A/N: My apologies for the delay in updating, only now got a computer. Thanks for your patience how this makes up for it.
Chapter 9
Their time off turned to a week's break of recovery time from the mission. Naruto spent the time working on his fuinjutsu skills and reading up on the fundamentals of being a spy. He really didn't care that everyone knew his ninjutsu skills because that was just mirror and smoke in the grand scheme of things. He was also in constant communication with the archivist of the Spiral Chimon, to research and develop new seal his mind conceived or improve any particular found in his clan's archives. One of the things he wanted to do was apply seals with his chakra, a technique known as chakra etching and was apparently very common among his clan and one of the reasons that caused them to be feared. The thought that a group of people could conjure seals and apply them during a battle was thought impossible until they demonstrated it could be done. He had advanced his trap making to only seals and couldn't wait for the chance to test them out. He just needed the next group training or something similar to use them.
During the night Naruto sat down with Chinami and wrote Jiraiya to inform him of all that had transpired in Wave, also about him taking charge of Gato's business and of speaking with the Hokage to forge an alliance between the two countries. It would be a while before he got any sort of response from his friend, but in the meantime Chinami would help him sort through the documents and also she'd be responsible for monitoring the business on his behalf.
While Naruto knew he could not leave the village without permission for any reason, he also didn't want anyone to know about him going to the Uzumaki Mask Temple. Therefore, he'd resorted to using his shadow clones under disguise, they were charged with removing the masks and storing them in scrolls for safekeeping so that when the renovation started they wouldn't be damaged. He would give Tazuna-san about a month before requesting his services. The removal of the mask was also a way for him to study them and the type of seal used to create them, thinking it might come in handy down the road.
Another thought that occupied him was whether anyone could assess the seal like when he communicated with the Kyubi. The possibility a scary one and therefore he's formulated something that shrouds the entry. Just pray it works as it should.
It was back to team training with Yamato-sensei and the continuation of individual tutoring, Naruto need to finish learning wind release which was harder than he thought it would be, but he was determined to get it done especially knowing his shadow clones could function independently.
"Welcome back, I trust you all used your time off wisely."
"Yes Yamato-sensei."
"Good, before we get started, I'd like to inform you of the upcoming chunin exams taking place in the village two weeks from today." It was his duty to at least let them know the exams were taking place, but it would be their decision whether to enter or not, he could not make it for them. "If you are interested in participation, please take one of these forms, fill it out and present it on the day of the exam, you will not be allowed access otherwise." Each student took a form and gave it a quick read before pocketing for later.
'I'd very much like to participate, even if it's to get an idea of what the exams are like." Akaran was always up for a new challenge; especially if it allowed him to test his kenjutsu skills against worthy opponents.
"What about you Daisuke, are you going to participate?" Akaran inquired of his teammate.
"I wouldn't mind, besides there will be a lot of hurt people to practice my medical ninjutsu on as well as opponents to genjutsu."
"Speaking of, how is your training in that coming along?" Naruto asked, needing his teammate to be proficient enough with the medical training before soliciting his help.
"It's good, but would be better if the queen of healing was here to teach me. I'd give my right leg just to have one day of training from her."
"Well, I have something for you, I came across it in an old book I found and wanted to test it out."
"What is it?"
"A medical seal, it's really simple to use, all you have to do is store medical chakra into it and then apply the tag to the injured person at a later time. So even when low on chakra, you would still be able to heal." Naruto was trying to act nonchalant about his work, but he really needed to test his new creation and was also planning to give some to Hinata to try out. "Would you be willing, to see if it works or not?"
"Most definitely, anything that can offer assistance in the medical field is always welcome."
"Here then, try to fill and use these over the next couple of days and let me know what happens."
'With the exams only two week away perhaps it's best to focus on what I already know and leave the wind release till after. I've been meaning to learn the 'lightning release: raging tiger charge' and 'water colliding wave and heavenly weeping', it would be best to set the clones to work on these while I prepare the various tags(explosives, freezing, paralysis, medical, chakra transfer, traps etc.), scrolls(storage, prisoner, etc.) andpractice my two barrier constructs for the chunins
Later that day Naruto spoke with Hinata about the medical seal and asked if she'd test it for him, his answer was a squeal and a hug from the normally shy Hyuga. Not that he minded her reaction, he was a hormonal teenage boy after all and his friend was a nicely shaped girl. Unable to look at each other because they were both sporting red faces, Hinata quickly took the offered seals and bid him goodbye before hurrying home.
The teams spent the time leading up to the exams doing intense training from dawn until sunset. Excitement and anticipate hanged in the air as outside participants started arriving the week before, it made the whole thing seem extra tangible than when they were first informed.
Morning dawned with heavy showers of rain and strong chilled winds that cause goose bumps. Naruto was not ready to leave his bed rather pulling the covers over his head and turning onto his stomach to get some more sleep. Half an hour later his alarm resounded in his ears signaling it was time for him to arise and prepare for the big day. "Damn, I was just getting to the good part of the dream, now I'll never know how it ended." He lamented the missed opportunity in his dream, but rose from his bed and headed off to the bathroom.
Emerging from the steam filled room with a towel around his waist and one during his hair, Naruto was made aware that someone was in his apartment by the smell of food that was wafting in the air. Quickly dressing he made his way out his bedroom and was greeted by a familiar figure in the kitchen.
"Chinami! You're back from your mission early."
"Hey Naruto, good to see you. I heard they announced the chunin exams so I wrapped up and headed back, didn't want to miss your important day." She took in the boy she'd help Jiraiya look after, he was taller, his hair needed cutting and he was losing his baby fat.
"Well it's good to have you back home." He said smiling at her. "Let's eat breakfast though because I'm starving." This elicited a snort from Chinami as it was just so familiar that the boy still a bottomless pit for a stomach. They chatted while eating, Naruto tried to bring her up to date on the happenings while she was away especially about his preparation for the exams. She was pleased to know that he was advancing with his fuinjutsu and knew it would come in handy during the exams. She had faith in him to do well and make it to the final stage barring any unforeseen circumstances, having witness his growth and determination to be the best at what he does, there is no doubt in her mind that he will make a good showing of himself.
Arriving at the academy Naruto stood outside to await the arrival of his teammates, roughly five minutes later they arrived and proceeded inside to register. Making their way to the assigned classroom they were met by their sensei at the door who look extremely pleased to see them. Bidding them best of luck he disappeared in a shushin. Their entrance produced immediate silence to envelop the room as the other participants within surveyed them to assess the potential threat they posed. While it was a bit unnerving team nine chose to ignore all except their former classmates as they greeted each.
"So Naruto, are you scare yet, after all everyone in here is probably taller than you?"
"Kiba, Kiba, Kiba, they might seem taller in stature, but don't forget; it's a little axe that cuts down big trees." His response caused laughter among the other genins, but drew the attention of the other participants to them as well.
"You guys might want to quiet down and not bring so much attention to yourselves, especially being rookie genins of all things." A spectacle wearing young man said to them, he was wearing a Konoha headband indicating he was their comrade.
"If they don't want to hear us they can either tune us out or close off their hearing. And who the hell are you anyway?" Ino's response rude, but expected. She was never one to mince words whenever others tried to infringe on her rights.
"My apologies for not introducing myself, I am Kabuto Yakushi a medical ninja. You don't need to be hostile, we're all on the same side here. Besides I've taken these exams before and they are difficult enough without have everyone out to get you."
"Well good for you, but if you'll excuse us we were speaking with each other." Holding up his hands as a sign of peace Kabuto backed away from the rookies, but Naruto didn't stop staring at him, until he was well beyond vicinity. His senses were not liking what they were getting from Kabuto and therefore wanted nothing to do with him.
Shikamaru bumped shoulders with him getting his attention. "You're not usually that rude to people you don't know, want to share what about him that rubbed you the wrong way."
"I don't really know, but he didn't seem genuine in his concern." He said as he closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose, something about him troubled Naruto's senses, but he couldn't put his fingers on it as yet. "I think we should stay clear of him during these exams."
Everyone looked at him then at each other before nodding in acceptance of his advice.
"Are you okay Naruto?" Shino was a bit concerned about his friend, he was always aware that Naruto was a sensor type, but kept it to himself because it was apparent that he didn't want it widely known.
Daisuke placed his hand on Naruto's forehead concerned that his teammate might not be feeling well, but Naruto brushed his hand off. "I'm fine guys, I have sensitive hearing and smell and that guy just set them off that's all."
"Good because some of us want to fight you during these exams so don't go getting sick or anything else." Sasuke said in a friendly tone.
"I will try my best."
"Alright you baby face degenerates! Pipe down and listen up." Declared the voice from within the smoke, as it cleared a hulk of a man and his subordinates stood before the participants. "It's time to begin, I'm Ibiki Morino, your proctor and from this moment, your worst enemy!" With all eyes focused on him, Ibiki was in his element and loving it, he would make these upstarts soil themselves if they so much as test his patience.
"When you handed in your receipts you were provided with a team number, choose a team leader and have that person hold onto the number." Immediately teams huddled together to choose the most appropriate person to lead them. Naruto was the obvious choice for team nine and already had the number.
"As your number is called please proceed as a team to the sentinel and he will give you a scroll in exchange for your number, you are then free to start your exam. However, there are rules that must be adhered to. 1. There will be no fighting among participants at any time during this stage of the exams, anyone caught will be expelled forthwith. 2. Failure to complete the task will result in automatic failure, you will be asked to leave. 3. Teams must return with all members in order to move onto the next stage. 4. Cheating your way through the test is an automatic failure."
"Well, you can't get it any clearer than that unless he writes it all down for you." Akaran stated in a voice mimicking Ibiki.
"Very funny, but don't let him catch you imitating him, he might not take it well." Daisuke said admonishing his teammate. "On a serious note, are we ready for this?
"We were born ready." Naruto said, his eyes glued to the scrolls on the table, noting there were four piles, each pile a different colour (gold, red, blue and green). When their number was called, it was exchanged for a gold scroll with the kanji for retrieve written on it. Upon opening their scroll, Naruto read with his teammates their task, it seemed straight forward. An unknown ninja believed to be from Grass Country infiltrated the Fire Daimyo's courts and poisoned members of his council; you are tasked with gathering information on this unknown assailant to not only find the antidote, but retrieve an important scroll he stole. Time is of the essence, therefore, you have twenty-four hours to complete this task. The indicated spot on the map is where your mission begins. Re-reading to ensure they understood, Naruto stored the scroll for further reference.
"Okay guys, we need to get to training ground twenty-seven, let's go." Arriving at their destination they realized it was set out like a miniature Fire Capital.
Introducing themselves to the chief of security, they got down to business.
"Fumihiro-san, can you give us any information on what really transpired?" Naruto inquired of the large man.
"As far as we know, a strange ninja sporting what is believed to be a Grass headband entered sometime yesterday, poisoned the council perhaps as a distraction and made off with a very important scroll. We suspect that the intruder was masquerading as a help in the kitchen for some time, however, all staff are accounted for." The man informed them.
"How is that possible, does that mean he is still under disguise?" Akaran asked in disbelief. He looked at his teammates to see if they were as confused as he felt.
"It doesn't make sense for him to break his cover when there was a slight the possibility of being caught. Something isn't adding up, why take a chance like that." Naruto reasoned that a person good enough to remain undetected for any period of time doesn't just disregard stealth like that.
"Unless he was trying to shift suspicion off himself, and onto someone else." Daisuke theorized.
"There is that as well. Fumihiro-san, thank you for speaking with us, we'll be in touch, but if you come across anything no matter how small or insignificant let us know please."
"Will do Uzumaki-san." With that they exited his office and made their way into the courtyard. Turning to his teams Naruto spoke softly.
"Daisuke I want you to talk with the attending physicians for the council members see if they have identified the poison and how it was administered." Naruto instructed, trying to make use of everyone's skills in accomplishing the task. "Akaran speak with the guards and I will start with the kitchen staff, together we should find at least a witness or evidence to the crime. We meet back here in two hours, move out."
"Yes Leader-san, we are yours to command." They answered in unison; Naruto just shook his head as they antis.
At the end of the time given team nine met up and each member was debriefed. Daisuke reported that the doctors had yet to identify the possible, but knew it was given in the tea as they believe it to be water soluble. Akaran informed that the guards were sticking to their story about the intruder having on what they believe to be a Grass headband, but added that figure seemed slender for a guy. Finally Naruto spoke; "all kitchen staff gave perfect account of their time for the last three weeks except one, a guy named Seiichi. "His details are sketchy about last night's dinner, he claimed to have served, but the details of what food was served differs from what they others said."
"That means he's the one that was impersonated." Akaran surmised.
"It would seem so, but how do you account for the fact that he remembers serving."
"That's easy; he was probably place under a genjutsu that had him seeing himself serving dinner." Daisuke explained.
"The question is has the person left or have they resume their original disguised?"
"We'll have to find out if anyone has left or is planning to leave soon. The best way to get away without suspicious is to go on a trip or maybe even fake your own death."
"A bit extreme don't you think."
"Might be, but if it helps in a clean get away then it's worth it. Don't you think?"
"It most definitely is."
"What's next, Leader-san?"
"We'll request a list of all workers and their schedule from Fumihiro-san, and then we'll cross reference them with what we know so far. I'll put in the request, then we'll get some lunch before resuming." Naruto informed them.
"As you say Leader-san." Akaran responded with his usual cheekiness.
Elsewhere with the other fifty-one teams, those that got the gold scroll like team nine are all doing the same task. Teams six and other teams received the red scroll with the kanji for rescue; the details required them to apprehend an unknown perpetrator who kidnapped a clan heir. Teams seven and ten along with other teams received the green scroll with the kanji for solve, the details required them to unravel a code in order to save trapped victims and finally team eight and others received the blue scroll with the kanji for heal. The details require that medical aide be provided to the land of Claw's diplomatic emissary being escorted to the Land of Fang, his continued ill health or possible death could result in war.
"Stop that man, don't let him escape!" Shouted Akaran, as he and his teammates chased the suspected culprit across the courtyard of the Daimyo's residence. When no one seemed able to slow the man down it became clear they would have to do something themselves to stop him. Just then Naruto came up with an idea, taking a kunai from his pouch, he threw it underhanded at the man's feet. This caused him to trip and allowed them to finally capture him.
Breathing heavily the man tried to inquire why they had chased him, sighting he had done nothing wrong. However, Naruto and his teammates knew different.
"Considering you poisoned the Daimyo's councilors and stole his scroll, I'd say you've done plenty mister." Akaran stated clearly not buying the man's professed innocence. "We have all the evidence needed to prove you are the one that committed the crime, so quit your whining."
Returning to the residence, team nine turned over the suspect to the Fumihiro-san the chief of security. They present their evidence for why they concluded it was him who had not only poisoned the councilors, but stolen the scroll. He had originally gotten hired as a ground staff, but realized that the position didn't allow for close proximity to his intended target and so he got himself fired, then removed the original Seiichi from his position after studying his mannerisms for a while. Daisuke stated in a monotone, clear and precise. "Instead of using ninjutsu for his impersonation he used civilian methods, a wig and make up," Naruto picked up where his teammate left off, "the voice wasn't hard to mimic. On the night of the incident he dressed as a Grass ninja, but he's actually from River Country."
"What he didn't account for was Seiichi's family looking into why he'd not returned home as he'd promised them." Akaran added sadly remembering his interview with Seiichi's brother. While we'd initial concluded that cook was impersonated, we mistakenly thought it was a onetime thing."
"After cross checking employees, we suspected the fired grounds man, but then one of the kitchen staff comment that Seiichi had been acting a bit stranger at one point and recalled it was shortly after the other staff had left." Naruto explained.
"That is why we asked you for permission to search the living quarters for the employees and we were able to find the scroll, but not the anti-dote." Daisuke was disappointed they couldn't help further. There was a pause as Fumihoro sorted through the papers in his hand before he looked to team nine and addressed them.
"Team nine of Village Hidden in the Leave, as the person in charge of this stage of the chunin exams, it is my duty to inform you that you have passed."
"What! We did?" Akaran was clearly surprised at the declaration.
"But what about the anti-dote?" This time it was Daisuke who spoke, joining his voice to Akaran in disbelief.
"Guys just because we were asked to retrieve the anti-dote doesn't mean it existed or if it did that he had it on his person to begin with." Naruto said trying to help his teammates understand.
"Very good Uzumaki-san, I believe you have just solved the mystery. Besides there were no real councilors remember." Fumihiro shook his head at them, knowing that they had been so caught up in the test they forgot it wasn't real. "You are to return academy and await further instructions.
At the conclusion of the first stage, half the teams had been eliminated and the second proctor Anko Mitarashi awaited the remaining teams for the second stage.
"Alright listen up maggots, the next phase of these exams starts in two hours, it will give you time to get anything you need and make preparations to be absent for the next three days." A random chunin informed started handing put waiver forms as she spoke. "Report to training grounds fifty-seven on time, with those waivers signed or be disqualified. Dismissed."
All teams dispersed, most if not all headed for their place of abode, wanting to clean up, eat and restock their equipment. As for team nine they made plans to meet up at the grounds a half an hour before the appointed time.
Upon arriving home Naruto quickly showered and ate. He then packed extra clothing, toiletries and first aid kit in a scroll, along with camping utensils and equipment. In another scroll he placed all his prepared seals, scrolls, ink, brush, tools and books. Finally he stored the extra food Chinami prepared for him as well as snacks. Still having time he sat down and wrote a letter to Jiraiya about the exams so far and to inquire if he's had any luck tracking down his teammate. He had one of the messenger toads deliver the letter for him.
Once satisfied everything was in order, he left to meet up with his team mates, on his way he bumped into Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. They all nodded at each other, but said nothing otherwise, soon they were at their destination and with their respective teams. Teams eight and ten sought out Naruto to catch up briefly and Choji wanted to share a new limited flavor of chips he'd just gotten, while Hinata wanted to inform him about the medical tags he'd given her.
"Naruto!" Kiba shouted once he spotted the blond whiskered face from across the training grounds.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Naruto greeted his friends as they got close.
"We are all doing fine." Shino responded while adjusting his shades on his face, his insects' buzzing signified his excitement at seeing Naruto.
"Here Naruto," Choji said handing him a packet of chips, "a new special edition and I thought you might like it."
"Thanks Choji," Naruto said while accepting, "I'll save it for later though, never know when hunger will hit." Everyone smiled knowing how much both boys loved to eat
Just as Hinata was about to speak up teams six and seven joined them and as usual Sakura and Ino started their name calling, but Ino held her tongue on saying anything related to their rivalry over Sasuke's affections. It was something the Uchiha had notice some time aback, but didn't pay it any mind, but the more he thought about it, he was convinced that someone had put a stop to it and for that he was eternally grateful. Hinata however, chose to ignore them and spoke to Naruto while she had the opportunity.
"Naruto, those medical tags you gave me came in handy in our first exams, we had to heal someone for real and I used one on him. Everyone was intrigued by how well it worked." She spoke in one breath almost as if she was afraid of being interrupted by their former classmates.
"Yeah Naruto, don't be surprised if a few medical nins pay you a visit, they seemed real interested in getting their hands on some of those tags." Kiba stated, but careful not to let anyone outside their group hear him.
"Well I'm glad they worked, after all it's why I offered them to you."
"What tags are you guys talking about?" Ino inquired
Daisuke pulled out on of his to show her. "These tags, you store medical chakra in them and then apply to any injured person when necessary."
"The neat part is that even if you're low on chakra you can still heal because you would have loaded these in advance." Hinata finished for him.
"They sound great, so when do we get some?" Before Naruto could answer Ino the proctor called for everyone's attention.
"Alright maggots as you can see we have three buildings on enemy territory, we have no intelligence on the layout or security, and however, you are required to infiltrate and retrieve the target and deliver to the Hokage within three days." Anko was excited to see how this challenge played out since they'd change from the forest of death. "You can choose to compete as individual teams or several teams can join together, whichever you choose, stand in front the building you wish to enter and wait for the start order." The rookies drew even closer together indicating they intended to compete as a whole, at this move other teams looked around to see if any other desired to do the same. The only participants that didn't seem interested were the Suna, Sound and the Ame teams. Teams from Taki/Waterfall joined with the one from Tsuki/Moon, while the other Leaf teams banded together.
"So does this really mean we're working with a group or that we didn't want the others working with us?" Sakura asked trying to gain clarity before proceeding.
"Naruto is our team leader so whatever he decides we'll follow, but personally I think we should do this as one big group." Akaran responded.
"I think it's clear we're working together, it's probably the best option since we don't know the others and run the risk of being taken out by them." Sasuke reasoned out hoping that would ease everyone's mind about the issue. Shikamaru, Naruto and Shino indicated it was okay with them.
"Listen up everyone, there are clues scattered throughout that will lead you in the right or wrong direction, there are also items you must collect that will assist, it will be up to you to figure things out." "If there are no questions," looking at everyone to see who would raise their hands, she pulled a rag from her pocket and let it drop, "then begin." Once the signal was given to start the participants made their way into the chosen building.
Elsewhere in the Rain Village two men stood atop one of the tallest buildings, one had orange hair with multiple piercings, the other wore an orange mask with only one visible eye and had brown hair.
"Have you confirmed the whereabouts of the nine tails jinchuuriki within the Leaf Village?" The masked man asked of his companion.
"Yes, according to our spy the Uzumaki boy is participating in the chunin exams. You cannot miss him, he has blond hair, blue eyes and six whisker marks on his cheeks."
"Good, I think I'll pay the village a visit and observe this boy for myself."
You do remember that we are collecting the bijus in order so as not to cause problems with the gedo statue?"
"I'm not going to collect him yet, just rattle his cage a little by reintroducing myself to him since he wouldn't remember me from the night of his birth."
"As you wish, it is your call."
The rookies chose the second building, on the door a message to those who choose to enter. 'Only enter if you are sure, that what you seek is beyond these doors'. That got them thinking for a bit before Kiba opened the door and walked through followed by everyone. Once they were in and the door closed, a clicking sound was heard.
"Did the door just lock by itself?" asked Akira becoming alarmed that they may be trapped in the building. "That sounded very much like a lock clicking into place."
Trying the handle on the door Hibachi confirmed for them that it was indeed locked. "Guess that means we're stuck until we find what we came in search of."
"We were fore warned so let's move on." Sasuke responded to his teammates.
"Hey forehead, does this look like your dream house?"
"Why would it Ino-pig?"
"Because this wide open space is giving your forehead competition."
"Would you two just cut it out, we need to figure out what our next move." Shikamaru rebuked them, but while he was speaking to them Shino started sending out his bugs to scope the place.
"Does anyone find it strange that there are two identical staircase leading to nowhere?" Naruto's question caused everyone to pay attention to their surroundings and start taking things serious.
"What the hell! How are we to get upstairs if we can't use the stairs?" Akaran looked on bewildered, he wondered who the genius was that built the place because they clearly didn't finish.
While everyone was looking around Hinata had her byakugan activated hoping to see something that could assist them, upon looking at the floor she realized that there were gears underneath the floor
"Guys!" Hinata called out while still looking at the floor
"What is it Hinata, find something?" Sakura asked being closer to the blue haired girl
"I think the stairs can be moved into place, there are gears under the floor that seem to be attached to them." She informed. "We just have to figure out how to do it."
"Oh great we must be the only ones still stuck at the starting point, what next are the doors going to open when it gets dark and let out some ghost too, hmm, make it like a haunted house or something."
"Akaran must you always be so melodramatic about things?" Daisuke asked his teammate. While everyone is trying to figure things out Choji pulls out his snack bag and begins munching on some chips.
"Shikamaru this whole thing seems to be your kind a thing, but you're awfully quiet." Ino spoke in a rather condescending manner, one that Shikamaru took offence too.
"I'm thinking Ino, something you should do once in a while."
"Okay, I think I've found another cryptic message etched on the floor." Naruto suddenly piped up. "Shikamaru, Shino, Sasuke and Sakura take a look at this, it's a message written in the seal. 'To be steady and well-ordered in your task, equality adds balance. Strive not to be a success, but rather to be a value.'
"What do you guys think it means?" Sakura asked looking at the stairs. "Could mean anything using both stairs."
"Yeah it could, but not just using both. but perhaps how as well." Shino add trying his best to unravel the meaning behind the message.
"Could balance be the amount of people on each stairs?" Sasuke
"Okay I think I got it, we need to stand on each stairs in such a way as to create balance and the correct weight so that it activates the gears Hinata mentioned." Shikamaru informed
"It's worth a try, especially if it gets us up there." Just as Naruto finished his statement an unknown voice spoke
"Unfortunately we can't allow that." the man stated now joined by three others. "Get them"
Fire style: Fireball jutsu, wind style: great breakthrough. The two technique collided to form a huge ball of fire that rushed the unknown as they charged towards the rookies. However one of the men produce a scroll that absorbed the flames.
"What the hell, how'd he do that?" Unagi wondered.
"That's of no concern to you."
'Team six some cover!" Naruto's commanding voice called out snapping them out of their stupor, everyone fan out and try to go up the stairs.
"Don't think you escape us that easily genins." He exclaimed as they started to throw shurikens at the rookies to prevent them from going through any hand seals for their techniques.
"You're within my reach," was all they heard as Hinata stepped from behind Choji who had been corned by two of the men. As she started to go through the moves if the sixty four (64) palms, she saw more than heard when Choji expanded his hand and smashed the other one into a wall.
Sasuke and Naruto were busy engaging the first guy in a taijutsu battle who seemed to be the leader, Shikamaru started using his shadows, but couldn't seem to catch the fourth guy, but that apparent was just a rouse as he suddenly stopped trying after Shino tapped his shoulder. Just then the guy collapsed in an unconscious heap. Eventually Naruto succeeded in knocking him out and tying him up.
"Naruto, Sasuke let's go before anyone else shows up." Shikamaru yelled for them to get a move before reinforcement came.
Collecting a small glass box continue a unique shaped piece of metal form a table in the room, Naruto hurried to the stairs to join his teammates. "Alright Shikamaru, have you figure out how this works yet?"
"Yes I figured it out a while back, but there isn't enough of us to provide the two component, we need more people." The Nara explained. "We need about ten more persons."
Immediately ten clones of Naruto appeared and scurried to take their place on the stairs. It took a while, but they found the balance needed for each stair to be moved into place.
Immediately after stepping onto the second floor the stairs retracted and the space they occupied closed up. The windows that had sun light shining through suddenly darkened and the air became extremely heavy.
Stumbling to the windows, they attempted to peer out to determine what was happening, but that proved to be a fatal error. Red and black swirling eyes greeted them and before they could react each was in their personal world within their minds.
Considering they arrived at the second floor on the first day, a whole day had passed, meaning one day remained and still they were trapped and at the mercy of anyone intending on doing them harm. It wasn't until an unlawful entry into Naruto's mind caused him to break free.
"Who dares enter my domain?" Chimon asked of the unknown intruder into the Spiral.
'I'm a concerned friend. Replied a tall, slim man with pale long blond hair.
"Concerned about what exactly?"
"About you Naruto, you've been unresponsive for days."
"Well I'm quite capable of coming out of a genjutsu, this one is just proving a little trickier than most." Chinon's mind was rapidly calculating how to rid the Spiral of the unwanted intruder as well as freeing his physical self from the genjutsu.
"It's good to know you have things under control Naruto, although it seems to me that you were occupied within this space." The man said looking around the room suspiciously. "What exactly is this place representing?"
"That, I'm afraid is privileged information and you have overstayed your welcome, time for you to go." With that Inoichi felt himself being flung from Naruto's mindscape with a terrible headache to boot.
Immediately Chimon got to work, he needed to break the hold, in the back of his mind he wondered why the nine tails had not intervened. Soon enough he had everything he needed and before long had snapped Naruto out of his make believe world. Naruto then set about doing the same for his teammates.
"What the hell Naruto I was actually enjoying myself." Kiba barked, unhappy to be taken from his long time fantasy of whatever a teenage boy dreams of.
"Look around Kiba, does it look like where you were a while ago?" Agitated by Kiba's tone. "We are still in the house and apparently we're nearing the end of the second day since we got to this floor."
"What!" Shout Ino, Sakura and Akira. Disbelief on all faces at his statement.
"Naruto?" Was all Shikamaru said and he knew his friend wanted an explanation.
"We've been in a genjutsu all this time."
"That's not possible, I would have known and broken out. It's my specialty remember." Sakura responded, clearly taken aback that someone could have done this without her detecting it.
"That might be so Sakura, but you've never face genjutsu like that." Sasuke stated flatly.
"What type of genjutsu would that be Uchiha-san?" This time it was Shino asking the question.
"One cast by a dojutsu wielder." Sasuke replied frankly.
"You mean they had someone from the Uchiha clan cast a genjutsu on us?" This time it was Shikamaru asking the question and he was not at all pleased at what he was learning.
"Yes, it's exactly what he's saying." At the sound of the unfamiliar voice everyone turns to see a figure warping into existence.
"Who the hell are you?" Demanded Akaran, pulling his sword and pointing it at the intruder.
"Who I am is of little consequence to you, but who I am here for is another matter all together." The stranger responded.
"And just who are you here for?" Inquired Ino, already annoyed at the man's dismissive attitude.
"Well that would be telling, but if you must know, I'm here to talk with the Uzumaki."
Immediately Naruto's closest friends took guard in front of him, clearly reminded of their friend's kidnapping and that the mastermind behind it had yet to be apprehended. However, their action only served to let the stranger know who the Uzumaki was.
"Please your solidarity is touching, but that won't stop me from getting to him. Now boy I believe you have something of mine and I want it back."
"What could I possibly have that belongs to you? I don't even know who you are."
"True, but that doesn't change the fact you have my belongings."
"I have no idea what you are talking about. "Naruto shouted at the man who still hadn't identified himself. He was steadily losing his tempter.
"I'm talking about the gift the fourth Hokage gave you the night he died."
The look of confusion on Naruto's and everyone else's face told the man they didn't know what he was talking about. As unbelievable as it was it only served to infuriate the man further.
"Oh for goodness sake, how stupid can these so call leaders be? Please tell me you're kidding and that they have actually told you why this god forsaken village hates your guts."
Blank looks was his only answer.
"Unbelievable!" He exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. "Where the hell is it, huh?" He shouted, voice reverberating through the enclosed space. This cause a few of the genin to step back from the lunatic. Beginning to pace back and forth, the unknown assailant started muttering to himself, not caring if the others heard him. "How the hell can he not have it, who else would the damn blond idiot give it to, if not his own son.
Naruto immediately sought to cut off the man's ranting before he could continue to spew all his secrets or his teammates could start questioning him. Trying his best to keep his cool to prevent seeming suspicious, he quietly spoke to the man.
"Look mister, whatever your name is, I really don't care, but clearly you have the wrong person. I don't have anything of worth that could belong to you. I'm an orphan that no one cared enough about to even adopt."
Staring at the boy that looked like a younger version of the Fourth Hokage (his now very dead former sensei if he was being honest with himself). He was having doubts, could it be possible they got it wrong? There was only one way to make sure.
Walking forward the masked man suddenly reached out his hand and yank Naruto by the collar of his shirt. Ignoring the cries of outrage from all around him and casually brushing of their attack aimed at his person, he used a kunai to cut Naruto' shirt open to expose his torso. Applying chakra to his fingers tips he proceeded to poke and prod Naruto's abdomen, clearly expecting for something appear on the area, but when nothing did, he dropped his hands and stepped back from the boy. Suddenly his already active sharingan spun wildly, morphing into another pattern as he stared directly into Naruto's eyes as if you see his very soul. Not finding what he was looking for the man had no choice, but to accept defeat.
"Well this isn't going how I envisioned, but what's a villain to do." He mumbled to himself. "I was sure he would have given it to you."
Naruto and others watched the man cautiously, unsure whether to attack now that he was clearly distracted, but thought better since they knew their attacks would just go through him again. While they contemplated their next move the man suddenly turned in their direction and began speaking as though everything was normal.
"Tell you what, give your Hokage a message for me." He stated casually.
"Why would we do anything for you after you waltz in here, held us hostage, accused our friend of theft and then assaulted him?" Shikamaru questioned, not in the least intimidated by the man, at least he was trying to appear brave for his friends and himself.
"That is water under the bridge. Now be good little ninjas and follow instructions. Tell him the owner of the nine tails fox said he wants it back. So unless he wants the village destroyed like the night I first came for it, then he had better hand it over as soon as possible. Tell him that my patience grows thin with every minute that I have to wait."
Who should we tell him the message is from? Asked Akaran.
Oh right, I didn't give my name, how rude of me. Tell him Uchiha Madara, he'll know who I am. Message delivered he left just as he had appeared.
All eyes turned to look at Sasuke now that the man had left, but he was lost in his own thoughts.
"That was intense." Stated Akaran, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen over everyone.
"That is one way to describe it, but that man was either totally delusional or he was completely sane and we are the ones that are delusional." Sakura
"What are you rambling about forehead?" Ino inquired of Sakura.
"She saying we've been lied to about the fox and god knows what else." Shino answered.
"Clearly! Since we were all told that the Fourth Hokage sacrificed his life to kill the fox." This time it was Sasuke that answer having snapped out of his shock at hearing the intruder's name.
"But why lie about something like that?" Daisuke asked, clearly confused by the new discovery.
"Because whatever was done became a military secret and placed under some sought of protection." Shikamaru reasons because that was how ninja villages operated.
"Makes sense in a sick sort of way." Akira stated, speaking for the first time since the events that transpired.
"So Sasuke, how does it feel to know there's a criminal in your family?"
"Akaran!"
"Daisuke?"
It was Naruto who called out to his teammates in frustration. "Will you two knock it off, we're running out of time and we still haven't completed the tasks given." Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was shaken by the events that transpired and wanted things to just be done with so he could leave the building. Looking around for the item that needed to be collected, Naruto fixed his sight on a small chest placed inconspicuously in a corner of the room. Asking the person nearest to grab it, he turned and made his way to the final floor.
The first thing they noted upon reaching their intended destination was that the whole floor was trapped, one wrong move and any of the many traps could activate and injure or god forbid kill someone. This was clearly a task for all, as they each would need to apply their knowledge to disarm the type of trap that they excelled at. What made it all the more dire was that the target of their mission sat at the center of the trapped floor.
"No pressure at all, we either get it right or succeed or fail and we all die in the process." Hibachi muttered to his friend, knowing full well the others could hear.
"Yeah right, no pressure at all. We've done this many times in our sleep, it's not like anything could go wrong." Unagi responded with fake bravery.
Akaran looked at the two as if they had lost their minds. Yeah, cause it's so easy even academy students do it in their sleep right. Note to self and others, don't try this without adult supervision.
There was a zap, a yell of ouch, growling of stomachs and what sounded like farting permeated the room at various intervals. Curses uttered, glares aimed and feet stamped, but they kept on working. Several I'm finished' were heard, but as they got to the final trap weird sounds, smell and a heat being generated told them that something had definitely gone wrong. Making a mad dash for the target, Naruto felt a burning sensation of his left leg, but refused to let it hinder him.
"Everyone! Grab your stuff and let's go now."
"No! Not without Naruto."
"He'll follow us, now get your asses in gear before we all go down or blow up with this place." Just then the building creaked, trembled and they were falling. There were screams and curses, frantic grappling and panicked words being uttered.
"Everyone out the windows, go out the windows, now!"
"Naruto!"
"Go!"
"No!"
"Now!"
"Why?!"
"Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhh!"
Was the Akaran or Kiba? No one answered.
Following the fool he'd just pushed out the window, Sasuke couldn't help, but mumble to himself. "Idiot, how does he expect to make chunin if he won't follow orders?"
The loud screech of the wooden structure caught their attention and every eye was fixed as beams, columns and floorings gave way, landing in a heap of rubble.
Murmuring filtered through the dust from the debris and the onlookers query whether anyone was inside when it collapsed.
Just then a weak buzzing sound was heard.
"Hey, isn't that Shino's bugs?"
"Yes, I believe it is."
"Where is Shikamaru? That lazy ass better not have die" Yelled Ino visibly worried for her childhood friend and teammate.
"Does that mean their alive in there?" Asked Sakura, hope filling her eyes even if her voice trembled.
"Only one way to find out. We dig through the mess." Offered Hibachi.
With everyone talking over each other, one person decided to take matters into his own hands.
"Alright stand back everyone. Partial expansion jutsu!" With hands like that looked a forked shovel he began to clear the debris in hopes of finding their buried friends.
"Way to go Choji, get our boy out of there." Ino shouted with glee as she watched him work.
"Guys look, there's something blue under the rubble." Akira said, getting everyone's attention immediately.
"Is that a barrier of some type..?" An unknown shinobi asked no one in particular.
"What! A barrier, are you sure?" Another responded.
While onlookers murmured about the situation and sightings, the other teams had gathered to see what the commotion was all about. Once it was safe Naruto allowed his barrier to drop and was immediately set upon by his teammates.
"Hey guys, I see you all made it out safe." Naruto said sheepishly to the others.
Laughter erupted at his statement. "Shouldn't that be our line considering you were trapped under the crumbled building?" Asked Daisuke smiling at his teammate fondly while Akaran waved wildly until Naruto acknowledged him.
"Alright you little wannabe, enough of the touchy feels and get your mind in the game." Anko called out to them. Getting everyone's attention she laid out the results.
"Alright so we have ten teams making it to the finals, six from Konoha, one from Suna, Ame, Taki and Otogakure. There is a one month training break between now and the finals, use it wisely. Dismissed."
A/N: Don't be surprised if you see the summary and first chapter get changed at some point. I've been revising the direction of the plot and in order to adequately reflect this some changes will be made to earlier chapter/s.