A/N: As promised, the second update this week. We've finally entered the chūnin exams!
Wind blew along the ground. The smell of black soot filled the air. The woodlands grew hot, ashes and smoke rising through the air.
Kōju blinked as she stared into the woods. "What's the matter? I don't understand exactly, but something's the matter with that fire." She frowned after a moment. "Should we report it in to sensei?"
Sasuke glared into the darkness. Scowling, she finally stated, "Che. You can if you want to."
Kōju bit her lip as she glanced sideways. Ugh. Sasuke-chan has been like that all week. No, longer… Ever since we got back from Wave Province, she hasn't spoken much. Though, to be fair, Haku's presence back there is a little odd; it is strange to be living in such a place… But even if someone did try to kill you… Kōju frowned. No, to be honest, I wouldn't know what I'd do either. "Want to go get some ice cream?" she asked, meeting Sasuke's eyes as she offered her hand.
Sasuke scowled. "I'm curious," she stated suddenly in a cold voice. Her eyes narrowed. "Is your answer to everything ice cream?"
Kōju winced. "Well, I, er..."
"Have you ever felt like a teammate carried you through a fight?"
Kōju nodded. "All the time!" she responded brightly. "Why do you think teams exist in the first place, Sasuke-san? We're a team, right? We're supposed to back each other's weaknesses!" She took a sip of the juice.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "That's not good enough for me!"
Kōju's eyes widened. She frowned, setting down the drink. "Then what do you want? Some glory? You want to be like a samurai from the Land of Iron?" she questioned coolly. Her green eyes narrowed as she stared at Sasuke. "Is that your desire?"
Sasuke's hand clenched into a fist, crushing the cup.
"Don't be such a baby." Kōju stared coldly at Sasuke. "You think you can take on people like that by yourself? Monsters like Haku aren't uncommon. In this world, we can't fight alone—wait! Be patient! Train! And in the meantime, recognize that we are your precious allies—no, your friends!"
Sasuke scowled. She turned toward the cup. "It's ruined. I need to go throw this away." She rose to her feet, walking over to the trash can.
"Sasuke—"
"I heard! But working together with you three is only holding me back!" Sasuke hurled the drinking cup into the trash can. "Ever since the first day… I don't need friends! I don't need allies! Ever since the first day you've only talked about teamwork, when I need to be ready to kill people. I have to do it on my own, and you two are useless!"
Kōju gasped in shock. Tears ran down her face.
Sasuke scowled. More fake tears. I'm tired of it.
The crowds passing by glanced toward the table. Several glares went Sasuke's way. Several minutes passed.
Kōju wiped at her eyes with the cloth, her eyes still filled with tears. "Did I fool you?" she questioned between heavy, sobbing breaths. "It looks… like it worked… this time…"
Sasuke blinked in surprise. She should have stopped them by now. Is it possible that I really did upset her that much?
"It's… not like… I got really upset… over what you said…" Kōju drew in a shuddering breath. "It's… not like… I worried about being alone again…"
Am I being manipulated? Sasuke's eyes narrowed. It doesn't seem like it… She cleared her throat, quietly, and reached across the table. Her hand patted Kōju's hand lightly. "I didn't mean what I said. Sorry."
"Then why… would you say something… like that… to begin with?" Kōju sniffled, her eyes rimmed red.
"Because I'm frustrated. I'm frustrated and angry and tired of doing C-rank missions. You're not… a burden to me. I'm my own burden. If I was stronger—" Sasuke caught herself. She withdrew her hand, looking downward. "If I was stronger, I wouldn't have these stupid feelings."
You're already plenty strong enough… you have the Sanzengan and all. Kōju winced, pressing her fingers together without speaking a word. Isn't that good enough? Why do you need all this power?
"Where's Naruto? Or for that matter our sensei?" Sasuke questioned, changing the subject rapidly.
Kōju blinked. "Good question."
Exam
The doors burst open. The shop bustled with activity. People reached inward, buying small beads, food, and bottled water. The bazaar resounded with shouts of offers and desires, a market without peer.
"Come back here, you little runt!" the voice barked. A painted-faced man rushed through the streets, surprising quick despite his baggage of the wrapped-up tool.
Several townsfolk looked on, saying and doing nothing. A small snicker echoed from the lips of one red-headed teenager.
Naruto gulped, clutching tightly to the purse. It's not my fault he didn't see me take it at first! It's mine now! He rushed onward, his hand tightening on the leather surface. What the hell even is this? Snakeskin?
"Kankurō-kun, quit it! The brat has no idea what he stole to begin with!" a blonde-haired teenager shouted down the street.
BRAT?! Okay, that does it! Naruto whirled around, his eyes blazing. "I'll kill you, woman!"
The blonde-haired teenager sighed, rolling her eyes heavenward. "It's no longer my problem…"
Kankurō growled. "You seem to have a problem with authority, brat…"
A figure stepped out from the shadows. "Hey… You guys shouldn't be here yet." Shikamaru yawned, standing between Kankurō and Naruto calmly. His hand touched a kunai lightly. "The exam doesn't start for another week."
He's not a bad-looking guy… The blonde-haired teenager's cheeks flushed slightly as she stared at Shikamaru.
"Yet another guy who pisses me off. You know this brat stole my money?"
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "You did, Naruto?" he asked calmly.
Naruto shrugged helplessly.
"And you call yourself a shinobi?"
"Shikamaru-kun!" Naruto shouted, his eyes wide.
"I was talking about this guy… If he's so incompetent that he can't even figure out when his money is being stolen, then he doesn't deserve to enter the exams to begin with… So I think."
Kankurō growled. "Okay, I changed my mind. I'll kill you first!"
"You an idiot?" a loud female voice demanded. The sword glimmered at the side of the red-haired female.
"Yet another irritation…" Kankurō turned.
"We're not allowed to kill other participants before the exams start, you dumbass!" Asahi barked, her hands tightening on the sword. "Though if you're willing to go on record as starting the bloodbath, I've no objection…"
"Shut up, all of you. You're so noisy." A quiet, chilling voice disrupted the conversation.
Naruto turned, swallowing at the bloodlust emanating from the source.
Asahi frowned as she examined the opponent.
A red-haired boy hung upside down from the tree. His green eyes stared at Naruto coldly. "Return the pouch."
Naruto swiftly hurled the pouch back to Kankurō.
Kankurō caught the pouch, his eyes narrowing.
"Now that's taken care of… Neither of you deserve to be chūnin." The boy glared at the blonde and Kankurō. "I apologize for their actions. I am Gaara of the Sand Waterfall."
Exam
A crowd of figures gathered around the Hokage's throne. A tapestry draped over the entrance to the hut. Straw filled the room. The central fire glimmered, flickering different colors as the flames ascended higher.
"Well, you probably already know why I've called you here." Hiruzen reached outward. A white carrier pigeon descended onto Hiruzen's arm. Hiruzen unwrapped the white scroll on its leg. He read it quietly, sighing after a moment. "Well, to be fair, I didn't expect that Warrior of Shinobi to arrive… That said, please sit down. We'll be discussing the exam… I'm sure you're already aware that we've been chosen to host it this year. The trouble lies in when? The answer is… From the first night of the seventh full moon, it will begin."
Nōtō rubbed the back of his neck.
Flames rose through the air. Smoke twisted up in the tent.
"Well… this part is largely a formality, but if you want to promote any genin, you can enter their selection forms. Ideally they have something like fifty missions under their belts… but eight or more is acceptable."
He doesn't need to ask… they aren't yet ready. None of them are. Iruka shrugged his shoulders as he looked at the others.
"Mura-led Team Seven, Hatake Kōju, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto… Under the name of Mura Nōtō, I nominate them to take the exam."
Iruka's eyes widened. "What?!" he demanded, standing upright in his chair.
Kakashi's visible eye grew wide. "Hokage-sama… I'm inclined to agree with Iruka-san…"
"Yūhi-led Team Eight, Hyūga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino. Under the name of Yūhi Kurenai, I nominate them to take the test."
"Sarutobi-led Team Ten, Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Chōji. Under the name of Sarutobi Asuma, I nominate them to take the test."
"GAI-LED TEAM—"
"Pardon. Maito Gai, could you please lower your voice?" Wincing, Hiruzen rubbed his temples.
"Gai-led Team Five, Hyūga Neji, Rock Lee, Aburame Shiba! Under the name of Maito Gai, I nominate them to take the test!"
"All of them?" Hiruzen rubbed his temples. "What a headache…"
"Hokage-sama! Just a minute!" Fist clenching, Iruka stood upright. "You can't simply let these jōnin do as they like! These twelve students… it's far too early for them to be taking this exam…" He trailed off, inhaling. "Further…"
Nōtō stood upright. "Iruka, you're wrong."
Iruka's eyes widened.
"Right now… you're not the one who's seen them in the most situations. That's me. They're going on about some kind of battle… Hopes and dreams…" Nōtō sighed. "They don't understand the most basic thing about being a shinobi. Until that time, they won't take being a shinobi seriously… this exam is the best way to teach them."
Iruka's eyes narrowed. "You say that, even though Kakashi is in the same room?"
Kakashi stood motionless, looking neither way.
"He probably understands my reasoning. He doesn't like that I involve his cute daughter, but they need to be taught a lesson." Nōtō cleared his throat. "On an unrelated note. Hiruzen-sama… has that person entered?"
"Yeah… three Frost genin." Hiruzen cleared his throat.
Nōtō's lips curled upward. This ought to be interesting.
Iruka glanced at Nōtō, his eyes concerned.
"Also... that man himself has come to observe the proceedings. My old friend." Hiruzen smiled faintly. "With that, the exam should be safe..."
Nōtō blinked in shock. "..."
A silence fell over the group of shinobi.
Exam
Dust blew up across the ground. The trees shuddered, wind blowing through the branches. The street slowly emptied of onlookers.
The two redheads stared at each other silently.
"When someone gives their name, it is common courtesy for you to respond with the same," Gaara stated in a calm voice.
The sword slid upward. Asahi tightened her grip on her sword. "Are you stupid? Threatening people with bloodlust isn't especially courteous, either. I don't see any reason to permit you to continue living, with that arrogant attitude."
Naruto gritted his teeth. He gripped his kunai tightly. "Hey! What about me?"
"Shut up or I'll tear you into small pieces," Gaara stated, glancing coldly at Naruto.
A drop of sweat ran down Asahi's forehead.
Naruto swallowed. Okay. That could have gone better.
A white flash of light appeared across the ground.
Gaara's eyes widened slightly. Sand rose, blocking the cut.
"Don't threaten my teammates near me." Kōju's eyes narrowed. She gripped the small sword tightly. Leaves fell to the ground.
Gaara reached sideways. He pushed the sword down slowly. "You guys… You're starting to interest me a little." He sighed. "I need to know your names before I kill you." He stated the facts as though he expected the pair to understand.
"Hatake Kōju, and Terumi Asahi." A figure dropped to the ground, brushing dust off his robes. "And I am Chinmoku, of the Furnace."
Gaara smirked silently. "You two pieces of offal. Let's go." Sand engulfed the group.
Kōju's eyes narrowed. "Flash Technique…" She paused. "It's no big deal… If they're here for the chūnin exams, then probably we won't meet them again. Come on, Naruto-kun."
"Hold on. Naruto-kun?" Asahi questioned, her eyes narrowing. "Uzumaki Naruto?"
Kōju frowned. "What's that to you?"
Asahi smiled after a moment. "Nothing… It's not like I like that moron or anything."
"Come back here!" Naruto shouted, shaking his fist. "I'll show you… Ugh!"
Kōju, smiling, elbowed Naruto in the stomach. "We'll probably see you around, right? Nice to meet you, Terumi-san. Bye!"
The pair vanished. A flash of white light surrounded the bodies.
Asahi sighed. Seriously, one of these days, you're going to need to be more polite to people.
Naruto scowled. "Why are you acting like this? I could've—"
"If it's not Sasuke-chan, it's you…" Kōju looked downward, tears pouring down her face. "What did I do wrong?! Is it my hair? My face? Why won't you guys let me in on your problems?! I swear I'll try… to help…!" She broke down completely, sobbing loudly.
Naruto gulped. "Uh…" He looked upward.
Sasuke scowled at Naruto. "You stupid bastard, I just now got her to stop crying! What did you do that made her start up again?"
Naruto shrugged. He swallowed. "What should we do?"
Sasuke sighed. "Okay. Let's try to get her back to normal." Several minutes passed. The pair cajoled, invited, and persuaded Kōju to listen stubbornly.
Finally, Kōju returned to her normal form of happiness. A glint shone in her green eyes as she glanced at the pair. Yes! By getting them to cooperate, I can force them closer together… and harem end will finally be a go between us three!
I just felt a chill… Naruto shivered, rubbing his arms.
Nōtō landed on the ground. "Sorry about the delay." He placed the forms on the ground. "I've nominated you for the chūnin exams…" His glasses glinted. "Well, if you want to participate, it's up to you. Fill out these forms and put them in by tomorrow afternoon, third floor of the main administrative building."
Naruto's eyes widened in shock.
Sasuke gasped with enthusiastic glee, demonstrated for the first time in a while.
Kōju's shoulders slumped.
"Eh?" Nōtō looked upward, his face surprised. "You don't want to do it, Kōju-san?"
"No, it's…" Kōju glanced downward. "It's nothing," she stated in a lower voice.
I can fight strong guys, like that sword person and the painted-faced guy! Naruto thought to himself, a grin crossing his face.
I can train and get better… maybe I can unlock the additional forms of the Sanzengan. Sasuke's lips curled upward briefly as she folded the form neatly.
It's not that I don't want to participate. I want to test my skills. I want to get better beside my friends. The trouble is… Kōju sighed quietly as she vanished into the roofline of Hidden Leaf. The trouble is if one of us makes it and the others don't. I hate that competitive spirit. If that happens, the team will just keep pushing further apart… She landed, stuffing the form into her pocket. Ideally I can force us out early on… or something…
Exam
The sun rose over the city. Twin doors blocked the path into the room. The darkness covered the alcove of the door. The corridor trembled. Shadows filled the free spaces of the hallways, darker and colder.
Kōju landed on the perch of the window to the building I might be able to back out of it. If it's just those two, they'd probably lose…
"Let us through!"
"You moron!"
Blood splattered across the ground.
Naruto gasped.
Sasuke caught Naruto's falling body. "That's irritating, all right."
"The chūnin exam is harsh… You shouldn't try to take it so early." A pair of Leaf shinobi stood in front of the door.
Kōju's eyes widened. She smiled after a moment. "You've already noticed… Right, Sasuke-san?"
The air rippled. The image shifted.
Sasuke smirked. "This is only floor number two."
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
"Not bad, but you're not in a position to fight for it yet!" The guards raised their hands. One knee spun forward, toward Sasuke's face.
The air blurred.
Sasuke's eyes widened. "Elm Reading."
One hand blocked the attack from the left.
The shinobi's eyes widened. He blocked it so easily...?
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Neji…san." Her hand slowly lowered.
"I'll be waiting in the semi-finals. Try not to drop out before then." Neji turned and walked away calmly. His blue eyes flickered with energy.
"You know that guy?" Naruto asked suspiciously, his head tilting to one side.
Sasuke nodded. It's weird to see Neji-san trying so seriously, when he believes fate decides everything...
A flush entered the cheeks of a boy on his knees. He stood upright, staring at Kōju.
Sasuke blinked. What's he after?
"Hey. My name is Rock Lee… and what is the name of the beautiful maiden before me?" Lee questioned, his eyes wide.
"Kōju." Kōju stared flatly at Lee.
"Kōju! A beautiful name of a beautiful young woman! Let's go out together. I'll protect you until I die!" Lee threw a thumb up. His teeth sparkled as he met Kōju's eye.
"I don't even know anything about you! You're creepy, like an eel… by comparison, these two are a big fluffy robin and a cute little fox!" Kōju's tongue stuck out.
A vein in Lee's temple throbbed. "An eel…?" His eyes narrowed. "You… Uchiha Sasuke. Let's fight here and now, shall we?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "There isn't much time before four."
"I'll wait only ten minutes."
A pause followed.
"Let's go… Kōju-chan, Naruto-san." Sasuke hurried down the corridor.