Kukui pov: One day before the finals

"What to do," I had only one day left until the exams. I didn't know what to do. I had no idea what to do. I had the day off from getting my ass kicked by Cat-sensei/Yugao-sensei. I didn't know what to call her at this point. Maybe I could go out in the village just to have fun. Its been a bit since I've done that. Since I graduated actually. I quickly took off my shinobi gear and put on some civilian clothes. Maybe I could get something to eat.

I opened my door to leave as soon as I was ready to just go find something to do. I left my apartment and I saw Konoha dead as disco used to be in my old world. It was preparing for tomorrow for sure. I climbed to the top of my apartment complex and looked around. It was a beautiful sight. Nobody was out... Shops and Restaurants were still open as I could see their lights but nobody was out.

I decided a restaurant would be a nice place to visit. Maybe Ichiraku ramen...

"Hey Kukui," I turned around and saw my favorite Cyclops sensei. Kakashi.

"Cyclops-sensei? what are you doing here?" I of course knew he was pulled back a few days ago to listen to the truth of the massacre but I thought he'd be training Sasuke.

He opened his little Icha Icha book, "I just thought I'd check on my first student to see how he was doing. It seems your doing fine,"

I nodded, "I am but I am a bit nervous. I was planning on finding something to do today,"

Kakashi just flipped to his favorite page of Icha Icha Tactics and giggled before looking at me again, "I guessed. Its obvious your at least Semi-nervous. Your opponent is very dangerous," He then flipped to another page of the book, " You know you don't need to fight him. You can always drop out of the exams and wait till next one"

I nodded, "I could. I really could. But I don't want to. If I do that someone else would have to fight him. Likely one of my friends and I don't want that. I know you don't want Naruto, Sasuke, or Sakura going near him with a hundred foot pole. So I will fight him and I will beat him,"

Kakashi eyesmiled, "Now that's what I expected from you. Now follow me. I think its time we play catch up,"

I nodded and I began following him as we jumped down to the streets, "Why exactly do you want to talk now though Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi shrugged, "I felt like it. Besides I wanted to make sure you knew what was going on,"

I looked at Kakashi curiously, "What do you mean?"

Kakashi eye smiled, "Think about it. An unstable jinchurriki in a village like Konoha where they have nothing to lose if they break,"

Kakashi figured it out huh. That or he was told, "I know. Something fishy is happening tomorrow. Gaara is the center of it. I need to save him,"

Kakashi looked at me curiously this time, "Save him?"

I nodded, "I talked to Gaara a few days ago. He reminded of what Naruto could have become had the Hokage not been there for him. He's not gone yet. He can still be helped by someone. He just needs someone willing to help and a sealmaster worth their title,"

Kakashi looked at me with a look I couldn't describe, "Are you sure he isn't happy to be in the abyss?"

I nodded, "His eyes scream of pain. I know you've seen how Sasuke used to be. He used to be a flight risk and you had to watch him. Gaara reminds me of that as well,"

Kakashi narrowed his eye at me, "How do you know that?"

I shrugged, "I didn't know it was you for a while. You hid your chakra well and I was a fledgling sensor. I just could sense some feint chakra on your left shoulder. But recently I've come to know what that chakra was and I can sense it on your shoulder still,"

Kakashi deadpanned, "Oh," He went back to reading, "I won't question it. So you think Gaara can be saved?"

I nodded, "Yeah. He just needs people willing to help. I'm willing to help. I just need to beat him first. Then convince him murder isn't fun,"

Kakashi eyesmiled again, "Sounds easy,"

I grinned, "Yeah right!" I then got serious once more, "If he continues to go down the path he is currently on then he'll end up like a sadder version of Orochimaru of the sannin with more of a lust for blood then little boy's," Kakashi looked at me once more, "I am very intimately acquainted with his chakra. Remember?"

Kakashi closed his book, "I keep forgetting you have some of the worst luck out there when it comes to people,"

We made it to an area I recognized as a gambling spot, "Me too," I then looked around, "Why are we here?"

Kakashi eyesmiled, "Well I needed someone to help me win a premium version of Icha Icha tactics of course. You were the best option,"

I deadpanned but smiled after, "Okay then cyclops sensei. But I keep whatever else I win though,"

I could almost see Kakashi's smile, "Deal,"

Kukui pov: 14 hours until the finals

I groaned as I got back to my apartment... I hated gambling. Specifically with Kakashi. We had gotten that premium Icha Icha book for him. We then were challenged by many more Jonin for that book. It was a bloodbath and Kakashi made me do most of the work... I'd burn that book later on for revenge. Although Kakashi had it on him at all times since we had it and he probably would continue to have it on him until the day he died.

I won almost nothing that I didn't give to Kakashi. I had won a fair bit of money and some chakra metal shuriken and Kunai. But that was about it, "I'm never gambling with anyone again that was so boring,"

I heard a chuckle, "You should have known to never gamble with Kakashi," I looked to the side and saw Hayate sitting on a chair.

I looked at the man confusedly, "Sensei?"

Hayate nodded, "You may be confused as to why I'm here now but I've been visiting Tenten and Mika today as well. I just came to give you something,"

I looked curious, "What is it?"

Hayate threw me something, "I'd stay longer and chat more Kukui but I gotta go. I'm about to be late for something extremely important to me and I don't want to miss it. Also Kakashi asked me to give you this," Hayate threw me a book then shunshined out of my apartment. I looked to what Hayte gave me and it was a chain. A metal chain with something attached to it. It was a necklace... I realized. At the bottom it had a piece of metal with a sword and lightning crackling around it carved into it. I grinned... So this was what we were getting for becoming Chuunin. To signify we were still a team. I felt tears escape my eyes.

I then looked to the book 'Icha Icha paradise' It had a note attached to it, "For my favorite little genin for helping me retrieve a prize worth more than gold. A fine piece of literature," I laughed. Kakashi of course gave me an Icha icha book... I was curious as to what was inside of it though. Should I read it?

My curiosity got the better of me and I opened the book.

Kukui pov: Day of the finals.

I breathed in and out for a few seconds. I looked at myself in the mirror. I had changed my look a bit. I wore black pants with deep pockets(Used to carry a few spare Kunai without being noticed) and my holster on the right hip. I had mesh armor under armor like they used in the second war. I had my hair in a spiky ponytail that ran down to just below my shoulders. I wore gloves with a piece of metal on top of the hand so I could deflect Kunai. Fingerless of course. And I wore shinobi sandals like usual. I looked like a complete badass although that was just personal opinion. I also had a Kakashi-esque mask just to hide emotions. I could also bring the Icha Icha book Kakashi gave me(That I totally haven't read yet... hehe) At this point I'm mini Kakashi though. I had my headband tied around my neck to avoid slit throats.

I elected to not bring the book. I stepped out the door with confidence on my face. It was barely visible with the eyepatch and mask. But I had it. Anyways as soon as I stepped out of my apartment I immediately saw the village was brimming with life. I didn't even have to be near the coliseum to see it. I decided roof running would be the most efficient way of getting to the place. I had an hour left before I needed to arrive but it never hurt to be early.

So I began traveling through the roofs of Konoha. I saw many shinobi doing the same and they waved. I waved back. Overall even the grumpiest of Squidwards were enjoying today. I also saw a few of my ex-classmates in the streets. They were only the civilian ones. Not any of my friends. But they looked like they were having a good time. Some had headbands like mine. Others did not.

I decided not to go mess with them and I decided to just carry on to the exam hall.

Soon enough the giant arena was in sight. Ready to be riddled with combat. It was strange knowing what was about to happen. I could keep bloodshed to a minimum if I completed my mission. I needed to incapacitate Gaara as soon as possible in our fight. If need be I'd have to kill a few Suna and Oto shinobi to make sure they don't save him.

Thinking about it wouldn't do me any good. It was do or don't. Thats it. I needed to do instead of don't. I'd do my job as best as I could whilst saving Gaara. That was my mission. I'd also need to convince Temari and Kankuro to not try and kill me. I didn't want to kill them. They were Gaara's siblings and they cared. That went against my plans directly. I couldn't kill them.

Again I decided not to dwell on it for the moment. I had other things I needed to do. Mainly enter the stadium. Soon enough I reached the enterence and I found a few people waiting inside. Neji, Kankuro, Gaara, Sakura, and Karui were all waiting. I wasn't surprised about the first three to be honest. I expected them to be there waiting. Nobody noticed me. I had achieved Shino levels of stealth it seems. I decided to play around for a-

"We know your here Tanku," I heard Neji announce.

I slumped, "Aww I wanted to play a prank. How long did it take you to notice I was here?" I wasn't actually that sad. It was then everyone looked to me except Neji and Gaara who must have known I was here, "Ah so you four only just noticed. Man that makes me feel better. Anyways hey everyone. I wonder what everyone else who's taking these exams is doing slacking off and not being here!"

Kankuro rolled his eyes, "Just shut up already,"

I snickered, "Aww already sick of little old me?" I got no response, "Tough crowd,"

Soon enough more of the contestants arrived. Dosu who was alive, Mika who was grinning, Hinata, and Ino. The last three were together. Must have ran into each other before the exams and decided to not come alone. Man I wish I ran into Naruto or something. Would have been nice to banter with someone for a bit before the shitshow started. Mika immediately saw me and grinned, "Hey!" She was excited today, "You look awesome!"

I waved back, "Hey thanks!" Mika then ran up to me, "So your early too huh?"

Mika nodded, "Yeah Naori-sensei wanted me to be early so I could scope the competition out and not make a flashy entrance like I planned," I planned a flashy enterence too but Hiruzen and Yugao nearly killed me for that... Man anbu and Kage with their flashy entrance hatred.

I laughed too, "I planned one too with fire and lightning but multiple people would have kicked my ass," I then wiped a tear out of my eye, "Anyways good luck Mika. I know its a bit early and your not fighting but still. Good luck,"

Mika grinned, "Thanks! I won't need it though. I'd wish you luck but you've got this in the bag,"

I grinned, "I damn well do,"

Mika nodded before looking at Hinata who looked like a nervous wreck, "Yeah you do. Anyways Im gonna go now. I see Hinata's getting nervous again. I need to calm her down a bit," I nodded and Mika left. I began leaning on a wall.

I had nothing else to do after all. I looked around the room and saw Neji glaring at both Karui and Hinata, Kankuro at Mika, Gaara at me, and Sakura looking at Ino detirminedly. I knew It was going to be a bloodbath in the exams. I had faith in my friends though... I wasn't exactly friends with Hinata but I had faith in her still. Neji needed to get the stick out of his ass so he could be cool canon Neji. I then looked to a clock. I saw there was a half hour left till the exams started.

Soon enough though the last of the contestants arrived. Even Sasuke. Although that shouldn't be a surprise as I talked to Kakashi literally yesterday.

Kukui pov: Arena

We looked around and saw thousands of people looking at us. Thousands of chakra signatures. Some were brighter than others. A lot brighter... I could sense a lot of chakra in the Kage box. Itachi's... Hiruzen's... Jiraya's... Orochimaru's... Someone with a curse mark... their chakra reminded me of Karin's somewhat as well. It wasn't hers... I sensed a chakra that reeked of lightning and steroids... I had no idea who that could be... The last one was like fire... I dug

deeper.

I sensed chakra. Lots of it. It was of the demonic category. It felt sort of like my blue flames. Matabi. The two tails... The Raikage and Yugito were here... I would have hyperventilate if I didn't expect someone to be here... I expected maybe a jonin. But not the Raikage himself or a jinchurriki... If I remembered correctly Bee wasn't allowed to leave Kumo. So that was great. He wasn't here. If he wasn't here then Kumo likely didn't know about the invasion.

But would they join in once it started? Hiruzen likely suspected they would once they realized what happened. So that's why Itachi and Jiraya were there this time. Itachi could easily make Yugito fight her own Kage oh thank god. I disliked the dude for very obvious reasons but I was very happy he was here.

I didn't notice that Genma's speech was over until now.

"Would everyone but Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki leave the arena,"

Chapter end.

Well Kukui has taken the step into the abyss... He is now Kakashi 2.0. Honestly that was just for a gag and because I was planning for him to be Kakashi's full time student originally. Might as well reference it somehow by making a Mini-me. Anyways I actually worked on this chapter in reverse order today. I had no idea what to do or to put in it so I just started with the exams beginning. I'm excited to write Naruto vs Sasuke. I wonder who will win. Likely Sasuke if Naruto has been slacking.

Anyways Hopefully you enjoyed. This is kinda a short chapter to be honest but I didn't have much to include. Also yes the Raikage and Yugito are at the exams. Since Karui is there the Raikage decided to attend. Bee couldn't go so the Raikage decided to take his second strongest shinobi to help. Makes sense right? I hope it does because I'm not changing it. Also fuck you to the guy who said the club was stupid at chapter seven. It will make a reappearance shortly just for that.

I honestly enjoyed writing this chapter. From Kakashi and Kukui's semi serious to serious conversation, to Mika and Kukui bantering a bit. I planned for Neji and Kukui to have a brief scuffle but I decided against it. I wanted everyone to be in tip top pristine condition for the finals. I'm really excited to write most of the fights. Most. I am not looking forward to Dosu and lee's fight or Hinata and Neji's fight... Dear god I fear that one and its the third fight.

Anyways question of the chapter time!

Question: Which fight are you looking forward too most? I'm really looking forward to Sakura vs Ino.

Anyways Tobi-kun out!

Ta ta