Chapter 23 A Path paved In Ice
Back again... I think it's fair to say this fic has been running for a year now. Actually, just after a year, if I'm correct. And while I am glad about that I think—I think—my writing style has changed and how well I write the chapters, has hopefully changed for the better.
Now, in accordance with the promise I made a few chapters back there is a reason why this chapter is either 10k words exactly or just past. And that's because at 150 reviews I promised a 10k word chapter and since I am officially at 159 reviews here is the story you've all been waiting for! (Hopefully)
I'd like to say that my writing is perfect and everything is dandy but the reason why my writing has become darker as many of have said is because that was originally how I intended it. I hadn't anticipated my writing being so sweet in the earlier chapters and it was quite the thing figuring that out. So that goal has been attained, finally.
I have one last thing to say though I'll leave that to the end of this chapter!
On with the show!
"Lunch time!"
Zabuza sighed and nodded before he lumbered out his cell, Kimimaro just behind him as they trudged out, into the light.
Months had passed since interrogating that woman and Konan had taken a great many hours to prepare Naruto as well as Haku and Tenten to be able to make an A ranked Shinobi crack and fall from an amalgam of methods. Degrading them. Bringing them up. Then tearing them down. It was oddly... Gratifying.
Each had something they were better at than the other with their skills together being nothing to scoff at.
Naruto took great pleasure in cooping up his prisoners in enclosed spaces for days at a time until they cracked and begged for life before insanity closed in on them. The walls so close the prisoner couldn't sit and couldn't bend at the knee, and did they try. Water drenched the concrete floors and sometimes rats would scuttle in and nibble at their toes. (Most of the idea came from Anko but all the same.) The food they would've ate went from the top of the heads to the ends of their feet and into the water where the rodents would snatch it with relative ease. The backs and ends of beautiful light played above their heads as two cold blue eyes gazed down from a barred ceiling, where they lay entrenched in utter dark, a tray unceremoniously tipped down.
Tenten loved straight interrogation, using her toys to play during her torture sessions. Though her serious personality and habitual spunk made things interesting for watchers passing by. Near times people were capable of watching some of the more fun sessions as Tenten labeled it. Kunai embedded and dug into the knee with a jagged formality and professionalism many her age could not admire. Often times a rag was placed over their faces as they were laid bare and plain before water drowned and gargled their life away with every second until they too let their eyes roll and their tongues dance.
Haku adored the subtleties of interrogation. Much like Naruto but with careful differences. She could smile during one and and chime her laugh another. She slowly asked questions and she rewarded honesty. Not bluntness nor rude fact but complete regard for truth and she rewarded that, if only they did, in fact, tell the truth.
'The mutes' lead unfortunate souls to Naruto's chamber and lying to Tenten's. Her reward was not to go to Naruto or Tenten's areas, or anyone elses for that matter though Ibiki said for them to be independent. They were capable interrogators and they were the youngest to have ever been trained in interrogation. Impressive indeed.
By around this time the Chunin Exams were coming up and villages were pouring in like Bees to flowers. Shinobi's, Kunoichi's, and their masters flooded in. Signing their registry and settling in their hotels it seemed rumors were true; they would be in fact receiving an influx of participants.
Good thing Hiruzen took the rumors seriously...
Konoha streets breathed life and excitement. The sun smiled and heat warmed the ground. Wind blew and cooled hot, sweat-covered skin, but Naruto, Tenten, and Haku weren't one of them.
...
Naruto checked his sandals as they wrapped tightly around his foot. His black haori loose on his shoulders, a little strip show showing his collarbone. Around his neck was the orange necklace he'd had since he was a kid, and underneath some fish netting for Anko's sake. His blonde hair spiked and as wild since the day he was born. Fresh and vibrant like it defied gravity and held the sun's casting love.
...If he were honest he'd say he kind've missed this. Haku nimbly adjusted a few edges on his haori before Tenten swatted her hand off when she went for hers receiving a small grin in return. It seemed some things never changed. Haku was nervous and she reverted to that old routine she had when she was a kid if only to remedy the tension, while Tenten readily defended herself from Haku's ministrations.
Their apartment edged on complete silence after. A high-pitched ringing sung sardonically in the background while they prepared themselves with scrolls and kunai in pocket. The only other empiricals being the clatters of kunai being put to bed, shuriken hidden elsewhere on their bodies, the senbons weaved in to the seam of their haori's wrists.
Though the reason for this had been the call to the Hokage's office, luckily this time with no Genin team to fetch them, after all today was the day to register for the Chunin Exams and Ibiki had promised to let them in since Konan gave them back.
Excited was an understatement.
Planting their masks on, each took a deep breath as they appeared in front of the Hokage via shunshin as he looked out the window to his village. Opening a window, Hiruzen let the air flutter in, refreshing the Genin before he faced them, the brisk breeze supple and smelling of a sweet suckling honey, yet the old leaders' thoughts on other matters as he gestured for them to sit.
His stare was calm, holding a semblance of seriousness in that smile of his.
Naruto looked to both the girls as he asked a silent question before Hiruzen sat and met his gaze.
Broke from his musings, Naruto directed his stare to equal the old mans and asked, "What do you need us for, Hokage-sama?"
" I have important news for you three." He smiled a trickish smile. "Your training up until now has been nothing if not exemplary and we're in need of interrogators..." Motioning to them. "You, and we can't have Genin interrogating nukenin." He lulled his hand to the side and he looked off into the distance with a foxy grin. "So that's why you are being promoted, right now."
He said that almost as if it were a small thing, a matter of fact and, really, it was the exact opposite. A lot of Shinobi wished to take part in the Chunin Exams and with the way this was being spelled out Naruto knew there was more to this. There was no doubt about it.
In no time at all Naruto let his head tilt, his voice monotone. "You're joking."
Just as expected, Hiruzen nodded but then the shine in his eye left as his grin turned to a thin line. What was a normal office smelling of dried ink and fresh paper for a humble leader quickly became a briefing center with the trio sitting straight. Grating to their nerves. An unfriendly and uncomfortable feeling washing over them as their eyes steeled and Naruto suddenly felt the jitters prance down his back like a plane of gold. It reminded him of that time months ago when his mother had practically begged to be with him. The desperation in her voice resonating in his memory and the subsequent touch of her hand.
Naruto shivered. That time had been stressful and he couldn't imagine the Hokage rejecting. Not anymore.
In a moment, if could he let his mother go, he knew he couldn't do it.
Was he that desperate? Ever since meeting her in that cocoon of a hideout lost in the brush of a brimming forest and shaded by the glittering treetops above Naruto couldn't let go and say sayonara.
"I'm afraid so," said Hiruzen morosely. Hand up, he sealed the room from prying ears, the window slamming shut in response. The ANBU were gone.
He shut his eyes as he spoke, "It is required that you three bypass the Chunin Exams," Hiruzen said plainly.
Hiruzen waited and saw the mute expressions on their faces. "You three have already proved yourselves capable of Chunin level for months now and with your sensei's recommendation I have taken the liberty of promoting you... congratulations."
Haku's pale hand twitched while the shadows of the room seemed to intensify, although birds chirped blissfully on the wind. The light that left the Hokage's eye glimmered for but a moment when they dulled an instant later. He had on him a sympathetic look on his face.
Naruto leaned his head back a little as he let this sink in... A full minute passed before suddenly, he asked the question that were on all their minds.
"Why?"
Hiruzen sighed,"I'm afraid I can't say. Naruto-kun, Haku-chan, Tenten-chan, just trust me and do as you're assigned." He lowered his head and said in a low voice, "Please, if there is one thing I need you to do it is trust me."
Tenten tilted her head to the side in response while the other two nodded, though she and the Hokage could tell Naruto didn't like that answer, nor did Haku, it seemed. It was their job as Shinobi to not question the Kage when he was trying to make something run smoothly. But this was strange, queer even and as much as Naruto underwent training with Ibiki his curiosity was getting the better of him.
'What happened to the days when things were simple?' Naruto thought grimly.
"What I require for you and the reason for your visit is to exhibit your training in deception and detection in the upcoming exams to avoid the eyes of our enemies."
"...I know this is a lot and is coming out of nowhere but I trust you can bear with it."
Whether unconscious or not no one dared question their nervousness as it left the trio of young teens to their own spoils of worry and unsightly wrinkles too early for them. However, in contrast, when they read the assignment specs each of them nearly sighed at the absurdity. They had no less than a few days to prepare...
Why did they always get the shitty assignments?
Konan had left a few days before on what she said was business. What that was specifically she didn't say though she was glad they didn't question her... as much. Curious glances were sent her way on more than one occasion but she was just glad she wasn't questioned outright.
Much to her surprise and slight embarrassment, Naruto had hugged her before she left. He didn't know where she was going. Why. Or even if she was coming back, regardless of her saying so... and all that meant was that he gave her a chance, a chance long awaited for with Haku and Tenten smiling and joining him.
A tear pricked at her eye when that happened and her usually un-expressive face suddenly had a very small smile, so small most wouldn't know it was there. But she returned the hug and then she was gone.
…
At the moment she could be found sprinting through the dank and dark treetops in a deluge molding to her face and body like a wet blanket. The shine of the moon reflected off her cheeks from the wet while the cold feeling chilled whatever warmth was inside her. The rain was holding her back, slowing her down, and annoying her, yet never saying a word. Her discomfort from the mesh of wet and cold clothes caused her to sigh. The only indication she was annoyed besides was a twitch of her lip or a slight narrowing of her brow but none more so obvious, as she would appear apathetic any time besides.
Appearing higher and into village limits Konan stopped on a building to watch. Listen. It was almost customary for Amegakure's "Lady Angel" to watch over her subjects while she subsequently served their "God".
The dark of the storm clouds made the village an abysmal dark sight, the sound of rain pitter pattered against the metal of the rooftop and then in the background the whole cities quiet stampede of rain droplets splashing like screws to concrete. In the streets below were still schools of ants carrying umbrellas over their heads and grocery bags in others. They shifted like sand being moved by wind, but black as tar against the rain, and only visible from the gray stone underneath.
She shook her head after a tick on a clock and leaped to another building before her eyes dilated and an unnatural smile appeared. Today wasn't a day to appear as some sort of angel... No, this moment was to protect her son and give a reason to go back and stay. After all, Konoha had resources not found elsewhere and what better place to research than to be in the capital of it all? Her toothy smile turned to a much more feminine grin but her eyes stayed the same; insane, and maddening.
When her silhouette converged with the dark of Pain's Tower a silence reigned and dominated as a numbing chime echoed in her ear along with the sound of slow resounding footsteps. Through the long winding hallways it wasn't long before she stopped and looked deep into the dark, quickly reattaching the labret piercing as she did.
….
"Hello, Pain-sama."
Registration had been completed and now prospective Chunin were filtered and held in an exam room a few days later... You know, where everyone is at ease and talking like they're best friends...
But that's not where the trio was.
The Exam Proctors and Sentinels were being briefed in a hidden room large enough to fit a dozen people with plenty of chairs against the wall and a chalkboard behind the podium across. It was filled with simple jargon about the exceptions and non-exceptions of this part of the exam but that was unimportant as the three stood attentively in front of Ibiki as his steady glare met theirs, dressed in their Chunin Uniform.
For safety purposes and for the sake of anonymity the Sentinels were required to wear masks—almost like Haku's but completely white and with the Konoha symbol at the peek of the forehead— they were to hide in plain sight.
Brilliant, Hokage-sama. Just brilliant.
Make no mistake, Ibiki was happy his idea was being used in such a way.
Though if there were one complaint then it would be he just wished he had more control. Because normally, he would have complete control of the situation he was in charge of and with the Hokage making changes from the background he felt a pinch vexed, if only because interrogation allowed him to have absolute of over whoever was in that room with him, sitting in that chair, gagged, doing anything he wanted to them until they were stuck like pigs or bleeding carcasses.
Power, in essence.
He just wasn't used to losing control of things even after so long out of Anko taking his position.
At any rate, Ibiki was placing a lot of trust in his Genin for what they were about to do and while he trusted them he needed to make sure they knew exactly what they were doing. So while the Genin piled in he ran over the basics. Every other man or woman Sentinel staying to reassure themselves.
Like any person who managed to land themselves in a lecture with Ibiki knew to stay silent and sit straight.
Naruto had already had some trouble keeping whatever cool he had in the past when their teacher decided it would be funny to intimidate the living hell out of him. Him. Not Haku or Tenten. Mind you, he gave it as good as he got it, glaring back at his sensei but the gist of it was he scared him for fun, and while the people next to him probably never experienced that they were obviously aware enough to keep their mouths shut.
Thank goodness, otherwise they would've been in there much much longer.
Ten minutes later the Sentinels nodded, having heard enough, they placed their masks on and left before the three followed out. The curves of the eye-holes making them look exotic, and deadly like black-ink.
Confident, Ibiki crossed his arms and waited. He had just given a run-over and some tips for intimidation along with what rows of students they should watch over most which in all seriousness was the closest ones to you. (Their eyes were visible and he could see some rolling once their masks were on) Deception and detection were things they already knew and while most wouldn't assume just spotting kids cheating would be so deception oriented it was one of the most intensive since they were required to think and act based on what they had.
For instance, if a Hyuga was in the room what would they use to cheat? Ding! Ding! Ding! Their Dojutsu, the Byakugan; An all seeing eye that allowed them to look through anything. Handy, especially for cheating. Veins bulged and pulsed when activated.
If a weapons master would attempt to cheat Ibiki would guess they would have equipment to cheat with their teammates, maybe a hidden mic to someone who had better skills at gathering and maybe pencil taps for morse cord.
So many different ways to look at information gathering and only those who knew deception would be able to spot it.
That's why a while back when Konan was training them he was pleasantly surprised to find her teaching them the various methods of T&I with a little smile. Of course, he helped afterwards but that triggered him to teach in-depth before he focused his Genin down the path of the interrogator in ultimatum.
He did feel bad about them missing the Chunin Exams but he had apologized and they had taken it well and over the months they had grown to be a sufficient team, including Ibiki this time.
The Sentinels entered and with a cool stride they made for the dozen seats lined against the wall in a single file line. Naruto watched the room as if he were expecting someone to notice him. Thankfully, they didn't. Unease sipped at Naruto's courage as the sights of the Genin latched onto him. One of the first things Ibiki said was to look cool and collected. Don't spare a glance towards the Genin since the whole point of the exam was to scare the living hell out of them through mental torture and mind-games, and as such he didn't spare more then he saw, neglecting to view any of his family or friends—even though he wanted to.
Soon they sat and pulled out their clipboards, Ibiki appearing on the stage at the front of the room. Making his opening speech, he willed the 'rules' out as a fierce after-tone followed his voice as if he were silently angry.
'First and foremost, if you're caught cheating three times you will be removed from the exam and you will have to wait until next year to try again.'
'Secondly, any form of talking was prohibited since this room was a testing environment and it would be treated as such.'
Those were the rules. Simple and easy to remember. They didn't search them on the way in. They didn't require certain devices to not be used. Only that if you're caught you're fucked and you're kicked out.
If a Genin couldn't pick up on that they weren't ready for the exams. Hell, there was a filter for Genin's that couldn't tell something was a Genjutsu when it obviously was and from the crowd of kids in the room he guessed the filter had failed somehow.
Ibiki openly scowled at the puddle of blood and puke in front of the door he noticed off-handedly before his senses picked up a boy with ash-gray hair wiping his mouth, a disgusted look on his face and cracked glasses which the boy seemed distraught over. His eyes narrowed as he looked from the boys glasses to his stomach area to reveal ripped clothes and if he paid attention shattered glasses on the bridge of his nose. If it weren't for his disheveled appearance he would've appeared intelligent. Someone fit for intelligence and cunning. A medic-nin with how lightly he was gripping the bridge of his glasses.
Again, he looked around the room as he played silent and let his stance do the talking. Another boy turned in his seat to laugh at four-eyes in the back and as a result Ibiki sent him a glare. At first the boy didn't notice... That's when he smirked and let his bandanna come off and gasps fill the room as all eyes were directed to the Ibiki.
Naruto almost laughed when he saw the bandaged Sound-Nin leaning back, a complete shocked look on his face when he saw Ibiki standing over him a shark-like grin stitched in place as he emblazoned the teen's memory a barely concealed bout of killing intent. Naruto tried to keep himself stoic but couldn't stop when the corner's of his mouth peaked up. The slow puffs of his chest gave away his feelings as Haku and Tenten both smiled in turn.
The trio had already seen this side of Ibiki before and it was only once that it took them to never see it again. Honestly, they were just glad it was another Genin and not them. (Though it took a talk from Anko to settle them down the first time.)
He looked like Death.
"This is what happens to punks who can't keep their mouths shut!" Scars littered Ibiki's head as they criss-crossed and mashed together from the forehead to the base of his neck, some jagged edges of skin deformed and others carving deeper ridges into the skin. The scar riding from cheek to brow and across his nose looking all the more intimidating with his devilish grin he skewed.
"You're expected to be able to handle being tortured! Well take a good look!" He said, calm, the deep drum of his jagged voice filling the room. "This is the responsibility of a shinobi! You don't give in! You don't give up! Now, if you can't handle doing this!"
He pointed to his skull before he gestured to the door, his voice softening. "Then have a nice day." He smiled.
None were budging and Naruto gave an impressed snort as he looked down. Naruto's eyes searched the rows of desks and before long he found each of his family and friends scattered in the mess of Genin. He expected a few to run, one especially but it appeared Hinata, who sat just in front of him, bore a strong aura around her as she sat near the front but just a few rows back with Sasuke on the opposite side of the room. Believe or not, he hadn't seen a trace from the girl since their academy days and it looked like she did well for herself. She sat up, back strong, eyes to the front as he could see the time without him to ogle forced her to improve.
What made her do that he didn't know. Her hair was longer and he'd heard from Tenten that girls would do that as some sort of promise. Why that was so important he would never know and from Shikamaru and Chouji he learned that was just a mystery men would never figure out so it just reaffirmed his doubts of inquiry.
Sasuke looked about as smug as ever with an apathetic stare lazily staring to the front hand to chin as he propped himself up. If there were anything remotely different to him... He seemed... more composed? Though that would be the biggest contrast he had ever seen. Stronger? Naruto shook his head. There was no way he was going to decipher him. Not right now.
Months ago Sasuke had attacked him outright because of a mistake Haku and Tenten had (un)knowlingly made where he was stopped by Kakashi before anything could start. Granted, it was funny, Naruto tried to scold the girls if only a little before they teased him some more. Two weeks passed before Naruto saw Kakashi again with Sakura at his side and he had taken the liberty to explain the accident and then the situation as if he was required to. Which he wasn't. He knew he wasn't but he felt nice enough that day to put Sasuke's mind to rest.
He would never get Haku or Tenten. Naruto smirked at that thought. Cruel might be the word most appropriate however he didn't intend to let Haku or Tenten be with anyone else but him, call him selfish.
They were his and he was theirs.
The end.
With a poof on the stage he didn't need to see Ibiki to know he was ready.
"Begin!" Not a moment later Naruto's senses flashed and like a hawk he threw a kunai through the crowd and to the back and a Genin yelped. His exam was pierced but better yet what made the scene that much more obvious was him putting on a pair of glasses with extra lenses, and every Sentinel saw him. Not even a minute in and he was sent out. Some of the other Sentinels aside him had their arms stretched out as well marking five kunai in the Genins' paper.
Naruto almost pitied him for it but it was what he was there for, even if he didn't agree with the method.
Considering the Sentinels were against the wall to the side of the room and they were sitting down the Genin each had a small sheen of sweat layering their foreheads as they went back to work, putting the early elimination out of mind. Tenten looked through the crowd and on her clipboard she marked off another score against a Genin.
Really, how it worked was that the Genin had to have three strikes against him from no less than two Sentinels and with the way their hands worked from kunai to pencil the cooperation with the person next to you was of the utmost importance as teams were sent out left and right.
Many teams had been sent out at such an early stage while some held panicked looks on their faces.
Tears marred one kids cheeks from stress, he was sure.
Naruto shook his head at that while he was tempted to pinch the bridge of his nose in pity. If a Genin couldn't figure out why there were three strikes, no six strikes he felt better by eliminating them and even better so if they were caught cheating. For if someone didn't have the skills to make it in here, in the exam room, where things were safe, then they wouldn't make it there, outside... in the Forest of Death.
He had been told later after their test to be with Ibiki about the forest and how it was still healing from being purged and trimmed as it did every year and it was only chance they had their test in there because after watching a video from the Hokage... lets say the trio was happy they had it during the re-birth rather then the incineration.
Naruto watched with anticipation as the clock ticked. No Konoha Shinobi had been caught and though he saw Hinata activate her Byakugan he could only mark her once for cheating since he only saw her activate. He nudged Haku and she quickly responded, showing her clipboard revealing no marks against the Hyuga. He did the same with Tenten seeing the same results. Each Sentinel were seated next to one another and to increase not only security but the likely-hood that Genin would fail they had a dozen or so Sentinels watching like ghosts.
Unwanted and fearsome.
Next Naruto searched the crowd as if his eyes were a fidgety mess. Instructions for this part of the exam, for this scenario was to eliminate as many Genin as possible whether being nit-picky or not. By this time they had cut down half the Genin but their goal for next round was to have less than a fourth compete so they needed to keep going.
The atmosphere brimmed on uncomfortable and Naruto found himself shifting in his seat as Haku and Tenten did thereafter. The sweat behind their masks universally made them feel hot and sweaty from the crowd leaving a putrid stench to waft in the air. Their uniforms stuck to their skin like paste and bandages seemingly claustrophobic.
Bright day or not an exam would get anyone to sweat. Added to that this room specifically was cut off from the ventilation.
Yet, despite the way it was in there it was very much a good day with an overcast sky brimmed with plumes of airy vapor leaving only cracks of vague blue and rays of gold to shine down.
Quite the contrast to what they were in.
Almost as if taunting them, they almost never sweated with their own masks. Not when they went shopping, maybe a little when they trained but that was given. And even with the amount of people who shopped around them they never dealt with this.
Tenten would never complain about their masks being stuffy again!
Haku fiddled with her chart and found one of a few with no marks. Gaara. She had seen him a few days ago when an ANBU had to separate a Suna shinobi named Kankurou from Konohamaru. She was quiet when saw saw that and since Naruto and Tenten were speaking to Itsuki when they were shopping she had watched as a small bit of Killing Intent leaked and only just touched her as she saw him. He had red hair and a Kanji for 'love' tattoed on his forehead just above his eye. Black outlines formed around his eyes making them look like a raccoons. On his back hung a gourd attached to a white sash.
He stood in the shadows of a tree and it was only when Sasuke came in to interfere did she turned around.
At the time she had memorized Gaara's appearance before quickly rejoining Naruto.
Now here he was again and she was intent on figuring out who he was exactly... She aimed a better look at him before the boy shut an eye and started writing. Fast. No explanation other then a finger to his temple.
Nudging the man next to her she poked Gaaras name on his board before she checked Gaaras on hers. In other words, 'keep your eye out.'
As the clock ticked Naruto leaned back in his chair and tried to appear lazy. Strategy; look lazy and off-guard. Trigger someone to fuck up and then scare them. Whether that had any luck or not was debatable but it was something to do.
Honestly, if there were one thing Naruto was confused about it was why they were being held in the dark. Of all times to not see the light of day and stay hidden was during the Chunin Exams. A celebrated event for both civilian and shinobi...
...And they were missing it...
But he understood. Nevermind his nervous reaction earlier. He just... he sighed, he needed time to vent later.
He swiftly tossed a kunai to another form, scratching the third check for a kid as Haku next to him checked hers as another Genin was sent out. A hidden smirk replaced his bored jaw and he watched as the Genin stomped out. There was one way to vent, he joked.
Tenten threw one more kunai before she too crossed off another with the woman next to her doing the same.
Tenten had looked forward to the Chunin Exams for months. Training hard everyday to prove her worth in battle to utilize the tricks she learned, only for it to be squashed right in front of her. She was bitter. There was no doubt about it. But in some ways she felt proud. Military promotions outside of the Chunin Exams were rare, especially outside war-time where it was common since they often needed bodies to warm the battlefield and more meat to do harder battles. Outside though, it was almost unheard since many Genin were looking to get their promotions through that system for the sake of the village.
And bragging rights.
Yet, the purpose behind their promotion meant something large was just beyond the horizon. Didn't it? Tenten thought so, however speculation at this point was futile and a waste of energy.
….Silence...
Perhaps the ones yearning for battle were heartbroken over their promotions... Haku sighed, an unknown breath releasing as it really struck her. But not her. She was glad. The rumors hidden around the Chunin Exam suggested death for the participants and while over the past year she had changed, she also hadn't.
She was willing to torture.
She was willing to maim.
She was willing to kill.
But that did not mean her heart had grown cold. Unlike Naruto and Tenten who in their hearts bore small care for it she still let out silent tears into Naruto's chest after every torture session and together with Tenten at night. The Demon's Brother's dead eyes still stared into her soul with that sickly stench of iron lingering in the air.
She was glad she wouldn't have to kill.
So glad.
That's why she was happy they were being sheltered. Away from the violence. Hidden in the interrogation chamber. Because even then she could still do her duty as a Kunoichi; ...break bones... minds... starve...hang... but not kill. No, she wouldn't have to kill in the interrogation chamber. Someone else could do it. Vain as it was for a Kunoichi she could save her mind and still be with Naruto as a ninja for their village. Interrogation was the best place if she wanted to rest and relish a nights rest.
She was happy.
The atmosphere only grew thicker as time went, and though that was the case some Genin actually looked calm, serene in others.
Sakura had already finished and just relaxed in her seat, a warm smile gentling her cheeks as she closed her eyes for fear of being of being caught and removed.
Neji just settled his hand and the veins receded, relaxing his Byakugan along with Hinata a few rows up. Kiba and his dog lazed back in their seats, eyes shut while his dog Akamaru rested in his jacket.
Sasuke smirked as he rested his head.
Anyone else from their Academy they couldn't see but from the people who were still there said the others were fine.
It looked like everyone was finishing up as the time ran out. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Anyone who was anyone would know that sound, especially those who were there to hear the final stretch instead of focusing on cheating—and getting caught. Soon the clock ticked to five minutes less and Naruto counted every second.
His schools days left him scarred from the boring tests and the horrid study sessions Haku would put him through. If it weren't for her kindness and everlasting patience he probably would've jumped out a window first thing and it was only now when time became most stressful that he suffered PTSD and flashbacks.
...He was joking.
He had never had any trouble studying and he excelled in his schooling. Hell, he loved studying with Haku when they lived alone and even more so when Tenten moved in. It made things more fun.
And like that the clocked ticked one hour...
...Part One was finished...
Ibiki crossed his arms while he scanned the remaining Genin, seeing only a few dozen. He nodded to his Sentinels in thanks though his eyes lingered on the trio. The clipboards were held loosely as they crossed their arms. The eyes of a dozen blank stares crashing into him. As Ibiki stood whatever pressure still there seemed to dissipate as small smiles managed to worm their ways on to many Genin's faces.
"Before you get excited... There's one more thing you have to answer before I can let you leave."
The smiles on their faces dropped.
"A tenth question must be answered. As you see there were only nine questions on the exam and you have either filled them out or left them blank but before I proceed I will warn you..." Ibiki relished the rising fear in the crowd as a smirk became stark.
The scar dashing across his face became more prominent as he said, "If you fail to answer the next question correct you may be allowed to proceed to the next exam."
"But if not, well, you are not allowed to take the Chunin Exams ever again." He shrugged as everyone felt a shiver go down their spines.
The sentinels were perfectly still as their heads switched to the Genin. They had been briefed about this tenth question so they knew how to react.
The Genin did not dare move. Except one.
Fiery red hair, straight and soft as silk, and an accentuating figure that made most women jealous. These were the features that were the best to describe Kushina Uzumaki the most. Happy was another. Angry... well, most only saw her go cherry red when a pervert decided she was perfect.
Later, they would usually end up in an alleyway, blood gushing from their mouths, but that's another tale for another time.
Kushina was a naturally hyper person and at this point she could be found walking through a small village in Fire Country sporting a cobalt blue blouse the likes that shimmered against the mid-morning sun while the whites of her skirt fell just below the knee. She was radiant and anyone would agree. Her ivory skin reflected the sun beautifully.
Accompanying her walked Tsunade Senju, another woman traveling with her along with the woman's niece, Shizune. She was a blonde woman with a large chest and a small green gem in the center of her forehead and though she didn't look it she could and would punch a hole in a wall if angered. A starch contrast to her feminine charm. Strong could only be described as an understatement. Shizune probably had the more modest looks of all of them, having black hair that looked clean and refined but as it fell it separated for a more wild appeal. Wearing only proper clothing, dark and unassuming, proper for a servant of her mistress unlike the green healers cloak Tsunade wore.
And though it was popular lore no one would be able to tell that Kushina was once the wife of the late Nimato Namikaze, the proud Yondaime Hokage of Konohagakure, and mother to her late son, Naruto Uzumaki.
Tsunade was a part of the Sannin with her being labeled the 'slug princess' being capable of monstrous strength and wielder of the slug contract.
Shizune was her attendant and while she took care of her blonde mistress she herself found more often than not she was probably one of the only responsible people in their group despite their age difference. Often having to tell them the right options when they themselves wouldn't.
They were an odd little group that left their home village to get away from the wretched memories the village caused them. Kushina for her son and husband in the Kyuubi attack and Tsunade for her late lover... They had traveled throughout the nations from town to town for freedoms sake. Living each day like it was their last with little worry other then the debt collectors Tsunade picked up from gambling. With Kushina battling this with gambling of her own but with her unbelievable luck she usually paid off their debts in a night because where Tsunade lost Kushina won.
Really, if they wanted a decent meal they let Kushina play while only letting Tsunade play the slot machines so as to minimize her losses.
Right now, however, one could see them walking out from the village on a lone path. Tears threatening to fall from Kushina's eyes as she hid it well having years of experience in bottling her emotions. The latest example being a man in town who disgraced her dead family by calling them trash all for the purpose of getting back at her for ratting him out during poker. Cheating with the lame excuse of 'his cards were open!'.
Somehow the man had listened in on one of their talks to settle with their loss and he used that against her... So here she was now, walking away and leaving the man in a pile of his own blood. Either rescued and healing or unconscious and waiting she didn't care. Disrespect her family, dead or alive, they were in for a world of hurt.
A grin settled on her face as Shizune admonished Tsunade for her language, again. She supposed she would just have to continue to deal with it. Things would get better... Just as they always had.
As they walked a somber facade crossed her face and a feeling of hopelessness overshadowed whatever hope she had like a wet blanket enclosing around her. The brightness in her eyes left. An innumerable amount of detestable hatred of herself shot like a needle past her barriers before her energy was lost. She began to question herself harshly before Tsunade quickly realized what was happening and she placed a glowing hand on her forehead and after a few minutes and a concentrated look from Tsunade a relieving rush flushed her body and blood filled her cheeks as a smile cleaned her face, the negative emotions gone. Trees in the distance glittered and leaves waved against the shivering rays of the sun.
Depression wasn't easy.
Naruto and the girls stood side by side as Anko reveled in the feeling of pride and confidence when the Genin laid their eyes on her forest. The Forest of Death for Part Two of the Exam. Strange wasn't it? Usually she would feel gratified to lower their hopes before it even started but she felt it better to let the forest do the talking for her.
Anko smiles looked innocent enough, especially if you didn't know her as well as Naruto.
That little Minx... He could already tell she rigged the forest. The hints were there, since a few days ago when they ate at Ichiraku Ramen they asked if anything special was happening... Anko when that happened she had smiled. Giggled. And then nodded... Later in the meal she discussed all the knew traps she learned from a book and then distribution for maximum effectiveness. Trapping and relocating animals to pool in parts well-traveled while also leaving them to roam free from there. She was proud of her work and wanted to watch as the Genin rotted.
Terrible she may be that was the life of a Kunoichi.
Ibiki watched from the Hokage's crystal ball in the center of the forest the Genin gather around. Angry, yet almost, proud.
Hinata had made a spectacle of herself and stood as many others left the room, her Byakugan switching on and off as her nose and eye twitched in anger. All the while Kiba stood up.
"That's such bull! You can't—"
He was stopped when Hinata stood and slammed her hand down, a loud pound of force resonating in the room while her desk shook and clattered.
Shadows fought for room under her long hair as each strand fell like the hush from a calming wind. Her sleek blue dress falling to slit at the hip and down to her ankle and although she wore a pair of baggy black shinobi pants they did a fair job of leaving much for the imagination but also enough so to breath. She glared at Kiba, who froze at her hardening gaze before sitting down again.
He gulped.
With her dangerous look she met Ibiki's grin and gave a deep scowl. Her speech was short and curt but it sprung tingles down their spines all the same. So much different from her academy days it made those who knew her wonder what happened.
But before long they were bombarded with a long thundering laugh as Ibiki held a hand to his gut in sheer joy. Sheer sadistic joy.
Her speech went something like this, "If you intend to leave that's fine!" Her petite voice cracked like lightning starting at a whisper and growing as she went, "But that just means I am more of a Kunoichi then all of you! And if there's any here who doesn't deserve to be one that's me but guess what... I'm staying... I will serve my village and I will serve my Kage... Cowards," her voice shallowed as she ended, nearly a whisper just as she started.
It was safe to say she pissed people off but it did the trick as they snarled and sat back down. Anger setting in and their stubborn pride reignited, but for her class-mates... It made them writhe in shame since Ino, who was about to leave, sit and nod her head in challenge, Chouji sat back down while many others who stood at the door, hand to wood narrowed their eyes and moved to sit.
They were not going to be outdone. Not by her. Her purpose was finished and she sat down.
That was how Anko came upon the scene. Smoke exploded from behind Ibiki and she appeared. Many Genin gasped and some felt compelled to throw up. Blood was splashed over her boots and the lower parts of her black trench coat. The fishnet only showing at the collarbone as her black t-shirt rested on her.
In contrast to their thoughts she had only stepped from the forest after feeding some of the beasts something to make them a percentile more aggressive in the next hour. Conveniently after her introduction was done. Now, she wouldn't have done that if her little Brother and Sisters were in there but that wasn't the case and as far as she was concerned only Naruto, Haku, and Tenten were her siblings.
Now here they were, the Forest ripe, the rules set, the time right, grins aflashing and hunger approaching, Anko rose her hand... She licked her lips...
...Swoosh...
The gates were open and the teams flew in. Yet, almost immediately there was a cry and the sound of flesh ripping as Anko laughed. Hand to eyes she laughed a bellowing and guttic laugh, high pitched and yet low. A double edge to her voice as if she was conflicted and still so proud her traps were so easily tripped.
The rules of Part Two were simple. Steal the opposite scroll from another team. Kill. Torture. Cheat. Steal. Just about anything was allowed as long as they abided by the rules of the exam; no outside help and stay within the grounds. Though everyone was sure they wouldn't have to worry about that, after all, the forest was huge. Dense. And populated to the brim with animals hungrier than any glutton in Hell.
"Do you have the target in sight?"
"Hai."
"Good."
Naruto watched from a monitor in the one safe place deep in the Forest where a stony refuge was found with them standing in an arena. The day was still bright with many colors of the sky turning red, though seldom a positive thing could be said of that as lore stated when blood spilled from death to the sky bounds more would be dripped to the sky.
"That's it!" A jounin yelled, his excitement glaring, knuckles white and the whites of his teeth gritted from adrenaline.
Firm eyes looked on as their teams were tested and every time a Genin fell Naruto could feel the room became dank and wet. Near him the sounds of a Kunoichi cursing as one of her students was beaten became louder and louder until the woman collapsed in her seat her jaw shut tight like a vice as the sounds of her Genin became non-existent and tears could been seen streaming down her cheeks.
"It's alright. He's still alive, he's just unconscious."
"Go ta hell!"
Without Naruto looking he could tell she left to vent. This time of the Exams were hard, and it was always the new teachers that took it the hardest from what Anko said before.
"C'mon Ai, Natsumi! You got 'em Akira!"
While the Sentinels and Proctors were able to watch along with the teachers as their students fought to live. Or die. That was always an option, which many Jounin feared.
The room they stood in echoed very slightly as if in a cavern. There were a few seats for important people just opposite the doors while the stands were in the form of a balcony hinging off the walls like a shelf. It smelled fresh and clean, wiping away the foul odors from the outside because of the brush. Haku and Tenten both went to speak with Anko, asking her about the blood when Naruto could be found staring at the monitor as it switched from Team to Team.
Fights could be seen going all across the forest; Animals lunging and missing Genin by a hairs-length with Kunai embedding themselves in the calves of others.
A blood bath.
Soon though his attention was drawn away to Haku when she slid to the floor back against the wall before she wrapped her arms around her legs. She wasn't wearing her mask so Naruto could see her shocked face as it distorted into an apathetic stare as shivers danced down her spine. Quickly, before even he knew what he was doing he was kneeling next to Haku, Tenten joining them, a somber stare radiating off them both. Concerned, Naruto listened as Haku muttered under her breath.
"Huh?" Naruto leaned in as the cold of the room hit them.
Haku allowed shadows under her visage and the hands of the shadows to cup her eyes before she looked up. "They are out…"
With narrowed eyes. "Who?"
"The Momichi's."
A moment passed and Naruto grimaced. They were all aware Zabuza and Kimimaro were being trained for their ranks but they weren't told when they would be released...
Guess that time was now and Haku wasn't taking it well. Neither was he, if he were honest. One look to Tenten said she was feeling the same and Naruto reviewed his options before he wondered what he should do. Comforting her and trying to talk wasn't a bad idea, however Ino and even Anko sometimes told him a girl needed space and while there wasn't much of that with the trio to begin with there were times, and he was wondering if this was one of them. Another option would be to just wrap an arm around her and hold her close. Although to him that seemed irresponsible, though if it worked he would accept it.
Should he comfort her and risk her getting angry or allow her to vent? Should they even be doing this in front of everyone?
Naruto gulped.
…. Tentatively, Naruto lowered himself to sit next to her, throwing an arm around her he let it rest gently almost like a feather before he pulled her in. It didn't matter what the others thought. They weren't in their situation and it would be assumed a friend of theirs died. Probably. And even if they were paying attention their straying eyes were quickly dragged back to the screen at the sound of another Genin roaring before silence.
"You know," Naruto started. "We're always going to be here. I don't care if they are out because you are a part of my family."
He motioned to Tenten and then to Anko, whom joined them a moment later. "Our family." Naruto smiled. "And I promise you will be safe because we are strongest when we are protecting something precious and what better to protect than you or Tenten...? That's right. Nothing. "
Anko smirked and raised her fist in the air in victory. Her devilish grin grew bigger, "As far as they are concerned, you don't exist. They won't be able to find you, which is one reason why Hokage-sama has taken you three out of the Chunin Exams. It is your choice to stay silent and keep them away."
Haku stayed silent as her gaze managed to link with Naruto's then Tenten's, the paleness of her skin receding and a visible relief edging on her cheeks as her muscles relaxed. Naruto wasn't a fool. Her shoulders were still taught and he could see the strain in her eyes. She wasn't completely comfortable but it did help they would be there for her.
He supposed being taken out of the Exams was a good thing after all. He sighed.
'Arigatou, Hokage-sama.'
Once Haku felt comfortable enough to move again the dull mask she wore didn't leave, she stayed nearer to Naruto and didn't stray. Tenten and Anko talked next to him, sometimes asking who was doing better in the Exams and who was dead—the latter was Anko. They watched until the Hokage motioned for them to get some sleep.
And it wasn't long before they were in front of the barracks where the participants would sleep later. Though that wouldn't happen for a day or two so it wouldn't be a problem.
When some of the Sentinels went to sleep a few of them sent stray, but curious, glances when Haku and Tenten joined him, choosing to sleep in his arms like they always did. Later, Anko joined them but sleeping behind Haku next to the wall. Closing his eyes, Naruto didn't pay them any mind as Haku snuggled close with Tenten giving her an affectionate rub before a veil of sand swept their eyes and they were lulled to slumber.
Naruto stayed awake and his mind wandered if only a little before he too fell to dark.
…...
When they were younger Haku would be his castle and his shield.
It was time to return the favor.
The next few days were short and the same. No Genin showed and it had been long since the cameras caught anything significant other then some small movement and plan-making from the teams. However, what kept them interested was what the Sentinels were tasked to do.
Clean the forest of the Genin's bodies.
Good times.
Meanwhile, Konan wiped the sweat off her forehead as she exited her tower. A rush of fresh air batted against her as she descended from the balcony above and descended like a bird. The sun still blocked behind a mass of black clouds but for some reason a little lighter. Maybe. As you could probably tell Konan was excited, and rightfully so. The light rain around her formed a funnel as she quickly left Ame. Before, she had explained her plan to watch the nine-tails and if possible reduce his power. Of course she didn't mean that. It was a strategy to form with Nagato's plan while she researched her own way of extraction, and whether there was another way or not was unlikely. He needed power. Plain and simple. More. Enough to survive the transfer when the time came.
The other reason, and this was crucial, was his allowance to try and find a safer way to extract without killing the Jinchuuriki. It was a breakthrough and Konan was excited.
Except for what she was required to do now.
Her mission now was a drawling one she thought Zetsu was far better for... though she suspected this was a way to prove her resolve to find another way as he didn't seem to care. Either way lead to peace and forcing her to face Itachi and Kisame for the rights to hunt Naruto was a challenge. The grin on Konan's face spread and a disquiet applause sounded in her ear as she pushed into the welcoming arms of the dark.
No matter, if they resisted...
...She would kill them...
When the rain broke and the sun dabbled in she felt a twinge of sadness enter and remembered she needed to make it in time for the third part of the Chunin Exams. That was at least a month away. She needed to get moving if she was going to help her sochi train.
The trio watched with stale surprise as rows of Genin were made to attention. Blood and foliage gripped and stuck on them, small cuts lining their heads and clothes made them an unsightly group as their eyes directed to the Hokage with whom was sitting in his seat just in front of a statue that clasped itself as if performing a jutsu. Above that dangled a large scoreboard showing empty brackets. Shadows covered his eyes as his Sentinels were lined on either side of him six to each with the Jounin looking down from the balconies to either side. ANBU stuck to the ceilings but per usual no one knew they were there.
Silence. The Hokage's eyes lingered on.
Every Konoha team made it. None worse for wear it seemed.
Good.
Question, who wants these 10k word chapters more?
Like I said there was something I wanted to say and I want to make another little deal with you all! If you can get met 250 reviews I will write another 10k chapter since this chapter here is around two chapters in one.
Also, how'd you all like seeing Kushina for the first time? I want to bet most of you saw that coming but not her mental condition. That's a little something that just popped in my head and I thought would make things interesting.
If you're wondering where I'm going with the whole, "Who is Naruto's Mom" situation you'll find I have actually been leading up to that, and shit will hit the fan in a good few chapters. Don't worry.
One last thing before something interesting... I want you all to know just how difficult it is for me to update now. It's not a matter of time but of quality. Every single time I update it is more difficult than the last since every update is supposed to be better. I am supposed to have grown as a writer with every word I write and I'm afraid. Too afraid to post a chapter and say, "Fuck it!" Because I want every chapter to be better than the last.
I hope the improvements show.
Since I haven't done this in a while.
Review Responses!
Review: 10LawnGnomes: wow. I was a bit weary at first glance, mainly because of where the story started. But now that i've gone through the entire story it really comes you pull Konan's story together nearly as well as you did Haku's, then this is going to be a fantastic roller coaster through and through.
LEMONS-YES!
also major kudos for the character choices. Tenten doesn't get nearly enough love, and you have one of the few stories that puts Haku into a believable personality (and I never could see her as a male, screw canon)
I look forward to seeing how you do the Chunin exams, keep up the good work
Response: Thank you! I worked very hard on that and I've been coordinating with someone to actually figure out the lore of the story a while in advance. Lemons... Yes! Though I'm probably going to go ahead and post those scenes as a separate piece so if they get torn down they won't be taking down the story as a whole.
Review: Dragonlilo: Interesting! I like how they are getting longer! I hope you will fill in all the holes and questions that i have that's going on this story soon! Can't wait for the next chapter! Keep it up and update soon!
Response: We've already discussed in PM what your questions were but thank you for the encouragement!
Review: Mundanebeast: Plot thickens!
Response: I know! Yeah!
Review: KingRamses: I'm digging this story...you've completely gave me a new outlook on how to create a truly alternate universe. Having Konan as his mother and Ibiki as his sensei. Brilliant. I am wondering if Danzo and Hiruzen are actually friendly in this one though? But regardless, can't wait fir your next update
Response: Ha, there are more stories out there that are far better when it comes to alternate universes. I just like to fuck with people and see where different things go! Though, forewarning I'm going to derail from canon soon so watch out!
Review: Knatz: I downloaded story as a single file but found it increasingly hard to maintain interest after the first few chapters. Some chapters felt hollow/ shallow
Response: That's to be expected I suppose. Not everyone's going to enjoy my newer style of writing as it will change from what you once enjoyed. Also, I've only been writing for a year so the latter is to be expected. It's all a learning process!
Review: Guest: A little shocking to be gratefull to your interagators and I've always had problems with children talking about having children but their's is a world where they're considered adults and life expectancy is low.
Response:That's always a good way to look at it and while I can largely agree they did save her life afterward. You know never. That woman may come back to save them later. Wink wink.
Review: LordHero: Thanks for the chapter I wonder what you have planned next.
Response: No problem and I have a lot planned, actually.
Review: DragonPony022: I am so invested in this story. I wonder if they can keep that 'sixteen year old pact' I mean I am pretty sure their 'urges' will really start to kick up soon and they do live together with no issue of showing affection with each other lol. I do think Naruto need to man up with them and make if official stop with those kinder gardener kisses and kiss his girls like he truly love them lol. I wonder what Zabuza and Kimimaro have planned... I can only smell trouble. I hope the family keeps a close eye on Haku and TenTen i don't trust those two. I wonder if Anko will be able to keep from growing feelings for those three as well, I think the seeds are there they just need something to start the growth
Response: I'm trying to make it somewhat realistic though I'm afraid we're already past that point. The reason why he doesn't go past the 'kindergarden kisses' is because there is no incentive for him to do so. They haven't had a moment of great lust yet and it's because they're so used to each-other that they haven't. However, with rising hormones intertwined with being a teenager coupled with them being comfortable around each-other there was a reason why I wanted to know about the lemons.
Review: ChilledKitsune: Wait what happened to kushina then ? Since she held the nine tails and naruto has it so what happened.
Response: Oh you'll figure that out soon. Well, maybe not quite so soon as later but I have there is a tale behind that. (On another note, I actually used to read your story before I started writing myself. Can't remember which one now but I liked it back then!)
Review: bandgsecurtiyaw: great update as for lemons don't care on way or the other
Response: Thank you! And it was a yes or no answer! Why are so many of you indecisive!?
Review: Zolydck: good job.
I say you should choose based on whether the lemon would actually naturally happen with the characters you have set up. Basically don't force the characters together, have them act they way you would actually expect them to act.
Response: Thank you! Also, I wouldn't write if it wasn't natural in some way. I hate it when situations like that arise and it is to my ire when it does, so no worries. When it happens, and it will, the situation will call for them to do so.
Review: Dregus: you know, im curious as to why naruto is keeping the last name of uzumaki, when you made it apparant that konan is his mother. is did yo make it so that both konan and kushina are his moth? like kushina had allowed konan to take one of her eggs, and then got pregnant with minato?
Response: I don't want to call your line of thinking wrong but I also want to say you're thinking about it in another angle that isn't particularly right. The reason why he bears Kushina's last name is to instill confusion and whether she or Konan are actually the mothers is up for debate though plot-wise it's for protection from the Yondaime's enemies and while cliché it is a very true statement that for me is not cliché because of it.
Also, my beta-reader suggested that along with Windninja1000, or something along those lines, but you will just have to wait and see.
Review: Meck viking: well now.. that was diffrient. keep up the good work.
Response: Hopefully in a good way! Thank you!
Review: Bakaneko-chan11: Man, I had no idea... I'm sowwy! I promise I'll reviw from now on! Anyways, great chapter! Can't wait for the next one!
Response: You better! Or Tenten's gonna make someone lose an eye!
Review: Toshiro of the Eternal Dream: Well done. I'm glad this has been updated and I look forward to seeing more.
Response: Thank you! I actually had this chapter done for a week or so but I've been too busy to properly edit it.
Now, here are some stories that are either being written or have already been completed - which isn't many, mind you.
Left in Silence-Naruto/Kurotsuchi-Romance/Adventure (Will only be a few chapters)
Breaking the Cycle-OC/Azula-Romance/Adventure (This one... I don't know how long this will be. We'll see.)
Saving Venom-Naruto/Anko-Romance/Adventure (I don't want to exceed 20-25 chapters, but I will if I have to.)
Dying in Love-Naruto/Tenten-Romance/Tragedy (Completed)
Eve-OC/Little Sister-Romance/Tragedy (Will only be a few chapters long.)
All these stories will be completed at some point, but it's up to you to leave reviews to let me know just how well I am doing as a writer.
See ya.