A/N: Next chapter here. The secret is out, how will Naruto's friend act now?

Chapter 13: The Upcoming Event

The Hokage learned about what Sasuke, Ino, Shino, Shikamaru, Haku, and Hinata did from the ANBU that were watching over the ice user. The Third Hokage was not happy that they violated his law. However, because they were children and most of them did not know the penalty of the law they broke, he let them off easy. For the next month, they'd have to do D-rank missions with no pay, both with their team and a specific tasks he assigned them to, except Haku since he wasn't a genin. His stay at the academy was extended to an entire year and he had to work as Iruka's assistant after class for the first two months. Hinata had to do all the babysitting jobs, Ino got working as a farmhand, Sasuke had dish washing, Shino got dog walking, and Shikamaru got housework. Oh, and all of them had to take turns catching Tora, alone, even Haku. Kiba and Choji were sworn to secrecy by the Hokage and their respective senseis.

During the month, Hinata did not speak to Ino at all. She was still mad that Ino revealed Naruto's secret to Sasuke and then acted nervous around him, like she was afraid he would lash out unexpectedly. It hurt Naruto that Ino would think such a thing and Hinata could tell, which only made her madder. Ino got depressed by Hinata's actions. She felt like it was a repeat of what happened between her and Sakura, their friendship ending over a guy. She also got a lecture from her father about the importance of keeping classified information classified. He was very disappointed in her and cut her allowance drastically.

Shino and Shikamaru didn't act too differently. In the moments they hung out, which was rare due to all the D-rank missions they did as their punishment as well as their normal schedules, they would all just look at the clouds, mention a few things, then just enjoy their time until something came up.

Haku accepted his punishment. Kurenai had warned him of what would happen should he reveal what he knew. So he knew he got off easy. It wasn't like he planned to anyway, but if Naruto's friends were to truly understand Naruto's predicament, they needed to know all the facts. So if she had to spend more time at the academy and work after school, so be it. Haku also struggled with his sexuality. He blushed around cute guys, yet was attracted to pretty ladies, especially the ramen girl at Ichiraku.

Choji avoid Naruto in the beginning, not knowing what to think about the whole thing. It not that relied on Shikamaru for everything, but whenever he felt lost, he'd consent with his best friend. However, Shikamaru refused to tell Choji what to do, claiming he had to figure things out for himself. The Akimichi's folks agreed with that. Eventually, he chose to continue hanging out with Naruto, if only to see how he felt being around the boy. It was awkward. Both were nervous as they waited for their ramen. Choji didn't know what to think and Naruto was worried about what the pleasantly plump genin thought of him. The blond's nerves calmed down when Teuchi served his ramen. He dug in, quickly finishing and asking for more. Choji chuckled and did the same. It ended with an eating contest that Naruto won by one bowl. Guess their mutual love of food, or ramen in Naruto's case, rekindled their bonds of friendship. (I really don't get it, but I can see this happening.) Teuchi and Ayame were glad they had sent for a D-rank mission for dish duty, much to the disdain of a certain Uchiha.

Speaking of which, Sasuke was not happy with the results of his actions. Sure, some of Naruto's friendships grew unstable, but it seems all he did was strengthen the bonds of the one friendship he cared about, between the blond and Hinata. Sasuke constantly cursed his luck whenever he washed dishes, especially at Ichiraku after one of Naruto's binge eatings.

Hiashi had mixed feelings. While the part of him that care for Minato's son was proud of Hinata, the clan head in him, which was dominant most of the time, was angry that she did not request her's or the boy's transfer and in fact was closer to him than ever. He worked her hard, but apparently she managed to keep up within acceptable levels. It was as though she had more motivation than ever before. Hiashi wonder if this was related to Naruto. She had grown even more protective of him, even around their friends.

When she wasn't with Naruto or doing D-rank missions, she was training. With her father, she worked on her clan's taijutsu. With Kurenai, she work on chakra control and increasing her reserves. She would protect him and herself, so he wouldn't have to rely on the fox's power and lose himself in the process.

The young Uzumaki was unaware of the punishments

Kiba consulted his mother about Naruto. She admitted to knowing about Naruto's condition and that she didn't mind as long as he kept the fox under control. Even when Kiba brought up the incident at the bridge, she remained adamant that Naruto was not a threat to him or the village, so long as no one made him one. "He has more reason to hate us and yet he still protect us. I honestly don't think I could do it."

"But mom, how can you not think he's dangerous?" Kiba had asked.

Tsume flicked her son's head. "Of course I think he's dangerous, young pup. All shinobi worth their headbands are dangerous, you included. The only question is who they're dangerous to."

"And how do I know he's not dangerous to me?"

"Because he thinks of you as his best friend," Tsume answered.

"I'm not his best friend," Kiba argued. "Hinata is."

"No, Hinata is his mate," Tsume corrected. "Or at least will be. It's different between those two. You'll understand when you find yours." Still, even after his talk with his mother, Kiba couldn't help but be wary around the blond.

Kurenai shook her head at her students' development. While their individual skills still progressed, their teamwork suffered. Kiba was unable to fully look past the fox inside Naruto, which Hinata did not tolerate. She started to doubt the idea of entering them in the upcoming Chunin Exams, even if it was just for the experience. Even a simple C-rank mission, one that actually stayed C-rank, didn't seem like a good idea at the time. However, a client, a farmer, asked for them personally. Apparently, she visited the Land of Waves and heard all about Team 8. Their mission was to locate the den of a wolves and deal with the wolves attacking her livestock. So the Hokage assigned the task to them and Kurenai reluctantly agreed.

The farm wasn't very far away, about a day's walk away. It was mostly done in silence, with Kiba keeping a distance from Naruto, which saddened him greatly, and Hinata sticking close to the jinchūriki, at one point glaring at Kiba. Kurenai watched and figured something had to be done, and soon. Otherwise, it was the end of Team 8.

They arrived at the farm and got to work. Kurenai stayed back to guard the farm. Kiba lead his teammates with Akamaru by his side, the pup using his nose to lead them to the wolves. The young Inuzuka would look back every so often, as if expecting an attack from behind. Akamaru noticed and barked at his partner. "I know I'm being paranoid, but I can't help it. What if Naruto goes fox crazy again?" Akamaru looked back at Naruto and replied. "What do you mean you're not worried? You felt that chakra too. And I know you're as scared of it as I am." Akamaru barked some more. "I know what Haku said, but still, who knows? He might get angry more frequently." Akamaru sent Kiba a questioning gaze and barked a question. "Ok, yes, I've never seen Naruto get angry before, but I also never seen Hinata act so girly either, and yet how many times have we caught her blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl around Naruto since we graduated?" Akamaru gave him that. "All I'm saying is, Ino was right, we should at least be careful." Akamaru whimpered, but ended the conversation there.

They reached the wolf den and spotted a the wolves. There were about a dozen of them with light brown fur. "We need to find the alpha of the pack," Kiba said as the wolves growled at the intruders. "If we drive him away, the rest of the pack should follow."

"And how are we supposed to know who's the alpha?" Hinata asked.

"He's usually the biggest, strongest-looking one." Kiba looked around and spotted a large wolf to the right. "That one!" The moment he shouted that, the wolf pounced, but Kiba easily dodged and counter with a punch, sending the big wolf flying back. "Too easy."

Just then, Naruto push Kiba down. Kiba thought he gone fox crazy, until Naruto hissed in pain as another wolf clawed his back. It was slightly smaller than the one Kiba hit, but the other wolves seemed to back away at it's presence, even the bigger one. It was then clear to Kiba that this was the alpha. The other one, probably the beta, drew his attention while the alpha snuck behind him to strike. But Naruto saw this and saved Kiba by pushing him out of the way, and taking a scrap for him. "Y-you oka… Ahhhh!" Naruto was interrupted when the alpha bit his right leg.

Kiba was speechless for a moment. He had pushed Naruto away for an entire month, in fear of the fox demon inside him, which no doubt hurt him, and yet with no hesitation he push him out of harm's way, taking a hit for him. Kiba felt guilty of his action. He was about to make the alpha release it's grip on Naruto, but was beaten to the punch when Hinata palm struck the beast. The wolves got ready to retaliate, but were halted by the look on her face, her Byakugan active. It was clear she did not like what the wolves did to her Naruto. In fact, the sight of Naruto's blood pissed her off. Every time she saw it flow out of his body, even from a minor wound like a cut, she remember how she found him. They could feel her anger and did the only smart thing, they hightailed it outta there. Once they were out of sight Hinata's face changed from rage to concern as her eye returned to normal and she ran to Naruto, pulling out her clan's special ointment.

"Naruto, are you alright?" Hinata asked as she puts some on the scraps on his back.

"Y-yeah. Um, H-Hinata, y-you don't need t-to use that. Fox healing, r-remember?" Naruto said.

Hinata paused. "Huh? Oh right, well, a little extra help won't hurt," Hinata said as she moved to apply it to his leg.

Naruto's protest that he didn't need it and she should save it for her and Kiba. The Inuzuka could never get use to Hinata's treatment of Naruto. Naruto hold the scariest, most powerful demon in the world and how does she react when she finds out? She becomes even more protective of him!

'I will never understand that girl,' Kiba thought. Naruto's wounds healed quickly thank to the combined power of the fox and Hinata's cream. As they walked back to their sensei, Kiba got closer to Naruto. "H-hey, Naruto?" The blond turn to him, as did Hinata. "I'm… I'm sorry I've been, err, distant this past month."

"I-it fine," Naruto said. "I c-can't really b-blame you."

"But you should. Look, I'm not gonna lie, the fact that you've got the Nine-Tails in you freaked me out, still freaks me out. But you've had this since birth, and nothing happened. Heck, I never would have guess you had it in you. I should've trusted you more when I learned of it. And for that, I'm sorry."

"Does that mean you're done acting all wary?" Hinata asked. She wanted to hear him say he was.

"Well, mostly," Kiba admitted. "Look, I can't help but worry about the fox inside you. Heck, my uncle use to tell me about that night and what it did to the village. But I'll do my best to put it in the back of my mind," he put his arm over Naruto's shoulders, "pal."

Naruto had a small smile. Kiba finally accept that he had the fox but was still him. He wasn't bothered by Kiba's lingering fear. True be told, he was afraid himself. Hinata decided to accept Kiba's apology and personally, was glad he came to his senses.

Kurenai looked toward her team as they returned. They were smiling and Kiba had his arm around Naruto. It appeared her team was back to the shape it was before the secret was revealed. It brought a smile to her face and the team returned to the village. After delivering their report and getting paid, Kiba said, "Hey, Naruto has a little business with you, Lord Hokage."

The Hokage raised his eyebrow as Naruto looked at Kiba confused. Hinata did the same until she saw the sparkle in his eye. "Oh, yeah, he does, remember?" She nudged his shoulder and whispered, "Our bet."

Naruto turned red. The prank he and Kiba devised. He had tried putting it off, but there was no doing so anymore. "Um, w-wait for me outside?" Hinata frowned, wanting to know what he was gonna do, but Kiba understood and took Hinata out. Kurenai was wondering what was going on, but figured if it was something important, she'd find out later. She walked out, in a hurry to meet with Anko for dango.

As everyone except Naruto and the Hokage exited the office, Hiruzen asked, "So, what was it you wanted off me?"

Naruto looked down. "S-sorry sir." The Hokage wondered what he meant when Naruto made a handsign.

Outside, Hinata tried to use her Byakugan to see what was going on, but found she could not. The office was designed to keep away prying eyes, even if said eyes were the Byakugan. The door opened and Naruto walked out, fully red. "Soooo, what happened?" Hinata asked.

"Oh, um, t-that's a s-secret, r-right Kiba?" Naruto stuttered. Kiba nodded and Hinata pouted.

"Fine, be that way. But I will find out one day. So, let's head over for lunch." Hinata said, grabbing the blond's arm.

"Sorry, no can do." Hinata glared and was about to say something when Kiba quickly added, "Mom's already making lunch for me! I told her I'd be back around this time and if I'm not there she'll rip me a new one!"

"Oh, my bad. Hee hee." Hinata said as she rubbed the back of her head. Kiba let it go and rushed home to avoid his mother's wrath. "So, where do you wanna… Oh right, Ichiraku's, of course." Naruto blushed but nodded and the two of them went for lunch, followed by a figure in the shadows.
-

"Um, Hinata…"

"Yeah, I know," she said with a sigh. They had been followed since the Hokage's office. "The jig is up Konohamaru!" she shouted.

Behind them, three kids threw off a rectangular box made to look like a rock. "Aw man, you caught us again, Boss Lady." The one who spoke, dubbed Konohamaru, had spiky brown hair sticking up and black eyes. He wore a blue scarf, a yellow shirt with the Leaf symbol in red, and grey shorts. Naruto recognized him from a picture in the Hokage's office. He was the Third's grandson. Next to him were two other children, a boy and a girl. The boy had short brown hair, dark eyes, glasses, and a runny nose. He wore a blue zip up shirt and brown pants. The girl had orange hair tied in large pigtails, face marks that made her look like she was blushing, and dark eyes as well. She wore a pink shirt under a red tank top, as well as grey pants. "You must have used those eyes of yours.

"Not really. You need to work on your disguises if you wanna sneak up on me." She gestured to their disguise. "You've definitely gotten better, but I mean, a perfectly rectangular rock?"

"Just you wait, boss! First I'll sneak up on you, then I'll beat you. Then one day, I'll be Hokage!" Konohamaru shouted. "Right Moegi, Udon?"

"Right!" the girl, Moegi, replied.

"What she said," Udon said.

Hinata quickly learned toward the blond when she saw the look of realization on his face. "Whatever you do, don't call him Honorable Grandson. He hates it." Turning toward the young Sarutobi, she said, "Well, you're gonna have some competition, cause Naruto here says he's gonna be Hokage! Right Naruto?" Naruto got nervous and tapped his index fingers, but nodded.

"Him, really?" Konohamaru said in disbelief. "I mean, he did have that cool jutsu that knocked out my gramps, but other than that…"

Hinata looked at Naruto, who was blushing red at the memory, in shock. "Oh, now you sooooo gotta tell me what you did now!"

Before Naruto could react, Konohamaru started to speak. "Oh I saw the whole thing. When he thought he and the Hokage were alone, he apologised and then…" Naruto panicked and quickly darted toward him and covered the boy's mouth with his hand in an attempt to shut him up. But Konohamaru wasn't having it as he licked the Uzumaki's hand. But Naruto didn't move it, though he was disgusted and annoyed. Kono went with plan B and bit his palm. Naruto released Konohamaru, who quickly said, "And he turned into a girl!"

Naruto turned red with embarrassment while Hinata looked confused. "Um, ok?" It was weird, but she wasn't sure how that could knock out the old man.

Naruto almost sighed with relief until Kono added, "Did I mention he, or rather she, was naked."
-

The Hokage was lying on the floor, blood flowing out of his nose, constantly muttering about a pretty, naked blond. When he finally recover, he was thankful no one had been around to see him in such a state as he rushed to the meeting he was late for.
-

At that moment, Naruto felt like dying of embarrassment and could not meet Hinata's shocked gaze, her jaw practically hitting the ground. 'Naruto did that!' she thought. Recovering from her shock, she said, in a suspiciously sweet voice, "Naaaruuuutooooo." Said boy stiffened upon hearing his voice said in that manner. "Is this true?" Despite the tone of voice, Naruto could hear the unspoken threat that he dare not lie. All he could do was nod. 'I can't believe Naruto would do something so… so… perverted!' "And why did you do that?"

Naruto could tell he was in hot water now. "I… I… W-well, y-you see, um, I t-told Kiba I s-saw Lord T-Third w-with a book l-like K-Kakashi-sensei's. W-when we a-asked and f-found o-out i-it was p-perverted, K-Kiba suggested t-this. I swear, w-we didn't s-spy on a-anyone!" Naruto insisted. "T-Tazuna h-had a b-bunch of m-magazines in his r-room."

'So it was Kiba's idea. Dogboy's gonna get his, but as for Naruto…' She may have strong feelings for the boy, but there was no way she wasn't gonna discipline him for this. She walk over to him and pinched his left ear. Naruto winced, but didn't resist or complain. "First, we are gonna head to the bakery instead and you are gonna pay my food. Then, we are going to your place." She was gonna use her eyes to scan every corner of the place for any inappropriate material he may have.

Now, Konohamaru was young and while he had heard getting a girl to your place alone was a major thing, he had enough of his childish innocence not to know what that meant. Still, he decided to open his mouth. "Hey, nice work Naruto! You got the Boss Lady to your place." He gave the blond two thumbs up.

Both genin blushed deep red at the unintentional innuendo. Naruto felt like fainting right then and there while Hinata released her grip on his ear and turned her gaze on the Honorable Grandson. "Konohamaru Sarutobi!" Hinata shouted. Every instinct in the boy's body told him to run, and he wisely obliged as he was quickly chased by the red Hyūga. Moegi, Udon, and Naruto followed behind to make sure she didn't hurt him too badly.

Konohamaru ran as fast as his legs could carry him to avoid the world of pain that was closing in on him. He quickly cut corners trying to lose the girl chasing him. However, after one cutting one such corner, he instant ran into something, or rather, someone. He had on what looked like a black cat suit based on the hood and triangular, purple face paint. On the center of the suit was a circle with a red half and yellow half, outlined in white. On his back was something all wrapped in bandages. On his forehead was a protector with a symbol similar to an i. "There something you need, brat?" the guy asked before grabbing Kono by his scarf. "Oh, I'm sorry. Does that hurt?" he asked with obviously fake concern.

"Put him down, Kankuro, or you'll pay for it later," said the girl behind him. She had blond hair in four spiky ponytails and teal eyes. She wore a light purple garment and mesh armor under it. It was tied at the waist with a red sash. On her back was a large closed fan and on her neck was a protector with the same symbol.

"Come on, Temari. He won't be here for a while, let's have some fun while we wait." Konohamaru struggled, kicking Kankuro with his feet, but it had no effect. "Oh, a lively one eh? Not for long."

"Oi! Let him go! I'm not gonna let some weird-looking punk mess with him!" Hinata demanded. Konohamaru looked at her, glad she came to the rescue. "Besides, I have unfinished business." Konohamaru started sweating and wondered who he was better off with, the mysterious guy threatening him, or the angry Hyūga girl.

"Who you calling weird-looking girl?" Kankuro shouted.

"You, Catboy, who else?" The others barely suppressed their laughter to giggles. Even Temari couldn't help but snicker, especially since she thought the same.

Kankuro was fuming now. "Runts like you really annoy me. First, I'm gonna take care of this punk, then I'll deal with the rest of you." Temari sighed. He was not gonna be happy when he got back. Before Hinata could do anything to stop Kankuro, a rock hit him in the hand, dropping the Third's grandson.

Everyone looked to a tree and saw Sasuke sitting there, tossing a small stone in his hand. "Foreign ninja making trouble in another ninja village? What, are you unique or are all your ninja that stupid?"

Temari had a small blush. 'Not bad. Easy on the eyes, that's for sure.' Moegi and Udon looked at him in amazement, the girl with hearts in her eyes. Hinata rolled her eyes and Naruto got even more nervous.

"Great, another wimp. You pop up like cockroaches in this village," Kankuro said.

"Leave now," Sasuke said as he crushed the stone in his hand.

"Why don't you come down here?" Kankuro said as he grabbed the item on his back. "Snots like you are the ones I hate the most. All attitude with nothing to back it up."

'Something we can agree on,' Hinata thought.

Temari's eyes widened. "Hey Kankuro! You're not thinking of using Crow, are you? What about the plan?"

"Kankuro, back off," a cold voice said.

Everyone jumped, especially Sasuke since the newcomer was hanging upside-down from the same tree as him. 'How'd he get there without me noticing? Only jonin like Kakashi-sensei can move that quietly.'

"Oh, h-hey Gaara," Kankuro said, sweating bullets, which did not go unnoticed by anyone.

The boy, Gaara, had red spiky hair and green eyes with dark rings around them. On his forehead above his left eye was the kanji for love in red. He had a black short sleeve bodysuit with a white clothe going from his right shoulder to his left hip. A leather band going from his left shoulder to right hip held a gourd on his back. "You are an embarrassment to our village. Have you forgotten why we're here?"

"I, I know Gaara b-but they started it. T-they challenged us. You see, what happened is…"

"Shut up," Gaara said, "or I'll kill you." Kankuro did so, sweating even more under Gaara's icy gaze. "I'm sorry for my brother's actions." He turned toward the Uchiha, whose gaze never left him. They looked each other in the eye.

'This guy has an evil look in his eye. I think he may actually prove to be a challenge.'

'He easily stopped Kankuro with a pebble. This guy may prove to be interesting.' Gaara turned to sand and joined his siblings, reforming on the ground. "Let's go," he said.

Hinata stopped them by shouting "Hey, what are you three Sand shinobi doing here anyway?"

Temari turned to her. "Seriously? You don't know what's going on? We're here for the Chunin Exams."

"Huh, it's that time already?" she asked. Naruto looked curious and Sasuke was intrigued.

The Sand genin started leave when Sasuke jumped down. "Hey, identify yourself."

Temari turned around. "Who me?" she said with a blush.

"No, the guy with the gourd," Sasuke said.

"I am Gaara of the desert," he answered. "And you?"

"Sasuke Uchiha."

"You have peak my interest as well, Sasuke. In fact, you're the only one who looks like they could be a challenge."

Hinata shook her head. 'Fan his ego more why don't you? I'll show you.'

But inside Naruto was a different story. The Nine-Tailed Fox banged against his cage, shouting in Naruto's head. "DAMN YOU SHUKAKU! YOU KNOW I'M IN HERE! DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME! LET ME OUT BOY! LET ME OUT SO I CAN TEAR THAT ONE TAILED TANUKI APART!" Naruto held his head and the headache he was giving him intensified. Hinata rushed to him in concern, asking what was wrong.

'N-Nine-Tails, please. It hurts.'

The demon heard his pleas. While he did not care if his host was in pain, he decided he was wasting his time with his tantrum. "Listen to me boy. Stay away from that Gaara kid for the moment. He is like you, holding my brother, the One-Tail Shukaku." Naruto gasped, which Hinata noticed. "But unlike you, it looks like he's more susceptible to that tanuki's power. He could turn at any moment and you are not strong enough. And there is no way my host will lose to the host of an inferior tailed beast!"

Hinata demanded to know what was wrong, but Naruto looked at the kids and she got the message. It was fox related and he couldn't say around them. The Sand genin had left, and so had Sasuke. "Hey Boss. You consider dating that Sasuke guy?"

Hinata looked at him in shock. "It'll be a cold day in Hell before I even consider ever doing such of thing!"

"Geez, I was just asking."

"Well, I answered. One day, I'll tell you kids what kind of person Sasuke Uchiha really is. But right now, I'm busy and can't play." The kids looked depressed before Hinata suggested they practice their skills with a little pranking. Konohamaru perked up and led his friends away on the hunt for a victim. In the Hokage's office during the announcement of the Chunin Exams, Iruka shivered and wondered what that was about.

"So, um, I'm j-just gonna p-pick up Y-Yuki from Hana a-and…"

"Oh no," she said, pinching his ear again. "You're not getting away. You still need to be punished. We're going to the bakery. Maybe I'll see if I can beat my record for most cinnamon buns in one sitting."

As she dragged him away by the ear, Naruto had a thought. 'H-hey fox?'

"What do you want?" he asked, annoyed.

'Y-you c-called the One-Tail Shukaku, r-right?'

"Yes, that's his name."

'S-so what's yours? Y-your name I m-mean?'

'Is he serious?' None of his other vessels cared to ask his name. It almost made him want to tell him, however… "You haven't earned the right to know my name." 'He may be unusual, but he's still a human, and they're all the same.'
-

"I lead Team 7, Shino Aburame, Sakura Haruno, Sasuke Uchiha. These three I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend to take the Chunin Exams." Whispers spread about. It wasn't often rookies were nominated. Most waited at least a year before entering.

"I lead Team 8, Hinata Hyūga, Kiba Inuzuka, Naruto Uzumaki. These three I, Kurenai Yūhi, recommend to take the Chunin Exams." More whispers spread about six rookies being nominated, the only thing weirder would be if…

"I lead Team 10, Choji Akimichi, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka. These three I, Asuma Sarutobi, recommend to take the Chunin Exams." All the other jonin were shocked, as well as the chunin instructor in the room. It has been many years since all the rookie of a year were entered in the exams. However, the Hokage couldn't help but smirk, as if he had been expecting this, though no one noticed.

"Hold on a minute!" Iruka said. "I don't think they're ready yet. I was their academy instructor, so I know they are all skilled, but it's too soon. I mean, they've only been genin for little over two months and the exams are dangerous. Even much more experienced genin have trouble with them and some have died."

"I became a chunin when I was six years younger than these kids," Kakashi argued.

"They aren't you Kakashi! Kurenai, why? You know Naruto isn't ready for the exams. It's not a question of ability, but of his self-esteem."

"I see your point Iruka," Kurenai told him. "And I considered it. In the end, I decided to give him a chance. And if his confidence is truly a problem as you say, then he'll refuse. If nothing else, it'll show him that I have faith in him, which I do."

"But…"

"Iruka," the Hokage said, "We all see your point and reasoning. That is why I am preparing a special test.
-

"S-so, how d-d o you k-know Konohamaru?" Naruto asked. It was strange how he'd been friends with Hinata all this time yet never met them before.

"He tried to defeat his grandpa while me and Father were in a meeting with him." Hinata answered as she finished her twelfth cinnamon roll and started on the next one. "The Hokage asked me to keep an eye on him. Everywhere we went, people called him Honorable Grandson and I could tell it bothered him. I understood, being the Hyūga heiress people use to see me as just that, my father's daughter, not Hinata Hyūga. Anyway, he and I decided to pull a few pranks and well, he kinda started looking up to me. Even stopped ambushing his old man and started focusing on training, though he was disappointed when I told him he couldn't learn my moves. After all, they are Hyūga Clan techniques." Hinata leaned over to him. "So," she whispered, "what'd the grumpy old fox have to say?"
-

"Lord Hiashi," One of the elder started, "something has been brought to our attention. Something we must discuss with you."
-

Alpha: Another chapter posted, and more reviews. I love reviews. It's nice to hear everyone's feedback on my work, good or bad. Though I admit I'm kinda partial to the good ones.

Naruto: So, what now?

Alpha: Now we enjoy an omake I made. Remember the chapter where Kakashi doubted you ramen appetite?

Naruto: This is gonna be sweet!

Kakashi: I remember when I really did make that mistake once. Just once.

Asuma: I made the same mistake of telling Choji he could eat all he could on me.

Kurenai: And me with Hinata and cinnamon rolls. (All three sigh at the memories)
-

Omake: Ramen Binge With Kakashi

Kakashi sat at Ichiraku Ramen with Naruto, Kurenai, Iruka, and Hinata. "So, I just have to pay for Naruto's meal and you three will pay for mine?" The three ninjas nodded. 'Ha, I think I just scored a great meal. I'll be sure to eat as much as I can.'

"Um, K-Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked nervously. "A-are you s-sure you want m-me to eat a-as much as I c-can?" He remember the looks on the both Iruka and Kurenai' faces when they did this.

"Oh, don't worry Naruto. Eat to your heart's content." Kurenai and Iruka looked at each other and snickered. They told him the same thing the first time they paid for his meal.

"You heard Kakashi-sensei," Hinata said as she rested a hand on his right shoulder. She was seated to his right with Kakashi to his left, then Kurenai and next to her, Iruka. "Eat all you can. Maybe even break your old record."

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Ayame and Teuchi were getting things ready. "So, it appears Naruto has found another sucker," the old ramen chief said.

"Yeah, I almost feel bad for him," Ayame remarked.

"Me too," Teuchi admitted. "But then I think of the profits and the guilt goes away." The two of them laughed. "So, you put in that D-rank mission?"

"Yep! He should be here soon."

Ayame took their orders and after a while, Kakashi and Naruto both got their first bowl at the same time. As time passed, Kakashi finished his eight bowl, sighing in content. 'Well, I guess Naruto should be done soon.' But the moment he turned, his visible eye widened. Naruto had a pile of bowl near him, and upon closer inspection, none of them had a trace of ramen on them, not one single noodle or drop of brothe! And the blond genin wasn't done yet! As the pile got bigger, Kakashi could feel his wallet deflating. When he was finally done, the total count was 33 bowls of ramen. 'He is as bad as Anko!'

Naruto saw the looked on Kakashi's face, which Hinata took a picture of to add to her collection, and blushed in embarrassment. "Um,s-sorry." The others just laughed, including Teuchi and Ayame, as Kakashi banged his head on the table, feeling tricked even though he remembered they did warn him.

Kakashi wasn't the only victim that day. Behind the counters in the kitchen, the young Uchiha was cleaning all the dishes, and because of his punishment, he wasn't even getting paid! 'DAMN YOU NARUTO!'
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Alpha: Boy, I'd hate be in their shoes. Oh and for those who saw the ramen challenge omake at the end of one Naruto Shippuden episode, 90 I think, it was ninety-something, I remember that much, I know he ate only 30 bowls, but I decided to make him eat more.