Naruto looked down at the scroll on his table annoyed as he wasn't sure what he was doing wrong. He read Lady Mayako's instructions completely, didn't skip one step, but still he couldn't make the storage scroll work. Frustrated the blonde thew the scroll away and packed up his Fuinjutsu set.

'Maybe the art of sealing isn't for me.' Naruto thought sadly. Ever since they had gotten back from the Land Of Bears two months ago he had been trying to teach himself the Uzumaki's great art; he wanted more than blood and a powerful eye to be his only connection to his mother's clan. Looking to the picture's the Hokage gave him that now decorated his walls the boy found his resolve and proudly exclaimed. "Don't worry mom, I'll be the greatest Uzumaki Fuinjutsu Master this world has ever seen! BELIEVE IT!"

A pounding came from the child's floor as his downstairs neighbor began banging on the ceiling with a broom. A muffled shout came right after. "Damn it Naruto, keep it down! Some of us work nights and want sleep!"

'Oops.' The boy thought scratching his head sheepishly. "Sorry Mr. Goza." Looking up at his clock Naruto decided to go ahead and head out, he had to hurry so as not to be late.

Walking down the street the blonde ignored the glares the villagers sent him as he thought about everything that had happened over the last two months. After the medical team arrived with another ANBU squad everyone immediately said their goodbyes and left. The whole way out the Leaf Shinobi could feel Cloud trailing them. Luckily they were never attacked but Kurenai explained it was probably because of a lack of orders to do so; which was the whole reason for leaving as quickly as they did. Had a messenger bird come from the Raikage to capture them at all cost before they could escape The Land Of Bears, the Leaf Shinobi would have been at a severe disadvantage with the wounded and young Genin.

Naruto had stayed in touch with Lady Mayako and it was the redhead herself that had encouraged him to try Fuinjutsu. The scrolls they managed to retrieve from the elderly Uzumaki had been a big help in that regard. His Genjutsu was also coming along nicely and he was attempting to use an actual lower tier jutsu of the Yumegan. He hadn't had much luck but that didn't discourage him any.

As for his distant family the Hokage hadn't taken long to come to a decision. Uzumaki Iseri was executed for his crimes, to many dead at his hands for old man Sarutobi to justifiably give a lighter sentence, but Shomei would be pardoned upon receiving a full ANBU evaluation; no telling exactly how long that would take though. This was decided when Iseri confessed to placing the Genjutsu after they had argued about the level of vengeance they could reasonably take upon the Nobuo Clan. Obviously Iseri wanted to murder them all in as brutal a fashion as possible while Shomei just wanted to kill Yukio. When Shomei threatened to us force to stop Iseri from harming innocent people the brother had activated the Genjutsu upon the earrings he gave his sister when she was ten. Guiding the conversation in a direction he could manipulate the Dark Puppeteer had coaxed his sister's compliance there after.

As for The Land Of Bears itself things were going good. As predicted by many the reign of Daimyo Kin'Ichi was a blessing the country had needed for some time now. He had even negotiated a much cheaper Workers / Trade Agreement with Hidden Cloud. Mayako told Naruto he had actually tried to completely break off contracts with Cloud and form a new agreement with Leaf, but old man Hokage decided not to negotiate. Such an act would cause unneeded strain between Leaf and Cloud; also, it would be in poor taste for Leaf to enter a Workers / Trade Agreement with the Land Of Bears after the downfall of Hidden Whirlpool.

Walking up towards the large compound that held the Hyuga Clan, Naruto thought about the biggest change that had occurred during the last two months; he an Hinata were officially dating. After the mission they had spent more time together, just the two of them, and it had actually been the Hyuga Heiress that initiated the first move. There Naruto was going on about ramen, and which one he liked more, when the indigo haired girl just planted her lips onto his; not that he minded. Of course the two had yet to tell anyone that they were dating, Iruka knew because Naruto needed help with planning dates; but that was it. Hinata explained she didn't want people gossiping but Naruto believed she really didn't want Hiashi Hyuga finding out; the little Jinchuriki couldn't help but see the logic in that plan. It wasn't like they wouldn't eventually tell him, Iruka suggested they mail him a nice card from their second honeymoon.

Boldly walking up to the two gate guards the blonde gave them both a big smile and asked. "High guys, is Hinata-chan ready to go or do you know? Hehehe."

The two Hyuga desperately wanted to roll their eyes but doctrine kept them from doing so; that question got old the second time the idiot asked it. "Lady Hinata should be here momentarily Uzumaki-san. Please wait patiently."

Luckily it wasn't much longer when his secret girlfriend appeared. The Jinchuriki noticed Hinata's baby sister Hanabi following. Giving the little Hyuga a smile the blonde exclaimed. "Hay Hanabi, what you doing today."

The little mischievous child just smiled wickedly and explained. "Oh nothing, just walking my big sister out to greet her 'only' male teammate."

The smile on Naruto's face became extremely fake as he hid his nervousness; the girl's attitude blared warning bells. Deciding there wasn't much he could do under the watchful eyes of the two gate guards the boy just left beside his teammate. When they were out of earshot the indigo haired girl explained nervously. "Hanabi knows w-we are d-d-dating."

"How!?" The Jinchuriki asked nervously. Thoughts of what Hiashi Hyuga would do to him running ramped in his mind.

"She found my diary." Was Hinata's dejected answer.

The young couple held hands the moment they were far enough away from Byakugan eyes. Both worried about the future and wondering exactly what they could offer Hanabi to keep silent.

…. Training Ground Three ….

Sakura sat cross legged on the ground meditating. In front of the girl existed the faint dark outline of a blur hanging in midair. This was her best attempt so far to produce the Ido Illusion connected with her telekinesis; or as the jutsu was properly called Uzumaki Born Ability: Strength Of inner Self. However, just because there wasn't much apparent didn't mean the jutsu wasn't threatening. Not one week back from the mission Mebuki had interrupted her when she had been meditating before bed and was violently shoved up against a wall. Ever since then the young pinkette had not practiced the technique around her house for fear of harming her mom.

Breaking concentration the young girl stood up frustrated. No matter how hard she delved into her psyche she could only find the faintest hints of the Ido that wants plagued her younger thought and mind. All those years of repressing the monster had worked apparently.

'Oh well." The pinkette thought. 'At least everything else in my life is going good.'

Sakura's medical training was really taking off and so was her Genjutsu. The Self Image Technique Kurenai had taught them all was really beginning to take on individual definition between her and her two teammates. The relationship between her and Mebuki was also better; the blonde woman still wanted her daughter to chose a safer profession but didn't bring it up as often.

This change slowly started the moment Sakura returned from The Land Of Bears. Naturally her mom and dad wanted to know everything that happened. As no gag-orders were given regarding any of the incidents that took place Sakura had no grounds to not tell them; plus, she figured it would sound better coming from her opposed to someone else. Mebuki freaked out when she heard there had been a battle and a Genin was grievously injured; thus tried to spin this fact to be proof she was right and Sakura should stop being a Kunoichi. Kizashi pointed out their daughter was the one that saved the boy and didn't receive an injury herself, so maybe Mebuki should have more faith in Sakura's abilities. Not long afterwards the blonde was slammed against the wall by an invisible force when she interrupted Sakura's meditation.

Glancing up Sakura saw Naruto and Hinata approaching her. Hinata had a worried look on her face while Naruto looked ready to piss his pants. Growing concerned the medic-in-training asked. "Is something wrong guys? You look like Hidden Stone just declared war or something."

When neither teammate offered up an explanation right away the pinkette became nervous. "Oh Kami, please tell me someone didn't just declare war on us!"

"No." Naruto explained quietly. Looking to his teammate he decided to ask. "Hey Sakura, hypothetically, if a boy was dating you before asking your dad for permission, and then said boy had to ask because your little sister found out and you were afraid she'd tell him, how would he take it?"

Sakura face became blank as she tried to process the very specific question. Looking between the nervous smile of her blonde teammate and the embarrassed blush of the Hyuga, the pinkette came to one startling conclusion. "Oh Naruto your so screwed."

…. Hokage Manor ….

Kurenai stood in Sarutobi's office with many other Jounin Sensei waiting for the meeting to begin. Curiously the raven haired Kunoichi wondered why they had been assembled but believed she had already guessed. It wasn't much longer before the Hokage appeared being followed by Iruka Umino. The Chunin was the same as always with his standard flake jacket and facial scar.

"Good afternoon." The old man began. "I'm sure most of you realize why you are here today, but for those that haven't, Hidden Leaf shall soon play host to the Chunin Exams."

Excited murmuring could be heard from the various Sensei. Kurenai, Kakashi, Anko, and Asuma all shared looks as they thought about their individual teams and the possible performance they could give if they were allowed to take the exams so early in their careers. The Hokage noticed the looks and asked out loud. "I say we go ahead and get the rookie teams out of the way; since that would be the most controversial issue. How about it, is there a Sensei amongst the rookies that believe their team is ready?"

Team Eight's Sensei stepped forward boldly and stated. "I am Kurenai Yuhi, Leader of Squad Eight: Genin Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, and Sakura Haruno; I nominated all three for the Chunin Exam."

Kakashi and Asuma stood forward as well and made the same bold claim themselves; however, the Snake Mistress walked forward and stated. "I am Anko Mitarashi, Leader of Squad Six: Genin Tora Fuse, Hibachi Adachi, Ami Seta; at this time I do not believe them ready as my student Hibachi Adachi hasn't fully recovered from injuries received during an earlier mission."

Sarutobi said nothing about the purplette's statement but didn't fully buy it. He had seen Hibachi's medical reports himself and they stated he was cleared for full duty three weeks ago. Granted his performance, which wasn't that great to begin with, would have declined with him taking his training slower during recovery. Possibly Anko didn't believe the boy was completely up to snuff just yet; or she could have become fearful after almost losing a student so soon. He would have to talk with her later to see which issue was the case.

Iruka, on the other hand, couldn't believe what he was hearing. Those nine Genin hadn't even been Shinobi for a full six months yet. There was no way they could possibly be ready for the Chunin Exams. Outraged he voiced his objections. "Lord Hokage, you can't possibly allow those nine rookies to participate! I taught them and can testify they couldn't possibly be ready for this."

"I think you're forgetting something Iruka." Kakashi accuses coldly. "Those Shinobi you speak of are no longer your students but are soldiers. We have a better gage of their individual abilities than you do.

"Kakashi, maybe Iruka is right about this." A black haired man sporting a bowl cut, green jumpsuit, orange leg warmers and flake jacket stated concernedly as he walked forward. "I to believed my students were ready the first time the Chunin Exams rolled around to, but held them back so they could enjoy their youth a little while longer. There's no need to make them grow up to fast."

"Is that what you really believe Guy, or are you just worried my team will beat yours?" Kakashi asked casually with a cold gleam in his one visible eye.

Guy looked offended and was about to retorted but the Hokage spoke up first. "Enough, all of you. I well allow the rookies to enter at the recommendation of their Sensei, this matter is closed." Iruka

Guy and Kakashi, along with everyone else, bowed respectfully to their leader. However, as they left the bowl cut Jounin shot his rival a challenging look. Kurenai rolled her eyes at the two grown men's childish antics thinking. 'Your both looking in the wrong direction. My team will mop the floor with both of yours.'

…. Training Ground Three ….

Sakura nervously looked between her teammates wondering who she should comfort first. Hinata was extremely pale, a stark contrast to the usual embarrassed scarlet blush she sported, but pore Naruto was actually looking green; all the pinkette had done was suggest asking Kurenai for an anti-Kenjutsu technique or two, honestly, it just slipped out.

"Boo!" Anko said appearing from nowhere alongside Kurenai.

Naruto jumped straight up in the air and screamed. "I SWEAR ALL WE'VE DONE IS KISS!"

Landing awkwardly behind his girlfriend the big hearted hero coward in fear behind her frame, until he realized it wasn't Hiashi Hyuga come to kill him. Growing embarrassed the blonde yelled. "Damn it Anko Sensei, don't do that!"

The Snake and Genjutsu Mistresses were to busy trying to make sense of the first remake to reprimand the boy for swearing. It was Kurenai that pieced it together first. "You two are dating."

Anko took exactly one nanosecond to realize how her friend was asking and exclaim. "Since when!"

"Apparently ever since we got back from The Land Of Bears." Sakura explained annoyed. "It gets better, lover boy never asked papa Hyuga for permission to date his little princess, and the baby court jester just found out the secret to get lover boy neutered."

"Translation please?" Kurenai asked feeling a headache coming on.

Hinata began taping her fingers nervously as she clarified. "My little sister Hanabi read my diary and now knows all about me and Naruto-kun."

"Oh come on!" Anko whined. "Here I was planning a wedding and now I've got a plan a funeral instead; weddings are much more fun."

Kurenai closed her eyes and took a deep breath; this was not good. Not only were the lovebirds dating without the consent of Hiashi Hyuga, but now they could potentially spend five days alone together in the Forest Of Death and central tower; of which nice warm beds where located. The Hyuga Clan Head would definitely have objections to this. Still it didn't matter either way as Hiashi could not unreasonably try and control Hinata's Genin Career just as Kurenai could not unreasonably try and control her home life.

Getting a hold of her churning emotions, as yelling wouldn't solve anything, the red eyed woman explained. "Anko, stop overreacting. Hinata, Naruto, I'm disappointed in both of you. Hiashi should have been shown the proper respect and asked before any courtship, the two of you sneaking around is unbecoming of Genin; show some spine. Sakura, stop being annoying."

"Hey, I wasn't the one smooching the little princess!" Realizing what she said the pinkette exclaimed. "Damn it, you all know what I mean!"

Ignoring the blushing medic for the moment Kurenai continued while producing three sheets of paper from inside her shirt. "I've decided to sign all three of you up for the Chunin Exam which begins tomorrow. All three of you should go home, rest up, and think long and hard about if your ready for this challenge. If you have any self doubt than I advise you to not agree to take the exams; sometimes people have died as a result. If you decide to participate than be at the academy first thing tomorrow morning with this form filled out. For now you are dismissed, well not Naruto and Hinata; I think Hiashi would like a word."

The blonde Jinchuriki gulped in terror, to afraid to even cheer at the prospect of being made Chunin. Hinata wasn't much better as she began nervously sweating at the fact she would soon face a potentially angry father. Sakura took the form and left skipping away happily; Naruto and Hinata knew she was mocking them but had no desire to protest, both were still frozen to the ground.

…. Hyuga Compound ….

Kurenai kept a firm hand on both her students' shoulders as she walked them up to the gate guards. Both adult Hyuga watched on curiously as the red eyed Jounin approached. "Is Lord Hiashi available? Me and my students need a word in private."

The guards looked fro the blonde to their heiress curiously. The older of the two stated. "Please wait here and I'll see if he's available."

Both children stood silently refusing to make eye contact with the remaining guard. Kurenai was leaning back against the wall when the older guard returned. "Lord Hiashi is in his office ma'am. Lady Hinata can show you the way."

Like marching to her own execution the young Kunoichi lead her Sensei and boyfriend to meet the Head Hyuga. It wasn't a far walk to the office, not much to see but spartan rooms and empty hallways. Coming to a double sliding door the indigo haired girl nocked quietly and waited for a response. Her heart skipped a beat when a deep voice rang out. "Enter."

Walking in everyone saw the Hyuga Lord setting behind a large polished pine desk with a worried Hanabi by his side. Kurenai took a seat between her two students and explained comely. "Lord Hiashi, these two have something they need to tell you."

Cold pale eyes focused on the young girl and then the blonde boy. Neither child wanted to look up from the floor. Deciding he had to forcibly break the silence the man inquired to his daughter with a voice full of authority. "Hinata?"

Naruto, seeing his girlfriend being signaled out by the scary man, came to her defense with a nervous stuttered response. "We ha-have b-b-b-b-b-been d-d-d-d-dating for two m-m-months sir!"

Hiashi gave the pore boy a cold harsh look. He figured this was what Kurenai wanted to discuss, but he had asked Hinata; though he had to acknowledge the boy's courage in defending his daughter when he was also petrified. Narrowing his eyes further the Hyuga Lord asked. "Exactly when were you going to tell me?"

At this the little Jinchuriki's eyes fell to the floor, he didn't want Hiashi to read his face and know the truth; he had no intention of ever having this conversation at any point in the foreseeable future. He wouldn't even be having it right now if Kurenai wasn't making him.

Hiashi just sighed exasperatedly and asked. "Who initiated the courtship? Was it you Naruto, or my daughter?"

The boy started to answer but Hinata beat him to it. "I k-k-kissed N-N-Naruto-kun first f-f-father." Taking a moment to gather her thoughts the heiress continued. "We were talking about things like we always do, having lunch, and it just happened. I didn't plan it or anything."

Hiashi studied his daughter closely without showing emotion. He remembered a similar speech Hitomi once gave her own father; first and only time the Hyuga Clan Head had honestly been terrified of a Side Branch Hyuga, and began secretly growing nervous; his late wife was showing herself more and more in their oldest child with each passing day. He held out hope that Naruto would proof to be an honorable and respectable young man, but the image of Minato behind Kushina bent over the Hokage Desk would not leave the front of Hiashi's mind. 'It's like a slow burning flame on track to hit a patch of combustible oil; going sweet and slow until it explodes with a fiery passion. At this rate I might be a grandfather before Hanabi joins the academy.'

Looking to Kurenai Yuhi the man asked her. "What do you think of all this?"

"Well Lord Hiashi, I think both children have been a positive influence on each other and shall continue to help one another grow; as children, adults, and Shinobi. I don't see any reason they can't date, and well even give my own personal guarantee that Naruto Uzumaki well conduct himself as a proper young gentleman whenever with Lady Hinata." The Jounin explained while shooting her male student a murderous look. Blue eyes briefly met red before turning away fearfully.

'Your glaring at the wrong one.' Hiashi thought sardonically. Giving the matter some thought the clan head decided to try and keep some control of the situation by letting them court, this seemed better than saying 'no' and having both children continuing to go behind his back in a forbidden secret affair; just sounded like a badly written 'Make Out Paradise'. "Very well, I'll allow you both to continue this relationship, under proper supervision of course. I've already received word from Lord Hokage that Team Eight was recommended for the Chunin Exams but don't think there could possibly be a problem during the event."

Both children looked up shocked and relieved by the man's answer. Hiashi face however showed curiosity. "Why did you decide to tell me now anyways?" Looking to there Sensei he continued. "Did you catch them kissing before training Kurenai?"

"No." The raven haired woman explained with mirth shining in her eyes. "Apparently your youngest little imp read Hinata's diary and was holding it over her head as blackmail."

Now it was Hanabi's turn to gulp. She never planned on doing anything really mean with the information, maybe get some candy out of the deal but not much else, and she definitely had no plans whatsoever of telling her father; she knew what usually happened to the messenger carrying bad news.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention Kurenai Yuhi, and thank you for having the confidence in my daughter to recommend her for the Chunin Exams."

"Thanks are not necessary Lord Hiashi, I never would have kept something like this from a parent." The Jounin explained. "Plus, if not for Hinata's hard work and dedication to her Kunoichi Career I never would have recommended her for the exams; the credit completely goes to her."

Hiashi stood up and came round the desk to hug his oldest. Naruto looked on happily until the older man shot him a look so cold it could freeze blood. Hinata, who had her arms wrapped tight around her father's middle said. "Thank you daddy. I'll do all in my power to uphold our family honor and name."

"I know you will Hinata." The man stated never taking his eyes off the frightened blonde while slowly stating. "Somehow, I just know."

Kurenai and Naruto quickly bowed and left with Hinata escorting them out. Hiashi turned to his youngest sternly. "Hanabi, I understand curiosity is a natural part of childhood, and now I also understand why you wanted to be here for this meeting, but reading your sister's diary is unacceptable."

"Yes father." The small girl said ashamed. "It won't happen again."

"Good, see that it doesn't." The Hyuga Clan Head stated sharply. The young brunette waited for a moment to see if there was anything else and headed for the the door. "Oh Hanabi," Hiashi called last minute. "Where exactly does Hinata keep her diary." The little girl turned shocked at her father's question. "I'm only curious." He stated with a straight face.

Outside the gate Kurenai said goodbye to Hinata as she and Naruto walked a little ways away from the eavesdropping guards. Giving her blonde student a smile the raven haired woman stated. "Well that wasn't so bad, at least I can tell Anko to start planning the wedding again since the funeral is off."

"Hehehe." Naruto laughed embarrassed while scratching his head. "I'm glade that's over. See you Kurenai Sensei, I promised Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon I'd play with them today; so I need to go find them. Luckily it won't be to hard with my Yumegan."

The woman watched the boy in fox print wraps run off across the rooftops while thinking amused. 'Naruto, a roll model for our village's impressionable young youth; oh the horror.'

…. Leaf Village ….

Sakura walked happily down the street with no real destination in mind. Since they were let go early she really didn't know what to do. Going home and spending time with her parents wasn't very appealing; Mebuki had eased up with her complaining, not stopped.

Looking up the pinkette saw her friend/rival Ino approaching in her standard purple top, skirt, and white wrap outfit. She was staring down nervously at a form similar to the one Sakura had folded up in her tool kit. The ponytail blonde noticed Sakura and schooled her worried face into a mask of smugness. "Well if it isn't Billboard Brow."

'Great.' Sakura thought annoyed. 'Ino is feeling insecure and is hoping I won't notice; so hides behind a cocky mask.'

"You got nominated for the Chunin Exams to?" The pinkette asked in hopes of destroying the blonde's façade.

Ino faltered for a second but recovered quickly; only those that knew her well would have spotted the momentary slip. "Yeah, what's it to you? Can't believe your Sensei nominated you or anyone on your team. You guys are probably the weakest of the rookie Genin."

The pinkette didn't rise to the bate. Sakura knew her rival/friend well enough to understand this was the way she cooped with stressful situations, act like nothing was wrong until the anxiety became to great to hide with a fake mask. She had done this song and dance with Ino a few times now and knew patience was the only solution. If you gave the blonde a target to attack then she would use this excuse to forget her worries, at least for awhile.

However, before the dam of emotions could burst forward, Ino's face showed confusion and amusement as she asked. "Ah, Sakura, what's that following you?"

Turning the medic-in-training saw what appeared to be a perfectly rectangular rock crawling down the street. Groaning she began mumbling about annoying little Naruto wannabes. Running up quickly she kicked the box hard causing a small explosion of gunpowder to go off. Three kids appeared in the smoke coughing hard and wearing goggles on their heads; just like the pinkette's blonde teammate had done while in the academy.

"To much gunpowder." The apparent leader, Konohamaru Sarutobi, coughed out.

"What do you want brat!?" Sakura exclaimed annoyed, they had gotten a lot of dust and dirt all over her clothes.

The three kids looked up scared at the angry Kunoichi. They had all met a few times already thanks to Naruto. The kids hung out with their friend whenever possible which meant a few interactions between his two Kunoichi teammates; they always got along. Moegi seemed to notice they messed up the older girl's cloths but the two boys didn't.

"What's gotten into you Sakura?" Konohamaru asked annoyed. "We were just looking for Naruto when we saw you. Thought it would be a good test run for out disguise."

"Disguise!?" The angry girl screeched while brushing dirt form her rose petal covered wrap shirt. "You call that a disguise!? It's so lame I wouldn't even call it a joke! Honestly, who ever heard of a square boulder crawling down the street!?"

"We're sorry Sakura." The little orange haired girl explained apologetically. "We didn't mean to use that much gunpowder. We were also hoping you knew were big brother Naruto was."

"Big brother Naruto?" Ino asked confused.

"Oh yeah, guys this is Ino Yamanaka, an old friend of mine from the academy. Ino, met the little nincompoops, the self dubbed Konohamaru Ninja Squad, Konohamaru Sarutobi, Moegi Kazamatsuri, and Udon Ise. You see those goggles on their heads, Look familiar?"

The ponytailed blonde started giggling and exclaimed. "Oh that's so cute! They look just like Naruto when he was in the academy!"

All three kids proudly stuck out their chests while adjusting their googles to set straight. Konohamaru took the lead and explained. "Yep, big brother Naruto is our hero."

"Well, I believe right now your great blonde knucklehead idol is begging Hiashi Hyuga to not kill him. Apparently, he's been dating Hinata for the last two months and didn't tell anyone." Sakura explained smiling.

Ino's eyes lit up with the gossip; however, before she could ask any questions the honorable grandson beat her to it. "Yeah, we kind of already knew that."

Both older girls looked down shocked and Udon explained. "We found them kissing once behind Ichiraku's."

"Yeah, big sis Hinata is really sweet." Moegi threw in smiling.

Sakura was annoyed. "You three nimrods knew and never told me! Why the hell not!?"

"Why would we tell you!?" Konohamaru asked growing tired of the pinkette's insults and attitude. "All you'd have done is announce it on your billboard sized forehead!"

The moment the words left his mouth the little brunette knew he was in trouble. Not only was Sakura still annoyed about her shirt but now he had also insulted her. The look in the pinkette's green eyes promised absolute pain and suffering. With a gulp the young boy began running with an angry Kunoichi hot on his hills. Moegi, Udon, and Ino followed right behind trying to catch Sakura before she planted pore Konohamaru in the ground face first.

The chase didn't last long. Konohamaru speed around a corner blindly and ran smack into the back leg of an older boy wearing a black cat-like onesie with purple makeup on his face. The cat themed kid spun angrily and grabbed the young boy by his collar and hoisted him up to his face. Threatening he asked. "What's the big idea brat?"

"Kankuro enough." A tall dark blonde with four even ponytail scoffed. She wore a light purple long sleeved mine skirt that buttoned down the right side and a fish net shirt underneath. Around her neck was a Sand Village Headband, the same one embedded in the cat boy's cap. An odd rectangular medal weapon on her back. "He will be hear soon and won't like the fact you've drawn attention to yourself."

"Just a moment Temari, this won't take long. Just going to teach this brat kid a lesson." Kankuro explained angrily. The small boy began flailing around trying to escape.

"Hey, let him go." Sakura exclaimed angrily as she walked up. Temari and Kankuro gave her a dismissive look over and ignored the pinkette.

Ino and the remaining two of the Konohamaru Ninja Corpse came up behind the pinkette to see what was happening. The ponytail blonde looked on nervously wondering what to do when a rock came from nowhere to cut the back of the Sand Genin's hand; releasing Konohamaru. The small boy sat on the ground looking up in fear as a voice rang out from a nearby tree. "I don't know what two Sand Village Genin are doing in my home village but you're acting rather stupid."

Everyone turned to look up and observed Sasuke Uchiha casually tossing a rock up and down. Konohamaru, seeing they were distracted, made to run but Kankuro grabbed him again. Before he could pick the small child back up he froze as cold steal registered across his throat. Temari looked at her frozen in fear brother's face concerned and asked. "What's wrong with you"

Everyone who noticed the change became shocked when Naruto slowly materialized from midair with a cold look in his icy blue eyes; the casually smile on his lips was off putting as hell when you considered he was holding a kunai to Kankuro's throat. "That, my friend, would be a bad idea. Not many people attack the Third Hokage's grandson and live to talk about it."

Temari leaped backwards and began reaching for her weapon, when an even colder voice registered from Sasuke's tree. The Uchiha Prodigy, already trying to figure out how Naruto managed to sneak his way in without detection, turned shocked to see a small redhead with a large gourd strapped to his back hanging from underneath a tree branch next to him; his Sand Village Headband acting as the strap to hold the gourd in place. His blueish green eyes glared down at his teammates coldly as he stated. "If you keep embarrassing the Sand Village I'll kill you." Everyone in the vicinity knew he meant it.

The redhead swirled away in a cloud of sand to appear in between his two teammates. Sasuke jumped down to stand in between the younger kids and two Leaf Kunoichi. The smallest Sand Genin turned to Naruto and asked. "Can you please let my brother go."

"Yeah sure, the moment he lets go of Konohamaru." To emphasize his point he pressed the blade tighter. Kankuro quickly let the small boy go how them quickly ran behind Sasuke's leg, the closes safe spot he could find. Naruto kunai disappeared in a puff of smoke signaling it was only a replication. The taller boy instantly put some distance between himself and the blue eyed blonde while rubbing his neck.

"Gaara." The redhead said walking up to Sasuke with his hand extended.

The raven haired boy shook it and stated. "Sasuke Uchiha, nice to met you."

"I apologize for my teammates, guess their both on edge." Gaara explained with almost now emotion or facial expression. "We are here to participate in the Chunin Exams."

"Maybe we'll see you there." Naruto explained happily walking up. "Me and my team has also been nominated."

"Perhaps we will…" Gaara petered out.

"Oh, sorry, Naruto Uzumaki." The blonde boy explained happily.

"Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, I look forward to fighting you in the exams." With that Gaara grabbed his teammates and led them away.

Everyone gathered around the blonde and raven haired boys excitedly. Konohamaru hugged his big brother figure and exclaimed. "That was awesome Naruto! You came out of nowhere! Can you teach me how to do that!? Please, please, please."

The Jinchuriki rolled his eyes at the little kids annoying antics. Sasuke watched them curiously as he wondered just how his old classmate managed to sneak up on Kankuro so effectively that no one detected him. Sakura approached her teammate smiling. "Perfect timing idiot. Didn't know how we were going to get the brat away from the bully."

"Don't think you would have had any problems. They seemed afraid of their smallest teammate; he was here already when I showed up." Naruto explained offhandedly.

Sasuke began to fume. 'He directed that Gaara guy even when I couldn't! Dame it Naruto, how strong have you become?"

"Sasuke-kun!" Ino screeched as she finally realized this was a golden opportunity to lavish her true love with attention and praise. Batting her eyes flirtatiously she spoke sweetly. "You were so brave and cool, even with rocks you're the strongest guy around!"

"Hey, back off Ino-pig, he's mine!" Sakura screamed angrily. She and Ino got up in each other's faces as Naruto led the three kids away. No need for them to see two experienced Kunoichi acting like complete idiots; they might get the wrong impression about Kunoichi in general. Sasuke realized the two were completely distracted and used the opportunity to sneak away.

Off in the distance three Genin were watching all that happened. One was a boy covered in bandages with only his left eye visible, a headband featuring a sound note on his forehead, white long sleeved overcoat that covered his hands, a camouflaged scarf covering his neck and matching paints on his legs, with a mane of white fluffy fur covering his back. His only male teammate wore the same headband over his forehead with side head guards covering his cheeks, beige shirt over longer sleeved tight black shirt, and the same camouflaged scarf and paints as the first boy. The only Kunoichi of the group was dressed almost identical to the second boy, except she had no side face coverings and her shirt was sleeveless; she instead wore tight black forearm guards.

"Well what do you think Dosu?" The taller boy asked his mummy themed teammate. "Any threats to worry about?"

"Not sure Zaku." Was the boys dark reply. "Seems the smallest Sand Genin and that Uchiha could be problematic, but that blonde was to hard to figure out from this distance. What do you think Kin?"

The girl smirked when her teammate addressed her. "I'm not worried, Genjutsu is my specialty after all. That blonde idiot would never see me coming till it was to late."

"Really." A surprised voice asked from behind the three Sound Genin. They all turned surprised to she the very blonde they were discussing casually leaning on the far wall of the rooftop. Sarcastically he spoke. "Guess I better watch my back then."

The Sound Genin made no reply other than their defensive looks and stances. Naruto continued relaxed while mocking. "I'm guessing you guys are also here for the Chunin Exams. Though I'm wondering why you're sneaking around the village like clumsy amateur assassins."

"Sorry, just curious about the possible competition." Dosu said in his best joking manner. "You understand I'm sure, otherwise why would you be here talking to us."

Cold blue eyes judged the potential threat closely. Not seeing anything at the moment to concerning the Shadow Clone vanished to send its memories back to the real Naruto. The Sound Genin looked on curiously at this wondering what just happened. Dosu let out a dark chuckle. "Things are finally starting to get interesting."