Naruto, sharply dressed in a dark orange robe, dark slacks and dark sandals looked outside the window of Atelier Uzumaki, watching a blonde figure outside, walking farther and farther away until the afternoon crowd covered the figure from view. He sighed slightly, and slid his hands back to combed blonde hair as he turned, and spotted another Naruto, this one in spectacles and intelligent eyes, approached.

"Well, Secondus? Has Prime left?" asked a spectacled Naruto.

"Yes, he has," Secondus replied. "Has everyone gathered, Tertius?"

"Most of them have. Pentius is, of course, playing with Konohamaru. Better that way, I figure. His simple nature would be a liability in this meeting," Tertius said.

"Heh. Simple," Secondus chuckled as he and Tertius moved towards the inner chambers of the workshop. "At least it sounds better than Sextus calling him a 'moron'."

Secondus and Tertius entered the living area of the atelier, where in the middle sat a round table. Sitting around that table were other Narutos, each with different looks, expressions, carrying themselves in almost less than subtle differences that one could distinguish one from the other.

"This better be good," Septimus spoke up. This Naruto had a wild look about him. From his messy spiked hair which was dyed with some streaks of black, and tattoos on his face that enhanced the whisker marks on his cheeks.

"It could be," Secondus replied easily. He took his place in the table, and along with Tetrius, sat down. "As you all know, Prime is facing a slight crisis. All of us here are to offer an opinion on his options, but before that, I leave Tertius to discuss something."

As he sat down, Tertius rose from his place and nodded at him with acknowledgement. "Thank you, Secondus. As you are aware, I have been reviewing something of importance to Prime's growth as a ninja."

"Oh, finally decided to change our stupid names?" one Naruto muttered rudely. He wore a rather expensive looking silk shirt, and his blonde hair slicked back in a vain way.

Tertius just looked at him. "No, Sextus, the names stays."

"I don't want a name that would potentially raise red-flags. It's hard enough to get chicks while being ostracized for having the Kyuubi, now I have to scare away the honeys by introducing myself as a sex enthusiast?"

"First of all, Sextus, the names are derived from numbers," Tertius stated. "Second of all, everyone knows you as Prime's clones. Names are only for us, and used by us. And third, you are seriously developing a hole in the brain if you think any of us would allow you to go out and try to get lucky."

Sextus snorted. "Yeah. Because you are all a bunch of cock-blockers, aren't you?"

"We're twelve, Sextus," Secondus said neutrally.

"Going thirteen," Sextus countered.

"I doubt you or Prime can actually perform," Tertius replied. "Or any of us for the matter. I motion to move the subject after at least two years."

"Agreed," Septimus, Secondus, and Quartus declared in synch. Sextus just rolled his eyes.

"Fine. But this time, I'll be doing all the speeches. And we have to get laid. Preferably with a wild one. Older. And filled out."

Tertius rolled his eyes, and nodded. But before he could speak the subject once more, Septimus raised his hand. "Yes?"

"Sextus does raise a valid point about our names. Though not the point he was making."

Secondus raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"If our names are based on numbers, than does that mean that you, Secondus, hold the highest chair under Prime? And the fact that the ones who made up our names is Tertius, who is under you... one could suspect some political ploy going here."

Quartus frowned. "I kinda agree. Isn't it bad enough that people look down at Prime? Now we look down on ourselves as well?"

Tertius just smiled. "It's not about position, gentlemen. Secondus is our leader because he is Prime's ideal, not because he put himself there. He is the Hokage Prime wants to be when he grows up. I came in later, the personality that surfaced after realizing that dreams are useless without knowledge. Quartus is the disappointment of knowing that gaining such knowledge is without conflicts. Pentius is the inner child, the light and hope to keep Quartus' weariness in check. Sextus, as you know, popped up when Prime's biology started puberty. And finally, you, Septimus, born recently when anger, savagery and hate awoke within Prime because he thought Uchiha Saki had died to protect him.

"There are no favoritisms here, nor any type of foul play. We are aspects of Prime, and any divisiveness amongst ourselves will just harm Prime, and in turn, ourselves."

"Then why is Pentius not here then, eh?" Sextus asked.

"Don't be a smartass," Tertius replied tersely. "Pentius would rather play with the Third Hokage's grandson than be forced to participate in a meeting he wouldn't even be able to contribute."

"Well... he shows intelligence then. About time."

"Oh shove your head in a hole, Sextus."

"Gentlemen," Secondus declared, ending the brewing argument between the two. Sextus and Tertius settled down, while Septimus, who seemed to ponder over Tertius' words nodded, satisfied. Quartus just kept quiet, still frowning.

"Fine," Septimus declared. "I shall comply, for now."

Sextus just rolled his eyes. "So, what shall we name the next emerging personality? Octortius?"

"I think Octavian has a better ring to it, to be honest," Tertius replied. "Now... can we get on with it, gentlemen?"

Everyone settled down, and the spectacled Naruto nodded.

"I have been studying the Shadow Clone skill, and considering its properties, we can make use of it."

"Wouldn't another clone skill be redundant?" Quartus asked.

"To be fair, Prime cannot use the Jade Shift skill without consequences. Our little spar with Uchiha Saki made Prime consider the skill to be disruptive at the very least when it comes to battle. Lethal at worst."

"He just sucks," Sextus shrugged. "If he was better, he wouldn't even be hit."

"Considering we are all still learning, I think we can forgive him," Septimus said. "Plus, the more techniques he learns, the better odds of his survival, and the better we get to kick ass."

"I agree," Quartus frowned. "I don't like dying. Dying is bad."

Tertius looked towards Septimus. "How useful do you think the Shadow Clone technique is, in your opinion? Out of all of us, you have the best battle instincts, being borne from battle."

Septimus pondered for a moment. "It's a sound technique. It needs some application, but it may allow Prime some freedom in using clones. Jade Shift is a technique that demands discipline and caution. The Shadow Technique meanwhile just demands energy, of which Prime has a lot. Of course, it could also make him more careless."

"We can just hope then that with Prime's training, it won't come to that," Secondus said.

"Oh gods... we're screwed!" Quartus cried out dramatically. Everyone ignored him.

"Then it's decided," Tertius said. "I shall incorporate mastering the Shadow Clone in his training."

"Great," Sextus sighed. "Now, what's next?"

Tertius sat down as Secondus stood up, and cleared his throat. "As you are probably aware, Prime is currently facing a crisis. The Chuunin exams have come up, and Kakashi has unexpectedly popped the question."

"Gay," Sextus snickered. Septimus snorted quietly.

Secondus continued as if he hadn't heard the disparaging remark. "Now, unlike the shadow clones, Prime insisted the last decision is his. This is where our little democracy goes south, and we are here as advisors. Prime wants to hear our thoughts on the subject."

"What is there to hear?" Septimus asked. "Isn't his main goal to become Hokage?"

"Actually, his main goal was to gain respect, acceptance and admiration from his fellow men," Tertius replied. "Aiming for Hokage was just... coincidental. Prime had associated the position with the Third Hokage and watched as people respected and admired him from afar. However, the past few weeks of training with Team Seven, he had found those things he was looking for and maybe even more, and has left him a bit confused."

"Part of him still wants to be Hokage, but another part of him is satisfied with what he has for now," Secondus nodded. "As his ideal, I want to take the exam. If not to gain rank, it is also a good test of progress. Of course, it is also a good political step to take in making the village accept him."

"Right. Nothing is more despised in a village of mercenaries than cowardice," Sextus muttered. "Hell, I'd go for it, if not just to meet cute girls from other villages. Besides, one would wonder how our little firebug Uchiha will react about Prime not attending."

"I vote for caution, especially at this stage of his growth. Prime is potentially skilled, but also was sabotaged in training. It is only now that he is being corrected," Tertius added. "And as for Uchiha, Kakashi said the exams could be taken individually, so not attending wouldn't prevent the others from entering themselves. I say we skip this one, and wait for the next one when we are more prepared."

"Err in the side of caution is commendable, but ultimately the exam is, as Secondus mentioned, a good measuring stick," Septimus said. "I say we go in, considering the exam is taking place at home territory. Chances of survival are higher than if we wait for an exam in another Country."

Everyone turned to Quartus, who shrank under their gaze. "I... don't want to die..." he mumbled.

"Three for, two against, and one absent vote," Tertius sighed. "Prime knows our choice. It's all up to him now."

"Well?" Naruto asked nervously.

Gwendolyn shifted her head around, her expression in awe. "Where did you find this place?" she asked as she felt the wind sweep her face.

The two were currently on top of the Hokage Mountain, which was somewhat barefaced compared to the rest of the village, but there were still a decent amount of green around. The top of the mountain was swept with northern and southern winds, battling each other fiercely, while below, people scurried around like ants, unaware of the beauty that lay on top of its monument.

"It's good, right?" he replied.

"I can feel the Wind dancing... yes," she nodded. "This is a good Spot for me."

"I'm glad," Naruto smiled.

The two stayed in silence for a moment, feeling the wind whisper among them. Then, Gwendolyn spoke.

"Does it still bother you?"

Naruto looked at her. "What does?"

"I'm your Mana partner, Naruto," she smiled. "I can tell if you're worried."

"Some kind of thing between an alchemist and his Mana?"

"That and the fact the wind scurries around you worriedly," Gwendolyn replied. "They know something is wrong. What is it?"

The boy looked at her, frown gracing his face for just a fleeting moment before he gave a silly grin. "Nothing's wrong, Gwendolyn-chan. Really."

However, Gwendolyn read through it quickly. She faced him, her face filled with concern and his grin faded quickly. He looked away from her.

"The Exams," he finally said.

"Ah..." she nodded. "Nervous?"

"Not really. I'm actually more confident in taking it now than I was since I graduated, with the training you guys put me through. Even my Clones have agreed that I'm ready for it."

"You know, the sophistication of your clones is a telling sign of your growth."

"Really?"

"Yes. Anyway, where were you?"

"Ah… right. Anyway, part of me..." Naruto took a breath. "Part of me doesn't want to take the exams now."

Naruto winced, as if expecting a rebuke, but she didn't say anything. She just looked at him with an understanding expression and urged him with a kind nod.

"There was a time when I would have thrown myself at the opportunity. Now... now I don't know."

"It just means you're maturing," Gwendolyn explained.

"Or I'm turning into a coward."

Gwendolyn shook her head. "Naruto... being able to have some forethought isn't cowardice. I think you realize that maybe jumping at the earliest opportunity presented could be a mistake. Tell me, what is your goal?"

"To be Hokage!"

"And what was your reason to be Hokage?"

Naruto opened his mouth to reply, but his expression fell. His eyes shifted slightly, as if trying to remember his answer, but came up with nothing. Why did he want to be Hokage? In a minute of silence, a thought entered him. And it came to him like a cold cut from a sharp blade.

"I wanted to be Hokage... because I wanted everyone to respect me." He swallowed. "To be accepted. Or at least that is what Tertius thinks."

"Tertius?"

Naruto blinked, and then gave a small smile. "Yeah. The smart one."

"Ah. Well, it seems he has a point," Gwendolyn kneeled down, and hugged him gently. "You wanted a position where people would respect you. Accept you. Not to look down on you, But... I don't know if you noticed it, but you have found what you really needed. Me, Merdcedes, and your team. Maybe that is where your doubt comes from."

"But I still want to be Hokage," he mumbled.

"That may be true, but now you need to find a new reason to be one, then," she replied, holding him by the shoulders at arm's length, looking him straight in the eyes. "You have a strong dream, Naruto. But it was built on a shaky foundation. I think your confusion and doubt is stemmed from that fact. Maybe you ought to find a better reason to back your dream."

"How?"

Gwendolyn laughed as she let him go. "Naruto, that's for you to find out." And she gently placed a kiss on his forehead before moving towards the edge of the cliff. Naruto blushed slightly at the kiss, but recovered immediately.

"Oh come on. You were going on like some wise woman. Can't you give me a miraculous answer to my problem?"

Gwendolyn laughed as spread her arms. The wind gathered around her, condensing enough to refract light, showering around her in multiple colors of light. For a moment, she said nothing, and Naruto was left at awe at the light show before the wind scattered, snuffing away the lights and colors as she turned to face him.

"Think of it this way, Naruto. When you find your answer... it will be your own personal miracle."

Naruto left her as her focus wavered away from him, and he felt it would have been rude to stay and watch so he descended from the mountain.

Before he graduated, he had never made it to the top, and the highest he had reached was the Fourth Hokage's forehead when he was cleaning his own vandalism. It was easier now, using Kakashi's teaching of placing chakra on the feet or limbs to attach to the surface. Tertius had aptly told him that he could use the same technique on his hands as well.

How he had changed, he thought as he landed on the base of the mountain quietly. It wasn't so long ago he was laughing out loud, chased by a mob of ANBU or guards because he had vandalized property or threw paint on people who were mean to him.

"OI!" Iruka shouted.

Naruto jumped as he heard the shout, and was finally aware of someone calling him. He took a quick glance on his surroundings. He was already at Hidden Leaf Town Proper, which was odd considering he was just, a few moments ago, at the base of the mountain. He must have been deep in thought to ignore almost everything and everyone around him, including Iruka who was looking at him worriedly.

"Iruka-sensei!" the boy finally greeted. "Didn't see you there!"

"I was calling you for the last few seconds," the man replied.

Naruto blushed. He must have really been very deep in thought.

"Are you okay?" Iruka asked worriedly.

"Yeah... just distracted."

"That distracted, eh?" the man grinned. "Well, are you too distracted to accompany me for some ramen?"

Naruto perked up. "Are you kidding me? Let's go!"

The two went to Naruto's favorite place, Ichiraku Ramen. There, the boy launched a digested version of events to Iruka who listened to him in silence, only interrupting to ask and clarify a few things.

"And out of nowhere, Haku disappears on me, and used herself to shield Zabuza," the boy said, his mood growing somber with each word. The memory of her still haunted him a bit.

Iruka, realizing how sore the subject was, changed the topic. "So… heard about the Chuunin Exams?"

Naruto blinked, before frowning. "Yeah. Kakashi told us about it when he gave our forms."

Iruka let the boy eat some more before he took a deep breath. "Naruto, listen. About the Exams. I know you think you feel ready and with your dream-"

"I'm not."

The man paused. The boy's statement caught him by surprise. "I'm sorry. You're not… what?"

"Ready," Naruto replied as he took another sip of broth. "I'm actually thinking of not taking the exams."

"Really? But… why?"

"Doubt," the boy muttered.

Iruka smiled slightly. "You must be disappointed."

"No. Well... maybe. I mean," Naruto scratched his head, "I feel it might be better to do the next one, after training some more and doing more missions for experience."

"That's good," Iruka nodded.

"Yeah. But I am taking the next one though. I'm going to be Hokage after all!"

Iruka smiled. "That's good. I'm kinda glad that you aren't taking it, Naruto. I… I always felt you guys were advancing too fast."

"Hmph. Maybe that's why I repeated three grades. You taught me crappily," Naruto grinned.

"Hey!" Iruka smiled despite the indignant tone of his voice. "Crappily isn't a word. And if I have to remind you, you slept most your classes. Maybe that's why you couldn't pass."

"Hey, Shikamaru was worse than me."

"Well… that's true."

They both grinned to each other.

"Just so you know, Naruto… I'm impressed on how far you guys advanced," Iruka said. "Just a few months of being rookie genin, you guys technically finished an upper B to A Classification mission just a few weeks ago."

"Really? When?"

"Wave Country."

"Oh, that," Naruto shrugged. "Kakashi did his thing. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here."

"Yet in his report, he mentioned how well Team Seven performed, and I quote, 'admirably facing against the fiercest enemy with courage, tenacity and willpower'. He even said he would have to review his assessment of the team because he felt the last progress report he gave had done none of you justice."

Naruto looked at Iruka blankly for a moment, before the man sighed.

"You didn't understand what I just said, did you?"

"No, actually, I kinda did. I'm just surprised that Kakashi wrote in such description," and Naruto looked around for a moment, before lowering his voice. "He's such a lazy teacher, seriously."

"He can give that impression," Iruka replied diplomatically.

"He's okay when he teaches, but most of the time, he's late, and leaves most of the training to us, ourselves," the boy sighed. "I mean, that's fine with me and Sak... uh, Sasuke. We have our own training sessions. But... Sakura-chan. She isn't... as serious as we are. I don't mention this to her... but... you know."

Iruka understood, and looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "I'll talk to him about that."

"Thanks."

The two then continued eating their ramen before Iruka interjected again, "So, you think Sakura isn't ready for the exams? Maybe that's why you're having doubts."

Naruto snorted. "Even if she wasn't ready, I couldn't stop her from the taking the exam if she wanted."

"If you're not taking the exams, she won't," Iruka insisted. "The exams are taken in teams of three. If any of the team is missing its members, they won't qualify."

"That's stupid. Kakashi said..." and Naruto stopped when he realized something. "Kakashi lied."

"Oops," Iruka grinned. "Though to be honest... I'm glad he did. That way, he wouldn't pressure any of you to join because your teammates want in."

"Except you just told me... great. Thanks Iruka-sensei."

"Hey, I'm not perfect," the man shrugged.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Naruto scowled, though there was a glimpse of a grin inside. He then put all effort in finishing his food before he stood up, took a few bills from his fat frog purse, and paid before leaving. "Anyways, I have to go, Iruka-sensei. Talk to you later."

"Alright, Naruto. Take care of yourself."

"Don't I always?" the boy replied as he jogged away.

It took a moment before Iruka realized that Naruto paid for his own meal, and apparently had enough money to even treat him. He couldn't help but smile. The boy was really moving on from the drab misery he had spent in his early childhood. Now, he had a new home, a family legacy, and income.

He just smiled.

By now, Naruto was dashing home. Now that he decided on not taking the exams, he needed to take a few more materials, run to Ino's flower shop for petals, get more pig iron from the blacksmith's and hide for the rest of the day.

While Sakura and Kakashi may understand, he was very worried about Saki's reaction. She had been vehemently training herself to the ground since Kakashi had told them about the exams. And when she invited Naruto to spar, the boy had to quit after two sessions, not liking the intent glint in her red eyes. It was as if there was a fire lit inside of her. It was scarier than his last encounter with her in the boy's bathroom back in the Academy days.

If Saki ever found out about his decision, it was going to get ugly. Now was the time to plan something that would placate the girl. Normally, that would mean a few flowers. Ino always kept asking him who he was wooing because he bought so many of them, until he told her he was using the petals as raw materials.

Her reaction told him the admittance was a mistake. Naruto then concluded girls really loved flowers. The TV dramas were right in that regard, at least.

Mercedes or Gwendolyn could offer advice, but how good would they be really when it comes to human girls?

Before he could even delve into that idea, he blinked as he saw Konohamaru run past him, his attention fully preoccupied in urging another Naruto to follow, too fast to even notice him. While that in itself wasn't that odd, they were apparently being chased Sakura, whose face now looked pretty demonic. Killing intent seemed to pour out of her as she gave chase, shouting threats of broken bones, beaten in faces and lots and lots of chopped limbs.

Okay, maybe Sakura could be scary too, Naruto thought. He waved his hand. "Oi! Sakura-chan! What's going-"

She turned to face him, and Naruto felt his blood freeze on his veins. Her face suddenly opened a few memories he was sure wasn't his, personally at least.

"Seriously, Naruto-niisan, she's pretty and all, but what a rotten attitude…"

"Hmmm… yeah…"

"Besides, she's got the biggest forehead. Ever."

"Yup, yup. Biiiiiiiigest."

Sakura turned to face them. And she wasn't happy.

"NARUTO!" Sakura screamed, forcing Naruto back to the present.

"Oh crap…" the blonde boy said, and took off running towards the general area where Konohamaru and his clone, Pentius, had run to. He reached them in seconds.

"Naruto-niisan!" Konohamaru declared as Prime reached them. Then the young boy looked towards Pentius, and frowned. "Um… which one of you is real?"

"Both of us," Naruto Prime replied. "Now shut it for a moment, and run!"

"Why? We're outrunning her!"

"NAAA-RRRUUUU-TOOOO!"

Pentius, Prime and Konohamaru looked behind them, and spotted Sakura bathed in living flame chasing after them with sharp deadly pupil-less eyes. Everything about her seemed to grow larger. Her once gentle-looking hands looked like they were ready to take on an elephant, and her forehead was growing larger. There was also something written in them. No one put forth the effort to read it. They were too scared.

Konohamaru closed his eyes and took on a dead sprint. Putting everything into his run, he overtook Prime and Pentius, and hit a pedestrian as he reached an intersection.

"Ooof!" Konohamaru muttered as he flew back from the impact.

"Ouch! That hurt!" the pedestrian growled. "Watch where you're going, brat!"

Konohamaru shook his head, and looked at the young teen he had bumped into. The first thing he noticed was the peculiar paint on his face. The boy couldn't help but stare a bit but then remembered that he was running for his life.

He stood up, and said loudly, "Get out of the way, clown-face!"

By this time, Prime and Pentius had finally caught up, just in time to see a young teen with peculiar face-paint. Just behind him was another teen, blonde, female, older, and with four pigtails that made her look rather exotic. She was laughing slightly, lightening the details of her face. They were lovely, her heart-faced head accentuated her almond-like eyes and her slender neck.

But the magic fell as he noticed the symbol of her forehead protector in her neck, used like a necklace. He took notice of the same symbol on the teen's forehead as well. Foreign ninjas. If he remembered this right, the hourglass-like picture was the symbol representing Sand Ninjas from Wind Country. He then noticed a large bandaged lump on the boy's back, and the large iron battle fan on the older girl's back. Probably weapons, and considering it was even unlikely to send just two genins as an invasion force, they must be participants of the Chuunin Exams.

Or at least, that's what Tertius deducted in Prime's head. Although he agreed.

Pentius, though, just approached Konohamaru, who was now being dragged up by the collar. The teen with the peculiar face-paint didn't seem appreciate the clown-face comment and was now demanding an apology.

"Hey! Don't bully Konomaru!" Pentius said.

"Or you'll cry?" the face-painted teen smirked.

"Pentius, fall back," Prime's voice rang out. He took a step forward, and put on a neutral mask. "You. Put him down."

"Or you'll do what?" the boy sneered.

Naruto Prime heard footsteps slowing down behind him.

"What is going on?" It was Sakura, finally arriving at the scene.

"Kankuro… maybe you ought to," the blonde teen girl said. "Look. They have forehead protectors."

"Yeah, so what, Temari," the teen with face-paint, Kankuro, smirked. "They look like a bunch of green genin to me."

"But if he finds out…"

"He's not even here, relax."

Prime noted that small piece of conversation somewhere, but now was not the time. Konohamaru was still dangling in the air. The teen seemed unfazed with his threats. Maybe it was time bring someone else to put the fear of death in him. His mind suddenly received a plan, probably from Tertius, and he smiled. He relaxed his face, while leaving his body ready to spring in case it all goes badly.

"I will assume you are new here, so I won't let the ANBU just kill you," Prime stated smoothly.

"ANBU?" Kankuro asked, trying to appear unconcerned, but the slight retreat in his step made it clear he was now apprehensive. "Nice try kid, but your ANBU's gonna be too busy to bother with a little incident like this."

If Naruto could, he would have held his breathe. Instead, in an utter calm that could almost be mistaken for boredom, he shrugged, "Would be a little incident yes, if it wasn't for the fact that the boy you are currently taking hostage is the Hokage's grandson."

The teen's eyes suddenly widened, almost dropping Konohamaru like a piece of hot coal. Now his face went through the motions, his worry now obvious. But this was short lived as a linger of doubt began to appear. Naruto knew he had to squash it now.

"Now, maybe you want to throw away your life, but at least think of your teammates. Do you think they will be able to enter the exams if you are killed or detained because you bullied the Hokage's family?"

"Kankuro…" Temari, the blonde teen, called, her voice now commanding.

Kankuro growled, and slowly lowered Konohamaru. Once the boy's feet reached the ground, he immediately dashed behind Prime, and Pentius followed suit, the latter asking the boy if he was hurt. Naruto just took a deep breath. He settled it.

"Thank you," Prime said. "You may go on your business." And he turned his back on the teen.

When he did, the wind suddenly flared around him, shouting a warning. He then heard the teen whisper under his breath, barely audible if it wasn't for the wind carrying the words to his ear, "The boy may be untouchable, but you sure aren't."

Eyes widening, Naruto looked back only to see Kankuro reach for the lump on his back. Naruto called in Gwendolyn for support, only to remember that she was still recharging herself on top of the Hokage Mountain. He had also brought no weapons with him, thinking he was just going out until he could resolve his thoughts. He raised his arms, hoping to defend from whatever onslaught the teen was planning, only to hear a slight whistling sound.

A medium sized stone suddenly hit Kankuro's head, stunning him in place. And a cold neutral voice spoke out.

"If you reach for that weapon, I will cut your hand."

All eyes suddenly flew towards a figure up in a nearby tree. Uchiha Saki was sitting there, playing with a medium sized stone in her hand, staring at Kankuro coldly. She looked as she always did, with her 'Sasuke persona' coming forth, though Prime noticed that she had a sword strapped on her back.

Kankuro snorted. "Well, here comes the peanut gallery. More for Karasu then."

"Kankuro."

Prime felt as if the whole area was suddenly bathed in blood. The smell of nauseating copper cropped in the air. The wind, which was relatively calm, skittered around, obviously agitated, and another voice, a weaker one, but definitely audible, creaking and groaning in sync with the wind – to Naruto Prime, it felt as if everything around him was suddenly screaming.

Prime saw him, a branch above Saki, perfectly hidden and blended to the background despite his strange appearance. He had red hair, and had a large gourd on his back, his clothes which covered his entire body were loose and well made. He had a very neutral expression, and although he spoke in monotone, Prime had to flinch.

The boy looked of his age group, yet his sickly green eyes looked older, dangerous and quite deranged. Dark spots around them made it seem as if the boy hadn't slept a wink for a long time.

His appearance surprised everyone. It wasn't until he spoke that Prime realized his presence. Saki herself looked shocked. Kankuro's reaction, though, made it even worse. There was no other way to describe it. He had been apprehensive at the mention of ANBU. He had been shocked when he realized he was manhandling the Hokage's grandson…

But towards the red-haired boy, he was totally, utterly broken.

"Gaara," Kankuro said in a deathly whisper. "Th-they started it, Gaara-"

"Quiet," Gaara replied. "You are a disgrace."

The older boy flinched.

Sand suddenly formed around Gaara, and he disappeared. The wind howled even louder, much to Prime's chagrin, and re-appeared beside the other Sand ninjas.

Saki jumped down as well, and approached Naruto, dodging Sakura's attempt to hug him, and looked at Prime. She gave him a slight nod of greeting, and Naruto nodded back.

"Nice sword," Naruto said.

"Thanks. Family heirloom. Are they…?" she left the question hanging.

He nodded. "Yeah. Most likely."

"The red-haired one is dangerous," Saki said.

The Uchiha speaks true.

Naruto blinked. "Kyuubi?"

We're not doing this again, you moron. So, for the final time, yes, it's Kyuubi. Why? Were you expecting maybe the Great Pumpkin?

The reference was lost to Naruto. He was more surprised that the self-proclaimed Great Mana of Chaos had spoken up outside of training.

"What is it? Who is he? And why does everything around him feel… off?"

Because of your connection to elemental Mana like Gwendolyn and Mercedes, you are also perceiving the elements of nature. To you, almost all his actions feel like two blunt kunai blades slashing at each other multiple times, right?

"Yeah."

That's because of the presence of Corruption.

"The red-head, Gaara… he's a Mana?"

No, you idiot. He's like you. He has a Mana sealed inside him. And unlike you, he is contending with a corrupted one.

Naruto felt a shiver move up his spine. He remembered Gwendolyn before she became his friend. Or in even more recent memory, the monstrous tree which he had to burn down because Mercedes was inside. A lot of people here in Konoha considered him to be a monster, or to some, at least, a container of one.

In Naruto's opinion, he might have just met the real monster.

"Naruto," Saki slapped her teammate on his shoulder. "What the hell is wrong with you, idiot?"

Prime blinked, and looked at Saki. He then looked back at the Sand genin, walking away. He stared at Gaara's as he walked away, and along with him, the smell of blood, and the ringing in Naruto's ears. The wind calmed down, and the mysterious creaking subsided. He consciously realized that he had been holding his breath.

"Naruto," Saki called again. "Show some backbone. You might be facing him in the exams. Or are you a scared-y cat?"

She probably meant it as a joke, Prime didn't know. All he knew now was someone like him, probably worse, had entered the exam. If he didn't enter, he could save his teammates from trouble, maybe even death. But he remembered Hinata, who was still very the introverted girl she is. She would probably go along with her team, just not to cause any disagreements, and while Shino may probably not affect her decision-making that much, Kiba was very boisterous, not unlike himself. If he convinces Team 8 to enter the exam, and, gods forbid, she face Gaara…

"Excuse me," Naruto Prime muttered as he left Saki, bewildered by his aloofness, as he walked back to his workshop.

Ikura-sensei's going to be disappointed, he thought as he felt the wind caress his hair.