C's Scouting Report: Genin Test
"Alright old man, I know that this request was about testing my abilities. Anyway, no matter for what reason I'm looking into something, I'm doing it right. So here is my report on the thing you call 'genin test' in this village.
On the surface is it pretty simple and totally easy. Too easy, actually. All the Academy students have to do to pass is create some clones, do a substitution and transform into something. It is this way because many civilians are sending their kids to the Academy as well and the village don't want to upset them. But that's just how it is on the outside to keep the village quiet.
It was pretty easy to find out that there will be another, a real genin test afterwards during which the assigned jonin instructors do test them in a way they see fit, to figure out whether they are suited to be genin for real. This real genin test does vary from jonin to jonin and might focus on the most different things a shinobi needs. This is to get rid of the weak and useless genin right away without risking their and others lifes later during missions.
However, I really had to dig deep to find the following: during the first genin test, the easy one that really is just show, are there hidden requirements on which the teachers can decide to actually fail a student, even if he managed to do the three required things. These requirements seem to be one of the better kept secrets of the village. Even the jonin instructors haven't heard about them so far.
The teachers are allowed to judge the character of a student, to take his social competences into consideration. A shinobi team usually forms out of four and with that is the interaction between these needed as well. If a student shows signs of not being able to work with others, of being unsocial during the whole three years of Academy, are the teachers allowed to let them fail the test. Though from what I could find is it ages since that happened the last time. They usually let these cases pass because they would usually fail the real genin test anyway.
So, old man, do you have any more testing for me or will you give me real work now?"
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A Tale of two Sisters - Chapter 18: Genin Tests
"Just some more minutes..." Hinata was mumbling, not willing to wake and get up yet. She knew that today was a free day and no Academy, so there was no real reason for her to actually get up this early. Or so she thought were it not for the fact that something else was moving on her bed, touching her body from time to time, keeping her from falling back to sleep.
Figuring that whatever was in her bed wouldn't let her back to sleep was she groaning and slowly opening her eyes. Her sight was blurry and she had problems to see clear yet, though she figured it must be a person, cause she saw something that resembled dark brownish hair. She wasn't exactly sure about it and tried to turn away to maybe get a few more minutes of sleep, hearing a quiet sigh by that action.
"Really now, sis? You know that today is the day. So better get up now or do you want me to get angry at you that early in the morning?" Hanabi asked with slight disappointment in her voice. She was currently sitting above her sister, her legs on either side of Hinata's body, looking down at the face of her still sleeping - or at least not yet really awake - sister.
The voice sounded familiar, but Hinata couldn't really place it. She tried her best to continue sleeping, to ignore whoever was trying to wake her that early in the morning. Sighing again did Hanabi decide to wake Hinata up instantly, and not really gentle at all. Pinching her sisters nose was she cutting her supply of air and Hinata started to struggle lightly, her body however remembering that it could breath through her mouth. The moment she opened her mouth to breath placed Hanabi her other hand over that, effectively cutting that supply of air as well.
Just seconds later were Hinata's eyes wide open and she tried to fight off whoever was denying her the needed air. It were just seconds so far and she could hold her breath for a lot longer, but she quickly realized that she shouldn't let it come into the critical area. "Finally awake, huh?" Hanabi asked, still cutting her sisters air. However, hearing the voice was Hinata slightly calming down and focusing on her sister now. "You know, if I come to wake you up should you better wake up at all. Understood?"
Getting a nod from Hinata and seeing slight fear in her eyes was Hanabi finally letting go of her sister, watching her fill her lungs with air taking some deep breathes. "Don't worry. I know that you are able to hold your breath longer than that and I wouldn't put you in any real danger. Still... I hope this is a lesson for you."
Sitting up in her bed was Hinata nodding again. "Yes. I'm sorry Hanabi. It won't happen again."
"Okay, fine. I'll accept your appology this time." a smile entered Hanabi's face, the usual happy girl being back. "And I see you wore your collar for sleep. That's a good girl. Trying to get used to the feeling of wearing it permanently?"
Hinata raised her hand and touched the collar around her neck, confirming that she indeed wore it before answering. "Actually... I can't remember putting it on. I woke up tonight out of a nightmare and when I tried getting back to sleep did I realize that I was wearing it. But I really can't remember it..."
Pondering her sisters words for a moment was Hanabi filtering the informations she got. "Hmm, maybe you did it unconsious because you knew that you would wear it today?" she suggested to her sister. "And what was that about a nightmare? But it wasn't that bad, right? You would have come to my bed if it were, wouldn't you, Nata-chan?" she couldn't help but use the nickname she gave her sister when they were younger whenever the topic of nightmares came up. After all, some things never change.
Slowly shaking her head was Hinata searching for the best words to speak. "Actually, it was bad, Nabi-chan. It was the same from the night after my 10th birthday... But I don't wanted to bother you with that this night..."
"The same from after your birthday?" Hanabi questioned, trying to remember the details of that specific night, or rather the next morning when her sister told her of the nightmare. And she did remember when her eyes widened in realization. "Wait! You mean you dreamt again of that stupid dogboy trying to train you as his pet?" the anger in her voice was clear to hear.
Hinata wasn't sure if her sister was angry at her for having these nightmares or angry at Kiba for appearing inside them. Not wanting to risk anything was she just nodding as answer, hoping that Hanabi would calm down eventually.
And calming down she did, having more important things on her mind right now than to worry about her sisters nightmares. Taking a deep breath was she focusing Hinata now. "Maybe I should ask Ino-chan to have a look into your mind these days. She might be able to find a reason for your nightmares."
"But... that's scary. What if she finds things she shouldn't know? You know, like clan secrets or something?" Hinata asked hopefully, trying to get her sister away from that thought.
"Hmm... that's a nice try, sis. You are more afraid of her finding out about your true nature, right? But you got a valid point there. I'll think about it. Just remember that if I wanted to let her look is there nothing you could do against it. Anyway..." she put a bright smile on her face. "You shut get up and prepare yourself for the day. I left you a small present in the bathroom I want you to wear today. And keep your collar on."
Looking down on her bed was Hinata speaking quietly. She didn't really wanted to argue with her sister or talk back to her, she was just worried. "I'm... still not really fine of others seeing me with it, Hanabi..."
"You know, they will eventually. Latest when it all is official. But..." she pulled her sister into a hug, comforting her before whispering into her ear. "I'm proud of you for beating me yesterday. And as reward are you allowed to wear your jacket to hide it today. But no talking back to me when we are in the village."
"Thank you, Hanabi." Hinata whispered back and nodded slightly. "I know that you wouldn't do anything too cruel to me."
A smirk entered Hanabi's face hearing that. "Don't challenge me, sis. Anyway, you should get up now. Don't forget to wear the things I prepared for you."
Hinata watched her sister leave the room before getting out of bed herself, aiming for her bathroom. The start of the day wasn't the best she could hope for, but it could have been worse. However, considering the events planned for this day was there still room to become worse at all.
Letting out a long sigh was Hinata looking at the things her sister left for her to wear, making a grimace to herself. "And the day just became worse..." she was mumbling to herself. "I should have known that something like that would happen... after all does Hanabi like to prank others and to tease me..."
Konoha Village
"I was wrong... you are cruel towards me..." Hinata complained, slowly walking behind her sister. She was wearing loose baggy pants and her light brown jacket she usually used to hide her body. From the outside was nothing wrong or strange with the clothes, but she was glaring at her sister anyway.
Looking back over her shoulder to her older sister was Hanabi putting on a sweet smile. "I really don't know what you are talking about. I even allowed you to wear your jacket."
Increasing her speed a little to catch up to her sister and that she could lower her voice was Hinata not really amused. "I can deal with the mesh shirt, I guess." she said quietly. Her hand trailed down to the side of her pants and she was trying to fix what she was wearing. "But why did you have to give me that thong? I hate these things... it feels... strange..." a small blush entered her face, not really comfortable about this topic out in public.
The village was already busy this morning, the citiziens on their way to the market to get some fresh vegetables and other things. It was warm, the birds were singing, it was a day without Academy. The last free day before the genin test would be held next week.
"I was shopping with Ino-chan and thought it would suit you. She even helped me decide on one for you." Hanabi shrugged, not really seeing a problem with that topic or the problem her sister had with it. "After all, if I wanted, I could control so much more of your life. You sure you want to complain about such small things and risk loosing more freedoms?"
Hinata let her head hang. "You start to enjoy the power you got over me, don't you?" she asked quietly, the expression on Hanabi's face being answer enough for her. "Alright, I'll deal with it and stop to complain. I like it the way it is currently."
Hanabi was giggling and pulled her sister close to give her a hug, an honest smile on her face. "I love you, sis, and that will never change. Just don't give me a reason to hurt you and things will always be good for the both of us.". Seeing her sister nod was enough for her and they continued their way towards the Hokage building.
What they didn't noticed were the eyes focusing on them. A figure was standing at the side of the street, leaning against a wall, watching them with a hateful glare. "There they are again. And look at the way they are acting. I tell you, the rumours about them are totally true. I just wonder why nobody else is noticing it?" the figure, a boy, asked aloud.
"Why do you care anyway? I mean, I know that you hate them and all, but does it really matter if the rumours say that Hinata is Hanabi's slave? Maybe it's something clan internal making it valid. Do you know about these things?" a female voice answered him.
"You mean kinda like in my clan where we are allowed to make females our bitches?" the boy asked. "But why are you defending them? I thought you hate them as well?" the boy asked, turning his head to watch the pink haired girl currently checking the contents of a nearby market stand.
Turning towards the boy by that question was she shrugging lightly. "I do, yes. I can't forgive them for what they did to Sasuke-kun. But even if he is one class below us now is he still attending the genin tests, so I guess I'm currently okay, Kiba."
Shaking his head was Kiba watching in disbelief. "Could it be that your whole world is spinning around Sasuke, Sakura? I bet he could treat you like shit and you would still be happy if you are with him, huh?"
"Maybe?" Sakura answered more questiongly than confident. "So what, got a problem with that? I mean, you do realize that if this were the case that it would be similiar to the rumours about the Hyuga sisters, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But I wouldn't care about it because I'm not hating you, Sakura. What do you say, shall we follow them to see what they are up to?"
"Huh, sure, why not. It's not like I would have anything to do today. Lead the way, doggie." she grinned at Kiba who wanted to reply something but didn't, having given up on her using that name for him.
With that were these two on their way to follow the sisters, hoping to witness something they could use against them. Kiba was still hoping for a chance to beat Hanabi up, but he learned from the thing that happened to Sasuke. He was smart enough not to try anything too stupid during Academy, fearing that he might be banned as well. And even more fearing how his mother would react to that.
Sakura on the other hand was just bored that day. While she still blamed the sisters and Naruto for Sasuke's punishment was she kinda peaceful starting the second year of Academy when Sasuke was allowed to attend classes again. However, the deep dislike she had against them was still present and will probably intensify again if anything would happen to the target of her affection.
Hokage Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi was currently reading a report, raising one eyebrow at the language used within. He was clearly not used to read something like that, being used to the formal things his subordinates usually write. However, this report wasn't from his subordinates but from another person he recently started giving jobs to, with that shifting him from passive to active duty.
On a couch at the side of the office sat C, his legs placed on a small table in front of him. He was clearly amused by the reaction he could witness from the Hokage. It was the first official report he submitted to him, having only provided informations from his scouting network prior. Informations about bandits in the surroundings of the village or rumours of movements of the other big villages. The usual stuff scouts and spies pick up without looking into anything in particular.
"I got to say, beside of the way the report is written, am I impressed by it's content." the Hokage started, putting the report aside and watching towards C now. "I wasn't expecting you to find out about the hidden requirements. Tell me, how have you managed to get your hands on that information?"
There was a small grin on C's face. "I'm not entirely sure you want to know my methods, old man, but if you insist. As I mentioned is this something not even the jonin instructors knew about. I got the confirmation on that from the upcomming instructors just yesterday when we sat together for some drinks. And I got this information from one of the Academy teachers. The silver haired one, uhm... Mizuki is his name. A creepy guy in my opinion, but because of that easy to understand. We sat together some days ago, playing cards. And all I had to do was offer the correct motivation and he told me all about it."
"Hmm... I can't believe that Mizuki told you about this secret that easily. I thought of him as someone who would stay shut no matter what. While he is indeed 'creepy' as you put it, is he one of our most trusted teachers. What did you offer him for that information? I'm curious now." pulling out his pipe was Hiruzen starting to relax, waiting for his answer.
"Well, something that is going to kill me if Anko-chan ever finds out that I offered it to someone else. You see, it seems that she is kinda like an unicorn to the younger chunin, forbidden and hard to catch. All I did was offering to bet the belongings I won from her in return for the informations and Mizuki agreed without even thinking about it. Though he hadn't won it and it's still in my posession." simply shrugging was C not really worried, even though he knew that Cat was listening as one of the Hokage's guards and that she would most likely tell her friend Anko. Actually was C expecting just that and looking forward to teasing Anko about that.
"You mean, you..." Hiruzen put his head in his hand and shook it in disbelief. "I'm worried about what might become of my village if you are going around offering to place underwear of well known females as bet during card gambling. I really am. I'm not even sure if I should continue to employ someone like you - weren't it for the fact that there are way too many perverts serving this village in high positions already..."
"Are you by any chance referring to Jiraiya? Or maybe Spooky? See, I'm not half as bad. At least am I discreet about it." the grin on C's face got even wider and could easily be taken as one from a mad man.
"And that's the most worrysome point. While these two are just perverts are you pretty cunning as well. Combined with your abilities as spy..." he let out a long sigh. "I don't want to think about all the things you could do."
"I told you I'm discreet about it. Nothing like that will happen, old man. So, back on topic, are you satisfied with my report?" becoming serious was C waiting for the Hokage's judgement.
Taking a deep inhale from his pipe was Hiruzen thinking about the matter at hand, taking his time to judge each and every detail. After a good five minutes of silence, C got pretty uneasy during that time, was he finally speaking. "Yes, I'm satisfied with the contents of your report. In fact did you do even better than most of our usual staff. Don't get me wrong, they are good at what they do, but being able to dig out that information was just splendid. I hereby appoint you as part of Konoha's scouting and spy network. But you will work independent, considering you do have your own network already."
"Heh, thanks for that, old man. I guess my main responsibility will be to provide you with any useful information I get my hands on and on confirming things your team finds?" there was a satisfied expression on C's face, his whole body relaxed, now that he finally got appointed by the village.
"Sort of, yes. I might also give you tasks to look into things, considering how easy you got on top secret informations. So, is there anything else I can do for you?" a smile was on his face, glad that he now got officially a new and promising subordinate. One he was thankful for, no matter the fact that the first contact was through the kidnapping of kids from Konoha.
Before C could answer however was there a knock on the door and Sarutobi focused on it. "Please enter." he said, watching the door open and the two Hyuga sisters entering his office. It would be an understatement to say that he was surprised. Not only did they knock, usually would Hanabi just charge in, they also weren't in his office for months now, making this a rare visit. "Well, what can I help you with?" he asked, a friendly smile on his face.
"Uhm, you see, there is something I would like to speak to you about." Hanabi started, kinda avoiding the reason of their visit, another rare thing. She usually was the straight forward type when it came to talking.
"Sure, just out with it. I'll listen and help you the best I can." Sarutobi sensed that there was something going on, he just wasn't sure what it might be. But the behavior of the young Hyuga girl was totally different from the usual.
"If it's possible... would we like to speak alone with you, Hokage-sama." she continued, still avoiding any topic, but increasing the suspicion the Hokage had. After all, she never adressed him that formal. And while it was normal that the older Hyuga stayed quiet in her sisters presence could he sense her nervousness.
Thinking about it for a moment was he nodding slightly, giving the ANBU guards a sign to leave. After that was he focusing on C. "If you would be so kind as to leave as well? As you can see is there something serious going on, so..."
Both girls were surprised when the Hokage spoke to someone else, both not having noticed that there was another visitor inside the room. Before they had the chance to turn around however was C already talking and they realized that voice instantly. "Alright old man, got it. Though I would have loved to stay and hear what the girls have to talk about." he had a grin on his face when the girls finally turned around. But he started moving towards the door anyway.
Hanabi looked at her sister for a moment before back towards C before speaking. "Actually... it might be helpful if C stayed..." she said quietly, her sister letting her head hang but slightly nodding by that.
Now that got them the attention of both men inside the room. Getting a confirming nod from the Hokage was C walking back towards the couch, making himself again comfortable while Sarutobi focused on the girls again. "Okay, we are alone now. So will you tell me what this is all about? There are so many things different with you two that I'm fearing the worst."
Taking a deep breath was Hanabi preparing herself. She hadn't thought that she would become that nervous, even starting to doubt if that was a good idea at all. A thought Hinata was having the whole morning. Shaking her head to get her mind back focused did she decide to say it before she would start to struggle. "I am here to request a slave holder license."
The room went completely silent after that. Both girls were nervous, watching the Hokage as his jaw dropped. C sitting on the couch had a smirk on his face but stayed silent. He could guess how hard it might be for Hanabi and he decided that she had to do it by herself.
"You want... what?" the Hokage finally said. "Could you please repeat that?"
Nodding slightly did Hanabi repeat her request. "I said I would like to request a slave holder license, Hokage-sama."
"If this is a joke do I have to tell you that it isn't a funny one..." Sarutobi replied calm, watching the girls carefully, trying to figure if Hanabi was serious.
"It is none, Hokage-sama. If I need to will I repeat my request again. I read into the requirements and I think I will fulfill all of them by next week once I pass the genin test. That's why I would like to request the license now." the confidence was slowly coming back to Hanabi while Hinata felt more and more dreadful.
"Okay, I see. Since you already informed yourself about it should you know that I have to ask you some questions to make sure that you are suitable for one.". Getting a confirming nod from Hanabi did he continue. "I know that you will take the genin test next week and most likely become a shinobi then, so I'll skip that one. Alright, you will need a proper place to hold slaves and ressources to care for them. Do you have these?"
"My name is Hanabi Hyuga, I'm the heiress of the Hyuga clan. Our clan compound has enough space to give them a room and I'm having access to ressources to care for them, yes."
"Fine, next point. You are aware that as slave holder you need to be able to always verify that your slaves are legal? Meaning that they are yours by legal means, either being captured enemies, people working off a debt for a limited amount of time or by their own free will." he was watching the reaction of the girl in front of him carefully, still unsure if she was serious or not.
Again nodding was she confirming these points. "I am aware of these things and that I need to register a slave by any means."
"Correct. Last point." he took an inhale from his pipe. "You will be responsible for any action a slave will do. Meaning you need to have a close eye on them or deep trust, maybe even both. That can be way too much for you to handle."
"And I will be able to, Hokage-sama." she looked him straight in the eyes, totally focused with no doubt present.
Sighing did the Hokage nod. "Okay, I will prepare the papers for you. While I'm on it, shall I prepare the registration of a slave as well?" he only asked it formally because it's part of the process. He wasn't expecting any positive reply on that question at all, still thinking that the girl in front of him was here maybe just out of a mood or something. Having read about it and just wanting to fool around.
"Yes, please do so, Hokage-sama." it were just a few words, but they were enough to shock the mightiest man of the village. What none of them saw was the amused look of C, who barely managed to hold back his laughs. All of them seemed to have forgotten his presence and he was totally enjoying the show.
"You... are serious?" he asked in disbelief, eyeing the girl in front of him carefully. Did this ten year old girl just said she wanted to register a slave? No, surely not, his ears must be getting bad with his age. However, seeing the confirming nod was he slightly afraid to ask, but he did anyway. "Okay, and the name is?"
"Hinata Hyuga." - it were two simple words, but they were enough to completely change the mood inside the room.
"WHAT?" shouting out in disbelief was his mood changing as well, the two girls standing in front of him winced at that outburst. "Alright, that's enough! This is beyond funny now!"
Unable to hold it in was C finally bursting out into laughter. "That's hilarious, like, totally. It was worth staying if just for that."
"It's no joke..." Hanabi said quietly, but wasn't heard inside the commotion that started in the room. Turning around to her sister was she looking her into the eyes. "Sis, tell him."
Hinata sighed but pulled down the zipper of her jacket and making a step forward, opening it to reveal the collar around her neck. Sarutobi watched this wary and C somehow managed to calm down, bringing the room to a silent enough level that Hinata could talk. "She is serious, Hokage-sama. I am Hanabi's slave and she is here to officially register me..." she was talking quietly, but she was heard. There was also a crimson blush entering her face by openly admitting that fact to someone else, the Hokage of all people. It also was the last step for her to fully accept her role in life.
It stayed quiet for a while and both girls were totally nervous, not sure what would happen next. When the Hokage finally spoke did they feared the worst. "Does Hiashi-sama, does your father know about that?"
Hanabi shook her head. "Not yet. Or at least haven't we told him yet. Not sure if he figured it out by himself though..."
"How long?"
"A good five years by now..." Hinata admitted quietly. "And yes, it's legal. A combination of a debt and my own will..." the blush on her face intensified, if that was possible at all.
He eyed them for a while, thinking about things, before shifting towards C. "And by your reaction do I guess you knew about that?"
Shrugging his shoulders and still trying to supress some laughter was he answering relaxed. "Well, I guess. You know my business after all and I had them in my care for a short amount of time. When we captured them back then did I do my research on the kids and there was a rumour around at that time. It wasn't hard to confirm that, having them both tied up and waiting to be sold."
Shaking his head was the Hokage palming his face. "The way you are saying that sounds so wrong..." he got a grin from C before focusing back on the girls. "Okay, fine, I will prepare the papers. But you two are aware that even if Hinata passes the genin test that she won't be able to be a kunoichi? A slave is property and property won't be set on active duty. Her life as kunoichi will be over the moment it starts."
Hinata's eyes went wide in fear, unable to say anything. Hanabi paled at that information, starting to mumble. "Really? I... didn't knew... must have overlooked that information..." she looked down on the ground, not sure what to do.
Getting up from the couch was C walking towards the girls, eyeing them for a moment before talking to the Hokage. "You know, boss, it's not nice to scare young girls. There is a simple loophole that can be used to solve that problem."
"A loophole?" Both the Hokage and Hanabi spoke at the same time, watching him with confusion written all over their faces.
"Yeah, a loophole. Somebody may stop me if I'm saying something wrong." after getting a nod from the Hokage was he starting to explain. "The major clans within Konoha do have their own codes of honor and clan rules that differ from the laws of the village but are accepted by it at the same time. The village on the other side agreed to leave clan internal stuff to the clans and to not interfere with them. So if you mark the registered slave as related to a clan rule can the village still accept it as an active shinobi. Hell, it's even super easy to use this loophole in this case, considering both girls are from the same clan. Beside, I do believe that even the reason for this situation is based on their clan code of honor in the first place. It wouldn't even be a lie."
The room went silent again, three pairs of eyes watching C. Seeing the different looks he was getting, though there still was confusion in all of them, was he shrugging. "What? Surprised that I know about clan rules and stuff? Informations are my business and getting them on the village I live in was the first thing I did. Or are you confused that I know this loophole? Remember, I worked in this area for a long time. Hell, I guess that is the reason why the girls said I could stay in the first place. And this loophole is easy to use in this case. There is no need to use tricks to get the slave into the clan category this time."
"I would be afraid to have you as an enemy. All our secrets would be in danger. Am glad that you decided to join our village." the Hokage stated with slight fear in his voice before shaking his head to clear his mind, focusing on the girls. "You heard the man. I will prepare all the papers. Since you know about the responsibilities and duties that come along with it do I see no reason to decline your request. Though I would suggest that you inform your father about it before it's official..."
"We will... probably." Hanabi said quietly but nodded anyway. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. We will be leaving now."
Watching the girls leave the room was Sarutobi turning towards C. "Is it really that simple or were you just trying to comfort the girls?"
"Huh? Why would I do that? Sure it's that simple. It's actually the easiest within Konoha with the way your laws are set. It's just that we never sold any slaves to your village cause nobody seems to be intrested in taking some on. Well, okay, nobody besides Jiraiya." he shrugged.
"I don't want to know that, do I?" he was feeling his age today and he was seriously thinking about passing his job on to the next generation.
"Guess not. I would also advice of not letting this information about the girls slip to him. It might be... catastrophal."
Nodding in agreement was Sarutobi taking a bottle of sake out of his desk, taking a deep gulp of it. He knew that these two girls together with Naruto were a guarantee for trouble, but he never expected it to be that bad. And he feared what might happen if it gets public known, even so the girls were right: Hanabi fulfilled everything to request the license and according to the laws did he have to create it for her, if she passes the genin test, entering the ranks of shinobi of the village.
Outside the building
The girls were just leaving the building with Hanabi being more or less satisfied with the way the talk turned out. After all was she doing the right thing in accordance to the villages law, by registering her sister as her slave. But her good mood changed pretty quick after leaving the building.
"So, what were you doing with the Hokage, huh?" a voice called out to them from behind. They didn't even need to turn to know who it was, knowing the voice quite well.
"Nothing that should intrest you, dogboy." Hanabi answered while turning around, seeing Kiba lean on the wall next to the entrance, his arms cross over his chest.
"Funny, but I am intrested. After all is there no real reason for Academy students to visit the Hokage. You were begging for any kind of advantage for the genin tests, weren't you?" he parted from the wall, walking towards the girls.
"Leave us alone, I'm not in the mood for this..." Hanabi hissed through gritted teeth, trying to hold her temper. Both were smart enough to not start a fight that close to the tests but she wouldn't be surprised if Kiba actually tried to provoke her into starting one anyway.
Deciding that Hinata doesn't wanted to get involved was she walking towards a nearby bench and sat down on it while Hanabi and Kiba got into one of their, at least by now, vocal fights. She actually tried a few times to play negotiator between these two, to somehow help solving the tensions, but it was no use.
Closing her eyes was she simply waiting for them to be finished when a voice next to her got her attention. "Hey." was all the female voice said. Opening her eyes and looking towards the source of it saw she Sakura taking a seat right next to her on the bench.
"Hey..." she replied, eyeing the pink haird girl wary. "Are you here because you want to start a fight too?"
Sakura shook her head. "No, not today. I was just bored and had nothing to do today, so I joined Kiba. Besides, our truce is still in effect, isn't it?"
Hinata made a grimace at that mention. "Yeah, it is. We agreed to get out of the others way to not worsen our relation further... So, what do you think how long will they argue this time?"
"I don't know." Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "The last time did they yell at each other for 30 minutes, didn't they? Think it will be less, considering we are right in front of the Hokage building. What were you doing there anyway?"
"We just had some clan business with Hokage-sama. We are the heiresses after all." Hinata answered without missing a beat and shrugged her shoulders as well. It was an universal lie she came up with some time ago to avoid speaking about a topic she was uncomfortable with, like her being a slave. And it wasn't even that much of a lie, considering it is a clan related thing in some way. "Prepared for the tests?"
"Sure. It's not like they would be hard or something. I can do the three required jutsu without even trying. You?"
"It will work out I guess. Huh, seems you were right. Look, ANBU is coming."
Sakura and Hinata were both watching when an ANBU appeared in front of the building after just five minutes to solve the arguing and to restore quiet and peace. The ANBU, realizing who the two troublemakers were, made a mental note of it before splitting the two apart, giving them a warning to not get involved like that again.
Kiba stormed off down the street while Hanabi came over to the bench. Seeing the pair who was sitting there did she sigh, but wasn't commenting on it. She knew that the tensions between Sakura and Hinata were not as bad as her own with Kiba. "Common sis, we should go. There is still things to do."
Nodding to that was Hinata getting up from the bench, ignoring Sakura before following her sisters to whatever location she had in mind. After all was the visit with the Hokage the only thing planned for that day. Maybe some more training or getting home? She would follow her sister anyway.
Academy, day of the Genin Tests
The day has finally come. The day on which the Academy students got the chance to become genin. Most of them were excited for this day, appearing earlier than needed. While none of them knew exactly what they had to do to pass the test, the teachers told them to simply perform the three jutsu they learned, were some of them suspicious that it can't be that easy.
One after the other were the students entering their classroom, sitting down at their desks and chatting with each other. The sisters were already sitting on their places when Ino entered the room, coming over to her desk and sitting down without even greeting the sisters.
"What's wrong Ino-chan? You look like... shit. You there?" Hanabi asked, waving her hand in front of Ino's eyes, trying to get her attention.
It took a while for Ino to actually react on that, moving her eyes to look at the girl next to her before looking down her own body. Her clothes were dirty and cramped and she could only guess right now that her hair might be everything but straight and that her face looked exhausted. Shrugging her shoulders was she answering quietly. "That's all the fault of Naruto... He tends to overdo it while training and since I volunteered to help him... I got home, fell into my bed the way I was and just walked here after awakening this morning..."
"Is it really that bad?" Hinata asked worried about both her friends.
"Yeah... I really don't know where all his energy is coming from. Or how I managed to stand back up to train even more with him when I thought I couldn't move a single muscle anymore..." closing her eyes was Ino trying to relax a little, worried if she would actually have energy for the test that was to come.
"Why aren't you telling him when you are out of energy? He does listen to us... sometimes..." Hanabi pondered aloud.
"Heh, like the one time few days ago? He nagged me til I agreed for one more time, nearly putting him in the hospital... I got to say, he really has improved with his staff, but to defend himself from an elemental attack is still too much for him." Ino told her friends, her eyes still closed.
"You... nearly put him into the hospital?" it was Hinata asking, slight anger in her voice, but not enough for Ino to hear in her current state.
She shrugged at that. "Well, kinda. But we had a river nearby and he wasn't catching fire, so nothing serious happened."
Before Hinata could say anymore was Hanabi speaking up. "Just please be careful when training with him. You don't want to mark him the way I'm marked, right?" she asked quietly, her fingers trailing over her burn scar. "Anyway, are you available tomorrow, Ino-chan? I could need your help with something."
That got Ino's attention and she opened her eyes, looking at the younger sister. "I guess. Something important you need to do before the teams are announced in two days? That is, if we pass..."
Putting on a reassuring smile did Hanabi nod. "Don't worry, we will pass. All of us. And yes, something like that. I'll give you the details tomorrow when we meet, okay?"
Simply nodding was Ino closing her eyes again, trying to get a bit more rest before the test would start. What she didn't saw was that Naruto entered the classroom, spotting his friends and walking up to them. She heard him however when he spoke up.
"Good morning Hinata-chan, Hanabi-chan, Ino-chan." He mustered the state Ino was in while scratching the back of his head sheepish before adding "And sorry for working you so hard, Ino-chan. I got a bit too excited and wanted to continue."
"Yeah, sure, whatever. You are a slavedriver, you know that?" Ino answered without really thinking about it, missing all three of her friends flinch because of her closed eyes.
The sisters and Naruto looked at each other for a moment before Naruto spoke up again. "That's nothing you should joke about... because... well, you know." he said quietly that only Ino and the sisters could hear him. They managed to keep the fact of the kidnapping a secret, beside of the few people that managed to get knowledge about it. To their surprise was also nobody telling it around, not even Kiba.
"Sorry... I wasn't really thinking..." Ino sighed, opening her eyes again and giving them an honest smile as appology.
Before they could discuss the matter more was Iruka entering the classroom, signaling his class to take their seats. He waited for them all to settle down and started to explain how the tests would work.
"Okay, here is how these tests will work. We will call you one by one in alphabetical order into the next room where you have to perform the three jutsu you have learned. Meaning we want to see you creating clones, substitute with an object and transform into another person. There will be three of us teachers there judging your performance and, if we decide that you pass, give you your headband right away. If you got your headband please go back into this classroom and wait for the others to be over with their tests. If you don't pass are you free to go home. Any questions?"
Seeing that none of his students raised a hand or spoke up was he nodding. "Fine. Please stay calm while you wait. Shino Aburame, you are the first. Please follow me."
The class watched their teacher and classmate leave the room and the moment the door closed did nearly all of them start to chat with each other. Naruto walked over to Ino and the sisters who also started to talk again.
"I can't believe that it really is that simple. I mean, what can you do out there with just these three jutsu?" Hinata asked, looking at her friends. "It would have been the same result if we had known these jutsu... if it weren't for Spooky coming for us wouldn't we be here..." she talked quietly enough that no other student in the room could hear her because of the general talking around them.
"Say that again... The only thing different could be that I wouldn't have this stupid scar if I would have been able to substitute with something to avoid the fire..." Hanabi sighed, her fingers digging into the burn scar again. That really became a habit of hers, whenever she talked about things she felt uneasy with, was nervous or under high tension.
"But..." Ino started, watching her friends and pondering how to phrase it without sounding wrong. "Be honest. If these things wouldn't have happened to you would none of you be as strong as you are now, right? I mean, these things were the whole reason for you to intensify your training and to learn new things as well. And without that would I also just know my clan's jutsu and that's it. It were you who made me understand that I need more."
"Well, I guess you are right, Ino-chan." Naruto said, slightly nodding. "It's just stupid that there always need to happen something bad before things will change... And sometimes even if bad things happen is nothing changing... I still don't know why nearly everyone is hating me. Don't want to think about what might be if I hadn't met all of you." he shrugged a bit helpless, giving the girls a warm and thankful smile.
While they were talking was the classroom becoming a bit quieter and emptier, some of the civilian kids attempting Academy not coming back from the tests. They barely registered a voice calling out for Hanabi Hyuga as next, but at least Hinata heard it. "It's your turn, Hanabi. Show them that age doesn't matter." she giggled seeing the smirk on her sisters face before Hanabi made her way out of the room and to the next one.
Entering the room was she scanning the area quickly, spotting the three teachers sitting behind the teachers desk, so she made her way in front of them, giving them a polite bow. "Iruka-sensei, Mizuki-sensei and... uhm..." she pondered the third teacher sitting next to the other two but couldn't place the sturdy man. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I know you."
The third man gave her a warm smile. "It's okay, I never teached your class so it's to be expected. But you are here for your test, so... Iruka, it's your class."
"Right. As I said before, all you got to do is perform the three jutsu and we will judge them. I guess you won't be having any problems with them, Hanabi." he gave her a reassuring smile and Hanabi nodded in reply.
Taking a deep breath was she concentrating on her chakra, starting with a simple hand sign, creating 3 identical clones of herself, all of them smiling towards the teachers. Iruka and the sturdy man nodded satisfied, but the silver haird Mizuki quickly picked up a piece of chalk and tossed it precisely at the second Hanabi from the left. This all happened in just a split second; the chalk hit the floor after flying over a chair that quickly appeared out of a small smokescreen with Hanabi standing in the first row of seats now.
"Hey! With that speed could you have hurt me badly..." Hanabi pouted, glaring at the chuckling Mizuki.
"True. But your enemy won't hold back just because you are a small girl. They won't make any difference and kill you anyway." Mizuki replied, an evil glint in his eyes.
"You don't need to be that harsh to Hanabi, Mizuki. Anyway, a succesful substitution and good reflexes as well. That was the second jutsu." Iruka said with a happy tune in his voice.
"Pfft, you are too weak when it comes to your students, Iruka. And especially this one, just ten years old. She needs to learn how this world works. It won't help if you don't show her the things that might happen." Mizuki replied with a bored tune, crossing his arms below his head and relaxing on his chair.
Hanabi had to bite her tounge to stop her from yelling at Mizuki, barely able to not spill the information about the kidnapping and that she was fully aware of many of the bad things out there.
"Alright, that's enough. Hanabi, if you would please come back in front of us and show us a transformation? After that will you be done." Iruka was trying his best to stay calm, but he was close to hitting Mizuki, being one of the few that actually knew about the kidnapping and what Hanabi went through already.
Simply nodding was she walking towards the teachers and performed a handsign, being covered in smoke for a short moment before being revealed as her sister Hinata.
Mizuki was raising an eyebrow at that transformation, but before he could even start to say something was the sturdy teacher faster to reply with basicly the same thought on his mind. "Well, that's too easy, young lady. You and your sister look too much alike. We can't accept that as a working transformation."
"Okay, fine, if you insist." she shrugged, making the handsign again, appearing as Ino once the smoke was settled down again. "Is that more to your liking?" she asked with a sweet smile on her face that would suit Ino quite good.
"It is, Hanabi. I'm totally satisfied with your performance and I think my collegues here are as well." looking left and right was he getting confirming nods from his co-teachers. "Please come close that I can hand over your headband to you."
Doing as told did she step forward, receiving the headband from her teacher with a happy smile on her face. "Well done, Hanabi. You have earned it. And since I know of your additional training am I sure that you will become a great kunoichi. Please inform your sister, she will be next."
"Thank you, Iruka-sensei. I will continue to do my best and I will inform her." she bowed politely and turned to leave, when Iruka's voice stopped her.
"Oh, right, I nearly forgot." he opened a drawer of the desk he was sitting at, pulling out some papers while Hanabi turned back around to watch him curiously. "Hokage-sama asked me to hand these papers over to you if you pass. He said you would know about and wait for them."
Taking a quick look on the papers and seeing the title of the one on top did she nod. "Ah, yes, thanks again, Iruka-sensei.". Realizing that Mizuki was trying to get a peek on the papers was she quickly snatching them away, nearly starting to run out of the room.
"Weren't that..." Mizuki started, but Hanabi wasn't hearing the end of it because she slammed the door closed. That scary teacher of her doesn't need to know what she just received there. Quickly putting them away was she heading back to the her classroom, entering it with a bright smile.
Some of her classmates who doesn't really know her were surprised that she actually managed to pass the test, but she wasn't paying them much attention. Arriving back at her seat was she still smiling. "It's really just these three jutsu. Totally easy. Your turn, sis." nodding was Hinata getting up to leave, when Hanabi decided to escort her out of the room, whispering into her ear. "And watch out for Mizuki-sensei. He is trying to being unfair. Kind of attacked me to see my substituion..."
"Don't worry, I'm sure that I will pass as well." Hinata said with confidence in her voice and aiming for the other classroom, while Hanabi waited in front of their class for her sisters return.
A good ten minutes later was Hinata coming back, holding her headband with both hands in front of her, a smile on her face. "Well done, sis. Had any problems with Mizuki-sensei?"
"No, none regarding the test. But he tried to ask me about some papers you got earlier." she shrugged. "But I don't know about any papers, so..."
"That's not too important anyway. I'll tell you later. Well, let's get back to our friends, shall we?" Hanabi smiled back at her sister, happy that both of them passed the test.
Once inside was Hinata informing Kiba that he was next before joining her sister and friends to chat some more. The topics however wasn't much intrested, basicly just some smalltalk and just a short while later was the sturdy techer entering the room, calling for Naruto.
"Good luck, Naruto-kun." Hinata said smiling to him and he smiled back to her.
"Don't worry, Hinata-chan, I'll pass this test without any problems. Believe it!"
Leaving the classroom and entering the hallway was he trying to supress a thought that came up. 'Well, at least if Iruka-sensei will accept my not working clones...'. Shaking his head to get his mind clear was he aiming for the next classroom, seeing Sasuke Uchiha in the distance, passing around a corner. "Right, he was attending the tests as well, but isn't in our class anymore. Wonder where he is going." he spoke to himself before shrugging it off, entering the next room to attend his own test.
"Ah, Naruto, let's start right away, shall we?" Iruka was still having a smile on his face.
"Okay, Iruka-sensei." Naruto confirmed before concentrating, doing the handsigns for the transformation first, appearing in the form of the Hokage after the smoke settled down. Scanning the room quickly was there another smokescreen and in his place stood a metal bucket.
Wondering where the bucket came from were the three teacher scanning the room as well, spotting Naruto in a corner behind them. "The cleaning supplies, creative." the sturdy teacher chuckled. "But the Hokage transformation wasn't. Still, it's an acceptable one, considering we are teaching that form during classes."
"Very well, Naruto. Now if you could please come back and show us your clone jutsu?" Iruka asked.
Slowly walking back to the teachers was Naruto scratching the back of his head. "Ah, yeah, sure thing, Iruka-sensei... but I'm not sure if they will work this time..." reaching the spot in front of the teachers was he creating the signs for the clone jutsu, creating two clones of himself which both looked kinda ill and hadn't really have substance, being see-through.
"You call this a clone jutsu?" Mizuki started to laugh. "Want to distract and kill your opponents with this weak performance? Want them to laugh themselfs to death? Totally failed!"
"What?" Naruto shouted in anger. "It's not my fault! It's because I'm having too much chakra! Iruka-sensei, you know that. We talked to you after the girls checked me with their Byakugan and you said that I should simply try my best with this jutsu..."
"Yes Naruto, I know about that. And you are right, controlling that much chakra is hard and even jonin might not be able to do it." glaring at Mizuki for a moment did he continue. "I'll tell you that you have passed, Naruto. Taking your situation into consideration was the result okay."
"You can't be serious!" Mizuki started to protest. "Letting him pass with this weak performance? Him? No way!"
All of them looked at the sturdy teacher who shrugged slightly. "I'm with Iruka here. He has earned his pass in my opinion. Give him his headband."
Mizuki was grumbling while Iruka handed a headband over to Naruto. "Congratulations. Now, please go back to class and send Ino over. She will be the last one. After that will I come back to all of you, giving you some last instructions."
"Alright Iruka-sensei, got it." Naruto grinned from ear to ear when he left the room, totally happy that he passed the test and would be a shinobi now.
15 minutes later were all students that passed sitting in their classroom with Iruka entering. "Alright everyone, I'm proud that you all managed to pass the genin test. I know that you want to go home to tell the good news to your families which is why I will skip my speech. You will have a free day tomorrow and have to be back the day after for your team assignments. Understood? Good, you may leave now."
On their way out of the Academy were the four of them talking. "Can you believe that? Mizuki-sensei wanted to let me fail because of the clone jutsu..." Naruto told his friends, still a bit upset about that.
"But you have to be honest, Naruto, your clones really aren't that great. I mean... you can't even say it would be clones at all." Ino said thinking aloud, remembering the times the jutsu had to be performed in class.
"It's not his fault." Hinata replied. "We checked him after he failed over and over again. Naruto-kun has way more chakra than any of us. Iruka-sensei said that even a jonin might have problems with chakra control with that amount. It's no wonder that he isn't able to do a proper clone."
"Yeah, that were his words. But I had the feeling like Mizuki-sensei tried everything to let us fail... think he doesn't like us and just wanted to see us fail. He attacked me seriously during the test and might had put me into the hospital if I hadn't reacted quick enough." Hanabi sighed, remembering the split second she had to react on the chalk. She wouldn't admit it, but she was too slow, the chalk having made contact right between her breasts before she could substitute away. If she had shown the pain she felt, maybe she would have failed the test.
"I never liked him either to be honest. Glad it's over." Ino agreed while they reached the yard in front of the Academy, a smile entering her face. "Well, there's my father, gotta go. See you tomorrow, Hanabi-chan." she gave them all a wave and raced over to her father, hugging him tightly.
"Oh, you already planned something for tomorrow?" Naruto asked the sisters at Ino's words, slight disappointment swinging within his voice.
"We do. There is something I need her help with." Hanabi confirmed. "But we could meet afterwards. How does ramen for lunch sound to celebrate?" she gave Naruto a smile and his eyes lighted up.
"Sounds good. Looking forward to it!" he cheered to them before suddenly falling silent, getting the attention of the girls. "Hey, over there, isn't that Sasuke? I wonder if he passed. I saw him walking away from the test room when I was on my way to it."
"I don't know... shouldn't he have been in our class if he passed? I mean, to get the instructions for being there for the assignments?" Hinata wondered aloud, touching her lip with her finger.
"You think he failed, sis? Wait... that's Mizuki-sensei approaching him. I wonder what's going on..." Hanabi said before widening her eyes. "Did... Sasuke just tried to hit Mizuki-sensei? He seems to be upset... might have really failed."
"Shall we get closer? I can't hear anything..." Hinata complained. "They are talking... both seem to be tense."
"And nos is Sasuke racing away. What was that about?" Naruto wondered aloud. "Isn't the Hokage tower in this direction? Got a bad feeling about that... Shall we follow him?" he looked at the girls, getting a shrug from Hinata.
"Well, it does look suspicious, doesn't it? And..." taking the headband out of her pocket was Hanabi raising it. "...we are shinobi now, right? Might as well investigate."
All three of them nodded, taking their own headbands from where they had them stored. Naruto was tying it around his forehead, Hinata let her hang loose around her neck and the Hanabi, not exactly sure how she wanted to wear hers, tied it around her forehead as well for now. Nodding again to each other were the three of them following Sasuke towards the Hokage tower...
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Author's Note: Okay, I'm honestly a bit unsure about that chapter. I can't point on something in detail, it's just a feeling. Hope you have enjoyed it - feel free to give me any form of feedback on it, if you want.
Guess most of you can figure out the way I'm going to walk down now, but I promise that there will be some surprises as well - after all did I differ so many things already (some planed, others not), that there won't be much according to the original anymore ;-)
More from me once the next chapter is written - or if you want to talk about this chapter, the story in general or random topics, feel free to just hit me up. I'll always respond, promised.