A.N: This chapter will address what are the rule of the final test and the consequence of the 2nd test for our hero
Kurama/Inner Flashback Italic/Bold is from last chapter, you can skip this part if it's fresh in you memory , (Character thoughts), Fragment of a potential Sasuke's redemption story if I have it in me.
For those who wonder, yeah I seriously have a lot of idea for that Sasuke's story so there is a good chance I'll give it a try after this one. Though the next chapter will be quite long before I wrote it I suppose. I'll tried my best. Thanks for you patience and sorry for the grammar XD.
Chapter 7: Fallout of the 2nd test
After the realization of what the red number might mean, the ninjas were awaiting eagerly who else will pass the door. Will anyone else will be added to the final test. The question was quickly answered as the green 13 turn into a 14. Someone else was coming. The door open and Tsume guide the 14th participant into the room, where she was greeted by her partner.
"Look like you made it Karui. I was started to get afraid that something bad might have happen to you."
"Don't worry Omoi, I kinda run into a little trouble. Someone was able to stole my tag and I didn't notice. I find a way to steal one back and get here as fast as possible. What's with all the fuss and the fear, I mean even with your worst scenario habit, you trust me more then this."
"I'm sorry but to catch you up to speed, only two more passing spot remain. Half the tag were destroyed during the exam."
"HALF OF THEM!? Well, no wonder everyone seems tense, let's wait for the other two. Well , if there is any." finished the red haired kunoichi.
While people was waiting, they all felt a huge tremor that was strong enough to shake the room a bit. A short while after it stopped, the green number move up to 15 as another person was guided into the room by Tsume. This time, the man was greeted by 2 ninjas this time.
"Glad you made it Apachi."said Hotaru
"You put a good show for us, shaking the whole room." added Zachiro
"Though I like a flashy entrance, it wasn't why I did it. I was jumped by like 10 people when I was so close. So I decide to shake them up a bit by fighting my way through here. I've decide to send a clear message that it wasn't such a good idea to jump me." answered Apachi
"Considering that there is only 1 tag left, I suppose that little stunt didn't work as much as you hope." asked Hotaru
"That explain why people still tried like they were desperate, no thinking process. Oh well, I've made it."
"One more left I suppose." stated the mist kunoichi
"Yeah, let's see which number will move up." finished Zachiro
People inside the room wait for like 3 hours until finally, the board number change to 16. Tsume guide the last participant in the room.
"Wait, REALLY?! the blind guy made it." said Chingaku
"I've seen everything." added Dingaku
"Not like him." said Singaku before the 3 brothers start laughing.
(What a bunch of jerks) though Hotaru and Matsuri.
(He's blind? Man that guy must be dangerous to make it here) thought Naruto, Kisuke, Kira, Hanabi and Zachiro.
(Impressive) thought Apachi and Omoi
(That guy is still impressive, after seeing him in the 1st test, arriving this late was probably part of his plan)thought Karui
(Great job Hamato, at least I'm not the only stone ninja who made it here. ) thought Ninatsuchi
"Well guys, with Hamato being here, the 2nd exam is officially over. Congratulations to you all for making it this far. You did an excellent job. The last exam proctor should be here in any minute now to give you the detail of the last test. Again, congratulations and good luck to you all." said Tsume before leaving them.
After she leaves, the ninjas start talking again until the door open for the last proctor to enter the room. When he appeared, the ninja stopped talking instantly, as they were eager to know what the last challenge was. The man was familiar to most ninja, only a few didn't know him, as he was one of the Mizukage's bodyguard. The mist shinobi had blue hair with an eye patch covering one of his eye. Not one to waste time, the man introduce himself before explaining the details of the last test. He said the following:
"Congratulations to all of you to have make it this far. My name is Ao. I'm the last proctor for this year jonin exam. It's gonna take place in 3 days time. As all of you should have figure it out by now, the exam was separate in 3 part for a reason. It was to test different abilities, depending on if you check alone or in a team of 2 or 3. The first part advantage those who check in a team of 3, the second part give the edge to people who checked alone. So it should come to no surprise that this last part is giving an advantage to those who enter as a team of two. Anyway, let's explain what are the rules for the last test.
The last test is going to be a 2 man squad tournament. If you have checked with a partner and your both still in this, you're are automatically paired up with him or her. For those who didn't check with a partner, you have to choose one for yourself. We keep this part last because during this whole test, you might either have face or have worked with the people you have to chose. This help evaluate if you can choose a partner wisely. It also split a 3 man team if there are any left, to see what would they do in a mission if there is a tough call to make. That's the nature of the exam.
As for the tournament, it's a 2v2 battle. The match end when both member of a team are either knocked out, forfeit the match or die. If your teammate is called knocked out, we don't move him from the battlefield unless the opposing team call for a medic to get him out of here. That means a knocked out teammate could be use as leverage in this test. If you decide to forfeit the match, you need to give the judge an explanation as to why you make that decision. If someone forfeit, the match stop. The judge need to hear the explanation of the forfeiting person. In this test, forfeiting can be a good thing, it's all depend of the situation. While that person explain, the opposing team can't attack this person or both member will be penalize. You'll be evaluate in all matches, about your teamwork, your skills and you strategy. Like most Chunin exam, the more matches you participate in, the better you can show your skills and the higher your chance of passing are. However, we will take into account the result of your other test as well. Some really need to show something, while other might already have enough to pass. Though this test should be taken most seriously.
What differ it from the Chunin exam is that the winning team automatically pass to Jonin. In other word, two of you are sure to become Jonin. You have 3 days to either rest, train and even elaborate you strategy with a potential partner. You can all start looking for one now. You can register in 3 days with you're partner, just before the exam start. This will take place in the bigger rebuild arena in the leaf for combat at 10o clock. Don't be late. If you don't have a partner by then, one will be assign to you. Finally, I'll inform you of the two man team who made it, because 2 did. They used to be partner so those might have higher chance to win this tournament . In other, find a partner and starting to think a strategy ain't such a bad idea. The 2 team are Karui and Omoi from the cloud and Naruto Uzumaki & Sakura Haruno from the leaf. We have a team of 3 who make it so another favorite will be the team of two between on of those 3 brother, Chingaku, Dingaku and Singaku. Finally, the rule concerning the jinchuriki is still the same. Does anyone have any question?"
….
"Good, then everyone is free to go. You're dismissed and I'll see you in 3 days as the judge of this exam. Know that all Kages will be in the attendance for this test, as well as wealthy client from different land. This is a good opportunity to make an impression. You all have your dream and this is a good step in that direction. See ya all." finished Ao while leaving the room. After he said those words , the room started to clear as ninja started to go their different ways. 3 in particular decide to get some ramen.
While that was happening, the kages were discussing the event of the second test. They were talking about the remaining candidate and their initial bet. The former Hokage start the discussion by saying.
"Things didn't look up well for me. Only Hanabi made it to the final test. She did great in the exam, I can see her winning the whole thing, depending on who she'll be teaming up with." said Tsunade.
(Time proves me right. Though I'm glad Hanabi made it) thought Kakashi
"Don't worry, lady Tsunade, sometime quality can get over quantity. Only Matsuri made it but I believe she could manage to pull it off. She did well in this exam and I think she have a good shot at this. Even if my bet seems off with the result, I'm glad she did it" said the young Kazekage
"I can't believe both Fudo and Calisto have lost. I was expected them to go all the way. They did good and I'm proud to call them stone ninja. It's up to my sister and Hamato to win the Though 2 out of 4 ain't so bad" said Kurotsuchi
"Yeah that's good, but not as much as 3 out of 4. All 3 potential new swordsmen of the mist have made the final cut. Things look great from were I stand." said Mei
"Well guys, seems like I have win this bet since all the candidate I told you about are still in this. Though it's worry me that those three are still there." said A
"Speaking of which, do you know anything about the weapon the 3 brothers are using lord Raikage." asked the current Hokage
"All I know is that they have made them 2 years ago, a little while after the war. I don't know where it's coming from but after such a display, those 3 are almost unstoppable."
"Maybe when they are all united, but one of them must leave the team for the final test. This might give the other a fighting chance to stopped those guys." said Gaara
"I hope so. I suspected them to have inherited the thirst of power their father had. If this turn-out to be the case and they won the whole thing, they might feel strong enough to try a coup on my village. That's why I allowed them to participate in this exam. I was hoping that they got defeated and learn a valuable lessons from it. Right now, it looks like I will have to teach them that lesson myself."
"Something odd though. Those weapon. They awfully familiar. The shield, The sword, the gourd. It all looks like it way too much."
"What do you mean lord Hokage?" asked Mifune.
"Well, The shield is reminiscing of the Toseka Blade and the shield seems to be reminiscing of the Yata Mirror. Both weapon where wield by Itachi Uchiha, when he faces Sasuke?
"You saw that battle?" asked the Tsuchikage
"I wasn't there but it looks like Akatsuki was monitoring the fight. After the war, we tried to find every Akatsuki hideout and we tried to salvage as much information as possible on them. After all, that kind of organization could easily have generate copycat or inspire people to make their own organization. We were able to find the tape of this fight. I watched it with my students, as we're all wonder what kind of fight took place between the Uchiha brother. Anyway, those weapon your ninja wield, Raikage-Sama seems awfully like the one Itachi's Susano'o was able to wield. Those are legendary weapon that shouldn't even be able to be access in this plane of existence. Your shinobi might have forged the gauntlet and the helmet, but those gems we saw, they don't look like the kind of thing you can just forged. "explained Kakashi
"You think someone give them those?" said A
"Yeah."
"That could be an enemy of cloud's" stated Mifune
"Shouldn't we arrest the brothers and interrogate them or something?" asked Kurotsuchi
"I don't think they know much. I rather have them continue the exam as if we know nothing. See what happened." said Kakashi
"You wanted to play it cool headed. I agree. However, we should bring up the security, in case of an attack during the exam. Wealthy people and the daimyo will be attending this last test, in case they are potential target." said Mei
"I agree with the Mizukage. Though I don't think anyone have the military power to take us all on right now, we better to stay on our guard. Protecting the people in the attendance should be our top priority in case of an attack." said Gaara.
"One last thing, in the spirit of fairness, shouldn't we allowed Naruto to use the nine-tails chakra like those 3 did." asked Kurotsuchi
"Allow me to explain Ao words, Lady Tsuchikage. The rules we put on a jinchuriki is that he isn't allowed to transform using it's tailed-beast. He never said anything about using his chakra or any passive abilities. He chose not to use those abilities in his fight with Fudo." answered Mei
"I see, so it would be legal if he use any passive abilities or enhanced his jutsu with it."
"Correct."
"Than it seems fair to me."
"Well, I wanted to thanks all of you for coming here. Now that those two test are over, this following of the exam are officially over. You are welcome to stay in the leaf, since the final test is in three days. I'll see you then. This meeting is adjourned." finished Kakashi.
"THIS RAMEN IS REALLY GOOD. I telling you Kisuke, it's gonna be hard to top this one." said Kira
"Right? Right!" said an excited Naruto
"Though I still think that the one in the land of Iron are better, I have to admit that this is quite the best ramen I have eaten outside of home. I understand why you were quite proud of them Naruto."
"Thank you Kisuke, but the real genius behind those are the old man and Ayame."
"Well, I'm trying my best here but I'm not quite there yet. Dad deserve all the credit."said the proud daughter.
"Nonsense Ayame. You are quite talented and I'll have no shame in landing you my business once I retired. Now Mister, I heard you came from the land of Iron and you taste a ramen as good as mine. Would it happen to come from a restaurant called Kazuki's ramen."
"Yeah of course, that the place."answered the samurai
"Oh I see. I know the cook there quite well and he is as talented as I am. You see, the cook there is my big brother. We're both use the family recipe for our ramen."
"YOU HAVE A BROTHER?" express Naruto in disbelief.
"Well, I see the resemblance now that you've mentioned it ."
"I never knew about this. What is he like? asked the curious blonde
"He quite a great cook. I suppose it in the family blood. I'm the handsome one though HA HA HA."
(You and uncle look alike very much.) thought Ayame
"Say hi to Motsu from me. I'll be visiting soon."
"No problem, I will." said Kisuke.
Both Tseuchi and Ayame went afterward to save more customer.
"Well that's settle it. Both ramen must be quite equal since they use the same recipe. That saved us a trip." said Kira
Both Naruto and Kisuke give her a serious look (almost death stared like) at her afterward
"We need to see this through. Beside, it's a good way to get some ramen from somewhere else. Maybe there is a subtle difference."said Naruto
"There is. Which is why you should definitely come."said Kisuke
"It's our duty as ramen expert to do so."
"My thoughts are exactly"
(Wait that's a thing. Nevermind. I suppose I'll have to do this since I said so. At least I'm in good company with those two. It's not boring)
"I get it fine, we'll go there too. After the exam is over." said the cloud kunoichi
"Speaking of which, Kira, would you mind being my partner for the last part." asked Kisuke
"I would love too, but I've already said yes to someone else."
"That's too bad. I'll find someone else then."
The 3 shinobi were continuing their meal until Naruto felt something calling him. He put some money on the counter, enough to pay for the 3 of them. He said that he was sorry to leave in such a hurry but something come up and he have to leave before disappearing in front of them.
"Well, that's impressively fast."
"Yeah, that was. It's gonna be fun fighting against someone like him. However he looked preoccupied. Something must have happened."stated the raikage grand-daughter.
Naruto reappeared in the hospital, near Sakura.
"Sakura-chan, what's wrong?"
"There you are Naruto. Come with me to the next room. It's Kiba."
"Kiba? What happened?"
"After I was done with Mikoshi, Kiba was transported by Tsume to the hospital. He was pretty beat up, I'll say even worst then when you went on that Sasuke rescue mission. He only wished to talked to you about what happened. I told him that that could relay the message on you but he wanted both of us to hear his story."
"That bad huh. Is Akamaru okay?"
"They said that Hana already taking care of him as we speak. It was badly beat up too."
"I see. Well, let's not make him wait and hear what he have to say."
"Right follow me." finished the pinkette
After saying that Sakura lead Naruto toward Kiba's room. He looks almost like a mummy, all banged up and from head to toe, though you can see his face. He was sitting down in the bed.
"Naruto, is that you?"
"Yeah, what happen to you?"
"I tried to help Shino fend off against 3 cloud ninja. Those guy are monsters. We had help from a puppet master but it wasn't enough. We use a lot of chakra and we all use how most powerful jutsu, but to no avail. We've got beat BAD."
"Calm down Kiba, don't put strain on yourself." said Sakura
" you mind telling me what do you remember? What happened exactly?"asked a serious Naruto
"Here what I remember."
Flashback
We were tracking Shino's scent, trying to join up with him since he had a tag. The closer I get, the more it became clear that he wasn't alone. When we find him he was attacked with another guy by a wind jutsu that was quite fast. We've decided to change into Cerberus and to use how new technique to protect Shino. From what we've gathered, the other guy were on our side since the jutsu was aiming at him as well. We've jump in and we use the technique.
"Fire style: Cerberus Ultimate Fang over fang." A whirlwind of Fire clash against the other two. The flame feed against the wind jutsu and the attack only get stronger. Before you know it both whirlwind were no more. Appearing before them, was a giant three headed dog. The new flame where all around it's body
"Thanks for the assist Kiba"
"Shino, I was saving this to beat Naruto, now I had to use it to save you instead so you better make it count. So what's the plan." one of the head said.
"Charge at them before you lose the extra flame. I'll make sure they don't run first though."
Shino bit his thumb, made a few and sign before saying : Summoning jutsu. Three giant beetles come out of the smoke, big enough to grab a man.
The three summon beetle where around the three brother before they start spitting a strange substance.
The other two tried to deflect before they understood that they weren't aiming at them directly but at everything surrounding them before disappearing. The strange substance than start flowing toward them.
"What did you do." asked Dingaku
"The whole surrounding of this area is all cover with the beetles saliva. It is really sticky. Moving from you're spot will only make you stuck into another one. It will dissolve in 1 hour, which is plenty of time now. If you move, choose your position wisely."
"Why telling them that?" asked Ian
"So they know the shield is their best shot. If you have a good offensive jutsu, long range would be ideal, anyway now is your chance."
"Your quite smart Shino. Let's do that. I'll summon my most prize puppet." finished Ian before it activate Turtosa tongue to roll out a scroll.
"Let's do this." finished Kiba while aiming his attack on the three brother. With no place to go, Singaku keep his on the flaming jutsu that start heading toward at them.
"I'll give you those extra flame, I'll make you lose them. Water style: Hydro pump"
The extra flame prove to be too much, because the water jutsu was weakened before making contact due to the intense heat generated by the fire.
"Damn it! Where this dog come from? No choice Dingaku! SHIELD!"
"Wait"
"On it" answered his brother before jumping in front of both his teammate sticking himself on the bug substance.
"Sapphire Shield"
"Damn it, now we can't run."
The ball start engulfing the whole team before the Cerberus collide with the shield. While their were blocking a giant smoke cloud appear, in the direction of Shino. From it, the last puppet of Ian emerge. The first major difference with this puppet was that it was huge.
"Hey Shino, Is it safe to assume that while attacking, your teammate absorb wind and fire nature chakra?"
"You assume correctly."
"Good, let's crack that shield wide open then."
With that, Ian control Turtosa so he could fill a hole on top of the head of his other puppet. Then that one start to come to life.
(This puppet is only good for one attack. Kankuro didn't want me to use it, since it has no hidden trap and is sole purpose is to drain almost all my chakra. It's an all or nothing move so let's hope for the best.)
At first the puppet look like a giant snake but as Ian activate it, you could see that it was in fact a giant dragon
"Ultimate Secret green move: "Shen-Lu's Eternal Flame"
You could see chakra orb accumulate from the mouth of the puppet. Once Turtosa inside, it act as its core, making it prepare the final attack by converting Ian chakra into his best weapon.
"FIRE"
A giant beam was shot. It was a chakra blast that was perfectly aiming at the shield.
(As expected, he can't unleash is counter until that shield doesn't have any pressure. It can't absorb energy indefinitely.)
When Ian jutsu was add to Kiba's attack, it reinforce it while getting more pressure into the shield.
"Guys, if those attack keep coming like that, I don't think the gem will hold on. We need a counter attack now."
"Singaku, I suppose you started to get interested in those attacks now. Use the vacuum to take away some pressure from the shield.
"Indeed. So much chakra. I need that fire power. Time to make it my own."
The ninja take off the gourde off his back. He took the gem from his helmet and put it on the gourde.
"It will be all mine. Emerald Vaccum: Fire Seal"
The shield begin to stop shaking as a hole was made for the attack to pass. However, the gourde start to suck up the additional blast and the flame generate by Kiba's jutsu from that hole.
The tide start to turn until some of Shino's bug start to find their way inside the shield. They then attack both Dingaku and Singaku, eating away there chakra in hope of countering their strategy..
"Damn this guy."
"Yeah, those bug might do the trick. I can't move while absorbing an attack."
"Well boys, I'm gonna zap the bug out of you. Then I'll end this fight for good." said Chingaku while touching both his brother shoulder and send electricity to them. He then proceed to use the nine-tails cloak and ask Dingaku to lower another par of the shield that protected them. At the second he did, Chingaku jump in the air outside. Shino never evaluate that he would go that far and that high. It was inhuman as he look like flying through the air. He pass through a bug swarm in the air before he finally stand on top of Shen-Lu's before saying
(They come from the air, far from the clash, that how they breach our shield. Doesn't matter, I'll take care of the dragon first.)
"Ruby's Sword"
The gem inside his glove start glowing and a large energy sword come out of it. When he start falling, he expertly aim at the dragon puppet head before cutting it in one fell swoop. As he planned, the core was indeed the head. All the other part only converted Ian's chakra to make his attack. Then he use the dragon remain to launch a second attack from below, piercing the head with that sword.
"That turtle puppet you use act as an extra defense. However, like any turtle, though the shell is quite hard, they are quite vulnerable against an attack from below. You lose kid."
Ian was indeed pierce by the sword while he red haired man told him those words in mid-air.
(Damn it, I'm lucky he didn't know exactly where to hit. It hurt like hell to be pierce by his sword but I should survive since he only connected with my shoulder.) thought Ian.
Chingaku then fall on the ground, which was cleared of beetle saliva since it jump quite the distance. The dragon head follow soon but disappeared before hitting the ground. Ian where no where to be found. Since the additional beam as disappear, Kiba was fighting a losing battle against both the shield and the vacuum. Bug still continue to try to help but in the end, the difference between them were too much. The flame from the Cerberus where absorb and soon after, Kiba attacked was stop. As soon as he did, he was right in front of Dingaku who has an evil smile :
"Eh Eh Eh, you did well, but this is the end of the line. Sapphire's COUNTER STRIKE."
The shield push the Cerberus with all the accumulate power it absorb. It was way too strong and way too far, knock it out as soon as it release his power. After all, Kiba gave his all in this attack and it was way more than his own strength in the counter strike. Chingaku tried to hit it with his sword, but it was flying way to fast and crashed far from them.
As we were flying away, I've tried to maintain the Cerberus form as long as possible because any damage done while I'm in this form is divide by 3. A third will recoil on me, another on Akamaru body and the last part drain both of our chakra instead of damage. Once I stop crashing into tree and stop moving all together, I release the transformation. Akamaru was unconscious. I was holding on barely. However, that wasn't the scariest part. What scare me the most is that with all that, I could still smell the 3 enemies, but I lost the smell of that puppet master and Shino. I couldn't believe it. I thought that maybe it's because I'm out of chakra or fear had take a hold of me, but that wasn't it. I've tried again and again, but I wasn't able to pick Shino smell. I was able to pick yours, Sakura and Hanabi but not Shino. Which can only mean one thing. They killed him. Akamaru was whimpering, so I did what I thought was right. I carry him out of the forest. I was able to fend off some creature that attack us and I found a way to get out of the forest. As soon as I saw my mom, I collapse, asking her to save Akamaru. She carry me to the hospital while they send a medical ninja take Akamaru to Hana.
End of flashback
"I failed man. Shino is dead and Akamaru is badly hurt. I wasn't strong enough to stop them."
"You did you best Kiba. You did everything in your power to help both Shino and Akamaru. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I know how you feel, I've been there. It's hard might be hard to understand since it just happened and no one really want to hear that, but I'm gonna tell you anyway, it's useless to beat yourself up."said Naruto
"Beside, you don't have to feel bad because you ended up better after an tough situation. You tried your best, you've tried to help and that what count. I've been there too and trust me, beating yourself up over it won't change anything. It will only hurt yourself more" added Sakura
"Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but that won't change the fact that I left Shino to die."
"You really are thickheaded aren't you? You did not do such a thing. Beside, from the way you describe their weapon, I don't think Shino is dead."stated the blonde
"Then why can't I smell him. I can find Akamaru, Shino and Hinata from miles away. It's the only option. It's not with us us anymore because I'm a wimp."
"What if Shino was seal away in another plane of existence. Would you be able to track him then?" asked the jinchuriki with a serious tone.
"! WHAT!? HOW?"
"The way they use those weapon, two of them seems awfully familiar. I watched the fight between Sasuke and Itachi, thanks to the recording the anbu find in an Akatsuki base. Those weapon seems to be awfully similar to the Yata mirror and the Toseka blade Itachi's Susano'o wield. The biggest question is how can they found a way to use those."
"Plus the fact that they can use Kurama's chakra. They must be related to Gingaku and Kingaku." stated Sakura.
"So you're telling me that Shino is alive!?"asked Kiba
"There is a good chance."
"I see. You know, when I sign up for the test, I wanted to face you again in battle to return that lost you gave me in the Chunin exam. You kind of become my rival there. Sadly, it seems that you still stronger than me Naruto. Remember when I told you about the Hokage. There is only one who can become it. It seems like you really are in the path of getting that title. That's why as a ninja of the leaf and as a friend, I'll asked you to do a favor for me. Beat them for me please and get back Shino. I'll get stronger for you sake and to help you reach that dream of yours if you do. Though even if you ended up Hokage, I'll will returned that lose to you. "
"That sound more like the Kiba I know. I would jump them right now if I listen to myself., but they are still cloud ninja. Though their action is despicable, they didn't break any rules in the exam. If we were to seek retribution right now, this could be interpreted as an act of war against the cloud. Given their lineage and the power they possessed, I think the Raikage hope secretly that someone defeat them, but if I act recklessly, he might have his hand tie on that matter. However, they are in the final test. If our path crossed, now will be the time to run wild on them and beat them up so if I get the chance, I'll promise I'll take care of them." said Naruto
"Don't forget about me. The last part of the test is a team battle. So promise that we will take care of them instead." added his teammate
"Right."
"Look at you, all diplomatic and everything. Cough Cough . Seriously guys, thank you, I'll appreciate it."
"Leave it to us" finished Naruto while giving a thumbs up.
They were about to leave they here a knock on the door.
"Can we enter?" asked a familiar voice
"It's all right. Come in." said Sakura
The room got two more person inside as Hinata and Hanabi Hyuga enter the room.
"We heard about Kiba being injured during the exam, so we came to check on him. Beside, I want him to know that Akamaru is fine now. He just need a lot of rest. How are you doing?" asked the older sister
"Thank god he's okay. What a relief. Don't worry about me Hinata, I'll be up in no time."
"He will need a lot of rest and stay put in bed for at least a week. Most of his wound were treated and he should make a full recovery. So don't try to sneak out of the bed before Kiba. I'll have Ino check on you while I'm in the exam with the order to do anything she want if you disobey." said Sakura trying to scare him off.
"Anything… she … wants?" shuttered a blushing Kiba.
"I thought you were trying to convince him to stay in bed Sakura, not giving him a strong urge to leave." said the blonde
"What do you mean?"
"Yeah I don't get it either." said Hanabi.
"Girls, think a little be more… se.." said Hinata while giggling and blushing.
As the Hyuga girl word set in, both Hanabi and Sakura get what the medical ninja words might have implied. They both got the same reaction.
"NOT LIKE THAT YOU PERVERTS" screamed both Sakura and Hanabi as the pinkette gently elbow Naruto."
"Why was that for. Kiba was thinking it."
"I didn't"
"Why are you blushing then Kiba? What's on your mind?" asked Hanabi.
"Nothing really, must be a fever."said an embarrassed Kiba who tried to find an escape.
"Want me to take care of that?" said Sakura with a scary face. Kiba gulped
"As for you question Naruto, why the word STRONG URGE" asked Sakura
(This is where you die kid, glad to have known you) state Kurama in his head.
"Shut up."
"What do you mean shut up" a vein was popping in Sakura forehead.
"Not you, Kurama start laughing on how I'm gonna get killed. Anyway common, , I mean with that kind of poor phrasing, any guy will rush out of the bed if you said that a hot girl like Ino or Hinata would do anything they desire, except maybe Sai since he probably wouldn't get it that way..."
(Naruto find me hot) thought Hinata while blushing
(Naruto totally flattered her without even noticing and he talked about Sai being dense, at least, this will help her in her self-esteem, knowing that it wasn't because he didn't find her attractive that he didn't want to be with her. That was pretty clear the way she describe it to me but they might have been a doubt that was there, I suppose it's normal after a rejection. I'm glad he is dense. Saying that in front of his girlfriend, he's gonna get it for sure) thought Hanabi while laughing internally.
"… but in my eyes, you're the one that the hottest. Tell me the same thing and the fact that I know what you could do to me first hand, even paralyze I'll tried to jump out of bed to get it." said Naruto
The vein on Sakura forehead disappear as a blush formed in her face.
"Good answered, no need to elaborate more."stated the pinkette who was trying to hide that blush.
"No no go ahead, I want to hear the detail."said Kiba
"Maybe you would like to stay in this bed for one more week." answered Sakura with the scary face back on.
"I'm good. Ma'am." gulp the injured man who want to come out of the hospital as soon as possible.
"I'm glad to see that all of you seems to doing fine." said Hinata who was sincerely happy to see her friend acting so casually while one of them is on a hospital bed.
"May I asked if any of you saw Shino. We didn't seems to find it with our Byakugan and they said that there is nobody else in the forest of death." asked Hanabi,
Just like that the mood in the room change has Kiba was bowing his head down while the couple was struggling if they should break the news or if they should let Kiba handle it.
"What did I do wrong?" said Hanabi nervously and guilty to have make the a totally different atmosphere.
"Well, it's..."
The Inuzuka man interrupt her and said
"It's okay Sakura, I will told them myself"
"As you wish."
Kiba proceed to tell him what happened to him and in the process what happened to Shino with the possibility that he still be alive. He then said why looking Hinata in the eyes.
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect our teammate. I still felt like I'm responsible for what happen out there. If we had retreated, maybe we could have a chance or if we had a better plan, or if…"
"KIBA. Stop with the if. I know you blame yourself but it's not your fault. Don't forget that Shino is a ninja and he knew what he sign for when he headed in the Jonin exam. What's done is done. Honestly, I don't think you could have retreated since they've got the red chakra. They would have hunt you down. You strategy of attack was good. You didn't knew about those weapon and if we are to be honest, you had no way of knowing and this is the kind of weapon that can beat even the strongest ninja if they find a way to caught them of guard. You come back alive with valuable information about them, which will give our 3 friend in this room a huge advantage by knowing what they're going up against if they have too." said Hinata
"Isn't it cheating to collect information on our opponent before the event." asked Hanabi
"No it's part of the test. Let me explain it to you. In the chunin exam, after the forest of death, you have a preliminary round where you have the chance to see all the genin in action and you've got months to prepare before the final event. The preliminary round is make so that everyone involved doesn't have to search for the information. By seeing a fight, you know what the people in there are capable of. That why you better keep you best technique hidden through that round. Sometime, a shinobi need to see a technique only once to know how to counter it. Things are different in the Jonin exam. The test is made differently since a Jonin is someone who is suppose to be able to lead a team of ninja. They didn't give you the intel on every ninja, you're supposed to get it. The more Intel you collect, the better you can prepare for the last phase.
The final phase is a team battle to reward the team that made it through the whole exam. Take Naruto and Sakura, they already train with each other and have been partner for years. They don't have to work on chemistry. While you need to find an unknown partner to you Hanabi. Intel on your partner can help you choose more wisely for someone who is more compatible as a teammate. Sometime in mission, you will be force to make an unlikely alliance on the fly and face opponent who knew each other. Or make an impossible choice like fighting a rogue teammate or sacrifice on for the sake of the mission. This is a harsh reality that the test prepare you for. No one wants to do those but you need to be prepare in any case." state her older sister
"I see what you mean big sis. But the simple no would have done the job, I trusted your word." said Hanabi while smiling.
"Sorry to have get carried away." answered the embarassed blue haired girl.
"Now that we know what we are facing. I hope to see you in the exam guys, this will make a great match and Kiba, if I happened to cross path with those 3, I'll be the one who take care of them. No one mess with my sister team."
"Thanks all of you for everything" said Kiba as all their word really cheer him up and gave him hope that he will see both Shino and Akamaru once he'll be cleared to come out of the hospital.
"Yeah, this will make a great match, did you found any partner Hanabi?"asked Naruto
"Like I tell you if I did. Didn't you hear what Hinata just said." answered the younger Hyuga
"Yeah, a direct question like that ain't the most subtle way to go but then again, Naruto is a pretty straightforward guy." stated Sakura.
"Sorry about that. I suppose I tell you good luck into finding one." said the blonde
"Well thanks."
"Anyway, I think we should all leave. Kiba need resting and all. I'll join you at your house Naruto. I've got a pile of paperwork just waiting for me at the office."
"Great, I'll spy on Hanabi to know who her mysterious partner is."
"Good, tell me all about it at home."answered Sakura while giving Naruto a quick parting peck.
"You know that I am here right." said Hanabi while getting totally ignore by the couple antics.
"They totally got you didn't they?" said Hinata who tried not to laugh.
"They didn't?!" said her embarrass sister .
"We'll come ans see you tomorrow Kiba. Take care." finished Naruto.
After they exit the room, Naruto asked.
"Hey guys, mind if I tag along with you for an hour or two. It's been a long time and we could catch up."
"Well, I'm sorry but I can't stay, I need to find myself a partner. Keep an eye on him will you Hinata. I don't want him to spy on me ." said Hanabi with a grin before lefting them.
"What about you Hinata."
"I don't have anything schedule, let's catch up Naruto." finished Hinata while smiling.
The two friends leave the hospital heading toward Ichiraku ramen, even though Naruto left the place not so long ago, but Hinata doesn't need to know that nor Sakura later that night.
"So Yamato, what do you want to talked to me about."
"We might have a problem Lord Hokage. He got away with your pupils DNA. I don't know what he wants to do with those, but that can't be good. He was able to teleport with a reverse summoning with a Rinnegan amulet like."
"Rinnegan? Are you positive?" asked Kakashi
"Yeah and what's most scary is that he didn't want to fight me at all. He talked as if he fought the first Hokage. I thought I trapped him before he disappeared and that where I sense it."
"Sense what?"
"He was using the transformation jutsu all along while fighting. We don't know what he looks like and we don't even know if he is really from the hidden rain."
"Yeah this could be a problem, he chose the rain specifically since their border are close and we can really go in there without any tangible proof. Right now we only have doubt. He refer to Naruto as Minato's son from what you tell me. Maybe he's an enemy of the 4th Hokage. I'll make some research on that. Our first step will be to identify who is this guy and what's his goal. I don't think he's a immediate threat since it seems to have enter the exam only to get to Naruto and Sakura. I suppose to see Sasuke in two weeks. That give us two weeks to learn as much as we can on who he can possibly be. I'll send Sasuke on that mission he wanted two years ago."stated the Hokage
"Are you sure?" asked the anbu
"We don't have any choice but I wouldn't worry. Sasuke is quite good and won't mess this mission up and if someone can do it, it is him and his team. Tell Shio that I wanted a list of every known enemies of the 4th Hokage."
"Yes sir." said Yamato before disappearing.
(I have a bad feeling about this.)thought Kakashi.
A.N: That's it. I wanted to do a lighter chapter that explain the exam and had a lighter tone ( the whole ramen deal XD) , with all the fight and all. Kiba being a friend to Naruto, I felt like I should address this issue in this chapter. He kind of have the survivor guilt ( though nobody is dead) he is the one who was doing better in that situation. I include Hinata and Hanabi since Shino and Kiba were her teammate. I wanted to show too that just because Naruto is with Sakura, that doesn't mean he would stop talking to Hinata. She is still sensitive as to what Naruto think of her but she consider him a dear friend. She admire his never give up attitude and his ability to see the good in people, as she aspire to be like that. That how I tried to portray her. In this, she's been leader of the clan for one year. She wants Hanabi to lead with her, thus that why she is in the exam (It was said at one point in the story). That was a lot of explaining for the 3rd test and you can clearly see who are the antagonist in the last part. Who do you think will be teaming up with who. What will be the match up.
Next time: The tournament Quarter Final.