Welcome to the next chapter!
Xionremind22; Thanks! Maybe he could yeah.
The Lord Bread; Yup, Anko will be involved somehow.
JhotoLoraxius; Pakura could be.
danielhaywoodsnow; Pakura might be yeah. Well, I wont reveal anything just yet...but, Orochimaru is after the Uchiha's so we'll see what happens with them. The Sound will be involved. Maybe Ryouta could do that to help Lee out yeah. That would be a nice moment for both Ino and Sakura. Yeah, he could develop something like that. We'll have more moments like that between Ryouta and the girls. That would be a cool technique. Naruko's got her opponent during the Chunin Exams. It was sad Asuma didn't get to see his child. Kabuto, yeah he's going to be interesting to deal with.
iJarod; No problem. Tenten is a pretty cool Ninja, so it is possible. Thanks very much! No problem at all~
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, the Chunin Exams have begun. Ryou and the others are getting as prepared as they can do. He did yeah, he managed to help out Konohamaru, but Gaara seems to have fixated in on him. Pakura can yeah. Lets hope that they can put a stop to Zosui. Ryouta and Kakashi are developing a nice relationship yeah.
Grey Ghost; Yami's got a quite complicated set of thoughts and feelings.
Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, we're getting into the exams now. He's definitely met the sand siblings. I've got some plans for Pakura. It's going to be fun with Gaara. Haku has done yeah, they're quite close now. She did yeah, otherwise he'd not get inside. Anko definitely is. Ino is just doing her job huh. Orochimaru definitely did yeah. Yeah, Sakura wont tolerate things about her forehead. Yeah, he managed to stop him in an instant. Gaara and Ryouta's relationship is going to be fun to explore. Pakura's got her reasons for staring at him. Yeah, they wished to prepare her, but she found out. Satsuki is yeah. That's Orochimaru for you, he's using them. Hinata and Ryouta did yeah. Ryouta's alright with it, since he knows Kakashi's a good guy. Kakashi and Ryouta are quite in sync with one another with their respective rivals. Gaara was yeah. Kaguya seems to be yeah. She could do yeah. He could adopt both of them. I could see Anko quipping like that. Amado could do yeah. People will acknowledge the talents of those in the exams. Things in the forest will be happening. Not all of them will appear here, I know when certain villages will appear in the series, before they did in canon.
Guest 1; Naruko will have plenty of moments. Ryouta might gain that power, or already has it. Maybe he could use her power like that. Shukaku might not like Ryouta right away yeah, Kurama and he will have a fun dynamic with one another. He could tell Boruto that yeah. His child with a Hyuga would probably inherit a Sharingan and a Byakugan yeah. Maybe he could create it.
Freemaker; All I can say now is that what happens with Orochimaru is going to be rather fun to write about.
Chrono trigger; Yeah, maybe one day.
Skull Flame; Pakura is yeah, I thought it would be fun to add her. Seems like Orochimaru has done yeah. Zosui's gonna be apart of Karin's growing story.
Guest 2; Yeah, Pakura's there!
TheRagFromTheCrag; Thanks for the suggestions.
reptoholic; Thanks very much!
Guest 3; Yeah, seems that he does huh~? Yup, he'd eventually have to get a bigger bed. Yeah, it was. Yup, he had some time with some of the guys. Kankuro surely was surprised when that happened to him, though it did stop him from harming Konohamaru. Pakura is yeah, and she's got her role in the story. Zosui's character usually was like that, there were hints he was more deranged. They're Team Shiore. Hinata did yeah, her and Ryouta are getting closer all the time. Kakashi and Ryouta are developing quite a fun bond with one another. Kakashi could teach him Rasengan, he doesn't use it often but he does have it. Lee and Guy surely are~ That's a good question, why Gaara stopped shall be brought up later on. The Exams are going to be quite fun. Thanks for the suggestions.
MDM11; He could use his Sharingan to learn those yeah. Those would be cool ones yeah. Ryouta could learn the Edo Tensei one day if he needs it~ Yeah, maybe he could gain the eyes by then~ Thanks for the suggestions!
Andrew123456; The powers will be shown soon enough, thanks for the suggestion.
War Sage; Thanks! Yeah, they probably do think like that. Haku surely is making her move. By Shippuden, yeah their relationships probably will progress to that point. Satsuki will be quite beautiful yeah. That's the mission yeah. Karin could learn at least a bit. Shisui could have shown him some. Zosui will get what's coming to him. Yup, that's how the snake is. Lets see if he is~ Maybe we'll see some more people being promoted. Thanks for the suggestions.
makotoxvalerie; Yeah, he could create some unique ones. We'll see if he got anything from his Mother like that. Orochimaru could have been. Good question, they're both equally quite saddening. Maybe he has met them.
Guest 4; Thanks! Maybe Satsuki will be the one who brings it up. Ryouta did yeah. Pakura's here, she's got her role to play. Zosui we didn't really see in combat so we aren't sure of his capabilities, but I presume he wouldn't be anywhere near Kakashi or Zabuza level. With Orochimaru, Teams Anko and Kakashi might have some tricks up their sleeves. Those eyes will be shown fully in the next chapter or so. Yeah, they've all developed in some fun ways. Yeah, Kakashi and Ryouta teaming up would be pretty cool. Yeah, the Chunin Exams are going to be fun. Ryouta might get the summon contract soon. Satsuki does know he has Mangekyou, she's one of a small list that does know. Thanks for the suggestions! I don't know the series that well, I haven't finished watching the series just yet. I'm enjoying what I've seen so far, so I'll keep those ideas in mind.
Brainstorm Sorcerer; Thanks! Yeah, there's a few villagers coming in. Kakashi and Ryouta have been training a bit together. Yeah, Kakashi could teach him some he's copied over the years. Seems like he did compare the two. Obito could be~ Yeah, he doesn't see anything wrong with Kakashi having it. Guess Rookie Twelve. Haha, that's Ino for you~ Yeah, Lee and Guy are pretty awesome in their own unique fun way. I can't reveal about what's gonna happen with Lee just yet. Some matchups will be the same, some will be different, but they'll still all have their development. We'll see if anymore teams are introduced. He could stop Neji from going too far yeah. That would be cool for an aura. Satsuki will get some training from her Mother, Danzo might be involved. Anyone that shouldn't be in Ryouta's house, can't get in so easily, Konohamaru was allowed access inside. Moegi and Udon are around. Lee wont fight Satsuki here, because he's already fought Ryouta many times, but Lee's still going to have his cool moments. The remaining Uchiha besides them are getting on with their lives, and doing their best. Pakura's here~ Kankuro didn't yeah. Seems like Haku's coming out of her shell more and more. Gaara and Ryouta definitely will have a complicated relationship. Orochimaru's wasting no time. Ryouta's got some stuff to do during the Konoha Crush, I can't reveal what exactly, but it's going to be quite fun to write about. Yeah, we're delving into the Chunin Exams now.
Dark Kaiser; Probably yeah, Chisaki wouldn't be able to handle both of them.
Bismarck; No real basis, just when I decide I wish to, there's no real timetable for it.
BLACKLIGHT; They'd have quite the fight on their hands, Yami would have some stuff she'd be doing. Yeah, I'm sure they would do.
Guest 5; Yeah, he could make a fire variant of Chidori, adding those flames on top would be pretty cool.
Hinata fan; Yeah, we'll be seeing a good bit of them for the exam. The Chunin Exams are going to be quite fun. Yeah!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
The Written Exam!
With the Chunin Exams finally coming about, Ryouta sat within his room, and gathered his things for the events that were going to unfurl. Ryouta was excited for the exams to come about, so he had gotten up early.
By the time it was ready for him to go, he grabbed his sword, the one that he had gotten for Shisui years earlier, along with a number of scrolls that attached to his thighs.
"Okay...got the sword...scrolls...whatever the Chunin Exams are going to throw at me, I'll be ready."
Standing up, he went towards the door.
Bypassing a mirror...a woman clad in white, with long white hair peered out of the mirror, her eyes intensely looking towards the young Uchiha.
Ryouta paused when he saw it out of the corner of his eye.
Shooting his eyes towards the mirror...
He saw that it was his image, and nothing more.
Inhaling and exhaling slowly, he put it to it being early morning...though he felt as if it was...something more.
Though he noticed the silver in his hair had grown a little more up his bangs.
His eyes went towards an image of Shisui nearby his bedroom door, and smiled.
"...Shi-chan. I'm going to do my best...to become Chunin...and then I'll go for Jonin. I wish you could see this...but, I'll make you proud, I promise." His eyes went towards an image of Ryouta and Izumi together, smiling gently. "Izumi-chan...whatever you're doing right now...this is another step closer to you...I'll grow stronger, and bring you back home..."
While thinking about it, the door opened, and Satsuki steps through.
Her eyes went towards his own.
"I'm going to go ahead, got to meet up with my group."
"Right, I'll go and meet up with my own. Good luck Satsuki-chan, lets become Chunin together, okay?"
"Yeah...lets do this."
Satsuki briefly pressed her lips onto Ryouta's own before offering a small smile, then left.
Ryouta gained a bright smile, and then walked out of his door, going down the stairs, to see Mikoto hugging the slightly embarrassed Satsuki.
"Mom...I have to go."
"I know my dear, but I have to hug you at least once. Show everyone your uniqueness Satsuki and do your best."
"Yeah...thanks Mom."
Satsuki pulled away from her Mother, then bowed and left.
Ryouta smiled at the scene, before seeing Mikoto looking towards him.
"Good luck Ryou-kun."
"Yeah...thanks Mikoto-san, we'll do our best."
"I know." Mikoto smiled as she went to the door. "A Ninja's life is never boring, I've got some stuff I've got to do this morning."
"Go ahead, and don't worry about Satsuki-chan, she's very strong."
"Ooh I know, and so are you, though a Mother worries regardless."
"Yeah..."
She giggled as she left.
Ryouta took one last look into the house, then left the house.
As he did, he saw a number of civilian Uchiha, including the elderly couple that Ryouta affectionately called Uncle and Aunt.
They were clapping, he could see that Satsuki had gotten the same treatment as he saw she had a smile on her face while making an exit.
"Now you be careful during those exams."
Uruchi said in a caring tone, Teyaki waved his hand.
"Don't worry the boy, he'll do great."
"Hehe, thanks Aunt, Uncle."
Replying respectfully and kindly, the pair gave him a loaf of bread, something they did very often. Even a small gesture meant the world to Ryouta.
"Good luck Ryou-kun!"
"Do your best!"
"We believe in you!"
Ryouta smiled at each of them, before waving his hand.
"I'll make Uchiha proud. Thank you everyone!"
Ryouta bowed to them, before disappearing in a burst of speed.
They continued clapping and cheering until Ryouta couldn't even hear them anymore.
Along the way, Ryouta happened to come across Kakashi who was waving towards him.
He stopped, and faced the elder as they stood on top of a building together.
"Kakashi-sensei, is everything fine?"
"Yeah, so you're heading for the exam?"
"Just gonna go and meet my team. Oh, thanks again for all the training we did."
Kakashi waved his hand.
"It's fine. I'm sure you're prepared for the exam."
"Hehe...yeah, got everything I need, I think~"
"Hmmm, I see, sounds like you are."
Ryouta stared at Kakashi who didn't say anything for a good half a minute.
"Sensei, I'm going to get going."
"Right..."
Ryouta smiled, and went to jump.
But then Kakashi spoke up.
"On the exam." Ryouta looked towards him. "Do your best."
Ryouta chuckled, nodding slowly.
"Thanks Sensei!"
Ryouta waved, and shot off.
Kakashi watched on from a distance, and adopted a slight smile on his face which was hidden due to his mask before leaving to do his duties.
Going towards the place the Chunin Exams were taking place, Satsuki, Naruko and Sakura arrived relatively early, and went forward together. They went towards the area they were supposed to go, Naruko however saw a crowd gathering, so she walked towards them, when Satsuki grabbed her by the back of the shirt, and pulled her alone.
"Eh? What are you doing?"
"That isn't the way, they've put a Genjutsu up to confuse and trick people. I'm sure Sakura noticed it as well."
Sakura giggled awkwardly, but nodded.
"Y-Yeah, it's a Genjutsu to trick us it seems."
"Eeeh...Genjutsu's confuse me. But we should go then!"
Naruko shrugged, and walked off together with her teammates.
Going into a large hall, they found a set of stairs...
When Satsuki felt eyes on them.
She stopped, and looked around.
"Something wrong?"
Sakura wondered, Satsuki looked up towards a balcony.
She saw that stood there, was Gaara.
Sakura cringed when seeing her, Naruko cocked her head.
"Hey, that's the girl that threatened Ryou!"
Satsuki furrowed her brows, knowing someone had, but to see the person that had did stir anger within her.
The young red head jumped down, Sakura and Satsuki looked on to see the girls eyes focusing in on them.
They wondered if she was going to attack...
But was surprised as Gaara simply went by them.
However, as she did, her eyes went towards Satsuki.
"...Aren't you the female Uchiha?"
"So what if I am?"
Gaara's face curled downwards.
"Are you as strong as the boy Uchiha that I want to fight?"
"I don't have to tell you anything."
Replying coolly, Gaara's lips curled more and more upwards.
"Then, I'll have to get the answers by killing that boy..."
Naruko pulled forward angrily.
"Oi, why are you saying such things anyway?! Ryou didn't do anything to you! He stopped your brother from hurting Konohamaru!"
Gaara growled, looking towards Naruko.
"...His eyes, I don't understand..."
"His Sharingan?"
Sakura posed, Gaara shook her head.
"...I don't understand...the look he gave me when I attacked him..." Satsuki tried to quell her anger, but was finding it difficult. "But, I...stopped, and I...don't understand that look he had...what it did to me...I want answers..."
Satsuki saw that sand was beginning to form around Gaara.
It looked as if she was going to attack...
When suddenly Pakura appeared, and an orb of chakra formed around Gaara, pausing her movements.
"Gaara." Pakura said as she moved closer. "What are you doing?"
"Pakura...keep your business out of mine."
"Gaara, your siblings are waiting for you, go towards the exam please."
Gaara glared at Pakura who stared back.
Tension filled the area, Satsuki could feel it in her body that Gaara looked ready to fight.
But so did Pakura.
Pakura had an air about her that showed she wouldn't back down.
Gaara looked on for a few moments, before she backed down and walked off.
Pakura exhaled as Naruko rushed up.
"Hey, thanks for the help again kind lady!"
Sakura nodded at what Naruko said.
"She's right, it could've gotten ugly there, so thanks again."
Pakura continued to smile.
"I'm the one who should apologize for how Gaara acted."
"She said that she wants to kill Ryou-kun...she's not really...wanting to, right? She said it...to see what we'd do, right?"
Sakura asked, worried for Ryouta.
Pakura hummed.
"Gaara...certain emotions are hard for her to understand, I'm sure that your friend is going to be fine. Anyway, good luck in the exam."
Despite being from a different village, Pakura's words felt genuinely as if she was cheering for them.
"Thanks lady!"
"The names Pakura."
Pakura replied to Naruko who giggled happily as she walked off.
Satsuki wasn't sure what to make of it, it felt as if Gaara was torn on wishing to kill Ryouta, if anything to her it seemed as if Gaara was perplexed on Ryouta as a person, and how he had stopped her from attacking with a look.
"Come on, lets go."
"Y-Yeah, we should go."
Sakura added, with Naruko grinning.
"Ooh yeah, lets do this!"
Naruko was excited.
But all three of them had some worry deep within about what Gaara's true intentions were.
A few minutes later, Ryouta, Haku and Karin all entered together.
They saw a number of people crowding a hall together, the three of them took a look at what they were crowding around.
They saw that some Genin were stood in the hallway, blocking their paths.
It was clear to each of them what was going on.
Ryouta then looked at Haku and Karin who slowly nods their heads.
"It seems that the first test has begun."
Haku murmured, Karin tilted her glasses.
"A Genjutsu huh...well, lets get going."
Ryouta agreed with a nod of his head.
"Yeah, lets go."
The three of them began moving forward, bypassing some of the others that were still stood, arguing with those that wouldn't let them by.
However, as they did walk, Ryouta suddenly heard "MY RIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!" so he ducked as a foot came sailing above his head. Karin's eyes widened, Haku smiled while Ryouta stood up to see that Lee was coming back for him after his fist attack missed.
"Aah, Lee-kun. What's going on?"
Lee came in from the right, and sent a swift foot for his upper body.
Ryouta blocked the kick with his arm, and pushed him back, only to see that Lee was smiling brightly, and turned around to swing a foot out for the boys face, Ryouta pulled his head back, missing the foot by mere inches then he delivered a kick back, crossing legs with Lee while some others looked on, confused as to why Ryouta and Lee were suddenly battling one another.
"Lee!" Karin scolded, Lee looked towards her and saw her tilting her glasses high. "What are you doing causing trouble inside of the building?!"
"Hahaha, I'm sorry Karin-san! I didn't mean to worry you, but when I saw my rival, instincts took over me, and I simply couldn't stop myself!" Lee continued to laugh as he turned to Ryouta. "So, where are you going? The exams back that way!"
"No, it isn't. That's a Genjutsu."
Lee looked back, then looked towards Ryouta.
"Genjutsu huh..."
"Right, that's a Genjutsu. One to fool people into believing we're on the wrong floor. See by the door? It says that it is the third floor, when we're on the second. It's a Genjutsu that is also meant to mess with someone's perceptions."
"Huh...now that you say it, I guess that this isn't the right floor! Alright then, the youth of the Uchiha saw through it! Hahaha, now that we're entering the Chunin Exams together, we truly will be rivals! So, lets make a pact that we will go until the end! That we'll be the last ones who fight in the Exams!"
Ryouta laughed, and went to answer, when he saw someone he didn't particularly want to see again coming down the corridor.
It was Neji, and he was being followed by a young girl who wore a pink top and had her brown hair tied into two buns, who's name was Tenten.
Neji's cold eyes went towards Ryouta who glanced back towards him.
"Lee, did I hear that you'll make it until the end?"
"That's the goal Neji!"
Lee said in his usual hyperactive way.
But Neji shut him down with a single look.
"It isn't your destiny to make to the end of the Chunin Exams, no matter how hard you try." Neji's eyes then went towards Ryouta who was looking back towards him. "You're participating in the Chunin Exams?"
Neji's words were a mixture of happiness (at least as much as Neji could do), and curiosity at the same time.
"Yes, me and my team are going to be participating in the exams."
Ryouta replied while looking the man directly in the eyes.
"I was hoping that you would be, because when I face you in the exams, I'll have to defeat you. Destiny has decided that."
Tensions was running high, Neji had a serious face on.
The same for Ryouta.
Karin and Haku looked towards one another, as did Lee and Tenten.
"I guess that we'll see when the exams come up, Neji-san. Destiny hasn't been decided yet."
Ryouta's reply caused Neji to narrow his brows, while Tenten looked impressed with how Ryouta handled Neji.
Ryouta then began to leave together with Haku and Karin.
Walking side by side, Haku glanced back to see that Neji was glaring at Ryouta.
Shaking her head, they continued on together.
While Ryouta and his group were walking away, they went by a group of three Ninja that were from a different village.
One was a young man that had bandages covering most of his face, leaving only his left eye, and eyebrow uncovered. Wearing a large poncho with long sleeves, and a gauntlet on his right arm that had a number of holes coming out of it along with a scarf that had s snake like pattern hanging around his neck.
The other was also a young man had spiky black hair and dark eyes. Around his neck, he also wore a snake patterned scarf which matched his pants. He also had two holes in his hands, though it was difficult to see due to him keeping his hands mostly hidden.
Finally, the last was a young girl that had very long black hair that almost reached the ground, tied with a violet ribbon right near the end, and had similarly black eyes that matched her hair. Like her teammates, she also wore a scarf that had a snake pattern design.
These people were called Dosu, Zaku and Kin respectably.
Dosu's eyes went towards the three leaving, and then towards the gauntlet on his arm.
"So he's one of the people that interests him…"
"Man, what I wouldn't give to see what they're made of. I bet they can't do anything to us."
Kin waved a hand through her long hair as she let out a small giggle.
"Maybe we should go and test the waters a bit?"
Zaku punches his hands together, and shows a strong expression on his face.
"Damn straight, lets go and mess them up."
"Don't do anything stupid you two."
Dosu who remained more level headed than his two teammates spoke up, before the three of them began to follow Ryouta and his group.
Arriving within a large hall, with stairs towards the right, the trio of Ryouta, Haku and Karin went to go towards it, when they felt something coming for them, with Karin picking up on it first, and the other two following soon after.
They paused when the trio from Otogakure came into the room.
Not sure what they wished for, they simply began moving to the stairs once more, when each saw a kunai going towards the stairs, stabbing into the second step, so Ryouta, Karin and Haku turned to see Dosu, Kin and Zaku each looking towards them.
Team Anko look towards each other, and see that this team before them wouldn't be backing down.
"Excuse us..."
As Ryouta tried to speak, Zaku thrusted his hand forward.
"You, what's your name?"
"It's polite to introduce yourself first."
Ryouta exclaimed, Zaku chuckled.
"You're right. My names Zaku, the guys that's gonna kick your ass."
"The names Ryouta. I don't want to fight you, we've got to leave."
Zaku, becoming frustrated, thrusted his palm out.
From said palm, a wave of something shot out, and pierced the wall beside Haku.
Haku saw the hole in the hall, then turned towards Ryouta.
"Ryou-kun..."
"I know, we haven't even entered the exam yet. Ready to fight?"
Haku nodded, Karin did the same thing.
Ryouta then turned towards Dosu and the others.
"Look, we don't want to fight you."
"That's too bad, because we wish to fight you! Are you scared?"
Zaku baited, Ryouta furrowed his brows.
"I'm not scared to fight you, but there's no point to fighting right now. Wait until the exam-"
"Sorry, I don't wait for exams!"
Zaku announced, thrusting his hands forward, and shot off waves towards them.
"Zaku, I told you not to!"
Dosu scolded, but Zaku didn't care.
The waves went towards Ryouta who easily dodged out of the way, so Zaku ran towards Ryouta at high speeds.
Thrusting his hands out, he shot off several waves of pressure, which Ryouta used his incredible movement speed to dodge out of the way, but while doing so, Zaku got in close, and brought up his hand to Ryouta's face.
The moment that he was going to release the attack, Ryouta moved Zaku's hand directing towards himself as he was releasing his attack. Because of that, Zaku was unable to stop the attack in time, blasting himself back across the room, landing on the ground near Dosu and Kin, the former looking towards Ryouta.
"He's a fast fighter, I can see why Orochimaru-sama..."
His thoughts were cut off when Zaku slammed his hands on the floor.
"You little shit!"
"He got you though, Zaku."
Zaku's eyes flared towards Kin who laughed.
"You'll be next if you aren't quiet."
Kin scowled as Zaku got off the ground.
His eyes then went towards Ryouta.
"Times up, I'm going to take you down!"
Hearing that, Ryouta activated the Body Flicker, and vanished from sight.
Zaku gasped, looking around, but couldn't see anything.
But then he saw a shadow behind him, so he turned...
Only to be met with the Sharingan, who was captured by Ryouta's gaze, and caused a Genjutsu to be placed upon Zaku.
Zaku's eyes quivered before he saw his arms being brought behind him and bound.
He couldn't move, due to Ryouta's paralyzing Genjutsu.
Haku nodded slowly at the results, Karin announced "Ooh yeah!" while Ryouta bowed his head.
"We've won the fight."
"I'm sorry about my impulsive teammate, he doesn't have much of a brain."
Dosu said it calmly, Ryouta felt...there was something more to Dosu than met the eye.
"I see...it isn't a problem, lets go our separate ways..."
Ryouta began to speak, when suddenly, there was a burst of air that came from the right hand side.
With the window opening at the same time, Karin saw who it was…
Zosui.
The man that she reviled.
She ended up going behind Ryouta, almost fearful of the man.
Ryouta also noticed, and became suspicious about what was going on.
"What is going on here? Genin aren't supposed to fight in this hall."
"We were defending ourselves."
Haku tried to convey.
But Zosui wouldn't have it.
"You Konoha are all bullies, attacking these innocent Oto Ninja. Just because their village formed recently, you don't have to throw your weight around."
Ryouta and Haku looked dumbfounded, while the sound Ninja smirked right towards them.
Karin couldn't look at him.
She didn't want him to notice her.
Though Zosui did, he didn't comment on her.
"We weren't throwing our weight around, we were defending ourselves."
Zosui scoffed, and pointed towards Ryouta.
"Just because you're an Uchiha, you can't be so arrogant."
Haku glanced at Ryouta, who didn't know what to say as a response.
It was clear that Zosui was intentionally trying to intimidate, and provoke them at the same time.
Not going to rise to his provocations, Ryouta merely turned away with Haku.
"Lets go, we've stopped them from attacking us. We've got the Exams to deal with."
"Yes, there's no need for us to stay here anymore."
Both Ryouta and Haku began to leave, Karin followed after them.
Zosui took this time to look at Karin.
The look...paralyzed her.
She couldn't move at all.
The smirk that was slowly going onto his lips, only caused Karin to feel even more cold deep inside of her being. She didn't like it, she was worried, and she even felt scared, as it brought back the memories that she had before she came to Konoha.
What he did to her Mother...what he did to her.
Ryouta noticed Karin staying in place, and saw Zosui gazing at her.
Seeing Karin's worried face, Ryouta blocked his view of Zosui, and stared at him with his Sharingan activated.
Zosui scowled while Ryouta stared hard right back, showing he wasn't going to back down.
"Karin-chan, don't worry about them, we're here beside you."
Karin snapped out of her worries, and then turned towards Ryouta.
Seeing his half sun and moon like chakra gazing back at her, she was as dazzled as she was the first time she saw it, and ended up moving to his side, clutching onto his arm, they walked towards the stairs.
Ryouta looked back one last time, seeing Zosui having a mixture of anger and arrogance in his eyes, though he was trying well to cover it with a stoic expression.
Haku noticed Zaku was glaring at Ryouta as Dosu undid his binds.
Going up the stairs, they entered a long corridor together, with Haku noticing that Karin looked nervous, the same for Ryouta.
"Karin-san, are you alright?"
Karin, not wanting to worry neither Haku or Ryouta, pulled away from Ryouta, and pushed her glasses up her face.
"Y-Yeah, totally fine, why do you guys ask?"
"It's just..."
Haku began.
But stopped as she saw that Karin didn't want to speak about it.
She also didn't want Karin to worry about the test that was coming up, so she dropped it.
"We've got a test to do now, and we've already made some enemies huh?"
Ryouta spoke up with a more upbeat yet held some seriousness in his voice kind of tone, trying to lift Karin's spirits.
Like Haku he was also worried and concerned for his teammate.
But, he also wanted her to be able to focus on the exam at hand, he didn't want her to have to worry or split her focus.
Karin appreciated her teammates kindness towards her.
She didn't want to confront it right now, so she spoke in a friendly tone.
"Yeah, so many strong people...and you totally kicked that Zaku's butt!"
"Yes, but I wonder why they singled us out specifically…?"
Haku thought aloud, with Ryouta also wondering the same.
But he shrugged.
"Who knows, maybe it's a wrong place, wrong time situation."
"Maybe you're right, though if the other Ninja are like that, we'll have to remain cautious, don't we Ryou-kun?"
Ryouta inclined his neck towards Haku, so they continued on, until they reached the doors.
As they went to move, Karin sensed a chakra outside, so she looked out the window to see Anko was stood there on a tree.
"It's Sensei."
Ryouta and Haku looked out of the window.
Anko didn't approach them, but she offered them a smile, a smile full of confidence and strength.
Each knew that meant Anko believed in them.
They then turned to the door.
Looking at one another, they all placed hands on said door, and pushed it open together.
Finally, having entered the room together, Ryouta, Karin and Haku were all stunned to see so many people had gathered in a large room that contained only two doors, the ones they came through, and the other one that was directly at the opposite end of where they were.
Seats were placed all around, with big wide open spaces, it looked like a waiting room of sorts, which made sense to Ryouta and the others.
Ryouta could also see the likes of Satsuki and her group, and the other teams having gathered.
Barging past him, was Neji who shared a look with Ryouta, then walked away with Lee following in with a bowing head. Tenten awkwardly followed after them, while Haku turned towards Ryouta.
"It seems that they're as...lively as ever."
"Yeah, no kidding..."
As he said it, he felt some...weird gaze on him.
He looked around, and found the source of it.
It was Gaara who was stood at the back, intense eyes on his form.
"Who's that Ryou-kun?"
Haku asks, as she notices Gaara also stood there.
Ryouta furrowed his brows as he answered.
"She's from Suna, apart from that I'm not sure. She might be dangerous though, so keep your guard up."
Haku nodded without pause.
She knew if Ryouta was saying it, then it must be true.
"Speaking of keeping guard up, so many villages are here, I can see that there are even smaller villages here, like from Amegakure, and some others. If they're from there, I heard that it is a place that has a dangerous reputation."
Karin murmured out.
Ryouta did listen, but he kept his eyes on Gaara who was staring directly at him.
Satsuki came walking up, and stood beside him, as she wrapped her arm around his back and placed her hand on his right hip.
"You're late."
"Sorry, just had some stuff to deal with, that's all."
Satsuki chose not to ask further, and simply shrugged as they moved towards the others in their group.
As soon as they did, Ino jumped, and hugged Ryouta's right arm, igniting annoyance from Satsuki and Sakura, Karin growled while Ino showed a smile and a peace sign to them, Haku and Naruko didn't really react, the former wasn't bothered, and the latter didn't really get what Ino was trying to do.
"Pig! What are you doing!?"
Ino's eyebrow twitched.
"Don't call me a pig!" Ino yelled, then snuggled against Ryouta's arm, drawing even more ire from Satsuki. "Ryou-kun, have you seen them all? They all look kinda intimidating."
"I'm sure it will be fine, they're all Genin like us."
As he said it, Kiba, the boy that had a dog called Akamaru pulled closer.
"Yeah right, I can smell these guys, they aren't pushovers."
Shikamaru lets out a small sigh.
"It's a total drag, I can't deal with all of this."
Ryouta looks amused by what was being said.
"Don't give up Shikamaru! Geez, this is why I yell at you!"
Ino snaps at Shikamaru who winces.
Choji, stuffing his face with some food, looks around.
"But they are kinda scary Ino..."
"Even if they are, it doesn't mean we can be stopped now!"
Ino replied with vigour.
Ryouta saw Hinata walking up, he smiled towards her, which in turn caused her to smile ever so slightly, showing the courage that Hinata had gained through the time that they had trained together.
Kiba's eyes land on Ryouta, and laugh.
"Even if you're here, I've improved so I'll take you down."
"We'll see, Kiba-san."
Ryouta replied coolly, drawing ire from him, as Shino, a boy wearing sunglasses popped up from behind Kiba.
"Kiba, you shouldn't underestimate your opponents. Why you may ask? It is simple-"
"Shinooooooo! Don't ruin it! I was just getting into it!"
Naruko laughs loudly, and points directly towards him.
"Haha, you got told Kiba!"
Kiba's eyebrow twitched.
"Be quiet! I'm shocked that you even got this far!"
"Don't you bully my teammate!"
Sakura snaps, surprising Naruko and causing Kiba to cringe, while making Ryouta gave a confused but happy stare.
Karin, in the middle of this, saw an opportunity to have some fun, so her hand reached around Ryouta's back, and began lowering.
Satsuki then casually pushes Ino off of Ryouta, and sends a stare for Karin who's hand stopped short of reaching her target.
As they talked, a young man with grey hair came over. Wearing glasses, he held a friendly demeanour, as he overlooked each of the Genin there. His eyes went towards Satsuki and Ryouta briefly, before letting a small sound that could almost be called a laugh.
"It seems that you all are being rather loud."
"Who are you?"
Sakura asked, the man pushes up his glasses as he answers.
"The names Kabuto, and your noise is irritating the others around."
Ryouta looked around.
He could see that there were some people that did look angry, or annoyed.
Though Ryouta presumed that also was a case for anyone else in the room looking at others.
"These people must be the elites from their own villages, some are from villages that have a similar standing to Konoha, there are some that are from minor villages like Otogakure. Keep being loud, and they might retaliate against you all. I've heard that there's some here that will do whatever they like to fresh recruits such as yourself. Honestly, I'm surprised you're all brave enough to take these exams in the first place."
Kabuto explained, while Ryouta looked towards him.
The boy before them seemed well enough intentioned, though he did find it a bit odd that Kabuto would even care about warning them, unless he was a good person, and even that caused some curiosity to build within Ryouta.
Kabuto then takes out some cards, and pulls one out.
He presents it towards Ryouta, who blinks.
"Eh...thanks?"
"Do you know what this card is?"
"A trading card?"
Karin asked, Kabuto chuckles.
"No, this card houses information that's been burned onto it with my chakra." He places the card on the floor, and runs his chakra through it, revealing what looked to be a map. "This shows those villages that will be participating. Do you know why there's other villages here, in Konoha?"
"Because it would be easier to hold a big match like this?"
Sakura murmured, Kabuto shook his head.
"While that might be a reason, there are others. For one, this is to deepen relationships with other villages. But that's the obvious one."
"The other one, has to do with gauging power, doesn't it?"
Haku spoke up, catching the others attention.
Kabuto looked momentarily surprised, before inclining his neck.
"You're correct. It is a subtle way to displaying power to the other villages that are here. If they don't do this, then the strong villages will dominate the weak ones."
"To test the villages might, and to see where a generation stands, can give others an idea on how strong the other Ninja are, and what they might expect in the future, that's what you're saying, right Kabuto-san?"
"That's correct. Now tell me, is there anyone that interests you?"
As he said it, Karin, Sakura, Ino, Haku and Satsuki all gaze towards Ryouta.
Ryouta, blinking at what he asked, attempted to confirm.
"What way to do you mean interests me?" He glanced at the girls who furrowed their brows. "L-Like, enemies, or something, right?"
Kabuto looked on, and became amused.
"Yes, that's what I meant."
"Why are you even asking that?"
Naruko brought up, so Kabuto flashed the cards.
"Because I have information about many people in this room. Even you all before me. All I need is a name, and I'll show you their information."
Ryouta became immediately suspicious.
So did Haku.
Haku pulled Ryouta back, and whispered in his ear.
"Why does this guy have data on so many people? Even us?"
"I don't know, he's coming off as a kind guy...but, him having information on us contradicts his nice guy attitude."
"There's something not right about him Ryou-kun, I don't even know why he's even willing to share this information with us."
Ryouta agreed, but decided to keep quiet for the moment.
As they spoke, Satsuki walked forward.
"You have information on a few people here, right?"
"Give me a name and I'll show you if I can."
"Then, I want information on Sakura Haruno."
Sakura's face drops considerably.
"W-WHAT!?"
Satsuki reveals a hidden smirk that she had.
"I'm joking."
Sakura and most were shocked, and thought "Satsuki-san/chan can joke?!" at the same time, while Kabuto raised a brow.
"Is there someone you want information on?"
"Yes, I want information about Ryouta Uchiha."
Neji said as he pulled up, having been listening in.
He glanced at Hinata who held her head down, something Ryouta noticed, Neji shook his head and turned towards Kabuto.
"That's fine, right?"
"That's fine with me. First we'll start with Ryouta Uchiha."
Ryouta watched as Kabuto took out a card, and ran his chakra through it.
Ryouta watched the card show him, and information about him. He could see some stats, his teammates, his Sensei.
"My, an S Ranked mission, and still a Genin? Now that's what I call talented."
Neji looked at the card, before turning his gaze towards Ryouta.
Neji didn't voice his thoughts, but his gaze told everyone how Neji felt at that moment, unsure and more determined than ever.
Neji then gives the card over to Ryouta, and walks off.
"Sorry, excuse us!"
"Yeah, sorry about that."
Lee bows his head, and then follows afterwards, with Tenten following.
Satsuki looked at the image of Ryouta's, but then Naruko took the card, and stared at the picture.
"Aah, I don't get some of these numbers! But look, hey Ryou! It's all about you on this tiny card, I wonder what mines like~?"
"I'd guess that it would be similar to mine Naruko-chan~"
Kabuto, looking between them, shrugged his shoulders.
Ryouta though did have a question that he wished answering.
"Say, Kabuto-san. You can do other villages stats, right?"
"Yes, anyone in mind?"
"There's a girl named Gaara-san, she's from Suna, I'd like to see hers if you don't mind."
"It isn't a problem, here you go."
Kabuto brought out a card, and ran his chakra through it, showing Gaara's stats.
Ryouta was surprised by the missions she had done as a Genin, but also saw her power so he wasn't surprised.
Satsuki also looked at the card, remembering how she had threatened Ryouta, which she wasn't happy about in the slightest.
Ryouta furrowed his brows, and thought of one other question he had.
"Hey Kabuto-san, can you look up one more person for me?"
"Yes, who may that be?"
"Can I see yours?"
Kabuto paused, as Haku thought "That's a good question Ryou-kun, lets see this guys stats. I wonder if this guys stats are going to be interesting...or uninteresting. If they are uninteresting...I think that would be more suspicious." while the others seemed to be perplexed.
Kabuto, showing a nice smile, chortled.
"Mine aren't that impressive, I've failed the Chunin Exams four years in a row."
"Really?"
Naruko asked, even she was perplexed.
Kabuto looked towards Ryouta and his eyebrows narrowed ever so slightly.
"Yes, that's right. But if you're curious, I don't mind showing them to you."
Ryouta watched as he produced a card, and handed it over to Ryouta.
As Kabuto said, it wasn't impressive.
Mostly D Ranks, Ryouta couldn't believe it though.
"Four years...and this guys never passed the Chunin Exams? Sure, maybe he might not be that good...but, he also has this information on so many people? There's something's that aren't adding up here."
As he thought about it, he handed the card back to Kabuto.
"Satisfied?"
"Very, thanks Kabuto-san~"
Ryouta played it nice...but he didn't feel right about Kabuto.
Naruko didn't read the subtext of what was going on, and seeing other people in the room still glaring at them, she raised her fist to the sky, showing a delightful yet strong smile as she announces "Even if everyone in here is strong, I still wont lose!" but by doing that, most of the people around began to glare at Naruko.
Sakura sighs, Satsuki smiles ever so slightly, Ryouta looked between the people there and then saw Gaara glaring at him, Neji doing the same.
"Geez, I haven't even done the first test, and I've got two people wishing to either kill me or beat me..." As he thought it, he caught the sight of the strawhat wearer who was looking at Ryouta creepily. "Then there's him...I don't know what his deal is, but he's acting really odd...and then there's that Zaku that tried to fight me...I wonder how the actual exams are going to be..."
However, before things can escalate any further, the double doors at the end of the room suddenly fly open. Stepping through them, was a man that had a scar on his face, and a Konoha forehead protector wrapped around his bald head.
The guy looked at each of them, showing an intimidating expression on his face.
This man was the proctor, Ibiki Morino, and behind him, a few Chunin followed out.
The man looked between each of them, he was attempting to intimidate a few people by looks alone.
"So, these are the ones taking the exam? Alright, line up everyone, and you'll be sat in your arranged seats."
Ryouta looked towards the others, who began moving, so he did as well.
Following what the Chunin and Ibiki said, they sat down in different seats.
He wasn't sat by anyone he knew, apart from Ino who was sat on his right. He was also sat closer to the back, along with Ino with only one row of seats behind them.
There was also the man with the straw hat sat on his left. As soon as Ryouta saw him, the man got super close to him, to the point that it felt rather uncomfortable.
The man's neck also seemed to be unnaturally long.
"Looks like we're next to each other for the exams. Lets do our best, right?"
Ryouta glanced at him, and merely nods, as Ino gives a creeped out expression.
"Who the heck is that guy Ryou-kun?"
She whispered, Ryouta shrugged.
"Dunno, met him a few days ago, but I didn't get his name."
Upon saying that, as if he had heard, the man held out his hand.
"My names Shiore, sorry for not introducing myself. What's your name?"
"...Ryouta."
Ryouta replied, he got bad vibes from this person.
Ino couldn't even speak at all.
"Nice to meet you Ryouta-kun, lets do our best~"
Ryouta saw how uncomfortably close he was, so he pulled closer to Ino, not that she was complaining about that.
Ryouta then looked around at the others.
He saw that none of the teams were together.
Hinata and Naruko sat near one another right at the front, Sakura was sat close to Temari on the third row, Gaara was sat directly behind Ryouta on the last row, and he could feel the girls burning eyes, Ryouta also saw Kabuto was sat with Satsuki who was towards the middle rows.
Other members of the Konoha group were scattered around. Ryouta noticed Lee sat on the far left, with Tenten sitting quite close to Satsuki, but not right next to her. Neji was right near the back, on the same row as Ryouta, but was sat towards the left hand end while Ryouta was more in the middle.
While pieces of paper were beginning to be given out, Ibiki speaks up towards them.
"First of all, as you can see, the first part of the exams is a written test."
Naruko pales.
She wasn't good with writing and exams of this nature.
She wanted to go and fight.
Ryouta wondered what the purpose of this would be as he briefly looked at the questions that were given.
Ibiki continued.
"Now for the rules...no asking questions." Speaking directly and with a cold tone, some people winced. "The teams you're in, their scores will be added up at the end of the exam to see which teams pass. There will be Chunin stationed lined up at the sides of the room watching, and catching any cheaters."
True to his word, there were a number of Chunin sat down on chairs, and overlooked the class.
While looking, Ryouta saw Shiore move his neck very close to Ryouta.
"How scary, they're making it super tough. I don't do well on exams, what about you Ryouta-kun?"
"Eh...I do pretty well on exams...these questions might be quite challenging though."
"Exactly, maybe we'll luck out and go forward together."
Ryouta didn't know if he wanted that.
Ibiki however continued on, his expression showcasing how scary he was attempting to be.
"If you're caught five times, then you, and your team are all disqualified. There will be ten questions asked. The last question will be shown towards the end of the exam. You have an hour to complete the exam. The test begins...now!"
As soon as he said it, each person began to knuckle down.
Ryouta looked over his test, and saw the questions, as did Ino.
Ino cringed at the sight of them, while Ryouta read them quietly to himself.
Naruko looked at the first question, and paled.
She didn't know what to do.
Satsuki also looked, and hummed.
Sakura on the other hand took a pencil and began writing on the papers.
"These questions are really tough. Though I always scored well on written exams like this, Naruko on the other hand...what if she doesn't do well? Satsuki should score above average, and hopefully I can get all of my answers right...but, this is a team based score. Maybe...if we score excellent, Naruko's scores wouldn't matter..."
As Sakura thought about it, she began doing her best in her exams.
Ryouta and the others looked at their own exams, and most people began to understand what was going on.
Ryouta figured it out pretty quickly as did Satsuki.
Haku wasn't far behind, neither was Karin or Ino.
Even Neji, Gaara and her team also figured out what was going on.
"So, this test is to gather information without being caught. I thought that this wouldn't be a simple written exam. Alright, so what would be the best way for me to gather information...I wonder if my team will...no, I'm sure Haku-chan is smart enough to know it if I do, and Karin-chan is also very smart, she knows what's what...though Naruko-chan, I hope that she can figure it out..."
As Ryouta thought about it, he saw Kankuro stand up, and go towards the door.
Speaking to a Chunin, Kankuro left for the bathroom with what seemed to be a Chunin following him.
Shaking his head, Ryouta glanced at Ino, who was clutching her hands tightly, as she looked around.
Ryouta then activated his Sharingan, and saw a candidate who had written a good amount of answers.
His eyes went towards his own, as he subtly got his attention without making it obvious it was him doing it.
As the man turned, his eyes briefly locked with Ryouta's own, who cast a Genjutsu on him.
The Genjutsu compelled the man to hold up his paper to reveal his answers.
Once satisfied Ryouta had gotten enough, he released the Genjutsu and left the man confused on what had just happened.
"There we go. Thanks Shi-chan for helping me use my Sharingan in such a manner, it seems to have come in handy here. I hope the others are doing well..."
As Ryouta was doing that, the others began getting to work on their own.
Gaara from behind Ryouta, blows some sand that was clutched in her hand towards someone's eyes, and irritates the eyes just enough for Gaara to form another eye high up in the air, nearing the ceiling, and thanks to being distracted, Gaara was able to get the information she needed.
Satsuki used her Sharingan to look around.
"Where's one that's going to give me the answers..."
When she saw someone before her writing quickly, so she used her eyes to mimic their pencil movements, and therefore write down the answers.
As Satsuki was doing that, Kankuro came back into the room, and began going towards his seat. Before he made it, he bypassed his sister Temari, and hands her a small scroll so subtly that most didn't notice.
Kankuro had used his puppets to help him out. By making one look like a Chunin proctor, he was able to gather intelligence, then due to him going to the bathroom, he got the information from his puppet, wrote it down and then passed it onto his sister.
Haku figured out the exam quickly, so she used her Ice Release to form very small mirrors. Using the reflective surfaces to her advantage and by positioning the ice mirrors in perfect places for those looking out to not see her cheating, she was able to gather intelligence and answers for herself.
"Now that I've got my answers, I wonder how the others are going to be getting on? Ryou-kun should be fine...I think Karin-san would also be fine with gathering intelligence, it is one of her specialties thanks to her power. As for the others...I don't know what's going to happen."
As Haku thought about it, she glanced towards Naruko, seeing that she was gripping her head. It was clear to Haku that Naruko wasn't sure on what to do. It seemed that she hadn't figured out the idea of the exam was to cheat.
From on top of Kiba's head, his dog companion Akamaru began to bark, Kiba smirked as he thought "Thanks buddy." by using his dog to read the answers, and Kiba could understand his dog, allowed him to cheat in that way.
Shino was doing something similar, but less obvious, by using his insects, he could gain the answers from those who already have answers done. Shino quietly wrote down the answers, as Ino looked around.
She could see that there were a few people that she could attempt to use her power on. But, at the same time, she could see that she kept getting interrupted when she was going to do it. The place she was sat didn't make it ideal for her to use her hands to aim since there was a proctor looking right towards her, unaware that Shiore was in fact making it difficult, partly for his own fun, and partly to see a certain someone's reaction to it.
"What the hell…? They keep turning towards me, they aren't doing that with the others. Why aren't they doing that? Do they think I'm going to cheat above everyone else? It doesn't make sense to me. At this rate, I wont be able to pass the exam..."
As Ino was worrying, Tenten was using wires to adjust the flaps of a ceiling lamp high up, reflecting the other answers to herself.
"Okay with mine done, now it's time for Lee..."
Once doing her own, she then got Lee's attention, and used the same method to give him the answers.
"Thank you Tenten! Your youth is always so powerful!"
Lee mentally called, as he quickly wrote down the answers.
"Alright...we have to cheat, so if I use my sensing and focus on someone's hand movements, with the chakra there...maybe, just maybe I'd be able to read their pencil movements, and write down my answers...okay then~"
Karin closes her eyes, and concentrates. Though it was new for her to focus on a simple hand, she did her best, and after finding the right person to do so, she began writing down the answers as quickly as she could do.
Neji placed his fingers together, and silently activated his Byakugan. With veins protruding around his eyes, he used his Byakugan to see right through the body of another candidate, and read their answers.
Dosu who was sat close by to Ryouta, listened to the patterns of sound when a candidate was close by writing his answers, and deciphers what was being written with that alone.
As Hinata was doing her own exam, she saw that Naruko was panicking.
She wasn't able to do a single question.
Worried for her friend, Hinata shyly pushed her paper towards her, trying her best for others not to see.
"N-Naruko-chan...you can...copy off mine..."
Naruko looked at Hinata, and saw her serious face.
She truly was going to allow her…
But, Naruko knew she couldn't.
If she did, then Hinata could be caught and she didn't want anything to happen to Hinata either, so she offered a small smile.
"No...it's okay, I don't want you to get in trouble for me...I-I might be able to...pass the last question..."
Hinata thinks that Naruko was rather kind in thinking of her.
But did wish for her friend to pass.
But she could also see that Naruko wasn't going to copy off her test, so she pulled her hand back along with her paper, and simply continues doing the exam, every so often looked towards Naruko who kept having her hand shake.
As time passed by, Ino was becoming more and more convinced that there was someone out to get her, and she was partly right.
Someone was blocking her attempts, purely for amusement purposes, someone that was sat very close by.
Ryouta noticed Ino's worrying several times.
He wanted to help her, but not make it so obvious.
He wrote a note underneath the table, and casually allowed his arm to hang down.
Ino felt his hand brushing against her own.
She blushed lightly, only to feel something entering her hand.
Ryouta pulled his hand back up, and turned his neck, while she looked at what she got, the note.
She opened it up, and saw it simply say "Use your Mind Body Switch Jutsu on me, and get my answers." which caused Ino to blink rapidly.
She glanced towards Ryouta, then she began to smile.
Placing her hands together, she focused her Jutsu, and then whispered "Mind Body Switch Jutsu..." and shot her spiritual energy towards Ryouta, hitting him square on, and allowed Ino to take control over his body.
Her eyes went down and looked at her now male body. She glanced at her body and saw that her head was hanging down, appearing as if she was either concentrating or asleep, it would be difficult to tell.
Shiore saw what had happened, and the fact that Ryouta had done that for Ino, caused him to smirk silently.
Ino herself was quite enjoying the new experience she was having.
"Ooh, so this is Ryou-kun's body up close like this huh...aah, he's so nice helping me like this. He didn't want to me fail...hehe, thank you Ryou-kun~"
Ino looked down at Ryouta's answers, and mentally thanked the young man.
But then saw Shiore looking towards her in Ryouta's form. A smile appeared on his face, a creepy smile, but Ino didn't know what it meant, Shiore however was having a good time, stopping Ino and seeing how Ryouta would respond, a certain kind of small test that Shiore was giving, and was delighted by the results of them in his own way.
Ino mentally cringed at the sight, as she released the Jutsu.
Ryouta comes to his senses, and sees Ino giving him an appreciating look.
He returned the smile, but then looked down at his own paper so no one else noticed.
Ino also saw this chance to write the answers down and then gave them to both Shikamaru and Choji. The former, Ryouta was surprised needed them, since he knew Shikamaru was very smart, though he was also lazy.
Time came and went, and eventually, forty five minutes went by. Naruko hadn't written a thing, Hinata felt worried for her friend, and wished that she had taken some answers from her. She didn't want Naruko to fail.
Ryouta and some others that could see Naruko panicking were also worried.
Sakura was worried for her teammate, and just prayed that her and Satsuki's answers could carry them forward.
Just then, Ibiki gets everyone's attention by clapping his hands together.
"Now, it's time for the tenth and final question." He began, as his words became more ominous. "However, there is one special rule for this question. Anyone that fails this question, will not only be disqualified from the exam, but you'll never be able to take the Chunin Exams ever again."
Ryouta looked around and saw some people gulp.
Some looked naturally worried.
At this point, Naruko truly was nervous, and wasn't sure what to do.
"Anyone that doesn't wish to answer, may leave. Though if you decide to leave, then your entire team fails also."
With that ultimatum, it was clear to some like Haku and Ryouta how the exam was going, what Ibiki was trying to accomplish with this. Ryouta had to admit that it was a difficult choice, and he could see many buckling under the pressure.
It was a difficult situation for most to be in, and for some, they couldn't take it, raising their hands, and showed that they wished to leave.
Allowing them to do so, they left the room quietly, while Naruko looks down at her paper, with nothing there. And then she thought about the tenth and final question, knowing that she might not even be able to pass the tenth question.
Ryouta looked between Haku and Karin. Haku seemed to have no intentions of leaving, and neither did Karin. Ryouta himself was ready to take the question head on, and if his teammates also felt the same, then they were going to do their best.
Sakura on the other hand looked towards Naruko, and internally felt immense worry for her.
"Naruko...I'm not sure she'll be able to get the tenth question. She's looked nervous through the entire exam so far. But, she wont give up either. She wouldn't do that for both Satsuki and myself. But, if she does answer, she'll doom herself to always be a Genin, she wont be able to become Hokage...for Naruko, maybe I should give up. Satsuki might not like it...but Naruko wouldn't have to be doomed to live as a Genin forever, and there's always next time..."
Sakura, wanting to show kindness for her teammate, and support her teammate, wanted to give up for her sake. Even if she knew Satsuki wouldn't be pleased.
Shaking her head, she began to lift her hand up…
When Naruko suddenly stood tall, and slammed her hand down onto the table.
Sakura paused as Naruko looked directly ahead at Ibiki.
"I wont back down! Even if this question is super hard! Even if I fail here, and remain a Genin! I'll become Hokage somehow! Believe it!"
While the logic was a bit off for some, Ryouta could see that her announcement had caused others to pause in their own leaving. Inspired by the confidence that Naruko was giving out, nobody else made a move, and sat firmly down.
Ryouta could see that Satsuki looked happy that Naruko didn't give in, the same for Sakura, who clutched her hands together. Hinata smiled towards Naruko, as did Haku. Karin blinked rapidly, before folding her arms, and simply nods a single time. Ryouta then chuckles ever so slightly, he expected Naruko wouldn't back down.
Ibiki looked around, seeing each determined face.
He was surprised that Naruko's outburst had caused them all to stop.
"So, is everyone staying for the tenth question?"
He asked once more.
No one made an effort to leave.
Upon seeing that, Ibiki lets out a small chuckle.
"I see...then everyone passes."
Most peoples jaws hit the floor, and exclaim loudly "WHAT!?" as some others simply lean back, and folded their arms, or generally just appeared happy that they managed to pass the exams in the first place.
"W-Wait! Wait! What about the tenth question!? What was it?"
Naruko asked Ibiki who shows a surprising smile as he continues.
"The first nine questions were to test your information gathering skills. The test was designed so you could cheat five times before failing. Most seemed to pick up on that rather quickly." Naruko looked shocked, while Hinata giggled awkwardly. "But, the tenth question was different. It was to test to see if you have determination and bravery."
"So...does that mean the first nine questions were...invalid?"
Sakura asks, Ibiki shakes his head.
"No, that is also important to become a Chunin. However, the tenth question was to see if you had the determination and bravery to face the unknown. By staying, each of you have good minds to become Chunin and..."
As he was speaking, the window suddenly flies open and reveals a banner that says "Anko, Second Proctor." written across it.
Ryouta, Haku and Karin all let out small breaths as Anko herself appears in a twirl.
Landing firmly on the ground, Anko's eyes look between each of the Genin that were around.
She caught the sight of her group, and she began to laugh.
"Hahaha, I knew it, my adorable team passed the exams. With flying colours no doubt."
"Anko, I wasn't actually finished."
Anko's eyes swiftly go back towards Ibiki who was sweat dropping.
"I'm surprised Ibiki, you've left so many here."
"We've got tough ones this year."
Ibiki replied with a strong tone.
Anko shrugs, and then turns back to the others.
"We'll see about that."
Ibiki knew what she was thinking.
What was going to happen next.
Anko then smacks her lips together energetically.
"Now that you've got the test out of the way, it's time to follow me. Because we're moving straight onto the second exam." No one made a move, so Anko giggled sweetly, but also kind of intimidatingly. "Maybe you all didn't hear, it's time to move everyone! Now!"
Besides Ryouta, Karin and Haku who were used to it, most winced at her, and quickly took to their feet to follow Anko out of the room. As she walked by them, Anko gave each of her students a "Good work, but don't falter now." to which each of them began to nod their heads, and followed their Sensei out.
As they did, Ino rushed Ryouta, and hugged around his neck, while also kissing his cheek, showing the girls that liked Ryouta, the boy himself also blushed as she did kiss his cheek.
"Thank you, Ryou-kun. It was really sweet."
"N...No problem."
Ino winked, and walked out together with Ryouta, Sakura and Satsuki looked at one another.
"She's a fast one."
Satsuki murmured, Sakura cracked her neck side to side.
"Yeah..."
Satsuki and Sakura slowly nod at the other, as if they had some kind of private conversation between them, as they left together with the others.
After they leave, Ibiki picks up Naruko's exam paper, looks it over, and began to laugh when realizing that Naruko didn't answer even a single question, and the fact that he passed her, it truly was something that made him happy.
But now with the first exam out of the way, it was time for the second exam.
The exam, that was going to prove more challenging than the last one.
End chapter!
So, we've done the first exam! The remaining civilian members of the Uchiha came to wish Satsuki and Ryouta luck, with Mikoto also offering her own encouraging words. Neji showed back up, and seems quite concentrated on Ryouta. Orochimaru, disguised as Shiore is also beginning to make waves, and having his own twisted kind of fun. Gaara's also seemingly feeling unsure of what to make of her interactions from Ryouta, and tried to find out in her own way, though Pakura managed to stop her before she attacked Satsuki, Naruko and Sakura. Team Dosu also showed up, Zaku being impulsive tried to attack, but Ryouta quickly shut him down, only for Zosui to show up, and ignite worry within Karin.
Both Haku and Ryouta have some suspicions on Kabuto, who's trying to keep calm. The Genin used various ways to gather information. Then at the end of the first exam, with the final question looming, each held their ground and managed to pass the exam, in Naruko's case not even answering a single question!
Then at the end, Anko showed up, being her usual self, and now they'll be going to the Forest of Death...that's going to be quite the ride~
Well, until next time, thanks for reding!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi,