Story: Shattered Truths, Chapter 25

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Kakashi stood on the top of a building, leaning against the railing as he read his book. Flipping the page, he became aware of someone's presence.

"I see you haven't changed at all, Kakashi. " said Jiraiya from behind, holding Naruto on his shoulder, as he approached, giving a sulky scowl. "It still hurts from where your dog bit me, you know."

Kakashi looked up, eye smiling, as he (for once) put up his novel. "Sorry about that. I'll take him off your shoulders if you want."

Jiraiya nodded, as Kakashi took Naruto. He thought for a moment.

"It's hard to believe that brat is actually the Fourth's son," he noted. "but, at the same time, it's so obvious. He shares so much of a resemblance, it's laughable."

"I know..." Kakashi agreed, looking up at the moon. Though it may not have been full, it was still very bright. "They're just alike, regarding persistence, would you not agree...?"

The sannin sighed. "That's for sure... He just doesn't know when to give up. I wasn't even able to do my research thanks to him. His meddling resulted in those beautiful women kicking me out of their restaurant."

"He doesn't understand the value of your research." Kakashi said. "I can't blame him, though. He's still just a kid."

"He reminds me of myself when I was his age." Jiraiya mentioned, thinking back to his days as a genin. Back then, he was totally clueless as to what was just waiting to be discovered. He wasn't interested in a single soul, until being put on a team with Tsunade, but even then, he had no real understanding of anything, until after becoming a Jounin. "I was totally clueless back then. I had no understanding of what real discovery was, until years later..."

He turned around. "Anyway, I've got to go. There's something I need to discuss with the Third."

Kakashi nodded. "Right, I've got to get him home. He must be tired."

"Yes, he fell asleep right after getting his clothes on when we were in the dressing area of the Hot Spring..." he told him. "Well, see ya."

With that, he took off, leaving Kakashi, who left in the opposite direction a moment later.

Hokage's Office

"Anko, as in the past, you will be in charge of the survival exam in the Forest of Death." said the Sandaime. Anko nodded understandingly.

"I understand, Hokage-sama." she replied.

"Hayate, the same goes for you. You will be in charge of the preliminaries and final exam, just like before, however, this year, there will be no written exams, as they will be replaced with the partner exam."

"Is that why Ibiki is not here?" Genma wanted to know.

"Yes..." the old man replied.

"Excuse me," said Izumo, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. The Third Hokage looked up.

"What is it?"

Izumo thought for a moment. "What exactly is the partner exam? I'm kind of new to this."

"Um, I was wondering the same thing." said Kotetsu. Kiba's mother, who was standing beside him didn't seem to know much either. The Hokage sighed.

"In the partner exam, everyone will be teamed up with two other Shinobi than their original teammates." he explained. "Each team will be given one of three types of scrolls to protect. They must get all three scrolls and deliver them to the Preliminary exam stage. It will be very similar to the survival exam, except for the fact they will be permitted only a certain amount of weapons, and materials to use. The point of this is to see how well they can cooperate with others, and to see how good they put their own abilities to use. The Woman in charge of this exam is Jounin, Shizou Hazuki. She is currently absent, as of right now. However, he should be back soon. Is this all understood?"

Everyone nodded. The Third observantly gazed around the room, his fingers clasped in front of his mouth.

"Very well, you all are dismissed..." he told them.

"Hai." Everyone bowed respectfully, before leaving the room.

"Everyone in the village is anxious about the upcoming exams." said Jiraiya, standing in the window behind the Hokage's desk.

"Long time, no see, Jiraiya." said Hiruzen.

"It's been a while, Sarutobi sensei," the sannin smirked.

"So it has..." the old man replied. "Tell me, what is it you wish to speak about? Surely you didn't come here just to catch up on good times, did you...?"

"Actually, " Jiraiya mentioned. "it's quite the contrary for the most part, however there's something important that I believe I should probably bring up. It's pertaining to the Nine Tails..."

A/N: Hope you like it. Review. :)