Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Chapter Thirteen
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino stay long after Kurenai leaves, "I'm gonna go," Kiba says, breaking the silence, "A chance to become Chunin this early? I'm taking it," the Inuzuka states.
Shino stares down at the form, "I agree with Kiba. Why? This is an opportunity to gauge our skills against other Genin who will have a lot more experience than us. It's a good learning experience for everyone."
Hinata nods, "If you two are in than so am I! What better way to conquer the Chunin Exams than as a team!" Hinata says with a smile.
Kiba grins and Akamaru barks excitedly, Shino adjusts his glasses but they know he's smiling too.
"Watch out Chunin Exams, Team Eight is coming," Kiba states.
"I have to go now," Hinata says, "I'll see you two in a week?" She asks.
"Yep," Kiba says with a nod, "See you two later!" He calls over his shoulder before leaving the training ground.
Shino nods, "I'll see you soon Hinata," the Aburame leaves.
Hinata heads out of the clearing and makes her way home, but encounters a man dressed up wearing a strange hat, "You think you can attempt the Chunin Exams? You must go through me first!" He yells before charging at her.
Hinata activates her Byakugan and falls seemlessly into her stance, waiting for the perfect time, as soon as the man tries to hit her she kicks him in the face, knocking the guy off balance, and then she sends him flying with a palm to his stomach.
The man lands on the ground, before poofing into smoke, leaving a confused Hinata staring at the place he was on the ground, 'What was that?' She thinks.
Hinata stands up and deactivates her Byakugan and continues home.
She decides not to think about it and heads home, 'It must've been some type of test, considering he mentioned the Chunin Exams, that's probably why Kurenai let us out early, not only to think about our decision but to probably solidify it after encountering him.'
Hinata enters the Main House and walks to Hiashi's Office, she enters after gaining permission and bows before standing tall, she walks to his desk and places the form, which she had kept in her pocket, on the wooden surface.
"The Chunin Exams?" Hiashi asks, "Who will be participating?"
Hinata smiles, "Kiba-Kun, Shino-Kun, and I have decided to conquer the Chunin Exams together as a team."
Hiashi nods, "I understand..that's a good plan," he says, "I will sign the form for you."
Hinata beams, "Thank you father! The Chunin Exams are in a week, we have to go to room 314 at the Academy, it starts at 3," She explains.
"Neji arrived home earlier than usual today as well," Hiashi states, "I believe he might be taking the Exams as well, you should talk with him, get some extra training in with him."
Hinata nods, "That's a good idea father," she says, "I'll go look for him now."
The Heiress bows before leaving the room.
Line Break
Hinata finds Neji in the Branch House dojo practicing, "Neji-Nii-San," The older Hyuuga turns to her and bows.
"What brings you here Hinata-Sama?" Neji asks, glancing at the other Branch members who watched Hinata curiously.
"I wanted to know if you will be participating in the Chunin Exams?" Hinata asks,
"Yes, I will be," Neji's eyes widen, "Team Eight will be participating as well?"
"Yes, Kurenai-Sensei gave us the forms, we've decided to enter together as a team," Hinata says, "Will you, Tenten-Chan, and Lee-Kun enter together as well?"
Neji nods, "Yes, I believe that's the only possible way, even if our Sensei's told us it's..optional, only teams of three are able to enter, if you had chosen not to participate Inuzuka and Aburame wouldn't have been able to either."
Hinata's eyes widen slightly, "I can't believe I didn't catch onto that."
Neji rolls his eyes, "It's not common knowledge for Genin, I figured it out last year when Lee decided not to and Gai told us to think wisely about whether we want to enter, it was obvious."
Hinata sticks her tongue out, "Maybe for you," she suddenly frowns, "What if we're pitted against each other?" She asks.
Neji shrugs, "It's a distinct possibility Hinata-Sama, but you don't need to worry about that now, focus on getting ready for the Exams...not stressing over them when they haven't even begun."
Hinata nods, "Your right Neji-Nii-San, I was wondering if you wanted to train with me during the week? I'll leave you to think about it. I'm going to find Hana-Chan," she waves before leaving the dojo and heading towards her little sister's garden.
She finds Hanabi tending to her garden, as she suspected, "Hana-Chan!" She calls.
Hanabi looks up, but doesn't attack her with a hug, "I'm all dirty," she says with a pout, "I would've tackled you if I wasn't covered in dirt!"
Hinata giggles, "It's alright Hana-Chan," Hinata crouches down beside Hanabi, "How is working on your garden so far?"
"Hard work," Hanabi pouts, "I don't know how you did it."
"Mother taught me how, so I will do the same for you," Hinata says with a smile.
Hanabi beams, "Thanks Hina-Nee-Chan!...wait, why are you home so early? Don't tell me your going on another mission!" Hanabi cries.
"Nothing like that," Hinata says with a chuckle, "In fact, Team Eight will be participating in the Chunin Exams, which is much more exciting than a mission."
Hanabi looks over at her, taking a break from tending to her plants, "Along with Neji-San right? He came earlier than you if you can believe it."
"Yes, I actually talked to him before coming here," Hinata says.
Hanabi pouts, "You went to see Neji-San before me?!" The younger Hyuuga asks incredulously.
Hinata nods, "I needed to talk with him about the Chunin Exams, and ask if he wanted to train with me so I could better prepare myself for the Exams," Hinata explains.
"That's valid...I guess," Hanabi playfully glares at her, "But you owe me one now," she states.
Hinata smiles brightly, "Anything for Hana-Chan."
Hanabi nods, "Sounds about right...but for now help me out!...this isn't your favor either!"
Hinata giggles, "Of course, what do you need help with Hana-Chan?"
Line Break
Hinata heads into a weapons shop the next day, 'I need to get some new kunai and shuriken,' she thinks, looking through the different models.
"Hina-Chan!" Hinata looks up and smiles at Tenten who appeared beside her, "I wasn't expecting to see you here!"
Hinata looks back to the kunai, "I'm getting some new kunai and shuriken..." Hinata trails off seeing the starry eyed look Tenten was giving her, "Do you want to help me?"
Tenten nods excitedly and grabs a few different types of kunai and shuriken, "Let's start with your grip, we need to find the perfect ones for you."
An hour later Hinata pays for her new weapons as Tenten purchases her own, "Want to join me?" Hinata asks, "I'm visiting my friend at the Flower Shop if you want to join me."
"Sure!" Tenten replies, "I was gonna go train but I should give myself a break before I turn into my own personal Gai-Sensei."
Hinata giggles, "You train hard enough with Gai and then you train yourself even harder, that's very admirable Tenten-Chan."
Tenten shrugs, "Gai and Lee are rubbing off on me, but Neji's mentioned you do the same thing before so I guess we're both admirable than," the brunette says.
"I guess so," Hinata agrees.
Ino looks up hearing the bell, "Hina-Chan!" The blond says excitedly.
Tenten looks around, "I understand why you come here to get flowers and herbs for your garden," she states, the wide variety was impressive.
Hinata nods, "You can't go wrong with the Yamanaka Flower Shop."
Ino beams, "That's right!" She looks over at Tenten, "Are you Hina-Chan's friend?"
"Tenten, friend and teammate of her cousin," Tenten says, "And your..?"
"Ino Yamanaka," the blond says, "Are you getting anything today?" She asks Hinata.
"Not today," Hinata says, "We just came here to visit."
Ino smiles brightly, "Great! It's been slow today so seeing you automatically cheered me up!" The Yamanaka states.
Hinata flushes, "Thank you Ino-Chan, seeing you always cheers me up as well!"
The bell rings again and Shikamaru and Choji enter the shop, Shikamaru notices Hinata and nods, "Hi Hinata, it's been awhile."
Hinata smiles, "Shikamaru-Kun! Choji-Kun! It's been to long."
Shikamaru notices Tenten and nods in greeting, "We came by to check if Ino's decided to enter the Chunin Exams or not, it's a drag but me and Choji are entering," the Nara drawls.
Ino shrugs, "Are you entering?" She asks Hinata.
Hinata nods, "Team Eight is gonna conquer the Chunin Exams!"
Tenten pokes the Hyuuga's cheek, "Get ready to eat your words, Team Gai will all be Chunin by the end of the Exams."
"Oh yeah, your Neji's teammate..no wonder you looked so familiar," Choji says.
Tenten smirks, "Team Gai is by far the strongest, so don't underestimate us, it was nice meeting you all but I got some training to do," the brunette hugs Hinata before leaving.
Ino grins, "No way is Team Ten losing! We are gonna destroy the Chunin Exams!" The Yamanaka states.
"I guess that's settled," Shikamaru says with a lazy yawn, "I wonder if Team Seven is entering too."
Hinata giggles, "I'm sure they will be, Naruto-Kun for sure."
Shikamaru shrugs, "The Exams are troublesome."
Ino rolls her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, everything's either a drag or troublesome, or both."
Shikamaru yawns again, "Yep, it's a drag."
Ino groans, "Honestly, I wish you two were more productive."
Shikamaru doesn't reply, it's to troublesome for him, while Choji just snacks on his chips, unaffected by Ino.
Hinata smiles at their antics, "I guess we'll see each other soon then," the Hyuuga says.
"Yeah!" Ino says, "See you soon Hina-Chan!"
Hinata walks out of the shop and makes her way to a nearby Training Ground, planning to get some quality training in with her weapons before training later with Neji.
'Chunin Exams,' Hinata thinks, 'This'll be fun.'
To be continued...
AN: Sorry to burst your bubble Hinata but it won't be fun lol. Happy Easter y'all! I hope you all have a good day cuz y'all deserve it! I never imagined Altered would get so much attention and I'm so happy y'all continue to read and enjoy it!
*After they get the forms and are dismissed for the rest of the day Iruka, using a transformation Jutsu, tests all nine Genin deciding if they were ready or not for the Chunin Exams. I hope that part didn't confuse you.
To CrazyChimera: Hinata is still working on her Taijutsu and who better to train with than Rock Lee? I hope I do the Chunin Exams justice! Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
LB Cat: Yay!! I'm glad you love it!!! Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Splaaash-attack: Yeet! Thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
The Chunin Exams are next chapter and I'm excited! Hbu?!!? Leave your thoughts by reviewing and don't forget to Favorite and Follow!
I'll see y'all next chapter! Bye!