Now many of you think that it was a bad decision to give meditation powers to Sasuke and Sakura. Big Fucking WHOOP, this isn't just a mediation technique as it will be revealed and has been stated. It removes limitations by shifting the burden to one's soul, an element that will come into play eventually. Since Naruto's a kami crushing his spirit through mantra would kill him, a weakness, a weakness caused by his own technique
Sasuke however receives the curse seal, which won't mesh well with the Mantras, giving him the ability to curse others. Making Sasuke an anti-thesis to Naruto and hopefully a decent rival and ally.
Chapter 8: CHUNIN EXAMS BEGIN
"So after the leaving wave the young bridge spirit ran after you and told you that he had been named after you?" rang the curious voice of the every bubbly spirit of the land of Fire, Konoha.
"Yep" Naruto replied quickly as he sank deeper into the bed as Konoha rubbed his back in an effort to get the boy now fellow spirit to relax after his first big mission.
"Ahhhhh…that's so cute" Konoha squealed as she stopped rubbing and just fell straight onto his back, making the blonde grunt as she landed.
Naruto laughed soon after, finding her little moment amusing as Konoha, while very happy, barely every squealed saying that it was degrading of a spirit to do so. He rolled around to get Konoha in his arms making her glare at him at the surprising action but she soon calmed down. In fact a solemn kind of look spread across her face before she quickly buried it in his chest. "I'm glad your back, this town isn't as fun without you" she mumbled as she slowly fell asleep.
"Yeah…I missed you too Konoha" Naruto said as he wrapped an arm the spirit so she would not fall off him and disturb her sleep. Naruto would lay there for about another hour just revealing in the sense of peace rolling of the young female spirit, it was comforting.
EXAMS
The next day Naruto took to simply wandering the streets as Konoha followed him around, floating and passing through the various people that they would come across. He half expected to run into Sakura but ever since she had taken up that volunteer work at the library she barely stepped out of the place. So here he was, alone, as he walked down the streets just humming away trying to relax before training and missions would inevitably resume.
As Naruto walked down the street, the scraping sound of cardboard on stone and the shuffling of feet could be heard following him. He stopped, and the noise stops. He started walking and the noise return. Naruto's eyebrows bunched up as an annoyed look spread across his face. Looking over his shoulder casually he spotted a box painted to look like a rock, with eye holes cut out of it. Whispers could be heard coming from the box. "I know your there Konohamaru" he said loud enough for the "rock" to hear him.
The rock, however, decided otherwise "There is no Konohamaru here, only me…a rock kami".
Naruto's brow stared to tick at that "Amaterasu's Tits (1) , I told you brats that I could see spirits in confidence….and ordinary single rocks don't get a kami dumbass" he shouted at the box on the ground.
It erupted into a plume of smoke "I knew you would catch on boss….Introducing the Konohamaru Corps!" the excited cry of Konohamaru rang out as he and his to friends leapt out from the box.
Naruto looked at the trio with a bit of interest; all three of them had taken goggles that looked exactly like his old pair. They also had taken to wearing robes much like his, though they did keep them bound at the limbs to keep the robes from flowing freely. Naruto actually thought they looked funny but would never tell them that because enjoyed the bit of hero worship that he received from the trio. Naruto enjoyed a little laugh before looking Konohamaru sternly. "What do you need Konohamaru?" he said calmly.
"You promised to play ninja with us!" the three children said in unison.
"I did, didn't I?" Naruto said, though it was more like a question, irritating the trio in front of him.
"YES" they shouted back, still in unison, earning another laugh from Naruto.
"Alright, Alright" Naruto pleaded as he held his hands out to placate the young children "You guys go to the training grounds, in fact we'll have a race…No chakra".
"WAY AHEAD OF YOU BOSS!" cried out Konohamaru and his crew, who were already running away and turning the corner.
"YOU BRATS THAT'S CHEATING" Naruto yelled as he took off down the path himself intent on catching up with the hyperactive 10 year olds. A few turns later Naruto managed to catch up too at least two of the trio, which probably meant that Konohamaru was still running, that or being strangled by that dude in the cat suit. "Wait…." Naruto responded numbly as he looked at the scene before him "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING?"
The guy in the cat suit briefly looked up before giving him a sneer. "I was just minding my own business when this twerp ran into me, personally I think he needs to be taught a lesson".
"So do you" Naruto dashed forward, only to see the dude in the cat suit smirk. Naruto's foot unexpectedly slipped, sending the blonde barreling off to the side and into the fence. Naruto managed to recover though and bounced off the fence and right at the Dude in the black suit. The man braced himself before realizing that the kid he had in his grasp was no longer there.
"Thanks Boss" Konohamaru mumbled as Naruto pat him on the head.
"Don't swear it" Naruto grinned as he sent Konohamaru back to his little group, who ended up running off in fear.
"Dammit you Stupid priest, WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME LOOK BAD" The man in black shouted as he charged forward only to be hit with a rain of pebbles from a tree. Still angry he turned around to see Sasuke perched in the tree, tossing a small handful of pebbles up and down while whistling.
"Look out punk" Sasuke smirked, enjoying the confused look on the idiots face right before Naruto clocked him over the head.
"Thanks for the assist" Naruto said, waving at Sasuke enthusiastically.
"Whatever…I need a sparring partner, you in?" Sasuke asked totally disregarding the two people in the street that were just watching the conversation.
"Yeah, it looks like Konohamaru and his friends aren't gonna keep playing, and I've got nothing to do….how about after we finish polishing off these assholes?" Naruto mused as he brought the two people back into the conversation.
Speaking of the two odd people, there were now three of them. The third was a really short red head whose face seemed to be molded into a perpetual insomniac glare. Also the way the other two from earlier were cowering behind him as he watched Sasuke and Naruto approach him seemed to confirm that something was off about this punk. "Eh….who the fuck are You?" Naruto snapped, getting annoyed by the third random appearance of the day.
"This is Garra of the Desert" The man in the cat suit whimpered " he's our little brother" at this Garra swung back to the man and scowled, which seemed to frighten him even more.
Garra turned back to our favorite Duo his face stuck in that same scowl. " I apologize for my siblings misconduct" he said, slowly and apathetically, as if it was only a formality and he meant nothing from those words "You two seem very interesting…I know mother will enjoy your blood" Okay so that put this Garra kid at a ten on the creepy scale.
"Yeah about that….bye" Sasuke stated as he simply turned around and left, followed by Naruto as the two headed for the training grounds "I swear to god it's getting worse every day, now I got fucking Cougars with creepy kids my age out for my bloodline…" he grumbled to Naruto who only nodded sagely, as was quickly becoming the norm.
"Yes, your love life is at times…most disturbing" Naruto quipped as he threw his hands behind his head and kept pace behind Sasuke as they headed out for a little sparring session.
EXAMS
"I'm guessing that you all know why I called you here" Hiruzen said from his position behind his desk, which was as always clear of work thanks to his diligence. "without a doubt you've noticed the many visitors we've had lately and there's no point in putting this off any longer than I should….in one week the Chunin exams will be held here in the village and I need to go over a few details…first we need increased patrols and some security check points set up, this is the first time in over two decades that our village is hosting the exams and we can't let the other villages think that our security has gone lax even if it is for such a big event… besides I don't expect much from happening but I want to avoid an international incident, not like last time" Hiruzen stated coldly, letting the crowd in front of him know just how serious he was.
"Now that the serious business is out of the way let's move onto our rookies from this year, are there any that show promise" Hiruzen called out as he motioned for the three sensei's that lead the so-called Rookie Nine ninja teams.
Bringing up his hand and holding up his index and middle finger in a formal fashion Kakashi took a deep breath and stepped forward to announce his team "Team 7 consisting of Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki lead by me, Kakashi Hatake, I swear upon my family's honor that all three genin are ready to participate in the Chunin Exams!" He finished and stepped back, allowing Kurenai to step forward and Make her announcement.
In the same Fashion as Kakashi, a young woman with long black hair and striking red eyes named Kurenai stepped forward with her hand held out" Team 8 consisting of Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuuga, and Shino Aburame Lead by me, Kurenai Yuhi, I swear upon my family's honor that like my colleague I am confident that all three genin in my team are ready for the Chunin exams" when finished she took a step back as well.
Finally a man with a scruffy beard and a cigarette in his mouth stepped forward and did the same " Team 10 consisting of Choji Akamachi, Ino Yamanaka and Shikamaru Nara lead by me, Asuma Sarutobi , I swear upon my family's honor that likewise my team is ready for the Chunin exams".
"Now wait just a second" the outraged voice of Iruka, the former teacher of the rookie nine, called out "This years crop was talented but I think they need more time to develop, especially Naruto, as ninja, they've only held active duty for a few months". He shouted out.
The old Hokage just sat there, looking as if he was considering this statement, and then Kakashi tried to speak up. A single look from the Hokage silenced him and iruka as he stood up from his desk. "Your concern is noted Iruka, but it is not needed" he said calmly as he moved with a grace that seemed to be uncharacteristic of one his age "The rookies have proven themselves worthy of this, especially team seven…I believe on their mission to wave the gained a moniker, am I right Kakashi?" he asked, a knowing glint in his eye.
Kakashi seemed taken aback "yes the villagers referred to them as Three powerful youths on three different paths, with Sakura being called the Scholar, Sasuke the Soilder, and Naruto became known as the Saint," Kakashi said calmly as he let loose another piece of information "they even gave Team 7 a new team name in The Three Paths to Power".
The name made the old man chuckle "As you can see..your worries are ill founded Iruka, much has changed…much has changed indeed".
EXAMS
"I'M SO FUCKING BORED" Naruto shouted as he fell back onto the hardwood of the bridge that served as Team Seven's meeting place. This earned him a smack over the head by Sakura.
"Geez, I thought that your special meditation method was supposed to calm you down" She grumbled as she flipped her book open to resume reading.
"It is, but I don't have any sense of patience" Naruto said flatly, as if it was a fact that everyone knew.
Sakura's brow started to twitch "Then how in the world did you of all people manage to develop a Meditative form of Jutsu?!" Sakura could feel her voice trying to break out into a shout.
"How the fuck is your hair hot pink?" Naruto shot back, grinning when she didn't respond "that's what I thought" he said smugly, for winning the argument.
This was the scene Kakashi arrived to, late as usual. His team had taken to training themselves in the few hours that he left them to their own devices and it fit his needs perfectly. A low maintenance team was awesome, all he had to do was teach and get them far enough that they don't combust and he was good. Unfortunately this lead to many fights when the students took a break to await his arrival, the only good thing was that they were usually funny. "Well it seems you all are in high spirits" Kakashi stated as he entered the scene.
His students just glared at him coldly "your late" they all said in unison in a flat tone of voice that seemed far more threatening than the yells and shouts he had gotten when the team first started.
"Well this time I have an excuse" Kakashi said with a hint of pride, giving his students an look of exasperation "I signed you all up for the Chunin exams!" Kakashi enthusiastically told them as he held out the three applications in one hand and held his other up in the air.
"You always have an excuse….wait, what?" Sasuke began to grumble before he processed what Kakashi had said.
"Yep ,my spunky little genin are being given the chance to rise through the ranks" Kakashi said goading his student while he let a fake tear trail down his masked check before wiping it off "I'm so proud of you all"
EXAMS
Kiba Inuzuka was not someone who was easily outdone. He had proved time and time again within the academy and in the field that his determination combined with his average intelligence and animal like instinct allowed him to adapt. Whenever someone pulled ahead of the pack in his generation he was quickly on their tail as a contender for the Alpha spot. However, it seemed now that two of his friends had pulled far ahead of him and right under his nose. One day Naruto of all people becomes spiritual and then the next Sasuke, the normally staunch guy who knew when to call it quits, was now literally crawling home in exhaustion most days. They were getting stronger and Kiba had fallen behind, to far behind. He needed to get stronger and fast, and so he decided to learn how Naruto obtained his power. This had lead him to the hokage monument, and Kiba decided to go hang around the camp grounds nearby so he wouldn't get in trouble, with either the law or his mother.
"Okay so about a week before Naruto's sudden change he was spotted up here meditating…right Akamaru?" Kiba said as he double checked the info he remembered with his faithful dog Akamaru.
The little pup barked happily in return, confirming the fanged boy's thoughts.
Kiba smirked as he began to empty his pack and set up his little campsite. "Alright now apparently all we have to do is sit here and think until we see what gave Naruto his strength, and then we can smear him in the Chunin exams" Kiba laughed as Akamaru barked alongside his friend and master.
"Fool" a wispy voice called out.
"Wha?" Kiba got up and began looking around for the voice.
"Truly impatient, one such as yourself would never be able to see me let alone hear me, not even that Uzumaki boy would have seen me had it not been for those damnable sun monks that once rested in this mountain" the wispy voice called out again, the voice was clearly female.
"I CAN HEAR YOU YA BITCH!" Kiba shouted wildly as he began to turn sporadically looking for the source of the noise.
"INOLENT MORTAL YOU DARE CALL ME A….wait…you can hear me?" The wispy voice called out again.
"Well duh!" Kiba cried out," I just can't see you".
"There is no power from the sun cult in your veins….i see, well it seems you've proved me wrong mortal" A blurry figure of a woman began to appear in front of Kiba " I was under the impression you were a civilian but a dog shaman…you would be able to hear me if you focused" The woman seemed to trail off before she marched up to his face " I have a task for you shaman, a few months ago that insolent Uzumaki brat appeared on this mountain and paid me a great insult by not only verbal assault but by absorbing my power without my permission, and while I may not be vengeful such insults from a mortal cannot stand, yet I cannot punish him".
"What this mean for me?" Kiba asked as he felt the strange being before being poked in the chest.
"You must fight him, as my champion" the lady said before her finger glowed and Kiba stumbled back gripping his chest in pain.
It was at that moment that Amaterasu full manifested in the mortal plane. She giggled a little as she watched the boy squirm, as it reminded her how powerful she was when she only injects an eyelashes worth of her power into the boy and it still caused pain. She would have felt sympathy, but this mortal had paid her an insult as well, and insults do not go unpunished when dealt to one with her stature. However her giggling stopped when something began growling and tugging at her robes. "Well, well what do we have here?" Amaterasu said as she reached down and plucked the little pup off the ground by the scruff of its neck.
"A little pup with the soul of a wolf…oh I know what to give my champion" Amaterasu said as she plunged her hand through the little pup and pulled out a bright glowing orb. When she did the pup went limp and was tossed aside. Giggling she allowed the ball to float in her palm "Oh yes this will do nicely".
EXAMS
Hana Inuzuka, older sister to Kiba Inuzuka, was a talented ninja and an accomplished medic. To avoid doing D-rank missions as a Chunin she held a part time job with her family, like many members of prominent clans do, as a vet taking care of the various animal partners of the villages ninja. It was a slow day unfortunately and without any patient to treat it looks like she was going get a few hours pay for sitting on her ass, she only wished she could have done that somewhere else though.
"HANA" Kiba's distraught voice called out as he came rushing in, carrying his little pup Akamaru tenderly "HANA YOU HAVE TO HELP" he shouted as he burst into the Vet's office.
"Whoa...slow it down Kiba what's wrong?" Hana said as she tried to calm her little brother down.
"AKAMARU ISN"T BREATHING!" he nearly yelled as he carefully laid his friend down on the table before collapsing to the floor.
"Shit, MOM EMERGENCY" Hana shouted as she grabbed a few of her tools and began examining Akamaru.
Tsume, their mother, came rushing out into the office at her daughter's emergency call. "What's going on, where's the fire?"
"It's Kiba" Hana said as she continued her exam of Akamaru "He brought in Akamaru, who isn't breathing, and just collapsed".
Tsume went to her son and began to check him over as well. Sighing she adjusted him so that when he woke up he wouldn't have a cramp. "He's just exhausted, probably from gunning it here to try and get Akamaru some help".
Hana nodded and continued her work, relieved that she had made the right decision to help the dog and not her brother. However she found nothing and nothing and nothing again, nothing should be wrong with Akamaru and yet here he was on her table dead. Letting she took a step back and with a grim and shocked look plastered on her face. "There's nothing wrong…nothing…it's like he just dropped dead".
"That's not all…" Tsume said as she threw her son's jacket to the side "His arms and legs are all marked".
Hana left the table to check her brother and saw the marks. With Kiba's sleeves and legs rolled up a series of black lines were visible on his arms and legs. They whirled as they extended down the arms eventually forming the visage of a wolf's head on the back of his palms and his ankles. "What the hell happened to them?"
FINISHED, and after so long. Recently I picked up a Ranma ½ addiction and it really pushed me back creatively but I'm back and hopefully better.
1. Amatseru's tits- basically a swear to replace the Kami dammits and what not that plague fanfiction in an effort to be funny. Seriously this faulty translation just makes me groan everytime I see and read it, because people try and use it to be funny and its not. Kami means spirit not god, so in order to replace it while maintaining the lore I've established i'm going with Amatseru's tit's, cause its fun to say go ahead try.