Konoha's Guardians
By Silver Dragonfly
Chapter 03 – Chuunin Exam
Naruto watched the ground in front of his feet as he ambled along the village
street towards his home. The Chunnin exam… It's going to be tough, Naruto
thought, but then smirked as he lifted his head, But fun.
"You better train all the harder before hand though. There was something odd
about the red-haired boy with the gourd," Kyuubi stated. Naruto frowned. He
hadn't been impressed. The redhead named Gaara from the Sand hadn't even
been interested in him, only Sasuke. Naruto was getting sick and tired of always
being looked over, sick of being counted out, and sick of watching Sasuke
getting all the attention.
"Come now, its not that bad. It gives you a major advantage as everyone is
underestimating you. You'll have the upper hand in a fight as they won't be
expecting what you are really capable of."
Naruto snorted. "Yeah right, they'll act like I'm not worth their time and I'll spend
half the fight working to make them face me seriously before I get a decent
match," Naruto mumbled as he fiddled with his keys, finally managing to get the
door unlocked. No sooner had he opened the door a few inches then a
red-orange blur zipped in past him. Naruto blinked, then slipped in and closed
the door behind him.
He stared in shock as he watched the familiar fox kit dash around his home
sniffing here there, knocking a few scrolls over and sending them rolling in the
process.
"Zurui-chan— what are you doing here?" Naruto finally asked, as the kit seemed
to finish up his initial exploration. Zurui turned and yipped at him, his tail
swishing back and forth in excitement.
"He says that he was curious since you didn't show up like normal today." Kyuubi
interpreted. "Impressive…"
"What's impressive?"
"Zurui tracked you by sent, quite the accomplishment for one so young through
such a populated village as Konoha. Especially considering you never leave clear
trails."
Naruto grinned, "So you missed me that much eh Zurui-chan?"
Zurui barked and then pounced on the boy, seizing a tuft of his blond hair and
tugging. Soon the pair was busy rough-housing, oblivious to the world around
them.
Kyuubi watched the pair with amusement through Naruto's own eyes. He was
impressed with the boy's abilities. Naruto's capacity for handling his power had
grown incredibly in the last few weeks, and now they were presented with a
chance to test that skill. He had no misconceptions about the difficulty of the
test that they would be facing, and he had no intention of intruding on Naruto's
thoughts and actions during the test unless it became life threatening. Yet what
really had his attention was that Naruto had already attracted one of the clan. It
was no mistake that Zurui had stumbled upon them and then continued to
appear. Those bound to a clan leader often attracted the lesser to their side as
well, but never so soon.
Kyuubi was sure that Zurui would become a permanent member of Naruto's
private and eventually group training sessions. It would require a little time, the
kit had to grow up after all, but he would not remain living in the forest for long.
For Kyuubi knew what kit and boy did not, Zurui had followed more then just his
nose to arrive at Naruto's side.
**********
Sakura sighed deeply as she watched the bright blue of the sky melt into violet,
pink, orange, red, and yellow. The clouds drifted by taking on the rosy warm
colors as they went by. They had always looked like they had been kissed by
flames to her; even when she hadn't known what clouds really were, other then
big fluffy things in the sky that is. Her mind drifted back to the strange events
from earlier that day. Who had tried to test her with Genjutsu? She'd been then
thinking about it ever since, and the best reasoning she'd come up with was it
was either to test her and see if she was really ready for the trials of the Chunnin
exam, or to scare her away from them.
She wanted to take the exam, but… she was afraid of holding Sasuke and Naruto
back. Ever since their mission in the wave country she had noticed something
grow between them. At first appearances, an intense rivalry, but by now she
knew both boys better then that. True friendship lay buried underneath all their
insults and competition, and she'd been a bit hard pressed to keep up with them.
And there was one thing that Sakura wanted the very least, to be left behind by
her teammates. She may not be improving as fast or much as they were, but she
was still improving. I'll do it. I'll take the exam, and I'll do my best.That's all that
counts. Sakura told herself standing, her hands forming determined fists. I will
not be left behind!
Deep in her heart, a tiny flickering flame grew. Her will to fight and protect those
precious to her had strengthened and her inner fighting spirit had responded.
**********
Sasuke's mind wandered as he stood in front of the Ninja Academy waiting for
both Naruto and Sakura to arrive. Today they would be starting the Chuunin
Exam; their next step in becoming strong Shinobi. His next step in building his
strength—his next step on his way to killing his brother…but what about after—
what would he do once he'd actually reached that goal? Return to Konoha with
nothing to live for? These were questions that had been plaguing him more and
more ever since he'd first become part of team seven.
He knew that he more then cared for his teammates, and even Kakashi-sensei…
but they had no part in his quest for revenge. He couldn't let them hold him back,
but were they? If he was to be completely honest with himself, they were actually
pushing him closer to his goal much faster then if he'd still been on his own. It
had amazed him how fast Naruto grew in strength and ability, and he had been
forced to step up his own training in order to keep ahead of the blond haired
hyperactive ninja. Not to mention Sakura's own encouragement, and ease with
precise chakara control. Perhaps the Dragon had been right…
Sasuke's vision faded to black, the last clear image in his mind being of Naruto's
pain filled blue eyes. He was dying. He'd lost his fight with Haku in order to save
Naruto, but Naruto now knew the truth. Naruto knew of his ambition to take
revenge for his clan, suddenly the blackness burned blue. A blue so intense and
brilliant he could not look away.
"I will not let you, my chosen partner die so easily as that." A deep rumbling voice
told him.
"Who's there? Who are you?" Sasuke demanded searching the endless expanse
of blue surrounding him.
"I am Ryukai, leader to the mythical clan Dragons. You are my chosen partner, and
you will not die before you have had the opportunity to make your choice. Our
bond is formed, yet it will remain dormant until you decide to live for not only
revenge and hatred. These may give you reason to live until you have
accomplished your ambition, but they will not sustain you afterwards. You must
learn to live for something else, only then will our bond truly awaken and will my
power become your power," The voice told him and the form of a majestic and
powerful dragon appeared in the expanse of the blue.
"I don't understand…"
"You will when the time is right. Until then live and grow stronger, you have taken
your first step in our bond this day by saving you friend and risking your own life.
Take this lesson to heart and we will speak again. I wait until that time, when we
will become true partners. Human and Animal Spirit, boy and dragon, Sasuke and
Ryukai."
That intense blue was always present now at the edges of his mind. Taunting and
teasing him, the ever present feeling and color never left, but never came
forward to let him access or study it either.
"Hey! Sasuke! You in there?!"
Sasuke blinked and then quickly took a step backwards away from the intense
stare of blue eyes framed in a boyish face bearing whisker marks and topped
with a mop of blond hair.
"Na...Naruto!" Then Sasuke frowned, Kuso, He caught me zoned out. "Dobe, get
out of my face."
Naruto smirked but took a few steps away to stand just a few feet away his
hands resting behind his head. "The Chuunin exam…"
Sasuke smirked, but didn't look up, instead watching his hyperactive teammate
from the corner of his eye. "Baka."
Naruto responded with his fox-like grin and then turned his attention down the
path and to the pink-haired girl walking towards them. "Sakura-chan!! You're late!"
The pink haired girl waved as she hurried the last few steps to meet up with
them. "Sorry Naruto— Sasuke-kun."
"Ah." Something's on her mind… Sasuke thought but let go. "Well lets get going."
"Yeah!" Naruto cheered as they then fell in on either side of Sasuke and entered
the academy.
www.silverdragonflydreams.com
By Silver Dragonfly
Chapter 03 – Chuunin Exam
street towards his home. The Chunnin exam… It's going to be tough, Naruto
thought, but then smirked as he lifted his head, But fun.
"You better train all the harder before hand though. There was something odd
about the red-haired boy with the gourd," Kyuubi stated. Naruto frowned. He
hadn't been impressed. The redhead named Gaara from the Sand hadn't even
been interested in him, only Sasuke. Naruto was getting sick and tired of always
being looked over, sick of being counted out, and sick of watching Sasuke
getting all the attention.
"Come now, its not that bad. It gives you a major advantage as everyone is
underestimating you. You'll have the upper hand in a fight as they won't be
expecting what you are really capable of."
Naruto snorted. "Yeah right, they'll act like I'm not worth their time and I'll spend
half the fight working to make them face me seriously before I get a decent
match," Naruto mumbled as he fiddled with his keys, finally managing to get the
door unlocked. No sooner had he opened the door a few inches then a
red-orange blur zipped in past him. Naruto blinked, then slipped in and closed
the door behind him.
He stared in shock as he watched the familiar fox kit dash around his home
sniffing here there, knocking a few scrolls over and sending them rolling in the
process.
"Zurui-chan— what are you doing here?" Naruto finally asked, as the kit seemed
to finish up his initial exploration. Zurui turned and yipped at him, his tail
swishing back and forth in excitement.
"He says that he was curious since you didn't show up like normal today." Kyuubi
interpreted. "Impressive…"
"What's impressive?"
"Zurui tracked you by sent, quite the accomplishment for one so young through
such a populated village as Konoha. Especially considering you never leave clear
trails."
Naruto grinned, "So you missed me that much eh Zurui-chan?"
Zurui barked and then pounced on the boy, seizing a tuft of his blond hair and
tugging. Soon the pair was busy rough-housing, oblivious to the world around
them.
Kyuubi watched the pair with amusement through Naruto's own eyes. He was
impressed with the boy's abilities. Naruto's capacity for handling his power had
grown incredibly in the last few weeks, and now they were presented with a
chance to test that skill. He had no misconceptions about the difficulty of the
test that they would be facing, and he had no intention of intruding on Naruto's
thoughts and actions during the test unless it became life threatening. Yet what
really had his attention was that Naruto had already attracted one of the clan. It
was no mistake that Zurui had stumbled upon them and then continued to
appear. Those bound to a clan leader often attracted the lesser to their side as
well, but never so soon.
Kyuubi was sure that Zurui would become a permanent member of Naruto's
private and eventually group training sessions. It would require a little time, the
kit had to grow up after all, but he would not remain living in the forest for long.
For Kyuubi knew what kit and boy did not, Zurui had followed more then just his
nose to arrive at Naruto's side.
**********
Sakura sighed deeply as she watched the bright blue of the sky melt into violet,
pink, orange, red, and yellow. The clouds drifted by taking on the rosy warm
colors as they went by. They had always looked like they had been kissed by
flames to her; even when she hadn't known what clouds really were, other then
big fluffy things in the sky that is. Her mind drifted back to the strange events
from earlier that day. Who had tried to test her with Genjutsu? She'd been then
thinking about it ever since, and the best reasoning she'd come up with was it
was either to test her and see if she was really ready for the trials of the Chunnin
exam, or to scare her away from them.
She wanted to take the exam, but… she was afraid of holding Sasuke and Naruto
back. Ever since their mission in the wave country she had noticed something
grow between them. At first appearances, an intense rivalry, but by now she
knew both boys better then that. True friendship lay buried underneath all their
insults and competition, and she'd been a bit hard pressed to keep up with them.
And there was one thing that Sakura wanted the very least, to be left behind by
her teammates. She may not be improving as fast or much as they were, but she
was still improving. I'll do it. I'll take the exam, and I'll do my best.That's all that
counts. Sakura told herself standing, her hands forming determined fists. I will
not be left behind!
Deep in her heart, a tiny flickering flame grew. Her will to fight and protect those
precious to her had strengthened and her inner fighting spirit had responded.
**********
Sasuke's mind wandered as he stood in front of the Ninja Academy waiting for
both Naruto and Sakura to arrive. Today they would be starting the Chuunin
Exam; their next step in becoming strong Shinobi. His next step in building his
strength—his next step on his way to killing his brother…but what about after—
what would he do once he'd actually reached that goal? Return to Konoha with
nothing to live for? These were questions that had been plaguing him more and
more ever since he'd first become part of team seven.
He knew that he more then cared for his teammates, and even Kakashi-sensei…
but they had no part in his quest for revenge. He couldn't let them hold him back,
but were they? If he was to be completely honest with himself, they were actually
pushing him closer to his goal much faster then if he'd still been on his own. It
had amazed him how fast Naruto grew in strength and ability, and he had been
forced to step up his own training in order to keep ahead of the blond haired
hyperactive ninja. Not to mention Sakura's own encouragement, and ease with
precise chakara control. Perhaps the Dragon had been right…
Sasuke's vision faded to black, the last clear image in his mind being of Naruto's
pain filled blue eyes. He was dying. He'd lost his fight with Haku in order to save
Naruto, but Naruto now knew the truth. Naruto knew of his ambition to take
revenge for his clan, suddenly the blackness burned blue. A blue so intense and
brilliant he could not look away.
"I will not let you, my chosen partner die so easily as that." A deep rumbling voice
told him.
"Who's there? Who are you?" Sasuke demanded searching the endless expanse
of blue surrounding him.
"I am Ryukai, leader to the mythical clan Dragons. You are my chosen partner, and
you will not die before you have had the opportunity to make your choice. Our
bond is formed, yet it will remain dormant until you decide to live for not only
revenge and hatred. These may give you reason to live until you have
accomplished your ambition, but they will not sustain you afterwards. You must
learn to live for something else, only then will our bond truly awaken and will my
power become your power," The voice told him and the form of a majestic and
powerful dragon appeared in the expanse of the blue.
"I don't understand…"
"You will when the time is right. Until then live and grow stronger, you have taken
your first step in our bond this day by saving you friend and risking your own life.
Take this lesson to heart and we will speak again. I wait until that time, when we
will become true partners. Human and Animal Spirit, boy and dragon, Sasuke and
Ryukai."
That intense blue was always present now at the edges of his mind. Taunting and
teasing him, the ever present feeling and color never left, but never came
forward to let him access or study it either.
"Hey! Sasuke! You in there?!"
Sasuke blinked and then quickly took a step backwards away from the intense
stare of blue eyes framed in a boyish face bearing whisker marks and topped
with a mop of blond hair.
"Na...Naruto!" Then Sasuke frowned, Kuso, He caught me zoned out. "Dobe, get
out of my face."
Naruto smirked but took a few steps away to stand just a few feet away his
hands resting behind his head. "The Chuunin exam…"
Sasuke smirked, but didn't look up, instead watching his hyperactive teammate
from the corner of his eye. "Baka."
Naruto responded with his fox-like grin and then turned his attention down the
path and to the pink-haired girl walking towards them. "Sakura-chan!! You're late!"
The pink haired girl waved as she hurried the last few steps to meet up with
them. "Sorry Naruto— Sasuke-kun."
"Ah." Something's on her mind… Sasuke thought but let go. "Well lets get going."
"Yeah!" Naruto cheered as they then fell in on either side of Sasuke and entered
the academy.
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