The Exams! And other extreme sports.
Naruto was currently sparing against Sasuke Uchiha, under the unknown super vision of Sakura who wanted to see if Naruto's relentless training would truly outshine Sasuke's natural talent. She wasn't sure whom to root for so she decided to remain hidden from sight, covering her presence with a genjutsu. As for the spar, well to say it was one sided would have been false. Naruto though looked a bit more worn was holding his own against the Uchiha prodigy. Sasuke respected Naruto so he wasn't holding anything back, however that didn't prevent him from getting mad at the fact that even with his Sharingan, Naruto is still better than him at CQC.
Snake had explained that although the Sharingan could copy normal Taijutsu, special clan Taijutsu were impossible to learn due to the need of certain chakra types. CQC is considered one of these due to the needed concentration, balance, as well as the required build and chakra reserves used to help make bone-shattering blows. Kakashi was working on Sasuke's Sharingan behind the scenes with the permission of both Snake and the hokage. Despite the extra training time with an elite Jonin he was toe to toe against Naruto Uzumaki, the once lowest level Genin in the academy.
Naruto was currently hidden in a bush using what Snake taught him, a 'life saving technique' as his sensei had said. That technique was patience. Naruto was now waiting, listening and breathing so slowly, that it wouldn't be able to be heard by someone even if they were a few feet away. Sasuke was sick of this hide and seek game that Naruto often did to close the gap and engage him in CQC and pound him relentlessly. Thinking fast Sasuke decides to burn all foliage. Naruto saw the tiger seal as Sasuke performed the Phoenix flower jutsu. Reacting he jumps out at the raven-haired youth, and throws a well-aimed kunai at his forehead. Sasuke, though was slightly surprised, simply deflected the kunai with one of his own well-thrown kunai.
However, nothing prepared Sasuke or even Sakura for Naruto's next move. A ball of pure chakra, swirling like a tornado contained in his palm. Sasuke watched in astonishment wanting to copy it with his Sharingan as Naruto forced the ball of chakra into the Uchiha's Stomach. Nothing in his life could have prepared him for the explosion of pain as Naruto cried "Rasengan!". Sakura gasped and ran out seeing not only the Uchiha's bruised torso but also the tree's nearby scars from the explosion of energy. She gaped and says "holy shit Naruto what are you doing? Trying to kill him?" she asks applying ointment to her hand, but before she can apply it to the injured teammate, he stops her. "Sakura, I'm fine, Naruto, I'm impressed…I won't be falling for that anytime soon." He says to his friend as Naruto lands next to them and says "sorry I got carried away, besides if that killed you then you're not as strong as you think now huh?" he says jokingly and they all head to the hokage tower to meet their Sensei.
"Naruto, where did you learn that jutsu anyways? I doubt Snake would even know a move like that." Sakura says voicing her curiosity. Naruto who was walking tall and calm, he clearly was stronger than when they were first put on a team. He still had that carefree smile and look about him that seemed to warm and calm her heart. Sasuke was still cold and a bit harsh; however he did talk to them in a friendly matter. Though he made it clear that he hated her for her pathetic crush on him. Sakura wasn't quite ready to give up getting Sasuke; however she did feel safer around the blond haired member of their team. Naruto proved himself to be reliable and a true friend over and over. He never gave up nor feared anyone. Course Naruto wasn't stupid to just challenge anyone, at least not anymore. She noticed that he often held back to gather more information on someone before challenging them.
The tall man in front of them interrupted Sakura's thoughts and observations on her teammates. He was wearing a new camouflage system based on the mimicry Octopus. His brown hair and blue eyes gave him away faster than a large sign saying his name ever could. Solid Snake, their Sensei, who they saw and considered to be so good and powerful that no man alive could defeat him. Snake looks at his charges, even raises a brow at the hole in Sasuke's cloths that were obviously from a certain jutsu. "I see Naruto learned more than basics from good old Jiryaia eh?" he asks to which the blond simply chuckles as his teammates flinch at the name. "Don't worry you two, I'll teach you something so that you're on the same level, well in theory anyways." He says as he leads them to the Hokage's office dropping off their sign in sheets and says, "Ok guys for the next two days, you 3 will rest for the upcoming exams. They all will be hard, no matter what stick with your team and rely on each other for support if you need to." He says looking at Naruto and says "and if any of you feel like giving up, I'm sure our Naruto can convince you otherwise" he says offering the blond a friendly smile. Snake then said "However, I am confident that you three will do just fine in there, good luck." he says poofing away as all jonin seem to love to do.
At the training ground team 7 met to have a nice picnic and just discuss what could be in the exams. "I bet its all team based." Sakura said fairly bluntly as the boys of the team looked at her while eating their meals. Sasuke had the freshly made sushi Sakura had made, while Naruto was eating that plus Ramen, plus like 18 other things. Both of Naruto's teammates were amazed that the boy could eat so much and gain little to no weight. A trait that Sakura, or any girl in Konoha would love to have. Sasuke says after swallowing his food, "I know what you mean, we had to sign up as a team so I suppose it's only expected that the exams be centered around that aspect. However I think that perhaps a one on one battle maybe needed to help weed out those not worthy to become a chuunin, like Naruto here." he says mostly teasing trying to provoke the blond. It worked. Naruto, having heard the insult says "Hey watch it Sasuke! If you keep underestimating me, I may just not save you when you're in trouble." he says sticking his tongue out at the Uchiha but they all shared a heartfelt laugh, well Sasuke's was more of a chuckle. "If I have to face either of you, I hope its Sasuke. No offence Sakura you're a great ninja, I just don't think I could cause you harm.." he says seriously and looking off into the distance. Sakura raised a brow but secretly she thanked him in her head, she knew that if Naruto were to not hold back when fighting her, she'd probably lose. Her only real hope is to catch him in a genjutsu, which she knows he can never break. That doesn't mean he'd give up trying too though.
After the picnic Sasuke went off before anyone else did, as his routine to be alone as much as possible. Naruto was helping Sakura pack the trash and other things away when he heard her say "Naruto, I'm sorry if I've been mean to you. I didn't know about your guest...you're a good friend Naruto and an even better comrade. Don't give up on your dream to be hokage, I believe in you, so does sensei and I'm sure Sasuke does." she says gently. The look on her face showing that she is truly sorry and confused. "Sakura, I think I know what you're saying. I'm not leaving you guys behind. You're my friends. I wouldn't trade you guys for the world. Plus when I'm hokage me and you could get married!" he says chuckling and flinching expecting a punch. When none came he looked up seeing her laughing, well more giggling at him. "Oh Naruto, we'll see..." she says winking at the boy, who blushed and worked faster.
The day came and the teammates were at the designated meeting spot awaiting their Sensei. They had been waiting for about a half hour, which is odd because Snake is usually very punctual. Naruto was getting impatient while Sakura was worried, Sasuke seemed indifferent and truth was that he is. Eventually their 6 foot jonin sensei finally showed up and says "sorry guys, it's crazy over there, come no time to waste." he says as he walks slowly allowing them to catch up as they walk to the exam building. From the outside the building looked normal and fairly boring by Naruto's standards. However, after Snake wished them luck and left them alone in the Genin packed hallway in front of door 311, he felt that things might get exciting fast. Blocking the doorway were 2 chuunin who were pushing people away and hitting people away like flies. Naruto stayed close to his team thinking that they may need him. However, he noticed that Sakura was staring at the door uninterested, but with a hint of recognition. As if she says something he couldn't. Trusting his smarter teammate he gently taps her shoulder and says "Sakura what is it?" he asks gently hoping she was at least ok and not scared. Sakura turned to him and says "how do you know?...well this is the wrong floor, the rooms on the third floor, this is only the second. It's a genjutsu." she explains still confused and amazed that Naruto can read her so well and they've only been teammates for about 3 months.
Naruto nodded and says "well ok let's go up stairs..But first.." and with that Naruto was behind the two with is hunting knife to one of their throats and says "leave them alone, this isn't even the right room. Drop the jutsu or I drop you. either way is fine with me." he says sternly as Sasuke moved to back Naruto up if needed, positioning himself close enough to jump in but far enough not to be noticed. The Chuunin looked frightened at the blonds speed and ability to move without him even being able to follow his movements. However he hid that fear fairly well but said "Fine we'll lower the genjutsu, but I warn you, brats like you won't last long in there." he says as they lower the jutsu revealing the real room number of 211. Naruto backed off slowly having gotten what he needed to get done and rejoined is team only to hear a voice. "You..Blondie, what is your name, and the emo looking Guy." the boy had said. Naruto looked the guy over. His long black hair seemed to be held out of his eyes by his forehead protector. His eyes, had no pupils, just like Hinata. Naruto wondered if they were related in some way. This didn't prevent Sasuke from answering the boy. "It's rude to demand someone's name without giving yours first" he says seriously hinting at a challenge. Naruto stood straight and was next to Sakura knowing that if something goes down, he'll need her to help them. "I'm sorry...my name is Neji Hyuuga, the strongest Genin here." he states bluntly not even smiling making him seem even more Arrogant. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I'm going to be the next hokage! You better respect me and my teammates or I'll take you down!" he declares a bit loudly but not the usual Naruto screaming. It was more calm and assertive to show that he wasn't afraid. "My Name is Sasuke Uchiha, your worst nightmare" he says simply and leaves with their Female teammate to the upstairs.
At the correct room the Genin came into a larger area where some other Genin had gathered awaiting for the exams to begin. It was clear from wear they stood, that more than just Konoha Nin were in these exams. The odd thing was that no one knew a thing about the sound village that seemed to have appeared over night, already had plenty of Genin in this year's exam. Naruto could tell that Sakura was uneasy while Sasuke grinned at the aspect of more opponents to face. Naruto placed a soft gentle hand on Sakura's shoulder and says "Relax Sakura, we'll do fine. Watch" he says winking as he stood up and jumped up on a table and says "I REFUSE TO BE FRIGHTENED BY ANY OF YOU! I AM THE NEXT HOKAGE AND I REFUSE TO GIVE UP!"He says glancing at everyone else in the room that turned to look at him. Some appeared to believe that he was actually strong, others raised brows. While the ones who knew Naruto chuckled and shook their heads in embarrassment. Sakura pulled him down and whispered in his ear "Thanks Naruto.." she says smiling gently while he smiles back. Suddenly a voice said "If you two love birds are done, you might want to avoid outbreaks like that. Make you a pretty target for enemy ninja." said the grey haired man who wore glasses and had a Konoha headband adjourning his head. "OH yeah?! Whose going to stop me? A gay little scared faggot like you?". He says in a challenging tone. The other man didn't flinch much but looked at the blond boy and says "no, I won't need to if the enemy kills you first. My name is Kabuto, you must be Naruto Uzumaki huh?" he asks chuckling as Sasuke says "Jeeze Naruto, you're so loud and annoying that even people we've never even seen before know who you are based on your idiot ways".
However, the yelling and little arguments were interrupted by a crash and a large cloud of smoke cleared in the front of the room as a scarred, almost old looking man stood before them and with a booming voice demanded "Ok little Maggots, shut up and be quite. Follow my instructions and you might not see your intestines pulled out in front of you." he says making the entire room ghostly quite as they all listened and were handed a small piece of paper by other chuunin whom had followed the man. "My name is Ibiki and you pathetic pieces of shit have me as your instructor. Sit where you are designated to sit and don't complain." he says as they are all seated quietly. Naruto was silent despite wanting to simply attack the man for talking down on not just him, but his teammates. He settled in his seat and noticed the timid always blushing Hinata beside him and says "Oh hello Hinata..It's been awhile." he says in a friendly tone to which Hinata simply gets even redder and gasps when Ibiki began talking again. "You will be taking a written exam, these other chuunin in the room will be watching you. You start with 10 points. You lose a point for each wrong question, while if you're caught cheating 2 points will be deducted. If you reach 0 however, not only will you fail, but your teammates will fail with you. I will give the last question in the last 15 minutes. Any questions?" he asks overlooking the crowd. No one really had any questions so they waited for the tests to be handed out. Naruto was sweating, despite his increasing intelligence with Snake and Iruka's Tutoring, he felt that he would still fail a simple written exam.
When the tests were handed out and they all began, Naruto froze as he looked over the questions trying to at least find one question that he could answer. however, the questions were hard, with such things as "an enemy ninja is 45 degrees from the tree you are perched in, in order to hit him with an kunai, at what velocity will you be able to hit him, and at what angle incase he jumps away?" Naruto thought it was a trick question so he skipped it. Meanwhile, Sakura is scratching away the answers on her sheet, being the smartest person on her team she knew math like it was her religion. However, she stopped to look up to check on her teammates whom were seated too far away from her to her liking. She looked at Sasuke first because he's mostly directly in front of her, he was copying the movements of a ninja's hand near him. This gave away that he had used his Sharingan, but to someone who didn't know him would just assume he is writing down the answers. After she looked over to her right pass a weird looking grass ninja, who was seated next to her, to see Naruto gripping and tearing at his blond locks. She felt bad for Naruto, she wishes that she could at least help him cheat for the answers, but that would cause them to fail. Somehow she started thinking on how much Naruto has changed, and yet is still Naruto. He had ditched the Orange jumpsuit for some time for their team outfits. Despite the material being the same, the designs and style reflected that team member's personality. Naruto's covered his body like Snakes but on one shoulder is a red fox circling the Konoha symbol. Said designs were visible unless the suits special ability was activated. The unique part of the suits is that when activated by a little chakra, it will take the texture and pattern of whatever the person is pressed against or near. Her suit was like a kimono but the skirt changed to tight pants to help her movement and hide exposed skin to reduce how easy she would be to spot. Sasuke's was bland but with his clan's symbol on his back, big and bold. Naruto also was notice ably taller. She remembers how he and Hinata used to be about the same size, but now he is at least 4 inches taller. inside the skin tight suit it was easy to see how much more stronger Naruto had gotten, she couldn't help but notice, course she knew that she wasn't the only one, Hinata blushed even more at the blond, which she didn't think was possible. Sakura then felt a feeling that she didn't think she ever would in relation to Naruto, she felt jealous that Hinata got to sit next to the blond rather than her. She shook the thought off crediting the thoughts to the heat. Sakura's inner however didn't buy it and went on a speech about how Sakura loves Naruto, Sakura simply had a mental sigh.
Naruto swore a day went by as people kept failing and leaving the room until Ibiki moved toward the board and smacked the wall to get everyone's attention. "Alright Maggots, like I said earlier the last question will be given in these last 15 minutes." he says turning to write 'question # 10'. meanwhile Hinata slid her paper towards Naruto and gently elbowing him and says "Naruto quick while everyone's distracted, copy my paper." she says trying to appear as if she's paying attention despite the opposite being true. Naruto stared at the pale eyed kunoichi surprised that she wanted him to pass, and that she didn't pass out when around him. He pushed her paper back and says, "Hinata, thanks but I can't do that, it's my fault I didn't study for something like this not yours. I must take responsibility for my own mistakes, I won't let you fail on my behalf." he says silently as Ibiki picks up where he left off. "However, there's a twist in the last question, if you choose not to take it, then you and your teammates can leave without question." he says smiling a bit sadistically. A rain Nin stood up and said "why wouldn't we want to take the question?!" he said standing up as if to look tough. Ibiki however didn't stop smiling as he said "Cause if you take it and fail, then neither you or your teammates can ever take the chuunin exams ever again." he says closing his eyes as if to absorb what was about to happen. The same ninja from before said "What do you mean? There are plenty of ninja here who've taken the exam before!" Ibiki simply smiled as he reopened his eyes. "This may be true, however you guys have the unfortunate luck of having me as an examiner, so those who can't or don't want to take the next question, raise your hand." he says seriously. One by one people raised their hands.
Naruto was at a cross roads, on one hand he didn't want to fail his teammates and on the other, he just didn't like to give up. Sakura was thinking something similar just that maybe Naruto wouldn't be able to pass, she wouldn't blame him for giving up. Sasuke had a similar thought but was thinking "come on Naruto raise your hand, no need to fail at your dream to become Hokage." Even Hinata was staring at Naruto as his wavering hand slowly went up. However, no one but Naruto could have predicted what happened next, he slapped his hand down while standing and saying, "Now you see here bud, Naruto Uzumaki never gives up! And if I have to be Genin forever then so being it! I'll still be the best hokage anyone has ever seen!" he says smiling with a burning desire and determination in his bright blue eyes. Everyone in the room stared at the blond haired boy in wonder or confusion as some people didn't know or understand him. However, his display of determination made everyone else believe in themselves. Ibiki raised a brow at the display but noticed that his speech had made the others stronger. "Well it seems no one else is quitting so the rest of you in this room...pass!" he says grinning widely at the confused room. A water Nin spoke up first "What do you mean we passed? What about the last question?" she asked confused but desperately trying to figure things out. Ibiki simply smiles "simple when I asked you to stay, that was the question, now let me explain." he says removing the head band showing his bald but much scarred head. "when you become chuunin you can't choose your missions, of course some are simple but you put you and your teams lives at risk, those who live in a fantasy world where all missions are easy and fun, aren't worthy to become chuunin." he says as Naruto then asks the next question. "If what you say is true then what of the test? Was that just a waste of time?" he asks calmly but loud enough so the man can hear him. Ibiki considers the blond for a moment before answering "well it wasn't a waste, the test was set up to make all of you cheat but not get caught, this was to see how you gathered information without revealing to the enemy, aka us, how you did so." he says as a crash in the window with a huge purple and yellow sign reads "SEXY ANKO SECOND EXAM PROCTOR!" Ibiki could be heard sighing behind the sign and saying. "You're early Anko.."
Naruto mostly stared blankly at the barely covered woman who stood before them. Her fishnet barely covered her ample breasts, which probably would be visible if it weren't for her trench coat. The other boys, including Sasuke were secretly turned on by her persuade. Sakura noticed that Naruto wasn't staring at the woman out of lust but for confusion as to her entrance and the way she's staring at them as if she wants them all to die. "Alright maggots, meet at training ground 44 in 4 hours! I see that Ibiki went easy on you guys, but I promise you that by the end of the next test, at least half of you will be gone." she says moving to talk to Ibiki as the room leaves towards said training area, but not before ninja meet with their teammates.
Naruto and his team were traveling with Team 10 who was all old friends of theirs. Also having been in the forest of death for 1 week under training of Snake, not to long after the Zabuza incident, they knew of most of the dangers in 'the forest of death'. "I see, so a survival test is probably what they want, but add in a retrieval test and that would indeed erase half of us, how troublesome" said Shikimaru. Shikimaru was a boy genius who could out smart even the Hokage. Oddly he was friends with Naruto who used to be unable to outsmart a dog. However, Shikimaru wasn't blind to improvement of others, he noticed through Naruto's grammar as well as his mood being more calm that Naruto was more mature and obviously stronger. "I suppose your right Shikimaru, however I wouldn't doubt that they'd encourage us to take out as many foes as possible so that our allies can pass easier, which probably means they will do the same. So we need to watch each other's backs in there alright guys?" asked Naruto to which Sasuke was the first to answer despite Ino hanging off him like a Christmas tree ornament. "Naruto has a point, so if you guys get in trouble we will come save you..but not cause I like you but because Naruto does." he says prying Ino off him and walking next to Choji who was too busy eating to add in his ten cents. Meanwhile a dejected Ino tore Sakura away from her team to talk alone.
Ino said a bit sadly "Sakura I'm not giving up on Sasuke but he really doesn't show affection, are you dating him?" she asks because Sasuke hadn't said anything bad to Sakura and they were standing slightly close together. Sakura blinked at the question before saying, "Ino I have a confession, I'm not into Sasuke anymore. I mean yeah I'm slightly attracted to him and I like him, but I don't think that he's worth wasting my time on." she says spilling some of her secret onto her friend as her inner was yelling to tell someone that Sakura was falling in love with Naruto. However, they arrived at the training area and with all the ninja there Sakura refused to go on.
Anko was standing in front of the group over looking them before holding out an official looking sheet of paper and says "You all will be required to sign these wavers at the tents you see pitched around the area. before you ask these basically say that if you die or are unable to fight ever again, that it's not our fault." she says with a wide sadistic smile on her face as she pulls out two scrolls, one that has the Kanji for 'Heaven' and the other 'Earth'. "Also, the requirement to pass this test is to get one of each of these scrolls in 5 days and get to the center of the forest. Be warned, others will be after your scroll so don't let anyone see where you hide it or even which one of your team has It." she says dismissing them before Naruto speaks up saying, "Well Anko is it? I don't need any waver! I refuse to die until I become hokage!" he says in an outbreak of determination but he noticed that Sakura and a few others doubted they'd survive the test let alone pass it. He did it for them.
Naruto might not have anticipated that Anko would throw a Kunai at his cheek, but he reacted in reflex and spun as he caught the Kunai, pivoting his feet to launch it back at her in one fluid motion. The kunai was aimed for right between her eyes, Anko being a seasoned jonin caught it with a bit of surprise but that didn't slow her from swooping in on the blond. Naruto dropped into the CQC stance pulling his new hunting knife out that had a revolutionary new edge to it. He looked at her as she came at him with no fear or hesitation as he parried her thrust and lifted a kick into her kidney and roundhouse kicking her with the opposite leg, following his momentum to make the kick even harder, into her stomach making the jonin gasp. Not wanting to be shown up by a Genin Anko continued to try and hit the boy but failing as Naruto's CQC out matched he in every way. However, she knew he wouldn't expect her next move to wrap and arm around his entire leg after he kicked her arm from a block she administered to protect herself. Caught off guard Naruto got distracted, which was enough for Anko to throw him on the ground and sit on his struggling chest. Panting slightly she says "Wow kid I'm impressed, I've never seen that fighting style, who taught it to you?" she asks, but before Naruto can answer, a very familiar voice does it for him.
"Anko, please get off my student, we have an exam to get done." said the over 6 foot tall, brown hair and blue eyed jonin behind her. Solid Snake was standing like any normal person but Anko noticeably blinked and stood up almost faster than the anbu answered to the hokage. "So it's true, you're in the village, and you have a student?" she asks the tall man and walking up to him and checking him out. Which was easy due to his camo suit which showed off his toned body but also acted as a second skin, much like Naruto's. "Well yes I've been here for some time you're just not skilled enough to find me yet, as for my students, I have confidence they will pass on their own will, so please start this already". He says calmly and they walk off to talk why he really is there. Meanwhile the teams from all villages get their scrolls after signing the wavers. Once Team 7 went through the line Sasuke and Naruto gave Sakura they're Heaven scroll. "But why should I carry it?" she asks quietly not wanting anyone else to know that she was designated to carry the document. "It's simple Sakura, me and Sasuke are the main fighting force of our team, no offence to your skills but we have more endurance to hold back enemies. Plus you can distract an enemy with your great genjutsu and make them go away or insane. Other than all that I'd probably open it out of curiosity and I'm guessing that we're not to open them." he says smiling and scratching his head.
Sasuke and Sakura were impressed with Naruto's reasoning and agreed as they meet at they're designated gate wear Snake was perched on top of it smiling at them. "I have faith in you all, make me proud and full fill your dreams." he says as the signal is given and he opens the gate and secretly goes sullen and thinks 'Please god don't let them run into Orochimaru, they're no match for him...yet'.
AS Team 7 dashed into the forest with Naruto up front followed closely by Sakura and Sasuke bringing the rear for his Sharingan can more likely pick up things that maybe the others missed. stopping after running for about 2 hours straight Sakura lays out they're basic plan for all Naruto had was to fight everyone to see who had what. "Naruto I appreciate your input, but we can't do that, we'd be out numbered and over powered easily, what were to do is target week looking teams who are malnourished and sluggish, we will help fellow Konoha ninja as needed, first things first we need a password." she says as she tries to think of one. Naruto had to ask though, "Wait why do we need a password?" he asks a bit confused. "Dobe, we need one for when were separated and meet up, others know the transformation jutsu as well you idiot, the password allows us to know that it's truly us." he says but in a friendly way to let Naruto know that he was serious but also trying to pick on him like the old days.
Later after setting their secret Password they decided to move on for another 2 hours before camping in a clearing. As Sasuke and Sakura are setting up the site Naruto is using his Shadow clones to set up simple but effective traps as well as establish a perimeter of safety around his team. "Sakura I'm sorry for treating you like trash in the past, I don't like 'groupies' and no offense to you but I'm only focused on killing Itachi at this time." he says as they finish setting the tents up, one for each minus Naruto who liked to sleep outside. "Well I forgive you Sasuke, and I'm sorry for being obsessed with you, and I'm also sorry for shoving Naruto in the dirt. I feel so bad, it's not just that he had a horrible childhood, but that I didn't even give him a second look. I was a terrible person, but I believe I changed." she says sitting down as she starts a small fire to cook some meat they had brought on the trip. "I recognize that Sakura, Naruto is a good guy, pure of heart it's actually amazing that with his background that he isn't like Itachi, he is like a light in the darkest of times. We're lucky to know him, however as you know he loves you so one day, that may get him killed, or hurt, if I were you. I'd at least thank him for being a good friend." he says simply before retreating to bed as the first shift was Naruto's. Of course Naruto was the only one staying awake, well his clones were anyways, he was fast asleep in a simple sleeping bag snoring peacefully.
Sakura didn't sleep well due to being alone in her tent so she walked outside to Naruto making Ramen while keeping an eye out him as well as with his shadow clones. The Blond hearing a twig snap looked behind him to see the pinkette rubbing her eyes sleepily as she yawns and says "Hey Naruto, may I have some?" she asks as her stomach growls loudly causing her to blush slightly. Naruto smiled and says "Sure Sakura-chan, have a seat. Have troubles sleeping or just got woke by your stomach?" he asks as he gives her the Ramen he just made while warming another one for himself, using water from his extra canteen which was labeled 'for Ramen'. Sakura took the ramen and left it opens to let it cool for a bit and says, "Naruto how did you deal with your childhood? I don't mean to intrude but anyone else in your position would probably be on a killing spree for revenge you know?" she says carefully not wanting to hurt the blond's feelings.
What the Genin didn't know is that a certain S class criminal was watching them, awaiting them to drop they're guard. Orochimaru was able to avoid Naruto's clones though they think they 'killed' him he really just moved close to strike and get Sasuke. however, the blond boy looked a bit familiar so he decided that he listen, his prey was close enough to capture at anytime anyways. "Well Sakura, I was considering that at first. However, I realized that would only become what they wanted me to, so instead I set out to prove them all wrong. Iruka Sensei helped me allot, as well as the Hokage. I think of them as my family, same with Sasuke, despite how little we talk or get along, I know he cares for me like a brother as I him. basically, I thought it was too easy to give in" he says chuckling a bit as he sets his now finished Ramen next to Sakura's. "Ahh ok, and May I ask....why do you like me? I mean no offence again, but out of all the girls. Why me? I treated you like crap..." she says confused and a bit sad that she treated the boy who'd gladly die for her, like crap. Naruto sighed as he thought on the question and looked into Sakura's deep green hues and says "Sakura, I like you because you're smart. Even though you don't see it your very strong. Plus I think your very pretty" he says seriously with a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. Sakura blinked but smiled at him as they began eating until they heard a thud as the sun rose in the distance.
The figure was the weird looking grass ninja girl that sat next to Sakura in the exams. The lady snaked her tongue out and swirled it around like a snake or lizard might as she spoke. "Hello pathetic insects, I'm sorry if I interrupted happy sappy time but it's time for you to die!" she says loudly and prepares to attack until two of Naruto's clones jump in front of her as Sakura wakes Sasuke.
He woke up almost instantly hearing that they were under attack. He'd move next to Naruto in a fighting stance and asks "What's wrong you two couldn't take one girl by yourselves?" he asks teasingly but knew deep down that something was off about this woman. Little did they know that the woman wasn't who they thought she was, her real name was Orochimaru, a Sannin, and a great Ninja, who crossed to the dark side of things and liked nothing more than power.
