Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen.

i actually had this chapter finished a couple of days ago. "Why did you not post it by then?" i hear you ask? simple: i am getting A LOT of Hate for all my stories and OCs lately and i am starting to question this hobby of mine. yes, i am playing with the idea of quitting and never returning.......

But you did not come here to hear me whine about shit so, enjoy.

ΩΩΩΩ

A two weeks had passed with traveling in search for Tsunade; a week of pain for Jiraiya. Whenever the man went off to research one of the genin had ALWAYS blown his cover, often joining in the beating of the old pervert. One very painful one had been when he had, by pure accident, peeped on Anko, Hinata and Sakura. The three kunoichi had beaten him within a hair of his life, his whole body one giant bruise but that was not all. After they heard of it Naruto and Akuma had introduced the old pervert to Psynergy. For hours only the wails of the King of Perverts were heard as especially Akuma turned loose the elements. After that day Jiraiya made sure that any member of Team 11 was FAR away when he went for his research.

By now the group had reached a small town, known for its gambling dens and high stakes Hi Hold 'em poker tournaments. The last rumors were that Tsunade would show here. The only problem was: to enter the dens you had to be part of the competition. While ero-sennin had a good poker face and not half bad luck he was still not too keen on gambling. Luckily they had a crafty Adept with them.

Akuma came up with the idea that he should do the gambling, his Mind Read Psynergy giving him all the edge he needed. Everyone but Naruto was not really convinced by this idea but..... did they have a choice? Not really so Akuma was tasked with cleaning out one den after the other and thus being bound to run into Tsunade at one time or another.

The first five dens/tournaments would have been a waste of time had it not been for the large jackpots Akuma won.

The sixth tournament was promising as he had spotted a 'chest heavy' blond loosing money like it grew on trees. Too bad she lost before Akuma could get closer.

The seventh tournament finally was the big cash. Right from the start Akuma sat at the same table as Tsunade. The sannin had obviously kept her ears open for the teen, his winning being the big news of the town. The scowl she wore was telling enough to know that she wanted him gone.

But to the blond's surprise the strange kid did not rob her blind in the first round. He always seemed to know if she had a somewhat decent hand, bluffed out the competition and then folded when only the two were left. After the first 30 hands it was clear to the Slug Princess what the kid tried to do: he wanted the finishing heads up with her. The busty blond was more than willing to play the kid's game for now.

After hours over hours it was only the two left, both with respectable stacks of cash. But something confused Tsunade: slowly the black-silver gaki was losing money. Not much and he did win some hands but his money pool was shrinking. But all the time the kid held either a blank face or a strange smirk; a smirk that made Tsunade uneasy. He knew something she did not and she was tempted to leave after the next hand and admit defeat. But then she saw her hand. 'Two Aces, Ace of Hearts and Ace of Spades.'

This hand was just TOO GOOD to fold so Tsunade tried to 'bluff' the kid out. "All in." murmurs went through the people watching but the gaki's face never showed any sign of distress. "Tsunade-sama... how about a special gamble? All or nothing and if you lose you agree to have a talk with me and my associates; should you win well..." The gaki had pulled out a small scroll, "This scroll holds some medical information of the Lost Age. I am sure you know what this means."

Tsunade was in a state of shock. OH, she KNEW what he meant and the medic in her ached for this scroll. "What's your special game?" The kid smirked, "It's rather easy: we both try to guess the other's hand. If we both fail to do so we call it a draw, you get my money and I am broken. What do you say?"

Tsunade was starting to get sweaty hands, Shizune behind her squeezing her shoulders hard. 'We got at least 600.000.000 Ryo on the table; the chances for him winning are so slim they are not even there. And I win in either scenario.' "You're on gaki. Prepare to lose." Mutters broke out around them as both players stood up, pushing their two cards towards the dealer. "Ladies first," said the gaki with a small grin, leaning with his right side against the table.

Tsunade frowned as she finally saw more than his upper body and noticed the two swords on his sides. She shook her head slightly, focusing on his cards. 'Nothing I can really do.' "King of Spades and of Hearts." the dealer flipped the cards and Tsunade stared down on the pair: Ace of Diamonds and Ace of Cross. 'This would have ended in a draw either way!'

The gaki was smirking slowly, seeing Tsunade's poker face slip for just a moment. "Well, I better make this count now." He closed his eyes as if in deep thought before he opened them slowly again. "Right card: Ace of Spades." The dealer flipped the card and revealed he was right. Small shouts of shock came from the crowd and Tsunade started to sweat slightly. 'What the FUCK?! How did the gaki figure that out?! That was too good for a guess!'

"The left card..... Hearts....... high card....." He stopped, eyes closed and smirking like the cat that ate the canary. The tension was so thick people started to breath heavy. The kid's eyes opened and he wore the smirk of the Devil. "Ace of Hearts." Tsunade froze up as the dealer flipped the card and the crowd exploded with shouts and cheers. Tsunade and Shizune were stunned and frozen in place. Her Luck had struck and she lost.

The gaki smirked slightly, not in the overly boasting way Tsunade had expected and he held out his hand to her. "Good game; it was an honor to play against you." 'Gaki has manners and some respect,' thought Tsunade as she shook his hand. She felt the rough fingertips and she knew instantly that the kid was not normal. Together with the swords he was either a samurai in training, a ronin or a shinobi.

She watched how the gaki piled up the money and then pulled out a storage scroll. 'Shinobi,' thought Tsunade and Shizune as the money vanished in a puff of smoke. "Tsunade-sama, if you would please follow me." The group of three left the gambling den, before the gaki suddenly leaped on one of the buildings. "Keep up; if you can." The challenge made Tsunade grin as she gathered the slightest bit of chakra to her legs.

With a small explosion she kicked off the ground and landed next to the gaki. "You say something," asked Tsunade with a triumphant grin only to have the kid bolt off, his speed well in chunin levels. "We ain't there just yet," shouted the kid as he bounced over the next roofs, the two kunoichi soon hot on his heels.

After a few minutes the gaki dropped down in front of a hotel, Tsunade and Shizune right behind him. They walked inside and up a few stairs before the gaki opened a door, motioning for the two to walk inside. Tsunade walked inside first her eyes taking in the room and the five people already present when her eyes opened wide. 'Weird clothes: check. Notepad: check. Leering smirk: check. Face paint: check. Oil hitai-ate: CHECK!' "JIRAIYA!!!"

"Hello Tsunade-hime." The Slug Princess spun around just in time to see how the gaki tied a Konoha hitai-ate around his right biceps. "We are leaving," said Tsunade coldly to Shizune and started to walk out when, "We had a deal Tsunade-sama; to sweeten the deal you get the scroll if you hear us out." Tsunade froze, glaring at the gaki leaning up against the closed door with a smirk. A snarl passed her lips as she turned back, facing her old team mate, "Talk."

"The old man sent us; you're to come back to Konoha so he can talk to you." "And why should I do this," snapped Tsunade. "He knows full well that-" "If you don't he will re-invoke your traveling rights," cut the toad sannin in and Tsunade stared. "He wouldn't dare...." "Oh he would; don't ask me how but the old monkey has grown balls of diamond over night." Tsunade couldn't do anything but stare at Jiraiya when he suddenly added something. "He also said that if we failed we didn't need to return; you know what that means."

Now Tsunade gulped. OH, she KNEW indeed what that meant: being branded a traitor to the Leaf. She looked at the nin in the room, recognizing the snake charmer leaning against one wall; she recognized the Hyuuga sitting on one of the beds; she recognized the pinkette as a Haruno. She didn't recognize the two males but she figured the blond must be a Yamanaka though she had no idea where those.... whiskers came from. The kid that beat her she couldn't place either, his appearance giving no relation to any clan she knew.

Suddenly her fellow blond stepped forward, "Tsunade-sama, I humbly request that you train Hinata-chan and Sakura." "WHAT," shouted Tsunade, her face taking a dangerously red color. "Why should I do that?!" Not giving the blond a second she spun on her heels, "This is over. SHIZUNE!" "Wait." Tsunade turned back to the blond gaki, "What?" "Let me give reason." "Fine, you got thirty seconds." "Uzumaki-Namikaze Kushina."

Tsunade's mind froze over in less than a second, the name bringing back memories. "How do you know that name," hissed the Slug Princess, chakra flowing to her fists and feet. The blond gave her a blank look, his next words crashing the whole of her world. "Because she is my mother." Tsunade took a few shaky steps backwards, staring at the kid with wide eyes. "No.... this can't.... you can't......" "I am. I am Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto, son of Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato aka Konoha's Yellow Flash aka the Yondaime."

"No..... you died...... the council.... told me you and Kushina died..... that night......." Tsunade was shaking, her mind close to breaking down when the blond lifted his shirt, a seal flaring to life around his navel, "Who else but his own son would my father have used?" Tsunade couldn't fight that logic; it was just like Minato to do this. Finally she gave up, her eyelids fluttering as her vision faded and she fainted.

Ω

Tsunade came around again several hours later, her mind spinning. "What a fucked up dream....," muttered the sannin as she rub her eyes with her left hand. "What dream?" The voice froze her in her actions, sounding just like the one in her dream. Slowly she pulled her hand away and looked into the whiskered face of Naruto. "So..... no dream.....," muttered Tsunade as she slowly sat up on the bed, quickly checking her attire only to find herself in her clothes.

"Don't you worry, ero-sennin was thrown out of the room after you passed out." Tsunade nodded thankfully before turning serious. "Tell me about Kushina." Naruto sighed, sitting down on a chair, "I know only what the old man told me: she's Danzou's prisoner; the old man is unable to get her out. My team and I are training to free her and lay waste to Danzou and his goons." "Danzou," spat Tsunade with venom. "He was the bastard who said you two died."

She looked up at the fellow blond. "Fine. I will come back and I will teach a few things to the girls IF they can keep up. I am just confused that a Hyuuga wou-" "Hinata-chan was disowned." ".... That explains a lot....." "Also Akuma has adopted the other Heiress into his clan. The Hyuuga's are basically between a rock and a very hard place right now; especially with the state Hiashi-teme is in." "What happened to him?"

"He brought Akuma's wrath over himself and paid with his eyes for it." Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Serves the teme right. Hiashi always had a stick up his ass, even more after his wife died." She looked at Naruto, a new look in her eyes, "Say kid, how'd you like to hear a few stories about Kushina when she was an active Anbu?" "My mom was in Anbu?!" "Sure was; and she was a damn fine one from what I remember." And with that Tsunade went over a few stories about Kushina, mainly ones in which she beat Jiraiya closer to death than even Tsunade did.

Ω

The Sandaime was sitting behind his desk, staring ahead with slightly glassy eyes, 'They are overdue.... the exams start in five days....' Just as he finished that thought he heard a commotion outside his door and started to count down before two Anbu were launched like missiles through the door and the walls behind him before the doors were kicked in by a heeled boot. In strode Tsunade, her face sore and pissed.

"Here I am monkey, now talk." "Welcome home Tsunade. How are you feeling?" "How would you feel," shot the woman back. "I just learned two days ago that two people I thought dead are still alive." "Oh.... so Naruto-kun told you." "Yes he did. Now what do you want from me?"

Sarutobi sighed, emptying his pipe before filling it anew. "I am growing old Tsunade. My prime has long since passed." "I know and can see that. Come to the point." Without a word Sarutobi took the Hokage hat from his head and threw it towards Tsunade who caught it out of reflex. He stayed silent as the meaning of the gesture sunk into the blond. "No... no... NO WAY!"

The roar of the Slug Princess was audible over the whole of Konoha, many seasoned shinobi shivering in their shoes. May Kami have mercy on the poor man's balls that managed to get that shout from the woman.

Sarutobi simply puffed his pipe, giving Tsunade a cold glare. "Tsunade, if there is anything in this village that you still value you WILL accept this. There is no other person I could and would want to appoint that the council would accept and THEIR choice would ruin everything I and the Yondaime stood and still stand for." "Who?" "Danzou." Tsunade gulped as she heard that name, the old war hawk was someone she would never want to see having more power than he already did.

She stared down on the hat in her hands, her mind working hard. "Tsunade," said the Sandaime suddenly in a soft voice. "I know that there is bad blood between Konoha and you but.... see it as a chance to better things." Tsunade looked up, her face hard. "Fine. I will do it. BUT only because of Kushina and Naruto, not the village." Sarutobi nodded, feeling like the world had been lifted off his shoulders. "Very well. Then I think it would be wise that we both set about the changes you plan to make."

Ω

Team 11 along with a suddenly abducted Yugito were rushing through the Forest of Death, heading for the tower to make a few arrangements for the exams. No one knew what would happen, even Anko was not knowing anything. Sure, she knew about past exams but this year was rumored to be a revolution of kinds. The only thing she knew was that the usual written test of Konoha was outright killed.

"Listen gakis, what you want is something.... barely possible," frowned Anko as her team told her some of their goals. "To basically take Yugito as a POW during some part and faking her death." Four nods and a shocked face were her answer. She shook her head, eyes closed, "You four are crazy, you know that?" "But you know you love us for it Anko-chan," smiled Naruto. Anko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, "You four are..... beyond crazy. Even I wouldn't try this."

"And that is why it will work," said Akuma dryly. "No one is crazy enough to try it; but compared what some of us did and plan to do... sounds like child's play to me." Yugito stared at the group, her eyes wide and even the neko inside her was silent. "How.... how can you...." Naruto turned to her, smiling his patented foxy grin, "We just can."

Anko placed a hand on the blond's shoulder, "Don't try to understand it; you'd go nuts over it." the Kumo nin was unable to really form thoughts. Everything just seemed to be so..... she remembered a term she had heard.... what was it again? ..... ! SNAFU, that was it and it did fit the bill oh so perfectly.

The next two hours the neko container could only listen in on the plans that Team 11 made, each one more reckless than the one before. And Yugito still wondered what this "trump card" was Akuma seemed to put so much faith in. He was unwilling to explain it, claiming that words wouldn't do justice to the utter waste this something could lay on anyone. He also told Yugito that should she meet the Tsuki teams that she should be prepared for anything he could do.

Yugito had seen what each of Team 11 was capable of, she had seen the total destruction of either matter or mind either of them could unleash. She herself was not bad when it came to destruction, her Raiton affinity was strong, but what she had seen Akuma do with the element.... Yugito still felt tingles go down her spin.

"Sees like we got a rough plan for most things happening," said Hinata while she leaned against Naruto's right shoulder. Nods answered her before Anko spoke up, "Gakis, I said it before and I say it again: you are beyond crazy. But I guess there is no changing your minds. At least... don't train those last days; let your bodies rest. And DON'T forget to take of your weights when need be." Hinata and Sakura nodded, the two males rubbing their necks sheepishly. "Yeah; we better remember that," mumbled Naruto.

"Enough. Get home and rest up gakis. And don't forget Tsunade-sama's speech is BEFORE the start of the exams." "Yeah, yeah Anko-chan; we'll be there in time." And with this the team split up, the couples leaving together arm in arm. Yugito returned to her 'team' calming her nerves and trying to school her face into her usual confident mask. Anko was moving the fastest, using the Shunshin to swiftly reach the Academy and visit a certain scared teacher.

Ω

Five days later at 8 am the whole village was gathered around the Hokage tower as well as most foreign ninja teams as well. Rumors were running wild as to why everyone was called. Some people were whispering how they had seen Tsunade in the village, others were whispering rather loudly that they were sure that 'the demon' would be finally killed. All of them were very off the truth, only very few guessing/knowing what was going on. So far even the Council was not aware of what hand the Sandaime was about to play.

Silence fell over the crowd as Sarutobi stepped onto the balcony and looked down on his people. "Citizens of Konoha. Today will be a day of a new start. For years I have led you through this world we live in; for years I protected you as good as I could" 'Some far less than I should have.' "But today, today this will end."

Shouts filled the streets and Sarutobi raised his hands and the crowd fell silent again, "Yes, you heard right: today I will step down as active Hokage. I am too far from my prime to be able to fight the battles that may await us in the future and it is time for someone younger to take up the hat." He let his eyes travel, searching out several faces. The first he spotted was Danzou, the old man smirking slightly. Next were his 'advisors', his old team mates and they too seemed rather pleased with the outlook. Most of the clan heads were shocked, some displaying open objection like a glaring Inuzuka Tsume, demanding answers loud enough for most people to hear.

"But do not fear that I will leave you in a state of uncertainty during such an important time; I have chosen my successor already." Frowns settled onto three faces, not liking the happy tone Sarutobi held. "Not wanting to delay this anymore I present you your Godaime Hokage." Stepping aside the old man pulled the Hokage hat off his head and held it out to the person stepping up to him. Silence was ruling the crowd as everyone tried to see the person walking up.

Due to the angle people were only able to see Sarutobi as he handed the hat to the next Hokage. The person put the head on their head, pulled deep into their face as they stepped forth. Slowly pushing the hat upward, the person spoke. "Thank you Sarutobi-sensei and I humbly accept the position as Godaime Hokage, promising that I will lead them to my best conscious and knowledge." And with her last words Tsunade revealed her, admittedly forced, smiling face.

The crowd needed a few moments, shock present in nearly all minds before they broken into cheers and applause. Three very sore faces glared up at the smiling blond, in one of their heads' already plans forming how he could use this to his advantage. "I will not bore you with long speeches as some of the genin have an exam to take but I want to use this moment to issue a Council Meeting in 15 minutes."

The crowd slowly departed, many going to hit the bars and starting to party the new Hokage while a good portion of the genin headed for the Academy were the first part of the Chunin Exams was supposed to take place. Kami only knew what was in store for them.

Ω

The Council room was buzzing with chatter as Tsunade and Sarutobi stepped inside and instantly Danzou was at them. "That was a very unfriendly move Sarutobi, appointing a successor without this Council's blessing." "That is Sarutobi-SAMA to you, civil council member Danzou," said Tsunade sharply, her eyes glaring at the man. "Pardon me Tsuna-" SLAM! Tsunade had driven her fist through the table in front of Danzou, glaring at the man cold enough to make people shrink back from her. "This is 'Hokage-sama' to you, Danzou."

The old war hawk frowned, "This.... farce will not make this council cower before you." "Your point being? To me it seems that this 'Council' has long forgotten its place." Tsunade walked up to the large desk in front of the Council and took her seat. "But this will soon be changed anyway." Snapping her fingers Shizune suddenly appeared next to her with several official looking documents in her arms and started to hand them out to each Council member.

"Using the rights and power given to me by Paragraph 1845, Section 34.6 B, Section 3 I have passed several laws that take immediate effect." Silence reigned as the people read through the laws and it was not long for the first complaints.

"THIS IS OUTRAGIOUS," roared one of the Civil Council, hitting the desk before him with his flat hand. "You can't tell this Council what to do!" Tsunade's smile was so sweet that many people were fearing for what the Slug Princess had planned. "I guess you are referring to the new Separation Law." "THIS IS NO LAW! IT'S AN INSULT! I WILL NOT FOLLOW THIS! I REFUSE!" Slowly Tsunade stood up and walked around her table and towards the Council member.

"Anbu." With a flicker two Anbu appeared next to her. "Take Council member Tokashi to the I&T Division of Anbu. Ibiki shall work on him as soon as he finds the time." "WHAT?!" The whole Civil part of the Council was staring wide eyed at the Hokage. "The charges are treason against the Law and Hokage." The man screamed and shouted as the two Anbu seized him and dragged him out of the room.

Tsunade slowly turned back to the rest of the Civil part. "As off now ALL of you are hereby banned from sitting in or voting on ANYTHING that relates to shinobi business or anything of military relation. Seeing as this is all you needed to know I 'ask' you to leave; now." No one of them moved; they all were shouting at Tsunade, insults flying freely. 'Perfect.' With a small gathering of her chakra Tsunade stomped her foot down hard, making the while Tower shake and silenced everyone. "Anbu."

Suddenly the whole room was filled with small puffs of smoke and at least 5 complete squats appeared. "The whole Civil part of the Council is hereby under arrest for disobeying direct orders from the Hokage: please, escort them home." Without much ado the twenty Anbu horded the civilians outside, none of them acting against the Anbu, only Danzou was glaring with his one eye at Tsunade.

As soon as the large doors to the room were closed Tsunade turned to the remaining Shinobi Council, "Now that only those with a 'clear' understanding are present we can move on." "The Council will not stand for this Tsunade," snarled Koharu. Tsunade simply leveled a glare at the woman, "Koharu if you have a problem with it you can always resign your shinobi status and leave. Unless you are willing to do this be silent. I am well in my rights with all I did here."

Koharu fell silent, knowing that Tsunade was indeed acting within rights. Walking back to her seat the Godaime prepared for the rest of the meeting, "Now, are there any questions about the Laws?" Nara Shikaku raised his hand, "Tsunade-sama, why are you ordering a Mental Profile for each active shinobi?" "To prevent things like Orochimaru and Uchiha Itachi," said Tsunade bluntly. "Both could have been avoided had this been practice already. We would have seen the signs and could have acted accordingly." Shikaku nodded, the woman's reason being logic.

"What is this I read about changing the Academy," asked Inuzuka Tsume loudly. "The Act is rather vague." "Indeed. What do you think about the current system we use?" Aburame Shibi was the first and only to answer, "The system is flawed, Logic has long demanded change. While it produces a steady stream of graduates less than 35.67 percent are ever ready to pass the Chunin exams, even after several years. And only a number of less than 10 percent ever reach the status of Jounin. Not to mention how many Genin actually die on their first mission outside of Konoha."

Tsunade nodded, slightly shocked at the long speech the man had given, "Exactly Shibi-san. While our numbers are steady, quality is slowly falling. In sight of this the Academy Program will change like this: the minimum age of Graduation will be raised to 15, adding two more years to the current time. This will give the teachers at least 6 years to prepare the children for what they will have to face. From those six years from now on only ONE will be dedicated to the History of Konoha."

"The second year will be dedicated to build up speed, strength and stamina and to beat certain behavior out of certain students, ESPECIALLY fangirl/boy behavior! I will NOT stand for more losses on the field due to hormonal teenagers! In the second half of the second year the students shall also have their first Mental Evaluation."

"The third year will be focusing on Chakra, Chakra Control, the three basic jutsu as well as Kunai and Shuriken Training. During this time there will be also an evaluation if Students who have excellent Chakra Control are ready and willing to study medical jutsu. Should that be the case they will get standard training in first aid and field medicine of non-shinobi."

"The fourth year will improve Chakra Pools, Control and cover more basic ninjutsu of several elements. During this time the students will also be tested for Elemental Affinities, having developed one being a prerequisite to advance further. Med-nins in training will now receive training in basic medical ninjutsu and are needed to be Level 0 med nins to pass the fourth year. Should either the Elemental Affinity or the med-nin status NOT be achieved they will have to repeat this year until they do."

"The fifth year will focus on specialization. Teaching the students more Elemental Ninjutsu, more potent Genjutsu as well as advanced styles of Taijutsu. Med- nins in training must reach Level 1 AT LEAST to pass. Also students interested will get lessons in Kenjutsu, basic Sealing Knowledge as well as lessons in Tracking, Espionage and Traps. At the end of the year there is another Mental Evaluation."

"Excuse me Hokage-sama, but this would already make them Genin in basic knowledge," interrupted Yamanaka Inoichi, "What is the sixth year for?"

"Good question Inoichi-san, one I will answer right now. The sixth year will be the Students doing D-rank mission in randomly rotating squads under the leadership of fresh Chunins. This will take a good deal of missions off the actual Genins so that they can be further prepared and take up C-Rank missions sooner as well as sooner prepare them for the Chunin exams; also the Chunins can collect experience without the risk that higher missions entail. With this we can also see if certain Students work well together as a team, reducing the time a Jounin sensei has to spent creating teamwork. Before actual Graduation there will be yet another Mental Evaluation and NO further testing by the Jounin sensei. The last prerequisite is that EVERY squad has a qualified med-nin; should that be impossible only a number of teams maximum to the number of med-nins will be able to graduate, based on PRACTICAL skills."

Tsunade waited, eyeing every person in the room as they thought over how this would effect Konoha. Once more Aburame Shibi was the one to speak, "This will indeed strengthen our forces. Early practical experience coupled with more specialized training will increase the success of Konoha teams by at least 57.549 percent." Tsunade nodded, "Sarutobi-sensei and I came to similar numbers. Also, in addition to all this, the Academy will offer special classes dealing with things like Torture, Poisons, Interrogation and other very special parts of being a shinobi. Students who show potential in these areas will be offered to join small classes."

This declaration brought shock to the chamber, everyone staring at Tsunade. "Hokage-sama, with all due respect but this will be highly dangerous for choosing Jounin senseis in the future," said Akimichi Chouza. "Not the slightest. Each Jounin sensei is urged to point his students to better suited teachers if something is beyond their field of expertise. For example Mitarashi Anko would be the person to point out concerning Assassination, Sabotage and Poison."

"Tsunade, this will highly interfere with my clans teaching," said Hiashi, a blindfold covering his eyes while a Branch member was at his side. Tsunade glared at the blind man and though he could not see it Hiashi FELT the glare. "Too bad for you Hiashi but this is final. No more exceptions for your clan. They wish to join the military forces of KONOHA and as such have to fulfill these standards. And by the way, if you keep addressing me in this informal manner I will have you removed, is that clear?" Hiashi straightened up, feeling the proverbial sword hanging over his neck, "Hai, Hokage-sama."

"Hokage-sama, one thing comes to mind though," said Tsume. "Where do we get the proficient teachers for this? We can't have Maito Gai for example stay in the village and teach Taijutsu." "I know what you mean and I found a solution for this. There are others, not jounin shinobi who are very proficient in certain aspects. Talking about Taijutsu for example Gai's student Rock Lee would be equally able to teach advanced Taijutsu. Or genin like TenTen and Ryoushi Akuma are more than capable to teach the finer aspects of Kenjutsu."

Tsunade saw with pleasure how several people stared at her in shock. 'I have to thank the old monkey for bringing me up to date with the current prodigies.' "Hokage-sama you would place students in the hands of other Genin," asked Koharu loudly. "Yes I would. The skill of the aforementioned genin exceeds Genin and places them at Chunin skill by far. I think Hiashi here can vouch for Ryoushi-san to be well beyond any other Genin when it comes to swordplay."

Tsunade had to hold in her laughter as she saw how Hiashi's balled his fists and his body shook with anger. "Hokage-sama, are people offered to volunteer for special teaching positions," asked Tsume, her eyes dancing with mirth at the memory of Hiashi and Akuma. "Not in general Tsume-san but should anyone of outstanding skill be overlooked they are free to point themselves out."

Tsunade looked around, "This will be all for now. This meeting is closed."

Ω

At the Academy many Genin teams were gathered, many wondering where they should go. There was no one to point them to the right room, no one to ask where they should go. Many of the Konoha Teams set out to search for anyone as well as several of the foreign Teams. Only a few teams had suddenly ideas.

Hinata, Sakura, Naruto and Akuma were one of them. Hinata had discreetly activated her bloodline, covering the bulging veins with a simple Genjutsu. "As we thought. There are MANY Jounins under Genjutsu all over the room and Academy. I guess our first test is to see if we can find our own sensei." "Do you see Anko," whispered Sakura as she too felt each and every Genjutsu in the room

Hinata couldn't help but giggle, "Broom closet on the third floor, south wing." Naruto adopted a thoughtful look, "Wait.... that is VERY close to Iruka's class room." Smirks started to play over their lips as Hinata deactivated her bloodline. "Guess what: there was a second Chakra signature with her," smiled Hinata. Sakura giggled behind her hand while the two males were laughing loudly, making many people look at them.

"Let's 'find' them," smirked Akuma as he and Naruto lead the team towards their destination.

Not much later and they stood in front of the closet in question. Naruto took the handle and smiled at them before swiftly pulling the door open. And right between them fell Anko and Iruka, the Tokubetsu Jounin on top of the Chunin, their limbs tangled and kissing heatedly. "FOUND YOU," roared Naruto before he suddenly held his head in pain, Anko standing over him with a pissed face and raised fist. "FUCK YOU GAKI!!!"

"He'd rather fuck Hinata than himself," mused Kyuubi in Naruto's mind and the poor boy blushed scarlet. "M-mo-moving ON!" Anko smirked, "Okay, I give you your 'mission'. You are to head to the old Uchiha Police Building. In there you will get your next orders. And you only have 10 minutes to get there starting.... NOW!" "We hate you," said the four in one voice as they brought their hands up and formed the Ram seal. "KAI!" seconds later they raced down the corridor and jumped out of the window, sprinting over the roof tops.

Ω

7 minutes and 35 seconds later Team 11 reached the old Building, seeing two Chunin flank the entrance. As the four walked up the Chunin looked them over. "Why are you four," asked the one on the left with an angry voice. "Team 11 under Mitarashi Anko," said Naruto and Akuma in one voice and the two Chunin paled slightly. "Oh Kami..... move in already." not a second after the door closed behind the four the two Chunin exchanged looks. "This will be.... interesting...." "You can say that again.... if rumors are true those four will tear through the 'competition'."

On the inside Team 11 was faced with a medium number of teams, most of them foreigners: three Suna teams, five Tsuki teams that were openly glaring at Akuma as well as directing serious Killing Intent at the teen, six Kiri teams, three Kumo teams and a good ten other Konoha teams, amongst them Team 7, Team 8 and Team 10. Neither of them seemed to have changed if you counted looks but under the surface Team 11 could see changes.

Naruto let his eyes travel through the room and swiftly spotted Yugito, seeing how her 'team' was excluding her from making any last minutes plans. Next his eyes fell on one of the Suna teams. One of them was a boy? with a wrapped something on his back, another a blond female with a large fan strapped to her back. But the last, the shorter red head caught Naruto's eye the most and Kyuubi rose within his mind.

"Naruto, that red head is the container of Ichibi.... I must warn you, she was never the most sane cookie of all of us...." 'I know Nee-chan; you told me about her. I will make sure to be... careful around her and him.'

Naruto's and the red head's eyes met for a split second and both felt the demonic chakra spike within them. Heads turned to the two hosts, everyone feeling the spike. Many teams noted to try avoiding those two as best as they could; the vibes those two put off were bad.

Team 11 soon was positioned against one wall, observing the other teams. Team 8 was a sight to see, Kiba trying to put the moves on Ino AND Tashya at the same time only to get a double teamed fist to the face, knocking him down while Akamaru sat on Kiba's head, seemingly laughing at his master.

Team 10 was a sight of utter calmness, Shino silent but observant as ever, Shikamaru gazing longingly at the clouds outside and Chouji stuffing himself with food. But Team 11 could see that the three were not as uncaring as they tried to be on the outside.

And lastly.... 'Team' 7: Sasuke. The avenger was standing in a corner, giving everyone the patented #45TM Uchiha Glare. The smugness was rolling off him in thin waves but strangely he was surrounded by only a small number of kunoichi and Ino was NOT one of them.

"Looks like Kurenai beat that phase out of Ino-pig," muttered Sakura. "Or maybe something else happened," mused Akuma after his eyes had taken a slightly glassy look. "You entered her mind," asked Naruto surprised. Akuma chuckled lowly, "I did. And I know why she is not all over the Uchiha."

"Tell us already," asked Naruto eagerly and all three leaned in to Akuma. The teen chuckled once more, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall, "Well... looks like little Ino used her family jutsu on him and checked his 'package'." Hinata and Sakura couldn't help the slight blush or wide eyes while Naruto snickered. "What she see?" Akuma had problems keeping his laughter down as he looked at the Avenger from the corner of his eyes. "Ino added a small note to that memory, one that is slightly disturbing: 'Akamaru is bigger than THAT!' were her thoughts back then."

The whole room turned to Team 11 of Konoha as two people roared with laughter and the two girls shouted a high pitched "NANI?!".

The other Konoha rookies, except for Sasuke, walked up to Team 11 and Ino glared at Sakura, "What's the matter forehead?" But instead of a still perplexed Sakura who was staring at Ino it was Akuma who answered with a snicker. "OH nothing Ino. We just found out about a certain dog/duck-butt reference." At first Ino seemed confused but then she followed Akuma's eyes from Sasuke over Akamaru to herself. And then it clicked together, her face lit up like a emergency light. "SHUT UP!!" "Troublesome women," muttered Shikamaru.

"I would not be so loud if I were you; many people are rather on edge here." The group turned around to face an older Konoha teen, pushing round glasses up his nose. In his mind Naruto's tenant snapped at attention. 'No... this smell; it can't be him....' "NARUTO!!!" 'Good gracious Nee-chan, I hear you just fine.' "Stuff it. That boy... he reeks of Snake." 'YOU SERIOUS?!' "Yes but don't act just yet. Something is smelling way too much like a wet fox here." 'You mean this stinks? ..... you are right...... this IS a fishy situation.....'

Naruto came back to reality just as Kiba was tearing the new teen, who Naruto now gathered was named Kabuto, a verbal new one. "Your seventh time?! Then you REALLY must be weak!" "Maybe," said Kabuto with a smile. "But this gave me the option of gathering much data on each team." He pulled out a stack of cards from his pocket, flipping one over and showing a strange diagram, "This for example shows how many teams entered from each village. Though some of my data is still incomplete; for example I have next to nothing on those Tsuki nins. But from what I have seen they must be pretty weak."

Killing Intent flowed from the Tsuki nin making Kabuto shiver slightly and one of them walked up, a huge teen that looked like a professional bodybuilder. He wore a white muscle shirt and black shorts, his head shaved bald. Suddenly he raised his fist high and brought it down into Kabuto's back, the Genin barely able to dodge to the left. The fist hit the floor and impacted hard, leaving a deep imprint of a fist. "Add to your toys that we will kill all in our way." the teen's voice was dark and deep, his yes drilling into Akuma.

The silver eyed teen simply returned the look with equal force. "Then maybe he should also add that I intend to kill each and every Tsuki 'nin' here." Killing Intents rocketed through the roof and many teams shrunk back from the sources, namely the Tsuki teams and the Konoha genin. The mountain of muscles stood straight and glared at the sword wielding Adept, "Akuma....." Akuma answered the glare with his own, sparks flying from his eyes, "Stone; I see you rose in the ranks of pit dogs. Still sucking up to the Elders?"

The utter rage was evident on Stone's face, "You will pay for your crimes." "My crimes?" A dark chuckled slipped past Akuma's lips as he closed his eyes, "Very well, you are free to try." Suddenly his eyes snapped open, the silver seeming to shine as he spoke in a low and dark voice, "But be prepared to face to Terror of Vale at its peak."

Stone took a step back, a hint of fear etched into his face. "O-o-oh yeah....?" "Yeah," answered Akuma as he took a step forward, "Be. Prepared."

Instantly after this Team 11 of Konoha was off the list of many teams, only on the Suna team with the red head was someone glaring hungrily at the four. 'Mother demands your blood; all of your blood.'

Suddenly the room was starting to get foggy, a mist filling it within a matter of seconds. This coupled with the atmosphere was enough to get shouts of terror from many of the Genins and the unearthly laughter that suddenly filled the room did not help at all. Only a handful of people seemed to relax, being familiar with this.

Then a voice spoke, seemingly appearing from all around them, "Kukukukukukuku so many fresh victims...... Eight spots: liver, kidneys, heart, lung, spine, neck vein, clavicle vein, brain. Where should I strike now?" Shouts of terror and pleas of mercy suddenly came from two of the Kiri Teams, each one recognizing the particular person. Team 11, Kiba and Shino seemed to relax, though one could never know with the Aburame.

"Shall we crash his fun," whispered Naruto excitedly. And Akuma smirked, "Let's." But before the two could act the mist cleared slightly, revealing a line of people standing on a raised platform. The one in the middle had his lower face wrapped in bandages and a HUGE Cleaver strapped to his back. "Welcome you little shit stains. This are this year's Chunin exams and from now on, you are MINE!!"

ΩΩΩΩ

well, this will (maybe) certainly be different. hope you liked how Tsunade won't take shit from the Council anymore, shinobi or not.

(maybe) see you next time

- Nelo Akuma