Chapter Thirteen: The Chunin Exams Begin
Today was the day, the day the chunin exams were set to begin. Along with it, some of the most insane and intense moments. In all of the 'Narutoverse' timeline as Ren knew it. A part of him was nervous of course of what was going to come. How could he not after all? The chunin exams arc was where the whole tone of the series was raised a few notches. As he could remember it. However, another part of him couldn't help but be excited. He was excited at the prospect of it what posed. After all, this was one of the few times where so many major players were to gather. In a singular place at the same time. Still, Ren was well aware he was throwing himself into. He was about to go through what would be probably the most intense and challenging thing. He would ever have to go through in his life to date. None the less, he was going to stare it down and overcome, he had to.
Ren was making final preparations for the gear he would need. If he remembered correctly, there was no break between the first and second parts. So he would need to bring with him everything he felt he needed now. He had his weapons pouches stocked with shuriken, normal kunai, and some of his Hiraishin kunai. He also kept a few small storage scrolls inside his vest. They held medical and food supplies for the forest of death. He had KubiKiribocho strapped to his back as always. Underneath the large blade down by his waist was a large storage scroll.
As he exited his room, he was greeted by Haku, Tayuya, Naruto, Fū, and Ino.
"So, you ready for this?" Ren motioned to everyone gathered.
"Of course." Spoke Haku.
"Let's go kick some ass." Tayuya chimed.
"Time to rock this party!" Ino mused.
"I gonna be there along with you." Piped up Naruto.
"Me too." Cut in Fū. Which caused everyone to pause for a moment.
"I thought you didn't have a team Fū?" Inquired Ren.
"I didn't but a genin team had a teammate that couldn't compete in the exams. Since I didn't have a team of my own yet. I was asked if I wanted to fill the role, so I could enter the exams. So I accepted." The green-haired kunoichi explained.
"Fair enough."
With that settled, they all made their way together to the entrance of the compound. To be greeted by Kairi, Inoichi, and Chino.
"We all just wanted to see you off and wish you the best of luck in the exams." Stated Inoichi.
"We have complete faith in you all." Said Chino.
"I know you'll make us all proud." Spoke Kairi as she then went about giving them all a good luck hug. When she reached her son, she held him the longest and the hardest. Without breaking away from the hug, she pulled her head back slightly and kissed his forehead. "Please try to be as safe as you can and please no matter what. Be sure to come home." She said softly with a noticeable tone of motherly concern laced in it.
Ren could understand why she was so worried, the exams were dangerous by their nature. For the most part anyway, even if these ones were going to be more dangerous than ever before. Though Ren was the only one who knew just how dangerous they would be. Still, he had to try to calm his mom somehow, so he wrapped his arms around her and returned the hug. "I know mom, don't worry I'll come back and so will everyone else. I promise." Ren replied back trying to soothe his mother.
Kairi said nothing and nodded her head in understanding. She broke away from the hug and stood next to her brother and Chino. The three watched as all the young genin headed off. Still feeling somewhat nervous about it all, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked to see that it was her brother.
"They'll be fine sister." Inoichi spoke.
"I know Inoichi but can't help but worry. People can and do die every time these exams happen."
"True and I will admit that I too can't help but have some worry for Ino, Ren, and the others. Though it's as Chino said, we must have faith that they'll be fine."
Kairi said nothing as she gave a nod of understanding and then left back to the house. The next week as the first to two phases of the exam happened. Would drive her nerves through the roof.
All the genin made their way to the academy for the first stage of the exams. As they neared the entrance, they noticed a multitude of other genin arriving. From all sorts of varying ninja villages. Some of them even had their jonin-sensei's with them giving last-minute advice. Before Ren's group could make it inside, they were interrupted.
"That's one of the legendary swords of Kirigakure!" A voice called out.
Ren and his group turned to face the source of the voice. It was a kunoichi, she looked to be a bit older than them. She was of average height and size with slightly grey colored skin. Dark blue hair in a fanned ponytail with some locks covering the left side of her face. The most noticeable thing about her was three black gill-like marks on each side of her neck. She also had magenta-colored eyes with pupils that were like vertical slits. She wore a grey garment that covered her shoulders that went all the way down, where it tapered off as a sort of skirt. With one side being longer than the other. The longer side, stretched just past the knee, while the shorter side stopped just above the knee. The shorter side was also cut to allow better leg movement. She also wore fishnet that seemingly stretched all the way up and down her legs. The garment was also sleeveless and she had fishnet that started at her shoulder and stopped at her wrist. She wore black fingerless gloves and black shinobi sandals. Along with a dark blues sash around her waist, a ninja tool pouch hanging off the back. she also carried a normal-sized sword that had no guard and shaped like a cleaver. She had a headband with the symbol for Kirigakure, she wore across her forehead.
Ren and his group eyed the girl carefully as she approached, not sure what to make of her just yet.
"Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Kasumi Hoshigaki. A genin of Kiri, here for the exams." The now identified Kasumi spoke in a cheerful voice and smiled revealing a mouth full of pointed shark-like teeth.
"Ren Yamanaka, a pleasure." Ren replied not wanting to be rude.
"I know who you are, you're rather well known in Kiri at the moment. For your role in ending the civil war." Then she surprised everyone by bowing. "Thank you so much for helping end the war so much sooner, than it otherwise would have happened. Lady Mizukage has already done wonders in turning Kiri around for the better. It's only happening so soon, thanks to Konoha. Even if you didn't mean to get involved in it, to begin with."
Ren was honestly taken aback by the sudden display. He never expected to be thanked all of sudden at the chunin exams. For what happened back in water country, all those months ago. He simply decided to take it in stride.
"Your thanks are appreciated Kasumi, I'm glad we were able to resolve that entire mess. I wasn't expecting any Kiri ninja at the exams, glad to see things are going so well to permit such a move." Spoke the Yamanaka. "Getting back to your initial statement, this is in fact one of Kiri's legendary blades. KubiKiribocho to be exact though you probably knew that from looking at her."
"Indeed I did, I heard it was in possession of a leaf nin. I had to see it to believe it in all honesty." Replied the shark-like kunoichi. "I won't hold you up any further, good luck in the exams." Kasumi spoke, gave another shark-like smile, and walked off towards the academy.
"That was unexpected if surprisingly pleasant encounter." Ren mused as they all went to make to the academy entrance. They entered and made their way to the third floor. Once they hit the second floor, the genjutsu distraction was up and running. With plenty of genin, trying to get in through the fake doorway. He noticed, a particular team standing there. He knew right away, something was gonna go down if they spotted him. So, the decision was made to discreetly sneak up to the real third floor before they saw him.
"You are Ren Yamanaka correct?" asked a voice, Ren could practically feel everyone's focus suddenly on him.
"Goddammit." Ren muttered in exasperation as looked to see who addressed him.
He had shiny black hair in a bowl-cut style and giant eyebrows. He wore a green jumpsuit, orange leg warmers, and a red forehead protector worn as a belt. He had bandages around his forearms up to his fingers. It was Rock Lee, the green monsters mini-me.
"Lee this is not the time." A girl behind Lee said trying to stop her teammate from doing something stupid. She had dark brown hair and eyes. She wore her hair in two Chinese-style buns on her head with short fringe-bangs framing her face. She wore a pink sleeveless qipao-style blouse with red sleeve trimmings and yellow fastening buttons and dark green pants. A pouch is adjusted to her thigh and her forehead protector and sandals are both blue. Tenten, Konoha's residential weapons master.
Thankfully the one person that was apart of the group. Wasn't there at the moment, for whatever reason. Ren really didn't really want to deal with that person right now. He knew they would say something that would piss him off to no end. Quite honestly, he had much bigger headaches coming down the road he was gonna have to deal with. He really didn't any more to be added to it. So it was best he just dealt with whatever the green monsters mini-me wanted with and did so quickly.
"Sooooo…" Ren drawled out. "What can I do for you?"
"I wish to fight you here and now." Proclaimed Lee with all the seriousness in the world. Behind him, Tenten groaned at her teammate's actions.
"Why is that? If I may inquire?"
"I wish to prove myself." Stated Lee. "You are hailed as a genius amongst your clan and your peers. Among strong people exists genius types and hard-working types. If your skill is a genius-type from your Yamanaka blood, I am simply a hard-working type who has mastered only taijutsu. I wish to prove that even without being born with natural talent. A hard worker can overcome even a genius like you."
Ren did something in response no one was expecting, he started laughing. A fact that annoyed Lee.
"Why do you laugh at me!?" Lee asked irritated.
"Sorry, I'm not laughing at you per se. More I'm laughing at what you just said." Ren spoke up getting his laughter in check. "I mean I've heard some goofy shit before but that's something else."
"What do you mean?"
"Let me break it down for you." Ren began. "You're basing your beliefs on that ninja are either a genius or a hard worker. What about the average ninja? What about prodigies? What about naturals and so on? You're not looking 'underneath the underneath' so to say. People aren't classified by a single word Lee. You're focused on what they are in the beginning but what about what they grow to become? Look, I'm willing to concede that yes, I was born into a prominent clan, with lots of natural talent and skill. However, I didn't get to where I was by sitting on my ass. I've had to grit my teeth through blood, sweat, tears, and work myself to the bone. Just as much as anyone else does to be successful. Just because someone is born with more talent than others in ways. Doesn't make them automatically better. Someone with talent who doesn't do anything with it will fall behind someone who's willing to work. Even geniuses, naturals, prodigies, and whatnot. Still have to be hard workers to get anywhere in life. You see where I'm going with this?"
Lee looked shocked, his entire beliefs suddenly torn to shreds right in front of him. He stood in silence, trying to piece things together in his head. Tenten stepped up and voiced her opinion.
"Thanks for that." Said Tenten. "I think you managed to get through to him, kami knows I've tried. I'm Tenten by the way."
"It's no issue at all. Lee isn't a bad person, just a little short-sighted in his thinking is all."
Before both sides could go their separate ways, a new voice was suddenly heard.
"What's going on Tenten? Is Lee making a fool of himself again?" A calm yet cold voice called out.
Ren closed his eyes and mentally groaned to himself. "Great, here I thought I could get away before this asshole showed up. I really didn't want to deal with this guy until the second round." Ren thought in annoyance as he opened his eyes to view the un-welcome newcomer.
He had fair skin, long black hair, and featureless white eyes. He wore a beige-colored shirt, a dull blue shirt beneath that, and mesh armor beneath that. He wore dark brown shorts, blue shinobi sandals, and wrapped bandages around his right arm, chest, and right leg. His hair was tied back in a loose ponytail tied a few inches above the end. He wore a black forehead protector, under which was a smaller headband with two straps that frame the sides of his face.
It was Neji Hyuga. Prodigy of the Hyuga clan, Hinata's older cousin, and an absolute bag of dicks before he gets his ass kicked by Naruto. Oh, joy.
Neji turned to see Ren and his group, his eyes narrowed a bit in distaste. "Yamanaka's I see." He spoke with a tint of disgust in his voice. Something that didn't go unnoticed by the others, especially Ino and Ren. Ino marched up stopping right next to her cousin.
"You have something to say about our clan, Hyuga!?" She angrily retorted. Ren while getting annoyed was keeping his cool still.
Neji scoffed, haughtily while keeping up his air of supposed superiority. "Your clan seems set on defying their fate. You are nothing more but a clan of simple mind readers. Who's prominence is barely worthy of note when compared to my own. Yet your clan seems to think you can actually challenge us? It's an absurd notion is what it is. We have the elite, and we have the outcasts. We can change our physical appearance and improve our skills with training and study, but ultimately, we are judged by what we cannot change. What can't be changed must be endured. We are who we are, and we must live with it. It's simply the way of fate and can never be changed. Accept your place and realize who your betters are. This farce your clan insist on carrying out does no one any good."
Ino literally growled angrily at that but before she could do anything. Ren placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder, stopping her. "Pay him no mind Ino. If he and the rest of his clan want to think so foolishly. Let them, they're not worth the effort to try and correct at this time anyways." Ren said, calming his cousin.
"Then there's you." Neji said with a tone of hate slipping through, as he focused on the mocha-skinned blond. "You're the catalyst of all this. Why fate has chosen to make you as you are is beyond me."
Ren let out a sigh of irritation at this whole situation. Kami, he just wanted to get away from it all. "I could really care less about the petty misplaced hatred. You and your uncle have for me because of my heritage." Ren spat back. "Let's go everyone, this is pointless."
"It's honestly rather surprising, that you have such talent. Considering how much of a failure that mother of yours is." Neji barked back in satisfaction, as he saw his words cause the Yamanaka to pause. "The daughter of the clan head and yet possessed no talent as a ninja. How shameful, how embarrassing, how useless she must be? She was such a failure, not even any man in the village wanted her. So she had to settle for some foreign dog and produced you, a mutt. What an eyesore such a woman must be, even if no one voices it out loud to her face. Lee, Tenten, it's time to go."
Team Gai walked off leaving Ren and his group behind. Ren narrowed his eyes like a predator, ready to tear things apart. As the Hyuga walked past him, he was barely keeping himself restrained. Insulting his mother, was one of Ren's berserk buttons, it wasn't exactly a secret. No doubt that prick Hiashi mentioned it at some point. Ren suddenly felt someone grip his hand, shaking him out of his fury for a moment. He turned his head and saw that it was Haku.
"Ren no." The Yuki spoke.
"What do you mean Haku?"
"You can't kill him here Ren."
"I wasn't thinking that."
Haku gave him a deadpan stare.
"Okay, maybe I was."
"Ren! That would cause a huge incident!"
"But I would feel so much better."
"Ice queen is right Ren." Cut in Tayuya. "Now isn't the time. Don't worry will teach the sissy, pillow biting bitch a lesson before this's all over."
"I swear, Hinata is the only one in that clan who isn't an asshole. I feel sorry for her for being constantly surrounded by such crap all the time." Mused Ino.
Ren took in a deep breath and let it out. Getting his emotions back in control. "Let's….let's just go where we need to be already. The exams haven't even started yet and I already feel a headache coming on."
Ignoring the obvious genjutsu decoy, they all headed up to the third floor. As the group neared the door, they were greeted by Sasuke and Sakura. Both of them noticed the group seemed a little stressed, especially Ren.
"Something wrong?" Sasuke asked.
"Oh you know, just another wonderful day of this existence called life. Had an unfortunate run-in with Neji Hyuga downstairs. Long story short he's a bag of cocks. I'd rather not think any more of it at the moment, focus needs to be on the exams" Ren quickly explained.
Sasuke and Sakura eyed the Yamanaka for a moment but decided not to push it. They figured Ren would be able to handle it, he always seemed to.
"Alright then." Stated Ren as he glanced at everyone else. "Let's get in there and do this. Remember, maximum effort!" With that stated Ren walked forward leading everyone else and pushed the doors open and walked into the exam room.
Their group was immediately greeted by looks from just about every other genin in the room. Ren looked around and saw Kasumi sitting on a desk with her teammates, who looked…generic. For a lack of better words. He suddenly felt a focus of killing intent on him. He turned his head and noticed everyone's favorite, red-haired, blood-lusting panda-boy. Giving him the best death glare he could muster. He chose to simply ignore that for now. Kankuro and Temari who were right next to him, looking nervous as they tended to around their brother. Though at least Temari tossed a brief wave of the hand to Ren, he replied with a nod of acknowledgment.
"About time you showed up." A voice called out. Ren looked to see it was Shikamaru and the rest of the Konoha rookies.
"Glad to see you all made it on time." Piped Hinata. "Good to see you Sasuke."
"Good to see you as well Hinata." The Uchiha replied with a small smirk. Which got a small smile out the Hyuga heiress.
Ren raised an inquisitive eyebrow at that. "Is this a thing that's actually happening? Huh, would not have called that one if it is. Though I suppose it would be a much healthier relationship than Sasu/Saku ever seemed to be." Ren was brought out of his thoughts by Fū.
"There's my team for the exams." She called out.
"You've gotta be kidding me?" Ren thought as he saw who the green-haired kunoichi's teammates were. Both were older shinobi, wearing similar purple outfits. One had their head and face covered, wearing sunglasses, the other had normal glasses, and an ash-grey ponytail. Kabuto Yakushi and….Yoroi if he recalled correctly.
"Glad to see you arrived Fū." Greeted Kabuto with perfectly practiced fake kindness. "We were getting worried that you wouldn't show. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Kabuto Yakushi and this is Yoroi Akado, Fū's teammates for the exams."
Everyone seemed to be or putting on an air of indifference at that, except Naruto. He seemed to be looking at them with judging eyes, making sure they were good enough for his girlfriend for the exams.
"I see." Spoke Ren as he approached Kabuto. Ren could honestly say he didn't care for kabuto that much. Yes, he had a tragic backstory but that only goes so far. Considering all the shit he's eventually meant to get involved with and do down the road. He honestly would prefer to kill him sooner rather than later. Easier said than done though, Kabuto wasn't Orochimaru's right-hand man for nothing after all. "Do take good care of Fū then for us, during the exams. Otherwise, me and Naruto will have a few things to say if you don't."
"No need to hurt us now." Replied Kabuto.
"Naruto will hurt you." Ren retorted. "I'll do much worse, there are fates worse than death after all."
"Is that a threat?"
Ren narrowed his eyes and brought his face only a few inches from Kabuto's. "I don't make threats, I make promises. Do well to remember that." He finished with an unmistakable dark edge to his voice. While Kabuto kept a straight face, he was quite amused by the display. Yoroi was actually taken aback by the action a little. Tayuya meanwhile had to keep herself from looking at Ren. Like he was nuts for threatening Kabuto of all people.
"Ok, that's enough Ren. Stop trying to scare my teammates." Fū cut in with a bit of a pout. "I swear it's like you're my big brother at times."
"I might as well be all things considered." Ren replied stepping away from Kabuto and rejoining the rest of the rookies.
"And I appreciate that but now is not the time. Anyway, Kabuto has taken the exam a few times in the past. He probably has some hints about things, he could share." Stated the Nanabi jinchuriki.
"Well, that's true." Said Kabuto keeping up his act, as he pulled out a stack of cards. "I have ninja info cards, I've built up with all sorts of information on ninja, villages, and whatnot. Any request by chance?"
"I want to see what you have about me." Naruto chimed.
"Let's see then." Mused the Oto spy as he pulled out a card and fed some chakra into it. With a small poof, the card revealed Naruto's info. "Solid stats around the board, if slightly lacking in genjutsu. A fair amount of D and C-ranked missions and even an A-rank one."
"That would be from the mission in wave." Stated the Uzumaki. "Hey, let's see what you have on Ren, out of curiosity."
Kabuto pulled out another and that revealed Ren's info with a poof of smoke. "Now, this's impressive I must admit. High marks in all categories for genin rank. A good amount of D and C-rank missions, a few A-ranks, and…even an S-rank mission."
That announcement took everyone who wasn't already aware by surprise.
"How the hell did you get an S-rank mission?" Barked Kiba.
"I imagine your mom clued you in on the mission some time ago near water country that went side-ways?" Asked Ren.
"Yeah but my mom said she couldn't give any….details beyond that. Now it makes sense why she couldn't."
"Suffice to say, it started out as a simple C-rank mission but very rapidly cluster fucked into an S-rank. That's all that can be said for time being though."
"I have to stay even with you being one the stronger people here. You and everyone will still have their work cut out." Interjected Kabuto. "you got people from all sorts of different villages here and it's the strongest field I've seen to date. Leaf, Sand, Mist, Waterfall, and more are all here to compete. There's even an all-new village called Otogakure that's here as well."
"If they're that new, they can't be all that great." Naruto spoke.
That comment didn't go unnoticed by the sound team in the room. Who sat together listening carefully in on the current conversation. One was a boy, he had bandages covering most of his face, leaving only his left eye uncovered. He also wore a large poncho with long sleeves, a snake patterned scarf around his neck, a straw raincoat protruding from the back of his scarf, and a large amplifier on his right arm for most of his attacks. His back was hunched, which made him look smaller than he actually was. Dosu Kinuta was his name.
Another boy had had spiky, black hair and dark eyes. He wore a beige shirt with two black stripes and three prints of the kanji for death down the front. His forehead protector had an attached happuri under the cloth rather than connected to the metal plate. His name, Zaku Abumi.
Finally the only girl on the team. She had fair skin, black eyes with very long black hair, almost reaching down to the ground, tied by a violet ribbon right near the end. She wore a forehead protector, a pale green vest somewhat similar to a flak jacket, snake patterned pants with a snake patterned skirt over it, and a snake patterned scarf around her neck. Name, Kin Tsuchi.
"Did you hear what that leaf brat said?" Sneered Zaku.
"Indeed, I think he needs to know not to underestimate Otogakure." Replied Dosu.
"Then let's teach him then." Spat Kin.
The genin sound team then took off, moving through the crowd towards Naruto. Few others in the room were aware of them moving, sadly for them. One of the few that knew they were coming was Ren.
Ren waited for their approach sensing it was coming, pretending he was unaware. When Dosu was close enough but before he could swing his sound amplifying gauntlet. He whipped around and delivered a harsh kick to the sound genin's chest. Without his foot leaving its place he brought it down to the floor hard, Dosu along with it. Before the bandaged sound nin could do anything else, Ren whipped KubiKiribocho around and brought it down. The end of the sword dug into the ground, with the rest of the blade resting just inches from Dosu's throat. Ren kneeled down bringing his face close to Dosu's, never losing his hold on his blade. As he knelt down Ren noticed, that Haku had caught Zaku and was pressing some senbon to his neck. Tayuya meanwhile had caught Kin and held a kunai to her throat.
"You know, I'm really not in the best mood right now." Ren said to Dosu, a little too calmly. "Then you chuckle-fucks had to go and try to attack one of my friends. Putting yourself in a rather hard place in my opinion. As much as I would love to just kill you and be done with it." Dosu had a cold sweat going at this point. "I can't because then that would mean no taking the exams. So I'm gonna be a generous guy and let you and your pals go but I do have a warning for you." Ren then leaned in his face so it was almost touching against Dosu's. "Try to mess with the people I care about again, and you'll learn. I have some rather hard places of my own….that came out wrong…or did it?" Dosu suddenly seemed very nervous.
Suddenly there was a large burst of smoke from the front of the room and a voice yelled out. "All right you worthless maggots, get ready for the first phase of the exams!" As the smoke cleared it revealed the source of the voice. He had a large, imposing figure, which he complements with a rugged face covered with old wounds and scars. His head was covered by his forehead protector and he wore a darker version of the standard uniform of the torture and interrogation division, along with a black trench coat and gloves.
"My name is Ibiki Morino and I will be your proctor for this phase of the exams." He continued as the rest of the smoke cleared. Revealing all the proctor assistants. "First thing, however, you lot in the back." He barked staring at Ren and the others. "There will be no fighting or you will be kicked from the exams, understood?"
Ren let go of Dosu, who quickly moved away along with Zaku and Kin. As they to were let go. "Apologize Ibiki, didn't want to start any trouble, to begin with, you know me." Which was true, the Yamanaka clan had a strong presence in T&I. Inoichi had made an effort to bring Ren and Ino both with him as worked there on occasion, over the years. Ino and Ren both actually got along well with the man. He even offered Ren in the past before he even graduated from the academy. A place as his personal protégé, in the art of T&I, once he made chunin. Ren politely refused, as flattered as he was by the offer. He valued having a role as a field operative too much. Keeping stuck inside the T&I building and by extension the village. For long periods that came with the job, was something Ren wasn't keen on. Ino was more than happy to accept the offer though when presented to her.
"I'm well aware." Replied Ibiki. "Now then all of you are going to be given a number and a seat for the first part."
After a while, everyone was in their assigned seats. Ren was sitting in between a random grass genin and a random Taki genin. He looked around the room and saw everyone positioned about. He did notice Gaara a few rows ahead of him. Haku and Tayuya were on clear opposite ends of the room from Ren. Eventually, Ibiki began explaining the first portion of the exam, not that Ren paid any real attention to it. He knew that the whole test was just one big mind game and nothing more.
As the test officially began, he just wrote in bold letters across the paper.
I SEE THROUGH YOUR TEST.
He then flipped the paper over.
In another part of the village, was a specific lounge for jonin teachers who had students in the exams. It was even open to jonin from other villages as well. Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma, Gai, and Tsume all sat around each other discussing their genin and the exams.
"So how do you think they'll handle the first part of the exams. I hear it's a written test of sorts this year." Said Kurenai.
"I have full faith in my team, all three of those squirts are as sharp in the head as they come." Chimed Tsume.
"We must have full confidence in our genin and the power of their youth!" Gai proclaimed, getting a sweat-drops out of the others.
"Right…anyways I think the first part is going to be a lot harder than you think for a written test." Said Asuma.
"Why's that?" Inquired Kakashi.
"Ibiki Morino is the proctor in charge of the first phase of the exams."
"They put that sadist in charge?"
"Who is this person exactly?" Kurenai wondered.
"You're still a relatively new jonin. So you wouldn't know." Cut in Tsume. 'Long story short Ibiki is one of the heads of the torture and interrogation division. The thing is he doesn't get answers by physically hurting people. He just expertly fucks with people's heads enough to get the answers he's looking for."
Kurenai paled a little when it all came together in her head. "Oh kami, they really are getting a tough start for the exams."
"That's nothing, apparently Anko Mitarashi is the proctor in charge of the second exam." Put in Tsume.
Kakashi groaned a little at that. "Why her of all people? That woman's deviancy knows no bounds."
"Says the guy who openly reads 'Icha Icha' in public." Mused Asuma.
"I may read 'Icha Icha' in public but that woman's sexual deviance goes well beyond that. She'd shamelessly do things in public I wouldn't even consider in the slightest bit. In a private setting, thank you kindly." Kakashi spoke back.
"Come now my friends, let's not be so negative. Let us talk about something more positive." Interjected Gai.
"How about the genin shipping pool?" Stated Asuma. "Anyone want to throw in something on it?"
"Put me down for Hinata and Sasuke Uchiha." Said Kurenai.
"Really?"
"I'm with Kurenai on this one. Those two have been spending a lot of time training and whatnot together recently. Something is definitely building up between them, even if they don't realize it themselves yet." Kakashi stated.
"I also must agree on this. Young Neji has muttered here and there about his cousin's sudden interest in the Uchiha boy." Mused Gai with his trademark smile. "Such passionate youth."
"As for Shino and Kiba, well. Shino is so reserved I don't even know if he like anyone at all, girl or boy. Kiba isn't shy about his liking of girls, he however lacks the proper tact to deal with girls in such a way."
"Yeah, my son is kind of an idiot like that. He'll either learn, I'll have to arrange something. Or I'll just have to accept my daughter Hana is most likely going to be my best chance at giving me grand pups." Said Tsume. "What about your team Kakashi, besides the Uchiha?"
"Sakura is still hopelessly chasing after Sasuke and probably still eyeing Ren as well. Naruto meanwhile has found himself in a pretty stable and happy relationship with that green-haired girl, Fū. I'm not surprised either, both of them are happy balls of sunshine and optimism. It's actually kind of amazing how well they go together."
"Speaking of Ren, you think Sakura has any chance with him?" Asuma questioned.
"Not a chance." Tsume chirped. "I'm pretty sure Sakura is permanently in the 'friend-zone' with him. I'm sure that boy has his heart set on his teammate."
"Which one? Haku or Tayuya?"
"I'm gonna go big and take the harem route. I think he's gonna wind up with both at once, somehow, someway." Tsume stated with a smirk. "I've seen the way that boy looks at them at times and how those two girls look at him. There's something between those three and it's deeper than superficial teenage puppy love. Even if none of them have been able to openly voice it at all to one another. Or even realize it."
"Really?" said Kurenai with a raised eyebrow.
"That boy is an alpha amongst alpha's mark my words. Shame he's not a bit older or my girl Hana wasn't a bit younger. Otherwise, I'd be talking with Inoichi about arranging something." Tsume finished with a chuckle.
Meanwhile back at the testing room, some time had passed. Some teams had been eliminated. Ren meanwhile wasn't bothered at all by anything going on. He knew full well everyone who mattered was going to pass just fine. Seeing it was as good a time as ever, to have a talk with a certain sand tanuki. Ren made the needed hand sign and lined up a clear shot on Gaara. He activated his clans' signature technique. His body slumped over slightly as his consciousness left it and entered Gaara's mind.
Ren looked around at the inner world of Gaara's mind. Un-surprisingly, it looked like some kind of giant desert that was in perpetual darkness. Feeling a presence ahead, he walked until came upon what he was looking for. It was a large cage of sorts with sandy bronze like bars all around. Inside of it was the grump of a sand tanuki himself, Shukaku.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Demanded the tanuki.
"Look Shukaku I'm gonna make this quick so listen up ok." Retorted Ren.
Shukaku was seemed taken aback by the retort. "How do you know my name?"
"I'm gonna explain that, so listen to me." Ren barked which surprisingly enough, actually got Shukaku to shut up. Ren went on to explain everything he had explained before to the other bijuu he had met. Once he was finished, Shukaku just seemed to sit there and blink repeatedly. As he processed all the information, then out of nowhere he just started laughing.
"That's possibly the wildest thing I've ever heard!" Exclaimed Shukaku in amusement, after getting his laughter in check. "Quite an accomplishment, all things considered as well. So what do you need from me?"
"Really just like that?"
"Just like that. If you even got that prideful stick up his ass fox on your side. I have no reason to question things. besides, while me and my siblings don't really see eye to eye much at all. One thing we can agree on is that we sure as hell. Don't want that crazy lady Kaguya coming back."
"Works for me, I just really need you to stop fucking with Gaara's head. Poor guy has had enough shit to deal with, without you adding to it. If anything maybe start trying to repairing some of the damage if possible?" Mused the Yamanaka.
"I can try but it won't be easy at the moment." Shukaku retorted. "Gaara has become awfully obsessed with you since your previous encounter. He wants to kill you something, fierce kid. I don't think even I will be able to keep him from trying to do it."
"Fine try to do what you can then. If I have to be the one instead of Naruto to knock sense into his head then so be it. I have to leave now, later Shukaku." With that Ren cut the connection and left.
"What an amusing little brat."
Ren snapped back to focus inside his real body. He watched Gaara and saw that while the Ichibi Jinchuriki seemed unsure. About what it was that just happened, he seemed to shrug it off though. The Yamanaka's attention was brought to the front of the room as Ibiki began explaining the tenth question.
"If you fail the tenth question, you fail the test and will never be able to take the exams ever again. That goes for you and your whole team as well. So make your decision, will you stay and risk it all or leave now and hope for another day?" Ibiki explained.
Murmurs swept through the remaining genin, some even contemplated giving up. However before anyone of them could make a move, a certain mocha-skinned blond spoke up first.
"As amusing as this little show is Ibiki, can we get to the point already?" Ren announced.
Ibiki narrowed his eyes at the Yamanaka in question. "A show eh? What makes you think that?"
"It's all just a matter a looking underneath the underneath as any ninja should. I see things for what they are and refuse to leave. That's simply my personal choice in all this."
"Damn brat saw right through me it seems. Makes me wish I could somehow convince him to join T&I even more." Ibiki thought and then looked at the rest of the room. "The kid took the wind clean out of my sails. Not a single one of these kids is going to be quitting now." A smirk appeared on Ibiki's face. "Seeing how everyone has made their choice, allow me to say this. Everyone here officially passes the first part of the chunin exams!"
An uproar was heard from all the genin at this revelation. Once they all quieted down Ibiki began to explain the purpose of things. Then he got to the part where he took off his headband to show the whole top of his head. Well, it was bad, Ren remembered from his past life. That the scars and marks looked bad in the anime and manga. Seeing them in person though, for the first time too in fact. They were even worse. Much worse in fact, so much worse in truth. Ren couldn't stop himself from voicing his thoughts out loud.
"Motherfucker, you are hard to look at." Said Ren.
Ibiki's focus shot back to the Yamanaka.
"Like a deformed testicle with teeth." Ren continued, gaining a few snorts from the crowd. "You look like you face-fucked a topographical map of Earth country." The snorts and muffled laughter grew. It was even coming from the other proctors in the room. "You look like an avocado had sex with an older, more disgusting avocado and not gently. Like, hate fucking. There was something wrong with the relationship and that was the only catharsis that they had without resorting to violence." At that point, any resistance to laughing ceased and the whole room erupted in it, including the other proctors. Ibiki meanwhile seemed to be resisting his urge to kill. Thankfully before the situation blew up any further. One of the room windows suddenly exploded.
A large banner stuck into the ceiling via kunai suddenly appeared and a woman stood in front of them all. She was an average-sized, young woman who was of slender frame. She has light brown, pupil-less eyes. Her hair - black with a violet tint, styled in a short, spiky, fanned-out ponytail. She wore a fitted mesh bodysuit that covers her from neck to thigh. Over this, she wore a tan overcoat with a purple in-seam and a pocket on each side, a dark orange mini-skirt, a dark blue belt, and pale grey shin guards. In addition to the typical forehead protector, she also wears a small pendant that looks like a snake fang and a wristwatch.
"Alright, I'm Anko Mitarashi! The proctor of the second exam!" Anko roared. "So get off your asses and follow me!" Everyone just stared at her.
"You're early Anko." Ibiki stated. "Though for once, I'm alright with that. These brats are yours to deal with now." He simply said as he marched out of the room.
"Hey, Ibiki why the hell is there so many still left!?" Anko yelled out, only to receive silence in return. "Fine dammit, it doesn't really matter anyway. I'll be cutting your numbers down by half at least once I'm done." She said with a smile that promised not fun things. "So follow me!"
All the genin gathered up and left after Anko, after some walking they arrived at the grounds of the next stage.
"This's where going to have the next stage of the exams, training ground 44. Or as we like to call it 'The Forest of Death'!" Anko explained with glee.
"Oh is that all, gee that doesn't sound ominous in the slightest." Ren deadpanned. He quickly moved his head to the side to allow a kunai to sail by him safely. He turned his head to see Anko right in his face. With a smile on her face.
"You know." Anko began as she placed a hand on Ren's cheek and leaned her face close to his. "Guy's like you tend to leave their blood all over this place." She said with a tone of sweet playfulness.
"If you want to get so close to me, you could at least buy me dinner and some drinks first." Ren snarked in return.
"Trust me, boy I can do things that would make you want to skip all that and head straight to the main event." She replied as she then leaned in and whispered into his ear with a tone of sultriness. "I can give anyone a good time."
Ren couldn't help but look at Anko with concern, as he raised an eyebrow. "I'm sickened but curious."
Anko threw back her head and laughed. "You're the first person who ever answered like that!" A wide grin spread on her face. "Make it through the forest and I just might show you a little of what I mean." She finished with a lick of her lips before strutting as she walked away.
"I suddenly feel like, I'm in more danger outside the forest, then I would be inside of it." Ren thought to himself.
Haku and Tayuya simply looked at each other and made a silent agreement with a nod of their heads. They would do everything in their power to keep Ren as far away from that woman as much as possible.
From that point, Anko began explaining the rules of the second exam. Eventually, everyone signed the needed forms, and teams were given their scrolls and sent to their assigned gate. Ren stuffed his team's heaven scroll in his pouch as team thirteen stood outside of entrance fourteen to the forest. All the silliness from earlier disappeared. As the seriousness of what was about to go down became more apparent. With every passing second with the rising of their nerves. Each member of team thirteen having their own personal thoughts on the matter.
"I will not be a burden to anyone. We will get through this, I will see to that." Haku thought to herself.
"So this's it, this's where Lord Orochimaru will make his first big move against Konoha." Tayuya thought.
"So here we go at last. The forest of death, this is where all the craziness truly begins." Ren mused mentally as he looked towards his teammates. "Oh well, no matter what happens in this place. I'm gonna keep them and everyone else, safe from it as much as I can."
A/N: Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far. So we got the first part of the chunin exams and now here we are at the forest of death. I have plans for the curse mark shenanigans, that people are either going to love, be interested at the least, or even possibly outright hate. Not much else to say, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime, please leave a review as they do help keep me motivated to write. Please like and fav if you have not already and stay safe, stay healthy. I'll see you next time. I'm out!