Better Equipped

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.

: Thoughts

Chapter 8 – Days Before The Chuunin Exam

Things have been boring after the mission at Hidden Falls Village. Team Seven continued to do small jobs such as yard work and walking dogs. Kiba didn't mind that job much since he could communicate with them. The team lost tabs with the members of Team Eight and Ten since they were all busy. Naruto wonders how the other teams' training was coming along.

A bird flew by over them that caught Kakashi and Naruto's attention. So it's that time of the year again, they both thought.

As soon as the mission was over, Kakashi declared that they were free for today and to meet up again before noon. With that said, he went off towards a special meeting.

"What are we going to do now Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked.

"I don't know. How about we check out and see how our friends are doing." Naruto then noticed the Konohamaru and his gang using that old camouflaged box. "Hey Konohamaru, Udon, Mogei…it's been awhile. How are you guys doing?"

"That's why you are the man we most admire," Konohamaru answered.

Kiba became a little impatient since he was tired of seeing them use the same old trick to sneak up on them. Before they could use a smoke bomb for their dynamic entrance, he lifted the box away from them. "You guys sure need a new trick. This one is getting mighty old."

"Naruto-nii-chan, come and play ninjas with us," said Mogei.

"We already are ninjas," Kiba commented.

Hinata giggled at her friends' playfulness.

Konohamaru started to run around the area because he was being chased by Kiba. He made fun how Kiba smelled and how desperately he was in need of a shower. It was then that he dumped into a Sand-Nin.

"That hurt you runt!" Kankurou complain. He just gotten in the village and already had trouble with the locals.

So, this is Kankurou. He's supposed to control a mechanical puppet by using chakra strings. His sister Temari and brother Gaara should be here too.

Naruto then noticed the girl next to the newcomer.

Wow! She's hot! Maybe we can work an alliance with the Sand Village through some marriage or something.

Kankurou reach down and grabbed Konohamaru by his scarf.

"Don't, we'll get yelled later," Temari warned.

She certainly seems to be a nice person overall. Love the clothing she's wearing. I'm not drooling am I?

Before the problem excavates, Naruto sent a web line onto Konohamaru and reeled him back safely with a strong tug. He then looked at the tree beside them and saw Gaara. "I guess you three are here for the Chuunin Exam. Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village."

Not an hour passed by and Gaara had already found a strong ninja but couldn't tell if he was a threat by that one jutsu alone. "If you are done making a fool out of yourself, we should leave and find some appropriate accommodations." Gaara jumped down from the branch he was standing upside down.

His two siblings nodded and they began to leave.

"You with the blond hair," Naruto called. "If you need someone to show you around the place, don't hesitate to look me up!" He then heard small growls from Hinata.

Why am I mad at Naruto-kun. It's not like I have feelings for him in that way. I don't right?

Temari looked at the younger ninja who spoke to her and gave him a confused look.

Was I just turned down? Anyways, Gaara didn't even asked for my name. Does that mean he doesn't see me as being strong and a threat?

"That short guy gives me the creeps," said Kiba. "I didn't sense his presence at all. Akamaru is even scared of the guy because he radiates huge chakra. He's very strong."

"He's strong all right," Naruto backed up his friends' intuition. "Strong like a monster."

The Jounin teachers were lined up in front of the Hokage.

"You've been assembled here for one reason and all of you should know what it is by now," said the Hokage.

"It's that time already huh?" Kakashi asked.

"When will the exam take place?" Gemma asked.

"In a week," the Hokage answered. "In seven days the Chuunin Exam will begin here in Konoha. All Genins from different villages including ours will compete together in hope to gain rank as a Chuunin.

The new Genin teachers had the priority to go forth to nominate there students. Team Seven, Eight, and Ten were all nominated. Iruka went a bit ballistic as so was Gai but the Hokage ensured that the instructors know their students' capabilities best.

"My soldiers are very capable," said Kakashi. "They completed eight D Rank missions, one C Rank mission, another C Rank mission that quickly turned into a B Rank at the least, and another B Rank mission. They are ready to take this exam."

Team Seven, Eight, and Ten met up at the usual sweet shop. Naruto suggested that should hang out since everyone had a day off. He ensured those who would rather train instead that they will have plenty of time doing so after today. Everyone was actually glad that they got a day to hang out except Sasuke.

"Do you know what I feel like?" Naruto asked his friends. "I feel like a milkshake."

He earned some confused faces from his group.

"What's a milkshake?" Ino asked.

"Let me demonstrate for you instead of telling you about it." Naruto quickly ordered a three different ice cream flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. He also ordered milk. He got hold of nine glasses and put divided up the ice cream. Three glasses had vanilla, another three hold chocolate, while another three glasses hold strawberry. He then used added milk to each of the glass and instructed each of them to stir the flavor of their choice. The girls grabbed the chocolates, while Sasuke, Shino, and Kiba got vanilla. Chouji and Shikamaru got strawberry which left Naruto the one flavor he didn't want but doesn't mind having.

Everyone's face lightened up as they tasted the milkshake for the first time. It was something new to them.

"Where did you learn how to make this Naruto," Chouji asked.

"I created it myself. Instead of making new jutsus, I made new deserts."

"At least you found something you are good at," said Sasuke while showing a smirk.

Naruto laughed.

"Naruto-kun, who is that girl you were with yesterday," Sakura asked. The girl he was with seemed really pretty and she wanted to know if there was some connection between them.

"What girl? You mean Hinata?"

"No, the girl who you had dinner with at that ramen place."

"Oh yeah, yesterday was ramen night. Actually, that was a boy. He's a new Medic-Nin of the Leaf. He would be with us right now but he's currently busy. Want me to set you up? He's available."

Sakura's face reddens. It was a mix up embarrassment and rage since Sasuke was right there.

"I was only joking Sakura. We all know that there is only one person who you truly like and luckily that person is in your team. Hope you will be happy with Ino!"

Not only did Naruto earn some laughter from the group, he also earned a slap to the face from Sakura and Ino. Even Sasuke was laughing at Naruto's joke.

While the group continued to talk amongst each other, a couple of Anbus raced on top of the buildings across from them.

"Anbus are on the move," said Kiba. "Wonder if something is up?"

"Naruto, can you make me another milkshake?" Chouji asked.

"Sure, just get me any ice cream flavor you want and some milk too." As Naruto watched Chouki left, he looked at Kiba and asked about the Anbus. "Anbus? You look at them in a special way. Do you want to be an Anbu too?"

Kiba was just scratching his head because he felt embarrass. Being an Anbu means that you were a skilled ninja.

"Being an Anbu is a privilege," Sasuke stated. "You have to be a very skilled ninja. They are a rank below Jounins." Sasuke remembered how he wanted to become an Anbu like his brother. Their father would always praise Itachi and say how it was the pride of the family that he was an Anbu. "I'll become an Anbu too."

"COOL!" said Sakura and Ino.

"I don't know. Being an Anbu really isn't a thing for me." Naruto laid back on his chair and think deeply about the subject. "I would rather be in the Leaf Military Police Corps."

Sasuke's eye widens. Just hearing about the Police Corps made him uneasy. "Why join the corps?"

"Being in the Leaf Military Police Corps means I get to save more lives and help the village out. I can protect this village and the people I care about. Being an Anbu would mean I have to do assassinations and things alike. That is not a life for me. The downside to it is that I have to wear a badge with the Uchiha Clan symbol on it but nothing is perfect." Naruto smirked at Sasuke to show he was joking about that last comment.

"Anbu and the Leaf Military Police Corp…they are both very troublesome," said Shikamaru.

Naruto and Sakura were walking home. They were heading towards the same direction so they decided to go together. A familiar face stopped them and called out Naruto's name.

"Naruto!" Haku called.

The container that holds Kyuubi turned around and saw Haku. "Yo! Done with your Medic-Nin stuff?"

"Yeah, so I got off early."

"Haku, this is Sakura. Sakura, my friend Haku."

They both greeted each other properly and continued to walk.

That's a boy…he's cuter than I am, Sakura was internally complaining. "So where are you guys heading?"

"Haku's is heading over to my house tonight. I invited him over for dinner with the family. Yesterday, we ate ramen with Iruka sensei. I'm still trying to find sensei a girlfriend but no luck there yet."

Hope she doesn't ask to come over too. None of my friends know that I've been living with the Hokage and that he is my sensei. If she finds out, she might tell Sasuke and ends up making him train harder. Not exactly a thing I want happening.

"I'm new around here so Naruto is still showing me around. I have no family but I made a few friends already."

"Met any girls?" Naruto pondered.

"You bet!"

Now that I think about it, Naruto is a bit of a pervert, Sakura thought. She hopes that he doesn't contaminate Haku's mind.

The group stopped at one of the food carts that was on the street since Naruto wanted to try out some calamaries.

"I thought you and Haku were going to eat dinner?"

"A little snack before dinner wouldn't hurt. I have a big appetite. Both of you have some too since I don't want to eat alone. It's on me."

When it was time to pay, Naruto frantically search his pockets.

Holy cow, I ran out of money!

"I'll show you guys a final technique," said Naruto. "Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts Final Technique…."

Haku, Sakura, and the food cart owner were all wondering why the blond Genin would perform a jutsu here at this moment. Their eyes widen as they saw Naruto dashing away from the site. Both of Haku and Sakura knew they were screwed since none of them were carrying money either. Then they follow up Naruto by running away.

"Oh my god Naruto…what did you do?" Sakura screamed.

"I found out I didn't have any money on me." Naruto stopped running and turned around. "Send the bill to the Haruno Residence!"

Sakura also stopped running. If her parents found out what had just happened, she'll be in for an earful. "No! Send the bill to the Yamanaka Residence as in the Yamanaka Flower Shop!"

With that said, all three Genin began to move again as if they were on an important mission.

The Jounin instructors had already announced to their students about the Chuunin Exam. Team Seven, Eight, and Ten being the newest and youngest Genins started to train harder to compete with their more experienced fellow ninjas.

Naruto got Kakashi to teach him more jutsu that he copied from different villages. Kiba sparred against Hinata. It switches off to Hinata versus Naruto and Kiba versus Kakashi. The battle really heats up when Naruto fought Kakashi. Naruto used taijutsu and genjutsu against his sensei to further improve in those areas. The big disadvantage that he still has is his shortness. Things got weird when Kiba was up against Naruto.

"I'll show you a new jutsu I learned Naruto!" Kiba yelled.

This perked up Naruto's interest. His teammate learned a new technique in which he believes can defeat him.

"Akamaru, get ready!"

The nin-dog obeyed his partner and readies himself for the new attack. After Kiba gave him the signal, he leaped into the air into a spiral.

"Good job Akamaru! Now let Naruto have a taste of Kuuchuu Dainamikku Makingu (Air Dynamic Marking)!"

Naruto's eyes widen. He didn't think his teammate would learn that technique so soon and use it on him.

Akamaru let loose his urine and let it out during his spiral leap.

There was nothing Naruto could do but stood there and watched in horror of the attack. He then heard Kiba laughing at his soon to be victory.

"Now Akamaru, lets…."

"I quit," Naruto stated. He then proceeds to leave the training ground.

"Giving up so soon?" Kiba asked. "That's not like you."

"That's because I've never been splashed with urine before. You win. That's the most disgusting jutsu that I've ever encountered. I need a bath and a change of clothes."

Team Ten were rather lazy. Only Shino showed any real interested in training and becoming stronger. Asuma had to bribe Chouji with food for him to do something. Shikamaru on the other hand trained along with the team as long as everyone else is doing it. Even though training was troublesome, he didn't like the idea of getting killed in the exam. He still has his dream to fulfill like getting married, and then having kids which followed by getting retired when he is old.

Sasuke was breathing heavily. It seems this team is finally doing some serious training. Sakura, Ino, and Kurenai were both attacking him at very good speed. He knew he would have a hard time if Kurenai sensei got real serious so he thanked her for toning down to his pace. He doesn't like being thought as weak but Kurenai was like a mother to him. Ino was waiting for the moment Sasuke stopped moving so she could perform Shintenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Switch Skill). It took a lot of effort to be patient since Ino wasn't having a very good day. Some guy came to her family's flower shop and demanded payment for some food that none of them ate. Sakura was tiring herself from her reckless attacks. She could never attack Sasuke seriously even though he wanted her too. She knew she was the weakest on her team and was determined to get better to at least surpass Ino. Sasuke jumped up and landed on a branch above the girls. Sakura leaped up only to see that he jumped down. Unfortunately, as soon as he landed, Ino finished her family trade jutsu and successfully transferred her mind into him.

I need to get stronger, Sakura told herself. "Hey, don't try to do anything nasty while you are in Sasuke-kun's body Ino-Pig!"

"I wasn't even thinking about it Big Forehead! You're a pervert if you thought about it."

It must be because I hung out with Naruto the other day, Sakura thought.

The three teams met again before entering the building where their exam was held. It was what Naruto suggested and everyone was fine with it. Being together with friends helped makes the nervousness goes away. As the group got onto the second floor, they saw a big commotion.

Naruto recognized them. The three making the disturbance were from Gai's team. Hyuuga Neji, last year's number one rookie. Tenten, a girl who is an expert at throwing weapons. But he doesn't know if she was efficient in using any of them in hand-to-hand combat. Rock Lee is the taijutsu expert in the group and a mean drunk. Naruto started to motion the group to continue to the third floor without disturbing the crowd. His reason behind this was the less people participating, the higher the chance they become Chuunins. The others seemed to agree upon Naruto's suggestion, surprisingly even Sasuke.

Actually, my real intention is that Lee and Sasuke doesn't fight each other. This way, Sasuke can't copy Lee's move. That will be a huge plus on my side. Gai's team not participating in this exam is just an extra benefit.

The group was greeted by their Jounin instructors before entering the door. They were given instructions that each of them can only remain in the exam if they have a team of three. They were all congratulated for coming this far and was wished the best of luck on passing.

Upon entering the room, they noticed how the room was filled with older Genins from the same and different villages. Naruto motioned them to gather at a corner so they could easily talk with each other and not be disturbed. Naruto quickly scanned the area for the key players of the exam. He could see Gaara and his team sitting at the middle table. The Sound-Nins looked like they were discussing something secret. He also found Kabuto and his team. To his dismay, the Sound-Nin spy was walking towards them.

"You all look so young," said Kabuto. "This must be your first time taking the exam."

Funny, I don't recall him saying this. It seems that his goal was to steal our trust so we would lower our guard when they attack the village or kidnap Sasuke. This means he would come and talk to us regardless of our situation using any friendly communication necessary.

Kabuto started to show his Secret Information Cards. Kiba asked one card on Gaara and his stats were interesting. Naruto asked if there was a card with his information on it. The spy wondered what the blond was up to but did so to gain their trust. Upon seeing his face on the card, Naruto quickly grabbed the card and destroyed it.

"Sorry about that," Naruto apologized. "Can't have a stranger running around with information about me right? Who knows, it could be used against me in this exam." Naruto managed to say all this with a straight face. "Say, do you have cards on all of us?"

"I might but something tells me I should keep that information to myself for now."

"Wise move. Now, don't go using those information for evil you hear?" Naruto laughed hard to show that he made a joke and shouldn't be taken seriously.

Smoke appeared in the front area revealing Ibiki and the elite Chuunins.

"My name is Morino Ibiki. I'll be your examiner for the first stage of your test. All of you have been assigned with a seat so that you sit away from your teammates. Please come up and match the number we give you with the number that is on each seat."

So this will be the ones who will participate in the exam huh. Not that many people as I remembered from the series. Oh yeah, maybe they are still stuck at that genjutsu downstairs. Is Lee's team really going to miss out on attending this Chuunin Exam?

The door opened wide and entered Lee, Tenten, and Neji.

"Couldn't you have used your Byakugan a little earlier?" Lee complained to Neji. "We were almost late."

Guess they did show up after all. Say, Tenten is cute also!

Author's Note:

Thanks for the reviews!

I'm in the middle of writing the fighting scene for Power Comes With A Price fic. Hopefully I'll be done by end of this week.

Yeah, nothing really happened in this fic. I thought the characters should have some time off and hang out, thus creating a stronger bond.