Lionheart: I'm glad everyone found the last chapter to be all right. Anyway thanks for the reviews…I've just hit 120 YAY. Anyway I still have yet to decide what to do with Haku and Zabuza so…poll time.

Oh yea, and sorry about the long delay. I was planning on a chapter for last week this weeks exams just screwed me. Anyway enjoy this chapter and don't forget to take the poll below.

Zabuza/Haku should play a big part (Like main characters)

Zabuza/Haku play small, support type roles. (Think of characters like Neji and Rock Lee.)

Zabuza/Haku make brief appearances now and then. (Think Iruka or Asuma/Kurenai)

Zabuza and Haku don't make any appearances.

Replies:

IY luver: Sorry about that, thanks for pointing it out. As you may have guessed I meant to say ears…stupid spell-check.

Prismdragon: Hehe, I'm just sick aren't I? P

Bat-Supes: I will do my best to complete any pairings. You'll have to bear with me on that.

Flaming Beauty: Hehe, for the most part it will follow the storyline, but well you'll have to find out.

Anyone vote in poll

Training! Preparations for a Confrontation

Naruto slowly sat up, yawning and stretching. He was dead tired from the major training exercises he had to endure the previous seven days. Today was the last one, but last practice was the last thing Naruto had on his mind. Kyuubi had already warned the last was going to be the worst.

Slowly swinging his legs over the bed, he took a look at himself in the mirror. Since training began, there his muscles had grown extraordinarily. Add an extra two thousand pounds of weight seals and he was getting pretty strong. Naruto picked up his Konoha headband, which lay on a nightstand, and quickly tied it on.

He then stood up, and threw on his black and orange suit. Picking up his sword, Naruto quickly found the sheath on the back of his suit and placed it in. He then quickly placed his sandals on, and then, deciding he was ready for the day, sat down and buttered a piece of toast.

"Hurry up and eat, brat. We have a long day today. Remember just because this is the last day of my training doesn't mean you can slack off. Got it, brat?" "Yeah, yeah, I get it." "You better," muttered Kyuubi, darkly. "Oi, Sasuke-teme, where are we training today," asked Naruto, while gulping down some leftover eggs.

"At the survival grounds, dobe." "Right," replied Naruto. He was interrupted as Haku and Zabuza sat down near him. Naruto eyed them, and he smiled inwardly. It was nice to have some company in the house.

Flashback

Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura stood in front of the Hokage. Behind them, under watch by ANBU members, were Zabuza and Haku.

Sarutobi scratched his head, "This is a big request, Kakashi. Although I trust your word that they won't cause trouble, I must still act upon the best interest of this village. And who would watch them while they were here, I cannot spare ANBU members all the time, and I can hardly trust anyone below Jounin rank."

Before Kakashi could answer, Naruto stepped forward. "HEY, old man! You don't need anyone to watch them…you know why? Cause I'm going to do it." "NARUTO, WATCH WHO YOU'RE SPEAKING TO," shouted Iruka.

The third Hokage held out a hand to stop Iruka. "Naruto, these are two very experienced Jounin, what makes you think you'll be able to watch them?" Everyone waited for Naruto's reply. Zabuza was particularly interested in his answer. 'Surprise me, boy,' he thought. "Cause I'm a NINJA now, old man," said Naruto, nearly shouting.

"He is capable… skill wise I mean," added Kakashi, looking off to the right. Sarutobi thought to himself. He came to a decision after seeing the fierce determination in Naruto's eyes. "Naruto, I'm going to give you a most responsible task. I trust you and your willingness to accept Zabuza. Kakashi, and team seven, I now give you the mission to watch over Zabuza and Haku until, one, they are used to this village, and two…until they have proven their worth. Now, I'm interested in seeing this technique I've been hearing about, Naruto. Let's see the Sharingan fooled."

Naruto grinned and turned to Zabuza and Haku, trying to suppress his laughter. Sasuke and Kakashi mentally sighed, while Sakura sweat dropped. Zabuza and Haku, on the other hand were slightly concerned and gulped when they saw how excited Naruto was; as if he had never tried the technique before. They both gulped.

End Flashback

"Boy, why are you watching us like that," asked Zabuza, staring at Naruto. Naruto shrugged, "Ah, nothing." He nodded to himself proud of his work. Every ninja had been impressed when neither Kakashi nor Sasuke could see through Naruto's disguise jutsu. Now, Zabuza and Haku were able to blend in as Konoha Shinobi, while in public, and become themselves in privacy.

"Oh yeah," said Naruto, suddenly catching the date on his calendar, "I forgot to mention to you guys, but there may be some foreign ninja in town today. So when you guys go out to train later, you know…be ready for them. Some of them are kinda cranky"

"Oh, really… I don't care," said Zabuza, indifferently. Haku shook his head, "What's going on, Naruto, why are there foreign ninja here?" "One week from today, the first of July I mean, the Chuunin exams are going to start," replied Naruto, briskly, "and well, the old man Hokage is considering whether to let you take part." Zabuza and Haku had both been changed to take the appearance of Genin by Naruto, and to keep a closer watch on them, Sarutobi had them sent them into a three-man squad with a Jounin. (A/N: At this point I won't reveal who the other teammate or the jounin is so please don't ask.)

Zabuza and Haku glanced at each other, "That would hardly be fair, Naruto," said Haku. "Both of us are assassins, boy," said Zabuza, "What could a bunch of Genin do." Zabuza almost immediately regretted his words, when Naruto said, "Hm? Maybe you're forgetting uh, something Zabuza. I don't seem to remember getting my ass kicked when we fought."

Zabuza scowled and sat back in his chair, falling silent. Haku stifled a laugh. Naruto chuckled to himself, when he suddenly felt a nudge in his head by Kyuubi. "Ahem…sorry to interrupt this lovely conversation, but it's getting late…" "Well, anyway I'm off," said Naruto, waving, irritated he had to leave, "try not to destroy my apartment." "Sure, Naruto-kun," said Haku, nodding. Zabuza waved his hand lazily.

Naruto exited the apartment, and then with a huge breath of air, threw his hands wide into the air. "I'M PUMPED. Time to do some training." Naruto placed his hands together and then disappeared in a poof of smoke. "Baka," scolded Kyuubi, "You could have just walked."

As Naruto landed on a branch just above Sakura and Sasuke, who was shaking his head, he muttered back to Kyuubi, "I was too lazy." "Whatever, just hurry up, so we can get to the 'real' training.' "About time you got here dobe," said Sasuke, ignoring Kyuubi. Naruto landed next to Sasuke. He sat down on one of the posts, and then glaring at Sasuke, said, "Alright what exercise are we doing this time?"

The two Genin were taking turns picking exercises. While Sasuke thought, Sakura sat down next to Naruto on a post, wondering what exercise the two would do today. Yesterday it had been a match of Ninjutsu, and the day before that it was Taijutsu. The two were incredible, and Sakura was jealous of their talents, when, according to them, she was just 'coming' along. Sasuke grinned, and drew his sword.

Naruto stared at it with a curious look in his eyes. "You want…to do that?" Sasuke nodded, "And the winner gets a free jutsu from Kyuubi," said Sasuke, smiling. Naruto hopped down and drew his own sword, "DEAL!" "Hey, wait," objected Kyuubi, "I never agreed to this!"

Naruto and Sasuke both ignored Kyuubi again and raised their swords. Both began chanting, stringing together random words. As they spoke, a blue-white light began to emit from Sasuke's sword, while orange light began to emit from Naruto's sword. Next, Naruto's body was suddenly covered in an aura of fire, while lightning cackled around Sasuke.

Sakura gasped as the two Genin vanished. Trails of fire and electricity were left behind their movements, and the two elements clashed with each other. The two Genin swung their blades with pinpoint accuracy and deadly speed as they aimed to hit the other. With each attack more fire and electricity surrounded the two, until it looked like they were covered in a blue-orange light.

While Sakura watched in astonishment, the third Hokage, Kakashi, plus five ANBU watched the scene, stunned. "Hokage-same," exclaimed one of the ANBU, "their power matches that of a Chuunin…no even a Jounin. I have not seen this kind of potential since the fourth." "Ka-Kakashi…" stuttered the Hokage, "I hope you plan on explaining this." Kakashi mentally sighed, 'I knew this was going to happen,' he moaned.

As this happened the seven ninja noticed a flash of pink hair. Next, Sakura's head poked through the bushes and she blinked at them. When she saw whom it was she nearly yelled, but the ANBU covered her mouth. "SHHH," they moaned. "What are you doing, sensei," asked Sakura, suspiciously. "Um, nothing," said Kakashi, evasively, "We just came to see what all the power was coming from." "Sakura," said the Hokage, "I'm sorry if it seems we were spying. We just wanted to get a good grasp of Naruto and…"

Two more heads poked through the bushes interrupting the Hokage. It was Naruto and Sasuke, who were both sweating like pigs. Sakura's eyes widened and she pinched her noise. "Why didn't you just ask, old man, you don't have to hide or anything. We knew you were here a long time ago." Sarutobi sweat dropped, "Well, uh, that's okay Naruto. Good to see you're getting stronger. Let's go," said Sarutobi, suddenly, as if trying to put himself in good light." "Yes, Hokage-sama," said the ANBU, following his emotions.

"Stupid brats, you should have stopped. The power you showed them was easily that of a jounin. Now what do you think they'll say?"

They all vanished, including Kakashi, leaving the three Genin to stare at each other. "Um, Sakura, well, we're done, do you want to work on anything today?" Sakura jumped up with excitement, "YES, SASUKE-KUN." Sasuke sweat dropped, "Um, sure. Naruto, go out and buy us some shuriken then. I exhausted my supply in the land of waves. Then hurry up and get back so we can finish up…uh…training."

Naruto nodded understandingly, as Sasuke tossed him some money. Using Shunshin he quickly moved to the local weapons store. Upon entering, Kyuubi's voice entered his head. "Ah, good job, kit, seems you finally did something good today. I definitely have a whole list of things you need to buy. The first is a summoning book called 'The Shinobi Creatures,' I want you to have. It'll be beneficial for both you and Sasuke." "Huh," interrupted Sasuke, "What's beneficial for…Ahh!" "TEME, what happened," shouted Naruto. "Sorry, dobe, gotta cut this short…whoa…I think we gave Sakura a little too much training."

Naruto laughed, as he felt Sasuke leave his mind, before suddenly being interrupted by Kyuubi. Shut up brat, and let me continue. This owner, as far as I know has the only copy of that book and the only way to get him to give it to you is if you send his soul to me. You know the jutsu for that already, so hurry up. I want to have a little talk with him anyway."

"Right," said Naruto. He quickly found the owner and did some hand signs. The man froze and suddenly a white orb flew out of his mouth and into Naruto's head. Naruto concentrated on the orb making sure he did not lose it within himself, waiting for Kyuubi's command to return the soul.

A moment later and, "Alright, kit, take him back." Naruto nodded and using his mind sent the orb back into its owner's mouth. The man stumbled and turned about. "Whoa…" He finally rested his eyes on Naruto. "So…it's you. I was wondering whom Kyuubi was talking about."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, wondering how in the world this man could know Kyuubi. The man stared back, his eyes warning him not to ask the question. "Hmph, well, here's the book of summons. Hurry up and take it away from me…good riddance." The shopkeeper handed Naruto a dirty, old book and then an orange bag. "Don't open that here," warned the owner, "There are secrets in there that even the Hokage would die to know. I only kept that book under that stupid Kyuubi's blackmail."

Naruto eyed the man suspiciously again, but said no more before walking out. As he did he was tempted to open the book when Kyuubi said, "I won't teach you the final jutsu if you open that book brat." Naruto placed the book in the bag, trying to act casual, and no more was said.

Five Hours Later

The three Genin lay on their backs, exhausted from the training. Sakura, who had improved the most in the training exercise had been given weight seals, courtesy of Sasuke and now couldn't move.

Naruto and Sasuke meanwhile, both had their doujutsu on and were panting heavily. "Hey…dobe, I think I fell down 'after' you did." "Dream on teme." Both boys laughed, while Sakura sweat dropped, "Geez! They're still competing…CHA!"

"Good job, brats. You've successfully passed my training. Consider yourselves beyond ANBU level now." "HA," scoffed Naruto, "We're already at Kage level!" Kyuubi scoffed, "Maybe skill wise…definitely not smart enough. Now Sasuke maybe…" Sasuke began to crack up, causing Sakura to look at him. Naruto gritted his teeth and glared daggers at Sasuke. Sakura stared at the two of them, 'Huh? Did I miss something?'

Sasuke stood up slowly. "Going to get some sle…sleep," he mumbled, incoherently. "Wait, Sasuke, I'll go with you," shouted Sakura, thinking he said, "Going to get something to eat." Sasuke's eyes twitched, "Uh!" Naruto tried to laugh, but he was still out of breath and his attempt to make some noise sounded like a cough.

"Um, Sakura, sorry but um I just remembered the Hokage asked to see me. Maybe um …" Sasuke paused as his mind raced with thoughts about Sakura in his house. "Yeah, sorry got to go," said Sasuke, quickly. "WAIT!" It was too late however, as Sasuke vanished. Sakura's face sunk and her head drooped. "Hey, Sakura, I'll go get something to eat with you if you want," suggested Naruto, who was back on his feet again.

Sakura jumped, and she shivered at the thought of it. "Ugh, no way, Naruto, why would I want to eat with you!" This time it was Naruto's face that sunk and he sighed. 'Damn…rejected again.' "Tough luck brat, maybe next time," said Kyuubi, who was trying not to snicker to loud. "Fat chance," complained Naruto.

While Sakura headed off in one direction, Naruto went the other. He decided to walk home and recover some of his chakra and to perhaps, see Haku and Zabuza train. He left the survival grounds and began walking past the fences that led up to his house. "Hm," interrupted Sasuke, "I just saw Gaara's team…they're headed in your direction. Better be ready. I don't feel like bailing you out this time."

Naruto scoffed, "HMPH, I don't need any help this time, Sasuke-teme." "Greeeat," said Sasuke, sarcastically, before leaving Naruto's mind.

Naruto shook his head, when he suddenly detected movement behind him, and felt that it was Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi. "Great, now I have to deal with them.' Naruto began to speed up in an effort to lose them, though the trio followed him determined to keep up. Naruto turned in no certain pattern, sometimes doubling back. He didn't leap away kind of enjoying their company, despite appearing annoyed.

Finally stopping, Naruto turned. The cloth Konohamaru was hidden under stopped as well. Naruto twitched as he saw what lay before him, and then clapped a hand to his forehead and closed his eyes. "Rocks aren't square Konohamaru," he said, softly. "Aw, good one boss. You saw through my disguise…I'm proud to say you are my one and only rival." Naruto twitched, wishing that he could just leap away, but he decided not to.

Konohamaru, meanwhile, flung the cloth away revealing himself and his squad underneath. Smoke appeared and confetti began to fly around. When it cleared, Naruto saw the three academy students on their knees coughing.

"Ack, I think we used too much gunpowder." After much coughing, Moegi stood up. "I'm Moegi, the most beautiful kunoichi in all of Konoha. I'm Udon," said Udon, "I like math." Konohamaru stood up last, and adjusted his goggles, "And I'm Konohamaru, the best ninja in the academy." "And together," they all chorused, "We're the Konohamaru squad."

Naruto sighed, "Um, great." "Oh, c'mon don't be like that," whined Konohamaru. "He's just trying to be cool," whispered Konohamaru to Udon. Moegi smiled at Naruto, "C'mon Naruto you know what we want…don't you? Besides what are 'you' doing?" Naruto didn't answer the question, "Um, what are you wearing?"

Konohamaru blinked and then grinned, while adjusting his goggles. "Hey, boss, you used to wear these too." "Ohhh," replied Naruto, slowly. Konohamaru continued grinning and then opened his mouth to speak. "Let me guess," Naruto interrupted before he could say anything. "You want to play ninja don't you?" Konohamaru blinked, "Wow, you're good boss, we were just about to say that."

Naruto chuckled slightly, "Huh, did I say that?" Inwardly Kyuubi laughed at him. 'Darn,' complained Naruto, 'If I say yes, I won't be able to get any rest for this afternoon's practice, and I if say no, these three will never stop bugging me. "Alright, fine." He was about to leap away, when he heard footsteps behind him. 'Hm, it's Sakura? Where did she come from?'

"Ninjas playing ninja? That is so twisted," said Sakura, who was still sulking from the rejection she received earlier. "Uh…hi Sakura," waved Naruto, trying to lighten the mood.

Sakura didn't reply, but only glared daggers. 'Naruto…god you annoy me so much.' While she stared, Naruto gulped and tried to maintain a smile. "Uh…Kyuubi, Teme, Sakura doesn't look to happy, uh, what do I do?"

"Tough luck, kit," came Kyuubi's lazy reply.Sasuke's reply was pretty much the same. "Why are you telling me…you deal with it." Naruto sighed…he hated it when Sakura was mad at him for no reason.

Konohamaru observed Sakura, trying to figure out who she was. "Hey Naruto, who's she?" 'Who is this chick? The way she's staring at him, it's like her eyes are like daggers. I wonder…wait…' Konohamaru suddenly grinned, and turned to Naruto. "Oh, okay, I see how it is, boss. You're a smooth operator," he said, patting Naruto on the back. Naruto froze, and he paled, 'Oh no, don't say it, Konohamaru.'

"I know she's your," he began, suddenly thrusting up a pinky, "…girlfriend!" Naruto tried to slink away as he saw Sakura's face darken. She snorted aloud and then, "WHY YOU, THAT'S IT!" Konohamaru and Naruto jumped, as Sakura charged. Naruto held up his hands in defense, but it did little good as he was punched in the face and into the fence. "BOSS," shouted the Konohamaru gang.

In that moment, the smile came off Konohamaru's face, and was replaced by a fear. He turned back to Sakura, as the kunoichi regarded him with death in her eyes. "HUH? WHAT KIND OF GIRLFRIEND ARE YOU?! You…" He didn't finish as he was punched in the head, and he felt his face smash into the floor. Moegi and Udon rushed over to him, asking if he was all right. "Konohamaru…you okay."

Konohamaru sat up, rubbing his head. "OW, that hurt…you…you." Naruto placed a hand over Konohamaru's mouth, "Uh, uh, Konohamaru, I think we should just leave Sakura-Chan alone all right? Yeah, okay, bye Sakura," answered Naruto, for Konohamaru. As Sakura lazily turned, Naruto released his hand, and sighed. However, Konohamaru wasn't finished.

"Geez, boss," he said, loudly enough for Sakura to hear, "Why are you so afraid of forehead girl over there…by the way is she even human?" Sakura stopped, while Naruto paled even further. 'Konohamaru…you teme.' As Sakura turned; Konohamaru saw the venom in her eyes. Smartly the two leaf ninja ran, while Udon and Moegi watched Sakura storm after them.

Naruto suddenly remembered about the sand trio, and slowed down on purpose as Konohamaru kept running. Soon the academy student passed Naruto and he suddenly bumped into someone. Naruto grinned, as the older boy in front of him turned. Naruto immediately recognized the puppet 'Karasu,' wrapped in bandages, and the purple markings over Kankuro's face. 'Well, he looks the same.'

He also recognized Temari, who stood nearby, and her fan that was slung on her back. Sakura slowed to a halt as she saw the unfamiliar faces in front of her, totally forgetting about Konohamaru's insults.

"You're not going to believe this," interrupted Sasuke. "It's about Gaara…he's…arghhh." Naruto froze, "Sasuke…SASUKE! TEME, what happened?" "Shh, brat, he's busy, don't interrupt him now!"

Naruto nodded, and tried to focus on the task at hand. He was supposed to protect Konohamaru here. 'Sasuke-teme, you better be okay,' thought Naruto, with slight worry in his eyes. Udon and Moegi soon caught up and they looked at Konohamaru's current condition.

"Oww," whined Konohamaru, who had fallen on his behind. "What the?" He looked up, while Kankuro stared down at him. The sand ninja had a scowl on his face. "Do you need something?"

Meanwhile

Kakashi finished signing all the papers he had been required to sign and handed them to Iruka. "All right, thanks for the report Kakashi-Sensei." Iruka placed the papers away, then turned back. "So, how is Naruto doing? Is he getting along okay with the other students?"

Kakashi's eyes shifted to the right. Images of his team's arguments flashed into his mind; like Sakura flinging both boys into the river, and Sasuke and Naruto's childish fights. "Well…uh."

Iruka, who still had a smile on continued, "It's been so busy around here…I haven't been able to see him since he returned from the land of waves." Iruka began to blush, "I hope he's doing okay?"

Kakashi sighed, "Well, Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha, who is also on our team, work incredibly well together. They uh, get into some fights here and there, but it helps the team get stronger because they push each other and encourage each other. So, Naruto is getting better little by little, and may…one day be as strong as the person he respects most…you." Iruka tired not to smile too hard, "Oh, you don't say."

Naruto

"Konohamaru!" Kankuro had grabbed Konohamaru by the collar, and then lifted the boy up. Slowly he applied pressure to Konohamaru's neck, making him twist in discomfort, choking him slightly. "Well…does this hurt, little guy?"

"Kankuro," shouted Temari, who was beginning to feel uneasy, "Put him down, or you know you'll pay for it later." "Uh," interrupted Sakura, "Sorry, for bothering you two, it was all my fault." 'Geez, who…are they?' Sakura stared at the two sand ninja, feeling slightly worried.

"Put Konohamaru down now," commanded Naruto, coldly. Kankuro grinned at Naruto, 'So…' he thought, 'these are the leaf village's Genin.' "Hn, we have a few minutes, let's mess with these punks before 'he' gets here," said Kankuro evilly to Temari. Kankuro didn't wait for Temari's reply, and began to squeeze Konohamaru's neck more.

While Moegi, Udon, and Sakura watched in fear, Naruto began to get angrier and angrier. "Let go of me," cried Konohamaru, kicking out, "YOU JERK!" Kankuro snickered, "You're a feisty one, but not for long, Hehe." Sakura continued watching in fear, 'they're outsiders from somewhere. But where? And what are they doing here?'

Meanwhile, Konohamaru continued to struggle against Kankuro's grip. "Let me…go." "Don't worry, little guy, it'll all be over soon…after I break you in half!" Naruto had enough. He did a one-handed set of hand signs, and then murmured something. Meanwhile Moegi and Udon clutched each other, in tears. 'What is this guy's problem,' thought Sakura, 'why are they so cruel?' "Fine," said Temari, "I'm not involved in any of this."

'SLICE'

Kankuro suddenly fell onto his knees in pain. "ARGH, my arm!" Konohamaru fell to the floor for the second time and scrambled to get away. Temari rushed over to her brother, "KANKURO, what happened?" Kankuro stood up quickly, looking around for his attacker. "I don't know, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my arm, like someone was cutting it off."

Temari saw a nasty cut on Kankuro's arm. She realized it was done with no blade, but with the wind. She stared at the leaf ninja, starting to feel a little bit of worry. Kankuro was always getting them into situations like this. She then suddenly noticed that Naruto, out of the five leaf ninja, was the only one was watching Kankuro evilly. "It was you, wasn't it," asked Temari. Kankuro turned to see whom Temari was referring to.

(A/N: Since it's annoying to say Genin + Academy Students, I just referred to all of them as ninja.)

"Yeah, got a problem with it," asked Naruto. Kankuro glared and then began to unwind the bandages from Karasu. "You'll pay for that, you little leaf Genin." "WHAT," shouted Temari, "You're going to use Karasu on him?" Kankuro didn't reply, instead he kept unwinding bandages.

Moegi, Udon, and Konohamaru watched, silently cheering Naruto on, while Sakura gulped in anticipation. 'This autta be good,' thought Naruto, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword. 'Oh no, this is bad,' thought Sakura, who began to charge chakra into her fist.

Before anything could happen, a wall of fire erupted in between Kankuro and Naruto. 'Hn, damn teme,' thought Naruto, with a frown. "What the," cried Kankuro, who was trying to fight the advancing flames. Temari looked upwards where she had detected a surge of chakra. 'Well, well, look at this hottie."

"SASUKE," shouted Sakura, happily, going back into dreamland. Sasuke had a small cut on his shoulder, and Naruto noticed a small speck of sand on him. 'So…teme, you fought Gaara.' "That's right, and he seems to have the sudden urge to fight us. I already did my round; he says you're next. Kyuubi, explain, to him, while I do clean up here." "Hehe," said Kyuubi, "Well when we came back in time, you remember how Raiga and Haku did as well. Well Gaara did too!"

Naruto sweat dropped, "Great, so how come he hasn't said Hi?" "Dunno," replied Kyuubi. "Typical Gaara," replied Sasuke.

Sasuke released his jutsu, and as the flames died away, he leapt down and stared down Kankuro. "You're a long way from home, sand ninja, and you're WAY out of your league." Temari and Kankuro stared at each other. They were both surprised the Genin knew of their origins. Kankuro turned back to Sasuke, "Is that so, punk? How about we test this right …" "Back off Kankuro!"

Naruto and Sasuke turned to the right, where Gaara stood. Naruto noticed he wore the clothes he wore after he had been accepted as Kazekage. "Uh, hi Gaara," stuttered Kankuro, raising his hands. Temari shook her head, 'I knew this was trouble.' "You're an embarrassment to our village." Kankuro's head dropped, 'Damnit, Gaara.'

'Who's that,' thought Sakura, as she gathered more chakra. 'He's wearing the same headband, are they going to fight?'

"Apologize, Kankuro!" While Sakura sweat dropped, Kankuro gulped as Gaara regarded him with his angry eyes. He didn't understand what happened to him. One day the sand Genin was emotionless, the next day he suddenly changed and became social. It was like a brand new Gaara.

Kankuro bowed to Sasuke and Naruto, and, through gritted teeth, murmured, "Sorry." Sasuke shrugged. Naruto released his hand from the hilt of his sword, "Hn, maybe you shouldn't pick fights next time." While Kankuro sulked, Sakura slapped Naruto upside the head and Sasuke sighed.

As the three sand Genin walked away, Gaara turned to see Naruto. His eyes seemed to say, "You and me…we're going to fight."

Hokage's House

"I have summoned you all here for a very important meeting," said the Hokage to his group of Jounin.

"Seeing your fellow Jounin here, I'm sure you all know what this is about."

Kakashi's eye twitched. 'So soon. I thought we would have a little more time.' Asuma sighed, "So, I assume the other lands have been notified of the upcoming event. I noticed some of their Genin in the village, already."

"How long are we going to have," asked Kurenai. "Exactly one week." Kakashi grimaced, "This is pretty short notice. Not that it really matters," said Kakashi, as an afterthought.

The Hokage ignored the comment and blew out a puff of smoke. "In exactly seven days, the Genin will be gathered. Only the very best will be selected to be Chuunin!"

Lionheart: Trying to get another chapter up. Hope you enjoy. And stay tuned for the first test of the 'NEW CHUUNIN EXAMS.'

Poll: Just a reminder, vote please

Thanks in advance for any reviews.