Last time, Team 9 had completed their latest mission with no fatalities, but with minor to serious injuries.

In Kumo

Everything and everyone in Kumo were doing what they were supposed to be doing with their daily lives. For one shinobi, he was completely focused getting ready for the Chunin exams. That shinobi was Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. He was currently training by himself, following both his summoning and sensei.

It's been over 2 months since the battle with Gin and his crew. For that time, he and his team trained very hard since that event.

After the battle, Karui was bedridden back in Kumo for nearly 2 weeks. Once she recovered from her injuries that were on her arms and legs, thanks to the medical units and hospital, she continued her training in a fast but steady pace until she was back to being a 100%. During the time, Karui was finally able to use her lightning affinity, which Killer Bee showed her how to use it with her kenjutsu style and showed her a 2 d-rank lightning jutsu that she would be able to use.

Omoi was able to recover from the battle in a few days. Like Karui, Omoi was able to use his lightning affinity with his kenjutsu. The difference from Karui was that Killer Bee increased Omoi taijutsu training as well increasing his physical strength.

As soon as returning to Kumo, Samui work hard on her training. She was able to fully capable on using her lighting affinity and started to work on her water affinity. Killer Bee also increase Samui's kenjutsu and taijutsu while she personally working on increasing her speed.

For Naruto, it's been a long 2 months for him. For one thing, when he returned to Kumo, a represented from the summoning appeared in front of him, in private. The summoning looked at Naruto's eyes as it asked if Naruto was able to wield the sacred sword. Naruto told him the truth that he was able to use it in battle. The creature looked deeply at Naruto, and then asked him to see his tattoos on both his forearms. He agreed and showed it, which he was then surprise since the last time he saw his tattoos, it was more chaotic but was now more tamed somehow. The summoning then said, "With this, you have become the official heir to the Uzumaki Clan. My kind well now acknowledges you as our summoner."

Ever since then, Naruto has been working hard on becoming the summoner that his clan's summoning would want to be loyal to. When he wasn't training with Killer Bee or the rest of team 9, he would be training with his summonings. His summonings helped him in fuinjutsus which he learned a few seals. The summonings also taught Naruto more than just simple fuinjutsu, one which became his favorite jutsu to use because of his high chakra reserve and stamina, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. Not only was his arsenal in ninjutsu increase, but the summonings also began to teach him on their taijutsu, and one of the 2 kenjutsu styles that were not only impressive in skill, but also in power in a slow but steady pace.

As Naruto continue to train in a training area, his primary focus was on wielding his clan's mystic sword which he was starting to get the hang of it, ever since his battle with Gin. He remembered both, mental and emotional requirements on how he made the sword feel very light. Of course, even though he remembered it doesn't mean he actually gotten a hang of it right away. While he practices on trying to wielding the sword, he also made sure to continue his team training with Killer Bee.

During the time after the mission with Gin, Killer Bee continued to train Naruto, mostly working his ninjutsu training with his 2 affinities, wind and lightning. Naruto has trained in his affinities pretty well. But Killer Bee wanted not only Naruto, as well as his apprentices, to master it; he wanted him to wield his elemental affinities to be second nature without even thinking about it.

Noon

It been another day in Kumo, but for the genin teams, today was a special day for them. Today was for the jounin senseis in genin team to come to the Jounin meeting hall for them to pass judgment on their team for them to take the Chunin Exams that is taking place in Konoha this year in 2 weeks. Everyone was there, with the Raikage sitting in his chair, hearing the acceptance or declining the offer to take the Chunin Exams. This year, there were 10 jounins with genin teams, some of which have been genin for the past 2 to 5 years. The only rookie teams that were in the room were another jounin sensei and Killer Bee. Once they went up, Killer Bee was the final one to go.

"Alright Bee, I know that your team has completed not only the number of missions required but also know that your team are still rookies that still require a bit more time to strengthen their skills. But this decision to let them complete is up to you. So are they good enough to take the chunin exam or not?" asked A

Killer Bee did a thinking pose before he moved into his rap dance move and rap, "My squad maybe young, but their skills are the bomb. They are straight to take and dominate the exam." With a smile.

This got A to worry, not because of whose participating but for Naruto since he may actually decides to go to Konoha for the Chunin exams. He thought if Konoha figures out who Naruto is, then they might try and take him back or persuade him to come back. He, of course, knew that Naruto has a strong sense of honor and loyalty towards his friends and allies. A thought about how Naruto might have been trained to be a shinobi, but has raise a honor code of a warrior, samurai, or both of them. Once he heard Bee's decisions, he ended the meeting but asked Bee to tell Naruto to come by his office later in the evening as well as to make the decision on which 3 of his 4 students to participate since the chunin exam a three man participation.

With Team 9

Currently, Naruto, Samui, Karui and Omoi were doing a training session together. Naruto was team up with Karui while Samui and Omoi were formed another pair. Everyone hasn't changed much since the C turned A-rank mission against Gin and his crew. The only changes that happened were both Naruto and Samui. Samui still wore the same clothing, but had changed her tank shirt into a loose, blue, sleeve tank shirt with a tight, sleeve fishnet while having her forearms wrapped in sports bandage like Naruto use to. Naruto had changed his clothes to (think Hawkeye from the latest "Avengers" movie) while still having his forearm protectors.

Naruto and Karui had a great teamwork advantage since he used his bow and arrow for mid and long range attacks, which Karui followed up with her short range kenjutsu attacks. Of course Samui and Omoi use their own teamwork to help block and counterattack all of their attacks.

After training for an hour, they decided to end their training session, especially since Naruto was already exhausted earlier since he was working on secret jutsu that he was trying to work on. Karui and Omoi both asked him on what he was trying to do, but said that it was a secret. They were both disappointed, but Samui knew what he was doing since she helped him watch over him.

Flashback

It was 10 in the morning when Samui arrived in the training area where her team would meet up. It was when she arrived that she heard some kind of destruction. She went to it see Naruto standing in front of boulder that he use for practice on since the boulder had a create on it side, where she saw Naruto holding onto his right arm from using some destructive jutsu, because damage it gave his hand.

She came up to him in concern and said,"Naruto! Are you alright?"

Naruto breathed deeply as he look back at Samui, "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just working on mastering a new lightning jutsu that I'm working on."

"Really? If you're new jutsu is this powerful, considering the destruction on the boulder, would it be cool if you teach it to me?" asked Samui

Naruto looked at Samui before sighing, "No." Naruto plainly stated

"Why not? It's not cool on not helping your teammate." Annoyed Samui

"It's not that I don't want to teach you, it's that I can't teach you since the requirements for this jutsu are too much to be use. In other words, even though it has destructive power and speed, no shinobi can use it. It's an un-finished jutsu. But of course, this only applies for everyone else, except for me." Naruto answered with a smirk

Samui wanted to know on what kind of jutsu would be so difficult to that no one can master it. Naruto walked up to her eat and told her what jutsu he was trying to master, which she went wide-eye about it. Before she can say anything about it, Naruto said, "I asked for the past mission reports from all Kumo shinobi that faced off against or seen him use it."

End Flashback

As everyone rested, it was there that Killer Bee made his entrance to them. Everyone saw Killer Bee in front of them, but they saw that he was smiling about something.

Killer Bee took this moment and rapped, "Alright boys and girls hope you're ready for a smack down because I enlisted you all for the chunin exams."

This got everyone surprised to know that they were entered into the chunin exams. But before they can get excited, they then heard Killer Bee say, "Chill out before you spill out. Sad to say that only 3 can take the task ahead, one of you can't take the chance. You guys need to think and be strong since this test can make or break you."

Everyone looked at each since they now have to decide on who would not take the chunin exams. Before they can think about it together, Killer Bee talked to Naruto, "Bro wants to see you later on for some one on one talk."

Naruto nodded in understanding, which they then all left since Killer Bee decided to cancel today's training session to give everyone a chance for themselves to think on whether to take the chunin exams this year or wait next year.

Raikage's office

Naruto had walked up to the Raikage's office, where he meant Mabui and told her about his meeting with him. Mabui confirmed with it since the Raikage was expecting him to arrive around the initial time of the meeting. Mabui went in and announced to the Raikage about Naruto's arrival which he allowed to enter. Once Naruto entered his office, A asked Mabui to leave them alone for a private discussion which she nodded and went back out the office to continue her work. Both of them looked at each other before A said, "Naruto… I know that Bee told you about the Chunin exam, as well as the problem of participation for only 3 genin, right?"

Naruto nodded in understanding, "Of course, do you know that the Chunin Exams is taking place in Konoha." Said A

Both Naruto's right hand and his eyes to flinch from finding out that Konoha is where the Chunin Exams is taking place there. Naruto closed his eyes as he remembered the village he was born in, the village that disrespected his father's wishes, the beatings he gotten, the hellish dark loneliness that he had to endure and finally the final attempt on his life. A could see Naruto getting concerned about Konoha, which he didn't blame him since he knew that all Jinchuriki, like Naruto, had suffered in the hands of the village that they reside in.

The Raikage continued, "Alright then, since you now know what I'm talking about, Naruto… do you want to take the Chunin Exams in Konoha this year?"

Naruto took a moment before he said, "Yes, I want to take the Chunin exams. Even though I know that it is taking place in that village, I can put my person grudges behind me and participate since I know I'm ready to take it." He answered

A nodded in understanding, which he then said, "Alright, since you want to participate on it, I'll be giving you a mission at the same time, which you must complete it before the Chunin Exam starts."

"A mission before the chunin exam… A-sama, if you give me a mission now, I won't be able to participate in it." Naruto stated

"Don't worry about that Naruto since this mission that you and your team will be taking place in Konoha." A responded which Naruto got a bit confused about it. Before he can say anything about it, A said, "You mission would be to enter Konoha 3 to 2 days earlier before the Chunin exam and enter the Yondaime Hokage's home to collect all the scrolls, books, etc. that is inside it." A finished

Naruto went wide-eye at what the Raikage just told him. The reason why he is stunned about it is because he'll be going to place where he would have called home if the Kyuubi hadn't attack, the place where he would have grown up with both his father and mother. Naruto was going to go to his fath- to his house. With that, Naruto accepted the mission which A planned out on how he was going to do it since he was preparing for this even to happen since Naruto started to attend Kumo's academy.

Konoha

It was mid-morning in Konoha's main gate. The 2 chunin that were guarding it were still half asleep since they woke up early for their shift. As they waited, they saw 4 figures walking from a distance towards them. Once they got closer, they can see that these 4 figures where Kumo shinobi. Once the 4 of them made it to the main gate which the guards notice that one of them was wearing a face mask that covered the face except the eyes and mouth, the squad leader of the team walked up to the 2 chunin guard.

"Hello, can you please give us your name, the name of your squad and the purpose on coming to Konoha?" said the 1st guard

"Yes, my name is Yugito Ni and I am the substitute squad captain for the genin team here to take the chunin exam as it is written in this scroll I have here." Which Yugito pulled out a scroll, having the Raikage's written and sign permission. Yugito then said, "The name of the participants you'll have to find out in a few days."

Once the chunin guards confirmed the document, they let Yugito and team 9 goes into the village. When they entered, Yugito wanted to find a hotel room before she goes to the Hokage tower to register Samui, Karui and Naruto.

Naruto, Samui, and Karui are the ones that will be taking the chunin exams for team 9. The reason because Omoi wasn't here is because he elected himself not to go, since even though he knew he was skilled, he felt he still wasn't ready yet. The other reason why Yugito was taking Team 9 to Konoha was because A doesn't want Konoha to be suspicious since even though Bee can take care of himself, he figured Konoha wouldn't put too much mind in Yugito since even though she was the jinchuriki of Nibi, she wouldn't bring to much attention to herself unlike Bee who raps as well as reputation of being the Raikage's adoptive brother would mean.

They walked for a bit until they found a good hotel for them to stay in which was also good enough for them to do their secret mission. Once they checked in, Yugito informed everyone that she will go to the Hokage tower to register them into the Chunin exam. She also gave them permission to explore the village, which they agreed to check out the area. Samui and Karui left together to see some places since this the 1st time they entered a different shinobi village. Naruto decided to explore by himself.

Naruto decided to head 1st to the one spot he miss since Konoha thrown him away for dead, Ichiraku Ramen. On his way, he can see all the villagers that were walking around, minding their own business, as well as the shinobi that hang around them. Naruto notice how the villagers look at him, with some confusion, some normal and sorts. He can see the total difference from what happened 7 years ago, when he was treated as a demon. His mind was completely lost in thought that when he turned the corner, he bumped into someone by accident, which the said person fell on the ground and dropped a cinnamon bun.

Naruto looked at the ground to see who it was. The first thing he notices was that the person was a young, cute girl with pale skin. He then saw her eyes which really captured his attention. He can see deep within her lavender eyes, that the person was a shy (like an innocent animal), kind, and a trust worthy person, while he can also tell that she isn't a fighter but well fight if she needed to.

After a moment of just looking at her eyes, he took in the rest of her image. He saw that she has short, leveled hime-cut style just above her forehead with chin-length strands framing her face. She wore a cream-colored hooded-jacket with a fire symbol on the upper right and left sleeves and fur around the cuffs and hem, with navy blue pants with her forehead protector around her neck.

At that same time, as Naruto was looking at her, she was looking at him. When she fell down, she looked up and getting ready to apologize for bumping into him. She first saw his face, but saw that his face was covered with a mask that only showed his mouth and eyes, which captured her attention. As she saw his eyes, her thoughts on apologizing also stop since she too can see what was inside of his eyes. She could see in his piercing blue sapphire eyes, courage, strength, confidents, but can also see kindness, loyalty, and other feelings that would be considered good virtues qualities of a person. She then focuses on the rest of him which she saw that he was as tall as or a bit taller than Sasuke. She then notice his clothing which showed his thin but strong body and can tell that he would have a strong attractive body judging from his arms muscles. But the thing that she notices the most was the Kumo forehead protector on his forehead.

As they looked at each other for the moment, they didn't know that this moment of action was the beginning part of events that would soon come upon the village.

Till Next time, Happy Thanksgiving

And my poll is still open, so those who haven't voted, vote now since your vote could make the difference.