Chapter 9 Preliminaries

Naruto after going to the resting room, he then opens up the quest as it was mark completed

Quest: Passing the 2nd Exam complete

Reward: 1000000 XP

Key to the forest of Death

Naruto then inspects the key as it reads:

Item: Key to the forest of Death

Rank: B+

Type: Key

The Key that sends you to the Forest of Death. Where that many demons beast resides and also the resident of the forest as well

"Forest of Death residents? There's actually someone who lives in there?" Asked Naruto. In the end, after he heard of the gathering he puts the key to inventory as he goes to the gathering.

At the Hokage Tower, Anko report about her encounter with Orochimaru

"He was injured?!" Said Sarutobi surprised

"Yes, Hokage-sama… When I encounter him, he was injured quite badly. Judging from his wounds, it seems his assailant using some sort of short sword or a dagger." Said Anko

'Short sword or dagger? Wasn't that the same as Kakashi report at Wave?' Though Sarutobi

"Hokage-sama? Was there someone in our village using a weapon like that?" Asked Anko

"Not much but yes. But the persons I could think of remotely capable is Kakashi or my son Asuma. But when you tell the Examinator report to me, both of them take a break at the hot spring from what I know. Even if they did a mad dash, there's no way they can reach Orochimaru in time before you." Said Sarutobi

"Then does that mean… there is another intruder beside Orochimaru?" Asked Anko

"Most likely so… this is truly a problem." Said Sarutobi massaging his forehead

"Then what should we do Hokage-sama? Shall we cancel the exam?" Asked Anko

"No… You heard Orochimaru said, the instant we tried to, he will attack and we don't know how many are in his force. Right now, we need to buy some time and then all available Jonin will keep a lookout for anyone suspicious." Said Sarutobi

"Understood…" Said Anko

"Hokage-sama. All of the contestants are here." Said a Chunin

"I see… let us go and meet them." Said Sarutobi as they go to the field

At the field, 21 teams had gathered.

'I did say I was going to cut them in half. But to think there are actually still this many…' Though Anko

"Your students are quite lucky Kakashi. I wonder can they last against my students? But still… a little heartbreak won't hurt, right?" Said Gai

"Huh… Oh sorry, Gai. Did you say something?" Asked Kakashi

'Kuh… Very good Kakashi. But you won't be able to act cool much longer…' Though Gai

'Garra uninjured. As expected.' Though Baki

'Akamaru is acting weird.' Though Kurenai

'To think… the major of survivors is the rookie. It's no wonder the jonin recommended them. But Naruto…' Though Sarutobi as he looks at Naruto. Iruka already told him about what happened and also the written test too. He needs to keep an eye on Naruto…

(Skipped the speech and to the fight. Too long winded)

First match: Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akado (Sasuke wins)

Second match: Zaku Abumi vs Shino Aburame (Shino wins)

Third match: Tsurugi Misumi vs Kankuro (Kankuro wins)

Fourth match: Sakura Haruno vs Ino Yamanaka (Long double KO fight)

Fifth match: Tenten vs Temari (Temari wins)

Sixth match: Shikamaru Nara vs Kin Tsuchi (Shikamaru wins)

Seventh match: Kiba Inuzuka vs Garra

"Proctor. I forfeit." Said Kiba holding his hand up

'Kiba?' Though Kurenai

'Wise move Kiba.' Though Shino

Garra getting impatient as he crossing his arm tightly.

"Then the winner of the seventh match is Garra." Said Hayate as he moves on to the next match

Eighth match: Naruto Uzumaki vs Rock Lee

"YES! It's finally my turn! Please watch me Gai-sensei." Said Lee excited as he jumps down

Naruto chuckled at Lee antic as he also jumps down as well.

"So… are you going to bring out your dagger?" Asked Kurama

'Love to but no. The old man is watching over me like a hawk so I can't reveal much.' Though Naruto as like he thought, Sarutobi keeping a close eye to Naruto

"You do realize you won't be able to hide for long right?" Asked Kurama

'I know. But at least after I did that job changing quest first.' Though Naruto

"Suit yourself." Said Kurama

"Alright… are both of you ready?" Asked Hayate. Seeing both nodded as he then said: "Then begin!" as he back off

"Forgive me Naruto-kun. But I will have to defeat you here so I can fight my rival Neji." Said Lee

"… Can I asked you something?" Asked Naruto unfazed

"Yes… what is it?" Asked Lee

"Why do all of you so fixable to the name Uchiha and Hyuuga so much? I mean… they are just names, it's not like the one who had that name are automatically strong?" Asked Naruto confuse

At the stand, Neji glaring at Naruto as he realized that Naruto is actually talking down to his clan

"You shouldn't say that Naruto-kun. Those two clans are famous to produce genius. Which is why Neji is my target." Said Lee

"And what about me Lee? Do you see me as a target as well?" Asked Naruto

Lee looks away at that as it was quite hard to answer that question. But Gai answers it for him…

"Your student is good Kakashi. But against my cute Lee, he won't stand a chance." Said Gai

"We'll see…" Said Kakashi as he pays close attention to the fight

'I have to agree with Gai, Kakashi. Not only this Lee is an experience senior but Naruto also a dead last as well.' Though Kurenai

"I see…" Said Naruto smiling as he shaking his head.

"I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I will make this quick…" Said Lee as he dashes at Naruto as Naruto put his hand on his pouch.

Lee stopped as he thought: 'Is he going to bring out a weapon?'

But to his shocked and the other, all Naruto brings out is a book as he flipping the page. Seeing everyone attention on him, he then said: "What are you waiting for Lee? Attack me?"

"Yeah… but why would you bring that out?" Asked Lee pointing at the book

"Oh this… I'm just curious about what happened next. Don't worry, it's not like it gonna make any difference with you are now." Said Naruto uncaring

"That idiot… Does he think he can win against Lee-san?" Asked Ino

"Maybe he gave up…" Said Chouji

"I won't be too sure…" Said Shikamaru

Lee then dashes to Naruto behind him as he delivers a kick but Naruto uses one hand to block. A sweep kick as Naruto jumps up, a punch to Naruto face as he dodges…

This happened for a while as Naruto keeps on reading as he said: "Wait seriously… the culprit is not the assistant?"

"Fight me seriously Naruto-kun!" Said Lee

"Why would I when you didn't do the same?" Asked Naruto

Lee then charges in with a punch as Naruto appeared behind Lee with a very familiar handsigh.

'He won't do that, would he?' Though Kakashi

"TAUGHT BY KAKASHI-SENSEI. KONOHA SURPREME TAIJUTSU: ONE THOUSAND YEAR OF DEATH!" Said Naruto poking at Lee ass with fast speed as Lee holding his ass rocketing up as Naruto goes back reading.

"… You taught him that?" Asked Gai

"I didn't…" Said Kakashi raising his hand up

Lee slowly standing up as he holding his ass. Naruto then said: "You are up already? Sasuke when receiving the end of that technique wasn't able to stand up for a few minutes."

Ino heard that horror at the thought of her Sasuke-kun got… violated.

"Fight me seriously Naruto-kun! This is a battle." Said Lee

And in an instance, Naruto hit Lee by the cheek sending him flying.

"You think you have the right asking me that when you did not even take me seriously? Honestly… All I heard about Uchiha this, Hyuuga that making me wonder shouldn't you buffoon of a village built a freaking shrine for them?" Asked Naruto

"W-What do you mean?" Asked Lee holding his cheek standing up

"You and the other in this room already making the worst mistake… Underestimate your opponent, you all didn't bother to 'look the underneath the underneath'. You think just because I'm not an Uchiha nor Hyuuga thus you think that I'm an easy target. I'm warning you Lee if you don't come with me with all of your power…." Said Naruto trail off

"You will die…" Said another Naruto behind Lee holding a kunai

Lee skids back shocked as he thought: 'W-When did he…?'

"A Shadow Clone? But still… what is this jutsu performance speed?" Asked Gai shocked

"That's why I told you. There are many things you don't know about Naruto so I suggest you all get rid of the thought about Naruto being a dead last now." Said Kakashi

"I see… Lee takes them off." Said Gai

"But Gai-sensei… I thought you said that is only for an emergency." Said Lee

"I'll make this an exception!" Said Gai

Lee then cried out happy as he removing the weight on his legs. He dropping the both of them down causing a large explosion

'Isn't that a bit much Gai?' Though Kakashi

"Now Lee… explode!" Said Gai

"Yes sir!" Said Lee as he speeds up

Naruto who already put the book away as he said: "Well… I guess this is acceptable." As he brought his hand blocking Lee punch

Lee starts picking up his speed as so does Naruto as the two clashing each other with high speed.

"W-What the?! Since when the dobe so good?!" Said Kiba shocked

"I trained Lee for months in order to reach his level now. And your student is a Genin just recently…" Said Gai turns to Kakashi

"What did you teach him?" Asked Asuma

"Honestly… I taught him chakra control only. This is quite new to me." Said Kakashi

'Does that mean Naruto had been hiding his strength all along?' Though Sarutobi

Back to the fight, Lee and Naruto skids back as he looks at Naruto thought: 'Our speed is basically the same. That means I need Lotus.'

Lee starts to remove his bandage as Gai said: "Lee… are you intend to use that?"

'Forgive me Gai-sensei. But for an opponent like Naruto-kun, I have to use it.' Though Lee as he speeds up at Naruto to kick up but Naruto disappeared as he grabbing Lee leg

"Too naïve!" Said Naruto as lifts up Lee as he throws him straight to the wall.

"If your opponent is fast as you, that level of technique won't work at all." Said Naruto

Lee looks at Naruto panting as Naruto said: "Oi don't tell me you are out of steam already?"

"Not even close Naruto-kun!" Said Lee starting to feel excited as he standing up proudly "After all… the hidden Lotus bloom twice."

'Hidden Lotus bloom twice?' Though Naruto

"Gai… don't tell me you…" Said Kakashi looks at Gai who nodded

"I don't know how the kid means to you… but that was too far. The 'Reverse Lotus' is not something to be taught lightly." Said Kakashi

"What would you know Kakashi?! The child wants to prove his ninja way more than anything! I just want to help him to achieve that dream. Is that so wrong?" Asked Gai

"Third Gate: Open" Said Lee as his skin turn red

Warning: Target HP and Defense drop -30% in exchange for Attack and Speed +30%

'Oi Kurama. Give me your chakra.' Though Naruto

"Why is that?" Asked Kurama

'I need to speed up a little bit. I need your chakra as camouflage.' Though Naruto

"You and your secret…" Said Kurama as his chakra flows out

At the outside, Kurama chakra starts to flows out of his body shocking the Jonin.

'This is… Kyuubi chakra? When did he learn how to tap on it?' Though Sarutobi

"Kakashi… isn't that?" Asked Asuma

"Yeah…" Said Kakashi lifting his Sharingan

"But isn't this dangerous?" Asked Kurenai

"Let's watch for a while first…" Said Kakashi

"Fourth Gate: Open!" Said Lee as he crouched down as he then dashes to Naruto

Warning: Target HP and Defense drop -40% in exchange for Attack and Speed +40%

Naruto immediately counter Lee fist as the two then speeding up clashing all over the battlefield

"I-Is this Naruto? How did he get so strong?" Asked Sakura shocked

"The wind is too strong…" Said Chouji

"This is troublesome…" Said Shikamaru

"This can't be real… Are you saying this is Naruto of all people?!" Said Ino grabbing her head shocked

"This is bullshit! I tell you!" Said Kiba refuses to believe

"Jealous is unbecoming of you Kiba." Said Shino

"Who was jealous?!" Retort Kiba

"Hokage-sama. Didn't his file say he was a dead last?" Asked Anko

"Yes… and I think I'll have to get rid of the old report about him later." Said Sarutobi shocked but happy for Naruto to grow so strong

"Kankuro… is this what Garra meant?" Asked Temari as Kankuro still shocked

"I told you so…" Said Garra shaking with excitement

After many clashing, the two skid back as Lee said: "You are amazing Naruto-kun. I'm starting to think you are the true Rookie of the Year instead of Sasuke-kun."

"But this end here. Fifth Gate: Open!" Said Lee

Warning: Target HP and Defense drop -50% in exchange for Attack and Speed +50%

"I see you are intending to finish this. Then how about we do one last strike?" Asked Naruto coating his fist with Kurama Chakra

"Yes… Let's!" Said Lee as the two on standby

All the onlookers couldn't help but paying full attention to the fight. And then… Naruto and Lee scream out as they charge in with their fist clash.

The two fists collided as the force was too strong as the shockwave cracking the video screen and was blowing the onlookers strongly that they have to cover their face.

After the wave died out, they seeing Lee is now on the ground as Naruto waving his hand said: "I have to admit… you hit hard Lee."

"H-How are you so strong?" Asked Lee trying to stand up but no avail

"Well… the first reason is probably I had to meet the Shinigami face to face for so many times I could count." Said Naruto with a faraway look

"But the second reason is that I have someone that I wish to protect. That's why I want to be strong." Said Naruto smiling

"Is it… Sakura-san?" Asked Lee

"No." Said Naruto

'Could it be… that girl from before? She did mention a name… 'Reimu' was it?' Though Kakashi

'Naruto is still Naruto huh?' Though Sarutobi shaking his head smile at that

"So Lee… It's not that you are weak. It just you didn't find someone that you wish to protect even if it's cost your life." Said Naruto

"But… I like Sakura-san." Said Lee

"That's a crush. Not love. Took me a long time to figure that out though…" Said Naruto chuckling "The point is… unless you can find someone like that, you won't get stronger at all."

Naruto walks up to the stair as Hayate announce: "The winner is Naruto Uzumaki."

'Love huh?' Though Lee as he smiling 'You are an interesting person… Naruto-kun' as he falls unconscious.

The medic then escort him to the infirmary as Gai appeared beside them as he asked: "How is he?"

"Few broken bones. But he will be fine after resting. That's mean… no extreme training Gai-san." Said the medic

"Ah yes…" Said Gai glad at the fact his student is going to be okay.

'Love? Is that what makes you strong… Naruto Uzumaki?' Though Garra gripping his arm tightly

Naruto walking back to the team as he takes out his book and read again ignoring the stare.

"Oi Forehead… just who is he talking about?" Asked Ino motions at Naruto

"Before the Exam, I had seen him taking a foreigner girl on a date. Back then, I thought that girl is Naruto's date but she then said another girl name… which is 'Reimu'. And before you asked, no I don't know who is that either." Said Sakura

"So… does that mean he gave up on you?" Asked Ino chuckling

"Shut it Ino-pig!" Said Sakura

'Hinata…' Though Kurenai seeing her student tremble

Ninth match: Hinata Hyuuga vs Neji Hyuuga

"Proctor. Hinata wishes to withdraw." Said Kurenai 'Hinata right now is in shock so she can't face someone like that at all.'

"Hmph… As expected of a weakling." Said Neji as then KI were aimed at him. Neji starts to sweat as he looks for the source but he didn't found anyone at all as Naruto just refocus back to his book.

Tenth match: Chouji Akamichi vs Dosu (Dosu wins)

'It's over.' Though Hayate

'At last… the final.' Though Sarutobi

"Alright… as of now, the Preliminaries is now complete. Contestants won the match please step forward." Said Hayate

After that, Sarutobi then steps up and said: "As you all know, you will conduct your final round battle in front of everyone. Each of you representing your village so we want you to exhibit and fully showcase your talent. And thus… the final will be one month from now."

'One month? Perfect. I finally got the chance to do that job changing quest! I need to pack too when I get back.' Though Naruto zone out what Sarutobi said

"And now, there is one last thing you all need to do before the final." Said Sarutobi

"One last thing?" Asked Shikamaru

"In the box that Anko is now carrying will be slips of paper inside. Each of you will take one." Said Sarutobi

After everyone draws, Sarutobi said: "Alright. Each of you read the number you just draw."

"8" Dosu

"1" Naruto

"7" Temari

"5" Kankuro

"3" Garra

"9" Shikamaru

"2" Neji

"6" Shino

"And the Uchiha will be 4." Said Ibiki

"Good. So now, I will reveal the match order." Said Sarutobi

"What? So that is what the drawing for?!" Said Shikamaru as Naruto raises his eyebrow

The match order was showed to the Genin as Sarutobi said: "Now then… it's time for you all to plan your strategies, rest up or train. Dismiss… Except for you Naruto."

Naruto looks surprised at the sudden request as he follows the old man

At the Hokage Tower:

"So what is it, old man?" Asked Naruto

"Well… I want to congratulate you for winning your match Naruto. I have to say, you surprised all of us there." Said Sarutobi

"Could you get to the point old man? I need to train for the final." Said Naruto

"Ah yes… I would like to ask that do you have any plan for this month?" Asked Sarutobi

"You could say so…" Said Naruto

"Then can you tell me about it?" Asked Sarutobi

"… No." Said Naruto

"Why is that Naruto? Don't you trust me?" Asked Sarutobi

"Yeah… trust someone who keeps the biggest secret of my life." Said Naruto with sarcasm

"So you do know…" Said Sarutobi

"Of course! Didn't you see I was using the fox Chakra on my match?" Asked Naruto

"Yes… and I want to ask who taught you to use it?" Asked Sarutobi

"No one taught me. You should know by now that no one bothers to teach me at all." Said Naruto

Sarutobi cringed at that word. Sarutobi then said: "Naruto. I know you are angry, but I did it so you could enjoy your childhood."

"And? Is my childhood normal at the begin with?" Asked Naruto looks at Sarutobi

Sarutobi could only breath out with his pipe with a heavy heart. He truly did anything to make sure Naruto had a safe childhood but it seems that didn't work out at all as Naruto grows distrust to him.

"I'm truly sorry my boy. I truly did my best." Said Sarutobi

"DON'T… give me that speech. This is why I have no longer want to be Hokage anymore. What's the point proving myself to the people that want me dead?" Asked Naruto angry

"Naruto… if you can give them a chance, I'm sure they would…" Said Sarutobi

"CHANCE?! THEN WHAT ABOUT MY CHANCE TO LIVE AS A NORMAL KID HUH?! I DON'T GIVE A FUCK TO THOSE VILLAGERS. THEY CAN TAKE THAT CHANCE AND SHOVED IT!" Shout Naruto angry

"You… and the Yondaime are a fool. You want to entrust my safety to the human heart. Did you think after that night, they will just say 'Okay… Naruto is the hero' and moves on? If so… then you are not a fool… YOU TWO ARE A BUNCH OF NAIVE IDIOTS IS MORE LIKE IT!" Said Naruto angry

The more Naruto lashed out on him, the more Sarutobi heart felt like piercing through by such cold, harsh word.

"I won't bother to hate the villagers since this is a natural response of human. But you… I don't think I can forgive you at all Hokage-sama." Said Naruto walking out of the room

Sarutobi could only look at Yondaime portrait as he mumbled: "What am I going to do now Minato?"

Done. The next chapter will be the job changing quest. And still waiting for the last result of who will watch Naruto match at the Final?