Lionheart: Man I wrote this on thanksgiving…I feel so exhausted, especially with all the drunk people around.
Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter. To all reviewers thanks. Can't wait to see if you enjoy the newest installment.
Chuunin Challenges! Passing the Easy Tests!
Summary: Our favorite Genin our about to begin the Chuunin exams, but the exams are tough and already they have attracted the attention of two very incredibly tough team, one of them having Gaara, the future fifth of Suna.
Neji and Tenten watched their enthused teammate disappear. "I wonder what he's up to," asked Tenten. "I have no idea," said Neji, shrugging it off, "but Lee can take care of himself. Let's go!" Tenten nodded, "Right," she said, enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke calmly walked through a doorway that took them into a hallway. Straight across from that position was the doorway that would lead to room 301.
As they crossed the hall, Naruto and Sasuke suddenly stopped. Noticing them, Sakura stopped, confused, "What?" Both boys nodded upwards towards a balcony, where Sakura immediately recognized Lee in his green jumpsuit and with his bowl haircut. She sweat dropped, gulped and stepped backwards, trying to get as far away as possible. Fortunately for her, Lee took no notice of her. His face was serious and set on Sasuke. He didn't even show his blinding smile.
"Hey you, with the attitude," challenged Lee, "wait up a minute." Naruto twitched while Sasuke sighed. "What do you want?" Without hesitation Lee replied, "I want to fight…right here and right now."
Sasuke inclined his head, thoughtfully. "Hm…you want to fight me right here and right now huh?" Lee nodded, and jumped down. "Yes." Sasuke nodded to himself, trying to decide whether he should accept the challenge or decline. Lee, meanwhile, began to speak again. Pointing to himself he said, "I am Rock Lee. You said, earlier that a challenger should give his own name first as common courtesy right? Sasuke Uchiha?"
Sasuke inclined his again, "Yes…I did say that. And you know my name…great." Lee got into a fighting stance, saying, "I challenge you then. Everyone is always talking about the Uchiha clan and how great they are. I want to see if it is true. I figure you will be a good test for me."
Lee then turned towards Sakura. "And also…" Sakura gulped and her mouth dropped. "Sakura…I love you," shouted Lee, blushing. Sakura jumped up, screaming, "AHHHH…those eyes brows can't be real." She suddenly began to uncontrollably shake, "Your hair is so weird, and you eyebrows are so bushy. You're such a weirdo." Meanwhile Naruto and Sasuke exchanged an embarrassed glance.
Lee did not seem to register what Sakura said, as he replied, "Sakura…you are an angel sent from heaven!" Lee formed a heart out of red paper and blew it towards Sakura. The kunoichi stared at it horrifyingly, as if it were a monster reaching out to grab her. At the last second she ducked, letting the paper heart, land onto a pillar.
"HEY! WATCH IT," shouted Sakura, shaking a fist. "Keep your valentines to yourself…I was dodging for my life back there!" Lee's face fell, "You do not have to be so negative Sakura. But anyway, Sasuke…I challenge you."
Sasuke smirked, "So…you've heard of the Uchiha clan and yet you're going to directly challenge me. Well then…you must have some skill; I'm interested in finding out what you can do. Either that or you're more psycho than you look. Alright, let's do this." "Bring it on, and don't go easy on me. I am known as the number one leaf Genin here," replied Lee. 'Excellent,' thought Lee, 'A match-up with the number one rookie. I will draw him out and make him reveal his techniques. Then I will defeat 'you.' Gai-sensei will be so proud.'
Sasuke got into a ready position when Naruto's voice broke into his head. "Hold on, teme. Let me fight him first. You already got to fight Gaara, so I want to fight bushy brows. C'mon…lemme do it." Sasuke inwardly sighed, "Fine…whatever. Just don't hurt the poor guy."
Sasuke stood up, surprising Lee. "I'm sorry, but I seem to have forgotten something. Usually, since the Uchiha clan is so prestigious we usually do not fight strangers. There is one law between our clan…to challenge us you must be worthy enough…under our eyes to do so. So, before you fight me, fight Naruto. He will give you as much of a challenge as I can." Sakura gaped at Sasuke, 'Wow, Sasuke just turned down a request. He's so cool.'
"Ahh," said Kyuubi, "Finally, we have a leader on this weak…pathetic team."
Lee turned his attention towards Naruto. "I do not wish to fight you…please Sasuke Uchiha, make an exception for me. I guarantee I will not waste your time." Sasuke shook his head, "It's Naruto or nothing."
Lee grimaced, but Naruto stepped up. "Sorry, but me and Sasuke always do it this way. You only get to fight teme over there if you beat me. And that's not going to happen. Sakura-chan watch, I'll make this guy beg for mercy within two minutes." Sakura twitched, "Naruto…you idiot."
Naruto began charging at Lee, who immediately turned his attention to him. "Fine, but mark my words none of you are going to defeat me," the green-clad Genin replied.
"Hn, you're going to regret saying that after I'm done with you…Take THIS!" Naruto leapt up and threw out a hard right punch. Lee ducked and shouted, "Konoha Reppu." Lee ducked and swept with his leg, expecting to hit Naruto and send him into a wall. To his surprise, the orange ninja vanished in midair. Lee immediately turned and blocked a sharp sidekick. Naruto had gotten around him.
Lee bent low, and turned, shouting, "Konoha Daisenpu!" He did a high roundhouse kick, which Naruto easily ducked under. He then quickly followed with a low roundhouse, which Naruto promptly jumped over. While he was in mid air, Lee grinned, 'Got you.'
He threw out a swift jab, but Naruto vanished. The next thing Lee felt was a sharp punch to his back. The impact made Lee fly forward about twenty feet, landing in front of Sasuke.
Sasuke snorted, as he stared down at Lee, "So, I guess all that macho talk about being number one was a joke. If you can't even touch Naruto…you'll never touch me. Naruto is one of the best around…but I'm even better than him." Sakura stuck her tongue out at Lee, while at the same time giving Sasuke the thumbs up.
Lee wiped blood from his face and turned his back on Sasuke. He now concentrated all his attention on Naruto, who had two fingers up.
'Incredible,' thought Lee, 'so Kakashi's training is legendary after all. Perhaps it was a mistake to underestimate this guy.'
"Do not worry Uchiha, I am going to defeat him so we can fight."
Lee turned his focus back to Naruto, and got into a stance. 'His Taijutsu skill and his speed are incredible. He moved himself in midair by using the wind from my technique then, while still in midair, developed enough strength to knock me back such a distance. Gai-sensei, I'm sorry, I know it is forbidden, but I may have to use 'that' technique.'
"C'mon bushy brows, you can do better than that," taunted Naruto. Lee suddenly vanished and appeared in front of Naruto. "Konoha Senpu!" Lee ducked low, and kicked upwards, but to his dismay, Naruto blocked the technique with a kick jam, and then countered with, "Konoha Reppu!"
Crouching low, Naruto swept with his left foot, underneath Lee's raised leg, for his back leg, and knocked the Genin onto his back. Lee skidded along the floor, finally stopping some thirty feet away. "Ugh," moaned Lee, as he stood up, 'How? Did he somehow copy my technique? Just by seeing it one time. There is no way…he should not be able to keep up with my speed and yet that does not seem to be difficult for him. He may even be faster than me. Can it be that I was mistaken about Sasuke Uchiha? I may not be able to defeat him this way. I'm sorry Gai-Sensei…but here goes; I have to break the sacred rule.'
Lee began to unwrap the bandages on his arm, slightly. Sasuke, who had his arms crossed, suddenly straightened and widened his eyes. 'No way, Lee…you can't do that here.' Naruto frowned and gulped. 'Is he going to…?' "Brat, if he uses his reverse lotus junk you're going to have to use my power. Be thankful you're fighting and Sasuke isn't. I have a bad feeling about this." Naruto grimaced, "I know Kyuubi. I just hope it doesn't come to that."
"Naruto-kun, I'm sorry earlier, and I take back what I said. You are truly a great fighter." Lee suddenly began charging, his bandages trailing behind him. 'He's coming,' thought Naruto, who instantly placed his palms together, with his facial expression no longer taunting. Sakura noticed Naruto and Sasuke's sudden seriousness and wondered if they knew something she didn't. She was surprised when Naruto began doing some hand signs unfamiliar to her. She was sure they were not taught at the academy.
"YO…!"
'FWUP.'
Naruto was interrupted as a small kunai planted itself directly between Lee and Naruto. Sasuke, Naruto, and Lee inwardly groaned, while Sakura gaped at an ugly red turtle that had appeared out of nowhere.
She was surprised when it spoke. "HALT! That's enough Lee." Sakura gaped when she heard the turtle talk. "WHAT?! IT TALKS?!," shouted Inner Sakura.
Naruto dropped his arms as he shared a look with Sasuke. He used Shunshin and reappeared next to his teammates. "Naruto, are you okay," asked Sakura, "You gave Lee quite a beating, but near the end you suddenly got all serious like." Naruto laughed, rubbing his head, "Yeah…I did, but it wasn't anything really big. I was really hard pressed to keep up with him, that's why. And then he suddenly got serious and unwrapped those bandages…so I thought it might be something to worry about." Sakura stared surprised at Naruto. For once he was being modest. She could tell he was hiding something though.
Meanwhile Lee rewrapped his bandages and knelt in front of the turtle. "Y-you saw," he asked? The turtle nodded, "Lee, you know the rules! That move is absolutely forbidden. You could have seriously injured him." Sakura cringed at the turtle's voice. 'Geez, that guy is getting chewed out by a turtle. I wonder who he is.'
"Hey, Sasuke, what's up with that turtle," asked Sakura. Sasuke sighed, "I have no idea." Meanwhile Lee was looking rather depressed, "I-I'm sorry. Please forgive me…I was only trying to win."
"You looked as if you were about to annihilate him." Lee looked up and saw a fierce glare in the turtle's eyes. He seemed to understand some hidden message. "NO! No way, sir, I-I wouldn't have used the reversal move. I never meant for that." The turtle ignored Lee. "YOU FOOL," he shouted making Lee cringe, Do you think I care about your feeble excuses? Consider the repercussions of a Shinobi warrior…any Shinobi…baldly giving and explaining all his secrets. Even if you had not intended for anything to happen you still would have shown one of your most powerful techniques."
Lee nodded, "Y-yes sir. Sorry sir." "What a disgrace…losing to that clown," added the turtle. And to have boasted before you even made the challenge. I hope you are prepared for the consequences." "Yes sir," mumbled Lee, dejectedly.
"Very well," said the turtle, "He's all yours, master Gai." Sakura watched in amazement as smoke suddenly appeared on the turtle's back. Naruto and Sasuke watched with amusement.
When the smoke cleared, Gai appeared on the turtle's back, dressed in the same green jumpsuit as Lee, though with a jounin vest. He smiled showing off his teeth, which nearly blinded Sakura. "AH," he cried, "The exuberance of youth. All of you are so full of it!"
"He-he's got the biggest eyebrows yet," yelled Sakura, pointing at Gai, "They're almost alive." Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a look, both of them thinking, 'Great.' "And that same dorky do…I've never seen anything like it," continued Sakura.
Her shouting attracted Lee's attention, and he turned quickly. "H-HEY! Don't try to make fun of Master Gai!" "OH shut up, bushy brows," yelled Naruto, "I've had enough with all the weirdos that keep popping in here." Sasuke smacked his head, 'Wonderful, now Naruto has started up to.'
"WHAT," yelled Lee back. He was interrupted by Gai, who shouted, "Lee!" Lee turned quickly to face his master, "OH! Uh, yes sir…" "YOU IDIOT," shouted Gai, as he punched Lee hard in the face. The Genin was lifted into the air by the force of the blow, and landed some feet away. Sakura gaped, while Naruto and Sasuke exchanged another embarrassed glance.
"Ow," moaned Lee, as he slowly lifted himself up. "You…you," stuttered Gai. Lee suddenly broke into tears, "master….I…I." "That's enough, Lee," said Gai, who had also broken into tears, "Not one more word." "Master," shouted Lee, as he hugged Gai. The two embraced, while Sakura's mouth dropped. 'Eww," she thought.
"That never fails to gross me out," said Naruto to Sasuke. "I can't believe we ever lost to this guy," said Sasuke, "This makes me sick." "Yeah," agreed Naruto. "It's cause back then, you two were weak and pathetic. That's why I decided to train you this time around. Don't get pushed around by this brat. And also… don't look at it brat, I see it too now," whined Kyuubi. To Kyuubi's annoyance however, Naruto continued to stare at Lee and Gai.
Meanwhile, Gai and Lee continued to hug each other. "I understand Lee. It's because you're young!" "Master," cried out Lee, before Gai suddenly released him. "It's alright, Lee! Mistakes and youth go hand in hand." Lee continued to sob, "You're too kind, master."
"Hehe," chuckled Naruto suddenly, "Doesn't it give you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside?" Sasuke pointedly stepped away from Naruto, while Sakura glared at him. "Don't be an idiot Naruto, they're up to something!"
The two green-clad ninja suddenly stood. "Alright, Lee you're forgiven," said Gai. "However," he added, raising a finger, "I can't let this go unpunished. Your penalty will be to sweat after the Chuunin exam selection exams." Lee saluted his master shouting, "I understand!" Gai punched the air, "FIVE HUNDRED LAPS AROUND KONOHA!" "YES SIR," shouted Lee.
"What a dip," commented Sakura, while Sasuke remained silent. Gai suddenly turned his attention to the three rookie Genin. Sakura froze, while Naruto and Sasuke gulped. 'Hmm,' thought Gai, 'Unless I miss my guess, those children are Kakashi's.'
"Uh-oh," said Sakura, raising her arms in defense, "He's looking right at us." "By the way," said Gai, "How is master Kakashi? I'm asking you!" Sasuke remained silent, while Naruto scratched his head. "Umm…he's…" Sakura suddenly interrupted him, shouting, "You know Kakashi-Sensei?"
Gai seemed to smirk as he closed his eyes. Naruto and Sasuke suddenly nodded to each other, and bent their knees, slightly. "Do I know master Kakashi," repeated Gai, thoughtfully. He suddenly disappeared. Naruto and Sasuke disappeared along with him. Lee and Sakura eyes bulged when the three reappeared. Gai stood in the middle of the two with his arms raised, successfully blocking Naruto and Sasuke's kicks.
"Hm," wondered Gai, as he released Naruto and Sasuke. Both looked disappointed. "Well actually this is wonderful. But in all your youthfulness you two can never match my speed." "Master Gai is so awesome. You can not even hope of comparing to his greatness," shouted Lee.
Gai laughed, "I see Kakashi's students are pretty good. Lee, they will prove to be a good challenge for you!" "Yes sir," shouted Lee, saluting again. Gai turned his attention to Sakura, placing his hands on his hips. "Anyway, you asked if I knew Kakashi. I should say so! We're arch rivals!"
"W-what? Arch rivals?" Gai laughed, "The score stands fifty to forty-nine. I am stronger than your teacher, Kakashi." He gave Sakura a blinding grin and wink. Sakura gasped, and sweat dropped, while Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a knowing look.
"Anyway," said Gai, "You and Lee should head upstairs to the classroom. It is almost three. You'd better hurry. Best of luck Lee…LATER!" "Yes sir," shouted Lee. Gai vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving the four Genin to an awkward silence.
Lee finished rewrapping his bandages and then turned to Sasuke and Naruto. He nodded at them, "Oh yes, by the way. I was blowing smoke before. I'm really here to prove my own strength in combat. And not that we've fought I see now, you guys are more than just ordinary rookies. But I still think the strongest Genin is on my team…and I'm definitely going to take him down. That's why I'm entering. And I also hope to fight you Sasuke and you Naruto again."
Sasuke smirked, "Well to be honest, I was blowing smoke off before as well. I am not stronger than Naruto. In some sense, he's actually stronger than me. But you'll find I'm more dangerous than he is. You'll understand when we fight." "I look forward to it," said Lee, "And I also wish to see our abilities, Sakura-Chan." He made to blow a kiss, but Sakura cried out and ducked behind Sasuke.
Lee sighed and his head sunk a little, but he suddenly leapt up towards the balcony. "I'm off to apply, be ready for the exams. I held back on you Naruto, and I think you did too. I can't wait to see what a real fight will be like with you. Until then."
Naruto and Sasuke grinned at each other, while Sakura stared at Lee's retreating form. 'Whoa, he's pretty good.' "Next time," said Naruto, "He's going to eat some real dirt." Sasuke laughed, "Dobe, don't get too cocky." "Well then…Sakura? Naruto? Let's go!"
Sakura and Naruto nodded, "YEAH!" 'Whoa,' thought Sakura, 'these exams are already looking tough. But I have Naruto and Sasuke on my team. And there's nothing that can get by them.' Sakura raised a fist and punched small hole through a wall, startling her friends. "YEAH, BRINT IT ON! CHUUNIN EXAMS!" Sasuke and Naruto exchanged a startled look, though they soon smiled. 'Nice,' they thought.
Ten Minutes Later
Ten minutes later, the group arrived at the door to classroom 301. Kakashi stood outside of it, with his hands in his pockets. "Glad you made it after all, Sakura. This way, you all qualify for the Chuunin exams," said Kakashi, smiling. "What do you mean," asked Sakura, frowning.
"Let me explain," said Kakashi, "The way the test is set up, it can only be taken by three-person cells." Sakura appeared confused, "But Sensei…you said it was up to each of us to decide whether or not to apply. Were you lying?" Kakashi shook his head, "I said what I had to keep Naruto and Sasuke from pressuring you into coming along. Think of it like this…even if you had no interest in coming, or if you felt you were unready, one word…just one…from Sasuke and you would have come. You would have gone through all the motions, though you're heart would not have been in it. In the Chuunin exams going through the motions is not enough. You'll see soon enough."
"So, what would have happened if I hadn't shown up with them," asked Sakura. "I would have washed them out right away," replied Kakashi, "None of you would have made it past this point without the other two. But…you all came and I'm very proud of all of you. Now get in there," said Kakashi, winking and stepping aside.
Naruto smirked as he threw open the door. "OH YEA, BABY. WATCH OUT EVERYONE, CAUSE HERE WE COME!" The three Genin stepped in, and shut the door. Kakashi stayed on the outside, smiling. 'You've all come a long way…now show them what you're made of. Prove to everyone here how wrong they are.'
Inside, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood at the doors. All heads swiveled to see who had made the ruckus. Naruto grinned back, while Sasuke stood behind him looking bored. Only Sakura appeared worried, 'Gah, how many people are there? There's so many applying for the exams, and they all look tough!'
She was pulled out of her worries by a familiar voice. "SASUKE-KUN! There you are you cutie." To Sasuke's dismay, Ino jumped onto his back. "It's so exciting to see you after all this time!" Naruto snickered, while Sasuke glared daggers at Naruto, and then at Ino.
"INO you pig! Get your hooves off Sasuke right now," shouted Sakura, pointing. Ino smiled at Sakura, though she did not budge, "Hello to you too, Sakura. Still hoping the big, mutant, ugly forehead is going to come into fashion huh? How sweet!"
A vein popped in Sakura forehead, and she stepped forward. "What did you say?" She was interrupted as two more Genin walked forward. "Oh…great you three are here too? How troublesome," said Shikamaru.
"Oh, boy so the three stooges are here," said Naruto. "Stop calling us that," said Shikamaru annoyed. Naruto shook his head and stared at team ten. 'First…Shikamaru Nara,' he thought. 'A lazy bum who does nothing but stare at clouds and complain. Whining Fool,' labeled Naruto, before turning his attention to Chouji. 'Next…Choji Akimichi. A fat teme who does nothing but stuff his face and think about food. Fat bastard,' labeled Naruto. He then turned his attention to Ino. 'And last, Ino Yamanaka. Sakura's rival/arch-nemesis and a fashion freak. Fool for Sasuke.'
"There you are," interrupted a voice. Naruto turned as three more Genin approached the group. "Looks like the gang's all here," said Kiba. "Including you…unfortunately," said Shikamaru. "Uh…hi," greeted Hinata. Shino remained as silent as ever.
Kiba ignored Shikamaru and continued talking. "So…I guess this year all three rookie teams decided to apply. I wonder how far we'll all get? What do 'you' think, Sasuke?" Sasuke shrugged, "Probably farther than you, Kiba," he replied. Kiba chuckled, "HA! The way we trained, you'll be eating are dirt…literally!" "Ah, shut up dog breath," said Naruto, "You guys won't even beat me, much less Sasuke." Kiba didn't even bother to argue with Naruto. He simply laughed and waved him off. Little did he know it was a big mistake.
'Stupid Kiba,' thought Naruto, 'He's wilder than me. And to think he made ANBU…and carrying that mutt all the time…argh. And then there's Shino and Hinata. One who is crazy bug freak, and the other a shy little brunette.'
"Hey," interrupted a voice, "how about you do everyone else here a favor and shut up!" The rookie nine turned to see a leaf ninja, with white hair approach them. He was a lot taller and seemed to be older. Naruto and Sasuke immediately scowled, recognizing the boy as Kabuto.
"You guys are the three rookie squads right? All of you are just out of the local academy right? Well, just to let you know this isn't a school field trip. Who the heck do you think you are?"
"We should be asking you that," said Naruto, coldly. Kabuto eyed Naruto suspiciously for a moment then shrugged. "What are you talking about," asked Sakura, "What's wrong with us being rookies, huh?" Kabuto smirked, "Well, a word of advice. Open your eyes."
"Why," demanded Ino. Kabuto stepped to the side. The rookie nine immediately noticed that every single head in the room seemed to be staring at them. None of them looked happy. "You know," said Kabuto, "everyone is on edge. Those guys behind you, they're from Amakagure…the hidden rain village. Real short fuses…I would quiet down if I were you, before someone snaps and decides to beat the crap out of you. But I know how you feel. I remember my first time…thought I knew everything."
Sasuke and Naruto stepped towards the back of the group, while the others listened to him intently. They were careful not to arouse suspicion from the sound spy. "I say we beat the shit out of him now," said Naruto. "Fool, how do you think that would look? No, you must wait for the second exam…if you can get there," lectured Kyuubi. "I agree… we should wait. Besides you know the rules Naruto…we can't fight here," said Sasuke. Naruto grudgingly agreed, though he had a dark look in his eyes, which frightened Sasuke. 'Naruto…get a hold of yourself before you do something bad.'
"So," said Sakura, while Naruto and Sasuke talked telepathically, "Is this your second time applying?" Kabuto laughed, "Naw, this is my seventh time. Four years in a row." "So you know what we're going to be up against," asked Kiba. Kabuto inclined his head, "I might." "SWEET," yelled Chouji, "Now…where's my other bag of chips.
Everyone ignored his comment. "Anyway, you'd better watch out," said Kabuto, "Everyone here is tough. I'm sure you've seen some of the Shinobi who've come from other villages already. All of them are hand picked elite Shinobi. Most of them have had years of training as a Genin. You guys are rookies, fresh out of the academy. If I were you I would withdraw, but you guys seem pretty confident. Oh well…it's up to you."
"Ha," said Naruto, interrupting. "We are all pretty good…we're not like those other pathetic crybabies that come out of the academy. We are 'the' rookie nine." Kiba and Shikamaru scoffed inwardly, having already seen the extent of Naruto's power. Kabuto looked impressed, "Well you sure talk big." Naruto smirked back, "Watch."
Sasuke twitched as Naruto walked towards the crowd. All eyes centered on him. "HEY ALL OF YOU! YOU HAD BETTER WATCH OUT CAUSE I, NARUTO UZUMAKI AM GONNA BEAT ALL YOUR ASSES. HAHAHAHA." The rookie nine sweat dropped, while Kabuto stared amused. 'My…'
Sakura grabbed Naruto and pulled him back. "Uh, sorry for my friend here…he's a little crazy in the head." She turned her attention to Naruto, "You idiot, are you trying to make enemies with everyone in here?" "Too late for that," whined Shikamaru.
Outside Gai and Kakashi listened. "Well, your student is full of youth Kakashi. And by the way, I take back what I said earlier about them. They are ready…possibly more so than most teams." Kakashi smirked, "I told you they were full of surprises, they'll wipe the floor with your squad." Gai laughed, "Ah, Kakashi, my team's youthfulness will beat yours. My Lee is better than your Sasuke. You shall see." Kakashi yawned, "I'm sorry, did you say something?" Gai jumped, "Ah…Kakashi you have won this round…but I shall win the next.
Inside
Meanwhile, the other ninja who had met Naruto all smirked. Neji and Tenten listened carefully as Lee described his battle. "You were knocked back," asked Tenten, surprised. Neji shrugged, "He wasn't fighting at full…nothing to worry about." However, some amount lingered in his mind.
Meanwhile Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari all watched Naruto's team. "Hn, didn't we see those three some time ago," asked Kankuro. Gaara answered in the affirmative. "Kankuro." Kankuro turned, "Huh, what is it Gaara?" "Watch them carefully…especially Uzumaki and Uchiha." Kankuro raised an eyebrow. 'Hm? Those two, they don't look like much. But Gaara is usually right about this kind of stuff.'
In another corner, Zaku, Dosu, and Kin were all evilly smiling. "They sure talk a lot, don't they Dosu," asked Zaku. "Sure do," said Dosu. "I say we get in there and show them what sound is all about, eh," asked Kin. Dosu and Zaku nodded, but before they moved, a sudden bang resounded through the classroom. Heads turned towards the blackboard where a sudden group of men had appeared.
"Alright, it's about time, teme," said Naruto, raising a fist. Sasuke nodded, "Yeah."
"Sorry to have kept you waiting," said one of the men, "my name is Ibiki Morino. I'll be your proctor and chief examiner for the first part of the Chuunin exam!"
Lionheart: And that's it for this chapter. Sorry about the no Gaara vs Naruto thing. I promise they will fight soon. And I'll be sure to make it extra good.
Next time: The written test! See you all there! Story Edited.