Wow, I've been away for so long I almost forgot about updating OwO" sorry everyone! Work piled up, have several tests and stuff. But all worth it!

Thank you everyone for the reviews!

Tia-chan: Thank you for the suggestion, I'll consider using it :)

Ace: Thank you for the review, yes I intended to continue it to shippuuden ^-^ please look forward to it!

You guys might have realize how the characters said the exact same thing from the manga, that's because I referenced it from there ^-^" it's pretty difficult to remember everything and all, so I thought why now just use the same dialogue? If might like to skip to the last part of this chapter, because it's basically a recap of what happened in the manga :)

This chapter might be boring so feel free to skip it xD I feel like I just have to post it though :(

Disclaimers: You know the drill :P

When Kakashi announced the team about the chuunin exams, Sasuke and Naruto couldn't withhold their excitement. Naruto's was different than Sasuke's, of course for different intentions. Sasuke's body shivered when he received his pass, no words could describe how intense his blood was boiling. For the remaining days, they were given time to train and sharpen their skills. Sasuke felt a disturbance in the balance of his team. It was strange Sakura didn't pester him about training together, usually she would speak in a over exaggerated tone asking Sasuke if he would like to train with her, and expected to be declined by the cool headed boy. Sakura wasn't someone Sasuke would pay much attention to, he never like loud and hyper active girls. He remembered when they were in the academy, Ino and her gang screamed at the top of their lungs upon Sasuke's existence, as well as their insane stalking ability to follow his every move, remember every rumor about him. Girls like Sakura shouldn't have their energy drained out this early, especially when Sasuke's around. It bothered Sasuke a little.

"You were nominated for the exam as well?" Hinata just finished making the salad as she placed it in front of them.

"I-I was surprised m-myself. I d-don't think I have the confidence t-to enter." she didn't bother to remove her apron while enjoying dinner with Sasuke, might as well help her from leaving any stains on her black t-shirt. Sasuke took a mouth full of rice with his chopsticks before replying Hinata.

"You should have some confidence in yourself. It's not as bad as you think." Hinata never had the confidence in anything she does-except housework Sasuke assumed-she lacks physical ability of a fighter, but she has great flexibility for a Juuken user.

"I-I guess you're right...I-I shouldn't let my team down!" she spoke with a slightly enthusiastic tone. Sasuke couldn't help but admire this aspect of her, she motivates herself easily, but turns pessimistic quickly as well.

"I'll be entering anyway, I'll be on a look out for you so you'll do fine." Sasuke's over confidence has always been a problem for him, he underestimate his enemies too quickly without further analysis, but of course, that's what makes him the most popular boy in Konoha.

"O-Okay!"

Hinata woke up earlier than expected, only 5 hours has passed. She sat up on her bed and thought through. Who was she trying to fool? Sasuke had talked her into something she doesn't want to do again. She's too weak to enter anything, she even doubted herself if she could pass the first preliminaries. Wasting time depressing about herself won't change a thing, Naruto has thought her that. She threw her blanket aside and quickly changed into some loose clothing she pulled out from her closet. The air was cold, not a single soul lingered the streets of Konoha. Hinata started out with a light jog to her usual training grounds, it grew cooler as she approached the forest. Hinata slowed her pace down, she did a few more stretches to loosen her muscles, when she heard a rustle behind the bush, her body tensed back up, who would still be around during this ungodly hour? Hinata pulled her kunai out from her bag, this might be a light warm up for the upcoming chuunin exam. Hinata's stealth was one of her specialty, she's petite and unnoticable, very much like the main character of manga she read with Sasuke. No one would notice her. She brought her kunai close to her face, just a few inches away from her frozen cheeks. Another rustle. To her amaze, it was none other than Naruto. She would expect Sasuke to be the one who sneaks out this early or late to train, but for Naruto was quite a shocker, even for Hinata. Naruto had fallen asleep under a tree, not the best spot for a rest, but safe enough for a drizzling night if rain does arrive.

Okay, I'll try my best too, Naruto-kun!

She withdrew her kunai back and returned to her training.

Sasuke arrived early at their meeting spot, outside the snack bar. He couldn't sleep for the whole night, too excited to fight the strongest opponent...Gaara. It was long before Sakura arrived, she was awfully quiet Sasuke noticed, too quiet for Sasuke's comfort-he was too used to her high pitched voice. Even when it's just him and Sakura, everything felt slightly awkward. Sakura was usually either too busy ranting at Naruto about his stupidity or talking to him nonstop.

"Where's that idiot." Sasuke looked around,

"Hey! Sakura-chan!" Naruto ran towards them with his registration form up in the air. Sakura surprisingly answered politely. They handed in their forms and were told to enter the academy. There were several ninjas from different villages, Sasuke had his eyes on a lookout for Gaara and any other strong opponent he might take interest in. As the ascended the stairs, a group of ninjas appeared before them, hurdling around room 301. a male ninja with strange bowl hair cut were beaten and lying on the ground, a girl, most likely his team mate tried to talk her way though, but received a slap across her face instead. Team 7 couldn't figure out what was all the commotion about. Two teen around his age were boasting about their strength and 'kindness', but he certainly know it's something silly. Born with the Sharingan, he is almost immune to simple genjutsu.

'I agree but, you will let me pass through...and also, remove this surrounding created with genjutsu." of course Sasuke's kind enough to hint amateurs.

"Ah, so you noticed" Sasuke simply smirked.

"Sakura, you must have noticed first right?" Sakura looked surprised. She may be annoying, but Sasuke still acknowledge her as his team mate.

"Your analytical ability and genjutus know-how is the most improved on our team." of course not as perfect as Sasuke's, but still impressive for someone without an advanced bloodline. Sakura had a faint blush across her face, Sasuke said something he didn't fully realize made her happy.

"of couse , I noticed awhile ago. Because this is the second floor." she spoke in confidence.

"not bad, but all you did was see through it!" the ninja from before appeared in front of him with great speed, Sasuke acted through reflex, he raised his legs for a kick, but was stopped by someone between them. It was the beaten green body-suit male, he moved in such increadible speed Sasuke didn't notice. There were chakra flowing round his arms, visible enough for Sasuke's sharp eyes to notice.

"What happened to the plan? You're the one who said we shouldn't draw attention to ourselves" too late for that, Sasuke thought. The injured boy started blushing, Sasuke noticed his injuries and bruises disappeared, was it part of the Genjutsu?

"Oh no." the girl from before shook her head, he made his way towards Sakura, who was standing next to Naruto.

"Hi, my name is Rock Lee. So yours is Sakura." everyone was just standing around to be amused.

"Let's go out together! I'll protect you till I die!" he winked at Sakura, who looked shocked and disgusted.

"No way, you're lame." she quickly rejected him.

"Hey you. What's your name?"

Hyuuga Neji. Sasuke remembered him, he's that pain in the ass cousin of Hinata. Sasuke grew up in the Hyuuga compounds long enough to know about the history between the main and the branch. He often sees Neji around the branch households, but Neji never seemed to be interested or paid any attention to the Uchiha. Sasuke clinched his fist, he was holding back the urge to punch this bastard in the face. Neji was the cause of Hinata's low self-esteem, and confidence, when ever Sasuke was out training, he would return to see a crying Hinata, sobbing by herself while Neji talk down on how pathetic she was. Of course Sasuke wasn't allowed to lay a finger on him, if he did, he would get kicked out of the Hyuuga household.

"when you want to learn someone's name, you should give yours first." Sasuke was being arrogant, but someone like Neji shouldn't act too cooky either.

"You're a rookie right? How old are you?"

"I don't have to answer you." and they both parted. The less he interact with this guy, the more control he has over his anger.

"Naruto! Sasuke-kun, let's go!" Sakura's energy returned to her, Sasuke guessed her battery just finished charging.

"Don't pull me." he was glad for her though. Naruto was being neglected from the previous encounter, but he didn't seem to get too worked up over it.

"Hey, guy with the dark eyes." a voice approached them from above. Everyone looked up.

"What is it?"

"Will you fight me right here?" it was Lee.

Hinata and her team-mates were one of the first rookies to arrive room 301, they didn't expect so many participants for the Chuunin exams. Hinata grew nervous, everyone gave her glares and weird looks, their gaze showed they won't hesitate to kill.

"Hinata, are you alright?" Kiba gave a light pat on her shoulder, Hinata's breathing gradually calmed down.

"Y-Ya, I-I'm fine." she forced a smile on her face.

"Hn? There's an empty seat, let's go." Kiba notified them.

I wonder where's Sasuke, it's almost time for the exam to start.

Lee's powerful kick sent Sasuke flying across the room He was so sure he would had blocked that attack, something wasn't right for him, did that boy used ninjutsu? Or was it genjutsu. Sasuke smirked to himself, he underestimated Lee, he quickly got back to his feet. Sasuke wiped the blood from his lips and activated his Sharingan. It felt good to be using the Sharingan, it made him feel in control. But of course he was over confident, he thought the activating the Sharingan would let him read Lee's attacks, but he was too naïve. Lee gave him an uppercut with his leg. Sasuke levitate in mid air, his boy couldn't react fast enough and Lee settled himself under him.

"Even if you can read my movements with your eyes, your body does not have the speed to react to my taijutsu. Basically, even If you can see it. If your body can't move then it's useless." Lee explained his motives and techniques, Sasuke wasn't sure how to react, his body just wouldn't move. Sasuke braced for the worse.

"That's enough Lee!" a voice interrupted, Lee's loose bandages were pinned to the wall and tugged him away from Sasuke. Sakura acted quickly, softened Sasuke's land before he break his back. Everything was a mess, no one knew what was going on. A tutrle? This has to be a joke. While Lee was having a conversation with his turtle mentor, Sasuke gathered himself together.

"Geez! You guys are the epitome of adolescence!" a cloud of smoke cleared away to revealed a man, who looked awfully a lot like Lee in a joinin's vest. He stood on top of the turtle in the most ridiculous pose ever. Of course the whole team was stunned and disgusted at the same time, that man was wearing the same tight body suit as Lee, it wasn't a pleasant scene at all.

"Ewwww! He's got even thicker eyebrows!" Naruto burst out.

"Super thick." Sasuke commented.

"Super weird" Sakura added.

"Those are incredible eyebrows...I've never seen that before." Naruto said. Lee was outraged from the rude insults. It can't be helped really, they've encountered two weird looking ninjas before the exam even begin!

"Lee"

"yes?"

'You fool!" another punch in the mind for the trio, Lee just received a painful blow from his mentor, are they even allowed to beat their students? Sasuke was speechless, Sakura was too confused for words and Naruto was just dumbfounded. Lee and his mentor exchanged looks and some how, the scene turned emotional as they hugged each other in a sea of tears. Sasuke was astonished the most, how did he lose to him? It was too embarrassing, too humiliating. Somehow he was relieved Naruto was knocked before he could see how beat up Sasuke was.

"Hey you guys, how's Kakashi-sensei doing?" Kakashi? How did he know Kakashi?

"You know Kakashi?"

"Know him? Hehe" the man grinned mischievously.

"People refer to us as 'eternal rivals'". He was gone, and right behind them. This guy, when did he, how did he move so fast? Sasuke wondered.

"I'm stronger than Kakashi." he said. Sasuke was still in disbelief, there is no way anyone can beat Kakashi's speed, Kakashi was seen as the fastest ninja Sasuke know. He grew frustrated, someone has the strength above Kakashi? Impossible. Lee's final words made him agitated, it wasn't direct towards Lee but himself.

"Sasuke-kun-"

"Oh well...The uchiha clan isn't worth much these days." what Naruto said pierced through Sasuke's shield, what does he know? He spent all his lives playing pranks, how dare he say such thing about Sasuke and his clan.

"...shut up... Next time, I'll beat him."

"Sure, you just got your ass kicked." says the one who had his ass kicked before Sasuke.

"You saw his hands too, that thick brow must have trained really hard...everyday, more than you, that's all it is." Naruto was right, Sasuke hate it when Naruto's right. Sasuke was always in his own little world, like a frog in a well. But there is one thing Sasuke never lack, and that's confidence. He smirked to himself with an intense glare.

"This thing is getting fun, this chuunin exam..."

Hinata nervously fidget her fingers, some of the ninjas were staring at her. Of course it wasn't because she was Konoha's flower, but she inherited Konoha's Jewel. The Byakugan. Her eyes shifted with unease.

"K-Kiba-kun."Hinata kept a close distance to her team mate, Kiba, who she viewed as fearless.

"Oh, is that who I think it is?" Kiba sprinted to a group of young rookies. Hinata spotted team 7, Naruto's striking blonde hair is hard to miss from any distance.

"Yahoo! Found you!" Kiba shove his hands into his pockets as they approached the others.

"H-Hello." Hinata smiled tiredly. Sasuke casually looked over. Hinata gave a little nod when their eyes met. Sasuke couldn't help but smile to himself, the sight of Hinata ahead of him was a good one.

"Well well, everyone is assembled." Kiba looked around.

"geez...you guys too?" Shikamaru sigh with laziness.

"I see...all 9 of this year's rookie genin are taking the exam. I wonder how far we will get...right, Sasuke-kun?" Kiba definitely said it with strong sarcasm. He was one of the only people in the whole of Konoha that knows about Sasuke relationship with Hinata. And of course he knows why Sasuke and Hinata are keeping their friendship a secret.

"Pft...you seem confident, Kiba." Sasuke snickered.

"We did a lot of training, we won't lose to you." Kiba said with full confidence, he's the kind of person that won't back down easily.

"Shit up! Sasuke might, but I won't lose to the likes of you!" Naruto's bark was louder than his bite. Everyone knows he's no match for Kiba. Sasuke noticed Hinata stepped out behind Kiba.

"Sorry, Naruto-kun...Kiba-kun didn't mean it in that way..." Hinata spoke in a soft voice.

"Huh?" It was obvious to everyone that Hinata has a crush on him, the shy girl wouldn't stop fidgeting while avoiding any eye contact with Naruto.

Idiot...

Sasuke gave Naruto a look, which confused him even more of course.

"What?" Naruto asked

"Your existence annoys me...I'm curious as you why you're not dead yet." Sasuke snared sarcastically. Was he trying to pick a fight with Naruto?

"What?! You son of a b-"

"You guys should be more quiet" A man in glasses interrupted them.

(I'm gonna skip what comes after this part, if I add it in, it's gonna be too long and ridiculously boring...)

Naruto's outburst made him the center of attention, only an idiot like him would want to be in the spotlight full of ninjas with major killing intent. The commotion he made almost cost Kabuto his life. It wasn't until the examiners entered the classroom in a blast of smoke. The test started off with Morino Ibiki's entrance. While everyone had their attention to him, Sasuke took and planted himself next to Hinata.

"Sit next to me in the exam." he whispered to her ear. It's too dangerous for her to sit anywhere else, especially since they didn't know what the next was going to be about. That was what he thought...

"You'll pick one of this tabs and sit in the seat assigned to you. We will then hand out the exams." Ibiki explained.

"che" Sasuke glared at the examiner.

"D-Don't worry, Sasuke. I'll be fine. I'll see you at the 2nd test then." Hinata waved goodbye as she walked over to pick a tab. 52. Sasuke prayed, if there is a god he believed in, that he would get 53.

"Next team." Sasuke and co reached into the box. Sasuke started chanting the number in his head as he pulled the tab out.

"I'm 53!" Naruto called out. Sasuke's seat was the furthest away from the rest of the team, Sakura being the closest.

"Test, begin!" everyone started scribbling.

Sorry for the huge disappointment! I promise you it'll get better soon!