Impstar: Eh, I guess she just sort of developed that way after becoming a ninja. She's always been kind of spoiled, so she's used to always getting her way. Not to mention, there are plenty of ninja who become aloof and cold.

Digman14: That's a plot point for later. Sorry that I'm being so vague.

Rix21: At this point in time, Naruto's power will be limited to Bijuu, though you never know, I might change my mind about that.

rockhard034: Hmm, I think they'll be referring to each other by their titles. That seems to be what it's like canonically for the most part.

Okay, for the last Chapter I received plenty of suggestions for what I should do for Naruto's speech text. Ultimately, I liked Alucard the Destroyer's idea the most, since he's going to be spending a fair amount of time in each form. So from now on, Naruto's text will be bold in Bijuu form and normal in human form.

Chapter 7: Lament of the Balance

Naruto had to admit, the change of pace and the new company that made its presence known was a bit of an improvement from his usual sub-par conditions, regardless of how bad the company actually was.

The Kyuubi's words rang in his head, and he thought about what he had said longer than he would have liked. It was a tempting offer to be sure, but then again so was everything when you were stuck in this type of place.

"I just can't understand what the Kyuubi is thinking when he told me that. I know he would benefit from it directly if he were to "absorb" me, as he called it, but there's got to be something beyond that. That can't be the only reason..." he said to himself. But, it wasn't like it was a guaranteed thing that he would go out and start absorbing other Bijuu.

For starters, as much as he hated to admit it, he was stuck here. There was no way he could escape on his own, because otherwise he would've done that years ago. The only way he would be able to escape was if an outside source weakened the seal, and allowed him to escape. He supposed the seal was similar in design to Haruki's seal, and something like that would allow Yukiko to use his chakra as a weapon.

He settled back into his cage, mulling over the course of action he should take. Whatever the case, it seemed that things were going to be much more interesting from this point on.

Yukiko yelped as she and her sister were strewn across the landscape in an explosion of chakra, their physical bodies being jolted awake by the failed jutsu. She felt her mother rush forward to catch her as the seal's link disappeared, her father appearing similarly to catch Haruki.

The red-haired girl groaned as her head throbbed, feeling like her brain was going to leak out through her ears. Once again, Haruki seemed be in a similar situation if not worse. She seemed as if she was on the verge of fainting from the stress.

"W-Well, that didn't work..." Haruki groaned, clutching her head as Minato set her down. Similarly, Yukiko got up from her mother's arms, stretching her limbs and tilting her neck to remove the whiplash.

"I guess that wasn't the most effective jutsu ever. It looks like you'll have to master the Reibi's chakra without the use of this jutsu, Yukiko..." Minato called to his younger daughter.

Yukiko looked almost affronted, she still didn't know that much about using the Reibi's chakra. What if it was dangerous to use?

"Don't worry, we'll give you as much outside support as we can give you, but part of the process you'll have to do on your own. You need to remember that if you're going to master the chakra," he said.

Yukiko mused over that fact for a little bit. She wanted to catch up to her sister and get this done with quickly, but her Bijuu was inherently weaker than Haruki's, and she had the subtle feeling that she wouldn't be able to truly master it unless she took it slow and steady.

It wasn't a glorious decision either way, but she figured that was how she was going to do. Her father and sister began walking over to her, picking up the kunai that had been in place for the seal.

"Well, as for now Yukiko, since we can't seem to get this right at the moment, I would suggest just preparing about your orientation. It's the most important thing in your Genin career after all, since you will be working with this team until you get promoted," Minato said. He smiled lightly at her, though Yukiko didn't really feel happy at the moment. Her first encounter with the Reibi left an unpleasant aftertaste in her mouth, and she couldn't help but think about what it had said.

"You think- Oh that's rich. Listen here, little girl. I," He was cut off from his ramblings due to the arrival of Haruki, but something about that unfinished sentence had bothered Yukiko greatly. It was the way he was taken aback at first by Yukiko's proclamation. There was something more to what he was about to say at that moment.

She brushed a little bit of dirt off of her shorts, watching as her father opening the sliding door to the mansion. It was only at that moment when she realized how tired she truly was. She felt her left leg almost give out on her, but she caught herself before she could fall. Her sister was admittedly having a tough time of it, as she lumbered into the house panting.

"I-I... n-need... t-to... r-rest... n-now," she panted, as she leaned against the wall to support herself and control her breathing.

"Of course, Haruki-chan. You've done well, so just take a break now. This jutsu is incredibly draining after all..." Kushina said, placing a hand on her older daughter's shoulder.

Haruki nodded, before she too disappeared into the house. Kushina followed in afterwards, stopping in the doorway to address Yukiko.

"I would recommend that you take a rest as well, Yukiko-chan. That jutsu is almost as draining on you as it is on Haruki," she said as an afterthought, before she walking into the house.

Yukiko absentmindedly noted that it was probably good advice, but she wondered how she was going to rest when she had the orientation constantly on her mind. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she was very nervous.

Yukiko smiled nervously as she took a seat in the back of the class. She supposed it was just a force of habit; she tried to make herself as small as possible when she was nervous.

"I don't have to worry about anything. I'm the top of the class, after all!" she tried to console herself with that fact, and the fact that the other kids were probably feeling the exact same way right now.

Iruka walked into class about two minutes after the bell had rang, smiling at them all while he clutched a clipboard in his hand. Yukiko took a keen interest in that clipboard, because it likely decided her fate. She droned out his speech about how they were going to lead Konoha to an era of prosperity, and she focused all of her attention on that clipboard.

The first five teams listed did not mention anything about her, so she forgot about them within seconds. However, after Iruka said the next thing she instantly perked up and listened.

"Okay, next up is Team 6. Namikaze Yukiko..." Her eyes were on him instantly, waiting for the other two names that would decide who she would be with.

"... Sarutobi Konohamaru... Moegi... Your Jounin-sensei will be Hyuuga Hinata."

Yukiko sighed in relief, thinking that she could finally relax now. She was paired up with two of her best friends, whom she got along with almost perfectly, and she wasn't partnered with Hanabi, so that was a lifesaver. However, she did have Hanabi's older sister as a Jounin-sensei, but thankfully they were nothing alike. In fact, Haruki and Hinata were best friends, so it was bizarre that the exact opposite was the case for herself and Hanabi.

She winced when Udon got placed with Hanabi on Team 8, with Haruno Sakura as their Jounin sensei. That was another thing to be thankful for. The Haruno girl and Haruki never did see eye-to-eye, so it was likely that Sakura would've given her a hard time had she been placed on that team.

As Iruka read off the last of the names to the class, he set the clipboard down and gave the new recruits his full attention.

"It is with great pride that welcome each and every one of you to the Konoha military force. In approximately one hour, your Jounin sensei will be here to pick you up and bring you to your first meeting. I wish all of you luck out there!" Iruka said formally, before he took his leave out the door. When the door had shut, the class mingled with one another, teams going to talk to each other for the first time.

"Hey, Yukiko! I see we got placed on the same team! This should be cool!" a boyish, excited voice sounded next to the red-haired girl, bolting her out of the stupor she had taken. Moegi joined them quietly, smiling shyly at both her and Konohamaru.

Yukiko smiled to herself, at least she was in the company of good friends. For the next hour or so, the three kids talked about what was going on in their lives, from their interests, to their parents, and to their graduation from the academy.

"-and my parents developed this new jutsu to help me control the Reibi's chakra, and my sister went with me into my mindscape to help, but it ended up being a lot harder than we could imagine. I still don't have much of a grasp over it..." Yukiko stated glumly.

"Hey, don't sweat it, Yukiko! You have an awesome source of power inside your gut, and it's sure to make you one of the most powerful ninjas in the entire village. You just need some time in order to control it. Once you do, you'll be a force to be reckoned with," Konohamaru reassured her, making her feel a little bit better.

"Besides, you've got your parents and sister helping you out with this, and they're all awesome ninjas in their own right. Man, I wish I had a sister as cool as yours. She's talented, and pretty, and aloof, and pretty, and..." Konohamaru started to drool, and Moegi smacked him over the head before he could finish that sentence, shaking her head as she nodded her head in Yukiko's direction.

The same glum expression entered Yukiko's face, and once again she felt like she was playing second fiddle to her sister. At least she didn't have her as a Jounin sensei, that would've made things just so much worse.

The sound of a door opening cut them off from their thoughts, and the three Genin turned to see their new arrival. They were one of the last teams to not get picked up yet, so there was a high chance that this was their Jounin sensei.

Through the doorway walked in a pretty young woman about the age of sixteen, her lavender eyes giving her identity away immediately. She stood about 5'3", with long indigo hair that went down her back. She wore a purple vest of sorts with fishnet underneath it all, and almost high-heel sandals that didn't seem to be very comfortable for fighting.

She walked into the room very demurely, like she was made for elegance. Standing at the front of the class, she softly cleared her throat, though it wouldn't do much for drawing anyone's attention.

"U-um, Team Six?" she said simply, her gentle voice appearing out of place on a Jounin. Yukiko had recognized her the second she had walked in the room, and turned her attention on the new sensei. Her new teammates were not just beginning to analyze her.

Yukiko got to her feet, and Konohamaru and Moegi followed suit. They walked up to the front of the class, standing in front of their Jounin sensei, who looked relieved.

"Meet me on the roof..." she said quietly, disappearing in a puff of smoke. Yukiko blinked for a moment, as their sensei had left them in the dust. Konohamaru seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Hey! She left us behind!" Yukiko shouted.

Three minutes later, Hinata was waiting for them patiently on the room, leaning against the railing in a reclined position. Her hands were on her lap and she held a serene expression. Her three Genin steadily made their way onto the roof and took some seats opposite her on the stairs.

"W-Welcome, you three. I am the sensei for Team 6, Hyuuga Hinata. It it a pleasure to be working with you, and I'm s-sure we will accomplish a lot together..." she said.

"What is with that stutter? Is she really a Jounin?" Konohamaru whispered to Moegi, who nodded in agreement. Yukiko knew at this point not to underestimate the Hyuuga.

"W-Well, why don't we start with some introductions. You could give me your name, likes and dislikes, hobbies, and dreams for the future..." she said, smiling softly at them.

The three Genin looked at each other.

"Hmm, why don't you go first, sensei?" piped up Moegi. Hinata contemplated this for a moment.

"Well, sure. M-My name is Hyuuga Hinata. I like Konoha, my friends, and w-willpower. I dislike my s-shyness and being looked down upon, as well as, um... never mind. My hobby is pressing flowers. Dreams for the future... um, I had one, but..." she trailed off, feeling that she didn't want to finish that last sentence. The three Genin in front of her looked perplexed at what she was trying to hide, but they didn't blurt out anything.

"O-Okay, your turn," she said.

"I'll go!" Moegi shouted. "My name is Moegi, I like my friends and I like Konoha, but I really dislike bullies. My hobbies are drawing and coloring, and hmm... I never really thought about my dreams for the future..." she said, lifting her finger to her chin.

Hinata smiled at the girl, before turning to the only boy within the group.

"I'm Sarutobi Konohamaru! I like this village, my grandpa, and my friends! I dislike how people always judge me on being a former Hokage's grandson. My hobbies are training and more training. My goal for the future is surpass my grandpa and become the greatest Hokage who ever lived!" he proclaimed to himself.

Yukiko glared at him lightly, he was a suitable rival for her. It wasn't the first time he had proclaimed his desire to be Hokage, a dream which competed with hers. She supposed it was strange that they would actually be friends. She then realized that she was the only one who hadn't given her introduction, and all eyes were on her.

"My name is Namikaze Yukiko! I like my friends, Konoha, my family, and ramen! But, I hate the three minutes where have to wait after pouring the water in ramen, and being in my sister's shadow. My hobbies are training and reading, and I want to become the greatest Hokage who ever lived, and master the power of the Reibi inside me!" she said.

Hinata and Moegi stared at her in amazement, while Konohamaru in turn glared at her for "stealing" his dream. Yukiko sat back down after her passionate speech and giggled to herself, pleased with her confidence.

"A-Alright, everyone, I'm afraid I have some bad news. I don't like to tell you this, but you're not actually Genin yet..." she winced as she said that last part, remembering her own Genin years when she was told that news.

The kids were perturbed.

"WHATTT!" they all cried at once.

"I-In order to become a Genin, you all have to pass my test first. Meet me at Training Ground 7 tomorrow at 6 o'clock, where we will begin the a-assessment. Those who fail will be sent back to the academy, with this test having a 66% failure rate..." she said.

Moegi had a hand over her mouth, Konohamaru was glaring and looking ready to yell something at her, and Yukiko's jaw had dropped open with her eyes wide. This had completely thrown them for a loop.

"But, sensei, what about the graduation exam?" asked Moegi desperately.

"O-Oh, that? That just shows who's prepared to take the t-true Genin exam." Hinata said.

Moegi sat down, looking defeated.

"A-And one more thing, d-don't eat b-breakfast t-tomorrow... You'll only throw u-up if you do..." she said, only a little bit louder than normal. The kids saw the way she had said that so awkwardly, and they had a hard time taking her seriously.

"T-that is all for now..." she said, before she once again disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"W-Well, now what do we do?" Yukiko asked, bringing everyone's feelings to the forefront. Konohamaru went from angry to cocky in a split-second, placing his hands behind his head in his signature gesture.

"Man, did you see the way she was stuttering? We should have no problem whatsoever with whatever she throws at us. I'm willing to bet that we all pass!" he said confidently.

Yukiko stared at the only boy for a bit longer, finding it hard to have faith in his words. Hinata was strong; she may not be suitable for Jounin sensei, but anyone who underestimated her would be in for a very rude awakening when they actually fought.

This sucked, it really, really sucked.

Not only was Konohamaru out there alone going at it with Hinata like an idiot, but none of them had even come close to grabbing the bells off of her waist. It was almost noon, and that meant almost time for the lunch that they likely wouldn't be receiving.

"Dammit!" she heard Konohamaru yell, as he was tossed into the river yet again by a Jyuuken slap. He threw two shuriken out of the river at breakneck speed, hoping for an injury on the Hyuuga teenager.

She avoided it easily, jumping away from the shuriken as Konohamaru crawled out of the river sopping wet. His hair was matted, and he looked bruised, but he never lost that look of determination.

He rushed towards her stupidly again, falling into the same rope trap that had been used on him earlier.

"U-Um, you shouldn't fall for obvious traps..." Hinata said, trying her best at a condescending tone that wasn't really cutting it. However, she did drop her guard at that instant.

"Now!" Yukiko screamed in her mind, before she let loose with a barrage of kunai from her hiding spot towards the Hyuuga woman. Konohamaru said something in shock as they impacted, but she didn't hear him because her eyes were focused on her target.

"Shit, Kawarimi!" she shouted in her head, as the annoying log appeared in a puff of smoke, leaving no Hinata to be seen.

"I just gave away my position!" She turned and darted out of the trees, knowing that her sensei would be coming for her soon. She focused chakra into her feet to give her an extra boost, trying desperately to find a new hiding place. She ran straight into her sensei the moment she exited the canopy...

Within the seal, Naruto noticed something strange about Yukiko's behavior today. She was molding chakra at strange intervals, something she never did during training.

"She's fighting someone. This is a first." Normally, Naruto didn't care enough to look through Yukiko's eyes, but his curiosity had been piqued enough to take a first-person view for once. Grunting, he focused his golden chakra and closed his eyes, getting a sort of blurry glimpse at the scene. She was definitely fighting someone, a Hyuuga from the looks of it, which meant that this wasn't a battle to the death. Maybe it was a test of some kind, though Naruto couldn't tell at this point in time.

It was took hazy to make out, but his sister could've just been made a Genin as far as he could tell. That meant, after remaining mostly dormant during the academy years, she was going to begin using her chakra seriously.

Whenever she molded chakra, he felt an unpleasant, heavy sensation wash over him, even though she was using her own chakra, and not his. The seal seemed to be become slightly warped whenever she did this as well, but to his disappointment, it was nowhere near close to breaking.

"Still, the fact that the seal is changed whenever she molds chakra leaves some hope for an escape plan. Who knows what the use of my chakra will do?" he said aloud.

He laid down his head for a little while, before he once again peaked into Yukiko's head. This time she was sitting directly to the right of a boy who was tied to a stump. He seemed to be struggling a little bit, but the woman they had been fighting before didn't look too happy with him either. They exchanged a few words that Naruto didn't really care to hear, something about "teamwork" or some shit like that. The woman got very happy all of a sudden, and Naruto tuned in on what she had to say.

"You all pass!" he heard.

"Well, shit..."

Within Sunagakure no Sato, a red-haired man obscured by a blue robe sat in his waiting chambers, two Sand shinobi kneeling before him outside of the sliding door.

"So... Konoha's second Jinchuuriki has become a Genin, has she not?" he said smoothly, his voice containing a slight hint of malice behind it.

"Yes, Kazekage-sama. According to Hayazashi-san, that it was the Yondaime Hokage said while he was on his regular trip to Konohagakure no Sato. It seems she had slower growth than anticipated." the first shinobi said.

"That is refreshing news. What the Hokage sees as flexing his muscles I see as valuable information. He's a fool, revealing such information to someone like Hayazashi. No doubt he trusts him now. However, the other countries have most likely taken their stance on this growth. We need to be quick on this matter. Fortunately, I'm sending Chiyo-baa to Konoha as our representative for the next Chuunin Exams. With her influence, she could request anyone she wants on the return trip to Suna, without anyone daring to question her. That is when we will strike in ambush... with Gaara," the Kazekage.

The two shinobi looked uneasy, as if that was a poor choice.

"Kazekage-sama, it that wise? Sending a Jinchuuriki to face another Jinchuuriki?" the second shinobi piped up.

"Above all else, we need to steal the Bijuu without making it look like an unprovoked attack on their village. If it happens within Hi no Kuni soil, there's no doubt it will be looked at this way. That's another reason why I'm sending Gaara for this. He is already known as being mentally unstable, and nobody would question us if he were to somehow snap. He's the best way to make something look like a misunderstanding. Whatever the case, it must be within Kaze no Kuni borders. Chiyo's skill with seals is another reason why she is the one that will be sent. Her skill with sealing is an incredible asset, and that's why she's needed on this mission."

"We have already prepared the next Jinchuuriki for use of the Reibi. He will be taken along with my children for the ambush, where Chiyo will seal away the beast immediately. Is all this clear?"

"Yes, Kazekage-sama!" they barked in unison, before both shinobi took their leave.

When he was alone, the Kazekage looked at the ground in perturbation.

"Konoha... they broke the Shodai's plan. I don't think they realize that they can't get away from this without starting another conflict between the villages... "

Whoo-hoo, finally another Chapter is finished.

I quite liked this one to be honest, so make sure you go ahead and review. I'll be happy to hear from you about it.

Translations and Other Features

Jyuuken: Gentle Fist

Sunagakure no Sato: Hidden Sand Villager

That's all for now,

Alban55