A/N: I'm back! I am so sorry about the hiatus. I cannot apologize enough for the delay in between updates. I can't believe it's been more than a year. The time management problems that come with college can be pretty hard to handle but I promise to try to work toward more regular updates. I'm not completely happy with this chapter. There's a lot of dialogue and it's been a while, but hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things. Also, the line breaks are doing weird things, so I apologize if they look a bit weird. Since it's been since a long time, a mini recap:
In the last few chapters...
Ashi was placed on an allied team made up of representatives from Konoha, Suna, and Kiri. Much to her surprise, her two other team mates somehow happened to be two of her friends from Kuragari, Kaji and Aki, who she hadn't seen in years. Their team manages to pass through the first round with the rest of the rookie teams. During the second round in The Forest of Death, Ashi's team was cornered and defeated by a team from Grass. Luckily they were found and rescued by Team 8 due to Shino's forethought to plant a female kikai beetle on Ashi, and both teams manage to make it to the tower with time left to spare.
And with that, here's the next instalment of Just Wanna Make You Smile!
~Ashi of Instrument Trio
Disclaimer: Instrument Trio does not own Naruto but does own some characters and elements of the plot
Ch. 36
Chuunin Exams Part Five
After three days of much appreciated rest all the remaining teams were called to the stadium where the third stage was going to be held. The second exam had started with twenty seven teams, but we were down to nine, I think. Glancing around, I noticed that the entire rookie nine plus us were here, as well as Gaara's team, Lee, Tenten, and Neji, Kabuto's team, the team from Sound and the team from Grass. We had been cut down to a third of our starting group.
All the teams were in various stages of fatigue and varied on a scale of completely fine like Gaara's team, which didn't have a single scratch on them, to beat up and tired like Naruto's team, who were covered in scratches, bruises, and dirt, to needs a hospital visit. That would definitely be Aki, Kaji and me.
Kaji's arm was in a makeshift splint, and we had gotten a bandage to put over the cut above her eye. Aki had been trying to keep off her injured leg, so she had a long branch as a makeshift crutch/cane, and her leg was obviously wrapped up. Unlike Kaji and Aki, I didn't have any obvious serious injuries, but the light hurt my eyes, loud noises still gave me headaches, I still felt tired despite the three days of rest, and I still got dizzy every once in a while. When we reached the tower I put a bandage over the cut on Shinzo's face, which meant one eye was covered, practically a bandage eye patch. I also bandaged up his injured talon, but that seemed to be healing pretty well. I kept the bandage on anyway, just in case. We definitely needed a trip to the hospital, but not until the exams were done. We could hold out until then.
"All the rookie 10 are here" I heard Sakura whisper as I continued to glance around at the stadium and remaining competitors. It looked like all the sensei and chuunin proctors were in front of us, as well as the Hokage.
"Hey, old man Hokage, Iruka-sensei, and the super-brows are here too" Naruto whispered loudly to his team as I fought the urge to roll my eyes, and continued to stand at attention in the lines we had been directed to stand in. Old man Hokage, huh? Jeez, if I said that in front of my parents I'd be grounded for months, "Feels like everyone important is here"
"The third Hokage will now explain the third exam" Anko announced loudly, immediately attracting all of our attention as everyone who wasn't facing forward faced the front.
We all watched as the Hokage took a step forward and cleared his throat before talking in a strong attention demanding voice.
"The third exam will now begin, but before I explain there is one thing I want to make clear" the Hokage stated, clearing his throat again as he adjusted the hat on his head, "It's about the purpose of the exam and why we do these exams with other villages. We say that it's 'To maintain good relations with other villages and to heighten the level of ninja.' Don't be deceived"
My attention was completely on the Hokage at this point. I was slightly confused. I mean, yes, I know there are probably more reasons for the Chuunin Exams than treaties with other nations and improvement of our skills, but the way the Hokage was talking about it made it seem like those two reasons were just covers, fake reasons.
"The exams are more like war between the nations"
"Wait, what do you mean?" Tenten blurted out. In response, the Hokage sighed and removed his pipe from his mouth.
"In the past ninja villages used to fight to gain power and control from other villages. In order to prevent a loss of military power, the Chuunin Exams began as a place for ninja to fight to protect their village's pride."
"Wait, why do we have to do this?" Naruto complained as he stepped forward a bit, "I thought the exams were to choose who would become Chuunins!"
So the exams were just a disguise. We were being used. I couldn't help the small sigh that escaped my mouth.
"I definitely feel like a pawn now…" I muttered. Behind me I heard Aki chuckle.
"You saying that probably shouldn't amuse me this much" she whispered. I rolled my eyes in response.
"Yeah, yeah, a ninja is a tool for their village. I've heard it" I whispered back.
"Doesn't mean we have to like it" Kaji grumbled without turning around, sounding disgruntled and upset. I frowned at the back of her head. She wasn't usually this…well, she used to let things like this slide right off her.
"The third stage of the exams provides a place for famous lords, leaders of ninja villages, and important clients to watch your battles" the Hokage continued, "Countries that are obviously stronger will be flooded with jobs and weak countries will lose customers. In addition, countries can show how strong they are and can gain an upper hand over neighboring countries"
So basically the future prosperity of our villages rested on our shoulders. That wasn't a lot of pressure or anything.
"This is a life-or-death battle for your dreams and your village's dignity!"
We all stood there for a few seconds letting his words wash over us before I heard Naruto state with confidence, "Heh, I understand now"
That confidence was enough to make me crack a grin. Oh Naruto. He's like a little ray of self-assured sunshine.
"I don't care. Tell us the details of the exam" Gaara growled. I'm sure I wasn't the only person who shivered at the tone in his voice.
"Excuse me Hokage-sama" a voice interrupted as someone dropped in front of us, "Please let me explain"
"Please do"
We watched as the man turned around with a cough.
"Pleased to meet you. I will be your judge, Gekkou Hayate. Before the first exam there is something I'd like you to do"
He broke off into a coughing fit, and my eyebrows furrowed worriedly as he took a few seconds to catch his breath. He was pale and had obvious bags under his eyes. He was also really skinny…was he healthy enough to be our judge? I mean, he's not going to keel over unconscious or worse in the middle of the exam, right?
"Excuse me. As I was saying, I'm going to have to ask you all to participate in preliminary matches to see who makes it to the third stage"
Preliminary matches?Are they serious?
T…many…
I frowned heavily. That was the first I've hea-
"Preliminary rounds!? What do you mean?" Shikamaru's annoyed voice rang out, interrupting my thoughts. Oh jeez, if Shikamaru was upset this was really important. I mean, obviously it was important because the faster the third stage was done the faster we could all get out of here and get healed, but for Shikamaru to be so annoyed is telling of how serious this is.
"It's possible that the first two rounds were too easy. Too many people were let through" Hayate explained in his weirdly almost monotone voice, "According to Chuunin Exam regulations we have to do preliminary rounds to reduce the number of people participating in the third exam"
"As Hokage-sama said, we have a lot of guests coming to the third exam so we can't have a lot of matches. We don't have much time either, so those who aren't feeling well-"
Hayate broke off into another coughing fit and I watched worriedly as we waited for him to finish his sentence.
…Okay, seriously, is he healthy enough to be our judge? He doesn't look too good…
Y..eah
Renshi's voice was so weak I barely managed to catch it. I frowned heavily once again. Unfortunately, this isn't the time to figure it out.
"Excuse me. Anyone who wants to quit after hearing the explanation please let me know. The preliminaries will begin immediately"
"Immediately?" Kiba asked in shock as I groaned. I was at least hoping to have a bit more time to recuperate.
"But we just got done with the second exam!" Ino complained as Shikamaru scowled behind her.
"Troublesome"
"Gah, this sucks!" Kaji exclaimed, adding her displeasure to the upset voices.
"Oh I forgot to add this but these matches will be one-on-one from here on out, so please withdraw if you'd like"
Okay, that made me feel a bit less confident. Some people were definitely more fit to fight than others. But there was still no way I was going to drop out until I had tried my hardest for it. I've gotten this far, haven't I?
"Maybe you guys should withdraw"
I didn't have to know whose voice it was to know who was whispering to us. Kiba. He means well, really, but you'd think he'd know we weren't going to back down by now.
"Nah. I've had worse. I can still make it through" Kaji brushed off with a grin as she clenched her fist determinedly, "I'm still going to whoop all their butts, just like I promised"
I couldn't help but grin. Then Kiba turned a slightly begging look on me, as if I was the voice of reason for the team.
"Kiba, thanks for worrying about us but there's no way we're going to stop now. I mean, I can't back down if Kaji won't. Konoha's got pride, right?"
"Aw, now that you said that I can't back out. I've got to represent for Mist, right?" Aki 'complained' with a smile as she readjusted her goggles on her head, immediately making any attempt by Kiba to appeal to her finer sensibilities completely pointless.
"But what about your injuries?" Hinata reminded us softly as Akamaru barked in what seemed like agreement. Even Akamaru was against us? Ouch.
"I've had worse" Kaji repeated. It didn't sound like she was trying to reassure us. It sounded like a simple statement of fact. I'm not sure why, but that unsettled me for a few seconds, even if I could agree that most of us have had worse than a broken arm. I wish I had that resolve.
"My move set might be limited, but I've had time to rest and recuperate" I stated truthfully, "If I reach my limits, I'll forfeit, but not until I've tried my hardest"
The look Hinata gave me might have been a bit of faint respect, but considering my lack of expertise in reading facial expressions, I wasn't really sure. I smiled at her regardless.
"Akiraka?" Shino asked, urging Aki to prove herself. He was worried just as much as Kiba and Hinata, but he of all people probably knows that fighting is a lot about intent. You can't fight with uncertainties. You have to give it your all at all times. I forget that sometimes, but being around my teammates definitely helps remind me.
"My injury isn't too bad now. I can walk without this crutch. If people underestimate me, well, that's their problem"
She said it so blandly that it made me wonder what she really had under her sleeves. I couldn't help but grin slightly. I definitely wanted to watch her match.
A raised hand at the corner of my eye grabbed my attention, and I glanced over, shocked to see that Kabuto had raised his hand.
"What?" Kiba asked as he turned his head to look at where I was currently staring.
"Um, I'll quit"
"Kabuto?" Naruto asked in confusion as Hayate flipped through a roster list.
"Yakushi Kabuto of Konoha, right? You may leave then"
"Kabuto, why are you leaving?" Naruto asked frantically.
"Sorry Naruto. My body is worn out. I still can't hear out of my left ear from that punch before the first round. I can't fight right now, especially if it's a life or death battle"
I glanced over him briefly. I mean, to his credit, he did get a blast of sound waves directly to his face. The thing that bothered me was the fact that he didn't look especially beat up or anything. He had cuts and scratches like everyone else, but that was about it. He also didn't seem to be overcompensating for his deaf side, like most people would. If it was just fatigue, we were all tired. Oh well, I shouldn't be judging others for knowing their limits.
"You guys are sure a-about your decision?" Hinata asked quietly as I nodded.
"Definitely" Aki answered for all of us.
After waiting a few more seconds to make sure no one wanted to retire Hayate started explaining the rules of the matches.
"Okay then, let's start the exam. It'll be one on one just like a real battle" Hayate explained with a stray cough, "Since we have exactly 26 people we will have 13 matches. The winners will advance to the third round. There are no rules. You'll fight until the other person is knocked out, killed, or forfeits. If you don't want to die, give up immediately. To prevent unnecessary deaths if I judge that the match is over I will end it"
He gestured to the wall and we watched as a screen appeared.
"This screen will decide the fate of your matches. Your names will be randomly matched with your opponent. Let's begin"
We watched in slight apprehension as letters began flipping on the board and I gave a breath of relief as a name flashed on the board. It was more relief that I wouldn't have to fight him than it was relief that it wasn't my name.
"Akadou Yoroi vs. Uchiha Sasuke"
"…Yoroi…?" I heard Aki whisper as I reread the names with a jolt. I calmed down once again as I realized the last name was different. It didn't stop me from remembering that Yoroi had been reported missing in Kuragari. Did Aki and Kaji know?
"Will the people whose names were called please step up?" Hayate asked.
"The first competitors are Akadou Yoroi and Uchiha Sasuke. Are there any protests?"
"No" both of them chorused.
I observed Sasuke and his opponent as they stood in front of us. Sasuke's motions had seemed stiff while he walked. He was probably injured. His opponent was wearing his Konoha forehead protector on a bandana around his head and had a facemask, kind of like a handkerchief, covering his face. His clothing looked like what Kabuto was wearing. His other teammate was wearing the same thing. A team uniform?
This would probably be an interesting match. I don't think I've heard about the Akadou clan before.
"We will now begin the first match" Hayate was interrupted by another cough, "Everyone who is not currently fighting please move up to the stands"
We all took that as our cue to move, and I followed the rest of the group up the stairs to the balcony. All the jonin were there, so the teams gravitated toward their sensei. That left Aki, Kaji, and I standing awkwardly by ourselves, somewhat closer to Kurenai-sensei and Team 8 than any other team.
"Ashi!" Kiba called, waving me over when he noticed us standing by ourselves near the wall instead of by the railings like everyone else, "You'll never see the action from over there"
Kurenai-sensei turned as well with a smile as she gestured for us to join Team 8 as well. Kaji didn't need another invitation. She basically skipped over, dragging Aki and I with her. I smiled as she sat down, letting her legs hand down from the balcony while grabbing the bars with her hands, looking like a little kid at a zoo. Aki and I placed ourselves on either side of her: me by Shino, leaning on the rails, and Aki on the other side, drumming her fingers. All the rookie/konoha teams seemed to instinctively gather together on one side, while the teams from Sand, Sound, and Grass stood on the balcony across from us.
"Begin" Hayate announced as he stepped back. We all pressed closer to the railings as both of them made slight movements.
At first glance it looked like it was going to be a normal ninja battle. You know, test out skills, approach warily, then a take down. It only seemed that way for the first few seconds though. There was a clang of metal hitting metal and then the next thing I noticed, Sasuke was on the ground clenching his shoulder in pain.
"What the…Sasuke didn't get hit by anything, right?" I asked, glancing at Kaji and Aki who undoubtedly had better eye sight than me.
"Pre-existing injury?" Aki offered as I glanced at her, shaking my head.
"Maybe, but he threw with his other arm"
We were quiet after that, watching with full attention as Sasuke dodged a probably fatal blow and managed to knock Yoroi to the ground and get him into a submission hold. Either he would forfeit or Sasuke would dislocate his arm.
"That was quick…" Kaji muttered as Aki shook her head with an interested look as she leaned into the rail.
"It's not over yet"
We watched in shock as Sasuke's grip suddenly failed and he was backhanded in the stomach. Next thing we knew, Sasuke was on the ground and Yoroi's hand was on his head. The chakra on Yoroi's hand was actually visible, and I found myself actually worrying about the Uchiha. Chakra anywhere close to the head was never a good thing, especially if it was visible. My worry wasn't necessary. It took a few seconds, but Sasuke managed to get out of Yoroi's grip. He was stumbling and panting though. He was obviously dead tired all of a sudden. And Naruto was freaking out.
"You call yourself Uchiha Sasuke? Stop being an idiot! Get serious!"
"He is an Uchiha, right? Jeez, this is a sad fight. I kind of expected more" Aki muttered just loud enough for Kiba and Shino to hear. Kiba glanced over but quickly glanced back to the fight just as Sasuke stopped dodging and kicked Yoroi up into the air. He looked like he was struggling for a few seconds, maybe disabled with pain, but he regained control and beat Yoroi into the ground with a quick midair combo.
"The first match winner is Uchiha Sasuke" Hayate announced as Sasuke struggled to stay sitting up after crash landing onto the ground. Once again, Naruto was freaking out.
"That Naruto kid is a really good teammate" Kaji commented as Kiba scoffed.
Kaji glanced at him and I shrugged.
"Don't take Kiba wrong, he is. Naruto's just…he can be a bit of a handful at times"
"Annoying's more like it" Kiba muttered under his breath. I elbowed him in the side.
"A-Amazing match" Hinata complimented.
"Feh, it wasn't that good" Kiba groused with a slight smirk.
"Keebs, even I admit it was good considering how it was going"
Our potential argument was halted when Hayate spoke up once again.
"Now we'll begin the next match"
Our eyes immediately traveled to the board, which flashed a few times before two names appeared.
"Abumi Zaku vs. Aburame Shino"
My heart skipped a beat as I straightened out and turned to Shino.
"Kick his butt Shino" Kiba urged with a thumbs up as Hinata clenched her hands together.
"G-good luck Shino!"
"Good luck Shino. Wipe the floor with him" I commented with a smile and a thumbs up, just like Kiba. He nodded in response to our encouragement as he walked down to the floor.
"We will now begin the second match" Hayate announced when Shino and Zaku were facing each other.
I frowned as I got a good look at Shino's opponent. Both of his arms were wrapped up and in a sling around his neck. What the heck had happened to him and how the heck was he going to fight like that?
"Do you think Shino can defeat him?" Hinata asked quietly as Kiba straightened out instead of slouching. All our attention was going to be focused on this match.
"Yeah, he's strong" Kiba replied with quiet confidence, "I wouldn't want to face him"
"He can handle this" I agreed quietly. Despite all our faith in Shino, it didn't stop us from worrying. We knew for a fact that he was strong, but we've always been there to back him up. But he can do it. I know he can.
"Begin"
They stood there for a long few seconds, just staring at each other before we heard Shino speak.
"If you fight me here you'll never be able to fight again. Retire"
"Confident" Aki commented with slight amusement as I shifted my weight slightly.
Shino wasn't one to trash talk for no reason. He rarely bluffed. That means he believes he has the upper hand right now.
"This hand moves, so I'll beat you with one hand!"
Zaku ran toward Shino and tried to punch him in the head, but Shino blocked with one arm. It was the most absolute minimum amount of motion. He must have said something, because Zaku was obviously aggravated.
"Stop talking back! Air slicer!"
There was an explosion of smoke and dust and I gasped audibly as I clenched the railing and leaned forward, trying to see through the dust. He got hit with that massive sound blast head on! He didn't even try to move!
"Shino…" I mumbled worriedly under my breath, clenching the railing tighter as the smoke cleared and Shino's body became visible, collapsed on the ground. What had he been thinking?
"Come on. Stand up" Zaku demanded.
I managed to breathe a sigh of relief as Shino stood up. I heard Hinata and Kiba sigh in relief and I could see them physically relax a little from the corner of my eyes. Everyone else seemed to be tensing up though, and I glanced to the floor in curiosity and slight worry. What I saw there made me relax a bit and I had to actively school my face to remain blank to keep from smirking. His kikai beetles were out.
Shino had let a few crawl out obviously from under his skin to crawl across his face and over his jacket. That was all to intimidate and psych Zaku out. What Zaku hadn't noticed yet was the literal army of kikai beetles approaching him from behind. At that exact moment, Zaku turned around, looking horrified. Ah. He's noticed them now.
"Where are those bugs coming from?" Aki asked. I glanced at her, watching her eyes scan up and down the floor, before turning back to the fight.
"They're kikai beetles. He houses them in his body" Kiba explained, sounding confident and proud in Shino's abilities.
"…I don't even want to know how that's possible" Kaji shuddered as her eyes remained trained on the fight below.
"These guys are called kikai bugs. They attack their prey in groups and devour their chakra. If I attack you with that many you'll never fight again. If you want to survive, I recommend giving up now. If you use that move with your hand I'll make the bugs attack you from behind. If you use that move on the bugs, I'll attack you. You can't win. You're supposed to save your trump cards for the end"
"That is definitely the most I've ever heard him say at one time" I deadpanned. He's willing to talk to psych out his opponents, but he'll barely say a word otherwise.
Kiba laughed at that, and I even heard Hinata let out a giggle. Kurenai-sensei was probably smiling as well, and I gave up on trying not to smile. Typical Shino.
"Don't underestimate me!"
My attention immediately snapped back to the field as Zaku pointed his left hand at Shino and pulled his right hand out of its sling, pointing at at the army of kikai. Shino's hands wavered for a second from the seal he had been holding, probably in shock.
"You're supposed to keep your trump card until the end, right?"
"He can use that arm!?" Kiba exclaimed in shock as Akamaru whimpered quietly.
…used…against..
Renshi? Renshi! I can't hear you. What's going on?!
"Oh Kami" I heard Aki gasp as Kiba and Kurenai-sensei gasped at the same time, and I glanced up just in time to see what looked like chakra exploding from Zaku's arms, ripping the sleeves off his body. From his elbows. Zaku let out a scream of pain as he doubled over. Shino moved behind Zaku and was probably saying something to Zaku, because Zaku flipped over his hands and I managed to spot kikai beetles crawling out of his hand. He had a hole in his hand? That explains the sound blasts, so…
"Shino plugged the sound channels, so the chakra was forced to escape from the weakest point…" I muttered.
"His elbows!?" Kaji exclaimed incredulously. Her eyes had widened in shock.
"…Yeah"
We all watched as Zaku tried to turn to attack Shino, only to be met with a strong backhand to the face that sent him flying back. When Zaku didn't get up from the blow, Hayate walked up to him. He bent over, studying the boy for a few seconds, paying special attention to his arms, before standing back up.
"It seems this match is over. Winner, Aburame Shino"
"Heh. Knew he could do it" Kiba reaffirmed with a smirk as I nodded in response, though my thoughts were preoccupied. Sometimes I forget how ruthless he can be. He can see his goal and walk toward it without hesitation. A true ninja.
That determination…to plan and not hesitate about your action's consequences…I wish…
"A-ah, good job Shino!" Hinata congratulated as Kiba stepped up to Shino as he approached and slapped him on the back with a large grin.
"That was amazing" Kaji praised as Aki nodded in agreement.
"You made it look easy" she added with more than an ounce of respect in her eyes.
I waited until Shino had made his way back to his original spot, accepting congratulations from Kurenai-sensei with a nod, before saying anything.
"Great job Shino" I praised, smiling as he turned to face me, "But seriously, you could have dodged that sound blast"
"It looked like a nasty hit. Ash was practically climbing over the railing" Kaji commented. I could hear the laughter in her voice, but I ignored it.
I know that he didn't really need a scolding, and he had won with flying colors, but after months of training with me and after seeing Kabuto get attacked you'd think he know how bad being hit directly with a sound blast could be.
I was interrupted from my mental grousing as Shino placed his hand on my head in that familiar gesture of his.
I understand.
I sighed as I crossed my arms.
"What I mean is good job"
"Thank you" Shino stated simply in response. I rolled my eyes and pushed his shoulder lightly with my hand. It was then that I realized that the next match was about to start, but the board displaying the names was already blank.
"Wait, who's fighting?" I asked, leaning over the railing to get a better look. It was Kabuto's other teammate and Gaara's brother. Kankuro had placed his giant wrapped mummy thing on the ground in front of him and they looked like they were staring each other down.
"Tsurugi Misumi and Kankuro of the Sand" Kaji replied, this time actually laughing, "Too distracted to pay attention?"
I scowled and sent a half hearted glare at Kaji, but I didn't bother retorting.
"So what do you think Ka-chan? You worked with Kankuro. How will this battle go?" Aki asked suddenly, distracting Kaji's attention from me. I would have sent her a thankful look, but the grin she sent me was just as teasing as Kaji's voice had been.
"Kankuro will destroy him"
It seems like every competitor in this stage of the exam is interesting. It makes me wonder who we'll be put against.
"Begin"
Thanks for reading the latest chapter of JWMYS!
Special Thanks to...
sykaeh, Angel2rock, Escape to Ouran, shirokuromokona, ILOVEANIME123
and to everyone who alerted and favorited since the last update!