Chapter 13:::Preliminary Scolding
Nami smirked and stood up straight. "Hello Hinata-chan, Shino-kun...mutt-face." Kiba glared, Nami stuck her her tongue out at him.
Hinata looked between Nami and Kibi nervously, and then the large craters she had made. "Nami-san...why are you destroying the building?"
Nami shrugged. "Well I was bored and I decided train a bit, there's nothing else to do. Gen and Fuyu went to sleep right after we got here, and Naruto isn't here yet," Hinata blushed at the mention of Naruto name, but Nami didn't notice and continued to rant. "So I don't have anyone to hag out and/or spar with. Although, that problem can be easily solved." A large grin formed and she looked at her three former classmates. All three stiffened.
Nami walked towards them, creepy smile still in place. "What's wrong guys, you all look a little nervous. Something bothering you Kiba-kun?"
Kiba straightened and glared. "Yeah, you. What are you thinking, you acting strange, no wait I take that back, you're always acting strange, now you're just creepy."
Nami pouted and unwrapped her chain sickle. "Don't be so mean Kiba-kun, I just want to play!"
She threw the ornament end of the chain at him, knowing he would dodge, and he did. He jumped away and Nami ran at him, trying to land a kick to his face. While doing so she maneuvered her chain so it wrapped around Kiba, immobilizing his arms.
"Nami-san!" Hinata cried. Shino just silently watched far his position near the wall. No one could see that he was highly amused because of his high collar and sunglasses. He grabbed Hinata's arm and pulled her to the side.
"No use trying to get them to stop."
Before Nami could successfully kick Kiba, he spun with the chain and as it loosened he jumped away from Nami. Nami jumped back also, catching the ornament as it flew back at her. She smirked at Kiba.
"I do love the way we greet each other. Now tell me again, what's the score to this little game?" Before Kiba could say anything she nodded to herself and smirked. "Ah, right...Me-10 wins...you-0." She laughed and Kiba glared.
"Each time you cheated and caught me off guard!"
Nami crossed her arms and scoffed. "Are you a ninja or not. It's not like the enemy is going to jump out of their hiding place and yell- 'Here I am! Kill me!'"
Kiba threw his hands in the air. "It still doesn't count! We were still in the academy for at least eight of those wins, and the other two I was asleep!"
Nami shrugged. "You were still in battle territory."
"I was in my house!"
Nami shrugged again. "Well that just teaches you to keep your windows locked. Now are we just going to stand here arguing about my wins, or are we going to fight?" She didn't give him time to answer. She once again jumped at him and this time really did kick him, but landed it to his side. As he fell she heard a small whimper. Her eyes widened and she ran to Kiba's side.
"Oh no, are you alright-"
Kiba sat up, surprised that she was asking, considering it was her who kicked him. "I'm-"
"-Akamaru?! I didn't know you were there!" She grabbed the little white puppy from Kiba's coat and cuddled him, glaring at Kiba as she did. "Why didn't you tell me he was there?!"
Kiba growled. "Like you gave me time to say anything!"
Nami huffed and turned away from Kiba. "I'm sorry Akamaru, but really it was the mutt-face's fault-"
Akamaru gave an offended bark.
Nami quickly apologized. "Right sorry. It was that baka's fault, that better?"
Akamaru nodded his head.
Nami smiled and scratched him behind the ear. "Oh, you're too cute for your own good. You should teach your tricks to that master of yours." She shot Kiba a look before walking over to Shino.
Kiba sighed, annoyed. "Oh, yes, I'm fine. That kick to the ribs didn't hurt at all." He watched as Akamaru happily snuggled into Nami's embrace, throwing Kiba a smug look from his place nestled between Nami large chest. Kiba glared at his so called best friend. "Man's best friend my ass."
Nami, oblivious to the two, continued to pet Akamaru. She was confused as to why he was shaking so much. She looked over at Kiba as Hinata helped him up. "Hey, Kiba, what's wrong with Akamaru-kun? He seems really scared by something."
Kiba shook off Hinata's arm when he was finally standing and walked over to Nami and Shino's place by the wall; Hinata followed. He looked at Akamaru, who was violently trembling. Kiba Began to pet Akamaru also, trying to sooth him. "He's been like this for 12 hours, ever since he saw that scene..."
Nami tilted her head as Hinata shivered and Kiba's eyes clouded over. "You know those three from the Hidden Sand?" Kiba asked.
Nami nodded.
Kiba sighed. "That red haired one isn't normal. When we got there he had confronted three ninja from the Hidden Rain Village. When Akamaru got scared I thought the Rain-nin were the dangerous ones, but I was wrong. The Sand guy, Gaara, had confronted the Rain-nin not for the scroll, but so he could just kill. When the Rain-nin attacked he didn't even move, the sand from his gourd protected him, and that's not all...it had a strong smell..."
"Smell?" Nami muttered. "What kind of smell?"
Kiba looked at her. "It smelled of blood."
Nami blinked. "Blood? Really? What happened next?"
Kiba winced. "When the guy from the Rain tried to attack he was surrounded by sand and without even trying the red head killed him. When the other two from the Rain gave him their scroll he killed them too. He would have killed us too if his siblings didn't stop him. We're lucky to be alive."
Nami sighed. "Well, now I'm really glad I decided to take the long way around!"
Shino raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Nami smirked. "Well we, Gen, Fuyu, and I, were probably traveling the same path as you guys. And at some point we stopped so I could use a new technique I've been developing. It's sort of like the Hinata's Byakugan, but not as strong. I use water molecules in the air to locate things; the air and humidity around living things is different compared to non-living things. When I used my technique I saw ten living thing in the distance. I figured that four were you guys because of Akamaru, and the other were some unknown threat. So my team and I thought that it would be best if we took the long way instead of confronting anyone who would may have been able to take our scrolls. I mean, what kind of idiot would rush into a fight if they already had the scrolls needed."
Squad 8 was silent and Kiba looked down at Akamaru with a guilty expression on his face. Nami raised an eyebrow.
"You didn't...you did?! You really are an idiot!"
"Look, at the time it seemed like a good idea, getting rid of the completion, how was I supposed to know there was some deadly and bloodthirsty ninja there?!" Kiba growled.
Nami glared. "You wouldn't have known, but that's not the point. The mission for this test was to retrieve an Earth Scroll and a Heaven Scroll, which you did. It's not get as many as you can! If this was a real mission you would have failed, and what's more you put your team in danger. The role of a Chuunin is that of a leader. You obviously aren't ready for that kind of responsibility, no matter how strong or brave you think you are! In a life or death situation a true leader would make a decision that is best for the team and not for themselves. Think about that next time you want to do something stupid!" Nami handed the trembling Akamaru to Kiba and turned away, heading towards the door. As she did she came face to face with Gaara of the Sand.
Hinata, Shino, and Kiba froze. "Nami-san..." Hinata said softly.
Nami's eyes widened as she stared into the cold teal eyes of the red head in front of her. Before she could do anything someone grabbed her arm and pulled her out of Gaara's way. She watched at Gaara continued to walk, his sister following. Nami looked up at Kankurou.
"What the hell, let go." She tried to get him to let go.
He rolled his eyes. "You should be thanking me."
It was her turn to roll her eyes. "Yeah, sure, but really I should still be mad about strangling me the day, so don't be surprised when I don't thank you. Now let go."
His grip tightened. "Ungrateful brat."
She just gave him a look. "Rather be a brat than a bully, beside you're probably only a couple years older than me. Now let go of my arm before I decide to use force."
He sneered and let go of her. "This is why I hat kids, too damn cocky for their own good."
She rolled her eyes and walked past him, bumping her shoulder against his. "For your information I'm almost 13, technically I'm not a brat."
Kankurou rolled his eyes and followed his siblings, throwing a smirk towards Hinata, Kiba, and Shino.
Gen, Fuyu, and Nami made their way towards the arena where the Hokage and other Chuunin examiners were waiting. Te five days was finally up and the Second Exam was over. Almost all the rookie Genins had made it, all except Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. This worried Nami quite a bit. When Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji had arrived they told he what had happened after they left. Lee and Tenten also mentioned what occurred when they were in the forest. Nami had happily greeted all of her friends as they arrived, but Naruto had yet to arrive, or so she thought, and she was worried.
As they entered the large room her eyes brightened and she ran over to the blond haired Genin and jumped on his back.
"Naruto! You made it! Yay!"
Naruto grimiced and almost fell over because of the weight. "Nami-chan, get off!" He bucked and Nami fell off. Right as she hit the floor she bonced back up as if nothing happened.
"You were cutting it really close Naruto, what took you so long, I was getting worried I would have to become a Chuunin without you."
Naruto crossed his arms and smirked. "Yeah right, you'd never be able to become stronger than me!"
Nami laughed under her breath. "Too late." She muttered under her breath.
"What?"
She smiled innocently. "Nothing, just saying how smart and strong you are Naruto."
Naruto smirked and placed his hands on his hips. "That's right!"
Nami shook her head at her friends gullibility. Suddenly she noticed a weary looking Sakura and Sasuke. Cocking her head to the side she took in Sakura's hair.
"Sakura, I like your hair. Shorter hair is much easier to fight with anyway. I don't know what you all were thinking when you decided to grow your hair long...Although I seem to remember all the girls in class doing it because they heard that Sa-" Sakura and Ino, who had just walked in, quickly put a hand over Nami's mouth and dragged her away.
Everyone watched as Nami got attacked by the two girls. Nami quickly escaped their clutches and hid behind Chouji and Shikamaru.
"They're crazy, all I was going to say was that Samusi-sensei would give extra credit if the girls grew out their hair for a practice mission a couple years ago."
Shikamaru sighed. "How troublesome."
Nami glared and jumped on his back, pinching his cheeks. "Don't look so grumpy Shiki-kun, smile, you passes the Second Exam!"
Shikamaru tried to get her off, but she wouldn't budge. Chouji laughed and grabbed Nami around the waist and dropped her.
"Ow." Nami glared up at Chouji. "That was mean Chouji-kun. I was going to make you a special meal after this, but now I don't think I will."
Chouji's jaw dropped. "What? Come on Nami-chan, don't be so cold."
Nami just shook her head and stood up, walking towards her teammates.
"Nami-chan..." Chouji hung his head and sighed, rubbing his stomach. "Now I'm hungry."
Once all participants had arrived, Anko called for their attention. Each team, a total of 8, lined up with their teammates. Nami's team stood in between Lee's team and Naruto's team. Nami was in front of Fuyu, but behind Gen.
"First off, congratulations on passing the Second Exam." Anko said with her microphone headset.
Nami smirked as she watched Gai talk to Squad 7's sensei, Hatake Kakashi. Nami's teacher, Ami, stood in between Kakashi and Gai. Gai was talking to Kakashi, although Kakashi didn't look like he was paying attention. He blinked and looked at Gai, muttering something. Gai pulled at his hair and it looked as though a fire had erupted around him. Nami laughed under her breath; she saw Ami also smile amused, and place a hand on Gai's shoulder. Gai looked down at her. Ami said something and Gai blushed. After a second her crossed his arms and closed his eyes, trying to look cool. He opened his eyes again mid-sentence, but when he looked at Ami she was trying to get Kakashi's attention, and once again Gai turned away, hands fisted, flames bursting around him.
Nami blinked. I've never seen Gai-itoko act like that, and why is Ami-sensei blushing. She noticed that her mother, who was standing next to Iruka, was also looking at Gai and Ami, although she had more of a knowing look on her face than a confused one.
Nami looked to her left as a fiery determination appeared in Lee's eyes. "Just watch, Gai-sensei...I will shine, too!" A troubled expression suddenly crossed his face. Nami place a hand on his shoulder.
"You okay, Lee?"
Lee blinked and nodded. "Of course!"
Nami nodded, retracting her hand.
Anko continued in her speech. "We will now have an explanation of the Third exam from Hokage-sama." Anko yelled into her microphone. "Everyone listen well!" She turned to the Hokage and bowed her head. "Hokage-sama, please do the honors."
The Hokage nodded and step forward, clearing his throat. "The Third exam will begin, but before the explanation there's one thing I want to make clear to you all. It's about the true purpose of the exam."
True purpose? Nami thought, confused.
"Why we do a joint examination with the allied nations." The Hokage continued. "'To maintain good relations with the allied nations' and 'heighten the level of the ninja.' Do not let those reasons deceive you. This "exam", so to speak, is" He paused and took his pipe out of his mouth. "..the epitome of war between the allied nations"
"What do you mean?" Tenten and Nami asked at the same time
The Hokage took a puff from his pipe. "If we go back through history, the allied nations right now were neighboring countries that have fought each other over and over again. To avoid wasting military power, those countries decided to choose a place to fight. That is the beginning of the Chuunin Selection Exam." The Hokage finished.
"Why do we have to do that? We're not doing this to select Chuunins?" Naruto asked angrily.
"Yes this Exam does examine those worthy of the Chuunin title," He took another puff. "But, on the other hand, it's also a place where ninja can fight and carry their country's dignity. In this Third Exam, feudal lords and famous people from various countries who may be potential clients are invited here as guests. And feudal lord from countries with hidden villages and ninja leaders will see you in battles!
"If there's a significant difference in power, the strong country will be flooded with jobs. If a country is seen as weak, their jobs will decrease. And at the same time, countries are able to show how their village has grown and passes excellent military power to the adjacent countries. In other words, they can put foreign pressure on them."
"So why do we have to fight with the risk of losing our lives?" Kiba asked angrily.
Nami knew he was think about what happened with Akamaru.
The Hokage ignored his disrespectful tone. "A countries power is the village's power. A village's power is the ninja's power. And a ninja's true power is only born in life-or-death battle. This Exam is also a place to show off the ninja power of one's country. Since this is an exam where you fight with your life on the line, it has a meaning and your predecessors have fought and dreamed of being in the Chuunin Exam because of it." The Hokage said loudly, passion in his voice.
"But why do you say to promote good relations?" Nami yelled, confused.
"I told you in the beginning not to get it confused with that." The Hokage said annoyed. "The customary of showing one's life and fighting to maintain balance...That is the good relation in the world of the ninja. This is a life-or-death battle for your dream and village's dignity."
Naruto smirked and crossed his arms. "I understand now."
"I don't care" Gaara said lowly. Nami saw Akamaru tremble in fear. "Tell us the details of this life-or-death exam." Gaara glared.
The Hokage nodded and held up a fist. "Then I will now begin the explanation of the Third Exam, but..." The Hokage started coughing and a Chuunin appeared kneeling before him.
"Excuse me, Hokage-sama." He said with his head bowed. "I, Gekkou Hayate, the judge, will explain."
"Please do." said the Hokage, thankful.
Hayate nodded and stood up, but didn't turn. "Everyone, it's nice to meet you." He turned his head and Nami saw bangs under his eyes and he looked pale.
"Everyone, before the Third Exam," He coughed. "There's something I want you to do..." He went into a small coughing fit. When he stopped he turned and faced then. "Fight in some preliminary matches to see who gets to advance to the Third Exam's main battle."
"Preliminary matches? What do you mean?" Shikamaru yelled. It was the most animated Nami had seen him.
Nami scowled. "Why can't we go straight to the Third Exam?!"
Hayata sighed. "In this case, it must have been because the First and Second Exam were too easy, I don't know, but there are too many examinees left. According to the Chuunin regulations, we must decrease the number of participants for the Third Exam. As previously mentioned by Hokage-sama, there are many guests for the Third Exam so we cannot just have a lot of matches. We are limited on time as well. So those who aren't feeling well..." He started coughing loudly.
Talk about not feeling well. Nami thought sarcastically.
Hayata finally stopped. "Excuse me. If anyone wants to quit after hearing the explanation, please let me know. The preliminary matches will begin immediately."
"Immediately?!" Kiba yelled, outraged.
"But we just got done with through the Second Exam." Ino whined.
"How troublesome." Shikamaru muttered.
"What?" Choji said shocked. "What about my meal?"
"I forgot to mention this." Hayate continued. "But you will have one-on-one matches from here on out. So please withdraw if you wish."
Nami looked to her right when two people raised their hands, Yakushi Kabuto, Tsurugi Misumi
"What is it?" The Hokae asked.
Kabuto just smiled. "I'll quit."
Misumi, who looked like he was going to pass out, grunted a response. "Me too."
Hayata looked at him then his clipboard. "Lets see. You are Konoha's Yakushi Kabuto and Tsurugi Misumi?" They nodded. "You may leave then."
They both nodded and Misumi made his way towards the door. Kabuto also turned to leave, but before he could get very far Naruto yelled out to him.
"Kabuto-san, why are you quitting? Why?!"
Kabuto looked at Naruto apologetically. "I'm sorry Naruto-kun, but my body is completely worn out already. Even before the First Exam, after my quarrel with the Sound guys, I couldn't hear anything in my left ear. I can't fight right away, especially if it's a life or death battle."
Naruto looked away and Kabuto walked away with a wave after exchanging words with his team.
Nami narrowed her eyes at Kabuto's retreating back. I don't trust him. She looked back over at Hayate as he cleared his throat, or just coughed.
"May I assume there are no more people who wish to retire?" Hayate paused and when no one said anything he continued. "Then, let's begin the preliminary matches. It will be a one-on-one match. In other words, it will be like real combat. Now that we have 22 people, we will have 11 matches, and the winners will be able to advance to the Third Exam. There are no rules. You will fight until the other person dies or is knocked out or admits defeat. If you do not want to die, please give up immediately. However if I judge that the match is over, I may stop you to prevent any unnecessary deaths.
"The thing that will hold your destiny-" He looked at Anko, who nodded and spoke into her microphone.
One of the blue slots on the wall opened and reveled a black screen.
"-will be this." Hayate motioned to the screen. "This electric bulletin board will randomly display the names of two fighters for each match. Without further ado, I will now display the names for the first match."
Nami watched as everyone's name flashed for a second, she catch site of hers a couple of time, before it finally stopped.
She let out a disappointed sigh. It's not me...yet
Akadou Yoroi
vs.
Uchiha Sasuke
"Those whose names were displayed, step up." Hayate said.
Sasuke and Yoroi walked to the front of the groups and faced each other.
"The first match's fighters are Akadou Yoroi and Uchiha Sasuke. Are there any objections?"
"No!" Both of the fighters said.
Nami watched Sasuke intently. What's wrong with him? What's wrong with his shoulder?
Hayate sighed. "We will now begin the first match. Everyone other than the two fighters, please move up there." He motioned to the sideline stages. Squads 7, 8, 9, 10, and Lee's team moved to the stage to their right, while the rest went to the left. Each team's Jounin teacher followed their team.
Nami smiled at her teacher. "Ami-sensei!"
Gen was also happy to see his teacher. "Ami-sensei!" HE jumped up and hugged Ami around the neck. She was caught off guard and fell backwards. Before she reached the ground Gai caught her.
"Be careful Ami-san, I'd never forgive myself if you got hurt." He flashed her a large smile, teeth shining.
Ami blinked and tilted her head. "Yes, getting hurt wouldn't be a very pleasant experience, thank you for catching me." She moved away and linked her hands behind her back, smiling pleasantly.
Gai blushed and stuttered a response. Nami raised an eyebrow and stepped forward.
"Are you alright, Gai-itoko, your face is turning red?"
Ami turned to Nami, looking surprised. "Itoko?" She turned back to Gai and smiled. "Are you related to my little student, Gai?"
Gai blinked, just staring at Ami, before violently shaking his head, smiling brightly. "Of course! Nami is like a little sister to me, and I have taken it upon myself to mold her young mind so she can become a great ninja one day."
Nami gave a thumbs up. "Yep, Gai-itoko is like an older brother to me...I'm proud to say he's my favorite family member!"
Tears of joy began to form and Gai picked Nami up, hugging her tightly and spinning her around, causing everyone on the right stage to stop and look.
"I'm so honored you think so highly of me, dear sweet Nami! Favorite family member!"
"Gai-ito...Gai-niisan, I'm getting dizzy!" He didn't seem to hear her. Nami sighed and just hung limply in his arms.
Suddenly a woman who looked remarkably like Nami appeared next to Gai and hit him. "Gai, stop being stupid, let go of my daughter."
Gai dropped Nami and rubbed his head. "Sorry, Suki, I got a little worked up for a moment there, but did you hear what she said?!"
Suki just rolled her eyes.
All the while everyone was watching the scene unfold.
"Nami-chan is related to super brow?!" Naruto cried.
A gleam appeared in Nami's eyes and she jumped up and hit Naruto. "Don't talk like that about Gai-niisan!"
Naruto rubbed his head. "Why is everyone always hitting me."
Nami sighed and made her way back to her team and mother.
"Nami-san, how are you related to Gai-sensei?" Hinata asked as Nami stopped near her..
Nami smirked. "He's my first cousin once removed. The resemblance is uncanny, ne?"
Hinata blinked, looking between Nami and Gai, who was once again standing next to his team. "Umm..Ano.."
Nami held up a hand. "I know, I know, but how about when I do this." She gave a thumbs up, smiling brightly. "The power of youth is with you!"
Hinata smiled, laughing softly. "Yes, I'm beginning to see it, Nami-san."
Nami smiled at her shy friend and leaned onto the railing, folding her arms, and watched as Sasuke and Yoroi glared at each other.
Suki placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Nami, I'm going to watch the match over there where Ibiki-san, Anko, and Hokage-sama are."
Nami shrugged, not taking her eyes away from the two fighters. Suki smiled and formed a hand seal, the next second she was gone, a puff of smoke in her place.
Hayate looked at both Sasuke and Yoroi and he slowly raised a hand. "Begin."
Gosh I'm tired, it's like 4 in the morning, you people better be grateful and not scold me if you read any mistakes...although if you thought the chapter was mega-dumb then don't be afraid to give me a good talkin to, I always like feedback, both positive and negative! ...Well that's not true, if someone reviews just saying that the story was stupid then I really don't want to hear it! Because what's the point of reviewing, even if it's a negative review, if the reviewer isn't even going to tell me why my story is bad.
Okay now I'm rambling, I tend to do that when I'm tired...I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
REVIEW!
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