I don't own Naruto
This here is part of my Re-write. I hope you enjoy the results.
I really enjoyed writing this chapter, it just flowed really well for me…
Chapter 7
Return to your home village and The Forest of Death
Two days later and Team swordsmen are approaching the main gate to Konoha.
It seems as though all the foreign nins, unknowingly planned to arrive at the same time because there were six foreign teams in front of them.
The Kiri four are wearing their normal clothes, Naruto in a black sleeveless shirt with a white belt to hold Kubikiribocho, along with black and white camouflage pants.
Haku wore her pale blue battle kimono with her hair tied in a bun. Nuibari rested at the back of her waist. The handle and thread from Nuibari seemed to stick out to her right side, the thread seemed to move upon its own will.
Chojuro wore his blue sweater with his brown harness for Hiramekarei. He also had on white and black camouflage pants.
The Jonin from other villages wouldn't stop staring at the swords on the backs of the Kiri Genin with slight fear. The swords were rather famous. Not to mention, having 'The Demon of the Bloody Mist' as a sensei.
"How does it feel to be back, GakI?"
Naruto seemed to think.
"I don't know, on one hand I will be glad to see Iruka sensei, Sarutobi-sensei, and team 9, but these people have done a lot of wrong to me and I don't think I can forgive them."
Knowing his history, all three just accept it.
It doesn't take long to pass through the check-in station since it is Izumo at the gate and the life-long Chunin was a longtime fan of his pranks. He had even helped him out a few times when the villagers would get out of hand.
As they walk through the streets, it doesn't take long for the civilians to recognize him and start whispering. The whispering quickly turned to glaring. Naruto would have been fine, but one poor civilian made the mistake of glaring at Haku. The amount of KI in the air had some of the ninja panting. Needless to say, the man who had it focused on him was unconscious.
The whispering increased but further from him and his companions in fear of angering the 'demon'. He kept hearing something about 'the eyes of the devil'.
"Just imagine all the ass-kissing they're gonna do when they learn who your old man was."
Naruto gave a wicked smirk, something he picked up from Zabuza.
"That should be pretty fun, not to mention, embarrassing Konoha's Genin in the exams."
Zabuza and his teammates chuckled at that. They too, would enjoy beating Konoha's ninja.
Suddenly a green blur crashes into Naruto, giving him a hug. In an instant Haku and Chojuro hand their swords drawn ready to attack. At least until they heard the exuberant yell of the boy.
"NARUTO-KUN IT IS MOST YOUTHFUL TO SEE YOU AGAIN. IT IS GOOD TO SEE THAT YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH HAVE NOT DIMINISHED BY SUCH A WET COUNTRY AS KIRI!"
Naruto just chuckles while the others slowly back away from the green clad ninja.
"How's it going Lee? Where's your team."
It was then that Naruto smelled something he had smelled from Haku on several occasions... A woman's arousal, thanks to his training, his senses were far better than normal and he could smell it in the air.
It only took a second to notice the source. Standing behind him is Tenten, her head, whipping between his Kubikiribocho, Chojuro's Hiramekarei, Haku's Nuibari, and even Zabuza's Buster Sword. It was then that he noticed the blush on her face, the small wet spot on her pants, her hard nipples poking through her Chinese shirt, and her slight panting.
'Only Tenten would be ready to orgasm at the sight of a sword.'
"You haven't changed at all Tenten-chan."
"Uhhhh…"
Tenten finally comes back to earth, only to realize her predicament.
Her face turns red and she starts sputtering out excuses before saying that she has to be home and running off.
"Naruto-kun,"
Naruto's face pales at the sound of the sickly sweet voice of Haku, so sweet in fact that he knows he is in trouble. Six months of keeping Haku happy allowed him to easily figure out what the problem was.
"Tenten seems like a nice girl, how well do you know her? She sure seemed to like you."
When Naruto saw the smile on her face, his face became whiter than a piece of paper. It was her super sweet, innocent smile, even though it looked so sexy, it still scared him.
'She has been learning more than Elemental Manipulation from Mizukage-sama, I'm scared.'
"Y-you have it all wrong Haku-chan, she has a bit of a fetish for weapons. Her father is a weapon smith and she is a weapons specialist, I'm pretty sure she was just excited to see three of the seven swords. I promise we were never more than friends."
Haku's eyes seemed to bore into Naruto's. All the while, Naruto was sweating like a fountain.
'I don't want to die!'
"Please don't hurt me."
Haku couldn't stop the smile at how well she had him trained.
She had heard that most men weren't trained that well after ten years of marriage but she pulled it off in ten months, with Mei's guidance of course.
"Ok."
Naruto's face went from scared to shocked.
"Huh?"
"I believe you. Come on, let's go check into our hotel."
Naruto still looked unsure but followed his wife anyway.
The next day found the Kiri nin staying in their hotel room at the request of the Hokage. He feared that one of the more judgmental civilians would do something that could in turn jeopardize the alliance, something that neither group wanted.
Naruto decided to make use of his time. He sat, cross legged on the floor, Kubikiribocho across his lap, occasionally, blood would pool on the side of the blade before disappearing.
He could feel Kubikiribocho's excitement at the coming battles.
The three days were boring for the Kiri nin. They basically sat inside and played cards or practiced their silent killing by listening for rodents in the upper-class hotel. However, Naruto did introduce his wife to Sarutobi-sensei and Iruka-sensei when he went to get caught up. Both of whom thought she was perfect for him. Especially when she demonstrated her control over him, much to his embarrassment.
Naruto, Haku, and Chojuro are walking down the street towards the academy.
"Finally, I have been waiting for a fight."
Walking down the hall towards room 301, Team swordsman saw a gathering outside a room on the second floor.
"Wow Konoha nin are pathetic, they can't even see the Genjutsu, let alone the fact that they only went up two floors."
Naruto just smiled.
"Not all is as it seems."
His teammates turn a questioning look towards Naruto.
"Do those three look familiar?"
"Wait a minute…That's Lee, Tenten, and Neji."
"Yep, I can see Lee not seeing past the Genjutsu, possibly Tenten, but Neji has his Byakugan. That Genjutsu wouldn't work for a second. They want to be underestimated."
As the Kiri nin were discussing Team 9, they ignored the two black hair boys and the pink haired girl walk up to the Genjutsu.
"Drop the Genjutsu and let me pass."
"So, you think your big shit just because you saw through the illusion? You're still nowhere near ready for the exams. You would be lucky to come out alive."
"Tch, this is pathetic. That Genjutsu is nothing for me."
To accent his point, Sasuke activated his sharingan and starred the two Chunin down. They found it quite humorous.
"Ya, ya, your very scary. Just remember the dog that barks the loudest is the first to be put down."
Meanwhile, Chojuro was looking at the Uchiha like he was a cockroach.
"Those were your teammates?"
"Ya, he never did get it through his head that there were people stronger than him. During our Genin test, he charged Hatake Kakashi head on. He got so annihilated… I laughed my ass off."
The Kiri team had a good chuckle to that when Lee noticed Naruto.
"NARUTO-KUN IT IS MOST YOUTHFUL TO SEE YOU AGAIN."
Naruto, his team and Lee's team just sweat-dropped.
"Lee, I just saw you the day before yesterday."
"Uhhh, RIGHT. BUT… IT WAS A DAY WITHOUT YOUTH!"
"That's… nice. Well, we're going to head up now. See you."
Without waiting for a response, Naruto's team hurried away from Team Gai. Similar thoughts in all their heads.
'Lee is alright, but too much of his antics and I think I might have nightmares.'
Unfortunately, they don't get too far.
"So, the Idiot returns. I can't wait to put you in your place."
Naruto is about to continue to walk away when Haku speaks up.
"Didn't you pass out when you fought the Demon Brothers, two people that even back then, I could beat in a matter of seconds."
Sasuke saw red and was about to attack the Kiri team when a man wearing a Chunin vest walked up.
"If you are caught fighting outside of the exam you will be removed immediately. Doesn't matter who you are."
By the time the Chunin finished, the Kiri team was already at the stairs.
Neji deactivates his Byakugan and looks at his teammates.
"Naruto-san has gotten much stronger. I can say without a sliver of doubt that he has more chakra than Gai-sensei, probably more than Hokage-sama."
The eyes of everyone within hearing distance widened before passing it off as two teams working together to scare them. It was obvious they were friends.
When the Kiri team arrive at what they are sure is the right door, both Naruto and Chojuro turn to Haku, the person on their team with the best Genjutsu sensing abilities. Though it isn't great, it is better than either boy is capable of.
"This door is clear. This is the correct room."
"Good, this is getting boring. I wonder when the fighting will start."
As soon as the Kiri team walked into the room, all the occupants couldn't stop staring at them, or more specifically, their swords.
All with the same thoughts going through their heads.
'So these are the ones sensei warned us to stay away from. They don't look so tough.'
Only two teams had different thoughts. The first wore the headband of Iwa. They simply eyed Naruto with barely repressed glee, and an underlying determination. They knew that if they failed then Iwa wouldn't get revenge until they were ready for war and that was a long time away.
"So, that's our target?"
"Yeah, he looks exactly like the flash. I'm going to enjoy grinding him to dust. I can't wait to hear him scream."
The other was the Suna team who didn't seem to care.
As the Kiri team stood in a corner, they observed the other ninja.
The first thing all three of the Kiri ninja noticed was the only Iwa team. They were eyeing them like lambs.
'You will die to repent for your father, Namikaze.'
Immediately they began to analyze their enemy.
Haku notices the only female.
'Blonde hair, modest clothes, keeps switching between glaring at the Aburame and Naruto-kun. If I remember correctly the Kamizuru Clan attempted an attack on Konoha and were decimated by the Aburame. It must be them.'
Naruto is paying particular attention to a man that seems cool, calm, and collected.
'Hmm, dirty blonde hair, green eyes. No distinguishing marks. I don't think he is part of a clan…'
The man turns slightly and Naruto notices his hand.
'Iwa's explosion corps, them and that psychotic ritual to get the mouths for the Explosion Release. This just might be fun.'
Chojuro is able to identify the one he is eyeing immediately.
'Grandson of the Sandaime Tsuchikage, named after his father. Only living person, outside of the current Tsuchikage to be capable of Dust Release. Very Dangerous.
It was then, that Haku noticed something outside of the Iwa nin.
"Hmm, the red head from Suna, He has the second highest chakra levels in this room and he is doing nothing to hide them. I can feel his chakra from here. It's close to yours Naruto-kun."
Naruto appeared in deep thought.
"Things are getting even more interesting."
This got Chojuro's attention.
"What do you mean?"
"The red head is a Jinchuuriki, seeing as he is from Suna, probably the Ichibi."
"How can you tell?"
"He smells like blood and sand, not to mention, the only other time I was able to hear Kyubbi's growling while not in my seal was when in Kumo and surrounded by their Jinch…"
Their conversation was interrupted when Naruto heard his name.
They noticed all the Konoha rookies standing near the entrance and talking, rather loudly to an older silver haired Konoha Genin.
"…ra of Suna, Rock Lee of Konoha, and Naruto Uzumaki of Kiri."
The silver haired nin replies.
"Oh, you know their names and village? That almost takes all the fun away. Oh Well, let's see. Gaara of Suna is Gaara no Subaku. I don't really have anything on his abilities since it is his first time competing. Their team has completed 34 C-rank, 14 B-rank and 2 A-rank. It says here that Gaara has never been injured…Ever, not during training or missions, never."
Everyone's, even the eavesdroppers' eyes went wide. All were thinking the same thing.
'Never been injured? That's insane.'
Seeming not to notice his audience's shock, the silver haired Genin continued.
"Let's see, Rock Lee of Konoha, hmm, says here that he in incapable of performing Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. However, it also says he is the second coming of Maito Gai, his sensei… Team includes Tenten Higurashi, a long ranged weapons specialist, and Neji Hyuuga, a Hyuuga Taijutsu specialist. Lets see, 96 D-rank, 58 C-rank and 4 B-rank missions."
Everyone calmed down considerably; he seemed to be strong, but not insanely so like Gaara.
"Lastly, we have Naruto Uzumaki of Kiri, wow, I have a lot of info on him, strange for a first-timer. He is formerly of Konoha but was a part of a blood alliance between the two villages and is married to Haku Momochi-Uzumaki, his teammate and adoptive daughter of Zabuza Momochi and the Mizukage. He specializes in Kenjutsu and water Ninjutsu. Kiri claims he is a Kenjutsu prodigy of the likes they had never seen. Current wielder of Kubikiribocho, sword that was given to Zabuza Momochi…Wait a minute, I recognize him!"
The silver haired Genin started rummaging through his bag.
"Ahh, here it is."
The Konoha Genin pulled out a tan book with the symbol of Iwa and the word 'Bingo' across the top. He quickly started flipping through pages before he stopped on one.
"Ah I knew there was something familiar about him. He is an B-rank ninja. Kiri's Phantom Blade…At least that is what Iwa decided to call him. He holds a record, the only Genin to ever be ranked higher than C-rank outside of war time. Apparently, he killed some big shot missing nin that was a member of their Anbu, there isn't much for details, just warning about his skill in the Silent Killing Jutsu. Kumo added a side note that he fought A, the Raikage and through clever tactics was able to draw blood."
The room containing nearly 100 Genin became dead silent…
That is until Kabuto decided to interrupt it.
"Oh yea, you probably want me to finish what I was saying."
Kabuto pulls his nin-info card back out and continues where he left off.
"He possesses chakra pools that would make most Kage green with envy. His team members are Haku Momochi-Uzumaki, specializes in Kenjutsu, ice Ninjutsu, and medical Ninjutsu, wields Nuibari. His other teammate is Chojuro, Kenjutsu specialist with some Ninjutsu. He wields Hiramekarei. Team missions are, 23 C-rank, 7 B-rank, and 2 A-rank. It also says that he went on a four month solo training trip with Zabuza Momochi. Apparently, Kiri is attempting to re-form the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
Now everyone had their eyes on Naruto, now understanding why their senseis told them to avoid fighting him. All of their thoughts similar.
'He killed an Anbu level nin, and fought a Kage? I think we will stay away from him.'
The attention only served to make Naruto mad. Haku's hand on his shoulder was the only thing that kept him from killing someone, specifically, a silver haired, glasses wearing Konoha Genin.
Everyone's staring was interrupted when a Konoha Jonin in a trench coat slammed the door open and sent out a large dosage of killer intent that really only effected the Konoha shinobi who had not had killer intent blasted at them every time they messed up a little.
"Shut up or leave maggots!"
Everyone shut up, though most were unaffected by his intent to kill, the fact that he could send them home before things even got started, did not leave a good taste in their mouths.
"Each member of your team will hand in your entry forms and receive a ticket and a test book, the ticket will have a seat number, you will go to your seat immediately. Your test book is closed, do not open it. Anyone who opens their books or talks, leaves."
Almost as soon as the scarred Jonin spoke, an Kusa ninja turned to his teammates with a smug expression on his face.
"Tch, that fool thinks he's scary."
As soon as the words left his mouth, a Chunin was in front of him.
"Congratulations, you get to go to your Jonin sensei and tell them that you didn't even make it to the first test, let alone pass the first test. Goodbye."
The Kusa nin was about to struggle but three Chunin quickly and efficiently restrained him and his team, and threw them from the room.
After the excitement, it took almost twenty minutes for everyone to get in a seat. During that time, nobody spoke.
When Naruto looked to his sides, he realized he was sitting between Hinata Hyuuga and blonde teammate of the Suna Jinchuuriki.
"Listen up maggots, no questions or you're gone. The test is ten questions long, there are only nine questions in your booklet, the last question will be given verbally. This test will be done by reduction. You will start with 10 points and any missed question will result in losing two points, when you get to zero, you fail, if one of your teammates fail you all fail."
"WHAT? That's not fair, why do we fail if our teammate does."
Ibiki just looked at the Inuzuka and sighed.
'Hmm, I could kick them out, but if I keep sending people out here then the later rounds will be boring. Usually the stupid ones are stronger.'
"Chunin are team leaders, you will learn that your team is only as strong as its weakest link. Now I will continue. There is NO cheating, if you are caught cheating you lose two points. Good luck, you have one hour, begin."
As soon as they were given the ok, everyone began reading the questions. They were all thinking the same thing.
'I don't think Anbu could answer these.'
It didn't take long for the brighter Genin to figure out that they needed to cheat.
Unfortunately for the blonde swordsmen he was having problems.
'Well, it's official. Information gathering is a weak spot for me. I'm going to have to work on that. Now, how to cheat without getting caught…'
For the next thirty five minutes, Naruto sat there, nervous and angry with himself. He began to discreetly check out how the others were cheating. He noticed everyone using bloodline limits or other things he couldn't.
'Hmm, I don't have a talking dog or eyes that get all gross with veins everywhere.'
Naruto shudders slightly when thinking about the Byakugan.(Sorry, I just think it looks kind of gross.)
'Damn it, how can I cheat?'
As if his prayers were answered, a mirror materializes on his desk, it is made of ice.
'She formed mirrors to give me a clear view of someone's test. God I love her.'
Naruto quickly copied the answers and the mirrors dissolved into water.
As soon as he finished a bell went off.
"Pencils down. The test is over. Now, there is something you need to know before I give you the last question. This question is nothing like the rest. If you fail then you will NEVER become a Chunin."
Over half of the Genin started to yell.
"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!"
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"
"THAT'S BULLSHIT!"
Ibiki silenced them with a blast of killer intent that made even Naruto and Gaara sweat a little.
Ibiki maintained the silence for a few seconds before releasing his killing intent and allowing the Genin to breathe easy.
"Each and every one of your village leaders is aware of the implications and has fully agreed with this test. Should you decide to take the last question, and you fail, you will NEVER become a Chunin. I would also like to add that you will NOT be able to cheat. Oh, don't think you got away with it before. We saw probably 80% of you."
Ibiki sighed when he saw everyone was confident that they weren't seen.
'Hmm, I guess I need to rattle the cages.'
"Perhaps an example is needed, Inuzuka, your dog spent the first half of the test looking around and yapping away to you, Hyuuga and Uchiha, you used your Doujutsu, Iwa nin, you used Earth Release: Earth Calling Jutsu to send vibrations through the ground to your allies. Redhead, do you honestly believe we didn't notice a floating eye. Puppet boy, really? You put a plant in our ranks, it was easy to figure it out, and your Genjutsu is second rate. Aburame, it was pretty easy to notice your bugs. Yamanaka, you were passed out for ten minutes. Hmm, anyone else? Now, if it was up to me, then each of you would fail, but we need someone to compete. However, those skills were enough for the first part but not this part, if we see it your gone."
Almost immediately a hand went up, ironically he was never called out.
As if the flood gate was opened, teams were leaving left and right.
When it seemed as though the last person left, Ibiki paused for dramatic effect.
"Well then, this is your last chance…"
Ibiki looks around and sees 24 determined teams.
'Impressive'
"Well then, the last question is…you pass."
Everyone who was leaning closer to better hear the question fell face first on to their desks.
Kiba Inuzuka was the first to recover.
"What? What do you mean?"
"I mean you pass."
The blonde Suna Kunoichi glared at the Jonin.
"Then what was the point of the test?"
"Information gathering. Bad information could lead to your end."
With that, he slowly removed his bandana and revealed his hideously scarred head.
Everyone had to grimace at the obviously painful treatment he had received.
Just as he was about to continue, a black ball burst through a window.
It turned out to be a banner, several kunai in the roof caused it to unroll.
Sexy and Single Anko Mitarashi Second Proctor
The females sweat-dropped while the males were on the verge of passing out from a nose bleed. There stood a gorgeous purple haired goddess in nothing but an open trench coat, short orange skirt and fishnet armor, leaving nothing to the imagination.
The only ones unaffected were Naruto, since Haku had taken up teasing him, on Mei's advice. This made him partially immune to teasing. Not to mention that his wife was in the room and if he was caught checking out the proctor than he would be on the couch. Also, Gaara who was too busy thinking about his next victim.
Anko's sexy smirk faltered slightly when she saw that the blonde haired Kiri nin wasn't effected by her.
'We will just have to change that.'
It was that moment that Anko made it her personal mission to get him all hot and bothered before walking away.
"All of your senseis should have the location to training ground 44, you have forty minutes to get there, if your late, you're done."
Without further delay, Anko jumped out a different, unbroken window.
The sound of the window being broken made Ibiki sweat-drop.
By the time Ibiki turned to the exam participants, all that was left was a dust cloud with some falling papers.
"I wonder if they want to hurry so they aren't late for the exam or if they just want to stare at Anko."
Several surrounding Chunin chuckled. They knew how alluring Anko was.
Naruto and his team were lucky. He was already well aware of the Forest of Death, he had used it for some secret training back when he lived in Konoha.
As Naruto and his team were waiting for the second proctor and the other participants, Naruto was telling them what he knew about the forest.
"If I remember correctly, it is about twenty miles from one end to the other and there is a large tower in the center. The animals that live here were affected by some researcher's twisted experiments. Originally they were going to exterminate the creatures but the start of the second war prevented it, they were eventually forced to close it off to the rest of the village. Now it is used for training and occasionally tests."
"So, the animals here will be more violent than most?"
They were interrupted by Anko's cackling.
"More violent is an understatement. I once saw a badger the size of a house eat a Genin, whole. It was glorious."
Anko's less than sane words seem to worry even the battle hardened Kiri nin.
However, it wasn't Anko's words that got to Haku, no it was the fact that the purple haired proctor was behind Naruto with her arms draped around his neck. She could clearly see she was pressing her sizable bust to his back.
It only made it worse that her own chest had yet to fully mature, it was definitely coming, but she was only 14.
It took every ounce of love he had for his manhood not to blush. He was sure that if he did, Haku would remove it for him.
"uhh…"
Anko's sexy smirk could be seen from a mile away. It didn't even falter when she was forced to move her head or have it impaled by several ice senbon.
"Ahhh, someone has a crush on their teammate."
Haku's angry glare would have killed most. Anko just thought it was funny.
"That is my husband you psychotic bitch."
Anko almost appeared to get offended.
Anko quickly turned Naruto around in her arms and glared at him.
"You were married?! I thought we shared something special…"
Tears formed at the corners of Anko's eyes before she busted out laughing.
"Hahahahahahaha I crack myself up sometimes."
The clearing of a throat caused Anko and the Kiri nin to look behind them.
Standing there was every Genin team that passed.
They all shared the same thought.
'That chick is insane, hot, but insane.'
Anko just continued like nothing happened.
"Ok, you will each be given a scroll, either heaven or earth…"
Team Swordsmen listened to the insane proctor's instructions and signed the waver without a second thought. They now stood in front of the large gate with a heaven scroll. They decided unanimously that Naruto would hold it.
All the while, Naruto was still trying to cheer up Haku.
Meanwhile with Team 7
"That is a very stupid idea, Dickless."
"I don't know about that Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke glared at his teammates. If one was to focus enough, desperation could be seen in his eyes.
"We are going after the Kiri team! Is that understood? I need to beat him… I need to know."
Sakura sighed dreamily while Sai just stared.
'I truly don't understand emotions.'
Back with Team Swordsman
BUZZZZZ
"Let's get wild."
Naruto and his team had been traveling for nearly an hour, when all three suddenly stopped dead.
In a tree about a hundred yards to the side, was a team. They were covered by a Genjutsu, but it was purely visual… that didn't stop the Kiri nin from hearing their breathing.
Naruto signaled to Haku and Chojuro to prepare the attack.
Naruto cast a light mist on the area, light enough to seem natural but thick enough to hinder sight.
Naruto landed silently and invisibly on the ground near the base of the tree that the ninja were hiding in.
Pulling Kubikiribocho from his back, Naruto got into his stance and, in a single slash, quickly chopped the tree they were hiding in down.
Immediately, the Genjutsu dropped and the ninjas' screaming could be heard until all went quiet.
Outside the Forest of Death
Right after hearing the scream, Anko couldn't help but smirk.
"They're starting early."
In a flash, an Anbu member that was assigned to patrol the nearby area appeared in front of her.
"Anko-san. We have discovered something you should see."
Anko followed while grumbling about how it was probably nothing.
About two miles from the Forest of Death, there was a cemetery. In the yard were the bodies of three Grass nin she specifically remembers watching enter the forest.
When she sees that the faces have been torn off, her face pales.
"I would know that Jutsu anywhere. Orochimaru!"
"Anbu, alert the Hokage that Orochimaru has invaded the exams for some reason."
Knowing the severity of the situation, the Anbu waste no time, leaving Anko alone.
'So, after all this time you finally return. You aren't going to survive the night you traitorous bastard.'
Anko quickly disappears into the forest.
Team swordsman was making their way towards the tower, unfortunately, they had two heaven scrolls.
"When we get to the tower, we can create a mist and attack any team that gets close until we find an earth scroll."
Both Haku and Chojuro agreed.
About an hour from the tower, Naruto began signaling his teammates.
'We're being followed.'
'Who?'
'Not sure, but whoever is following us, is also being followed by an extremely skilled tracker.'
'Haku, go say hello to our pursuers. I'll make sure the other one doesn't interrupt. Chojuro, you back us up.'
In an impressive display, Haku switched with an Ice Clone and Naruto switched with a Water Clone.
Separating, Haku proceeded to get into position to ambush the followers.
Several minutes later, they crossed her vision.
'So, the Uchiha really has a problem with Naruto-kun.'
With Team 7
"I don't know, Sasuke-kun. How can you be sure it was them?"
Sasuke gave his pink haired teammate an annoyed glare before relenting.
"They are the only ones in this exam with weapons big enough to cut down one of these trees in one swipe. Once I beat him, I'll be one step closer to my goal!"
Sai appears deep in thought.
'I now, truly understand why Danzo-sama forces us to relinquish any emotion.'
Sai and Sakura continue to follow the trail of what Sasuke believed to be Naruto's team.
"We have to speed up if we're going to…"
"Ice Release: Thousand Flying Needles Jutsu"
The moist air of the forest made it easy for Haku to create thousands of senbon.
They fly at Team 7.
Sakura dives behind a tree root she was near.
Sai performs his signature Jutsu.
"Super Beast Imitation Jutsu"
A giant snake is formed and wraps around Sai protecting him from the ice senbon.
Sasuke goes through several hand seals.
"Fire Release: Grand Fireball Jutsu"
He shoots a giant fireball, melting the senbon and clearing a path.
When Sasuke saw who it was, he glared.
"So, you realized we were following you."
Haku stared impassively.
'His emotional state seems unstable. Best course of action would be to make him lose control and take out his team with hit and run tactics.'
"It was quite simple. You are probably the loudest team in this forest."
Sasuke just glared harder, before giving a cocky smirk.
"I guess to get to the idiot I gotta get through you…should be easy."
With Naruto
'This guy is insanely good…I can only hear him every once in a while, not enough to track him.'
'THERE!'
Naruto was on top of his opponent so fast that he barely had time to dodge. With a swing of his sword, the branch the follower was on went crashing to the forest floor while Naruto flipped, and stuck to the next tree he got near.
"My, my. You are a strong one."
That was when Naruto saw his target.
"You're that Grass nin that got all up on the proctor."
'Naruto' flashed through a few hand seals at a speed that shocked the Grass nin. However, as the shout came from right next to him, the 'Naruto' in front of him turned to water.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Missile Jutsu"
The Water Dragon was to close for him to do anything but brace for impact. The Grass nin was picked up by the dragon, and it ran the nin through several trees before finally dispersing.
When the water was gone, what Naruto saw disgusted him.
There stood the Grass nin, but her face was falling off.
"What are you?"
The now, unidentified ninja gave a mock offended look, before it turned to one of glee.
"Me? I'm an Immortal."
Suddenly, the nin moved.
Before Naruto was able to register what was happening, a severe pain occurred in his stomach.
Looking down, he was shocked to see two of the nin's fingers deep between two of his ribs, the pain was worse than anything he had ever felt.
"Snake Style of Taijutsu is truly devastating, is it not?"
With some quick thinking, Naruto reared his head back and slammed it into the unnamed nin's jaw, the force sent him skidding back.
Now, the face that had been falling off. Was now completely gone.
No longer was his face a mildly attractive Grass Kunoichi. It became a pale face with yellow snake-like eyes that Naruto recognized immediately.
"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu. Chojuro, let's go. This just got hard."
As if he was there the whole time, Chojuro materialized next to Naruto, sword drawn. He did look slightly fearful.
"Naruto, that is Orochimaru of the Sannin, isn't it."
"Yea…"
Orochimaru was having other thoughts.
'I must be quick with these two. I only have a small window before the bodies are discovered and they send Anbu after me.'
The two Kiri Genin were trying to come up with a plan, when suddenly Orochimaru appeared in front of them.
In one swift motion, he drew the Kusanagi and attempted to behead them both. However, Naruto blocked and Chojuro created his chakra hammer, slamming it into the Sennin.
With Haku.
Lying on her back, her body riddled with senbon was Sakura, next to her was a just as injured Sai, his tanto shattered.
The only one from Team 7, still standing was Sasuke, and that was just barely.
"How are you so strong? WHY CAN'T I KILL YOU? FIRE RELEASE: GRAND FIREBALL JUTSU!"
A large fireball was sent at Haku. Haku merely evaded the attack before disappearing in a blur. The next thing Sasuke knew, a single senbon impacted the back of his neck. At that point, all he knew was black.
She picked him up and put him with his teammates. She easily found their scroll, which luckily was an earth scroll before listening for Naruto's battle.
With Naruto and Chojuro
Chojuro was unable to do anything as the S-ranked ninja continued to rain, blow after blow down on him.
Orochimaru finally finished with a heel drop to the Kiri nin's head, it would have sent him crashing 100 feet to the earth, probably killing him if Naruto hadn't intervened. Several kunai flying, sticking into the boy's shirt, pinning him to a tree. The blonde wasted no time in grabbing the blue haired boy from the tree, inspecting his wounds.
When Naruto looked down at the blue haired teen, he winced.
"Looks like he is out of the fight."
Laying Chojuro under a tree-root, Naruto pulled his sword from his back with his left arm, the only arm he could use right now.
When he looked around, Naruto was unable to find the Snake summoner. He could however, sense nearly a dozen ninja closing in on his position.
Knowing the danger if they were to get attacked right now, Naruto barely managed to pick up Chojuro and both of their swords and make it to a tree, several hundred yards away.
With Haku
When she saw the condition of her husband, she was about to rush to him and make sure he was ok. However, time spent with Mei, allowed her to think rationally.
'There are about a dozen incoming nin. Naruto and Chojuro are too weak to hide their presence. If I'm with them and they are found, I am no use. However, I can guard them from elsewhere using surprise.'
Haku took up a tree that had a good line of sight to Naruto and everything around him.
When the first ninja was just about at the clearing, Haku drew several senbon.
Just as she was about to throw them, she stopped.
'Konoha Anbu?'
The Anbu began speaking into his radio.
"Sir, I believe I found the location of the battle, but nobody is here. The battle appears to have been a large one…Hold on, I sense something."
The Anbu quietly made his way towards Naruto, and Haku tightened her grip on the senbon, preparing to send them flying.
However, when the Anbu was about fifteen feet from Naruto. A scream sounded through the forest.
Haku couldn't help but think.
'That sounded like the Uchiha.'
The Anbu stopped to listen to his radio before responding.
"Understood sir, I'll check it out."
The Anbu took to the trees and Haku landed next to Naruto and Chojuro.
When Naruto saw that Haku was ok, he was very relieved. The two shared a quick kiss before assessing the situation.
"Naruto, we need to find cover. Can you run?"
Naruto tested his legs a little and nodded.
"I should be ok, but not for too long."
Haku put Chojuro on her back while Naruto carried both swords.
They made it about one mile until Naruto passed out.
Haku managed to carry both Naruto and Chojuro, with their swords to a nearby cave and allow them to rest.
It was a day and a half until Chojuro woke up and was combat ready, he was still nursing his wounds, but he would be able to stop most Genin. As soon as he was, Haku went in to rest up as well.
As Chojuro sat, waiting for his teammates to wake up, he couldn't help but remember the fight.
"We actually hurt an S-rank ninja."
*Flashback
When Chojuro's hammer hit the Sennin. He turned to mud.
"Wind Release: Wind Bullet Barrage Jutsu"
Both Kiri nin were forced to dodge dozens of wind bullets.
When they finally stopped, they saw that Orochimaru had jumped from the tree and would land right next to them.
Locking eyes with Naruto for a second, both agreeing to the same, unspoken plan.
Chojuro created a water clone as discreetly as possible and switched with it.
Luckily for them, the Sennin's attention was more on the stronger of the two, Naruto.
The Snake summoner, drew his legendary sword and once again, the two legends met. Kubikiribocho of Kiri vs. Kusanagi of legend.
The force of the Snake Sennin's strike forced the ground under the Kiri Genin's feet to buckle.
When the dust cleared, Orochimaru could be seen, above Naruto, who was forced to brace his sword with his left hand, had fallen to a knee.
They were both in a crater that was about five feet round but went down nearly ten feet.
Orochimaru seemed shocked that the Genin was able to block his first full powered strike of the fight.
And his shock cost him.
"Hiramekarei: Unleash"
Before he could even react, Orochimaru was sent flying through several dozen trees.
When he finally got up, you could see the damage caused.
He had blood pooling from his mouth and his arm was bent in a way that it never should.
The glare that the Snake Sennin sent there way told them everything they needed to know.
"I'm done playing around."
After that, Orochimaru spit out a new body and began to beat them to the ground, they never got in another hit.
*End Flashback
Chojuro shook his head of those thoughts. Nobody wants to remember nearly dying.
Chojuro heard some movement coming from inside their temporary home, taking a peek to make sure everything was ok. He saw Naruto sliding out of Haku's grip, careful not to disturb her.
Both took seats near the cooked fish that Chojuro had laid out.
Chojuro broke the silence.
"That was insane…We almost died."
Naruto just seemed to glare at the ground.
"I know."
Both Chojuro and Naruto spoke at the same time.
"I need to get stronger!"
Both Naruto and Chojuro locked eyes.
Both filled with fiery determination. They would get stronger. They would never allow themselves to be out-classed like that again.
Chojuro spoke up next.
"Well, we should wake up Haku, it is nearly noon and this stage ends tonight."
Naruto nodded and woke Haku up. She was so happy to see he was ok, she didn't even mind being woken up before she was ready.
The trip to the tower was quick and uneventful.
"I guess by now, most teams have been beaten or are already done."
When they entered the tower, they quickly discovered that the scrolls were in fact summoning scrolls. They quickly tossed them and in a poof of smoke, Iruka appeared.
Iruka was shocked.
'I figured they would have been done by now. I wonder what could have caused them this much trouble. When Naruto graduated he could have beaten most Chunin.'
Iruka explained the meaning behind the tablet. He also told them that they had about nine hours to rest, something they were very thankful for.
Immediately after being shown a room with three beds, Haku and Naruto crawled onto one, with Chojuro on another.
They were all asleep before their heads hit the pillow.
Nine and a half hours later.
"WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU, YOU IDIOTS?"
The angry voice of Zabuza woke all three of them up; when they saw the time they paled and ran out of the room as fast as possible.
Arena
Thirty minutes late, three blurs ran into the room. Those with keener eyes could see the fear etched onto their faces.
They looked like they were running from the hounds of hell.
The hallway they ran out of, a furious looking Zabuza came next.
Team Swordsman were panting, they had never seen Zabuza so angry before.
Up on the balcony, the other Jonin seemed to find it funny. At least until Zabuza turned his glare on them.
When Zabuza arrived, he noticed that Kakashi wasn't there.
Walking up to the man he knew as Yamato from Wave.
"So, where's Kakashi?"
Yamato shook his head sadly, as did Gai.
"Kakashi returned to Anbu. He was seen as unfit to be a Jonin sensei."
Zabuza nodded, having been told about Kakashi's lack of teaching skills from Naruto.
Down in the arena there were 8 teams all together.
1 from Iwa, 1 from Suna, 1 from Kiri, 1 from Sound, and 4 from Konoha. (Kabuto's team isn't there)
"I would like to congratulate you all on making it this far. Unfortunately for some, this will be the end."
"WHAT?!"
Of course it was an Inuzuka…
"You see, the actual third phase won't start for one month. But we must have a preliminary match."
Some Genin yelled, others whined. However, the Kiri, Iwa and Suna team just waited.
"You see, these exams are actually a replacement for war. Allowing each country to showcase its talent through one-on-one battles. These take place for villages to literally show-off for the nobles. Thus, the village with the most impressive Genin, would most likely have the highest increase in missions."
All the Genin were quiet now.
"Now, as for the preliminary-"
"Allow me *cough* Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi looked at Hayate with a smile.
"Ahh, yes. Go ahead Hayate."
"These will be single round *cough*elimination. Killing is allowed but not encouraged. Your names *cough* will be randomly chosen for each *cough* round."
The screen behind him cycles through the names before stopping on two.
"The first match of the *cough* preliminaries are, Sasuke of Konoha vs. Choji of Konoha. Everyone else please head up to the viewing *cough* platform."
And so, who will make it to the finals?
Find out next time on…Dragon Ball Z…Haha, I crack myself up.
I redid it, I'm trying to find the right balance for Sasuke. I want to portray him as strong for his age but not ridiculously so, however I also want to get across that his mental stability is lacking. Let me know how I do.