Okay so, Rebooted chapters are going to be marked by the asterisks. Also, you have no idea how much I cringed going through this story again. I might have thought it was good, once upon a time...but God was I wrong.
*Chapter 1*
"I am royally screwed." Akari grumbled.
She was currently making her down an empty hall, glancing around with frustration as she tried to find the twins. The three of them had been together just a few minutes ago, needing to report to their Sensei soon. The Chunin Exams were about to begin and they most definitely could not be late. Except at some point, Akari had gotten distracted and let her mind wander as it often does. Next thing she knew, she was all alone, the twins nowhere in sight. She's pretty sure she had only turned away for a second. How far could they have gone? Damn, Akari really had to stop acting so flippant.
"Ugh! They are going to kill me if I'm late!"
Hayama Sensei had warned them multiple times that all three of them had to be present. Well, actually, he had only told the twins this once. As for Akari, he made sure to constantly remind her to be on time. Knowing very well that she tended to be late to just about everything. She just didn't understand the concept of schedules, Akari the type to just go with the flow. Still, Hayama had been clear this time. Only a three man squad could take the exams so if one of them doesn't show then the other two can't sign up.
Akari pouted, already hearing Mizuko chastising her later. She's done a lot of stupid things on their missions but this would take the cake. She was so caught in her own self-pity that she failed to hear the footsteps coming around the corner. By the time she noticed, it was too late. Akari felt herself colliding with someone, their forehead bouncing against each other. She tried to keep her balance but found that her legs had gotten tangled with the other persons. Closing her eyes, she let out a small squeak as they fell to the ground. Akari landing on top of them, her face resting on the poor persons chest.
"Sorry! Sorry! My ba…"
Akari pushed herself up by the palms of her hands, her words catching in her throat at the the sight of boy beneath her. She blinked down at the face of Sasuke Uchiha, frozen in shock. Their faces mere inches apart, her hands pressed against the floor on either side of his head. She failed to notice how close their bodies were pressed against each other, too busy looking into his eyes. They were so different from the ones she used to know. So much darker, looking as if there was nothing left within them. Nothing but pain and barely concealed rage.
After Akari had been moved up a year, she only ever saw Sasuke from a distance. Many times she thought of maybe going up to him, thinking of rekindling the fragile friendship they had created. But then came the night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre. The night Itachi Uchiha single handedly slaughtered his own people. She had heard her parents speaking about it one night, unaware that she had been eavesdropping.
Akari had refused to believe it, denying it and getting angry with anyone who thought differently. Itachi could never, would never, do something so evil. The boy had been barely thirteen at the time, barely a teenager. How could he possible stomach doing what so many people accused him off. It took her days to accept the truth and even longer to see Itachi, not as the boy she thought she knew, but as the murderer he was.
Once the village had gotten through the shock, they began the deconstruction of the Uchiha compound. Making it a thing of the past. Akari found herself laying awake at night afterwards, thinking of Sasuke. Knowing that the eight year old was hurting and had no one to comfort him. Akari yearned to go to the boy, to save him from the loneliness. She knew she could not. Akari had lost her chance to reconcile with him. If she tried to do so after everything that had happened, he would assume she did so out of pity. He'd resent her and probably would have pushed her away. So she had settled for worrying about him in secret, silently watching him as he walked the streets of Konoha alone.
"Hey! Get off of him! Right now!"
Akari startled, the words bringing her out of her thoughts. She recognized that voice, she realized. Her eyes rolling automatically at the sound of it. Sighing, she pushed herself up on her knees inadvertently straddling Sasuke in the process. The boy raised himself up on his elbows, looking up at her with an odd expression. She didn't notice though, to busy smirking up at a very scandalized Sakura. The girl was staring down at them with flushed cheeks, an angry pout on her face. Akari couldn't help but chuckle, deciding she had teased the girl enough. Slowly, she stood and wiped the dust from her pants.
"Calm down, Cotton Candy head. Your precious Sasuke is fine." Akari assured her.
"Cotton Candy…..Akari?" Sakura blinked in surprise.
Sasuke, who had pushed himself to his feet, froze at her name. Staring at her with wide eyes, looking to have finally recognized her.
"Akari? Seriously!?"
Akari let out a surprised gasp, taking notice of the familiar flash of blonde hair. A broad grin growing across her face at the sight of Naruto Uzumaki. He was smiling back at her, looking just as shocked by their reunion. Akari couldn't help herself as she rushed to his side, throwing her arms around his neck with glee. She hadn't seen or spoken to him in so long, having nearly forgotten what he looked like. Sure, she would catch glimpses of him around the village, but it just wasn't the same.
"Naruto! God, I've missed you." She sighed.
Naruto chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist to hug her back. But as Akari didn't miss the slight blush on his cheeks. Or how seemed to fidget a little, his eyes flickering over to Sakura nervously. Akari grimaced, having forgotten this one minor detail about her friend. It was one of the few things she didn't understand about him. How he could love someone who treated him so unfairly, she will never know. Sakura was nothing but rude to Naruto, treating him like all the other kids in their village. The girl was the definition of shallow, only caring about Sasuke and her own looks.
Still, she couldn't really tell him who he could or could not like. Not wanting to make him uncomfortable, she lowered her arms from his neck and stepped back. Once she did, she noticed Sasuke watching her with a peculiar look on his face. His lips set in a deep scowl. She brushed it off though, knowing the boy always wore a permanent frown.
"So. You guys here for the Chunin Exams?" She asked them.
"Sure are! We're gonna blow the competition away!" Naruto exclaimed.
Akari smiled fondly at him, having missed his enthusiasm.
"Including me?" She teased.
Naruto frowned at that, tilting his head at her curiously. Sakura sighed at his confusion, shaking her head. Sasuke rolled his eyes at his teammate obliviousness, shoving his hands in the pockets of his shorts.
"She's here to take the exams too, loser." Sasuke said.
"Oh! Huh, I guess that makes us rivals then." Naruto chuckled with embarrassment.
The blonde put his hands behind his head, watching her speculatively. Almost as if he were sizing her up. She smirked, wondering just how skilled he had gotten these past few years as well. She had heard a lot about Kakashi's group of genin. They had accomplished quite a lot the past few months and had her wondering about their abilities.
"Will you be taking them alone? Don't you have a squad?" Sakura suddenly asked her.
Akari blinked at her, taking a moment to process the girls words. Then her eyes widened in alarm, remembering what she had been doing before running into Sasuke.
"Oh no! I have to find the twins!" She exclaimed.
Akari glanced around, as if Mizuko and Riko would miraculously appear. Sadly, she was not so lucky.
"You got put on a team with your siblings?" Sasuke wondered.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. We've always worked well together so they just kept us on the same squad." Akari shrugged.
She wasn't really paying them much attention anymore. Her sisters scolding expression already playing in her mind. Quickly, she made her way over to the window. Scanning the area below for any sign of them. She saw a few genin, some guy with a giant gourd and followed closely by a girl with a fan and a boy in black. But no sign of the twins. Where the hell could they be?
"We were on our way to report in for the exams. Why don't you come down with us? They may already be there." Naruto offered.
Akari turned back to him, flashing the boy a relieved smile. That certainly sounded better than the alternative. Which was running around the building like a chicken with its head cut off. Sasuke started walking off then, not waiting for them to follow. Naruto, Sakura and Akari hurrying to keep up. The four of them were climbing down the steps to the first floor, about to go outside when a voice stopped them.
"You with the unpleasant look. Wait a minute!"
They stopped, turning around with a "Huh". There, looking down at them from the second floor, was Rock Lee. Akari stared up at him, wondering what the boy wanted. Naruto looked mildly surprised while Sakura cringed at the sight of him. Sasuke, on the other hand, just looked annoyed.
"What is it." The Uchiha asked.
"Why don't you fight with me here and now?" Lee challenged.
Akari rose a brow at that, looking between Sasuke and her classmate curiously. Did these two know each other? Sasuke narrowed his eyes, looking up at Lee carefully.
"A fight here? Right now?" He muttered.
"Yes."
Lee leaped over the ledge, landing easily on the first floor. He stood confidently, pointing a thumb at himself.
"My name's Rock Lee. When asking a person their name, I'm supposed to give my own name first, right? Sasuke Uchiha." The boy in green said.
Sasuke seemed surprised at the mention of his name. Staring at Lee speculatively. Akari looked to Naruto and Sakura, hoping for an explanation. But the two were focused on Rock Lee, not paying her any attention.
"Hmph...so you knew?"
"I want to fight you!"
Then Lee was taking a defensive position, narrowing his eyes as he prepared to fight. Akari frowned at him, knowing very well how skilled the older boy was. He finally took notice of her, relaxing his body to stare at her.
"What are you doing here, Akari?" He wondered.
The others turned to look at her then, as if they were just remembering she was there. She tried not to feel offended, putting her hands on her hips as she gave Lee a shrug.
"Just wandering around. What's all this about? You know he doesn't stand a chance." Akari asked him, pointing at Sasuke.
The Uchiha looked stunned, looking at her as if she had betrayed him. But once he got over his initial surprise, his temper flared. Sasuke's eyes flashing with unconcealed fury, his mouth snapping shut in an angry grimace. He glared at her, his fist clenched at his side. She just stared back at him, unapologetic. She knew what she was talking about, Lee was not someone anyone should mess with.
Naruto looked back and forth between her and Lee, looking puzzled. There was a small frown on his lips, brow furrowed as he thought over what she had said. His blue eyes studying Lee carefully, as if he was trying to figure him out. Sakura was livid, an angry flush on her cheeks. Before the girl could come to Sasukes defense, Lee spoke up.
"I want to see how effective my techniques are against a descendant of the clan known for its genius ninja." He told her.
Right, Akari thought. Any skilled ninja would want to test themselves against an Uchiha. A noble clan known for its frightening battle prowess and powerful dojutsu. Seeing as how Sasuke was the only one left, besides Itachi, it was no surprise that he'd get challenged right away.
"Also…" Lee continued.
Then he was glancing over at Sakura, the girl shivering at his intense gaze. Akari rose a brow, shaking her head with disbelief. Though she had to admit, Sakura was a pretty girl. She could do with a better personality though.
"Sakura. Love."
Sakura immediately shrieked, wrapping her arms around herself with horror. They watched her as she shook her head with a firm refusal. The girl muttering to herself, saying everything she found wrong about Rock Lee's appearance. Akari sighed to herself, having expected this kind of reaction from her. Then again...Lee was an acquired taste.
"You're an angel Sakura." Lee insisted.
Then he confidently sent the girl a wink. One Akari assumed he thought was seductive. She blanched, embarrassed for Rock Lee and his unwelcome enthusiasm. Can't blame a guy for trying though. Even after Sakura skillfully evade the first one, he tried a second time. Followed by a third, fourth, and fifth. Sakura avoiding every single one, wearing herself out in the process.
"Stop throwing strange things at me! I nearly killed myself trying to dodge!" Sakura growled, waving her fist at him.
Lee's face fell, shoulders sagging from the harsh rejection.
"You don't have to resent me that much." He mumbled sadly.
Akari felt sorry for him, wanting to go and give him a comforting pat on the shoulder. But she was already rubbing Naruto's back in an attempt to calm him down. She chuckled nervously at his angry expression, the veins popping out of his forehead. The blonde seething off to the side from the attention Sasuke was getting.
"Why is it always Sasuke?!" He hissed.
"Still bugs you, huh." Akari couldn't help but laugh.
Even now that they were teammates, it seemed that the rivalry between the two was still going strong.
"You're awfully naive, knowing the Uchiha name and yet still choosing to challenge me." Sasuke called out to him.
Akari glanced over from her place beside Naruto. Not liking the unbothered look on Sasuke's face. Even after what she had said, the Uchiha still didn't see Lee as a threat. Naruto looked over as well, eyeing the two other boys with a scowl.
"Do you want to realize just what my name is, Bushy-brow?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed in a glare.
Akari didn't miss the brief glance the boy sent her way. As if he wanted to make sure she was watching. To prove that her words were wrong, that he was not as weak as she presumed.
"I insist." Le smirked, holding up a hand.
Sasuke had it wrong, its not that Akari thought him weak. She was well aware that he exceeded the expectations for a normal geninz. But he was being arrogant in thinking there wouldn't be others who are even more talented than he is. Lee was one of those people. Even if the Uchiha was highly skilled, There was only one way this would end.
"Wait!"
She startled, looking over at Naruto beside her. They all stared at him, his expression serious and his frustration clear in his eyes. Akari stepped away, knowing what came next.
"I am going to take out Bushy-brow. Believe it!" He stated.
Sakura turned to him with a stern look, already trying to stop him. He refused to listen, ignoring her disapproving tone. Akari felt as if she should try and stop him too. But if Sakura, who was his teammate and the girl he supposedly loved, couldn't do so than neither could she.
"Big deal. I'll take care of him in just five minutes." Naruto stepped forward.
"The one I want to fight isn't you. Its Uchiha." Rock Lee rejected him.
"All these people…" Naruto growled.
Akari and Sakura stayed back as Naruto clenched his fists in front of himself with anger. Both of them knowing they couldn't stop him once he got this way. The two girls actually shared knowing looks, both of them a bit worried for the blonde. Then Naruto was running forward, taking the offensive against Lee.
"...keep saying Sasuke! How Annoying!" He exclaimed.
Naruto threw the first punch, Lee standing calmly with a hand behind his back. Akari frowned as Lee easily deflected with just a touch to the back of the boys hand. Naruto's eyes widened with shock before he steadied himself with his hands on the ground. He then swiveled his body, attempting a backwards kick to Lee's head. The older boy immediately swiped his leg under Naruto's feet, bringing him falling to the ground and spinning till he hit the wall. Akari flinched at the impact, Sakura staring at Lee with a slightly frightened look. Naruto didnt get back up, knocked out cold.
"I declare. You are absolutely no match for me. Because among the Leaf Village Genin, I'm the strongest now." Lee stood up straight, glaring confidently at Sasuke.
The Uchiha glared back, looking to be thinking it over. Akari shook her head as a small smirk grew on the boys lips.
"Interesting. I'll do it." Sasuke stated.
Sakura made a small noise at the back of her throat, eyes on the the large clock on the wall. Akari followed her gaze, reading the time. Panic hitting her as she realized what had the girl so worried. Here she was, having been distracted again. With no idea as to where her siblings were.
"Don't Sasuke, We have less than thirty minutes till 3 O'clock registration." She warned her teammate.
"Don't worry. It'll be over in five minutes." Sasuke growled.
Before they could stop him, Sasuke made his attack. Rushing at Lee who awaited him calmly. Before his punch could connect, Lee disappeared causing Sasuke to look around in confusion.
"Leaf Hurricane!"
Lee re-appeared behind him, Sasuke barely having enough time to dodge his well aimed kick. As he crouched, Lee spun on his hand to try again. Akari watched closely as Sasuke realized he wouldn't be able to evade the second strike. The Uchiha instinctively brought his arms up to block, hesitating when Lee brought up two fingers as if he were about to create a hand sign. That small moment cost him dearly for Lees foot connected harshly with his cheek. Sakura crying out as Sasuke was launched back and slid roughly against the floor.
Akari stood off to the side, observing quietly. Wondering how long Lee was going to mess around. Though he wore a serious expression on his face, she knew he wasn't giving it his all. If Sasuke knew that, he wouldn't be trying to get up like he's doing so now.
"Hmph...that's okay. If that's the case, this is a good opportunity to get used to that. I'll do it." Sasuke stood, a smug look on his face.
Akari tilted her head curiously, arms crossed in front of her. She wasn't sure what the boy was talking about. Sakura seemed to understand, her eyes widening at Sasuke's words. Her question was answered a second later. Sasuke's eyes now a brilliant red.
Akari's brows rose in surprise, staring at the boy with naked awe. She gaped at him, having forgotten for a moment just who Sasuke was. The sharingan reminding her why many considered the Uchihas the strongest among ninja. She couldn't tear her gaze away, not having seen those eyes in so long. Not since...not since Itachi. But why was he using them now? Lee didn't...oh. Sasuke hadn't figured it out yet.
Sasuke rushed forward again, giving it another shot against lee. Sakura watched him with pride, a slight blush on her cheeks. Akari could only stand back, thinking Lee should know better than to pick a fight like this. Knowing he was levels ahead of the rookie in skill. Akari grimaced in sympathy as Lee's foot connected with Sasuke's jaw seconds before the boy could reach him. Sending the Sasuke flying back, the shock clear in his face. He still looked stunned as he pushed himself back on his feet.
"That's right. I'm not using Ninjutsu or Genjutsu." Lee revealed.
The older boy sped forward, barely giving Sasuke time to defend. The two immediately beginning a fight just using Taijutsu. With Sasuke struggling to keep up. Lee was barely breaking a sweat, his skills in close combat overshadowing the younger genin.
"S-sasuke!" Naruto cried out.
Akari looked over at him, seeing that the boy had finally regained his senses from his own fight. Leaving Sakura's side, she rushed over to him. Placing a helping hand on his arm. They watched as Lee landed a heavy blow to Sasuke's stomach, his elbow digging in sharply. The Uchiha slid back, grimacing in pain as he held onto his bruised torso.
"That's right. My technique is mere Taijutsu." Lee glanced over his shoulder at the boy.
Then he disappeared, only to come back while standing directly behind Sasuke. The younger tensed, eyes widening with surprise.
"You may not be able to believe it, but…" Lee said calmly.
Sasuke interrupted him, swinging his arm back in anger. Lee easily avoided the lame attempt, landing on a crouch and then standing back up in his usual pose. One arm behind his back and the other held out in front of him. Akari glanced at the clock, seeing that barely two minutes had gone by. Naruto watched the fight with disbelief beside her. Unable to understand how someone as skilled as Sasuke was losing so easily.
"It's said that the Sharingan has the ability to spot all Genjutsu, Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. With Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, it reads the build up of chakra and weaving of hand signs. However, Taijutsu is a little bit different…" Lee lectured.
Sasuke looked frustrated, his teeth clenched and body shaking. Still, he listened carefully.
"W-what do you mean?" He wanted to know.
"Even if you can spot my movement's with those eyes of yours, your body is not fast enough to respond to my attacks.
Akari watched as understanding seemed to cross Sasuke's face. Though he didn't look to happy about it.
"In other words, even if you understand with your eyes, there's nothing you can do if your body can't keep up." Lee continued.
Akari stared at her classmate, knowing why he was trying to make his point clear. Having seen him train first hand. When Lee looked at Sasuke, he was seeing another Neji. Another genius.
"Don't you know? There are two types of strong people. Genius-types and effort-types. If your Sharingan is a genius-type drawing Uchiha ability…"
As Lee kept talking, Sasuke had enough. The Uchiha charged, intending to land a blow. Lee did not let this deter him.
"...I'm an effort-type who has patiently mastered only Taijutsu."
Sasuke reached him, reeling back his arm for a punch. Lee sidestepped, not looking the least bit threatened.
"In a manner of speaking, your Sharingan and my ultimate Taijutsu have the worst compatibility."
Lee kept talking even as Sasuke tried for a kick. Again, he sidestepped with no sign that he was struggling. This time though, he took the offensive. Sasuke tried to guard but it did him no good. The bottom of Lee's foot hitting him directly in the chin and sending him flying again. Akari watched as Sasuke was suspended in the air. She felt a small breeze as Lee suddenly disappeared yet again. Only to show up right beneath Sasuke.
"Huh? Dancing Leaf Shadow…" Sasuke muttered with disbelief.
"And I shall prove it to you with this Technique. Prove that effort exceeds the genius."
Akari's eyes widened as Lees bandages began to unravel. Unsure of what he was going to do next. She had never seen this before, a wave of unease coursing through her.
"This is my Victory!" Lee exclaimed.
Before he could do anything else, a Pinwheel came flying out of nowhere. Startling them all as it pinned the end of Lee's bandage to the wall right above Naruto and Akari.
"That's as far as this goes. Lee!"
Akari looked over at the maroon and yellow turtle, blinking in surprise at its sudden appearance. Lee stopped his attack, flipping away from Sasuke to land softly beside the creature. Sasuke continued to fall, Sakura rushing forward to catch him before he could hit the ground. Naruto stared at his teammate, his eyes wide bewilderment.
"Are you okay, Sasuke?" Sakura helped him sit up.
Akari could tell the boy was agitated, glaring at Lee's back with such ferocity. He ignored Sakura's question, his body shaking as he knelt on the ground. Akari wondered what was going through the Uchiha's mind.
"You were watching?" Lee asked the turtle.
"Lee! That technique is prohibited!" The turtle scolded with a raspy voice.
Naruto blanched at the voice, eyebrows quirking as he stared at the creature. Akari sighed with relief next to him, glad it was over. Sasuke looked pretty worn out but she knew things could've been worse. She stood with her hands on her hips, chuckling as she watched Lee get scolded by the turtle. The older boy trying desperately to explain himself.
Naruto ran off then, going over to his team. Akari followed after him in a slower pace, taking a quick glance at the clock. Five minutes, she noticed. Just like Sasuke had said. Though it didn't quite go the way he had assumed.
"Hey guys! That thing, It's a turtle right?" Naruto asked, pointing at the turtle.
"Isn't that obvious!" Sakura said with exasperation.
Akari went over to Sasukes side, offering him a hand up. He flashed her an annoyed look, causing her to retract her offer with a shrug. Clearly he was still a bit sore about his loss. She had technically warned him, though she didn't mention it. He already looked irritated with her, no need to make it worse. Still, it wasn't her fault that he let his ego get in the way of his common sense.
"So, does that mean even turtles can be Senseis?" Naruto wondered.
"I don't know!" Sakura shouted in annoyance.
Sasuke was till glowering at Lee as the boy continued to get in trouble. Hearing him scoff, Akari glanced down at him with a raised brow. Sasuke was really taking this hard. She wondered when was the last time he had lost this badly. If ever.
"Alright, come on out Guy Sensei." The turtle suddenly said.
She looked away from Sasuke, already grimacing once she heard the name. Seeing the strange man who appeared from a cloud of smoke, Naruto and his squad looked flabbergasted. The shock was so severe that even Sasuke stood up to stare. Akari scrunched up her face with distaste at the sight of Guy posing ridiculously atop the turtles shell.
"Whoa! An even more intense guy has appeared!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Super intense. Look at that bowl cut." Sakura muttered.
"T-those are some incredibly raging brows..." Naruto looked taken aback.
Lee overheard, causing Akari to chuckle as he turned around to face them. His expression angry as he clenched his fist at them.
"Don't mock Guy Sensei!" He shouted at them.
"Shut up! How are we supposed to react when bizarre things keep popping up!" Naruto shouted back.
"WHY YOU…!"
"Lee. Drop it." Guy stopped him.
Then the man was reeling an arm back before punching Lee with ferocious strength. The boy flying backwards and landing roughly on the wood floor. Akari flinched as the others cried out in shock yet again. Then she was grimacing as Lee and his sensei looked at each other with tears in their eyes. As if they were reenacting a cheesy romance flick. She looked away as Lee ran into Guy's arms, the two of them holding each other in a tight embrace. Beside her, Kakashi's squad looked repulsed by the scene. Yeah, that's the reaction most people gave the weird bowl cut duo, Akari thought to herself.
"Don't worry about it, Lee. Mistakes come with adolescence." Guy pulled back, placing a hand on Lee's shoulder.
"You're so kind, Sensei." Lee sniffled, tears trailing down his eyes.
"Now then, take a hundred laps around the training field toward the setting sun!" Guy pointed out the door.
"Yes, Sensei!" Lee immediately agreed.
Ignoring their audience, the two began to walk away. Akari shaking her head at their odd yet somewhat endearing personalities. The two really did make a strange pair.
"Wait a minute! What are you going to do about the Chunin exams?" Sakura stopped them.
Guy paused, turning to them with a sheepish expression. Looking to have just remembered why so many genin were gathered in the village.
"Huh? Oh, that's right…" He chuckled.
Then he was clearing his throat, turning back to Lee with his fists on his hips. Trying to play at being a stern teacher. Akari rolled her eyes, turning away from them to glance outside.
"Lee, you will be punished for breaking the rules after the exams." She heard guy say.
As she looked out the entrance, she caught sight of two familiar faces. Relief coursing through her at their sudden appearance. Mizuko saw her first, motioning to Riko to stop. She waved at them as they approached. Mizuko already giving Akari her best nagging look. She frowned, already preparing herself for the usual scolding.
"Hey, How's Kakashi?" Guy was asking.
"You know Kakashi sensei?" Sasuke asked.
Akari turned away from her siblings, looking over at Guy again. He looked serious now, eyeing the trio with a speculative expression.
"I do. People consider us rivals." The older man told them.
The twins came in then, looking around the room at everyone curiously. They came to a stop on either side of Akari. Sasuke gave them a brief glance, before turning back to Guy.
"That's a lie." Naruto couldn't believe Guy's words.
"Well, actions do speak louder than words." Guy smirked.
One second, Guy was there then gone the next. The six of them blinked at the spot he once stood, slightly stunned. Startling when he was suddenly standing right behind Kakashi's squad. Akari and the twins couldn't help but jump a little. Even though they had seen Guy in action before, he still always caught them off guard.
"By the way, my record is fifty wins and forty-nine losses." The older ninja said with a smirk.
Naruto and his friend turned around to face him with shocked expressions. Staring up at the man with unease. Akari and her siblings looked to Guy, the older man flashing them a brief glance. Recognition crossed his face but he saud nothing. His attention fully on Kakashi's squad.
"One thing you should know. I'm stronger than Kakashi." He told Naruto and the others.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed at the proclamation, his fist clenched at his side. Mizuko noticed, watching him carefully. Riko just looked confused with the situation, not understanding what he had walked into. Akari didn't think it was the right time to explain.
"Lee was the one to cause trouble this time. So out of consideration for me, please forgive him. You all should go to the classroom pretty soon."
Guy pulled out a kunai, throwing it without looking. It flew from his hand, hitting the pinwheel on the wall to release Lee's bandage. Lee immediately started to re-wrap his scarred hand. The twins looked to him, then at Sasuke's bruised cheek. Understanding crossing their faces as they realized what had transpired.
"Do your best, Lee! Farewell!" Guy saluted.
He vanished in a cloud of smoke, the turtle following soon after. Everyone was stunned into silence, not sure what to make of the strange Jonin.
"Sasuke. I actually came here to verify my own ability." Lee caught their attention.
The six of them turned to the boy, taking in his serious expression. Sasuke stared at him with obvious frustration.
"I lied before. The strongest man in this village isn't me, but he is on my team. I entered the exams in order to beat him, you were just practice. But now, you are a target. Consider yourself warned."
Then Lee was leaping back up the second floor with a flashy front flip. Leaving a seething Sasuke to think on his words. The Uchiha was trembling with fury, a scowl on his lips.
"Ha! So, I guess the Uchiha clan is not all that, huh?" Naruto muttered.
He had his hands crossed behind his head, side-eying Sasuke with a judgemental look. Sakura immediately reprimanded him, glaring at the blonde. The twins looked on, waiting for Akari so they could leave. She just stood there though, her eyes studying Sasuke's infuriated expression.
"Shut up. I'll knock him flat next time." Sasuke proclaimed.
Mizuko rose a brow at that, a small smile playing on her lips. Riko eyed the Uchiha, taking in his bruised face. Sasuke noticed them watching him, looking irritated by their obvious doubt. The twins had lost a time or two against Lee so they had a pretty good idea what the kid went through. And they knew his statement was just empty words.
"That from someone who just got whipped." Naruto huffed, glancing away.
He didn't look the least bit sorry, not caring if his words affected Sasuke or not. His nonchalance with the situation, annoying Sakura.
"Hey! What's your problem, Naruto!" She grumbled.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, glowering at Naruto. Forming a fist with his hands as if he wanted to strike him. Naruto gave him a brief look before frowning down at the floor.
"You saw it, didn't you? His hand…"
Sasuke's eyes widened at this while Akari was surprised that Naruto was so observant.
"That Bushy-brow probably did a heck of a lot of special training. Day after day...more than you have, that's all it is."
"You're not wrong." Mizuko spoke up for the first time.
The trio glanced over, Akari and her siblings flashing them knowing smiles. Sakura and Naruto looked startled by the Twin's appearance. Sasuke the only one who had noticed their arrival.
"Lee is one of those annoying types. The ones you can't shake off, no matter how hard you try. He trains day and night. Has been doing so for as long as we can remember." Riko told them.
Sasuke frowned, looking to be thinking this over. Sakura was eyeing Naruto, a pensive look on her face. As if she had just noticed the similarities between him and Rock Lee. The blonde didn't notice her staring off on the direction Lee ran off to with a curious expression.
"Lee is just one out of many skilled ninja taking these exams, you know. They've come from many different villages and any one of them could be top of their class, same as you." Akari told Sasuke.
He turned to her, looking a little bit irritated with her. However, sasuke did seem to be contemplate her words. Glancing around the room as if he were playing the fight back in his mind. Then he was smirking, a determined look flashing in his eyes.
"Hmph. It's starting to get interesting, the Chunin Exams." He stated, looking dangerously eager.
"Isn't it? So many new faces, and anyone of them might just show us something new." Riko matched his smirk.
Sasuke just nodded, giving the three of them a scrutinizing look. Remembering that they were also considered his rivals in these coming exams. Then he was walking past them, deciding the conversation was over.
"Naruto. Sakura. Let's go." He called to his team.
"Right!" Naruto exclaimed, the excitement clear in his blue eyes.
Akari and the twins stepped aside, staring after them as they left the building. Once they were out of sught, Mizuko immediately turned to Akari with her arms crossed.
"So this is where you were? Being nosy instead of looking for us?" She narrowed her eyes.
Akari avoided her sisters steely gaze, rubbing the back of her neck with a nervous chuckle. Riko was grinning, always finding it amusing when she was getting scolded by their sister. Better her than him, he always said.
"Not on purpose, I swear! I was on my way to find you when Lee suddenly showed up and picked a fight. Once it started, I kinda forgot…" She trailed off.
"You forgot that we had to meet Hayama Sensei in less than half an hour? What would you have done if the fight lasted longer?!" Mizuko nagged.
She grabbed Akari by the wrist, dragging her out of the building. Riko following them with a lazy smile.
"I knew it wouldn't. Lee is no regular genin. I mean, Sasuke is good but he's not that good." She said in defense.
Mizuko didn't loosen her grip, probably afraid her little sister would run off again. Akari didn't shake her off because one, she wasn't eager to die just yet. And two, because she knew that the possibility of her getting lost again was very much likely. Akari was extremely self-aware and knew that she wasn't the most prudent at the worst of times.
"You didn't think to warn your old playmate?" Riko asked.
Akari shot him a glare over her shoulder, not liking his teasing tone. He just gave her a greasy grin, laughing at her affronted expression. She would've ignored his question if not for Mizuko's questioning gaze. The elder twin wanting an answer.
"I tried, sort of. I'll admit I should've been more clear but I doubt he would've listened either way." She sighed.
For an Uchiha, Sasuke could be very un-observant at times. Had he ignored his ego, he might've realized early on that Lee was no pushover. Still, she didn't think he would've backed down even if he had. Sasuke wasn't the type to walk away even if he was at a disadvantage.
"He's lucky it was Lee who he ran into. Neji wouldn't have been kind enough to hold back." Mizuko suddenly said.
Akari grimaced at the thought. The Hyuuga had a very intense personality, nothing like his shy cousin. He's always been ruthless with his opponents, using violent means to get his point across. Point being that he was superior and those beneath him should accept their fate. Akair could still feel the cuts and bruises he had left her the first time they spared. He hadn't pulled his punches in the slightest and didn't look the least bit sorry about the state he had left her in.
"Did you hear the asshole has already found his first target? Apparently it's some rookie" Riko told them.
The two girls stopped, looking back at their brother with raised brows. So Neji was already prepared to put some poor kid in their place. Not surprising, though it seemed a bit premature. The exams hadn't even started yet. Making her wonder what this person did to grab the Hyuugas attention.
"Let's hope he can handle Neji or at least have the sense to back down" Riko muttered.
He also remembered the state the Genius had left Akari in. It was only supposed to be practice but since Neji thought the younger girl had gotten a little too confident, he brought it upon himself to humble her a bit. Safe to say that Akari thought twice about running her mouth now a days. Neji's lesson was not an easy one to forget.
The twins had expected her to be afraid of him afterwards but she had taken it all in stride. In fact Akari had become somewhat friends with the Hyuuga. She liked to believe he wasn't as bad as people thought. Riko questioned her about this a lot, not sure why his little sister insisted on being friendly with the guy who had sent her to the infirmary for almost a week.
"Who would be stupid enough to underestimate a Hyuuga?." Akari scoffed.
It was a well known fact around the village that the clan was now the most powerful. What with the Uchihas being a thing of the past. Whoever this rookie was, she hoped they weren't foolish enough to doubt this.
"Not our problem. Lets get inside." Mizuko said.
At this point, the elder twin had managed to lead them to the meeting spot. Inside the building, Hayama Sensei was awaited them in front of a pair of metal doors. Their teacher quirked a brow at Akari, motioning to the clock on the wall. She gave him a sheepish look, seeing that it was five minutes last he time he had given them.
"Good thing I told you to get here fifteen minutes early. You'd most definitely have missed the entry time had I told you 3 o'clock exactly." Hayama sighed, crossing his arms.
"She didn't stray too far this time, thankfully." Mizuko told him, giving Akari a look.
"Okay, so I messed up. Is it really that surprising at this point?" She rolled her eyes.
"No. Hence why I made you come early." Hayama flicked her ear.
She pouted up at him, rubbing her stinging ear. He just shook his head at her with a fond smile.
"Alright. I have to ask before you go in there. Are you sure?"
Their teacher looked to each of them in turn. Looking for any sign of doubt or fear. The three siblings stood firm, refusing to waver in their decision. The Chunin exams were held twice a year, meaning they could've given it a shot previously. But at the time, they hadn't felt ready to do so. Now though, they were confident they could do this. The trio wouldn't be standing here if they weren't.
"Very well. In you go." Hayama smiled.
Then he was gone, vanishing in a cloud of smoke. The siblings shared a nervous look before walking forward. Riko reaching out to pull open the door. The moment they stepped inside, dozens of heads turned in their direction. None of them looking all that welcoming. They eyed the large room carefully, taking in all the scrutinizing looks and heavy glares.
"Not a very friendly reception." Riko muttered under his breath.
"I hope you weren't expecting one." A cool voice replied.
The three of them glanced behind them to find Neji glancing around the room, looking unbothered by the competition. Rock Lee and Tenten flanking him, standing with an air of confidence. Gai Sensei's team looked ready to take them all on, not showing any sign of being intimidated.
"Of course you'd act composed. Nothing fazes you, does it?" Akari asked with a smirk.
"Not very often, no." Neji replied easily.
"I think we should find a seat." Tenten whispered.
Those already gathered in the room were still openly staring at them. Sizing up the new teams with narrowed eyes. Nodding, Mizuko led them through the crowd. Holding her chin up so as to not look intimidated. Once she found them an empty table, the six of them gathered around. There, they waited.
"Say, Neji. Whose this rookie your supposedly interested in?" Akari asked once they were settled.
She had chosen a seat between the Hyuuga and her brother. Tenten in front of her, with Mizuko and Rock Lee on either side. Lee looked up at his teammate at the question, watching Neji carefully. Tenten just rolled her eyes, chin resting on the palm of her hand.
"Uchiha." Was Neji's quick response.
Akari blinked, glancing over at Lee in surprise. The boy in green just shrugged, looking down at his hands quietly. So that's why Lee had challenged Sasuke. It wasn't just because he was an Uchiha. But because the rookie had gotten Neji's attention.
"Well, that should be an interesting match. Two members of Konoha's most noble clans. Each with their own powerful dojutsu. The stands are gonna be packed this year once words gets out. I hope they have enough popcorn." Riko rolled his eyes.
Then the twin was yawning with boredom, stretching his arms behind his head. Neji gave him a hard look, Riko ignoring it per usual. The two were on very shaky terms, only stomaching each other for Akari's sake. Neji didn't like Riko's easy going attitude while the latter didn't like the Hyuuga period.
"That's only if they get paired with each other. Any one of us could end up fighting Neji in the end." Rock Lee stated.
He flashing his teammate a competitive look. Neji noticed but said nothing, used to Lee's rivalry against him.
"He's right. Plus, there's no guarantee any of us even make it that far. There's quite a bit of competition." Mizuko said, glancing around the room.
Akari did the same, chewing on her lower lip as she took in the large amount of people. Then her eyes met another pair across the room. The boy dressed in a black body suit from earlier, purple marks on his face. Once he noticed her staring, he flashed her a wicked grin. Followed by a flirty wink. She looked away then, unable to help the small blush on her cheeks. The guy had seemed far too confident for her liking.
"As long as the winner is someone from Konoha, I honestly don't care. It would be pretty annoying if someone from another village took the gold."
Riko was glaring at a group from the Hidden Rain. The trio smirking back, waving a kunai at them smugly. Now that she thought about, there were a lot of people from outside their village. Any one of them could make it out on top.
"Well, I for one hope I make it to the finals. If only to prove to myself that I can keep up with these monsters." Tenten said, waving a hand at her teammates.
"No one would blame you if you couldn't." Mizuko chuckled.
Akari smiled, knowing Tenten had it rough. Poor girl was stuck with two very difficult teammates. Each in their own way. Not to mention Guy Sensei who was constantly giving Tenten a migraine.
The six of them fell into easy conversation after that, talking quietly amongst themselves. Well the five of them mostly, Neji ignoring them per usual. The other participants had deemed them uninteresting by now and had stopped staring.
Then the door opened once more and three genin walked in. Akari's table all glanced over, immediately recognizing the group. Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura froze under all the scrutiny. Looking slightly put off by the large amount of people in the room. Everyone giving them the same welcome Akari and the others had received.
Kakashi's squad seemed a bit nervous, their wide eyes taking in the heated glares. Ino's squad chose that moment to walk in behind them, wrapping her arms around Sasuke. That was enough to bring the three out of their initial unease. Sakura starting an argument with the pretty blonde like usual.
Akari watched the growing group with a small smile. There was Shikamaru looking like he wanted to be anywhere else. Choji at his side like always, a bag of chips held firmly in his hand. Kiba sauntered in next, Akamaru sitting calmly on his head. Followed by Hinata who kept her shy gaze on the ground and Shino whose expression was unreadable behind his dark glasses. The nine rookies began to talk amongst themselves, ignoring all the looks being shot their way.
Akari thought of maybe joining her old classmates, going over to say hello. But before she could, a stranger with glasses walked over to them. He seemed to be warning them of the impression they had made. Many in the room having offense to the way they had been disregarded so easily. The nine rookies seeming un-bothered by their strong competition.
She watched as the group asked the guy some questions. The stranger proceeding to explain about the exams as he pulled out a deck of cards. She thought she heard Sasuke ask about a guy named Gaara and Rock Lee. The man in glasses immediately showing him two seperate cards. She couldn't really make out what they spoke of. But them Naruto was suddenly turning to face the whole room. A determined expression on his face.
"MY NAME IS NARUTO UZUMAKI! AND IM GONNA BEAT EVERY ONE OF YOU! BELIEVE IT!"
Akari couldn't help the amused laugh that burst free from her lips. Leave it to Naruto to cause a scene. Many of the participants looked stunned by his sudden proclamation, though most just looked furious.
"I guess you didn't intimidate him as much as you thought, huh Lee?" Neji said.
Rock Lee just shrugged, eyeing Naruto curiously. He then looked over at Akari.
"He didn't even last a minute against me. Where does he get all this confidence from?" He asked her.
Everyone at the table turned to her, ignoring how Sakura grabbed Naruto into a head lock. Akari looked back at them, blinking at the sudden attention. They all looked a bit curious about the blue eyed blonde now. Though Neji just looked like he wanted to know what she had to do with Naruto. Akari not having mentioned their old friendship to him before.
"I honestly don't know. He's always been like that." She answered with a shrug.
"He has to know he won't last. Not if what he showed me earlier is all he's capable of." Lee shook his head.
"Many said the same about you, when it was clear you were no good at basic ninja techniques." Akari rose a brow.
Lee blushed at this, averting his gaze as he scratched his nose sheepishly.
"Sorry. I sounded like Neji for moment there, didn't I." He chuckled lightly.
"Just a tad bit. Almost punched you." Riko said.
This earned him another glare from Neji. Instead of ignoring it this time, he actually winked at the Hyuuga. Neji grimaced, looking away in an instant. Akari giggled, always finding it funny when Riko managed to fluster the usually stoic Hyuuga. Neji gave her an irritated look, though there wasn't much heat behind it.
Then she felt it. A small gust of air, barely noticeable but there. Neji and the others tensed around her, having felt it to. They all looked over to Naruto and the others, the group of genin looking oblivious to the change in atmosphere. Suddenly, a ninja from the Hidden Sound appeared among them. Fists clenched as they through a well aimed punch at the man in glasses. The man seemed to dodge it, steering clear of the impact. Akari thought he had avoided the hit, but she was wrong.
A second later, the strangers glasses shattered on his face. The man falling to his knees as he retched in pain. Naruto and Sakura immediately rushed to his side, checking if he was ok. Akari could see the blood from where she sat, her brow furrowed in confusion. The others looked just as surprised, though Neji just looked pensive. The Hyuuga eyeing the Hidden Sound ninja with narrowed eyes.
"How did he…"
Akari didn't get the chance to finish her question. A man appearing out of a cloud of smoke at the front of the room.
"Alright you baby faced degenerates! Pipe down and listen up! It's time to begin. I'm Ibiki Morino your Procter and from this moment your worst enemy."
It looked like the Chunin Exams had finally begun.