Kabuto dove out of Choji's way.
Choji rolled across the battlefield, hitting a tree. He'd inflated to a ball several times his regular size.
"Turn around, Choji!" Ino yelled from behind Shikamaru.
Kabuto watched Choji closely.
Choji deflated, panting.
Ibiki was hardly watching the scuffle. He was frowning at the sky.
"I wonder what he's waiting for," Sakura said.
"How much longer?" Kabuto asked, turning to Ibiki. "He won't be able to hit me."
Ibiki frowned at Kabuto, then at Choji.
"You're done, Akimichi!" Ibiki yelled. Choji slumped and returned to his spot in the line. "Who's next?"
"I think that's enough."
A group of people appeared in a puff of smoke. At the lead was Hiruzen. He was flanked by the kazekage and his associates. Kurenai, Asuma, Guy, and Kakashi were also with them.
"Our final guest will be arriving momentarily," Hiruzen said. As he spoke, the sky began to darken.
Naruto shared a look with Sakura.
"What is that?" Sakura asked.
"It couldn't be," Sasuke said.
Nearby, Tenten nudged Neji.
"You don't think…" She started.
"Quiet, Tenten," Neji snapped. His eyes were focused, locked on the sky.
A bolt of lightning struck a few feet behind Ibiki, it lingered for a moment. Several figures emerged from the bolt before it retreated into the sky. Thunder boomed overhead.
The Raikage was the first to emerge. He was followed by three young ninja, each of them donning cloud ninja armor.
The Raikage was a tall dark-skinned man with combed blonde hair. He wore a white haori and black pants. He removed the Raikage hat and grinned.
"I haven't set foot in the Leaf Village since I was a child," He said.
"Raikage," Hiruzen approached the man. "This is new ground for our villages."
Raikage moved like a blur, instantly closing the distance between himself and Hiruzen. He was immediately intercepted by Guy.
Guy blocked the raikage's punch with both of his forearms. The force pushed him back a few inches.
"Lord hokage!" Ibiki yelled.
Raikage pressed against Guy's arms, grinning. Guy grunted but didn't falter. He glared at the man.
"Looks like your ninja haven't fallen off quite yet," Raikage remarked, pulling away.
"And you haven't lost your spunk," Hiruzen spat. "Wild brat."
"What's going on here?" Raikage stepped past Hiruzen and Guy. He gestured to the three ninja who'd come with him. They approached.
"We've been waiting for the lot of you," Ibiki said.
"These three are going to participate," Raikage announced. "When do the matches begin?"
"What kind of exam are you expecting?" It was the kazekage who spoke.
"In the Cloud villages we have a tournament," Raikage said. He tapped his chin. "Those who perform the best are promoted, win or lose."
Raikage scanned the lineup of ninja. His narrow eyes paused on Neji for a moment.
"I say we thin out the batch," He said. "What do you think hokage? How do you run things around here?"
All eyes were on Hiruzen. He nodded.
"I agree," He said.
"Everyone! The Chunin exams will be moving to the arena! Further information will be given there."
Raikage's grin grew.
X
Kakashi stopped Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke outside of the arena. He pulled them away from the crowd. The crowd was filing into the building. The participants were mixed in with the audience.
"We were looking for you!" Naruto yelled.
"What's going on?" Sakura asked.
"I don't know," Kakashi admitted. "Something isn't right, this is unheard of. I don't know what the hokage is thinking." He looked the kids over, thinking.
"Maybe the raikage is threatening him," Sasuke said. He met Kakashi's eye. "Is that what you're thinking?"
Naruto and Sakura glanced between the two of them. Sasuke continued.
"Maybe the raikage is threatening war or an all-out attack on the village." Sasuke picked at his sleeve. "Maybe the sand village or even the rain village is involved on it as well…" He trailed off.
No one spoke for a moment.
"That's absurd," Kakashi said suddenly.
"Is it?" Sasuke asked.
Kakashi backed away, sighing.
"You kids just stay safe," he said. "Don't do anything reckless."
"I have a question," Naruto spoke up.
"What is it, Naruto?"
"Are we going to be killing each other in there?"
Kakashi didn't have an answer. He just stared at Naruto.
"Let's get inside," Sasuke said after a few moments. "We'll see you later, Kakashi."
Kakashi watched his three students vanish into the arena.
"What do you think?" Guy asked. He was standing a few feet behind Kakashi.
Kakashi turned to him, scratching his head. His eyes fell to Guy's arms. His forearms were bruised. Proof of the raikage's strength.
"Keep your eyes peeled, " Kakashi said. "Spread the word, something's up." He glanced at the arena behind him. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this."
X
The arena quickly filled up. Anbu were spread throughout the crowd. The raikage, the hokage, and the Kazekage had a spot in the stands. Three seats were set out for them.
Raikage's three ninja were standing behind him.
Shukaku and Inoichi were standing behind Hiruzen.
Baki stood alone behind Rasa.
"It's time for the combat to begin!" Raikage yelled, rising from his seat. "The hokage and I discussed. We decided to thin out the competitors with two on two matches!"
The crowd roared.
Raikage tapped his chin, holding a piece of paper.
"Lets see… Sakura and Kankuro!" He paused again, scanning the paper. "Versus… Omoi and uh Oboro!" The crowd cheered as the four of them took the stage.
Raikage took a seat. Omoi walked past him.
Omoi was a dark-skinned boy. He had a sword strapped to his back. He twirled a popsicle in his mouth as his hopped to the arena below.
Sakura and Kankuro were talking on the opposite end of the arena. Omoi shared a look with Oboro.
Oboro was wearing a tan jumpsuit. He also had some kind of breathing device over his mouth. Omoi rolled his eyes at the guy.
Asuma hopped down from the stands.
"I'm going to be the proctor for this fight!" He called out. "Since the hokage didn't think to appoint one," he added under his breath.
"Get on with it!" Raikage yelled. Asuma huffed, taking a cigarette out of his mouth.
"Begin," He said.
