Chapter 10- Chunin Exams

Disclaimer: Still applies.

[Konoha, Land of Fire]

Current Time...

Naruto, Team 7, Naruto's fracciones, and Haku had just returned to the village when an Anbu arrived and told them to report to a meeting with the Hokage and the two councils. Naruto groaned at this as he now had to deal with the civilian council that had treated him like crap before his departure seven years ago; he didn't mind dealing with the shinobi council because they had treated him with a lot more respect.

Naruto and his group arrived as the civilian council had already been trying to have Sarutobi do something about the young Uzumaki, only to have their words fell on deaf ears; they couldn't do anyhing about it since Naruto was now a full-fledged shinobi and any direct actions towards him would responsibility of the shinobi counci.

"Team 7 reporting back from a successful mission," Naruto said which earned him the attention of everyone in the room.

"So we've heard. Before we go any further, however, who exactly are the three people behind you, Naruto?" Sarutobi asked after he noticed Tiraran, Jango, and Haku.

"Well, the two behind me are Jango and Tiraran. Back in Hueco Mundo, which is where I got my training, these two became my personal followers, which are known as Fracciones. They fight, defend and assist me in any way they can. The girl to my left is Haku, the adopted daughter of Zabuza Momochi, who we ran into on our mission. She has decided to become a shinobi of Konoha," Naruto said; this caused both councils to talk amongst themselves in their respective groups.

"We of the civilian council want your two escorts to be transferred to the Uchiha and the girl be placed the CRA act," a Haruno woman said; the civilian councilmember was about to recieve a retort from an angry Naruto until Jango beat him to it.

"That impudent runt is not strong enough for us to follow him. We follow Naruto-sama's orders and Naruto-sama's orders alone," Jango said while Tiraran nodded in agreement.

"And I'm not going to be under the CRA to be married off to some man I don't even like," Haku said; she received glares from the some in the civilian council as a result.

"You will do as we say or you can find yourself out of this village," said a large civilian councilman; before he say anything else, however, Shikaku Nara, one of the shinobi in the room, decided to get involved in the conversation.

"Hold on a minute; since when have you of the civilian council been allowed to interfere in shinobi affairs? This girl is a shinobi and the other two are not from Konoha so you have no business deciding any their fates," the Nara clansman said; he received voices of agreement from his fellow shinobi.

Tensions between the two councils, which had gotten worse over time since the end of the last war, almost came to a head until Naruto, who had had enough of the civilian council and their hatred of him, decided his presence known again.

"I think it's time to reveal my heritage, Old man," Naruto; the old Kage nodded in agreement.

"I believe you're right, Naruto," Sarutobi said, which confused most the members of both councils as well as Sakura, Sasuke, and Haku.

"Hokage-sama, what does he mean by his heritage?" Koharu asked as the Hokage took another puff of his pipe.

"As you all know, Minato and Kushina were married and were due to have a child around the time of the Kyubi's attack. Officially, the report stated that their child died during the Kyubi's rampage. That, however, was a lie. Their child, a son, did survive," Sarutobi explained.

The eyes from members of both councils widen at the realization of what this meant.

"No! Then that means that Naruto's-," Homura said before Naruto finished his sentence.

"A Namikaze and an Uzumaki; in other words, the last of two powerful clans. The old man already showed me the Namikaze estate and I also understand that I fall under the CRA to resurrect my both of my clans," Naruto said; he flashed a smirk upon seeing the civilian council members sweating a little.

"Even if you are the last of those two clans, you will still obey our orders and you will surrender your fracciones to the Uchiha now!" a civilian council member said; for his defiance the man was kicked into the wall by Naruto.

"I will not relieve my fracciones to that spoiled punk. And as for Haku she will now be under the protection of the Namikaze and the Uzumaki clan. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to move into my parent's estate," Naruto said as Haku and his fracciones left Sasuke was fuming at Naruto and would have attacked him if he wasn't stopped by Kakashi; that was Sasuke's sake, however, since Naruto probably would've crushed him.

"Hokage-sama, you must restrain to boy! He letting his power go to his head," Koharu said only for Sarutobi to scowled at her.

"Like you and the rest of the civilian council did in treating the boy so harshly? Naruto has power already and he doesn't abuse it like you, so I trust him. I would actually place my trust in him sooner than I would in you civilian. Now unles you have any more issues to discuss this meeting is adjourned," Sarutobi said.

Every member of the civilian council was now angry at having been defied by a kid, the kyubi brat no less, and having to let him get away with it. The shinobi council members, on the hand, smirked at seeing the reactions of their civilian colleagues; after having to deal with a civilian council that had been gaining more and more power over the years they were glad to see that someone was strong enough to keep them in check. The fact that it was Naruto, whose treatment by the civilian council was a known fact, made this moment all the more sweeter for the shinobi.

[Namikaze Estate]

Meanwhile...

While Naruto, Haku, Jango, and Tiraran headed to the estate, the latter three left in awe of the immense size of the place. Jango was calmly walking around admiring the craftsmanship of the estate while Tiraran was just running around saying it was awesome. Naruto found the master bedroom and set his stuff down. Haku found a room close to his and began unpacking. Once everyone was set up, Naruto got some food and cooked a meal for his houseguest. Jango and Tiraran had now turned in for the night leaving Naruto and Haku alone.

"That was really good Naruto," Haku said as she putt her dishes in the sink to be washed.

"Thanks Haku. It's been a while since I've cooked so I'm glad I haven lost my touch," Naruto said as he washed the plates.

"I should be the one thanking you," Haku said as Naruto stopped washing and looked at her.

"For what Haku?" Naruto asked though he knew what she was going to say.

"For letting me come to this village and having a home. When Zabuza died, I thought I was going to have to wander around the world alone for the rest of my life. You decided to let me come with you, however, and you were willing stuck up for me in front of your council. I just feel really indebted to you," Haku said as she blushed.

"It's just me being me. I couldn't just leave you out there alone andnot knowing what you were going to do next," Naruto said before was then hugged by Haku.

"Still, thank you for everything," Haku said; she then kissed his cheek before letting go of him and heading to bed.

"Goodnight," Haku said.

"Goodnight," Naruto said rubbing his cheek and smiling as things were now looking up for him.

[The streets of Konoha]

A Week Later...

Naruto and the rest of Team 7 had been informed that they would be taking part in this year's Chūnin Exams. Naruto and co. were excited to have an opportunity to improve their standing in the shinobi ranks. Naruto had been training with his fracciones to keep his skills sharp. Today, though, he was walking with Haku to show her around the village. After about an hour of walking Naruto heard the voice of a kid and, based on what was being said, it sounded as if there was a scuffle going on. Naruto and Haku looked around the corner to see a little boy, whom Naruto recognized as Konohamaru, being held up by a guy wearing a black outfit with a black cat hat, purple face paint, and a bandaged item secured on his back. Next to him was a blonde girl with our pigtails; she wore simple white outfit with a red sash and fishnet undershirt. On her back was a folded fan that was as tall as, if not taller than, the girl herself.

"Let me go you makeup wearing freak," Konohamaru said; the guy holding him got even angrier after hearing that comment.

"I'll teach you some manners kid," the guy said as he clutched Konohamaru even harder.

"Cut it out, Kankuro; we need to meet up with Gaara," the blonde said as she tried to stop him.

"Quiet, Temari; this kid needs to learn to respect his betters," Kankuro said as he pulled his hand back to punch Konohamaru.

But, as he threw his punch, he was shocked by it being caught by Naruto who then locked eyes with the surprised Kankuro.

"Maybe you should pick on someone your own size, coward," Naruto said as he tightened his grip on Kankuro's hand.

Kankuro was in so much pain that he was forced to release Konohamaru. When he did, Naruto tossed him back with ease. Enraged, Kankuro, pulled his baggage off of his back.

"You can't use that here,Kankuro. What if Gaara finds out?" Temari asked she obviously afraid of this Gaara character from what Naruto could tell.

"He won't know about this. Besides, I can't really back down from this guy," Kankuro said before he saw Naruto smirk.

"Bring out your little puppet, then. I could use it for firewood when I'm done beating you," Naruto said to Kankuro; he then took a moment to enjoy Kankuro's terrified expression as he unsheathed his zanpakuto.

"How the hell does know about Crow?" Kankuro thought to himself as he considered his options.

"Kankuro, what do you think you're doing?" a figure said; this made Kankuro stop dead in his tracks.

Naruto turned to see a boy hanging upside down from a nearby tree. The boy had red hair, a brown outfit, and a gourd that was on his back. On his forehead he had the word "love" written in Kanji.

"Gaara, I-I was just…" Kankuro said before he was cut off by Gaara.

"Shut up before I kill you," Gaara said; he then turned his attention to Naruto.

"I take it you guys are from the Sand Village. Are you here for the chunnin exams?" Naruto said.

Gaara just nodded his head.

"You seem strong. What is your name?" Gaara asked as Temari and Kankuro stood next to him.

"I am Naruto Uzumaki. And who might I ask is wanting to know?" Naruto asked as Haku now walked up next to him.

"I am Gaara. This is my brother Kankuro and my sister Temari. I look forward to fighting you in the exams," Gaara said as he saw Naruto nod at him.

"Likewise," Naruto said before Gaara and his siblings turned and left.

Konohamaru went up to Naruto once the three Suna shinobi left.

"Thanks for the save, boss," Konohamaru said while grinning at Naruto.

"No problem," Naruto said as he smiled back.

Naruto had met Konohamaru when he was training sometime before he went to the Land of Waves. Konohamaru wanted to fight him to prove he was strong enough to become Hokage. The kid failed but Naruto encouraged him to keep training and that he would become a great shinobi if he did. Konohamaru was excited to hear those words and promised to train hard alongside his teammates Udon and Moegi; Naruto has been like a big brother to him ever since.

"Hey boss, who's the pretty girl next to you?" Konohamaru asked which caused Haku to blush a little.

"Her name is Haku. She came to Konoha a week ago and was just made a chūnin due to her skill," Naruto said.

Haku bowed politely; the younger ones did the same as a sign of respect.

"So, is she your girlfriend?' Konohamaru said; he flashed a sleazy smile when Naruto and Haku blushed.

"We haven't known each other that long, kid," Naruto said as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Gotcha. Well, I gotta meet Ebisu-sensei for some training now so I'll see ya later, boss," Konohamaru said as his ran off.

"Shall we continue the tour?" Naruto asked; Haku nodded and the two spent the rest of the day walking around the village.

The Next Day...

Naruto and his teammates were walking through the corridors of a building to head to where the first part of the Chūnin Exams. They saw a group of people standing outside the door which was where the exam was supposedly going to take place. Naruto noticed that there was a genjutsu surrounding the door number to keep participants from knowing the first part of the exam was really going to take place. He quickly covered his teammate's mouths and let them away to keep them from blurting out there was a genjutsu which would help reduce the amount of competition they would have to face. Unfortunately another team was able to notice Team 7's actions and followed them. That team consisted of a boy with very thick eyerows wearing a green jumpsuit with orange leg warmers, a girl with a pink outfit who had her hair held up in two buns, and a boy with long brown hair and the featureless white eyes of the Hyuga clan.

Naruto's group started to make its way across another hall when they were stopped by a voice.

"Hold it right there. How did you know it was an illusion?" the voice from the group that was following them said.

"It was obvious that there was a genjutsu around the door and, by the way, isn't it kind of rude to ask questions without knowing someone's name first," Naruto said as the group looked at him.

"I am Neji Hyuga and there are my teammates, Rock Lee and Tenten. We are competing in this year's Chūnin Exams as well," Neji said as he locked eyes with Naruto.

"I see. Then I'll see you three in the exams," Naruto said before he and his team turned to walk away, leaving Neji to look on at Naruto with a great deal of interest.

Naruto and his team made their way to a waiting area full of ninja who were also partaking in the Chūnin Exams.

"Wow, the competition looks tough for this thing," Sakura said as she noted the large number of shinobi present.

"Well now the whole groups here," a voice said; Team 7, having recognized the voice, turned to the source of the voice.

It was none other than Kiba who entered the room along with Team 8, which consisted of Kiba himself, Hinata and Shino, as well as Team 10. Ino, who was part of the latter team, ran up to Sasuke and hugged him just to annoy Sakura. While the two kunoichi got into a little arguement Naruto noticed that Hinata was there standing next to Shino.

"Hey Hinata-chan, how have you been?" Naruto asked; Hinata blushed upon realizing that he had noticed her.

"I-I'm fine Naruto-kun. How has your team been doing?" Hinata said as she tried not to fidget with her fingers.

"Eh, its fine. Though I wish I could have someone I could actually get along with like you, Hinata-chan," Naruto said; the young Uzumaki tried to resist laughing when Hinata blushed further as a result of Naruto's comment.

"Thank you for the comment, Naruto-kun," Hinata said as she was now unable to stop fidgeting with her fingers.

"Hey Hinata, I hope this isn't too forward, but I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me when this thing is over?" Naruto asked which caused the girl's eye's widened in shock.

"Go… on a date… with Naruto-kun?!" Hinata thought as she opened her mouth to respond but instead felt herself going faint before she did so.

"Hinata!" Naruto said as he caught her before she hit the ground.

"This situation is such a drag," Shikamaru said while Choji, who stood alongside his longtime friend, looked on at Naruto and Hinata.

"You guys might wanna stop drawing attention to yourselves. Some of these guys can get a bit unhinged by such outbursts," a figure that appeared before the nine genin said.

The figure was a boy a little older than they; he wore glasses, a purple shirt, and a Konoha headband.

"And who might you be?" Shino asked having decided to make himself known in the group.

"My name is Kabuto Yakushi, and you'd be wise to take my advice on this," Kabuto said as he joined in the group.

"I take it you're speaking from experience?" Naruto asked before Kabuto rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah, this is actually my sixth time taking the exam," Kabuto said shocking everyone except Naruto and Sasuke with his words.

"Wow, you must really suck at this to have failed that many times," Sasuke said while he flashed a smirk at Kabuto.

"Yea, but I've managed to scrounge enough data for these," Kabuto said while he pulled out a deck of cards.

"What are those?" Shikamaru asked as he eyed the cards in Kabuto's hand.

"These are Ninja info cards. They can give you the stats on anybody whose a village shinobi; these particular cards were updated a few days ago so the info on them should have everything I might need to know. Got anybody in mind that you would like to know about?" Kabuto asked as he shuffled his deck.

"I do," Neji said as he entered the room with his team.

"I want to know about Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto noticed that Hinata had locked eyes with Neji for a moment. He was surprised by the sudden change in Hinata's mood; it almost appeared as though there was some bad blood between her and the other Hyuga.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Kabuto said before pulling out a card.

"Genin, left for seven years to train with an unidentified mentor, came back extremely powerful. Has only been on D and C-rank missions, but on a C-rank mission encountered Zabuza Momochi and actually killed the swordsman."

At that everyone who was not on Team 7 was wide eyed at this news. Naruto took on an A-ranked criminal who was a member of the Seven Swordsman of Mist, the infamous Demon of the Hidden Mist no less, and won. Their shock was directed elsewhere, however, when a huge plume of smoke emerged. Out of the smoke appeared a tall man wearing all black who also had s scarred chin.

"All maggots, listen up! My name is Ibiki, and I am your proctor for the first part of the Chūnin Exams," Ibiki said as everyone now prepared themselves for the exams...

Next Time – The Forest of Death