Nyoko Namikaze Point of View
Sleeping was a pain. I just couldn't fall asleep! I was anxious,the exams would be starting soon. Sitting up, I pulled out the written exam. The exam as a whole had problems that were based on uncertainty and required complex mechanical energy analysis. Basically, nothing in the problems were certain. At least to those without the answers.
The first question had to do with cryptography - deciphering a secret message. It was basically a long code of letters that ended up being about a sound soul, sound mind and a sound body, needing to be equal.
The second question had two parts, the first part had to do with figuring out the trajectory of a thrown shuriken. The second part was about predicting the furthest possible range of a shuriken and describing how you'd reach the conclusion. The picture diagram was pretty pointless, all anyone needed was the solid B line and the dotted one below it. The picture of the tree and two ninja I assume were put in to make others choke
The third question had to do with a topographical - an accurate representation of a map with an above view of a mountain, basically requiring us to write down what was on the map. It was pretty easy, it was the other side of the Hokage mountain. The mountain being shown was that mountain - just without the faces. I doubt many would realize that... Well, maybe Sakura.
The test had two more trajectory problems, with different parts of them. Another code deciphering problem, the three remaining questions were about 'what ifs' and had us read over some hypothetical missions that were of hard choices being made that made the missions failed. They wanted us to make a different choice to create a passing mission. With different parts to them, questioning how our resolve is better than the choice made.
What was weird about this test - or the layout of the paper - is that it looked like there was another question meant to be on here. After the ninth question there was a large blank area... It just seemed odd that they'd only give a nine questioned exam to begin with, but to leave such a large portion of the page blank. There was something more to this, there had to be a missing question from this!
Perhaps, the blank area was for a verbal question that needed a timed moment to be answered. Perhaps, this was the point. But why wouldn't I have the answer to it?
Rolling my eyes in irritation about the exam, I shoved it back under my mattress. Getting up from my bed I looked to my clock, seeing it was barely 5 in the morning. It read 4:39 to be exact. Lame. The Hokage won't be in his office till later in the day, I assume he'll be prepping for the exams as soon as he's awake... What time was the written exam again?
With a yawn I got out of bed, proceeding to get ready for the day. After a cold shower and putting on my usual uniform I stared at myself in the mirror - or at my arm where the swirly tattoo was. It was so lame to have. At least covering it up was pretty lame. Grabbing an arm band - that I had found in my dresser, I put it up my arm over the mark. Ignoring it I grabbed my gloves and shoes and left my apartment, at exactly 5.
Walking around the quiet village, no one was awake, the shops were all closed at this moment. The sun wasn't fully up yet, it shared the sky with the half moon. Turing the dark sky into one of color. It was a perfect time to go train. My first objective to get the fox's chakra working for me... At least accessing it.
As the village began to wake up, I stopped trying to access the fox's chakra, getting to frustrated with failing at it. Why was it so hard?! Why wasn't the fox trying to take the chance of the seal being opened? It could literally be let loose... At least partially. But no! This demon had to be dormant!
Rolling my eyes I decided to practice some Taijutsu - wanting to get stronger with my punches. I began punching a tree... Not making a dent in it. I kept punching it, in frustration, not paying much attention to how hard I was punching, or where I was punching.
While practicing Taijutsu, I ended up practicing Ninjutsu. I wasn't terrible with Ninjutsu, if anything I was a bit better then most, for the soul fact that I knew some and I'm quicker than most to preform the hand signs. However, I have my flaws with it. I have a habit to go over bored with my jutsu's. My control in the middle of a fight was the hardest part of using Ninjutsu. Not that anyone could notice, thankfully most assume I'm just showing off.
Genjutsu - I had, little if any skill in preforming. I usually can tell when I'm in the middle of one... Most of the time. Preforming them however was another story. I probably should focus more on preforming them but why learn how to trick someone, playing with them like a toy, when you could finish someone off quickly?
Then again, there have been plenty of times when I was a fool for Genjutsu's... Orochimaru being the most recent. Perhaps, it'd be wise to train with someone who used Genjutsu often - a master with the branch of jutsu. Then I'd get better at recognizing when I'm in one.
Find someone later. Practice, Ninjutsu now. Genjutsu later. I nodded at the plan proceeding to train.
The first jutsu I'd practice was my version of a jutsu known as Adamantine Power: Acala. Just without the wood release... Considering, I didn't have that nature, not that I knew of anyways! The jutsu was known to be used by Hashirama - the first Hokage. The only imagery I've seen of it were from a textbook in the academy, that had a description of what was going on in the picture.
My version used wind, and was paired with a hand sign - the bird.
Moment's into my shift in training, I stopped hearing the sound of people running. Turning around I could see Kakashi, with Guy sensei and Rock Lee in toe.
"My, Kakashi Hatake you've bested me once again!" Guy cried, getting a bit over dramatic.
Lee was crying as well, "You'll beat him next time Guy Sensei!"
I respected both Lee and Guy, but they were both so weird. Why were they so weird? Why weren't they more like Kakashi... Or even like Naruto. He's loud as well, but not as weird as these two green beans...
"Ah Nyoko! Awake to train in the bask of the sunshine!" Guy spoke, noticing me watching them. Causing Lee to look over while Kakashi had his nose in an orange book.
I nodded, "that I am sensei!" Being respectful... Even tho he was weird. Weird to the point it was almost creepy. He was too happy. Smiling boldly, his white teeth gleaming... How? The sun was behind him!
"Oh, Guy Sensei!" Rock Lee spoke up, sounding like he had an idea, raising his hand as he went on, "What if we have a fight with Kakashi Sensei and Nyoko - chan?"
I didn't even get the option to deny the idea, as Guy bounced on the idea, patting Lees head, "That's a splendid idea! What do you say Kakashi?" He asked, trying to seem cool as he looked to his rival - the silver haired ninja, "You and Nyoko against me and my pupil?" He then looked over at me and back at Kakashi, "It'd be almost fair, you and I being equal, while Rock Lee and Nyoko are almost equal."
What was that suppose to mean? Was he hinting one of us - Lee or I - were better then the other? Who was he hinting at? It had to be me right? Of course it had to be. Then again Lee hasn't used anything but Taijutsu with me, so maybe he's got something up his sleeve... Neither of us had fully unleashed our abilities on each other, I know I've held back only matching what he dished out... Maybe, this was when I'd get to see him use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu... I hope he doesn't use Genjutsu...
"I don't see why not. Nyoko, what do you say?" Kakashi asked, being the first one of them to ask what I wanted. He looked over my way, his one dark colored eye examining me.
I gave a nod for my answer. Why not?
"Good sport Nyoko!" Guy praised me, giving me a smile... His teeth sparkling once again.. How the hell does he do that?
We got into our positions. Guy and Rock Lee on the other side of the field, while Kakashi and I stood on the other. Lee and Guy were talking to each other, quietly. I assumed coming up with a plan.
"Take it easy." Kakashi muttered, to me. Not looking down at me or even in my direction, "This is just practice."
I rolled my eyes, I knew it was practice, I wasn't going to kill Guy or Rock Lee. No matter how weird they were, I still respected them. Besides, Lee is one of the fastest I've seen. Without using chakra he and I were equal in Taijutsu.
"Ready?" Guy called over. Getting a nod from both Kakashi and I. Then the fight began.
As expected Kakashi took on Guy while I was left with Rock Lee.
Lee started his assault, sprinting at me as fast as he could. He was almost invisible with his speed, thankfully I was so used to running fast I could still see him. I took steps backwards and balled up a fist, I wasn't going to just defend. Once he was close I slammed my fist into his face, as his own fist hit me. He hit harder than I expected. It sent me backwards a bit.
Ouch! Defiantly, not like Naruto or Sasuke's punches, the force of Lees actually hurt. I rubbed my cheek looking to see Lee had also stumbled backwards, but he didn't seem as hurt as I was. I'm sure my zygomatic bone - my cheek bone - was broken. It was clear Lee wasn't taking it easy on me. The few times he and I had trained his hits never actually hurt. Was he using chakra? Or was that all him?
It was clear what I needed to do, I needed to keep him on the defensive. Should I use Ninjutsu on him?
While I was debating on what to do next, Rock Lee began another assult, this time he had a kunai out.
Quickly, I made a couple dozen of shadow clones, letting him fight with them. While I prepped for him to get through the clones. He still fought with them, stabbing some, punching others while flipping around and stay out out of the attacks of my clone.
Standing behind all of my clones I preformed the bird hand sign. Making a little triangle with both of my hands. My thumbs at a correct angle under the tower of finger. I followed the bird sign up with the tiger hand sign. Then I proceeded to gather up a large amount of chakra, into my limbs, more in my right fist, with force, and chakra I drove my fist into the back of one of my clones. I could feel the chakra leave the ball joints of my fist. Air began whizzing at my clones and Rock Lee, whom was in the middle of the crowd of clones.
The clones all poofed away leaving Rock Lee who was caught in the force of air, covering his face with his bandaged up arms. As the wind began cutting into the ground and into Lee.
It shocked me when Rock Lee turned his back to me and the wind, proceeding to run with it. He ended up out running the wind - how the hell? Rock Lee then turned on his foot coming at me In a blink of an eye he was already in front of me. I was too puzzled by how he got out of my wind before it could ball around him.
"Kohana whirlwind!" Lee yelled, as he kicked me, spinning on a foot, he kicked me again, again and again before I was basically kicked backwards. I managed to stay on my feet. I glared at Lee. Who had a kunai in his hand still. Alright, you want to play hard, lets play.
"Here I come!" Lee yelled, as he ran at me, I prepared myself for the attack, I needed to defend myself, wait for an opening. So much for going on the offensive!
I quickly made a clone just as Rock Lee was in my face. Kicking a foot out, my clone jumped for the trees, while I managed to duck out of its way, but he followed it up with a fist. Punching me in the face, sending me into the air. On instinct I closed my eyes in pain, I'm sure my nose was bleeding - if not broken now.
I reopened my eyes when I felt something wrapping around me. When I opened my eyes I saw Lee had his tape around me, while he held my arms together, I couldn't wiggle free. Lee then began spinning us as we were falling head first to the ground - my head first. If only it were raining!
"Use Furious Current under us now!" I yelled, coming up with a plan now, my clone jumped out from the tree, standing right where Lee and I would land - where my face would be landing.
Just a foot away from my clone, after she'd preformed the hands seals, my clone opened her mouth and a large amout of water surrounded both Rock Lee and I stopping us from going to the ground. It still hurt going face first into the ferocious whirlpool. The water got between the bandages that were around me, making it easy to swim away, by swimming deeper into the water.
On instinct I turned around seeing Lee struggling against the water, having a harder time than I was. I felt myself smile as I preformed some hand seals. I was going to take full advantage of Lee being in the water - even with me in it. I was going to electrocute us both.
I could feel my finger tips tingling as I was about to clap them. In the instant my hands touched, something large and green jumped into the water taking Lee out. Lee was gone just as the electricity left the tips of my fingers. Resulting in only me being electrocuted and the water to fizzle and drop. I assume my clone was shocked into disappearing.
I fell with the water. My joints, and muscles were aching so much when I rolled over onto my stomach and got on my feet, it hurt. My skin was tingling. I bent over resting my hands on my knees, not wanting to fall back down. I needed to let the electrical injury pass.
Looking up slightly, still bent over, I saw Lee was sitting on the ground breathing heavily. He must've swallowed the water. I looked down at my fight panting, I need to control myself. That was more electricity than I wanted.
"Nyoko." I saw a pair of sandled feet apear below me. It was Kakashi's voice scolding me, "I told you to take it easy."
Really? A lecture now? I rolled my eyes, ignoring my body as I stood up straight, looking up at the masked ninja, "It was easy, no clue what you're talking about." I looked past him at Lee whom was being looked over by Guy. Did I hurt him that much? Just with water? Pansy.
I staggered around Kakashi, taking it slow as I walked towards the pair of green beans. Once I was close I dropped to my knees. Giving Lee an apologetic look, then bowing my head down.
"I'm sorry Lee, I didn't mean to hurt you." I tried to sound sensere, though in my thoughts, I wasn't that sorry. "I guess I got lost in the fight that I forgot it was just - "
Too my shock Lee spoke, interrupting me, "No worries Nyoko - chan." I looked up to see the green bean giving me a thumbs up, "never be sorry for giving your all!" He then tilted his head, "I almost forgot it was practice as well." He then got up quickly, looking up at the sky dramatically. "You win this time Nyoko! But next time you won't!" He declared.
Guy ending up beside him, making the same pose, "That's my boy! Never quit! Let the power of youth help you succeed and win!"
...These guys are so weird...
"Now train my boy! One hundred laps around the village!" Guy ordered, running.
Rock Lee began following him, "YES, GUY SENSEI!"
I blinked, boggled by the pair as they ran away... Such weird guys...
"Nyoko." Kakashi spoke, reminding me he was here.
"Don't lecture me." I groaned at him, I looked up at him a brow raised, "It's not like you're my sensei. So, save it."
He didn't seem bothered by my little statement, "You have trouble controlling the amount of chakra you're using." He stated simply. "Perhaps, you should train alongside Sakura. She has better control of her chakra."
I rolled my eyes, looking away, "I'll pass, that forehead teach me anything?"
"Not being taught with her, but alongside her." He answered, scratching his chin, "that and I think her training alongside you would better her as a ninja as well." He then added, as if he just thought this bit up, "That and I believe Sasuke and Naruto could benefit from you taking apart in our training."
"No. I don't think it'd be a very good idea." I sighed looking too the side. Knowing me if I were around Naruto, I'd want to say something to him, tell him everything I knew. I can't risk getting him into trouble. I couldn't let him, Sasuke or even Sakura get killed just for knowing me.
I couldn't let anyone die because of me... It was so easy for me to consider killing people before, on my mission. The fact I was even a little alright with that scared me. But it would be worth it right? It's better for me to be in some control of what the beast was doing, rather than lose my control... Right?
"At least consider training with Sakura. I'm sure you both can benefit each other, in more then one way." Kakashi spoke up.
I couldn't help but to roll my eyes, "As if, only to hear her going on and on about Sasuke."
"Just think about it as someone to push you to control chakra." He retorted, then he pulled out his book, "Anyways, I have to get going. Meeting with the Hokage. Think about what I've suggested, I do believe you and Sakura training together would benifit both of you. Anyways, later." He spoke then started walking away.
To control my chakra... Perhaps, help me control the ninetails chakra... Maybe, if Sakura were to annoy me enough she could push the fox to wake up... But why Sakura of all people? Was she that good with her chakra control? No way...
Sakura Haruno Point of View
Why the hell did Kakashi Sensei plan to have us meet at specific time, yet he's always late! That grey haired bastard hasn't shown up yet. On the bright side I was able to spend sometime with Sasuke - Kun. He looked so cool just standing there leaning against the railing of the bridge. Naruto wasn't even here yet, this was my time alone with Sasuke... He looked more like himself, the imagery of him when we were fighting Zabuza and that kid, Haku. When Sasuke was basically dead. That haunted me some nights.
This is my time to say something, to flirt with him. Before anyone ruins it! I opened my mouth to speak.
I could feel my cheeks turning pink to match my hair, "Sasu - "
"Sorry I'm late!" Damn it Naruto ruining my moment with my man! The blond doofus looked around taking notice of who was missing. The silver haired bastard of a sensei. But he glared at Sasuke whom glared back as well. Why were they like this? If Naruto kept this up I'll knock his eye balls out!
It was quiet for the next hour, I could feel my stomach rumbling. Glad it wasn't loud enough for Sasuke or Naruto to hear it. It was late in the day, the sun was out beating on the top of my head, I didn't even dry my freaking hair! That and I was hungry. Where the hell was Kakashi?
I couldn't hold back my frustration, "why, why, why?" I screamed, steping away from the railing of the bridge grabbing the sides of my head, "It's always the same!" I stomped a foot down, holding my arms out in fists, "He sets the time and then we have to wait hours for him!"
"It's not fair!" Naruto agrieed punching up towards the sky.
"What about my feelings?" I demanded, not towards anyone - other than Kakashi - "I rushed here so fast, I didn't even have time to blow-dry my hair!" I could've slept in! I could've grabbed a snack! I could've done so much more if I knew Kakashi would be this late! Why can't he be punctual?
Naruto then yelled, "And I didn't even have enough time to brush my teeth - " What? " - Or change my underwear!"
His gross comments made my anger pause as I looked at him, grossed out, "you didn't?" I couldn't believe it, but knowing Naruto it was probably true, "That's really disgusting, Naruto." Was he like this because he was a boy? Or was it because he was an orphan? Or was it just because he was him? Was Sasuke like that?
Before Naruto could save himself, there was a swoosh of air, causing us all to look up at the top of one of the bridges arches. This silver haired bastard!
"Hey." He waved at us, looking unbothered by the fact he was getting dirty looks, from me and most likely the boys, "Good morning, everyone." He greeted us.
Naruto walked towards me, to get a better look at our bastard of a sensei.
"Sorry I'm late." I glared at the sensei waiting for his pitiful excuse this time, "Afraid, I got lost on the path of life."
In unison Naruto and I called him out, "You liar!" we yelled at him, as he jumped down from the arch and joined us on the bridge.
"I know this is a bit sudden, but I recommended you for the Chunin exams - all three of you." Kakashi stated simply, he did what? he then held out three identical slips of papers, "These are the application forms."
We need application forms for taking exams? I knew the exams covered three tasks, but I didn't think we needed applications to just take them, "application forms?" I repeated him, caught off guard, what were on the forms about?
"You're repeating me, Sakura." Kakashi scolded me, slightly, "This is all voluntary. It's up to each of you. " He went on to assure us, "If you don't feel ready, you can wait until next year."
"All right!" Naruto yelled loudly, obviously excited. He was so excited he ran at the sensei, jumping at him, "Kakashi sensei, you rock!"
Why was he like this? So uncool, he should be more like Sasuke!
"Don't slobber on my vest!" Kakashi ordered, trying to get Naruto to let him go. Naruto finally calmed down, taking an application, allowing Kakashi to speak. I had an odd feeling he was talking to me and Sasuke mostly, "Whoever wants to take the exams, sign the application and come to room 301 at the Academy. It's at 3:00 PM five days from now." He instructed us, "that's it."
Naruto began laughing, "Chunin exams! Chunin exams!"
"Sakura, I'd like to speak to you for a moment, then you can go." Kakashi stated, what did he want to talk about? I walked towards him, Sasuke grabbed an application and began walking the other way, with Naruto.
"Yes, sensei?" I asked, curious what he wanted, was he going to scold me more for repeating after him?
He looked down at me, then spoke, "I have a recommendation for you."
"Recommendation?" I repeated, curious as to what he was meaning? What was he about to recommend?
He raised an eyebrow at me for repeating after him, but he didn't comment on it, "I'd recommend training with someone before the exam, if you're interested in taking them that is."
I felt a bit hurt, but he was right. I needed to become a better ninja if I wanted to join the exams and stay the same rank as Sasuke.
"Who would you suggest?" I asked him, hoping he didn't suggest Ino, or Naruto. I think I'd cut my hair off if he were.
He thought about the question before answering it, "Off the top of my head, I suggest Nyoko Namikaze." Why her! He went on to speak, "I think you and her could help each other become better ninja."
I looked away with a huff, "I doubt that would ever happen. If you haven't gotten the memo she and I don't get along."
"I think you both will get along, if either of you want to become better ninja." He retorted simply, he then handed me the application, "You could benefit her, just as much as she can benefit from you if you both were to train. And who knows maybe you both could end up being friends afterwards. Look at what you both have in common after all."
He was stretching what the hell did I and that bloodstain have in common? "Yea like what?" I demanded, what did he think we had in common?
"Well, for starters your both intelligent kunoichi, I presume you and her would make a decent team with brains alone, a better team if you both got along. That as well as your social circles contain two common people. Naruto and Sasuke." He paused thinking of a third thing, "That and I presume she has the same displeasure for Ino Yamanaka as you do." He then pulled out his book, "Just think about it, you have five days to think about it." He then walked in the opposite direction.
Rolling my eyes I turned the other way running to catch up with Naruto and Sasuke. The two of them were quiet. Likely, thinking over the exams. They both seemed so calm and ready for the exams.
This is hopeless. I can't keep up with Sasuke. I can't even beat Naruto! I'll never pass these exams... On my own. Maybe Kakashi was right, I need to get help. Nyoko, was the better at fighting than most of us at the academy, perhaps I need to meet up with her soon to train.
"Sakura are you alright?" I looked up to see Naruto had stopped walking, Sasuke was just gone.
I nodded at him, hopeful that I would be just fine, if I were to spend the next few days against Nyoko, at least training with her... Where would I even find her? "Question Naruto, do you have any idea where I could find Nyoko?" I hardly knew her, aside she was an orphan like Naruto and that my parents didn't want me playing with her, like Naruto.
Naruto looked up thinking of an answer, "Yea, I think she'd be at the north training grounds, if not at home."
Nodding I then asked another question, wanting to make sure I run into her, "Where does she live?"
He nodded, "Yea, she lives like around where Sasuke does, outside the Uchiha compound."
I could run into Sasuke-kun. I shook my head at the thought, no Sakura we need to fine Nyoko! I then walked in the direction of the farthest training grounds.
Luckily, when I got there Nyoko was still there. The training ground looked like a disaster. So did Nyoko she was laying on the ground. Walking closer I could tell she was irritated just by the look of her face.
Alright, Sakura you need to assert yourself. If This bloodstain is going to take you seriously you need to be serious.
"Nyoko!" I said loudly, to be heard. Making sure this girl knew I was here, she probably already knew but I wanted to make perfectly sure about it.
I could hear her groan as she sat up, looking in my general direction, "What do you want Sakura." She mumbled, getting back on her feet, as she put back on her gloves, I could see her knuckles were bruised up and cracked. What was she hitting?
"Are you okay?" the words of concern left my lips with little thought.
The girl just looked at me, her red hair was messy, her purple eyes showed how irritated she was, not with me particularly but I bet whatever she's been trying to do here wasn't working causing her to be irritated.
"What do you want Sakura?" She asked once again, not answering my question of concern.
With an eye roll, I spoke to her straight forward, wanting this to be over quickly, "I want to take part of the Chunin exams"
She just blinked, "Okay, good for you?"
"I want you to help me prepare for them." I explained to her.
She dropped her head slightly, rolling her eyes, "Kakashi, had a part in you coming here didn't he?"
So, Kakashi talked to her also? What did he tell her? Just that I needed help?
You could benefit her, just as much as she can benefit from you. Kakashi's statement from earlier rang through my head. So, she's struggling with something then, something I can help her with.
I decided to be honest with her, I gave her a nod, "Yes, he did. But he's right, I need to train if I want to become a better Kunoichi." I admitted, to her and myself. "I want to get better."
She just stared at me, debating on what to do most likely.
"He told me you could use my help to. What exactly is it you are struggling with anyways?" I asked her, curious, what was she having trouble with. Something I could help her with. What was I good at? I couldn't fight as well as Sasuke or even Naruto. I don't even know my chakra natures, do I have any? My last mission, all I did was stand around with Tazuna. Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi did all the actual work of fighting...
"Chakra control." Nyoko's voice echoed in the darkening training grounds. I blinked taken back, she said what? "You know it's like I can't hold back."
"I guess that makes sense." I muttered lightly, it did. Nyoko, was like Sasuke, where she could do jutsu's earlier than most of us from the academy.
It was quiet between she and I for awhile.
She then spoke, "Fine. We can start tomorrow, after breakfast."
It was a shock she even agreed to it. I don't think I would've if it were her that came to me... Well, maybe I would. She's not Ino - pig.
"Alright, we can work on you're chakra control before lunch and spar after." I declared, she nodded in agreement with the plan.
I was going to be ready for these exams. I will become the strongest Kunoichi!