AUTHOR NOTE

This is my very first fic.

Hi I am back and sorry for the long wait. So here is next chapter hope you enjoy.

"Blah" talking.

'Blah' thinking.

"Blah" Bijū talking or jutsu move.

'Blah' Bijū thinking.

"Blah" Bijū talking to partner through their mind.

I do not own Naruto nor make a profit from this.


Chapter 16

Naruko walked into her home and saw Kakashi sitting on the chair and reading his usual orange book making Naruko roll her eyes. Walking in she took off her sandals before going and taking a seat next to Kakashi.

"So how did the exam go?" Kakashi asked while still reading his book.

"Strange but we passed the first test," Naruko said releasing a sigh in leaning back into the chair.

"I heard that Ibiki was the examiner. Hope he didn't cause to much emotional damage, he tends to do that," Kakashi said knowing what Ibiki was like.

"Maybe it's just me but he didn't seem that bad. I was more worried about answering the impossible questions which turns out were a waste of time," Naruko said with a pout.

"Yea it is most likely just you. I doubt they were a waste, Ibiki isn't one to do something without a reason," Kakashi said while turning a page.

"There was a reason, rather long one, but it still didn't do much. Hey Kakashi-nii where is training ground forty four?" Naruko dismissed before asking a question.

"Forty four? So you are going there? It's on the west side of the village about a mile out," Kakashi said looking at Naruko and telling her where it is before going back to reading.

"I guess you aren't going to say anything more are you?" Naruko asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Nope I don't want to ruin the surprise," Kakashi replied making Naruko pout to which Kakashi just laughed in return.

"That's no fun. Well, night, I'm going to bed," Naruko pouted before yawning and heading for bed.

"Night, you better enjoy the warm bed," Kakashi said making Naruko turn around with a raised eyebrow.

Naruko just shrugged and walking into her room.

'Kurama mind if I wake up early tomorrow so I can try that new thing of ours again?' Naruko asked Kurama while climbing into bed.

"Sure kit but you already have it done," Kurama replied.

'Yea I know but I just want to make sure and try combine it with my Kaze no yoroi,' Naruko said to Kurama.

"Just don't try to break anything this time will you," Kurama said making Naruko mumble about how it wasn't her fault.


-Next day training ground 44-

"It's a forest, a forest," Naruko deadpanned when she got to training ground forty four with her team.

"It's a freaky forest," Sakura corrected Naruko.

"Right listen up," Anko said loudly while standing on a large rock getting everyone's attention.

"This is the location for your second exam, training ground forty four also known as 'The forest of death'," Anko said with a smirk.

"This place has a ten mile radius and at the centre of if it is a large tower, there are forty four entrances to the training ground. The forest is filled with many large animals, bugs and plants so you better watch yourselves," Anko said in a tone that scared most people.

"Please, it's just a forest, I grew up in one," Naruko said plainly not seeing what the big deal is.

As soon as Naruko finished, she used her tail to catch the kunai that was sent flying towards her and stopped it just before it could cut her. Naruko turning her head slightly and saw Anko leaning on her with an arm around Naruko's shoulder.

"It's the ones like you that die first," Anko said licking her lips freaking Naruko out slightly.

"You know well enough that nothing in there will have the balls to come near me let alone attack me," Naruko responded with a smirk.

Sakura and Sasuke were wondering what she meant by that.

"It's not your typical forest, most humans don't even dare to enter the forest," Anko said in sweet voice which continued to reassure Naruko that this lady really is crazy.

"And I'm not your typical ninja and I'm not human and everything in there all know it," Naruko said while using her tail to return the kunai to Anko.

"I'd keep this but I won't need it," Naruko said showing her fingers which had claw like nails on it.

"You are no fun," Anko said with a pout while taking and putting her kunai away before reappearing back on the rock.

"Right as I was saying. This place is filled with deadly things and your goal is to get to the tower with these," Anko said taking out two scrolls one white with the kanji for heaven on it and the other brown with the kanji for earth on it.

"Each team will only get one of these. Your objective is to reach the tower with an earth scroll and a heaven scroll. Naturally anything goes so you will need to sign these, these papers are saying that we are not being held responsible for any deaths that may occur," Anko said holding a form in her other hand.

"You will have five days to reach the tower. You will stay in there for the full time so giving up won't do anything. If you fail to reach the tower in time with both scrolls and your entire team you will fail. If a teammate is unable to reach the tower under their own means you will fail," Anko explained.

"You are not allowed to open the scrolls unless inside the tower," Anko added an additional rule.

"What happens if we do?" someone shouted out.

"Why don't you find out for yourself? I don't want to ruin the surprise," Anko said in a sweet voice scaring a fair amount of people.

"After reading the form go to the stand to sign and exchange your form for a scroll and report to your allocated starting point," Anko said while Naruko took a form and passed the stack of papers on to the next person.

Ten minutes later Team Seven handed in their forms and got a heaven scroll before reporting to gate thirty three.


-Gate 33-

"So what's the plan for this?" Sasuke asked looking at Naruko.

"Well I have two ideas. The first one is head for the tower right away and wait to ambush someone, the other is to wait until night fall and ambush a resting team before heading to the tower," Naruko said thinking that's what would be best to do.

"I think we should head for the tower unless you pick up a scent of another team," Sasuke said and Naruko nodded in agreement.

"Naruko will you take us to the tower so we can get there quicker?" Sakura asked.

"Yea good idea and you can save your strength for when you need it," Naruko nodded at Sakura's suggestion.

Suddenly a bang came from the forest and the gates opened. Naruko made a bunshin before both Narukos shape-shifted into a fox. Sasuke climbed on to the original while Sakura climbed onto the bunshin before Naruko and the bunshin bolted into the forest.

Naruko would normally go at full speed but this time she only went about 30% of her speed so she can pick up scents to follow if she picked one up. About four miles into the forest Naruko stopped running before taking a few sniffs, moving a bit and taking a few more sniffs.

"Naruko do you smell something?" Sasuke asked while both he and Sakura got off Naruko.

"Yes I do and it's heading right for us and has been for the last mile," Naruko said while dispelling the bunshin and Sakura walked up to Naruko and Sasuke.

Team Seven went on high alert as someone might be following them. Naruko heard a loud crashing sound heading towards them. She gasped and reacted quickly when she saw a large strong gush of wind heading towards them.

Naruko partly changed into her Bijū form and grew four tails before all nine tails grew to full size. Naruko used her tails to cover her and her team forming a large dome around them. Sakura and Sasuke were confused as to what Naruko was doing.

"I think it's an attack," Naruko said explaining what was going on before grunting from the impact.

After Naruko felt that the possible attack had subsided her tails shrunk while four of them retracted back into her. Naruko and her team looked around and saw that all the trees in a straight line had been ripped from the ground and others were completely destroyed.

"This had to have been an attack," Sasuke said looking at the damage.

"Yes it is. Hey come out I know you are there," Naruko shouted looking at a specific tree.

A ninja with long black hair jumped down. He was wearing similar clothes that the Otonin wear but had a large purple rope around his waist wearing it as a belt.

"Hō? You managed to find me, I'm impressed," the ninja said.

"I noticed you following us a mile back," Naruko said before seeing the symbol and noted that this was a Kusanin.

Naruko took a few more sniffs before growling very aggressively and getting ready for a fight. Sasuke and Sakura also got ready for a fight after hearing Naruko growling like that.

"Orochimaru!" Naruko growled.

"Kukukuku, so you know who I am?" Orochimaru asked peeling off his skin and showing his true pale face.

"That is really gross. And yes I know who you are. I remember your scent from the last time," Naruko continued to growl while Sasuke and Sakura tensed slightly.

"Sasuke, Sakura formation E" Naruko told them softly.

"I don't think this is a good idea, we are no match against him," Sasuke responded back just as quiet.

"I know that but he is clearly after us. We have to do something," Naruko replied soft to which Sasuke nodded in return.

"Why are you here? What do you want?" Sasuke asked.

"Kukuku, I am here for you and I want you," Orochimaru replied looking at Sasuke with a creepy look making Sasuke cringe a bit.

"What the fuck! Sorry but I don't swing that way. Why would you want me?" Sasuke shot back.

"I don't want you for that you imprudent child. You are the last Uchiha so that makes you very valuable for my plans. What do you say boy join me and I will give you power like no one else can, power to kill your brother," Orochimaru purposed making Sakura look at Sasuke.

"Sasuke don't," Sakura said in a slightly panicking voice.

"No I don't need your help or your power," Sasuke shot back making Naruko smile towards Sasuke.

"No? Don't you want to seek out revenge for what he did and the way you are now, you stand no chance against him," Orochimaru asked hoping to entice the anger within Sasuke.

"I do want revenge but I have more important things on my mind and Itachi isn't one of them. And I know I don't stand a chance against him now but who says I'm going after him right now?" Sasuke replied, over past few weeks Sasuke has been slowly letting go of his hatred and he has Naruko to happily thank for that.

'That's my Sasuke-kun. I'm proud of you really proud,' Naruko thought while looking at Sasuke with a smile full of pride.

"Hō? more important things you say? I wonder what will happen if they were to… disappear," Orochimaru said sending a glance to Naruko which made Sasuke freeze and start to panic a bit.

Naruko could sense that Sasuke was scared that something might happen to her. Naruko walked up to Sasuke and placed a hand on his shoulder and softly squeezed his shoulder to try and reassure him. Sasuke turn slightly towards Naruko and gave her a soft small smile.

Naruko felt Sasuke calm down a bit and returned a small smile to Sasuke. She walked past Sasuke to stand in front of him and gave Orochimaru a hard cold start. Orochimaru casually brushed it off while watching Naruko get into a stance along with the rest of her team.

"You guys know what to do," Naruko said earning a nod from her before charging at Orochimaru and quickly reappearing right in front of him.

Naruko through a straight left aiming to hit Orochimaru in the face. Orochimaru tilted his head to the side away from Naruko letting the punch sail past his face. Naruko growled softly in annoyance before pulling her arm back in and spinning clockwise while leaning forward and extending her right foot out.

Naruko span around and aimed her kick at Orochimaru's head. Orochimaru ducked under the kick with a smirk on his face. Naruko sailed over Orochimaru and came skidding to a halt a few metres behind Orochimaru looking towards him.

"Not bad brat, if only it was someone either than me, kukukuku," Orochimaru said while turning around before chuckling near the end with a smirk on his face.

Naruko responded by charging back in with a fierce determination but smirked when she saw Sakura wasn't there. When Naruko reached Orochimaru she jumped up while bringing her left knee up towards his chin. Orochimaru leaned back a bit avoiding the attack before having to duck to avoid a kick from Naruko.

When Naruko's knee passed Orochimaru's chin she spun her body clockwise while extending her right foot and still leaving her left knee pressed against her chest. Naruko did a 360 mid-air with her foot extended which sailed over Orochimaru's head who just ducked to avoid the kick.

When Naruko landed on the ground, she landed in a crouched position and continued to spin around in a clockwise motion with her left knee against her chest and her right foot extended out. Orochimaru was forced to jump over the low attack aiming to sweep his legs from under him.

Naruko continued her spinning while standing up on her left leg and retracting her right foot and pressing her knee against her chest. Naruko leaving her upper body parallel to the ground stopped her spinning so she was facing sideways to Orochimaru before kicking her right foot out and hitting Orochimaru hard in the chest.

Orochimaru had just landed on the ground when he got kicked in the chest and was sent skidding back several metres.

"Now Sasuke!" Naruko shouted out while going through five hand seals.

Sasuke smirked seeing Naruko prepare a jutsu and went through a set of hand seals of his own.

"Fūton: Daitoppa!" Naruko called out before releasing a large gush of wind from her mouth.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no jutsu!" Sasuke called out releasing his largest fireball yet from his mouth shortly after Naruko shot out her attack.

The two attacks collided with each other while Orochimaru was trapped in between the attack. Naruko's wind attack fuelled Sasuke's fire attack allowing it to burn at a much higher intensity sending the flame high into the sky.

The fire left behind from the attack quickly died down leaving nothing but a black scorch mark on the ground where the two attacks hit. Naruko was still on guard as she knew something like that wouldn't kill Orochimaru. Sakura jumped down from her position up in the trees and landed next to Sasuke.

"Did we get him?" Sasuke asked while all three were looking around for Orochimaru.

'I need to get Sasuke and Sakura to the tower,' Naruko thought looking at her two teammates.

Naruko created two bunshins which ran to Sasuke and Sakura. When the bunshins touched Saskue and Sakura they used a shunshin to get them out the area leaving no room for argument. Naruko got one of the bunshins memory telling her that they were about two miles away from the tower.

"It doesn't matter how far he goes I will still get to him. After all you still need a scroll to enter the tower," Orochimaru said while oozing out from a tree and taking a solid form.

"I sent my team away so I don't have to worry about them getting in the way and getting hurt," Naruko said turning to face the Snake Sannin.

"Kukukuku. And you think you can take me alone do you?" Orochimaru said with a laugh.

"We'll just have to find out," Naruko said calming down.

"In a battle of pure strength and speed I won't win this fight, so I will be doing what I do best," Naruko said with a smirk while taking out two kunais holding one in each hand.

"Kukuku. And what would that be?" Orochimaru asking while watching Naruko preparing to charge in.

"Why don't you find out for yourself," Naruko said before charging in again.

When Naruko closed the distance by half she through one of the Kunais at Orochimaru head and the other one up into the air towards Orochimaru. Orochimaru was a little confused as both Kunais weren't meant for him.

Naruko smirked when Orochimaru's attention was on her and not the Kunai that sailed past his head. As soon as the kunai passed Orochimaru it shape-shifted into Naruko and quickly charged at Orochimaru before diving feet first onto the ground and sliding towards Orochimaru's feet.

As the sliding Naruko hit a very surprised Orochimaru from behind, the original Naruko had just passed Orochimaru. The original Naruko raised her right foot up high so her leg was against her body before bringing back down and hitting Orochimaru in the face with the back of her heel.

When Orochimaru's head hit the ground a small crate formed from the blow. Instead of Orochimaru's head being turned into paste it splattered into mud along with the rest of his body. Shortly after another Naruko landed in between the two Narukos on the ground.

"What the?" the Naruko that just landed asked.

Naruko growled softly before dispelling the two bunshins leaving Naruko with her foot in the ground where Orochimaru's head should have been. She pulled her foot out the ground before taking a few sniffs of the air to locate Orochimaru.

Naruko snapped her head around and saw another Orochimaru oozing out from the tree before solidifying and licking his lips.

"Kukukuku. If only that was the original me. You are not the only one who likes to play find the original me," Orochimaru said with a small chuckle which earned a low growl from Naruko.

"You really are just a sly snake," Naruko growled back at Orochimaru.

"Says the fox," Orochimaru shot back in a playfully voice.

Naruko then charged back in while cocking her left arm back and making a fist. When Naruko reached Orochimaru she lunched her fist at his face and smirked when he started to dodge the attack confusing Orochimaru. Naruko's arm suddenly changed into a giant red furry arm.

Thanks to Naruko's giant arm she connected her fist into Orochimaru's face sending him flying through several trees. Naruko vanished and reappeared in Orochimaru's flight path before turning her right arm into a giant red furry arm.

Naruko cupped her hands together while holding them above her head before swinging it down and hammering Orochimaru in the face who just reached Naruko. The force from Naruko's attack forced air out and away from Naruko creating a mini shockwave.

Orochimaru's head hit the ground hard facedown and created a crater several times bigger than his head. What happened next though confused Naruko as Orochimaru deflated and shrivelled. Naruko's arms returned back to normal before she picked up the deflated Orochimaru and gave a few sniffs in confusion.

"Smells like him but what the fuck is this?" Naruko asked still confused.

While Naruko was still holding the deflated Orochimaru she jumped back dodging an attack that come from below. A not so deflated Orochimaru jumped out the ground with his neck extended beyond any human lengths.

Orochimaru landed on the ground while his neck returned to normal. Naruko didn't quite know how to react to this but still showed a mix of confusion, disgust and amazement.

"Just what the hell are you?" Naruko asked with a frown.

"I could ask the same of you," Orochimaru replied also wondering what Naruko is.

Naruko responded by getting into a stance while trying to think of a way out of this. Orochimaru didn't get into a stance but Naruko could see that he was more aware and on guard this time.

"I'll admit that it's been a long while since someone has made me get a bit serious," Orochimaru said while licking his lips.

"But as much as I would love to play, I have more important things which seek my attention," Orochimaru continued.

"Leave Sasuke-kun alone. You will not touch him," Naruko said with a growl while her eyes flashed red.

"Kukukuku. Oh don't worry there is plenty of time but for now it can wait," Orochimaru said before melting into the ground and disappearing without a trace.

Naruko remained on guard for a few minutes while taking a few occasional sniffs. She relaxed slightly when she couldn't smell Orochimaru before shape-shifting into her fox form. Naruko quickly got her team's scent and followed it travelling near full speed.


-With Sasuke and Sakura. 2 miles out from the tower-

When Naruko got close to her team she could hear fighting just ahead of her. Naruko jumped into the air before shape-shifting into her human form and landing on a tree branch to see what was going on.

Naruko saw that Sasuke and Sakura were engaged with a dozen ninja's all wearing the same thing. They were all wearing a grey full body wet-suit with a breathing mask over their mouths leaving some with only their eyes visible and others completely covered. Naruko seeing the symbol saw that they were from Kirigakure.

Each ninja that Sasuke and Sakura hit turned into a black ink type liquid, from what Naruko could see, and was replaced with another ninja. This continued for a few more minutes while Naruko observed and tried to find the original ninjas.

It didn't take Naruko long to find the culprits and with a smirk Naruko shifted into her fox form. Naruko snuck up behind the unsuspecting ninjas who were behind a bush crouching while watching their illusion tire out Sasuke and Sakura.

Naruko didn't give the three ninjas any chance to react or counterattack. Using a tail for each ninja Naruko hit them on the back of the neck completely knocking them out. Naruko shifted back into her human form before using her tails to drag the unconscious ninjas with her.

Sakura and Sasuke were confused as to why all the illusion suddenly disappeared but quickly went on guard when they heard rustling of leaves behind them. Naruko walked out from behind a bush with a smirk on her face but Sakura and Sasuke refused to drop their guard.

"Did you really have a hard time with these guys?" Naruko asked while throwing three unconscious ninjas in front of her and letting her tails waves casually from side to side behind her.

"If you really are Naruko then you should know what to say," Sasuke replied still keeping his guard up.

"A team now. A team tomorrow. A team for life," Naruko said with a sigh.

Sasuke and Sakura relaxed while putting their kunais away and walking up to Naruko.

"What happened with Orochimaru?" Saskue asked with an emotionless face.

"Not entirely sure he sort of just left saying that there is plenty of time," Naruko replied not sure herself.

"Sasuke-kun help me search them for their scroll," Naruko asked while walking up to a ninja and searching them.

Naruko looked up when Sasuke didn't respond but saw that he was doing as told. Naruko saw that he had his old emotionless face look and wondered what was wrong.

"I found the scroll but it's a heaven scroll," Sasuke said plainly while standing up with the scroll in his hand.

"R-Right. We should keep it, apart from eliminating two teams we might need later," Naruko said flinching a bit at Sasuke's emotionless tone.

"We still need to find an earth scroll. We should head for the tower seeing as we are nearly there," Sasuke replied while turning around to face the tower that is in view.

"Y-yea I guess," Naruko said flinching again while really wondering what's going on.

"Hey Sasuke?" Naruko said with a slightly worry in her voice.

Sasuke only responded by turning to face Naruko.

"What's wrong? Why you acting like your old self?" Naruko asked while looking down not be able to keep contact with Sasuke's emotionless face.

"Don't have time for this. This can wait till after this test," Sasuke replied before turning around and heading for the tower.

Naruko just softly nodded in response before following Sasuke and Sakura. Naruko took point when she caught up and led her team to the tower while trying to find any other scents. When Team Seven got to the tower they saw Hinata, Kiba and Shino walking into the tower.

They saw that there were two doors next to each other that leads into the tower. Naruko was very surprised to see Team Eight enter the tower so early on in this test. Naruko and her team got themselves into position and waited for the next team to make their way to the tower.

It was only three hours later that a team finally appeared. The team was from Konoha that was at most three years older than Naruko and her team. Naruko gave the signal to spring the trap. Sakura threw a bunch of kunais with explosive tags on them.

The ninja's were forced to scatter to avoid the explosion which never came. The three ninjas were confused as to why duds would be thrown. Naruko quickly knocked out the closest ninja to her from behind making the other two ninjas bolt over to their downed teammate.

When they reached the down teammate they saw a burning tag on his back. One of them quickly reacted and removed the tag before stepping on it and putting it out. Sakura jumped down from a tree and landed near the ninjas.

"I'm over here," Sakura called out getting the two ninja's attention.

"You bitch! You'll pay for that," one of the ninjas shouted out while he charged in with his teammate.

When they reached Sakura they both took a swing at her hitting her in the face and stomach. Sakura gave a smirk before disappearing in a poof of smoke confusing the two ninjas.

"What the!" one of them shouted out in surprise.

Sasuke jumped down from a tree right behind them before spinning clockwise and round house kicking the ninja on the left. The ninja was sent flying into his teammate and knocking them down to the ground. The ninja Sasuke kicked was knocked out leaving only one of them left to deal with.

Naruko jumped down from a tree while Sakura appeared from behind a bush and both walked up to the ninja still lying on the ground while Sasuke collected the last ninja.

"Give us your scrolls. You are outnumbered and outmatched," Naruko commanded with a grin while Sasuke returned with the last ninja and placing him near his two teammates.

"Here take it, just let us go," the only conscious ninja replied while reaching into his teammates back pouch and taking out both of their scrolls.

"Of course you can go. I'm not going to hurt or kill you," Naruko said with a soft smile while taking the scrolls and putting them in her back pouch.

Team Seven headed towards the door leaving the ninja to attend to his teammates. When Team Seven reached the door they opened it and entered the tower. They arrived in a large square room with two balconies on the sides and with corridors above and below both balconies.

The wall in front of them had a large poster on it. The poster had a saying that none of them knew what it meant and it also looked like it had a word missing.

"Without heaven? Without earth? This doesn't make sense and there is a word missing," Sakura said after reading the poster.

"I think it has to do with the scrolls. Open them," Sasuke said.

Naruko took out a heaven and earth scroll before handing one to Sakura. They both opened them at the same time. Inside the scroll had the kanji for person on it surround by weird symbols.

"Jin/Hito?" both Sakura and Naruko said at the same time reading the scroll out loud.

Both scroll started to release smoke from it making Naruko drop it followed by Sakura not wanting to hold it anymore. When the scroll hit the floor a large poof of smoke come out from the scroll. When the smoke cleared it revealed a smiling Iruka.

"Iruka-sensei?" Naruko asked surprised by his sudden appearance.

"Hai, it's me. Well done you pass the second exam," Iruka said with a smile.

"Yatta!" Naruko exclaimed happily while Sakura sighed in relief and Sasuke had a small smile.

"Sensei what does that mean and there seems to be a word missing," Sakura asked while pointing to the poster.

"Who cares? We passed," Naruko said not caring about it.

"Um I am also here to explain that," Iruka said with a sweat drop.

"This is the motto of the chūnin exam written by the Hokage-sama," Iruka explained.

"Motto?" Naruko asked.

"Yes motto. And the word that was on the scroll goes into the empty space," Iruka said while pointing to where the missing word is.

"In this paragraph earth represents the body while heaven represents the mind. If you lack heaven, seek wisdom, be prepared. If you lack earth, run in the fields, seek advantages. These rules will guide a person's extremes," Iruka said reading out the paragraph.

"If you lack heaven, seek wisdom, be prepared. For example if Naruko's weakness is her mind. She must gain knowledge and prepare for missions."

"If you lack earth, run in the fields, seek advantages. For example if Sakura's weakness is her stamina. She should continue to train hard," Iruka explain making Naruko huff and cross her arms and Sakura playfully stick her tongue out at Iruka's examples.

"Only when you have both heaven and earth will missions became easy and safe. These five days test your abilities needed to become a chūnin" Iruka said finishing his explanation.

"You guys completed this test with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately you will have to remain in this tower until the end of the test. So use the next five days to relax and rest, you will need it," Iruka said before disappearing in a swirl of dust and smoke.

"I'm going to look around a bit I'll meet you guys later," Sakura said while waving and walking down a corridor.

"Sasuke-kun now that this part is over can you please tell me what's wrong?" Naruko asked Sasuke who still had an emotionless expression.

"Nothing is wrong…"

"Sasuke-kun there is something wrong. Please tell me," Naruko said cutting him off.

"I am annoyed at what you did earlier today," Sasuke said with a frown on his face.

"Huh? What I did?" Naruko asked a bit confused.

"With Orochimaru. You used a shunshin to get us out leaving you alone with that freak. What the hell were you thinking," Sasuke said raising his voice in frustration.

"He was after you! I'm not going to let that freak get to you and you were in no position to fight. I could feel your hesitation," Naruko shot back also raising her voice.

"Of course I hesitated he is a Sanin Naruko, a Sanin. I hesitated when I heard what he wanted to do to you. I don't want to lose anyone else especially you," Sasuke responded with a bit of anger before calming down a bit near the end.

"I know what he is, that's why I had to get you out and with his attention on me…" Naruko replied.

"You used yourself as bait, what the hell were you thinking? I know you are strong, stronger than any other genin and most chūnin in Konoha but you can't take him by yourself. What happened to us doing this as a team no matter what?" Sasuke said cuting Naruko off and raising his voice again.

"I know we said to do this as a team but I had to hold back for fear of hurting you and Sakura. You would have been in the way…"

"Been in the way? So what, am I not strong enough for you now? I only get in the way? Do you really think so little of…?" Sasuke shot back in anger cutting Naruko off.

"It's not like that and you know it. He could and would have used Sakura or you, especially you, against me or use me against you. He is a sly son of bitch who has no conscious and will do anything to get what he wants," Naruko growled in annoyance while cutting off Sasuke.

"You being alone there is any better? You could have been killed Naruko or who knows what. You sent us somewhere far off which left me knowing that there was nothing I could do. That feeling of being helpless is the worst feeling and you of all people should know that!" Sasuke replied quickly almost shouting at Naruko.

"You could have also been killed if you remained there. Sorry for having to put you through that but I'd rather give my own life than watch you die," Naruko responded while tears started to brim on the edges of her eyes.

"You're not the only one that feels that way!" Sasuke shouted back.

"Naruko I was worried sick about you. I couldn't even fight properly I worried so much. If you die especially knowing that I could have done something about it, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. You mean too much to me," Sasuke continued to shout while tears started appearing near the end.

Naruko's eyes went wide hearing Sasuke say that and seeing tears in his eyes.

"Sasuke I…"

"I know why you did it. I might of done it myself if I was in your shoes. But please don't do that again," Sasuke said softly while wrapping his arms tightly around Naruko surprising her.

"Sasuke-kun I'm sorry I made you worry so much. My only thought was to get Sakura and especially you to safety," Naruko said softly wrapping her arms and tails around Sasuke.

"I'm just glad that your safe and alright," Sasuke replied softly before pulling back and giving Naruko a kiss on the forehead.

"Sasuke-kun I want you to understand that I hold great and destructive power within me. And when I say go I mean go. I had to seriously hold back when you were around while I was fighting Shukaku," Naruko said looking into Sasuke's eyes.

"You mean Kyūbi?" Sasuke asked to which Naruko nodded in return.

"What I meant by you being in the way I meant…" Naruko started off.

"You were worried that we'd be harmed," Sasuke finished for Naruko.

"Yes. I can't go all out with you or anyone else around without hurting or even killing them," Naruko said softly pulling Sasuke back into a tight hug.

"I understand Naru-chan," Sasuke replied softly while silently vowing to train as hard as possible so he can be the one to protect Naruko and not be forced to retreat when Naruko goes all out.

"You know Sasuke-kun I am really proud of you. You saying that you have more important things than going after Itachi made me really proud," Naruko said softly feeling really proud of Sasuke.

"Thank you Naru-chan, thank you" Sasuke thanked Naruko while hugging her tightly.


-Five days later-

Over the next five days Team Seven relaxed while waiting for the test to come to an end. Naruko learned that Gaara and his team were the first to arrive at the tower and pass. Hinata's team was second and Naruko's team was third.

Over the five days only four more teams made it to the tower. Three teams from Konoha, Team Asuma, Team Gai and Team Kabuto. The last team to arrive was the only team from Otogakure which seemed to have a grudge or something against Sasuke.

The seven teams were currently standing in rows in large rectangular room with a balcony on both of the longer sides. In the front of the room is a large statue of a ninja from the chest up and hands in the Hitsuji hand seal.

In front of the Statue were each of the teams' jōnin instructor. In front of them is the Hokage with Ibiki, Iruka and two other ninjas that Naruko didn't know or recognised. In front of them is Anko with a smirk on her face. In front of Anko a few metres apart stood the genin participants facing towards the people in front.

The Hokage had just finished explaining the true purpose of the chūnin exams. The true purpose of the chūnin exams is a substitute for war between allied countries. The Hokage was just about to explain what was going to happen when another ninja appeared kneeling in front of the Hokage.

The ninja asked something that wasn't loud enough for the genin to hear expect for Naruko thanks to her hearing. Shortly after the ninja stood up turned to face the genin. The ninja had a Konoha headband that covered most of his black hair.

He has black eyes and with thick dark sleeping bags underneath his eyes making him look ill and extremely tired. He is wearing the standard black jōnin uniform with a green utility jacket over his uniform.

"Hello I am Hayate. Umm before the third *Cough* test starts there is something I would like *Cough* you to do," Hayate said while coughing in between.

'This guy doesn't look well, is he alright' Naruko thought seeing this man looking rather ill.

*Cough* "Umm it's a preliminary for the third test *Cough* to decide who can participate in the main event," Hayate explained shocking a few people.

"Preliminary? What do you mean?" Shikamaru shouted out.

"Sensei I don't understand why aren't all of us here allowed to participate in the next test?" Sakura asked shouting out also.

"Umm because the *Cough* first and second test may have been too easy this year. We have too many people remaining. According to the rules of the chūnin *Cough* exams we must have a preliminary to reduce the numbers of participants for the third test," Hayate explained.

"No way!" Sakura said softly with a bit of sadness.

"Umm as the Hokage said *Cough* earlier there will be many guests for the third test. So the fights could take too long and we have *Cough* limited time," Hayate explained.

"Umm so *Cough* anyway anyone who is not feeling well, or those who don't want to continue after these explanations please step forward *Cough* as the preliminaries will begin immediately," Hayate explained.

'Oi Oi! Why are you asking us if we are fine?' Naruko thought sweat dropping at what Hayate said.

"What right now!?" Kiba shouted out.

"I quit," Kabuto said while putting up his hand.

'Kabuto? Why would he quit now?' Naruko thought seeing Kabuto put his hand up.

"Yakushi Kabuto from Konoha? *Cough* you may leave now," Hayate said while writing something on a clipboard.

"Would anyone else like *Cough* to retire? Umm I also forgot to say that from now on the test is individual so you may quit based on your own judgment," Hayate said shortly after Kabuto left the room.

"Umm so are there no more people retiring?" Hayate asked after waiting a few minutes.

"Umm now so let's start *Cough* the preliminaries. The preliminaries will consist of one on one fights and you will fight as if in a *Cough* real life confrontation. Umm as there are exactly twenty of you left there will be ten matches which means only *Cough* half of you can proceed to the main event," Hayate explained after seeing that no one was going to quit.

"There are no rules. The *Cough* fight continues until one of you dies, gets knocked out or gives up. Umm if you don't want to die than *Cough* give up right away. Umm because we don't want pointless bloodshed *Cough* I will step in and stop things," Hayate explained further.

As soon as Hayate finished a panel next to the statue opened up and revealed a screen.

"This will decides who fights who. Umm so let's see who fights first," Hayate said while pointing to the screen.

The screen flipped through the names of the participants before suddenly stopping on two names. There were a few gasps at the two names.

The screen read 'Chouji Vs. Shikamaru'.


Chapter 16

Next chapter Chouji Vs Shikamaru. This is rather interesting matchup. Wonder how the fight will turn out?

For the preliminaries will not be following the canon. To decide the match ups I wrote the names down on a piece of paper put them in a hat and had someone else draw from the hat so expect for anything to happen.

RoseeAnn: This chapter should answer your question :).

Grenos: Well main reason for Naruko not talking to other canines is mostly because I had only thought of it then. Also Naruko didn't interact all that much with Kiba during her academy years as she mostly ended up hanging out with Shikamaru, Chouji and occasionally Hinata and Shino.

Galndrael: Happy you enjoy the story. And as for the lazy writing it is sad that a lot of good stories have fallen to lazy writing. I shall try my best to keep and try to improve my writing. And thanks for pointing out the calves thing. I honestly didn't see it until you said so and ms word doesn't pick up things like that.

Tonlor: Your profile picture I can't stop myself from laughing every time I see it LOL.

And well for the responses it will not be a harem for this story.