I do not own Naruto (i am not that smart).
"Talking" will be done with the normal font.
'Thoughts' will be done by Italic.
Hello again, as I said at the end of the last chapter this one will start one year after the events of the last one. Where Kazumu's training with Team Guy has been fruitful and he's heading off the the Hidden Sand for the Chunin exams. I will be making every exam an original so my apologies if they aren't as good as they could be. I will try my best. As i said from here on this is a major alteration from Naruto Shippuden, although after the Chunin exams I will probably be back to the correct story.
Chapter 9- Reunions and Restrictions.
"Off to the Hidden Sand again. I've waited for this day for a while."
"Yeah! We've both been training hard and we finally get our chance at Chunin."
"Well I'm not in the same boat as you. You've taken over five years to get to this stage."
"Give me a break Kazumu. That sounds like something Sakura would say to me."
"It seems like she's rubbing off on me then."
"But we're a team Kazumu! Just cut me some slack would ya?"
"Stop arguing you guys!"
"I'm beginning to see how mix-matched this team really is."
"Well we needed three Genin so he was one of our only choices."
"Hey! Don't say it like that! You make me sound like baggage!"
"Couldn't have put it better myself."
"Naruto help me out here!"
"He didn't mean it Konohamaru. Right Kazumu?"
"If it makes him feel better, then I didn't mean it."
"That's a terrible apology!"
"It wasn't an apology."
"Shut the hell up!" Kazumu, Naruto and the new boy Konohamaru were then all punched by Sakura simultaneously.
"Ow!" They all said in unison. It had been a year since Kazumu joined the Leaf Village. During this time he had spent almost all of it training with either Guy or Neji. Surprisingly even though the training he was assigned was put into place so he would master the Byakugan, he would always give more effort in with his Taijutsu training with Lee and Guy. As for Naruto, he spent half of his years worth learning a variation of the Rasengan with Kakashi. His training was successful but the jutsu had a major backfire, causing almost permanent damage to his chakra network. He then was requested to train at Mount Myoboku by Lord Fukasaku (who was actually a toad). There he learnt to use a special type of chakra and mastered the art of Senjustu. As it stands the two most powerful Genin in the world are headed towards the Hidden Sand in the same team. Along for the ride is Naruto's close friend Konohamaru. Because of Naruto, Konohamaru was able to learn the Rasengan in the same way as Naruto. It was suggested because he knows such a high level jutsu that he be placed on their team for the Chunin exams.
"Do you think we have much of a chance this year?" Konohamaru was a bit jittery.
"Unless the Akatsuki themselves show up I think we're fine." Naruto smiled joking around.
"Umm, you do remember my previous occupation right?" Kazumu pulled a weird face at Naruto.
"Oh yeah! I forgot about that! You were in the Akatsuki!" At least Naruto hasn't changed much.
"Sure was, but that's not important. I'm a little more concerned with meeting the head of a village that I fried with a chakra cannon a while ago." Kazumu was nervous about meeting Gaara after all this time.
"Kazumu, you saved his life! I'm sure he's forgiven you for what you did to him." Naruto as always being optimistic. "If I were you I'd watch out for his sister more than anything."
"His sister? Wait, never mind, I don't want to know. It can't be good either way." Kazumu was now pretty worried after meeting the dangerous women of the Leaf Village.
"Anyway Kazumu how did Guy's training go? I'm sure he worked you into the ground." Kakashi joined the conversation, walking behind them.
"Yeah he did, but it only made me want to train more! Sure I got their fighting style and forms in a few days thanks to the Sharingan, but the strength needed to be at their level took so long to achieve." Kazumu looked down at his black Leaf Village headband that was tied around his neck. "But it was all worth it, compared to Guy's training, Neji's was relatively easy so most of my time went to standard Taijutsu and strength training. Even though I also have the Gentle Fist, Guy's style suits me a lot better."
"Why does that not surprise me." Kakashi figured he would favor the all-round style of the Strong Fist because he can pair it with his various Dojutsu, instead of the gentle fist that can only be used with the Byakugan.
"I have no idea what you mean. It's not like I forgot about my Gentle Fist training altogether" Kazumu smiled. He looked back at Kakashi to reveal his Sharingan was active.
"Why are you using that right now? You're going to wear youself out before you start the exams." Kakashi knowing the amount of chakra the Sharingan consumes first hand was a little concerned.
"Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. Even though I was only supposed to train with Team Guy, anytime I wasn't with them I was working on the Sharingan and Rinnegan by myself, and thanks to the prolonged usage during the past year I can use the Sharingan pretty easily now without much strain on my chakra." Kazumu smiled again.
"Hmm. You've come a long way Kazumu." Kakashi sounded proud of him, but also a little jealous.
"Thanks Kakashi." He retracted the Sharingan. "It looks like we're here." Kazumu's facial expression changed to a serious one as they arrived at the entrance to the Hidden Sand. Lots of people were gathered at the entrance for the Chunin exams, ninja from different villages were all coming together to rise to the title of Chunin in their respective villages. "Got a lot of competition huh guys?"
"Please! We are going to cream all of these guys!" Naruto yelled this out and started getting dirty looks from a few of the other ninja. "Yeah that's right, you heard me!"
"Shut your mouth Naruto!" Sakura came out of nowhere and got Naruto in a headlock. "Don't worry about him. He's just crabby from the long walk." She apologized to the crowd, then dragged Naruto away. Kazumu headed through the crowd as if he was being dragged, not noticing his group from the Leaf calling out to him. He kept going and eventually got to a small group of people gathered around three ninja. Kazumu instinctively approached the one in the middle, he was wearing white and green robes and had a matching hat that had the kanji symbol for 'wind' on it.
"..." He didn't speak to Kazumu, he simply stared at him. Kazumu then suddenly got down on his hands and knees.
"Please forgive me Lord Kazekage!" It turns out it was Gaara in his Kazekage robes.
"Stand." Gaara said. He still had the same mysterious feeling about him. Kazumu got up off the ground, not looking him in the eyes.
"I'll take any punishment you see fit. Just please forgive me for what I did to you."
"Raise you head." Kazumu slowly looked up to Gaara to see that the young Kazekage was smiling. "It's good to see you again."
"After what I did you shouldn't be happy to see me at all."
"Nonsense." Kazumu's eyes widened. "I could... hear you during the extraction. It was faint but you asked if I was going to survive the extraction correct?" Kazumu nodded. "Which means you had no idea what was going to happen to me and you were worried. Not only that you nearly gave your life to save me, giving me another chance to protect my village, and that means the world to me."
"I really did that much?"
"Indeed. Not only this either. I heard from the Leaf Village a little while later and they told me of an Akatsuki member that had abandoned the others and had become a shinobi of the Leaf."
"Yeah, that would be me." Kazumu forced a smile.
"... one of the greatest things in this life is when someone starts following the correct path. Proving their existence by protecting the ones they care about."
"Are you saying you're happy I'm with the Leaf now?" Gaara didn't answer. He simply outstretched his hand toward Kazumu. He then did the same and Kazumu shook hands with Gaara. Kazumu opened his mouth to speak and struggled to get his words out. "Thank you Gaara." He then smiled, knowing that he was alright was enough closure to him.
"KAZUMU!" The others from the Leaf were looking for him.
"I'll see you later Gaara, I have to get ready for the exam." Kazumu ran off to find everyone else going back through the crowd.
"Kazumu!" Out of nowhere Might Guy surprise kicked Kazumu in the face making him fall onto the ground.
"That's on me. I should've seen that coming after all of the training we did." Kazumu said it like it was normal.
"Kazumu I just wanted to say I hope you do well and make Chunin!" Guy then did what was known as his 'Nice Guy Smile'.
"Thank you Guy. The extra training I did will be a great help. I can't believe we thought of a technique like that."
"Don't sell yourself short. You made that all on your own, I just helped you use it." Guy smiled at him again. "Also I have a personal request for you. No, actually it's an order."
"An order? Well whatever it is I'll do it. I owe you that much for training me."
"Ok! You are not to use any of your eye jutsu except the Byakugan in the Chunin exams!" Kazumu almost fell over.
"What! What if I come face to face with Naruto? Or another with equal strength?"
"Not to worry. The training we did will guarantee your victory!" He then smiled once again, suddenly jumping in the air away from Kazumu. "Don't forget that Kazumu!" Kazumu stood there dumbfounded.
'Wow. Out of all the messed up things to ask me. I've been training my other abilities like crazy, dying to try them out in a situation like this, but I guess I have to save them for another time. Regular Ninjutsu, my evolved Taijutsu and "that" jutsu should get me to Naruto, but I don't know if I can beat him without the Rinnegan. I'll admit this is the strongest I've ever been but the same can be said for Naruto. I just hope that-'
"We finally found you!" Kazumu snapped out of it and noticed Shikamaru, Ino and Choji in front of him. "We have to get you to register. If you don't hurry you're going to miss it. Go with Ino and Choji. I'm a proctor so I have to go and organize the first stage of the exam." Shikamaru then left and Ino grabbed Kazumu's arm, dragging him trough the crowd.
"Come on! There's no way I'm going to let you miss out after all the training you did." Ino was determined that's for sure. She kept pushing through the crowd and they made it with time to spare. They stopped in front of the building opposite to each other. "Kazumu?"
"Yeah Ino?"
"Just promise me you won't do anything rash in the exam?" Ino had a concerned look in her eyes.
"Sure. I wouldn't do anything rash anyway. Are you worried about me or something?" Kazumu smiled at Ino and her face went red.
"It's not like that!" She got defensive and punched him in the arm.
"Oww, what was that-" Kazumu was cut off by Ino, she had her arms around him, holding him with her head pressed against his chest. "Ino." Kazumu held her as well. She was shivering in his arms. "I'll be ok. It's just the Chunin exams." She broke the hug and lightly punched him in the arm again.
"I'll see you later Kazumu." She then ran off, disappearing into the crowd.
(Flashback six months ago)
Kazumu was sitting down with the Hyuga family having dinner when he had some news to announce. "I'm moving out tomorrow everyone."
"Are you sure Kazumu." Neji said. "Where will you be staying?"
"Naruto begins his training at Mount Myoboku tomorrow and he'll be gone for the amount of time left till the Chunin exams. I'll be moving into his room for now and by the time the exams are done I'll have my own room like his." Kazumu stood up and bowed. "Thank you for having me all this time." Hiashi got up and also bowed.
"It was our pleasure Kazumu." During his stay Kazumu had become good friends with most of the residents of the Hyuga household.
The next day Kazumu was roaming around the village and he noticed a flower shop. Since he had received a little Ryo from Tsunade to spend as he pleases he decided to buy the Hyuga's some flowers as a thank you present. He walked in and started to look around but the store was empty. "Hello?"
"I'll be out in a second!" A girl yelled from out back and Kazumu knew he had heard that voice before.
"Ino?" He heard some stuff fall over out back.
"Umm... Who is that?" It sounded like she made a bit of a mess and was putting stuff back.
"Come out and see!" Kazumu then hid next to the doorway as Ino stepped out and he poked her in the back, making her jump in the air and scream.
"What did you do that for!" Without knowing who it was she punched Kazumu in the stomach, sending him flying.
"Oww. You and Sakura really need to tone it down on the hitting." She then finally noticed who it was.
"Kazumu!" She suddenly dropped the rage and smiled. "It's been so long. I haven't seen you since you started training."
"Yeah I know." Kazumu got off the ground and brushed himself off. "I've been pretty busy with Team Guy. I never imagined it would be this hard." Ino chuckled.
"Yeah that sounds like Guy. Him and Lee are two of a kind." Ino walked over to Kazumu. "So why did you come here? Getting some flowers for a girl?" Ino teased Kazumu a bit.
"Don't be stupid!" He overreacted a little. "Sorry, I just wanted to buy some flowers for the Hyuga family for taking me in for the last six months."
"So that's where you've been all this time." Ino walked over to an arrangement of flowers in a basket. "I suggest this one, it would be nice for a thank you present." Kazumu walked over and grabbed the basket and went to the other side of the shop and grabbed a single violet, he then took it all to the counter and he handed Ino the money. "Umm, that flower doesn't really fit with this arrangement of flowers very well."
"That's because it's not for the arrangement." He moved the basket aside and held the violet up to Ino. "It's for you." Ino's face went completely red.
"F-For me?" She took the flower out of Kazumu's hand and held it between both her hands. "Thank you Kazumu."
"It's fine." Kazumu's face went a little red as well. "It matched your clothes so it reminded me of you." Kazumu picked up the basket and started to head out the door. "I'll see you aro-"
"Wait Kazumu." Ino was staring at the ground. "Do you want to catch up with me tonight? Like have dinner with me and talk?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Kazumu smiled and his face went redder.
"I guess I am. So?"
"Sure, I'd love to. Where do you want to go? I have enough money left to pay for both of us."
"No I couldn't ask you to pay for me as well."
"I insist Ino, don't worry. The only place in the village I've heard of is that Ichiraku Ramen place Naruto always goes on about. Do you want to go there?"
"Ramen? Ok then if you really want to." Ino seemed a little under whelmed.
"I'm just thinking I'd rather be with you in a more casual setting ." Ino turned away blushing.
"Ok then Kazumu."
"I'll meet you here at sundown. Is that ok?"
"Sounds good to me. See you then!" Ino ran out back, probably to get ready.
Kazumu delivered his gift with high appreciation coming from Hiashi and Hinata. He then got ready for his date with Ino. "Ok I guess this will do for my clothes." He borrowed some clothes from Neji that made him look like a real Hyuga while still looking like himself. He had the same shirt as Neji but darker with black trousers. He looked down at his hand, still baring his Akatsuki ring on his left pinkie. "Heh, good times." He said sarcastically as he headed out to meet up with Ino. He waited for a while and it was completely dark out now. "I guess she wants to keep me waiting."
"Sorry I'm late." Kazumu turned around and saw Ino standing there. She was wearing a short dress that matched the same colour as her ninja gear. She also had her hair down with a violet pinned on the side of it. Kazumu went red and couldn't stop staring. "Don't look at me like that!"
"Ok I'm sorry!" She walked up to him and they headed off. "Is that the flower I got you in your hair?"
"Yes I wanted to keep it on me. Even though I work with flowers all the time this one is really special to me."
"Why is that?" Ino looked away for a second.
"Because you gave it to me." They both kept walking in silence after she said that. Kazumu was speechless and Ino was embarrassed.
"Well we're here. Lets just try and relax ok?" Kazumu smiled at her.
"Ok!" Ino smiled back and they went inside.
"Hey what are you guys doing here!" They both froze when none other than Naruto was already there with about ten empty bowls stacked up next to him.
"Umm, well you see" Kazumu couldn't say it.
"Oooh." Naruto had a big grin across his face now. "Are you two on a date!"
"Knock it off Naruto!" Kazumu let Ino sit down first and then joined her.
"So what are you two up to?" Naruto continued to pester them.
"We wanted to catch up. We hadn't seen each other in a while. Why are you still here anyway? Don't you have to go tomorrow?" Kazumu questioned Naruto, changing the subject.
"Well there's no way I'm missing out on Ichiraku's before I go. I won't be able to have this again for a while after tomorrow." Naruto then finished the bowl he was eating, got up and paid for his food and went to leave. "But I'll be fine, you two have fun ok?" Naruto winked and ran off.
"Man he's annoying." Ino finally spoke up.
"Yeah, you're right about that." Kazumu couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment.
"Kazumu?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm happy I met you." Kazumu was a bit thrown off hearing this.
"I feel the same way, but this doesn't sound like you Ino."
"Well you wouldn't like the real me, I'm aggressive and I-"
"Don't say anything like that about yourself. There isn't a single thing about you I'd change you know?"
"Really? I just think that I need-"
"You don't need anything Ino. You're fine the way you are." Ino smiled.
"I want to thank you, because of you I no longer think of this other guy. You've replaced him, and in a way you remind me of him."
"Well I don't know who this guy is but he's missing out." Kazumu smiled at her.
Throughout the night they talked non-stop about what had happened the past six months they hadn't seen each other. Kazumu even told her a few things about his time in the Akatsuki and how he was found. They acted pretty different from each other but it worked for them, bringing them closer as the night progressed. Kazumu noticed the time and started walking her home. On the way Ino grabbed Kazumu's arm and held his hand as they kept walking. Kazumu hadn't been in a situation like this before but he seemed to be enjoying a lot more than stressing out about it. They arrived back at Ino's house and they stood facing each other in silence.
"Umm, I had a great time Ino. Thank you."
"It's fine. I had a lot of fun as well."
"We'll have to do this again really soon, as long as I can get time off for training."
"Definitely." Ino was surprisingly quiet the whole night.
"Well I'll see you again soon ok?"
"Yeah ok Kazumu. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Ino." Kazumu started to walk away and was suddenly stopped by Ino, wrapping her arms around him from behind. "Ino? Are you ok?" He moved her arms and turned to see she was crying.
"It's just you remind me of him so much." She could barely speak through her tears. "You aren't the same but it's just a feeling I get from you. He left and I don't want that to happen ever again! I really like you, more than Sasuke, and I don't want to lose you!" She fell into Kazumu's arms, trying to hold back her tears.
"Sasuke again huh? That guy's name keeps coming up in my life." Kazumu held Ino tightly "But no matter what he did, I promise you right here and now I'll never leave you." Ino's tears stopped and she looked up to Kazumu.
"You..really mean it?"
"Yes, and I don't break promises." Ino didn't say anything for a while.
"Thank you Kazumu." She then held Kazumu closer and held her head to his chest.
(Flashback End)
"You've been registered 'Kazumu'. Next!" Kazumu finished the registration for the exam and headed into a large room where all the other ninja taking the Chunin exams were.
"Kazumu! Over here!" Naruto called out to him with Konohamaru jumping in the air so he'd notice. "We thought we lost you for a bit there."
"Well I'm here now so lets get this done guys." Kazumu had a look of determination that no one could break.
"That's the way!" Naruto being as loud mouthed as always.
"Quiet down. Have you seen anyone that might be a challenge?" Kazumu looked at the crowd.
"Not really, using Sage Mode I could find out!"
"Any excuse to use it huh? Don't bother, I'll just use the Byakugan." Kazumu activated his Byakugan and scanned the room, checking the intensity of the ninja's chakra flow. "Three."
"What?" Naruto and Konohamaru said in unison.
"There are three ninja I can see that pose somewhat of a threat, but that's all." He retracted the Byakugan and sat down.
"Aww, what a let down!" Naruto sat next to Kazumu. "So what's the plan?" Suddenly two big doors on the other side of the room opened and a big group of Sand Village Jonin walked into the room.
"Silence everyone!" The bellowing voice of a woman called out through the room. "I am Temari. Your proctor for the first stage of the Chunin Exam. Everyone will follow the rules given to them and not engage each other unless permitted by a proctor." Temari took charge pretty quickly. "So without anymore delay, let the Chunin Exam begin!"
End of Chapter 9
Hello again, sorry for the delay on this one. I will be making all the tests originals except the last one which will be the same as all the others. I actually went online and found a Shippuden OVA that has the Hidden Sand's Chunin exams, but I like my ideas better than that so I'm going to pretend I didn't see it. I hope I did the parts with Ino alright. I'm not used to writing that way and I wanted this to be a part of the story. I chose Ino for a number of reasons but I'd rather not bore you with the details. If you have any suggestions then give me a message as always.
Anyway thank you for reading and see you next chapter.