Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor any of its characters. I do own any characters that I have created and the plot. Stealing may result in legal action.

Shiroi Hikari: Sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up! I lost my writing mojo for a bit, but I think it's back...I apologize if this chapter seems boring or scattered, but I'm a little rusty right now!

And Then...

Chapter Six

Nomination

Akatsu sighed as he walked through the twists and turns of Konoha Village, his thoughts clearly troubling him.

I have to find Tsunade and Jiraiya soon, unless they know of his existence already. He may be planning something for the Chunnin exams...

Akatsu was brought out of his thoughts by a large amount of hidden Chakra coming from his right. He closed his eyes briefly before turning into the alley where he sensed the energy.

"Did you speak with the girl?" A voice whispered through the darkness.

"Yes, but I have run into a little bit of trouble." Akatsu responded as a cloaked figure rose from the shadows.

"What trouble? If this mission fails, Akatsu..." The figure warned, it's voice carrying a slightly raspy sound.

"I know. Orochimaru, or who I believe is Orochimaru, contacted us today. It seems he has set his sights on the Goukage." He said quietly, his eyes narrowed his thought. The figure was silent before it let out a sharp hiss.

"He is after her because he failed all those years ago trying to claim her mother. Be careful, Akatsu, and watch your back. He may try to come after you as well. Luckily, I have heard he has set his sights on the young Uchiha boy, in hopes of gaining the Sharingan. That will provide some distraction while you train the girl. I want you or another guardian with her at all times, understood?" The figure ordered, it's voice taking on a slightly more stronger tone. Akatsu nodded and bowed slightly.

"Yes, milord." When Akatsu looked back up, the figure was gone.

Damn...I didn't want it to go this way...I'll have to speed up the training...

Sakura yawned as she made her way to the little red bridge where Team Seven always met. She was in high spirits today, even though the man that she and Akatsu had seen yesterday haunted her thoughts.

"Ohayo, Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled as he waved to her eagerly. She smiled and waved back, though not quite as strong.

"Ohayo, Naruto. Ohayo, Sasuke-kun." She smiled at both of them, and sat down underneath the large Oak tree, waiting for their teacher to arrive.

A loud "Poof!" signaled the arrival of Hatake Kakashi, who's smile could be seen through the mask.

"Ohayo! Sorry I'm late, I ran into a mouse that was cornered by cats, so I had to save him." He said sheepishly.

"LIAR!" Naruto and Sakura screeched as they glared at him accusingly.

"Gomen, gomen. Now, today we will have no training nor any missions. I have nominated this team for participation in this year's Chunnin Exams." All three of his students perked up, bright smiles on their faces. Well, except for Sasuke, where only a tiny smirk could be seen.

Aa, things will never change...

Kakashi shook himself out of his thoughts as he handed them each a paper.

"You must read these application forms and sign the bottom of them to participate in the exams." He explained as he pulled out the latest edition of Itcha Itcha Paradise.

"Kakashi-sensei? What is the date of the Chunnin Exams?" Sakura asked as she neatly folded the paper and tucked it away in her dress.

"Hm? Tomorrow."

"WHAT?" Naruto and Sakura's scream could be heard miles away.

"What do you mean it's tomorrow? Don't we have any time to prepare?" Sakura asked as she glared at her teacher.

"Nope, sorry. This is how it always is. You must be in room 301 by 4:00 PM if you wish to take place in the exams. These papers must be signed and turned in to the examiners at the start of the first test." Kakashi explained. Sakura and Sasuke nodded, but Naruto still needed some help.

"What are we supposed to bring?" He asked as he stuffed the form into his pocket.

"Bring anything you think you will need. Emergency rations, medical equipment, weapons, water, clothes. Whatever. But you are only allowed to have one small backpack so only pack necessary items. I have to report to a meeting with the Hokage, so go on home and get ready." Kakashi said as he disappeared with another loud "Poof!".

The Chunnin Exams have finally arrived! And Akatsu was right! Speaking of which...where is Akatsu?

((Don't ask me. I haven't seen him all day. But let's go tell him the good news!))

Right!

Sakura walked back into town, a bright smile on her face, hoping to find Akatsu lurking about somewhere.

"Jeez, where is he? I've looked everywhere..."

"My fair ladies, would you give this poor man some company as he enjoys his tea?" Sakura's head shot up as she heard the familiar voice. She looked around, her pink hair flying everywhere before she spotted him in a small cafe, flirting with two women.

"Akatsu..." Sakura growled as she stalked up to his little party.

"Hm? Oh! Sakura-chan! How's it going? Don't you have training?" Akatsu asked, happily unaware of the murderous intent emanating from Sakura.

"Come with me." Sakura snarled as she grabbed him and pulled him along after her.

"Bye ladies! Hope to see you again!" Akatsu called as he waved to the giggling women the two left behind.

"What's the big hurry, Sakura-chan?" Akatsu asked once Sakura had dropped him.

"Guess what!" Sakura chirped, her anger forgotten.

"What? Did you get laid?" Sakura's face flared up in a blush, before she narrowed her eyes and punched him on the arm.

"Owie...just asking...so what's up?" Once again, Sakura's eyes lit up in happiness.

"Kakashi-sensei nominated us for the Chunnin Exams!" She said happily. Akatsu smiled slightly.

"Good job! They start tomorrow, right? You better get home and start preparing!" He scolded lightly. Sakura grinned and hugged him once before she waved goodbye and skipped off to her house.

Akatsu watched her go with a smile, that quickly turned into a sad frown.

Poor Sakura...she doesn't know what her Destiny holds for her yet...

Shiroi Hikari: Well, I guess that wasn't too bad. And just to say it now, Neji will not show up until the second Chunnin tests, when they are in the Forest of Death. Anyways, thanks so much for all of the reviews this story has gotten! I'm really happy! Keep reviewing!

Plug

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Ja ne and Please Review!

Shiroi Hikari