from the sound group and was now conversing with Temari and TenTen, Ino and Hinata having meandered over as well not long after Gaara's card. The five girls, even Ino, seemed to be having fun. Sakura was smiling at all of them. Even...INO. Today was turning out to be a strange one. "She must be a special one."

Naruto nodded "Yeah. Sakura has been known as a prodigy for a long time."

Sasuke just had to bump in "It's a wonder how she still is only a genin, she is far higher in level."

Gaara was still examining the card as though it was hiding something from him, his glare burning into it. He suddenly turned, Kankuro (Naruto had forgotten he was there, he had been so quiet) followed him. Temari glanced up from her conversation with the other girls and excused herself, trotting to Gaara in the back of the room.

Sakura excused herself soon after, making her way to Naruto and Sasuke. Kabuto picked up the cards from the floor, still watching her with interest. The pinkete now stood next to Naruto, ignoring Kabuto's presence.

"Alright Maggots!My name is Ibiki. Take your seats! We have let you all talk long enough! You will be scattered across the room!"

The older ninja around the room grabbed people's arms, escorting them to certain seats all over the room.

Naruto found himself in the middle row, not far from the front. He twisted his body, finding Sakura in the left row, near the middle, and Sasuke a couple of seats behind her.

"This will be a written test. It's important that a ninja not be completely ignorant, so you must prove yourself. There are ten questions, the tenth will be withheld until you have done the first nine."

Naruto grinned, lacing his fingers together behind his head in a relaxed manner. He could just cheat his way through, no worries!

As though reading Naruto's mind the man smirked in an almost evil way "Oh. And NO CHEATING. All over this room we have placed capable jonin. If they catch you cheating, you will be automatically disqualified, along with your teammates."

Naruto froze, a guy behind him standing up and yelling "What?! Even our teammates?! So they get punished if one of us makes a mistake!"

"Yes. Now sit down you imbecile!"

The guy did, grumbling. But Naruto didn't pay attention. Then he smiled again. He'd be fine. With someone as smart as Sakura on his team he had to have picked up something right?

Then the test was placed on his desk. He grinned, holding his pencil at the ready. He read over the first question.

He paused.

He looked to the next. He started to frown.

He looked at the third.

He picked up the sheet, staring desperately at the question.

He didn't know a single one! He buried his fingers in his hair, oh god he couldnt do this! But he had to! Sakura and Sasuke would be so mad at him...

"N–naruto..."

Naruto drew in a quick breath, raising his eyes to his neighbor. There sat Hinata Hyuuga, twiddling her fingers, a rosy blush staining her pale skin.

She crossed her arms over her paper, sliding it under one. She whispered "You c–can c–cheat from m–me, o–okay?"

Naruto gasped, and grinned whispering back "Thanks Hinata! You're so nice!" Hinata's blush got even darker and she smiled like he just told her she could have all his ramen. Naruto started to lean over as silently as possible...

A kunai soared. "You're out."

Naruto was so sure it was him. But then a chunin came over, grabbing the arm of the guy who had yelled earlier, hauling him and his teammates out. They looked at him with such anger and disappointment.

No. He couldn't do that to his teammates. Even though he knew he was probably screwed he whispered "Hinata, thanks but I need to do this myself." She looked at him in surprise, and he smiled at her with a confidence he didn't feel. He rose a thumb, mouthing 'believe it!' She smiled and took back her test, still blushing.

Alright! It doesn't matter what happens so long as I get this last question! Bring it number 10! You don't scare me!

Many teams had been caught, so now the room wasn't near as full as it had been in the beginning. About a third of them were gone.

The Ibiki guy cleared his throat "Alright. Now for the last question. If any one of you get it wrong then your team is disqualified. It will not matter if the other two get it right, one of you get it wrong and you are GONE. If you can't handle that, get out."

Naruto stopped. Oh god...

People started raising their hands left and right, apologizing to their teammates.

What if he didn't get it right?

Another hand is raised, another apology said.

But what was worse, not trying, or trying and failing?

Another.

Naruto's hand twitched. He didn't want to let them down.

Another.

He didn't want to let Sakura or Sasuke down.

Another.

But...

One more.

His hand was up, and it was shaking. He could hear Hinata's gasp.

"Alright, get out–"

But, if he did then he would never be respected. There was more shame in giving up than failing.

He slammed his hand down

"I will never give up! You hear me?! I don't care what question this is I will answer it and I will NOT let my teammates down and I will NOT give up! So bring it on!"

All eyes were trained on him, startled. Hinata smiled slightly up at him, her pearl–like eyes soft. He panted slightly, his eyes trained in a challenge on Ibiki's face.

The man chuckled "Good. You all pass."

"W–wait... what?"

"You pass. Never give up on a mission, never give up on your team, and never give up on yourself. It's essential if you are ever to get through anything. It's essential if you are on a dangerous mission."

Naruto slid back into his chair, so shocked, and so happy. He passed. Team 7 wasn't ending here. He started to laugh, and he looked back at his teammates. Sakura was smiling proudly at him, Sasuke was smirking. He hadn't let them down.

Then he heard a crash.

"All right maggots! Be prepared, the next exam will cut the numbers in more than half! Im Anko, the instructor for this part! Follow me!"

It was quiet for a few seconds, then

"Anko, you're early. Again."

Were all the instructors going to be complete nut balls?

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Crazy: Ohhh! Uh~oh Kabuto is sticking his nose in! What will happen in the next chapter?! Find out!

Sakura: Ok, crazy, breathe in... breathe out...breathe in

Crazy: RELAXATION TECHNIQUES WILL NOT SAVE THEM FROM MY INSANITY!

Sakura: Maybe not. But this will –pulls out tranquilizer– nighty night!

Crazy: No... No...! NO! NOOOOO! –poke– ...*snore*...

Sakura: Oh yeah. Before she went nutters, she wanted to ask you all for your opinion. She wants to know if she should give you sneak peeks of the future worlds inner takes me! Nothing overly obvious, just to let you know what to look towards. How about it? Good idea or not?

Tell us in your review!

Good night!