Might be a bit later than I planned but here's the next chapter to the story. I had hoped to have it a bit earlier so not to have it so close to Thanksgiving as to avoid the likely hectic days for everyone, whether you celebrate it or not, but it didn't work out as planned. Another reason for the late posting is that I'm job hunting which is being more of a pain than anything. Fortunately I have working on this story to help somewhat to put me at ease.
Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 21
Prelude
"Everything is set. When the time comes we can act." In his study, Fugaku Uchiha was seemingly speaking to no one. "Remember what we agreed upon. When it's all said and done I plan on collecting." Silence was the only thing returned. "Are you listening?"
"No need for such hostility." spoke up the person that the Uchiha matriarch was talking to. Two pale yellow eyes emerged from the darkness. Slowly the eyes were joined by the face belonging to Orochimaru. "You don't need to worry. As long as you do your part I'll fulfill my part of the bargain." The sly smile that had been on the Sannin's face would be replaced with a more serious expression. "It'll be a shame if something were to happen if you were thinking about double crossing me. You promised me a Sharingan and I attend to collect."
"Now who's the one with the hostility?" Fugaku copied from earlier. Although it sounded like it was as a simple jest, there was obvious sternness behind it. "You'll get what you want after we accomplish our goal. You settle your grudge and in the confusion the Uchihas can seize control of Konoha. Until then let's hold up on any collecting."
Orochimaru showed no indication one way or another concerning the matter until an insincere smile appeared. "Sounds like... reasonable terms. I should take my leave as there are still things that need to be taken care of." Not waiting for a response, he sunk back into the shadows and was clear that he was gone.
"You should be more careful with how you act with the likes of him father." advised a new person. Appearing beside Fugaku was his eldest son, Itachi. "Orochimaru isn't someone that you take lightly."
The appearance of Itachi came as a surprise, for multiple reasons. "I didn't even detect him." That realization didn't sit well with Fugaku. "You needn't worry. For now we are in need of his assistance. Once it's over we'll cut off the head of the snake."
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"Welcome back, Lord Orochimaru." In one of the secluded areas that they managed to acquire within Konoha, Kabuto greeted the Sannin. "Can I assume that the meeting went well?"
"Went as well as expected." Orochimaru simply stated. "Things remain the same. We'll put the plans into motion when the time comes."
"I assure you that they'll be no complications on my end." Kabuto readjusted his glasses before resuming. "I hope I'm not speaking out of turn but what should been done concerning the Uchihas? They clearly plan on betraying you when it's convenient."
Instead of being angry, Orochimaru actually smirked. "Indeed they will. They likely try to cut off the head of the snake." He chuckled at his own remark. "Sadly they'll realize when you try to remove the head, it'll leave them open to be bit." The smirk on the Sannin's face only grew."
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"We're almost there boy?" Kiba was being led deeper into the forest as he was following Akamaru who was tracking the scent of something. It went that way until coming in front of large shrubbery. "This is the place?" A small bark from Akamaru was given. Before anything else could happen, what sounded like conversation was heard.
"All right now. Just relax and let it happen." advised a male individual.
"Easy for you to say." argued the other person who by their voice was female. "It's my body that it's happening to. I've never done something like this before."
Kiba quickly realized that the voice of the female was of his teammate, Sakura. What really got his attention was what was being said. A scenario was going through his mind from the conversation and didn't care for it. "No, it can't be. Have to be mistaken."
Suddenly a groan was heard coming from Sakura. "Okay, that's unnatural. Don't believe I'm supposed to bend that way." It was followed by the two sharing a laugh.
Not able to stand there any further, Kiba decided to finally make his presence known. Stepping through the bushes he quickly saw what the whole conversation had been about. "Got to admit, I wasn't expecting this."
"Damn Kiba. Make an entrance why don't you." snapped Sakura. The scene that the Inuzuka stepped into was of his teammate bending her body backwards, more so than normal, with the other person there was seemingly spotting her. "What are you doing here?"
"Uh, we had an appointment." Kiba managed to reveal once getting over the surprise. "We agreed to meet up today to do some sparring. I was at the meeting spot but you didn't show up. Guess I know why."
"Sorry about that." the person that had been with Sakura apologized. "I'm to blame for that. Name's Cass. Happened to bump into Sakura and when she said what you guys were doing, I figured I would add my two cents. I meant no harm." In a sign of good will, Cass stuck a hand out but Kiba made no sign of shaking it. "Anyway, there's somewhere I need to be. Take care you two." With a silly salute he left.
"He seems... interesting." Kiba declared when they were alone. "How you guys know each other?"
"Just happen to meet after the elimination round." revealed Sakura. "I was down from what happened Cass managed to help me deal with it. He actually turned out to be a good friend." She knelled down to pet Akamaru when she noticed the slight scowl on Kiba's face. Chuckling quietly to herself, Sakura grabbed his arm and started to pull him away. "Before we do anything, why don't we grab something to eat?" Not giving the Inuzuka much choice, she led them back to the village.
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"One more time." Doing as instructed, a swarm of kunais were sent toward Neji. Remaining calm he started rotating and continued until a dome of chakra surrounded him. When the kunais hit the dome they bounced off without causing any damage. Once done Neji stopped, causing the dome to disappear. "It looks to be a success."
"I'll say." Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Tenten started to collect the weapons that had been used. "That technique will make you nearly unbeatable. You're a shoe in to become chunin."
Lending a hand, Neji helped picking up the weapons so his teammate could seal them back into her scrolls. "It may be too soon to say such things. Shino is said to be quite a tactician so he may prove to be a challenge."
"Be that as it may, you're one of the strongest genin. It'll take a lot to beat you." Tenten's words were appreciated by the Hyuga as he gave her a small nod.
Off away from them were the other members of their team. Like them they were training but were taking a break as they watched what had gone on. "They seem to be working hard, aren't they?"
"Indeed. It's a fine example of the fire of youth." Gai happen to take notice of the disheartened look on Lee's face. "You shouldn't be so down. You did an admirable job in the preliminary round."
"I know. Still doesn't take away that I lost." Lee reluctantly confessed. "Tried using my strongest abilities and I still wasn't able to defeat him." There wasn't any need to say who 'he' was.
"Perhaps that's why defeats are needed. If we were always able to win there wouldn't be anything to drive us and to improve. Makes the victories we do get that more important." Gai's words appeared to be doing the trick but not completely. "Learn from what happen. Next time the end result could be different."
That seemed to finally get his student out of his funk and back to his old self. "That's enough rest. Let's resume our training." Lee was quick to agree with the idea.
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"So have you decided to tell him?" The vagueness of the question only confused Hinata. "You've decided to tell a certain blond haired individual that you like him?" Anko asked again in a more direct manner.
"W-Well… I-I-" When her sensei suddenly asked her to come out with her, she never thought that current topic would be discussed. "It's not that simple."
Anko stopped walking and turned around to look at her student. "Maybe it is or maybe it isn't. I've never been known to be an expert when it comes to all that lovely-dovey stuff. Despite that, it's clear that you care about the knucklehead."
Hinata briefly looked away before turning back to the jonin. "How would you tell him if you were me?" A sly smile came across the older woman's face.
"Honestly, I would just go right up to him and plant a kiss right on the mouth." Not surprising, the girl's face became completely flushed. Suddenly Anko had an idea and she followed it by grabbing Hinata's and led her somewhere.
"Um… why are we here?" asked the Hyuga once arriving at their destination. "Need to get something?"
"Actually, we're here for you." The place they were was one of the clothing stores that many shinobi went to. "Clearly being direct isn't your style. Just means we go with a different approach." Having an idea what this might lead to, Hinata couldn't help be apprehensive. "You don't have to do this. Just know that unless you do something you may end up missing your chance."
Taking everything into account, Hinata came to a decision. "Don't have to get anything like you're wearing, do I?" Anko just laughed.
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"Sorry about being late." As he mentioned to Sakura and Kiba, Cass had another engagement and had hurried to get there. "Hope you weren't waiting long." He happened to notice the expression on the person's face. "What's the matter? Something happen Kin?"
Leaning against a street lamp, Kin tried not to look at him but wasn't being completely successful. "I-I'm sorry. I can't do this." She turned away and started to leave. Before she could get far, Cass grabbed her arm. She tried to free herself but stopped when it failed, although kept her back toward him. "What's been going on between us has to end. It's gone on further than it ever should."
"What are you talking about?" Cass' confusion was evident. He released his hold on Kin's arm and fortunately she didn't take off. "We've just been hanging out, having run. Don't see anything wrong with that."
"You don't understand. This wasn't supposed to happen." She peered over her should and gave him an apprehensive stare. "I wasn't meant to grow attached to anyone from this village. It'll just make what's to come even more…" Whatever Kin was going to say was left unsaid as she looked away. "I can't stay here anymore. Need to go." Not giving any chance of response, the Oto shinobi ran off, leaving Cass in complete confusion.
It wasn't until she was a couple blocks away that Kin stopped running and hid herself behind a wall. "I'm sorry. It's better off you forgetting about me now than hating me later."
So caught up in her inner turmoil, she failed to notice somebody sneaking up from behind. They placed a hand over her mouth to prevent her from drawing any unwanted attention. "Come along now. No need to make a fuss." whispered the captor. Something told Kin to do as she was told.
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"Is that all?" Standing in a rocky terrain, Kakashi Hatake sat casually on a boulder. To make it worst, he was reading one of the books that he always had with him. "I would've expected more from an Uchiha."
Not far away from where the jonin sat was one of his students, Sasuke, down on one knee trying to catch his breath. Glaring at him, the genin got back to his feet. With a series of hand signs he started channeling chakra in his palm and continued to do so even as the chakra changed to what resembled lightning.
"Chidori." Rushing forward, Sasuke plunged the chakra coated hand into a nearby boulder. The result was a good size gouge being made in it.
Checking his work, the young Uchiha turned to Kakashi and gave him a smug look. "Well, it looks as though there's hope for you after all." That just caused the smirk to be replaced by a scowl.
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In a secluded forest area, Shino stood in there. Reason being there was to allow his insects to fly about, doing whatever they wanted. "Tranquil and soothing. This is perfect."
"Hey Shino!" shouted someone, snapping the Aburame from his thoughts. Coming over was fellow clan member, Asuka. "So this is where you've been. Got to say, you really know how to live it up."
Shino looked at his cousin. "You've been called a strange one among our clan. After some consideration, I may have to agree."
Instead of being insulted, Asuka simply laughed. "That's saying something seeing as how our clan is." Composing herself, she got to business. "While I've enjoyed this little family chat, there's a reason why I came. You can come out now." Walking in was one of Shino's teammates, Ino. "She was searching for you and I decided to lend her a hand. I'll be leaving so you two can do… whatever."
With Asuka gone, the two teammates just stood there in silence. While that was okay with Shino, it was unbearable for Ino. "Well, aren't you going to ask why I'm here?"
"I assumed that you would tell me anyways so it would be pointless." The Aburame started to walk off, which only infuriated the blonde.
"Of all the nerve. I came all this way to see how you're doing and this is how you act?" Getting the same nonchalant attitude caused Ino's ire to rise. "You know what? Forget it. Enjoy being by yourself." With a huff she started walking off.
"Ino." Hearing her name caused the blonde to stop. Shino had his back toward her but was looking over his shoulder. "Your concern is… appreciated." Only indication that Ino heard him was a small smirk appearing on her face.
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"Do you think you should be doing this?" In one of the fields that the Nara clan used to raise their deer, Shikamaru was on a hill. He wasn't the only one there as his friend Choji was sitting alongside him. "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the Chunin Exam?"
The shadow user just laid there with his eyes closed and let the wind blow past him. "I've prepared myself as much as possible. Any further continuation would only be a hindrance. Not to mention troublesome." Seeing that Shikamaru wasn't going to change his mind, Choji just laid down himself and enjoyed the quiet.
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Sweat going down his face and labored breathing, Haku got ready to fight. His attended target causally stood there, making no effort to attack. "I may as well get this over with." Giving in, he tried ending things quickly. That would be the case but not in the way that Haku hoped for as he found himself flat on his back. He continued to lay there as he tried to regain his breath. "That went as expected."
"Nice try but you still could do so much better." evaluated the target which turned out to be his mother, Kushina. "It was agreed on by all of us that I would be the one best suited to prepare you for the finals. Therefore I'm going to make sure that happens." A look of determination came across Kushina's face. "If I have to beat it into you then so be it." That only caused her son to groan as that likely was going to be the case.
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"Greetings. As the Hokage, I welcome you to Konoha." At the main gates, Minato was there to greet the arring Kazekage. Also there were the Kazekage's children. "I hope your trip was okay."
"It was uneventful." stated the Suna leader in a bland tone. "By what I've been told the finals of this Chunin Exam is going to be very interesting." There was the slightest bit of excitement in his voice.
"Indeed. None of us are likely to forget it. Now if you follow me and I'll show you where you'll be staying." Both Kages started to walk off with the Kazekage's kids following not that far behind. The three of them followed quietly but Gaara suddenly stopped. He looked elsewhere and although it seemed as though there shouldn't be anything to catch his attention but that might not be the case.
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"Again." At the command, Naruto's shadow clones attacked their creator. For the next couple of minutes a fight took place and continued until only the original remained. "That went well. …You're going to stay hidden or are you going to show yourself?" Seconds later someone showed themselves.
"Impressive. Apparently you're more aware of things than you appear to be." praised the individual. "This is a unique way of training. Guess your ability to create more than the usual amount of clones comes in handy."
"It has its advantages." Naruto would then give the person a leveled stare. "Going to tell me why you're here? Thought spying on women was more your style Jiraiya?"
"Trust me kid, you're not my type." the Sannin joked. The humor soon replaced the complete seriousness. "You do realize that you'll have your hands full in your match. More than you likely realize."
"Believe you're referring to Gaara also having a tailed beast." Naruto deduced while still having his back toward him. When he did turn he saw that Jiraiya was surprised at the deduction. "Had a run in with him and learned that he has a… tenant." The recalling of that incident caused Naruto to move his right arm about. "I can handle him."
"Don't by cocky." Jiraiya snapped. "That boy is imbalanced and very dangerous." It seemed like he was having an internal debate on what he wanted to say. "Things are in motion and perhaps it would help if I were to teach you some techniques."
Naruto's response came when he created a single shadow clone. He started to focus chakra into his palm and with the help of the clone a sphere of chakra was created. Once complete the clone disbursed. "No need. Dad taught me this and I've already signed the toad's summoning contract. Anything else you could teach me would only hamper the strategy that I've come up with. Perhaps you should concern yourself with gathering intel."
"Guess you're angry with me as well." Jiraiya surmised. "Probably upset that I haven't shown up until now."
"I could care less either way." Naruto answered bluntly. "Until recently I only knew you from stories and history books. You likely have reasons for staying away but I don't want to hear them. I've got enough to worry than adding onto them." Having nothing more to say, Naruto walked off, leaving Jiraiya alone with his thoughts.
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Days Later…
"Hey guys. Finally found you." On the day of the Chunin Exam finals a lot of people were eager. Naruto was no exception as he showed up at the stadium early. "Guess I wasn't the only one who couldn't wait." It was then that the blond noticed something. "New outfit?"
Question was directed toward Hinata who had followed Anko's suggestion and got herself a new set of clothes. She still wore her lavender jacket but left it unzipped. Underneath it was a purple shirt that left her shoulders exposed with the upper chest area being comprised of closely knitted mesh that connected to the collar. Lastly was a pair of dark blue pants.
"You don't like it?" Hinata had been unsure about the change of outfit. Unlike her previous clothes these didn't really hide anything. Fortunately she was able to convince Anko to let her keep her jacket but only if she didn't zip it up and her sense warned the young Hyuga of what would happen if she broke their agreement.
"No. It really… suits you." Naruto managed to compliment with a blush on his face. He wasn't alone as Hinata had her own crimson face.
"As amusing as this is, we should get moving." spoke up Shikamaru. While he did that mostly to get them moving, it was also to snap his friends out of their little moment. "It wouldn't help either of them if they have that going through their heads."
The three of them were walking down one of the arena hallways when they came across their sensei. Anko really didn't say anything to her students but still gave them a brief good luck before sending them on their way.
When they walked into the area where the matches were to take place, they couldn't help be amazed by how many people were there. Another thing that the three of them noticed was that they were the last to arrive. Quickly they lined up with the other finalist and while nothing happened, there was a glare being exchanged between Naruto and Gaara.
"Look sharp." exclaimed what seemed to be the official for the finals. The previous official, Gekko Hayate, wasn't there for whatever reason. "You're about to compete in front of the grand stage." Almost as if supporting what had been said, the crowd became louder.
There you go. As the title of the chapter said, this was to lead into the actual finals to the Chunin Exam. Figured it would be better to have somewhat a buffer between the previous chapter and returning to the finals. As for how they'll be handled, I'll try to put them into two or three chapters before going to the big event that was alluded to at the start of this one. Don't worry though as I'm not planning on making those matches real long with only one or two being the exception. Just have to wait and see.
When it comes to when I'll update again, I'm hoping to have it early December. If not then likely at the start of the new year. Until then, see ya.