CHAPTER 6

11am, second day. 23 hours through the exam.

Genma and his team stood on a balcony overlooking the forest, where they could just make out small figures moving through the forest, fighting, eating - even swimming in the river.

'Looks like the exam is in full swing,' commented Genma.

The genin had slept well last night. They had told their story of their battles in the forest, and then had gone to sleep quickly.

'I'm really proud of you guys. You've even surpassed my estimations of your abilities. I'll give you a day of to relax and recover, and then we have to start training for the next test. I'm not allowed to tell you what it is, but its going to be tougher than either of the previous two.'

'Can't you tell us what the third test is Genma-sensei? asked Rina.

'I'm afraid not. But I'll tell you this much - watch out for that Shadow kid. He looks strong, and ruthless. I've not seen a look like that in anyone's eyes since...' He trailed off.

'I noticed that too. I don't mind admitting that I'm afraid of that guy,' said Ralfe quietly. He pulled his hat down low over his face.

……………………………

The Mist-nins slept into the late morning, especially Kira, who had used up a lot of Chakra the day before. They waited until the morning to tell Tsavong their tale.

He nodded quietly to himself, and then motioned for the Genins to follow him. He carried a long flat package with him out into a training room within the tower complex.

"Now then, the third test of the Chuunin exam is categorically harder than the previous two. You guys got here on the first day, so you have a head start on the other teams..."

Shadow walked past them, glaring at Kira. "I will practice...against all three of you...at once, and I will use only 10 of my power..." Shadow said in a darker tone then usual and walked to the opposite side of the room.

Soni stared at Shadow then walks out into the room, kissed his cheek, then went and sat in the stands. "Come on Shadow!"

Haru walked out and sat near Soni, and looked at Shadow. "10? You really suck, taking on 3 at a time with 10!"

Shadow looked up at him. "I only used 5 in the forest..."

Gaara walked onto the field, towards Shadow and patted his shoulder. "You will do well, my son." He walked into the stands and sat between Soni and Haru.

Kira glared back at Shadow, making their Jounin leader sigh.

'He's like the old Gaara was...except more arrogant.'

He took the wrapped object he had been carrying and handed it to Kenpachi. The young Mist-nin unwrapped it, revealing a broadsword as long as he was tall. The Genin stared at it, then looked up at Tsavong and nodded.

The three Mist-nins turned to face Shadow, Rukia and Kira already forming hand seals.

Shadow stood there, his hand beginning to glow. "How about...first team to fall? I am my team..." Shadow smirked as a 5 foot circle of electricity surrounded him, sending bolts to his hand as his other hand moved rapidly, making hand signals. Suddenly a thick fog covered the field, and Shadow watched the other team look around, blinded. "Your weapons are useless unless you see me...your hearts are weak and unworthy...shall you die now or later?...In the end it does not matter." Shadow's voice echoed through the mist. "Jounins, leave the field so we have a fair fight..."

Gaara motioned for the other jounin to come. "He's using two moves at once...he has surpassed the level I was at that age...I wonder what his full potential is...

Soni smiled and screamed at Shadow, "Shadow! Kill them off, one less team to worry about!" She giggles and blushes.

Genma and his team walked through into the training room. All of the team had insisted on training right away. There they saw a thick fog, and the other two cells looked like they were about to go into battle.

'What the hells going on?' exclaimed Ralfe.

'Oh no. I should get the Fifth.' replied Genma.

'No, lets let them kill each other. Then we'll have fewer people to face in the next round.' said Kyo.

'No. The Fifth should know about this. Lets go and get her.'

'That won't be necessary,' said a voice from behind them. It was Tsunade. 'Stop fighting! This is not authorised!' she bellowed. Both teams separated and the fog cleared. 'Gaara! Tsavong! As guests of Konoha, you would be wise to follow our guidelines. I have no alternative but to give both teams an official warning. If any of you are found breaking the exam rules again, you and you're entire cell will be disqualified.'

She turned on her heel and stormed out. Genma had rarely seen her as angry. He gestured for his team to follow him, and they left for another training area.

Despite herself, though, Tsunade was impressed. 'That boy's charka was incredible, even for a disciple of the Kazekage.'

Tsavong grinned, showing his rather pointed teeth. He turned to his Genins, who were looking to him for orders.

'You heard her. The last thing we want is for you guys to get disqualified."

Kira released whatever tension he seemed to be holding, looking rather sullen. Tsavong eyed him.

"It was good that she interrupted. We now know some of the details about that Shadow kid, and the battle was stopped before they could find out anything about you guys."

He glanced over at Kenpachi and Rukia. Kenpachi was glaring at the Sand team, and Rukia seemed to be plotting the best way to take them out.

"And as for you two, don't get all worked up about it. You'll get your chance in the third exam."

Kenpachi shifted his glare to his Jounin leader.

"Sensei, he insulted the Mist. He spoke as if we knew nothing of the life of a ninja. He-"

"He knows nothing of how we of the Mist train our shinobi or what academy graduates must endure to become Genins, I know. I also know that none of you planned on granting him the least bit of mercy. While that is normally a positive trait in a Mist-nin, killing him outside of an exam would get you guys removed from the exam."

He quickly left the training ground, and his team followed him. They gathered in an unused classroom, and Tsavong began to instruct them on one-on-one battle tactics.