Well nothing new to report, but I will say thanks to everyone that reviewed. Your comments and suggestions really help me to keep this story going. But enough talk here's the next chapter.
Chapter 13: The True Test
After Iruka had given his students permission to leave for lunch, the newly appointed teams began to group together and branch off. Meanwhile Kimimaro sighed to himself as he ventured a glance towards Sasuke.
Sasuke was already making a quick getaway towards the exit, giving the impression that he intended to have lunch alone. Kimimaro thought he should have been content with this, but apart of him felt the need to try and offer some form of reprieve. Stealing himself on those thoughts Kimimaro made his way over towards Sasuke, with Yakumo following close behind him.
"Sasuke" Kimimaro called out before he lost sight of the dark haired avenger among the jumble of students.
Sasuke stopped in his tracks at the call of his name and turned to face Kimimaro. "What is it?" Sasuke asked bluntly.
"It isn't necessary for you to have lunch alone." Kimimaro started. "Me and Yakumo-chan are your teammates after all, and we'd prefer you had lunch with us so we may talk."
Sasuke took a moment to just stare at both Kimimaro and Yakumo, before he gave them his answer. "Shove it Kaguya." Sasuke stated in a cold manner. "And stay out of my way." Sasuke finished as he turned on his heels and walked off with his hands buried in his pockets.
"Why that ungrateful…" Yakumo stated through gritted teeth. "I mean would it have been so difficult for him to accept having lunch with us?"
"He's a troubled one that's for sure." Kimimaro offered with a sigh. "I just don't know how our team will function if he's not even willing to have lunch with us."
Sometime later Naruto simply shook his head as he bit into his sandwich. He had witnessed the entire exchange between Kimimaro and Sasuke earlier and couldn't make sense of it. "I don't even know why Kimimaro try's." Naruto stated out loud to his two teammates as they set underneath a tree near the academy training field. "I mean Sasuke just spits on any attempt to befriend him, like somehow associating with people will tarnish his image."
"Agreed" Haku added. "For the entire four years I've been associated with Sasuke I still can't figure him out. I mean his attitude completely defies logic."
"What do you mean?" Hinata inquired softly, while taking a sip of her tea.
"Well you would think that someone like Sasuke that is deprived of family and other bonds would seek them out." Haku explained. "But Sasuke seems to want the exact opposite; he actually prefers to be alone."
"Yeah that's one weird mentality." Naruto added. "I hated every minute I was alone, to actually want that emptiness is something I can't even comprehend." Naruto concluded.
(Forty minutes later)
The class had returned from their lunch break and were now waiting patently, well some were waiting patiently while others were fidgeting nervously as they waited for their new Jonin-sensei to arrive to retrieve them.
A moment later Shizune had walked into the classroom dressed in her Jonin attire. Haku wasn't surprised to find that Shizune was the first to arrive considering she had always been punctual.
Meanwhile Naruto quirked his eyebrow as he stared at her, in all his time living with her he'd never actually seen her with her Jonin gear on.
"Good afternoon everyone I'm here to pick up team six so if you would please follow me." Shizune inquired in a cheerful tone.
Naruto, Hinata, and Haku stood from their seats and made their way down towards Shizune, but not before Naruto and Haku stopped by Kimimaro.
"Good luck Kimimaro-san" Haku stated. "I know your team might seem difficult to work with, but I'm sure you'll get through it." Kimimaro simply nodded.
"Yeah and hopefully Kakashi-san won't keep you guys waiting too long." Naruto supplied with his hands behind his head. "If he does I'm sure it's nothing Kasan wouldn't beat out of him."
"Actually Tsunade-sama has already impressed on me how important it is that I forgo my old habits." Kakashi piped in from behind Naruto causing him to yelp. "Yo" Kakashi supplied with an eye smile.
"Hey don't sneak up on me like that again!" Naruto shouted angrily.
"You should be more alert of your surroundings I know I've told you that before." Kakashi retorted with a shrug. "Anyway team seven please meet me on the roof." Kakashi finished before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes as he watched the man go. He didn't exactly like the fact that Naruto and the others seemed to be aquatinted with his new teacher. Casting those thoughts aside he lifted himself from his chair and buried his hands in his pockets and headed for the door.
Kimimaro frowned as he watched Sasuke go. "Well we should follow after him Yakumo-chan." Kimimaro offered, gaining a court nod from said girl. "Anyway we'll be seeing you guys around." Kimimaro stated to Naruto, Haku, Ino and Shizune as he stood to leave with Yakumo following behind him.
Shizune watched Kimimaro go with a sullen look on her face. She had desperately wanted all three of her little brothers on her team and the fact that she was denied that privilege still left a sour taste in her mouth. Casting those thoughts aside she turned to the three in front of her. "Well let's get going you three, we have much to discuss."
(Ten Minutes Later)
Shizune had led her team to a small quiet dango shop that she had taken Naruto, Kimimaro, and Haku to on numerous occasions to begin their first team meeting. Naruto took up the seat next to Hinata while Shizune and Haku sat opposite of them.
After Shizune had ordered some dango for them to snack on while they talked she opened her mouth to speak. "Okay first off how about we introduce ourselves to one another?"
Naruto and Haku shot Shizune confused looks before Naruto cut in. "Why do we need to introduce ourselves it's not like we don't know one another."
"That's true but it's all generally part of the formalities." Shizune explained. "Now allow me to go first. As you know I'm Yukki Shizune I enjoy my medic practices, my family, concocting new forms of poisons, and of course Tonton. I dislike lady Tsunade's gambling habits, and her excessive drinking. My hobbies are working down at the hospital tending to Tonton and training my little brothers. My dream would be to see each of you succeed in what ever endeavor you set for yourselves, and maybe settle down and have children of my own after words." Shizune finished with a slight blush.
Naruto smirked at the last comment "You wouldn't happen to have anyone in mind would you Shizune-nee?"
"I'm sorry but that's a private matter Naruto-kun, also you'll have to refer to me as Shizune-sensei while were on duty." Shizune concluded. "Now since you were the first to speak up why don't you go next?"
"Fine with me." Naruto boasted with a toothy grin as he stood up from his chair to add more emphasize to his proclamation. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto, I like ramen, and studying plants. I also like my family, Hinata-chan and the rest of my friends oh yeah and Kakashi-san in small dose's. What I don't like is arrogance stuck up pricks and written test. My hobbies are learning different forms of plant Jutsu. My dream is to become not only the Hokage, but the greatest one there ever was." Naruto finished as he set back down in his seat.
Shizune merely nodded considering she had already known all these things. "Okay you're next Hinata-chan."
"U-Um yes my name is Hyuga Hinata." Hinata started although a tad bit nervous. "I like cooking and making new recipes, and I enjoy spending time with…" Hinata trailed off as she ventured a quick glance towards Naruto and blushed. "My friends." She concluded feeling relieved for the quick save. "I dislike that my family is split into a main and branch family. My hobbies are flower pressing and training. And my dream would be to unite the main and branch families as one." Hinata finished.
"A very admirable dream Hinata-chan" Shizune stated as she turned her attention to Haku. "I guess you're finally up Haku-kun."
"Yes Shizune-sensei." Haku stated with a nod. "My name is Fuyu Haku, I like my family, friends, and reading. As for dislikes I have very few of them, and don't believe their worth mentioning. My hobbies include studying all aspects of the ninja world, and learning to wield my blood line more efficiently. My dream would be to see all those around me fulfill their dreams, and perhaps rebuild my own clan here in Konoha."
"Very good Haku-kun, now that we have that out of the way I must ask you three are you ready to have your official Genin test?" Shizune inquired as she took in their bewildered expressions.
"Test? But I thought we had already completed the required test to make Genin." Hinata protested.
Shizune laced her fingers together and eyed her students. "Well that test earlier was simply for means of selecting candidates that would try their hand at the actual thing. You see after each student is assigned a team their Jonin-sensei will administer a test of their choosing to see if they qualify."
"I figured as much." Haku stated. "The overall test did seem too easy, and I felt that a good portion of the students that passed truly aren't ready for ninja duties."
"Observant as always Haku-kun, but you're absolutely correct. Most of the students' defiantly aren't ready for this in fact I doubt anymore then three or four teams will pass the actual test."
Naruto's eyes widened "What three or four, but there were only ten teams to begin with you mean more then half will fail!?"
Shizune nodded. "Sorry but what's the alternative? Allow unprepared Genin to pass and watch them die on their first real mission?"
Naruto remained silent at Shizune's explanation.
"But that's all beside the point. My question was are you three prepared? If so would you prefer to wait until tomorrow to begin your test or would you rather take it now?" Shizune asked.
Naruto looked at both Hinata and Haku whom both seemed to have confident looks on their faces before he turned his attention back to Shizune. "Of course we'll take it now."
Shizune smiled at her three students before rising to a standing position. "Very well you three follow me."
Without a word Naruto, Haku, and Hinata followed Shizune out of the dango shop.
(Elsewhere)
Kakashi rubbed his temples in frustration as he traversed the streets of Konoha. He could tell he had much work to complete with his team mainly Sasuke. After their introductions he had learned that Sasuke's entire purpose in life was to fulfill his quest for revenge. Not only that the boy had next to no respect for his two teammates, considering them only hindrances in his path towards strength.
He honestly was debating to just fail them to avoid the headache that would ensue from trying to get them to function as a team. Only road block in that plan was Tsunade, considering she'd most likely kill him if he actually failed Kimimaro. He recalled how she was already in a foul mood after hearing that her three boys wouldn't be placed on the same team. And the thought of one of them failing because of that decision would only mean an early death for the one responsible in the decision.
Casting those thoughts aside Kakashi could only hope that his bell test he had planned for the three would help push them along in the right direction. If not he'd simply have to force teamwork into their minds considering he felt teamwork was the most important attribute of being a ninja. Not only that Kakashi was confident his team had all the makings for one of the greatest teams to come from the leaf village. With Sasuke being an ace in Ninjutsu, and Kimimaro's unrivaled Taijutsu skills were only enhanced by Yakumo's Genjutsu knowledge. If only he could find a way to make Sasuke realize that he would need help, regardless of how strong he believed himself to be.
(Meanwhile)
Kimimaro and Yakumo were walking no where in particular. Currently their meeting with Kakashi was weighing heavily on their minds. The fact that their chances for failure weren't exactly in their favor didn't sit to well with them ether.
"Our position in this is quite difficult Yakumo-chan." Kimimaro stated.
"Yeah can you believe the failure rate it's ludicrous." Yakumo confirmed.
"It's not just that." Kimimaro supplied with a nod. "I know Kakashi-sensei quite well and teamwork and looking underneath the underneath is something he strongly believes in. I have no doubt he will incorporate that into his test for us." Kimimaro concluded.
Yakumo quirked her eyebrow. "What's looking underneath the underneath?"
"It's about realizing things aren't always what they seem to be." Kimimaro answered. "For example Kakashi-sensei told us we might want to skip breakfast before the test. Now he never told us not to eat breakfast he merely suggested it, in other words don't listen to him and make sure you have a decent breakfast tomorrow morning."
Yakumo nodded her understanding. "But do you think we should inform Sasuke of this, after all we'll need the full team functional if were to succeed."
"I agree" Kimimaro confirmed although he really didn't feel like hunting Sasuke down only to be berated by the Uchiha in question. But Kimimaro cast those thoughts aside considering he'd much rather swallow his own pride in order to succeed in the long run. "I'll go look for our teammate to inform him."
"Actually maybe I should do it." Yakumo offered. "Sasuke and you aren't the closest of friends and with that pride of his he might believe you're trying to trick him. So it might go over better if I inform him."
"Are you sure, Sasuke can be a handful if you don't deal with him correctly." Kimimaro warned.
"Don't worry I have methods of dealing with stubborn people like him." Yakumo supplied easily.
"You intend to cast a Genjutsu on him don't you?" Kimimaro questioned although he already knew the answer to that.
"I'm only doing what I feel is best." Yakumo supplied with a shrug. "Anyway I should be off to find our teammate."
"Very well" Kimimaro stated, before Yakumo bounded away.
(Elsewhere)
Naruto, Haku, and Hinata stared at the forest Shizune had brought them too. "This is where your testing will commence." Shizune explained answering their unasked question. "Now normally testing is based off of teamwork but we'll be doing things slightly different."
"How different?" Haku questioned curiously.
"Well most students will be tested on their teamwork abilities, but considering I know the three of you are quite capable of working together we'll forgo that and I'll test you individually." Shizune answered.
"Just explain the rules Shizune-sensei, I know we can handle anything you throw at us." Naruto stated with conviction.
Shizune nodded before forming a hand seal "Shadow Clone Jutsu." Shizune muttered and three clones sprang into existence. She then tossed each of the clones a golden necklace. "First off I'd like to explain to you what our team was formed for before I explain the details of the test."
"Yes I do recall Iruka-sensei stating that team seven was strictly combat oriented. So I guess all teams have a certain aspect they will prevail in." Haku summarized, gaining a nod from Shizune.
"That's right and our team will specialize in assassination." Shizune confirmed.
"Assassination?" Hinata muttered.
"That's right Hinata-chan each one of you are well equipped for the job. Assassination requires a subtlety, and skill to kill quickly and effectively. With your gentle fist style, Haku-kun's precession and Naruto-kun's various poisonous plants you'll be excellent at it." Shizune explained as she observed each of her students faces.
Just from the looks on each of their faces she could tell that neither of them were thrilled about learning they would specialize in killing. "Now before anyone of you goes doubting yourselves you must understand that killing is something done in this line of profession no matter what position you're in. Just because you'll specialize in it doesn't mean you'll kill any more or less then let's say team seven. In fact combat oriented teams often fight against squads of ninja meaning they'll most likely be asked to kill more often then us. With assassination squads were normally given specific targets to eliminate. But sometimes the occasion will call for us to take additional lives but we'll try to avoid that as much as possible." Shizune concluded.
"I see." Haku stated as memories of his father ran through his mind. Even after already taking a life Haku still felt uneasy about doing it again, but he knew he'd eventually be asked to do it in service of the village and he was prepared to do what his profession required.
Hinata was another who found the pill hard to swallow. The academy had pressed it upon them over and over again that they would eventually be asked to kill. She could only hope that when the time did arrive that she would be fully prepared for it.
Naruto on the other hand didn't know what to think. He always knew that he'd eventually be asked to take life but it was never something high on his to do list. And the fact that he had witnessed Mizuki's death first hand didn't help matters much either. He recalled how he constantly woke up in the middle of the night for a week straight after Mizuki's death. But the worst part was that he wasn't even the one to kill Mizuki, so how would being the one actually doing the killing affect him he could only imagine.
"You all seem to be having doubts." Shizune stated as she read each of their expressions. "If this is something you think you aren't up to the task for then please speak now. The last thing I would want is for one of you to freeze up when the time arrives for you to do what you have to." Shizune offered while looking to gage each of their reactions. Seeing that neither of them would be deterred she cleared her throat and continued.
"Now the test will go like this. I'll send one of my clones into the forest and then I'll send one of you in after it. Your objective in the matter is simple. You're to locate the clone and eliminate it without being seen by it. Also retrieve the necklace I've given the clone and bring it back here. This will test just how stealthy you are, also your ability to kill swiftly. Both key components to being an assassin, are the rules clear enough?" Shizune inquired, prompting slow nods from all three Genin. "On a further note I'll know if you're spotted by my clones considering I'll receive their memories, so do try and not be seen." Shizune concluded before eyeing each of her students. "So who'd like to go first?"
"Allow me to go first." Haku stated as he stepped forward.
"Very well" Shizune answered as she pointed to one of her clones signaling for it to take refuge in the forest and it obliged. "You'll have thirty minutes to complete the task, so do your best."
Haku nodded. "Of course, but before I go please tell me what were to happen if one of us were to fail this." Haku questioned curiously.
"Nothing ever escapes you does it Haku-kun? Anyway to answer your question, if even one of you fail I'll have to fail all of you."
Hinata's eyes widened while Naruto's narrowed.
"What but that's completely unfair!" Naruto announced loudly.
"Naruto-kun I'm sorry but we can't progress without a full team, so if one of you fails each of you do. That's simply the way it is." Shizune explained. "Although I didn't think you would be concerned with that considering I thought you had faith in your teammates."
Naruto had an indigenous look on his face at Shizune's statement. "Of course I have faith in Haku, and Hinata-chan. I was more concerned with being the one that holds them back." Naruto retorted.
"Don't you believe Haku-san and myself are in the same position Naruto-kun?" Hinata lightly scolded. "We don't want to be responsible for holding you back either." Hinata concluded.
Haku nodded his head in agreement with Hinata. "I agree with Hinata-san's statement, we also feel the pressure this test will ensue." Haku explained. "Now if you'll excuse me it's about time we've got this test underway." Haku finished as he eyed the forest and waited for Shizune to give the go head.
Shizune reached into her vest and pulled out a timer, quickly setting it she eyed Haku. "Alright Haku-kun are you ready?" Shizune asked and Haku simply nodded. "Very well your time starts…now!"
Haku swiftly darted into the forest and disappeared from view.
Haku leapt through the trees at a brisk pace, he wanted to find his target as quickly as possible but doing so without being seen required care. He figured that Shizune wouldn't send her clone in too far considering the strict time limit. So he remained in the immediate vicinity not daring to venture to far in, feeling that would only waste time.
After a good fifteen minutes of searching Haku had finally spied his target, a few meters from the tree he had just landed on. Keeping his eye on the clone he noticed that it appeared to just be standing. But Haku could easily tell the clone was more then attentive to its surroundings.
Haku debated with just throwing a senbon towards the temple, but if he missed his position would be exposed and that would drastically lower his chances for success. Haku suddenly grinned when he remembered a Jutsu that would work perfectly for the occasion. Haku recalled how he stumbled across a book that talked about hidden villages and specialized Jutsu that derived from said villages. One that interested him in particular was Mist vllages' hidden mist Jutsu. For the fact that he didn't have a scroll detailing how the Jutsu worked he had to spend countless hours figuring it out for himself. But his efforts had been rewarded and he had learned the Jutsu well something close enough to it.
Haku figured it was time to put his plan into action so he flipped through some hand seals and whispered. "Water style: Hidden Mist Jutsu."
The surrounding area began to be covered in a thick blanket of mist as Haku focused on increasing the amount of moisture in the air around him. Haku noted that the clone had become increasingly aware, but he didn't pay it any mind considering the clone wouldn't be able to spot him through the mist.
Luckily for Haku he had done plenty of training within the mist, and was able to move around freely in it. His only problem was getting close enough to deliver a decisive blow. Deciding now was the best time to try and use his newest Jutsu he'd been working on for some time Haku pulled his hand into a hand seal.
"Ice style: Crystal Ice Mirrors." Haku muttered as a thick sheet of ice began to form behind him. Haku then turned his attention to Shizune's clone and focused on the spot behind her, and within a few second an identical ice mirror formed behind her.
Haku smirked realizing that Shizune's clone failed to take notice of the ice mirror behind her and he stepped into the one behind him. A moment later Haku stepped out of the ice mirror behind Shizune' clone and fired a senbon directly into the back of its neck dispelling it instantly. Haku watched with satisfaction as the necklace dropped to the ground and he went to retrieve it.
(Meanwhile)
Shizune couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face, after receiving her clones memories. The only thing she got back from the clone was being shrouded in mist then nothing. Shizune then turned her attention to Hinata and Naruto who were still looking into the forest. "Good news you two it would appear Haku-kun passed with flying colors."
Both Naruto and Hinata let out sighs of relief. "I knew Haku would pull it off easily." Naruto proclaimed.
A few minutes later Haku emerged out of the forest with a genial smile on his face, he came to a stop in front of Naruto, Hinata, and Shizune. "Well Shizune-sensei how did I do."
"Splendid Haku-kun, you pass without question." Shizune answered truthfully.
"Thank you Shizune-sensei" Haku offered with a bow. "But what am I to do with this necklace?" Haku questioned while observing the necklace with a golden snow flake pendant attached to it.
"That's yours." Shizune answered. "Just think of it as a gift for passing your test." Shizune concluded.
"Thank you Shizune-nee, I mean Shizune-sensei." Haku stated graciously.
"It's no problem at all Haku-kun." Shizune then signaled for the next clone to go into the forest. "Why don't you go next Hinata-chan?" Shizune offered.
Hinata nervously nodded. "Okay Shizune-sensei, I'll give it my best." Hinata stated while moving towards the forest.
"I wouldn't expect anything less of you Hinata-chan." Shizune stated as Hinata disappeared into the forest.
When Hinata entered the forest she quickly took to the trees. She wanted to locate her target as soon as possible in order to devise a plan for taking it out. Deciding that her Byakugan would be the best method for finding Shizune's clone Hinata activated it.
Hinata was relieved to find that the clone didn't venture to far into the forest and this would give her plenty of time. Hinata had decided to venture wide in order to approach the clone from behind.
A few moments later Hinata spotted the clone only a few meters out in front of her. Hinata positioned herself against a tree in order to formulate a plan without being seen. She quickly realized the objective would be extremely difficult, she didn't know any tricks or Jutsu that would allow her to get in close before being spotted.
Hinata also didn't trust in her abilities to sneak up on the clone quietly enough without being spotted. Hinata then bit her bottom lip to help calm herself as her objective seemed to be so far out of her reach.
Trying her best to rid herself of those thoughts Hinata came to the conclusion if she couldn't get close enough to the clone she'd simply have to make the clone come closer to her.
Hinata reached into her weapons pouch to check her inventory, figuring she had enough to get the job done she leapt from her position and began to set up her trap.
After Hinata had finished making preparations she looked to the sun. Judging by the position it was in the sky she realized she'd been out in the forest for at least twenty minutes and knew it was crunch time.
As silently as she could Hinata rolled a smoke bomb into the clearing and Shizune's clone instantly became alert as it scanned the area for Hinata. A moment later the smoke bomb exploded engulfing the area in smoke.
Shizune's clone swiftly darted out of the smoke considering it had no visibility within it. Hinata used that opportunity to dash into the cover of the smoke while activating her Byakugan in order to see. Hinata quickly fired off a kunai that by passed Shizune's clone and cut into a wire a few meters in front of Shizune that unleashed a hail of kunai towards Shizune that forced her back into the blinding smoke.
Before Shizune's clone could try to get out of the smoke Hinata had already moved in on it and drove her palm directly into its heart pumping chakra into it as she did so. The resulting effect was exactly what Hinata had wanted and the clone disappeared in puff of smoke.
A moment later Shizune received her clones memories and she nodded approvingly. "Seems Hinata-chan passed as well." Shizune stated to both Naruto and Haku.
Both boys grinned to each other as they waited for Hinata to come back out of the forest. About ten minutes later Hinata came bounding out of the forest wearing the necklace she'd picked up from the clone. Hers was one of a golden rain drop.
"Alright Hinata-chan I knew you would do awesome." Naruto offered with a wide toothy grin on his face.
Hinata blushed at the complement and mumbled a thank you.
"Job well done Hinata-chan" Shizune added before turning her attention to Naruto. "Well Naruto looks like you're finally up." She stated before signaling her clone to take off into the forest.
A few minutes later after giving the clone enough time to find a spot to hide in the forest Shizune gave Naruto the okay to go. Naruto cracked his knuckles and stared at the forest ahead. "Fine by me Shizune-sensei." Naruto proclaimed before dashing off into the forest.
'Now what would be the best method for finding my target?' Naruto wondered to himself while hoping along the tree branches. Naruto suddenly clicked his fingers when he got an idea.
He quickly stopped his tree hoping and pulled out a small scroll from his pocket and unraveled it. The scroll had different seals for different plant seeds he had stored inside of it. Finding the one he wanted Naruto released its contents and five seeds sprang from it and he caught them.
Naruto gripped the seeds in his right hand and channeled chakra into them while performing the required hand seals with his left hand. A moment later Naruto was holding a handful of fully grown dandelions.
Naruto pulled the plants to eye level and blew on the fuzzy looking tops of the plants sending them scattering into the wind in all directions. Naruto disposed of the left over stems and presumed a cross legged position on the tree branch and shut his eyes.
Ten minutes later Naruto's eyes opened and he grinned. "Found you Shizune-sensei." Naruto proclaimed as he stood back up and dusted himself off. "So about one kilometer to the west."
Naruto then pulled his hand into a hand seal and muttered "Shadow Clone Jutsu." Three clones instantly sprang into existence. "Well you guys know what to do." Naruto stated and each of his clones proceeded to transform into birds.
Afterwards Naruto reached back into his pocket and pulled out more seeds and each bird took a few within its beak and flew off. Naruto watched the birds go before taking off trailing slightly behind them.
A few minutes later Naruto arrived to the area where he spotted Shizune's clone standing in a clearing. Considering he'd already gotten back his clone's memories he knew exactly where they had dropped off the seeds in the clearing. Naruto grinned figuring that he had the test in the bag.
Pulling his hand into a hand seal the seeds that were scattered throughout the clearing began to slowly sprout into leafy green plants with thousands of brittle spines growing along the stem. Naruto made sure to grow the plants slowly to not alert Shizune's clone.
After the plants had fully grown Naruto clasped his hands together and muttered. "Ninja art: Devil's Shower." The plants' below that surrounded the blissfully unaware clone suddenly fired off the tiny spines from their stems that rained down upon Shizune's clone.
Shizune's clone eyes widened as it realized their was no opening in which to escape the attack and was pelted my the tiny barbs and dispelled just seconds afterwards.
Naruto smirked as he landed in the clearing to retrieve the necklace the clone had dropped. "Sorry Shizune-sensei but there was enough poison in that attack to bring down an elephant." Naruto noted as he picked up the necklace and observed it. Instead of the snowflake like pendant Haku received or the rain drop one that Hinata was given his was one of a golden rose.
A moment later Naruto came bounding out of the forest his necklace bouncing off his chest as he ran. Haku chuckled a bit as he took notice of the shit eating grin etched on Naruto's face.
"Congratulations Naruto-kun." Hinata stated. "Shizune-sensei already informed us that you passed as well."
"Yes! So does that officially make us a team then?" Naruto questioned hopefully.
Shizune nodded. "That it does, and tomorrow meet me here at eight am and we'll start your training on how to take down your targets as a team as opposed to just yourselves."
Shizune explained. "As for now you're all excused."
Team six all gave a "Hai Shizune-sensei" in joined unison.
(Elsewhere)
Yakumo whistled to herself happily as she made her way home. She had a good feeling about their upcoming test after her… discussion with Sasuke.
She figured with the Genjutsu she placed on him it would keep him in line long enough for them to pass the test. She had no fear of Sasuke discovering what she'd done considering Sasuke's Genjutsu abilities were subpar in comparison to that of her own. The only hurdle she had to get over in her plan was Kakashi, she could only hope that he wouldn't become wise of the Genjutsu that had been placed on Sasuke.
Well there you go everyone chapter thirteen. I hope I was able to give you a little something new with the test Shizune had for team six. Anyway please review and I'll catch you with the next chapter.