On the day of the Chunin Exam's start, Yuri, Flynn, and Judith went to the Ninja Academy, but when they got to the third floor, a gigantic crowd of ninja were in front of room 301. They saw two ninja guarding the door, knocking back a boy wearing a green body suit and a bowl-cut hairstyle back.
"You're taking the Chunin Exam, but you can't even get past us?!" the first ninja exclaimed.
"Why don't you give up now before you get hurt," the other said.
"Yeah! I think I hear your mommy calling you!" the first laughed.
"Please let us through!" a girl wearing a pink shirt and had her hair up in two buns begged. "We're supposed to go in there!" She approached them, but was punched back next to the boy.
"Hey, why don't you cut it out?" Yuri said, approaching the two ninja.
"And who's gonna make us?" the first ninja laughed.
"Judy," Yuri said, looking over his shoulder at Judith.
"I'm way ahead of you," Judith replied, cracking her knuckles and pulling Brionac out. "Don't worry; I won't go all-out. New Moon Blade!"
She charged at the ninja, swinging her spear. At the same time, the ninja threw a kick. Just before they made contact, the boy in the green bodysuit suddenly appeared between them, catching the ninja's kick and the handle of Brionac. Judith's violet eyes widened in surprise.
"Don't you think it's about time you guys released the genjutsu?" Sasuke called out, emerging from the crowd with Naruto and Sakura. The boy released the ninja and Brionac.
"So you figured it out, huh?" the other ninja said. The 301 sign changed to read 201. "Heh, looks like you pass." Another ninja, one with long brown hair and pale eyes walked over to the ninja who stopped the attacks, followed by the kunoichi with her hair in two buns.
"Hey, what happened to the plan?" the brown haired ninja demanded. "I thought you were the one who said to keep a low profile and not let anyone see out skill level!"
"I know, but..." the boy replied and turned to face Sakura.
"Never mind, it's over," the kunoichi sighed. The boy walked over to Sakura.
"I am Rock Lee. You are Sakura, right?"
"Huh?" was all Sakura said. Lee gave a thumbs up and flashed a smile.
"Please be my girlfriend! I vow to protect you with my life!"
"Definitely...NOT..." Sakura replied, her face small.
Lee's face fell. "Why?"
Sakura's face twisted into rage. "Because you're a weirdo!" Lee's head dropped.
The ninja with the pale eyes walked up to Yuri's team. "Hey, you three! You're not from around here, are you? Where are you from?"
"Geez, what is it with everyone being rude around here?" Yuri sighed.
"What?" the boy growled.
"Flynn, Judy, let's go," Yuri said.
The team entered the correct room and sat down in the desks with the other ninja. A while later, there was a bit of chaos near the door. Naruto's team had entered and two other teams met them. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji were on one team and Kiba, Shino, and Hinata were on the other. Yelling broke out and was stopped by Kabuto.
After a bit of talking, Kabuto took out a deck of cards, explaining how he can reveal information on them by applying his chakra to them.
"Do you have any information on the candidates?" Sasuke asked.
"Well, I can't promise my information is complete or perfect, but I've got something on just about everyone. Including you guys, of course. So which one is it? Tell me what you know about them; a description, where they're from, whatever. Anything at all," Kabuto replied.
"Gaara of the Desert and Rock Lee from the Leaf Village," Sasuke said.
"Man, that's no fun! You even know their names! That makes it easy," Kabuto exclaimed. He pulled out two cards. "Here they are."
"Show them to me," Sasuke said.
"First up is Rock Lee," Kabuto said, making an image appear on the card. It was full of information on Lee. "Looks like he's about a year older than you guys. Mission experience: 11 C-ranks and 20 D-ranks. His squad leader is Guy. In the last twelve months, his taijutsu has radically impoved, but his other skills are pretty shaky. Last year he got a lot of attention as a Genin, but for some reason he chose not to participate in the Chunin Exam. This'll be his first time as a candidate; same as you guys. His teamates are Tenten and Neji Hyuga."
The card's image vanished and Kabuto put it back in the deck and made the image for Gaara's card appear. "Mission experience: 8 C-ranks and get this: one B-rank as a Genin! There's not a lot more information on this guy, but there is this: he survived every mission without getting a scratch on him."
"The dude's got a B-rank as a Genin and has never been injured?!" Shikamaru exclaimed.
"What's the deal with this guy?!" Naruto said.
"Do you have anything on Yuri Lowell, Flynn Scifo, and Judith?" Sasuke asked.
"Ah, so you wanna know about those guys, hmm?" Kabuto replied. He put Gaara's card back and pulled out three more. "Yuri's up first." He made the card's information appear. "Age: 21. He, and the other two, are from a world called Terca Lumires. Yuri here also has a prison record to boot. He is a member of the three-man guild Brave Vesperia, named after the brightest star in their sky. In battle, he uses a katana, Second Star. He mainly attacks with strike artes."
He made Flynn's card information appear next. "Flynn Scifo. Age: 21. He is the youngest Imperial Knight to ever become Commandant, the highest rank in the Knights. He is able to beat Yuri in just about everything. In battle, he uses the White Knight Sword. His primary attacks are mostly stike artes, though he also possesses a magic arte and a healing arte."
Lastly, he revealed the information on Judith. "Now Judith. Age: 19. Species: Krityan. She loves battle. She is also a member of Brave Vesperia. One dislike she has are blastia. She is pretty well-known for her...appearance..." Kabuto blushed a bit and continued. "In battle, she uses her spear, Brionac. Her attacks are almost all strike artes."
"Hey, Kabuto," Sakura said. "How do you know all that stuff about the three if they aren't from our world?"
"Oh, I had met Judith three days ago and asked her some questions," Kabuto replied.
"Judy..." Yuri growled, glaring at Judith.
"How was I supposed to know?!" Judith exclaimed. "I thought he was just curious!"
"Well, now we have someone who knows the basics about us, including how we fight!" Flynn snapped.
Meanwhile, as Kabuto continued to talk to them about the contestants as a whole, three Sound ninja attacked him. But they were interrupted by a giant cloud of smoke appearing at the other end of the room. When it cleared, a group of ninja were in front of the chalkboard. At the head was a man with a black jacket and scars on his face.
"Alright, you baby-faced degenerates! Pipe down and listen up!" he shouted. "It's time to begin. I'm Ibiki Morino, your proctor. And from this moment, your worst enemy. First! You Sound ninja! Knock it off! Who told you that you could fight?! You want to be failed before we've even begun?!"
"Sorry, it's our first time," one of the Sound ninja said. "I gues we're a little jumpy...sir."
"I'll say this once, so listen up!" Ibiki continued. "There will be no combat between candidates; no attacking each other without the permission of your proctor, and even then, the use of fatal force is strictly prohibited! Anyone who even THINKS of messing with me will be disqualified immediately! Got it?!"
"Hmph, no fatal force? That's no fun," another Sound ninja said.
"Now, if you are ready, we will proceed to the first part of the exam. Hand over your paperwork. In return, you will each be given a number." Ibiki held up a card with the number 1 on it. "This number will determine where you will sit. We'll start the written test once you are all seated."
Yuri was sitting in between a Rain and Grass ninja, Flynn was sitting next to Lee, and Judith ended up sitting between two Sand ninja.
Ibiki went over the rules of the written test. There were ten questions, the tenth to be handed out after one hour. Each time someone was caught cheating, two points would be taken off the total score. And if anyone got a zero, the entire team fails.
Once the test started, Flynn was the first to figure out that they needed to cheat, but without being caught. He noticed out of the corner of his eye Lee looking up. He followed his gaze to mirrors hanging from the ceiling reflecting another person's answers.
'Well, I don't need to worry about finding a way to cheat now, at least.' Flynn thought as he copied down the answers.
"Judith was the next to figure it out. However, she didn't need to stress over how to cheat. All she needed was to use the enhanced vision all Krityans had [1] to see the answers from several desks away.
Yuri figured it out but was trying to figure a way to cheat without being caught.
'Dammit, if only Rita were here.' Yuri thought. He wasn't like Rita, Estelle, Raven, or even Flynn. He couldn't use magic artes! And Judy would be able to see far away. Now, he envied her for being a Krityan. Yuri sighed. If only he had studied up on magic artes when he was in the Knights with Flynn.
45 minutes after the test started, Ibiki told everyone to stop writing, because he was going to reveal the tenth question. However, he said that people could opt out and leave, since failing would mean being stuck a Genin forever. Several hands went up and the room felt emptier.
However, it turns out that the tenth question was in fact whether or not you wanted to stay or leave. So everyone left in the room passed. After he went on to explain the purpose of the tenth question, a woman named Anko appeared, saying that she's the proctor of the second part of the exam. Everyone was dismissed after she said that half of the people who passed weren't going to pass the second part.
The next day, everyone showed up to the Forest of Death for the second part of the Chunin Exam. Anko explained the objective was to obtain both a heaven and earth scroll and make it to the tower in the center of the forest withing five days. Esch team was to be given a heaven or earth scroll and would have to take the opposing scroll from another team by any means necessary. And absolutely no one was allowed to see the contents of the scroll until they reach the tower.
Yuri's team was given an earth scroll and they waited at Gate 4 to start. When Anko gave the OK to start, the gates opened and the teams rushed into the forest.
"I wonder who'll have a heaven scroll," Flynn said.
"They made sure no one could see who had what scroll," Yuri replied. "That way, it'll be a bloodbath in here."
"Something about Anko reminds me of a sadist," Flynn murmured.
"Yeah, the kind who has people kill each other in a disturbing competition without getting her own hands dirty," Yuri said. "She even had us sign consent forms so she wouldn't be held responsible for any deaths!"
"But this is kind of fun," Judith said. "You have to kill before you're killed first! It was a great idea to do this!" The two boys stared at her.
"...She kinda scares me..." Flynn said finally.
"...I know what you mean, Flynn," Yuri replied. Judith could be so calm and collected, but she was entirely different when it came to fighting. He'd rather never go against her, because she was scarier than all nine Giganto monsters put together. He kinda felt sorry for anyone they encounter. Of course, that didn't mean he and Flynn were going to stand aside and watch Judy beat the hell out of the squad and steal all the credit.
After a few hours of going around the large forest, Flynn decided it was time for them to take a break. It was almost evening and all three were getting hungry. The three found a clearing and settled near a large tree with a giant cavity in the trunk, large enough to sleep in.
"Anko said there was plenty to eat in this forest, so I guess we'll just have to look around or take down some monster lurking around," Yuri said.
"I could cook for you guys," Flynn offered. Yuri and Judith stared at the Commandant like he just suggested they jump off the top of Zaude.
"Um, no thank you. Judy or I could cook," Yuri said. quickly, breaking out in a sweat. Flynn was great at a lot of things, but cooking wasn't one of them. Sure, if he followed the recipe in a book he could put a pro chef to shame, but out here, following his own recipe, he may as well be poisoning the food. The cooking competion between the Union and the Empire is a prime example of that. Yuri was sure Karol was still trying to recover.
"But, Yuri, you've always cooked for me in the lower quarter," Flynn protested.
"Oh? So you don't think our cooking's any good?" Judith asked. She had seen how Leblanc, Ioder, Kaufman, the Wonder Chef, and Karol had dropped like flies after eating whatever it was he made. Even though she secretly thought it was comical, she didn't want to be another victim.
"No, it's not that, Judith," Flynn replied. "It's just Yuri always insists he cooks."
"Well, we can't have the Commandant laboring over a meal," Yuri said. He was getting desperate.
"But still- -" Flynn protested.
"No buts!" Judith exclaimed. Her patience had worn thin now. "I'll do the cooking! You two go find something filling!"
"Y-yes ma'am...!" Yuri and Flynn replied, startled by Judith's sudden outburst. Both turned and went their seperate ways into the forest.
It didn't take long for Yuri to find a large bush full of berries. Drawing closer, a figure stood up and turned. Yuri froze. It was a nasty-looking bear, and it was clearly pissed off.
"Just my luck..." Yuri grumbled. "I'm totally cursed." He pulled Second Star out and charged at the bear. The animal roared and brought its forepaws down. Yuri sidestepped and shot forward. "Tiger Blade!"
Yuri leaped up, slicing the bear's stomach and swung the katana back down, ripping its chest open. The bear swiped at Yuri, sending the swordsman crashing into a tree, a bit of blood trickling out of his mouth. The bear went on all fours, blood staining the earth as it lumbered unevenly toward Yuri. Yuri got back up and spun around quickly.
"Shining Eagle!" Yuri's katana sliced the ground as he completed the spin, golden energy colliding with the bear and knocking it onto its side. Before the bear could get back up, Yuri stabbed his sword into the bear's chest. The bear gave one final twitch and was still.
Yuri put the sword back in its sheath and stared at the bear. "Well, I guess we have dinner..."
Flynn glared at the three people standing in front of him, two men and a woman from the Grass Village. All three wore black clothing and straw hats. One man had three umbrellas on his back. It was just his luck to stumble into their camp.
"So, Takeshi," the woman said, looking at the man with the umbrellas. "Think he has the scroll we need?"
"Hell, Natsumi, does he even have a scroll?" the other man said.
"It doesn't matter, Katsu," Takeshi said. "He's gonna die anyway."
"Don't underestimate me," Flynn warned, pulling his blue sword out.
"Oh really?" Natsumi smirked, pulling a kunai out. She reached back with it and cut a rope. Before Flynn was able to react, rigged kunai shot out from behind, ripping into his back. At the same time, Katsu made a series of hand signs.
"Earth Style: Earth Spear Jutsu!" Pieces of the ground broke off and merged into a large spear which launched itself at Flynn. Despite the scorching pain in his back, Flynn forced himself to move out of the way just as the spear whizzed by, nicking his gauntlet and planted itself into the tree that had been rigged with kunai.
However, as soon as the spear made contact, it exploded, the force of it knocking Flynn forward, right to where Natsumi was waiting with a dagger and a sinister grin. The dagger sank into his abdomen and she ripped it out, blood spilling out of the wound.
"What was it you said about not underestimating you?" Natsumi taunted, filling Flynn with rage. She was completely unprepared for his magic arte that he just completed.
"Holy Lance!" Flynn shouted. Spears of light appeared above the kunoichi and rained down on her. He laughter changed into a scream of pain as the spears pierced her body and vanished. She staggered back and was caught by Katsu.
"Natsumi! Are you alright?!" he demanded. Blood ran from multiple wounds, but she was more angry than hurt.
"Get your grubby hands off of me, you perv!" she shouted, wrenching herself away from her teamate. A magic circle appeared under Flynn.
"Holy power come... First Aid!" The healing arte healed the wound from Natsumi's dagger, but was unable to heal the wounds on his back, since the kunai were still stuck there. He stood up and charged forward. "Sword Rain: Alpha!"
This time, the attack was aimed at Takeshi, who pulled out an umbrella and held it out like a shield. It blocked the onslaught of sword thrusts like it was made of steel. As soon as the arte finished, he knocked Flynn away with the umbrella and threw it in the air along with the others ones and made a hand sign.
"You die now!" he shouted. The umbrellas, floating in the air, began spinning and needles rained down on Flynn. He could only shield his head with his arms as the needles made contact. He was knocked him right up against a tree with a scream of pain. The umbrellas dropped down and Takeshi recollected them, staring at Flynn and the blood beginning to pool around him.
"I'll finish him," Katsu said, pulling a kunai out. "All I have to do is slit his throat."
"I'd like to see you try!" Katsu stopped and Flynn's eyes widened as he recognized that voice.
"Moonbeam!" Judith appeared suddenly above Katsu, swinging Brionac down and releasing an arrow of blue energy. Once it hit the ninja, an energy field sent him flying back. Yuri leaped out of a tree, bringing Second Star down above Takeshi and Natsumi.
"Destruction Field!" Even though the ninja stepped back, the impact sent out an energy wave that took the two down. Judith ran past him after stabbing Katsu in the chest and Yuri turned and headed toward Flynn, crouching down next to the Knight and began pulling the weapons out. Once done, Flynn cast another First Aid, closing the rest of the wounds. Judith dodged the needles Takeshi fired at her and rushed at him.
"Luna Storm!" She thrust her spear out, a green whirlwind attacking Takeshi, slicing his body and blood flying. Unbeknownst to Judith, Natsumi was sneaking up on the Krityan. The the ninja sliced Judith across the back, making her yell out more in surprise than pain.
"Demonic Chaos!" Flynn shouted, firing several Demon Fangs at the kunoichi, knocking her to her knees. She snapped her head around, staring death at the Commandant. However, she didn't see Yuri coming at her from the side.
"Fang Strike!" Yuri brought his sword down on her back and threw an uppercut, sending her into the air where Judith finished her with Luna Rondo.
All that was left was Takeshi, who made a series of hand signs. "Wind Style: Air Blade!" The air in a few spots became denser as the molecules clustered together, forming spinning blades that were fired at the group, ripping at all three of them. Judith forced herself forward against the onslaught, running at Takeshi with her spear ready.
"Rising Moonlight Havoc!" she shouted, knocking Takeshi into the air and leaping up after him, performing a combination of slashes and kicks to finish him off. She searched his belongings, finding the heaven scroll they needed.
"Glad they happened to have the scroll we need," Yuri panted. Flynn went over and healed al three of them. Eating was forgotten as the group headed off toward the tower, which wasn't too far away.
Going inside, they opened the scrolls and a ninja appeared, congratulating them for passing the test.
"I can't believe we made it in one day," Judith commented as the three headed into another room. Inside were Hinata, Kiba, and Shino. Akamaru was shivering in Kibas jacket, letting out whines every now and then. Kiba looked up as he scented newcomers, panic flaring in his eyes then relaxing when he saw it was only Yuri, Flynn, and Judith.
"So you guys made it, huh?" Kiba said. "Seems you got pretty roughed up." Akamaru whined again and Kiba turned his attention back to the puppy. "It's gonna be alright, boy."
"Why did you bring a puppy into this?" Yuri asked.
"I'm sure you would have brough Repede if he was also here," Judith pointed out.
"Well, Repede's fully grown," Yuri replied. "I'm saying that bringing a puppy into this is just asking to have it killed."
"Akamaru's stronger than you think," Kiba growled, glaring at the three. "I'd watch my mouth if I were you." He stiffened and sniffed. "Oh shit, they're back."
Yur, Flynn, and Judith turned their heads as Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro came in. Temari stared at them.
"Will wonders never cease," she said. "Who would've thought a group of people that aren't even ninja would pass at all."
"We're able to take care of ourselves just fine," Yuri replied.
"Heh, not from the looks of you guys," Kankuro smirked. Yuri went over to him.
"Wanna fight, then?" he said.
"You're on," Kankuro replied, but Gaara stepped forward.
"Enough, Kankuro," he said. "Let's not waste our time with them."
"Fine," Kankuro replied, shooting Yuri one final glare before following the other two.
"Are you retarded?!" Kiba exclaimed. "If you get them mad, they'll kill you no problem!"
"What do you mean?" Flynn asked.
"Wh-what Kiba is trying t-to say is..." Hinata murmured, twidling her fingers. "G-Gaara is really strong. That...that's why Akamaru's so scared. I-it was how Gaara kills people..."
"Huh?" Yuri said.
"He uses sand to crush people in an instant," Shino replied. "It...was frightening...Blood was raining down..."
"His chakra's off the charts," Kiba added. "If that guy's anything, it's trouble."
[1] If you are finally able to get Judith's Into the Sky title and costume, the little Krityan girl says that she saw all of the Fatal Strikes that were performed. Judith says so herself: Krityans can see much further than humans, however she also said it's not so strong that she can see all the way from the Entelexeia, Kromes.