Chapter 10: Chunin exams
Flashback:
Day 92 of captivity
Naruto is struggling against his shackles that have bound to the wall as the scientists begin to flay him. He tries not to scream to not give them the satisfaction, but he quickly does.
"If standard methods of execution don't work then well just have to the old fashioned route of death by torture hopefully flaying a demon can't be too difficult and shouldn't take long to find out with the pain amplifier medicienes we've injected into him to cause him to go into shock." Mayuri suggests as they begin at the bottom of Naruto's feet.
By the time they are done they hold the skin of an 8 year old like it was some fashionable fur while, naruto but exposed muscle that spasms due to the open exposure to the air.
Back in the present:
Naruko is getting up from a nap she had earned while, waiting on the Hokage to give a report of what had happened. She had another nightmare but quickly shook it off. The hokage arrives in his office and seats himself behind his desk.
"So report how did the escort mission go?" the hokage asks
"Well the mission went smoothly we dropped the client off as designated but, seeing how filthy the river was he offered my team additional d-rank pay for cleaning the river." Kakashi says
"When Kakashi took off for an important jonin meeting that is when the ninja's attacked going after a civilian. But, I took care of them say for one with a shuriken shadow clone jutsu. That was when the civilian informed us the village was under attack so Shibuki led us into his village where we were ambushed by 3 rogue nin. Sasuke stayed behind to face them while, I followed Shibuki to the hero's water where it became apparent the one responsible for the attack a man named Suien, another rogue nin from Takigakure wanted the hero's water for himself. So, Shibuki stayed hidden while, I decided to fight the 3 rogue nin that had captured sasuke. But, Shibuki interfered and took them out while, using the hero's water he then battled Suien but lost that was when Suien got the hero's water but I attacked along with a freed Sasuke we battled him when Sasuke destroyed the hero's water I delivered the finishing blow sending Suien over the waterfall to his death. After everyone got treated by Sakura we left and returned here meeting with Kakashi along the way." Naruko says seriously
"I see you did good work helping an allied village like you did but, you put yourselves in great jeopardy by doing so." the hokage states
"We did what we had to do jiji." Naruko says smiling
"Very well I'll have Taki send you an a-rank mission pay for your actions and add it to your record so, take two weeks off and I'll see you all then." The hokage says
Just as everyone leaves Naruko stays behind to have a discussion with the hokage.
"What is it Naruko?" the hokage asks
"Jiji I used some of Kyuubi's chakra to defeat Suien. it felt strangely easy to draw out considering I was only looking for a power boost and not needing HIM." Naruko says seriously
"Naruko you used the kyuubi's chakra wisely in this case since you were facing a jonin powered by hero's water I doubt you could have done it any other way." The hokage states flatly
"I know but, I don't want to rely on its power even in emergencies." Naruko says frustrated.
"You may not want to but there will be times when you need to use so, you must accept it until you are strong enough on your own and that will come in time I have no doubt." The hokage says
"Thanks Jiji I appreciate the advice now I've got to get going." Naruko says as she walks out of the hokage's office.
Naruko then creates 80 clones to do 20 d-ranks and creates 100 clones to head to the training field to work on molding earth and water release while she finds a c-rank mission in the village. She repeats this routine for 2 weeks. Until it's time for another mission with the team. When that day arrives she meets her team at the mission hall.
"So, what will it be today another c-rank mission?" the hokage asks
"Actually considering our luck let's just go with a B-rank mission this time." Naruko says with a shrug
"I see your point besides because, Naruko taking so, many c-rank missions in the village your team is qualified for a b-rank anyways." Hiruzen says flatly
"So, what's the mission?" Kakashi asks
"To retrieve a golden statue from the Jako gang that stole it from the fire daimyo's sister." the hokage states
The team heads out to the location that the bandits were headed in. There they split up with Kakashi watching one path while, the rest of the team watches the other for signs of the bandits coming down it. If they spot the gang they are to set off a lightning barrel to inform Kakashi.
The Gang does come down the path of the team so, they set off the lightning barrel but, it is diffused by a shot of Jako's liquid chakra. The team attacks and Sakura is captured by the bandits while Sasuke and Naruko end up with the treasure but, find their hands are stuck together by the chakra liquid that was shot at them. One of the bandits spots them down in the ravine and attacks but, using standard taijutsu they manage to defeat him before they decide to rescue Sakura. They confront Jako's gang taking out the bandit's and defeating Jako using the pachinko technique they developed with Jako captured and the statue in their possession they head back to the leaf taking a 4 day trip so, the liquid chakra on their hands dissolves.
On the way back a shamisen player is captured by the Anbu and taken to the T and I department where she lasts a session in the honesty room. So, they have Inoichi read her mind to find nothing except a memory of a young Kakashi. Inoichi asks Kakashi to watch over Hanare hoping that his sharingan will pick up something. Hanare spends the day with Kakashi and comments about how she never had a village to grow up in and is happy and excited to be in such as this one. The spying team 7 falls out of a tree and onto Kakashi pushing him onto Hanare causing them to kiss. Team 7 congratulates them on their relationship that they assumed was happening between Kakashi and the woman. Later on it's discovered that a jonin Riichi was captured by the hidden lock village and they propose an exchange of Hanare for him. At the trade off on the bridge the bridge is destroyed and Hanare flees but, Kakashi catches up to her and reveals he saw her eye technique and how it was used to gather information on Inoichi's mind when he was looking at hers. She reveals it's true that she did so, but also erased the information so, as not to endanger konoha the only place she felt accepted. Kakashi believes her and offers her to join the village to which she gladly accepts. Kakashi goes to the Hokage to get his approval of her joining and he accepts.
The next month flies by and the Chunin exams come around again. So, the Jonin place their recommendations forward for the exams. The teams Kakashi, Asuma, Guy, and Kurenai all recommend their teams to the exams. That day a week before the exams Kakashi meets up with his team.
"What is this meeting for Kakashi sensei?" Naruko asks
"It's that time of year again when the chunin exams are held and you've been nominated." Kakashi says
"Really sensei do you think we're ready?" Sakura asks
"I wouldn't recommend you if I didn't think you could handle it." Kakashi responds
"So, when do we start the exams." Naruko asks
"In one week sign these forms and meet at the Academy." Kakashi says handing out forms to sign
" I can't wait to test myself against the other genin." Sasuke says
"Good then that means you have the week off Goodluck!" Kakashi says as he body flickers away
The team splits up after that to go do different training regimens including Naruko who is making 120 clones to train mixing earth and water release techniques. Then, make 80 clones to go do 20 missions. She is about to go get a c-rank mission when she realizes that someone is following her.
"Alright Konohamaru for the last time rocks aren't square." Naruko says annoyed
"You got us boss!" Konohamaru reveals himself along with associates moegi and udon.
"So, Konohamaru corps. What is it that you want?" Naruko asks
"We haven't seen you in a while, and thought you could play ninja with us please." Konohamaru begs
"Alright fine, not like I have anything better to do." Naruko says with a shrug
The three take off down the street but, Konohamaru bumps into someone unfriendly.
"Hey you watch it kid." A voice says
"Leave him alone Kankuro don't go causing trouble." another voice says
"Back off Temari I'm going to teach this punk a lesson." Kankuro says
"I think that is enough out of you!" Naruko says coldly holding a fist back from Konohamaru's face.
She grips his hand tightly as he says "What do you want?"
"I want you to lay off the the third's grandson before causing an incident." Naruko says sweetly
Kankuro drops Konohamaru who takes off.
"So are you both here for the chunin exams I take it." Naruko says serious
"Yes we are." Temari responds
"Does that include your friend up in the tree." Naruko asks looking pointedly up in the nearby tree.
"Gaara!" Temari says nervously
"Kankuro you're an embarrassment to our village." Gaara says coldly
"But Gaara I- !" Kankuro sputters out
"Shut up before I kill you" Gaara says calmly
Kankuro falls silent as Gaara appears next to them.
"You what is your name?" Gaara asks
"It's Naruko Namikaze" Naruko responds calmly
"I see mother wants your blood." Gaara states before he turns and walks away with his Siblings.
"Well he is a suspicious one huh" Naruko thought
Naruko turns to find the konohamaru corps. Before starting another c-rank mission
The week passes and the day arrives the team meets up at the academy building. Team seven heads in and finds a crowd at the door on the second floor even though the exam is on the third floor.
"Genjutsu huh?" Naruko thought as she silently waves to Sakura and Sasuke to follow her up to the third floor.
On the way they are intercepted by a boy in spandex in a training room.
"Who are you?" Sasuke asks
"My name is Rock Lee and I wish to challenge you" Lee says
"Why would I want to fight you?"
"Because, you are a prodigy of the Uchiha clan and I wish to test my worth."
"Don't you guys think it would be better to not duke it out here before the exam." Naruko says annoyed
"Fine but, don't come crying to me when you lose." Sasuke says
Lee disappears and hits Sasuke with a punch who is completely off guard.
"Hmm interesting." Sasuke says as he activates his sharingan
Lee moves again but, this time Sasuke can follow it but, can't react fast enough. So is essentially defenceless as Lee performs shadow of the dancing leaf getting behind Sasuke. Lee is about to use his finishing move when he is hit with a scroll by a tortoise.
"Lee what do you think you are doing!" the tortoise Ningame spoke
"I'm sorry i was-" Lee tries to answer but, can't
"What would Guy think of this you know he wouldn't approve." Ningame says
"Quick Sasuke Sakura let's sneak away while, he is distracted." Naruko says
The trio quickly beat it upstairs as Lee is lectured to by Ningame. They arrive at the doors to see Kakashi is waiting for them.
"Kakashi sensei you were waiting for us." Naruko says happily
"Yep I just want to say how proud I am of you and to wish you the best of Luck." Kakashi says smiling
"Alright here we go then." Naruko states as she opens the doors to the exam room to see roughly 100 genin sitting coldly at those who enter.
"Well if it isn't Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruko." Shikamaru says
"It's good to see you too Shikamaru." Sakura says
"Sakura Naruko!" Ino shouts as she gives them both a hug
"Ino how have you been?" Naruko asks
"Same old same old." Ino says
"It's good to see you guys." Choji says while, munching on chips
"Good to see you haven't changed Choji" Naruko says
"Naruko it's great to see you." Hinata says
"Yeah same here Hinata-chan." Naruko replies
"Joyous? Because, it's a reunion." Shino says
"Well well look at us the 9 rookies together again huh" Kiba says loudly
"You should keep your voices down you are drawing a lot of attention." a voice says
"Who are you?" Kiba asks
"Me? My name is Kabuto Yakushi and you can say I'm an expert at these exams I've taken them 7 times." Kabuto says
"Dude you must really suck then." Kiba says
"Perhaps but, I've gained a lot of info for my info cards." Kabuto says Kabuto brings out a card and pours chakra into it and reveals the information on it.
"Who would you like to know about?" Kabuto asks
"Rock Lee and Naruko Namikaze" Sasuke says
"That no fun you know their names anyway let's see." Kabuto spins his card and reveals Rocks Lee's info
"Let's see Rock Lee 48 d-ranks, 7 c-ranks, and 1 B-rank his specialty lies in taijutsu" Kabuto says before pulling another card reveal Naruko's info
"Let's see MY GOD Naruko 1113 d-ranks, 36 c-ranks, 4 b-ranks, and 2 a-ranks just who are you?" Kabuto says deeply impressed.
The room going silent at the sheer number of missions taken not counting the fact it's two A-rank missions.
Naruko grins and says "One bad ass bitch" a cloud of smoke fills the room as the proctor appears.
"Alrights you maggots listen up there will be no fighting so take a number and sit accordingly." the proctor says
Everyone takes their designated seats. Just as the proctor speaks
"Alright maggots listen up I'm your proctor Ibiki Morimo and the test you take a ten point question you lose 2 points every time you are caught cheating you are out when you have zero points the last question will be given out at the end of the test do i make myself clear? Good you have an hour to answer the questions. Begin!"
Naruko looks at her test and the questions go completely over her head. But, she thinks back to what Ibiki said about cheating.
"So, only 2 point deduce rather than immediate disqualification huh he wants us to cheat. I'll wait for the 10th question instead of worrying about cheating." Naruko thought
The hour passes with several immediate disqualifiers until the time of the 10th question arrives.
"Alright everyone you have an option whether to take the 10th question you can refuse to take it and try again next year or take the 10th question but, know this if you take it and get it wrong you will be barred from taking the exams ever again." Ibiki states
"That's bull many others have taken this exam more than once before!" one of genin said
"I'm the proctor and I make the rules they got another chance because, I wasn't proctoring them so now choose." Ibiki says
"I think I'll risk it since, it doesn't matter to me if i'm a genin for the rest of my life." Naruko thinks
Hands raise up one by one until half the room is completely gone.
"Is there anyone else? No in that I have to announce that you all pass." Ibiki says causing surprised looks from everyone.
"What do mean we passed!" Kiba shouts
"Let me explain the first part of the test is intelligence gathering and was meant to weed out the worthless. The second part was to test your worth if you are willing to risk everything for the sake of the mission that was the purpose of the 10th question." Ibiki says as a staff flies through the window and a flag that says sexy and single proctor Anko Mitarashi.
"Anko your early again." Ibiki says
"Just 18 teams you must be losing your touch Ibiki." Anko says
"We have a good crop this year." Ibiki states
"Alright maggots meet me at training ground 44 in an hour you are dismissed." Anko says before she disappears in a poof of smoke from a body flicker
"I think i like her she could be a lot of fun" Naruko thought
Team seven make their way out of the academy and make for training ground 44. Where they find Anko waiting for them.
"Alright maggots listen up this is training ground 44 aka the forest of death you will be spending 5 days in here fighting for survival your mission is to get both heaven and earth scrolls you will each be handed one and must get the other from another team and then by the 5th day make it to the tower at the center of the 10km radius of forest. Am I clear?" She says after showing both heaven and earth scrolls and tucking them in her pockets of her coat.
"No sweat this will be a piece of cake!" Naruko says only for a kunai to fly by nicking her cheek
"It's boastful ones like you that end up being dead first." She says directly from behind Naruko
"Excuse me I believe you tossed this." a grass nin says holding a kunai that belong to Anko
"Thank you but, It's not nice to sneak up on others." Anko says as she takes back the kunai
Anko walks forward towards a booth and hands out waivers.
"These Waivers you must sign absolve Konoha of all responsibility for whatever happens in there so, either sign or leave." Anko says
One by one they sign the waivers and hand them to those handling the booth and are given a scroll and then guided to a seperate gate entrance.
"Alright just one piece of advice don't die so, on your marks get set and go!" Anko says as the doors fly open and the genin take off inside into the forest of death.