By: Uzukagegan

Rating: T

Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance

-----

Summary: Naruto's just been told that he is leaving for three years after his return and retrieval of Sasuke. But Wait! The Chuunin Exams have been rescheduled for a month from now. Looks like leaving will have to wait. But the rules have been changed, and Naruto gets a little surprise!

-----

Pitted

"So kid, whattaya say?" A white haired old shinobi stood in Naruto's hospital window. "Gone for 3 years, and when you get back, MAN will your friends be in for a surprise!"

Naruto didn't really enjoy the idea. "Hmm… I don't know, Perverted Hermit, that's a long time… I'll miss my friends, and Sakura-chan might FORGET me!"

"C'mon, kid! It won't be that bad. I just might teach you techniques even BETTER than crummy old Rasengan!" The old pervert prodded.

"REALLY? All right! I'm ready!"

Jiraiya sweat drops, as Naruto does a victory dance and does a thumbs up.

"Boy, you're eager as ever. Well, better get packed and get a good night's rest! We're gonna leave first thing in the morning! Take this time to say bye to your friends!"

"Right! Let's GO GO GO GO GO GO GO!"

Naruto flies out of the hospital room, knocking down a young nurse on the way out.

--------------------------------------

At Tsunade's office

"Tsunade-sama! Tsunade-sama!" A young woman rushed to the Godaime's over-stacked desk.

"What now, Shizune? I've got documents to read over and -sigh- I actually feel like doing it right now. So please don't bother me, okay?"

"But, Tsunade-sama, I bring news from Ibiki and Anko!"

"The Chuunin Exam instructors? What do they want?"

"It seems the Chuunin exams have been rescheduled for next month, with all the former examinees retaking the exams. But the rules have been changed a bit, so… Oh! Hold on a sec… Here." -Hands Tsunade a folder- "It's all explained in here."

-Tsunade opens the folder-

"Hokage-sama, it contains the new rules for the exams, the match-ups, which are a little different, and instructions for preparation and organization."

"Hm. Very good. Now let's look at these rules, shall we?" The Hokage inquired.

" 'Chuunin Exam: Revised Rules.

First- Instead of a 3-man team in the Second Exam portion, the teams will be made of two shinobi and those two will be from different Genin squads.

Second- The first Portion of the Exam will no longer hold a tenth question. Instead, There will be 5 very, very challenging questions that encourage cheating, which is still the goal of the exam. However, in addition, there is no easy way out, like choosing to stay and take the tenth question. One must have the skills of reconnaissance in order to survive as a shinobi.

Finally- The third exam still contains the possibility of teammate match-ups. But now, much more lengths will be taken to prevent the death of a shinobi. If it happens, it happens, but most importantly, after the prelims, Genins have a probability of facing Chuunins, even Jounins, in their one-on-one match.' Very interesting…" Tsunade pondered.

"Hokage-sama, don't forget the match-ups!" Shizune reminded.

"Oh, almost forgot! Heheh… Okay. 'Genin Match-ups.

(A/N: I'll only list the Leaf-nin partnerships for the sake of time…)

First… Akamichi Chouji and Gaara of the Sand? Hmmm…interesting.

Second… Haruno Sakura and Temari? Ok then.

Next, Yamanaka Ino and Tenten. Then, Uchiha Sasuke and Kankuro. Mmkay.

After that, Kiba/Akamaru and Ukachinu Hibino. A grass-nin?

Hyuuga Neji and Aburame Shino.

Then, Rock Lee and Tuturo Kamanachi. Another grass-nin.

Finally (whew), Uzumaki Naruto (hehe this'll be good) and Hyuuga Hinata?' Oh, this will be very interesting.." -Chuckles-

-------

"Hinata! HINATA! Wait Up!" Naruto, having been told his partner, was eager to greet her.

"N- N- Naruto-k-kun? What is it?" A timid, confused Hinata quizzed.

"Hey, guess what? The Chuunin exam's in a month and WE'RE partners!"

"Partners?" Naruto-kuns' my partner for the exam! Ohhhhh…. I'm dreaming right?"Wow… That's, That's G-Great, Naruto-kun!" She stuttered.

"Yeah! Hey, we should start training, right?"

"G-Good Idea Naruto-kun!"

Naruto grabs Hinata's arm and speeds down the trail to the training grounds, leaving a large trail of dust behind….

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I'll probably have the 2nd chapter up tomorrow or the net day. Probably tomorrow. Oh well. I'm excited. Many more Chapters to come. Many More. Anyways, reviews are accepted, as is constructive criticism. Flames allowed, but ignored. Thanx!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------