It was time for the third exam to begin. Naruto and Suki noticed team eight, nine, and ten were lined up. The sound ninja squad along with Kabuto and his team. Naruto didn't realize how they got through but figured it wouldn't be such a big deal. The sand siblings also arrived.
"I guess we'll be having one on one matches." Naruto silently thought as he saw each team's jonin sensei along with a few other of the leaf higher ups.
"Congratulations on passing the second exam. As you know, so far, each exam has tested you in the traits of what is required of a chunin. During the first exam, you were to take a test that many of you would have no chance of passing. The object was to gather the correct information without being caught. To be a chunin, you need to show that you're proficent in gathering not just information, but the right kind of information. I've said this once and I'll say it again, bad informationcan be the difference between life and death." the hokage said in a stern tone.
The ninja looked at the aged hokage who was known as the professor of shinobi. He received the nickname due to his ability in mastering all five basic elements along with having learned every single jutsu of Konohagakure. Naruto glanced around and saw that many of the teams were nervous at what the third exam will consist of.
"The second exam, as a chunin, you'll be sent on long term mission that can takes weeks or even months at a time. You'll always need to remain on guard. Also, having classified documents will require you to have integrity. By all of you passing the second exam, I truly believe that each of you show some qualities of what being a chunin really is." Hiruzen said with a warm smile.
The hokage was going to continue until a man with a bandana like Ibiki, wearing the traditional leaf higher up uniform stepped forward. Every few words, the man would let out a cough. "Lord Third, with your permission, I'd like to explain everything from here on out." the man said.
"Yes, Hayate. You may take over from here." Hiruzen said as he stepped back.
The sickly sounding shinobi looked at the group before him. "As you all should know, their has been a slight change. We didn't expect this many people to pass the second exam. We're going to be hosting a preliminary round, right here." Hayate declared.
"What? Some of us just got here! We can't be expected to fight!" Ino shouted.
"While it is a strain to place on yourselves, in the world of shinobi, your enemies won't wait till you're fully rested. Those of you who are unable to continue, you may drop out now. Your team will be unaffected by this." Hayate said.
Everyone looked around at each other. Kabuto prepared to raise his hand but was stopped by Naruto. "Look here, Kabuto. I know you're involved with Orochimaru. This is what you're going to do. You and your team are going to forefit." Naruto said while glaring at the white haired boy with his rinnegan eyes.
Kabuto gulped. "Right..." Kabuto said before he nodded at his team. The three members raised their hands and were escorted out by two members of the anbu black ops. Naruto made eye contact and secretly, the hokage nodded at the blond who vanished in a yellow flash.
"Alright, we're down to seventeen participants." Hayate said before he was interupted.
"Actually, Hayate... Naruto Uzumaki, he will be given a pass to the final rounds. So, we'll have sixteen shinobi fighting." Hiruzen said. Many of the participants were shocked while others felt it was favoritism.
"That sounds kind of unfair. Why does blondie get a free pass?" asked Zaku who had both his arms bandaged up.
Hiruzen gave the boy a sharp smile. "Well, it seems our village was recently infiltraited by a former Konoha ninja who has gone rogue. Naruto has proven himself to be an excellent asset to our village. As a reward, he was allowed to skip passed the preliminary round." Hiruzen said.
With Naruto
Kabuto, Yorio, and Misumi were walking down the hallway while they were being escorted by the two anbu. "You know, you guys don't have to be so uptight." Kabuto muttered.
"We know you're working for Orochimaru. You're lucky to not be executed on the spot." said the anbu wearing a tiger mask.
"I agree. But, it seems these three are too much of a liability." Naruto said as he appeared before the group.
"Why are you here, Uzumaki?" asked the anbu wearing the mask of a hawk.
"Direct orders." Naruto said as he formed a few hand seals. "Wood Release - Great Spear Tree." Naruto muttered and both Misumi and Yorio dropped to the ground as a multiple tree branches appeared from the ground, wall, and ceiling.
Kabuto managed to replace himself with the anbu wearing the hawk mask. "Not bad, Naruto. But you don't think I'll be caught that easily do you?" asked Kabuto with a chuckle.
Naruto smirked. "Boil Release - Murderous Deadly Fog." Naruto said as the entire hallways was covered in fog.
"Do you think this is enough?" Kabuto asked unimpressed.
"Wood Release - Four Prison Pillar." Naruto said as he managed to contain Kabuto in a wooden prison. "You aren't going anywhere. Soon, my fog will burn your skin until you can't feel a single thing." Naruto explained.
Kabuto started laughing. "Do you really think such a trick will work on me? You can shatter every bone in my body. I will start healing instantly." Kabut said.
Naruto smirked back before holding his arm up. "Planetary Devastation." Naruto mutered and the pieces of wood were pierced into Kabuto's body along with the roof and walls. The anbu looked at Naruto. "No worries, he may be able to heal himself. But soon, his body will be drained from the chakra I'm absorbing from him. Dark Release - Inhaling Maw." Naruto muttered as he activated the Preta path.
After a few minutes passed, the jutsu ended and Kabuto's body lied on the ground without life. "Go ahead and destroy the body. I want to go watch the matches." Naruto said as he causally walked away from the scene.
Stadium
When Naruto returned, he saw that two of the matches had already passed. Temari was said to have defeated Tenten with ease. Naruto figured it was just a bad match up due to her reliance on weapons against Temari and her fan. The second match came to an end when Zaku defeated Kiba by using his massive soundwaves against Kiba's enhanced hearing.
"Man, we've already lost two of our shinobi. Looks like the sound and sand aren't ones to take lightly." Naruto said as he appeared. Kakashi gave a single eye smile while Suki raised an eyebrow. "I'll tell you later." Naruto said.
The next names were being randomized and to Suki's surprise, she was set to fight against Ino. Ino stood with wide eyes. She wasn't expecting to fight against her best friend. Her gaze met Suki's and she was shocked to see her fellow Konoha shinobi not look worried in the slightest.
"Suki, don't spend to much time. You don't want to reveal too much." Naruto said with a smirk.
Kakashi stopped his student as he gave her a serious glare. "If you give into your curse mark, we'll be forced to stop the match." Kakashi said. Suki nodded and proceeded down to the center where she met with Ino.
"Are you ready?" Suki asked as she assumed her taijutsu stance.
"Suki..." Ino said as her voice seemed unsure.
"Ino, we're opponents. Konoha shinobi were going to have to fight at some point. Now, either fight me or give up." Suki said.
Asuma stood next to Kakashi as he watched. "Your girl seems to be fired up." Asuma commented.
Kakashi sighed. "Yeah... Suki has a massive problem with fangirls." Kakashi said.
Ino remained still and caused Suki to get annoyed. The Uchiha girl decided to end things quickly by charging at the blond. When her fist connected to Ino's nose, blood began to splatter. Ino fell back and gripped her nose tightly as she winced in pain.
"Are you being serious right now? Ino, this is the damn chunin exams." Suki said as her voice proved to be unimpressed.
"You don't need to take it so serious." Ino said as she stood up. However, she was quickly on the floor after Suki appeared behind her and delivered a kick to her mid section on her back.
"She's getting killed out there." Shikamaru muttered.
"That's what happens when you don't train or take the life of a ninja seriously. She's lucky that it's against a fellow leaf shinobi. Had it been Gaara or any of the sound ninja, she'd of been killed." NAruto commented as he watched the slaughtering below him.
"Is this girl really a ninja?" Temari asked as she looked disgusted at the name Ino was giving to female ninja.
"Ino, I'm giving you one chance to give up. If you don't, I'm going to make you regret it." Suki said as she made the seal of the tiger.
"Huh? That's a tiger seal. Suki, are you trying to kill me?" Ino asked in disbelief.
"I will do what I need to do to win. Either give up or accept your fate." Suki said.
"She isn't really planning on using such a power jutsu at that close of range is she?" Kurenai asked as she looked at Kakashi.
"Ino has been given a chance to give up. Whatever happens now is her own fault." Naruto said.
"I give up." Ino said as she lowered her head in shame. Seeing her bestfriend act so cruel towards her, it broke the blond's heart. She then walked up the stairs while Suki did the same. The girls stood on opposite sides of the group.
The next match came and it was between Shinob Aburame and Kankuro, the Puppet Master. "Can I please have those who were declared on the board, come down?" Hayate asked as he let out a few coughs. The boy in a gray jacket that covered the bottom half of his face walked down while Kankuro walked down from the other side.
"I'd give up. You leaf shinobi are no match for Suna." Kankuro taunted.
"Underestimating your opponent will be your downfall." Shinobi muttered.
The two began battle and at first, Shino seemed to have the lead by using his bugs. However, Kankuro revealed that Shino had been fighting his puppet the entire time. Between Shino's bugs that absorb chakra and Kankuro's poinson bombs, the match could have gone either way. In the end, Shino's bugs made their way to Kankuro by absorbing the chakra threads connected to crow. However, Shino inhaled a bit of the poison.
Both shinobi passed out and the match was declared a draw. Even though her student, his analytic mind was beyond impressive. Kurenai was proud of her student and she helped him get on the stretcher. She then returned to the stands and waited for the next match to the begin.
Shikamaru was able to defeat Kin by out smarting her and catching her in his shadow possession jutsu. The next match went by fairly quickly as Dosu was able to transmit his sound waves through Choji's body, even though his arms, legs, and head was hidden. Choji was knocked out and brought to the emergency room. This left only four participants left, Rock Lee, Gaara, Hinata, and Neji Hyuga.
"Can I please have Neji Hyuga and Rock Lee come down to the center of the stadium?" Hayate asked as both members of Team Guy proceeded to the center. Lee was mentally fired up and determined to show his fellow teammate that he isn't a failure and that with enough hard work, he can surpass a genius.
"I'd give up. Destiny has already chosen me to be victorious in this match." Neji said as he activated his Byakugan.
"Never. I will never give up and I will never back down. That's my shinobi way." Lee declared as he gave his teammate a thumbs up and a sparkle from his teeth.
"Fine, then I'll have to show you what happens to those that defy fate." Neji said as he charged at the boy in a green suit. An advantage Lee had over anyone else that Neji would fight, his body had no chakra. Thus, Neji was unable to shut up off his chakra points. However, Lee did receive the damage from Neji's strikes.
Lee managed to back away but when he charged for direct assault, he was sent flying away as a massive sphere appeared around the Hyuga prodigyh. "You won't land a single punch on me. My rotation will stop any and all attacks. Just give up now." Neji said with venom.
Lee looked up and saw his sensei. The man he respected and idolized more than anything. "Please forgive me, Guy sensei. I need to take them off and use it. It's the only way I can win." Lee mentally said as he performed a back flip and stood on top of the statue that made the ram seal.
"What the hell are you doing up there?" asked Neji was getting annoyed.
"Neji! We've been a team for over a year. It's time to show you the fruits of all my heard work." Lee said as he pulled his leg weights off and held them out.
"Leg weights? You think dropping a few pounds will make a difference?" Neji asked with an arrogant smirk. Suddenly, the entire stadium was in shock. A large explosion occured when Lee dropped the weight.
"Um, Guy. Don't you think that's a bit much?" asked Kakashi as his sweat was dropping on side of his face.
In that instant, Lee vanished from on top of the statue, he delivered a punch directly into Neji's chest. The force of the blow sent him flying away, across the stadium. Before he could recover, Lee met with him with another series of punches and kicks.
To finish off the never ending barrage, Lee sent Neji flying upwards in the sky. He then appeared behind Neji and wrapped his bandages around the Hyuga and they begun to spin like a tornado. The massive force the tornado created was something nobody could believe. Even Hiruzen was in uttershock at the boy.
"It ends here! Primary Lotus!" Lee shouted as the two boys cracked into the center of the stadium. Lee managed to recover himself as he dropped to a single knee. His breathing was heavier than before and his bones appeared to be aching like his muscles.
"No way... Guy, was that what I think was?" Kakashi asked as he was inspecting Lee's body with his sharingan eye.
"That's right, Kakashi. Lee is another user of the eight inner gates." Guy said.
"How many gates can that boy open?" Kakashi asked in a mixture of seriousness and surprise.
"He can open up five. However, I've reminded him that the hidden lotus is a forbidden move to only be used as his trump card." Guy explained.
"Man, no way I would have won against him. That taijutsu, it's like nothing I've ever seen before." Suki commented.
"Curse you... How could you be... So fast?" asked Neji as he couldn't feel his body.
"I told you, if a person works hard and trains themself into the ground, anybody can surpass a genius." Lee said.
"I don't believe it... Fate said I was going to be the winner... Could I have been wrong?" Neji asked before he passed out. Lee soon followed suit and the members of team Guy were carried away on stretchers.
"I declare, Rock Lee the winner. Can I have the final two participants to come down to the center?" asked Hayate.
Hinata was worried. The memories of Gaara's carnage and destructive power flowed through her mind. "No... No..." Hinata mentally thought.
"Participant Hinata Hyuga. Are you conceading the match?" Hayate asked while coughing a bit.
"Yes. I do not believe I can win in a fight against my opponent." Hinata said.
"Gaara of the desert is the winner. Can I have, Suki Uchiha, NAruto Uzumaki, Dosu Kinute, Zaku Abumi, Gaara, Temari, and Shikamaru Naru?" asked Hayate. The seven shinobi walked down to the center of the training field as requested. "Alright, now that the preliminaries are over. You will have one month to train and hone your skills. Before you go, you will select a ball from this box. Each ball has a number from one to eight. For example, if shinobi A get's ball number three, they will fight whoever has ball number four. Do you understand?" asked Hayate with a few coughs in betweeen.
Naruto reached in and smirked when he grabedd the ball that said number one. Suki grabbed the ball that said number three. Dosu grabbed the ball that said number seven. Zaku grabbed the ball that said number five. Temari grabbed the ball that said number four and so, she would be fighting against Suki. Shikamaru grabbed the ball that said number six and he would be fighting Zaku. Shikamaru muttered something about it being troublesome. Gaara grabbed ball number eight and would be facing off against Dosu.
"Alright, since Rock Lee is unable to draw, he will be in the first match against Naruto Uzumaki. You're all dismissed." Hayate said with a cough.
Everyone was dismissed and both NAruto and Suki proceeded to the compound where they would enjoy their time back in their own home.
Uchiha Compound
"So, are you going to tell me what happened?" asked Suki.
"Not much really happened. I encountered Kabuto and his team, and they died. Simple as that." Naruto said without a care in the world.
"So, I'm going to be fighting Temari and you'll be fighting Lee. Any idea on how to train?" Suki asked.
"I didn't really get to see much of Temari's abilities. However, Lee can use five of the inner gates. If I'm not mistake, by the end of the month, he'll probably be able to use the sixth gate. Hopefully my eyes are in better shape. I've got a few tricks that I can use." Naruto said.
"So, you aren't going to fight him in straight taijutsu?" Suki asked with a smirk.
"Tell me, if you were going to race a shark. Would you do it on land or in the water?" Naruto asked.
"Good point." Suki said. "Temari has a strong wind nature and fights at long range. I'm going to work on my fire release along with my sharingan." Suki said.
"Okay. That sounds good. I don't know why, but I'm getting a strange feeling that something is going to happen. No matter what, when the day of the exam comes, stay on your guard." Naruto said. Suki walked up and kissed him softly.
