"Huh." Naruto crossed his arms and made a face as he muttered to himself. "It's not like her to act so suspicious like that..."

Sakura turned to look back at where Natsumi disappeared to, then glanced back at Kankuro out of the corner of her eye. "That was weird... it definitely seemed like she knew him... and he clearly recognized her... but how?"

Sasuke looked at Kankuro briefly, then stuck his hands into his pockets. "She was obviously lying." He glanced at Naruto as he continued to mutter to himself. "And that guy's too big of an idiot to notice."

Konohamaru blinked and quickly tugged on Naruto's sleeve, interrupting him as he whispered.

"Niichan... with how suspicious she was acting... what if Natsumi neechan and that guy are secret lovers?"

"Secret..." Naruto repeated quietly under his breath, then his face reddened in anger as he grabbed the boy's shoulders and shook him. "N-No way! There's no way Natsumi could ever like a guy like that! Why'd you even suggest that?!"

"B-But...!" Konohamaru held up his hands. "It seemed like..."

Naruto gritted his teeth and balled his hands, turning to Kankuro. "Hey! Clown face! How do you know Natsumi?!"

"Clown face?" Kankuro clenched his jaw and glared, then closed his eyes for a moment and smirked before opening them again. "Whether I do or not... isn't really your business."

"Not my—!" Naruto glared back, breathing in harshly with his nose like a bull. "Why, you—! She's my sister! Of course it's my business! I won't let a guy like you get close to her!"

"Naruto, don't irritate them." Sakura hissed at him, holding her arms close. "These guys are kind of letting off a dangerous aura. Who knows what would happen if he got them riled up?"

"Answer me!" Naruto pointed. "Do you know her or not?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Kankuro tilted his head up slightly to snub him.

"You're really irritating me." Gaara narrowed his eyes at Kankuro.

Kankuro gulped and turned, rubbing his head. "S-Sorry."

"We're leaving." Gaara turned and leapt away.

Temari gave Kankuro a long stare, then the two of them followed after.

"Hey!" Naruto shouted and held up his fist. "We're not done yet! Get back here so I can pummel you!"

Naruto moved to follow, and Sasuke gripped the back of his jacket to stop him abruptly, then let go.

"Save it for the Chunin Exams."

Naruto growled and glared after the Sand Genin, then at Sasuke, grumbling to himself as he stomped slowly off.

"Stupid clown-faced Sand guy... I oughta... I'm gonna..."

Sakura let out the breath she had been holding. "I 'm not sure what's going on at all... but it seems like it's going to be troublesome."

"Hey, Kankuro." Temari looked at him sideways, keeping her voice quiet. "That girl was the same one who met with the Kazekage, wasn't she?"

He didn't answer, and she walked closer to him and narrowed her eyes. "Something happened. Tell me."

"Be quiet." He turned his head and Temari's eyes widened slightly.

"Hey, did something really happen with her?"

"I said be quiet."

She let out a short laugh and leaned in closer. "So, that's why you came back with half your face smudged. How did that happen?"

He furrowed his brows, pressing his lips together without responding.

"Fine. Don't tell me then." She lowered her voice. "But don't forget why we came here. Don't get distracted."

"I know that."

"Now then, in conjunction of the Chunin Exam, let us first have those in charge of the rookie Genin come forward." Hiruzen rested his hands on his lap as he looked at the three Jonin, who stepped forward. "Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma." He paused. "So, are there any Genin from your squads you wish to recommend for these exams? It goes without saying, but if it's a Genin who has carried out eight or more formal missions, you can recommend them for the exams if you wish."

"Well, as a general rule," The Hokage continued. "Having carried out more than twice that amount of missions is appropriate."

Iruka nodded to himself as he listened. "There's no need to hear this... it's too soon for them."

"Then, you first, Kakashi."

"The Kakashi-led Team Seven..." Kakashi started. "Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno. I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend these three for the Chunin Exam."

"Huh?" Iruka blinked and looked at Kakashi.

"The Kurenai-led Team Eight... Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame. For these three, I, Kurenai Yuhi, recommend the same."

"The Asuma-led Group Ten, Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, Choki Akimichi... I, Asuma Sarutobi, recommend the same for these three."

"All three recommended..." A Jonin in the back of the room muttered to another.

"To think rookies will be in the Chunin Exam..."

"Hasn't it been five years since that happened last?"

Hiruzen looked over the group, listening to the whispers for a moment and exhaling a puff of smoke. "Hm..."

"Wait a minute!" Iruka moved closer to the front and looked at the Hokage.

"What is it, Iruka?" Hiruzen looked at him and Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma turned.

"Lord Hokage, please let me say one thing." Iruka paused. "This may be presumptuous, but as for the nine names that were given, I was in charge of them at the Academy. Admittedly, they were all students with ability, but it's too soon! They should be tested only after having gained more experience."

Kakashi put his hand in his pocket and turned fully to look at the teacher. "I became a Chunin when I was six years younger than Naruto is now."

"Naruto is different than you!" Iruka stepped closer to Kakashi. "Is it your intent to crush Naruto?!"

"They always do nothing but complain about important missions..." Kakashi replied. "Teaching them a lesson once would be fun. Trying to crush them would be interesting, too."

Iruka blinked. "W-What did you say?"

"Well, all joking aside... Iruka-sensei... I understand what you want to say. It's aggravating, I know. However..."

"Kakashi..." Kurenai turned her attention to Kakashi. "Don't do it."

"Stay out of this! They're not your students anymore!" Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "They're my subordinates now!"

Iruka gritted his teeth and Asuma looked between the two men.

"Man... troublesome people..."

Kurenai let out a sigh and closed her eyes briefly, shaking her head slowly.

"I know that, but the Chunin Exam is also known as..."

"Iruka..." The Hokage held up a hand to silence him, then lowered it again as Iruka turned to him. "I understand your point."

"Lord Hokage..." Iruka loosened his fists and let out a short breath.

"Therefore, I have decided to conduct a special preliminary exam for these rookie Genins."

"P-Preliminary exam...?" Iruka repeated to himself.

Natsumi sighed and noticed the small snake hidden in the shadows nearby and scowled.

That's Oto's.

She waved her hand at it. "Shoo! I don't want anything to do with her anymore."

The snake shook its head, flicking out its tongue as it lifted its tail to write in the dirt.

"Huh?" Natsumi shifted and read the message. "Hokage? Summon?" She looked at the smoke-bodied serpent. "The Hokage wants to see me?"

It nodded again, then slithered off. Natsumi stood and her eyes followed it until it vanished and she crossed her arms in thought.

Weird... since when did Oto start acting like a messenger for the Old Man?

She turned and slowly started toward the Hokage's office.

Still, if he wants to see me, I can't refuse...

Natsumi stuck her hands in her pockets as she walked.

I wonder what he wants to see me for, anyway. I haven't done anything wrong lately or snooped in any Top-Secret files in a while... so, what does he want?

Natsumi walked faster, then took a breath once she arrived in front of the office door. She lifted her hand to knock as Kin opened the door to leave.

"Oh! Miss Uzumaki." She smiled and stepped out of the doorway. "What a coincidence."

Coincidence?

"Natsumi?" The Hokage looked up from where he sat at her with a short chuckle. "Come in."

Natsumi stepped outside the room, and Kin smiled at the Hokage. "I'll go fetch your tea now. Shall I bring two cups?"

The Hokage nodded, and Kin bowed her head before leaving and shutting the door behind her.

"What brings you here?"

Natsumi stepped forward and pursed her lips. "Didn't you summon me?"

"Summon you?" He repeated, and blew out smoke as he paused. "I was about to, yes. How did you know?"

Natsumi opened her mouth, then spotted another nearly transparent snake in the corner of the room. It met her eyes, then vanished into smoke.

Of course... Oto has her spies all over the village. So, she knew because she was eavesdropping. She only had her snake tell me as a way to subtly slither back into my life.

Natsumi looked back at the old man and smiled faintly. "Intuition, maybe?" She stepped closer to his desk until she stood directly in front of him. "What did you want to see me for?"

The door opened, and Kin returned with a tray and set it to the side of the desk, then set a chair down for Natsumi before pouring out the two cups of tea. When she was finished, she bowed her head once more and left.

Hiruzen set his pipe down carefully and lifted the cup to his lips, blowing gently on it as it steamed before taking a sip. He lowered the cup again and met her eyes.

"Please, feel free to have some as well."

"Of course..." Natsumi took the second cup and took a small sip.

"Well then, as you know from your last mission, the Chunin Exams are upon us. I assume you are familiar with them?"

Natsumi nodded and took another sip. "Yes, sir. It's a way to evaluate the next generation of Ninja from each of the Shinobi Villages. Those who perform the best and demonstrate their strength will be promoted to the rank of Chunin."

"Good." He took another drink, then set his cup down on the saucer. "Tell me, Natsumi, how are you enjoying the ANBU?"

Huh?

"Well..." She paused. Why is he asking about that? How am I supposed to respond?

"It took some getting used to at first, but I do enjoy it. I get along well with most of my teammates, and even though some of the missions are difficult, I feel like I'm making a difference and helping the village."

"I see." He took another drink and studied her expression hard. "And, how are you faring emotionally? I understand that the incident with the Araki brothers was particularly difficult for you."

Natsumi's eyes widened slightly at the name and her hands trembled for a moment, shaking the cup, and she drew in a breath to steady herself.

"It..." She bit her lip. "I'm fine, now. I just wish... he hadn't gotten away."

"Of course." The Hokage nodded to himself. "However, you should be proud of yourself and acknowledge how impressive your performance was. To take down such powerful enemies like that, and at your age... you should have more pride in your abilities."

Natsumi's eyes lowered to the teacup.

Even so... I made several huge mistakes... and Sena was still severely wounded. Even if she's alright now, there's no way I can really atone for it.

"Which leads me to my next question."

Natsumi blinked and looked back up at him. "S-Sir?"

"Considering your abilities... it would be a disservice to both you and the village if I withheld this opportunity from you." He laced his fingers together, then rested his elbows on the desk. "Do you wish to participate in the Chunin Exams?"

Natsumi's eyes widened and closed one of her hands on her lap, pressing her nails into her palm.

Me? Participate?

"But... I'm not in a three-man squad... so, even if I wanted to..."

"Is that your only concern?" He smiled faintly. "If so, I can review potential candidates and find a capable pair of Genin to take the exams with you."

"But..." She looked down again, then met his eyes. "What about my ANBU duties? I can't just abandon my team so that I can take the exams."

"I've taken it into consideration already, and I've decided to temporarily suspend your ANBU responsibilities."

She paled and her mouth hung open. "W-What...?"

Is this my punishment? For failing that mission? I thought I'd redeemed myself from the last mission...

"It's only for the duration of the Chunin Exams. I assume that you would like to be able to support your brother and provide encouragement for him, and participate yourself."

She let out a breath.

So... I'm not in trouble, then? That's a relief.

"Naruto's taking the exam, too?" Natsumi drank her tea slowly, her body relaxing.

"Kakashi has recommended him, though the decision is ultimately up to Naruto." Hiruzen sipped from his cup, then poured tea into it once it was empty. "Although, considering his tenacity, I doubt he would ignore this opportunity."

The corner of Natsumi's mouth twitched upward in a smile.

Of course. As soon as he finds out, I'm sure he'll immediately get excited and talk about how he's going to come out on top for sure.

"As his sister, I assume you'd like to take the exams with him."

Natsumi opened her mouth, and then shut it again.

Actually...

He raised a brow. "Is something the matter?"

She shook her head. "N-No... not really." She sighed after a moment. "If I participate in the exams, wouldn't that mean that I would be competing against Naruto, too? There would be a chance that we might have to fight each other in the Third Stage, right?"

"Hm?" He nodded. "Yes, that is a possibility."

"Then, no. I don't want to take the exams." She rested the cup on the desk in front of her. "Even if I do want to take the exams and prove myself, and go up in rank, I absolutely refuse to go up against Naruto or be his enemy... even if it's just a test."

She smiled and looked down at her tea, feeling the warmth of the cup seeping into her hands.

"As his sister, it's my job to encourage him and support him and his dream. Having to fight him, or possibly being the one to take away his victory seems wrong, no matter how I think about it. I made a vow to myself that I would do whatever it takes to help him achieve his dream and have him finally be acknowledged by everyone... I won't break it for selfish reasons."

"I see." The Hokage closed his eyes for a while, then opened them again with a smile. "I can tell that I cannot change your mind. Very well, then."

She sighed in relief and smiled. "Thank you, Lord Third, for understanding. I appreciate the offer, but it will make me happier just supporting Naruto and getting to watch him. I can always take the exams the next time around, and then Naruto will be the one doing the supporting."

"What a selfless girl..."

Natsumi finished her tea, then returned the cup to the tray. "Did you want to talk to me about anything else?"

"No, that was all." He leaned back slightly in his chair. "You may leave now, if you wish."

Natsumi nodded and stood, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you, Lord Third. And, thank you for the tea."

"Of course."

She turned to leave, and he cleared his throat quietly.

"Natsumi."

She stopped and turned to him. "Yes, sir?"

"I understand your love and sacrifice for your brother, but it is also alright for you to act selfishly sometimes."

Natsumi blinked, then shook her head slowly with a smile. "Maybe that's true for other people, but it's my dream to see his become reality, and I won't go back on my promise. That's my Ninja Way."

She bowed her head again, then left the room and closed the door with a soft click.

"Hm..." Hiruzen sipped his tea in thought, then looked to the framed portraits of the previous Hokage on the back wall and his eyes rested on the picture of the Fourth. "She's grown up into a hard-working, thoughtful young lady... you would be very proud of her."

Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto waited on the bridge for Kakashi, leaning against the railing in boredom. After a while, Sakura furrowed her brows and let out a soft screech, then balled her fists and looked at Naruto.

"Say! Say! Why is it that he's the one who always calls us out, but is the one that's always late?!"

"That's right! That's right!" Naruto raised his fist in the air and nodded in agreement.

"What's he going to do about the feelings of a maiden who accidentally overslept and resigned herself to skip blow-drying her hair?!"

"I overslept, too, so I haven't washed my face or brushed my teeth." Naruto added.

Sakura relaxed her hands and blinked. "Y-You... that's gross."

Sasuke glanced toward them for a moment, then away again. "Why're these guys so hyper first thing in the morning?"

Kakashi appeared on the Torii above, and they all turned to look up at him. "Hey. Good morning, guys. Today I got a bit lost on the path of life..."

"Yeah right!" Sakura and Naruto scowled, pointing up at him.

Kakashi rubbed the back of his land, then landed in front of them as they lined up.

"Uh... well" Kakashi held up a finger. "This is sudden, but I recommended you guys for the Chunin Exams, so..." He took out three small papers from his pouch, and held them out. "Here, these are your applications."

"Chunin Exam..." Sakura repeated quietly.

"That being said, the recommendations are not compulsory." Kakashi put his hands in his pockets. "You're free to decide whether you take the exam or not."

"All right! Naruto beamed and kissed the application in his hand, then leapt up to wrap his arms around Kakashi's neck and swing around. "I love you, Kakashi-sensei!"

"Hey, cut that out! Get off, already..." Kakashi set him down with a short sigh, then looked back over the trio. "Only those who want to take the Exam sign that application and go to room 301 of the Academy at three o'clock p.m. five days from now... that's it."

Naruto grinned and closed his eyes, holding the application with both hands. "Hee hee hee... Chunin Exam! Chunin Exam!"

Natsumi walked with her hands in her pockets. "What to do now..." After a moment, she smiled. Oh! I should go find Naruto. We haven't spent much time together lately, and—

She sighed.

Bad idea. He'll just hound me about how I acted earlier... I'm definitely not ready for that. What am I even supposed to say to him about it?

She kicked a small rock as she walked, then looked ahead at a group of Genin coming from the opposite direction.

Those are the Genin from the Sound Village.

She continued forward and as they passed, each of them turned slightly to meet her eyes with a glare. Once they were several meters behind, Natsumi turned and pressed her lips together, narrowing her eyes slightly as she watched them walking down the street.

Those guys are giving off a bad vibe... and that look in their eyes worries me, too... like wild animals looking for something to kill.

She turned back around, then continued on her way slowly.

I wonder if I really made the right call, deciding against taking the Exams. Maybe I should tell the Old Man that I've changed my mind. I could at least eliminate a few of those guys out of the running to give Naruto a better shot, and then withdraw myself so I don't have to be his opponent...

Natsumi sighed and lowered her head slightly.

What am I thinking? Naruto wouldn't want me to make things easier for him. He'd want to beat them and advance on his own, with his own strengths.

Her brows furrowed and she crossed her arms as she walked.

Still... those guys don't seem like ordinary Genin. That look in their eyes reminds me of... She bit her lip hard and dug her fingernails into the meat of her arms. That was pure cold, murderous intent in their eyes. These exams are going to be more dangerous than I thought...

She loosened the grip on her arms and looked at the sky, walking aimlessly.

I don't know what to do... I really want to show off what I can do, to prove to myself that I'm not that crybaby weakling anymore... and I also want to make those guys that bullied me before regret it. But, even if I want to participate, there's still the issue of having to be Naruto's opponent. If we faced off, he'd get mad if I went easy on him and let him win, but I also couldn't forgive myself if I won and eliminated him.

She watched a pair of birds flying overhead, encircling each other as if dancing and she stopped walking.

He's always worked so hard to overcome everything and has been making a real effort by staying up late and studying. He has the chance to make everyone in the village recognize him for his own skills and strength, instead of looking at him like a monster. I don't think I could stand it if I was the one to come between him and finally being acknowledged.

Natsumi looked down at her feet.

Not to mention... it just seems unfair if someone from the ANBU like me were to compete with everyone else. I haven't been in the ANBU long, but the whole point of it is to recruit the village's strongest Shinobi. For one of us to take the exams with regular Shinobi, it'd be like cheating... right?

She uncrossed her arms, then rapped herself on her head.

Ugh! I hate being so indecisive! Naruto seems to always know what he wants to do without having to think about it. Why do I have to think so much about everything?!

She blinked and looked over at the park, recognizing the figure that lounged in the shade of an old tree.

That's Naruto's sensei... but what's he doing by himself? Shouldn't the team be all together, preparing for the exam? But he's just here by himself, reading.

She turned away, taking a step and then stopping again.

He knows Naruto really well now... I wonder if maybe he could help me figure out what to do.

Natsumi quietly moved closer, keeping out of sight as she watched him.

But I don't really know how to explain it out loud to someone else. I don't want to sound whiny.

"You don't have to hide... come on out."

Her eyes widened and she held her breath.

How did he know I was here?! I'm one of the best at stealth on my team.

She stepped out of the shadows of another tree sheepishly and he looked at her from over the top of his book.

"How did you know I was there?"

"More or less... I could sense I was being watched."

Could he have the sensory ability? That's not very common...

Kakashi lowered the book slightly as he watched her. "You have something on your mind."

Natsumi nodded and stepped closer, then sat near him.

"I just spoke to the Hokage, and he told me that you recommended Naruto for the Chunin Exams."

"Hm?" He paused. "If you're concerned that he isn't ready, you should have more faith in him."

"No, that's not what I mean." She shook her head and waved her hands, then rested them on her lap. "Actually, when Lord Third told me that you recommended him, it made me happy that someone finally acknowledged all of his hard work to get strong. I'm not worried because I think he's weak..."

She let out a short breath.

"I saw some of the Genin from the other villages that are here to participate in the exams. I can't put it into words, but... when I walked by them, there was this nasty air about them. I get the feeling that they don't just see the exams like an exam, and that they're actually looking forward to killing someone."

"The Chunin Exams aren't for the faint of heart. There have been fatalities before."

She nodded and bit her lip. "I know that... but, after seeing those guys... I can't stop wondering if Naruto will really be alright. He's strong and determined, but he's also soft... he wouldn't be okay going far enough to take anyone's life. If he goes up against one of those guys, though... and they seriously come at him to kill... I just worry if he'll be able to stomach doing whatever is necessary to stop them."

Kakashi closed his book and looked up at the branches above for a moment. "Hmm..." He looked back at her. "I'm sure Naruto's told you about our mission to the Land of Waves?"

How could I forget? He was so excited that he kept me up all night when he told me.

She nodded. "You fought Zabuza Momochi and were targeted by Gato." She lowered her head and bit her lip.

Both were very dangerous... the infamous Demon of the Mist... and then someone rich, powerful, and ruthless like that...

"...You guys were lucky to make it out of that alive."

"Well, I suppose luck may have been a small part of it, but Naruto played a pivotal role in that last battle. He would have been the one to defeat Zabuza's companion, had he not jumped in front of my attack."

Kakashi went quiet at the memory and Natsumi's eyes widened.

"Really? Naruto did that?"

Kakashi blinked after a moment, forcing his thoughts to return to their conversation. "Naruto didn't tell you? That's a surprise..."

"He tends to exaggerate sometimes..." She balled her fists on her lap and looked down at them. "So... I thought that he might have been doing the same thing this time, too..."

Am I really worried over nothing, then? He almost took out someone that strong by himself?

She sighed and then smiled faintly. "I guess... I'm just too protective of him. I'm just as guilty of underestimating him, then."

Sorry, Naruto.

Kakashi reached over to pat her head briefly. "Well, that can't be helped. As brother and sister, it's only natural for you to be worried about him."

Her cheeks warmed and she averted her eyes. "I-I guess..." Drawing her legs in closer, she let out a soft breath. "I guess I have no business worrying about him taking the Chunin Exams, then..."

He moved his hand, then rested it behind his head as he leaned against the tree. "Aren't you taking the exams as well?"

"Huh?" She shook her head quickly. "No, I couldn't. I don't like the idea of having to go up against Naruto like that. I'm just going to be supporting him from the side this time."

"I wonder what he'll say about that." Kakashi held his chin in thought for a moment. "I'm sure he'd be happier if you took them together. Even if you came up against each other, he would enjoy competing against you, the one he's closest to." He shrugged. "However, the exam isn't compulsory, so it's fine if you chose to wait and take it later."

I bet he would say something like that... he might really enjoy if we competed with each other. But I don't think if I could enjoy it the same.

"If he's disappointed that I'm not participating, I'm sure he'll forgive me if I treat him to ramen." Natsumi smiled. "He'd forget all about it right away." She stood and put her hands into her pockets. "I should go, since I interrupted you in the first place. But thanks for letting me talk about my silly problems."

"Don't mention it." Kakashi stood, patting her head, and returned his book to his pouch as he smiled. "Actually, I was procrastinating here when I should be taking care of a few things, so you weren't interrupting as much as reminding me."

She blushed slightly and turned to walk away, then stopped.

"I know I really don't have any business asking... but could I ask you for a favor?"

"A favor?" He put his hands into his own pockets.

She nodded. "I trust your word about Naruto's skills, but, if it's okay, I'd like to maybe join you guys for training sometime?" She averted her eyes, then turned back to him. "You see, Naruto and I haven't trained together for a long time, so I really don't know how much he's improved. If it's alright, I'd like to see it in person."

"Is that all? Of course you'd be welcome." He smiled. "Actually, I had a training exercise in mind already that I was going to have you join us for."

"Really?" She smiled. "Thank you! I'd be happy to!"

"Then it's settled." He lifted his hand in a wave. "Meet me here in the morning and I'll fill you in then."

"Okay!"

He flickered away and Natsumi smiled to herself, then shook her head quickly.

"Right! If I'm going to train with them, then I've got to make sure I'm not sloppy!" She balled her hands and grinned in excitement. "I've got so much to review and practice before tomorrow! Naruto's going to be so surprised at how strong I've gotten."

Naruto held up the application as he stared at it, walking with Sakura and Sasuke.

"The Chunin Exams, eh... I bet a lot of strong guys are going to be there..." He lowered the paper and closed his eyes for a moment. "For example, that guy!"

Naruto furrowed his brows and clenched his teeth. "I'm going to beat that guy up and make him tell me why he seemed to know Natsumi!" He let out a hot breath, then narrowed his eyes and looked over at Sasuke. "And... he'll be there, too."

He nodded to himself as he imagined beating Kankuro and Sasuke both, and being awarded a trophy. "Heh... if I take first place, then the path to being Hokage is right there! Maybe that old man will be so impressed by me that he'll retire and make me Hokage right away!"

Sasuke smirked faintly, keeping his eyes ahead as he walked in silence. "I might be able to fight him..."

"I... don't want to..." Sakura pressed her lips together, looking down at the ground as she stopped walking. "I can't keep up with Sasuke, and not even with Naruto... Me, in the Chunin Exam? No way..."