Disclaimer: I do not own anything about the Naruto series
People talking: "Hi"
People thinking: 'Hi'
Summon or Kyuubi talking: "Hi"
Jutsu: Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu
Three months had passed since the mission to Wave Country. Kakashi had pushed his team to the brink of exhaustion but he was pretty content with the results. They were now a force to be reckoned with.
The jounin was now in an important meeting at the Hokage Tower. He had been called in while on his way to meet his team and now he was going to be late for that. Again. 'I'm sure they are used to it by now.'
The Sandaime Hokage called for everyone's attention and spoke. "I'm sure you all know why you've been assembled here."
Kakashi was surprised. He forgot about that! "It's already that time…" Genma, another Konoha jounin said, "I already saw foreign ninjas in the village. So, when is it?"
Sarutobi sighed and spoke. "I'll announce it properly. Seven day from now, the Chuunin Exams will start!"
The ninjas started to discuss between them, some thinking that it was too soon and others excited to see the potential Chuunin.
Hiruzen waited for the discussion to end and proceeded. "Now, we will start with the nominations. First, it's going to be those that are watching the new genin. Kakashi, Asuma and Kurenai, are there any genins that you would like to enter this exam? I will remember that after a genin has completed the minimum of eight missions they make this exam if nominated by their sensei."
Iruka was having his own thought about that. 'Of course, completing more mission than that is the norm. He didn't need to ask, they aren't ready yet.'
The Hokage started. "Starting with Kakashi…" The jounin, looking disinterested in the topic, made the traditional gesture.
"Team Seven, led by Hatake Kakashi, consists of Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura…Under the name of Hatake Kakashi; I nominate them to take the Chuunin Selection Exam"
Following him, Kurenai started. "Team eight, led by Kurenai, consists of Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino …Under the name of Yuuhi Kurenai, I nominate them to take the Chuunin Selection Exam"
Asuma finished for the rookie teams. "Team ten, led by Asuma, consists of Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chouji …Under the name of Sarutobi Asuma; I nominate them to take the Chuunin Selection Exam"
The Sandaime reflected everyone's thought. "Hmm…All of them… How rare…" Iruka couldn't believe what he was hearing and decided to act.
"Hold on a second!" The Hokage decided to listen what the man had to say.
"What is it Iruka?"
The chuunin started. "Hokage-sama, most of these nine genins were my students at the academy. Of course, they are all extremely talented, but I don't think they are ready to take these exams. They need more experience, more strength. That's the reason I don't understand the jounins reasoning."
Kakashi decided to taunt the chuunin. "Well, I became a chuunin when I was six years younger than Naruto."
Iruka replied filled with anger. "But he's different from you! Are you trying to hurt these children?"
Kakashi looked coolly to the chuunin and answered. "Have you taken a look to our recent missions? Besides completing successfully all of the C-Rank mission without needing me to help, they were the main responsible for the defeat of the Momochi Zabuza, one of the Mist Swordsman, in the C turned A-rank mission we went on."
Whispers were heard through the room. Many were surprised to confirm that the rumors of Team Seven beating one of Kirigakure Elite Ninja were true.
The White Fang's son continued. "They are also very strong. Ones strength balances out the others weaknesses. They also have top notch teamwork. Before I said that they could be just as good as the Sannin but now I am certain that they have even more potential to surpass them. In fact, right now, together they can win a battle against most chuunin and with proper preparation, even a jounin."
The room went into an uproar. Sure there was genin teams that were strong before, but for a rookie one to win against a jounin is almost impossible.
Kurenai snorted. "Kakashi, your team may be strong for genin, but they could never beat a jounin. I can speak because I have one rookie genin team like you and they are strong too, but not to this point. Even if Sakura-chan learned a lot under my teachings, this is impossible."
Kakashi, already expecting this kind of reaction, replied. "I'm confident that they are that strong. I dare say that at the end of these exams, one of them will be a chuunin."
The shinobi were interested to see how strong Kakashi's team was and decided that they could not lose these exams. The meeting proceeded and when the Hokage had picked out all the teams that would be participating, he dismissed everyone minus Kakashi.
Sarutobi looked to the silver haired jounin and asked. "Kakashi, are you sure about entering them?"
Kakashi picked his book out of his pouch and looked at the Hokage. "I know you saw their training sessions and how much stronger they have become. Plus, it will be a good for them; they will win experience and will also see that even if they are strong, there are stronger people than them and that teamwork will always help. Now, excuse me Hokage-sama, I need to meet my team and I'm already late by a few hours."
The Sandaime dismissed the jounin while feeling disappointed that the man still had his late habit. He was also thinking about the exams. 'I hope you are right, Kakashi. They will need to be stronger more than ever, mostly because of the Iwa Team that is also going to participating. Onoki, what are you planning?'
Naruto was sleeping peacefully that day. Having trained till he passed out the day before, he decided to rest till noon.
If one could look at his dreams, they would see a very happy blond genin swimming inside a giant bowl of beef ramen.
Naruto was thanking the Ramen Gods for his present. It was going fine till a big wave hit him. The Jinchuuriki then felt the noodles grab him and shake him, making him drown.
Feeling his "near death state", he started to think about his situation.
'Is this how I die? When I told Sasuke that ramen had never killed anyone, I never knew that it was going to bite me in the ass one day. Well, at least, I will die happy.'
Naruto closed his eyes, waiting for the death to embrace him. But then he heard something that woke him.
"NARUTO-SAMA, WAKE UP!"
Opening his eyes again he saw he was in his room, with Haku on top of him, her hand holding his shoulders. 'Thank God it was a dream! I knew that ramen would never hurt me! Wait! Haku is here! How did she found me? And she is on top of me…'
He focused on Haku and they looked at each other in the eyes. The kunoichi saw the blush on his face and tried to discover why he was blushing. When she saw her position she gave a low squeal and sat beside him, her face red from embarrassment.
Naruto stood up and went to the bathroom, so that he could do his morning ritual. When he was returning from the bathroom, the Hyouton user couldn't contain her curiosity anymore and between giggles she asked. "Naruto-sama, why are you wearing a sleeping cap?"
Naruto picked his cap from his head and looked at her again. It was shaped like an animal, having eyes, snout and teeth. But an abnormal thing was that the eyes were like the Sharingan. The memories that the cap brought to him gave him a sad expression but he did answer.
"I wear this because it was a present from Hokage-jii-san. But when I was child, I accidently took the eyes out and couldn't fix it. One day, Mikoto-kaa-sama picked it and sewed the Sharingan shaped eyes in it. When she gave me back and I asked her why of the eyes, she smiled at me and said that it was a reminder that the Uchiha Clan would always protect me, even in my dreams. I keep it as a recordation from her and the clan."
Haku, hearing his sad tone and the pain that was showed in his eyes, tried to change the issue. "Naruto-sama, can you tell me what you were dreaming about? I threw water on your face, shook you and you didn't even react."
The jinchuuriki blushed in embarrassment. "It's best that you don't know about it…" That didn't stop Haku from having one thought in her head. With a blush on her face she asked. "Were you having erotic dreams?"
Naruto blushed even more and made negatives gestures with his hand. The question on his mind returned, and he decided to find the answers for it. "Haku-chan, when did you arrive? How did you find me? And more important, how did you enter the house!"
The girl looked at her master and replied with a smile. "I arrived today, taking advantage of the time of the chuunin exams, so it was easy to pass as a civilian. For how I found you, when I was searching for where you lived, I remembered that you told me how you loved ramen so I searched for a Ramen Stand. When I found the Ichiraku Stand, I talked to the owners and there was also a chuunin named Iruka, they gently told me that you lived at the Uchiha Compound. The waitress seemed very angry that you didn't talk to her about me."
The blond genin made a note to talk to Ayame-nee-chan soon. "But wait, you still didn't answer how you entered my house"
Haku picked a key in her bag and gave to him. "When I finally arrived at the Uchiha Compound, I met with Sasuke-san. He was surprised to see me, and asked if I had already finished my travel. I didn't understand it much but I figured it was something you told them about. He gave me the key to the house and told me to make myself home. Ah! He also asked me to tell you that the food is over."
Naruto nodded and thought over the fact that the chuunin exams were going to take place. He went to the bathroom and quickly changed his clothes and into his old outfit. He was still waiting to use his new ones.
When he was ready he called Haku and said. "Let's go have breakfast at Ichiraku. Nothing is better than starting your day with a hot ramen bowl. There you can tell me about your research."
The two left the house and parted in the direction of the Ramen Stand. Not much time later, they arrived at their destination.
The Jinchuuriki quickly entered and made his presence known. "Hello, Oji-san. Your best customer is here!"
Seconds after the genin and the kunoichi seated on the bench, the old cooker came to greet them. "Good morning, Naruto. I see you met the girl who was searching for you. So is this a date?"
The teenagers started to blush, Naruto even tried to formulate words but all he could was stutter. Their situation just got worse when Ayame came from the kitchen.
"Naruto-kun, why didn't you tell me you got a girlfriend?"
Haku gave her a sheepish smile while the Jinchuuriki just dropped his head in shame, complaining about his 'sister': "Ayame-nee-chan!"
Ichiraku smiled at their embarrassment. "I think it's time to stop the teasing, Ayame. So Naruto, what would you and your company like?"
The Yondaime's Legacy seemed to think for a few seconds before answering. "I will want a large bowl of beef ramen. Haku-chan, what would you like?"
The kunoichi smiled to the cooker and said. "I will want the same as Naruto-sama but in a normal bowl."
'Naruto-sama?!' That was the thought of both Ichiraku and his daughter. But they decided not to ask and give them some time alone.
As soon as they entered the kitchen, Naruto turned to Haku and asked. "So what have you manage to discover?"
Haku hesitated. 'Are you sure you want me to say here?" Naruto shrugged off her preoccupations. "You don't need to worry about them. They've known me since I was a child. Itachi-sensei always brought me here to eat and they never told anyone about that."
The Hyouton user, seeing her mastesr confidence, started. "I have found information on almost all of the jinchuuriki. The Ichibi Jinchuuriki is the Yondaime Kazekage newest son and a Suna Genin, Sabaku no Gaara. He has an instable personality, because he can't sleep or the Ichibi will devour his mind. His main skill is sand manipulation. When he uses the Ichibi chakra, his skills become even better, but he starts to lose control."
Naruto nodded while thinking over the matter. 'It seems that the Kazekage really went with his plans. I can't understand how a father can make his own son as a living weapon.' He made a positive gesture to Haku, who proceeded.
"The Nibi Jinchuuriki is Nii Yugito, a Kumo Jounin. She seems to have good control over her bijuu which allows her to have some kind of control in her full form. She is said to be one of Kumo strongest ninja. Sorry but that's all I could gather from her."
The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki shrugged. "Don't worry about that." When Haku started to tell about the next one, Naruto could feel the anger in her tone.
"The Sanbi Jinchuuriki is the Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura. He has total control of the Sanbi. He was the one Zabuza-sama tried to overthrow…" She couldn't continue anymore. The memories which that man brought were too much for her. She started to cry silently.
Naruto embraced her, trying to give her all the comfort she needed. He stared at her watering eyes, and could see the pain she was suffering from. She said between sobs.
"Sorry, I just can't keep talking about him…he was the one that destroyed my life… he started the Bloodline Purge, which would end in my mother death and I having to kill my father…because of him, Kirigakure earned the nickname of the "Bloody Mist"... Zabuza-sama tried to overthrow him because he wanted Kirigakure to be a good place again. But the Mizukage was too strong and we had to flee from Mizu no Kuni and never return again, always avoiding the Hunter –Nin... If it wasn't for him, Zabuza-sama wouldn't need money to make another coup d'état and he would still be alive."
The genin was shocked at her revelations. Now he understood how much that man did to her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and looked again directly at her eyes.
"Haku-chan, if it wasn't for him, I would never meet you. You see, my mother clan was from Uzu no Kuni. The Uzumaki clan suffered many losses in the Second Great Shinobi War, when Kirigakure invaded Uzu no Kuni. Those who survived and stayed in Mist were also massacred in the Bloodline Purge. I know that it doesn't compare to your pain, but I just want to say that I understand a bit what you are suffering. You don't need to tell me anything more about him. The Uchiha Clan had all the information I need."
Haku stopped crying, but her eyes were still filled with tears. She looked at her master and reflected on what he told her. 'Naruto-sama…He can understand me, like Zabuza-sama could... If I continue this way, I am just going to be a weak tool… I need to be strong so that I can repay all the confidence he put on me.'
She cleaned her eyes with her hand and hugged the jinchuuriki. "Thanks for everything, Naruto-sama."
The blond genin blushed a bit, but grinned at her. "You don't need to worry about that, I'll be always at your side. I promised Zabuza that I would take care of you and one of the things that Itachi-sensei taught to me was that one should always keep his promises."
Haku smiled at him and continued her report. "I couldn't find much information about the Yonbi and the Gobi Jinchuuriki, just that they were both Iwagakure Shinobi and have left their villages. The Rokubi Jinchuuriki was also from Kirigakure, his name is Utakata. From the time I remember when I lived there, he was a really gentleman. His skills consisted in bubble-based jutsu. I heard he fled from Kiri."
Naruto was curious. "Bubble-based jutsu? Really?" Haku nodded. "Yes, and it was really useful. He could travel on them and even use them as explosives." The sun-kissed shinobi grinned.
"That is sure interesting."
The Hyouton user continued her report. "The Nanabi Jinchuuriki is Fuu, a kunoichi from Takigakure. Unfortunately, I couldn't enter Takigakure to search for more information about her. The Hachibi Jinchuuriki is the most powerful of them all. He is the brother of the actual Raikage. He has perfect control over his bijuu. People said that he could level mountains in his full-transformed state. Also, he is skilled in Raiton manipulation, and is seen carrying eight katanas in his back."
Naruto become impressed with the Hachibi Jinchuuriki. 'Having total control of the Hachibi Power! How powerful he is? I need to meet him!'
Haku then smiled at him and said. "I couldn't find any information on the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki. Can you help me with this?" The Jinchuuriki made a serious face, which freaked her. "All information about the Jinchuuriki and the Kyuubi is an S-Rank secret punished by death."
Seeing the frown on his companions face, he changed his serious expression to a grinning one. "Lucky for you, I am one of those allowed to tell you about this issue. I can tell you that he is strong, intelligent and very handsome."
The kunoichi caught his game and with smile on her face replied. "I doubt that is true." Making one of his famous interpretations, Naruto faked a crying sob.
"Why are you mean to me, Haku-chan?"
Haku started to giggle and it was that time that Ayame came back bringing the two bowls of ramen. Seeing their comportment she said.
"I hate to interrupt a happy couple but your food is ready"
Both of them blushed again while Ayame smiled at their reaction. They took the chopsticks and said at the same time: "Itadakimasu!" and started to eat.
Haku noted that Naruto was eating with adequate manners. She knew he was an orphan and those who were generally hadn't such comportment. Deciding to praise her master, she turned to him and said. "Naruto-sama, I need to compliment you. It's rarely to see one person with such good manners."
The boy paused his 'breakfast-lunch' and gave her a sad smile. "I used to devour the foods without stopping even to take a breath. But Itachi-sensei, Mikoto-kaa-sama, Shishui-senpai, and the other members of the clan insisted that like a member of the Uchiha Clan, one needs to have good manners. I just felt happy that the clan in general considered me part of them, and learned how to comport myself to not disappoint them."
Seeing this was a sore topic for him, Haku felt better to not talk about it anymore. They both ate silently and Naruto decided to ask for more two bowls. After he had finished, he saw that it was already the time to meet his team.
When he was going to pay for the lunch, Ichiraku refused. When he asked why, the old man replied. "It's your fist date here so the food is by the house. But you have to bring your girlfriend here more times Naruto!"
They both exited the Stand with blushes on their faces and Naruto cursing silently because of the constant teasing. Haku turned to Naruto and asked:
"What are we going to do now, Naruto-sama?" The blond genin smiled at her and said. "First, I have a team meeting. Them, I'm going to show Konoha to you, Haku-chan"
He grabbed Haku's hand and shunshined both of them out of the street.
Sakura was the first of Team Seven to arrive at their normal meeting spot. She sat on a bench and waited for her other teammates. After a few minutes of waiting, Sasuke appeared next her.
The Uchiha turned to her and asked. "Sensei hasn't arrived, hn?" The pink haired kunoichi nodded. Her teammate turned away and said before leaving. "I'm going to be around"
Sakura thought about Team Seven assumption about their sensei's habit. Either he was exactly on time or he would be late for hours. Generally, he only arrived on time when they need to go on a C-Rank mission. And seeing that they just returned from one she knew he was going to be late.
But the pink haired kunoichi still decided to wait at their meeting point just because the medic teachers at the hospital were too occupied and Kurenai-sensei was training her team, making her having nothing to do.
She was really surprised when in a blast of wind Naruto and Haku appeared in front of her."You're getting better at this, Naruto."
The Jinchuriki grinned at her and replied. "Thanks, Sakura-chan, I'm training a lot. So Kakashi-sensei hasn't appeared yet?"
Sakura made a negative gesture. "No, he didn't. And you know what this means… Hey, won't you introduce me to your girlfriend?"
Naruto dropped his head. "Sakura-chan, stop this! You know Haku-chan!" His teammate smiled to Haku and greeted her.
"Good morning, Haku-san. So how was your trip?" Haku returned her smile and replied. "It was good, Sakura-san."
Sakura turned to Naruto and asked. "So what are you going to do now?"
The genin lazily replied. "Well, I actually thought Kakashi-sensei was going to be on time today. Seeing that he isn't, I'm going to show Haku around Konoha."
The kunoichi jumped from her bench and said. "Well, can I go with you too or will I be interrupting your little date?"
Naruto looked to the sky and said. "You must hate me, don't you?" Haku and Sakura giggled and they left for their little walk around Konoha.
They had visited almost all of Konoha, which resulted in Sakura convincing Haku that she needed to buy new clothes and Naruto having to pay and carry everything.
They were proceeding to the Team Seven meeting point. Naruto, who had already made a clone to take everything Haku bought back to his house, was complaining about their shopping. "You know, just because I have some money it doesn't mean I can spend it all."
Haku, seeing her masters reaction and fearing that he might run out of money, apologized. "Sorry if it cost too much, Naruto-sama. I promise it won't happen again."
Sakura shrugged out of her preoccupation. "Haku, you don't need to worry about him, he is just being tight-fisted. Actually, he owns some apartments and houses of the Uchiha Compound."
Haku was surprised about that. She didn't think he was that rich. "Is this true, Naruto-sama?" Naruto nodded. "I have inherited it. Those were from people who were very close to Sensei, and because I always followed him, they got very close to me too."
They walked a bit more and they felt the feeling that they were being followed. When they looked over their backs, they saw what looked like a square rock.
The jinchuuriki sighed and said. "Konohamaru, how many times I have to tell you that rocks ARE NOT square!"
In the place the 'rock' was, smoke erupted and Konohamaru and his team appeared. "That's what I expected from my boss." His friends nodded in assistance. "He is so strong and intelligent."
Konohamaru took the opportunity and asked. "Boss, can you play ninja with us?" Naruto heard Sakura snort and Haku giggle, and he saw that all of the children were looking at him with puppy eyes.
He sighed and crouched so that he could be in the same height as the children. He patted Konohamaru on the head and said. "I can't play with you right now. You see, I'm showing Haku-chan around Konoha." And then he made a gesture to Haku, who smiled and waved to them
The trio looked at her and got flabbergasted. "Is this your girlfriend, Boss? Well, she is better than your pink haired teammate. She is prettier and kinder."
It was that moment that Konohamaru senses were screaming danger, danger! He saw that Haku was blushing with the compliments but he now saw that his boss's teammate was fuming with anger.
Naruto turned to his 'apprentice' and said. "Konohamaru, I have two things to tell you. First, never, ever, compare two women if they are near you. The second one and the most important, run for your life!"
An angry Sakura appeared behind the boy, who followed his boss' advice and run like he never did before. But in his madness sprint he didn't saw where he was going and bumped into someone.
Kankuro was not having a good day. First, he had to spend half of his day with his psychotic brother and trying to not anger him. When he finally had been able to leave him alone, he had to walk around Konoha with his sister who kept saying to him how she needed to find some Konoha boy for herself.
But now he could dump his stress. This little boy had bumped into him unintentionally and Kankuro decided to teach the boy a lesson for the fun of it.
He grabbed the boy by the shirt and raised him. He could see the fear in the boy eyes. He decided to intimidate him more and said."That hurt you little piece of shit."
It was in that moment that a Konoha group appeared. Two of them had a headband on and he knew they were genin by their attire.
Temari shook her head, disapproving of what her brother was doing. "Kankuro, stop acting like a bully."
Kankuro, still holding Konohamaru, answered her. "C'mon, Temari, you're my sister you should support me."
His sister replied. "I'm just saying that I'm not going to be yelled at over this."
While all this was happening, Naruto, Sakura and Haku were all observing and they all thought the same thing 'Suna Ninja!'While Sakura was feeling nervous, both Haku and Naruto were calmly accessing the situation.
Naruto was the first to address the foreign ninjas. "Suna Ninja, it's better to listen to your sister and put the boy on the ground."
Kankuro snorted. "You think you can order me? I'm going to teach this brat a lesson." He raised his fist, clearly showing that he was going to hit the boy.
Haku was going to make the hand seals to save her master friend when her hand was held by Naruto. She looked at him and could read from his eyes that he was going to take care of the situation.
A moment later, the Jinchuuriki disappeared from everyone's view, along with Konohamaru. Kankuro had his hand up in the air when everybody started to search for them. That was the moment that a voice with a very void tone was heard by everyone
"Temari-san, I think you should control your brother better. He could have caused an incident by hitting the Sandaime's grandson."
They searched for the source of the voice and saw that the one responsible for it was Naruto, who was by the Suna kunoichi's side, like he was murmuring for only her to listen. He was holding Konohamaru close to him, making sure that the boy didn't get hurt.
Temari's neck hair stood up. She was shocked by this Konoha genin. 'Such speed! His shunshin was so fast that I couldn't even see him well! And his tone of voice is just like he is just devoid of any emotion. Plus, he is very cute too. That is the boy I had been looking for!'
Even Sakura and Haku were impressed with his action. Sakura was thinking about her teammate. 'He is really improving with that jutsu!'
Haku also reflected about his growth. 'He is much faster since I last saw him.'
Kankuro became enraged at this. 'This guy dares to show off in my presence!' "Why you!" He prepared to move after Naruto but was stopped by a kunai that was thrown into the ground, right in front of him.
"I see you got in trouble again, Naruto." They looked to the origin of the voice and saw Sasuke sitting in a tree near them.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted in happiness. Now that their team was completed she felt a lot more secure. Naruto used another shunshin so that he was again by side of Sakura and Haku.
He put Konohamaru on the ground, and after making sure the kid was okay, turned to Sasuke with a smirk on his face. "Always fun taking care of younger brothers, isn't it, Sasu-nii-chan?"
The Uchiha grunted in response but with a smirk on his face. They all returned their focus to the Suna Genin. The Jichuuriki turned serious again and asked. "Temari-san, Kankuro-san, are you here for the Chuunin Exams?"
While Sakura and Sasuke were shocked due the fact that their teammate knew about a probably exam, Kankuro was getting even more enraged about them." I hate show-offs like you." Temari was checking the new person in their little reunion. 'He's handsome too, but I prefer the blond one.'
The Suna shinobi grabbed what he was carrying in his back, surprising his sister. "Are you really going to use Karasu?!"
That was when a voice came from near Sasuke. "Kankuro, stop it." They all turned and saw a red-haired boy, wearing a weird gourd, upside down on an upper tree branch. "You're an embarrassment to our village."
The Uchiha stared at the new presence. 'He had managed to hide without anyone noticing it. That's Kakashi's level of sneakiness.'
Naruto was also staring at him. 'His face is familiar, like I already saw him somewhere.'
Kankuro tried to take the blame from him. "Gaara, the truth is that they were the ones who started all this and I just…"
The Suna Genin named Gaara turned to his teammate and said. "Losing yourself in a fight like this is pathetic. Why do you think we came to the leaf village? Shut up or I kill you."
The paint-faced guy turned to the Leaf Team. "I'm sorry, really, really sorry!" Gaara also turned to them and said. "Sorry to you guys." 'They are strong, to put up with a fight with Kankuro like this.'
When the red-haired genin used the shunshin and got on the ground, Naruto decided to speak. "So you finally made your presence known. I was wondering when you were going to show yourself."
Almost everyone had surprised expression at this. They were all thinking about how he had managed to discover Gaara when neither of them could. Gaara turned to him with his unchanging expression and said. "I find it doubtful that you have detected me."
Naruto then grinned at him. "While you may disguise your chakra and move silently, you can't hide your scent. And frankly, you stink of sand and blood."
Understatement dawned in all of them. Sasuke and Sakura smirked while thinking the same thing. 'And that's why he is the tracker specialist of our team.'
Gaara turned away from the team and said. "We got here too early and we can't be fooling around. Let's go." They started to leave but stopped when they heard Naruto's calling their attention. "Wait, you didn't answer me. Are you here for the Chuunin Exams?"
Temari was the one to answer. "Yes, you are right. We are here for the exams." Naruto nodded at their answer but was surprised to see Haku calling his attention.
Haku went to his side and murmured in his ear. "Naruto-sama, the red-haired one, he is the Ichibi Jinchuuriki." The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki goggled. 'Now, I know where I have seen him before! The files about the Jinchuuriki from the Uchiha Library that I recorded in my mind.'
Sasuke jumped from his branch and stooped next to Naruto and Haku. He took the advantage that the Suna team had stopped and asked "Hey, what is your name?"
When Temari was going to ask if he was talking to her, but Naruto said to him. "You don't need to ask their names Sasuke, I finally know who they are. They are the Kazekage-sama children. Am I correct? I also know your secret, Sabaku no Gaara"
The Suna siblings were very surprised about this. Temari answered his first question. "Yes, our father is the Kazekage. But how do you know about Gaara status?"
Naruto grinned. "That's for me to know and you to find out." Everybody sweat dropped at this. Sakura and Sasuke were already accustomed with his comportment. 'He is the same Naruto as ever. Knowing everything about foreign shinobi and always being playful.'
Gaara focused his attention on the blond and said. "I'm nothing more than the weapon created by Sunagakure."
The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki replied. "I can understand you. Being cursed with a great power since birth, a power we didn't have a say in."
The Ichibi Jinchuuriki caught the meaning of the answer. "So you are like me. We are destined to be used like a war weapon; one who they think can be desecrated after getting rusty."
Naruto nodded. "Yes, here is no different. But that isn't everything. There are ones that care for me and I have to protect them."
Gaara looked interested. "We have different ideology. I fight to survive and you fight to protect. I want to fight you at the exams and see which is better. I will crush you and then will you help in proving my existence. So what are your names?"
"Uzumaki Naruto" "Uchiha Sasuke" replied the Leaf Shinobi. Gaara turned away and said. "Temari, Kankuro, Let's go." Temari and Kankuro still didn't understand the conversation between Gaara and Naruto, but left with their brother.
Sakura looked at her blond teammate and asked. "Naruto, what's that all about?" The sun kissed Jinchuuriki replied with a grin. "He is the Ichibi Jinchuuriki. We were merely chatting about our lives."
Sasuke looked at his brother. 'There's more to it than he is saying. I have to ask him later about that.' Konohamaru and his friend had been watching everything that happened, some parts they didn't understand, but they saw how their boss had protected them.
The Sandaime's grandson spoke his thoughts. "Naruto-nii-chan. You were awesome! When you rescued me I didn't even see you!"
Naruto messed with the childrens hair. "You really think so, Konohamaru? Yeah, I guess I was that awesome." And that phrase earned a punch in the head from Sakura. "Baka! Can't you be more modest!"
The Jinchuuriki grabbed his head. "Ouch, Sakura-chan! Sasuke, please help me!"
The Uchiha snorted. "That serves you right." Haku giggled at their interaction.
Sakura sighed and said. "I think Kakashi-sensei is already returning, after all, three hours have passed since the meeting time."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. Naruto turned to the children. "Konohamaru, I think it's time for you and your friends to return to the academy."
The children nodded and gave their goodbyes. Team Seven plus Haku was starting to leave when both Naruto and Sasuke sensed something.
Naruto picked one of his kunai and threw it on the ground on the opposite side Sasuke was. The Uchiha did the same thing, but the kunai thrown was to the upper part of the tree he once stayed. They turned and stared at each other. At the same time they said.
"Why did you do that?"
"Why did you do that?"
"I thought I sensed someone."
"I thought I sensed someone."
They stayed looking at each other for a little more time before breaking into laughter. They heard Sakura yell. "Stop kidding, you too! We are going to get late!"
Fearing their teammates fury, both of them started to run after the girls. But what happened after they left proved that their assumptions were right.
From the place that the kunai Sasuke had thrown was, a Team of Sound Genin was hiding. The leader of the team who was wearing bandage all over his body said. "It seems that this team is strong. That black haired one was even able to discover ourselves."
And the place the Kunai Naruto had thrown, an Iwa team submerged from the ground. It was composed by two boys and one girl. They were all wearing their Iwa hitai-ate at their forehead.
The taller of the boys had brown hair and black eyes; he had with a strong physique. His outfit consisted of black pants and a brown shirt without sleeves, which showed his lean muscles.
The girl had long black hair and green eyes. She was wearing a black kimono which showed her well-developed curves.
The other boy, who seemed the leader, had black hair and black eyes. He was wearing black paints and a long sleeved brown shirt. They were all wearing their hitai-ate at their forehead. He turned to his teammates and said.
"Takeshi, Mitsuki, it's time to go." Takeshi, the taller one, nodded but the girl named Mitsuki, turned to the black haired one. "Keiji, you saw how fast he moved. He also detected us. What do you think of our target?"
Keiji looked to the sky and replied. "He is sure interesting. Now I'm starting to understand why Tsuchikage-sama gave us this mission."
Kakashi was already at the meeting point when Team Seven had arrived. Not one to miss a chance to mock his students, the jounin said clearly so that all of them heard.
"You kids don't respect your sensei anymore, arriving late for a team meeting. Maybe you are not ready for this after all."
Team Seven sweat-dropped. Haku, who didn't understand the reason for this, just giggled at their reaction. The jounin was surprised to see her. "I see your back, Haku-san. Did you enjoy your trip?"
Haku made a positive gesture. The jounin was going to talk when Sakura said first. "What are we not ready for?"
The jounin smiled and picked three applications from his pocket. "The reason for this meeting is that I want you to know that I nominated you for the Chuunin Exams. If you want to enter, you just have to fill these forms and turn them in one week from now at the Academy Room 301, at 4 pm. Whether to take this exams or not is up to you."
The genin picked the applications, each with a different thought in my mind. Sakura was unsure if she would enter or no, Sasuke was thinking about the strong guys he could fight with and Naruto was thinking about getting near to his objectives.
Before leaving, the jounin turned to Haku and asked. "So, Haku-san, are you going to stay on the village and become a Konoha ninja?"
Haku gently replied. "I don't know for sure, for now I will just help Naruto-sama prepare for the exams."
Kakashi nodded. "Okay. When you have your answer, go talk with the Hokage. Bye, guys." And with that he left.
Sakura turned to her teammates and said. "Hey, guys, I don't know if I'm ready for the exams. I'm not strong like you"
Naruto looked shocked. "Sakura-chan, we need you. You are the ones that takes care of us." But the pink haired kunoichi still didn't look convinced.
"You don't really need me. You never did. I'm sure you will do well in the exams without me."
The Uchiha decided to speak."Sakura, we're a team. We may be strong individually, but our real force is as a team. You are essential to the team."
The Jinchuuriki complemented. "We together, balance each others weakness. You are strong, Sakura-chan. But you can't let your fears control you. And don't forget that Sasuke and I will always be at your side when you need."
Sakura had tears falling out of her eyes; she embraced both of them in a hug. "Thanks, Sasuke-kun, Naruto. I will enter the exams."
Night had come and Naruto was showing Haku where she would stay. They entered the empty Uchiha Compound and went to one of the houses near the main house.
The house was in a perfect clean state, which contradicted with the long time it was uninhabited. Naruto turned to Haku and said.
"This is one of the houses I own. I didn't have a room on my own house, since the only room available was the one which Sasuke's parents used, and it is kind of a taboo for both me and him. So Haku-chan, feel yourself free to change it to what you like. If you want to, this is going to be where you are going to live in Konoha."
Haku nodded. It was a beautiful house, not big and at the same time not small, and if she wanted to serve her master well, she would have to live near him. Curious about the previous owner of the house she asked. "I know I might be a little noisy, but could you tell me who owned this house?"
Naruto, who was checking if the rooms were okay, replied. "Shishui-senpai. He was Itachi-sensei's best friend. Like I said before, I followed sensei and consequently became close with those people close to him. Shishui was one of the people I liked most. He was always kind to me, even when I pranked him, and that happened a lot."
The blond genin took one of the pictures that were on the living room. In the photo, a smirk Itachi and a grinning Shishui were together with young smiling Naruto and Sasuke. Haku giggled at how happy her master was appearing to be. She also recognized Itachi face from Zabuza's bingo book.
Naruto sighed, remembering the good memories. "This was taken in my first travel out of Konoha. We went to one of the Uchiha bases in Fire Country to buy clothes for me and Sasuke. The grinning one is Shishui-sempai and the smirking one is Itachi-sensei. Sometimes, when Sensei was on a mission, he was the one who would teach me. He was an orphan, his parents had died in the Third Great Shinobi War and he didn't have sisters or brothers. It was one of the motives he became so attached to me. He died a little before the Uchiha Massacre, and left this house to me. I used to live here before moving to the main house to live with Sasuke. "
Haku felt the sadness that radiated from the jinchuuriki. And know she had a suspicion why this house was this clean. Her master probably didn't let this disbanded in honor to his once loved ones.
Naruto put the photo on its place and started to walk to the bedroom. There he picked a scroll which had the emblem of the Uchiha and the name 'Shishui' inscribed in it. He made a gesture to Haku to seat on the couch and said.
"Shishui was said to be the strongest Uchiha together with sensei. He was named Shunshin no Shishui, because of his incredible ability with the Shunshin no Jutsu and the Sharingan illusion. Many said that his Sharingan even had a special ability. Together with the house, he also left me this scroll, with orientations on how to improve the Shunshin. I think he was keeping this to when he had a genin team, or even a child. Before, I didn't know to perform the jutsu and I couldn't use it. Since Wave Country, I had been training with it, aiming to be as good at the shunshin as he, so that I can honor all he did for me and live up as his legacy."
The Hyouton user now knew the reason for his big improvement. As she passed the day with him, and saw how tired he seemed to be and knew from this, he probably must be training all day everyday. Trying to change from the depressive mode he seemed to be in, she spoke.
"Naruto-sama, I saw that when Kakashi-san gave you the application for the Chuunin Exams you were very excited. May I know why you are so eager to be a chuunin?"
Naruto blushed a bit in embarrassment. "Was I that easy to read? Well there are two main reasons for that. The First one is that when I become a chuunin I will be able to receive all my mother's scrolls. I hope that I can discover more things about my clan, including techniques and costumes with those. The second reason is that with a chuunin status, I will gain access to more information. This way I can learn more about Uzu no Kuni and also try to find the answers that I have been searching since the Uchiha Massacre."
Haku, always being a curios one, asked. "May I know what answers are you searching for, Naruto-sama?" The jinchuuriki changed his grin face to a serious one and said.
"Itachi-sensei was always a pacifist. Having grown up seeing the terror of the war, he was determined to bring peace to the village. He always avoided killing and unnecessary violence. So how can one man like this kill his entire clan, his family, in cold blood? Even if Itachi-sensei wasn't in his best terms with the Uchiha Clan, he would never do that without a reason and I don't believe in the ones he gave Sasuke, like he was just testing his power. And why he didn't kill Sasuke? Why he asked me to take care of Sasuke and not let him go away from Konoha? These are the answer I am searching for."
Haku understood her master point. His arguments were pretty consistent. Deciding to support him, she said. "You can always count on me, Naruto-sama. I will do anything you ask to. I also want to know something; do you want me to become a Konoha Ninja?"
Naruto seated on the couch in front of her and looked at her eyes. "Thanks for your support, Haku-chan. To answer your question, I don't want you too." Seeing Haku's shocked look he decided to explain. "Remember when I told you I want to search for information about my clan? If I don't find them here, I will have to go to Mizu no Kuni and search for them myself."
Haku was trying to understand his words. "But Naruto-sama, because of your duties to Konoha, you can't leave your village to go to another country. Not out of a mission. This means that to search information in Mizu no Kuni, you will have to become a …" She gasped at this, the trail of her thought finally getting what her master had planned.
"A Missing-nin, that's right. The villagers here hate me, so I'm sure they won't miss me. Sasuke is my brother, but I know he would understand me. My clan is the only connection that I have with my fathers and I will do everything to know more about them, even leave the village. I know that you would follow me even if I left Konoha." Seeing her agree with his line of thought, he proceeded.
"If you turn an official ninja, you will also become a missing-nin and with both of us in the bingo book, the number of people hunting us would be bigger, endangering your life. But if you stay as a civilian and just have a normal job, you will not be branded as a traitor and will remain safe"
The kunoichi was thinking of how her master really thought about protecting her and nodded. "I will do as you please, Naruto-sama." Naruto grinned again. "Don't worry about that, this is only a last-resort plan I hope I don't need to use it. For now, I just ask for you to help to train to the Chuunin Exams."
She smiled at him. "I will be happy to help you, Naruto-sama." Naruto smiled again at him and went for the door. "I will let you rest, Haku-chan, after all you had a tiring day. All you bought is already in your room and I also left some money so that you can buy things like food and your personal needs. If you need anything, you can ask me or Sasuke at the main house. Have a good night Haku-chan."
Haku nodded and waved at him, wishing him also a good night. She now needed to rest, because she would need to be in top notch to help her master in this coming week.
Three days had passed since Kakashi had given team Seven the applications for the Chuunin Exams. Each of them had been training very hard in these following days so that they could be at their best at the exams and have a trump card to use.
Each of them decided to take these days to train alone, without having their normal team trainings. They agreed that this could be good if they could focus only on their personal skills.
Sakura was currently at the Konoha Hospital, trying her best to heal an injured patient. Using the medical chakra that was been expelled in her hands, she had managed to do her work.
The medic-nin that had been supervising her medical training said. "You're getting really good at the Shosen no Jutsu, Sakura-san."
Sakura smiled at him and replied. "Thanks, Hosho-senpai."
In the middle of one of the Konoha training grounds, Sasuke stood painting, his body filled with bruises and with his Sharingan active. Many targets were spread in the training ground; all of them were filled with kunai and shurikens. Wires were discarded on the floor and one could see signs of burned grass.
The Uchiha turned to his teacher, who stood next to him "Let's try again sensei."
Kakashi, who had his Icha Icha opened in one of his hands, made a negative gesture. "No, Sasuke. I think we're done for the day. We should get to the hospital to heal these bruises; after all, you want to be in your best condition at the exams don't you."
The Uchiha grunted, but nodded in acceptance. Kakashi closed his book and left the place with Sasuke.
At the same time, in one of the secret training ground of the Uchiha Clan, there were also signs of intense training. Naruto and Haku stood on opposite sides. The Jinchuuriki was panting a lot, something which was rare to see. On the other side, Haku stood with a flabbergasted expression, her body filled with bruises.
Around them, many trees had deep cuts on their trunk; some were even cut completely in half. The grass area around them had show signs of serious burn marking, and puddles stood around the Hyouton user.
Haku looked to her master one last time, which seemed to be grinning with the success of his training. 'Such strength…It looked like I was sparring against Zabuza-sama…Naruto-sama, you are going to ace these exams.'
The day had finally come; the Chuunin Exams were going to start. Sasuke and Sakura stood waiting for Naruto at the front of the Academy.
Minutes later the Jinchuuriki appeared. "Good morning, Sakura-chan, Sasuke." The Uchiha looked at his brother and said. "So you finally changed your outfit. It was in due time, those clothes were like a trap. But what's with the obsession with the black color?"
Naruto was wearing the new cloths he had bought months earlier; the special event he had been waiting had finally shown itself. It consisted of black pants, black sandals and a black shirt. Above the shirt, there was also a black armor like the ones the ANBU use. Over it all, a light blue cape covered his entire body.
The Yondaime's Legacy grinned. "You're one to tell, pretty boy! You are also wearing black and you finally got rid of those arm protecters?"
True to Naruto's word, Sasuke was now wearing a black version of his old shirt. Long gone were his arm protections, which now consisted of white arm coverings.
The Uchiha snorted. "Only my shirt is black. About the arm protectors, without them I can move my arm faster."
Sakura, seeing that they would keep taunting each other, said. "I like your new outfit, Naruto." The Jinchuuriki turned to his female teammate and said. "Thanks, Sakura-chan! Wow, why did you cut your hair Sakura-chan?"
The kunoichi blushed and said. "It kept wandering in my eyes when training so I thought it was better short. What do you think, Sasuke-kun, Naruto?"
Sasuke, not wanting to being involved in such womanly affairs, just grunted in approve. Naruto also gave his opinion. "You look beautiful, Sakura-chan!"
Sakura turned away in embarrassment. "Thank you, guys."
Sasuke, not wanting to lose any more time said. "I think it's better to enter."
Naruto nodded. "Alright, let's go!"
And Team Seven parted without knowing what would wait for them.
So this is the chapter, guys!
I hope you like it.
I know I said the Chuunin Exams was going to start in this chapter, but I felt better to focus this chapter on the preparations.
Next Chapter, finally the Exams! How will Team Seven do in the First Stage? And the Second?
I also wanted to thank my beta, Element-Chaos, for all the help he has been giving me. Thanks, Jared!
Thanks for reading and have a nice weekend.
PS.: I have corrected some errors. Thanks for the help, Balatros.
Dictionary:
Mizu no Kuni – Water Country
Nami no Kuni- Wave Country
Uzu no Kuni – Whirlpool Country
Iwagakure – Hidden Rock
Takigakure – Hidden Waterfall
Sunagakure – Hidden Sand
Shosen no Jutsu – Mystic Palm Technique
