Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I own none of it.

Summary: A more rational Danzo takes on team 7. The world changes accordingly

Chapter 7 - And So It Begins

It was the morning of the Chuunin Selection Exam and Konohagakure no Sato. Though not the part of the morning you're likely thinking of. No, for now we start at around 5AM in Team 7's apartment. A myriad of sights, sounds and smells show an apartment filled with activity, from Naruto clones packing scroll after scroll of supplies, Sasuke making enough food to feed them for a week, while Sakura packs everything he finishes into yet more scrolls. Meanwhile the real Naruto was watering all his plants (did you know they all have names? Sasuke knows them all supposedly) while one of his clones was behind him pulling his hair into the braid that Ino showed him, his hair really was getting long. (I picture kinda like Edward Elric, but messier, especially messier bangs).

Suddenly all the commotion changed to one motion as the three of them fell to a knee in front of a newly arrived Danzo.

"Nearly 7 months ago I took upon myself the task of taking on this team. Another Sensei had already laid claim to you, but I assured Lord Hokage that under my tutelage you would grow to be Legends. You proved you have the making of greatness by not just surviving, but returning victorious from the mission to Wave. Every one of you had the spark of true greatness in you, and over these past months I have torn down your walls to let in air, built a strong foundation for your fire, and given you all the fuel I can. It is time for you to Ignite your Will of Fire, rise as Chuunin, and protect this village as my Legacy."

The room went still with a heavy pause. Struck by everything their Sensei had just said, surprisingly it was Sakura that managed to begin to stand and babble out the most obvious question. "But um… Sensei, we're getting ready for the exams now. How are we supposed to rise as Chuunin?"

Only to have a thick black folder shoved into her hands, the Kanji for "Classified" Boldly present on both sides. Her boys just stared at her while she read every page, knowing she'd be the fastest to digest the information and be able to surmise to them. Danzo's face was unreadable as Sakura's eyes grew ever wider.

When she finally closed the folder, the moment it was shut she used the only fire jutsu she knew and burned it to ash. The jutsu in question being designed for just this purpose. The room sat in charged silence all the while.

Sasuke broke first.

"Well?" Unsaid but understood was "It's unlike you to take so long" But still Sakura hadn't finished digesting just what it was she had read. Naruto glanced hesitantly between Sakura and Danzo, before taking a small step towards Sakura and placing a hand on her back.

This seemingly jolted her out of her thoughts, she looked between her two concerned team mates and flashed a reassuring smile at them before looking back at Danzo and beginning her synopsis.

"We…. We're being promoted to Chuunin regardless of the results of the exam." Naruto's excited cheers a comforting display that he was healing from his wounds.

Unfortunately, this was no time to celebrate, and the gears in Sasuke's head were already turning. With what they knew- no, suspected about the Chuunin exams… This wasn't good news. "There's a catch. Isn't there?"

Naruto stilled at the question. He wasn't stupid, truly he wasn't. He was just excitable. And now the gears were turning in his mind too. If their position was assured then….

"The Chuunin Exams will almost certainly be used as a staging area for an invasion by at least one foreign village. Oto for certain, Grass, and Sand we're still not sure of. So Danzo and the Hokage filed our paperwork and post-dated it to ensure that if the exams are interrupted we wouldn't be denied our chance at promotion." Sakura took a breath before continuing "And furthermore, because we expect an invasion during the third phase the Hokage wants to keep foreign participation minimal to ensure the fewest possible foreign Shinobi are in the village…" She recollects herself slightly, realizing she was starting to ramble.

"Our mission is two ensure the highest possible amount of leaf shinobi advance to the third phase of the exam, as well as to take any opportunity to gather foreign intel as it presents itself." She turns to face her team directly, steel in her eyes "This is our first Black Book A-Rank Mission. We won't be paid. It won't be acknowledged. But if we are successful we could alter the playing field for the upcoming battle significantly in our favour." Sasuke's nod comes quicker than Naruto's.

"You have concerns, Naruto." Danzo's statement almost seemed to surprise the three soon to be Chuunin. It took Naruto only a moment to meet Danzo's gaze and voice his concern. It was after all, just one name.

"Sabaku no Gaara, I- We believe he's an unstable Jinchuriki.."

Danzo nods at this. "Your reconnaissance serves you well. I had suspected as much." The venerable Shinobi seems to ponder the situation. "I suspect you would react unfavourably to the prospect of assassinating him, and by all accounts this is a…. Difficult feat anyways. I believe letting that one sand team through would be acceptable. I will have means to contain the Jinchuriki prepared at the Stage for the final exam in the event he is part of the enemy plans." He receives a set of nods from his Team and turns to leave, as his hand rests on the knob however he throws one more comment over his shoulders. "Officially, you are no longer my students after this exam. But as long as your Will of Fire Burns, the Foundation I have built will be available to you." But before any further questions could be asked he was gone. Leaving a very concerned Team 7 to consider their Sensei's cryptic words.

Later that morning, more the time of morning you would have expected the first time, Team 7 prepared to enter the academy for the Chuunin Selection exams. Fitted in new battle garbs, Sasuke wearing an Uchiha Kimono top (like when we see him at the beginning of Part II) over his ANBU gear, a sword strapped at his side he would almost pass for a young Samurai.

Sakura had somehow found a black leather sleeveless bomber style jacket to wear over her ANBU gear, lined with ultra-fine chain mail and adorned with the Haruno circle on the back; it had to have cost a small fortune. Ino almost certainly bought it for her. She had also switched from the ANBU style pants to shorts, and her shinobi sandals for heavy combat boots. Her knuckle dusters hung visibly from her hips. There was no mistaking who Team 7's taijutsu specialist was.

Naruto's look had also changed, he'd fallen in love with this dusty old battle Kimono that had been one of Ino's great aunts or something. Seemingly displaying a scene as autumn leaves fell from a tree with the shade of the tree in pale orange, with a soft blue sky, snowflakes gently falling but never touching the leaves… It had taken everything Sakura had to keep Ino from telling Naruto that it was for girls, knowing if she did he would never take it. In truth it was probably the most valuable gift Ino had given them, vintage kunoichi battle armour and all. Naruto still wore his ANBU gear underneath of course, though he too had opted for shorts and the sleeveless outfit. It was just more practical under the Kimono.

For months, Team 7 had existed almost entirely in the shadow of Danzo. They'd never had the time to go back out into the village, and from the looks they were getting most people were either surprised to see them, or didn't recognize them at all. The Uchiha fan on Sasuke's back started to clue more and more people in though, and as they began ascending the steps of the academy they were beginning to hear the gossip behind them.

"Didn't…. Didn't Danzo take them?" "I heard they died on their first mission." "No no, I heard the Haruno girls parents say she came home fine!" "I don't know if I'd say fine! It looks like she could arm wrestle Choza-Sama!" "Who's the new girl?" "Maybe the Demon died and she replaced him." At this point Sasuke almost turned to impale whoever had said that, Sakura's hand catching him lightly, as he looked back at her he caught a glimpse of Naruto's face, but instead of seeing the pain he expected he saw… Confusion? And maybe a light blush?

Whatever, this wasn't the place, he could talk to Naruto about… ugh…. Feelings later. For now they had just reached the second floor and found…. A group of Genin falling for an obvious ruse? Well that's just pathetic. A quick bit of signing to Naruto, almost too quick to be seen by most ensured the right people would make it through. Team 7 proceeded to the real testing area on the third floor. Arriving with plenty of time to spare they set themselves up in a corner, Naruto seemingly meditating while he expanded his newly realized if long possessed sensory abilities to begin to profile the more malicious members of the crowd. Naruto's small size helped as he was almost completely obscured from view by the figures of Sasuke and Sakura, who were doing a damn good job of being intimidating to the crowd. Sasuke's ever active Sharingan eyes alone keep most people from looking in their direction. Him and Sakura seemingly make small talk while occasionally looking out as new people would arrive or commotions were caused. All the while Naruto was tapping instructions onto Sasuke's ankle for which competitors needed watching. They mostly ignored Gaara at this point. Really can't think about him too much.

Eventually though, to at least Sasuke's surprise Naruto's eyes shot open and an authentic foxy-Naruto grin broke across his face. Sasuke's raised eyebrow asked the question all on its own.

"Team Ten is about to come through the door!" Why would Naruto be excited to see Team Ten? I suppose he was sorta buddies with Shikamaru and Choji during the academy, if slacker buddies. But that wouldn't be enough to- Ino. They'd spent the day with Ino recently. She must have made more of an impression on Naruto than Sasuke expected.

And suddenly there they were, Ino jumping into Sakura's arms "Forehead! I knew we'd see you guys here. I know you guys got pretty strong but don't you let your guard down around us ya hear!" Ino's general loudness was attracting some attention, but those that dared to glance over were quickly met with Sasuke's unflinching gaze.

"I wouldn't dream of it Ino-pig! I hope your boys can keep up with you though, I could sleep through this whole thing and I know mine would pull me through." Sakura can't help but smirk at that last bit.

"Pft, I'll pull them along kicking and screaming all the way to Chunin if I have to. Eh boys?" Ino looks back at her squad to see Shikamaru staring at something behind her, Choji is as per usual- oh not as per usual it seems him and Sasuke are trading recipes quietly? And what in hell is Shikamaru staring at like it's the best game of Shogi he's played in years. A quick turn to look shows Naruto all but hiding behind Sakura, eyes down trying to avoid Shikamaru's intense gaze. She's about to say something when-

Suddenly Shikamaru was being hefted a foot off the ground by the collar of his shirt. "And just what the fuck do you think you're staring at you lazy prick?" No one but Sasuke even saw Sakura cross the space between them, Ino was left sprawled on the floor after being suddenly dropped. Ino managed a "Hey, What's the big idea-" before she clued into the situation and went silent.

Sasuke considered attempting to disarm the situation, but in truth he had been considering doing something himself, and unless Sakura took it too far this shouldn't compromise their mission too much. A taijutsu specialist being fast wasn't news.

Naruto looked to be nearly in shock, and was about to tell Sakura to put Shikamaru down when Shikamaru did something no one really expected. He gave a simple and honest answer.

"Naruto's pretty and I was surprised. Sorry for staring, got lost in thought."

Then there was a pause.

Then Naruto started blushing madly and tried to hide his face. Seemingly breaking the spell that had held them all enraptured, Sakura burst out laughing and put Shikimaru down, almost leaning into his shoulder as she guffawed loudly. Choji dropped his bag of chips and was now staring at Shikamaru for being so upfront. Ino pulled an embarrassed Naruto into a hug giggling about how he'd picked the cutest battle kimono and she couldn't believe he was keeping up with the hair care regimen she had given him.

But Sasuke's Sharingan eyes saw more than most. Blushing and embarrassed or not, Naruto had hidden his face to cover his smile, not his blush. And his eyes also caught the hidden message Sakura had whispered in Shikamaru's ear in between laughs.

"He's just coming out of his shell, walk softly Nara."

Sasuke had no doubt the threat was legitimate, fellow leaf Shinobi or not, no one messed with Team 7.

Seemingly just as the situation had defused itself (Other than Naruto not being able to make eye contact with Shikamaru), Team 8 entered the exam room, and immediately headed over for the rest of the rookies. Kiba led the charge and called over to them as soon as they were in ear shot. "Hey you guys! Looks like all the rookies made it huh!?"

But just as he shouted out to them Hinata and Shino both grabbed him, one covering his mouth to keep him from shouting and the other holding him in place to stop the jumping and waving. You could just faintly hear Shino's voice "Kiba-san, it is inadvisable to draw extra attention to ourselves." Hinata nodded along with what Shino was saying as Kiba calmed back down.

"Eh-eh, sorry about that guys, you know I'm just so pumped to be here! And all the rookies back together? This has to be like some kind of record or something." He babbled excitedly, but at a much lower volume.

Barely audible Hinata chimed in "All of Konoha's major clans are here too…" The nine Genin looked between each other, but it was Sasuke that spoke.

"It's a show of force. Within 10 years almost all of us will be politically important if we aren't already. Being held in Konoha makes it a good time to show us off." He leaves out that it would probably be better without the other rookies. It would be impolite to say they would look bad next to Team 7, but it would be very rational to keep the clan heirs away from what could be a battleground… But… But wouldn't it look strange to not have them there? That's why they're supposed to help them, Sasuke supposes. To make things look as normal as possible for as long as possible.

Kiba takes the easy bait though "Oh yeah? Well if it's a show of force they want me and Akamaru got that covered! Right bud?" *Arf* The little dog yips out from Kiba's jacket before getting a pat and hoping out. A quick sniff at the ground the dog walks in a small circle before making the rounds of saying hi and getting pets from the assembled Genin. Eventually he settled himself next to where Ino and Naruto were sitting and chatting, figuring he'd get the most pets there.

Things almost seem to be settling in, but alas this was the Chunin exam and their earlier antics had already earned them more attention than Sasuke could scare away. But luckily it seemed it was a white haired bespectacled leaf-nin that was the only one to approach them.

"You know, you really should be quieter. Some people take this exam very seriously and already don't take kindly to having rookies here. See that team from Mist over there? Particularly bloodthirsty bunch them, I know I certainly wouldn't want their attention."

Ino was always quick with a quip and it showed here. "I wouldn't worry about that too much Leaf-San, I doubt they'd pay attention to someone as interesting as you." The round of laughter by the rookies left Kabuto slightly offended before he settled on a meek facade.

"Ah, well…. I can't argue with that. After all this is my seventh time in the exam. I'm Kabuto, by the way. And one leaf Genin to another, trying to get through this exam I could offer you some intel if you like?" At this Sasuke looked up, always a fan of having more potential intel.

But the moment Sasuke's eyes met Kabuto's, suddenly Naruto was between them with a megawatt smile and such a falsely sweet voice it was almost rude. "Oh no Kabuto-san we couldn't possibly intrude, and you know I think you're right that Oto-team seems so fixated on you we've obviously drawn too much attention. You should go back to your team, where it's safe for you." Reeling from the implications about Oto, and downright SHOOK by the potency and precision of the killing intent Naruto had lanced him with.

Well, a good spy knew when to stop pushing and he did just that. As he walked back to his team Ibiki poofed in with his small army of proctors.

The first exam was simple. 10 questions, the last one gets revealed at the end, and you lose two points every time you get caught cheating. If one member of a team fails the whole team fails. The Konoha teams were pretty well set for this exam honestly so it wasn't much of a challenge. Surely someone must have cheated when the incredibly generic Genin next to Sakura just looked at her answers and poofed into smoke.

But none of the proctors had seen the clone get made, and genuinely couldn't prove who had made it. So no points were taken.

In the end when it came to the 10th question, the only one of the rookies that wavered was Hinata. Luckily for her, when her quivering hand was about to rise to forfeit, Naruto's landed softly on top of it. No words were said, but when she looked over at him he just smiled softly, and gave her hand a little squeeze.

Even if Naruto was different now, Hinata had always admired his tenacity and determination. And this new, quieter resolve would lend her strength all the same. She would trust in Naruto, and he was believing in her.

"That's it then? No one else wants to drop out?" The room was silent.

"Fine then. The tenth question is… You all pass!"

The room burst into a cacophony of confused yelling Genin. Until Ibiki began taking off his bandana. The assembled room went silent as his gruesome scars were revealed.

"The point of this test is twofold, to teach you the importance of information and how it's gathered, and to test your conviction. As Chunin you will all be expected to not just obtain information, but be capable of defending it. When it's all on the line you have to be able to risk it all to come out on top. Whether that means not breaking under torture, or taking a mission you might not be able to complete. And with that-" Ibiki is interrupted by shattering glass and a room full of jumpy Genin taking defensive stances as the offending explosive bursts to reveal a banner reading "Here comes the Sexy Second Stage Examiner! Mitarashi Anko!"

And sure enough in a poof of smoke the foretold Mitarashi Anko arrived, heralding the beginning of the second stage of the Chunin Exams.