AN: Hello readers! I'm so happy with home many hits I've gotten on this fanfic. It's the first for me, and it makes me so glad to know that people like it. Well, if you haven't seen the announcement on my profile, I will be updating this story every Thursday, or at least trying. My coauthor and I are also working on a new fanfic and it will be of the man orientation. That's about it. Happy reading!
5. The First Exam!
Yuki woke up in a daze. She hopped up and remembered that she had to turn in the application form today. As she got dressed she heard quiet mumbling from beyond her door. She pressed her ear against it and listened intently. She knew that it was Kocha and Kakashi.
"I have a bad feeling about this," said Kocha. "Something doesn't smell right about these exams."
"Well," said Kakashi. "These exams are supposed to test the genin to their limits. Some of the tests seem a little cruel if not dangerous, but that's how they have always been."
"That's not it." Kocha told him. "It's more like an evil shrouds these exams, like a snake slithering in the grass."
Yuki backed away from her door. From what she could remember, Kocha's bad feelings were right most of the time. She heard footsteps coming closer to her door so Yuki busied herself with her hair. Kocha opened the door and looked at Yuki with worry. Yuki turned around and smiled as she said, "Good morning!" Kocha nodded and walked toward her. She knelt down to Yuki's eye level and asked, "Do you still wear that necklace I gave you?" Yuki nodded and pulled it out from under her shirt. The silver dragon pendant held a blue jewel similar to the jewels on Kocha's sword. Kocha put her hand over the jewel and closed her eyes while breathing deeply. The jewel began to emit a glow from between Kocha's fingers. Once Kocha removed her hand the jewel seemed to have been restored.
Kocha stood and backed away from her handiwork and stared into Yuki's eyes. "Before you leave," she said. "You may want to create a weapon for any unexpected encounters you may face in the exams. I'd let you borrow my sword but I'm afraid my Buru-Yami only accepts me as its master."
"Create," asked Yuki. "How? I don't have any spare metal parts."
Kocha smiled. "You are missing the obvious choice." Kocha reached into her ninja pouch and pulled out a kunai knife and two shuriken. She gave them to Yuki and said, "Go on. Try it."
Yuki nodded and took a deep breath. She summoned her Soshigan and began to focus on the metal. The small weapons began to melt into a liquid puddle and meld together. Before the metal could harden, Kocha pulled out another similar jewel and dropped it into the liquid metal. Kocha nodded to her and Yuki continued to make her weapon. After a few minutes the weapon hardened and Yuki held it out triumphantly. It was a large blade with a handle cut into it for a comfortable grip without getting injured. The jewel sat in the center of the blade which curved like a dragon's claw. Because of Yuki's chakra the blade was not a silver color but white. The blade was attached to a long chain by which Yuki could determine the length by what the situation required.
Kocha smiled more as Yuki's weapon was accomplished. "Congratulations." She told her. "A weapon needs a name. What do you want to call it?"
Yuki thought about Kakashi and all he had done for her. She remembered stories about his father, who was only known as "White Fang." The name seemed to suit her weapon; A blade to defend those whom she cared for most and the village.
"White Fang," Yuki answered after a while. Kocha seemed happy by the name, though she did not know why Yuki chose the name. She figured that it was because of the shape and color. She put a hand on Yuki's head and said, "Good luck to all of you." Yuki smiled as she attached her new weapon to her belt. She ran out of her room and noticed that Kakashi was gone. She did not think anything of it so she continued toward the school. Along the way she ran into Sakura who just came out of her house. Sakura noticed and waved Yuki down. From there the two walked together and met up with Naruto and Sasuke who were already at the school.
"So we go to room 301, right?" asked Sasuke.
"Yeah," said Yuki. "You guys ready for this?"
"Yeah!" said the three. The group marched up the stairs to the designated area. On their way they noticed a large crowd and decided to investigate. A boy in a green jumpsuit lay bruised on the floor while a girl with two buns in her hair knelt by his side. "Please let us through!" she pleaded. "We're supposed to go in there." She rose and tried to get into the door blocked by two thugs that looked no older than the rest of the kids there. One of the guards with a bandage over his nose pushed the girl to the floor. Everyone objected in a hushed manor.
"What was that?" one called.
"It's cowardly to hit a girl!" came another.
"Please!" called the other thug. "These exams test everyone's limits. They don't go easy on guys let alone girls. If you can't take it, then maybe you should just save yourself the embarrassment and leave."
"But we have applications!" said the girl.
"That's enough!" Sasuke parted the crowd and faced the punks. Sasuke looked at them disappointedly and laughed, "This was a pretty nice trick; however, we're supposed to be on the third floor." The others whispered to each other in confusion. "Sakura," Sasuke continued. "You saw this coming didn't you? You have the best genjutsu awareness out of our group."
Sakura looked dumbfounded then replied shakily, "Oh yeah! I could totally tell that it was a genjutsu from a mile away! We're supposed to be going to the third floor."
"Huh! Saw through our little disguise huh?" said the broken nose thug. The genjutsu disappeared to reveal that the room they were guarding was room 201. Sasuke turned away triumphantly and continued to walk with Naruto, Yuki, and Sakura to their destination when a boy asked, "Hey you! What's your name?"
Sasuke turned around and smirked. "It's common courtesy to give your name first before asking the other."
The boy stared at Sasuke with determination in his purple eyes. "Neji Hyuuga." He answered.
"I'm not obligated to answer." Sasuke smirked again.
"Why you-," Neji lifted his leg to kick as did Sasuke for a counter attack when the boy in the green jumpsuit appeared from out of nowhere to stop both of them in their tracks. He stopped my kick! Thought Sasuke. That's some chakra he's got in his arm.
"Hey, Lee!" said the girl. "I thought we weren't supposed to show anyone our abilities until the exams started."
"My apologies, Ten-ten," said the boy called 'Lee.' "But-," he turned his gaze to Sakura and blushed. He let go of Neji and Sasuke's legs and walked over to Sakura. "You are Sakura Haruno, correct?"
"Yeah," said Sakura. "What of it?"
"My name is Rock Lee!" He smiled brightly and winked at her with thumbs up. "Please, be my girlfriend! I vow to protect you with my life!"
"Are you kidding me?" Sakura shouted red-faced. "Eww! You're eyebrows are soo bushy it's like they're alive or something!!!" Rock Lee walked away sulking at the put down.
"Tough luck, Bushy-Brow!" laughed Naruto.
Sasuke turned and continued up the stairs with the other three following. Are these the Chunin Exams? He thought. Ha! It's a freak show!
These guys look tough. Yuki thought. No! I have to believe in myself! Kakashi and Kocha both think we have what it takes and I want to prove that I will not fail them!
The four walked over a catwalk and made their way through a large ballroom type room. As they neared the exit they heard a familiar voice shout, "Hey you, with the attitude!" The four turned around to see Rock Lee on the catwalk.
"Not you again!" cried Sakura. Rock Lee jumped from the catwalk and landed gracefully on his feet. "My name is Rock Lee." He said to Sasuke. "You said that it was common courtesy to introduce yourself first in a challenge."
"Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke muttered.
"Sasuke!" said Lee. "I challenge you to a match here and now! Do you accept?"
"Why?" Sasuke asked.
"I want to test my skills before the exams and I believe," said Lee. "That if I faced the last remnant of the Uchiha clan I will have the perfect opportunity!"
"Fine," said Sasuke.
"Hold it!" Naruto cried. "I got him first! This weirdo's mine!"
"No thank you," said Lee. "Right now the only one I want to fight is Uchiha."
"Can it!" growled Naruto. "You're fighting me first, you got that!" Naruto charged forward with his fist in the air. Lee effortlessly blocked Naruto's attack by raising his palm in a snake formation and pushing down on Naruto's fist. Lee then quickly fell to the ground and used a twirling low kick he called, "Leaf Whirlwind." Naruto fell to the ground and was spun into the wall behind them. "Now we fight." Lee said to Sasuke.
He's fast. Sasuke thought. "Alright, I'll take you on."
"Excellent!" said Lee. "Then let us begin."
"Wait, Sasuke," said Sakura. "We have to get our applications in before three o'clock! It's already two-thirty!"
"Don't worry," said Sasuke. "I'll have this jerk beat in two seconds." Sasuke charged at Lee who dodged Sasuke's attack by jumping into the air above him. Once behind Sasuke, Lee went to kick him but Sasuke ducked at the nick of time. However, Lee expected this and used his other leg to knock Sasuke back toward the girls. Sasuke got up and smirked, "I've been waiting to try this out." He raised his head to reveal the Sharingan.
No way! Thought Yuki. I didn't think he could use it yet! They're just like Kakashi's! So that's what a Sharingan from a true Uchiha looks like. Amazing!
So that is the Sharingan. Thought Lee. It is an impressive weapon but my moves are too fast for him to copy them. He looks to be in the early stages of it anyway.
Sasuke charged at Lee again but this time he stopped just before reaching him and did an upper-cut Lee's left arm. Lee saw the attack coming and moved which put him in Sasuke's trap. Sasuke uppercut with his right arm but Lee moved out of the way in the blink of an eye.
What's going on!? Thought Sasuke. Why can't I see his movements!?
Lee suddenly appeared under Sasuke and kicked him high into the air. While in mid-air Lee appeared behind him. Sasuke looked back at him and said, "Dancing Leaf Shadow."
"Although your Sharingan is an impressive technique," said Lee. "My moves are too fast for them to track. You are finished!" I'm sorry Guy-sensei, but I will have to use that forbidden jutsu.
The bandages around Lee's arms began to unwrap themselves leaving two long trails of fabric on either sides of them. "Sasuke!" cried Sakura. A pinwheel came out of nowhere and pinned a bandage to the wall pulling Lee away and to the ground. Lee landed on his feet while Sakura and Yuki ran to catch Sasuke. Naruto woke from his blackout and saw Sasuke bruised and beaten while Lee was unscratched. "What happened?" Naruto asked. "Did Sasuke just-," He turned toward the direction that the others were looking and saw a large red turtle.
"What do you think you're doing, Lee?" roared the turtle. "You know that jutsu is forbidden!"
AHH!!! Thought Naruto. A-a talking turtle!!?
Cool! Yuki thought. I want one!
"I'm sorry." Said Lee. "It will not happen again."
Now he's apologizing to the turtle. Naruto thought.
"Lee," said the turtle. "Because of your actions you will have to face Guy-sensei's consequences."
Meanwhile Naruto crawled over to his group to join the injured Sasuke. "Hey guys," he said. "I just thought of something!"
"What is it, Naruto?" growled Sakura.
"I was just thinking…that's a turtle!"
"Well, DUH!!" Sakura roared. "What else could it be!?"
"Hear me out!" said Naruto. "Maybe turtles can be sensei too!"
"You're such an idiot, Naruto!!" said Sakura. "That's not humanly possible!"
"N-no!" said Lee. "Please, don't tell Guy-sensei!?"
"You leave me no choice." The turtle rose his head and roared, "Come on out! Guy-sensei!" A poof of smoke came from the back of the turtle and once it cleared it revealed a man that looked exactly like Lee only with the ninja vest on.
"Hey!" Said the man. "What's a-happening everybody!!? The handsome blue beast of the Leaf is here, Might Guy!" Guy looked down at his student and roared, "Lee! You were just about to use that forbidden jutsu weren't you!?"
"Y-yes," stammered Lee. "But I only wanted to-"
"Silence!" Guy roared again. "For this you will have to receive the maximum punishment. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Sighed Lee. Lee flinched ready for the consequence. Guy rose his fist and punched Lee in the face so hard that Lee fell to the ground; all while saying, "You idiot!"
Harsh. Thought Yuki.
Guy began to cry as he said, "Oh, Lee. I hate to do this to you but it's for your own good!"
"Guy-Sensei." Sobbed Lee.
"That's it." Said Guy. "From now on I will try not to treat you so harshly."
"Oh, Guy-sensei!" cried Lee. Both of them hugged in a father-son embrace.
Aww! Yuki thought. It's like they're father and son.
How could I lose to someone so LAME!!!? Thought Sasuke.
"Lee!" continued Guy. "Because of what you've done I want you to run 200 laps around the building!"
"Yes, sir!" said Lee optimistically.
"But wait!" said Sakura. "We have to register for the exams in fifteen minutes!"
"You're right." Said Guy. "Alright then, Lee! I want you to do 100 laps but first escort them to the registration room!" He disappeared into a puff of smoke and reappeared behind Naruto's group. "I'm sorry for everything Lee has put you through." Guy smiled. "Please look into my gorgeous eyes and except my full apologies!" He winked and gave thumbs up.
Eww! Thought Sakura. His eyebrows are just as bushy as Lee's! Maybe more!
Wow! Naruto thought. It's like they're alive or something!
"So you are Kakashi's group?" Guy asked. He turned his gaze toward Yuki who flinched at his large eyebrows. That must be Kakashi's adopted daughter. Guy thought. I can defiantly see it in her eyes.
"How do you know?" Asked Sasuke.
"Kakashi and I go way back," said Guy. "Actually you can say that we're rivals. From my account, my record is 50 wins and 49 losses!"
What!!? Thought the four.
Now way!! Sasuke thought. Did he really beat Kakashi!?
Lucky break. Yuki hissed to herself. Kakashi probably didn't want to waste any time on this freak of nature.
"So, you're his daughter right?" Guy asked Yuki. Yuki nodded. "Then he surely must have told you about our little spurts?
"Not one word." Yuki smirked a little knowing that it was irking Guy. She raised her arms in the air saying, "In fact, I've never heard about you."
Guy gave a shocked look then laughed, "Than he was probably too embarrassed to tell you that he was weaker!"
"Well," said Yuki. "I'd be embarrassed if I had to partner up with someone like you, too."
Guy growled but chose to ignore the comment. "Well!" he said. "What are you all waiting for? The exams will start soon! Get moving!" With that, he and the turtle vanished, leaving squad 7 and Rock Lee alone again. Lee jumped onto the catwalk and said, "Thank you, Sasuke. Now I know what I have to do in order to achieve my goal! Until we meet again!" He bowed and ran through the doorway. Sakura and Yuki stared Sasuke who looked like he was about to explode. "How could I lose to someone like HIM!?" Sasuke growled.
"Yeah, really." Naruto mumbled.
"Shut up, Naruto!" Yelled Sakura.
"No!" he recoiled. "He got beat, BAD! Goes to show you who's stronger around here."
"Shut up, Loser!" shouted Sasuke. "What do you know!?"
"I know this," said Naruto. "Did you see his arms? They were bruised and scared really bad. That kid must train himself until he drops day in and day out."
Sasuke rose after a long while and began to walk toward the exit. Yuki noticed that he was now smiling. "Chunin Exams," said Sasuke. "Things just got interesting. Let's go guys!"
"Right!" they all answered and followed him to the registration room.
* * * * * * * * * *
Kocha looked out of the window with a fire in her eye. There was a knock from behind her. She turned and saw Kakashi leaning on the doorway. "I'm going to wish them luck." He told her. "Would you like to come with?"
Kocha looked out the window again and watched as the birds flew by in the blue sky. "Sure." She said plainly. Before she could get up Kakashi walked toward her asking, "Has that feeling ever left you?"
"Not for an instant." Kocha replied. She put her hand on the back of her neck. It pained her for some reason. "If anything, it has become heavier."
"Have you pin-pointed the reason?" Kakashi asked. Kocha shook her head. "No. It feels so familiar though."
Kakashi knelt down in front of her and looked into her eye with his saying, "Listen, if this endangers my students, I need to know. If it feels familiar then they're most likely here for you." He rose without breaking his eye contact. "You know something so spill it!"
"I can't." said Kocha. "I do not want to kill you."
"You what!?" Kakashi glared.
"You heard me, Kakashi." Kocha emitted an inhuman growl. Her eyes gave a terrifying glimmer. "You do not want to make me angry. After all you've done, this is the last thing I want to do."
"What are you?" Kakashi said readying himself for a battle. "What is your real reason for being here?"
"I told you." Kocha said. "I am here to protect Yuki and those dear to her."
"That's not it. What is this 'Danger' you continue to talk about?"
"I told you, I do not know."
"Damn it, Kocha!" Kakashi swung his arm in frustration. "Don't do this! I can read it in your eyes! Someone is here and you know who and why! Tell me!"
"I have a twin sister." Kocha sighed. "Her name is Keeta. We lived in a village, where, I will not tell you. It was destroyed and both of us vowed to avenge our village. We got separated along the way and I have lost sight of my objective because I do not see any point in continuing this charade. I do not know where Keeta is but she may join the Chunin exams to find a tough opponent. That is why your students are in danger. Her skills were unmatched the last time we spared. She may think your students are respectful opponents."
"That's all?" Kakashi said. He thought for a moment then said, "Well, all we can do is hope that the Anbu Black Ops keep a close eye on the exams."
"You're not allowed in?" asked Kocha.
"Not until the end of the second exam." Kakashi answered.
"Let us go then." Kocha rose. "Oh," She paused and stared at Kakashi with her golden eye. The beastly glare was gone again as was the strange growl as she said, "I am sorry. I did not mean what I said. Please, forgive me." She turned to him and bowed. Her long black hair dangled as her long ponytail fell over her shoulder. Kakashi felt a little embarrassed and while rubbing the back of his head he stuttered, "D-don't mention it. You don't have to bow like that either. It's not like I'm royalty or something."
Kocha rose and said, "Sorry." She turned and walked out of the room. She's powerful. Kakashi thought. I could feel her rage and I wasn't even close to her. There's something about her that I need to watch.
* * * * * * * * * *
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Yuki stood in front of the door. Every one of them was nervous. Naruto stepped forward to open the door when-"Hey guys!"
"AHH!!!" all four of them jumped and turned around. Kakashi and Kocha stood next to each other. Kakashi waved as Kocha stared at the genin. "We just came to wish you luck!" Said Kakashi. He looked at all four then smiled, "Good! All four of you made it! Now you can take the exams together."
"What do you mean, Sensei?" asked Sakura.
"This is a group event." Answered Kakashi. "All members of the squad need to be present in order for everyone to take the exam."
"Wait!" cried Naruto. "Then, what was that mumbo-jumbo about how we each have a choice whether to take the exams or not?"
"That was a test of my own." Kakashi answered. "I wanted all of you to take a deep breath and see if you all thought you had what it takes. Its one thing for a Sensei or friend to say you have what it takes. YOU have to decide that for yourselves, not give in to what your friends or teachers say."
Clever. Thought Kocha.
"I'm glad you all believed in yourselves." Kakashi smiled. "Before you go through these doors, I just want you all to know. I'm extremely proud in all of you. I am glad to have been your sensei. Good Luck to all of you."
"We won't let you down, Kakashi-sensei!" shouted Naruto.
"We'll make you proud!" Yuki smiled. She looked at Kocha. She could not see it on her face, but her eyes told Yuki that Kocha was smiling inside. The genin all turned around and entered through the door. When the door closed Kakashi turned to Kocha and said, "Let's hope that this 'Keeta' doesn't find out about them."
"Yes." Said Kocha. She's in there…waiting. Naruto, Yuki, please be careful.
The students walked into the assigned room and were stunned with horror when they saw the vast number of genin present. There were ninja with headbands that Naruto did not recognize. Yuki snuck behind Sasuke in fright as she looked around the room. "This is no time to get intimidated." Sasuke whispered to her. "If you get scared by this then how do you expect to keep your word to Kakashi and Kocha?"
Yuki nodded and sulked away from Sasuke. He's right. I can't get scared just because there are a lot of people here. I should use my time to study their faces and guess what kinds of jutsu they have. Sakura pointed out that the other six genin from the academy were there as well. The six spotted them as well and walked over. The group began to chat about all they had gone through while Ino and Sakura fought over Sasuke, again.
"Man," said Shikamaru. "This is such a pain. Why do we have to be in the same room with all of these people? It's such a drag!"
"I wouldn't get too nervous if I were you." The ten genin turned toward the door behind them and found a man with silver hair tied in a ponytail and thin rimmed glasses. "These guys have more experience with this exam than all of you do. You're first-timers right?"
"What's it to you?" asked Sasuke.
"I'm just giving all of you a friendly warning." Answered the man. "Don't do anything too careless or you'll wind up dead."
"Wow." Said Yuki. "How do you know so much…mister?"
"Oh, I never introduced myself. The name's Kabuto. This is my eighth try."
"Eighth!" said the nine.
"Yeah," he said, blushing. "These exams seem to get harder every time. But, I think I can pass them this time."
"What makes you so sure?" asked Yuki.
"I have a secret weapon." Kabuto pushed up his glasses. He reached into his shirt and pulled out a deck of blank cards. "These can tell me anything about anyone in this exam."
"They look like blank cards to me." Said Ino.
"That's just a ruse." Said Kabuto. "These cards are made using only my chakra so only I can reveal what's inside them." He drew a card and placed it on the floor keeping one finger on it. "Give me a name and I can show you their status."
"Gaara of the Desert." Said Sasuke. "And Rock Lee of the Leaf Village."
"Is that all?" laughed Kabuto. "You're making this too easy." He drew another card and set it on the floor next to the other. He put another finger on the new card then spun them for a few seconds while making a hand sign. The cards revealed a picture of the two characters Sasuke mentioned their group members, and their mission status. "This is incredible!" exclaimed Kabuto. "This Gaara doesn't have that much information on him."
"That's no mystery." Said Sasuke.
"But that's not the worst part." Kabuto continued. "Check out his missions! He's completed a bunch of D and C ranked missions. He also had a B mission too! Here's the amazing part, on every mission he's never had a single injury."
"A B mission and he didn't even get a scratch!" exclaimed Kiba. "That's impossible!"
"What about Lee," Yuki asked. "What do you have on him?"
"He's a year older than you guys and has almost no ninjutsu or genjutsu capabilities but his taijutsu is off the charts. He's done four D ranked missions and failed his second C rank mission."
While everyone focused on Kabuto's cards Yuki looked around the room. She saw a woman that looked familiar. Kocha? She thought but she found out that it was not her. The woman had two small swords on either side of her along with what looked to be flash grenades along her left leg. There was a long strip of cloth that wrapped around her head and trailed off in the back. She seemed to have the same eyes as Kocha with a similar beastly glare. However, the woman did not ware a village of origin headband.
"What about her?" Yuki pointed to the woman. Kabuto looked in her direction then drew another card and did the same ritual. "Her name and stats are unknown." Said Kabuto. "But it does say that her last place of origin is the Sound Village. It's a pretty weak village. Nothing to really worry about."
"'Last place of origin?'" asked Sasuke. "What's that mean?"
"Some ninja move to different villages to learn more jutsu and gain more of an arsenal." Kabuto answered. "The card says that the Sound Village was where she was last."
Yuki's senses suddenly went up on high alert. As soon as she turned around there were three strange ninja standing in front of them. One was a female while the others were male. One man was garbed in a straw cape and wrapped up in bandages while the other had his arms crossed.
"Hey you." Said the one in bandages. "It takes a pretty big man to insult our village. You'll pay for that." He pulled up his right sleeve to show them his large iron bracer that covered his lower arm. He charged at Kabuto with it but the target was too quick and just barely dodged the blow. Kabuto smiled but his glasses broke and he spewed on the floor while his ear began to bleed. What! Thought Sakura. But h-he missed!
"Kabuto!" Yuki ran to his side. "Are you alright!?"
The door to the room suddenly slammed open to let in a tall man with a black leather coat on and twelve other jounin that looked to be under his command. "Alright!" said the tall one. "Settle down! The first part of the exams begins now! Your names will be called along with a number. That number indicates where you will be seated." He turned to the sound ninja and ordered, "There is no fighting in this part of the exam! Is that clear!"
"Sorry." Mocked the mummy. "It's our fist time and we're a little on edge."
Yuki never wanted to punch someone so bad in her life. She heard her name be called and took her seat towards the center of the room. Once everyone was seated the prompter handed out sheets of paper. "My name is Ibiki and I will be your prompter for this exam." He gave the sheet to Naruto who began to panic. Aww man! A written test! I suck at these!
Once Ibiki was finished he returned to the front and said, "For this exam you will have one hour to complete the test. There are nine questions on the sheet I just gave you. The tenth question will not be given until that hour has expired. Now, before we begin I would like to explain a few rules. The first is you will not be allowed to ask questions. Second and most important: No cheating! There are twelve sentinels around you, watching every move you make. If you are caught cheating you will be marked down. If a sentinel catches you three times you and your squad will be eliminated from the exam. Third, you must score a five or higher to pass the exam. If you do not meet this requirement you and your squad will be eliminated."
"Hold on a second!" said Sakura. "Even if the other team members get a perfect score we all get eliminated if one person fails!?"
"I said no questions!" Ibiki barked. "But yes, that is what I said."
No way! Complained Sakura. No matter if Sasuke, Yuki, and I do well, we all get screwed if Naruto fails! We're in a no-win situation!
Yuki looked around her and noticed that Naruto sulked nearly to the floor. Poor Naruto. She noticed that she was not too far away from Gaara. I'll bet he's not even the least bit afraid of these exams. When I looked into his eyes…all I saw was darkness. What is this I'm feeling? Yuki began to hug her arms. Am I afraid? Of what? Is it Gaara or these exams? She shook her head and focused on her test. I can't admire my surroundings! I need to answerer these questions. Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto are counting on me!
Sasuke began to read the question on his test when a thought struck him. This question doesn't make any sense. This question is based on chance. "If ninja B throws a shuriken at ninja A from atop a 60ft. tree, determine the trajectory of the shuriken if ninja were aiming for a hidden ninja C in front of ninja A. Describe how you arrived at your answer." It's all based on chance. There is no real answer. Why are these questions so impossible to answer? And why are they stressing so much on cheating? It's like they want us to…no. That can't be it. How, when they have all of these sentinels? Sasuke looked at the sentinel closes to him and noticed that he was writing. Someone just got nailed. Wait, if they have all of these sentinels watching our every move and they made all of these questions impossible, then that means that they want us to cheat without us being noticed. Come on Naruto! Even a twit like you can get this!
Oh, man! Oh, man! Panicked Naruto. They're gonna kill me! I can't answer a single one of these questions! I have no choice. I'll have to cheat! Naruto looked to his left and looked at a sentinel. As soon as he looked at him the sentinel began to write. No, I can't cheat! If I get caught, my score will be lowered and then we'll all get thrown out! What do I do!? What do I do!? Naruto noticed a hint of movement on his right. "N-Naruto," said an angel soft whisper. "If it helps, you can look at my test." Hinata Hyuga was sitting next to Naruto the whole time but he never noticed.
"Oh! Hi, Hinata!" said Naruto. "I didn't see you sitting there."
"O-Oh. W-well. Umm..." she stuttered. "If you're having trouble, my test is finished so if you want to look at it you can."
Alright!! Naruto thought. I hit the jackpot! How many people get to sit by a person that will let you cheat off of her paper!! "Thanks, Hinata!" Naruto leaned his head over to look at her paper when a kunai knife whizzed past him onto the test behind him. "What the-?" cried the boy.
"Strike three." Said Ibiki. "You and your teammates have been eliminated."
"What!" The kid shouted. "You've got bad eyes or something! I wasn't cheating!" The sentinels walked on both sides of him and escorted him and his teammates out of the room. Naruto looked at the sight then leaned away from Hinata. "Thanks anyway, Hinata." He said. "I'll be fine. Besides, I don't want you to get in trouble because of me."
"O-oh. Okay. You're so brave, Naruto." Hinata blushed.
Yeah, right! Naruto thought with tears in his eyes. I'm so screwed!
After fifteen minutes everyone realized that the only way they were going to pass this test was to cheat without getting caught. Yuki summoned her Soshigan and summoned some of the flint particles from the boy in front of her to outline them on Yuki's test. Once they were arranged, Yuki traced them so it looked like her handwriting. Sasuke used his Sharingan while Sakura knew the answered completely. While their work was being done, other people were not so lucky and thrown out of the exam room. Once Yuki was finished she suddenly remembered the Kocha-look-alike. She slowly looked around the room and saw her with her arms folded and eyes closed. She seemed to notice that she was being watched fore she opened one of her golden eyes and looked at Yuki. An icy chill shot through Yuki and she immediately turned around. What the hell was that!? Yuki thought. That woman has more bloodlust than a vampire bat!
"Alright, pencils down, now!" Shouted Ibiki after time was up. "It's time for the tenth question!" Everyone sat upright at the sound of his voice. "Before I hand out the tenth question, I have something to tell you." All ears were on him. "This question can either make or break you and your squad."
What does that mean? Thought Sakura.
"If you are able to answer this question correctly, you pass the first exam, regardless of your score." Said Ibiki.
"What?" said Sasuke.
"Hold on!" cried Sakura. "Then, if we answer this question we pass?"
"That's what I just said." Said Ibiki. "However, if you fail to answer the question correctly, you will be eliminated from the exams, PERMINANTLY! You will remain Genin for the rest of your days."
"What!!?" said everyone in the room, except for Gaara and the Kocha-look-alike who didn't even seem to be bothered.
"I will give you the choice of whether or not to take the last question. If you choose to back out now, you can take the exams again next time."
Now he decides to give us choices? Thought Yuki. Thanks a lot, Capitan BS.
"By raising your hands you agree to not take the tenth question and will be eliminated from these exams. But, you will still hold the opportunity to take them again."
There was a long silence until one genin raised his hand saying, "I'm sorry guys. I can't handle the pressure. I'm quitting."
"Numbers 12, 3, and 10 eliminated." Said a sentinel. More and more people raised their hands to avoid the trap set by Ibiki. Soon only a handful of people were left. Yuki, Sasuke, and Sakura looked at Naruto who was shaking.
Come on, Naruto. Thought Sakura. Raise your hand. We won't jump on you. We know you aren't ready for something like this. It's okay. Naruto did not raise his hand. Sorry, Naruto. If you won't do it then, Suddenly Naruto's hand began to rise. Sakura, Yuki, and Sasuke all looked at him in fright. Naruto fully extended his arm into the air then slammed it down saying, "I'm not gonna fail these exams, believe it!! Someday, I'm gonna be Hokage so I have to pass these exams!! No matter what!"
This kid has some spunk. Thought Ibiki. He's even given the others some backbone. After a long while when no one else would raise their hands Ibiki announced, "Very well then, as of this moment the first exam is complete!"
"What!!?"