Chapter 35
Naruto
"... and it was totally cool, but also annoying because he was all lying to us and like come on man, we could have died, but Kakashi-sensei was awesome and Sasuke and I kicked ass and Sakura was pretty cool as well. Oh and of course like there was this weird kid with ice powers and like the guy had like this giant ass sword, and yeah, it was tough. Oh and I got poisoned a bit, but I got it out so yeah," I say laying on a rock watching as Oreo and Sakumo spar with swords.
They don't look at me as they practice, but I know they've been listening to me.
"Ice-style. Seems not everyone from the clans were wiped out," Oreo muses.
"It's unlikely that there weren't some survivors."
"I'm aware," he says.
"Is Ice-style special?"
"It's a kekkei Genkai so yes. A change in chakra nature combining water and wind."
"And the other person was probably a former member of the Seven Swordsmen of Kiri."
"Oh wow. I mean they were totally tough."
"I can imagine you were. You are all lucky to be alive right now."
"Yeah, it was super tough!"
"I'm glad you're alright though, Kit," Oreo says.
"How did your team do?"
"Sasuke and I did this combo attack which was pretty awesome! Sakura wasn't that great, but she was trying at least. I think she feels imferior."
"There is always one of those," Oreo sighs.
"Sasuke and I were thinking we should get to know her more. I mean we know we shouldn't tell her about you, but…"
"I think that's a very good plan. It's always good to know your team and bond with them," Sakumo says pointing his sword at Oreo. "Dead."
Oreo puts his sword in the ground. "Still haven't lost your skill with that sword of yours."
"Of course not," Sakumo says flipping his sword and putting it away. "It's my specialty."
"I wonder how you'd do with my precious sword."
"That's a good question. If you'd ever let me try it."
"Maybe one day," he shrugs.
"You're sword is special?"
"Of course. This is Kusanagi a legendary sword. It's said to be able to cut through anything."
"Anything?"
"Indeed. It's a special sword I got. I tend not to use Taijutsu a lot, it's my least favourite form of fighting, but having this sword is quite entertaining."
"It's also useful to be able to use various different styles even if you don't use it very often and haven't masted the style. In some cases focusing on a certain trait is helpful, but in most cases having a variety of tricks can catch your opponent off guard."
"I like catching my opponents off guard."
"It's never bad to do. You're style is unpredictable for sure," Oreo says picking up his sword and swallowing it.
"You just swallowed it."
"I am aware of that," he smirks. "Does that surprise you."
"Yeah, doesn't that hurt?"
"No, I'm used to it at this point. It was uncomfortable at first, but I got used to doing it. In a sense it doesn't actually go inside me. It becomes a chakra in a sense being absorbed into my body as if it were sealed away. It is tough to explain, but it doesn't hurt."
"Oh wow! I wanna learn how to do that!"
"Maybe one day, little kit."
"Yay!" I cheer.
There is silence for a while as we all enjoy the nice air. I close my eyes and hear a bird call.
I look up with Sakumo and Oro.
"Well looks like your prediction was right," Sakumo says looking at Oro."
"Naturally," Oreo scoffs.
"Prediction?" I ask looking between them."
"The chunin exams are starting soon."
"Chunin exams?"
"The exam to determine if you are ready to become a chunin."
"Why do we have to take an exam? I'm bad at those."
"The term exam may be slightly misleading. It is more about showing your skills as a ninja. The main thing is to show that you are capable of being a chuin."
"Oh, well alright then. I will do my best."
"That is if your sensei nominates the three of you for the exams. That bird was calling the sensei to the office to see who will be nominated. The rules state that as long as a team has completed a certain number of missions they are eligible, but that still does not mean they will be nominated for the exams."
"Oh, I guess that makes sense."
"Some sensei believe their team is not quite ready for whatever reason. It is up to them in the end."
"I hope sensei nominates us for the exams then!"
"Kit…"
"Yes, Oreo?"
"If you are nominated then you and Sasuke need to know that I'm going to do something during the exams, and you two may get hurt."
"What are you going to do?"
"Oreo smirks. "Now that's a secret, my dear Kit."
"You're no fun!"
"No, Kit, telling you would be no fun. I'd rather let it be a surprise."
"Well be careful," I say.
"I will be, Kit," he says licking my face.
I giggle as I sit up. "Guess I should see my team then."
"Yes, go see what Kakashi says about you entering the Chunin exms," Sakumo says.
"Okay!" I exclaim jumping up. "See you guys later!"
"See you later, little kit."
I pick up my supplies and head out of the house to the bridge we tend to meet at. Sasuke and Sakura are already there.
"Hey guys!"
"Hey Naruto," They says.
"You realize we were supposed to be here earlier," Sakura says.
"Sorry, I got distracted," I say rubbing the back of my head.
"You're a dumbass," Sasuke scoffs.
"Well you're a jerk," I scoff back.
"I wonder what's taking sensei so long through," Sakura says looking around. "I mean this is late even for him."
"Well I can explain it this time," Kakashi says appearing on the top of the bridge.
"What's going on?" Sasuke asks.
"Well I have nominated the three of you for the chunin exams coming up in a little bit."
"Chunin exams?" Sakura asks.
"Yes, granted it is an individual choice. If you don't want to take it you don't have to," he says handing us forms. "If you choose to register then bring this registration form to the indicated room on the right date."
"The chunin exams," Sasuke says looking down at the form.
I look at my teammates. Sasuke looks excited, yet Sakura… She seems a bit nervous about this whole thing. I know she doesn't want us to know, but I can see it. I wonder what's wrong. I mean she's strong too.
I glance at Sasuke. He sees it too. Well we're going to have to bond with her and help her out it seems.