AN: If people get confused or dizzy by the constant swapping of Sasuke calling his counterpart 'sister' or 'counterpart', I apologize.
World 1 Scene 6: Shinobi of Winx
Naruto was silent, his wide eyes full of shock.
His father...
His father was the Fourth Hokage?
The one who had sealed the Kyuubi in him! The man he had idolized for as long as he could remember. The man he looked up to, and sought to surpass in strength and power, as well as respect by becoming Hokage himself.
A part of him wanted to deny such claims. Say it was all a lie! That it couldn't possibly true!
But... something in him. In his heart. Something told him, that what he was hearing was the truth.
That he truly was the son of his hero.
Was he mad? Yes. Incredibly so. He wanted to know why his own father would seal the very beast that attacked his home and caused so much hate in the village to be aimed at him!
Since he was younger, he had buried his anger deep inside him. And not, that anger wanted to come out!
He clenched his fists tight in anger and confusion. His grip was so tight, his nails cut into his skin, drawing blood. He didn't know how to react, and it made him angry!
Why? Why did his own father seal the Kyuubi in him?! Why leave him alone?! Why pick him anyway?!
He could hear the soft and amused chuckles of the very beast in him, making him angrier.
The Kyuubi knew!
He wanted to scream. It clawed at his throat, tearing to get out. And he looked ready to, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, his blue eyes now a deep purple ‒ halfway between his ocean blue and the Kyuubi's crimson red ‒ looked up to the grey eyes of Shin.
"I know you are angry, Naruto. Wanting answers." The man said softly. Biting his bottom lip, the blonde nodded softly. "And I promise, you will get them. But for now, repress you anger. Calm yourself down, and have patience. You will get your answers."
Naruto looked down, feeling disappointed. However, he would trust this man. And so, with his eyes going back to their regular blue, he nodded. He wiped away his angry tears that had trailed down his cheeks. He would wait. Wait to learn the truth. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the space, ignoring the concerned looks of his friends. The apologetic looks from his sensei's and kage.
He just wanted to get this over with, so he could get his answers.
Sighing, and ignoring the glares shot at him from Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi, Shin started the next scene.
Sakura smiled as she sat down at the table for lunch. Bloom was the first to notice. "You seem really pleased with yourself, want to tell us why?"
Sakura nodded, "I was just talking to mom a little while ago. It turns out that Kakashi sensei has entered us in the chunin exams."
"Wow!" "Great work Sakura!" Cool!" were the responses of the other girls.
Anko scoffed. "They won't be all smiles for long." She muttered, getting nods. Not only was the Chunin Exam incredibly dangerous (at least the Second part was, especially for Team 7) but there was also the chance of the Sound Invasion at the third exam.
Sakura smiled, "I know, my team has worked hard, and now we get to show all our hard work."
"Do you think Naruto and Sasuke will enter and well?" Bloom asked.
"I would think so," Techna said, "From what I know most of the exams, except the final one, is about teamwork and needs a full team to advance. You cannot just leave one out."
Kakashi nodded. "True. If even one of your teammates did not want to enter, the whole team could not."
Sakura sighed. She recalled how hesitant she was to enter the exams. She almost didn't enter, unknowingly costing her team the ability to enter. If it wasn't for Iruka-sensei's test, she would have backed out.
She still didn't know if that was a good thing or not, considering everything that happened at the Forest of Death. Meeting Orochimaru, Sasuke getting the cursed mark, fighting the Sound genin by herself, nearly dying, Lee nearly dying, seeing Sasuke act so dark... it was a whole marathon of madness and drama!
"Pity," Stella said with a shrug, "But with any luck she might not make it to the finals and Naruto and Sakura will."
Sasuke's eye twitched. Really?! Again?!
"Stella," Sakura groaned, tired of her roommate's attitude toward her witch teammate.
'Bitch.' The Uchiha thought bitterly.
At Cloud Tower Sasuke was meeting with Griffin "Your sensei has entered your team into the chunin exams that are coming up."
Sasuke was surprise but she smirked. "Don't worry Miss Griffin I won't let you or Cloud Tower down."
Griffin smirked, "I am sure you won't. You are the strongest in your year and stronger then some of the upper years as well. But remember what I thought you."
Sasuke smirked, "Don't worry, if I cause any trouble in my competition; I won't get caught."
Sasuke smirked. Kakashi chuckled. "Looks like you also have to work hard not to let Cloud Tower down, Sasuke." Sasuke just gave a 'hn'.
Naruto was in one of the training rings sparring with Brandon in swordplay. The other boys cheered as they continued their spar, some for Brandon, and the others for Naruto. It ended with Naruto adding a bit of taijutsu to break through Brandon's guard, leaving him on the floor with a phantom katana at his throat and Naruto above him.
Naruto cracked a smirk. He liked seeing how strong he was. If only he knew his other's style.
"Excellent work you two." They all stood at attention as Headmaster Saladin entered the field. His staff, which had a dragon's head shape with a purple sphere in the mouth, tapping as he walked. He took a look at Naruto before saying, "I understand the chuunin exams are coming up soon."
"Yes sir, and if my team is nominated I won't let the honor of Red Fountain down." Naruto stood at attention as he said that. Saladin nodded before continuing, "I know that, but I have received word from our mutual friend, Sarutobi Hiruzen, that Kakashi has nominated your team for the exams."
"I won't be able to compete if Sasuke or Sakura decide not to, but I have a feeling they might."
"I believe you, and as usual the three schools will come to observe and partake of the culture, naturally only those that want to come will buy tickets, or have them provided by a friend. I wish you good luck, and here is the form you need to fill out to enter. You'll meet Kakashi with further instructions." Saladin handed Naruto the form.
Naruto nodded. He knew his other won't let Red Fountain or his friends down.
The next day, Sakura was waiting at the gates with the other girls, "I hope they get here soon." She said as Bloom yawned. It was still fairly early and the sun was still rising.
"Hey Sakura, girls, been waiting long?" Naruto asked as he came into view.
"Hey Naruto," Bloom greeted feeling wide-awake now.
Kakashi and Asuma chuckled. Kurenai rolled her eyes at them, but smiled at the scene. Bloom really had it bad for A-Naruto, she found it cute. Though that worried her about Hinata's reaction.
"Well never thought I see sunspot sacrifice her well needed beauty sleep to see me off." Sasuke said with a few witches behind her. Haku gave them a small wave, which the girls returned, Mirta smile at them and gave them a wave as well, but Lucy looked bored.
Sasuke smirked discreetly.
What was it? A-Sasuke: 5, Stella: 0?
Stella growled at her, but before she can say anything Faragonda walked up to them. "Good you are all here, now after all of your good byes I will send you three to the village. The exams start at eight AM in room number 303 at the academy tomorrow. That gives you all plenty of time to relax and get ready."
Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke gave them their goodbyes before they stood next to each other and Faragonda started to teleporting spell. "Oh and do not forget to give Sarutobi-dono my regards."
They vanished from sight then Faragonda turned to the three witches, "Now I can send you all back to Cloud Tower if you wish, or perhaps you would wish for a light breakfast beforehand."
Haku smiled and nodded, "Thank you Faragonda-sama we would be happy to."
"Yeah I always thought this place was rocking." Mirta said while Lucy shrugged. Faragonda laughed while the girls smile and thought these new girls were not so bad.
Faragonda lead the way, "Very well, I will let Griffin know before I send you three back, and after you all finish breakfast and can get ready for your classes."
Sakura smiled softly at her teammates. "Well, here it comes." She said. Naruto said, his thoughts turning to his fellow demon container, Gaara, his other would no doubt be meeting soon.
Sasuke, on the other hand, couldn't help by unconsciously rubbing his shoulder, where his curse mark laid. Sakura and the jonin saw this, and frowned.
They hoped, that in this other dimension, Team 7 didn't run into Orochimaru.
Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke were back in Konohagakura no Sato. They breathed in the air as they looked at the monument, "It feels great to be back home." Naruto stretched as they walked around. Sasuke giggled a bit as she noticed the action,
Kiba started with wide eyes, blinking slowly. "Di-Did we just hear Sasuke giggle?" He asked, with Sasuke glaring at him. The Inuzuka and his old male classmates found it completely weird to here an alternate verson of the Uchiha, a female one that that, giggle.
Sasuke was really wishing his counterpart had a girl's name, making it less weird for him.
Naruto looked away from everyone, hiding the small blush on his cheeks. He found A-Sasuke's giggle...cute.
(There better not be any Yaoi-thoughts from that last sentence! -_-)
"I know how you feel, but Cloud Tower is more real then these foolish villagers. They treat you like crap, but Sakura and myself could get away with murder."
Sakura and Sasuke glanced at one another. That's right, Naruto wasn't liked by the villagers due to being a Jinchuuriki. They looked at their teammate, who sighed. Frowning, Sakura walk to his side, and gently nudged him. Looking at her, Sakura gave him a small smile.
Naruto blinked, before returning the smile. He looked beside him, and saw Sasuke, who just snorted at him. "Dobe." Naruto glared at him.
"Teme."
Still, the meaning was obvious by their actions. 'We're a team.'
Kakashi smiled at the sight. He was really proud of them.
Sakura sighed, but she understood the reasoning behind it. With the Haruno fortunes and a high seat on the council being almost assured, Sakura was given some of the best treatment.
Sakura blinked, surprised at the news. Her family wasn't a clan, not even a minor one. It was just a family. Nothing special. Though her father was a part of the Civilian Council, being in charge of account maintenance of Civilian stores. So to hear that she was actually an heiress with a future high seat, surprised her very much.
(AN: I know the canon does not have a Civilian Council ‒ at least I don't think it does, because it was never shown ‒ but I've been reading stories with one created by the Second Hokage for so long, and it stuck. So in this dimension, there is one.)
Sasuke was from a well-known ninja clan and many wealthy and powerful politicians had offered their sons as potential grooms, but she turned them all down to earn a title of 'ice queen' and 'beautiful witch'.
Sasuke grunted, remembering when he had been given marriage proposals by greedy families. He hated that, as he had no interest in being married young, or being in any relationship at the time. Still didn't, actually. He had been grateful that the deceased Third Hokage had put a stop to the proposals. And he was also glad his 'sister' also wasn't accepting them.
All three walked down the street and noticed one of the posts was off. Naruto was the one that said something about it, "Konohamaru, the fence boards aren't sideways." It then revealed a young man with goggles, a long blue scarf, and brown hair with a ponytail sticking out of a helmet.
Konohamaru cheered at seeing his counterpart. Naruto and Iruka chuckled.
"Hey boss, it's great that you're back!" This was Konohamaru Sarutobi, the grandson of the Sandaime Hokage. Naruto chuckled remembering the time when he helped him on the path of a hero, and a skilled ninja with nothing worth having is gained from shortcuts.
The adults smiled at the two's interaction, Kakashi feeling proud of his student for his maturity. Something that only appears at rare times.
Naruto smiled at the kid. "So, you tell us anything that's been changing around here?"
Konohamaru smiled and ran ahead of them to show them the way.
At Alfea, the girls were eating breakfast with the whole school. A few other girls took a glance at the witches but shrugged not giving them a second thought. "So Mirta, what do you think of Alfea?" Flora asked, as this was one of the few times that witches could have a pleasant conversation with them.
The witch smiled, "I like it, so different then Cloud Tower but that what make it seem so cool."
"I think you are the first witch we met, besides Sasuke and Haku, that has no problem with fairies." Techna pointed out.
Haku nodded, "Yes she made it known to the school when she asked the senior sisters why they hate you all so much. I think it was the time you invited us to your little party."
The group chuckled, recalling when A-Sasuke put the witch sisters in their place.
"Oh that is where you guys went too? Bummer I missed it." Mirta said.
"Well Sakura invited you girls, we invited the boys." Stella said with a sour look.
Ino rolled her eyes. "Stella really needs to get over her problem with Sasuke." She would say it was similar to her old rivalry with their Sasuke, but it wasn't even close. For one, A-Naruto actually liked A-Sasuke, and neither she or Sakura would hold such negativity toward the other like Stella held for A-Sasuke.
Jiraiya gave a loud laugh, patting his student roughly on the shoulder, nearly knocking the blonde down. "Damn gaki! You really left an impact on her to be so jealous!" He said proudly.
Naruto blushed in embarrassment.
Lucy, raised a brow, "I take it you have a problem with witches."
"Not witches per say," started Bloom, "But her problem is more towards Sasuke then anything else."
The other two seemed to relax better when Faragonda addressed the school. "Attention everyone!" as they all quieted down she said, "What all of you may or may not know is that the Chuunin Exams will be held this year at Konoha in the Shinobi Realm. In over a month's time the finals will be held in the village. We even have one of our students nominated for the exams this year as well. As always anyone who wishes to see the finals must have payment for loggings food and of course tickets to our lovely host the village Konoha."
The room buzzed with excitement, many talking about how they well get the money to go and such. Bloom smile as did her friends. They all planed on cheering Sakura on.
Konohamaru was showing them several places, like the ninja academy, where he just started. They went and said hello to Iruka, and Naruto was telling him some of his training at Red Fountain. Iruka smiled before saying he would have to come to the school sometime and see how he is.
Naruto grinned at his old teacher, who ruffled his hair.
Konohamaru also show them his two friends, and Sakura figure they would be a nice ninja team when they are finished at the academy.
The three academy students shared a cheer. Konohamaru looked at Naruto. "Hey boss! When we're ninja, can you be out sensei?" He asked, as the three looked at the blonde with excitement and hope. Naruto rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment at their hope would be their sensei, while everyone else sent each other looks of intrigue and raised brows.
Naruto, as a jonin sensei? They didn't know if they should laugh humorously at the thought, or fear the day it comes? Or hope for a mature Naruto in the future.
As he was leading them down an alley way as a shortcut to the Hokage tower, Konohamaru was walking backwards talking to his boss, when he bumped right into someone.
Team Seven tensed at that, knowing what was coming.
"Hey! Watch where you're going you little pipsqueak!" The person Konohamaru bumped into said as he turned around. The boy was around the same age as Naruto and Sakura and was wearing a full black body suit that looked it had a pair of cat ears on the hat, with an object wrapped on his back. He seemed angered at the fact that he was bumped into.
"Sorry I didn't see you there." Konohamaru apologized, and the boy didn't seem to want to let him go, until he saw Sasuke and Sakura. He then gained a lustful look as he walked up to Sasuke, "Hey good looking, I didn't see you there earlier. Why don't you two ditch the loser and come with me? You both can show me around, and I can show you a good time."
Sasuke's face turned green in disgust while Sakura's brow twitched. "Really?" The pinkette asked.
"I think I'm going to be sick." The Uchiha muttered, ready to vomit at seeing the puppeteer flirting with his counterpart.
Sakura was very angry at the sexual innuendo, but she kept silent as Sasuke hmphed at this and glared right in his eyes, without using the sharringan, "Sorry, but there's someone we're interested in already. You should learn to keep your anger in check Suna-nin, or you may be kicked out before the exams arrive." The younger future ninja then noticed the headbands they wore had the symbol of Sunagakure no Sato. A girl that seemed a little older then them also showed up with her blonde hair in four ponytails and a fan on her back, "I apologize for my younger brother. Kankuro you idiot, you shouldn't cause trouble."
"But, Temari-nee, they started it when this brat of a kid ran into me!"
"I don't want to be around when he comes here."
"Enough." a new voice spoke that caught all the attention of them. The boy that spoke was the same age as the three gennin, but his eyes were strange. His hair was short and red, but the other Suna-nin were afraid of him.
Naruto and Lee narrowed their eyes. "Gaara." They said simultaneously, Lee for seeing his 'rival', and Naruto for seeing his former enemy/new friend/fellow JInchuuriki.
Sasuke also narrowed his eyes at the Suna redhead, recalling losing to him at the invasion. His hands clenched in anger, as well as humiliation at his defeat, and Naruto being able to beat him. Jealousy coursed through him, his curse mark pulsing.
He tensed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he met eyes with Shin. They didn't say anything, and soon, Sasuke took a deep breath to calm down. Shin nodded at him in approval.
Team Eight shivered, recalling how they had seen Gaara at the forest, when he ruthlessly killed those Rain ninja. Akamaru whined as he hid himself in Kiba's jacket.
He looked at the two as they stuttered his name, Gaara.
"We're leaving." Gaara then looked at the team in front of him. He felt a strange power in all of them and he knew they would make him feel alive. "And who are you?"
Sasuke snorted, "Isn't it polite to give your own name before asking for someone else's?"
"I am Gaara no Sabaku," Gaara said almost bored.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, my teammates Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha. I figure we'll see each other in the exams." Naruto said looking at Gaara.
Gaara showed no emotion before he turned and started to walk away. "Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke; I will enjoy fighting you three. You will make me feel alive."
The genin shivered, recalling the monster Gaara became in his fight with Lee and how ruthless he was when he broke the latter's bones, ending his career.
Even when he wasn't acting all bloodthirsty, he was still scary.
And with that the sand team left, not before they notice the look of pity on the girl's face. "What was that about?" Sakura asked.
"No idea," Sasuke said before she smirked, "But I can tell these exams are going to be fun."
Naruto looked at his teammate. "Sasuke, your counterpart's insane to want to fight Gaara, dattebayo."
The Uchiha shrugged. Gaara was a strong opponent, so it only made sense his other would want to practice her skills on him in battle.
The next day they went to the academy and started up the stairs. On the second floor they found a bunch of people crowding the hallway trying to get in. two genin were block all that tried to enter the room.
"Please just let us in," a girl with brown hair in two buns said before she was backed hand to the floor. Her teammate was over her helping her up.
Tenten smirked at finally seeing her counterpart. About time!
Naruto blinked at who it was, "Lee?"
"Who?" asked Sakura.
"He's a student at Red Fountain. He's a strong fighter, and one of the best at Taijutsu." He then noticed that he was knocked aside just as easily as his teammates. "I think they're looking weak so others would think they aren't a threat."
"YOSH! NARUTO-KUN! IT LOOKS LIKE OUR COUNTERPARTS KNOW ONE ANOTHER BEFORE WE HAD EVEN MET! IT'S SO YOUTHFUL! AND TO KNOW THAT MY OTHER IS A FELLOW HERO IN TRAINING, I SHALL WORK HARD TO MATCH HIS YOUTHFULNESS."
"Um, Lee? You can't-" Tenten was about to remind him of his current status in unable to be a ninja any more, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Neji shook his head at her. 'Don't remind him.'
Sasuke then noticed the sign above the door. She smirked, "Looks like a Genjutsu, lets go and leave all of these losers."
"You know, now that I think about it, it might had been a good idea to had gone around the group, instead of revealing the trick out. That way it could have lessen the numbers of participants, dattebayo." Naruto said.
Everyone looked at him in shock for his smart idea.
". . . "
"What?" Naruto asked, tilting his head in confusion at the looks.
"...Shut up, dobe." Sasuke grumbled, not admitting that that was actually a good plan to save himself the embarrassment of his past action.
They started up the stairs when a voice cried out to them, "Naruto, it is youthful to see you here!" They turned around to see Rock Lee looking at them and offering a hand to Naruto. Naruto shook it, "I didn't think you'd know my name. I'm just a sophomore at Red Fountain."
"It is always a pleasure to run into a fellow student of Red Fountain, and who are your most lovely companions?"
Sasuke shivered in disgust. 'Oh Kami, please don't make the freak flirt with my counterpart!'
"Our names aren't any of your business, and we have an exam to take," Sasuke said as she turned around and headed for the stairs that was hidden in the genjutsu. Rock Lee seemed to have eyes on Sakura as he said, "You are the most lovely cherry blossom that I have seen! Please go out with me!"
Lee looked hopeful, making Sakura rub her arm in discomfort. She recalled the awkwardness of his attempt to ask her out. She hoped her counterpart didn't let his down too hard.
"NO WAY!" Sakura shouted as she was put off guard by the sudden confession as she turned around and tried to head while saying, "Naruto, Sasuke let's get out of here!"
Sakura sweatdropped as saw Lee (from her world) sitting on the floor, with his back to the group, and an aura of depression around him. 'Okay, that ended terribly.'
Lee and his teammates were shocked when they heard the name Sasuke. They passed by the exam and followed.
Naruto and Sasuke were essentially dragged into a random room that was fairly large in the effort to get away from Rock Lee, before he did something completely random like wink hearts at her, "Finally, we got away from that weirdo."
Lee's depression increased. Sakura chuckled nervously with a sweatdrop. "Um, sorry Lee-san."
"Random thought, but I could almost swear those eyebrows were alive." Naruto mentioned. It was an odd thought, but they could almost agree.
'You aren't the only ones.' Were the thoughts of everyone besides Gai and Lee. Their eyebrows were large enough to be mistaken for caterpillars.
They turned to look for the exam room, but Rock Lee called out to them again. "You are Sasuke Uchiha are you not? I wish to challenge you." Lee said.
Sasuke looked at her new opponent before she shrugged, "Sure I got time." She moved to the space where they can fight as Sakura said, "Guys right now? We have exams to get too."
"Don't worry this won't take long." Sasuke said over her shoulder as both of them got into her stance.
Sasuke frowned, recalling how he lost to Lee the first time.
"Sasuke don't underestimate him. He is one of the strongest and fastest I have ever seen at Red Fountain." Naruto said.
"Don't worry, I got this." Sasuke said before she charged at Lee. In a split second she was on the ground knocked back. She was confused for a few second before she got back up and had her Sharingan on. 'Now I should be able to see his movements.'
Naruto chuckled. "Yeah, and how that worked out for you?" He asked. Sasuke glared at him.
"Shut it, dobe!"
She charged again and she could see his movements but before she could counter she was hit again. She saw him running at her before she did a spell, "Darkness Barrier," the barrier blocked the attack but he jumped away before he could attack again.
Sasuke raised a brow at the spells his other use. He wondered if he would be able to learn such attacks, or even reengineer them with his elemental affinities.
Sasuke gritted her teeth, "Darkness chain," and chains formed near Lee and tried to capture him.
'That's cool.' Sasuke thought admittedly.
But he was too fast and he was already behind Sasuke and kicked her into the air. She felt him behind her and he was about to perform another attack on her. She used her magic to switch with him, much to his surprise. But before she could attack him a pinwheel was lunched and caught the loose ribbon from Lee's wrist and he feel to the ground. Then poof, a turtle appeared, "Lee, what did I say about showing off your abilities?" Lee seemed scared at the voice as he sat in proper Japanese sitting posture, but with his head bowed on the floor, "Forgive me sensei! I was too eager to fight."
All the genin, except for teams 7 and Gai, blinked in confusion at what they were seeing.
Ino blinked. "What? Is...Is that turtle actually one of Lee's teacher?" She asked.
Everyone jumped when Gai and Lee gave a loud laugh.
"Hahaha! No no, my youthful genin! That is my summon, Ningame-san." Gai explained. "I am not surprised you did not know, as I had rarely brought him out in battle."
'He's sensei is a turtle?' Sakura thought as Sasuke got up from the attack, "You know the rules, but I can understand your youthfulness! Here's Maito Gai!" the rest of the smoke cleared away and a man that looked exactly like Lee smacked him on the head. It was so creepy that they looked exactly alike.
'Ahh! There's a super bushy brows!' Naruto thought as they started a strange looked that summoned a sunset of some sort. Naruto and his team were creeped out and couldn't tell if it was an illusion spell or a genjutsu.
"EVERYONE LOOK AWAY! QUICK!" Kakashi shouted. Immediately looked away from the scene, especially that horrible sunset genjutsu that you can never cancel! All, except Lee and Gai, copied their counterparts and hugged one another, crying all the while.
'Not even a god can stand that horrifying thing!' Shin thought with a shiver. It had taken many lives and souls of those who had seen it from the show! THE HORROR!
'Make it stop!' they thought as they watched the look-alike duo finished the strange moment.
Everyone sighed in relief at the genjutsu ending.
It was then that Gai noticed them, "You wouldn't happen to be Kakashi's team wouldn't you?"
"Yes, but we've got the exams to go to." Naruto said, but they were stopped a bit before they could exit, Sasuke didn't even have the time to summon a dark portal path.
"Well then, allow me to introduce myself. I am Konoha's beautiful azure beast, and Kakashi's eternal rival, Maito Gai!" Naruto blinked, "Really? Cause I don't think Kakashi sensei has ever mentioned you."
Gai blinked before he threw his head back and shouted, "CURSE YOU AND YOUR HIP ATTATUIDE KAKASHI!"
Kakashi blinked, looking up from reading his precious Icha Icha. "Huh? You say something, Gai?"
"CURSE YOU AND YOUR HIPNESS KAKASHI!"
Team seven blinked at the jounin but as Gai was now talking to his genin they decided to slip away. They finally made it to the door to the exam when they found Kakashi leaning against the all in front of it. "Kakashi sensei what are you here for?" Sakura asked.
He looked at them with his eye smile. "Just seeing if you all decided to enter."
"Really?" Sasuke asked, "And what would happen if say I did not enter?"
"Well I would be force to stop Naruto and Sakura from entering. You see the exam can only be done with a full team. If even one person dropped put then the whole team drops out. Your Headmaster and Headmistress did not tell you this so you would feel like you were being forced to enter. But you all came under your own will. I have never been more proud of you guys."
Kakashi eye-smiled at his team. "I really was."
Naruto and Sakura rubbed the back of their head timidly at the praise, while Sasuke just looked away.
The team smiled, before their sensei got off the wall and wished them good luck before he poofed away. They looked at one another and walked in the room for the exams. They walked into the room and noticed a good deal of ninja from various villages, and they heard a girl's voice.
"Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura! It's great to see you three again. It's been so long!" Sakura was the first to dash and hug the girl that had platinum blonde, almost silver, hair with one side of it in a bang, she wore a purple top and skirt with bandages over her abdominals and legs.
Sakura and Ino blinked in surprise, before smiling at each other. They were really glad they were still friends in that world and didn't act stupid because of a boy.
"Ino! I know it's been so long, but I've been learning more about magic at Alfea." Ino was happy to see her friend as her teammates, Chouji Akimichi, a plump young man with a tan shirt that had the Kanji for eat, shorts, a green jacket, and his headband was tied in a way that looked like a pair of women's panties.
Choji blinked and looked at his teammates. "Is that true? Do they really..."
Shika and Ino did not meet his eyes. "No, of course not." Shika muttered.
"Hey Naruto, how's life at Red Fountain?" He asked as he munched on his chips. Naruto smiled at him as he answered, "It's been good. Learned a few tricks, met a cute girl, the usual."
Kiba nudged Naruto with a grin. "That sounds liked a good deal, eh?" Naruto nodded with a chuckle.
"Good to know you're as troublesome as ever." Shikamaru Nara, a boy with brown hair tied in a ponytail, chain mail shirt, ninja pants, brown jacket, and a lazy look on his face said as he yawned.
"Shika, for you, everyone's troublesome, dattebayo."
"True, but you Naruto, are the most troublesome of them all."
"I'll take that as a compliment, dattebayo."
"Looks like all the rookies are here!" Said another brown haired boy with a wile appearance and a puppy in his jacket with him.
"Alright, its me! And I'm not a jerk here!" Kiba cheered.
"Great, Kiba's here." Sasuke said as she noticed that Kiba, and his teammates, Shino Aburame, and Hinata Hyuuga were with him. Kiba smiled at Sasuke, "Hey Sasuke, ready to see a top dog in action?"
She snorted, "I've already seen Naruto in action so I think that won't be needed."
Kiba growled at the jab, "I meant me."
Kiba's celebration was harshly ended as he dropped his head. 'Oh come on! Seriously?! When will we see me being a badass, and not an ass?!'
She gave him a dry look, "Kiba, you are more of a runt of the litter so don't make bad jokes about that."
Before he could retort a voice behind them called out to them, "You guys must be this year's rookies; you're drawing too much attention to yourselves."
Naruto tensed, before glaring at the new figure, along with Tsunade, Shizune, Jiraiya, and Kakashi.
A tall teen wearing a purple outfit round glasses with silver hair addressed them. After adjusting his glasses with his finger he added, "You'll make enemies before the exams even start."
Naruto just snorted, "We're already each other's competition. What does it matter if we make more or not? Besides, what's it to you?"
The teen just smiled, "I remember being a rookie once, I've taken these exams at least seven times counting this one and I wished I at least had help for when I got started. Also, some of these ninja aren't very friendly and are kind of short tempered." He then pulled out a pack of blank cards.
"The name is Kabuto and since I'm a nice guy, and I know what it was like taking the exam for the first time, so I'll give you some info. These cards here have data stored into them hidden by my charka. All ninja on file here and any where else I have their stats, any takers?"
Sakura saw Naruto's clenched fists. "What's wrong Naruto?"
Naruto scoffed. "Kabuto... that bastards a traitor." He said, surprising the other genin. "He's been a spy for Orochimaru since the start."
Tsunade nodded. "It's true, Naruto had fought him when he and my old teammate tried to get me to heal his arms. Naruto nearly died when he got hit in the head by the spy's chakra scalpel."
Naruto's team and friends gasped at hearing Naruto almost dying, especially Sakura and Hinata. Naruto sighed, recalling his almost death. Thankfully it didn't come to pass.
'Naruto's luck of constantly mocking death and escaping its grip never ceases to amaze me.' Shin thought. He lost count of how many times Naruto nearly died, his heart stopping, only to be brought back to the living.
Taking two Chidori to the chest, Kabuto stopping his heart, escaping taking a fated and deadly hit by Mōryō, being brought back by Ryuzetsu, and many more times.
Guy was a walking miracle. 'Then again, he was the main character.'
After a minute of thinking Sasuke said, "Yeah, a leaf ninja name Rock Lee."
"Do you have information on a sand ninja name Gaara of the desert?" Naruto said, wonder about the sand ninja.
"You know their names and villages eh, well that's no fun?" before he pulled a card from the deck and place it on the floor. He added chakra and the card was full of information including number of missions, teammates and a chart of stats. The boy's picture showed the slightly older boy wearing a green jumpsuit a bowl cut and thick eye brows.
"Rock Lee is a year older then you guys, but this is his first time at the exams. He's also a student at Red Fountain School for Heroics and Bravery. His mission history is 20 completed D-rank missions and 12 completed C-rank missions. His Taijutsu improved greatly over the year, as well as weapon skills, everything else, well not so much."
He then pulled out another card and showed them the info on Gaara. "Gaara no Sabaku, his team is his older brother and sister. They have completed 8 C-rank and 1 B-rank mission. The only info I have is that Gaara has returned from every mission without a scratch on him or his teammates."
Everyone was quiet, taking all of this in. They all knew that team was dangerous. Kabuto put the cards away and said, "Many hidden villages sent their best to complete the chunin exam I have data on most of the competition. Only the Otogakure just started last year, but they aren't much of a threat."
Naruto just grinned, "Looks like we have our work cut for us, eh girls?" he asked looking at his teammates.
"I guess." Sakura said, but there was something that all three felt off about Kabuto.
Jiraiya hummed. "So, they know somethings off about him. Impressive."
'I know something's up. Griffin-sama taught Naruto and myself to never underestimate your enemies, especially when you don't know their magical proficiency or their skill with jutsu. Taking the exams should have taught him that much.'
"I think we'll keep an eye out for them anyway. You never know." Naruto said, but the Oto ninja heard that Kabuto was making them sound weak, "I say we show them." The leader, a boy with bandages around his face, a fur like cloak, and a large gauntlet with holes on one of his hands then rushed towards Kabuto and threw a punch. Another boy with wild hair and a dark haired girl, both wearing grey camou pants, walked towards as Kabuto was on the wall.
"Put this in your cards, all three of us from Oto are going to become chuunin!" The leader said as the rest started to know something was wrong.
'How could he still be hurt when he dodged that punch?' Sakura thought as Kabuto insisted he was fine. Then the proctor, a man with a bandana on his head and a fierce look, showed up, "That's enough out of you three. You won't be chuunin if you get booted out before the exams begin."
"I'm sorry, but we are a little excited," The leader said
Tsunade scoffed 'Yeah right, no doubt it was all plan to make Kabuto looks weak.'
before the proctor spoke again, "Listen up you maggots! If the proctor says otherwise, there will be no fighting in the exams. My name is Ibiki Morino, and I'm your first proctor. Turn in your registration forms and pick a number from the box. That number is where you will be seated." They did as they were told and turned the forms in and picked a number from the box, and as they all sat down they realized they were far away from their respective teams.
"Now that you're all seated I'll explain the test and the rules, but the first is no questions are to be asked by you. Any questions?" Ibiki asked and a single student raised their hand, but he and his team were sent out for that before he continued on,
'Idiot.' Were the thoughts of a few, as well as some chuckles from Anko.
"That guy failed because he couldn't listen to simple instructions. As most of you know this is a team test, but this first exam is a written exam. There are ten questions, the first nine are on the test paper in front of you. You are not to turn them until I say so. There will be no cheating in this exam, and for every time someone is caught cheating, that person will lose two points."
'The meaning of the test was well hidden. Only idiots would not catch it.' Tsunade thought.
Meanwhile, Naruto sneezed.
"We've got our eye on you." One of the chuunin said as they noticed the room was filled with chuunin. Ibiki spoke again, "If they catch any of you cheating three times you and your team fails the exams."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at this; she knew something was up, but what? Ibiki addresses the genin one last time before they started. "Oh, I forgot one last thing. If one of your team members gets a zero then that whole team is eliminated."
Naruto went pale white at this. He was cursing up a storm in his head. Not only did he have to worry about him, but now he affected his teammates as well. He wasn't the best when it came to written tests. His teammates were worried about him, but they were confident that he will do fine.
Naruto huffed, remembering when his teammates didn't have confidence in him. Sakura caught on to his thoughts, and chuckled sheepishly.
On the other hand, Naruto actually managed to pass without even writing a single word! He just hoped Sasuke and Sakura didn't find out. They would never let him live it down.
Ibiki call out to the genin, "All right the first part of the chunin exams begins now!"
Everyone flipped their test and some started almost right away. Sakura peered at the first question, 'What is this? I don't understand what they want…ohhh I get it; this question is written in code.'
Naruto chuckled. "Of course Sakura-chan was the first to get it."
Sakura blushed a bit, recalling what Naruto had said about liking her and her characteristics, especially her smarts.
Sasuke looked over her questions and began to wonder 'Your target is seeking cover; you must take him out with a shuriken, what angle should you throw your shuriken if your target is…these question get harder and harder and would need someone as smart as Sakura to answer them. And then there's what that proctor said. If we got caught in Cloud tower the teachers punished us for getting caught. Wait that's it. So I guess I take our motto to heart…we just have to make sure we don't get caught.'
Sasuke smirked smugly, shooting it teasingly at his blonde rival, making him grumble.
Naruto just stared at the test before him. Each question seemed harder than the last. He gritted his teeth. He had to pass this; his teammates were depending on him. Out of the corner of his eye he notices another leaf genin having his test almost fill completely. Just then a kunai went flying right past his ear.
Looking behind him to see where the kunai landed. The genin behind him stared wide-eyed at the kunai stabbed right into his test. He looked to the front to see Ibiki had his hand out telling everyone that he was the thrower. "That's three time, you fail! You and your team get out now before I make you."
Asuma whistled at Ibiki's impressive eyesight, then again, what would you expect from the top special jonin and leader of the Interrogation Task Force.
The genin got up too scared of the proctor to object. Two other genin got up disgruntled. Naruto just gulped, that was too close in his opinion. Sakura looked at Naruto, glad he was ok. Sakura looked briefly at the chunin around the room, they were writing on their clipboards every so often. She gazed around her area again, and then back to her test. Sasuke realized that is a test of cheating and channeled some magic under the desk to tell the others, but she stopped when she realized that a few chuunin seemed particularly fixated on her, 'dammit, can't get word to Naruto or Sakura. If they reached out enough they could feel my magic.'
The group watched the scene tensely, the tension in the air getting to them. Sweat began to gather in Naruto's forehead as he looked worriedly at his counterpart, hoping he would be able to make it through with the test.
Naruto was getting tense about the test. Everyone else managed to have ways of cheating without getting caught, or was smart enough to take the test without cheating. People that cheated and were caught were eliminated one by one.
"N-Naruto-kun," Hinata said, as she was sitting next to him. She suggested that he cheat off of her test as she had the answers. Naruto was tempted, but he refused. Whispering to her that he didn't want her to get in trouble.
Hinata frowned. She wished she had been able to help her crush more in the exam, and had felt useless.
The test was getting close to ending as Ibiki looked at them all, "Now is the time to give out the final question, but there is a new absolute rule about it."
'Absolute rule?' Everyone thought as they looked at the man. "Now first you get to choose if you want to take the tenth question or not." This got everyone confused, "But if you choose not to take the question, you fail the exams."
There was an outcry and some genin shouted, "Of course we would take the question."
Ibiki smirked making some of the genin uneasy, "Of course I forgot to mention, if you choose to take the question and get it wrong, not only will you fail, but you will be forbidden from every taking the chunin exam ever again."
Tsunade shook her head with a chuckle. That was a good plan and strategy. Drive the genin with fear and they will make mistakes.
If anything the outcries got bigger. Kiba pounded his fist on his desk, "Hey! What gives? There are other genin here that took the exam more than once."
"Well, they never had me as a proctor before. I make the rules here and if you don't like them then quit now. Those are your choices; the rest is up to you."
Anko grinned. "Now, let's see who chooses what." She said with a giddy tone, loving the drama and tension. Kurenai rolled her eyes at her friend.
The room was quiet, all thinking of what to do. 'Stay and risk staying a genin forever, or quit and take the exam again and try our luck then and there.' Naruto thought glanced at his teammates. 'No I have to. My team is counting on me; I know they can handle it I have to have faith.'
One of the genin then raised his hand. "I can't do it, I quit."
Several other teams quit as well, Naruto then notice that Sakura was slowly putting her hand up. 'Naruto Your dream is in danger. I won't be the one that forces you to give it up,'
Sakura frowned, sharing a glance with Naruto.
What will their counterparts do?
Not wanting his friends to fail Naruto made a choice, he just hoped it didn't come back to bite him in the ass. He raised his hand getting Ibiki's attention.
Feeling all eyes on him he slammed down his hand. "Just give the last damn question, I'm not scared!"
The jonin looked at the scene in surprise, while the genin smiled softly, remembering this was what Naruto did at the exam.
It was an incredibly risky move, but it played out in the end.
The others stared at him some in awe, some rolling their eyes at his stupidity. Ibiki just had his gaze on Naruto. "Are you sure? You miss this and it means you are a genin until you die."
Naruto just smirked at him, "Bring it on, that won't stop me. Even if I am force to be a genin forever I won't back down."
Ibiki gazed around the room to see the results of Naruto little speech. Any trace of doubt that was there before was gone and all genin were determined.
'Like a true leader he inspired his troops to charge into battle no matter the risk. Saladin would be proud of the brat.' he the glanced at the clock. 'Even if I stay here for even another hour, no more will likely quit. Oh well, better wrap this up.'
Jiraiya and Tsunade looked at the blonde with great pride. And they knew his parents would also be proud of him, maybe even more so.
"If that is how all of you feel, then everyone in this room…" the genin waited with baited breath wondering what was going to happen next. "Pass the first part the Chunin Exams."
Everyone sighed in relief or gave a cheer.
Everyone just stared at Ibiki in disbelief.
"But what about the tenth question?" one of the remaining genin shouted.
"There was no tenth question. Or rather the choice to take it was the question."
Naruto just stared at the proctor, if what he was saying was true then he could have passed without even putting an answer on his test.
Naruto gave a grin at that. Thank you tenth question and determination to pass!
With his eye twitching he could not help but ask, "Are…you…saying…there…was…no POINT to the other nine questions?"
Ibiki smirked back at Naruto, "I wouldn't say that, in fact the first part of this test was to test your ability in one important ninja skill." Seeing how most genin just looked at him wanting to hear it continued, "Tell me, what turns the tide of war? Is it the number or power of your army, some all-powerful jutsu or spell, or something else entirely?"
The genin looked confused, while the jonin nodded. This would be a good lesson for their students.
The others were confused and tried to figure it out until Sasuke understood and said, "Information".
The jonin and Sanin. Those who had faced and battle in the previous war, knew just how important information was, and how it could prove to be one's destruction, or victory.
Ibiki nodded, "Yes, the correct information is the difference between victory and defeat. That is what the first nine questions were about. You were given nine questions that seemed impossible to answer. The only way you could answer them is to either be super smart or by cheating. The chunin around you are some of the best and they were to try and catch you cheating. Any that weren't good enough were kicked out."
"Make sure to keep what you just learn to heart and memory." Kurenai told the genin. "No matter how strong you became, gaining information, and planning is something all shinobi should be proficient in." The genin nodded.
Naruto just glared at Ibiki still hating him for taking a written test even if there was a point to it. Though he would never say it out loud he got what Ibiki was saying. Ibiki started again, "Of course the wrong information is just as deadly if not more then no information. That why we had some chunin posing as genin so some of you might have a chance to pass."
Said chunin stood up smirks on their faces happy to have fooled everyone. Ibiki then took of his bandanna like headband, "Information is important to both sides and you must be tough in order to protect or get it, and some of the ways to do so are not pretty."
Everyone gasped, cringed and some felt they were going to be sick. Ibiki's head was bald and is covered in a collection of burn marks, punctures from where screws were used, and long slash marks. They were scars are indicative of the physical torture he must have endured in the past. Sasuke cringe at that, 'the signs of torture, he must have a high tolerance of pain to go through that and still be here today.'
The genin flinched at seeing the signs of war and battle on Ibiki again.
'That's what makes Ibiki great at what he does.' Kakashi thought with a respectful nod at the man. 'He had seen and experienced many thing, and knows just how the world works, that it is not black or white, and knows what it takes to survive it.'
Temari recovered then cried out, "Okay, so the written test was not pointless then what was the deal with the tenth question?"
"Everything, the choice to move forward or back out is important in the makings of a chunin." Everyone looked confused. "I'll explain in a mission scenario: you and your team must infiltrate an enemy compound and steal documents carrying important information that will be of great help to your village. You know where the documents are, but you don't know the number of guards, their skill levels, and worst, there is word that they are expecting you are coming. Does this mean you are to abort the mission?" They were all quiet, "NO! You take the mission; you put your life on the line for the sake of your village and everyone in it. We do not back down when the road gets tough we charge forward to victory. That's what it means to be chunin."
The adults and Shin nodded. The genin also known. In their time as shinobi, they now knew that being ninja isn't all fun and games, and that it takes both mind and body to just survive.
Naruto's respect for his teachers and kages, current and previous, grew, as he now knew that they had trained hard and maybe even lost those close to them to get to where they were now.
Naruto could not help but smirk hearing this, he felt like he was closer already. Sakura and Sasuke also felt empowered by Naruto's natural leadership. Ibiki addressed the group one final time, "As proctor of the first part of the chunin exam I declare the first test over." It was then that something dark smashed through the window.
"YEAH!" Anko cheered.
It then turned out that the dark object was a kunoichi and a bit of a banner that spread out saying 'Sexy and single tokubetsu jounin: Anko Mitarashi'
"Alright, now begins the second part of the chuunin exams," Anko said as Ibiki sighed a bit, "Anko, you're early. I was just wrapping up the first part of the exams." Anko laughed a bit before eyeing the room. She did a head count of the room and frowned, "Twenty-six teams passed this year? You must be slipping if 78 gennin are moving on."
"Maybe the gennin are more interesting this year. We do have a variety including a few fairies, witches, and heros in the test." Ibiki smirked.
"Huh, so there are more fairies, heroes, and witches than just us, huh?" Sakura muttered.
Anko seemed to have higher spirits as she said, "Well, this lot's going to be cut in half when I'm through with them."
'Cut in half?' Sakura thought as Anko told them to follow her to where the next portion of the exam was. Ibiki, now alone, started to gather the tests up and saw various answers, but one paper caught his interest. It was Naruto's as he didn't have a single answer down.
"Eh?"
Everyone looked at the blonde, who was rubbing his head sheepishly.
'I'm sure he'll go far, but he's either extremely lucky or that good to get to the second phase of the exam without a single answer. You're an interesting hero with the strangest of teams.' He thought as he finished gathering the tests.
Kakashi and Jiraiya nodded in agreement, as the scene ended.
Sasuke groaned, sitting on the couch after standing for a long time. He looked at Shin. "How many more scenes do we need to watch?" He asked, getting tired. How long had they been watching scenes for? It felt like hours. What time was it anyway?
Shin held up three fingers. "Just three more scenes. After that, we can continue tomorrow. There are bedrooms two floors up above the showers."
Most of the shinobi groaned. They wanted to sleep.
End of Chapter!