Kasek: Thanks for sending in ideas for Kin's fruit, guys. I guess I'll stick with Kami Kami no Mi because of the silliness of the name. Also, thanks to Cybertoy00 for reminding me that there was so much more I could do with Kin's abilities. To answer your question, Zaku is closer to Franky than the Pacifistas, but his only weapons besides his actual body are the tubes in his arms. He's more of a proto-type cyborg than anything.

Disclaimer: I own neither Naruto nor One Piece.

Chapter 21: A Replacement For War

Naruto gulped as the four of them- Kyuumaru in his Fennec fox form- jumped through the trees. "So, this guy is some kind of permanent clone that possesses both the Kyuubi's personality and my memories... and you guys know my secret..."

Hinata nodded. "Yes... I can't say I was... too surprised... there's always been something... different, about you, than normal people..."

Naruto grit his teeth; just talking about this made him remember the dark parts of his past. Those eyes... those terrible, cold eyes, inflicting judgment on a young boy...

Sasuke smirked. "Well, at least you don't have to hide it from us anymore..."

Naruto nodded, and forced a smile. "Y-yeah..."

Hinata began jumping right by Naruto's side. "Naruto... we're not going to treat you differently because you're the container of the thing that destroyed our village once..."

This time, a true smile came. "Thank you... Hinata..."

Kyuumaru snorted. "Geez, you humans... even with this boy's memories, I don't quite understand you..."

Naruto stared at the small fox. "That makes me wonder... what the heck I'm going to do with you..."

Kyuumaru smirked. "Well, that Kiba guy has his dog, right? I can be your fox. As far as we know, I could be bound to you- I could get so far away, and then just disappear into nothingness." Naruto nodded. That made sense... clones could only work within a certain distance of the user. "Plus, if I stay with you, I might get to kill people... and that's a prospect I look forward to."

Naruto snorted. "You're not going to be killing anybody with that form..."

Kyuumaru nodded. "Well, that's what the other forms are for... not to mention that, being your clone, I have a clone of Kubikiri Hocho for myself..."

Naruto smirked. "Twin swords, eh? That could come in handy..."

Sasuke stared at Kyuumaru blankly. "And why are we supposed to trust you, again?"

Kyuumaru chuckled, his deep voice making it almost humorous compared to his small body. "Well... to be honest, every time I think about killing you guys, I get a most unpleasant feeling in my stomach... I may possess this body, but a part of Naruto's conscience resides within me, as well... it'd probably be unbearable for me to have you guys die."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Every time? Just how many times have you thought of it?"

Kyuumaru closed his eyes in thought for a second. "Hmmm... five or six times, maybe. I haven't been keeping track."

Sasuke shivered. At least he has honesty going for him...

--

Anko frowned as she tried debating with the ANBU in the room of the central tower they were in, her hand on the Curse Seal on her neck. "We can't stop these exams!"

The one with the bird mask tilted his head. "What do you mean? Orochimaru is now involved! Martial law is supposed to be invoked the moment he appears!"

Anko grit her teeth. "I don't have time to explain! I need the Hokage here, now!"

They were interrupted by a Chunin with a small beard, who burst into the room, a video tape in his hand. "Anko! We've been waiting for you! There's something I must report!"

Anko glared at the man. "This better be darn important, because if it isn't..."

He quickly walked into the room and placed the video into a VCR, and turned on the TV it was connected to. The screen snowed for a moment, before coming into focus. The man pointed to the corner. "Please note the time of this recording... this is an hour and thirty seven minutes into the exam."

Anko's eyes widened as she looked at the screen. It was Gaara and his two teammates... inside the tower. They had successfully gotten to the tower... and apparently killed the Chunin assigned to greet them. The man lowered his head. "These three, from Suna... passed the second exam this fast."

Anko shivered. "Ninety-seven minutes... how is that... possible?"

The Chunin nodded. "To demolish the old record of four hours... these guys are not at the Genin level."

Anko shook her head. "Ten kilometers of dangerous terrain... wild beasts, poisonous insects, rough terrain... they made it look easy... especially the red head."

The Chunin inspected the image of Gaara. "Especially him? What makes you say that?"

The bird-masked ANBU tilted his head. "That's... amazing..."

The Chunin glared at Gaara. "What? I don't see it..."

Anko smirked. "Check his body. See what's wrong with it?"

The Chunin gulped. "Not a scratch..."

Anko shook her head. "Nor a speck of dirt."

The Chunin shook. For me... for any Chunin, that feat is nigh impossible...

The bird-masked ANBU shook his head. "Looks like we have a good contender for Chunin, then... but I don't like the look in his eyes..."

--

Naruto looked up at the writing on the wall- they had finally made it to the tower, and once inside, they were greeted with a large room, with writing on the wall."If you lack heaven, seek wisdom, be prepared. If you lack earth, run in the fields, seek advantages. If you have both heaven and earth, you can succeed in even the most dangerous mission. These rules will guide a extremes."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "I wonder what the missing word is... 'Chunin's', maybe? Or maybe 'shinobi's'?"

Hinata took out the Heaven scroll they had gotten from Orochimaru. "I wonder... do you think we can open the scrolls now?"

Naruto took out the Earth scroll. "Well, they said not to open it before we got to the tower... so, yeah, sure, let's do it. Not like there's anybody around to see it in case we're not supposed to."

Carefully, both Naruto and Hinata opened there scrolls at the same time. Both Naruto and Sasuke recognized what was inscribed- a summoning jutsu. Sasuke grit his teeth. "Guys! Throw them away, now!"

They did as told, and the air above the scrolls began to become enshrouded in smoke as they hit the ground. The smoke cleared, revealing Iruka. Hinata was the most surprised. "I-Iruka-sensei? What are you doing here?"

Iruka smirked. "Hey. Long time no see."

Naruto nodded. "Yeah... one question: what's with the summoning jutsu?"

Iruka smiled. "It's set up so that we Chunin come and greet the exam takers when they get here." He took out a watch and made note of the time. "Geez, you guys were fast... though, a couple of teams did make it here before you guys did. Still, congratulations on passing this second exam."

Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. "Wait... if we had opened the scrolls during the exam..."

Iruka nodded. "You're as sharp as ever. I'd have been forced to knock you out and remove you from the exam. This exam is set up to test our trustworthiness, and ability to do as told."

Naruto's eyes wandered back to the writing on the wall. "Okay, question number two: what's the writing on the wall for?"

Iruka chuckled. "Well, I'm here to explain that, too. This is the motto of the Chunin, as written by Hokage-sama himself. 'If you lack heaven, seek wisdom, be prepared.' Basically, if you're not doing so well in the smarts department... do some studying. 'If you lack earth, run in the fields, seek advantages.' So, if you're not doing so well in the stamina department... get some exercise, train hard. 'If you have both heaven, and earth, you can succeed in even the most dangerous mission.' That part is self-explanatory- missions are easy if you train both your mind and your body well. And the last part... 'These rules will guide a person's extremes.'

"This exam was supposed to test the basic abilities you would need as a Chunin... and you guys obviously pass that. Chunin are the same as military captains- you have the responsibility to lead a team, and you need knowledge, strength, and wisdom for your duties. I want you guys to challenge the next step with this motto in mind."

Naruto saluted him in all seriousness. "Yes, sir!"

Iruka smiled. These kids... Sasuke, and Hinata... I knew they were always strong, but... they have come far... is it because of your influence, Naruto? And of course, Kakashi's as well... I was wrong not to take his word that you guys were ready...

Naruto's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, yeah! I need to talk to Saru- I mean, the Hokage right away! It's urgent!"

Iruka was surprised. "Urgent? What could be so urgent as to warrant the Hokage's attention?"

Naruto growled, though not at Iruka. "A man named Orochimaru attacked us during the exams... I'm sure you know who he is."

Iruka gulped. Orochimaru?! "A-are you sure it was him?"

Naruto grit his teeth. "No doubt about it... that man wasn't human..."

Iruka sighed. "I'm glad you guys are alive... I'll see to it that the Hokage gets here as soon as possible. He is supposed to arrive here anyways on the last day... but seeing that this is an emergency..."

Naruto nodded. "Thank you... Iruka."

Iruka mentally made a note that it was creepy for a kid not to call him Iruka-sensei. "Well, I'm off... you guys are pretty much free to explore the tower, claim a bedroom for yourself, and just take it easy for the next few days."

Naruto grinned. "Sure thing!"

As they went up to the balcony and left, Iruka sighed. Since when did Naruto have a pet fox? It was wearing the same clothes as he as wearing, too... weird. I'll have to ask Hokage-sama about it.

--

A few days later

Kabuto and his two teammates- both identically dressed as Kabuto, except that their heads were covered by hats and veils, and in one case further covered by sunglasses- kneeled in front of Orochimaru inside the tower. Kabuto glanced up. "I'm sorry... I didn't run into Sasuke at all during the second exam."

Orochimaru chuckled. "Well, then... why don't you take part in the third exam, as well?"

Kabuto's eyes widened behind his glasses. "Orochimaru-sama! I've never taken part of the third exam out of all the times I've taken the Chunin Exams! I might lose the chance to ever take them again!"

Orochimaru chuckled once more. "Did you forget? By the end of these exams, Konohagakure no Sato will be no more... besides, I can always get other spies. Though, they won't be as skilled as you are, Kabuto..."

Kabuto smirked. "I'm flattered..."

--

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe as he stood in front of Anko. "There, does the curse still hurt?"

Anko smiled as she rubbed the mark on her neck. "No... thank you, I feel much better."

Kotetsu voiced his concerns. "Orochimaru... one of the Legendary Sannin... an S-class criminal even the ANBU can't touch... I had heard he had already died..."

Izumo frowned. "Why would he come here, now?"

Anko remembered what Orochimaru had told her. "He wants..."

Hiruzen interupted her. "Sasuke, right? I've already been informed..."

He remembered back to his meeting with Naruto shortly before. The boy had explained Orochimaru, not to mention the whole ordeal with the Kyuubi possessing a clone of the boy. It had been... interesting to meet with the creature that had stolen so many of the lives he held dear.

--

Hiruzen glared at the small fox. "How can I trust you with the lives of Naruto and his friends... considering how many lives you've taken from this village already?"

Kyuumaru sighed. Having to explain something more than once was an irritant, he had discovered. "I was but a mindless beast when I attacked Konoha... residing within the boy has given me intelligence... not to say that I wouldn't do it again given the chance, but... at any rate, as I am now... this body still retains some of Naruto's conscience inside of it. It makes me sick to think about killing those close to him. Betraying this village... is something that I will not do, so long as I remain bound to Naruto. And, like I said, I owe him for making me who I am."

Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe. "Very well... it is true that you did not display the capacity to speak, all those years ago... alright, I'll trust you. But if you betray us, you will find a much worse fate than being sealed inside Naruto awaits you..."

Kyuumaru nodded- he could tell Hiruzen was serious in the matter. "I'll keep that in mind..."

--

A television screen flickered on, and a Chunin appeared on the screen. "Anko-sama! A total of twenty-four Genin have passed the second exam! In accordance with the rules, for the first time in five years, we will hold a preliminary exam before the third exam."

Hiruzen removed his pipe from his mouth. "Well... it'd be best to continue the exams. We'll keep an eye on Orochimaru..."

--

Anko smirked as she looked at the crowd of Genin before her. For twenty-four to make it... I know I said I'd cut them in half, but I was expecting single digits... She fidgeted with her ear-mounted micropone before speaking. "Alright, first off... congratulations on passing the second test!"

Facing the crowd of Genin were many elder shinobi- some Chunin, like Iruka, Anko, Ibiki, and the Sandaime Hokage were in the fist row, and behind them were the Jonin senseis of the Genin who had made it. Gai smirked as he talked to Kakashi, who was right beside him. "Your team wasn't so bad... they must've gotten really lucky. But as long as my team is around, they won't be passing... since from here on out, this exam is about real ability. Well, youth has its ups and downs, I suppose..."

Kakashi glanced towards Gai. "Did you say something?"

Gai pumped his fist as he looked away from Kakashi, causing Kakashi to raise an eyebrow. Not bad, my rival Kakashi... you're kind of cool in that way, and that... really gets on my nerves.

Tenten smiled as she watched the exchange. That's Kakashi-sensei, huh? He certainly beats Gai-sensei in the looks department...

Lee pumped his own fist- he had an opposite view. As I thought, Gai-sensei shines brighter than all of the other senseis! Watch me, as I will shine bright too!

Neji frowned as he looked at Team 7. So, Hinata-sama's team made it to the tower after all... Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Naruto... what are those two?

Zaku grit his teeth as his eyes focused on Sasuke. I don't care if I managed to get my arm back on... you are going down, Uchiha!

A Suna Jonin- named Baki- frowned as he observed his team. Gaara's unscathed... what a surprise...

Kurenai's eyes widened a little when she noticed that Akamaru was shivering inside of Kiba's coat. That's weird...

Kiba shook his head. Akamaru's scared real bad... there must be a couple of real monsters in this room...

Sakura looked around slowly. That's weird... all of the Konoha rookies are here...

The Ame-Genin who had tried disguising himself as Naruto smirked under his breath mask. Hehehe... that blond kid made it... good, I want my revenge...

At the same time, the Ame-Jonin was smirking as he looked towards Ibiki. Oh, Morino Ibiki... long time no see... I wonder if those scars still ache...

Sasuke rubbed his neck, where Kakashi had placed a seal on top of his Curse Seal. Apparently, it worked on willpower- if he ever wanted the Curse Seal for some reason, it would take him over. So long as he willed it to stay inside the seal, it would. I can't say I'm getting a good feeling from this whole ordeal...

Hiruzen smirked. For so many to make it... and all nine of the rookies made it, as well. I can see why they were nominated.

Anko continued speaking. "And now, Hokage-sama will explain the third exam!"

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe, letting the smoke slowly leave his mouth. "Before I explain that... you all need to know the true reason for this exam..." This caused many of the Genin to become confused. "Why do we have all of the allied countries taking these exams together? 'To promote friendship among the countries', 'To raise the level of shinobi'. I don't want you to get confused about the true meaning of this exam. In reality... this is a replacement for war.

"It wasn't so long ago that we were all enemies. In order to prevent wasteful fighting... they chose the Chunin Exams as the stage for battle. It is true that these exams decide which shinobi may become Chunin... but, on the other hand, shinobi risk their lives here to protect their country's pride. Watching this third exam will be many leaders and influential people who make up our clients. And, of course, the leaders of each country will be there to watch their soldiers fight. If a country is seen as strong... they will receive more clients. If they are seen as weak... they will lose business. And finally, it shows to potential enemies just how strong we are, possibly preventing attacks."

Kiba growled. "But... why risk our lives in battle?!"

Hiruzen removed his pipe from his mouth. "The strength of a country lies in the strength of its village. The strength of a village lies in its shinobi. And a shinobi's true strength... can only be seen in a battle where their life is on the line. This exam is meant to show off not just a country's strength, but your own. It only has meaning because lives are at risk."

Tenten voiced a concern of hers. "But then... why say stuff like it's for friendship?"

Hiruzen sighed. "I already told you, don't get confused. By losing life, and establishing balance... that is the form of friendship in the world of shinobi. I will tell you one last thing... this third exam is not a test, but... an all-out battle, with your dreams and your country's pride on the line!"

Gaara glared at the Hokage. "Just hurry up and tell us what this all-out battle entails..."

Hiruzen frowned. The manners of young people these days... he needs to take lessons, like Naruto did. "I was about to start doing that. Now, then..."

Someone appeared directly in front of him, and bowed. The man coughed. "Actually, Hogake-sama... as the referee for the third exam, allow me, Gekkou Hayate, to tell them..." Hiruzen nodded, and the man turned around to face the crowd. "Hello, everyone. I'm Hayate..."

Zaku snickered. What the? This guy looks totally sick! Those bags under his eyes can not be a good sign.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. Is... he alright?

Hayate coughed again, signifying that he may, indeed, be sick. "First off... in accordance with the rules, there needs to be a preliminary exam... to decide who gets to move on to the main event."

Shikamaru's eyes widened. "You mean we have to go through four exams?!"

Sakura voiced what was on most everyones minds. "How come we aren't all allowed to go to the third exam? We all certainly passed the second exam!"

Kayate coughed once more. "Yes, you did... and that's the problem. Too many people passed. In accordance with the rules, we're holding a preliminary to reduce the numbers. As Hokage-sama said, there will be many important guests... and we can't be held responsible for wasting their time if the fights take too long. So, since these preliminaries are going to be starting almost immediately... is there anyone who would like to forfeit?"

There were no takers. "Are you sure? From now on, it will be one-on-one battles- your quitting will not affect your teammates." Still no takers. "Alright, then... let's start his preliminary. It will consist of one-on-one fights... fight like you're in a life or death situation. So, there will be twelve battles... the winners will go on to the third exam.

"There are basically no rules. The fights will go on until someone dies, is knocked out, or admits defeat. I suggest quickly admitting your defeat while you're still alive. Also, if I decide that the winner has been made clear... I will step in, to avoid an increase in the body count of these exams. Now, then... as for how we will decide the match-ups..."

Anko whispered into her microphone. "Open it."

A wooden panel on the far wall, to the upper left of a large statue of two hands clasped together in a chara-gathering seal, opened up, revealing a large screen. Hayate again coughed. "This electric scoreboard will show the match-ups for each battle... I know this is sudden, but let's see who is fighting first..."

The scoreboard lit up, and names began flashing on and off the screen at a very high speed. Eventually, it settled on two names- Sasuke Uchiha VS Oboro. Sasuke frowned. "Oboro...?"

The Ame-nin who had been disguised as Naruto sneered under his breath mask. "Lucky, lucky... I get to face one of the members of that team already...

Hayate coughed, though this time it was on purpose. "Would these two come up here?" They did as told, and stood facing each other in front of Hayate. Hayate looked at them both. "Are you two ready?"

Sasuke smirked. "As ready as I'll ever be..."

Oboro shifted from one foot to the other. "Just let me at him..."

Hayate nodded. "Would everyone else please move to the balcony?"

Naruto grinned as he dragged Hinata over to Kakashi. "Kakashi-sensei! I bet you can't wait to see all of our matches, right?"

Kakashi smiled under his mask. "Yes... I want to see just how strong you all have gotten..."

Ibiki frowned as the Ame-Jonin stood next to him. "Hey, Ibiki, long time no see..."

Ibiki growled. "Don't push it. I'm doing my best holding myself back from killing you... Rokusho Aoi."

The jumpsuit-wearing Jonin laughed. "Oh, so you do remember me..."

Ibiki grit his teeth. "Who could forget... because of you, I lost my little brother..."

Hayate raised his hand into the air. "Now... begin!"

Kasek: I don't know how Aoi managed to sneak in here. Okay, yes I do. One minute, I'm thinking "Hmm... Team Oboro never got defeated by Team 7. I'll bring them in so I can mix up the matches even more." Next thing you know, I'm like, "Hey, their Jonin-sensei is Aoi. That might make for an interesting twist." So, yeah. If you don't know who he is, he's from the first filler arc of the anime, before the Rescue Sasuke Arc. Do your own research if you don't know him, cause I don't feel like explaining everything about him.

So, yeah, send in your ideas for who should fight who. However, I think I'll keep the most important fight the same, and I may keep others the same, too.

So, matches yet undecided:

Naruto, Hinata

Tenten, Neji

Mubi, Kagari (Team Oboro)

Kankuro, Temari

Kabuto, Yoroi, Misumi

Kiba, Shino, Sakura

Ino, Shikamaru, Choji

Dosu, Zaku, Kin