Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, or the franchise characters as a whole, those belong to Mashashi Kishimoto, Shounen Jump, Bandai games and other liscensed creators. I only take credit for my own OC characters and premises.
A/N:
1) I'm back, test season is over, well unless I need to take several of them again upon which I will notify you all. So hopefully I'll get to writing another chapter sooner than later so to speak.
2) I hope you peeps enjoy my renovated 1st exam, your thoughts are appreciated should you choose to share them with me.
3) I've worked on chapters 1-11 [I smoothed out chapters 1-5] and integrated: The canon Tsuchikage [in the battle in chapter 6], Yagura the Sanbi [in the referrals to the the Mizukage by Mashashi and the Mizukage in chapter 19] and Fuu the Shichibi [in the battle with Deidara in chapter 10], Utakare the Rokubi [in the scene with Sasori and Deidara in chapter 15] Danzou's eye and arm [by changing some of Danzou's parts throughout the story]. So now the story is pretty canon compliant.
4) An important announcement, I've recently discovered Kishimoto's 4th data book has been translated on leafninja's site and found out about the 'beasts' which we did not know of. I can only partially accept Kishimoto's legendary beasts amongst the deceased Jinchuuriki and will use my own planned beasts here and there amongst the rest [some may stay as canon while some may not, we'll see...]
That's about it, read, enjoy, review is possible :)
Japanese Word Glossary:
Kirigakure no Sato: Village Hidden in the Mist
Konohagakure: Hidden Leaf
Hi no Kuni - Fire Country
Mizu no Kuni - Water Country
Nidaime – The Second
Sandaime – The Third
Godaime – The Fourth
Kekkai Gekkai – Bloodline Limit/s
Tenrai Katana – Divine Katana
Fuuinjutsu – Sealing technique/s
Kekkai Gekkai - Bloodline Limit
Battoujutsu – Sword Drawing Technique/s|
Jinchuuriki – 'Power of Human Sacrifice'- The nickname that's been given to containers of the Bijuu
Kiri - Mist
Ame - Rain
(Central plaza, Kirigakure no Sato, Mizu no Kuni)
"It's been many years since I've set foot here..." The founder of the seven swordsmen of the mist thought in a nostalgic manner. His eyes took in the scenery, pausing over his once magnificent home, now a pathetic shadow of its former glory.
Originally he had never imagined he would ever return to Kirigakure in such a brazen manner. But after the snake sannin Orochimaru had bought him for a bodyguard assignment in exchange for retrieving his legendary blade, he was now armed with the proper tool to remove the cancer that plagued his nation and he even got to spar with his former pupil Kisame.
That madman's mutated fishman or whatever that scaly humanoid had been easily unearthed the blade from the reefs of the water country. To think the serpentine legend would go to such depths as to acquire Mashashi, a man that had fought him to standstill in the past was slightly baffling, but the legendary swordsmen never cursed or refused good fortune when it embraced him.
Year of internal strife, unrest and mutiny had been unkind to the ninja village. Once it stood on even footing with the other four, now its economy was rickety, its ninja force bereft of the advantages of Kekkai Gekkai and their legendary blades were scattered through the four winds.
He slipped by the ANBU and jounin guards easily, his lips twisted into a sneer. His massive frame glided through the dank, think moisture and fog that perpetually concealed Kirigakure."You're time's up you pathetic fools. Twenty years have passed since that foreigner scum who became our Nidaime Mizukage abandoned our nation and yet you and your son still continued to dance to his fiddle like puppies! Murdering our country men while spreading anti-bloodline bigotry that ran our country into weakness. There is no redemption for your stupidity..."
He hid behind one of the buildings beside the Kage complex for a moment. He then shifted abruptly, ducking beneath a sword swipe with ease. "You fools will have to live twenty lifetimes to even hope to touch me," the ninja once known as the 'Tenrai Katana' declared calmly. His body blurred as he stepped into the man's personal space grabbing his head snapping his neck with his bare hands.
"I guess subtly it out of the question..." Mashashi commented flippantly as the body fell in a heap at his feet. His hand flicked upwards, grabbing onto the tip of a Kunai with expert ease. He cut the edge of his thumb against the razor sharp steel before he sent it back to sender with barely a glance.
He ignored the choked gasp that followed tearing flesh and breaking bone. The kunai protruded through the mask of the foolish ANBU that assaulted him, his body joining his predecessor. Blood pooled at his feet, a familiar sight for a ninja of his caliber.
Mashashi swabbed his his bleeding digit against his left forearm guard, the seals graved upon the reinforced steel glowing brightly. He used his free hand to grab onto the hilt of his legendary blade, summoned from the sealing construct.
He could feel them converging on him, flocking upon him like hyenas upon a carcass. Only to their great dismay they would find no easy meal in him, only their quick demise. The esoteric symbols engraved in the chakra conductive blade burst into bright blue light as he held the blade over his head.
The moisture in the air gathered around him, the whooshing air screeching slightly as his chakra forcefully condensed it into icy cold liquid. He leaped upwards and landed atop the circular building at the feet of the Kage complex.
He then swung the blade across his body, unleashing a massive wave of raging liquid. The body of water exploded forth, crushing through the three ANBU on the roof with ease. It's roaring rage came to a stop as it smashed into the stairway leading up towards the Kage's barricaded tower.
Mashashi's body shifted as he made a single hand seal, using the shunshin no jutsu to appear at the bottom of the stairway before sauntering onwards. His eyes caught sight of a three blurs rushing towards him and one silver eyebrow rose curiously.
He hefted the long katana blade with one hand, parrying a sword thrust with ease before disemboweling its owner, whereas his free hand shot sideways, smashing into figure sneaking behind him. The S-class swordsmen grinned, ignoring the sickly hold liquid sticking to his clothes, face and hands as he tapped his blade against the earth. The earth trembled and cracked around him, shifting rapidly at his command.
At the same time a feminine voice roared angrily, unleashing her infamous 'Suiton: Assai Mizuhebi Yakushin.' The air shifted and formed multiple serpents of water all around Mashashi. The swirling liquid struck then shot forth, aiming at the kage level assassin only to disperse impotently against slabs he erected effortlessly with his legendary blade.
In a swift motion he sliced his way out the debris and eyed his assailant with a crooked grin. "Well, well, well, if it isn't little Shizuka? It's been a while, hasn't it? You aren't the little girl I once taught how to level a blade, are you?"
In front of him, blocking his way up the stairs stood a stunning young woman in her late twenties. Her lithe and petite form was protected by a layer of mesh armor covered by a blue robe. The had a deep v line and revealed her shoulders and her legs were revealed by the strategically cut fabric that allowed her mobility.
Her long red hair danced slightly in the breeze, her pale gray-green eyes barely visible through her narrowed glare. Lush red lips parted to reveal, grit, pearly white teeth. "Fujitsu Mashashi...? I don't know how you're alive but surrender now and I may yet show you some mercy."
Mashashi's eyes flickered with mirth as he brought his blade to hip level, assuming a Battoujutsu stance as he multiple shinobi formed out of the mist around him, using water substitution techniques to get up close and personal.
Shizuka winced as she watched with slight trepidation and quite a bit of fascination as the middle-aged man shifted and weaved through her ANBU comrades' attacks; slipping through their blades with awe-inspiring grace. She could barely pick up his blurry motions but when he stopped moving, he stood several steps above his attackers.
His feral grin sent a chill of excitement and fear down her spine as he tapped his blade against the ground firmly. Then she watched with repulsion mingled with horror as a cacophony of blood, gore and amputated limbs was revealed, his attackers literally falling apart behind him.
The ruby haired femme frowned and took a step back, ANBU guards materializing at her side to protect her. Her father the Sandaime had taught her advanced Suiton jutsu before the Yondaime had killed him. Then she was trained to lead the seven swordsmen; having been taught genjutsu and ninjutsu. Then one day Yagura had just vanished into thin air and Kirigakure had been hunting him down ever since.
But this enemy was different than assassinating relatives or slaughtering enemy dogs. Deep in her heart she knew this S-class ninja was no man; this was a monster who probably knew how to fight most if not any of her strategies given he was a Kiri-nin himself - all the more fun to meet in battle blade to blade!
"You haven't lost your spunk, little girl. But did you really think you'd distract me enough for your little ANBU to assassinate me? I'll admit that's underhanded and even downright diabolical of you as a leader! I like that! So I've changed my mind, I've decided I'll let you live. Now step aside so I can kill that old fossil and overthrow that kind-hearted brat, Yagura (see author note)."
"I'm afraid you misunderstand, Mashashi. I AM Godaime Mizukage and I have no intentions of stepping down. It has been for the last two years ever since I took the mantle since Yagura went rogue and into hiding two years ago. Where have you been living? Under a rock?"
"Shizuka-chan? You're Godaime Mizukage? My my, it seems like I have my work cut out for me and some news to catch up with. If that's the case I am afraid I don't recognize your ability or sovereignty, Mizukage-dono. I have a different vision for my country that I will make a reality. But you know, I've always had a soft spot for hot little ladies like yourself, so I'll give you the choice I rarely give others: surrender now and spare yourself and my future ANBU the pain."
Shizuka's eyebrow twitched, she hated being belittled because she was a woman. Her anger bubbled with her as she reached to her hips and unsheathed two kodachi and bared her teeth menacingly before she charged at him. "I'll surrender to you over my dead body, you bastard! Now why don't you die and stay dead this time!"
The seasoned veteran's grin grew wider as his body blurred as well as he rushed to meet her. "Ah, the ignorance of youth...it seems I shall have to pick up the notch. Don't worry though, I won't kill you...you will be a useful tool for me, well as soon as I put you in your place...hehehe."
(Konoha Mercantile District, Building of the 1st exam of the Chuunin exams)
The genin followed the three legendary jounin into a massive room. The crowd of aspiring chuunin looked around, somewhat overwhelmed at the number of special ops ninja leaning against three of the walls. They were all chuunin by their vests, the ninja all lining up against the walls while holding notebooks and pens in their hands..
On the floor arranged in five lines were identical wooden cubes. Each three dimensional square had a number carved against one of its facets rising from one to four. Dozens of somewhat confused eyes analyzed the situation critically, trying to discern what the exam was about.
"Now, each team please gather around one the cubes, and stop stalling, you won't be able to guess our test just by these pieces of wood." Inoichi snapping exclaim seemed to shake the genin out of their daze; the various teams all converging as instructed.
From his position on the only unmanned wall. His other two teammates joined him, the three proctors facing a confused and somewhat overwhelmed crowd. The elder ninja shared a exasperated look before they exchanged some words in a hushed tone, probably negotiating the last details required for the exam itself.
Uzumaki Naruto eyed his shadow manipulating teammate curiously, while keeping track of the others in his perpetual vision. Team Eight took a position to their right; Neji nodding to them whereas team psycho-bitch (As Naruto had fondly dubbed Sakura's team) took a position to their left.
The Jinchuuriki shuddered slightly as he felt that homicidal looking Sand nin assuming a place behind him. "Your dad's a genius like you, right Shika?"
The Nara quirked a brow, nodding through a shrug. Before the Uzumaki could ask his question their blonde haired teammate interjected inaudibly, "So...what do you think he's up to?"
Ino bit her lower lip, not liking the gleam in her father's eyes, it was full of icy intensity. The way his lips twitched in an almost malevolent manner when the room filled up also sent chills down her spine. "This is bad...this is really bad..."
Shikaku exhaled heavily while rolling his eyes. His patience seemed to be wearing thin by the way his eyes narrowed a fraction and the whipping quality of his tone was a pretty good indicator too. "Now that you're all here, with your 'permission' we will begin."
"As you have all noticed, each team has a cube with a number carved on each of its facets. The test is simple. We will ask you all a series of questions with multiple possible answers." Inoichi cut in and his azure eye scanned the genin critically.
The Yamanaka elaborated in a smooth manner. "Each question has several possible answers, each has a predetermined point value. We will be grading you accordingly. Be cautious though, there will be a time limit for every question and any number of parameters we've decided upon may have us dock points from..."
"But that's not fair! You'll just dock points to whomever isn't a leaf-nin!" a grass nin hissed bitingly. The female ninja was wearing the traditional wide, hate, her long black hair.
Chouza surprised most Konoha genin by speaking up in an neutral and almost threatening manner. "That'll cost you points, girl. I don't know how things are in Kusagakure but in most ninja villages we let our superiors finish before we speak up. A chuunin needs to knows his or her place in the chain of command. If you punks can't get that, then you should leave now, because we aren't playing games here."
The assorted genin all seemed a bit overwhelmed by the massive man's snapping retort. "Chuunin are the backbone of the ninja community, you best remember that. In combat, war and missions chuunin are the most integrate battle piece. So I suggest you morons wake up from whatever romantic fantasies or heroism you have." Shikaku added.
"Anyway," Inoichi redirected the conversation, "Also, just to make things interesting we will also be 'quizzing' random teams and see how they rationalize their answers, if their logic is unsatisfactory, they will be removed."
"What the hell does that mean?" Sakura heard Tenten whisper to Lee beside her. The crimson haired sociopath rubbed her chin. Pondering all the instructions carefully, her emerald eyes shifting between Neji and Shikamaru, trying to get hints on the 'trick'.
"What should we do...Sakura-chan?"her ever trusty alter-ego whispered in her mind as she half screened out the muttering and nervous vibe of her fellow genin. "What would...Sasuke-kun do? The main persona started panicking, her teeth nibbling on her lower lip before an image flashed through her mind of her bell test. "Look underneath the underneath! Damn Kakashi....he was right all along. This isn't about the answers at all!"
The Nara coughed lightly and then spoke up. "You and your team of chuunin have been sent on a mission to apprehend a nuke-nin about to assassinate the Daimyo. In the midst of the mission you have to choose between: one: crossing through a ravine bordering with a hostile country that will cut your time by half but may cause an altercation and endanger your team. Two: take a longer, safer route to your destination at a quicker pace with less breaks; while conversing your supplies. Three: Split your team up and send your most stealthy team member through the fast route to prepare a defensive while the rest of your team takes the regular route. Four: Take the mediocre path at a reasonable pace. You have two minutes, begin."
Shikamaru's eyes widened, "What the hell, dad?" the Nara wondered, analyzing the scenarios in his mind came to various possible outcomes, many of which were unsavory. "None of these possibilities is decisively correct...decisively correct...that's it! Damn it, you guys are nasty..."
Naruto and Ino seemed lost, each one of them unsure which answer would be best. On one hand the Daimyo's life is in danger, he's the central financial figurehead in the ninja village system in any given country. On the other hand charging in wildly might get the team killed and there's no certainty the nuke-nin will be fast or crafty enough to succeed before they reach there."
Shikamaru motioned them to approach him and they all huddled together. They exchanged harsh words in low undertones, all three arguing briefly before they reach and agreement and all three of nodded in unison before Shikamaru spun the cube around, choosing the number four. He dared a peak to his right and saw team eight had chosen a similar selection and he shared a bemused look with the Hyuuga genius who had seemed to realize the same thing he did.
Naruto's skin crawled and he glanced over his left shoulder, locking eyes with a pair of lifeless emeralds. His face twisted into a frown as he watched the crimson haired Jinchuuriki smirked, a wave of sand flipping his team's cube around and showing the number one. His teammates appeared resigned, uncertain and perhaps just a bit anxious when he crossed his arms.
He flinched when he felt someone pinch his side, his attention effectively drawn back towards his female teammate. Her face was turned into a dark frown, the dangerous tick of her right eyebrow signaling impending doom. "Ne, Naruto-kun, why is that freaky rain kunoichi glaring at you so hard?"
"I-I don't know! I bumped into her sensei earlier and she acted really weird...I dunno. How should I know what some crazy woman think?" The Uzumaki replied inaudibly, curiously sneaking a peep at said femme's team and noticing her team chose number three as well.
The ninja around them scribbled rapidly, their critical eyes analyzing each team. Then the panic started as the chuunin around the room started speaking up. Calling out team names in random and personally questioning teams on their individual decisions.
Amidst the cacophony of nervous genin answering pointed questions Inoichi's eyes narrowed down on Gaara's team and he lifted his hand, bringing the room into a tense silence. His eyebrow quirked as he realized the team from Sunagakure were the only team to select answer #1 "You there, redhead, why exactly do you think your answer is the correct one?"
The reply sent chills down most of the surrounding genin's spines, the certainty and apathetic tone quite convincing. "If anyone stands in my way, they will only become a sacrifice to prove my existence."
Shikaku's eyes narrowed, "Oh? Do you imagine your team strong enough to deal with an ambush all by yourself. Risking a war with a neighboring country because of your arrogance? Who do you think you are?"
Gaara didn't flinch, falter or pause when his siblings begged him to stop, to calm down or relax. His lips twitched into an infuriatingly emotionless expression. "I am Sabaku no Gaara , you will see exactly what I mean soon enough..."
Inoichi ran his hand through his hair, seeming somewhat contemplative. His eyes narrowed a fraction before he grabbed Shikaku's shoulder and murmured something into his ear. The Shadow manipulator blinked once and his lips pursed. "Very well, I guess we'll see if you can back up your words soon enough, boy."
Neji watched the exchange curiously and decided to test something he had suspected for a while, "Kiba, Shino, cover me. I need to test something." His teammates obeyed wordlessly, they had learned in the last month or so that whenever the Hyuuga had a hunch, it usually was beneficial to let him run with it.
"Byakugan..." he thought and channeled his chakra into his eyes, stifling the shudder through his spine when the world shifted from color into silver and black. His eyes narrowed and his face twisted into a frown. His "I see...I suppose that makes sense...."
"What is it, Neji?" Kiba asked the silver-eyed prodigy.
The Hyuuga's reply was somewhat crisp, it carrying an air of finality. "Let's just say, there is more to this test than meets the eye and leave it at that."
"Let's proceed then." Chouza spoke up. "Your team is under siege inside a cave on the way to carry an important scroll to your kage from one of your village's informants. One of your teammates is wounded moderately and he the team's genjutsu specialist. there is no telling how deep the cavern goes and you're unable to locate the enemies outside. Do you: one, use explosives to try and block your enemy out and seek a way out. Two: Try to fight your way out with wide spread ninjutsu and escape during the chaos. Three: Leave your wounded teammate behind to cover the exit and escape to salvage the mission. Four: Send one of your teammates to look for an exit while your wounded teammate and the rest of the team erect a defensive array within the cave."
"We would break out, no teammate should be left behind! With out power of youth!" Lee declared with bravado, pumping his fist.
Tenten smacked his shoulder and hissed at him "Baka! What kind of hair-brained idea is that! You'd be mutilated once they see you in the exit! We should use explosives to cover the cavern entrance."
Sakura sighed softly and caught site of her silver haired 'benefactor'. The bespectacled young man nodded at her while spinning his cube to the number three.
"If we use explosives, there will be a cave in and we'll be buried alive. If we try to set up a defensive, they could easily use a doton jutsu and bury us alive. If we try to escape through the main exit, we'll be shred by a concentrated ninjutsu and weapon attack. If the information is highly classified, it must reach the hokage at all costs...that's...just how things are..."
The two seemed scandalized but the green eyed assassin in training speared them with a sharp look and spoke in a sharp and emotionless tone, stressing the importance of her conclusion. "We are shinobi, we have a commitment to our village. The situation is hopeless, there are little options other than sacrificing the one for the sake of our village. Do not forget the shame of the 'White fang'...we're better than that!"
"But...Sakura-chan..." Lee tried to protest only to have her shake her head. Tenten eyed the emerald eyed kunoichi in an entirely new light; something varying from caution to slight fear. The callous and borderline apathetic decision didn't sit well with her – though she knew deep inside that it was the right one.
Her alter-ego whispered in her mind in a sugary manner. "You have to be a bit more soft with him, Sakura-chan!" The green-eyed kunoichi gulped and assumed a mask of remorse and guilt, biting her lower lip "This is for the mission, don't forget the mission!"
She thought of how she should salvage the situation and remembered something the Copy-ninja had once told her team and her alter-ego cackled joyfully at the irony of the situation. She squeezed both of her teammates' shoulders and whispered in a trembling manner, "I'm sorry Lee, Tenten, I don't like it either, so please don't hate me for being the devil's advocate. I agree that those who abandon their friends are trash, but those who don't abandon their friends and hurt their village are even worse than trash, they're traitors that are likely to get even more of their friends killed..."
"Interesting rationale, girl." a voice spoke up from behind them. The team turned around and caught sight of an unknown chuunin. The young man seemed in his early twenties, his hazel eyes boring into Sakura's green inquisitively, "Would you be so willing to abandon your teammate, had it been the deceased Uchiha Sasuke?"
"OF COURSE NOT! We'd never turn our backs on Sasuke...but you don't have to know that...you sonuvabitch...hehehe..." Inner Sakura shrieked in her mind at first before giggling maniacally, mirroring the main persona's own feelings.
Haruno Sakura was not the impulsive and reckless child she was several months ago. Survival of the fittest, meant you had to know when to lie through your teeth, gain your 'tormentor's confidence and then snap his neck when he or she are least expecting it. "Even if it were, Sasuke-kun, I would have to find it in myself to fulfill my duty, especially in a hopeless situation, or both Sasuke, my sensei and village would never be able to forgive me."
The chuunin sought her face for deceit, uncertainty but was confronted with a blank, unreadable expression. He scribbled something on his notepad, "Alright, girl. If you seem so serious about it, I guess I'll have to believe you."
"Shite..." Ino murmured as she watched teams of genin begin to argue and protest as chuunin called out team numbers and declared the teams had failed. The Yamanaka heiress observed how the genin argued amongst themselves, blaming one another and her eyes widened more "I get it now!"
"Uzumaki-san," Chouza turned and pointed at Naruto, surprising both his teammates who seemed to have expected him to ask someone else. "Do you care to enlighten us exactly why your chose to fight your way out of a entrenched position instead of seeking a more tactical solution?"
Shikimaru and Ino eyed Naruto quietly, he had insisted it was the proper solution and had actually explained his point rather well so they were inclined to agree with him when they discussed what to choose earlier.
Ino only hoped her father would be as understanding as she was to Naruto's argument. She brushed her fingers against his own secretly, hoping to signal him a bit of support and watched some of the tension leave his shoulders as he stood straight. "Don't be scared, Naru-kun, you can do it!"
"We can't expect or be certain that our teammate will be able to kill him or herself for the village! This might expose intimate village secrets or one of our kekkai gekkai, not only cost us a friend. Fighting inside a cave or trying to make a cave-in with explosives is crazy. Most teams might have to leave a teammate behind, but any team with a spying expert..." he said and motioned towards team eight.
"...or someone with special abilities or even just a creative mind can burst through. Besides, if the enemy's location is unknown, there is no guarantee they haven't already surrounded the parameter themselves and then trying to escape will not only do us no good, but it'll leave us even more exposed."
While the teams were thinned even further by the chuunin aides failing them; the rain-nin known as Sumiko muttered to herself. "Idealistic tree-hugger," her bright jade eyes observed with scorn bordering on disgust the way many ninja around her seemed to get inspired. The blonde genin was right about the 'liability' leaving a wounded teammate was, that's why all ninja from chuunin and above back home were required to carry cyanide pills, to prevent such 'compromising situations'.
Meanwhile another emerald eyed kunoichi grit her teeth, "Look at him, that crimson-eyed pretender...as if he cares about anyone other than himself!" Sakura thought to herself and watched Lee and Tenten seem to get inspired by his words. Her frown deepened as she heard her alter-ego whisper in her mind, "We have to be careful, less your tools join the monster as well. Answer the next question in a more...'Kakashi-like' manner, or we'll be in trouble..."
"Very interesting, Uzumaki. I like the way you think...but let's see how much you've truly grown..." Shikaku thought inwardly and begrudgingly found himself smirking. He then nodded silently. "I guess that settles that, let's proceed to the final question then: Your team has been given a C-rank mission to protect a client on his way back home in an allotted time frame and protect him from low level threats while he finishes a task of his choosing. Halfway towards the destination you are attacked by chuunin level ninja and discover there is as an A-class bounty on your client and he falsified his mission request due to lack of funds."
Two genin amongst the throng of examinees each dropped their gaze to the floor. Lamenting lost innocence, broken memories and scars that could never heal. The scenario's origins was quite clear to them and left a bitter taste in their mouths over all the 'missed opportunities'.
The Jinchuuriki's fists tightened, knuckles whitening as he dared glance at his treacherous former teammate. He found her glaring at him darkly, clashing with his look of pity and regret. He looked away quickly and exhaled through his nostrils; trying to calm down.
"Do you...one: send a message back to your village and postpone the mission completion by retreating backwards and seeking safety and bump up the mission rating and fee. Two: send a message and proceed with caution while bumping up the mission rating and fee. Three: your proceed onwards despite the dangers while bumping up the mission rating and fee or four: Your cancel the falsified mission and leave the client to his or her fate."
Naruto eyed his teammates and Shikamaru spoke to him in a slightly uncertain manner, "You know it's two, right? You can't postpone the mission because it's on a time limit, but you do have to call for immediate reinforcements and proceed with caution..."
"I know! I know! Believe me I know..." the Uzumaki snapped at first, his voice falling to a tense whisper. "Taking on that mission despite the threat under what we did, was borderline suicidal...I hate myself for convincing Kakashi-sensei. But, it's a mistake I have to live with, and learn from...that I can't be reckless and have to see the big picture...or people can get killed..."
"Mah, don't mope, Naru-kun. There's no use for "what ifs" Even if you did call for backup, there's no guarantee they'd get there in time and Sasuke might've still died and even if you abandoned the mission, there's no telling if another random occurrence could've gotten him killed either. No regets, remember? That's what you promised."
Shikamaru flipped the cube to the chosen number and shook his head. "Ino's right, Baka. Get your head in the game. There's no point in second-guessing, best thing ya can do is make sure it doesn't happen again to someone else. Ok?" The Jinchuuriki nodded and smiled faintly, thanking them.
Meanwhile Sakura raged and simmered inwardly, the resurfacing pain and memories burned through her like liquid fire. She shut her eyes, both her persona trying to quench the rage, the hatred and bitterness threatening to resurface, several deep breathes later she managed to quench the worst of the murderous intentions. "The mission...remember the mission...must....must maintain control...must keep up the facade. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!" Both her persona spoke up and struggled in a disjointed effort.
"Are you alright, Sakura?" Tenten asked uncertainly, reaching to touch her shoulder. She expected the teen to brush it off and explode or something. That's how the Sakura she remembered was known to react. She was surprised to feel her fellow genin tense and then relax.
"I-I think so...t-thanks, Tenten-san." she whispered softly and gulped, turning slightly moist and remorseful eyes towards her teammates. She paraphrased Naruto, Kakashi and Anko's various remarks around her and formulated a sentence to convey an emotion she did not feel: guilt and regret. "I...I know it was a mistake, one I have to live with every day. B-but I've got to be strong, so it isn't in vain..."
The renovated team Gai thus reached a concurrence over the same option taken by their other two leaf counterparts.
Inoichi brushed his hair once more and then he turned directly and pointed at Kabuto. "You, glasses-boy, why do you think the client should pay you the original, not to mention an upgraded mission fee if the designated time limit has expired?"
The silver haired spy bowed his head, concealing his grinning facade. When he pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and looked at Inoichi his face was the mask of sheepish innocence. "A-class nuke-nin of the likes of Hatake Kakashi-san and Maito Gai-san usually don't come alone. Considering we are speaking of a team of three to four chuunin, dealing with one elite Jounin is perhaps possible, but even one or two cohorts would spell our most certain failure and partial if not utter team annihilation. Besides, most clients requiring protection usually are thankful to survive, time frame or not."
The Yamanaka was silent for a couple of moments before he spoke up neutrally, "That's a text book perfect answer, boy. But the ninja code won't take you far if you can't improvise when in the face of diversity. Life isn't quite as simple, reality is often more complicated than what can be encompassed by words and letters alone.
The medic-nin frowned slightly, he was not expected such a response but seemed to digest the news before exchanging some soft words with his two teammates. "That should convince them I'm some greenhorn genin who lives by the book. But there's something about the way they're looking at me that I can't quite discern. I'll have to watch my back, I have a bad feeling about this...I'll have to make contingencies just in case once this exam is over..."
"Congratulations to those 78 of you that have remained. You have all passed the first test of the chuunin selection exam." The legendary trio spoke in unison.
Chouza explained the first part of the test firmly. "A chuunin's decision-making is important so those amongst you that could not rationalize their decisions or proved entirely retarded were removed. But this test's main goal was to challenge your individual ability to cooperate, compromise and work cohesively with your teams, things that are far more important for a chuunin."
Shikaku elaborated in a slightly exasperated manner, "After all, chuunin are in ninety percent of the cases part of a equally-leveled chuunin or led by a Jounin. The ability to lead is important, but more prominent in the role of a Jounin so those teams that argued, squabbled and could not reach a decision proved they are not ready to be chuunin and were failed on the spot."
"You are all dismissed," Inoichi commanded firmly and pointed at the door, where an ANBU two chuunin were standing, each of them holding a pile of parcels. "Take a note from the chuunin at the door, it explains where the second test will take place, tomorrow at 0800 hours. And remember, no fighting, sparring or otherwise inflammatory interactions are allowed outside of the examinations. "
The three ninja watched as the genin shuffled off to celebrate and rest in their various quarters and then as their chuunin aides did the same.
"They grow up so far, I can still remember them playing in the sandbox..." Shikaku commented and his teammates shared a chuckle with him. Inoichi nodded and reached back into his hair, removing the hidden ear piece he had been during during the exam.
"Impressive, to think so many teams would remain; these kids aren't half bad. But I'm especially intrigued by Uzumaki, it seems Kakashi has been true to his promise about molding him into a ninja, though there is still a ways to go." A voice spoke up from the entrance to the room. Its rich quality and neutral monotone belied nobility of the speaker, one Hyuuga Hiashi.
The Hyuuga walked up to his fellow clan heads. His part in the exam was to use his Byakugan to observe the examinees from a hidden room and assess if there were possible spies and other threats to the leaf. "It is now official, I concur with Jiraiya-sama's suspicions: Yakushi Kabuto is no genin. His chakra coils and physical state bely a far greater power than someone who failed seven times should have."
"What should we do about it?" Chouza asked gravely.
"Nothing, If we try to take him down now we might endanger civilians and other ninja if a chase or hostage situation develops. I think it would be best if ANBU collect him during the second exam. it'll be much less of a hassle to 'collect' then than in a populated area." Shikaku suggested
"Good idea, Shikaku, as usual," Inoichi complimented before turning to Hiashi. "Are you sure about your second observation. Do we have other Jinchuuriki in our midst?"
The Hyuuga nodded, "After examining Uzumaki's seal several months ago and my own intermediate knowledge in fuuinjutsu, there is no doubt about the presence of other containers in this exam."
The clan heads all shared a significant look, each one knowing what had to be done. "I will pass on the word to ANBU, Jiraiya-sama and Hokage-sama" Hiashi volunteered and turned to leave. The others nodded and left as well, each knowing what they had to do, for the good of their village, for the good of their families.
(Hokage Office, Later that Evening)
Sarutobi Hiruzen eyebrows furrowed before he reached to rub his weary eyes. He had reaffirmed his command about maintaining the integrity of the exam, despite the existence of additional Jinchuuriki. If push came to shove, killing the host was not out of the question: but only in the most dire of circumstances should the alliances and pacts be broken and such a time had not happened as of yet.
He was more bothered by the report in his hand that made no sense, the encoded message was written in the secret cipher only Hokage and Daimyo shared. But this couldn't be correct.
He had decoded the message three times in the last hour and each time the same message appeared. 'Sarutobi Hiruzen, by my order as the Daimyo of Hi no Kuni you are hereby dismissed of your office for reckless negligence and misconduct in strategic and financial management of your military power. This directive will commence effectively from the moment your successor is chosen and arrives in Konoha proper.'
"Jiraiya...I can't believe you..." the Sandaime murmured through clenched teeth. His body trembled as the resonating slap he had received proverbially dawned upon him. His final student, his last loyal student had lost faith in him as well and had went behind his back and arranged his impeachment.
Tsunade came first when she turned on him for not approving her battle medic policy and cost Dan's life. Orochimaru came second when Hiruzen 'betrayed' him by choosing Minato over him and turning his back on his serpentine student when he groomed the deceased Yondaime to succeed him. And now, Jiraiya, had turned on him for ignoring his counsel and maintaining his authority.
The thought of the gray haired child that once looked up at him no longer being able to bear to trust his judgment put a foul taste in the Sandaime's mouth. He put down the piece of parchment and considered his next move. He would not go down silently, as much as he cared for his perverted pupil he would not be humiliated, dismissed like some genin...he was Sarutobi Hiruzen and he deserved better than this, damn it!
His breathing shuddered and his eyes stung. He grit his teeth and bowed his head, reaching shakily for his drawer. He opened his it and sought his pipe, only to realize it wasn't there. "Mai-chan!"
The door opened and his receptionist, a young chuunin stepped into the office. Her figure was petite and slim and fit snugly into her formal ninja attire. Her round face was rimmed by shoulder length chestnut hair, a small smile spread over small lips. "Hokage-sama, you're still here?"
The Hokage nodded faintly "I seem to have misplaced my pipe, could you be a dear and look for on the balcony outside, I sometimes forget it there."
"It would be my pleasure, Hokage-sama" she replied pleasantly and bowed deeply, leaving the room behind her. She shut the door behind her and left the aging ninja to lament in his regrets, guilt and sorrow. "It seems, by some mockery of fate, you shall end up replacing me after all, Jiraiya. I hope you learn to appreciate my torment, guilt and burdens better once you are forced to endure through difficult decisions."
His secretary returned a minute or so later and handed him his pipe with slightly trembling hands. The kindly old man smiled at her and shook his head "I'm sorry to bother you, Mai-chan. I've been bothered by work lately and I get distracted from time to time..."
Hiruzen lit his pipe and took a deep whiff of the sweet tobacco fumes. He shut his eyes lightly before he detected an odd, bitter taste when he swabbed his tongue on the mouthpiece. His eyes opened, wide and shocked as his face twisted into an agonized expression. He clutched his chest and struggled to breathe.
"H-Hokage-sama, wait...I'll go get help!" she murmured in a panicked, confused tone.
But the monkey summoner was not looking at her anymore. He looked past her, at the figure standing behind her. She only had a moment to grasp what was happening before pain tore through her. Her eyes fell upon a blade tip protruding from her upper chest.
"Don't bother, Mai." A cold voice exclaimed.
"Y-you ba-basta...why?" she choked, coughing blood. Her body became heavy, the room spinning as her eyelids became heavy. As someone shoved her to the ground she could vaguely hear the bone-chilling reply.
"Because it is necessary."
"Y-you...you dare?" Hiruzen huffed in a wheezing tone. His hand trembled as he struggled to hold his own weight, unwilling to bow or show weakness before his murderer – even on the brink of assured oblivion.
The tapping of his killer's cane were like roaring thunder in the kage's ears. His head spun slightly, as nausea settled in the pit of his stomach and weakness engulfed his entire body. "It is regrettable, Hiruzen. But I will not allow you to destroy everything Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama labored to build."
"You're pathetic, Danzou. This changes nothing...you'll never become Hokage...you...pathetic old fossil..." The Sandaime grinned grimly and glared at Danzou with slightly vacant eyes. His bleary and blurry vision unable to focus properly. "Not without an eye and your crushed and worthless arm..."
The supposedly one-armed elder smirked at the desperate taunts of a dying old relic and reached for his bandaged eye. "Inaccurate, Hiruzen. Let me enlighten you on a little secret." the cloth on his right arm shifted and an arm slithered out, reinforced by a metallic brace.
The weakened limb was operational if limited but it managed to part the cloth enough to reveal his lone sharingan eye; the slightly sickly looking eye was unhealthy, but still active as its commas spun rapidly. "Not all is as it seems, but do not worry; my aspirations only extend to the length in which I find your successor inappropriate. If it becomes necessary than I can, and will become kage."
The legendary ninja past his prime wiped the blood off his lips and chuckled lightly through a fit of coughing. "Even...after thirty years...you still haven't learned anything, Danzou. Do you really think the sharingan...will be enough? You...and Orochimaru...are both short sighted."
The war hawk shook his head lightly, concealing his crushed and limited arm once more. "Spare me your lectures Hiruzen. Unlike you, I know exactly what I'm doing and how to reach my objective."
"Even if I die...the will of fire...will continue on within another. All you've done is kill one has-been past his prime. But, Jiraiya and Tsunade...they will, make sure you...fail. " Hirzuen declared with certainty.
"You still don't get it Hiruzen. War is coming, your delusional 'will of fire' will wither and disappear along with it as it should have long ago. Unlike the Uchiha massacre, this time I will have the full confidence of the jounin behind me. And the first suggestion on my agenda is turning the nine-tails boy into the weapon he was destined to be..."
"You...won't get away with that...or this. Nobody will believe a foreign agent succeeded in this. I hope your smugness...lasts just as long as it takes...for Jiraiya to hunt you down..." Hiruzen retorted weakly, "Konoha will not lose its path, you'll see...and Naruto will become Hokage. He has inherited the will of fire with earnest and there is nothing you can do to stop him, you fool. He has the power...to change people and fate, he won't become the mindless tool you're hoping for."
Danzou's healthy hand was covered in a black glove as it held the crimson-stained blade; keeping his fingerprints and DNA off the murder weapon. He shrugged his shoulder and retorted impassively, "Perhaps, but I will deal with that when the time comes, I always do, Hiruzen."
"I highly doubt he'll be looking for me. After all, Yakushi Kabuto is your murderer, Hiruzen. This is his Kunai after all and he's a suspected spy. The fact he works for Orochimaru only makes it more credible, he's had his uses for buying information in the past but he's outlived his usefulness and while nobody else knows who he works for, they will soon enough."
The Hokage's eyes widened a fraction. He coughed blood and covered his mouth as his body burned within. Liquid flame seared through him, every breath a toil. It was a long shot, but he would have to pray Jiraiya would be able to see through his grief and find the clues and follow them back to Danzou somehow.
The secret sharingan wielder almost felt a shred of pity as he saw the look of impotent rage and despair on his former rival's face. Almost, but not quite. The conversation had exhausted itself and so he flicked his wrist, embedding the kunai into Sarutobi's wind pipe. He gave the pathetic old man a shred of mercy, if only to honor his many battles in Konoha's name.
"It is you who do not understand, Hiruzen. The evidence is overwhelming, even your pupil will have no choice but to believe it. Don't worry though, I'll protect Konoha better than you ever did."
"How ironic, the 'God of Ninja', the harbinger of the 'golden age'; slaughtered and bleeding out like a butchered lamb. Not quite the epic ending you envisioned, is it Hiruzen? Savor your last breaths and ponder the mistakes that led you to this moment." With that he slipped out of the open office door, unnoticed, unheard and without a trace.
The 'God of Ninja' leaned back into his chair, his vision gradually going blank as he reached out for Danzou, "D-Dan..." he stammered through a coughing fit. His eyes shut slowly. Some people claimed your life flashed before your eyes before death, that was untrue. Only one image fixed itself before his eyes, his beloved village and all it's inhabitants.
"Konoha...we've had...quite an adventure. I hand you back the reins. My only regret is that I won't live to see you prove what Hashirama, Tobirama and Minato knew...that our strength is in our hearts...and that you shall continue our legacy and bring peace...to our war torn continent."
He wheezed his final breaths, simply too tired, too broken to care any longer as the last fragments of life escaped him."Asuma, protect our family, I know you'll make me proud. Jiraiya...I only pray you forgive me one day and fulfill your promise to me...protect Naruto and Konoha...for me...my...beloved pupil..."
And with that last thought, the golden age of the Sandaime Hokage came to an end. Only time would tell what impact the shock waves his assassination would have throughout the ninja world and Konoha in particular.
But one thing for certain was: nothing would ever be the same.
Jutsu list:
Suiton: Assai Mizuhebi Yakushin - Water Release: Crushing Water Serpent Onslaught – A-Class Suiton jutsu – the user will create several serpentine shaped torrent of liquid that will crash into the designated target.
Shunshin no jutsu – Body Flicker Technique - The ninja will appear and disappear in an instant, allowing them to retreat or attack suddenly. To facilitate the movement the ninja will often use nearby elements such as mist, sand or leaves to mask their appearance or disappearance.