Chapter 15

Chuunin Exam Begins

Alright, so, I've been conflicted about how to approach this. I genuinely don't want to just re-write everything that's already in Pre-Shippuden. It would be invasive, repetitive, and I think things will be a little more enjoyable if Arashi is more behind the scenes. I'm not sure how many readers are still hanging in after so many years, but here we are. I hope you all enjoy.

When Arashi initially agreed to assist with the Chuunin Exam, she did not realize the role that Ibiki intended for her to fill. If anything, she wanted to be privy to his test and to observe the Genin striving to pass. Instead, she was given a different task: assist with keeping an eye on the Sensei of each squad. This meant that she would need to greet them, lead each of them to the designated waiting room for each Land, and then attend to their needs while also being on the lookout for anything suspicious. It was a simple assignment.

Ibiki had been firm in one thing: "Memorize their signatures so we can make sure they leave and stay gone once they're disqualified."

It was glorified babysitting, but there was a point. They needed the Jounin gathered together for her to get a reliable read on their signatures. Under the guise of being hosts and introducing each to their process, it allowed her to present herself as a friendly face while identifying each. Once the first test was done, she would have a solid grasp on who they were and those not disqualified would be allowed to return to their hotel rooms with limited mobility in the village while the others would be escorted away. Showing up for the first test was not a free pass to stay for as long as they wanted. The sooner their numbers were reduced, the better.

It also gave her an excuse to stay near Naruto. With that benefit, she found there was little room to complain when one of the Jounin would demand refreshments or updates. A couple rounds to each room where they had them corralled was not a hard task and it allowed her to get a feel for the competition that the Land of Fire would be facing. There was only one Sensei that stuck out to her and that was the Otogakure Jounin. His signature resonated with her in a way that was sickly sweet and more potent than expected. It was unique and murky – unlike the more defined signatures of the major lands. She assumed he had lived in many places. One moment, he reminded her of Konoha and the next of an entirely different land.

He was the only Sensei to get his own room since Otogakure had a single team competing. This made his unsettling aura worse. There was no one else with him to act as a buffer. The way that he watched her was unsettling, although he did not seem to take much interest in her.

Arashi was glad to get away from him once he was settled.

The Genin that were present for the Exam were harder for her to categorize and work through due to their sheer numbers. Two were of notoriety: Naruto and then another Jinchuuriki that belonged to Sunagakure. Having two in one place made her nervous. She wondered how close in age Naruto and this other host was.

Naruto has the Kyuubi. That Suna kid has… Shukaku, right? She rubbed at her temples. At least we didn't have to worry about demons when I went through this.

With a quick sweep through the surrounding hallways and a nod to some other assisting Chuunin, she was confident the first test was underway, and they would have a short respite before moving into the second phase. She made a mental note to stress her concerns about the Suna Jinchuuriki once Ibiki was available but deemed that there was no point in disturbing anyone at this point. There was no indication that he was an active threat. Although just being the beginning, everything was going admittedly well.

However, even with things going as planned up to this point, there was more than enough tension in the air. Her own nerves were on end. She worried that Team 7 was not prepared – they had done only one mission worth mentioning and they were fortunate to have come out of it alive. Technically, one of them was dead for a short period of time. Sakura was right to be cautious about going through with this and Arashi felt that Kakashi should have waited another year or two for Naruto and Sasuke to mature, but she knew it was not her place to voice those concerns.

As much as I say, 'this is a dangerous profession,' I sure don't seem to deal with that danger very well. She thought to herself, mulishly. I never should have started studying these kids as a cover story. It's just endeared them to me. I've set myself up to be a nervous wreck.

She shook her head in an attempt to stop her trail of thought. Instead of fretting, she needed a distraction. There was one room of Jounin that she had not bothered with much. The Konohagakure Jounin. She had not been concerned with keeping tabs on them, and though she noted that a couple had wandered off, it was not her priority to keep up with them. They were free to do as they wished. The three that were left were Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai. She assumed that Gai was too antsy to sit still and she had no clue who the other Sensei was, despite being introduced.

Arashi cracked the door, popped her head inside, and asked, "Is everyone doing well in here?"

All three of the Jounin turned to look her over. Kurenai grinned in recognition and Asuma nodded his head in greeting. Kakashi stared at her with his one, bored eye. She made sure her gaze did not linger on him. After seeing everything that her father had collected on Rin, she was still in the process of sorting through her feelings on the subject. It felt wrong that she knew of the incident without it coming from him, but she doubted it was something that he would open up to her about, regardless.

"We're all good here." Asuma answered. "But I wouldn't turn down a little gossip or information if you have any."

She scoffed but stepped inside. "If you think they tell me much of anything, you're crazy. I'm pretty much just babysitting."

Asuma chuckled and took a drag from his cigarette. "Fair enough. Still, take a seat and keep us company."

Arashi blinked. She had not expected to be invited. "Uh, I mean, if you don't mind the company and you're not preoccupied with other things."

"With our teams tied up, we've got time on our hands." Kakashi drawled.

Kurenai and Asuma sat near each other. They left enough space to not look too comfortable with each other. At a loss, Arashi sat next to Kakashi, sure to imitate the gap. He offered no complaint.

Asuma exhaled a puff of smoke. "Don't worry, we'll be busy again before you know it."

Kakashi raised a silver eyebrow. "Why?"

"Word is, this year's first proctor is Morino Ibiki."

His eye widened, slightly. "That sadist?" He began to say something else but noticed Arashi's stare directed at him and decided against it.

That's right, Kakashi, you better watch what you say about him.

"Well, I'm sure you have at least some clue for how this is going to go." Kurenai pressed. "Who is this proctor? How do you think our teams are going to do?"

"He didn't share with me what the test actually is, any of the questions, or how they'll be scoring them. That was shared with the Chuunin that are actually in the room with the Genin."

Kurenai turned her attention to Kakashi, "You called him a sadist?"

"Yeah, you're still a new Jounin, so you'd have no way to know." Asuma commented.

"Well, what's he like?" She asked.

"He's a pro." Asuma let the statement hang in the air.

She narrowed her eyes at the man, aware of the suspense he was trying to build. "At what?"

"Torture and interrogation."

Kurenai's eyebrows rose as a measure of surprise and worry passed over her face. Arashi tried to disguise a laugh behind a cough. She failed. All three of the Jounin eyed her again.

"I have a feeling you might have a little more gossip than you let on." Asuma pointed out.

"Not really." She said with a shrug. It was true. She had gotten to see him on a more personal level, but that did not mean he gave anything away that could be used against him. Not even to his students. It's mostly funny to hear other people talk about him.

The Sarutobi hummed in clear disbelief. His presence, although uniquely his own, reminded her of Hiruzen. It put her at ease and made her want to talk to him.

Good trait for him, but bad for anyone he's trying to work for information.

He flicked the ashes from his cigarette into a tray and took another drag. Though he did not reply, his eyes never left her. Kurenai relaxed into her seat and picked up the conversation, "How have the others been treating you?"

"They've mostly ignored me, which is good. Until there's actual combat and some wounds for me to patch up, I'm just here to monitor their movements. There's already a bunch of eyes on them, but the Powers that Be felt that I should pitch in."

"Instead of volunteering, you were voluntold?" Asuma chuckled.

"My sensei can be demanding and he's, well, not exactly the type of person you tell no." Arashi replied.

"So, your Sensei is involved, too?" Kurenai asked.

Arashi could not help the smirk that spread across her face. "He's currently testing your Genin, so I'd say so."

"Wait," Kurenai huffed, miffed by the exchange. "You're his student and you've been sitting here acting clueless the whole time?"

"Well, where else would I have gotten my charming personality?"

Kakashi snorted in amusement. As miniscule as it was, it made her feel welcomed. She tried to not glance over at him, afraid she would come off as clingy or attention seeking. Concerns that she had pressed too hard against his boundaries still lingered, but she doubted he would be as accommodating if that was the case.

He'd probably be ignoring me.

"Since you're loyal to your Sensei and won't be giving us any insider intel, let's talk about something different." Asuma changed the subject. "I heard you got to tag along for one of Team 7's missions and it got exciting."

"It went well. They did a good job." Arashi replied. "It was also kinda nice to be out of the village for a bit."

Kakashi gave her subtle side eye but did not point out the number of times she suggested they leave or how eager she was to be back home. She flashed a secretive grin at him in response.

"Well, do you have any details. You're usually very detailed when it comes to team dynamics and mission performance." Kurenai pointed out.

Arashi shrugged. As much as her cover story helped with letting her hang around without it being suspicious, she hated the amount of work it ended up being. Regardless, she was familiar with each of the new Genin and their Jounin, which she felt would work out in her favor at some point. "Well, while Sasuke-kun is a very talented boy, he tends to be too prideful. Sakura-san pretty much worships him, which is troublesome on its own. Naruto-kun probably benefited the most from the mission if you're just looking at growth. He's determined to not be left behind by his rival. I think it's a shame that they don't work together more and that they spend more time arguing and fighting than they focus on their missions." She sighed. "Makes me wonder why Kakashi-san signed them up for this."

Kakashi's answer was cold, "To rough them up and make them realize that they need to take this more seriously."

Arashi tensed. Despite his words and tone, his signature sparked in amusement as he watched her. "What?"

"That was a joke." Kakashi replied. She blinked. His next response held a hint of pride in it. "I believe that they have talent and potential. While they might not become Chuunin this time, they will grow."

"Fair enough." She frowned. "They are your subordinates, and I will trust that you know what's best for them."

She did not, in fact, trust that he knew what was best for them. Some of his habits reminded her that he was born into war, an orphan due to his father's suicide, and he was a literal child soldier. She felt there was an issue with his perception of what was acceptable because of these factors but knew that it was not her place to voice them or interfere. If anything, it would make it worse.

His eye closed in a smile at her response. Her negative thoughts dissipated, and her skin tingled from the proximity of his signature. When he was friendly and not being passive aggressive, she had a hard time ignoring the attraction she was developing for him.

"How do you think my squad will do?" Kurenai asked.

"Honestly, they get along well. They have good tracking abilities, and they show good cooperation on missions. They should do well." Arashi replied. "I do think they could've used some more experience, since Hinata-san is timid and Kiba-san is arrogant, but Shino-san is probably golden. I've yet to meet an Aburame that couldn't handle himself."

Kurenai inclined her head in acknowledgment. "I'm very proud of them."

"While you're at it, what about my brats?" Asuma asked.

"They have the best synergy." Arashi replied. "A little dysfunctional but hilarious to watch. As with the other two, I would recommend more experience."

"Well," Asuma drawled. "They're working on getting more experience right now."

Arashi could not argue with that. She stayed to chat with them for a while longer before she returned to her rounds.

Out of all the Jounin to want something, it was the one from Otogakure. When she stepped into the room to ask if there was anything, she could get for him, he had replied with, "Something to eat, perhaps. Just a snack. Something small would be fine."

"Any preferences? Something salty, something sweet? Do you like chips, crackers, or nuts? I only have water on me for a drink, unfortunately."

His lips curved upward in amusement. "Whatever is convenient."

Thoughtlessly, she tapped her forearm to retrieve a bottle of water and a bag of chips that she had stored away. It was nothing fancy, but it was cheap and easy. "I hope these will be fine."

When she extended her arm out to offer them to him, he caught her wrist and twisted her arm to get a better look. She began to resist, but an innate sense of danger washed over her.

"You do know, while most shinobi will use fuinjutsu in some form, it's standard practice to have it embedded in paper, bandaging, or some other inanimate object. It's a bit more complicated to have it in your own flesh where it can clash with your chakra system," he ran his fingers over her bare forearm and chuckled as goosebumps rose in response. "But I don't see a clear indication of it impeding your functions." He tilted his head and observed her. "No obvious mutations, even though I have a hunch you have more than a simple storage system sitting in your arm." His expression sharpened into something that she could only describe as predatory. "Well done, kunoichi."

It was only after she said, "Thank you," that he released her. Arashi was sure to not jerk her arm away from him, but returned it to her side in a calm, unrushed motion.

His lips curled into a grin. "Oh but thank you. I do love seeing jutsu used in clever ways."

"My pleasure. We should know the results of the first part of the exam soon." She bowed and left. Once she had made it to the next room she needed to check on, she had to pause in front of the door for several moments before she was able to stop shaking.

Arashi slipped into the room and watched as her sensei collected his written exam. His steps through the rows were calculated. It did not matter what was written or any of the answers. They had already disqualified who they were going to disqualify and the Genin who passed were being prepped for the next stage. She was there to chat with him and to get a list of who needed to be sent away.

"Hey, could you use some help?" She called over to him.

"Bored, already?" He shot back.

"I just can't leave you alone, you know."

He made a noise that was both amused and disgusted. Arashi shook her head and began gathering the tests. The rest of the Chuunin had cleared out. Other, more experienced Shinobi would be seeing to the departing teams and their Sensei. Her job was to make sure that they were apprehended if they found their way back to the village. Her role was neither exciting nor glamorous.

"Were you able to pick out anyone of interest?" He inquired, offhandedly.

She replied without thinking, "One of the Suna Genin is a Jinchuuriki and the Otogakure sensei is a freak."

Ibiki's lips thinned into a line. "The Suna Genin are all siblings. Children of the Kazekage."

"I've not seen them. I'm not sure which one is the host."

"Probably the youngest one."

"The youngest one? Why do you think he's the one?"

"You've not seen him. Smart, caught on quickly and efficiently gathered information, but one look at him and you don't need to be a sensor type to know he's got a demon."

"Fair enough."

"What of the Oto Jounin?"

She was suddenly embarrassed. As easy as it would have been to mention that his signature was unsettling and his behavior was inappropriate, she felt something holding her back. Something about him was wrong, but she was unsure of what it was. "I think he was just messing with me."

Ibiki tapped the bottom of the stack of papers he had collected against a table to straighten them. Arashi had hesitated for a mere instant, but that was enough for him to notice. "I expect you to be able to handle yourself." His statement was firm and she nodded. "But, if you believe he will be a problem for anyone in our village, you included, I expect to be informed."

"Of course, Sensei."

Satisfied with her response, he turned back to his task. She took that as her que to continue, as well, and did not notice that Ibiki had paused until she heard him laugh. The sound was enough to make her jump in surprise. When he saw her quizzical look, he explained, "Your brat passed."

"My brat?"

"Uzumaki Naruto. Almost broke from the pressure." He waved the test in the air. "Kid didn't answer a single damn question."

Akio was close to Konoha.

Even now, after days of travel with only short breaks, he trudged onward. He had been sent out on a mission to investigate a spree of human trafficking. It was, unfortunately, something that happened in each land, but this had a different feel about it. The people being trafficked showed potential to be shinobi. Some were shinobi. While the Land of Fire ignored its presence in other lands, it had become noticeable enough in the smaller countries near its border for them to look into it.

Akio had been selected to investigate.

For weeks, he would find a lead to follow for it to die just as he thought he was onto something. Each time, he kept track of what was noteworthy and continued. This eventually led him to finding an abandoned lab. There were still people trapped inside, though most were dead. Some had passed from experiments, others due to infighting, and yet others from starvation. Out of all of them, he had found one person to question. The fever that he had made him more willing to talk, although some of what he said was babbling. There was one thing that was clear, though…

Orochimaru.

The Aburame clutched a headband in his hand. On its surface was carved a music symbol.

And that's it for this chapter. The Chuunin Exam is now underway. I know that I just posted a chapter yesterday, but I felt guilty that I didn't dive in like I said I would, so here it is. I'll be aiming to update once a week (hopefully). If anyone would like to leave any feedback, please drop a review – I eat them up and love seeing what people think of what I'm writing so far. I'm open to both positive and negative feedback.

Also, I would love to get someone to act as a beta reader for this stuff. Even when I comb over it several times before posting, I always miss something.