12. The Third Exam
The morning of the third exam had finally arrived in Konoha. Hundreds of people have arrived to watch the large battle and Naruto was getting more and more excited with every person he saw. "This is gonna be so awesome!!" Naruto shouted. "I can't wait to show everyone my new moves!! Sasuke's gonna be jealous!"
"Calm down, Naruto," said Kocha putting a hand on his shoulder. "Let's just get you into the waiting room."
"Huh?" Naruto asked confused. "Aren't you going to come in, Kocha-sensei?"
"I'm not a competitor." Kocha smiled. "Besides, I have a quick meeting with the other jounin."
"Oh," said Naruto. The two entered the coliseum and walked to the room where the other combatants were waiting. Before entering the room Kocha knelt down in front of Naruto and looked deep into his eyes. "Naruto," she began. "You have done extremely well this month. I am very proud of you and so is Jiraiya-sama. Do your best! I'll be watching you from the crowd and cheering for you."
"Thanks, Kocha!" said Naruto suddenly feeling a burst of energy go through his body. Before opening the door, the Naruto heard a familiar voice call to him from further down the hall. Kocha and Naruto turned to see Yuki running toward them waving her arms franticly. When she finally arrived she stopped to catch her breath.
"Yuki!" said Naruto. "Where's Sasuke?"
"Kakashi-sensei wanted to train with him some more," Yuki winked. "They'll be here soon, don't you worry!"
"Alright, you two," said Kocha. "My meeting is about to start and I'm sure you'll want to catch up. I'll see you both later. Good luck to both of you." Kocha gave a final wave as she left the room. Naruto opened the door for Yuki and they both raced to the balcony where Shino and Shikamaru were waiting.
"Hey guys!" greeted Naruto.
"Hey," said Shikamaru. "How's it going?"
"Are you two the only ones here?"
"Yeah," Shikamaru answered. "And by the sounds of it, you won your match by default, Yuki."
"What do you mean?" Yuki asked suddenly enraged. "Who was I supposed to fight?"
"That guy, Dosu from the Sound Village." Shikamaru told her. "Apparently, he got taken out a few days ago."
"By who?" asked Naruto.
"Who knows?" Shino answered. "Rumor has it there's a terrorist out there somewhere trying to stop the exams."
"That's dumb." Yuki crossed her arms. "Who would try to stop the exams? We're not having another stupid war with the Sand Village are we?"
"Not that I know of," Shikamaru said. "Man, I wish they would just start already. Waiting for these things is such a drag."
"Stop complaining already!" Yuki gripped. "At least you get to fight your match. I guess I'll go find Sakura and sit with her." As Yuki turned around the three Sand ninja walked in and stared her down. Gaara was as expressionless as ever while the other two looked like they were when she first met them. Yuki continued to walk as Kankuro taunted, "What's the matter? Chickening out of your match already?"
"Buzz off, Loser!" Yuki barked. "For your information, my opponent got wiped out by some other guy a few days ago! I'd gladly take you on though, if that's what you wish."
"Yeah," Kankuro laughed. "I'd have more of a challenge fighting a kitten on the street."
"You wanna go right here and now?!" Yuki egged on.
"I don't go looking for fights but if they find me.."
"Kankuro, knock it off!" said Temari. "Don't waste your energy on her. Just focus on your own agenda."
"Tch!" huffed Kankuro. "Your luck, brat."
"Or is it yours?" Yuki growled as she turned and walked out of the room. Before the doors shut, Yuki turned and winked at Naruto. When the doors shut Yuki ran to the stadium seats to find Sakura sitting with Ino. "Oh, so you two are friends now?" she smiled when she came near them.
"Yuki!" cheered Sakura. "But, why are you here? Shouldn't you be with Naruto and Sasuke?"
"My opponent was killed a few days ago." Yuki answered. "I won by default so I'm here to cheer on Sasuke and Naruto."
"Is Sasuke here?" asked Ino.
"Not yet." Yuki shook her head. "But he will, don't worry." As Yuki sat down the exams began. The Hokage welcomed everyone and explained how the other exams faired. He also told the audience who all was participating in the day's event. "Our first match will be Neji Hyuga vs. Naruto Uzumaki. The match after that was to be Yuki Hatake against Dosu of the Sound Village. However, due to unknown reasons, Dosu was unable to attend today's match. Therefore, Ms. Hatake has qualified for the Chunin rank. Next is Kankuro and Shino Aburame; Shikamaru Nara against Temari, and finally, Sasuke Uchiha vs. Gaara of the Desert. Here with me to help judge these talented shinobi is the Kazekage himself! Now, everyone, please enjoy the event and may the greatest shinobi triumph!"
The crowd cheered as Naruto and Neji took to the field. Yuki became angry when she realized that they were only rooting for Neji. Fools! She thought to herself. You all never chose to meet the real Naruto. Why do you all judge what you don't understand?!
"Yuki?" Yuki turned around to see Kocha.
"Oh, hi, Kocha!" Yuki rose her hand in greeting. "Did you hear what happened?"
"I did." Kocha nodded. "I was hoping to see you in action." Kocha smiled. "I was looking forward to seeing what your father taught you."
"Don't worry!" Yuki promised. "I still might have to fight the winner in order to claim my right as a Chunin."
"That will be unnecessary." Gai appeared behind Kocha with Lee in crutches staring at the arena.
"Lee, Gai!" Kocha said aghast. "Lee, should you really be walking around like that?"
"Thank you for your concern, Kocha-sensei, but I am fine!" Lee acknowledged. "The doctors told me that it would be all right as long as Gai-sensei came with me."
"That's right!" Gai smiled. "So, Kocha, what was that meeting all about earlier?"
Kocha leaned toward Gai and whispered in his ear for a few moments. "So that's what it is, huh?" he said after a while. "Well, we should be alright then."
"Look!" said Sakura. "They're starting!"
They all were amazed by how cunning Naruto had become both physically and mentally. While they were admiring Naruto Kocha took a good look around and noticed the amount of Anbu Black Ops. What the hell? There's way too few of them. An event like this should be overstocked with security operatives. What is going on? She took her information and silently passed it on to Gai. "You're right." He whispered as he took a look around. "Let's keep our eyes open at least until Sasuke and Gaara do battle."
"Agreed." Said Kocha putting her hand on Buru-yami's hilt. Be ready, my friend.
By the end of the long battle, Naruto was able to come out victorious and the crowd cheered for him as he proved his worth. Yuki was extremely happy for him for now people began to appreciate him for more than what he was. It seemed, though, that Sakura cheered for him the loudest which made Yuki smile even more. Yuki stood up and said, "I'm going to congratulate Naruto. Let me know how the rest of the battles go!" With a final wave Yuki ran passed Kocha and Gai and ran through the door. I can't believe it! She thought as she ran. Could it be that the people of Konoha are finally beginning to understand that Naruto is a human? Please, let him be acknowledged. That way he will be more determined to reach his dream. I'm with you all the way, Naruto-kun!
Yuki burst through the door and ran straight up to Naruto hugging him from behind. "Congratulations, Naruto!! You were amazing out there!"
"T-thanks, Yuki!" Naruto blushed. "Was I really that great?"
"Are you kidding?!" said Yuki shocked. "You kicked so much butt that everyone around us went from cheering for Neji to rooting for you! You're famous, Naruto!"
"R-really?" Naruto blushed even more.
"Don't let it go to your head, Naruto." Said Shikamaru.
"Yeah, yeah." Waved off Naruto.
"Next up, Kankuro vs. Shino!" called the proctor. Yuki noticed that Temari and Kankuro's faces turned stunned. Without notice Kankuro shouted, "Proctor, I withdraw!"
"Wha-?!" was all Naruto and Yuki could say. Shino looked extremely angry. Enraged, Shino silently walked out of the room without hearing the next match. Now he knows how I feel. Thought Yuki. Suddenly, Gaara walked passed her without notice. The two connected eyes and Yuki's heart skipped a beat as he passed. What the hell was that? I just got this chill like he was going to murder me or something!
"Winner by forfeit is Shino Aburame!" The crowd booed at the disappointed unseen match. The proctor announced that Shikamaru and Temari were next. With a 'Good Luck' wave to Shikamaru, Yuki left the room with Naruto to go for a walk. As they walked around, match after match passed and still there was no sign of Kakashi or Sasuke.
Finally, it was the sought match and everyone cheered their loudest. Yuki and Naruto raced to see what was going on. Gaara had just stepped onto the field and waited patiently for his opponent. After about ten minutes, the proctor announced, "If Uchiha does not show himself within five minutes, Gaara is declared the winner!"
Everyone counted down until the very last second of those five minutes. All were on the edge of their seats and at the very last second a cloud of smoke appeared on the field. When the smoke cleared Kakashi and Sasuke were standing in its wake. "Sorry we're a little late." Said Kakashi rubbing his head.
"Your sense for time is impeccable, I see." Said the proctor.
"Sorry about that." Kakashi laughed. "Good Luck, Sasuke."
Sasuke nodded as Kakashi left to join Kocha and Gai along with the others. Yuki and Naruto ran in just in time to hear Kocha yell at Kakashi.
"Do you think you're 'cool' showing up late like that?" she barked. "Honestly, I don't know how these people put up with you all of these years!"
"Now, wait a minute, Kocha!" said Kakashi nervously. "I had good reason to be late."
"I am aware that Sasuke's training is important but you're lack of time management almost cost him the match! Yuki was able to make it on time, there was no need for you two to be late!"
"Yes, ma'am." Kakashi hung his head.
Naruto laughed and leaned over to Yuki saying, "They really do fight like a couple."
Yuki sighed thinking, If this is some kind of joke I'm not laughing. It's like they're my parents or something. Yuki suddenly felt a weird, warm feeling in her heart. For some strange reason, Kocha and Kakashi looked kinder to her than they originally have. Naruto seemed to have noticed the expression on her face so she quickly looked away and watched the match. Sasuke's speed seemed to have increased since the last time Yuki saw him last. However, Gaara's sand seemed to be quicker. Deep into the match, Gaara managed to throw Sasuke onto a wall. The two stared each other down for what seemed like hours. Finally, Sasuke made a few hand signs and his hand began to emit a blue energy that gave off electrical discharges. Yuki recognized the move right away.
"That's Chidori!" she realized. "Father, that's your signature move, isn't it?"
"You're sharp, Yuki!" Kakashi smiled. "Because of his speed, I knew that Chidori would be an appropriate weapon for situations such as this."
"Chidori?" asked Sakura. "But it looks like that attack you used in the Land of Waves."
"That's because it is." Said Gai. "Kakashi's version of Chidori, Lightning Blade, got its name because Kakashi tried to cut a bold of lightning with it."
"What exactly is it?" asked Naruto.
"It's a jab." Answered Kocha. "Sasuke and Kakashi are able to extract a large amount of chakra. This, in turn, causes electrical discharges and attacks the enemy not with electricity, but with sound. Fore you see, 'Chidori' means 'one-thousand chirping birds."
"You know a lot about jabs." Said Kakashi.
"Maybe I have a few of my own." Kocha crossed her arms.
The group continued to watch the match which seemed to be taking a turn for the worse. Gaara was in an egg-like barrier and seemed to be 'transforming' from within. Yuki used her Soshigan to see if the elemental properties had something to do with it. The sand is only hiding him. She concluded. Her focus was broken when Sasuke went in with another Chidori attack and penetrated the thick shell. A scream could be heard from inside. Did he get him? Wondered Yuki.
Suddenly, an explosion occurred where the Hokage was sitting. "What the hell was that?" asked Kocha drawing Buru-yami.
"I don't know." Said Kakashi. "But I don't like it." Feathers suddenly began to fall from the ceiling and people around them began to fall asleep.
"What's going on?" asked Yuki. "Damn it! I'm falling asleep!" Yuki's eyelids slowly began to go down but a slight tap on her shoulder woke her up. Kocha was over her with her hand over her mouth. Kakashi did the same for Sakura who attended to Naruto. Gai, Kakashi, and Kocha stood back to back while a small group of Anbu appeared before them. Ninja were now fighting all around them and everyone had their weapons at the ready. Kakashi turned to Kocha and said, "Kocha, you go see if the Hokage is alright."
"What about you and the others?" she asked.
"Gai and I will handle them. Yuki, Sakura, Naruto; I need you three to find Shikamaru and follow after Sasuke."
"Sasuke?" asked Naruto. He looked in the arena and realized that he was gone.
"The two sand ninja took off with Gaara so Sasuke is now in pursuit." Said Kakashi. "I will send Him with you." Kakashi made a few hand signs and put a hand to the floor. A puff of smoke appeared and once it cleared, a small pug dog sat. "You're sending your dog?" asked Yuki.
"Don't underestimate my abilities, Yuki." Said the dog.
"It talked!" shouted Naruto.
"You two know each other?" asked Sakura.
"He's Pakkun." Answered Yuki. "He's the leader of Kakashi's hound ninjas."
"Neat!" said Naruto.
"I will send along my companion as well." Said Kocha making a hand sign with her right hand. She breathed on it then thrust it to the ground. Another puff of smoke revealed a small panther cub with a leaf village bandana around its neck.
"Hey!" said the small kitten in a boyish voice. "I'll be your rear watch. The name's Yoru!"
"Alright." Said Kakashi. "You know your mission, now go!" With a head nod the group separated and followed Sasuke's scent. After they left Kocha managed to slice an attacking ninja across the torso with her sword. "Kakashi," she said. "I'll report to you what I find as soon as I can. Just don't get yourself killed."
"Got it." Said Kakashi. "You do the same." Kocha nodded to both of them and took off toward the Hokage's balcony. She jumped from pillar to pillar trying to dodge incoming ninja. These are all Sand and Sound ninja! Kocha realized. Why are they siding with each other just to attack Konoha? There has to be a reason for this. When she arrived at the balcony she noticed that a large, purple, shield was risen from the rooftop. Kocha jumped and landed next to an Anbu squad who stared at the marvel. Kocha examined the strange power and noticed that there were two walls. One wall was protecting four casters while there was an inner shield preventing entry to the Hokage and his opponent.
Kocha's shoulder suddenly seared with pain when she stared at the Hokage's opponent. What the hell?! Why now? Could it be…
"Kocha-san!" said one of the Anbu. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing." She said through her teeth. "What's the situation?"
"The Hokage is fighting what we believe is Orochimaru." The ninja answered. "Four of his followers have set up a barrier to prevent us from entering. One of our comrades found that out the hard way." He pointed to a charred corpse on the roof floor.
"I thought so." Said Kocha looking down at the ground. She screamed as another wave of pain hit her. The Anbu tried to tend to her but she pushed them away. Kocha did her best to ignore the pain and tried slicing through the shield with her sword but it cut through it like it was air. So you need to kill the casters. She concluded. She stared at the four ninja inside the first wall and confirmed that they were too far away to stab in the back.
"The Hokage can handle himself against a monster like Orochimaru." Kocha said coming back. "The best we can do is protect the citizens. You two stay here in case any attacks try to disrupt the Hokage"
"Right!" said the ninja.
Kocha stared at the Hokage and prayed for his safety. She placed her sword on her shoulder and jumped back down to Kakashi's level. When she landed, a wave of pain caused her to collapse onto the ground.
"Kocha!" cried Kakashi. Gai managed to defeat the enemies around him and get to her first. He tried to examine her but she pushed him away as well.
"Leave me be!" she called. "Kakashi, the Hokage is fighting Orochimaru! I can't get to him due to a powerful barrier!"
"Damn it!" cursed Kakashi. "The Hokage will be fine, let's just make sure that the citizens remain unharmed!" Doing her best to push back the pain, Kocha joined Kakashi and Gai in their mission to defeat their enemies. Naruto and the others never left their minds.
* * * * * * * * * *
Naruto, Sakura, and Yoru followed Pakkun as he led them through the forest. As they made their way Pakkun and Yoru could smell and hear pursuers coming up extremely fast. "They must be jounin!" called Yoru. "By the sound of the force exerted from each step that they take their weight has to be equivalent of an adult."
"This means they'll have more experience than we do." Said Yuki. "We're gonna be in for a fun evening."
"If they continue to race up to us like this," said Sakura. "We'll all be caught for sure and Sasuke will be in huge trouble!"
"Someone's gonna have to stay behind and stall them!" said Shikamaru.
"I'll do it!" said Yuki. Everyone looked back at her in shock. "Don't worry!" Yuki smiled. "I never got the chance to fight anyway. I'm up to the challenge."
"You can't handle all of them by yourself!" said Sakura. "Besides, aren't you and Sasuke…"
"Don't worry." Yuki repeated. "I'm no match for Gaara anyway. This is the best that I can do for Sasuke." She stared at Naruto and gave a determined look. "We're counting on you, Naruto."
"You got it!" Naruto gave thumbs up.
"I'll stay behind too." Said Yoru. "I can at least back you up!"
"Thanks!" said Yuki pulling out her weapon. "See you guys later!" She threw her blade and swung in a giant u-turn to land on the ground. Yoru was able to land next to her and he arched his back, ready for an attack. Yuki could hear the ninja getting closer then the sound stopped suddenly. They're all around us. She observed. A ninja jumped down to face her and the small cat.
"Tell us where Sasuke Uchiha is and we promise not to hurt you." He demanded. Yuki looked at him and noticed that he was from the Sand village. A glimmer of light caught another ninja's headband revealing that he was from the Sound Village.
"What's going on?" Yuki asked Yoru. "Whatever happened to the treaty between us and the Sand Village?"
"Tch." Yoru hissed. "Humans, they make promises and never keep them. They must have been acting in the treaty's shadow along with the Sound Village. I guess they decided that attacking during the Chunin Exams would be the best time to launch a counter attack."
"Fine." Said Yuki. "If that's how they want it, I'll teach them to stick to their morals!" Yuki readied her blade and closed her eyes summoning her Soshigan. When she opened them again she began to use the power of darkness to surround her blade. She spun her blade in circles and once the chakra reached a certain level, Yuki shouted, "Shadow Arte: Shadow's Refrain!!" She threw her weapon in a horizontal slashing motion to throw a ray of dark energy toward her enemy. The ninja dodged it as the attack cut down dozens of trees as if they were paper. The other ninja threw kunai knives at her but she easily deflected them by swinging her blade all around her head. She jumped up into the air to meet the ninja but he was able to throw a kunai into her head.
Yuki's body transformed into a log as the real Yuki came up from behind and managed to slice the ninja in half with her blade. The two halves of the man landed with an eerie thud as Yuki landed on the ground and darted to the left to dodge a weapon like her own. She threw her weapon just as the other ninja threw his. The blades tangled each other so Yuki used this chance to give the chain one heavy pull. As the ninja was pulled out, Yoru jumped up and used his claws to slash at his neck. Yuki used her Soshigan to communicate with the metal and the chain untangled itself. The other ninja fled once they noticed her eerie power. "No you don't!" Yuki cried out. She focused all of her chakra into the trees around her and as soon as she said, "Earth Art: Tangle Vine!" She felt her chakra drop dramatically.
"Fool!" Yoru meowed as he noticed that Yuki was losing color in her face. As screams were heard, Yuki began to lose consciousness and fell backwards. The last thing she saw was Yoru leaning over her.