Lionheart: Okay, thanks for all the reviews. And I'm still terribly sorry for the previous long delay. I made the chapter longer than necessary to try and correct it.

IY luver: Lol don't worry, I'm not offended or anything. I still have yet to going back and making mistake corrections, due to the fact I don't want to leave anyone hanging. So…it'll probably have to wait until after the Chuunin exams. I know everyone likes that part.

Reviewers: I know right now the idea of people coming back in time is a little strange but wait just a little longer…about when Orochimaru first shows up and then kyuubi will explain everything.

Poll Results: Well…looks like Zabuza and Haku will be playing support role. Thanks for voting.

Almost Chuunin Exams! A Pre-test for the Rookie Nine!

Summary: Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura have just returned from the dangerous mission in the land of waves with two new allies. Now, they meet members of other villages, who are all gathering in Konoha, as they prepare (for themselves) the beginning of the Chuunin exams and the arrival of the legendary snake sennin.

As the three sand Genin, and Naruto's group parted, Sakura suddenly turned around. "WAIT!" Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro stopped and turned their heads to regard Sakura.

Sasuke and Naruto watched Sakura cautiously wondering what she was going to do. "I know Sasuke already mentioned this…you guys are from the village hidden in the sand. And I also know that the land of fire and the land of wind are allies…but its is a stated law that 'No Shinobi may enter another's village without that village's permission.' So what are you doing here?"

Temari and Kankuro stared at each other, while Gaara continued to look bored out of his mind. "You really…umm…don't have a clue what's going on do you? And you actually live here," stated Temari, making Sakura twitch uncontrollably.

'Uh oh, I think Sakura's getting mad,' thought Naruto. "But, I'll tell you anyway," continued Temari, pulling out a paper. The leaf ninja all noticed that it was a document stating, one, Temari, was granted permission into the village. "This document," began Temari, waving the paper, "states we have permission to be here. And the reason: we've come all this way for the Chuunin exams!"

Sakura's anger vanished as confusion replaced it. "Huh, the…what?" She turned to Sasuke and Naruto, "the Chuunin exams are starting?" Naruto and Sasuke nodded, "Yeah, sorry we forgot to tell you, Sakura…hehe." Sakura twitched, 'I'm going to remember this,' she thought while her eyes turned to daggers.

"Hey, boss," interrupted Konohamaru, "those exams… aren't they ones Genin take so that they can become Chuunin." "Yeah, that's right…and this year, our whole team is going to make it!"

Kankuro laughed, "Give me a break, you guys are all rookies. You're no match for us." "Shut it, Kankuro, we must not underestimate the leaf ninja," said Gaara, speaking for the first time since he had first turned back. Kankuro face darkened, "Oh…" "Let's go," said Gaara, "we'll meet again, leaf Genin," he spoke, mysteriously. Before he turned he once again gave a stare to Naruto. Naruto grinned in response, but Gaara turned away, without another gesture or word.

Meanwhile, hidden in the branches of a nearby tree, Dosu, Kin, and Zaku stared down at the exchange. "Hrm, Dosu," began Kin, smiling sadistically, "What do you think of them?" Dosu shrugged, "The usual weak rats…but the guy from the Uchiha clan that guy in orange. There's something not quite right about them. Did you see the attack the blonde used? Yes, there is something not quite right about that one, we'll have to watch them carefully."

Dosu and Kin vanished, while Zaku took one last look. "Hmph, looks weak to me," he mumbled before vanishing. Meanwhile below, Naruto and Sasuke turned to look at the branch the three sound ninja had been standing on. "Well, if I had to guess I'd say they were talking about us…checking us out or something."

Sasuke twitched, "Naruto, that sounded gay." "Is there something that we don't know, kit," taunted Kyuubi, chuckling. Naruto face darkened, as he turned away with a huff.

Meanwhile

The group of Jounins and Chuunins stood around Sarutobi, waiting for him to begin the meeting. "Alright then, it is time we choose our candidates for the Chuunin examinations. To begin, will those in charge of the rookie squads step forward? Kakashi…Kurenai…and Asuma!"

The said three simultaneously stepped forward ahead of the group and lined up in a line. "Hokage-sama," they all bowed. Sarutobi nodded, "What do you say? Are they're any in your squads you'd recommend? Any you think who are ready for the exams despite their experience. As you know…any Genin who has completed eight or more missions is technically eligible for the examinations. Beyond that, only you can decide when they are ready."

Most of the jounins in the background all nodded to each other. They didn't expect any recommendations.

"However," continued Sarutobi, "despite the minimum of only eight missions, most Genin require more…possibly double the missions before they are ready."

Iruka inwardly shook his head, 'There's no need to say all of this. None of those squads are ready for the exams, they're just too young.'

"So Kakashi…you begin." Kakashi lifted two fingers as if ready to perform a jutsu. "I lead squad seven. Sasuke Uchiha…Naruto Uzumaki…and Sakura Haruno. I, Kakashi Hatake recommend all three for the Chuunin selection exams."

Iruka stared and gasped. 'What…NO WAY!' Sarutobi nodded, and then turned to Kurenai. "And my squad is squad eight. Hinata Hyuuga…Kiba Inuzuka…and Shino Aburame. And now I, Kurenai Yuuhi recommend all three." Sarutobi turned to face Asuma, who followed his fellow jounin in lifting two fingers. "And my squad is number ten. Ino Yamanaka…Shikamaru Nara…and Chouji Akamichi. And now I, Asuma Sarutobi, recommend all three."

From the background, the many jounin and Chuunin talked about the recent developments. "What, all these rookies. All of them? Are they ready," were some of the whispers.

Iruka stepped forward. "HOLD ON JUST A MINUTE!" Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma turned to see Iruka, wondering why he would possible object. Sarutobi turned to Iruka, "Yes, Iruka, what is it?" Iruka cleared his throat, "Lord Hokage, with all respect, the nine names that were just given…they were all in my class at the academy. I know their skills and abilities. Every one of them has great prowess…but it is too soon, they need more experience before they are tested. If they try now, they are sure to fail the exam."

Kakashi sighed, "Iruka, when I became a Chuunin, I was six years younger than Naruto is now." Iruka nearly shouted, "Naruto is nothing like 'you!' Are you trying to destroy him?" Kakashi shrugged, "Well, they are always complaining about not being challenged enough. Maybe wiping out on the exams will teach them a lesson. A little pain is good."

Iruka couldn't believe what he just heard. "W-what? What did you just say?" "Oh, nothing fatal of course. But seriously Iruka…relax. Listen…I understand how you feel, it's very personal for you, and it upsets you, but…" Kurenai interrupted him. "Alright, Kakashi, you've said enough, back off." Kakashi shook his head, "On the contrary Kurenai, Iruka needs to hear this…he needs to understands that they are no longer his students, they're 'our' soldiers."

Iruka began to shake uncontrollably. He knew Kakashi was right. 'Argh,' thought Asuma, sweat dropping, 'enough already!'

"But," protested Iruka, trying to find some way to stop Kakashi's recommendations. "These exams can destroy them…you know that." "That's enough Iruka," interrupted Sarutobi. Iruka broke his speech and bowed his head. "Yes, lord-Hokage." "You have made your point, Iruka," said the Hokage, "I understand, and I've decided the best thing to do is to give a preliminary test."

Iruka's eyes narrowed, "A-a preliminary Hokage-sama?"

The Next Morning

At the six arch gates, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura stood around, tapping their feet. They were waiting for Kakashi to arrive.

"ARGH! He told us to get up so early," shouted Sakura, "WHY! WHY! WHY! It's always the same. He sets the time, and we have to wait hours for him." Naruto nodded, "It's not fair!" Sakura grabbed Naruto's collar and began shaking him, "Well, what about my feelings? I had to get up so early I didn't even get to blow dry my hair."

As she let go of Naruto, he rubbed his neck, nervously. "Well, Sakura, I didn't even get to brush my teeth of change my underwear." Sakura froze and slowly began to twitch, "You didn't," she asked slowly. "That's gross, Naruto!" Sasuke sighed, while Kyuubi sweat dropped. 'First thing in the morning,' they thought, 'And he's already screwing off.'

Kakashi suddenly appeared. "HI!" Sakura and Naruto angrily turned to Kakashi. Kakashi saw their looks and chuckled, "Oh, sorry I'm late. I'm afraid I got lost on the road of life." "LIAR," shouted Sakura and Naruto simultaneously.

Kakashi walked forward, and pulled out three documents. "I know this is a bit sudden, but I recommended you for the Chuunin exams. All three of you." He handed out the three documents to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. "These are the application forms."

Sakura appeared confused, "Application forms?" "You're repeating me, Sakura," said Kakashi. "This is all voluntary, it is up to each of you, if you don't feel you are ready you can always wait until next year." Naruto and Sasuke nodded towards each other, "ALRIGHT…CHUUNIN EXAMS. Can't wait till we're not ickle Genin anymore." Sasuke sighed, "Uh…right." "Brat, Chuunin is nothing, you set your sights so low. You should be thinking about ANBU or Sannin quality work, not Chuunin," lectured Kyuubi.

Naruto sweat dropped, "Slave driver," he mumbled. "Anyway," continued Kakashi, "if you want to register for the exams, just sign the application and report to room 301 at the academy, three days from now. That's all!" "HAHA," yelled Naruto, as he jumped onto Kakashi's back. "Kakashi Sensei, you rock." "Ugh," protested Kakashi, "don't slobber on my vest," he commanded, knocking Naruto off.

Later

Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura began walking home, each in their own thoughts about the exams. 'This time…Orochimaru…' thought Sasuke, 'you're going to meet your match. I hope you're there, because I'm dying to see you.'

On another side of town, Naruto fiercely ran around the training grounds, maxing out with three thousand pound weights on. He was getting dead tired. 'Must…train…and beat teme.'

Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon interrupted him, as they leapt in front. Surprised, Naruto fell down, feeling like a dead weight. "What…do you guys want?" "Boss," yelled Konohamaru, "Play ninja with us." Naruto sighed as he removed 75 of his weights. "Alright…fine." Naruto leapt up to a branch.

Almost simultaneously a mysterious ninja appeared behind Moegi. "HAHA, got you!" Naruto's eyes widened as the ninja began to run away. "MOEGI," shouted Konohamaru. Naruto leapt up into the woods after the rain ninja. "Let her go!"

The rain ninja turned back as he leapt away. "Hm, I see, so you can keep up with me at this speed. Well, I'll just turn this up a notch." Naruto continued chasing, but the rain ninja soon vanished. He sighed, "Looks like I'm going to have to do this the hard way."

Meanwhile, Sakura sat on her roof thinking about the Chuunin exams. 'The Chuunin exams…I'm sooo not ready for it. I can't keep up with Sasuke…hell I can't even beat Naruto. But if I don't go, Naruto and Sasuke will be so disappointed…and that's not good, is it?'

"Hey, Sakura," interrupted a voice. Sakura recognized it immediately. "SASUKE," she yelled. "Hey, let's go for a walk just you and me." Warning bells rang in Sakura's head, but she didn't change her facial expression and nodded. "You mean it?" "Yeah, c'mon, let's go." Sakura didn't waste another moment and leapt down.

Deep in the Woods

The rain ninja easily tied Moegi to a tree, despite the kunoichi's pathetic efforts to get free. "Hmph," exclaimed the ninja, once Moegi was securely fastened, "I thought the leaf Genin would do tough, but now I see you guys are just a bunch of weaklings!"

A noise behind him caused the rain ninja to turns quickly. "Hm? That was quick." Naruto stood up and pointed, "Hey, what do you think you're doing to Moegi. Let her go." The rain ninja laughed, "What am I doing you ask? Is that seriously you're question?" Naruto narrowed his eyes, "You had better let Moegi go…or you're about to experience a world of pain."

The rain ninja laughed. "Oho, you're really going to do something? Well what if…" The ninja held a kunai to Moegi's neck, "does this change your mind?" Naruto didn't reply, merely glared. The rain ninja took his silence a cowardly decision, "HA! I knew it…weak! Well, I've decided to go easy on you…I was going to kill the girl but if you bring me…say the first Hokage's scroll of sealing, then…I'll let you off the hook."

"Heh, who do you think you're dealing with," asked Naruto. "Heh, what are you talking about. Stop talking and move…or do you not care what happens to this girl." To prove his point, the rain ninja pressed his kunai onto Moegi's neck. Naruto shrugged, "What girl? All I see are two dummies…one created by Genjutsu, and the other a log I used as a replacement jutsu."

"WHAT?!" The rain ninja whirled around to see that indeed his catch was a log. When he turned the Naruto standing in front of him disappeared with a 'poof.' The rain ninja looked up, where Naruto stood with Moegi. The former looked pissed, while the latter was staring with glowing eyes. "Naruto…you're my hero."

"You're okay now, Moegi, so I'm going to deal with this punk, even if you are an illusion. Maybe whoever created you will get a message." From close by, a ninja watched horrified as Naruto literally tore the rain Genin to shreds, before watching it vanish. He was even more surprised when a kunai landed near him. Naruto threw it, after sighing very loudly. Attached to it was a note.

Iruka gulped as he opened it. The writer had written, "You don't have to worry about me, Sensei." Iruka twitched and a tear dropped, 'Sorry…Naruto.' He vanished to go and test his next victim.

Sakura

Sasuke and Sakura walked towards the training grounds slowly. The latter walked slowly and behind the former. "Sasuke," called out Sakura, finally, coming to a stop. Sasuke turned, "huh?" "Why are you…why did you suddenly take me out for a walk? I mean you usually just ignore me…and yeah."

"Cause I need to tell you, Sakura, to give up on the Chuunin exams." Sakura twitched, "I knew it…" "Sakura, you 'must' quit," implored Sasuke, "These ninja are very advanced and merciless. In these exams I've heard…you can DIE!" Sakura smiled, "But…but Sasuke, telling me all this…warning me, does that mean you care about me?"

Sasuke blushed, "Uh, well yeah, I guess." "HAHA," interrupted a voice, "romance…how touching." "Get lost," threatened, Sasuke, "unless you want to die." The rain ninja laughed, "HA! Talk is cheap, let's see you back up those words." The ninja leapt up and flung three shuriken. Sasuke easily blocked them with a kunai.

"Great, now I'm pissed," shouted Sasuke as he began running. The rain ninja threw a kunai, stopping Sasuke. "Too easy," shouted the leaf Genin, who countered with his own kunai. "Be careful, Sasuke," cheered Sakura, thought as she said it her eyes twitched.

At the same time, Sasuke's kunai hit the rain Genin's kunai. Unfortunately the latter's split into hundreds of kunai, surprising Sasuke. "WHAT?!" He was too late to move as the kunai slammed into him. Sakura gasped when she saw the result, "Sasuke? SASUKE!"

She ran over and after examining the body began to fake sobbing uncontrollably. "HAHA, he's finished," shouted the rain ninja, "And…if you enter the Chuunin exams, the same is going to happen to you. Why don't you quit now, HAHA?" Sakura stood up, which surprised the rain ninja. He was slightly worried after seeing her smile.

Sakura shook her head, "You really thought I was going to fall for that?" "WHAT?" Sakura laughed, "Sasuke inviting me out, and suddenly acting like he's worried about me? As if that would ever happen! But that's besides the point, you must have been pretty stupid to think I would fall for that."

The rain ninja growled menacingly, "Are you calling me a fool?" "I would," scoffed Sakura, "if you were here that is. But the real one ran away like a coward so I can't. You're the just the illusion of a coward." The rain ninja laughed, "Are you sure," he taunted. "Let's see." Sakura bravely stood her ground as the rain ninja flung his umbrella.

To her expectation, Sakura watched the umbrella go right through. The rain ninja frowned, "Well…I suppose this is to be expected from a kunoichi trained by the copy ninja. But the Chuunin exams are of a whole different league…we'll see if you can cut it!" He vanished, leaving Sakura to raise a fist. "BRING IT ON. THE CHUUNIN EXAMS! I'M NOT SCARED AT ALL!"'Well,' thought Sakura as an afterthought, 'actually I'm really worried about the exams.'

Meanwhile the same ninja ambushed Sasuke while he trained in the woods. "You better leave Iruka, or at least cut the disguise crap. I don't know what the meaning of this is, but I'm busy," said Sasuke, indifferently. The rain ninja laughed, "HAHA, what makes you think I'm uh…who'd you say, Iruka?" Sasuke snarled in response before vanishing and appearing behind a person, identical to the rain ninja who was still in the clearing, behind a tree. He did some hand signs and jabbed the ninja in the neck. Immediately the rain ninja disappeared in a poof and was replaced by Iruka, who looked up at an annoyed Sasuke.

"What were you trying to do," asked Sasuke, to a bewildered Iruka. Iruka stuttered for a few moments trying to find the right words. "Uh, Sasuke…umm…don't worry about it. It was just a pre-test to see if you were fit to enter the exams." When Sasuke stared, Iruka shrugged and said, "orders." Sasuke growled, "Argh, Kakashi…what are you playing at?" He then disappeared, leaving Iruka, who had an arm raised, "W-wait…"

Later that Night

On a rooftop, Kakashi gazed off at the moon, trying to be patient. He had waited at the exact spot for five minutes already. He wasn't used to having to wait on others.

'Ah,' thought, Kakashi, 'here he is.' The rain ninja (Iruka) that team seven had encountered before materialized behind Kakashi.

"So, how did it go?" "They all made it…your squad and the others. All nine Genin proved themselves ready for the exams." The rain ninja suddenly was clouded in smoke. When it cleared, Iruka stood in the ninja's place. He looked incredulous, and slightly happy at the same time.

"You were right…Kakashi," said Iruka, "They're good. They've all developed incredible skills…especially Naruto and Sasuke. They weren't fooled for a moment and they displayed incredible power. Actually I wasn't sure if it was them for a moment, until they called me out…saw right through my disguise."

"Hm…well, that's Naruto and Sasuke for you," replied Kakashi. "Yes…they are strong, and they both work hard," said Iruka, "But the Chuunin exams can break anybody, and we'll see if they can tough it out." Kakashi smiled, 'You don't have to worry there, Iruka.'

Elsewhere

Team Gai's three leaf Genin stood in a clearing. The two boys, Neji Hyuuga and Rock Lee stood underneath straw dummies, while the girl Tenten threw kunai with pinpoint accuracy, aiming for each vital spot.

"Did you know, apparently nine rookies are going to be entering in the exams this year," said Lee, "First year Genin." Neji's mouth formed into a slight frown as he processed this information, while Tenten began tiling kunais in the palm of her hand. "No way," she said, unbelievingly, "If anything, I bet it's just some jounin trying to boost their egos."

Lee shook his head, "No, there's more. According to the rumors, three of them are from Kakashi's team. And they say one of those three is the sole survivor from the Uchiha clan." Neji's ears perked at the name, "Really now? How interesting," he said, smiling.

"Not very," said Tenten, flinging a kunai. Neji nodded his head, "Well, true, either way, too bad for them." The three Genin smiled, and melted away into the forest that surrounded them.

Next morning

Sasuke and Naruto stood outside the academy, as Sakura walked up. "Hey," greeted Naruto, "what's up Sakura? You're late today." Sakura shrugged, "Yeah, right, sorry guys. I just woke up a little late."

Sakura turned towards Sasuke, who was looking towards the academy. She could see that he wasn't looking over there to avoid looking at her. "Good morning, Sasuke," she said, a little coldly. Sasuke turned to regard her, "Hey," he greeted. Inwardly he frowned, 'Hrm…what's up with her? She's…different.'

"Having girl problems," asked Kyuubi. "None of your business," replied, Sasuke. "Let's go," said Naruto, pumping a fist. Sasuke and Sakura nodded and followed him into the academy and towards the flight of stairs.

As they walked onto the third floor, Sasuke and Naruto immediately spotted Rock Lee. He had just been kicked in the face by what looked like two other leaf Genin. Tenten went to back her teammate up, took a slap to the face. "Geez," said one of the boys, "You want to pass the exams, but you can't even get by us. Pathetic, you two should go home…oh wait, I think I hear your mommy calling."

Sakura gaped, and Naruto felt her gather chakra into her palm. Although she didn't say it, Naruto could see the fury in her eyes. He and Sasuke pointedly stepped back.

"Hey, Sasuke, what's up with fuzzy brows? He doesn't usually let himself get punched like that," said Naruto. "He's probably just making it look like he's bad. But since we're here, why don't we show those two Chuunin over there what a couple of real leaf Genin can do." Naruto appeared confused, "Chuunin…where?" "Look in front of you, brat," replied Kyuubi, first.

For five full seconds, Naruto stared at the two boys guarding the room to 201. 'Oh,' thought Naruto after awhile. Sasuke shook his head, and walked forward, "C'mon dobe," he whispered. Sakura and Naruto followed, with the former glaring daggers at the two boys, who just noticed their presence.

"Oh look, another girl," said one of the boys, "Maybe she's a bit tougher than this one on the floor," he said, referring to Tenten. Sakura grew red, but Naruto held her back, before she could do anything. Sasuke, instead, walked up. "Why don't you stop messing around and drop the crappy Genjutsu illusion. Everyone here…that is anybody worth being called a leaf Shinobi 'must' know that we're on the second floor."

As whispers went around the hall, mostly about people wondering if Sasuke was delusional, Neji, Tenten, and Lee exchanged a glance. "So…you saw through our Genjutsu," said one of the boys, "Well…let's see how well you do against Taijutsu!" Sasuke braced himself, but he noticed a pink blur rushed past him. At the same time, he noticed Lee rush forward.

A split second later, a giant hole in the wall could be seen from Sakura's punch. Lee, had caught her kick after it just missed his head, and the Genin was sitting on his behind. Meanwhile, the two boys had vanished and everyone else was staring at it, terrified. "WHOA, look at that power…she's so strong," cried most. Lee stood up, and brushed himself off, as Neji and Tenten came closer.

"Lee, what was that? I thought we were supposed to keep a low profile; not show off our strengths." Lee didn't reply, only stared at Sakura, who was starting to feel the chills. Naruto was trying to suppress his laughter, and Sasuke was feeling annoyed.

Lee suddenly coughed and walked up to Sakura. He pointed, while blushing. "Your Sakura Haruno, are you not?" Sakura blinked, "Yeah." Lee gave a thumbs up and gave his trademark smile. (A/N: Gotta love those teeth…bling bling)

"Willyoubemygirlfriend?" Sakura's mouth dropped… "Definitely…not," she whimpered. Lee's face dropped, "Why not?" Sakura stared horrified at his hair, "Cause you're weird." Lee's head sunk lower, 'Rejected again.'

"Hey…you," interrupted Neji. Sasuke and Naruto turned. "What's your name," Neji asked Sasuke. "Why don't you tell me yours first, it's common courtesy…Neji Hyuuga." Neji eyes narrowed, "How do you know my name." Sasuke shrugged, "Just do…Anyway, I'm Sasuke Uchiha. And this is Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno, 'future' Chuunins of Konoha."

Naruto scowled, 'Damn teme…showing off.' Neji laughed, "We'll see about that, rookie. But I look forward to taking you out Uchiha," said Neji, walking away. Sasuke shrugged, "Look forward to it." He then turned and began heading upstairs, with Sakura and Naruto in follow.

Back on the second floor, Lee stared at them. "Lee," called Tenten, "Let's go!" Lee shook his head, "No, you guys go on without me… I want to check something. I'll be back." Lee vanished.

Lionheart: And that's a wrap for this chapter. Next chapter and we'll see Naruto vs.Gaara and Sasuke vs. Rock Lee. And…maybe we can start the exams XP.

Announcement: I have decided upon a set of appearances for Zabuza and Haku. They will be making an appearance VERY soon. Until then…keep reading.