Chapter 5:

The Chuunin Exams I: Prelude

Two years had passed since the initiation tests of teams 3 and 5. Each squad had racked up an impressive resume, successfully completing numerous D-rank and even a few C-rank missions. They were established genin, and while none of them were regarded as "geniuses" they were certainly on the higher level of genin. Tsunade had just been married to her longtime boyfriend, Dan, and had relinquished her status as team leader temporarily. Jiraiya had quickly snapped up the team, and so captained a team of six rather than the usual three. Nagato and Pinako had gone out a few times, and both were becoming increasingly drawn to each other, and were only too delighted to be working together. Kushina, who had seen the results of her initiation test, as well as Tsunade's skill, had been taking extra tutelage under her Sensei, privately, learning her taijutsu techniques and medical ninjutsu. She had confided in Konan of her fears and worries that she had experienced when Yahiko dislocated his leg, and decided she would not let her friends or foster-siblings be hurt a minute longer than needed. Konan then joined her and trained under Tsunade. Meanwhile, Yahiko had found his niche when he first picked up a sword, and was learning kenjutsu, or swordsmanship, from the experienced and renowned Jonin and kenjutsu specialist Sakumo Hatake.

They now stood in the training field, all of them, Jiraiya before them, with folded arms. He began to speak.

"You've all been training very hard, you've shown dramatic growth and have become very talented genin. I now believe it's time for you to take it to the next level."

The upgraded team 3 stood in silence, waiting.

"As you might have learned in the Academy, there are four basic ninja levels. Shinobi are grouped into these classes according to their skill and reputation. It's not necessary to take exams to achieve a higher level, since it's based on your ability, however the exams are a good stage to showcase your skill and so are the best platform for you to be promoted. The four levels of Shinobi are genin, chuunin, jonin, and kage. To be clear, the five kage of the five great ninja states are all kage-level shinobi, however, not all kage-level shinobi become kage, they are merely eligible. Any questions?"

Minato, Konan, Nagato and Pinako all nodded at once, Kushina following suit soon after. Yahiko, with a confused look on his face, took a little longer.

"Now these four levels are further subdivided into ranks: like the ranking of missions, there is D-rank, C-rank, B-rank, A-rank, and S-rank of each level. For example, your Academy instructor is a B-ranked chuunin. Tsunade is an A-ranked jonin, along with Yahiko's other Sensei, Sakumo, and yours truly." He flashed a toothy grin.

Nagato raised his hand. "What about Orochimaru-sensei?"

Jiraiya's smile faltered a bit. "Well, he's a bit special… I mean you don't get called a 'once-in-a-generation genius' for nothing I guess. Well, he is currently B-ranked kage level."

Yahiko's mouth fell open. The others' faces mirrored his own awe.

"There are five kage in the Shinobi world: The Raikage, Mizukage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage and our very own Hokage. The current Raikage, the Third, is an A-ranked kage, the strongest in the Hidden Cloud's history. The 2nd Tsuchikage, Muu, is also an A-ranked kage due to his unique jutsu. The 2nd Mizukage is a B-ranked kage due to his genjutsu proficiency. The Third Kazekage, the strongest in the Hidden Sand's history, is a B-ranked kage. And of course, our very own Third Hokage, Hiruzen-sensei, is an S-rank kage, and one of the strongest ninja this world has ever seen. The only two Shinobi in history in his class were the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and rogue ninja Madara Uchiha, originally hailing from the Hidden Stone."

"Generally, genin and chuunin ranked B or higher are considered for chuunin and jonin, respectively. You all have successfully proven yourselves to be B-ranked genin.. actually, Minato has progressed through to an S-rank and Nagato to an A rank. So, I've decided to enter you all into the upcoming Chuunin Exams. Any of you who don't wish to participate, speak up now."

But as Jiraiya looked at the facesof his team, he saw the fire and the determination that had fuelled him when he was younger, and he knew there would be nobody who backed down. Sure enough: "Oh hell no!" Yahiko pumped his fist into the air."No way are we gonna back away from this! I'm going to show everyone in the village just what a loser like me can do!"

Minato, chuckling at his brother's enthusiasm, nodded. Konan and Nagato were, as always, supporting their leader. Even the shy Pinako gave a weak smile.

A large grin broke over Jiraiya's face. "Great then! Prepare yourselves. The exams begin in three days. Go to this building at 9am. I'll meet you guys there." He pointed to a building. "Ciao!" And he disappeared.

Team 6 sat around a table at the BBQ restaurant. Yahiko was psyched, he couldn't wait to show off his skills, and was boasting his new abilities to anyone who would listen. Minato, who had learned a new jutsu from Lord Third himself, was also talking excitedly, stealing quick glances at Kushina to see if she heard him. Kushina and Konan sat discussing their training, resolving to meet Tsunade and let her know. Nagato and Pinako sat relatively quiet at the end of the table, talking peacefully to each other.

"So, you ready to be a chuunin?" Nagato smiled down at her. Pinako looked nervous. "Well, um, I hope so. I do my best, but let's be honest, I'm nowhere near as good as you."

Nagato chuckled. "I'm not that good, to be honest."

Pinako looked at him. "Are you kidding? You hear Jiraiya-sensei, you got made an A-rank! That's higher than anybody in our year, except Minato. You're a very skilled genin, you definitely deserve to be chuunin."

Nagato looked down. "I don't know about that. Chuunin often get asked to lead squads.. I'm not much of a leader, I don't know if anyone would or should trusts.. I'nato. You' an A-rank! That'know. t Kushina to see if she heard him. Kushina and Kona their lives to me, I don't know if I'll be able to not let them down… Also, I don't think the people here accept me and that would just be worse as a chuunin, since I'd have to work with different ninja more often.. at least you guys know me and accept me."

Pinako was saddened to see Nagato's insecurity about himself. She truly believed he was a talented Shinobi and would go on to be one of the strongest and most valuable in the village. Sure, he had a lot of haters, but his calm demeanor and polite personality were slowly winning over more and more people. Pinako glanced at his hands, clasped in his lap. They were trembling. She reached over to him and took his hands in her own. Nagato looked up. She looked deep in his eyes, pressing his hand to her cheek. "Don't you feel bad about yourself! Out of all the other genin, you're the one I look up to the most."

"What about Yahiko?' he asked softly.

"Yahiko may be a great leader, but he's a hothead and he's way too volatile. Really, if he didn't have you or Konan, he'd be pretty lost. Besides.." she rubbed against his hand. "You're gentle, warm, kind and caring. You are truly a shinobi worth looking up to, and I… I really like you."

Ngato was surprised for a moment. Then he smiled. "Thank you, Pinako. That means a lot."

The days passed. The exams began. The teams were separated into two again and, for the first stage of their exam, had to complete an infiltration and retrieval mission, against Jonin, no less. Only four teams out of a total of 20 managed to make the cut. Teams 3 and 5 succeeded. Then it was on to the second stage: single combat.

The day's break they received between the stages gave them time to rest and recharge. Nagato sat alone on a bench. He was nervous for the next day, and sat looking into his hands, twiddling his thumbs.

"Yo Nagato! Quit looking so glum, man!" He glanced up to see Yahiko walking up to him, clutching a piece of paper. "I've got a copy of tomorrow's fight schedule."

Nagato looked down in dismay as he found out he'd be fighting Kushina! His disappointment must have shown on his face, or perhaps Yahiko just knew him better than anyone, because he said, "Don't worry. I've talked to Kushina. She isn't gonna hold back on you and you better not hold back on her."

"But I… she's my cousin.. no, she's like my sister. I don't want to fight her.. I don't want to hurt her."

Yahiko placed his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky, a blade of grass between his lips. "Figured you'd say that. So did Kushina. That's why she told me if she catches you pulling any punches, she'll get Tsunade-sensei to do a real number on you. She called it 'sexism' or something. Didn't really make sense to me."

Nagato looked down at the paper, and back at his friend. "How can you be so calm? You're fighting Minato."

Yahiko smiled. "That's exactly why I am calm. No, I'm not calm; I'm stoked! I've been raring to test my skills, and Minato's the perfect opponent. He's the strongest in our year, but I'll show that I'm better. That's what drives me forward. The absolute will to win."

He looked into his friend's red eyes. "Listen to me good, Nagato. You may not believe in you. But I believe in you. Konan believes in you. Kushina believes in you. And most of all Pinako believes in you. So have faith in us. I know you better than anyone, and I know for damn sure you deserve to be a B-class chuunin at least. Alls you have to do is go in there and show them who's boss."

Nagato couldn't help but be won over by his friend's stoic demeanour and motivational words. He chuckled. "I thought the boss was always you?"

"You know it, brotha!" he gave a rogueish grin. "But seriously, if you and I fought, you'd wallop me, hands down."

Nagato laughed. "Better watch out then. I'm only an A-rank; Minato here is an S-rank. You've got your hands full."

Yahiko merely shrugged. "I got some tricks up my sleeve."

Nagato smiled. "So does he."

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Author's note: Is anybody still reading the story anymore? Lol, well, I realise the writing's been getting worse, but that's why I'm hoping for some reviews to help me out. Or, you know, if you like the story, please comment. I'm getting increasingly antsy about whether you guys enjoy this or not.

Anyway, short chapter, but as mentioned in the title, it's a prelude to the next two chapters, which will be the two singles bouts mentioned in the story. I'm debating whether or not to put Konan's bout in, if anyone reviews or comments, please mention if you'd like to see it or not. Haven't decided on the opponent yet, so you can suggest one too. Anyway, first up is Nagato vs Kushina! Look forward to it!