Chapter 14 and the beginning of the Chunin exams. This chapter is a little longer than usual but I felt like it does the occasion justice, so enjoy.

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Chapter 14

Kumogakure

"So you've been entered into the Chunin exams eh? That's quite a feat for one so young. Are you excited about it?" asked Minato as he and his son sat atop the Nidiame Hokage's head on the Hokage monument. They both sat on the grass as looked over the village. The sun was setting in the distance, letting the moon take its place.

Beside him Naruto gave him an excited grin, one that reminded him of his.

"I'm a little nervous", he said uncertainly.

"Oh?" encouraged Minato.

"It's in Kumogakure and well Kaa-chan told me that-

"Stop sochi", said Minato making his son look at him.

"Huh?" he asked confused.

"Don't focus on the events on the past, you can't change them, what's done is history but the future is yours to mould", he smiled at him. "You can choose to hold a grudge or you can move forward", said Minato.

"Move forward", he repeated.

"That's right", said Minato.

"I guess what I'm really looking forward to is test myself against other strong opponents from the other villages", said Naruto with a hint of excitement.

"And so you should be, but remember to not get in to over your head", he chuckled when Naruto pouted. "If you get to over confident and complacent about your skills your likely to be beaten" said Minato gently lightly scolding Naruto.

Naruto nodded at his father's words.

"I know, I won't but I am excited to fight other ninja though", he said giggling.

"I'm glad; you have nothing to be nervous over. Will you be saying goodbye to your grandparents and Shizune before you head for Kumo?" he asked with his son quickly nodding.

"Good because you'll be in the bad books if you don't", he laughed.

Naruto pouted at his father.

"I'll miss them, but it won't be a long time though, you'll come watch me right tou-san?" asked Naruto hopefully.

"Just try and stop me, we'll all be there cheering you on", said the Hokage making Naruto smile brightly.

Minato then turned serious making Naruto drop his smile. The father put a hand on his son's shoulder looking directly at him

"Since there are going to be shinobi you have to mindful that you take after me in appearance", Naruto nodded in understanding as to where this was going. "There is a chance they will recognise your name and face, the fact that you're now in the bingo book doesn't help either. You must be vigilant, you're a likely target, especially ninja from Iwa", he said as Naruto nodded.

"I realise that I am taking a risk in sending you Naruto, but I know that you will be fine if you believe in yourself and trust in Itachi and Yugao", said Minato.

"I understand tou-san, but I doubt that every shinobi will recognise me, isn't the purpose of these exams is to strengthen the bond between villages?" he asked.

Minato smiled at him.

"I agree Naruto, but sometimes it takes something a little to bring out the good in others, our past with Kumo is…shaky at best", said Minato making Naruto nod.

Minato then looked out toward the village.

"You must also be mindful in using your bloodline also, exercise caution and responsibility", he said despite Naruto already knowing this.

"I know tou-san, I won't use it unless I have no other choice", said Naruto.

"I have something for you", said Minato as he pulled out a special tri pronged kunai. "You should get Yugao and Itachi to put some blood on the seal, if one of you channel chakra into it you'll converge on the same spot as the kunai", he explained as he handed it to Naruto.

"Just in case", Naruto grabbed it and put it in his jacket pocket.

"Good, now how about we get some ramen to celebrate", he said standing up. Naruto smiled and then jumped to his feet.

1 Week Later

An exhausted Team 7 trekked through the mountain ranges of the Land of Lightning. The sight of the main gates of Kumogakure came into view. The gates were similar to that of Konoha's if not bigger. They could see the different house imbedded into the mountains off in the distance.

Two Chunin stepped forward to greet them.

"What is your business in Kumogakure, answer quickly", one of them demanded.

Rin pulled out the forms for the Chunin exams out of her pocket.

"Ah Team 7 from Konoha, the Raikage ordered us to inform you that he requests you come speak with him in his office", said the guard as he and Rin bowed to each other.

"Thank you", she said as he handed the forms back to her.

"Rin-sensei, why are we going to see the Raikage?" asked Yugao once they were out of earshot.

Rin walked in front of her Genin team with a smile as they walked into the cloud village.

"Just grown up stuff sweetie", she giggled making Yugao pout and mumble something along the lines of 'stupid senseis'.

As they walked through some streets many people began to recognise Naruto and Itachi.

"Isn't that an Uchiha?" commented a man as they walked on.

"Yeah and that's the Kiiroi Seiko's boy, man the resemblance is uncanny", said another.

Naruto and Itachi both began to look uncomfortable.

"Don't worry, remember you can't be touched outside the exams", said Rin never looking back.

Ay's secretary, Mabui greeted Rin and her team at the entrance to the gargantuan Raikage building.

"It's a lot bigger than the Hokage tower isn't it", commented Naruto as Mabui bowed to the three of them.

"Welcome to Kumogakure, the Raikage is expecting you four in his office, follow me please", she said as her high heels clicked on the ground.

They followed her up into the tower and in the up to the Raikage's office. She knocked on the door respectfully and a gruff 'come in' could be heard.

Team 7 laid eyes on the Raikage as he sat behind his desk signing forms.

The Raikage is a tall dark-skinned man with a large muscular build, with his blonde hair combed back, a small moustache and beard. His face is very distinguished with pronounced cheekbones and tear troughs under his eyes, and a prominent crease across his forehead. He has pointed canines and his top lip also has a darker hue than the bottom one, which could be seen through his frustrated look at the large stack of paper work.

"Ah Shushin no Rin and her team of brats", he said looking up at the foreigners.

Team 7 bowed respectfully as Ay ushered for them to step forward.

Ay wore his Kage haori and hat without a shirt underneath, further displaying his hulking physique. He has black Fūma Shuriken tattoos on both shoulders, which were faintly visible. He also sported two gold bangle bracelets on each wrist which have protrusions. He also wears a gold belt around his waist with a boar's face engraved in the centre.

"You boy", he pointed toward Naruto.

"Me", he squeaked under the gaze of this intimidating man.

"Yes, what is your name?" he asked.

"M-My name is Naruto sir", he said.

"Naruto Namikaze am I correct in assuming?" he question eliciting a nod from the young boy. "You….look like your father", he said crossing his arms.

Naruto only nodded again as Ay continued to stare at him.

"It takes a exceptional ninja to survive the Chunin exams in Kumogakure, are you up to the task?" he asked.

"Yes I think I am Raikage-sama", said Naruto still displaying apprehension.

"Where's your tenacity and resolve boy, you think huh? Weak", Naruto bit his lip. "The three of you get out of my office, you are staying at Golden Cloud hotel, here's the address", Ay threw a piece of paper and infused it with a little chakra to harden it before throwing it Team 7's way. Itachi snatched it out of the air and without a word he and Yugao turned around heading for the hotel.

"Naruto", called Yugao when she realised her friend wasn't coming.

Naruto clenched his gloved fist as he looked into the Raikage's eyes.

This man was the definition of power in the ninja world. The only person he knew of that could match his father. Naruto looked up to his father tremendously and for Ay to look down on him hurt the young Namikaze's pride immensely.

'Weak', he heard Ay's voice repeat in his head.

Without a word Naruto turned and followed his teammates.

Once they were gone Rin crossed her arms and looked at the Raikage.

Sensing her question Ay merely smirked.

"Just a little extra motivation", he admitted. "I've wanted to meet Namikaze's son for the longest time", he said with a grin.

"You sure have a funny way of showing it", she mumbled.

"I couldn't help myself, now we have much to discuss, please sit", Rin did as he asked and sat down in front of him.

The Next Day

Team 7 stood outside of the Golden Cloud hotel with eager looks on their faces. Rin made them double check that they all their gear.

Once done, Rin led the trio of 10 year olds towards the academy building on the north side of the village. As they made their way to the examination room, which was being held in the Cloud equivalent to the academy in Konoha, many teams were also making their appearance.

One was a group of Genin from rock country if the headbands indicated anything about them. There was a hulking boy with a pink scarf and green top. He wore brown pants and shinobi sandals. He had a scrawny goatee and a happy-go-lucky look. Next to him was a boy with blonde hair that was tied in a high ponytail and it covered his right eye. He wore a jacket that was zipped up over a black undershirt, with white pants and shinobi sandals. Next to him stood a girl with short black hair and pink eyes, she wore a pair of gloves a similar shade to Naruto's. She wore a mesh shirt and a small mesh material underneath a small loose fitting pair of shorts that stopped by her mid-thigh. She also sported a green top that showed off her midriff.

At first look they were at least 12 years of age each of them. The boy with blonde hair caught Naruto's gaze and narrowed his one visible eye.

'So this is what tou-san was talking about', thought Naruto as gave an impassive look and turned away.

They kept their guard just in case until they arrived at the Kumogakure academy building.

A team from Otogakure sat underneath a nearby tree with their sensei. There was a boy with white hair and a imprint of a lightning bolt running through the top of his forehead. He wore a loss fitting gi with black pants and his shins were wrapped in bandages. He also sported shinobi sandals and one of his white bangs were tied up at the end. His Oto headband attached to his waist.

Another very tall boy with orange hair wore a simple pair of brown shorts and black top. He also sported a pair of shinobi sandals.

The girl next to him reminded him an awful lot of Karin. She wore a bandages around her thighs over the top she wore a miniskirt. She also wore a zip up purple top. Her long red hair stopped below her shoulder blades and came down in three separate bangs down the front of her face.

Rin halted her steps and stopped at the entrance; she turned to look at her team and gave them all a beaming smile, which personified absolute pride.

"You're all prepared, right?" she asked.

Yugao giggled.

"I think at this point that's a bit mute sensei", she joked making Rin shake her head and flick her nose.

"You three, Itachi, Yugao and Naruto have made me so proud, you've done things that not many. I know the three of you are destined for great things, trust in your training and each other, go and do me proud",

"I know that any three of you can win this exam, but don't forget that it's not about winning it's about promotion", Naruto, Yugao and Itachi smiled towards their sensei grateful for her kind words.

"Thank you for training us Rin-sensei", said Itachi.

"Thanks for putting up with us", said Yugao as she grabbed Itachi and Naruto's necks and pulled them down to her height.

"We won't let you down", said Naruto in a strained voice.

"My little Genin, about to be Chunin", she gave them a giggle and kissed the tops of each their heads in a motherly fashion.

Though she had only been their sensei for approximately 3 years she loved each and every single moment, milestone and argument. It was like raising children to let them go out into the big wide world; however the fact still remains is that all three of them were still children. But she was grateful for the little time that she had with them.

"All three of you promise me you'll do your very best", she said with a proud smile.

"Yes Rin-sensei", they all said in unison.

With nothing left to say she stood aside and let them walk forward into the academy.

"I know the three of you will rock the shinobi world together", she whispered and smirked as she watched them enter the academy.

She let out a long sigh.

Once she gathered herself she shunshined away to where she would be able to watch her team compete with the other Jonin instructors.

"You three are gonna do Kumo proud, say it loud and say it proud", rapped a voice from around the corner.

Team 7 entered the building and was instantly greeted by a very loud and very bad rapping voice.

Three Genin, followed by their sensei stepped from around the corner.

The team from Kumo consisted of two konoichi and one shinobi. It was clear at first glance that they were young as well and must have been considered prodigies, not unlike team 7. The first girl that stepped out was a young konoichi, she had long dirty blonde hair that was tied into a brad and wrapped around in a cloth that touched the lower part of her back. She had blue slitted eyes and proclaim skin. She wore three quarter pants and shinobi sandals, her toes were painted red. She wore fingerless gloves and had a blue and black top. As well as a kunai holster on her left leg.

The next was a boy with the same colour hair as the first girl. This shinobi had neck-length, blond hair, worn in an asymmetrical bowl cut style and green eyes. He wore typical attire minus the Kumogakure flak jacket. He also has bandages on his forearms, shin guards over his long black pants. He also sported a pair of shinobi sandals and long black pants. He had the kanji for "heat" imbedded on the top of his blade that was strapped to his back.

The last Genin to step out was a young konoichi. Unlike the two before her, her hair was a lighter shade of blonde along with a lighter shade of cerulean eyes. She wore a mesh shirt and over the top a black jacket that was zipped up with a collar. She had bandages wrapped around her upper thighs and skin tight black shorts over the top. She had a white front and back apron around her waist attached via two separate belts on either side of her upper claves. She had a sword attached to her back via sheath that wrapped

"You!" cried the boy pointing toward Naruto. "Naruto Namikaze, Konoha no Jinsoku Yaiba", he called.

"So hot-shot, care to battle me in a hot-blooded clash of blades?!" he yelled.

Naruto raised an eyebrow as his father's words echoed through his head.

'Always remain calm', he recited.

The boy drew his sword and pointed it at Naruto.

"Don't draw your sword unless you're prepared to use it", said Naruto as he narrowed his eyes at the boy.

"I can assure you Namikaze-san, my friend meant no harm, he's just spirited", said the girl with the long dark blonde hair. "I must admit I was shocked to find that someone from our generation has already become part of the bingo book", she said with a small smile.

"Yes well, it was…..unexpected", said Naruto.

Naruto put his finger on the tip of the boy's blade and flicked it upward making him stumble.

"Do you know that it's a crime for another swordsman to handle another's blade without permission, such a transgression calls for a hot-blooded challenge!" he exclaimed making Yugao roll her eyes.

"The smallest dog always barks loudest", she said as she crossed her arms.

"Who are you calling dog Konoha-brat", growled the boy.

"Save it for the exams", said the girl who had yet to speak in a stoic tone.

"I agree", said the other girl as they turned to leave.

"What are you names?" asked Naruto.

"Names?" asked the boy drawing his sword.

"Well, you all know mine", said Naruto with a shrug.

"Oh how rude of us", said the girl with a smile. "I'm Yugito Nii", she said.

"I am Atsui Nakano, the hot-blooded swordsman of Kumogakure", said the now identified boy with pride.

"My name is Samui Nakano", said the last girl in a stoic tone.

"I'm Yugao Uzuki", said Yugao quickly.

"Itachi Uchiha", he said in a monotone.

"Well I guess we will see you in the exams hot-shot", said Atsui.

Naruto didn't say anything as he watched the Kumo team walk off.

Yugao was the first to speak.

"They're a threat you'd think", she said.

"That girl, she's very strong", said Naruto as he narrowed his eyes.

"They both are", said Itachi.

"Well should we get going?" asked Yugao with a smile.

"You bet", said Naruto.

With the Kumo Team

"Well that was a hot-blooded confrontation if I've ever had one", said Atsui as he put his hands behind his head.

"Yes, it'll be interesting to see how far they progress", said Yugito.

Samui remained stoic for the most part but the tiniest smile appeared on her face.

They walked down the hall together toward the exam room.

With Team 7

Yugao walked in the in between Itachi and Naruto. The three of them were expressionless.

A Chunin proctor appeared in a cloud of smoke in front of them. He wore typical Kumo attire.

"Ah another team!" he said excitedly. "You'll find what you're looking for in room 17C, on the top floor, but be careful there's a Genjutsu just down the stopping those who aren't ready to compete", he disappeared leaving Team 7 with curious looks.

This exam was already starting to become deceitful and they had only just gotten here.

"It's a ninja's job to know deception", said Itachi.

Yugao and Naruto hummed in agreement as they continued to walk down the hall.

They reached room 17C.

"Well what do you think, open it and find out?" asked Yugao with a grin.

"Think about it, was that man lying can we really trust anyone par our own team?" asked Itachi.

"Why would lie though, if he told us the true expecting us to assume that he was lying then he'd tell the truth", said Naruto narrowing his eyes.

"Underneath the underneath", said Yugao.

"My guess he was telling the truth, there were no faint movements or twitches that are characteristic of a liar, he told us a lie by telling the truth", said Naruto.

Itachi activated his Sharingan and over the top of the room sign was a wavy distortion but behind that was 17C.

"A Genjutsu", whispered Itachi as his teammates nodded.

Yugao groaned.

"All this stupid deceitful crap", she said with a scowl.

"That Genjutsu was rather simplistic", said Itachi as his red eyes disappeared.

"And it was a simple lie, well technically-

"Shut it Naruto!" yelled Yugao as Itachi and Naruto gave her amused smirks.

"Now, now Yugao-chan", said Naruto chuckling softly.

"Enough talk, time to kick some ninja ass!" she declared as she opened the door.

The sheer amount of Genin in the large room was a sight. All manner of ninja from different villages if their clothing was anything to go by were present.

They were instantly looked down upon, every other team, besides the Cloud team who were stationed in the corner were older than them, most of them young adults.

"Tch, more brats", scoffed a Genin from Otogakure.

"They won't last 5 minutes", another from Iwa commented.

Team 7 plopped themselves done on some vacant chairs near the front. Attention was instantly moved away from them everyone returning to their original quiet conversations.

Naruto gripped the table with his glowed hands as he narrowed his eyes at the team from Oto that he saw earlier.

Naruto turned to his friend to see his Sharingan activated as it spun clockwise.

"That large boy, the one with the orange hair there's something…..something….

"Dark", finished Naruto.

"You can see it to right", said Yugao. "I don't need Eagle Vision or a Kekkei Genkai to see that", Yugao crossed her arms.

The boy looked docile and placid but in this exam nothing on the surface was the same.

Naruto kept scanning the room, he stopped his wondering gaze at the team from Kumo. He met Samui's gaze, she stared coldly at him only for him to smile friendly at her. She scowled and turned her head.

'She's super pretty', he thought absently mindedly.

A burst of light erupted at the front of the room. Every Genin covered their eyes as a Kumo Shinobi appeared in front of them with his arms crossed.

A display of that power would indicate the obvious that he was a Jonin and at first glance Yugao, Naruto and Itachi could tell that he was someone who possessed prowess in the ninja arts. He looked young, around 21-24 at an estimate. He was short with blond hair and dark eyes. He wore a sleeveless, black shirt with a one-strap-over-one-shoulder white flak jacket, black forehead protector, characteristic black, elbow-length arm-guards, and the red and white Kumogakure shin-guards along with a pair of sandals.

"Everyone take your seats, no more than one shinobi for your village to a row", he said calmly.

"That's not fair!" shouted a grass ninja.

"Fail", he said her and her teammates collapsed. Some Chunins came an collected their knockout forms.

"My name is Cee, Jonin of Kumogakure. I am your proctor for the first part of this exam, you will do as I order or you will fail, there is no middle ground or room for negotiation" he announced.

Nobody questioned him as everyone began moving to different seats.

Naruto found himself at the back next to Atsui and a Genin from Kirigakure. Since Kiri was in the middle of a civil war he doubted that he was going to see a shinobi from the mist. He had tufty blue hair as well as dark eyes. He also has pointed shark-like teeth. He wore a pair of square, black-rimmed glasses connected to ear protectors, a blue pin-striped shirt and camouflage pattern pants. He also sported his forehead protector on the front of his holster, which he used to carry a large sword on his back. The sword itself is wrapped in bandages leaving only the double hilt visible. He also had shuriken holsters strapped onto each of his legs.

"Hiramekarei", said Naruto softly.

"I-I'm sorry", said the boy softly. "Can I help you shinobi-san?" he asked.

"Oh no, I was just admiring your sword it's not every day you see a legendary sword y'know", he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

Oh the irony.

"N-No problem, but I could say the same thing", he said pointing to the sword on his back. "The Orochimanji is a s-sight to behold", he commented with a toothy smile.

"Thanks, I'm Naruto by the way", he said.

"Chōjūrō, Naruto-san", he said with an embarrassed blush.

He then turned to the room to locate his teammates.

Yugao was at the front and Itachi was in the middle to the very side next to the window. They were all completely isolated from each other.

"The exam will be a written assessment", he said as the Chunin stationed around the room began to distribute the papers.

"Answer the questions in the allotted 1 hour time limit, if you are caught cheating, your team fails, if you leave the room, your team fails, if you talk, your team fails", he said crossing his arms.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he picked up the pencil in his space of the desk.

"Your time will start now." he announced.

All the Genin proceeded to put their heads down and began writing.

Naruto also put his head down, at first glance the questions seemed abnormally easy.

'Most high level academy students could answer these questions', he thought to himself.

'That Chunin, a truth told as lie is actually the truth. He appeared for a reason, could the same principle apply to this test?' he inwardly asked.

Naruto looked over to Chōjūrō. As his gaze wondered to his face his eyes widened as he turned his head around to a kunai land on the boy from Oto's paper. His gaze on Naruto's paper.

"Team number 4 from Otogakure fail", said a Chunin as three Genin from Oto around the room quickly exited.

'He tried to cheat off me', he thought.

'There is something strange about all this', he began to scan, carefully as to not raze suspicion.

And again the Chunin judges began calling out the numbers of many different teams, already five separate teams had been eliminated.

He turned to Chōjūrō took off his glasses reflecting the answers of the person in front of them.

'It's a different set of questions?' he thought.

Naruto concentrated his vision and perception changing.

He smirked as the person he was cheating off of was Chunin level easily as for several other ninja's disguised in henges.

'He's cheating off the Chunin', he thought. 'So they gave us a fake exam paper', he looked around to see many with smirks on their faces quickly writing down the answers to the easy questions.

'Again, deception is the name of the game', he looked up at his team mates.

Itachi had his Sharingan activated and was copying the hand movements of the girl in front of him. He then turned to Yugao who had manipulated some water in her hand. She cooled it down to the point where it turned to clear ice. She used it to reflect the answers of the person behind her subtly.

'We have to cheat, not only that we have to cheat off the right person', he thought. 'If that's the case then, Kai', he thought to himself as everything on the paper scrambled around. Even where he put his name changed to the point where Naruto was written over a congratulations note.

'These questions are hard, Medical Ninjutsu, the Land Swamps…..nobody would know the answers to these questions unless they knew what would be in the test', he thought.

He yawned and leaned back. He unsheathed Orochimanji a tiny bit and carefully brought it forward an inch or two. There was a Chunin next to the vacant seat on his left. He angled it seeing the exact paper and all the answers on the paper.

Naruto wrote down every answer to questions for the next hour.

"Pencils down", said Cee.

"I'm sure you all answered every question to the best of your ability", he said elicting knowing nods from most Genin.

"Are you confident, are you sure the information you've gathered and written down is accurate?" he asked as he went through some hand signs.

Those that hadn't dispelled the Genjustu over their paper flared a light colour and knocked out the person the paper belonged to. Almost half of the Genin present were knocked out. Notably the teams that Naruto had seen earlier that were still conscious were the teams from Otogakure, Kumogakure and Iwagakure, which included the only team from Kirigakure.

Naruto watched as the Chunin began to remove the bodies from the room.

"For those who are still conscious, congratulations, you all…...pass", he smiled.

When she spoke many looked confused and asked about the tenth question to which she began explaining to them that the choice to take the risk of continuing was the tenth question and that everyone that remained had moved onto the second part of the exam much to their delight and others relief.

"Now that the first part is over, go and sit with your teams", he said as everyone quickly converged on one spot.

"It's imperative that you gain and discern every single piece of information gathered, if you were to pass on false information unknowingly, you could inevitably cost the lives of your comrades", he gave them an emotionless expression.

"Now that all you have proven yourselves worthy of continuing, you must now use the skills that you have gained in this test to move onto the second", said Cee.

"Yo! Genin I know ya'll ready for maser Killa Bee to school ya", a figure burst through the window. He stood next to Cee with a happy expression on his face.

"I'm Killa Bee, Lord Eight Tail comin' at ya hot, proctor of the 2nd exam, I'd thought that we'd start out with a bang, ya!" he struck a pose.

The proctor in front of them had dark skin and a muscular build, as well blond hair and a goatee. On his right shoulder, he has a tattoo of the kanji for iron and on his left cheek, he has a tattoo of a bull's horn. He also sported oval shaped sunglasses and a white-coloured forehead protector. He also wore Kumogakure's standard one-strap-over-one-shoulder flak jacket, and a long, red rope belt tied around his waist, the standard Kumo hand and shin guards, shinobi sandals, and a white scarf around his neck. He also had a holster on his back, which had seven swords protruding from it.

Naruto eyed the different Chunin proctors who were disappearing out of the room. Cee went through a set of hand signs ending with snake sign as he clasped his hands together.

"Let the second part of the Chunin exams begin, Raiton: Raigen Raikōchū!", called Cee as light burst from Cee instantly blinding all the Genin.

Chapter End

Raiton: Raigen Raikōchū (Lightning Illusion: Flash Pillar)

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