One Month After Returning

Since returning from their mission, it became common for Kakashi to give his students Ninjutsu scrolls tailored to the affinities of his students. He also ensured Sasuke and Naruto got water walking down. Naturally, the team got plenty of D rank missions.

Naruto

After the mission to the Land of Waves, Naruto recommitted himself to training with his new style. Every morning he was at the training grounds fighting his clones and working hard to learn his Jutsus. He just wanted to ensure that he kept up with the talent of his teammates.

Hinata

Hinata had been greatly affected by the mission to the Land of Waves. She now knew her teammates were some of the hardest workers out there, so she worked hard to hammer out her Gentle Fist Style, Taijutsu learned from her friends, and the Ninjutsu from Kakashi.

Sasuke

Sasuke now knew his team wasn't going to slow him down. If anything, thinking that had slowed himself down. He now took every scroll Kakashi gave him and worked to master them. Naturally, he worked to fully realize his Sharingan and improving his Taijutsu.

Daichi

Daichi was more motivated to train as well. He always knew this team had talent and/or potential. Seeing it firsthand hand made him train harder. His Taijutsu and Kenjutsu training was only augmented by Fusion Clone knowledge and Ninjutsu scrolls.

He even began working on his own Taijutsu style. He may not have been able to make clones of Zabuza or Kakashi, he was limited for now, but Haku was another story allowing him access to Ice Style. Of course, he only had it when his Haku fusion clone was out.

Hyuga Compound: Tea Shop

"That really happened to my dad?" Daichi asked, laughing his butt off.

Hiashi had just finished telling Daichi about the time Hagane had been mistaken as a pervert. His father had seen the Toad Sage spying on some woman and attempted to confront him. The woman heard him and came to investigate. The Sage had gotten out of there, but his father had been left to the wraith of those women.

"I'm quite serious." Hiashi stated with a slight smile. "Fortunately, your mother was already engaged to your father and in the village by this point. She knew her fiancé wasn't a pervert and was able to convince the other women of this."

Daichi nodded before looking at the Hyuga leader. "Hiashi, mom never told me how it all went down. How did they meet and how did dad get Nadeshiko Village to agree to letting her live here?"

"Ah, that story." Hiashi smiled. "As you are aware, Nadeshiko is a village of Kunochi. They govern everything while the male Shinobi live in a small village outside of the main village. They're treated well enough and the women they marry are quite beautiful.

Your mother was of age to head out and find herself a man. Your father was one of the first Shinobi she faced. He won. Your mother was quite set in her village's ways. She wanted him to come back to her village and marry her; however, he wanted to remain a Konoha Shinobi.

He wanted an equal relationship with the woman he loved." He chuckled. "Of course, he just had to fall in love with her at first sight. Anyways, they argued until coming to an agreement. One month. If she fell in love with him, they had to live in Konoha.

If she didn't, he would live in Nadeshiko. At the time, this was merrily the process her village went through to maintain their Kunochi population. In that month, he expressed his love for her, and since you're here, you can see how she ended up feeling."

"Wow, so mom ended up wanting an equal marriage." Daichi nodded. "Well, I'm glad she wanted to live with dad.

"Indeed." Hiashi nodded. "I won't say it was an easy road, but your father could often make even the most impossible outcomes possible. You may very well have inherited that from him."

Daichi looked at his cup. "How come mom never told me this story?"

"When they found out they were having a child, they agreed to tell you when you were chasing after your own love." Hiashi informed. "A story of love winning. They thought it would inspire their child to not give up if things became difficult on their own road."

"Why did you tell me this now?" Daichi asked. "I don't think I have feelings for anyone."

Hiashi smiled. "I'm aware, but I think a more important meaning is placed on any story of them over their original purpose. It's these stories and memories of those we've lost that keep us close to them."

"Thank you, Hiashi." Daichi stated genuinely. "I'll be sure to internalize the lesson mom hoped I'd learn as well."

"It's no problem talking about them." Hiashi stated. "They were both good friends of mine, and it is my pleasure to tell you stories they cannot themselves."

Daichi stood. "It's been great as always, but I need to get going."

Daichi ran out of the compound.

Hiashi sipped his tea. "Hard to believe it's almost been 6 months since Daichi became a Genin. No doubt Kakashi will nominate his whole team for the Chunin Exams. Given Hinata's dedication to training, I wonder how they'll do?"

Team 7 Training Ground, Next Morning…

The four Genin had been waiting for their Sensei as usual.

When Kakashi finally arrived, he greeted them. "Good morning guys. Sorry I'm late, but I got lost on the path of life."

"Forget your excuses Kakashi Sensei." Naruto declared. "Just tell us when we're getting another mission like the one to the Land of Waves? Come on, I thought we'd be done with all these D rank missions."

"Easy now Naruto." Kakashi chuckled.

Daichi decided to speak up. "What about Zabuza?"

Kakashi nodded. "He has a lot of information to go over, but I hear he should be released sometime this month. He hasn't even talked to the Third, but our Hokage is kind. I don't think there should be an issue with him joining."

Daichi nodded.

Hinata spoke up. "Sensei, what's our first mission for today then?"

Kakashi smiled. "An important event is coming up, and it concerns you four; however, I'll get to that after a little training. You four are going to be displaying your Taijutsu against each other. We'll start with Sasuke vs Naruto because I want to see your new abilities in person."

"Our new abilities?" Naruto asked.

"Don't think I didn't notice how you were dodging Haku's techniques." Kakashi stated. "You've been practicing, haven't you?"

"That's right." Sasuke looked at Naruto. "The Dobe was dodging like mad."

Naruto rubbed that back of his head. "I didn't want to fall behind, so I tried something out. I began working on my own Taijutsu Style. Thanks to our fight with Haku, and Sasuke's suggestion to put more Chakra into it, I may have something here."

"What do you call it?" Hinata asked.

Naruto thought about it. "I'm not sure. I'm moving on instinct a lot. Attacking, dodging, and blocking. Kind of a Super Instinct… Mega Instinct." He shook his head. "I'm uncertain what to call it yet."

"Well then, sounds like Naruto's a good first opponent to try out your Sharingan on Sasuke." Kakashi stated. "Square off you two."

Naruto and Sasuke faced off before charging in throwing punches and dodging. Even though Sasuke was the superior fighter, Naruto had closed the gap with a more refined style. Eventually, they both punched each other in the face before jumping back from one another.

Naruto smiled. "Alright. Warmups over."

Sasuke smirked. "I was thinking the same."

Sasuke activated his Sharingan causing his eyes to become red with three tomoe. Naruto started funneling Chakra into his limbs taking care not to overdo it. Once it was there, it happened. His blond hair gained a red sheen and his azure blue eyes turned red.

Kakashi took note of this. "I don't sense the Nine Tails Chakra, but it seems the Tailed Beast still has an effect on Naruto with this new style of his."

The Genin started going at it once more only Naruto's reaction speed had drastically increased shocking Sasuke. He could keep track but reacting himself was a different story in the beginning. This resulted in Naruto getting in some heavy blows on Sasuke's body.

Eventually, the Uchiha picked up on the moves a little better as the fight wore on. Both started to block and dodge each other. Sasuke attempted a punch followed by a swipe; however, Naruto dodged only for the Uchiha to a land a kick getting Naruto into the air.

Naruto flipped putting him in the right position for an axe kick. Sasuke crossed his arms blocking. He separated his arms knocking Naruto away. The Uzumaki flipped to his feet and charged. The two went blow for blow.

Kakashi put his hand down. "That's the match."

"Naruto's come a long way." Hinata happily thought.

"Come on Kakashi Sensei." Naruto complained. "We can go for longer."

Kakashi shook his head. "You guys could really start to hurt each other which is not the point. This is merrily to gauge where you're at. I must say, I'm impressed. I'd put you both at High Genin just with the skills you've showcased.

If you two have been putting in the work with your other skills, you could easily be around mid Chunin." He looked to the other two members. "Daichi and Hinata, you're up. Remember, this is just a spar. No dangerous techniques or Chakra behind the Gentle Fist."

Daichi and Hinata faced off; however, there was something different about the Fusion member's stance. Sasuke, Kakashi, and Hinata each recognized elements of it. It was a combination of the Gentle, Strong, and Intercepting Fist. Hyuga, Lee and Guy, and Uchiha styles rolled into one.

"Hagane found a style that worked for him, but not you. You aren't going to be confined to an existing style. Like Naruto, you will make your own style. A style of accumulation and experience perfectly using the Fusion Clones knowledge to your advantage." Kakashi thought.

Hinata was studying Daichi, but the fusion member wasn't inclined to do the same. He rushed at the Hyuga, and the two began to move almost like a dance. Hinata was graceful while Daichi, who had graceful elements, was more free form with his style.

Daichi eventually flipped back luring Hinata in as he stopped on his hands. He spun on them hitting the Hyuga with his legs. The Fusion member followed up by lunging off his hands into Hinata's stomach. She regained her footing and attacked with a flurry of palm strikes.

She caught Daichi the moment he righted himself laying into him with a few strikes before the Fusion member recovered and spun kicked knocking Hinata away. He followed up with a combination of palm strikes and punches.

Kakashi said. "That's the match." The Genin stopped. "Your both High Genin; however, mix in those other things we've gone over, and your both Chunin level. Hinata, you've improved your Gentle Fist, but I'd have to place you at low Chunin.

Daichi, you seem you have come up with your own style of fighting. If you've kept up with your training, then I'd easily place you at Mid Chunin level. I'm also curious. It's a combination of Gentle, Intercepting, and Strong Fist, correct?"

"I threw in a little of my previous style, focusing on kicks, as well." Daichi replied. "I really only got the basics from Sasuke, Hinata, and Lee through my fusion clones. Not enough alone, but the idea hit me to put together what I did have. I also have a name for my style. I call it Mixed Fist."

Kakashi nodded. "An apt name. Especially since those who may hear of it won't be expecting many kicks. Good use of a minor deception." He nodded. "You four have come far, so maybe what I'm about to announce isn't as sudden as I thought."

He took out four slips of paper. "I've recommended you four for the Chunin Exams. These are the application forms." He passed them out. "It's completely voluntary. If you don't feel up to it, you can wait until the next one."

Naruto hugged Kakashi. "Alright! Kakashi Sensei you rock!"

"Don't slobber on my vest." Kakashi sat him down. "Whoever wants to take the exam, fill out your form and bring them to room 301 at the academy. Be there seven days from now at three pm. That's it."

Streets of Konoha, Some Time Later…

The Genin of Team 7 walked on down the street together.

Naruto said, "I bet there'll be all kinds of wicked Shinobi at the Chunin Exams."

Daichi smiled and put an arm around his friend. "I'm right there with you Naruto."

"I hope I get to fight Daichi." Sasuke thought. "We haven't fought since the academy, and I want to see just what that new style of his is made of."

"The Chunin Exams." Hinata stared at the paper. "I'll have to do my best for my team. There's no way I can bow out. Even knowing Neji may very well be there, I'm not running away."

"I'm going off to get some training in." Sasuke walked away.

After Sasuke was gone, the three remaining Genin noticed a terribly disguised ninja moving towards Naruto.

"Fake rocks? What's up with that?" Naruto wondered.

Daichi thought, "It has to be Konohamaru. This is about as good as his attempt to blend into that fence."

Naruto began running back and forth, and the fake rock followed him. Daichi laughed at the scene while Hinata herself couldn't help but giggle.

Eventually, Naruto stopped and turned causing the rock to stop as well. "That is the worst disguise of all time. There are no such thing as square rocks! It's completely obvious!"

A boy's voice came from within the disguise. "You saw through my disguise again boss. Just what I'd expect from my greatest rival."

A bright light emanated from the rock before it exploded. In its place were Konohamaru and two other children. One was a boy and the other a girl who were wearing goggles like Konohamaru. They were likely classmates of his. All three were coughing.

The girl had orange hair tied in two large pigtails. She also has a perpetual blush. Her attire consists of a red tank-top over a pink t-shirt layered at the bottom, her pants are grey, and she wears traditional ninja sandals.

The other boy has short brown hair and dark eyes under circular glasses. A drip of snot hung from his nose. His attire consists of a simple blue shirt which zipped up the middle, a pair of brown pants, and sandals."

Konohamaru said, "I think we used to much gun powder guys."

They then began to pose.

"I'm Moegi, the sassiest Kunochi in school. Check me out." The girl declared.

The kid in blue said, "I love Algebra. Call me Udon."

"I'm the number one ninja in the village, Konohamaru. When we're together…" Konohamaru began.

"We're the Konohamaru Ninja Squad." They finished in unison.

"Yeah, I knew it was you Konohamaru." Naruto took note of their head gear. "What are those goggles you're wearing?"

All three members smiled and Konohamaru said, "You used to wear goggles, so now we're copying you." Naruto was expressionless. "Come on boss, why are you being like that?! You should be excited!"

Naruto asked, "Did you want something?"

"You know what we want. Are you busy now?" Moegi asked.

"I have to train for the Chunin Exams. Believe it." Naruto declared.

Konohamaru angrily said, "But you said you'd play ninja with us! Come on!"

"Aw, you promised to play ninja with them Naruto." Hinata smiled and blushed. "That's so sweet of you."

Konohamaru looked at her. "Hey boss, who's that girl?" He studied her before smiling. "Oh, I get it! You're a smooth operator boss. I know she's your girlfriend."

Hinata's blush turned a crimson red. "G-G-Girlfriend…"

Naruto blushed slightly from embarrassment. "Hey, didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to say those types of things. Hinata's a good friend of mine."

Konohamaru looked from Hinata to Naruto. "Yeah, I guess that was mean of me. She's way out of your league."

"What?" Naruto questioned angrily.

"Yeah." Konohamaru said. "She's pretty and you're average. I mean, you're an amazing ninja, but you're not the best-looking guy."

Naruto shouted. "Hey, I'm not average looking!"

Konohamaru laughed. "Yes, you are."

His friends joined in before they ran away.

Daichi chuckled. "You know what, I like those kids."

Naruto hung his head. "First them and now you. I thought you guys were on my side."

Daichi patted his back. "Chin up Naruto. They just said you were average looking. I mean, there's more to relationships than looks anyways, and beauty is defined by the beholder. Plus, it'd be weird if I thought you were handsome."

"I know, but it doesn't mean it hurts any less." Naruto declared.

They then heard Konohamaru scream. This snapped Hinata out of her thoughts before all three of them ran to see what was happening. There they found Moegi and Udon watching on frightened as Konohamaru was held up by a guy. A girl stood behind him.

The guy wore a black, baggy, full body suit with a red and yellow circle on the front. He also wore black gloves and a hood covering his head. On his forehead he had a Sunagakure forehead protector, and a bundle rested on his back.

The girl has teal eyes and sandy blonde hair which is gathered into four consecutive pigtails. Her outfit consists of a light purple garment that extended to halfway down her thighs with a scarlet sash tied around her waist. A huge fan rested on her back.

The guy was holding the student tight by the scarf.

Naruto activated his style causing his hair and eyes to change "Konohamaru!"

"Kankuro, just put him down." The girls stated. "You know you'll pay later if it goes to far."

"Please, don't do anything rash." Hinata stated. "He's a child, so surely anything he's done can be forgiven."

Kankuro noticed their forehead protectors. "So, these are Leaf Village Genin." He smiled. "Come on, we got a few minutes before he gets here. Let's mess with these punks, huh?"

"Alright, he's asking for it." Daichi looked at his team. "Naruto give him a good punch, Hinata catch Konohamaru, and I'll explain what these idiots are doing wrong."

Naruto smiled. "Good plan!"

The orange suited Shinobi charged forward. Kankuro made some movements with his free hand, but thanks to Naruto's style, he could feel something was. Naruto dodged the Chakra strings before landing a punch on Kankuro's face.

The Suna Shinobi was knocked back, Hinata caught and safely set Konohamaru down, and Daichi delivered a powerful axe kick to Kankuro's stomach. The Sand Shinobi smashed into the ground, and the Fusion member made note of the sound of cracking wood.

"Wow, these three aren't weak." Temari noted.

Daichi looked at both Sand Shinobi. "My guess is that you two are here for the Chunin Exams, correct?"

Kankuro had gotten up and reached for his bundle only for a third party to enter the scene. They were holding a buster sword to Kakuro's neck shocking both Sand Shinobi. The perpetrator of this affair as a girl.

She had short, spiky gray hair and wore a Hidden Mist Village head band like Kakashi Sensei. This meant only her left, gray eye was visible. Her attire consisted of baggy pants with varying shades of black and a sleeveless black shirt.

Kankuro was frozen in place as Hinata stared at the Mist Shinobi. "That Kunoichi is fast."

The girl picked up where Daichi left off. "If you are here for the Chunin Exams, you should have been briefed on proper etiquette. Just because we can enter the Leaf Village, doesn't mean we are immune to their laws."

Daichi decided to finish things out. "Don't go harming any more villagers, or you'll be dealing with me."

The Mist Genin sheathed her blade on her back. Kankuro grit his teeth, angrily, before attempting once more to reach for his puppet. This time, he was hit with a rock that had enough force to be painful.

Sasuke sat in a tree nearby lightly tossing a rock and catching it. "This looks like a real party. Thought I might join in."

Temari took a good look at Sasuke before doing the same to Daichi. "You know, Konoha's got some real hotties."

Daichi now drew his blades and put them at Kankuro's throat. "You either have some anger problems, you're an idiot, and/or your looking for a fight. Let me assure you, I'll make sure the Sand doesn't pull the same crap as the Cloud did years ago. You won't earn anything from this."

Sasuke smirked as he crushed a rock. "If I were you, I'd get lost."

Kankuro grit his teeth furiously.

"What's the matter?" The Mist shinobi had crossed her arms with a smile. "You going to call this unfair when you picked the fight?"

Just then, another newcomer spoke up. "Kankuro, you are an utter embarrassment to our village."

Everyone was shocked by the new voice. They all looked in the direction it came from. In another tree they spotted a boy with fair skin, green eyes, and short, spiky auburn hair. He also had no distinctive pupils or eyebrows. Around his eyes he has tanuki-like black rings.

His attire consists of a black body suit with an open neck. With this, he wore a white cloth over his right shoulder and the left side of his hips. He has a wide leather band from his left shoulder to his right hip with which he carries his sand gourd and wraps his forehead protector.

The boy was using chakra control to hang onto the branch of a tree. Daichi, the Mist Shinobi, and Sasuke could all tell that this Shinobi was strong. The other two Sand Genin were terrified of this guy.

"I know. I-I-I mean they started the whole thing. See, here's what…" Kankuro began only to stop talking when Gaara looked at him.

"I am sorry for any trouble he might have caused any of you." Gaara jumped to the ground and began to walk off. "We're leaving Kankuro and Temari."

Sasuke then jumped down. "Wait, you with the gourd on your back. Identify yourself."

Gaara turned to look at the Uchiha. "My name is Gaara of the Desert. I must confess, I'm curious about a great many of you. You, The blond, the girl with the large sword, and the boy with the sun crest. What are your names?"

Naruto smiled. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Believe it!"

"Names Daichi Ryu." Daichi declared.

"Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke stated.

The Mist Shinobi replied. "I'm Kanja Yagumi."

The three Sand Genin then lept away.

Daichi turned towards the Mist Kunochi. "Hey, thanks for the help Kanja, was it? So, you're here for Chunin Exams as well?"

"You bet!" Kanja nodded. "I can already tell this is going to be an exciting."

Hinata looked at her curiously. "Is she really from the Mist Village? She seems happier than I thought they'd be given how Zabuza was."

Sasuke had picked up on this as well. "You don't seem to act like a Mist Shinobi."

"I can see why you'd think that, but the Hidden Mist's internal war is finished. We're united and stronger than ever. I'm happy to say the rebels won." Kanja chuckled. "Of course, I've always been a bit of an oddity, even now, among my fellow Genin."

Kanja looked up at the sky with shock. "I didn't know it was that late. My team will be wondering where I've been." She looked at the Leaf Genin. "I'll be looking forward to facing the team that captured the Demon of the Mist."

The Mist Kunochi lept away from the group.

Sasuke grinned. "Things are getting interesting around here."

In the trees above the group

Far above Team Seven there sat three Shinobi wearing head bands with music notes. Two boys and one girl. One of the guys had bandages covering most of his face leaving only his left eye uncovered.

He also wore a large poncho with long sleeves, a snake patterned scarf around his neck, a straw raincoat protruding from the back of his scarf, and a large amplifier on his right arm. His back was hunched which made him look smaller than he was

The girl had fair skin, black eyes, and black hair, almost reaching down to the ground, tied by a violet ribbon right near the end. She wore a pale green vest, almost like a flak jacket, snake patterned pants, and a scarf.

The other boy had spiky, black hair and dark eyes. He wore a beige shirt with two black stripes and three prints of the kanji for death down the front. His forehead protector had an attached happuri under the cloth rather than connected to the metal plate.

The boy in the beige shirt looked at the bandaged Shinobi. "What do you think Dosu?"

"This lot will have to be watched carefully." Dosu replied.