Jiraiya walked around the hideout with Ranmaru on his back, looking around and smiling as people went by. The tall Sannin had finally got Ranmaru out of his shell, and now the boy acted friendly with everyone, with the exception of the one who killed Raiga: Hana. The boy wasn't too talkative around Konan either, due to the fact she played a huge roll in taking out the swordsmen. Still, Jiraiya had shown nothing but kindness towards the boy. Jiraiya was the only one Ranmaru really felt comfortable talking with, and as such was usually carried on the man's back all day around the hideout.
"Jiraiya-sama," Ranmaru spoke. The white haired man turned his head with a curious look on his face. "I'm hungry…"
"Alright, let's stop and get something to eat kiddo." Ranmaru smiled then nodded as the tall Sannin walked towards the place's makeshift café. Jiraiya's eyes softened a bit as he looked up. 'I wonder how Naruto is doing…?'
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Neji and Kiba were groaning as they tried to pry Yahiko's hands away from Naruto's throat. "YOU IDIOT! YOU WERE OUT LATE WITH A GIRL FROM KONOHA? WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU? ANSWER!"
"Maybe if he could breath he'd answer," Neji shouted. Yahiko growled then removed his hands then huffed. Neji and Kiba both sighed with relief while Naruto was panting quickly to catch his breath. 'Why am I always the voice of reason around here…?'
"Sheesh, why the hell did you freak out that badly sensei," Kiba asked.
"Because we're supposed to be undercover, not getting dates with enemy shinobi!"
"Come on," Naruto coughed, rubbing his now red throat. "Sakura isn't like that. She's nice and she showed me around the village a bit, except those restricted areas…"
"Then what's the point of hanging around her!" Naruto rubbed the back of his head then chuckled. Yahiko rolled his eyes, "Naruto, what do you think is going to happen when she finds out you're a rogue? Or after we leave and you never talk to her again?"
"I dunno," Naruto muttered. "I like her though, and she's fun. Plus her uncle knows about my father, so maybe I can get some information out of-," Yahiko shot forward, staring directly into Naruto's eyes, a finger poking the boy in the chest.
"He knows WHO!"
"My dad," Naruto asked. "Minato Namikaze…that famous Yellow Flash guy…"
"NARUTO! You look exactly like your dad! What do you think will happen if her uncle sees you?" The blonde's brow furrowed a bit then a look of realization came across his face.
"Oh…"
"Yeah, so that's bad for us! No more seeing this girl!"
"That's not fair," Naruto snapped. "Thanks to her I can show you where there are restricted areas you can sneak into so you can get info!" Yahiko opened his mouth, and left it open, unable to think of a reply. "Yeah, take that! Besides, what else am I supposed to do during the next few weeks until the Exams start?"
"I hate you," Yahiko seethed. "Under no circumstances are you to meet her uncle or anyone else who might've known your father! Who's her sensei?"
"I didn't ask," Naruto admitted.
"Avoid her sensei too! Or any other adults she knows!"
"Yeah, that won't seem suspicious," Kiba muttered. "Why don't we just go with him next time? We can make sure that Naruto doesn't do anything stupid and make sure that in nine months there won't be any new babies with a thirteen year old father." Naruto growled at Kiba who simply laughed at his friend.
"That sounds like a fair idea," Neji said. "You know Naruto will just go on this date anyway, even if he has to sneak out. If Kiba and I go at least someone is keeping an eye on him."
"That's why I don't want you two to come," Naruto replied.
"They're going," Yahiko stated. "Because Neji has a point and because I want to see you suffer…" The orange haired shinobi got up then walked to his room, slamming the door behind him.
"Sorry boss, we gotta ruin your quality time," Kiba teased. Naruto rolled his eyes at Kiba's attempt at a joke then walked into his room.
The day came to an end. Nighttime fell upon the village. The Hokage, Danzo, walked in the tunnels of his underground chambers with three of his most loyal ninjas following behind him. "Have the troops made it to the Land of Waves yet," Danzo asked.
"They should have," Orochimaru replied with a sneer on his face. "It took my team and I less than two days to get there."
"Ha," Guy exclaimed. "Lee and I could get there in less than ONE day!"
"But not with lazy boy and chubby with you," Orochimaru shot back with a small chuckle.
"Enough," Danzo stopped and slammed the tip of his cane into the floor. The other three froze and looked at Danzo. "I want confirmation. You told the troops to send a message back once the arrived correct?"
"Yes lord Danzo." The Hokage and his officers continued forward.
"And how are the Chunin Exams coming along," Danzo asked, turning to Kakashi.
"I assure you that Sasuke Uchiha will be ready for the Exams, and he will pass with flying colors."
"You know, if Sasuke fails I could always give him a curse mark," Orochimaru stated. Danzo's eye moved over to the Sannin, sensing the sinister edge in his tone.
"Your curse marks aren't safe for every single person," Danzo bluntly stated. "That damned mark has killed a few good shinobi, and fine academy students." Orochimaru crossed his arms and shrugged with a cocky grin on his face.
"I have five young students who survived the curse marks. Not only that, but when they each took the Chunin Exams, they were the only ones who passed…and survived." Orochimaru chuckled quietly, getting hardened glares from Guy and Kakashi. "Plus Anko has the curse mark as well."
"Six individuals out of nearly fifty others you brought in and killed," Danzo stated. "If you could find a way to give the curse mark to shinobi with a higher success rate, I'll risk Sasuke for such a procedure."
"I could do some testing…but I need more funding, and more test subjects. Perhaps you have some prisoners of war that I might run some tests on."
"Lord Hokage," Guy spoke, "I do not think it's wise to let this maniac run these tests. Remember when he abducted a hundred of Konoha's own babies, and ran unauthorized tests with the First Hokage's cells?"
"I delivered results," Orochimaru seethed, glaring angrily at Guy.
"Orochimaru is right," Danzo stated. "Do not worry Guy, after that Orochimaru fully knows the punishment for running tests without first running them by me first. Besides, Kakashi can attest to Yamato's strength." Kakashi nodded his head.
"Then why have we not used him in battle," Guy asked. "These rogues that attacked our outposts these past few months, even the Land of Lightning would run with fear if they knew we still had the power of the First Hokage under our belt."
"Yamato's abilities are nothing compared to the First's," Orochimaru casually stated. "They are unique, and formidable, but I'll still need to run more experiments before he can be comparable to the First. I know I'd get results faster if I could just give him a curse mark."
"Find a way to increase success results," Danzo swiftly replied. "Have we gotten word from any of our allies and contestants for the Chunin Exams?"
"Sasori is sending over his Jinchuriki and the boy's team," Orochimaru answered. "Their sensei is a man named Baki. Hanzo is sending a few teams, but he's not sure if they'll be of any worth. Onoki hasn't decided if his village will participate or not. Some of the other villages are entering their teams as well, and a few mercenary teams too."
"Kumogakure," Danzo questioned.
"Same as every year when we host: no. But, an interesting note is that the Mizukage is thinking of sending a few of his Genin over to participate."
"Curious…either they wish to discuss the Land of Waves takeover, or Yagura finally wishes to discuss an alliance."
"Should we plan for the worse," Kakashi asked. Danzo nodded once, then stopped in front of a pair of metal doors then turned around.
"Kakashi, Guy, you two may leave." The two Jonin bowed their heads then turned and walked away. Danzo looked at Orochimaru, then turned and opened the metal doors. The two walked into a room that looked like an operating room. Danzo pulled down his shirt, showing his right arm that looked like wood and was covered with Sharingan eyes.
"Any complications," Orochimaru asked, walking over to a counter.
"None yet," Danzo replied, lying down on the operating table. Orochimaru turned around, wearing a pair of rubber gloves, an operating gown, and having a mask covering his mouth. "What have you been experimenting with lately? I haven't gotten any new reports from you."
"I'm working mainly on the curse marks," Orochimaru replied, lifting up Danzo's arm. "I've been checking in with Yamato in regularly. He's making little progress on his own unfortunately. How is your other eye?"
"It still works," Danzo replied. "Are there any new developments with Yamato that could be applied to me?"
"None that would be of any worth," Orochimaru replied, setting Danzo's arm back down. "I'm going to need a small sample." Danzo nodded as Orochimaru grabbed a scalpel. The Hokage's lip twitched a bit as Orochimaru sliced off a tiny piece of skin. "I never got an answer to my request for more test subjects…"
"I don't have many prisoners to spare. As you know, we've found a way to turn enemies into allies, which is more beneficial to the village than your failed science projects." Orochimaru huffed as he observed the skin sample under a stethoscope. "I can give you a list tomorrow of prisoners you may take. It won't be that many however." Orochimaru pulled his head back, then removed the sample tray and placed it to the side.
"Perhaps…there's another system we could work out." Danzo turned his head, starring at the snake curiously. "The Chunin Exams…many Genin from various villages die. If I were to find a few of these dying Genin before they actually bit the dust and saved them…"
"Just be sure to keep it under wraps," Danzo stated. "The last thing I need is some child seeing your abilities and surviving. If word got out that I allowed one of the Legendary Sannin to enter the Forest of Death during the Chunin Exams…"
"I'm well aware of the risks," Orochimaru replied quietly. "The treatment seems to be working well. Your cells are mixing quite splendidly with the First Hokage's cells, and all the Sharingan seem to be working just fine as well."
"Good," Danzo murmured, sitting up on the table. "When the day comes to invade the Land of Lightning, I will be able to lead my forces on the frontlines…"
"When is that day to come exactly," Orochimaru questioned. "If we can't convince Yagura to join us, then he'll undoubtedly join the Raikage. Both Kumogakure and Kirigakure are both very formidable military powers respectively. Even with our alliances, it will be quite a fight. And that's assuming they don't get the surrounding, smaller nations on their side as well."
"You forget Shisui's ability Orochimaru," Danzo stated. "Once Yagura is within my grasp, I'll make him join us."
"Do not forget that the Mizukage is a Jinchuriki who has control of his tailed beast. I'm not sure if a simple genjutsu, or mind manipulating jutsu will work on him. It hardly works on me."
"Have faith Orochimaru," Danzo whispered. "Before you know it, the world will be engulfed by the Wrath of Fire…and I shall rule over it all…" Orochimaru glanced back at the Hokage then dropped his gloves and mask in a trash bin.
'Not as long as you may believe old man…'
Ranmaru was restless. For some reason he couldn't sleep. The boy tossed and turned, placing his pillow over his face to try and fall asleep. He groaned and stared at the darkness surrounding the room. Ranmaru sat up then looked to the door.
"Master Jiraiya…master Jiraiya are you there?" The boy waited then sighed to himself. What were the chances he'd be waiting anyway? The door creaked a bit, causing Ranmaru's head to snap up. A young lady with long black hair poked her head in.
"Excuse me," she said, "but were you calling for someone?" Ranmaru blushed then looked down.
"Um…I'm sorry, I was calling for master Jiraiya…" The young woman entered the room then lit a lantern to provide light.
"You're that Ranmaru boy right?" The cripple nodded. "I've heard of you. You got here just a day or two before Zabuza-sama and I." Ranmaru looked up with a confused look. He had heard of Zabuza, even before joining these rebels. He had heard it from Raiga. Zabuza was another member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, a group which Raiga hated. The young woman sat down on the side of the bed and smiled. "I'm Haku. It's nice to finally meet you."
"It's um…nice to meet you too," Ranmaru muttered.
"Why were you calling for master Jiraiya?"
"I um…couldn't sleep. I was hoping he could walk me around the place and talk. His stories sometimes put me to sleep."
Haku hummed, "I could walk you around. If you're okay with it that is. I wasn't doing anything besides walking around anyway."
"Um…o-okay, if you're sure Haku-chan." The black haired woman laughed then put Ranmaru's pouch on her back.
"I'm a boy." Ranmaru's eyes popped open and his jaw dropped with disbelief.
Ranmaru was staring at empty space as Haku walked aimlessly through the halls of the underground hideout. Ranmaru glanced at the boy then turned his gaze back forward. "So, you're an ally of the Demon of the Mist?" Haku gave a surprised look back at the boy, but only smiled and looked back forward.
"Yes I am. I'm surprised you knew who he was."
"I use to be Raiga Kurosuki's partner," Ranmaru replied quietly. "He was one of the Seven Swordsmen like Zabuza…"
"I've heard of Raiga," Haku stated with a soft tone. "Zabuza said he was a very skilled shinobi, but didn't have any other kind things to say about him."
"Raiga was the same way," Ranmaru said with a small chuckle. "He hated every member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist."
"That's kind of how Zabuza is. He didn't like many of them, but he respected a few of them for their abilities. He didn't really like a few who had swords that were more special than the person, like Kisame Hoshigaki." Ranmaru's eyes hardened a bit.
"Raiga spoke of him…he hated Kisame the most…"
"Same with Zabuza," Haku nodded. "Zabuza said that Kisame's sword is the only reason Kisame is so powerful. Zabuza said that without that sword, Kisame has very few talents of his own. Apparently, Kisame's sword takes an opponent's chakra and gives it to him to increase his own power. That's why Kisame has so much chakra, and is so strong."
"Did he feel that way about Raiga too," Ranmaru asked. Haku turned his head with a curious look on his face. "Raiga's swords produced, controlled, and even summoned lightning. Raiga's main source of power came from his swords too."
"No, I'm…not sure actually. When he spoke of Raiga it didn't sound like he hated him as much as Kisame. When Zabuza spoke of Kisame it was nothing besides anger and hatred in his tone. I may have to ask him about that next time." Ranmaru smiled then looked over his shoulder at Haku. He could feel a bond with the girly-boy, and felt safe around him, just like with Jiraiya.
"So what is Zabuza doing for the rebels exactly," Ranmaru asked.
"He's taking inventory of their weapons," Haku answered while laughing. "I swear, he's crazy about weapons. That's what he wanted to look at first was how many weapons they had. He sometimes scares me with his weapon fetish." Ranmaru started laughing at the choice of words. Haku smiled then joined Ranmaru and started laughing too.
Haku continued walking around the base for nearly an hour, both he and Ranmaru talking to each other until the latter finally drifted off to sleep. Haku made his way back to Ranmaru's room and set the boy down in bed, tucked him in, then exited quietly. Outside of the boy's room, Zabuza waited with his arms crossed.
"Yes Zabuza-sama," Haku asked.
"These guys need a lot of supplies," the swordsmen muttered. "Would you be willing to head out with a few others to get some weapons and supplies tomorrow morning?"
"Of course," Haku replied with a nod. "Who will I be going with?" Zabuza held up a piece of paper. Haku walked up and read a list of only three people, him being one of them. The other two were Shizune, Ino, and Tenten. He didn't know any of those three. "How'd they choose this group?"
"According to that Nagato guy, they picked you to get more acquainted with more people in this group. This Shizune girl was assigned because you all need an adult escort, and this Tenten is apparently knows her weapons."
"And this Ino?"
"Apparently she's becoming irritable so they're using this as an excuse to get her outside of the base for awhile." Haku rolled his eyes.
"Great, I get to deal with an angry girl…this should be fun…" Zabuza placed his hand on Haku's shoulder.
"Get some sleep kid. You'll have to wake up early tomorrow morning." Haku bowed his head a bit then walked down the hall, giving one last backwards glance over his shoulder. Zabuza watched the boy for a second before walking the opposite direction.
Time passed quickly in the village, and before anyone knew it, the day of the Chunin Exams. Yahiko escorted his students to the building where the first part of the Exams would take place. The orange haired shinobi sighed, looking around carefully to make sure they weren't being watched. Yahiko stopped in front of the fence surrounding the building, then turned to Naruto, Neji, and Kiba.
"Alright…this is it." Yahiko knelt down in front of the boys, looking each of them in the eye, except Neji, whose eyes were covered. "Just remember, at this point it doesn't matter if you win or lose," Yahiko whispered. "We've got a lot of info about the layout of the village already. Still, try to get as far as you can. You could learn a lot from the Exams alone."
"So you want us to do our best so that we can improve ourselves," Naruto questioned. "Did you hit your head Yahiko?"
"No…I just figured if you grow with the Chunin Exams, then maybe you could be more tolerable." Yahiko cracked a smirk then ruffled Naruto's hair.
"Go knock em dead kids." Yahiko walked down towards the street, the three boys turning to watch him leave.
"Alright, who's ready to flunk a test," Kiba asked with false enthusiasm. Naruto whirled his head around, eyes nearly bulging out of his head.
"Wait, like a written test!"
"That's what the first exam is," Neji replied calmly. "Come on, we'll worry about how you two can cheat off me later." The young Hyuga walked forward with his two spiky haired comrades following behind him.
As they entered the room where they were meant to take the test, Naruto and Kiba were shocked to see how many other shinobi there were. Most of them were a few years older and looked more like thugs and murderers rather than Genin. Without fear, Neji walked forward and sat down at the closest table. Naruto and Kiba swiftly followed behind him. Naruto and Kiba couldn't shake the chills they got from the entire classroom glaring at them like they had some sort of longtime grudge. Neji however pretended to remain oblivious, and frankly wasn't frightened by the other Genin in the room. Neji turned his head a bit to the right then elbowed Naruto.
"Hey, your girlfriend is coming this way," Neji whispered. Naruto blushed then looked up, seeing Sakura walking towards them. Naruto's jaw dropped a bit when he noticed Sakura's hair was now only shoulder length. Sakura sat down with Dosu and Zaku across from Naruto and his team.
"Hey guys," Sakura said. Kiba turned to Sakura's team, needing a distraction from the glaring room of Genin.
"Hey Sakura," Kiba replied quickly. "WHOA! What happened to your hair?" Naruto reached behind Neji and smacked Kiba in the back of his head. "OW! What was that for?" Sakura blushed a bit then gently touched her hair.
"My uncle suggested I should cut it for the Chunin Exams," Sakura admitted. "He said long hair is basically a distraction and could get in my way while fighting for my life."
"Yeah, but your uncle's hair is longer than yours now," Zaku exclaimed. "So he doesn't have any right to judge does he?"
"Except he replied he doesn't fight anymore, and I wanted my hair longer like his, but cutting hair is not one of Uncle Higure's strong suits." Sakura and Zaku looked over at Dosu who stared back at them.
"What, it's strange that I know how to cut hair?"
"Just a bit," Zaku bluntly replied. Dosu rolled his eye then looked at Kiba. The young Inuzuka stared back with a blank look on his face.
"You…could probably use a good comb…"
"Seriously, what is it with you and hair," Zaku snapped. "It's weird man!"
"We all have our vices!"
"And I thought yours was covering your face to look like a freaking mummy! I had no idea you were into hair styling!"
Dosu quickly shot his arm across Sakura's face, quickly flicking Zaku's cheek with the back of his hand. Zaku growled then stood up along with Dosu. The two shot their arms over Sakura's head, but were suddenly stopped. Both looked down, seeing that they were now being held in place by the annoyed Sakura.
"Sit," Sakura shouted, pulling down on their arms. The boys were jerked back down into their seats. Sakura pulled their arms towards the other, causing the boys' heads to move together as well. "DOWN!" Sakura placed her hands on the back of each boy's head, then slammed their faces into the table. The kunoichi then folded her arms across her chest as Zaku and Dosu's heads bounced off the table and fell backwards out of their seats. Naruto, Kiba, and Neji all stared with slacked jawed expressions.
Sakura looked up at them then immediately started laughing bashfully, "Sorry about that. It's just that sometimes I have to play referee with those two."
"I know exactly how you feel," Neji replied. Naruto and Kiba snapped their heads at Neji who simply smirked. "It's not an easy job." The two spiky haired boys were ready to pounce on Neji, but the young Hyuga quickly grabbed them by the collars of their shirts then slammed their faces into the table, just like Sakura did. The kunoichi winced a bit as Kiba and Naruto fell backwards out of their seats. "I understand what you have to go through every day."
"Are they okay," Sakura asked, leaning forward to look at them. Zaku and Dosu groaned, slowly getting back up to their seats.
"Give them a few minutes," Neji replied with a cocky smirk on his face.
Across the room, Hinata, Sasuke, and Shino entered the class. They looked around, and no other Genin dared look back at them. Hinata scanned the room, then saw a familiar head of pink hair. A sinister smirk formed across her lips as she walked towards Sakura's table with her teammates following behind her.
"Hey Sakura," Hinata called out. The pink haired kunoichi groaned and slumped forward. Neji's face hardened, immediately recognizing his cousin. Luckily she didn't recognize him, and was only focused on torturing Sakura. "Who's your friend here?"
"His name is Hizashi," Sakura muttered. "Go away Hinata."
"That's a stupid name," Hinata said, looking up at the blind boy. "He can't even see. How the hell is he gonna pass the Chunin Exams?"
"I may be blind, but I don't need to see to tell you're annoying." Sakura smirked, moving her eyes over her shoulder to look at the now ticked off Hinata. Zaku and Dosu snickered quietly, waiting to see what'd happen next.
"So what you have the cliché super hearing because you're blind or something?"
"Cliché, that's a bit of a big word for someone like you isn't it?" Hinata's eyes narrowed on Neji.
"Actually I'm the heiress of the Hyuga Clan you piece of trash. You should try showing me some respect."
"The Hyuga Clan," Neji replied with mock enthusiasm. "Aren't they famous for kissing your Hokage's ass, and in doing so replaced their honor with sheer blood thirst and ruthlessness?"
"Hardly, we're one of the most powerful clans in the world. We kiss up to no one."
"Not the way I heard it," Neji replied with a mocking tone. Hinata scowled then opened her mouth to reply, but stopped herself. The young Hyuga heiress was baffled when she laid eyes on a spiky, blonde haired, blue eyed boy climbing up from the ground. A blush immediately formed across her face as the boy sat in his chair.
"That hurt," Naruto murmured, rubbing his forehead in pain.
"Well if you'd grow up I wouldn't have to play referee between you and Fang." Naruto groaned then looked up at Hinata who was blushing furiously.
"Who's this?"
"This is Hinata Hyuga," Neji replied, throwing his hand out. "She's the heiress to the Hyuga Clan." Naruto's eyes widened with shock. He put two and two together on the one-sided relationship they had.
"Why don't y-you introduce me," Hinata suggested. Sasuke and Shino looked at Hinata then at each other. Hinata never tripped over her words.
"If I tell you his name will you leave," Neji asked.
"Not a chance," Hinata replied, boldly walking around the table and towards the blonde. "With a hunk like this why would I walk away?" Neji and Sakura's faces twisted with disgusted while Naruto simply looked at Hinata awkwardly. "What's your name?"
"I uh…I'm Ryu," Naruto answered.
"Now that's a nice name," Hinata said as she placed a hand on Naruto's chest. "Fierce…strong."
The blonde started to blush with embarrassment before looking towards Sakura. He was expecting her to be angry, disgusted, or (hopefully) jealous. Sakura was neither of these things. Instead, the kunoichi had a hand over her mouth to keep herself from dying with laughter. To her, the sight of the proud, arrogant, bitchy, and stern Hinata Hyuga flirting like a schoolgirl with ANYONE was a once in a lifetime spectacle to behold. Naruto looked back at Hinata, growing increasingly uneasy.
"You know, being the heiress to a powerful clan, I can choose whomever I want to be my spouse." Neji quickly moved his hand over his mouth to keep laughter from escaping. Sakura's face was already red as she looked over at the brunette then up at the flirting Hyuga.
"Uh—I-I'm flattered, really, but I uh…I'm uh…I'm already engaged!" Neji's head snapped around and Sakura's jaw dropped. Naruto immediately regretted his spur-of-the-moment idea. Hinata glared at Naruto, trying to figure out if he was lying or not.
"Really?"
"Yep, I'm betrothed to a girl back home," Naruto lied, trying to keep a straight face.
"And you won't dump her for me? The heiress to the Hyuga Clan, and the HOTTEST girl in all of Konoha?"
"Sorry, but I love my fiancé too much," Naruto replied slowly, trying not to trip over his words. Hinata rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
"Alright, but just remember. You could have all of this." Hinata turned and walked away with a bewildered Sasuke and Shino following behind her. Naruto heaved forward as he let out a prolonged sigh.
"Engaged huh," Neji replied, unable to fight the smirk that rested on his face. Sakura looked at the blind Genin then up at Naruto.
"I couldn't think of anything else to say," the blonde whispered. "It just sort of…came out."
"So…you're not engaged," Sakura questioned.
"Good god no," Naruto exclaimed. "I just wanted the creeper to get away from me." Sakura giggled as she felt an overwhelming feeling of relief wash over her.
"That was perhaps the funniest thing I have ever seen," Zaku finally said. The boy was watching Hinata's team walking away before turning around. "You blind-guy, completely told her off, and you, Sakura's boyfriend, completely rejected her!" Sakura immediately punched Zaku in the arm. "OW, what was that for?"
"He is not my boyfriend!"
"Uh huh, sure," Dosu murmured.
"It's okay," Neji replied. "We tease Ryu about Sakura being his girlfriend all the time."
"She's not my girlfriend," Naruto snapped, unable to contain the blush on his face.
"Listen up maggots!" All heads snapped towards the front of the room. There was a man with scars all over his face, and cold eyes that seemed to bore through everyone in the room at once. "I am Ibiki and I will be your proctor for the first part of the Chunin Exams! So everyone listen up, I'm only gonna say this once…"
Ugh, sorry for not updating in so long. I just started college last week, and my Naruto related inspiration hasn't been at its highest recently. Sorry if the story seems kinda slow, but at the moment I'm just sort of working on building everyone's relationships more or less.I'm thinking of skipping the written exams and just jumping forward to the Forest of Death. Feel free to leave your opinions in the form of a review.
Also I'm open to constructive criticism as well, and any idea that you all may think will improve the story.