"Talking"
'Thinking'
Jutsu/ Bijuu/ Summons
Flashbacks, Letters, and Setting
I don't own Naruto
Chapter 41: Preparation for the Exams
In the Hokage's Office, a few weeks after Naruto's Return
A few dozen Jonins were packed into the Hokage's office, and talked amongst themselves as they waited for the Hokage to address them as to why he summoned them.
They were already pretty sure what the topic was about. The Chunin Exams. It was one of the biggest events in the village, as the event happened every 6 months, rotating between the villages each time, and guests from many different villages, including some from the capital cities, would come visit to see the spectacle.
It was a huge undertaking for the hosting village, one that allowed the village to show off their village's amenities, beauty, splendor, and strength, as well receive a huge economic boost from the influx of guests during the duration of the exams. These pros, however, came with the cons in a need for increased security for both the guests, but also for the village, as it was easy for spies to sneak in with so many new faces in the village.
But the true objective of the exams was to showcase the potential of your village's shinobi, and the stars of the inter-village event would be the Genin who participated with the hopes of getting promoted in the exams. You could be promoted in the field as Chunin, but the Genin who were promoted in the exams were seen as special, and were given more attention and support for their development.
"So, you think you're going to enter your team in the Chunin Exams this year?"
"Nah. They could still use some more experience. I don't want to risk them getting hurt too seriously. I've heard we even got some teams coming from Ame this year. Those sadistic bastards."
"How about you?"
"I think my team might be ready, but maybe it wouldn't hurt to wait for the next one."
Asuma and Kurenai, two Jonin sensei, waited for the Hokage to arrive as they listened to the different Jonin sensei discuss whether they would enter their teams or not.
"I wonder how many teams are going to enter from the leaf this year." Asuma commented to Kurenai.
"Seems like they don't trust their teams." Kurenai commented. "I'm surprised that so many people already made up their minds not to enter their teams."
"It's the more responsible thing to make sure your Genin are ready before you force them into the exams. You know dozens of Genin participants die each time, right?" Asuma asked Kurenai, who was a relatively new Jonin.
"That many die each time?" Kurenai asked in surprise. She had been promoted in the field, and she had only seen the tournament stage of the Chunin exams which had much fewer deaths due to the presence of a proctor. "You mean there's a high chance that my Genin might actually die in these exams?"
Asuma chuckled at Kurenai. "What, were you planning on entering you Genin or something?"
Kurenai nodded. "Of course. I believe in my team's ability. They've come a long way you know. It's my duty to help achieve their dreams, and this exam is a great way to start. Weren't you going to enter your team?"
Asuma shrugged. "Eh. I don't know. I was going to ask my team, but I'm not sure they'll actually sign up for it. Besides, it's very rare that a rookie team enters the Chunin exams."
"I suppose that's true too… Hmmm…" Kurenai began to wonder if she should nominate her team after all.
Hiruzen entered the room with Iruka at that moment.
"Ah, I see you've all gathered. Apologies if I kept you waiting." Hiruzen told the Jonin as he went to his desk.
The Jonin all quieted down when the Hokage sat at his desk.
"Now, I'm sure that-"
Hiruzen was interrupted when the door opened, and Kakashi and Naruto walked in.
"Yo." Kakashi greeted everyone with a two-finger salute.
"Is Kakashi a Jonin sensei? Why is he here?" Kurenai asked Asuma, who just shrugged.
"It seems that we are late. Sorry, Hokage-sama." Naruto told Hiruzen as he glared at Kakashi who avoided eye contact to go stand next to a different Jonin sensei who was clad in green.
Hiruzen chuckled. "It's fine. Now, as I was saying, I'm sure that most of you know why I've called you all to my office. As you are aware, the Chunin exams will take place in our village in a little under a month."
The Jonin senseis nodded.
"Now, before I take any nominations for teams, I'd like to remind you of the purpose of the exams. While the exams do serve as a way for Genin to be promoted into Chunin, let's remember that it's also a way to show off the strength of our future Chunin and Jonin to potential clients, but also to our rivals. It's also a way for villages to release bad blood or tension between villages, by showing each other up through our Genin. As such, I'm sure you are aware of the inherent risk of death that comes with these exams." Hiruzen looked over the Jonin before him to make sure they all understood before he continued.
"If you do not feel that your team is able to adequately represent our village, or if you do not feel like they are ready to participate, do not feel compelled to nominate your team." Hiruzen reminded everyone.
"With that being said, I'd now like to hear if any of you would like to nominate your team for the Chunin Exams." He finally announced.
"Yosh! The Noble Green Beast of Konoha, Might Guy would like to nominate Team 9 for the Chunin Exams!" A man with a bowl cut and a tight green jumpsuit shouted out enthusiastically with an overly brilliant smile and a thumbs up.
Hiruzen chuckled at the antics of one his most powerful, but also quirkiest Jonin. "Alright Guy. I'll put your team down for the exams. Iruka, would you mind writing down the names of his Genin on the list?" Hiruzen asked.
"Hai! Right away, Hokage-sama." Iruka replied before he started writing.
After Guy, several Jonin sensei of the older Genin teams began to nominate their teams.
Kurenai looked around and saw none of the Jonin sensei of rookie Genin teams were raising their hands, and debated internally if she should just wait for next time.
As she was about to make up her mind to wait, Naruto's hand went up, much to the surprise of the others that were present.
"I'd like to nominate Team 7 for the Chunin Exams." Naruto said lazily.
There was silence in the room as many of the senseis present looked at Naruto like he was crazy. There hadn't been a rookie team in the Chunin Exams since Naruto and Itachi's team, and that was over 10 years ago.
"Wha- are you serious?" A Jonin asked, breaking the silence.
Naruto didn't respond.
"Are you sure you want your team in the exams? We're expecting a fairly large showing this time around, which means increased risks. We even have a team coming from a new village in the Land of Rice Paddies. We don't know what to expect, and we can't guarantee the safety of your Genin." Hiruzen told Naruto, making sure he was aware of the risks imposed on his Genin, specifically Narumi.
"I'm aware." Naruto replied. "And I have complete faith that, not only will my Genin make a good showing, but they'll make it to the final round, and even be the top contenders."
At this, some of the Jonin began to scoff. Did he really think his rookie team could beat their more experienced Genin? Some of the most experienced Genin were almost 20 years old, or even older. Did he think some little 12-year-old children who had been doing D-ranks for a few months would stand a chance? They hadn't even hit puberty for goodness' sake.
Their scoffing and murmurs were not missed by Naruto, who became irritated. However, he kept his face blank.
"N-Naruto-san? Are you sure about this?" Iruka asked. "I'm aware that some of your Genin are quite talented, but they were in the academy not too long ago. Is it wise to put them into such a dangerous setting so soon? Wouldn't it be better to wait until the next one? Most senseis wait until their Genin have more experience under their belts." He told Naruto in concern for his former students.
"ALL of my Genin are VERY talented, Iruka-san." Naruto said in a cold tone that made the hair on the back of Iruka's neck stand up. "I don't care what they were doing however many months ago. What matters is how prepared they are now, and you don't know anything about that, so I don't know why you think there's any weight to your opinion. Why don't you tell me your opinion on the matter when I actually ask for it?" Naruto replied rudely, making Iruka flinch back in surprise.
"And besides. I don't care what the other Jonin sensei do. I'm not like the other senseis who have no faith in their Genin, because they know did a shitty job in training and preparing them for life as shinobi. I know what my Genin are capable of, because I actually care about their training and development, and I know they can easily handle whatever this Chunin Exam has to offer."
Many of the Jonin became furious at Naruto's jab at their capacity as Jonin sensei, and didn't hide their displeasure of Naruto and his assessment.
"Why, that arrogant bastard! How good of a sensei does he think he is? Just because he's strong and has the Hokage's favor, does he think he can just do and say whatever he wants?"
Naruto ignored all of the grumbling and complaints that were coming from the others. He didn't concern himself with the opinions of people that were insignificant in his life.
Hiruzen sighed as he watched Naruto alienate himself further from his peers. What did he have against them? Did he have to be so rude?
The tension in the room, and volume of the grumbles continued to rise, until another hand quietly went up into the air, catching the attention of others.
"I, Yuhi Kurenai, would also like to nominate Team 8 for the Chunin Exams."
Naruto looked over at the small woman who had a determined look on her face and gave her a small grin. It looked like he wasn't the only one who took their jobs as Jonin sensei seriously, and actually had faith in their rookie Genin.
Gasps broke out all over the room. Really? This woman was going to risk her Genin as well?
"Ah, screw it. I might as well go for it too." A large man next to Kurenai stated. "I'd like to nominate Team 10 as well."
Hiruzen looked at his son silently for a few seconds before he turned to Iruka. "Well, you heard them. Add Team 7, 8, and 10 to the list as well."
Iruka looked at Hiruzen in shock for giving them permission, but he was merely a Chunin school teacher, and he was the Hokage, so he quietly complied.
The other Jonin senseis were shocked. It looked like there would actually be 3 rookie teams in the exams this year. This was unprecedented.
"Well, if that's all, I'm outta here. I'll see you next time, Hokage-sama." Naruto said casually, before he raised his hands to perform the hand seals for the shunshin.
"Good luck to you and your teams, Kurenai-san, Asuma-san." Naruto said with a grin of approval, before he vanished in a swirl of leaves.
"Why that arrogant prick! We'll see how great your Genin really are!" One disgruntled Jonin yelled out after Naruto left, which was a sentiment shared amongst many of the Jonin.
"And with that, he just painted a huge target on the backs of his Genin." Asuma commented to Kurenai. "Interesting character, isn't he?"
"I can't seem to really understand his character. Sometimes he seems like a sweet and caring person, but sometimes he just seems like a villain." Kurenai replied as she shook her head.
"While his belief in his students is quite admirable, what an unyouthful attitude!" Might Guy commented to Kakashi. "How did you manage to befriend such an unyouthful person?" Guy asked.
Kakashi looked up lazily from his book. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
"Darn you and your lazy, hip attitude!" Guy yelled out with a trail of tears streaming from his eyes.
Hiruzen chuckled at the scene. Well, at the very least, it looked like this year's Chunin exams were going to be interesting.
At Training Ground 7
"Heh, not bad, but watch this." Sasuke said with a grin before he skipped a rock across the stream and hit a target on the other side.
His grin widened. "Looks like somebody lost another bet. So, when can I expect you to finish cleaning my kunai and my room by? Oh. And remember, no shadow clones."
"GRRAAHHHH! How?!" Narumi growled in frustration as she threw a stone into the ground. How was this annoying prick so good at throwing?
"Sheesh, Narumi, why so angry?" Naruto asked as he appeared in a swirl of leaves.
"Oh, you know, she's just coming to terms that I'm better." Sasuke said with an innocent sounding voice, but an arrogant expression on his face in contrast.
Narumi was shaking with rage, but she couldn't say anything since he was right. At least when it came to throwing. That didn't stop her however, from giving him a glare that looked like it could set things on fire with a glance.
Naruto chuckled as he shook his head. "You kids and your games. Looks like me and Hinata-chan are the only normal ones here, eh? Hinata-chan?"
Hinata blushed when her sensei suddenly called her out.
"Anyway, I have an announcement to make. We won't be taking any more missions for the time being." Naruto announced to his team.
"EH?" Narumi and Sasuke shouted in unison at the same time.
"But you just got here! Our last C-rank was boring! We didn't even get to do any fighting! We were hoping to do fun A-rank missions with you again!" Narumi whined.
"You're not really supposed to be fighting anyone on C-rank missions, except maybe fending off a bandit or two. Rookie Genin like you aren't supposed to be taking anything higher than that in the first place. The mission to Wave that ended up as an A-rank mission was an accident, and you haven't had any other missions higher than a C-rank since then, except maybe Taki, which might be a B-rank at most." Naruto explained.
"Actually, that was an A-" Narumi was cut off by Sasuke who clamped his hand around her mouth. Didn't this idiot remember that they weren't supposed to talk about Taki?
"What's the reason we won't be taking any more missions, sensei?" Sasuke asked, trying to take Naruto's attention away from Narumi.
Naruto gave the two a curious look, before he decided to just pretend he didn't see anything and just answer his question.
He pulled out 3 papers, and handed one to each of his Genin, who read over them.
"The Chunin Exams?" Narumi asked with one eyebrow raised.
"That's right. I've nominated Team 7 to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams. That's why we'll be focusing on honing your skills and teamwork instead of taking missions." Naruto replied.
"Does that mean we get to be Chunin soon?" Narumi asked with stars in her eyes. "Sweet!"
Sasuke shared her sentiment, and was excited to create his legacy. A Chunin at age 12? That would be quite impressive. He was excited to be able to show off his skills on the big stage and make a name for himself.
Hinata however, did not feel the same as her two teammates. "The Chunin Exams? B-but sensei, aren't rookies not allowed to enter?"
"Eh? Why not?" Narumi asked.
"Many of the Genin that participate in the exams d-die each time." Hinata explained. "I h-heard that's why they don't let rookies enter."
Sasuke and Narumi's enthusiasm died down a little, as they began to consider the risk of death.
"Hinata's right. Dozens of Genin do die in every Chunin Exams." Naruto stated, further scaring his Genin.
"However, I believe in, no, KNOW how talented and skilled you guys are. You guys were talented coming into Team 7, and I've personally seen the hard work you've put in, and have seen how much you progressed since then. I don't mean to gas you guys up, but I think you guys will blow the other Genin out of the water." Naruto told his team, who began to look more hopeful again.
"Now, ultimately, the choice to participate is up to you, but I have complete faith in your abilities. Whether you participate or not, how I view you guys or think of you won't change at all, but I think pushing yourself to the limits is the best way to really reach your potential, and this might be the best opportunity to do that, so give it some thought."
Narumi and Sasuke's eyes met and they nodded. They had made up their minds to enter the exams.
However, when they turned to look at Hinata, they could still see the fear and doubt in her eyes.
"Are you going to participate? Sasuke asked Hinata.
"I-I don't know. We're just rookies, and sure you guys are s-strong, but I don't know if I'm good enough to p-participate." Hinata admitted.
"What? That's nonsense Hinata-chan! You're super strong! You're the best from the 3 of us when it comes to taijutsu, and you're really good with throwing things too!" Narumi told Hinata.
"Yeah. Definitely better than Red over here." Sasuke added.
"Hey! Watch it!" Narumi told Sasuke with a glare. He just gave her a grin.
"Your Byakugan is also crucial when it comes to dispelling genjutsu or scouting as well. You're an indispensable part of this team, so don't count yourself short." Sasuke added on.
"So, what do you want to do Hinata-chan? If you really don't want to participate, we'll wait until you're ready. Remember, we're a team, and we'll always have your back. We'll stick with whatever decision you make." Narumi told Hinata with a warm smile.
Hinata looked at her two friends with a grateful smile. Their faith in her, and also their willingness to always stick by her side and watch her back gave her the confidence she needed so desperately.
"S-sensei? I think- no, I WANT to participate in the exams as well." Hinata told Naruto as the expression on her face changed from one of self-doubt into one of determination.
Naruto smiled warmly at Hinata, but also the rest of his team. His heart was filled with pride in his team, with the way they looked out for each other, and encouraged each other. He couldn't ask for a better team.
"Glad to hear that. I'm proud of you guys for showing the initiative and courage to take on a big challenge like this, and even more proud at the support you show for each other. I'm now sure I was right in believing in you guys, and made the right decision in nominating you guys." Naruto told his team, and they beamed in pride at the praise.
"Now, as long as you have my permission, you're allowed to participate, but I still want you to go tell you parents and get their permission and blessings as well. You'll need all the support you can get, and I don't want you to be sneaking behind their backs at an event that's supposed to be something they can take pride in." Naruto told his team, and they nodded.
However, Hinata was worried inside. How was she going to bring this up to her father?
At the Uchiha Household
Mikoto smiled as she watched Sasuke hungrily place a umeboshi-flavored pickled tomato on his rice before he ate it with gusto.
There was a period after the massacre when Sasuke had been turning colder and detached, but Naruto and Narumi had helped him come back and retain his traits from childhood.
Sasuke was happily eating his favorite dish, until he noticed his mom staring at him with a smile on her face.
"Something on my face?" He asked as he wiped around his face, making sure he wasn't eating too messily.
Mikoto chuckled. She reached over and gently caressed one of his cheeks. "It's nothing. I was just looking at my handsome boy. You're growing up so quickly, you know."
"K-Kaa-san!" Sasuke whined. "I'm not a baby anymore!"
"Of course, honey. You're a Genin now. I know you're not a child anymore" Mikoto replied. "But no matter how old you get, you'll always be my baby."
He pouted at being called a baby, but that reminded him of what he needed to tell his mother.
"Oh. That reminds me." Sasuke mentioned as he pulled out the application form for the Chunin Exams. "Naruto nii-san signed us up for the Chunin Exams."
"HE DID WHAT?" Mikoto shouted out in shock, all traces of her warm smile disappearing as she snatched the paper from her son's hands to examine it.
"He signed us up for the Exams! That means I have the chance to become Chunin!" Sasuke said excitedly, not realizing his mother was in near panic.
"You're aware that people die in the Exams, right?" Mikoto asked her son in concern.
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah sure, but you know, you can die at any time. You could die on a C-rank mission, but you could also slip on a wet tile and hit your head."
Mikoto was not convinced. The Chunin Exams were much more dangerous than any C-rank, or maybe even some B-rank missions, since their sensei would not be present with them. She was worried she'd lose her last remaining child.
"Are you sure you want to participate? Wouldn't it better to wait a little longer? Get more experience and all?" She asked her son.
"Kaa-san, you said you wouldn't baby me anymore! Why are you so worried? You don't think I can handle some other Genin?" Sasuke asked.
"I-It's not that. I know you're strong." Mikoto began. "It's just that, it's hard for me not be worried. You're my last…" Mikoto began to choke up. "You're all I have left…"
Sasuke couldn't be mad at his mother at the sight of tears streaming down her face.
He got out of his seat and walked over to his mother to pat her back and comfort her.
"Kaa-san, I know you're concerned that I might get hurt, but you don't have to worry. I have Narumi and Hinata with me, and they'll have my back." Sasuke told Mikoto in an effort to assuage her fears.
Mikoto smiled a little as she wiped her tears. She was so thankful that Sasuke had his friends, and he was lucky enough to be on the same team as them.
"I'm glad to hear that. It makes me happy to know you have friends you can trust your life with." Mikoto told Sasuke as she took him into a hug.
"Alright. You can take the exams. You have my blessing." Mikoto relented.
Sasuke gave her a wide smile. "Thanks, kaa-san! I promise I won't let you down! I'll show everyone that the Uchiha Clan is still strong!"
Mikoto smiled. "I know you will. And I'm going to teach you some new things to help you in the exams too."
Sasuke had stars in his eyes. He was always excited to learn more jutsu. His mother had never looked so cool before.
At the Hyuuga Household
The Hyuuga main family, and the head of the branch family, were seated together, having dinner.
"Hiashi-sama." Hizashi began. "Neji has informed me that his sensei has signed him up for the upcoming Chunin Exams."
Hiashi nodded as he ate. "I see. I am aware of his talent as a shinobi, and his skill with the Jyuuken. I am sure he will bring honor to the clan with his performance. He has my blessing to go represent our clan in the exams.
"Thank you, Hiashi-sama." Hizashi said with a bow, and turned to his son, Neji.
"Thank you, Hiashi-sama." Neji reluctantly told his uncle. He hated bowing to the man, but that was his place in life. "I'll do my best to bring honor to the clan."
"Good. I have no doubt in your ability." Hiashi told Neji.
While he didn't show it on his face, Hiashi was jealous of his brother Hizashi. Hiashi was stronger than Hizashi, but how come Hizashi had the son who was the epitome of Hyuuga strength, while he ended up with a meek daughter who couldn't even defeat her sister who was 5 years younger? Was this some sort of cruel joke of destiny?
He sometimes wished Neji was his son instead of Hinata. He would have been the ideal heir.
He shook his head when caught himself thinking that again. How could he wish Hinata wasn't his daughter? She was the spitting image of his wife! He sighed in disappointment in himself. He was an excellent clan head, but Hinata was proof that he was an inadequate father. If only he could make her stronger somehow…
Hinata meanwhile, nervously picked at her food. She was working up the courage to tell her father that she would be participating in the exams as well, but her uncle cut in and made her lose the timing and courage.
"Stop picking at your food, Hinata. Either eat it, or leave it. It's bad manners." Hiashi scolded Hinata, as he ate his food with elegance and grace.
"H-hai. A-apologies, Otou-sama." Hinata responded.
However, she was still nervous and was working up the courage to address her father, and she continued to fidget, thought she left her rice alone.
"If there is something you wish to say, say it, instead of fidgeting around." Hiashi sternly told Hinata when he noticed her movements.
"Eep!" Hinata's face went red when she was caught. Now she had to speak, whether she was ready or not.
"I-I've also been nominated for the C-Chunin Exams, Otou-sama." Hinata nervously informed her father.
The other elders of the clan had been eating quietly, but when they heard this, they couldn't help but express their surprise.
"You? You've been nominated for the Chunin exams? As a rookie Genin?" One of the main family members asked.
"H-Hai." Hinata confirmed meekly.
The adults present began to murmur amongst themselves. How had she been nominated for the Chunin Exams so early? Neji was considered to be nominated early, and he was prodigy of the clan, and he was in his second year. Hinata showed no such promise, and here she was, as one of the first rookie Genin in the exams in over a decade.
Neji scowled when he heard Hinata. How had this weakling been nominated earlier than him? 'Great. More favoritism for the main family. They just couldn't let a branch member have his moment for once. Of course, they'll have to throw the main family a bone to remind us of our place." He thought to himself.
Hiashi was also shocked by the news. There had been no indication that she was good enough to put herself in such a risky situation. He was of course worried that she might make a bad showing and disgrace him and the clan, but he was also worried that his daughter might die before he had a chance to work out the problems in their relationship.
"And you wish to participate?" Hiashi asked Hinata with a stern look to dissuade her. Being the meek child that she was, he thought that would be enough to discourage her.
Hinata shrank under his gaze, but she had already promised her friends that she would participate with them. She gulped once to gather her courage. "H-hai, otou-sama." She replied quietly.
"And you believe you're prepared for such an undertaking? You've barely been a Genin for a few months. There will be people coming from other villages who have much more experience as a shinobi, and more experience with KILLING." Hiashi emphasized the last part to discourage his daughter.
"I-I'm aware of that, otou-sama. I-I still wish to participate." She barely managed to reply.
"And why is that? Have you considered what it would be like if you went in unprepared and embarrassed yourself? Embarrassed the clan? As a clan heiress, you should know your actions affect the standing of the whole clan, and not just yourself. Think like a clan heiress, Hinata, and make responsible decisions. I don't believe you're ready for the Chunin Exams yet." Hiashi stated.
Hanabi looked at her older sister with a concerned look. She knew her sister was strong, and could prove it if she entered the exams. She just hoped Hinata wouldn't be discouraged by her father's harsh words. 'Onee-chan…'
Hinata's face fell, and her already small confidence in herself began to falter at his words. However, when she caught Hizashi's look towards her, a look which told her to believe in herself, she was reminded of the faith Naruto and her friends had put in her. She couldn't let herself be discouraged and let them down.
"Y-You're wrong, otou-sama. I AM ready." She replied with growing steel in her voice which caught everyone off guard, especially Hiashi.
"What was that?" Hiashi asked with a glare, showing her that he was not pleased with her challenging him in front of everyone.
However, Hinata didn't care about that anymore. She owed it to her team who trusted her, and she owed it to herself to enter the Chunin Exams to prove herself.
"I said, I was ready for the Chunin Exams, and I plan to enter. Otou-sama." She said firmly, surprising Hiashi by not stuttering, and with the fire he saw in her eyes.
Hanabi was startled as well, but was excited to see this side of her sister. 'Go, Onee-chan! Show him that you're not weak!' She cheered on mentally as she watched how the scene unfolded with interest in her eyes.
Hiashi was a little offended by how Hinata addressed him, but he was secretly pleased with the backbone she was showing by standing up to him. He decided to test her resolve a little further.
"You wish to go against my wishes and participate? Very well. If you're so confident in your abilities, you can participate. However, should you embarrass the clan, know that your position as heiress will pass on to your sister. Do you still wish to participate?" Hiashi asked.
"Yes." Hinata replied. "You don't need to worry about me embarrassing the clan, Otou-sama. My team and I are more than capable of handling this exam together. If you watch and are displeased with my performance, you may give her the position if you'd like. I don't mind."
Hiashi stared at the fiery Genin in front of him, and wondered if she was truly his daughter. He didn't express it, but he was impressed, and he wasn't the only one.
Hizashi, Hanabi, and the other elders watched the conversation between father and daughter with interest, and were surprised to see this side of Hinata. Perhaps there was more to her than they had thought.
"Fine. You may participate if you wish. We shall see how you perform." Hiashi stated before he went back to eating his dinner.
Proud of herself for finally being able to face her father and seeing a glimpse of approval from him for the first time, Hinata smiled brightly, a rare sight for the Hyuuga Clan. Realizing he hadn't seen her smile like this in a long time made Hiashi feel sad, and a little remorseful.
However, Neji was displeased at what he thought was favoritism. Not just from their clan, but from the village. He made up his mind to embarrass her during the exams himself, and show the main family that the branch family was not inferior to them.
Training Ground 7, the next day
"So, have you guys all filled out and signed the application forms?" Naruto asked his Genin.
"Hai, sensei!" The 3 Genin answered, as they handed him the papers.
"Very good." Naruto replied as he collected the forms. "Now, let me lay out the schedule for your training." He began.
"From the spars between you three, and the spars against me, I've picked up a few weak points in your individual styles, and also in teamwork. We'll use a similar training schedule as before, where I'll get a personal tutor for each of you, and train you each, one at a time. We'll also go over some team drills at the end of training on every week, got it? Any questions?"
Narumi raised her hand. "Will Yugao-sensei be coming to train me again?"
Naruto nodded. "You and Sasuke will each have the same sensei as before. The only change will be for Hinata."
Hinata's eyes widened. "Wh-what happened to Shizune-sensei?" She asked in surprise. She had grown to like the woman, and was a little disappointed that she wouldn't be training her.
"Shizune-san has already taught you the things I wanted you to learn. There are other things I want you to learn, and the sensei I brought is the best person to teach you those things." Naruto explained.
"Brought?" Sasuke asked with an eyebrow raised. He didn't see anyone.
"Awww! Naruto-chan! Way to go with the flattery! I really am the best aren't I?" Anko replied as she stepped out of the woods with Kakashi, who walked out with Anko's arm around his shoulders as he read his book, and Yugao who walked behind them with a confused look on her face. What was going on with Kakashi-senpai and Anko?
Sasuke's face went white, and hid behind Narumi.
"Aww! If it isn't my favorite Uchiha boy! Hello!" Anko greeted a scared Sasuke with grin that was a strange combination of innocent and mischievous.
"Dango nee-chan is going to be teaching Hinata?" Narumi asked.
"That's right squirt! I'm going to teach her how to be a kick-ass kunoichi, that's both deadly and sexy, just like me!" Anko replied energetically.
Sasuke reached out and put a hand on Hinata's shoulder. "Sorry, but it sucks to be you right now." He mouthed to her.
Hinata gulped. Anko-san was a little too intense for her. She was worried about how training would go.
"Hinata-chan is a bit shy, so be nice to her, ok, Dango-nee?" Narumi told Anko.
"Who? Me? I'm nothing but sweet, girly. Don't worry about us. The two of use are going to be best friends. Isn't that right, Hinata-chan?" Anko asked Hinata as she slithered her arm over Hinata's shoulders.
Hinata nodded nervously. 'Please save me, Kami-sama.' Hinata prayed to herself.
Council Meeting, a couple days later
"Alright. We'll make sure the Konoha Police Force double their patrols during the exams, and have the ANBU watch the shadows then." Hiruzen concluded after some discussion with his council.
"I'll also try to see if I can secure some more food and other provisions for extra guests who will be in the village during the exams, Hokage-sama." Akimichi Chouza informed the Hokage.
"Good. That'll be extremely beneficial for our economy. Thank you, Chouza-san." Hiruzen replied.
"Now that we've covered all of the main points that we needed to discuss, I'd like to dismiss the civilian side of the council. I have some shinobi matters I'd like to discuss." Hiruzen told the council, and the civilian council members nodded and left the room.
A little after the last civilian council member left the council meeting room, Hiruzen addressed the remaining people.
"Now that the civilians are gone, there's something I'd been considering that I'd like to discuss." Hiruzen began.
"I'm sure all of you have heard about Naruto-san's achievements in Kiri, correct?" The Sandaime asked, and everyone nodded.
"Good. So, I've been thinking about his mission, and the things he was able to accomplish undercover, and began to consider the merit of having a black-ops force for missions that cannot be traced back to Konoha."
"Don't we already have the ANBU for that?" Tsunade asked.
Hiruzen shook his head. "What I'm talking about is different. The ANBU are secret in the sense that their individual identities are hidden, but it's clear they represent Konoha. I'm talking about a force that will not be traced back to Konoha. On paper, these shinobi will not even exist."
"You mean like ROOT from the past." Shikaku commented.
"ROOT?" Tsunade asked, asking a question that was in the minds of several others that were in the room.
"ROOT was a branch of the ANBU that was secret, and like I mentioned earlier, was used in missions that should not be traced back to Konoha." Hiruzen began.
Danzo began to feel nervous about where the conversation was going, though nobody could tell by seeing him.
"It was previously headed by Danzo, but I ordered him to shut the program down, years ago. Isn't that right, Danzo?" Hiruzen asked with a smug smirk on his face that everyone missed except for Danzo.
"That is correct." Danzo replied tersely.
"Excuse me, Hokage-sama, but what exactly is the point of doing this?" Chouza asked.
"There will be times when we wish to support another village against a rival village, but if our involvement became known, would spark off another war. With the alliances that are in place, it would quickly spread to involve all 5 of the major villages, and the casualties from that war will be catastrophic. Having a mercenary force that is not linked to us will give us the option to help others secretly, while keeping conflicts localized. Of course, they could also be used to do more unsavory missions that would prove necessary or maybe even profitable, but might tarnish the image of the village." Hiruzen explained, and everyone agreed with his points.
"The formation of the unit will not take place until AFTER the Chunin Exams, as all of our attention should be on hosting the exams safely, and successfully. However, it doesn't hurt to get started on planning, or at least be aware of such plans, early. Any suggestions that could improve this new version of ROOT would be welcomed."
"I have a suggestion." Naruto stated, as he raised his hand.
Danzo began to suspect the two of them were planning something against him, and put up his guard.
"Ah yes. Naruto-san. What do you suggest?" Hiruzen asked.
"We could start by giving them a very neutral looking set of armor or uniform, that will make it difficult to tell where they came from." Naruto told Hiruzen. "Do we have any examples of their old uniforms to see what they looked like, so we can see what needs to be changed?"
"Ah, of course! I should have one somewhere…" Hiruzen replied, as he began to go through some scrolls.
Danzo was now really nervous. What were they about to do?
"Ah! Here it is!" Hiruzen unsealed a set of ROOT ANBU armor and uniform, which really looked like standard Konoha ANBU gear with a black cloak covering everything.
"Hmm… the cloak does a nice job of covering everything, but the armor is too similar to Konoha ANBU armor, and the mask has a distinct Konoha flavor. We'll have to come up with something more neutral." Naruto commented.
"Great point. We'll keep that in mind." Hiruzen replied. "Anything else?"
The other shinobi began to voice their opinions, and Hiruzen had them all written down.
While the discussions were ongoing, there were two people in the room who shared a look.
Danzo gave Hiruzen a blank stare, hiding his emotions, but he was raging inside. With this, he had exposed Danzo's operation and let everyone know that Hiruzen ordered it to be shut down years ago. Now anyone seen wearing that armor would basically let everyone know of Danzo's treachery.
Hiruzen gave his old teammate a smile. If Danzo wanted to play games, then Hiruzen would show that he was no amateur either.
A Hidden Grove Outside of Konoha, a few days later
"I trust you've come alone?" A hooded man with a cane asked another hooded man who had been waiting for him.
"Ah! If it isn't Danzo-sama. It's been a long time, hasn't it?" The second man hissed out with a snake-like grin.
"Save your pleasantries for someone else, Orochimaru. We have things to discuss." Danzo replied.
"Straight to business, eh? Looks like nothing's changed. Ah, reminds me of the past. It always was fun scheming with you." Orochimaru commented.
Danzo ignored Orochimaru's comments. "So, you're planning an invasion of Konoha, and want my help?"
"I see you're still well informed. That's right. You and your little ROOT forces can help my forces enter Konoha, and leave some key chokepoints open so that I can deal with our enemies." Orochimaru replied.
"Our enemies?" Danzo asked.
"Kukuku… don't play this game with me, Danzo. We both know what you want, and we both know that Sarutobi-sensei is holding you back from attaining it."
"…So, what is it you want?" Danzo asked.
"So, I can get everything I want, eh?" Orochimaru chuckled. "First, I want all of the research materials I had to leave behind in Konoha."
"Some of the more dangerous things have been destroyed, but I'll get the other remaining things. Next?" Danzo asked.
"Kukuku… destroyed? Or kept in that little burrow of yours, Danzo?" Orochimaru asked.
"… and what else?" Danzo asked, silently conceding to hand over the dangerous material he had hoarded for ROOT.
"I would like some orphans for some tests." Orochimaru added.
"Done. Now, I need-"
"And I also want an Uchiha with an awakened Sharingan." Orochimaru added, cutting off Danzo mid-speech.
"… A Sharingan?"
"That's right. And a Hyuuga as well. They could be one of the branch members. It doesn't matter." Orochimaru clarified.
"That's quite the demand. I'm afraid I'll have to add another target in exchange for those two." Danzo told Orochimaru.
"Very well. Who is this "special" person?" Orochimaru asked.
"Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto. I need him dead." Danzo informed Orochimaru.
"Kukuku… the Yondaime's son, eh? So, you fear him as well?" Orochimaru said with a taunting grin.
"I need him gone, and I can't have it linked back to me. So don't leave a mess behind." Danzo replied.
"Have I been one to leave a job done badly? You leave those two to me. Just make sure you keep your end of the deal." Orochimaru told Danzo.
"Of course. Now, if there's nothing else, this meeting is over." Danzo told Orochimaru. He didn't want to drag out a meeting with Orochimaru, and risk being spotted.
"Kukuku… thank you for your hospitality." Orochimaru replied sarcastically. "I shall see you again soon."
The two of them turned around and left, both parties planning on using each other, and backstabbing them once they got what they needed. It would be a battle of timing, appearing to look cooperative until they got everything they wanted, and then dealing the first blow, before the other party had the chance to betray them first.
'Kukuku… here I come, Sarutobi-sensei…' Orochimaru thought to himself as he vanished into the forest.
OMAKE
Narumi gritted her teeth and pound her fist into her palm as she walked down the streets.
"Grrr… How dare he get me like that!" Narumi growled as she recalled her punishment for the bet she lost against Sasuke.
They had wagered to clean each other's equipment and rooms, but Narumi was not prepared for how dirty Sasuke had left his room.
"Oh, no, you can't use your shadow clones since I can't use them if I lose." Narumi mockingly repeated what Sasuke said in her best impression of Sasuke's voice.
"Tchh. What a loser. Who told you to not know how to use them? It's not my fault you suck." Narumi grumbled to herself.
"Just how many stinkin' kunai and shuriken does he have, and why are they so dirty? And HOW do you keep your room that dirty? Even my room isn't that messy!" She yelled to herself as she threw her hands in the air.
"Mikoto oba-chan wouldn't let you keep your room that dirty…" Narumi thought aloud to herself. "…So that means you made your room extra messy and stinky on purpose…" She concluded.
"Ugh! You jerk! I'mma get you back for this, Uchiha Sasuke!" She yelled out.
"Oi! Boss!" Konohamaru greeted her when he saw her.
Narumi turned her head and saw her 3 minions running to her.
"Oh, hey Konohamaru-chan, Moegi-chan, Udon-chan. What's up?" She asked.
"We were playing ninja!" Konohamaru told Narumi.
"Do you want to join us? We could use your help making it more realistic, since you're a real ninja, nee-chan." Moegi asked.
"Play ninja?" Narumi asked herself as she thought.
An evil grin began to spread across her face as she had an epiphany.
"Sure… I'll play ninja with you guys." She replied as she began to chuckle to herself as she began to plan her revenge.
"Sweet! Are you going to give us a mission? Or do you want to be the bad guy?" Konohamaru asked.
"I'll be your boss, and give you the mission." Narumi told her minions. "Now, gather around me, minions. Let me tell you something about being a shinobi." She began.
The 3 excited kids came closer to her and gave her their attention to hear what she would say.
"Now, what do you think is important to a shinobi?" She asked.
"Being strong!" They replied in unison.
Narumi chuckled. "You're not wrong, but another super important thing is being sneaky."
"Ooooh! That makes sense!" Konohamaru commented.
"Now, there's different types of being sneaky." Narumi explained. "There are the people who are good at being stealthy, but there also people who are good at acting to trick people."
"What kind of people are we?" Moegi asked.
"You and Udon-chan are pretty good at acting, but not the best at stealth. Meanwhile, Konohamaru sucks at acting, but he's pretty good at hiding." Narumi explained.
"So as a boss, it's important for me to know what my minions are good at, at assign roles accordingly. I'll give you guys individual missions that'll suit what you're good at, but really all of those missions will be a part of a bigger single operation." Narumi told the three kids.
The three kids were super excited. This was super realistic! It felt like they were actual ninja! They should have gotten her to play with them earlier.
"So, what do we have to do boss?" Konohamaru asked enthusiastically.
"So, you can sneak into the Uchiha's house, and sneak this into Sasuke's shampoo." Narumi told Konohamaru, as she pulled out a small vial from one of her seals.
"Eh? What's the point of this?" Konohamaru asked as he took the vial.
"When you become a shinobi, there'll be times when you need to sneak into some secret location, and either steal things or plant things. This is all part of your training, Konohamaru-chan." She told him.
Konohamaru lit up with a smile when he heard her explanation. That sounded legit!
"Now, Moegi-chan, you need to find Sasuke, and pretend you're lost and scared, and you need his help finding your way back. This is your training to learn how to trick people and give false information." Narumi told Moegi, who accepted the mission and the explanation.
"Finally, Udon-chan, find a bucket or pot with some dirt in it, and wait near Moegi-chan's house, and pretend to be clumsy and spill it on Sasuke." Narumi told Udon.
"This is umm…." She began to think of an explanation to tell Udon, but in reality, she had chosen him for the role because he really was clumsy, and nobody would question him making such a mistake.
"This is your training to do an ambush, and feign… innocence. Yeah, feigning innocence after doing something so you don't get held responsible!" Narumi told Udon who nodded.
"Alright my minions, go and do your missions!" She told the 3 kids, who saluted her and ran off to fulfill their parts.
"Hehehe… time to get a camera and hide in Sasuke's house…" She said to herself with an evil grin as she rubbed her palms together.
With Sasuke
Sasuke was walking back home from his training spot in a forest, as he chuckled to himself. He couldn't wait to see Narumi's face after all the work he made her do. He purposefully messed up his room, and left his dirty laundry all over the place.
'Heh, that'll teach you to challenge me.' He thought to himself smugly, before he was distracted from his thoughts by a little girl.
"Help! Sasuke nii-chan! I haven't been to this part of the village before, and now I can't find my way back! I'm scared!" Moegi said with teary eyes and her puppy dog look.
"Moegi?" Sasuke asked in surprise seeing one of Narumi's minions here.
"Fine. Come with me. I'll take you home." Sasuke rolled his eyes as he reluctantly agreed to take the little girl home.
He walked into the more populated part of town, where Moegi began to direct him towards her house.
Udon spotted Moegi coming and prepared to do his part of the mission.
When Sasuke and Moegi got closer, he stepped out of the alley with his pot full of dirt.
"Oh, hey Moegi! Sasuke nii-san!" Udon greeted as he ran towards them, trying to give the appearance of running by them.
He waved at them to greet them, but then tripped on a rock and fell, sending the pot flying in the air.
He looked up and saw Sasuke covered in dirt from head to toe. That wasn't how he was planning on accomplishing his mission, but a mission well-done was a mission well-done, right?
"Umm… sorry, Sasuke nii-san… I was clumsy again…" Udon apologized.
Sasuke was annoyed, but he knew how clumsy the boy was, so he decided to let him go.
"It's fine. I'm just gonna go home and wash up. You can find your way home now, right?" Sasuke asked Moegi.
"Uh huh! It's right over here! Thanks, nii-chan!" She told Sasuke with a smile, before she headed home.
"Ugh… Now I gotta wash all of this dirt off of me…" Sasuke grumbled to himself as he headed home.
At the Uchiha Household
Konohamaru was trying to climb into one of the windows of Sasuke's house, when he was stopped by an Uchiha civilian.
"Hey! Who are you, and what are you doing here?" She asked.
Konohamaru panicked and being caught but tried his best to come up with an excuse.
"Umm, I'm Sarutobi Konohamaru, and I was trying to enter this house, because Narumi nee-chan told me to deliver something here."
"Narumi-san? Oh, in that case, you're welcome here. Here, why don't you go in this way?" The Uchiha woman told Konohamaru as she directed him towards an open door.
"Ummm… thanks?" Konohamaru told the lady as she left.
Now that he was in, all he had to do was put the contents of the vial into Sasuke's shampoo, and high-tail it out of here.
After he opened Sasuke's shampoo and poured the liquid inside the vial inside the shampoo bottle, he quickly left, not noticing Narumi who was hiding near the bathroom with a camera.
A few minutes later, Sasuke entered his house grumbling.
"Stupid dirt got everywhere. Ugh, I'm going to have to wash my hair several times to get it all out."
'Hehehe… good. You do that, Sasuke-chan… You do that…' Narumi thought to herself as she watched Sasuke enter the shower.
Several minutes later, Sasuke came out of the shower in some clean clothes.
"Ah… now that was refreshing." Sasuke hummed to himself.
He was startled when Narumi suddenly popped out of the laundry hamper and snapped a picture.
"Aha! Gotcha!" She yelled, before she ran away.
Sasuke stood there shocked, before he got over the randomness of the event, and shrugged. "What the heck was that all about?" He asked himself as he entered his room.
He took his hair dryer, and went to his mirror to style his hair, when he was shocked by what he saw.
"S-Sakura?" He stuttered to himself when he saw a pink-haired person staring back him in shock.
He raised his trembling hands to his hair, and saw the person in the mirror copying his movements. He yanked out a hair, and brought it towards his eyes with trepidation. "No no no no… please don't be pink, please don't be pink…" He whispered to himself with closed eyes, as he brought the hair closer for observation.
When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of pink hair.
Narumi chuckled to herself as she heard a scream emanating from Sasuke's house.
"NOOOOOO! NARUMI I'LL KILL YOU WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!"
"Better make sure he doesn't catch me!" She told herself as she ran home as fast as she could.
She ran past a green-clad duo who looked similar to each other, causing their bowl-cut hair to wave in the wind she caused when she ran by them. A few seconds later, a pink-haired boy ran by them with a kunai in his hand.
"Woah! That's some speed!" The younger one commented to the older one.
"Such a youthful exercise! How inspiring! We should join them in their training and run as well! 10 laps around the village at top speed! Go!" The older one yelled with a smile that shone with a blinding gleam.
"Yosh! Training it is, Guy-sensei! Let's go!"
The duo set off into the sunset, running at top speed.
*Author's Notes*
And that was the latest chapter of the Jinchuuriki's Brother! How did you guys like it?
Due to some delays to my schedule, I was able to write one more chapter before I take my break. Which I think worked out well for me, since the next chapter will be the start of the Chunin Exams. It's a good place to pick back up, right?
I won't be able to start writing again until April, so don't expect another chapter until at least the latter half of the 1st full week of April. I'll stay in contact through my discord, so join the channel if you're interested! Link: ( /HetEMkjYAv)
Anyway, one thing I wanted to explain before I get into the Chunin Exams, is the power scaling in my story. Not in canon, but in my story.
Most people will stay Genin until they're at least 16, and it won't be too uncommon for them to be one even in their early 20's. Kabuto was 19 or 20 in canon, and it wasn't too strange for him to be there in terms of age. The people that get a lot of screentime in canon are all special people, and they're a lot stronger than their average counterparts. For example, the Konoha 12 are all clan heirs or important to their clans, and are a lot more skilled compared to people their age.
Even the people in the Chunin Exams from other villages are Genin who have been handpicked for their skills, so they can represent their village. And the shinobi we got to see from other villages were also the elite shinobi of their village, so don't use them as the baseline for average shinobi.
People will mostly get promoted to Chunin in the field, but the ones who will get promoted in the exams will be seen as the best of their village and will have more interested and resources invested into their development, hence everyone there will be stronger than average. So don't be like, a Genin version of so and so was able to this or that. How come other Genin can't do it?
Consider canon Sakura during the Chunin Exams to be the baseline for a talented regular rookie Genin. Of course, the more experienced ones will be stronger than her, but from the non-clan rookie Genin, she will be the strongest, which makes sense since she was kunoichi of the year.
Anyway, thanks for reading this chapter! Hope you guys enjoyed it! Please leave a comment or review if you did!
I hope you guys all have a great day, and hope you guys all stay safe!
Until next time!