Naruto woke up bright and early. As he looked around, the setting was slightly different and he felt a little pressure on his chest. When the blond looked down, he smiled at seeing Anko sleep peacefully.
Naruto quickly create a shadow clone and used the body replacement technique so he didn't disrupt her. The blond proceeded to the bathroom and completed his morning rituals. Afterwards, he got dressed and grabbed his sword.
Hisnoutfit consisted of a sleeveless orange shirt with a hood on the back, he wears a pair of black Anbu pants with a pair of black Anbu shoes. His hair was a messy blond (similar to Minato) and he had a small chain that he wore underneath his outfit.
"Alright, time for some morning training. But let me leave Anko a note." Naruto said and when he finished the note, he proceeded to the training field where he'd plan on meeting his team.
Kurenai, Kiba, and Hinata arrived at the training field at the designated time of eight. When they saw the blond, he was looking rough as if he was in a fight. "Man, are you alright? You look like shit." Kiba declared.
Naruto chuckled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, I usually come here for some early morning training." Naruto said.
"Of course, you can't ever relax for ten minutes." Hinata said with an eye roll.
"Alright guys, I have something important to tell you. I've actually recommended you three for the chunin exams." Kurenai said.
"Huh? You think we're ready for the chunin exams?" Hinata asked.
"That's right. You three have excellent teamwork, your individuals skills are impressive, and I have reason to believe you three will go far." Kurenai said as she remembered the previous day's conversation.
Flashback
"So, it's that time." Asuma said with a smirk as he took a puff of his cigarette.
"I wonder if this year will be as interesting as the previous year?" Kakashi said lazily while reading his book.
"Alright, as you all know, the chunin exams will be starting. They will take place here and we've got participants from Amegakure, Sunagakure, Kusagakure, and the new village, Otogakure." Hiruzen said as he looked at his jonin.
"I want Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, Might Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi." Hiruzen said in his professional tone.
"Please step forward and give your recommendations." The Hokage said.
"I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend Shino Aburame, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha to participate in the chunin exams." Kakashi said.
"Understood." Hiruzen said.
"I, Kurenai Yuhi, recommend Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, and Naruto Uzumaki to participate in the chunin exams." Kurenai said.
This had a few people look up in disbelief. As a few whispers were heard, a stern glare from the Hokage silenced the room.
"I, Might Guy, recommend Rock Lee, Tenten, and Neji Hyuga to participate in the chunin exams." Guy said.
"I, Asuma Sarutobi, recommend Choji Akimichi, Ino Yamanaka, and Shikamaru Nara to participate in the chunin exams." Asuma said.
"Now, wait just a minute! These are fresh genin, aside from Guy's team!" Iruka declared.
"What are you saying, Iruka? Do you not have faith in the genin?" Kakashi asked with a single eyebrow raised.
"I know what those kids can do and let me tell you, they aren't ready! You're basically sending them to their deaths!" Iruka shouted.
"Iruka, I was a chunin at the age of six. These aren't children anymore, they're ninja. Besides, maybe it'll be a reality to check for them to show what the life of a ninja is." Kakashi said.
"Iruka, you must understand, they aren't your students anymore. We must trust their jonin sensei in making the right choice." Hiruzen said.
"Lord Third is right. You need to trust us." Kurenai said.
"What about Naruto? He may have been the rookie of the year, but he's still a boy." Iruka said.
Without saying anything, Kakashi handed over a small book that was opened. "Read this." Kakashi said in a blank tone.
As Iruka read the book, his eyes opened wide in disbelief. "Impossible, this can't be right." Iruka muttered.
"You need to understand that we know what we're doing." Kakashi said as he received the book.
"Alright, it's final. Please inform your students about the chunin exams." Hiruzen said.
Flash back ended
"The chunin exams will be tough and if you don't want to participate, I understand. Please take the time to think about this and if you decide. Bring your form tomorrow to the ninja academy." Kurenai said.
"Is that all for today" Naruto asked.
"Actually, there is something that I wanted to talk to you about, Naruto." Kurenai said.
Both Kiba and Hinata shot each other glance before looking at their blond teammate. "What is it?" Naruto asked.
Kurenai handed Naruto a book that was opened and inside the page, information about Naruto was given.
"Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, twelve years old, genin from Konohagakure. Proficient in Kenjutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and space-time ninjutsu. Namikaze has revealed access to the Sharingan Kekkei Genkai that belongs to the Uchiha clan.
Namikaze is responsible for the elimination of Gato, and has defeated Zabuza Mommochi in combat. It is unsure if Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze has any relation to Minato Namikaze.
Namikaze is a a capture on sight target, A rank ninja. Please be cautious when engaging.
Disclaimer, Namikaze is to be killed on sight by Iwagakure and Kumogakure."
"Huh, I didn't think I'd be in the bingo book this early." Naruto said with a chuckle.
"This poses a problem, Naruto." Kurenai said with an uncomfortable expression.
"Why?" Naruto asked.
"Lord Third and the clan heads believe that due to your bingo book status, they want their children transferred from your team. However, it's much easier to have a replacement and you take an apprenticeship under someone else." Kurenai hesitantly.
Naruto sighed while Hinata and Kiba looked down in shame about their families. "Naruto, we don't think any less of you." Hinata said.
"Yeah man, being in the bingo book is bad ass." Kiba added on.
"Kurenai sensei, what if I decide to not change teams?" Naruto asked.
"The your team will be pulled from the exams. Naruto, I want you to know that I tried fighting against it, myself, Guy, and Kakashi tried to fight it. But the council won." Kurenai said.
"I see. Well, I don't want to cause my team to be held back. Alright, I'll accept." Naruto said.
"Alright, please report to the Hokage's office and you'll receive your new orders." Kurenai said with a sad expression.
"Later guys." Naruto said with a sad smile before he vanished in a yellow flash.
Hiruzen was sitting at his desk with his hands together. When the argument with the council took place, the Hokage believed it was their plan to eliminate the demon and that the clan heirs didn't want their children caught up.
"Fools, you're a bunch of fools. If only they knew." Hiruzen thought before Naruto flashed in front of him.
"Hello, Lord Hokage." Naruto said with a bow.
"Before we start, please know that I tried fighting it, Kurenai, Kakashi, and Guy tried fighting it, and even Tsune and Hiashi tried fighting it. But we were unsuccessful." Hiruzen said.
"It's fine. But will I still be able to participate? I know that solo teams aren't common but. It impossible." Naruto said.
"Yes, I was going to explain that to you. Since it's too late to get a new team, you will be able to participate solo underneath a new sensei. It will be significantly difficult, but I have reason to believe you'll do fine." The Hokage said with a prideful smirk.
Naruto nodded. "Who will be my sensei?" Naruto asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I think you already know her. She is actually on her way." Hiruzen said.
"Long time no see, Naruto." Said the feminine voice. Naruto turned around and his eyes went wide.
"Mom, I mean, Aunt Yugao?" Naruto asked.
"That's right. I agreed to act as your sensei until the exams are over." Yugao said.
"I see. Thank you, I really appreciate you doing this for me." Naruto said.
"Alright, you two are dismissed. Naruto, I look forward to see what the Orange Flash can do." Hiruzen said with a smirk.
"Right." Muttered the blond as the two of them exited the Hokage's office.
The two arrived at a small tea shop that Yugao and Hayate often visited. As they sat across each other, they gazed into each others eyes.
"How have you been?" Yugao asked to break the ice.
"I'm better. I don't know if you heard, but Anko and I made up." Naruto said.
Yugao raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Really? I didn't know." Yugao said as she frowned slightly.
"Aunt Yugao, I know I hurt you guys big time. But I'm working on repairing the relationships that I once had. I truly am sorry, but I want you to know that I had my reasons." Naruto said.
"I believe you, Gaki. Anyway, do you have a plan for the exams?" Yugao asked, getting down to business.
"Not really. I trust my old team will look out for me but if not, I'll just take on whatever is sent my way. I mean, I got trained by some of Konoha's top shinobi." Naruto said.
"I see. Yes, that is true. I just want you to be careful. Don't do anything reckless like fighting one of the legendary seven swordsman." Yugao said with a chuckle.
"Don't worry, I know my limits." Naruto said.
The two continued speak for about an hour and when the conversation came to an end, the blond left to go find his ice queen.
Anko was chowing down on some dango when she caught a kunai. "Sorry, Gaki. You'll need to be quicker than that." Anko said.
The blond flashed behind her with Anko in his arms. "I don't know, I'm pretty fast." Naruto said while winking, causing Anko to blush.
While the two were in a relationship, Anko wasn't use to affection by anyone and so, she was still getting used to it. "Are you ready for the exams?" Anko asked.
Naruto put her down and nodded. "Yeah, but the council is forcing me to take it solo. I guess they want to take this chance to get rid of the demon." Naruto said in a tone that said he didn't care.
"Well, I'm sure you'll do well. Besides, I think Itachi took the exams solo and he actually won the thing." Anko added in.
"Really? I guess I've got some shoes to fill." Naruto said.
"Who is your assigned sensei?" Anko asked.
"Yugao Uzuki." Naruto said in a blank tone, causing Anko's expression to soften.
"Don't worry, we talked and I explained that I'm trying to repair the relationships I had with everyone." Naruto added.
"I see. Well, I'm sure things will turn out. Anyway, I've got to get back to Ibiki. Got a spy and I need some information from him." Anko said as she got up but found Naruto grabbed her hand.
"Can I give you a kiss?" Naruto asked.
"Huh? Why are you asking?" Anko asked.
"Well, we are in public and I didn't know if it would bother you or not." Naruto said.
Anko smirked. "Don't worry about that. You don't have to ask things like that." Anko said as the two gave each other a deep kiss.
The two parted ways and watching from the crystal ball, Hiruzen smiled at the two village outcasts. "Naruto, you're an enigma that surprises me everyday." Hiruzen said.