Sum of our Parts

Assessments

I would like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed, favorite, or followed.

***Too bad I don't own Naruto le sigh. ***

"Le gasp!" normal talking

'das fuken?' normal thinking

set-you-on-fire-no-Jutsu: Jutsu and other techniques

"I will murder you!" Tailed beast/demonic voice

***SooP***

"Hinata-chan we need to talk to you about something." Natsuko began as the three Genin convened later that day.

"Of course Natsuko-chan, what is it?"

"You probably have noticed that onee-chan and I aren't… the most popular people in the village right?"

"I have a few times… I didn't want to say anything that might upset either of you though…"

"It's okay Hinata, but I want to warn you that this is considered a pretty big secret, so you can't tell anyone alright? Sensei already knows but we don't know about anyone else."

"Of course Akane-chan, you don't need to tell me if you don't want to I understand."

"It's not that Hinata-chan we just aren't sure how you would react. If you want to switch teams after this we will understand though…"

To say Hinata was shocked was an understatement, she idolized the two Uzumaki sisters to the point that others would call it an obsession and they believe that a secret would cause her to abandon them?

"I would never do that Natsuko-chan, I promise."

The blonde smiled back, but it wasn't her normal radiant one, rather a more subdued natural smile that raised a question in Hinata's mind. Were all of the blonde girl's smiles fake for some reason?

"You probably know the story about the Kyuubi correct, about how the Yondaime killed it by sacrificing his own life?"

The pale eyed girl nodded in confirmation allowing the redhead to continue her revelation.

"Well that was actually a lie told to us back in the academy, the truth is that the Hokage could never kill a Biju, instead he had to seal it away into newborn children, the only two born that day."

Hinata's eyes widened as everything snapped into place, the names she had heard muttered by the other clansmen and villagers towards the two girls, the hateful glares, the warnings given to her about them when they became a team.

"He sealed it inside of you two…" she whispered out, causing the two girls in front of her to stare at the ground, as if in shame.

Suddenly Hinata rushed forward and pulled them both into a three way hug, squeezing them as hard as she could muster as if to symbolize that she would never let go of them.

"Y-you aren't scared of us Hinata-chan?"

"Of course not! Why would I have any reason to be afraid of you two? If anything you are heroes! You sacrificed your childhood to protect us without ever given a choice. I am just sorry that I couldn't have helped you out earlier in your lives. If I had known…"

"It's okay Hinata, just being here with us now is enough."

"So um… I know this is going to sound a bit odd but…."

"What is it Hinata-chan?"

"From what I know about sealing it takes a drawn symbol to activate it… where is… uh… yours?"

"Oh I'll show you." The blonde happily exclaimed before lifting up her shirt to expose her somewhat toned stomach, and forcing the seal to appear.

Hinata's face had turned bright red causing her to pass out from embarrassment immediately, as a bit of blood leaked from her nose.

***SooP***

"The other Jonin and I have decided that it would be a good exercise for all of you to do some sparring and training with each other." Kurenai announced to the gathered Genin of Team's seven, eight, nine, and ten.

"Troublesome…"

Choji nodded in agreement while Ino and Sakura were busy glaring at each other.

Shino, Sasuke, and Akane were silent

Lee was shouting something about youth.

Neji was absent, like always.

Tenten was chatting amicably with Hinata and Natsuko.

"Well this is either going to improve everyone's abilities by leaps and bounds… or it is going to blow up in our faces." Asuma muttered at seeing the various interactions of their teams.

"HAHA NO NEED FOR SUCH UNYOUTHFUL BEHAVIOR ASUMA-SAN! WE SHALL TEST OUR STUDENTS AND FORM THE BONDS OF FELLOWSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP THAT SHALL FOREVER CEMENT THEM TOGETHER!"

"YOSH GAI-SENSEI!"

"LEE!"

"GAI-SENSEI!"

"NONE OF THAT CRAP!" Anko suddenly shouted, while walking into the clearing.

"Anko-San what are you doing here?" Asuma inquired, being secretly happy that she had interrupted the inevitable "Unbreakable Sunset" Genjutsu.

"Ah well I was in the area and Kurenai-chan asked me to come over and tormen… I mean train with your lovely students."

"A MOST EXCELENT IDEA ANKO-SAN YOU SHALL RAISE THEIR YOUTH TO EVEN HIGHER LEVELS!"

"Uh sure whatever… So I figure since I'm here and I don't get to help out very often that we could start by doing some Genin vs. me spars. I will be limited to Taijutsu and weapons only to make it a bit fairer of course."

"Not a bad idea, what do you think Kakashi?" Asuma inquired, as he glanced over at the silver haired Jonin who was currently deep into reading his orange book.

"Hm did you say something Gai?"

"CURSE YOU KAKASHI!"

"Actually I was the one who…."

"Moving on, I think it would be some good practice for them to spar against someone that they haven't before, alright Team seven you will be up first…"

"Actually Kakashi I had an idea for today's training, I was thinking that we should mix up and randomize the teams for today. After all just because they are grouped together like this as Genin does not mean they will be once they make Chunin."

"A GLORIOUS IDEA KURENAI! MAY YOUR YOUTHFUL WAYS REACH EVEN FURTHER INTO THE HEARTS OF OUR STUDENTS!"

***SooP***

After doing some random picking, and ignoring the screams of protest from a certain pinkette, the teams were set and awaiting on their turn to fight the snake mistress.

"Now that you have each been assigned we will give you a short break to work on any strategies you might have and then proceed to the field for combat." Asuma explained, leaving the Genin to break off and discuss in private.

Ten minutes later and the teams were called back to formation.

"First up will be Sasuke, Tenten and Shino." Kurenai announced as the Genin took their places across from their Jonin sparring partner.

"Begin!"

Sasuke immediately charged forward, throwing a kunai, which was easily deflected, and engaging the purple haired woman in melee combat.

Shino just sighed. Their group meeting had only proven that the Uchiha wanted to be the best. Although his Kunoichi partner had silently agreed to let the boy do so and provide ranged support.

As soon as Anko gained an advantage over the Genin, which had only taken a minute, Tenten let a flurry of thrown projectiles loose, forcing the purple haired Jonin to dodge and abandon any hopes of eliminating the Uchiha too easily.

A split second later a host of Kikaichu bugs swarmed towards her from behind, again forcing the woman to dodge or else be attacked.

Changing the initiative the Jonin charged towards the two support users and forced them into close combat, while Sasuke launched a fireball at their position.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu"

The Ninja were able to dodge out of the way just in time before the explosion took place, leaving all three slightly burned.

"Screw this crap I'm not fighting with some ass that uses his own teammates like that." Tenten shouted, before walking off the field, followed by Shino who silently agreed.

Kakashi just sighed in frustration and Sasuke tried to take on the Jonin alone, only to have his face pounded into the ground for damaging Anko's coat.

***SooP***

"Well that could have gone better…" Kurenai muttered, sending a glare towards Kakashi before continuing to the next group. "Hinata, Natsuko, and Lee you three are next!"

"YOSH!"

Lee immediately took his position directly in front of their adversary, while Hinata stood slightly to the side and Natsuko was behind the two of them.

"Begin!"

Lee charged forward, launching a series of Taijutsu strikes to put the Jonin's focus on him, which worked as Hinata was able to flank the woman and almost land a few Juken strikes.

Luckily for Anko she had been able to use her strength to switch the boy's place with her own, forcing Hinata to cancel the strikes and catch Lee as he was thrown into her.

Before she could capitalize though a blast of wind hit and knocked her off balance.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough"

Skidding backwards Anko found herself under attack from several dozen Natsuko clones.

As she began dispersing them her eyes widened in shock as she felt a series of her tenketsu being sealed as one of the clones henge'd back into Hinata.

'Clever, I wonder what else they…'

But the Jonin was interrupted as several of the clones moved aside to reveal Lee who struck the Jonin in the face, launching her backwards.

After skidding to a halt Anko called an end to the fight, praising the three Genin and wanting to keep her energy up for the next two battles.

***SooP***

"Kiba, Shikamaru, and Choji step forward."

The three Shinobi did as they were told, and prepared to go up against the Jonin, who had taken a short break to unseal her tenketsu and apply a bit of healing ointment courtesy of Hinata.

"Alright then let's do this!"

"It's unlucky for you that we had so much time between our last mission, Akamaru and I have been training non-stop and now we have a new technique to show off!"

"Man Beast Clone"

Immediately Akamaru turned into a replica of Kiba, with one jumping on top of the other before they began twisting in tornado like fashions, charging towards the Jonin.

"Fang over Fang"

"Not bad kid but not good enough."

The confident woman declared as she charged forward and then leapt over the pair at the last second, only to be ambushed by an enlarged, rolling Akimichi.

"Human Boulder"

The Jonin barely had time to dodge before being hounded again by Kiba and his companion, this time after she dodged the initial attack she followed up, kicking one of them, revealed to be Kiba, and launching him far enough away to buy more time against her other two opponents.

Seconds later she jumped over another attempt by Choji and landed nearby, before pulling out a series of kunai, preparing to capitalize on the boy's mistake.

Only to find herself paralyzed while standing.

"Shadow Possession Jutsu"

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the final member of the trio having caught her unaware in his Nara technique.

Growling she could only watch as the other two prepared to attack full force at the now frozen woman, before Asuma called a halt to the battle.

"Not bad you three, but Shikamaru is most likely unaware that if the techniques had thrown her backwards he would have been as well. This would not have taken Anko out of the fight but would have undoubtedly reduced Shikamaru considerably."

The three Genin nodded while Anko breathed a sigh of relief, not looking forward to being rolled over by the largest of the three in sphere form.

"Interesting… it would appear that Kiba's technique cannot make rapid changes in direction or speed once it hits maximum, perhaps because he is too disoriented to do so?" Akane muttered out, just loud enough for her teammates to hear her.

***SooP***

"The last team up will be…" Kurenai let out a sigh, knowing that this group would not be earning her any points with the young redhead. "Akane, Ino, and Sakura."

The three Kunoichi stepped forward, with Sakura and Ino silently glaring at each other and the Uzumaki wishing she could just act like Shikamaru for once and forfeit.

"This is a troublesome team, Ino and Sakura have always had problems getting along ever since the academy and it is no secret that Akane doesn't really fit in with anyone besides her team." the Nara mumbled as he sat on the ground, winded from holding an experienced Jonin in place even for the short time he did.

"I'll show you Ino-pig, watch and learn what a real Kunoichi can do!" The pinkette declared, charging forward towards Anko, and promptly being knocked to the side with a kick from the bored looking Jonin.

"Ha! You suck forehead! How will you ever manage to win over Sasuke-kun with moves like that? Let me show you how it is really done."

The blonde promptly launched a few kunai at the snake mistress, who deflected them and then promptly charged forward, grabbing the girl by the hair and throwing her into her fallen 'teammate'.

"This is pathetic… seriously Kakashi and Asuma what the hell have you been teaching these two?" Anko griped, while shooting a glare at the two Jonin Sensei.

Asuma as least had the decency to avoid her gaze and stare at the ground, Kakashi had already taken out his dirty book.

"Well maybe the gaki can…."

Her thoughts were cut short as she deflected a kunai aimed at her face, and immediately had to block a kick from behind from Akane.

Grabbing the young girl's leg Anko prepared to toss her around as she had Ino, but was forced to abandon this when the Uzumaki struck out with a kunai at her arm.

Growling Anko charged the girl and kicked her backwards against a tree, before the other two Kunoichi tried a rather crappy attempt at a dual flanking maneuver, only to get in each other's way and do more harm to themselves than their opponent.

However it did manage to buy the redhead a few seconds to sprint forward and aim a stab at the woman's throat, preventing her from doing any further damage to the two girls.

As the three Genin recovered an argument again broke out between the two 'rivals' forcing Kurenai to call an end to the spar before a fight broke out.

***SooP***

"I am sure you are all aware that the Chunin exams are coming up in a little over a month, and this year they are being hosted at Konoha. I wish to know who here is nominating their team for entrance and potential promotions." The Hokage called out to the group of assembled Jonin.

'Gai might nominate his but I doubt anyone else will, they have barely been Genin for a few months for crying out loud. Heck Asuma's team hasn't even had their first C-Rank mission yet!' Kurenai pondered as she glanced around as a few of the older Jonin nominated their Genin teams for promotion.

"I nominate Team ten for the Chunin exams." The younger Sarutobi called out, earning a shocked expression from the Kunoichi.

'What the hell is he thinking!?'

"I nominate Team nine for the Chunin exams, THEIR YOUTH SHALL BURN EVEN BRIGHTER STILL!"

'Okay maybe I understand Gai but…'

"I nominate Team seven for the Chunin exams."

'Is Kakashi joking? Sakura is far from ready, and the Uchiha's teamwork is a joke at best does he really think they will get by on academy skills?'

The eldest Shinobi's gaze fell on the Jonin leader of Team eight next. "Well Kurenai? What about your team?"

"I do not nominate them Hokage-Sama."

"Kurenai are you serious? Your team has shown pretty good teamwork and skills overall, do you not trust them to pass?"

"I do think that they would pass as a team Asuma-san, but the exam isn't only about teamwork. They have the skills for it but not the mentality yet. True they can work with each other just fine but with anyone else Hinata would immediately go back to her shy ways while Akane still has severe trust issues. The fact of the matter is that they need to open up and grow more as Kunoichi before they are ready to be paired up with new teams and more difficult missions."

"Are you sure about your stance on this Kurenai?" The elder Sarutobi questioned, as clasped his hands together on his desk.

"Quite sure Hokage-Sama, perhaps next Chunin exam when they have interacted more with the others, I am not sure individually any of them would be able to pass anyway. Why risk their confidence on a maybe when they can take another year to train and be that much more ready?"

"I understand and respect your position Kurenai," The Jonin breathed a sigh of relief, for some reason she expected more resistance from the leader of their village. "Unfortunately I must overrule you on this matter."

"W-what?"

"I will be nominating Team eight for you, with all of their other classmates and training partners being nominated I feel it is a good experience to help them grow and learn, including being exposed to what it means to be a true Ninja."

"B-but Hokage-Sama, why…" She stopped, the true reason for his insistence immediately became clear to her and she tried her best to stifle the growl of anger that threatened to emerge from her throat. "You are trying to scare the other villagers with the Uzumaki sisters."

It was so obvious that it felt insulting to the Kunoichi, and the Hokage had the decency to find the top of his desk far more interesting in that moment than the enraged Jonin in front of him. The man had received the reports of Akane's brutality on their first mission, and knew of Natsuko's apparent partnership with the Kyuubi, he was going to use these to show off the strength of Konoha to the other villages that attended and help to thin out the opposition. Sure it was one of the main reasons for the Chunin exams, which was why killing was allowed, but to throw her students into the fray without her consent just to do so was… appalling to say the least.

"Very well Hokage-Dono, I will inform my team of your recommendation today." The woman put the emphasis where it was needed, taking a play from Akane's book on overemphasizing respect. She had learned early on that the more the young redhead trusted someone the less formality she would use when addressing them.

The statement was not lost on the elderly man.

***SooP***

"Alright team The Hokage has deemed you ready to take the Chunin exams if you wish to participate, bear in mind that this is not the only opportunity you will have to take the exam, nor is it the only way to be promoted. Also this exam includes a large group of Konoha Genin as well as Genin from multiple other villages. There will be combat and killing is permitted. I know that all of you have made at least one kill but you will find that the difference between killing a bandit or a Missing-Nin is far different than killing someone your age."

"Do you think we can succeed Kurenai-Sensei?" The Hyuga girl inquired, looking up at her teacher to judge the older woman's confidence in them.

Giving out a slight sigh the Jonin evaluated how this conversation would go before settling on the truth.

"Yes I do, you have the teamwork and the individual skills to survive the exam, but becoming a Chunin isn't just about passing. The final promotion is up to the council and whether they deem you fit to move onto the next stage of your Ninja career. Just because you don't succeed doesn't mean that you will not be promoted, and just because you do come out on top doesn't mean they will give you the increase in rank."

"Do you think we are fit to be Chunin though?" This time it was Akane who asked, staring the woman in the eyes.

"As you are now no, I know that none of you want to hear that but I believe that the teamwork and group skills you are building now haven't reached their apex yet. Give it another year of working together and I have little doubt you will that you will all three be ready but being a Chunin is more than just knowing Jutsu or being stronger and faster than your opponent. It is being able to adapt to the new situations, the new teammates, and the new adversaries that you will encounter. I don't think any of you have the experience necessary for this yet."

Natsuko looked downtrodden for a minute before perking back up with a new determination in her eyes.

"I say we take the test anyway! Even if we don't make it this will be exactly what we need to see how the other teams perform, this will be how we compare ourselves to not only the other Konoha Genin but the other villages!"

The other two nodded in agreement before taking the permission slips from their teacher and signing them.

"If that is what you have decided, then we have a lot of work to do. I already warned Anko about this and her only response was that if you did decide to accept the offer then she would help your training which she has affectionately entitled 'Hell Month'."

The three teenagers shivered a bit at that statement.

***SooP***

"Oh man this is gonna be so awesome right you guys?" Kiba happily exclaimed as Team seven walked towards where their Sensei had informed them that the exam would be held.

"Hn"

"You're so cool Sasuke-kun, you are sure to make Chunin I just hope that Kiba and I can be promoted with you."

"Sometimes I feel like I am talking to myself in this team…."

"You say something Kiba?"

"I hate you all so much."

Suddenly the three were interrupted by shouting around a nearby corner, as they went to investigate they saw the Konohamaru, along with his gang of friends, being threatened by a strange looking boy in black clothing and weird makeup on his face.

"Hey leave him alone you bully!" Sakura shouted out, drawing attention to their team.

"Oh and why should I? The kid ran into me and needs to be taught a lesson on how to act to ones superiors."

"Then perhaps you should learn how to act towards yours, after all the Uchiha are superior to all Ninja clans."

"In your dreams… pompous ass" Kiba muttered, which Sasuke ignored.

"Kankuro let the kid go, you are drawing too much attention to us and we are in their village not ours."

"I told you Temari, the kid needs to be taught a lesson."

"You should listen to your sister makeup boy, you are threatening the Third Hokage's grandson after all." Kiba taunted, earning an angry glare from his new adversary.

"IT'S WARPAINT YOU ASS!"

"Sure looks a lot more like makeup to me, also with all your shouting you seemed to have drawn some unwanted attention." The Kunoichi pointed motioned behind the two Suna Ninja at the fact that Team eight had also come to investigate the scene.

"Oh look more children playing Ninja, maybe I'll just show all of you what it means to come from a real Hidden Village!"

But before the boy could do anything a redhead appeared in the clearing from a swirl of sand.

"Kankuro enough let the boy go."

"B-but Gaara…"

"I said enough don't make me kill you…"

The painted boy paled and immediately released the small child, who ran behind Kiba for protection.

The redhead turned towards Sasuke, and had a silent showdown with the Uchiha before turning back to his siblings.

"We are leaving."

"Y-yeah of course Gaara."

As the three left the area Sakura released the breath she wasn't aware that she had been holding during the confrontation and relaxed, meanwhile Natsuko had a concerned look on her face.

"Onee-chan, that redheaded boy…. He's like us…"

***SooP***

"You, Sasuke Uchiha, fight me!" a loud challenge roared through the hallway of the exam building as Teams seven and eight made their way to the meeting room.

Turning to his challenger Sasuke and his team looked upon the horror that was Rock Lee's outfit.

"Once I defeat you Sasuke, your beautiful pink haired teammate will go out on a date with me and I will woo her! Then we shall fall in love and marry and live happily forever!"

"Uhhh…. No chance in hell…."

The spandex clad boy's "flames of youth" seemed to die a bit at her refusal before he picked himself back up and declared his challenge once more, which the confident Uchiha accepted.

As the two began their, very one sided, match the other members of Team nine arrived.

Tenten immediately went over to greet her training partners and newfound friends in Team eight. While Neji just stood a ways off he began glaring at Hinata, who promptly returned it, starting an unspoken death match between the two.

A few moments later and Sasuke found himself wrapped in cloth, with only the arrival of Gai to stop the attack from continuing, while berating Lee for showing off secret techniques.

"Ah Akane-chan, Natsuko-chan, and Hinata-chan I am glad to see you all accepted the challenge of the exams!" The Jonin happily spoke out, his voice echoing even farther than his student's.

"Heck yeah Gai-Sensei we wouldn't miss a chance like this!"

"Indeed, although it appears that the Genin of Konoha are already starting off with a rocky start." The redhead added in, earning nods from the calmer members of the various teams.

"Well you all should get going to the exam room or you will be disqualified for being late! MAKE SURE THAT THE FLAMES OF YOUR YOUTH BURN EVER BRIGHTER!" The man declared before jumping through a nearby window with a 'dramatic exit'.

***SooP***

"Alright we made it to the Chunin exams!" Natsuko happily exclaimed as Team eight walked into the auditorium-like room.

"There are a lot of people here…" Hinata muttered out, a bit intimidated by the sheer number of Genin that would be participating.

"Indeed, I wonder how many will actually make it through the exam though." The final member added.

"Don't you worry about them Team seven are all going to be passing this with flying colors!" Kiba boasted, as the noticed a few of the other Konoha teams making their way over to them.

"Sasuke-kun you made it! Unfortunately you did too forehead."

"Watch it Ino pig! Pretty soon we will be leaving you behind when we are promoted to Chunin!"

"Hey you guys shouldn't be so loud you are drawing attention to yourselves." A pale looking older boy warned as he walked up.

"Who are you?" the Inuzuka inquired, while Akane and Natsuko appeared to be on edge immediately.

"Oh no worries I am a member of Konoha too, we have to stick together right? My name is Kabuto and I have some information you might be interested in. I have these Nin cards that can tell me information on anyone I choose."

"Do you have anything on Gaara of Suna and Lee of Konoha?" Sasuke inquired, remembering his defeat a short time ago at the hands of the green clad boy.

As Kabuto began muttering off statistics one of the Ninja from Otogakure came up and punched the man in the face, forcing him to fall over and throw up immediately after.

"You shouldn't take us so lightly leaf trash, all of the Ninja from Otogakure are going to pass this exam and you can bet on that."

A moment later the proctor appeared, a man by the name of Ibiki and immediately warned that any further fights would lead to disqualification.

No one noticed that when Natsuko went over to help Kabuto back up that Akane slipped one of the cards into her sleeve.

***SooP***

"Alright maggots listen up because I am only explaining this once. My name is Ibiki Morino and I am going to be the proctor for the first part of the Chunin exam. Your first task is so simple that even you morons who keep taking and failing should be able to pass this portion. Each team will receive a map, your job is to analyze it and make your way to the destination. You have two hours to do so, if you aren't there in time you fail. But since we have so many participants we have decided to make this a bit harder on you. I have handpicked a group of Chunin to be on the lookout and hunt for you and your teams, if they find and capture any member the entire team fails, if you reach the destination without a map then your team fails, if you reach the destination without all three members your team fails. So get your asses up here… and let the games begin."

***A/N***

For the random teams at the start I did not actually plan these, I used a website and assigned each Genin a number to pair them up… I felt so bad for Akane after doing so….

As for the exams themselves I wanted to change it up a bit, because I doubt anyone wants to read about the written exam version again so hopefully this will be a bit more interesting.

Although the pairings won't be happening until the time skip, if anyone has suggestions for them I am still undecided concerning them.

As always I hope everyone enjoyed reading as much as I did writing.