Naruto: Paradox

by coronaprimo

Naruto is the prince of a once great empire, who becomes aware of his lineage at an early age. Naruto will use the gifts left to him by his parents and his ancestors, to become stronger. To become a king. To be a Paradox. This is the story of his ascension AU/ OOC Naruto/ OP Naruto First Story

11. Tests

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other works that I use for inspiration.

"Speaking"- Speech

"Thinking" - Thoughts

"Speaking" - Non-Mortal Speech

"Thinking" - Non-Mortal Thoughts

Please read the Author's notes at the end.

Chapter Eleven: Tests

Konoha

Four months had passed since the liberation and acquisition of Yuki no Kuni into the Uzumaki empire. The land and its people had much to fix within their borders, but in joining the empire, they gained access to resources and manpower they would've never had otherwise.

Koyuki attacked her role as a queen with much vigor. She wanted to become the type of ruler that could defend her land against anything and she was working immensely hard to be that leader. She trained in all things combat politics and everything in between around the clock, even benching her acting career for the meantime.

With an easy transition of authority and much of Naruto's influence, the newly appointed queen established their government and placed officials in power. Naruto urged her to focus on the land's development in technology, with many of its scientific minds adamantly agreeing, leading to the introduction of Bando and Umi. Science might've been the Kekkei Genkai of the Snow's citizens for their addition bolstered not only the numbers of Umi members but shot their development and advancement in the field forward by an immense amount. So much so that Bando began the development of his life's dream, bionic-type tools that can be used as prosthetics, implants, and protective gear for civilians and shinobi alike. Umi also worked on and studied the massive heat generators. It was discovered that with further research and development, these effects could be spread throughout the entire land.

Other developments include the re-establishment of the land's shinobi village, Yukigakure. With the addition and tutelage of the Uzumaki empire as well as the improvements made to the prototype chakra armor, the newly established snow shinobi force quickly became a force to be reckoned with.

More good news came as more acquisitions to the empire were reported.

Kagura had been successful in negotiations with the Jōmae Village Head, Masafumi Kimura. He was a short elderly man with medium-length grey hair, which he kept in a ponytail and a long hanging mustache of matching color. He wore a conical straw hat, handguards similar in style to those of the toad sage, and carried a Monk Staff, which had a lock hanging from the two lower rings at its top.

Their first encounter wasn't the most pleasant as the man's ego seemed to be his first priority. He claimed that they had no need to join an empire that hid in the shadows nor did they have a need to follow anyone weaker than them which led to a proposed agreement. Kagura would take on all the opponent's Kimura chose and if she emerged victoriously, all she asked was for a reasonable discussion. In the event of her defeat, however, she would allow for the probing of her mind, divulging all the empire's secrets to them. Kagura had no intention of risking the hard work of all her brethren, especially her lord, but she certainly wasn't coming home empty-handed.

With that, the 1 v 50 man battle royal began with the best the village had to offer.

Too bad it wasn't much.

While they were clever, cunning, and creative with their approach to combating the foreign kunoichi, they simply lacked the power to take her down. Kagura on the other hand had all these things and the strength to make them count which led to her taking down the opposition with little difficulty.

One kunoichi was able to impress Kagura with her kenjutsu skills via a Tantō and her unrelenting spirit.

She was a fair-skinned, slender young woman with brown eyes and straight, dull green hair and wore a brown flak jacket with a red mesh top underneath, black pants with bandages around her right thigh and calves, brown shin guards, black fingerless gloves that stretched to the top of her biceps and black shinobi boots with her Jōmae village forehead protector displayed proudly and her hair in a loose ponytail with a red ribbon, while still letting two bangs frame her face.

Her name was Hanare and despite what seemed like unwinnable odds, she never backed down. Even after the rest of her teammates were long since beaten, Hanare refused to surrender for the sake of her brethren. This admirable act was enough to force Kagura to surrender, for it was that sort of resolve that burned within the empire.

After seeing this amazing display, the village leader apologized for his earlier rudeness with haste. Kimura noted that an honor display like that was left for only those who truly understood loyalty and how far it would push someone. In a world where everyone had a price, the once-proud philosophers of the land of keys had to assimilate with the times or be forgotten to time. That is how they developed into a village that focused on espionage, using techniques they once created to help find enlightenment to now finding the secrets locked within their victim's minds. They were a people of thought and understanding, who valued familial bonds over anything and were willing to pay any price to protect them.

Kagura explained what the Uzumaki empire was and how such loyal people could benefit from joining, pointing out their biggest weakness. They were strong-willed people, but they lacked the power necessary in this world to make any moves. While that fact was true, Kimura had a hard time believing any of what Kagura had to say until he was offered a tour of the kingdom's current holdings. The old man refused, he had no time to be away from his home for that long a time, especially not with a stranger. It was fortunate that their emperor was an anomaly, able to produce gifts the gods would envy. She inspired them to rejoice as they were about to receive her lord's blessing. Kagura sprawled out a scroll, the exterior matching her crimson outfit. With an explosive current of aura, the torii gate was summoned forth with swirling mysticism within its arch.

The gate was certainly wondrous, but one didn't make it to Masafumi's age by taking risks based on wonderment. Kagura suggested that Hanare act as the diplomatic envoy and they would move forward based on her report back, which both Kimura and Hanare agreed to. Thus began a trip around the empire. The sights and sounds were one thing, from the gleaming skyscrapers of Sora to the vibrant streets of Nami, and the astonishing multi-season landscape of Yuki. Though, when Hanare reported back, it was the people who had truly made an impression on her. On their trip, Kagura gave her a glimpse of the power they had. They watched battles and training exercises happening throughout all the lands, between combatants of all ranks. Kagura explained the ranks of the empire's military, with Shōi(Ensigns) being the lowest, but even then there was a clear difference in power from this kingdom's lowest rank and her land's strongest.

She saw it. From this woman's explanation and all she had taken in.

These lands were small once, but they joined and grew, far exceeding the strength they should possess. Once these people gained enough strength, Hanare knew there would be no stopping them.

No, that was wrong. She doubted that they could be stopped now.

With this assessment in mind and the future of his people to think about, Kimura felt he had no other choice to accept. That and it felt like a call from destiny, one the man would've been a fool to reject.

That was in the first of the four months. The next two went into turning the land into a booming tourist zone, full of casinos, brothels, shops, and info dens. The purpose of this was to bring the information to them while they trained and grew strong enough to once again take foreign missions. This was also a great way to bolster their and by extension the empire's economy, and gain more information. The small village of Jōmae had turned into the substantially larger and much more lavish Jōmae Province. There was another condition to Jōmae's addition to the empire as Kagura took Hanare as her protege.

The girl left quite the impression. Malice had an apprentice in Shizune and that turned out a shinobi Kagura would've hated to have to go against, so Kagura figured she would be able to turn this young lady into a national asset. And right she was!

With one of the most intense training sessions either of them had ever been through, they both emerged stronger and eager to serve their realm.

This led to Hanare first joint mission with her new master. A trip to Tori no Kuni (The Land of Birds) based on information the Jōmae had about it's leadership.

But that is a story for a different time. . .

Negotiations on Benisu Island also went well, with their citizens being more business-oriented. Zabuza and Haku were able to get a meeting with the leader of the small ninja village, who ironically happened to be named Bandō.

The man had spiky light brown hair and dark eyes. He wore a short-sleeved, blue outfit under a beige flak jacket and also carried an abacus strapped to his back with the forehead protector of his village strapped on his left arm.

The former leader of the island had recently passed, and through an election of sorts, the land thought Bandō would be best for this job. He was a highly competent individual with skills in several fields, such as his analytical skills and his knowledge of Botanics and harvesting tactics.

When the offer to join the kingdom was put on the table, the Benisu leader readily declined, stating he and his people had no interest in any empire, but the offer to secure Nanakusa Island in the name of the Uzumaki empire and Benisu was much more to Bandō's liking. He pointed at some very key factors when it came to making his choice. First and foremost, this could mean aggression towards his people, and with their small size and lack of firepower, Bandō knew they would lose to any larger power that wanted the land back. On the other hand, to secure one of the largest supplies of herbs in the shinobi world would make one into a superpower, with the economic power to combat many others. Ultimately the decision came down to what sort of future he wanted for his people. The people of Benisu were merchants, people of business, yet the amount they did was low and continued to dwindle as the years went on. These strangers had their own agenda for sure, yet the offer that had been offered to them was a hard one to turn down. Bandō tried his best to make the deal more favorable for Benisu, putting the manufacturing of a plant and protection of the island in the hands of the Uzumaki while they would handle the business aspects.

They were both given orders from Bando and Naruto to do their best to secure this asset in the name of the empire, and with the parameters set, Haku was about to accept on behalf of the empire, but Zabuza was motivated to go the extra mile.

Zabuza once wanted to do the best for his people and was willing to sacrifice his life and freedom to do so. He had met many in the empire for he would be one of its protectors, so now was his chance yet again to push forward for the sake of his land. Zabuza was no intellectual slouch, but his time training with minds like the kingdom's knights helped him see he was squandering his smarts, so he analyzed the situation and that regardless of how small these people were, they were proud and wanted to do legit business more than anything so Zabuza agreed to their terms offered they join the empire with the Benisu acting as their new economists and bankers. The kingdom was strong but would need more than physical strength to rule.

This was a difficult choice for the leader to make, but in the end, it was a chance for the benisu to be more than just a small island of struggling merchants. Bandō was a younger man, and there were plenty of young ones on the island, so for a prosperous future for his people, Benisu joined the empire on a provisional status.

Naruto was overjoyed by the development and by the amazing judgment his knight had shown.

He was the king, but he didn't want it so his kingdom wouldn't function or grow without him. He wanted it strong and self-sufficient and with the trips they were taking and the bonds they were making, he was sure it would be just that.

Yes, all was going well, but there was one more development within the empire. . .

"So what's going on? Are all the Jōnin busy today? We couldn't find Kurenai-Sensei anywhere."

"What a drag. . . At least Asuma isn't here to run us ragged."

"Jeez, Shikamaru all you do is complain. It's not like our teams got 'one of them' on it."

"Yea, count your blessings. . . Especially since they added another to their little club."

Strolling down the busy streets, the Konoha genins had made it a thing to gather on their free days to hang and discuss the happenings in their lives.

Usually, these gatherings consisted of teams 8, 10, and Sakura, being the sole member from her team, but recently team 8 began missing one of its members more and more as the months went by.

"Why couldn't you keep an eye on your own teammates, huh!?"

Kiba shouted at Sakura.

"What the hell are you coming at me for, dog breath!?"

"Didn't you used to go gaga for the Uchiha? Guess ya don't have 'womanly assets' to get him interested huh?"

"And what about you? No wonder the only girl on your team is running around with other boys."

"Hey! Chill out! You can't just say shit like that. . ."

Kiba and even his teammate Shino began looking around as if they knew they were being watched.

"What? Scared? One day Hinata changes the way she dresses, and you all think she's-"

The strangest happened all of a sudden.

Sakura couldn't move her lips anymore. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't open her mouth at all.

"And what is it that I think I am now, Ha-ru-no-chan?"

The familiar figures of Naruto and Sasuke stood before the group with a drastically different-looking Hinata standing between them.

The two boys had changed slightly, simply looking a bit more mature than they used to a couple of months ago, but the others chalked it up to experience. They had all changed in some way from their days in the academy, though Hinata was a different story.

She was now clad in a light lavender outfit with an exposed heart shape cut-out on her back, triangle shape cut-out bishop sleeves, a triangle shape cut-out on her chest, white wrist cuffs, with white and red striped tights, and long black high-heeled shinobi sandals. As her lush lavender locks draped down her back, on her head lay a black pointed hat with what looked like a face stitched into it with two large red buttons for eyes and a red rectangle as a mouth, along with golden stitching. She wore no strap, yet seemingly attached to her back was quite the strange item. It was a custom-made broom with the front end being a crescent moon-like design.

The last change was physical. Hinata seemed to develop well, growing a couple of inches in more than just her height. A curve here and an arch there certainly added a degree of allure to the Hyuga heiress.

"H-Hinata! I told her to watch her mouth! Shino and I have nothing to do with this!"

Kiba circled back and forth like a sad puppy trying to appease its master. With the stern look on her face, maybe he was.

Hinata came back from her training session a changed woman.

Her goal the entire time was to become as useful to her majesty as possible and felt the best way to do so was to cover the role that no one else did.

He had knights, assassins, and scientists. Merchants, contractors, cooks and cleaners. Yet, there was one thing this enigmatic king lacked that stories always seemed to talk about. A mystical force behind the king that would separate their realm from the rest, so that's what she became.

She dedicated her training to become a force unlike any the world has seen.

A monster in her own right to stand alongside the kingdom's titans.

She achieved this feat in several different ways such as her physical and mental strengthening, adding elemental and sealing techniques to her arsenal, and the development of her techniques based on her clan's signature taijutsu, the Gentle Fist.

Though, the most interesting development was when Hatsu Hinata awakened.

She wanted to be like her king. A force of nature, untouchable by those desperate to eliminate him. So with the resolve of a beast and the desire of a maiden, a true witch was born.

"It's alright, Kiba. I'm sure you remember our conversation from last time, right?"

As if she had learned from the master himself, Hinata's face adopted such a sinister smirk.

She might as well have had whiskers.

"Yea! No need to worry Haha!"

The wild child seemed quite tamed as he nervously chucked while grabbing his other male teammate in a friendly embrace.

"Good, good. . . As for you, Haruno-chan. My mother used to tell me all the time before she passed, if one has nothing nice to say, then they should say nothing at all."

The rest of the genin watched on as this strange interaction took place in the middle of the road, but regardless of her situation.

The last couple of months saw a shift in the behavior for the three before them.

The change with Hinata seemed to happen overnight, as one day the sweet and shy heiress was replaced with the witch with no patience for how some used to treat her.

First was her clan, who even now were scrambling on ways to reign in the now wild child she had become. Hinata started with her father who after seeing her new attire, reprimanded her for her trampish appearance. She paid him and the elders of the clan barely any mind before her father called for her disciplining, which he would dole out himself. Hiashi Hyūga was a strict and proud man, a master of his clan's arts and an overall skilled shinobi, so what had transpired between him and his daughter definitely reconstructed their dynamic. In a sparring match between them, try as he might, Hiashi wasn't able to land a single blow on his daughter. Either she would swiftly dodge his attacks or he would hit some kind of invisible barrier. From what he could tell with his eyes, it was a wall of chakra that she somehow was able to project in front of herself, but the density of her chakra, the feel of it, and the fact that even though she had been expelling it, it remained completely invisible. It was even hard to sense. With one palm strike to the chest, Hinata ended the bout in an instant by blowing her father well out of the sparring ring and through a couple of the walls in the compound.

This was one of many interactions Hinata went to have with her clan and others in the village that landed her the title of "Wicked Witch".

"It really is a shame you know. . . You'd think after all this time some people would know better. I'm sure it can't be helped though. It must be my charm, right Haruno-chan?"

Sakura was sick and tired of being the butt of their jokes.

Whatever weird technique or jutsu they kept using got so much worse with Hinata's change. Random limbs, especially the lips of the unfortunate were rendered useless no matter how much anyone tried. So now all she could do was wait around until they felt it necessary to allow her to talk.

"Ino? Shikamaru? Choji?"

Team 10 had done everything they could to avoid trouble with the other two team members.

Along with Hinata's personality change came changes to how Naruto and Sasuke dealt with opposition.

Spies, assassins, whatever designation they were given didn't matter; they were lucky to leave with their lives.

For some, it was the flash of crimson orbs ingraining true terror in their souls. For others the eerie sounds of black whips etching it into their bodies. But there was one other thing their victims learned, there was no sympathy to be had.

Not a shred of mercy to be given.

They became such a terror, they ended up earning new monikers.

Sasuke, with his blade, became known as the Demon's Knight while Naruto was simply deemed, Demon King. These names and the rumors running through the village began to change the behavior of the villagers as well, for their fears were coming true and they had realized just how powerless they were to stop them.

This change was brought on by the information retrieved from Naruto's capture before their departure to the snow. Using Malice's Godmother, they were able to interview a perfect clone of the man and learned much about the leader of the weird assailants, Danzō Shimura. The man had founded and was leading a covert ANBU-like operation in the shadows, using his operatives to carry out missions that the elder claimed were for the benefit of Konoha. Naruto was not so much disgusted that an organization such as this existed, but more so that the all-mighty leadership of this village was ignorant to its existence.

He had no faith in the village and with the progress the empire had made, they would soon be able to leave this place behind, so they didn't have to hold back as much. Plus, they were providing a good deal of distractions to the leadership of the village to keep too much attention from falling on them.

"Please forgive me Lady Hinata. . . I see myself as the leader of Team 7. If one of us behaves in an unsavory manner, it is a reflection on me."

Naruto apologized on his teammate's behalf, but this only made all present shrink.

The last couple of months also gave the rest of Genin a chance to see what the boys were capable of since they were keeping to themselves for the most part. The last time Naruto had to apologize was on behalf of all the genin for their lackluster performance on a joint team mission helping out with some construction in the village. This led to a week of torture in the form of a game of cat and mouse.

Unfortunately for the genin, they never saw the cat coming as even in the safety of their own homes, a strange mist would emerge and shift into nightmarish limps, trying to grab onto them. Sakura explained that it had to be Sasuke's doing for them embarrassing his lord, thus they did their best not to anger either of them, sometimes just avoiding them altogether.

"Please my lord, there's no way you can be held responsible for the actions of. . . Lady Haruno here. Besides, this is a matter between us girls. Isn't that right?"

Hinata may have been worse than the boys. She was walking maleficence, ready to punish anyone who didn't treat her as she was, a woman of the utmost nobility.

They knew.

All they could do was wait for whatever course of action these monsters decided to take. Regardless of their fancy words or their stoic demeanors, the three were a scourge. One for all to suffer.

"It seems like you're all having a lovely day!"

It was Shizune's lovely voice that cleared the tension.

"Shizune-ane! Yes, we are having such a lovely day with our fellow genin. But, we do have some business to attend to and you know how much of a stickler for a time some can be."

With the deepening of their bonds, Hinata was able to poke some fun at the expense of the Uchiha.

She learned much about not only her lord but his most trusted knight and to say that he was someone she held in high respect was an understatement. He had been there for Naruto when she couldn't be, when she was too weak to, that debt alone would be one she would spend the rest of her days repaying. Sasuke was strong, fast, skilled, and smart so when it came time for his assessment of her skills, whether she deserved to be a lady standing by his lord, it was an arduous test indeed. One Hinata gave her all to, cementing their relationship for she won his respect and his trust.

She had also gotten quite close to Shizune for they were sister students under the guidance of Malice. The two had become thick as thieves for Shizune always wanted a little sister to guide and fawn over.

"Well allow me to accompany you then, Imouto! I just finished dropping off Tsunade at a meeting and was heading in that direction myself. I'll be sure not to interrupt the fun."

"I wouldn't worry about it, Shizune-san. Besides, it's as Lady Hinata said. We must keep on schedule or it'll be me on the other end of that blade."

Naruto threw an arm around his knight earning him a grunt. He also turned and glanced at the tree line for a brief moment, before turning his attention back.

"Then let us be on our way! Excuse us everyone and please have a lovely day."

With a quick wave of her hand, the four were off, leaving most of the kids and the onlookers relieved beyond belief.

"Every fucking. . . "

Sakura massaged her jaw once she felt control of it had been returned to her.

She put everything into gaining strength. The kind that would free her from the jester-like position that those bastards had thrust her in.

"If that woman hadn't shown up, things could've gotten worse for those brats. Thoughts Temari?"

Off the streets, within the cover of the trees, three suspicious individuals watched all that transpired.

The first one to speak was a young man standing on a tree branch. Adorned in a Bunraku puppeteer's costume; black, baggy, full bodysuit with a red and yellow circle on the front. He also wore a black hood that covered his head completely, and had cat-like ears with his forehead protector attached to the hood's forehead. The young man also sported a purple triangular face-paint design and a strangely wrapped package on his back.

"They are definitely different, but I'm not convinced they're anything to worry about. What do you think, Gaara?"

Her teal eyes and sandy blonde hair, which is gathered into four consecutive pigtails, only helped accentuate her beauty.

Her attire consisted of a single light purple-colored, off-the-shoulders garment that extended to halfway down her thighs, with a scarlet sash tied around her waist. In addition to incorporating fishnet worn over her shoulders and legs, specifically on her right calf and her left thigh, she also wore her black forehead protector around her neck. This young woman sitting cross-legged atop a branch was identified as Temari.

The last of the three was a boy who was a good deal shorter than the other two, standing under the branch the female was sitting on.

His features included his fair skin, green eyes, and short spiky auburn hair. He lacked distinctive pupils or eyebrows and had tanuki-like black rings around his eyes, with the kanji for "love" (愛) on the left side of his forehead, which his hair was parted as if to keep it visible. He wore a black bodysuit with an open neck, t-shirt-like sleeves, and almost full-length leggings. With it, a white cloth over his right shoulder and the left side of his hips and a wide leather band from his left shoulder to his right hip with which he carried a strange-looking gourd and around which he wraps his forehead protector.

"Mother didn't have anything to say about them, so they must not be that special."

Gaara's voice was low and somewhat raspy, but his assessment was cold and meticulous.

"Then your mother is a fool. . ."

A colder voice resonated in the deepest reaches of their minds as their world began filling with a daunting web. Its expanse comprised of thick obsidian chain tendrils.

"G-Gaara. . ! Kankuro. . !"

Standing behind Temari was Hinata with her right hand tightly clenched.

For some reason, Temari breathing was afflicted; her struggling to get a breathe in.

"Shit. . . They got the drop on us."

Kankuro had his hands up in surrender as a blade rested against his gullet, compliments of Sasuke.

"I'm sorry for this impromptu meeting. . . I must say, if you are trying to build good relations between your village and this one, you failed the first test."

From the top of the web, a little above them sat the young blonde lord. He gazed down upon them as if they were delectable morsels.

"You've been sneaking around for a couple of days now. I'm sure under the guise of Chunin exam participants. . . It isn't a good look that the village hasn't been alerted of your arrival. Tsk, Tsk. . . Such naughtiness."

The chains danced around their king gleefully.

They were free and spreading. Their links grew stronger, more refined as his understanding deepened. They were more than just chains, they were bonds in which he could mold a world once he learned how.

"Gaara, was it? You and I are of a special breed you know, yet it would be forward of me to assume for the same reasons. . . But this 'mother' of yours has been misleading you for far too long."

The red of his eyes began to match his hair as sand erupted from Gaara's gourd and toward Naruto, but every grain was cleaved away before it got close.

Severely deadly chain tips went to assault the sand shinobi, lucky the sand blocked them a few inches before riddling through Gaara.

"Ohhhh! It seems like we are more alike than even I knew! Perfect, simply perfect HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"This kid. . ."

"He's worse than Gaara!"

The two other shinobi had similar thoughts as the scene unfolded. Gaara was Sunagakure's (Village Hidden in the Sand) strongest asset. A living weapon, untouchable by all yet able to cut down all in his wake, until today…

This yellow-haired boy. . . He was so much worse than their brother, for he exhibited the one thing they felt Gaara never truly had.

Control.

"Gaara, I know it's only been a moment, but come to me! Let me show you what it truly means to live a monstrous existence."

His words, oozing acid that burned the more it spewed.

"What!? Existence. . . ? ARRRGGGHHH!"

The redhead gripped his skull in agony.

"Gaara!"

"No need to worry. My lord would never harm one of his own. Well. . . Not without good reason. But not that one. We can all see how special he is, and not for the depraved reasons your village does."

Hinata spoke to Temari as they watched on.

"What the hell do you guys think you're doing!? This is how you treat foreign guests!?"

Kankuro would've gone on until he felt the blade press closer.

"It is as the Lady says, there's nothing to worry about. . . No one will understand the monster your people have created, then a monster who created himself."

Sasuke's words made it clear to both the sand siblings that they were powerless before this lord of theirs, and from where they were watching, it couldn't be any more true.

"They've taken something vital from you. Told you to be something you never choose to be, but I'll give you what you've been hunting for. . ."

Gaara wanted nothing more than to crush the boy in front of him.

He would grind him up for whatever he was doing to him, and his mother. Yes, he would make them all pay. . . As soon as his head would stop hurting.

It didn't help that the boy's laughter seemed to echo all around them.

"Well, I think this is enough for now. I and my constituents will be on our way. But when you tire of being pawns, come and find us. You'd be looking for Hinata Hyuuga. . ."

The girl with the strange hat and lavender locks waved her free hand and they turned to look where he gestured.

"Sasuke Uchiha. . ."

The black-haired boy simply nodded as he sheathed his blade. He and Hinata then moved to arrive at the side of his majesty.

"And allow me to introduce myself. I am Naruto Uzumaki, and I will rule the world!"

This kid or king or whatever he called himself must've been looney!

The three sand siblings stared at the three Konoha shinobi as the blonde ones' chains continued to slither around them. All that could be heard at this point was the shifting of sand and the rattling of links.

"I know this is a lot to take in so please take your time and enjoy...whatever this place has to offer...Oh, and try not to cause too much trouble. You wouldn't want to upset your big sibling now would you?"

"I'LL KILL YOU!"

Chaos reigned over the small section of the forest they were inhabiting with sand ripping through all it could.

Trees and leaves fell as did the sand on top of the three Konoha genin.

"BASTARD, WHERE ARE YOU!? COME OUT AND PERISH TO PROVE MY PURPOSE!"

Gaara was consumed by his rage. Usually, he would be able to feel his prey trapped within the confines of his deadly debris.

This time however, upon contact, they vanished.

"Gaara! You have to stop before-!"

"SHUT YOUR USELESS MOUTH!"

Kankuro's suggestion would've been better left to himself for it landed him in the unsavory position of being his brother's next victim, wrapped up in a cocoon of sand.

"You three! You will stop damaging our village at once!"

In an instant, they were surrounded by black robed figures with a plethora of different masks staring at them.

The source of the voice landed on a semi-downed tree in front of them.

The young slanderous woman had her light brown, pupil-less eyes locked on them. Her violet hair sat styled in a short, spiky, fanned-out ponytail. She wore a fitted mesh bodysuit that covers her from neck to thigh. Over this, she typically wears a tan overcoat with a purple in-seam and a pocket on each side, a dark orange mini-skirt, a dark blue belt, and pale grey shin guards. She also wears a small pendant that looks like a snake fang and a wristwatch.

"I'm Tokubetsu Jōnin Anko and you are all under arrest. Come quietly or we'll be taking you in. . . by force."

She wouldn't lie, as cool as she thought her threat was, Anko wasn't feeling too confident. She had seen her fair share of monsters in her time and this kid was setting off all her alarms.

Hokage's Tower: Meeting chambers

In a large room, filled with several comfy couches and a large coffee table, several Jōnin senseis, as well as the Hokage and the two sannin sat across from each other. Standing on the side was the enigmatic Danzo.

"Do you all believe that your students are prepared for these trials? You must understand that there is a chance they won't survive."

"My brats may complain, but when it comes down to it they're tough as nails! Plus, they always got each other's backs."

Hiruzen's first response came from none other than his son, Asuma Sarutobi.

He was a tall muscular man of olive complexion much like his father. He also had short black spiky hair and a beard. He wore the standard Konoha ninja uniform with the sleeves rolled up halfway, flak jacket, regular shinobi sandals, and forehead protector. Around his waist rests a sash that had the kanji for Fire (火) marked on it.

"While there have been some. . . Developments amongst them, I feel team 8 is prepared to participate in the chunin exams."

The next to speak was the genjutsu goddess of the leaf, Kurenai Yūhi.

Her long black untamed mane reached down to her upper back with several strands framing her face and accentuating her very unique eyes that are red, with an additional ring in them. She wore light make-up consisting of red lipstick and purple eyeshadow. Her outfit consisted of a red mesh armor blouse with only the right sleeve visible. On top of this, she wore a material that resembles bandages with a pattern on it similar to those of rose thorns. Her hands and upper thighs are also wrapped in bandages and she wears the Konoha forehead protector and regular shinobi sandals. Her frame and features might have been delicate, but her skills were deadly, embodying what she believed a successful kunoichi should be.

"Youth burns bright within the souls of Team Guy! THEY'LL PASS WITH FLYING COLORS, OH YEAH!"

Guy was a tall and toned man with a strong jawline, semi-large nose, and black hair. He is most noticeable for his shiny bowl-style haircut and thick eyebrows.

He wore a green jumpsuit, orange striped leg warmers, and the standard Konoha flak jacket, which he normally left unzipped, while his red forehead protector acted as a belt, resting on his waist.

"And you Kakashi? What about your brats?"

Tsunade inquired.

"What do you guys want me to tell you? You know as well as I do that team 7 is more than ready. If it were up to me, I'd say give them the vests and be done with it."

"What's chappin' your ass, Hatake?"

Asuma noticed that the usually carefree Kakashi had been a bit wound up as of recently.

"Don't take it out on him. . . He hasn't had to deal with it."

It was Kurenai who came to his defense.

"You guys can't be serious with this "demon" shit right? I hear enough of it from the villagers like it's my job as the Hokage's son to do something about it. . ."

"The matter isn't that black and white, Asuma. . . We're all aware of the situation at hand and are doing our best to handle it with tact."

Truth be told, they were at their wits end when it came to dealing with the boys. Everything they had tried failed, from surveillance to straight breaking and entering.

"What tact? You guys make it seem like we're facing an enemy."

"That's not what the old man's trying to say, Asuma. . ."

Jiraiya understood that this was more a matter of concern. He was still trying to get through whatever security Naruto had deployed on his home, only vouching for his skill level.

"Master Jiraiya, I've heard you've taken Naruto as your pupil. Shouldn't you say something on his behalf?"

"He's different. . . Honestly if it isn't in a student/teacher capacity, he doesn't seem to care much for me. I will say though, he's got his way of doing things."

"It sounds like they're just enjoying the summer of their youths to the fullest! Surely that's something to be commended?"

Guy inquired.

"Everyone, it's as Sandaime-sama said earlier. Things aren't nearly as black and white as they may seem. A few months ago, I would've agreed and said there was nothing to worry about, but things have changed."

The saddened look on her face shocked Asuma.

"I would've thought you of all people would've been happy Hinata's changed. You always told me about how passive she was and now she's on her way to being a top-notch kunoichi."

"She's improved tremendously. It's quite scary. And she's certainly taken charge as the team leader. . ."

"But all this happened after she started hanging out with Naruto and Sasuke, right?"

The cyclops leaned forward in his seat, knowing his guess was right on the money.

"What's truly frightening is the change basically happened overnight. She went from being the girl I knew, to being. . ."

"Hold up. The Hyuuga girl has also been hanging out with Shizune in her spare time and I've heard that she's got a thing for Naruto. She's even been asking her for ways to get closer to him."

"I know you guys have your weird bias, but from Hime's description, this seems like a maiden trying to satisfy the cravings of her heart. Maybe she's changed to get the kid's attention. So let's all settle down and-"

"Sandaime-sama! Sorry to barge in unannounced, but there's been a situation!"

Anko burst through the door with the utmost urgency, cutting Jiraiya off in the process.

"Report Mitarashi."

"Watch it asshole! Last time I checked you weren't Hokage so don't go giving me orders."

"It really is a shame. All that tutoring from such a promising specimen and you're the result. . . Hardly even served as a useful guinea pig."

"DANZO ENOUGH! Anko, please deliver your report. And rest assured, there will be no interruptions."

Disgust didn't do this feeling in the pit of his stomach justice.

The manner in which Danzo conducted himself. . . Hiruzen felt guilty about how many times he wished his old friend's ideology would die, but at this moment he wished he would eradicate it along with the old bastard. Just the look on his face was enough indication that defying him would be any of their ends.

"Sir! There was a disturbance involving three foreign shinobi from Sunagakure. One of them damaged a small forested area near town, although minimally. Upon capture and interrogation, we've discovered that all three are the children of Kazekage Rasa, accompanied by a Jōnin sensei to take part in the chunin exams, though we have yet to locate the sensei."

Solem expressions filled the room as a result of the news.

"There is one more thing sir. During the investigation, they described being approached by three of our own, with the red-haired boy among them asking for one person over and over. . . Naruto Uzumaki."

"Fuck me. . ."

Asuma couldn't contain his thoughts.

"At least they keep it fresh."

Aggravating as they could be, Kakashi couldn't remember the last time he was in better shape, or busier.

Between training Sakura and the training he had started with Sasuke, as well as his own, he'd never felt more prepared for anything before.

"Are there any witnesses at all to support their claim?"

"None Sandaime-sama. In fact, we have shinobi and civilians alike who claim to see those described on the streets of the village. They then meet up with Shizune and are now eating at Ichiraku Ramen."

"Besides the sand shinobi, why does any of this matter?"

It was the Warhawk who chimed in this time.

"What do you mean, Danzo?"

"Whether the children engaged the foreigners or not is irrelevant for we can't verify. Somewhere along the way, you all forgot what it meant to be shinobi. Your frustration is not with the children, but how they surpass you in the very field that you've based your livelihoods on. It isn't about combat or flashy jutsu. . . Espionage, deception, and efficiency are the roots of true shinobi. That is why you're all sitting here dumbfounded, while they feast on their victory."

"You sound like some creepy fanboy. . ."

Tsunade couldn't help but shudder at the man's description. It had a snake-like feel that she truly despised.

"Those boys have been of interest for a while, yet you've squandered their talents. Even now as you 'train' them, I'm sure they're reaping much more from you than you're even aware. If I were able to, I could instruct them properly and make the best use of their talents."

"I think we've gotten way off-topic here. We got a potential international incident where it's basically one nation's word against another. Any suggestions?"

The white-haired Sannin tried to wrangle the conversation, lest it get too out of hand.

"It's simple. Do nothing and let the exams go on as planned."

"Why would we do that, you old coot?"

Anko's response was quick and venomous in delivery.

"Because you fools have been trying for the longest to see what they are capable of. Now the perfect opportunity arrives and you'd like to do what exactly?"

"Danzo's correct. . . It's been some time and there's still a great deal to their capabilities I know nothing of. If they're going to reveal anything, it's going to be during the exams."

"I'm glad that your mind hasn't waned during your time in a more mundane position, Hatake."

"Enough. . .All will proceed as planned, but I want all foreigners accounted for and monitored immediately. Also, I will be changing the format of our test this year."

Hiruzen knew for them to have any success he would have to take the lead.

This was more than an assessment of the chunin prospects. This would allow him to see if his fears were truly warranted or if his anxiety was getting the best of him. He wished the feeling in the room was more encouraging though, but it seemed he had a supporter in his old teammate.

"Hmmm. Let's hope for an interesting examination this year. . . Lord Hokage."

"With that, you're all dismissed except for Tsunade and Jiraiya."

On his order, the others exited leaving the professor with his former students.

"I already know what you're gonna ask Sensei and honestly, I don't know. Like I said when it comes to teaching him, Naruto's very strict with the relationship. It's sensei and nothing else. Kid won't even let me buy him a bowl of ramen. . . I've started to teach him his father's technique in the hopes that he would show me something, and I'm surprised to see him pick it up so quickly but it still needs improvement. I will say he's inquisitive like Minato if that's anything. And from what I've heard Kakashi's had about the same luck with the Uchiha. He just does as instructed, asks questions, but the weirdo brings an alarm clock and once it goes off, that's it. "

"Well, we talked about this already. They've got trust issues, but that's not our prerogative. You called us back to make sure THE FOX was in check, and with all your spying and stuff, it seems it is. It's not our place to try to force a position on them in life we haven't earned. Let's do our part and give them the chance to do theirs." Tsunade's answer, though harsh, was rather mature.

"It's an unfortunate reality to face. I guess I was far too hopeful that a more meaningful relationship could be established. . . For now, we will do our job as their predecessors and help prepare them for the future."

The only solace the Hiruzen could find was that regardless of all that had happened, Naruto had grown.

He was a worthy combatant and had made himself trustworthy friends, ones who would seemingly take their secrets to the grave if need be. He knew he had failed the boy and those who entrusted him, but maybe by respecting their choices he could make up for it.

Village Gate: 5 Days later

"Hold up. . . Can I talk to you two for a second?"

The night sky held strong against the rays of the rising sun, as Team 7 made their way through the empty streets.

They had been informed by their sensei days prior to the nomination for their participation in this year's promotional exams.

Sakura had her reservations, especially due to the short amount of time they had been Genin. While she felt much better about her overall abilities than she was when she first started, most of her experience as a shinobi equaled simple guardian tasks.

"Sure, Haruno. What can we do for you?"

"I know you guys don't see me as part of this team. . . But if we want to make it through this test, we have to work together."

Kakashi had also informed them that they would be judged as a whole for all intents and purposes.

"That's incorrect. We recognize you as a member of team 7. If not, we wouldn't have done any of the team training Hatake had suggested."

Naruto presented a great point.

In the past five days, they had trained together on coordination and though she hadn't learned much about them, she did learn more about their capabilities.

They informed her of their chakra natures which Sakura was surprised to learn that their team had covered every nature type, further elevating their versatility. Sakura also learned that Naruto was just as proficient in swordplay as their straight-faced teammate. They had even suggested that she take up a weapon to help strengthen her arsenal with the Uchiha recommending a staff. It would provide her with options against close combat specialists such as the Hyuuga as well as give her a leg up for many of their fellow Genin had opted out of weapon-based combat.

"I'm just saying, we haven't always seen eye to eye and I can tell that I'm not your favorite person."

"If your concern is that we'll undermine you due to some childish bias, it's best you quell them. My lord and I have worked hard as well and understand that for this next trial we need your assistance. Work with us and we will do the same."

"*Sigh* I guess that's the best I'm gonna get out of you guys."

"I would be less worried about us and more so about the competition. Not only will we be competing with the other teams, but there will also be foreigners with no love for this village. What better way to hurt a military power than to kill off some of its new prospects."

"You don't seem worried?"

"I'm far too excited! It's not every day a king gets to show his might. And who knows, maybe there are some new friends to be made."

"Let's just hope they present some type of challenge. It would be disappointing if this event was given all this emphasis for nothing."

"I swear I can't understand you guys. . ."

"Don't worry Haruno. It takes a special breed to get us. That and you'd have to try."

"Let's just get this over with."

She knew that any effort would be pointless. Whatever relationship they could've had outside a professional one was simply a wish for they tolerated her, and she would have to do the same.

"It looks like we aren't the first ones here."

Her attention was pulled by Sasuke's words.

Even though they had agreed to arrive an hour prior to the meeting time, they had been beaten by what appeared to be four other teams.

The members of team 8 were present with Hinata practically glistening in the moonlight, Kiba clearly half asleep, and his ninken, Akumaru in a similar way. And Shino. . .

Well, no one could tell how the Aburame child was doing as he looked as he always did. It was clear that the latter two were brought to the field earlier by Hinata's request. Or perhaps orders were more of an apt description.

Then, the sand shinobi who were seated on a large rock a little ways away from the gate, with the youngest securing its peak. Once he saw his prey, his eyes never strayed. If it were up to him, Gaara would've gone on the attack then and there, but in a strange twist of fate, it was his mother that coaxed him into waiting.

"It seems our message got through, Kurama-san. Yet again you've set me up for success. "

Within his inner domain, she sat bathing in his praise.

"You are far too kind, my lord! I simply know my siblings quite well. Though we were all born at the same time I've always acted as the older sibling. Shukaku would be considered the youngest of us and therefore the most immature. He is no idiot, usually just following his whim with little thought of the consequences, but he would know better than to defy his big sister."

"HAHAHA Excellent! I'm sure they won't be able to control themselves for too much longer but for now, let's show them what we're capable of. Older siblings are supposed to set the best examples for their younger siblings, so why not show them how to be proper beasts?"

"To rampage with regality. . . There is no other way for us, my lord."

The next team they saw happened to be a Konoha team consisting of what seemed to be slightly older members to their team.

"It looks like Kakashi's team has arrived. Guy-sensei told us to look out for them."

Despite how early it was, she stood alert and confident in her pink sleeveless qipao-style blouse with red sleeve trimmings and yellow fastening buttons, and dark green pants. A pouch is adjusted to her thigh and her forehead protector affixed to her head with short fringe bangs that were outside her two Chinese-style buns, falling over it to frame her face. Her grey eyes glared at her teammate in annoyance, likely due to a lack of acknowledgment.

"Hello! Earth to Neji!"

The one she was referring to stood stoically in his beige-colored shirt, arms crossed and eyes closed, though he was annoyed by the volume in his teammate's voice.

Upon opening, one could see featureless white eyes signifying him as a member of the Hyuuga. He wore dark brown shorts, blue shinobi sandals, and wrapped bandages around his right arm, chest, and right leg. His hair rested on his back in a loose ponytail tied a few inches above the end. He wore a black forehead protector, under which was a smaller headband with two straps that frame the sides of his face.

"Tenten, instead of raising your voice in my ear and worrying about another team, we should focus on our own. Mainly, where's Lee?"

Tenten's head went from one side to another until she saw the last member of their team standing in front of the very team they were supposed to be wary of.

"My name is Rock Lee. Would you please do me the honor of fighting me!?"

The young man bowing before them was a unique sight indeed.

A green jumpsuit, orange leg warmers, and a red forehead protector worn around his waist, resembling a belt. Completing his outfit were bandages wrapped around his forearms up to his fingers. Lee's black hair shined as bright as the gleam in his large round eyes with his very thick eyebrows accenting them more.

"Well, It's a pleasure to meet you, Lee. If you don't mind me asking though, who was it that you wanted to fight?"

The king was honestly intrigued.

There was something about this gentlemen before him that he could appreciate off of a glance alone.

"To be honest with you, I haven't thought that far ahead. I figured with the rivalry between our teachers, any of you would be fantastic opponents! Though, I'd rather not have to fight Sakura."

"AND WHY THE HELL NOT ME!?"

Sakura's anger mounted madly. It was far too early for some sexiest jerk to try to tell her she was weak or something.

"I meant no disrespect. There's just no way I would be able to use my full strength on the woman of my dreams!"

"What . . ?"

The pinkette's deadpan expression

"Well if anything, this exam will be entertaining."

Naruto snickered.

"I would like to test out how effective my techniques will be against a descendant of the clan reputed for exceptional shinobi, so I wouldn't mind fighting you, Sasuke Uchiha. But. . . I've heard things about you as well Naruto Uzumaki. You both have become the talk of the village you know?"

"Did you know anything about this Sasuke? No one's come up to me with these developments."

"No my lord, I wasn't aware."

Even Sasuke looked entertained by all this, sporting a grin.

"Also, I would like to show Sakura. . . I WANT TO SHOW HER THAT I'M A MAN WHO CAN AND WILL PROTECT HER WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE!"

Those big round eyes of his seemed to emit hearts as he stared at Sakura.

"Lee, seriously cut it out! You're creeping the poor thing out."

Tenten rushed over and batted away at the boy's head, trying to stop his overzealous show of affection.

"Um, It's alright I guess but how do you even know me? I don't think I've ever met you and you definitely weren't in our class."

"We graduated about a year before you all. As to why we know you, Guy-sensei tends to go on about his rivalry with Kakashi-sensei, and their rivalry now extends to us in a sense. Though, I don't see why Lee was so eager to do battle with you all."

"Ugh, another one. What is it this time? Too weak? Too short? Too young? Please just hurry up, sling your insults and be on your way."

The young lord had no patience for another pompous fool who would question his strength of something as shallow as appearance. Naruto quickly turned his back on the older team and shooed them off.

"Little bastard. . ."

Neji's hand came before Tenten as she advanced towards the blonde.

"All I'm saying is I see no rivals before us."

"Well, it seems that your eyes can't see nearly as clear as your cousin's, or your teammate's…Do yourself a favor, let's stop for now before someone ends up. . . What's the word I'm looking for here, Sasuke?"

"Disappointed."

With that, they turned away to approach Hinata.

"Great. . . Leave me behind after pissing off another team."

While they strode across the dirt, eyes laid on them. Some held disdain, some with curiosity, and some with a mission in mind.

Those eyes belonged to the last team that had arrived so early. They rested in the shadows of a large tree off to the side. With a bit of the moonlight shining through periodically, their features could be made out.

Two of them were quite plain in appearance both wearing dark blue pants, and long-sleeve shirts, with fingerless gloves. One had a pair of dark circle glasses and a large volume of untamed black hair while the other's head was wrapped in bandages from the bridge of their nose to the top of their head.

The third member however, looked a good deal different, with his incredibly pale skin as an indicator. He had short, straight black hair and dark eyes which contrasted with his translucent-like skin. He wore a short black/grey jacket with red straps and also carried a backpack with a tip-less tantō attached. The rest of his outfit consisted of a high-collared midriff shirt, black pants, shinobi sandals, and gloves with his index and thumb fingers exposed.

"Those are the new prospects. According to Danzo-sama, they have dealt with everything that's been sent their way."

The black-haired teen adjusted his shades as he watched the three converse.

"They are far too absorbed in their strength. They won't be of any use to Root with those despicable egos."

The bandaged one spoke this time.

"Namekuji, Mitsumeru, let us not forget it is not our place to judge them. We are to watch and report our findings to our lord."

The boy had a bright smile on his face while addressing his teammates.

"Of course, Sai. Then let us watch. The others should be arriving soon."

They waited in the field yet it wasn't until the sun started rising over the horizon that any other appeared.

The field that once held only a few was now littered with an array of shinobi by the time the sun sat well in the sky. They all wore the emblem of their homelands with pride.

"SEE I TOLD YOU GUYS WE SHOULD'VE COME EARLIER! WE WERE THE ONLY GENIN TEAM THAT WASN'T ALREADY HERE!"

Team 10 had arrived on the scene with their resident blonde displaying her energy for all to see, or hear despite it being…

"SIX IN THE MORNING, INO-PIG! SHUT THE HELL UP! NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR IT!"

Between having to wake up early, feeling abandoned by her team before the exams, the harsh morning sun glaring down, and the look shrieking of her once romantic rival, Sakura was already at her wits' end. The other genin teams approached due to the shouting of the two teens.

"Troublesome girls...If I were you, I'd cool it immediately...It doesn't look like anyone appreciates the screaming." Shikamaru's assessment seemed on the mark as enraged eyes fell on the small group of rookies.

"Glad to see everyone so lively this early. I'm sure it would be boring otherwise."

"Y-yeah. It's nice to see that everyone decided to participate."

Hinata's boldness was still something to get used to for her fellow students.

Ino definitely didn't want to test her, lest she suffer whatever technique she used on Sakura in their last encounter.

"There will be no point for the rest of you cause team 8 will take this whole thing! Right, Akamaru?"

Kiba proclaimed with a great deal of confidence while his partner barked in agreement.

"You really should be a little quieter because it's obvious by all the noise you're making and the way you guys are all huddled up that you're rookies who don't know left from right."

Piercing onyx eyes stared at them through the new arrival's black-rimmed circular glasses, landing on Naruto after scanning the group.

"If that was your attempt at intimidation, you shouldn't try so hard."

"I was trying to warn you kids that you might be way in over your heads by competing in this exam. This isn't about you getting a promotion or making friends, it's about assessing power and finding a way to compete."

"The only way you would know that is if you've had a deal of experience with this exam."

Team guy joined the group with Neji questioning the teen.

"Indeed. It's my seventh time. That's how difficult the journey to Chunin is. . . The name's Kabuto Yakushi, and if you guys would like I don't mind giving my juniors a bit of help."

Kabuto's ash grey bangs hid his eyes and the air he emitted was friendly, but intent was hard to mask.

The teen stood in his dark purple shirt with a high collar, a white under-shirt, and dark purple pants with a white cloth waistband. Orange cards danced from hand to hand, through his dark purple fingerless gloves.

"In these cards, I've collected valuable information on shinobi from all over. If you've got someone you're interested in, all you need to do is ask."

"I'd rather not. Who knows what a serpent's deal costs."

"Then if you would, please show me the info on Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha!"

"Yea! With these cards, we'll be able to see what they can really do!"

"Then you'll see they're just some cocky kids!"

"And you'll see that there are just some boys who think they're hot shit."

Rock Lee, Kiba, and Tenten seemed to be quite vocal with their feelings while others like Neji lied in wait for the reveal.

"Alright. . . With a surge of chakra, the info on the cards is revealed to us."

Kabuto held two blank cards in his hand but in an instant, the image of the two appeared along with what appeared to be stats.

"Let's see. Naruto Uzumaki. Mission experience includes 30 D-rank, 8 C-rank and. . . 2 A-rank missions!?"

"It seems to be the same case with Sasuke Uchiha. Team 7 has been involved with the liberation of two countries. . ."

"That's heavy."

"Truly."

"See, there's a reason I'm always singing their praises. . . My lord is truly astonishing!" H

inata had expressed the glory of her lord to her teammates time and time again, so she was glad they started to get the idea.

Her sultry tone. Her close proximity, as if to let him appraise her assets. That ever-growing hunger in her eyes. To everyone, it was an uncomfortable display, but to them, it was nature's way. Beasts displaying their gods-given attributes to attract their ideal mate.

"STOP! Please!"

Ino seemed the most uncomfortable for some reason.

"*Sigh* Very well. We'll have to pick this up later, Lady Hinata."

It was at this time that a large smoke cloud appeared between the participants and the village gate. With a strong breeze, the smoke cleared revealing the two gate guardians, Izumo and Kotetsu. Between them, stood a rather tall and terrifying man whose face was riddled with two large scars.

"Good morning. My name is Ibiki Morino. This will be quick so listen up for I'm not repeating myself. You all have been chosen as representatives of your villages. You're their future and your performance will reflect just how well they are prepared to play on a global scale. When I say you are the future, what that means is if you can't hack it then your village can't."

His posture was imposing and his words were harsh, but everyone present understood he was right.

This test was more than a chance at a rank.

"With that, we will begin the first part of the examination. Before arriving here, you were all given envelopes by your Instructors with instructions not to open them. If any team has opened the envelope, then you will be disqualified."

After Ibiki finished his sentence, several shinobi dressed in grey-blue military outfits came and carted several teams off, much to their displeasure.

"Now that the fodder is dealt with. . . Inside the envelopes, you will either find a map with a specific location or a red ticket. To move on to the next part of the exam you'll need to show up at the location with said ticket. Knowing the location won't be enough and the tickets are no good to you if you don't know where to bring it."

The murmurs turned into full-blown chatter as teams were ripping open their envelopes to find their fate.

"You've all got until noon or about six hours to ascertain the location and a ticket. You must stay with the confines of the village and will be monitored closely. If you do anything that goes against our village's laws and or policies you will be detained and if you are, that's a disqualification. You can only advance as a team so make sure none of you get caught."

Preform criminal acts and don't get caught. Simple.

"Now, that's not to say that you aren't allowed to go after other teams. All methods are allowed but remember once more that you are being monitored so again, don't get caught. . . With that, the first part of the exams has begun!"

"Perfect! With that, I'd like everyone's attention please!"

The prince's voice rang throughout the field like a megaphone on max.

"What the hell are you doing, boy?"

Ibiki caught sight of the boy, casually sauntering to his side.

"Sir Morino, out of the few people I respect in this village you are among them. You have been a shinobi worth his weight in gold for a long time and one of the most loyal men the leaf has ever seen. . . I don't mean to be rude but I'd like to make a quick announcement."

"So the Demon king's got a proclamation?"

"I like the way you say it. . . And yes, I do."

That devilish smirk impressed Ibiki rather than intimidated.

He had heard a bit about Naruto but never thought of the boy as a threat. In fact, the leader of the interrogation unit had a good deal of respect for the boy too, if not for his burden then for a great deal of work he had done on missions or had been inferred to do.

"The floor is yours."

"Thank you very much, Sir Morino. . . Ladies and Gentlemen, My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I will be king of the world!"

Sneers and snarls surrounded him, much to the amusement of the supervising shinobis.

"That's a ways away though. . . For now, I plan to advance to the next part. Unfortunately, I am lacking the location I need to bring this ticket."

If the crowd wasn't upset before, they certainly were now, with Sakura seemingly the most so.

"What the fuck does he think he's doing!?"

"Now I know none of you have a reason to help me out, so I've taken it upon myself to provide you with one."

Confusion filled the area far more than the sudden plums of smoke could ever. Behind them, in the middle of the crowd, all over the smoke appeared and disappeared as if it were more a mist in the night. What took its place however was far more strange.

"All these handsome devils you see before you are my clones. They will help in persuading at least one of you lucky teams to reveal the location to me. . . Please turn your attention to the clone near the forest."

And as they did, a kind clone waved hello from the distance.

"Listen here kid, you aren't the only one who can make clones, and if you think your puny little-"

*BOOOOOOOM*

There was zero warning before the clone detonated.

A spiky-haired rain ninja wearing a yellow jumpsuit stitched up the middle was quickly silenced by a not only deafening yet blinding explosion.

"And that was just one. Though for the sake of good faith, you should all know, that explosion was relatively weak."

Mouths gawked in awe for there was no indication that a clone or anyone had been standing there. In its place was a rather impressive crater, without a lick of vegetation in it or around its small radius. Now they stood, in a proverbial minefield at his mercy.

"If one of you would be so kind as to provide the location, then I'll not need to take any measures. . . But if not, then one by one my clones will be visiting you with an explosive present!"

"He's bluffing!"

"There's no way he'd blow up his own village!"

"Let me make two things clear before we begin. . ."

With a snap, the Naruto clone army took off in all directions.

"The first is that without proof, who's to say what set off the explosion? The second would be that I am not at all concerned with what happens to the village. The powers that be have placed the lives of countless innocents in danger by allowing this exam to happen. Whether it's a show of power or pride doesn't concern me. . . I've been given a task and have been told I can do as I please, so I shall. I mean, how else would a monarch act?"

"This kid. . . Actually, that would be disrespectful. This man is something special."

Ibiki could tell many were thrown by the blonde's unorthodox methods, but he could see them.

Hinata and Sasuke also watched as their emperor played his game, but as he finished his proclamation, Gaara strolled past the two with an envelope in hand.

"Here. . ."

"Huh?"

"This is the location. Read it and make sure you pass. . . I want to be able to kill you with no issue."

"Isn't that kind of you? Unfortunately, I can't accept this from you, Gaara."

"Why's that?"

"What kind of older sibling would I be if I had to rely on you, especially before showing you my worth?"

It was as if the air around them began to shift and bend.

Even the onlookers backed away for the chill they felt couldn't have been natural.

"Fine. Do as you please. I'll kill you soon enough."

Naruto's strange words wouldn't keep Gaara from his goal. His mother had expressed her desires, but he had his own to fulfill.

"Wait for me, otouto! I will show you something grander than a purpose!"

Naruto waved as Gaara turned to make his way back to his teammates, passing all without hesitation. That's when another redhead caught the young lord's eye.

The king's steps were unencumbered by fear or concern, for what did he have to be worried about.

"I'm sorry my Lady, but your hair. . . It's breathtaking!"

He strode before her and though his presence inspired nervousness within her, before all these potential enemies, she had to present as a predator, or she would quickly become prey.

She wore a mesh shirt and stockings, a purple skirt, a light brown short-sleeved jacket with an orange stripe going across the chest, and black sandals.

"Thank you, but move on. We are not friends and if I'm not mistaken you just threatened me, my team, and every other participant here."

Her crimson eyes shined through her brown narrow glasses. Her fair skin provided an excellent contrast to her flaming mane which was short and spiky on the right side, while longer and straight on the left side.

"Are you scared of me, my dear lady?"

"N-No I'm not scared! I just don't want to be hunted down for being associated with some psycho."

It was then that the lord took the maiden's hand.

"Then I'll protect you, my lady. From any and all dangers that come your way. . . If you would like."

"Haha! Yeah right! Your little explosion trick was nice and all but I doubt you could protect me from anything. Besides, I'm from Kusagakure (Village Hidden in the Grass). You know, the competition?"

She reeled her hand back as soon as Naruto placed a peck on it.

"That doesn't concern me. I determine my own competition. But I would like to prove you wrong, my lady. For this portion of the exam, consider yourself under the watchful eye of the Uzumaki empire."

"Uzumaki. . ."

The name resonated within the deepest regions of her being. It felt right for lack of a better word, and if she was being honest with herself, she felt something from him as well. It was as if they were connected somehow, like links in a chain.

"Yes! The Uzumaki empire will be the strongest the world will ever know. . . And if I can successfully protect you, all I ask is that you listen to my offer."

"W-Whatever! You can do what you want. It's got nothing to do with me."

Step after step, the red-haired maiden slowly backed away.

"Before you leave, can I please have your name, milady?"

"It's Karin. . ."

"Karin. . . Truly a prestigious name. Very well, you are now under the protection of the Uzumaki empire, Princess Karin. I'm sure we'll be able to speak more after this part of the exam."

Karin quickly spun around searching for her absentee teammates, wondering where they were in the first place. She nearly collided with the Hyuuga heiress as she approached Naruto.

"Do I have to worry about competition, my lord?"

"Of course not, Hime. . . That one's special, but for a different reason."

"I can see what you mean, your grace. From what you've told me and the pictures you have, as well as Mistress Kurama's description of her, that girl shares many characteristics with your mother."

Hinata saw it in his eyes. Her Lord's elation only furthered her joy for the sun was shining bright in her sky.

"I've always been hopeful for so long. . . To finally have those hopes fulfilled. It truly is time, isn't it?"

A distance from the two, a certain pinkette was having a conniption.

"I can't believe him!? Now everyone's gonna be gunning for us! Why didn't you stop him from doing something so stupid!? Aren't knights supposed to make sure their kings don't act like idiots!?"

"As always, you continue to disappoint. . . My lord's actions always have a reason. He showed an impressive display of force and made the declaration on his own. All eyes are on him and him alone."

Sakura's little temper tantrum failed to amuse Sasuke at all. It was yet another test she failed miserably.

"Wait, so are you saying he did all that to help everyone else out?"

"I'm saying that those with the location will now seek him out. No matter what they do, it will be on his terms one way or another. This will also allow us to play a supportive role. With everyone's ire focused on his majesty, we will be able to act with far more efficiency."

"Okay, so why not fill me in on-"

"Your initial reaction said it all. . . Whether we train together, whether we are a team, none of that seems to matter to you. You judged what you could perceive without any thought behind his actions. So let's do as you suggested earlier Haruno and get this done. . ."

"Fine, whatever. . . But where the hell is he going then?"

Sakura questioned as Naruto began making his way into the forest.

"He'll be along shortly. . . Come with me and let's get the location."

"Maybe he's got to use the bathroom? Go figure."

That was her assumption, but in actuality, he needed privacy for a different reason.

"Summoning Jutsu."

A speed flourish of hand signs caused a small whirlpool to begin forming in front of him. From it arose two humanoid figures with their hands interlocked with each other.

They appeared as two flat-chested, skinny young girls with white skin, both of them with short hair, black oxygen masks, and black fingernails and toenails.

Other than this, they contrasted one another in color. The left one had white hair, blue glowing eyes, white clothes with a skirt that was mostly white but had some black, a white sailor flap, black arm chains, and white stylized legwear over what appeared to be mechanical legs.

The right one had black hair, orange glowing eyes, black clothes with a skirt that was mostly black but had some white, a black sailor flap, blackleg chains, and two mechanical arms.

"Naruto-sama! It is a pleasure to see you again!"

The girls spoke and moved in perfect harmony as they tackled the young monarch to the ground and wrapped them in their arms.

"It's a pleasure to see you too, Lu-Chan, Tui-Chan!"

These two were quite different from the other Atlanteans for they had gone through multiple modifications to test Naruto and Bando's attempt in creating the new types of prosthetics.

These two sisters, like many of the Atlanteans, adored their prince and would happily lay down their lives for him, but it was Naruto that helped save their lives.

They had been severely injured by the man-made monstrosities that had now polluted their sea. With their breathing capabilities compromised along with Lu's arms and Tui's legs being mangled beyond repair, even Tiamat didn't know if she could save them. Naruto used all resources at his disposal including Bando's Scientific prowess and Malice's medical mysticism, as well as graphing his cells with theirs to promote the healing.

It was touch and go for a while, but in the end, the two made it, becoming the first to successfully be equipped with the Uzumaki empire's Knight-M.A.R.E technology.

The fact that he had gone so far for them had changed their view of him. The girls had not only received names from him as Naruto did with all the other Atlanteans, but a part of him, making them feel so much closer to him and treating him as if he were the parent they had given them new life. Sure, Tiamat was their creator and they would always be loyal to her, but what the prince had done for them, they would never be able to repay.

"I'm glad to see you girls are doing well. . . I was quite worried and I hated that I couldn't oversee your recovery but everyone assured me you'd both be alright. Still though, I should've been there."

"There's absolutely no need to apologize! We are only here because of you, my lord! All we ask is that you please let us serve you to the best of our abilities."

Lu's orange orbs burned passionately gazing upon him.

"Yes! Yes! Please let us make you proud, Naruto-sama!"

Azure eyes match her sister's glow as if to reflect their resolve.

"I knew it was the right choice to call on you two. . . Very well. You two will be tasked with guarding a very important person. If this feeling is right, and I know it has to be, then she is an Uzumaki princess!"

"Your grace, do you mean you actually found another Uzumaki!?"

"Yes! All this time I thought I was the only one, but there is another. . . We must secure her and have her join the empire. She's my family and royalty and must be treated as such!"

"Then it will be done, your grace!"

Their voices came out as clear as day even though they had breathing apparatuses. They were melodic and docile in tone, yet so powerful in their delivery.

"I, Lu-"

The noir-clad sister spoke as she began her dance. A Plié into releve as she bent down, then raised to the tip of her toes.

"And I, Tui-"

They moved in perfect symmetry. The sisters spun and glided, continuing their brilliant ballet, for they were performing for the only one whose judgment mattered anymore.

"We will present you with all you desire, for that is all we desire!"

They fell to their knees before him, signifying the end of their waltz.

"You girls. . . After all, you've been through. . . How long have you been working on that?"

They met their lord's gaze, being pulled deeper and deeper into a chasmic blue dream. The stimulation was profound, unlike anything words could describe.

"Ever since Sir Bando cleared us, My lord."

"We've been working tirelessly, as you had for us, your grace."

Lu and Tui were stunned by the gentle touch caressing their skin. Never before had they known such warmth, such comfort. His smile, such a thing of beauty, as if it had been sculpted by the goddess herself.

"If it wasn't for all of you. . . I've had it quite easy if I'm being honest. Even from my younger years there was someone always watching out for me. Making sure that I would grow to do what I wished with the power I obtained. What I wanted was this, people, loved ones that I can cherish with all I have. . . And give all of myself to. . . Now I will begin the hard work, for all of you. But please, continue to provide me with your support, for what is a ruler without his family."

There was no question...it had nothing to do with their goddess's orders or the debt they might have felt, the sisters knew it in their core that they would have followed their lord to the ends of the earth and back. Whatever the orders, Lu and Tui were eager to execute.

Konoha(Sometime after)

*BOOOOOOOM*

"What do you think about this year's prospects, Ibiki?"

*BOOOOOOOM*

"As you can tell Sandaime-sama. It's going to be a very interesting time. A good deal of teams have already been disqualified."

They stood on the roof of the Hokage's tower watching miniature explosions go off one by one.

*BOOOOOOOM*

"Really? I guess this year's competition is that stiff."

"Sandaime-sama, the majority of the teams had to be detained by guards around the village for "incidents". Some teams had malfunctions with their equipment, mainly explosives, though they blamed it on Naruto after him threatening them with his clones."

"And you can't prove it's him can you?"

"No sir. I'm actually proud to say I can't find a lick of this being his doing. He's a shinobi worth one's salt. He went the intimidation route quickly, and it seemed like any competent team has decided not to invoke his wrath too quickly. He's also helped out his fellow genin by having the target placed on his back and providing ample distractions for them to benefit from. You don't see guys like that anymore." Ibiki was known to be a hardass, but the blonde had turned his job into more of a day off as he got to enjoy the hilarious suffering going on.

"But there are some other promising displays, such as team 8. Guy's team and team 10 have also performed well."

"Kurenai's team? What have you witnessed?"

Hiruzen was intrigued. Hinata was a clear link to Naruto and if she had something to reveal maybe it would provide more context to this enigma.

"The Inuzuka and the Abarame are well versed in their clan arts. They must have marked their target's during the briefing for the first part. The surprising thing is that it was the Hyuuga that handled all the heavy lifting. . . In a sense."

"What do you mean?"

"I assumed that it was just one of their clan techniques. . . She was able to push and pull targets with a wave of her hand. Once they were in her range, she took them out swiftly using the gentle fist. Though they've opted for more of a proactive role, finding multiple teams, taking them out, and stripping them of their maps or tickets. I'd say that team has got duplicates, so there's no need to worry."

So close yet so far. The old man couldn't help but let his emotions show.

"You look disappointed, sir."

"I honestly expected something more. . . "

"Well this is still the first part, I doubt we've seen anything yet."

*BOOOOOOOM*

"HAHAHA! Look at the fools dance!"

On the precarious perch of the Hokage monument, the members of team 7 watched their pseudo leader's plan wreck havoc in the village.

They never saw any of the clones coming with them either transforming to mimic civilians or appearing as objects or insects. Some explosions were simply smoke, causing a great deal of panic and confusion while others were a bit more. . .

Dangerous.

"Naruto-sama, I believe it's best we make our way to the site of the next part."

"Yea Naruto. Besides, don't you think this is going too far?"

Sakura was able to swipe one of the maps at the blonde's behest while the team was distracted by the chaos below. She guessed it was another assessment of her worth or something stupid like that.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. . . Alright. It'd be no fun if all the teams were eliminated before we got to see anything awesome."

A single ram sign signaled a massive smokescreen to emerge, engulfing a good portion of the village. Suddenly screams and shouts erupted from within the shifting smoke.

"It sounds like everyone's losing it down there!"

Sakura's ears were assaulted by the most horrific sounds, yet Naruto was rocking back and forth as if this was some kind of melodic accompaniment to the havoc he had caused.

To him, it was exactly that. The deafening sounds were courtesy of Lu and Tui. Naruto had ordered them to finish off any fodder teams and collect their maps and tickets. That would act as the offering made to Karin.

"Mhm well, something is going on down there. . . But we'll be going the scenic route according to the map. Still can't believe the old man would hold the second part in a place like this."

They made their way to a large mountain range near the southern end of the village.

"Akagahara. A truly strange patch of landscape exists within the leaf. It's a pseudo desert that can go from extremely high temperatures to extreme lows. Whatever the second part will be, it won't be easy."

Sasuke appeared quite knowledgeable about the location even though Sakura had never heard of it. Then again, she had never heard of the chunin exam until a week ago.

"This is going to be a fun time guys! A few have passed the test so there's no telling what's going to happen, but whatever it is. . . I think it's time to go wild! What do you think, Sasuke?"

"I say finally. It's not like anyone would be able to decipher our Hatsus. Hiding them had always seemed pointless."

Dashing to their location and the future, Sasuke knew this was the end. From here on out they could do as they pleased, consequences be damned.

"What's a Hatsu?"

"Don't worry Haruno. You and the world are about to witness as the Uzumaki empire makes its debut!"

Chapter Eleven End

Author's Notes: Hello everyone thanks for reading the 11th Chapter of Naruto: Paradox!

I do apologize for how long this chapter took, but I appreciate all the support I got from fans of the story! It helped so much and honestly I loved writing this chapter. It might feel a bit flat, but it was more of an expositional chapter to set up some things, similar to how the original first couple of chapters of the Chunin exams did it.

I would like to talk about something though. I have noticed that I haven't received many reviews and while that's understandable there are a couple of reviews that I feel I have to address.

For visuals:

Hinata's new outfit is based on Delta's from the Baruto Manga/Anime(I just like the outfit please don't come for me XD)

Her broom is based on Ursula's Broom from the Little Witch Academia series.

Lu and Tui are based on Abyssal Twin Princesses from Kantai Collection, with their names being inspired by the twin spirit Koi fish from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I know that this seems like a lot of crossover stuff, but this is just to make visualization easier for the readers. It is not my intention to give people stuff from other series nor will things work how they do in other series besides what they should obviously do.

Hatsu List

Naruto Uzumaki- Kingusugādo(King's Guard): Seemingly sentient onyx chains that Naruto can control and will defend him automatically. They can meld and morph into different forms.

Sasuke Uchiha- Night's Shroud: Sasuke creates an indigo/violet mist he can manipulate and shift to form simple objects. Has a silencing effect.

Shizune- Authority's Assistant: By emitting her chakra through the vibrations in the atmosphere, Shizune forms a link with another person's brain and controls their actions.

Malice Rinha- Godmother: Taking the form of a large woman with puppet-like features, this ability allows malice to make "perfect" clones of those whose chakra she possesses.

Kagura-?

Bando- Arms Dealer: While dormant, it acts as Bando's left hand. It can transform into one of several forms to fit the needs of the situation.

Zabuza Momochi-?

Haku Momochi-?

Hinata Hyuga- Witch of the Realm:

Emperor's Witch: The power of the ability depends on how close the user is to the "emperor".

Influence of Understanding: The more Hinata "understands" something, such as its make-up and or its functions, the more she can influence it.

Koyuki Kazahana-?

Karin Uzumaki-?

Tayuya Uzumaki-?

Nagare-?

Hokushin-?

Hōki-?

Hanare-?