Welcome back for those of you who are following my story or have favorited it, or my page thank you and a shout out to all of you guys. First things first I hope you all had a merry Christmas and happy holidays. Still hoping that more of you guys will review my story and give me your opinions I want your input on what you guys think of the story so far, as well as ideas of who should be interested in Naruto in the way of girls from the sires. Otherwise, I hope you all like the new chapter and hope to hear from you guys soon. Now On with the story.
The next two Months went by fast as Team 12 completed two more C-Rank missions. Not to mention that having a new team member made completing missions that much easier, though it took a while for them to get used to having Haku joining their team. Her ice style being unique lent a new element to the team makeup. Though it took some time to get used to when all was said and done their team synergy was indeed first rate. Not only that but it also seemed that Yakumo and Haku were becoming fast friends. Minato had to admit that his son's team had adapted better than he had ever thought they would have. He also noticed that Naruto had a shadow in Sarutobi's grandson Konohamaru he had started following Naruto around and was calling him boss of all things. Minato had found this both a little comical and a little strange. However, Naruto seemed to be fond of him and even helped show him some low rank Jutsu from the academy that would help him and had even started helping him with his chakra control. Minato had also found out that Naruto and Shikamaru had started meeting regularly to play Shogi.
While this was good seeing Naruto form relationships and become more a member of the village Minato had to admit it wasn't the main thing on his mind. What had been occupying his thoughts lately was the meeting he had with Naruto. All things considered it had gone well considering that both Kushina and Jiraiya had been present, though it didn't reveal as much as Minato had hoped it would. He had asked Naruto about the mission specifically about the technique he had used and what he had talked to his team about. Naruto told Them what happened and what info he had shared. Naruto had only shared the info with his team. This said a lot about how much trust Naruto placed in them. Ironically the only real member of his team who hadn't known at the time was Yakumo. Yūgao being his sensi and older sister figure had already been filled in on the fact that Naruto had some of the fox's chakra due to reading his file and Kōga would have known since Minato and Kushina had told the kids about it. But that had been when they were 9 so Naruto must have learned of it when he was in the forest of death but how? Had he talked to whatever had been spawned from the sealing process? This brought up another question that begged to be asked who had taught him how to use its chakra? During the meeting he had asked Naruto to demonstrate the technique so Kushina could verify that it was true and sure enough she had confirmed it. So, the question was what to do now? If he put an Anbu detail on Naruto it would be seen as them not trusting him but if Minato did nothing Naruto would be vulnerable to those who would be after him if they ever found out. Minato had enemies from the last great ninja war and they would love nothing better than to get to him through his son. Ultimately he decided not to but he asked Yūgao to keep a close eye on things and notify him if anything changed.
To make things even more hectic the Chūnin exams were right around the corner and the leaf village would be hosting them this time around. Minato knew that it would be hectic as all get up and a mountain of paperwork was bound to both procced and follow the event. Minato was also curious as to who would put their team forward to take the exam. The deadline for the submission of applications was the end of the week as the exam was going to start the following week. Which was also the reason that Minato had called all his Jōnin sensei to report on the matter. When all of them were present and Kakashi had arrived late the meeting finally began.
"Now that everyone's here, let's begin shall we." Minato said, not hiding his excitement at seeing who was going to enter.
After a few of the people he expected to enter, did, he nodded giving them his approval as they met the requirements. A few of the Jōnin decided not to enter, feeling that their teams didn't meet the standards that the exam called for.
Guy stepped forward and with a mighty YOSH! He gave his nomination "Hokage-sama, my youthful Genin are more than ready to let their youth shine this year in the exam!" Guy nearly shouted, making Minato laugh wryly. Having somewhat gotten used to guy's personality he gave his consent.
"Yes, you're Genin have been together for about a year and a half, so they do meet the requirements Guy. They're free to enter." Minato said getting a nice guy pose from Guy in response.
"Minato-sensei, I want to enter Team 7 into this year's exams." Kakashi said nonchalantly, making Minato sigh as he knew that this would happen. After all, Kakashi was in many ways their older brother figure and he wanted them to succeed. This however was a bit much in his opinion.
"I understand Kakashi, but could you give me a reasoning as to why I should enter them? Just because they're my children doesn't mean that they're ready you know." Minato Said, guessing that his children probably pestered Kakashi endlessly for him to enter them.
"I understand Minato-sensei, but I honestly do believe that they are ready. All of them have Jōnin-level chakra reserves and are already proficient in both taijutsu and ninjutsu. Also, they have completed 31 D-Rank missions and 3 C-Rank missions. They're teamwork might not be the best of the best, but they have improved greatly. Not to mention that they're strong individually as well. Because of that they show the potential to become Chūnin and pass the exam." Kakashi reported, a slightly condescending tone seeping into his voice as he eyed the other jōnin.
"Hmm... While I still think it is a bit too early for this, I'll trust your judgment on this as their sensei Kakashi. I will allow them to enter the exams but I wonder, have you told them of the dangers of taking the exam yet?" At that question, Kakashi nervously eye smiled scratching the back of his head making Minato sigh. The copy ninja was great at a lot of things but failed miserably at others.
"Hokage-sama, Team 8 is ready to enter. They specialize in hunting and tracking but even past that they show promise and potential to pass the exams. They have their problems like any team. But when pushed, they are an efficient team and have shown that to me. They've completed 33 D-Rank missions and 2 C-Rank, while they lack experience they make up for it in determination and ingenuity." At her concise report Minato smiled and nodded, making Kurenai give Kakashi a smug smile making the latter's eye twitch.
"Alright, if you believe that they can come together then I'll allow it but do tell them about the dangers alright?" at this she nodded.
"Hokage-sama, Team 10 is ready. Though they are slackers at times, they do have the potential as the next Ino-Shika-Cho, and I've seen it on more than a few occasions. They've still got a long way to go. Shikamaru and Choji share a close bond though Ino doesn't always like working with them. But underneath all of that, they're more then capable of passing. They've finished 35 D-Rank missions and 2 C-Rank, so they've got some experience handling the harder stuff." Asuma reported, taking a breath after his report.
Minato sighed, but then agreed. He knew that they would have some trouble but from what he has seen in the reports from Asuma, Shikamaru would be able to get them out of most situations given his intellect.
"Alright Asuma, I'll let them enter. Shikamaru-kun should be able to keep them safe given his intelligence and with the three of them working together they should be safe." Minato said smiling as Asuma gave him a grin in response.
"Alright Hokage-sama, I'm not going to lie here but I really don't think that Team 11 is ready for the exams, but I want them to enter to see how far behind they really are." At this Minato Blinked Riichi wanted to enter a team that was not ready? "They're the most unbalanced team that I've seen, it's almost unthinkable. Sasuke has put forth next no effort when it comes to interacting with his teammates. After learning his sister Setsuna unlocked her Sharingan, he's been doing everything to try and force his awaken. Sakura hasn't lost her fan girl attitude towards Sasuke and because of that she hasn't really become any stronger as she is too focused on her obsession with him, if anything she's become a little weaker I think as she is letting this impact how hard she trains. Sai on the other hand still gives off a strange vibe, I don't know what's going on in his head and it's making me an Orochimaru-sama cautious. They've done 30 D-Rank missions and 1 C-Rank, but even after all of that, they've still not improved their teamwork enough." Riichi reported, sighing heavily as some of the other Jōnin gave him pitying looks.
"I understand Riichi, while I would normally not allow them to enter they do need to realize just how far behind they are and that personal skill alone doesn't make you a powerful ninja. I'll allow them to enter on the condition that you tell them about the dangers about what could happen to them. If even one of them backs out then they all aren't going to be able to enter." Minato said as Riichi nodded in return.
Genma was next to speak, "Hokage sama I believe that my team is ready to take the exam as they have been together for one year now and have shown great progress in that time as a team and as individuals. Their teamwork speaks for itself as well as their individual skills. I am more than confident that they are ready.
Minato nodded at Genma "They do meet the requirements Genma, they're free to enter the exam." Minato said
Finally, everyone's attention was on Yūgao as it was now her turn to submit her team for the exam or decline having them take it. Yūgao stated that her team was ready to take the exam. When Minato asked she surprised him by stating that she had already informed her team about the dangers of the exam. Everyone else was surprised by this fact as well, Yūgao said that she told them and even knowing the dangers they agreed to enter if they were allowed.
"I believe they are ready they have completed 35 D-rank missions plus 3 C-rank missions. (Nobody in the room but Minato and Yūgao along with Authorized personnel knew that the first of those three C-Rank missions had turned to an A-rank as it was listed in the teams' files as a classified C-rank mission) They have shown great progress and have shown that they are more than able to work as a team, even with the addition of their new team member Haku. They have gone above and beyond what has been expected of them.
"Alright Yūgao, I'll allow them to enter. If what you said is true, then I have no doubts that they will go far in this year's exam." Minato said before asking if there were any other nominations. With no one else nominating their team for the exam Minato told them to have their applications in by the end of the week the they were dismissed.
That night when he got home Kushina asked how his day went and he told her about the upcoming exams and that their kids would be participating in them this caused Kushina to pause as she looked at Minato. Her face was one that said he had better choose his next words carefully or he would find himself in the doghouse to be used as a chew toy for the Inuzaka clans' dogs.
"Kushina we can't keep them from taking this exam forever you know." Minato said using her infamous catch phrase.
She sighed as she sat down at the table with Minato. "I know but that doesn't change the fact that their still my babies." Kushina said with a tone of motherly concern in her voice.
"I know Kushina they're my kids to but we have to let them stand on their own eventually. That doesn't mean though that we can't show them that we are there for them if and when they need us." Minato said as he took his wife's hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
She smiled as she took Minato's other hand before she leaned forward and kissed him. "You know just what to say you know."
"I know. Say let's get the kids and go get something to eat." Minato said rising to his feet. And with that they gathered their kids and went out for dinner.
x x x x
The next day Naruto was making his way through town, when he heard the sounds of a dispute happening and quickly made his way over to investigate.
When he arrived, he saw a boy around his age dressing in a black bodysuit, wearing a black hood with pointed cat-ear like appendages that had a Suna headband attached to it. A strange objected wrapped in bandages was strapped on his back, and he had purple paint on his face. He was holding a young boy who just so happened to be Konohamaru by the scarf around his neck as two other kids watched on in horror and fear. While blond girl stood near him looking
"Watch where you're going you little brat!" The teen shouted at Konohamaru who started shaking.
A second youth, a girl with purple clothing that ended with fish netting on the arms and legs, and lastly a giant fan on her back, walked over as she said "Kankuro, put him down. We don't want to cause a scene."
Kankuro simple shrugged as he said "It's fine sis, I'm just gonna first teach him a bit about respecting his elders. They won't whine too much." As Konohamaru's eyes widened a bit with fear. "Oh, you gonna cry now? Tsk, who knew that there were such brats in this village. I'll really make you cry!" The teen said, cocking his fist back as the younger boy closed his eyes tensing for the blow. But before he could do anything, Naruto had appeared next to him and grabbed his free wrist in a vice grip that caused him to wince as he twisted the wrist slightly to put pressure on it.
"Guh! Wh-What the hell!?" The teen said, now focusing his attention on the blonde.
Before anyone could say anything, Konohamaru and the two other kids immediately brightened up.
"Naruto nii chan!" They shouted, as the blond asked Konohamaru if he was alright, before he turned his full focus back to the Suna-nin.
"I am only going to say this once." Naruto said his tone deadly serious as he turned his head to glare at the older boy, "Put Konohamaru down." The Suna-nin glared back at Naruto before he let go of the young boy.
As things were about to heat up, the sound of running footsteps broke through the tense atmosphere that had been created. Menma, Kiba and a few others came running towards the scene next to them was a scowling Sasuke. After they had heard Konohamaru cry out, they immediately ran to the source, even Sasuke followed curious as to what was happening. But all of them froze when they locked eyes with Naruto's blank navy ones.
Naruto looked back to the Suna-nin but found that it would just cause problems if he did anything more and released his hand from his grip. Temari was both shocked at the blond's speed... and the fact that he basically just saved their butts from an international incident. That would have been a problem.
"I would think a shinobi who is a guest in another shinobi village would know better than to start causing trouble. Now get lost and if I find you threatening a little kid in this village again you might just lose that hand." He said in the same cold tone. Before the teen could retort, the blonde cut him off.
"And you, in the tree, I'm guessing that you're his teammate. You better beat it as well." At that the teen froze, his eyes widening as a teen a boy with red hair and a gourd appeared in a swirl of sand.
"Ga-Gaara!" The teen stuttered out, making everyone focus attention on the red head, seemingly the cause of the teen's fear.
"Kankuro you're a disgrace to our village. You let yourself be carried away just from a bit of dirt on your clothes. If you do that again you won't have to worry about losing that hand, I'll kill you myself." The red head said in a flat voice making everyone, minus Naruto, flinch. Turning to Naruto he addressed him.
"I am Gaara of the Sand. What is your name?" He asked.
"Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze." Was what he got in response, making the red head crack a small maniacal smile.
"Naruto... Mother will enjoy it when I spill your blood. You will help to acknowledge my existence." He said in a crazed tone before he started walking away with the other two. But was stopped when Sasuke called out to him.
"Hey! He won't be the one to beat you I will." He declared. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha remember it when you lose to me."
"I have no interest in any of you other than him." Gaara said, pointing at Naruto, anger seeping into the faces of the other boys. Soon the three sand shinobi were out of sight leaving the Konoha ninja alone.
Before anyone could talk, Konohamaru instantly run up to Naruto with his two friends Udon and Moegi as they thanked him for saving Konohamaru as the three of them started talking about how cool he was. At this a slight smile crossed his face as he nodded to them before he told them to be more careful and turned as he started to walk off.
"Don't think that you're some kind of hero just because you did something like that." Menma growled out as he glared at his older brother.
"Yeah, you're lucky that we got here or else you would've been put into the ground!" Kiba barked out, also glaring at the blonde. At these remarks Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi turned on the older boys telling them to take back what they said.
Naruto turned and stared his brother down before finally speaking.
"I've had just about enough of your attitude Menma. How long are you planning to keep this up? Until you're a Chūnin? Jōnin? Anbu? Because if you keep acting like you're superior to everyone else, you're going to end up getting yourself killed along with your squad." At that, Menma blinked.
"I know you dislike me; you think that I'm weak, that I'm not worth the time of day." Naruto listed off as he walked forward till he was standing in front of his brother, "But let me let you in on a little secret Menma," Naruto said leaning in so only Menma would hear, "What you think is true and what is true are two different things." At those words Menma was stunned and before he could recover Naruto went on.
"Let me tell you all a little something, especially you two," Naruto as he singled out Menma and Kiba, the attitudes that you have right now will get you or someone you know killed. I don't care how strong, smart, or brave you think you are; someone will die if you keep acting like no one can beat you. You need to fix that frame of mind before it gets you or some else killed.
When he finished lecturing his brother and his friends Naruto turned and left the group as the three young kids ran to catch up with Naruto.
The next day while Naruto was out and about when he ran into Kakashi who gave him his standard "Yo." Greeting. Naruto greeted him as he passed by only for the copy ninja to fall into step beside him. "I hear your team is going to enter the Chūnin exam?"
"What about it?" Naruto questioned.
"Oh, I just thought I would give you a little advice. Never let your guard down," Kakashi said before he vanished and appeared behind Naruto. "Leaf Village Secret finger jutsu…"
Before Kakashi could finish his surprise attack Naruto moved so fast that you would have thought he just used Flying Raijin. As he roared "OH HECK NO. No one is probing my ass!" Now facing Kakashi from the other side of the street.
Surprised at how fast his sensei's son could move he smirked under his mask and let his amusement seep into his voice as he eye smiled at the young blond, "So you are familiar with Thousand years of death."
At this Naruto's mind flashed to an image of himself when he was 7. As a soaking wet Naruto pulled himself out of the river and rubbed at his sore backside while a younger Anko was just off to the side laughing hysterically at him. Naruto shivered at the memory before he replied.
"You could say that." Naruto stated with no further elaboration.
"Well then best of luck in the exam." Kakashi said casually like hadn't just tried to anal probe Naruto, "Oh, and that was payback for threatening my book collection." With that Kakashi vanished with a plume of smoke.
x x x x
The next few days came and went till finally it was the day of the exam and all the Genin teams that had applied were headed to the exam building. The foursome that was team 12 made their way inside and when they got to the second floor they found a group of Genin clamoring to get into the exam room only to be told by a pair of Chūnin to get lost this exam isn't for the weak. Yakumo stop the rest of the team and asked, "Isn't the exam in room 301?"
"Yah." Kōga replied, Keeping his voice low just like she had. "It is what about it?"
"So, why are those guys trying to get into a room on the second floor, the room numbers go by floor right?" She questioned.
"Genjutsu?" Naruto asked, the question barely audible.
Yakumo nodded and motioned to the stairwell that lead to the next floor. The team nodded and followed her lead as they headed up to the next floor.
When they arrived at the exam room Yūgao was waiting for them outside.
She smiled when she saw them, "Good to see you all showed up. You may now enter the exams best of luck in there." She grinned as she watched them enter the room.
Shikamaru was nervous. Here he was in a room full of people willing to kill him to get a promotion. And why was he here? Because Ino would destroy what was left of his eardrums if he didn't show up. 'Does she really think Sasuke will pay attention to her if she makes Chūnin?'
Chouji was worried. He wasn't sure they were ready for this. Of course, Asuma said he had faith in them but some of the other ninja gathered were much more experienced than them. 'I just hope we come out of this alive.'
Ino was pacing back and forth in front of her teammates. The Chūnin exams were the perfect time to impress Sasuke. Haku had helped her make a training regimen that fit into her busy schedule, but would that be enough? 'Sasuke-kun, I've tried to become a better ninja. I just want you to notice me.' Heck even Naruto had helped her train. At that thought her heart started to beat a little bit faster as she thought about Naruto and what he would think. 'Wait, what am I thinking could I actually like Naruto?' That thought made her pace more franticly.
As Naruto and his team entered the room they made their way over to the wall near them. Naruto and Yakumo dressed in their normal ninja gear along with Kōga who was wearing a gray short sleeve shirt with a faded blue vest that had the Uzumaki spiral on the back and white grayish fur around the shoulders. A pair of black shinobi pants and shinobi shoes. Haku was wearing the new shoulder less battle kimono that was a deep purple with black trim and a white snowflake on the back that she had gotten when she went shopping with Ino and the girls.
When Naruto spied Shikamaru and his team in a corner he lead his team over to them. He gave Team Ten a grin before settling in on the wall. Haku had followed him to stand by Ino. "Hey Ino, glad you guys could make it."
Ino grinned. "Haku, glad to see you in your new kimono It looks fabulous on you just like I said it would. Naruto, Kōga, Yakumo glad to see you three as well." Ino said greeting them all. Once upon a time she would have thought Naruto Strange. However, once she had gotten to know the real Naruto, they had become quick friends. Without the emotionless mask he wore, she found a witty, charismatic, and loyal friend, and maybe more than that at this she blushed a bit.
Shikamaru responded to Naruto. "These exams are too troublesome." The Nara said as he lent back against the wall, while Choji just munched on his bag of chips.
Naruto snickered at his friends' comment. "You know Ino will beat you to a pulp if you don't give this your all, and then your mom will kill you when Ino's done." Naruto said having met Shikamaru's parents before since his mom and Shikamaru's mom were good friends, he knew that Yoshino Nara was not one to tolerate laziness.
At this Shikamaru cringed at the thought of his mom chasing him around the village yelling that she was going to kill him for giving up during the exam. Before he could go further he was pulled out of his thoughts when the door to the room was kicked in. There in the doorway stood a twin to Naruto in all but style and height. He stood crossing his arms defiantly he sneered at the general assembly of fellow genin. Several genin glared at Menma while both his sisters just sighed and shook their heads as they entered.
"The door wasn't locked Menma." Narumi said deadpan wishing she could disappear as she was about to deck her brother for being a moron.
Mito walked in behind her and ignored her brothers' antics. Noticing that every eye in the room was now focused on them she mentally sighed 'So much for not drawing attention to ourselves.' As she looked around she spotted the rest of the genin from their class and headed over. When she saw Naruto and his team she smiled and nodded to him, Naruto returned the nod the smile was a different story.
Menma made his way over and started chatting with Kiba who had been with his team off to the side about how this was going to be fun. Narumi went to stand next to Mito. While this was happening Shino walked over to Naruto and wished him luck in the exam and Naruto did the same as he shook hands with him, while Hinata stood Next to Shino not knowing what to say. before she could do anything Naruto wished her luck as he held out his hand which she managed to shake without fainting. Last to arrive was Sasuke, Sai, and Sakura. After all of this happened a leaf shinobi approached the group.
"Hey, you guys, you might want to try keeping it down a little. I mean no offense but you're all rookies right, fresh from the academy? I wouldn't go making a spectacle of yourselves just cool it. This isn't a class fieldtrip." The Genin said as he pushed his glasses up.
"Well, who asked you? Who are you anyway?" Sakura questioned making most of the group and anyone in the room who had sensitive ears wince.
"I'm Kabuto Yakushi, but really look around you you've made quite an impression." At this statement the group looked around the room as most of those around the room were looking at them. "You can't help it. I mean how could you know how things work you're just rookies."
Haku spoke up. "Kabuto-san, how many times have you taken this exam?"
Kabuto smiled. "This will be my seventh time. Since they are held twice a year this will be my fourth year."
"So, I guess all those rumors about the exam being tough are true. Oh man I knew this was going to be a drag." Shikamaru stated
"Hang on don't give up hope yet. Maybe I can help you kids out a little." Kabuto replied pulling a stack of cards from his pocket. "With my ninja info cards."
"What the heck are those?" Sakura asked before anyone else in the group.
"It's hard to explain but these cards have been chakra encoded with everything I have learned over the past four years." He stated kneeling on the floor as he set the deck of card down. "So, you see I haven't been completely wasting my time. They may not look like much to the naked eye in fact they appear blank." He said flipping a card to prove his point, "Don't want just anyone seeing this stuff."
"Do those cards of yours have info on the other candidates individually?" Sasuke asked.
"They might, you have someone special in mind?" Kabuto replied.
"I might." He Responded with his normal annoyed tone.
"Well, my info may not be complete but I have got at least something on just about everyone." He said a slight bit of smugness in his voice. "Including you guys of course. So, which one is it give me anything you know about them, anything at all."
"He's Gaara of the Sand, then there's Rock Lee of the leaf…" Pausing for just a second Sasuke's eyes glanced at Naruto before adding, "And Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze while you're at it." That last add on to his list of names threw most of them for a loop.
"That's no fun you even know their names, that makes it easy." Kabuto said sounding disappointed as he then snatched the three cards from the deck with a flick of his wrist holding them up, "Here they are."
"Show them to me." Sasuke stated like they held his key to victory.
"Okay first up is Rock lee." Kabuto placed the card on the floor and spun it with his index finger.
"What are you doing?" Ino asked puzzled at the older Genin's actions.
"I'm infusing my chakra into the card like this." At his words there as a poof as the card's info became visible.
"Rock Lee, mission experience 20 D-ranks and 11 C-ranks, his Squad leader is guy, In the last 12 months his taijutsu has radically improved but his other skills are shaky. Last year he got a lot of attention as a Genin. However, he chose to forgo the exam so this is his first time entering. His teammate are Tenten and Neji hyuga."
At this Hinata's eyes shifted ever so slightly that almost no one caught it but Naruto noticed he knew about the whole situation with the Hyuga and how they had a main family and a branch family that was basically the main families' slaves in a way.
"Next up is Gaara of the sand, Mission experience 8 C-ranks and get this 1 B-rank as a Genin, not much else to be honest he's a rookie from the sand but there is this he has finished every mission without a scratch."
"The dudes done a B-rank as a Genin and has never been injured?" Shikamaru questioned aloud voicing everyone's thoughts.
"Lastly Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, Mission experience 35 D-ranks, 3 C-ranks and 1 B-rank very impressive I must say." At this most of the people in the group looked at Naruto in disbelief while Menma scowled at him only those who were present knew that the B-rank mission was when he and Kōga beat Mizuki to a pulp after he got Narumi to steal the forbidden scroll of sealing. "Sensei is Yūgao and his teammates are Kōga Uzumaki-Namikaze, Yakumo Kurama, and Haku Momochi. He ran away into the forest of death at age 8 and stayed in there four years before coming back. Lastly he is one of the four out of five children of the Hokage to have a part of the nine tailed fox's chakra sealed inside him." Kabuto finished. This made most of the other rookie's blink in surprise at this information.
This info made Naruto make a mental note to pass the info on to his father that somehow a Genin had gotten access to classified information he shouldn't have been able to.
Kiba snorted. "I just want to know how many people I get to beat the tar out of."
Kabuto smiled. "Well, Inuzuka-san you're in luck. I have the info right here." Pulling out another card and applying chakra he went back into lecture mode. "This exam has teams participating from the leaf, sand, rain, grass waterfall and sound villages. Out of all the countries represented, The leaf has the most seeing as it's being held here. It seems that this year each village has sent their top Genin to the exam. However, the hidden sound village is small it's still new those guys are a mystery."
At this one of the Genin from the sound rushed Kabuto as he pulled his sleeve back as he struck. Kabuto managed to dodge the attack only for his glasses to break. This caused several including Sasuke to question how he was hit only for Kabuto to vomit.
As the trio of sound shinobi stood in front of the now spectacle less Genin as the one with bandages covering most of his face spoke up. "Put this down on one of your cards when this exam is all over the shinobi from the sound village will be Chūnin." At this a group of shinobi appeared at the front of the room cloud of smoke.
"Alright you baby-faced degenerates pipe down and listen up. It's time to begin my name is Ibiki Morino your proctor and from this moment on your worst enemy. First you Genin from the village hidden in the sound do you want to be failed before we've even stated?"
At this statement one of the sound ninja replied, "Sorry I guess were just a bit jumpy sir."
"I am only going to say this once so listen up. There will be no fighting unless an Exam Proctor tells you to. Even then the use of lethal force is expressly prohibited is that understood. Anyone who even thinks of testing me on this will be failed immediately." Ibiki stated with absolute authority in his voice.
"No lethal force that's no fun." Another of the sound ninja stated only for some of the group with Ibiki to start chuckling.
"Now that we have gotten that out of the way all of you will submit your paperwork and in exchange you will be given a number this number will determine where you sit during the test." At this everyone was handed a paper and number in exchange for their entrance applications. Once everyone was seated according to their number. Ibiki tapped the chalk board to get everyone's attention.
"Alright Eyes front. There are a few rules you need to be aware of and I won't answer any questions so you better pay attention the first time." At this Ibiki started writing on the board, "There are ten questions to this part of the exam. You start with a perfect score of ten points. For each question not answered or answered incorrectly, you will lose a point. So, if you get three questions wrong your score will be seven. The tenth question will be given fifteen minutes before the end of the exam. When the exam is over you will pass or fail based on the combined scores of all team members."
At this Sakura face vaulted the desk outrage filling her voice as she lifted her head and yelled, "Wait you mean you'll be scoring us as a team?"
"Pipe down I have my reasons for doing so," Ibiki replied before continuing, "Third the sentinels around the room are there to catch anyone who is trying to cheat and if you are caught cheating, you will immediately lose two points. If you are caught five times you will be immediately dismissed along with your team. Anyone fool enough to get caught cheating by the sentinels doesn't deserve to be here. Lastly if anyone scores no points, they and their team will be failed. You have one hour starting NOW."
Everyone flipped their papers and started in. Naruto started looking over the test and instantly found that these questions were way beyond the ability of any Genin. Thinking over the speech Ibiki gave he realized something. 'In the academy we were failed instantly if we were caught cheating. So if that's the case, then test is not about if you know the information. The test is really about information gathering. Well, I actually think Haku might know some of this trajectory stuff because of her senbon training. There has to be a plant somewhere in the room.' Looking around he noticed someone in his row already writing. 'Looks like I found one but how to get the info?' Kou chimed in that he wasn't going to help in this case since he had all the knowledge of nine tailed fox. And since the test wasn't for him after all. To which Naruto mentally face palmed. 'You didn't have to tell me that one I already knew that.'
Ibiki happened to notice that some of them had already figured out the true meaning of the test and were cheating; The bun haired girl had somehow attached a set of mirrors to one of the overhead lights with wires that were attached to her pencil. He noticed an Aburame was gathering information with his insects. While the Inuzaka kid was using his pup to get the answers. The Hyuga were using their byakugan. The pink haired girl seemed to be one of the few ones not cheating and was using her knowledge to pass the test. He also happened to spy a mouse that looked to be made of ink scurrying to a pale boy and giving him the answers. While an Uchiha used her Shaingan to get the answers from the person in front of her. He also notice a mirror made of ice above one girl as well.
Naruto knew he had no good way to get the info from the plant he spotted and he couldn't get a good view of Haku's mirror as he had noticed it when he looked around. As he was lost in thought on what to do a kunai flew right past his head missing by barely an inch to hit the test of the person behind him to his right. As a sentinel told the rattled test taker that they had been caught cheating five times and that he and his teammates were to get out as their numbers were called out. Naruto missed most of it and only noticed that the guy behind him had been failed. Ibiki found it interesting.
'Kid didn't even flinch. Is he really that calm or just that oblivious?' he mused to himself.
After a few more teams were ejected as they were caught cheating and were eliminated, one participant in particularly was vocal about their elimination asking how they could possibly watch all of the participants to which the sentinel that caught him slammed him into a wall and held him there as he told him that they didn't make mistakes that's why they were handpicked for this task, and that he and his teammates were to get out.
Naruto suddenly had an idea and decided to play a foul and test the waters a bit. Naruto had noticed that he was sitting next to Sasuke and that he had already finished the given questions. Naruto put his plan into motion and used his foot to role a smoke bomb down a few chairs. When it went of the smoke covered the whole row. The sentinels had no idea whose it was. At this moment with the smoke as his cover Naruto switched Sasuke's test with his and erased his name and put his in its place. While Sasuke now had his blank test.
Ibiki was almost furious at the fact that someone would try such a stunt but he had to give whoever did it credit it wasn't against the rules he had set so he would allow it to slide once. "Alright! Who is the smart ass who thinks this is a game?" He paused not really expecting an answer to his question he went on, "Fine since I don't expect anyone to take the blame for it, then how about I just subtract five points from the whole row for good measure?" This statement caused most of the row to flinch. "I will forgive this one offense if it happens again I will dismiss the entire row and their teams from this exam do I make myself clear?"
After Ibiki finished his statement Sasuke looked down to see his test was blank he would have accused one of the other participants of cheating but that would have more likely gotten him marked for cheating and possibly dismissed since it would have drawn too much attention. But since he remembered the answers he wrote he would just have to rewrite his answers he just had to move fast.
Once half an hour had gone by, the 51 teams that came in had been reduced down to 39. Then another 15 minutes had passed, and once it did, Ibiki spoke up.
"These rules are unique to question ten so listen carefully and try not to let them frighten you." He paused before he went on, "Rule one each of you is free to choose not to take the final question, it's your decision."
At this Temari spoke out, "Woah so what's the catch let's say we decide we don't want to do it what happens then."
"If you chose not to take the last question regardless of your answers to the other nine questions you will get a 0 in other words you fail. And that means by default your team fails." Ibiki stated to which there were murmurs throughout the room that it was no choice at all on whether or not to take the question.
Before this could go on however Ibiki spoke up, "Not so fast you never let me finish." At this the room went silent. "If you do choose to take the question but get it wrong you will not only fail but you will be forbidden from taking the Chūnin Exam ever again!"
At this Kiba inuzaka stood up and shouted "That's bull man. This is ridiculous what kind of asinine rule is that. There are plenty of people here who have taken the exam multiple times."
Ibiki just laughed at this statement before replying "I guess you're just unlucky. I wasn't making the rules before, but I am now. But if you don't want to take it you don't have to." At this Kiba faltered slightly, "If you're not feeling confident than by all means skip it. You can come back and try again next year." Laughing at this Ibiki went on. "Now then if you're ready? The tenth and final question those who don't want to take it raise your hand, your number will be recorded and then you free to go."
At this one person stood and raised his hand stating, "I'm out that's it I'm out I just can't do it." At this his number and his teammates numbers were called out as failed and they left.
As if a dam had burst one by one person after person raised their hands and left the room. When the flow slowed to a stop Ibiki spoke up, "Remember this decision is one that could change your life. If for any reason you would rather not chance it there's the door this is your last chance."
Narumi was tempted to raise her hand as she was divided on taking the question. If she went forward and got the question right she would be fine but if she got it wrong she would never be able to come back and take the exam and would be stuck as a Genin for the rest of her life. Before her resolve faltered a voice spoke out.
"Just get on with it already." Naruto said getting peeved that Ibiki was enjoying this whole thing. At this Narumi's resolve hardened the consequences be dammed she was going to make it to Chūnin no matter what.
Looking around Ibiki noticed that no one else was showing signs of wavering and smiled, "Well then I guess there's just one thing left to say. You all pass." Ibiki stated. "I hear by declare this part of the Chūnin exam over you all pass."
At this Sakura Barked out, "Wait what about the rest of the test?"
"The test was never about the paper test it was about your ability to gather information without being detected. Though to the one who used the smoke bomb I do give you credit. You made a judgement call that your stealth skills were not your best option and so you opted for distraction instead of discretion. Bold choice but nevertheless effective just don't think it will work every time." At this Ibiki took off his bandana the sight made most of the room cringed at the numerus number of scars that dotted Ibiki's head. "A Chūnin is a leader and as such must make difficult decisions every time they go into a mission. You demonstrated that when you chose to stay. As to the last bit to stay or not was the tenth question." Putting his head band back on before he spoke again "As I said…"
Before he could finish a large black mass crashed through the window before several kunai shot out to embed in the floor and ceiling to reveal a large banner.
At this Ibiki sighed inwardly 'Jumped the gun as usual.'
As a purple haired twenty something women now stood in front of said banner. "I'm Mitarashi Anko! I'll be your next proctor. You ready for the second test?! Good now follow me!" She said pumping her fist in the air. Naruto mentally noted 'That was actually kinda cool. Bad timing though Anko, but I should ask her how to do that later, I can think of a few pranks with that!'
At this Ibiki peered around the banner and remarked in a flat tone "You're early, again."
Anko grimaced at his remark before she noticed how many people were left. "Ibiki, you're losing your touch! There are still over twenty teams left. Your test must have been too easy. You must be getting soft."
"Or maybe we have a better group of prospects this year." He countered.
Anko looked the room over before she replied, "That so? Well trust me when I am done more than half will be eliminated." To which there was a murmur that went through the whole room as many of them were wondering what this crazy women had planned. "Hmm this is going to be fun. Alright you maggots have had it easy so far but, things are going to be different come first thing in the morning. I will let your squad leaders know where to have you meet me, dismissed."
After the room had emptied out Ibiki went around collecting the exam papers but he paused when he got to Naruto's test as there was a note on the paper telling him to read the back. Flipping the test over there was a short note to inform the Hokage that somehow a Genin taking the exam by the name of Kabuto got his hands on information about the fox being sealed inside him and his siblings along with info on how he and Kōga had been given a B-rank for when they dealt with Mizuki. Ibiki blinked at this before he body flickered from the room. He needed to inform the Hokage directly about this new development. Ibiki being the head of the Anbu T&I department had been briefed on the status of the Hokages kids and since he knew that this info was classified it begged a question. How had a Genin gotten his hands on it?
x x x x
The rest of the day passed in a blur as most of the Genin who had finished the first part of the exam were just happy that they had finished. As they all turned in early since the next part of the exam was set to start at eight AM. The next morning found all the remaining exam participants outside training ground 44 as Anko had been waiting for them with several other shinobi who were sitting at a desk that had been set up outside the fenced in training ground.
"Now, welcome to Training Ground 44, better known as the 'Forest of Death'. This is where the second part of the Chūnin exams will take place. Now before I go any further I have something to give each of you." She said holding up a stack of papers, "It's your standard everyday consent form since you will be in real danger of dying In this part of the test so if you plan to continue from here out you will have to read over, sign, and turn in this form. This test will consist of a no holds barred battle. Each team will need to find and secure a pair of these scrolls and make your way to the tower at the center of the training ground." Anko said holding out a set of scrolls that had kanji for earth and Heaven on them. "Half of the teams taking part will be given a heaven scroll while the other half will be given an earth scroll."
At this Sakura spoke up, "So that means that when this part of the test is over at least half if not more than half will be eliminated."
"No one said it would be easy it is a survival test after all. Oh, and this test has a time limit you will have to fight and survive for 5 days."
"Five days out there?" Ino barked out incredulously.
"What are we supposed to do for food?" Asked Choji with a look of despair on his face at the thought of going hungry.
"Just look around the forest has plenty to offer you in the way of food. There's plenty of wild game and edible plants that you can eat." Anko replied. To which Kabuto spoke up.
"Yeah but that's not all though this forest also has wild beasts and predators along with poisonous plants."
"This test is not only meant to test your survival skills but also test your endurance behind enemy lines. It's designed to be a grueling test. And some of you will not make it back from this test."
At this Shikamaru raised his hand and asked, "So umm let's say mid exam can we quit?"
"Of course, not you can't just say in the middle of a battle sorry I quit; well I guess you could but it'll probably get you killed." At this Shikamaru mutter what a drag. "Anyway, there are a few ways to fail this test. First is if a team fails to make it to the tower with both scrolls in the time limit, second if one of the team members dies or becomes incapacitated and can't go on, lastly you are not to open the scrolls until you reach the tower. The scroll rule is to test your integrity. At times shinobi will be asked to carry secret documents that are classified this rule simulates that. Now if there are no more questions we're done here, each team take your consent forms and exchange them at the both for your scrolls then pick a gate." She paused to take a breath, "Oh, I almost forgot one of the teams participating this year has four members on it so they will be given a special scroll called the man scroll this scroll is going to be the scroll they start with. This scroll can be used by any other team as a substitute for either of the other scrolls needed in order to pass. However, the team with four members must have all three scrolls to pass. This means that they will not only need to get both the heaven and earth scrolls but they will also have to hold onto the man scroll as well." This made Kōga smirk a bit at the idea of a challenge, Haku shrugged since it was expected that the proctor would make the test harder for the team with a number advantage. Yakumo was a bit worried since now they had a giant target on their backs. When she finished this she turned and slimed at Naruto before winking and said, "Good luck." And started to walk away before turning back to the group. "One last thing. JUST DON'T DIE!"
At that the teams dispersed to sign their consent forms and formulate a plan of action. As they did Naruto noticed Anko walking to his team. "Well, well if it isn't Naruto." She said with a grin that spoke of her being ready to cause mischief.
"Anko you aren't still mad about last time are you?" Naruto asked with a knowing smile on his lips, as the image of Anko's bra and panties flapping in the breeze from a pole outside the T&I building.
At this she replied, her voice low, "Don't think I won't get you back for what you did." Before smiling and walking away.
As they made their way to the gate they had been assigned after they got their scroll Naruto noticed several teams looking in their direction. As did the rest of the team. But rather than cause them to feel unnerved the added pressure only served to harden their resolve to pass this part of the exam. Even Yakumo found her resolve to fight and prove that all her hard work paid off. As the rest of the teams made their way to the gates one team had their sights set on Naruto and his team in particular.
When the bell rang the gates opened and the test was on. The teams rushed into the forest and Naruto's team was no exception. As they took to the trees to get the high ground and to help spot anyone on the ground. As it turned out they happened to spot a team of ninja about 20 minutes in. they were from the village hidden rain and had taken to staying on the ground. At least it would have been called a team if it weren't for the fact that they were one member short. The whole team was wondering what they were planning if one of their members was MIA. As this thought went through the minds of the whole team Naruto's sensory abilities pinged as the third member of the rain ninja's team came out from the tree as if it were made of water and charged Naruto. The two who had been on the ground came up the trunks of the two trees they were on. The rain ninja had been suppressing his chakra so he could hide and wait until his team had caught another enemy team. The trap had been sprung but if the rain team had been smarter they would have let the predators that they had just caught pass by.
As the pincer trap closed Naruto spun and drew a kunai from the knife pouch on his leg to clash against the rain ninja that was attacking him. Haku flashed through hand signs and called out Water style: Ice darts Jutsu before high-speed water darts shot from her mouth towards one of the rain ninja. While Kōga went through a set of hand signs and called Lightning style: Lightning hound as the beast of lightning shot from his palm and streaked toward the last rain ninja. The rain ninja dodged the hound only to get hit with several senbon in the chest from Yakumo's senbon launcher as the hound came around and hit him from behind. While the one who was coming at Haku was stabbed with a solid blade of ice in his shoulder as she sent a fist into his gut driving the air from his lungs as he doubled over only to be hit in the face as Haku brought her knee up to smash into his face and he want down. While the one fighting Naruto went down as the gray and white wolf Naruto had summoned to watch their backs at the start of the test rammed into the back of the rain ninja and tackled him to the floor. The wolf's jaw ready to crush the neck of the unlucky sap pinned under him.
The fight had lasted less than six minutes as the three ninja had been incapacitated or wounded. "So... are you going to hand over the scroll you have?" Kōga questioned walking to the ninja pinned by Naruto's wolf. When the rain ninja didn't respond he motioned to the other two downed ninja and said, "Check for the scroll." He said as Haku and Yakumo moved to check them while Naruto stood alert as his metaphysical ears were perked up using his sensory skill to check for threats. When they didn't find the scroll on either of the other two Kōga smiled at the rain ninja in front of him, his smile somewhat vulpine as he leaned in and spoke quietly. "Hand over the scroll or my brothers wolf rips your head off." At this the rain ninja felt a shiver go down his spine as his face blanched and he slowly reached for the scroll in his back pouch.
"That man scroll was two tempting to pass up if we had known it would go this badly we would have gone after someone else." The rain ninja said as he brought out a heaven scroll and held it up.
Kōga took the scroll looked it over and then sent a pulse of chakra into the scroll to disrupt any kind of transformation Jutsu just to be certain it was real and sure enough the scroll poofed and in its place sat a regular old scroll. At this Kōga's face turned grim as Naruto nodded at the wolf and just as teeth began to bite into the skin the rain ninja cried out in pain as he wheezed, "Wait!" But it was too late the wolf put enough pressure on the rain ninja's neck till he passed out due to a lack of air. The wolf let go leaving a nice bite mark that was sure to scar. Kōga searched his body and found the scroll pocketing it.
"One down one to go." Said Yakumo.
"Don't let your guard down were not out of the woods yet." Naruto said as he turned to his wolf "Thank you Kaze." Naruto said.
The wolf bowed its head and responded, "My pleasure Wolfs blood." Before the summon vanished with plume of smoke.
After they checked to make sure no one else was around they took to the tree and headed deeper into the forest. With one scroll left to go they made haste to find their next target and finish this part of the test.