A/N: WOOT! DOUBLE DIGITS, BABY!!!! YEAH! A huge thanks to whoever stuck with me long enough to read this!! I love you all!!
Chapter 10: Chunnin
"Hey, Kurotsuki, you okay?" Kakashi asked.
"Fine..." she mumbled. Her skin was glowing white. She didn't move so he decided to pick her up, bridal style. After checking with Genma that they were allowed to leave, he walked towards the doors of the stadium. "Wait," she told him. "Put me down." He did so, uncertainly. She stood up straight, no chakra strings in sight.
"I thought you were paralyzed," the Jounin commented.
"I'm an exception," she said simply, heading for the Kage's box. Kakashi followed her. "Gaara!"
The young man turned around. "Fuyuuno Kurotsuki... Got yourself a name I see."
"That I did," she replied. "Kakashi, the Kazekage. Gaara, the guy that tried to kill me three times."
"Heh, we already know each other," Gaara told her.
"Well, I have to go talk to Tsunade-sama and help decide who passes," he told them.
"Don't you dare put in a good word for me," Kurotsuki warned.
He chuckled. "I'll see you guys later." Kakashi disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"You should have resigned," Gaara told her after a pause.
"Whatever. I made it through, didn't I?"
"I saw what happened near the end, when you were facing off against the Hyuuga girl," he told her.
"Yeesh, I know. It's not like it matters though, she doesn't suspect anything. No one other than... well... our kind know," Kurotsuki told the Kazekage.
"You shouldn't be so careless," he reprimanded her. "I've got to go see the Hokage." Before leaving, he gave her a warm hug which she returned. "I hope to see you soon."
"Don't worry, I've got your back," she told him quietly. He nodded and swept away.
The next day, three girls stood facing the Hokage and the Kazekage. Three. Well, technically four. Geez, you better hurry up and find her Kakashi. Still, they're all first-timers. Our allies are upping their standards."Firstly, congratulations to all of you for passing the Chunnin Exam. It has been a while since we have had so many talented Genins take the Exam all at once," Tsunade told them. Gaara took three of the four scrolls lined up in front of him and unrolled them. Signing each one, he passed them to Tsunade who did the same. "Shizuka, Yomika and Haruka of Amegakure; upon the acceptance of these scrolls, you are now to be qualified, identified, and recognized as Chunnin."
"Thank you very much, Hokage-sama!" they chorused, accepting their scrolls in unison. They bowed out of the room and Shizune shut the doors. Tsunade hadn't even begun reaching for her bottle of sake when the doors burst open.
"We... found... her..." a panting Pakkun informed her. "But... there's a problem."
"What problem?" the woman demanded immediately.
Gaara, on the other hand, simply stood, slung his gourd on his back and rushed out the door. "Follow me," he called over his shoulder. Tsunade and Pakkun did as he asked. After a few minutes of running through the trees, the crimson-haired teen stopped. In the clearing below him, Kakashi was doing battle. Two enormous silver-white wolves fought against the Jounin while two others flanked a sleeping woman.
"Leave us alone," one of the wolves growled. Kakashi hurled a kunai him and raced towards the other. The wolf leapt at the Jounin... and crashed into a wall of sand. Both sides looked up and saw Gaara, Tsunade and Pakkun behind him.
The four wolves turned, bent a foreleg and lowered their heads in a wolfish bow. The two that had been keeping Kakashi away from the silver-haired woman retreated and took their places, completing a furry ring around Kurotsuki. "It has been a long time, Gaara-sama," they said in unison, lying down in submission. Kakashi took a step forward, about to reclaim Kurotsuki from the canines. Four heads immediately snapped towards him and growls rumbled in their throats. The one nearest to him rose to her feet, shielding Kurotsuki from view.
"Tsuki, that's enough," Gaara ordered, jumping down from the trees. The she-wolf glared one last time at Kakashi and lay down once again. "I'll take care of it from here," the boy said, ruffling the fur on each wolf's head. "You guys did well. Dismissed." The summoned animals disappeared in 'poof's of smoke. Sand rose slowly from the ground, wrapping around Kurotsuki and lifting her from the dirt. "After we get her to the hospital, I'll explain what I can."
"Alright, let's go," the man said to his partner.
The blue-skinned man snoozing under the tree woke and stood. "About fucking time. Geez, I thought you'd like to avoid Konoha, considering you're public enemy number one around here," he complained. Hoshigaki Kisame was not a patient man. "Now we'll have to backtrack through Ame to get to Iwa and find the Yonbi. 'Let's take a detour.' Itachi, a detour is a deviation from the charted path. Not 'Let's just head the wrong fucking way for a few days and give those weak bastards another chance to catch their most wanted S-rank criminal.'
"There was something I had to check on." The infamous Uchiha turned and fixed the fish-man with his crimson sharingan glare. "You've been letting Hidan rub off on you. If you don't shut up and stop swearing at every other word, we'll never make it to Iwa." Kisame cringed under the intensity of the glare. He knew all too well that Itachi did a lot more than just glare at people with those eyes. "Besides, there's no point in capturing the Yonbi before the others capture the first three. Or have you forgotten that too?"
"Right..." Kisame mumbled. The pair turned and walked back the way they had come.
"Sakura!" the blonde woman yelled, bursting into the medics' lounge.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama?" The young woman snapped to attention, leaving Inner Sakura to fume and rant about not even completing a 10-minute break without some kind of interruption.
"Room 110, Gaara's there," Sakura immediately began rushing towards the door. Gaara? This can't be good. Either someone's managed to hurt him again and everyone in Suna got massacred or some other patient is about to loose a lot of blood. Why is he even in the hospital? He knows to keep away from all the blood and gore for everyone else's sake. Tsunade turned and strode along beside her best student, easily keeping up with the brisk pace of the busy medic. "He's got a patient. Name's Fuyuuno Kurotsuki." The name rang a bell in her memory and Inner Sakura pulled out a file folder from an enormous filing cabinet. Fuyuuno Kurotsuki, early twenties. Participant in the Chunnin Exam. Insisted on fighting with a fever. Why did Kakashi stop you anyway? Does he have someth- Sakura quickly tuned out Inner Sakura. She was a pain sometimes, always voicing her suppressed questions at the least appropriate times. "Raging fever," Tsunade continued. "Do whatever you can to bring it down. Even if she seems fine, she doesn't go anywhere. Am I clear? She doesn't leave the room."
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," she answered obediently. They had arrived outside room 110. Sliding open the door, Sakura saw Gaara, Kakashi and her patient, enveloped in a blanket of floating sand. "Gaara-kun,please get that off her. It's not helping the fever go down," she told him. The sand gently deposited Kurotsuki on the hospital bed and then flew out the open window.
"There's nothing you can do," he told her quietly as he passed. His voice held a hint of sorrow. He stepped out into the corridor.
"Sakura, don't try to take off her headband or cloth choker necklace," Kakashi told her. "And leave her wrist-and ankle-bands alone too," he added cryptically before joining the two Kages in the hall.
"Those wolves are her personal summon. She'll tell you about them later," the Kazekage said as he slid the door to the room shut. "They're really protective of her. She's trained them to take care of her every time she loses consciousness."
"How exactly do you know her?" Kakashi asked; a hint of accusation in his voice.
"Old family ties," Gaara replied simply. "She's had this... condition ever since I can remember. About once a month, her body would just randomly start attacking itself. She's always managed to fight it off though. The fever only lasts a day before and after her body goes haywire."
"Has she ever been treated for this?" Tsunade asked.
"Once, but it didn't work out. She prefers to keep it quiet. Kurotsuki's lived alone for most of her life so there aren't many that know about it. After I found out, she told me there was no point in seeking further treatment because she always came out of it fine."
A muffled "WHAT?!" from inside the room interrupted their conversation. Tsunade shoved the door open and was forced to dodge a flying glob of green chakra. "Tsunade-sama! She's... ejecting my chakra from her system!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Move," the expert medical-nin ordered. Focusing chakra in her hands, Tsunade tried healing Kurotsuki. Her chakra was deflected as soon as it touched her feverish body, ricocheting onto the wall.
"I told you, there's nothing you can do for Kurotsuki. Just let her sleep it off," Gaara said, glaring at everyone in the room with his black-ringed eyes. Eventually, they all left, leaving Gaara to watch over her.
Ugh, I forgot how damn annoying this can be. Kurotsuki opened her eyes a sliver and was greeted with the sight of a pale green tiled ceiling. The hospital? This can't be good. She sat up slowly, body still too warm to be healthy.
"Back to the world of the living, eh?" a voice came from the foot of her bed.
"Gaara! I didn't expect you to be here. Don't the duties of a Kazekage require your full attention?" she teased.
"Oh, shut up," Gaara muttered. "Kakashi-san was the one who found you. Usually, the Chunnins aren't named until two days after the end of the finals but this year, most of the decisions were unanimous. That's why they awarded the scrolls today," the boy explained. "Tsunade-sama sent Kakashi to look for you because apparently, he's the only person in Konoha who knows how to find you."
"He uses a little doggie to track my scent. They asked questions after Kakashi found me, didn't they?" Gaara nodded. "Wha'd you tell them?" Kurotsuki asked, leaving the bed.
"The story. You have a 'condition,' happens every month, tried treating it, didn't work out, blah blah blah."
"Okay, good. Let's go to the Hokage's office so I can be pronounced Chunnin!"
Outside, Kakashi leapt away from the door of room 110. Turning, he made it seem as if he had just arrived to check on Kurotsuki. As Gaara exited the room with her, the three left for Tsunade's office. Story? What are you hiding, Fuyuuno Kurotsuki?
Once arrived at Tsunade's office, both Kages signed the last scroll and pronounced Fuyuuno Kurotsuki an official Chunnin. "One more thing," the Hokage added. "You need a cell and it has been decided that you will be joining the former Team 7, Team Kakashi who has been short one person for quite a while. Kakashi-san has made arrangements for your official address. I expect you here tomorrow morning at 9 A.M. sharp."
"Alright, time for you to meet your team," the Jounin said, leading Kurotsuki through the streets of Konoha. Looking up, he pointed at a window of an apartment complex. "You live up there now." He jumped up onto the narrow window sill and, opening the window, leapt inside. She followed. Kurotsuki landed on a comfortable twin bed, pillows and blankets neatly folded near the head. The room was simply but nicely furnished. A small dresser next to the bed doubled as a bedside table. Kakashi held open the door that led to the hall. She stepped into the corridor and looked to the right. At the end of the hall was a small bathroom. Located to her left were the main door and a hallway closet. She also saw a cozy living room that gradually changed into a kitchen at the far wall. Two energetic teens sat on the couch, chatting about nothing in particular. "Naruto, Sakura, our team's become a four-man cell again."
The two turned around. The pink-haired kunoichi rose and shook Kurotsuki's outstretched hand. Her bright emerald eyes held a spark of playfulness. "Nice to meet you... again," she told the woman. "I'm Haruno Sakura."
"Same to you," Kurotsuki smiled. "Fuyuuno Kurotsuki. Sorry about what happened earlier. For future reference, just let me sleep it off. It's best for everyone."
"I'll keep that in mind," Sakura replied.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto! Don't you forget that! I'm gonna become Hokage someday! Right after Tsunade-obaachan resigns!"
"Naruto! Don't talk about Tsunade-sama like that!" she reprimanded him. A knock sounded at the door. Kakashi answered.
"Kakashi! The score stands 68 to 67! I vow on the power of youth to win our next match!"
"Afternoon Neji-kun, Lee-kun, Tenten-chan. Huh? Gai? Did you say something?" Team Gai entered the small apartment.
Neji nodded in her general direction. "Kurotsuki-san," he greeted her coolly.
The other boy, presumably Lee, greeted Sakura very enthusiastically. He ranted about wanting to 'serve and protect' her and kissed her hand. The girl, Tenten, rolled her eyes at Neji's typically cold greeting and Lee and Gai's over enthusiasm. She shook her head and greeted the silver-haired woman. "I'm Tenten, the only normal one on Team Gai and resident projectile weapons master. Apparently, you already know Neji so 'Eyebrows' over there is Rock Lee and 'Thicker Eyebrows' is Maito Gai, our sensei." Lee and Gai both adopted their 'nice guy' poses and were about to say something incredibly cheesy but Kurotsuki cut them off with a glare. They both settled for a humble bow. They stayed around to catch up with Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi. Or rather, Lee ranted to Sakura, Gai yelled at Kakashi, Tenten tried to carry a normal conversation with Naruto, and Neji stood in a corner, eyeing Kurotsuki mistrustfully.
Soon, the former Team 8 showed up to introduce themselves. The instant Hinata saw the woman's ultramarine eyes; she activated her byakugan and dropped into a Jyuuken stance. Neji warily did the same. It was his life's mission to protect the Main Family after all. Surprised at Hinata's behavior, Kiba and Shino tried to calm her.
"Hina-chan, calm down. She's just the new Chunnin that's joining Kakashi-sensei's team," Kiba told her.
"No. She's the one that interrupted our first Chunnin Exam three years ago. Look at her eyes. No one I've seen in the village has that color of eyes."
"Hinata-chan, not even the largest insect has seen every-"
"No, it's alright... Shino-kun right?" Surprised, he nodded. "And seeing as Akamaru's here, I guess that means you must be Kiba-kun. Enoki-kun was extremely pleased to see Akamaru by the way. Hinata-chan has reason to question my presence here. I've never had the chance to explain myself. On that note, why didn't you tell her, Neji-kun? I would've thought you would have like to spare Hinata-chan all the wondering," Kurotsuki said.
"Neji nii-san, what is she talking about?" the shy girl demanded.
Neji relaxed his stance and waved her over. "Come here, I'll explain."
"Erm... right. I'm Yuuhi Kurenai, former Team 8's Jounin sensei. Did you really put that Shishi Enjin up by yourself?"
"Believe me, she did," Kakashi commented from a corner, still blatantly ignoring Gai.
"Well, I'm Inuzuka Kiba. Enoki's been pissed all week about what you did to him in the finals," the young man smiled. "Thanks though. You really brought him down a notch. He's been showing off nonstop ever since Shibi-san said he could take the Exam."
"Fuyuuno Kurotsuki," she replied, shaking his hand. "You're very welcome. Let me know if he ever needs a reality check again."
"Aburame Shino," the other teen said, bowing slightly. He was covered from head to toe like Shibi from the Exam. "Shibi-san is my father."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Kurotsuki said, bowing in return. When she straightened, a very red Hinata was in front of her.
"I-I'm s-so s-sorry," she stuttered, bowing deeply. "I-I didn't kn-know."
"Don't sweat it, Hinata-chan. I hope none of those injuries have hurt you since then?" the woman inquired.
"N-no, not at all. You did a very good job. Thank you very much. Hyuuga Hinata," she said, extending her hand.
"Fuyuuno Kurotsuki. You and Neji-kun taught Hanabi-chan well," she complemented them. Teams Gai and Kurenai turned to leave and Hinata managed to mumble a very quiet 'Bye, Naruto-kun.' before leaving.
As soon as they had left, a blonde girl burst into the small apartment. "Hey! Forehead! I heard you're getting a new team member. Why didn't you tell me this?! I had to find out from Shikamaru!" she whined.
"Oh, shut up, Ino-pig. You would've found out sooner or later," Sakura retorted.
Team Asuma introduced themselves and Ino immediately forced Sakura into a shopping trip on one of her few days off from the hospital. Shikamaru made plans to play Asuma a few games of shogi whenever they were both free and Chouji just complained about being hungry. Eventually, Team Asuma left and dragged Naruto and Sakura along with them.
Kakashi finally closed the door. "Yeah, I told them all to drop by. They're all from Naruto's graduating class, except for Team Gai. They're from the year before. So now you know pretty much everyone that you'll get sent on missions with. Tsunade-sama likes to send teams that graduated together on joint missions seeing as they're already acquainted with each other and their strengths and weaknesses. As for the apartment, it's your new permanent address. I'll be taking care of your rent until you've gotten paid for a few missions and can manage on your own." He turned to leave. "Oh! I almost forgot." Kakashi pulled a small parcel out of his pocket. "This is for you," he said, handing it to her. She accepted it.
The package was unusually heavy for its size. Kurotsuki unwrapped the cloth from the object. It was a shiny, new forehead protector, carved with a leaf symbol for Konoha and attached to a black strip of cloth. She looked up at him and smiled softly. "Thank you," she whispered.
That look again... She manages to suppress it pretty well but I can still tell that it's there. It seems so familiar though. Where have I seen it before? Shoving his thoughts aside, he gave her a hug. "Welcome to Konoha," he whispered in her ear.
"Kakashi-san, about time," Tsunade said, annoyed. "Right. Your mission will last one month. Konoha doesn't have nearly enough information on the Akatsuki organization so your mission is centered on reconnaissance. We need anything you four can get. The Raikage, Mizukage, Kazekage and I have already searched within our borders and have turned up nothing. That leaves the Land of Rocks and the other small countries for you four to search. Most importantly, don't get caught. The Akatsuki are all S-rank criminals who have abandoned their villages. One of the reasons I'm sending your team is because Kakashi-san can at least hold off Uchiha Itachi if you have the misfortune of running into him. If you are discovered, I want you to stall them and run. Especially you, Naruto. You know damn well that they're after you and if they get their hands on you, they will kill you. Good luck. Dismissed."
A/N: I looked at the chapter number and I realized that this is going to a LONG fanfic. Honestly, there's A LOT left to tell. Ah well, thanks for sticking around to read Chapter 10 !!! Thank you for reading and please review! ^_^
