I DONT OWN NARUTO OR HIS CHARACTERS. Im not making profits writting this also.
Sorry it tooked so long for me to update. I dont think that chapter was my best one but now, the Chuunin exams can FINALLY begin ! I was very impatient about it!
I leaved Naruto boots abilities a secret for the chuunin exam arc, dont be too sad about it. "evil grin"
(^-^)
Hinata was smiling brightly as she walked to her room. Sure, Father had reprehended her for being almost late for her trainning session, but that didn't change anything.
Her shopping session with Sakura had been much more fun than she had originally thought possible; in her bag was new a swimsuit. Sakura insisted that she try it on and show it to the boys. Though Hinata turned pink with embarrassment, everyone just complimented her; Naruto even seemed dumbstruck. Blushing, Hinata marveled that she hadn't fainted. Good thing Sakura was holding her hand, otherwise she was sure she would have!
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Naruto walked home surprised, confused, puzzled, and maybe dumbfounded (but he wasn't exactly sure what that last one meant, so he couldn't say for sure).
When he had proudly proclaimed that he was staying with Kurenaï, and that she was the coolest sensei in the universe, Sasuke just smiled and congratulated him… Naruto and Kiba wondered if the sky was going to fall! Sasuke was NEVER nice with anyone! And except for when that good-in-everything stuck-up succeded something, he almost never smile!
I cant remember hearing Sasuke laugh either, thought Naruto. I wish he could have the same luck as me with his sensei, thought Naruto. But Kiba said that Sasuke goal is revenge, not happiness.
While Sakura made Sasuke help her with some menial task, Kiba told Naruto that even if both he and Sasuke thought going out together was a waste of time, Kiba was glad that Sasuke actually did care enough to do something with the rest of the team that didn't include training. He said he secretly hoped that Sasuke will become a pack member instead being a lone wolf. Naruto smiled to the thought.
Even thought Sasuke have more admirers then I do, Naruto mused, it's true that he's always alone. I'm glad at least that Kiba seems to be close to him. I just hope he realizes in time that people care about him.
After that, he thought about Sakura's feelings for Sasuke but waved those thoughts aside quickly. He didn't want to think about her and her so-precious Sasuke, so instead, he thought about Hinata in her swimsuit.
She can actually be pretty...it surprised me. But she's so shy and weird, I never know what's on her mind. And she's so fragile...If I was her father, I wouldn't have allowed her to be a ninja, even if she's strong.
Arriving home, he was welcomed by Kurenaï and with the sweet scent of homemade food. After a good meal, Kurenaï suggested he go to sleep early if he wanted to be in shape for next day training. She was glad to see him taking the initiative of washing the dishes before that.
The Next Morning…
Kurenaï training methods were never walks in the park, but today, they seemed even more demanding then usual. In fact, she had several goals in mind this morning…
First of all, she wanted to know what Naruto's new boots were capable of. Normally his taijutsu style was a bit messy and ungraceful. However, this morning, she saw her genin using more… acrobatic techniques then usual. While she appreciate the sight of his slightly improved taijutsu, she was way more surprised by the abilities of his boots.
Next, she wanted to know if any they had what it took to take the Chuunin exam. She tried to train them in resisting genjutsu and how to cancel the techniques. As she suspected, Shino mastered it in no time. Hinata was not bad, as she was also very capable in noticing some of her more subtle genjutsu. However, she wasn't able to become calm enough to cancel most of them. However, she was doing far better then Naruto, who was extremely weak against it. She said they'd have to quit for now and that she and Naruto would have to work on it later. When he protested, she smacked him on the head. THAT got him to shut up as they moved onto new exercises.
Naruto will have to depend on his teammates when it come to genjutsu unfortunately... But with the Multiple Shadow Clone technique, a genjutsu users would have a hard time picking a target, so it's not that bad, thought Kurenaï.
And finally, she tested their teamwork in various situations. As a result, she could say that their teamwork was acceptable but noticed that Naruto seemed overprotective over his teammates, exhausting himself and making mistakes because of it. And while Hinata's courage seemed to grow up a bit, she tended to rely on Naruto too much. While they were catching for their breaths, she detailed those facts to the team and when they started again, Kurenaï was glad to see the immediate progress.
That kid may not be smart but at least he is determined, thought Kurenaï about Naruto. As for Hinata, she seem a bit less weak-willed then before, it's interesting…
Her attention was taken away by a messenger hawk, spinning in circle above them. And most of all, he was not landing to give a message.
Humm… so we are asked to come at the Hokage Tower. If it's for what I think it is...well, I thought I had more time, wondered the Jonin.
She then turned to her genins. "Listen up everyone. I will end the training for today. Shino, follow me, I will give you a list of books to check at theHokageTowerlibrary. Hinata, Naruto, I suggest you two train on your own for the rest of the morning."
" Kurenaï-sensei! C'mon, the training was getting good! Why do we have –?"
The look given by Kurenaï made Naruto's mouth shout. He then looked away and asked, "Then do you think Asuma sensei could teach us today?"
"Don't be so spoiled Naruto. Asuma has his own team of genins to teach. Just accept his kindness when it happens. Anyway, that reminds me that Hinata hasn't shown us her hidden card yet. Please, could you show us the Summoning technique," said Kurenaï, turning to Hinata.
Agreeing, she summoned Minu in a puff of smoke.
Naruto made a few steps back. "WHAT? It's that full-of-rabies furball! What the heck it is doing here!"
Minu sighed. "Someone like you would be slow enough not to know much of anything. Hinata is my pact partner now, you better get used to it."
While Naruto shouted, Shino ignored him and said, "I see. Hinata, congratulations for mastering that ninja technique. As for you, Princess Minu, please take care of us from now on."
Naruto was about to answer something but realized Shino turned his head in his direction, frowning his eyebrows, and made a subtle motion for Naruto to congratulation Hinata and stay polite. Still grumpy, he also replied, " Yeah, uh, good work Hinata and all. But, eh, Minu-san, don't bite me again please."
"Only if you stop the insults and don't touch me," answered Minu, looking away in a snobbish way.
Kurenai sighed. "I suggest Naruto you try to improve your teamwork with Hinata and Minu. It will be important in the future that you can you guys work together. Were gonna do a mission after lunch so let's meet up at The Hokage Tower after it."
And it may takes weeks for those two to work together, thought Kurenai, seeing Naruto and Minu's dislike for each other.
Kurenaï and Shino went to theHokageTower, were Shino went to the library and Kurenaï went on to meet the Hokage.
O0o0o0o
On their way there, Kurenaï noticed a few ninjas from other countries. Looking at Shino from the corner of her eye, she saw that he was staring at the strangers.
" The Chuunin exam is near," said Shino.
Kurenaï smiled but didn't answer. He was right after all. She took the time to make a list of books for Shino before going to see the Hokage. When she arrived, Asuma was already there.
"So, you think our teams are ready?" asked Asuma.
"You will see," she simply answered.
Asuma grinned and both entered. There where already lots of people inside and for once, Kakashi was already there. Asuma, Kurenaï and him talked a little before it started.
When the Hokage asked if there was rookie genins the Jonins would like to subscribe, the three of them stepped forward and named their genins. As Kurenaï thought, there were surprised exclamations about it. Even more, Iruka, the academy professor, stepped forward, telling it was too soon for them to participate. After a small debate, the Hokage asked for silence and said there would be special preliminary exams for every rookie genin.
After that, Iruka simply said, "I believed in you so far. I hope I wasn't wrong," and left.
Asuma, who was behind her, said, "That guy will be surprised when it will be Naruto's turn to be tested. I'm surprised to see one of his old teachers at the academy care so much for him however."
"Yeah, you said it," answered the woman. " But I'm glad somehow."
"I am too."
Both returning, they saw that Kakashi followed them. Turning to Kurenaï, he asked, "May I speak to you for a second? "
Kurenaï turned to Asuma, he simply smiled and said, "I'm gonna give those permissions slip to my genins anyway. Tell the boy that I'm gonna be at your house tonight; bet he's gonna be thrilled."
Half smiling, she nodded.
How perfect, I didn't even need to ask him, thought Kurenaï.
Kakashi didn't wait for Asuma to left and asked, "I heard the rumors. So he lives at your house now?"
"Yes," simply answered Kurenaï.
"I'm surprised the council allowed that."
Kurenaï gaze began to wander. After a while, she finally answered. "I'm not allowed to have any other genins in the future. And, as every ninja, Naruto still has to pay the rent on his apartment. Its still his place legally, even if he don't live there anymore."
"Ah, I see now."
Kakashi asked, "And can I ask you the reason you did that? "
Kurenaï looked directly at Kakashi. "While we have a system for orphans in our village, that kid wasn't accepted anywhere. And youngsters need role models and rules to grow into healthy adults. I've come to understand that lately and, to be honest, Naruto needed those more then anybody. He is wild, rude and his personal life lacks any discipline. And I believe I'm the right person, as his sensei, to teach him what that means."
Kakashi paused for a moment. Then he raised his shoulders and said, "Then I guess Naruto is in good hands. I will take my leave now," and went off.
While looking at his back, Kurenaï thought about the discussion she just had with Kakashi…
The Fourth Hokage was his teacher. Maybe he was hoping to get Naruto as a student, wandered Kurenaï. Yeah, I sense that is it. He probably could have made a good sensei for him too…probably.
O0O0O0O
"That's good Hinata, keep it up!"
Naruto was encouraging Hinata in her training to learn the Rabbit Foot technique. He proposed Hinata try to hit one of his Shadow Clones in a few times. Hinata began to fell less and it was more and more difficult for Naruto's clone to dodge. Finally, she managed to hit it, vanishing the clone in a puff of smoke!
"YATA! That's great! You succeeded! Congrats!"
He was about to run into Hinata to hug her but stopped very suddenly in his track, glancing the rabbit on Hinata's head in the eyes. One look and he knew she was gonna eat his face if he tried that. He tried to compose himself.
"A-Anyway, that's very cool! You succeeded in mastering that jutsu!"
"Not quite, it's just the first step," answered Minu.
The smiles faded from both genins as Minu went on. "Fleeing and crashing into the opponent with the Rabbit Foot technique are the only things that are gonna be possible at this level. But considering Hinata's bloodline, she might be able to use Jyukken at the same time. I want you to try that Hinata while we do the Rabbit Foot Technique. Hey, stupid," the rabbit added, pointing at Naruto, "can you summon a other Shadow Clone please?"
"The name is Naruto," he grumpily answered, making a other Shadow Clone appear. As Minu suspected, Hinata had difficulty concentrating on both her using the technique and her Jyukken at the same time. But with time, she was able to trip the opponent and while the clone was prone or even in mid-air falling, she managed to land a blow to the clone who disappeared.
"Very good," answered Minu with a smile. " Even if your not able to concentrate on both just yet, that's a good way to counter that."
Hinata and Naruto stomach grumbled.
Hearing that, Minu said, "Well let's end the training with that. Next time, you will have to try maintaining the technique in midair to do a leap attack. Oh, and thanks for the help…Naruto," said Minu with a side glance to Naruto before disappearing.
Very relieved that the rabbit was gone, Naruto sighed. "Man, I don't know why that rabbit hates me so much but it's not pleasant. Well anyway, I'm going, I'm hungry and-"
"Na-Naruto-kun," suddenly said Hinata, a bit louder then her usual self.
Surprised, Naruto asked, "What is it?"
Hinata blushed. "Do… Do you want to share my lunch? I- I'm not very hungry so I thought -"
Waving his hand, Naruto answered: "Nah, I have leftovers in the fridge in my house. And beside, you need to eat that lunch properly, you will need energy this afternoon for our mission and doing that with a empty stomach won't help at all. Anyway, see you later!"
Hinata couldn't say a other word before Naruto left. Hinata was a bit sad…
Next time, maybe I should make a bigger lunch, just in case I could share it with Naruto…
Oo0o0oO
Naruto closed the door and ran to theHokageTower. He wanted to be there as soon as possible and was very excited about doing a mission.
I just hope it wont be one of those easy-peasy missions and that we could actually fight some bastards for a change, he thought.
As he was imagining himself on top of a few bandits, beaten by him, he didn't think of slowing down as he rounded the corner of the alley. At the last moment, he saw a guy of his age with brown hair and tried to jump aside to prevent the impact. But to his surprise, the kid picked his leg and threw him behind him. Naruto ended hitting the ground on his head.
As Naruto was coughing the dirt that got in his mouth, the person he bumped into said, "If you don't want to eat dirt, next time, watch were your going... Loser"
Naruto then focused and looked at his attack, and then realize it as not only one person but three. They were all wearing grey with the same black-grey scarves and a strange headband with a symbol Naruto never saw before. The one who spoke to him was the most freaky, all wrapped up like a mummy, only showing one eye. His sleeves of his straw raincoat were unusually long also. The other two looked more normal (plain from Naruto's point of view) but they all looked at him with superior look and a unmasked dedain.
Naruto was angry now, glaring at the unmasked one who send him flying. "Hey, what did you do for, Punk? You wanna me to beat you that badly ?"
The brown-haired one spoke up. "Tssh, dream on kid! You are looking at the future chuunin from theSoundVillage. You couldn't beat us even in your wildest dreams. But if you want-"
The masked one extended his arm to stop the other boy to step forward: "It's not the time to play Zaku. Look at his headband; he's a genin from the Leaf so with chance, we will be able to kill him later... and legally."
The girl finally spoke. "And we're close to theHokageTower. We should behave properly. Let's go," said the girl before turning and walking away.
Naruto was surprised. Chuunin? Sound Village? Kill me legally? What are they blabbering about, was he thinking.
But realizing there were all going in the same direction as him, he decided to follow them. He jumped on a tree to see watch them from afar but suddenly spotted Shino in the entrance, a book on his laps. He went to greet him. "Hey Shino! Did you see those stupid looking guys who just entered? Those ninjas were from other village! Why are they come here for the first place? It's so...it's... Hey are you listening?"
Shino didn't look up from his book. He simply answered. "I didn't consider that ranting as a proper greeting so I wasn't sure if I should response or not."
"Oh, not you too," sighed Naruto. "Ok, ok, let's try this again: Hi again Shino! Now can you tell me why-"
Shino raised his hand while still looking at the book. "The Chuunin exams is coming near. It's the exam where genins from all village need to take in order to become Chuunin. That's the answer to all your later questions. Now please, let me read this book while we-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Naruto smiled widely and jumped around. "YATA! That means I can enter the Chuunin exam and become a Chuunin! Oh man, I can't wait! Everyone will have to acknowledge my strength and-"
Talking to himself a bit more, Naruto stopped only when Shino rose up and begin to walk away.
"Hey, where are you going," asked the blond.
"I'm bringing back my book in the library. I will be back in a moment."
When he came back, Shino realized that Naruto was looking down with a weird face. He went beside him and when he raised his head, Shino asked. "What's wrong? You seem down all of sudden..."
Lowering his head again, Naruto sigh and scratched his head: " Well... I'm not sure but I think I should apologize to you for interrupting your reading. I know I'm always bugging you, sorry about that."
After a while, Shino answered. "That expression is strangely fitting the relation between us Naruto. Indeed, most of the time, you are bugging me."
Naruto surprised, looked Shino directly.
"But," continued Shino, "as a member of the Abarume clan, I learned to appreciate the bugs and find good sides in everything else people find annoying or deranging. And while our personalities are directly opposite, I think we complete each other very well. I consider you as my fellow partner and comrade from the Leaf."
Eye widening, Naruto finally smiled again. Before he could answer to Shino, he noticed Shino turned his head so Naruto looked in the same direction. Coming from a road ahead, Kurenaï and Hinata were walking together. Rising, he turned a brief moment toward Shino before going toward Kurenaï and Hinata.
It turned out that they weren't doing a mission. They were doing THREE missions. And while they were all Rank D, Naruto still enjoyed them plenty.
"Good work you guys," Kureaï told them after the last mission. "Now, all of you, come close, I have something to give you."
She pulled out three pieces of paper from her pocket. "I recommended you three for the Chuunin exam and here's are your recommendations."
As Naruto wanted to jump and hug Kurenaï, she stepped aside and Naruto fallen on the ground.
" No familiarly Naruto," she said smiling. "But I'm glad to see you are enthusiastic toward this."
Sitting on the ground, Naruto was grinning. He showed the paper in his hand. "You let your guard down, senseï!"
Raising her eyebrows, she looked in her hands. Indeed, there was only two papers now!
Remembering what happened, she realized Naruto boots were awfully close and almost touched her hand...
So that's how, thought Kurenaï, looking at Naruto boots.
Suddenly, Kurenaï begin to chuckle... the chuckle went louder, became a laugh and there was even tears in her eyes! The three genins were surprised by her reaction. Once she calmed down, she said: "Good one, Naruto, good one... I wasn't completely sure about it but now, I know you guys have what it takes to enter the Chuunin exam."
Looking at all her genins, she continued, "I'm proud of all of you! Now, just remember that if you want to take the Chuunin Exam, you have to do it all together, as a team. If one of you backs down, all member of the team have to back down also. That's the rule and it will be like that until the end of the exam. You will learn the rest by presenting yourself in 5 days at9:30. Be sure you are prepared and don't be late."
Stretching her arms, she finished by saying, "Well until the exam starts, you are all dismissed. No more missions also until the beginning of the exams so make sure you and then prepare yourselves as you see fit. Now let's go home Naruto, Asuma said he is gonna teach you tonight."
Naruto yelled joyfully and after waving a goodbye to his teammates, Naruto ran like crazy to the house. Shino and Hinata could clearly hear the sigh of Kurenaï sensei after Naruto passed aside her.
Shino turned to Hinata. "While I don't doubt of your abilities, do you think you are prepared enough to make the Chuunin Exams?"
Hinata then looked down, twitching her fingers. "To be honest, I'm not sure..."
Shino then replied, "Hinata, I trust Kurenaï's judgment. And if you don't think that she is right, then I will tell you that I feel the same. I bet Naruto feels the same way too. I think the only person in our team who feels that you are not ready to do this is you."
Then, as he walked away, he added, "And If you feel like giving up or not feel like doing it, personally, I won't make you feel bad about it. We are friends after all..."
Hinata knew Shino for a while now and she wasn't dumb. While he was clearly trying to cheer her on and to give her confidence in herself, he made her realize that everyone on Team 7 wished for her to make the Chuunin Exam. If she refuse to take the Exams, she would be betraying the team... But at the same time, he assured her he won't have grudge toward her if she decided to give up.
She smiled sadly after Shino left... You are so nice and clever Shino. But I won't betray my teammates and give up. I don't want to return to my old self...
The three genins returned home. While Hinata and Naruto trained after lunch, Shino went to his family private library, already searching information about the Chuunin Exam and thinking of how to use it at their advantage.
When Naruto went to his bed that night, he looked at the roof...
I'm not telling Kurenaï that I put Chakra in my boots by reflexes. Man, I'm sure glad that paper attached to my boots by accident!
Naruto grinned to Kurenaï reaction and dreamed of Kurenaï reaction went he will become a Chuunin...
END OF CHAPTER
Author Message: I'm sorry it took so long to write it. As I said on my profile, my mother needed me and it was taking all my free time down (and, as he said so himself, my Bata reader is a real flake sometimes LOL).
BUT ALSO, PLEASE, READ MY OTHER ENGLISH FANFIC THAT I POSTED!
If you liked this fanfic, there's a good chance you like this one also. Its a Star Wars / Pokemon crossover and I believe its very good. Comments are making me more motivated so don't forget to post some too!