Kakashi couldn't believe it.
He had asked, no, begged the Hokage, to stay at home for the duration of the Chunin Exams.
But, of course, the Hokage said NO. Kakashi was to receive the first team to open their scrolls in the tower. Kakashi hoped against fate that the first team would be that Sand team.
He was wrong.
"Kaka-sensei!" He felt like sobbing at hearing Naruto's shout. "Kakashi-sensei, you're here?! But why?"
"Naruto-kun, he must be here to explain that plaque behind him." Hashirama said, pointing to said plaque. Kakashi felt himself nod. 'Damn Hashirama can explain it better than I can! He's the one who said it!'
"Y... yes. That is why I am here, Naruto." Kakashi took a breath. "This plaque, uh, symbolizes that you need to both work your mind and your body. There are rooms in the back of the tower for you to stay in for the next five days. If you need anything, ask one of the patrolling ANBU." He said quickly. "Any questions?" Naruto slowly raised his hand. "...yes, Naruto?"
"Can you repeat that please?"
"I can't believe Kaka-sensei left us without explaining it over again! I even asked him nicely, didn't I?" Naruto asked, looking over his entourage. Kakashi up and left without another word after a good five minutes of staring at Naruto as if asking him 'are you stupid or what?'
"Naruto, this plaque says that you need both mind and body to be the best shinobi. Essentially, you need to work out your mind alongside your body to perform to the best of your ability." Tobirama said, and Naruto nodded.
"I see! I get it! I need to be smart as well as strong!"
"Thanks for dumbing it down for us Naruto-kun." Madara sarcastically muttered, before he turned to the only hallway out of the room. "Now, let's head to these rooms and get some rest. You'll need it."
A/N: sorry about the short chapter and late update. I just haven't felt the same giddiness I usually do when writing this as of late. I'm almost drained on ideas as well.
The next chapter will be the preliminaries, or perhaps it will be a subplot, something like a glimpse into the future or something.