The Fox And The Tiger
The Chunin Exams
"So the third floor in 302?" Omoi said looking to the rest of his fellow Kumo Genin.
He got a nod from everyone except Naruto who was looking at the door number intently. "Yo, no time to be lost in space, Uzumaki." Rin said giving a light punch to his shoulder.
"Yeah yeah I know. Something just feels off."
"I know, I feel it too." Yugito said coming beside Naruto. "I think it could be-"
"Drop this Genjutsu, now!" a voice commanded.
Naruto shook his head and pinched at the bridge of his nose. "This guy..."
"What? You know him?" Yugito said grabbing his shoulder to bring him back to them.
With a lazy nod he sighed. "Yeah, some Uchiha apparently. Guy needs to relax and lay low." Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head. "He really is nothing like Itachi at all...Regardless, I can't let you die, so..."
"Ah, Naruto huh. What brings you here?" Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Dude...you know already."
"I'm going to beat you and that weird guy. Just you wait."
"Listen, Sasuke. You should really relax a bit. That 'weird guy' isn't some run of the mill Genin. If I were you, Uchiha pride and all, I'd avoid him at all costs."
"And why would I do that?"
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Sasuke, if you look for battle, you will surely fall."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Find the right moment to strike is all I'm saying. Even with your eyes...you can't see everything."
Sasuke took a step back and was shocked. "What do you know about my eyes?"
"Enough. Now Sasuke, before we continue on with our lives, tell me...why do you act as you do? Not enough attention growing up?"
With widened eyes, Sasuke stammered for a response. Who the hell was this Naruto guy? How could he just break him down like nothing? They didn't even know each other. "What are you getting at?"
"Sasuke...take a step back and think hard about yourself. Are you being you? Or trying to be what was expected of you, or what's been forced on you? Do you like how things are now?"
"So, you are the Genin sent by Kumo. You guys don't look like much." a new voice said, entering the fray.
When they looked over, they saw a new team there. One wore green spandex with a red headband tied around his waist. A girl in green pants and pink sleeveless top that had red trimming. Then the speaker, a pale eyes person standing a few inches taller than Naruto, long brown hair, tied together at the bottom to keep from getting into his face.
"What does it matter to you?" Yugito said crossing her arms.
"Oh, nothing much. Just curious as to who would be sent from such a treacherous village."
"And who are you anyways, guy? From what I can tell, your team isn't much...in fact only one member is a threat." Naruto said tilting his head to the person.
"It is your destiny to lose these exams. While I'm destined to be on top."
"What makes you so sure? Why do you believe that you can read destiny?"
"I'm, Neji Hyuga. No one...can beat me. If you face me, you are fated to lose." Neji said smiling.
Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Uh huh...Hyuga huh? Why does that sound familiar?"
"We are the strongest clan."
Naruto glanced to Sasuke. "Not going to interject here?" Sasuke shook his head slowly and actually surprised Naruto. "Huh...I guess I don't have you as figured out as I thought..." Looking back to Neji he smirked "So tell me, Neji. Destiny is tricky mate, not a very understandable God."
"God? You think a God controls destiny?"
"You don't?" Naruto shrugged. "To be fair, there's a lot that I shouldn't know. My advantage I guess."
Yugito, Omoi, Rin and the rest of the Kumo Genin followed as Naruto left the group. The exams were shaping up to be rather interesting. Naruto managed to make enemies right away as it was and at this rate, it wouldn't be getting any better. Though, none of them would question Naruto. They trusted that there was a purpose for this course of action and knowing that he never did anything just for the hell of it, helped. Soon enough, they'd be either let in on the loop of what's going on, or it'll be shown.
"What is it with that guy? And how does he know you?" Neji said looking at Sasuke.
"Met him the other day..." Sasuke looked away and shook his head to clear his thoughts. "What did Kakashi mean? I don't get what he was worried about..."
In the exam room...the actual one that is, was filled with many people. It ranged in ages and sizes. Some of them looked threatening while others seemed...well like nothing. With first glance, the Kumo squads didn't seem to threatening either since none were really trying to give off anything. Which was potentially what some were also doing. It is often the one who tries to look the most threatening, that is actually the least of threat. Then again, dangerous people aren't always the most dangerous. You can say that someone trying to prove that their dangerous, will in turn be the most dangerous due to the actions they may take. Everything is different when you try to prove something.
Naruto and the group all moved to a wall and stood there waiting. Across on the opposite wall, stood Gaara and his team. The two met eyes, only this time the environment wasn't tense nor suffocating. You could say that both were intrigued with one another. Curious as to what the other could do. Curious as to who would be victorious.
Temari and Kankuro were very nervous, seeing Gaara like this but not stating how much he wanted to kill said person was bizarre. Something they were unaccustomed to. Yugito was mostly curious as to what sparked Naruto's interest so much and Rin seemed to just nod to himself.
All the quiet and "peace" ended when the door burst open. The first to enter was the pink haired girl named Sakura who seemed to be a sort of escort to the Uchiha behind her...she announced the arrival of Team 7. Her and the great Sasuke Uchiha. Forgetting about the last member on the team. Although, she was the same and as expected to be by Naruto's thinking on her, Sasuke was still surprising as he was silent. Then the last member that went unintroduced stood by in the background. He didn't seem too bad but something was a little odd with the trio for sure.
Almost immediately, the silence after the introduction ended as a girl jumped onto the back of Sasuke. Hugging him tightly from behind and burying her head into his shoulder.
"OH SASUKE-KUN! YOU'VE MADE IT!" a blonde headed girl said, she wore purple and had bandaged wrapped over her arms, legs, and stomach.
"GET OFF MY SASUKE-KUN INOPIG!"
And so began the twenty minute argument of Sakura and Ino. For the most part it was just petty childish insults thrown back and forth. It was a total nuisance to everyone...well everyone but one. Naruto was quite amused and it was just getting good too! It looked like a slap fight was just about to begin...until somebody just had to end the entertainment.
"It would be wise to settle down. You don't want to be drawing so much attention to yourselves." A silver haired guy said. He wore glasses and had dark gray pants and a dark gray high collared shirt with a white t-shirt beneath it. He also sported a headband with the leaf symbol on it.
After a brief introduction and the guy being kicked into a wall, they all seemed to huddle together. "Rather smart way to begin infiltration. This guy is something else, definitely not what he's showing." Naruto mused and couldn't help but gain more entertainment from it all. Well, until the guy pulled out a deck of cards that he claimed would have intel on everybody. That was a bit of a red flag.
"So, who would you like to see first?" Kabuto said. He'd introduced himself after being kicked into the wall.
"What do you have on that Gaara guy from Suna and Naruto from Kumo?" Sasuke said and Naruto actually raised an eyebrow.
"So Gaara of the Desert..." Kabuto picked out a card and turned it over to look. "Hmm he is a Genin of Suna...obviously. He's been on two D ranked missions, and thirty-five A ranked ones..."
Sasuke's eyes went wide at that revelation. A Genin having taken thirty-five A ranks? "That's absurd!" He said not believing it.
"Oh it's true...but that's not the craziest thing...in all those missions, Gaara has not once been touched or hurt. As well as a 100% success rate."
To that, Sasuke's jaw dropped. It was...should be impossible to never get at least one injury or something. Not even a scratch?! That could never be done. Just what kind of a monster was Gaara? If only he knew...
"O-ok...how about that Naruto guy now?"
Kabuto stuck the card back into the deck and went through it again. After about twenty seconds, he seemed to finally find what he was searching for. Grabbing and turning the card over to read, the smirk he'd had faded and his eyebrows narrowed as if reading correctly. The name, he recognized that name and it got him ever so slightly worried. This was where he went? Before anyone could realize the shift in his composure, he plastered a smile to his face. It seemed that it worked.
"Uzumaki Naruto." A pause followed as the name was racking thoughts through the group of Genin from Konoha. The Uzumaki name was familiar, a clan once prominent. Hell, even the clan symbol was worn by all Konoha Jonin through their vests and sleeves. The Chunin wore it only on the sleeves. That Clan's symbol was a staple of Konoha. After the brief pause, he continued. "The Kumo Genin is actually, formerly of Konoha."
All eyes went to Naruto. The smirk and amusement that he had faded. Now, an annoyance was formed and it looked like answers would be expected at some. point down the road. Gaara even looked to him with even more curiosity. That mystery that was Naruto, only opened even more for Sasuke and even some of the others were beginning to be curious.
"Funnily enough, Naruto has only done one C ranked mission. Aside from that, all there is on him is that he left Kumo for a few months. Where he went is unknown and what he's done is unknown. However, it is stated that he holds many secrets."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "How would he know anything about me? Something isn't right here for sure. Gaara is one thing, they're allies...well, let the fun begin eh?"
They all looked back at Naruto and wondered just what was meant by all that. What secrets did he have? Where did he go? Why was he allowed to go alone on such a journey? Did that mean he was powerful? So much questions had to be asked, and for once, the Kumo Genin smirked as most of those questions, they could actually answer for once. For once it wasn't them that had so much questions, granted they still had many, it just wasn't so much. Lastly, one C rank mission and he was allowed to enter the exams?
Now that card seemed rather useless in terms of what they learned about Naruto since there really wasn't much to learn in it. All it did was incite interest. In some ways, that can be seen as worse since there is no knowledge of what he's done.
As they were about to continue conversing, the door slammed open and in came a man with a black coat and gray clothing beneath. A bandana was on his head for his headband and he had two scars across his face. He seemed interesting, but he was also trying to give off an intimidating presence. To nearly everyone, it worked, and before ever needing to say a word, he held their attention and was in definite control.
"Enough with the child's play. To a seat, now!" Everyone immediately went to a seat and prepared as fast as possible, while Naruto just moseyed along to a desk. Something that the man took note of, apart from his appearance. "I am Ibiki Morino."
Naruto then stopped listening and looked to the ceiling. "Kurama, I'm bored." gaining no response, he raised an eyebrow. "Kurama?" All he got was snoring and he shook his head at the fox. Apparently he too was bored. Not a bad idea to go to sleep though...
"Alright! That's enough!"
Naruto's eyes slowly opened and he sat up in his seat. Looking over at Yugito, she had her paper fully filled out and so did Rin. The test appeared over from what he could tell and the faces he got from the two were priceless as his test was utterly empty. Not even his name was on the paper.
"You maniac! We're going to fail because of you!" Rin whispered harshly.
Naruto looked over to Rin but did nothing to intimidate or put him in his place. Instead he smiled warmly. "Rin, why do you doubt me? I've always delivered."
Yugito somewhat nodded but also couldn't help but believe a little of what Rin said. Naruto had absolutely nothing on his test. Choosing to rather sleep through the thing and practically ensuring their failure. The only thing giving her a little hope and belief in him was the promise to win the Chunin Exams for Kumo that he made.
"Naruto, is everything some sick joke to you? This is our careers!"
"Easy there, this isn't over yet. He mentioned ten questions in the beginning, this paper only has nine." Naruto motioned to the front of the room where Ibiki stood.
"You had better be right and be able to pull a miracle out or your ass!" Rin thought as he looked to the front..
"Alright listen up! I will only be saying this once. The first nine questions have been given. Now for the tenth. However...there is a new set of rules now. You have the choice of taking this question. You do not have to. You choose not to, your whole team is disqualified. You can retry the exams the next go around though. Now should you take the question and get it wrong...you are disqualified and are barred from ever attempting the Chunin Selection Exams again."
Murmurs filled the room. To never be allowed to take the exams ever again was a steep price to pay for getting a question wrong. This one question alone made the rest of the exam pointless in some sense. That's a fact that Rin found excruciatingly annoying. Naruto didn't even take the test and here he was given the same chances as anyone else to pass...apparently Naruto was the real winner of this exam as he slept through it all and then can now be on level ground as anyone else.
After a brief period of shock, many began forfeiting and disqualifying whole teams at once. The competition was shrinking rapidly and it could be understood why. At least on the surface, leaving is best as it gave the guarantee that you'll take the exams once more. However life isn't ever really like that, you never get to just choose to face it now vs later. It happens in the moment whether you're ready or not. Leaving now ensures your chance in the future, but is not realistic to how the world is. That's the reality of it all, the illusion of choice.
When things started slowing down, the people remaining sat nervous. Some wanted nothing more than to walk out now...but the ridicule they'll face afterwards was holding some back. Others just wanted to try no matter what, to not quit, but that was a want rather them making it a need. Their will wasn't strong enough and as they began to raise they're hand...
"You done yet?" Naruto said lazily. "I'm growing tired of this."
All eyes moved to the source of the voice, being Naruto. Surprise filled the room as he looked totally unfazed by the situation. The choice not bothering him for even a moment. When Ibiki took a look at Naruto his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Analyzing the boy who spoke out with disinterest. Something was so familiar that it was scary. Those blue eyes that burned his will, ate at his soul as seeing through him entirely. Despite the want to look away, his eyes could only stare into his, being lured in and showing his loss in the moment.
Almost as quickly as he was drawn in, he was let free once Naruto closed his eyes slowly and leaned back in his chair. "You do realize that should you fail this question, you're a Genin forever. Right?"
Sighing Naruto shook his index finger at him. "You act as though this is the only way for promotion. Promotion here or not isn't the end all say all. Be that this predicament seems tough in the moment, it really means nothing."
"Why is that, mister..."
"Uzumaki. Name's Uzumaki Naruto, and it matters not because this isn't the reality of life."
To that Ibiki smirked. Kid was smart and wasn't just some cocky twerp. It was still odd what had happened earlier he thought, but brushed it off for the moment. "Hmm. Anyone else wish to leave now? Last chance..." Nobody responded for two minutes so he stuck his hands in the pockets of his coat and smiled. "You all pass."
"Huh?!" Was the resounding remark made by nearly all of them. Gaara, Naruto, and a pineapple hair shaped boy were silently waiting.
"As mister Uzumaki said, this isn't how life is. You don't get to pick and choose your mission. As a Chunin, you may be expected to enter situations where you know nothing of what lies ahead. You need the courage to push on regardless, even if it means death. There is no, 'I will take it on later' because more often than not, you'd be dead." Ibiki chuckled at the faces of the Genin.
"Does your luck know no limits?" Rin said quietly to which Naruto chuckled.
Just then the window shattered and kunai flew in the room. It held the corners to a banner introducing Anko Mitarashi as the next proctor. When she flew into the room, nearly all the boys had their jaws drop to the desk. Her clothing was scarce to say the least. A trench coat and skirt that was really short was all she wore for real clothes. Under that was her netted armor as a shirt and shorts.
Naruto rolled his eyes at such an entrance. Had she used fireworks and maybe a cooler entrance rather than flying in from the window, it could have been cooler! But nope, she went basic and was rather boring. Perhaps he'd give her some tips.
"Alright, Maggots! I'm the next exam proctor!" Looking around she noticed quite a lot of people remained. "Hmm your test must have been really easy."
"You're early...Perhaps they are just better this go around." Ibiki said and looked at one person in particular.
"Whatever the case, my test will cut this number in half...at a minimum." Anko said and laughed maniacally. It sent shivers down the Chunin hopefuls' spines. "Meet at training ground 44 tomorrow at eight!"
The Genin stood up and started walking out of the room. Naruto and his squad were leaving but Sasuke watched, staring into Naruto's back. Something was bugging him about the kid and he didn't like it.
-A Couple Days Earlier Training Ground 7-
"Listen, there are a couple things I need to talk to you guys about." Kakashi said and the usual lazy tone wasn't present.
"Is it about those weird guys from the other villages?" Sakura asked.
"Yes and no. First off, I'm recommending team seven for the Chunin Exams." Sasuke smirked while Sakura got a little worried. "Next thing though...the blonde haired kid, don't antagonize him. Don't take him head on. Avoid if possible."
Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed and he scrunched he nose. "Why? What's so special about that Naruto guy?"
"So he really is...I thought that...I have to talk to him." Kakashi thought and sighed. "Sasuke, for once listen to what I've said. There are things you guys don't know. Secrets that have been kept and buried, you are not to take him head on or agitate him. All you need to know about him is that he's different...and same with that other Genin with the gourd. Those are the two that you must avoid at all costs."
"What is going on Sensei? You seem worried." Sakura said hesitantly. If he was worried then they must be dangerous.
"I can't tell you, and I don't know all the details myself. Trust me on this, if it can be avoided, don't take them on. Sasuke, please listen to me on this and don't fall into your emotions."
Sasuke nodded and turned away to go home and train.
-Exam Room 302-
Sasuke watched Naruto leave the room before getting up himself. They left the room leaving only Ibiki. He walked over to Naruto's seat and looked at the paper. He laughed and shook his head. "Kid didn't even write his name! Can't believe I passed a kid who left the test blank. "Ibiki turned to the door to leave, placing his hands in his pockets and thought "Still he is eerily familiar. Hokage-sama might know something."
In a secluded training ground, Kabuto stood in a tree with a smirk. He pushed his glasses up and spoke. "I've met the last Uchiha, and there's something interesting developing."
"Oh? And what is that?" A voice spoke within the shadows.
"Your plans have just become complicated..."
"You mean more than already due to that Kazekage?"
"Yes. If I may, I recommend holding off from doing what you plan. At least until after the second stage... three more villages are participating than expected."
The voice remained silent for a second before chuckling. "Which ones? Some small backwater village is no problem."
"If they were small, I wouldn't have brought it up...Two are also of the great five. Kumo and Iwa..."
"They're here? Really?"
Kabuto nodded a bit hesitantly. "There in lies the other issue. I recognized one of the Kumo Genin as a kid I used to see a lot at the hospital. Naruto Uzumaki."
"So the Kyubi Jinchuriki has returned...Iwa and Kumo will definitely make it to the finals...that means the Kages will receive an invitation. That Tsuchikage would side with us no doubt...but the Raikage is a wildcard."
"That and the Kazekage already has turned you down...there's too many uncontrollable variables..."
"Continue spying on the competition, Kabuto. I will meet with an old acquaintance."
"So you don't plan to attack on the exams? What about Sasuke?"
"All in due time...for now, we keep waiting. There's bound to be opportunity very soon." The voice then chuckled one last time and seemed to fade away leaving no trace behind. Kabuto sighed before heading back to the main parts of the village.
-Konoha Cemetery-
"Sensei...he's alive. I know I told you he was probably dead, I hope you knew he wasn't and that I was wrong. I'm sorry for being the failure that I am. It's always been my shortcomings...Obito...Rin...you and Kushina...now Naruto. He looks so much like you Sensei. If there is any way to make things right, I'll do it. I only hope you can one day forgive me."
"Soooo...you talk to yourself a lot here?"
Kakashi turned sharply at the new voice. Having been so deep in his thoughts, he never noticed the arrival of another. When he saw who it was, his heart ached as the subject of his worsened turmoil stood before him with a small smile. Kakashi looked into his eyes and felt like he was looking at his Sensei's once more.
"Naruto was it? What are you doing here?" Kakashi finally said after a pause.
"Dodging the question eh?"
"No...just thinking updating the fallen with current events...in a way I like to think they can hear and would like to know these things."
Naruto nodded and closed his eyes for a moment of silence before opening them and smiling. "You know something mister Kakashi? You seem like a good man. You need to learn to let go, or you will never live. Those you speak to, they'd want that for you."
Kakashi closed his eye that was visible and silently chuckled to himself. Funny how the child of his idol was now helping him and the kid didn't even know him. "I appreciate that but it's complicated."
"No doubt it is. I'm not telling you to forget them, never that. But don't let it be the excuse to never live on. Live on for them, so that they could always be remembered through you."
"You're a smart kid. What are you here for?"
"Well, my full name is Naruto Uzumaki. I heard that an Uzumaki once lived here as well...I wanted to see if maybe I could connect in some way to a remnant of my clan."
"Uzumaki huh? I know of one. Her grave is actually right over there." Pointing to a grave just a couple spaces away, Kakashi led Naruto to it.
"Kushina Uzumaki huh. No other Uzumaki members?"
"Not that I know of. The other died long ago."
"Interesting...tell me, Kakashi-san, did she have any family at all?"
Kakashi started feeling stuck at the moment. He knew Naruto was old enough to have memories of here, and was obviously very smart now. So saying the wrong thing could spill a bad can of worms. Then again...did he even want to keep the secret anymore? He no longer lived here, a shinobi of Kumo. What harm comes from him learning now?
"There he is!" A scruffy voice shouted out and was leading a small group. All looking rather angrily.
Kakashi watched as Naruto's eyes widened and his demeanor changed. The way he carried himself shifted and he was closing off. That great confidence and calm he held just earlier and that first glimpse he met him was gone. Naruto heard as they came closer, back in the shoes of his three year old self, his legs shook and his hands were sweating as he repeatedly opened and closed his hands. Trying to find some sort of comfort. Quickly his eyes looked around for safety, the only thing he could find was Kakashi at the moment so he quickly moved to be behind the Jonin. Naruto was only halfway up his stomach in height as he hid behind Kakashi.
Kakashi brought his left arm around to be behind him and touch Naruto's shoulder as his right hand came up on a half ram seal. In a puff of smoke, the two were gone in an instant from the group's view. They reappeared in training ground seven and Naruto immediately backed a way while shaking. Collapsing onto his butt against a tree. Curled up, hugging his knees to his chest, Naruto sat.
"He's traumatized by these villagers. Their presence makes him revert to the child mentality he held...no longer being himself but what he used to be."
Kakashi walked to Naruto and kneeled in front of him. "It's alright Naruto. They aren't here."
Naruto shook more as he looked around to confirm what Kakashi said. When he was satisfied, his breathing settled and his shaking ceased. His eyes returned from being frightful to just dulled. "Even after all this time..." His eyes widened as he said that. "I mean-"
Kakashi raised his hand to stop him. "I know, Naruto. I know."
"Then you."
"Are a friend. Listen, I don't know the full story and don't expect you to tell me now, but you seem to have come a long way from that helpless toddler I once knew. Don't let these ignorant bastards bring you down anymore...as you said to me, let go and live on."
"Hmph. Not used to my words being thrown back at me...so you knew me?"
Nodding slowly, Kakashi sighed. "Yes, yes I did. I should have done more, been there for you. I'm sorry about that...I was so lost and stuck in my grief..."
"I don't blame you, Kakashi-san...thanks...I'd appreciate it if you keep this episode between us."
"Sure thing, Naruto. How about I take you to your room so nothing happens before the morning?"
Naruto nodded and the two were gone in a puff of smoke. Naruto stood alone in the hall outside his room. Inside would be Rin and Omoi, and the events of the evening would hopefully be lost through time. However, things don't always work out that way and sometimes things aren't so easily forgotten. For one reason or another, something makes it so that the event is not so secretive or closed as one may think.
Upon entry to the room, Omoi and Rin both looked over to him with a questioning look. He arrived way later than was to be expected. Omoi was considering trying to get the senseis involved but hadn't yet. Naruto though, didn't spare them even a glance as he made his way to his bed. He laid on his back and had his hands behind his head as he looked to the ceiling. This return was becoming interesting as it went on. Kakashi was an ally he wasn't expecting to have. Aside from that, he may have learned something important.
This Kushina Uzumaki could potentially have been his mother. Based on the gravestone, she died the night of his birth...that would explain why he'd been alone. But then the question was, who and what happened to his father? This man didn't share the Uzumaki name so he was stuck. Closing his eyes, he allowed unconsciousness to take over.
-Hokage Office-
"What have you come here for, Kakashi?"
"Sandaime-sama, he's alive."
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly and got serious. "Who?"
"Naruto."
"How do you know?"
"I just met him. He's one of Kumo's. He's participating in the second stage tomorrow morning."
Hiruzen's eyes went wide. So that's where he'd disappear to. The boy was never found from any searches and it led to the thought of him being dead. They were worried for a potential attack by the Kyubi and were only recently relaxing in the last couple years. But now the child has returned, what was the goal?
"Young Naruto's alive? How did he end up in Kumo? Is there need to be worried?"
Shaking his head Kakashi closed his visible eye and sighed. "He doesn't seem hostile, and seemed to trust that I wouldn't do anything to him. He's smart, Sandaime-sama, very smart. The way he carries himself...he definitely is strong."
"What's the issue? You seem to be holding something back."
"He might be trying to learn of his heritage. Naruto knew there were only a few Uzumaki that lived here, he's taken the clan under his control...rightfully so but he is the now head to the clan, and sole living member. I know he now knows his mother...soon enough he'll try figuring out his father."
"We can't let him."
"Why not? There's no point hiding it anymore. He's a Kumo nin now. A legal citizen there and depending on his performance here, head to a clan...two really."
Hiruzen sat back in his chair. "I'll meet with him. We need to discuss some things."
"With all due respect, you can't. It would be seen as tampering to meet with a competitor in the exams...he doesn't fear me nor seem to deem me as a threat right now, I'll try learning what I can."
"What do you mean he doesn't fear you?"
"He is still suffering from the trauma inflicted on him as a child. Seeing and hearing old faces put him into a trance that made him revert to his old child self. No longer being the Naruto I'd met."
"Hmmm, I see. And you bolstered his confidence in you by getting him away, correct?"
"Hai."
"Very well then, Kakashi. I'll leave you to try gathering all that you can. But, you are not to reveal his heritage under any circumstances. I will find when best to do so."
-Elsewhere In The Village-
Sighing a breath of relief, a Jonin of Suna wiped his brow. "Thank God that the decision has finally been made."
"What is it?" Gaara said.
"Kazekage-sama has officially declined the invasion plans. We are no longer here for the invasion."
"So what does that mean for us Sensei?" Temari said sitting up.
"You guys still just compete. Promotion is at stake...are you ok with this, Gaara?"
Gaara didn't respond. Instead he gazed outside the window, staring into nothing. Almost lost in his own world. The silence was taken as him having no issues at the moment and the lack of bloodlust emanating was still surprising to everyone around him.
"Naruto...our fight will truly be the greatest...no longer constrained by them."
-Girl's Room-
Yugito entered the room and got a questioning gaze by the other girls. She sat down on a bed and was holding her chin as she thought.
"What is wrong, Yugito?" Karui said as she sat up.
"I'm not sure. Have you guys noticed Naruto's behavior?"
"Hmmm. Not sure. What do you mean?"
"He's closing off more it seems." Samui said as she walked in from the kitchen.
"Yes...Is it solely being in the village that is the case or do you think there is more to it?"
"Well, you and Omoi know him best. What do you think?" Karui said.
"I'm not exactly sure. I know it wasn't good for him here, but such a drastic change is odd."
"Well, he was one for always hiding things." Yugito and Karui nodded to the statement made by Samui.
-Outside Training Ground 44-
All the Genin were gathered outside one of the gates to the training ground. On a crate stood Anko and she had a smirk on her face. Everyone seemed calm, but the excitement that Anko had was unnerving. The added fact that this exam would at a minimum, reduce their numbers by half was something that was also weighing on them all.
Yugito was actually getting nervous, not for the exam, but Naruto had yet to arrive. When she asked Omoi about his whereabouts, he had only shrugged. Apparently Naruto was gone when they'd woken up and had left no message as to his where he'd gone. It was Rin that placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a small smile.
"Look, Naruto never has let us down. Let's just have some faith, he'll be here."
She raised an eyebrow and was a little perplexed. Here Rin was, saying to trust in Naruto, when all this time he'd been against him. She couldn't exactly remember when the beef started, or who caused it...knowing how Naruto was, she didn't doubt if it was him...but it's been something that's gone on for quite a number of years. Though most times, it seemed one sided as Naruto never cared...granted that most likely just added fuel to the situation. Every now and then, at least recently, Naruto was asserting his dominance and putting Rin in his place, but that was only now and not back then at all.
Whatever it was, this now trust he showed in Naruto was new. She nodded though, knowing it was true. He made a promise, he'd win he said. Unless it was important, Naruto wasn't the type to promise anything. It would be another ten minutes, just as Anko was wrapping up, that Naruto appeared. He seemed a little dazed and somewhat lost. It frustrated Rin but got her worried.
"Ah...nice of you to join us, Blondie." Anko said, tossing a kunai at Naruto's face.
He caught it by the handle and twirled it in his hand. Gaining a slight awe from the crowd from seeing him catch the high speed kunai. She knew she hadn't put her full force otherwise it would have landed, but she was impressed by his reflexes nonetheless.
"So...proctors can just kill participants?" Naruto asked somewhat childishly.
She appeared behind him and chuckled into his left ear. "You're the type to die first, jokester." She then licked his cheek.
Naruto remained perfectly still but the kunai bearing hand was pointed at her gut. "Well, I guess this would be a draw, eh?"
"You're interesting kid." She thought and backed away. When she did, he turned and tossed her back the kunai. "Now, get to a gate and we will begin."
His team had already gotten their scroll, so he just followed them to a gate. Yugito was very agitated by his tardiness and surprisingly enough, Rin was just as calm as ever. He smiled, eyes drifting to the ground, he was happy. Finally acknowledging it for what it was, he's always been happy where he was now. After the recent events, it finally opened his eyes to what he felt. It was funny though, the sight before him reminded him of the academy days. Yugito always pissed at him for his antics...Rin...always faithful in him. Trusted his plans to the fullest. In his mind, he doesn't remember where things went wrong between them...but Naruto knew that he definitely didn't try making anything better. Maybe, maybe now things could be repaired.
"Rin." Naruto said and just as Rin turned to look at him, he went to speak. But a loud ringing bell sounded and they immediately turned to see the gate opening up wide. They all shared a look, and immediately bolted into the forest.
-Hidden Underground Base-
"What are you doing here...Orochimaru."
A voice chuckled as the figure left the darkness, coming into view. A massive smile on his face as a malicious intent could be seen in his eyes. "Oh? Are you not happy with all I've done for you? Danzo."
Danzo frowned and clenched his cane harder. "What is it that you want?"
"I cannot invade Konoha during these Chunin Exams...too many factors have gotten involved. You were supposed to ensure that Kumo and Iwa would not participate."
"Yes...I had sent some agents to intercept the messages...Hiruzen must have sent another at another time or used a dummy that we'd tracked."
"Well, in any case...we can't do this now. But I do have something you'd be interested in hearing." Danzo leaned back in his seat. "The Jinchuriki is back...as a Kumo nin."
Danzo's uncovered eye opened to the news. "The brat is alive? In Kumo no less...they now have three Biju under their control. This can't remain."
"I will offer assistance in bringing down Kumo's power, but I want your help destroying Konoha." Orochimaru chuckled as he looked at Danzo's expression.
-Training Ground 44-
The thing that was constant as they ran in, was the constant screams they heard echoing throughout the forest. It was screams of agony and pain, it was unnerving. Naruto followed in the back as Yugito led the way. His senses were annoying to him as the loud screams agitated his more sensitive ears. This was why he stayed in the back, so they wouldn't notice his discomfort, over time though, he was getting used to it. Still, it wasn't pleasant. All would rather be somewhere else than in the forest. It was too soon for people to find others...so these screams were because of the forest itself. So long as they kept moving, they should be safe. In theory.
"Itachi said that he thought that bear was only found here...what else could there be." Naruto stopped and took a knee. This gained the attention of the others.
"Naruto, what is it?" Rin asked.
Naruto smiled and shook his head. "We must be careful. I know there are definitely some beasts here. I learned a bit about this forest on my travels...I might have a way to sense things around me...but I'm not sure how to do it really just yet."
"So...you plan to do something that you have no idea on how to do?" Yugito said. "That sounds odd."
Naruto slowed his breathing and heartbeat. He brought his head to be level and looked straight ahead with his eyes closed. They slowly opened to be a little glazed over and they felt a huge gust as Naruto said "Elemental Sight" and he remained still for about a minute when they felt that same gust that hit them, as it came again. Only this time from behind them as if it was retracting. He chuckled for a second and smiled. "It actually worked."
"What was those two gusts about?" Rin said crossing his arms in a questioning manner.
"That was a sensory ability I have been trying to understand for a long time. I thought it had to do with the wind solely back then...I was partly right. It encompasses all elements to form sight in a full 360 degrees."
"That can't be real...It sounds made up. I thought only the Hyuga's Byakugan could give sight like that." Yugito said
Naruto nodded "Yes that is normally the case. I don't see chakra. I just use the elements to see or sense...All living things are comprised of the five elements in some way. Hence my ability to see."
"Hmm, sounds interesting. What did you see?" Rin said nodding.
"Yeah. Lets move ten meters away...there's a massive rhino coming."
"HUH?" the other two said and Naruto chuckled. He grabbed the two and jumped up away. A twenty foot tall rhino came charging into the clearing. It obliterated a tree as it turned around to realign itself at them. Naruto had set them down and they looked at the threat.
"Naruto...what's the plan?" Rin said.
Turning to him Naruto pulled out some prayer beads. "I fought a bear around the same size. We can incapacitate it, but it won't be easy."
"What are you going to do with some beads?" Yugito said.
A small laugh left Naruto's mouth, "Well, these aren't ordinary beads. They've been engraved with a special seal to make these ridiculously heavy."
"Then...if you can hold it, how will such a thing affect that rhino?"
"Oh, easy Rin. I haven't activated the seal." Rin rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled.
"Well, let's get going! IT'S COMING!" Yugito said.
The three dispersed as Naruto tucked the beads into his pouch. He nodded to Rin, and Rin went through several handsigns as he unleashed his lightning stream to the rhino. At the same time, Yugito got the idea and she went through her own set of handsigns, unleashing the fireball jutsu that combined to with the lightning to form an explosion. The rhino laid on it's side and seemed to be struggling to get up. Naruto ran and jumped up into the air, landing on the rhino, he placed the beads around it's neck and jumped down, landing beside the two.
"That should do...it..." As he spoke, the rhino began standing up and shook the beads off of it. "It...didn't work?"
"Naruto! Now what?" Yugito said.
Rin noticed the shock evident in Naruto and also noticed that he was struggling to comprehend the problem. The rhino came charging fast, Yugito had jumped away and he noticed that Naruto still was remaining. He reached and grabbed onto Naruto as he flung his teammate away. When he looked over his shoulder, the rhino was right there. He ducked and rolled to the left as the rhino narrowly missed. Rin stood up and the rhino managed to turn around quickly. Going through another set of signs, "Lightning Style: Lightning Ball Jutsu!" he said and several small orbs of lightning escaped his mouth into the air. The hope was to have a paralyzing effect on the rhino. It did not.
The next thing Rin knew, was that he heard a shout of "No" and the rhino was stopped in it's tracks. It could not move. He opened his eyes and saw a golden spear sticking out of the rhino, attached to a golden chain made of...chakra. Following the chain, he saw it originating from a panting Naruto who had his left eye closed as he was being strained, as the chain was coming from his left hand. Slowly pulling, he managed to bring the rhino down.
"Kill it. Kill IT NOW! I CAN'T HOLD IT LONG!" Naruto said. Immediately, both Yugito and Rin threw several kunai with explosive tags into it's belly and throat. With the two softer spots exposed, the explosions that ensued killed the rhino and Naruto dropped to a knee.
Yugito and Rin both went to Naruto to check on him. He was fine physically but seemed rather fatigued. "What happened?" Yugito had finally asked.
"I guess, the chain took a lot. I had never used it or the Elemental Sight before. So perhaps I'm still not very efficient in the Jutsus. That and that rhino was heavy as hell."
They nodded and helped Naruto up as he regained himself. Even though they just had battled the rhino, it wasn't something that would provide them the scroll that the team would need. Needing to keep moving, Naruto didn't get a whole lot of rest. That wasn't entirely a problem for Naruto though, due to his ridiculous recovery rate in comparison to anyone else, he never needed much time to ever be back to full strength. The group came to the outskirt of another clearing and looked out to see a Genin team from Konoha. Upon further inspection, they noticed that Kabuto was amongst the team. Naruto knew something was off about the guy but still, this was a great opportunity to get a scroll.
"Well, got a plan, Naruto?" Rin said once more like the last time.
"It didn't work out the last time I made a plan. Are you sure?"
"One failure and you're no longer believing yourself capable? You aren't going to succeed every time. We all know that. That doesn't mean you quit. You are better than me and Yugito both in trying to scheme things."
Naruto nodded and took a breath. "We don't know their capabilities but none look too worrisome. We should funnel them into a chokepoint. They will either give us the scroll they have, or die and we take it anyways."
"What are you setting up?" Yugito said
"I'm going to mark an area. Yugito, you are the better sensor of you two, so get my signature and bring them. Once they get there, it will all fall into place."
They nodded to Naruto and the two entered the clearing while throwing kunai around. Naruto went off around them to get a position set up. When the two landed, the Konoha squad had just finished evading the kunai and now faced them. All had a smile as it was a three on two battle. Rin settled into a stance as Yugito cracked her neck. In the blink of an eye, both sides attacked. Yugito actively was sensing for Naruto's chakra signature, it wasn't so difficult as one would think. His chakra was so vast that even if you weren't a sensor, you could find it if you knew a little of what to look for.
When she'd locked down his location, she gestured to Rin who nodded. They engaged at full force, set a good defense in spite of the number disadvantage. The two on Kabuto's team seemed rather average in terms of their skill. Neither showed any signs of needing to be worried about. The issue, was that Kabuto at times was hard to keep track of. Slipping into the back or being away from things. Yugito sent a punch at one's face and jumped back. Rin followed as well after sending a kick to the other's gut. They paused for a brief moment then the three charged. Yugito and Rin both fought back but slowly were baking away. Leading them away from the clearing. It was getting more and more dense with trees and bushes.
The three Konoha Genin being more accustomed to the environment, jumped into the trees. Both Yugito and Rin went wide-eyed when they watched. The three moved even faster in the trees somehow. It was hard to keep track. Shuriken and kunai darted by and nearly hit. The two were really struggling now and were barely managing to dodge in time. The two dodged and jumped towards where they were originally headed. However it wasn't so simple now as they were being beat to where they wanted to go. Soon, they would be getting pushed away from where they were supposed to. They just couldn't match the new advantage that Kabuto's team had just gained.
One dropped down, cutting off Yugito and Rin from the goal. He immediately started doing handsigns and it was a bold move. However he was supported by Kabuto and his other's shuriken. Not allowing Yugito or Rin to disrupt the Jutsu. Spikes formed out of the earth and launched immediately to them. They went to dodge but Yugito got tripped up by a kunai that had landed by her foot. Her stumble caught Rin's attention, distracting him. Before he could do anything, a blur of yellow appeared, grabbing onto her and moving away. It came back for Rin but was too late.
As he grabbed Rin, a spear of earth punctured his stomach. The result was immediate, spitting up blood, he dropped to his knees, having gone limp. His eyes widened, fear was all that could be seen in Rin's face. Looking up, he saw a worried expression on Naruto's face. That sealed it to him. Naruto always was calm and seemed disinterested, for him to be expressing worry, it had to be bad.
"N-Na-N"
"Don't talk, Rin. Take it easy." Naruto said running while carrying Rin. Blood was pouring onto him and it was obvious, if they couldn't close the wound, he'd die no later than twenty minutes.
"Naru-"
"Not now. You need to be quiet and rest."
Meeting up with Yugito, Naruto set Rin down against a tree. Gesturing for her to aid Rin, he backed away and bit his thumb drawing blood. Smearing it on three kunai, he tossed them into position around Rin and Yugito. Forming a triangle, blood had dripped from the kunai as it flew which closed the triangle. Going through a few handsigns, a seal formed, a very small barrier formed. It hid them from sight, however if discovered, it offered no protection.
"I've really gotta stop using Jutsus for the first time at the moment...That barrier is easier when I'm the only one...better if I'm actually in it, not tying it to blood."
"That is the trade-off with blood seals."
"Yeah yeah. Still, they say nothing about that in books."
"You act as though those scrolls use blood seals as you do. Many use it solely as a key."
Naruto sighed and turned around, back towards where they came from. Taking out two kunai and holding them in each hand, he watched as the three entered the area. They smiled at seeing only him, but frowned seeing that it was him. They'd been chasing the other two, so where'd they go?
"If you surrender all scrolls you may have, you can live." Naruto said lazily.
"Oh? And what makes you think you can take us three on, Uzumaki-san?" Kabuto said with a smirk. The other two voiced their agreements and Naruto leaned his head back while tilting it towards the right.
"Who said anything about taking you three on?" Naruto said seriously and without a hint of the previous laziness.
He threw the kunai into the ground beside him on each side. Taking one step back, a golden glow emanated from the kunai and a ring formed around the three. It was twenty feet in diameter and along the way, several other kunai were glowing as well. A seal pattern spread inwards and none of them recognized what it was. Not a single bit of it could they understand. So the nature of the seal was unknown.
"What is this?" One said, he had a bandana as a mask and sunglasses on.
"Surrender your scrolls, and you won't need to find out."
"This is ridiculous, Kabuto this is definitely just a bluff!"
"Shut up, Yoroi...when it comes to Fuinjutsu, you never mess around with it...let alone if you're already caught." Kabuto said, the smirk gone and a serious expression on his face. Even a few beads of sweat could be seen on his forehead. They were in a rough spot and one wrong move and who knows what would happen. "Very well, you can have our scrolls. Just let us go."
"Toss the scrolls first." Kabuto complied and the scrolls were inspected by Naruto. "Thanks, now you need to remain in the ring for an hour."
"WHY? WE GAVE YOU THE SCROLLS!" Yoroi said, clenching a fist and running at Naruto.
"Because this is a timed sequence." Immediately Yoroi stopped, two feet from the border of the ring. "Inside, you're safe. Leave the ring, you die. The ring will blink ten times, after the tenth, you may leave, freely."
Kabuto nodded and Naruto turned away from them. "You're keeping your word?" Kabuto asked with genuine curiosity.
"I have what I want. There is no need to kill you. If a team doesn't come across, perhaps a beast will. You are limited in space...I'd keep it down if you wish not to attract any... unpleasant attention."
"You think yourself to be above us? IS THAT IT?" Yoroi said, wanting so badly to leave the ring. Shaking his arms profusely and growling in his frustration.
Glancing back, Naruto shook his head. "I don't like killing. If it is necessary, so be it...if I may leave without having to do so, better. Don't take my not killing you as kindness or mercy, it is not. I have no qualms with it, if that is what you wish."
Naruto walked into his barrier that he'd made just moments ago, and disappearing out of nowhere in the perspective of the three enemies. He looked over to Yugito and she slowly shook her head. Naruto kneeled beside Rin and gave him a light slap to keep him awake.
"Naruto" Rin coughed out. "Naruto listen."
"Rin I said to take it easy."
"Cut it out, Uzumaki...look, I can tell, this isn't good." Rin said slowly, and strained. Naruto nodded and Rin took a deep breath. "I'm...sorry. I'm so sorry, Naruto."
"What are you talking about?" Naruto said raising an eyebrow.
"For everything, Naruto. You never deserved it...we were friends." Naruto looked away slightly and was about to speak but Rin's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Everyone else was casting you aside...in order to make myself of higher stature...I turned my back on you. When you needed a friend most, I used you for my own selfish gain and I'm sorry."
Rin's eyes watered as he coughed and groaned in pain. "Listen, you're not dying here. So enough with the sad talk, ok?"
"Stop deflecting the situation. We know I'm bound to die soon. I just wanted to apologize, before it was too late."
"Look...Rin...I'm not good with this stuff. But, you had faith in me back there. You did. And I have faith in you too. That's what being friends is about, right?" Naruto smiled at Rin and placed his hand at the wound. "This...will hurt a lot, but you'll wake up in the tower."
"Huh? AAAAHHHHHHRG" Rin then proceeded to pass out from the pain. Naruto has his hand pressed against the wound, however it was encased by a red bubbly substance that was making contact with the puncture.
"What are you doing?" Yugito asked, having been silent the whole time that the two talked. It wasn't something that she quite expected but was glad that the two could finally resolve some things. It now made sense to her, for why the change in Rin's attitude had been present. Whether it was from guilt, or by finally growing, maybe even both...it made sense now.
"This chakra should help heal him. It heals me."
"You'll also poison him!"
Nodding, he chuckled, "Yes, and that's why we are headed for the tower now. This is just to make sure he doesn't bleed out."
When he finished, they stood up and prepared to run when she raised a finger. A smirk was also present on her face. "I've learned a new Jutsu. One that is perfect for this."
"That being?"
"The Shunshin." Naruto shook his head while she placed a hand on his shoulder. In the next second, they were at the entrance to the tower.
When they entered, there was a large grand room that was the entrance. A hall of sorts. On the walls was engravings to the meaning of the scrolls. The two nodded and Yugito opened up the scrolls, over lapping in the center to form an "X".
"A summon...but of what?" Naruto mused with a smirk.
She channeled chakra into it and a puff of smoke blocked their view. When it cleared, Darui stood there. "Good work you guys. What have been drab, for you to fail."
"I made a promise...I intend to see to it that it's accomplished." Darui nodded and looked at Rin. "He needs medical attention for his internal wounds and for chakra poisoning."
Darui raised an eyebrow but signaled for some medics to come in. They took Rin and left, while Darui led them into a separate room. It was a waiting room of sorts with amenities for entertaining the ones that made it to the tower prior to the five day time period. Once he had them settled, Darui left the two.
Yugito sat down on a couch while Naruto went to the fridge to grab a drink. There wasn't much as it wasn't expected that anyone would finish this soon, so he just stuck with a water. When he closed the door and turned around, Gaara stood at the entrance to the kitchen.
"Ah, so you've made it."
Gaara nodded slowly. "Have you drawn blood?"
Looking down, Naruto saw that Rin's blood was all over him and he sighed. "My teammate's."
Temari and Kankuro both came and saw the two standing there. "Hey, you're late by ten minutes! Haha!" Kankuro said trying to break some tension he was feeling.
Naruto just glanced over and narrowed his eyebrows at him. "Ignore my idiot of a brother." Her voice drew Naruto's attention and he noticed it was the fan wielder.
"Temari, was it?" She nodded and gulped quietly. If Gaara was interested in him, then he was dangerous. Gaara never wasted his team with insolent weaklings. Almost always killing them right away. This was different...very different. "So, your village have many wind users?"
"H-How did you know I use-"
"Your fan for one."
She laughed nervously "Oh right. Yeah. Um, sort of? Why do you want to know?"
Naruto smiled as he stepped closer to her. Getting to just a foot away he chuckled. "Well, my village doesn't seem to have any."
Yugito raised an eyebrow at Naruto's actions at the moment. What the hell was he doing? This was odd and she was wondering just why he would be so interested it seemed. "Why do I even care?" Shaking her head, she crossed her arms and leaned back into the couch. However, her eyes never left Temari's back.
"You can back up a bit, pal." Kankuro said and reached to some wrapped up object on his back.
"Pipe down cat-man. Can't you see we're talking here?" Kankuro growled and placed the object in front of him. Naruto smirked and a glint seemed to sparkle in his blue eyes. "I'm only kidding. We can all talk, is what I'm saying. You're definitely still cat-man."
"THAT DOES IT!"
"Enough, Kankuro." Gaara said surprising his two teammates. "It is forbidden to fight here."
"You care about the rules? Since when?" Kankuro damn near shouted but held it in, otherwise be engulfed and smothered by sand.
"Since he is mine, and mine alone. My battle with him will truly be the most fulfilling. Most thrilling! So back off, or I'll kill you." Gaara said and sand slowly rose out of his gourd, Kankuro got the message and gulped as he took three steps back, raising his hands to show he wasn't a threat.
Naruto looked back at Temari and smirked. "So, you've got quite the interesting team."
"Tell me about it. Think family would work together better, huh?"
"Family?"
"They're both my little brothers."
Naruto nodded. "Well, I'm going to get some rest..." They moved out of the way and Naruto made eye contact with Temari one last time, making her blush as he walked by. When he looked towards where Yugito was seated, she didn't look too happy which confused him. Instead of trying to seek what it was that was bothering her, he went into a room that was designated as his.
"So you've made it, and Rin will be ok."
"I messed up today. I made a miscalculation..."
"You can't account for everything, Kit. You are no God. You're mortal, you're human."
"Well...I can't have these miscalculations when they come."
"You'll get there. In time, don't rush to reach the end. You may not like what it looks like."
"If we succeed, the end will be far better than what these 'Gods' have planned."
Naruto lay in his bed and slowly drifted off to sleep. It wasn't long, but he'd awoken before the sun came up. After getting ready, he left the room and noticed that Yugito's door was never opened. The sign had still remained as well as the envelope that described what she had access to. The larger living room type thing was empty as well as the kitchen area.
"She can take care of herself." Naruto thought shaking his head. Deciding to head to the roof for a bit, he exited through a window and walked up. When reaching the top though, he immediately stopped in his tracks and had to blink a few times. It couldn't be real...there she was. Yugito was sitting on the other side with her legs dangling. The way the moon's light penetrated the dense trees created a sort of spotlight that only shined on her and nothing else. Yugito looked almost angelic in a way with the glow from the moon's light. For the first time, he hesitated, standing frozen, unsure of what to do or how to react. She seemed so beautiful, so angelic, and so...angry?
Naruto gulped and shook his head as he finally started walking to her. Sitting down, she still hadn't noticed him. It wasn't until his hand went across her shoulders in a sort of one armed hug. His left hand was on her left shoulder. The action caused her to quickly look over, when she saw it was him, she instinctively relaxed and leaned into his hold...before sending a hard punch into his chest with her left hand that made him cough in response.
"What was that for?"
"Idiot!"
Raising an eyebrow, Naruto was confused, especially when she used the same hand to sort of rub where she hit, as if to rub away the pain, and rest her head on his shoulder. She was confusing, but that unpredictability made her so entertaining all this time. "What is it? I don't understand. Is it because of what happened to Rin? Look, I'm sorry, I'm not fast enough to-"
"You think I got mad about Rin's injury?" Naruto nodded while looking away, she reached up with her right hand and lightly guided his head to look at her by moving his chin. "Why?"
"It's my fault. If I was better...or maybe had I stayed instead of leaving on my trip...none of this would have happened."
"Oh, Naruto...stop blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong. You aren't God."
Naruto nodded slowly. "It is my fault though. I'm expendable, if someone is to be hurt or killed, it's supposed to be me." Kurama laid his head down and closed his eyes within Naruto's mind. The truth as to what he felt of himself was beginning to come out...despite how much he'd tried talking to Naruto, it never changed these thoughts.
Yugito looked him straight in the eye and frowned. "You really believe yourself to be expendable...to be worthless don't you? Naruto...you aren't."
"I'm the outsider remember? In the grand scheme of-"
"Enough Naruto! You have earned your place amongst the village, amongst the ranks. The Raikage acknowledges it, Sensei acknowledges it, Bee acknowledges it, we all see it! You're meant to do great things, you need to see it! Hell, with how you are and how far you've come, I'd say you have the potential to be Raikage if it what you wanted." Yugito's eyes began to shimmer. "It hurts to see how little you value yourself..."
"Yugito..."
"Enough, you'll see one day. You're far more capable than you even believe. You think you know where you are...you're far better than that. You need to see value in your life. Even if you say you have nothing, you're wrong. You have us."
Naruto looked away and sighed. "I'm not sure..."
"How about a wager then?"
Raising an eyebrow, Naruto chuckled. "What kind of wager?"
A smirk came on her face. "If you win then I'll leave you be and you'll be right."
"And if you win?"
"Don't worry about that right now..."
"What's the bet?"
"I bet that you can win this whole thing. Not our team, but you will come out on top."
"You realize how many contestants may be in this tournament? Aside from that, I'm not even sure I can beat Gaara."
Yugito chuckled. "Man, for how you act, you really don't believe in yourself. So do you accept?"
Naruto shrugged and extended his hand. She returned the gesture as they shook hands, solidifying the bet. She had a massive smile as she returned to resting on his shoulder before a frown came on her face. Having felt her change, Naruto closed his eyes. "What is wrong?"
"What's the deal with you and that girl?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow and tried thinking of what she meant. "What girl are you talking about?"
"The Suna girl from the team that best us to the tower." The realization of who she was talking about dawned on him as he laughed. "I'm serious, Naruto..."
"I know, it's just...look. You know why I like the circus?" She got confused and shook her head. "It isn't the exotic things, it's the clown show. The simple aspect, it's amusing to watch them do their act."
"What do clowns have to do with the girl that obviously likes you!"
"The clown is a fool. I see almost everyone as a clown putting on a performance for my amusement. Those two, are entertaining...but, they and she, will never be as entertaining as you."
In an odd way, she felt touched by that...even if that made her a clown. So it was only natural when a smile our of her control spread on her face. "So you have no interest in that girl?"
Again Naruto laughed. "God no! She's definitely not my type."
"He has a type? What is it? Who fits it? Why do I keep caring about this so much?" Yugito thought and just looked out to the moon with Naruto.
Naruto looked into the moon and held in the sigh he was holding. There was plenty to think about. Yugito's belief in him, the exams that now has a bet, Rin and him, then the future. He wondered, could he really become Raikage? It was just a dumb statement to play the part of an innocent kid but could it really be a reality? Aside from that, what about these feelings that he seems to not understand, at least it was what Omoi said. Then the other issue, the one over everything else.
"Why is it all so complicated? When they come, it might be the end. "The next couple days had gone more or less the same. Rin not being around at the moment meant they were just a duo. So they spent quite a lot of time together, talking and just relaxing. The next stage was a tournament and they wanted to be at 100% capacity. However Rin did return finally and at first things were odd but eventually, things were ok. Naruto had forgiven Rin and the two were back to how they once were, when Naruto led them to many victories and exploits.
A couple teams had made it on this day, all looking like they went through hell. The funny thing is, that of the four teams that were currently here, none were of Konoha. They all were from foreign villages. One Suna, two Kumo, and one Iwa so far. Still, the Genin had a day and a half to complete the stage, but it was getting close. But, these next thirty-six hours would be the busiest of the event.
Naruto sort of wished they'd still been out there. It may have been fun and amusing. Then again, Rin's injury would have killed him de to it being fatal rather than just a simple flesh wound. If the bleeding out hadn't killed him, the chakra poisoning from Naruto's chakra would have done it.
Still, with the end of the stage rapidly approaching, everyone wondered about who else would come through. It would be funny if none of the ten Konoha teams that signed on for the Chunin Exams made it to the finals. four were taken out by that first exam. In this stage, Konoha still had more teams competing but so far, that supposed home field advantage meant absolutely nothing.
-End Of Exam Two-
All Genin teams were gathered in a massive room. Four teams from Konoha. Two teams from Kumo. One team from Suna. Lastly one team from Iwa, stood in formation. The team leaders stood in the front, whilst the rest stood behind them, two feet away in a line. It was a seven man front, three deep. Across from them was Hiruzen, the third Hokage and the Jonin senseis of each team as well as the proctor to the second exam, Anko. There was an unknown man among them as well.
Hiruzen stepped forward to start it off. Before doing so, he looked at all the contestants from right to left. His gaze lingered on the contestant on the far left, his eyes softened and a pang of deep regret struck him.
"Hello, Genin. I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, Third Hokage of Konohagakure. Congratulations on making it this far. Now before I continue on that, let me tell you the truth of these Chunin Selection Exams. Years ago, war ravaged the world. Shinobi weren't of a village but by clan alone. When the village system began after many centuries of a war torn world, peace was known for a brief period. Soon though, war became common once more, and eventually the Chunin Exams became known. The prospect was a means of war without war. Before then it was just a Shinobi, and a Kage, there were no Chunin, no Jonin. So these exams, although are a means of promotion, are really a front for war. The village's security lies in the Kage, the village's strength come from it's Genin. The Genin are the Village's future. The best and most promising Genin are sent to these exams for a showcase. To gain clients, to prove dominance."
Gasps were heard amongst the Genin. To be a spectacle of entertainment, while also fighting an unspoken war...It was quite a bit to take in. They were just here for a chance at promotion and fame...not to be pawns to an unspoken war!
"Now I know how unsettling that sounds...but you've made it thus far. You're almost there! Back to now though, in normal circumstances, this is too many contestants, and we'd run sets of preliminary matches." fear crept into those that only just finished the stage and those that didn't feel too prepared. "But...we are doing something different this time around. We will do team choice battles. A team will be pit against another, a coin toss will ensue and the winner will choose whether they wish for solo matches, or a team battle. The last team in fighting condition wins. If solos are chosen, it goes until all three of a team is defeated. It matters not if it's by the same Genin that originally chose, or if all three fight, in the end, the team with fighters yet to lose moves on. If you are defeated in a match, but your team moves onto the next round, you may fight in that round or future rounds so long as your team is still in and if you've recovered or can just push through injury. Do you understand?" The Genin nodded and Hiruzen smiled. "You have one month to train and prepare. Your Kages will be notified and invited to the village, your families are also invited...as for some, this may be the last time you see them."
With that last heartbreaking but truthful statement, the Genin all chorused a "Hai" and bowed to the Hokage in respect...all but two. They just made eye contact with one another, anticipation and excitement building in one another.
Hey y'all! Next chapter will be a rough one to write haha! So many fights, sheesh! Hopefully I can make y'all proud and make it entertaining. I can envision it so much but to translate to words is hard...I'm getting more and more excited for the chapters to come and I hope you are as well! It's been a long journey to get to this point...I know that, but I hope that in the grand scheme of things, you all will appreciate that. I don't write anyone to just straight up bash for no point, if it looks that way, then be patient...except maybe Sakura but I think she's the universal exception lol. Nah but seriously, just be patient. Maybe you'll appreciate that it was done that way...if not, feel free to call me a full ass retard. Konoha will be involved in this story's future...but that's all I'll say. So for the past on it...we'll get there over time rather than all at once. Thank you so much for reading, absolutely love to get comments from y'all, good and bad. I love your feedback. I'm going to be working on a chapter to my other project now, but once that is done, i will continue this...maybe I'll bring that story to this platform as well, since this one is on Wattpad as well. Yeah...I think I will. Once I get further along perhaps...but take care, see y'all in the next one!