The Cursed Tree

Disclaimer I own nothing of the naruto franchise.

AN:- I would like to start off by thanking my reviewers thank you all so much. :')

Chapter 3

Naruto had groaned at having received a paper for the first part of the exam, the primary objective was to gather information without getting caught. Initially he had panicked thinking that he had been unprepared to face the challenge as in the academy.

Until a thought had occurred to him. Sasaki-san had helped him catch up to the academy lessons and more. While Sasaki-san had become chunin quite a while back he was sure the questions wouldn't have changed so much. '..hmm if the questions are this difficult then they must not be only testing our knowledge' Naruto thought to himself.

Understanding that he subtly looked around. Sure enough he spotted them. While the ones who were being obvious were being eliminated one by one the proctors were not doing much about Sasuke having activated his Sharingan and Hinata who was next to him having activated her Byakugan. Much to his worry he saw Ino slump down on the table before seemingly having a bright idea and quickly begin to write.

Naruto sighed, he had not anticipated such a task and had not prepared for such an event. He had thought it would be decided on combat ability. Well it would be useless to panic now he thought turning his attention to the paper. Reading through them he started to formulate what he thought to be the correct answers while leaving most of it blank.

He had been trying to answer a question after having rejected Hinata's offer when the proctor offered them the chance to back out and give up or stay and continue for a final question. Naruto trembled in his seat. Give up now? Impossible. He had to be stronger for his team. He was sure this was some kind of tactic to get them to quit seeing how some of the Genin cowered at the sudden heavy tension.

He saw Sakura-chan in front of him trembling as well. The aura surrounding the proctor was crazy but he was no quitter. He heard several people leave the hall but he calmed his breathing. He imagined himself in the same training ground where he for the first time when he felt the flickers of life from the trees.

Feeling more calm he settled back when he saw Sakura-chan raise her hands. NO! He thought slapping his palm on the desk. "Don't you dare underestimate me! I'm going to become the Hokage no matter what" He exclaims and then sits. He looks to Sakura-chan who looks more relaxed and then to a smirking Sasuke. Nodding they prepare to face the tenth question.

When he hears the scary proctor smile and say that they all pass he melts into his seat in relief. He had done it. The first part was over. His relief was short lived when a projectile breaks the room windows only to reveal the proctor for the second part who informs them to head towards the forest of Death.

Naruto shudders at that. What kind of name was the forest of death? Not to mention the slight manic grin on the proctors face. He looked around looking for his teammates, seeing them linger at the door he made his way to them.

"I thought you almost quit Dobe" Sasuke remarked. Naruto felt his anger flare a retort about how he will humiliate Sasuke was on the tip of his tongue when he thought better. It would be better not to attract too much attention now. He ignored Sasuke's comment and walked past him, making a hesitant Sakura trail after him.

Naruto sighed it was clear they will need teamwork if they were going to face whatever was in that Forest of death or whatever. He slowed down enough that he was walking side by side with Sakura and whispered "That proctor was scary wasn't he? But don't worry as long as we work together I am sure we can beat this next task too. After all we almost stole the bells from Kakashi-Sensei too." Naruto reassures a wide smile on his face. Seeing Sakura-chan lift her head with confidence was more than enough for now Naruto thought.

A few steps behind them Ino observed Naruto. It was clear to her he is much different now compared to how he had been in the academy. Was being stupid all an act. She had seen him ignore Sasuke-Kun now she was watching him reassure a doubtful Sakura. Naruto had become more perceptive even if nothing else had changed.

XXXXXXX

Naruto sighed. 'This task would be hmm how would Shikamaru put it ah Troublesome..' Each team had been given a scroll. One of the two types of scrolls a Heaven one and Earth one. The troublesome part was they had no idea which team had which scroll.

Once the teams had been far enough Naruto pulled out a sealing scroll along with two other scrolls. Passing the scrolls to Sakura-Chan he asks to place a small Genjutsu on it, catching on to the plan Sasuke nods his assent. Naruto seals the now identical scrolls in two different ones and handed one over to Sasuke.

"Sakura-chan has a more supportive role. I thought it would be harder for the other teams to get close enough to get the scroll without anyone noticing" Seeing the dissatisfied look on Sasuke's face Naruto suggests another idea "We could switch the scrolls around after making sure that there is no imposter after some time" this idea seemed to satisfy Sasuke so they moved to the next part of it.

"Naruto create some clones and send them out to scout the area. Have them report back when they find the earth scroll" Sasuke orders. Naruto glares at the tone but does as Sasuke suggests. Sending clones out would be infinitely better than them splitting up.

The team had been making their way cautiously through the forest after thwarting the Iwagakure ninja. They were ready to make camp when one of Naruto's clones had dispelled and informing them that there were a team close by with the earth scroll. Sakura-chan had suggested they make camp seeing as they were tired but Sasuke and Naruto wanted to get out of the forest quickly. So it was decided they would face the team.

The team from Takigakure were already making camp when Naruto ran into it his hands already forming seals.

"Suiton: Mizurappa" and expelled a jet of water at the startled ninja. Not taking a moment to stop he jumped back allowing Sasuke to leap into an attack his kunai ready.

Naruto smiled when he heard a scream a little further knowing Sakura-chan had taken care of the second teammate. He smiled that only left the trembling ninja infront of him.

"How about you hand over that Earth scroll buddy, that way I wouldn't have to knock you out to get it" Naruto exclaims cracking his knuckles. The Ninja refused to budge and Naruto nodded. He could respect a guy who wouldn't give up. He will make this quick for him.
He loosened his form and locked eyes with the trembling Ninja. Running at him he slashed at his arm. The ninja brought up his arm to block but he was thrown back, without hesitation Naruto followed it with a kick and a quick hit to the back of his neck. Once the Ninja was unconscious he looked through the pouch letting out a laugh when he found the Earth scroll. Now all they had to do was get to the tower tomorrow.

Xxxxxxx

Naruto groaned. He had been knocked aside after that weird snake guy had done something weird to the seal on his stomach. He had woken up when he had heard the commotion of Sakura-chan being attacked had had been about to punch a hole in the Oto-nin when Sasuke had almost torn off one of the Ninjas hands.

He watched Sakura-chan leap at Sasuke and hug him with a pang in his heart. Sasuke had turned back to normal and the Oto-nin were quick to run away after that leaving behind their heaven scroll. He had sat watching Sakura-chan cradle Sasuke like he was a precious treasure for a while before he was noticed.

Once he felt strong enough Naruto offered to carry Sasuke on his back so they could make it to the tower early. Who knows when that weird snake guy will appear? His interest in Sasuke did not seem normal. And he hadn't seemed all that interested in the scrolls they had with them.

Ino groaned as she came to knowing she had lost the match, but she saw Sakura who was also shaking her head. She turned to Asuma-Sensei who was giving them an amused look. "It was a Draw" he said.

She looked over at Naruto who was standing next to Sakura a worried look on his face. She had watched the match between him and Kiba looking for any sign of him using the all powerful technique. But she was disappointed to see he hadn't done any such thing. He did use a variety of jutsu's ranging from Doton Jutsu to Suiton and even Fuuton.

She knew Asuma-Sensei had been intrigued when he saw Naruto use the wind technique. She had looked at Shikamaru who was also unexpectedly paying attention to the match. They had seen them fight off the strange looking grass ninja who gave Sasuke a weird looking mark. She had seen Naruto fight with them and it was nothing like the Naruto she had known when they were in the academy. But he hadn't used the Mokuton at all then either.

Once the new matches had been decided and they were sent off she knew it would be more difficult to catch Naruto around the village. Believe her she had tried but Naruto despite wearing bright orange at all times was hard to find. So she had grabbed him when he was on his way to leave the tower.

"Naruto why didn't you use the Mokuton?" She asked quietly. Naruto had a panicked look on his face and clamped his hand on Ino's mouth. "Not now. Meet me tomorrow near Ichiraku Ramen at noon" he whispered as he turned to leave.

Ino gave him a strange look, then again it probably wasn't the best idea to discuss something like that here she thought.

So she patiently stood next to the Ramen stand the next day. Her curiosity cannot take anymore so she had been a bit early. By a bit she means that she had been early enough now the owners of the ramen stand were giving her strange looks.

"Hey Ino-chan" a voice spoke.

Ino turned to the source of the voice and did a double take. Naruto had foregone his usual orange jumpsuit and was wearing a simple white t-shirt and blue shorts. His headband was gone and his hair fell messily on his forehead. Holyyy what since when did he look so attractive? She thought to herself. She fought against the blush that rose to her face

"Ne Ino-chan you are looking a bit like Hinata-chan there. Are you feeling okay?' He asked, moving closer to her.

"I'm alright Baka. Now where are we going?" She asked looking at him curiously. He grabbed her hand making her flush and dragged her to a clearing. She looked around, there was a tree stump in the middle which looked pretty battered. Seeing him lingering around, she made herself comfortable.

"So whiskers, tell me why aren't you using the Mokuton? It would have given you a huge edge during all of your battles" She asked jumping to the questions.

Naruto looked hesitant for a while, then he sighed sitting down a bit further away from her. "Ne..Ino-Chan what would you do if you discovered why everyone don't like you one day?" Ino was taken aback by his question.

"I would say they are pretty stupid to judge me when they don't know me at all" She replied hoping that it was the right answer, and it seemed like the right thing to say as Naruto visibly brightened up. He looked up to the sky as if he were contemplating something.

"I don't use Mokuton because I don't think it is ready for battle yet. And I don't want anyone else to know, until I can use it well. I did not intend to reveal it to anyone from the village either but you had surprised me that day. So I would really appreciate it if you could keep it a secret for now" Naruto requested.

Ino was surprised at that, but it made sense. It was a very wise answer and one she had not expected from Naruto at all. The Mokuton was a very strong ability if it became common knowledge that he can use it he would become a target for Hunter-nins and enemy villages.

"That is pretty sensible. And sure I will keep it a secret for you. But how do you have the Mokuton? It is a Kekkai Genkai so one of your parent is a Senju right?" She asked eagerly. "I mean I'm assuming your mom is Uzumaki Kushina since she was the only Uzumaki in the village during the time that you were born"

"W..wha..what?" Naruto whispered. Ino stopped her rant looking at Naruto who was looking at her with an intense look in his eyes. It made her shiver. "Who?" He asked once again.

"Umm…Uzumaki Kushina…Im kinda throwing a wild guess here, she is your mom right?" She asked a bit unsurely.

Naruto had a sad look on his face, his bright blue eyes down cast as he said "I don't know? I didn't even know there was another Uzumaki until you told me that" Ino was shocked at that. How was that possible? She did not know what she would do if she did not know her parents, the smiling face of her mother and the goofy grin that her dad threw at her when he did something stupid. It was almost unimaginable.

Making up her mind she stood brushing the dirt off her she walked towards Naruto who had a confused look on his face. She grinned down at him and reached her hand out to him much like how she had done for Sakura a life time ago. "Well than Whiskers, what are you doing here lets go!"

Naruto looked up gazing at the warm smile that lit her face up almost dazedly. He had known Ino was pretty but dear Kami He never knew that she could look almost angelic. His chest warmed at the hand that reached out to him beckoning him to take it. The warmth grew into a roaring flame as he slowly but surely grasped her hand letting her lead him.

She had dragged him to the library where she had grabbed a personnel file which consisted of some of the Ninjas of the leaf Village. She turned to page 258 with ease. There it was a red haired woman who was grinning foxily at the camera. The smile was identical to the one she had seen Naruto wear at times. Without hesitation she turned the book to Naruto who gaped at the book his eyes hungrily roving all over the page as if memorizing it all at once.

Ino sat a content smile on her face watching the other blonde who had a gentle expression on his face as he gazed at the picture.

Ino huffed, she was bored. With her not having advanced to the third stage she was stuck on Shop duty. Well technically this was the payment her dad had demanded in exchange for additional training on clan Jutsu. She had seen the gap between her and the other Genin not to mention she had trouble defeating forehead of all people.

Her dad had been shocked at the new enthusiasm and had been eager to teach before demanding she help out in the flower shop when she was free from training. But she was so bored. Hell she could even use Shikamaru around right now.

The bell jingled and she looked up eagerly, putting a smile on her face "Welcome to Yamanaka..Oh, it's you Whiskers" She said her smile becoming more genuine at the sight of the orange clad Ninja. He walked right up to her a bright smile on his face. "How can I be of help" she asked a grin on her face at the almost bashful look on the face of one of the most boisterous ninjas in the leaf.

Naruto lingered on the spot his hands behind his back when Ino was suddenly greeted to a faceful of flowers " I..just wanted to say thank you for the other day…but I didn't know what to get you and you seemed to like the flower I gave that day so I grew a whole bunch.." "Woa breathe Naruto." Ino said cutting into his rant. "Its no big deal…" " But it is" Naruto cut in " It means a whole lot to me so please if you need help anytime even if it is watering plants let me know" Ino was shocked at that but the earnest look in his face just brought a small smile to her face.

*THUMP* *THUMP* *THUMP*

What was that? Why was her heart beating so fast? This wasn't Sasuke-Kun. So why was her Heart beating so fast. Yes he was the first person outside her family who gave her a flower and he had been quite nice and gentlemanly when she had hung out with him the other day even walking her home. And he looked so cute with that shy smile on his face but that didn't mean her heart had to beat that fast.

Xxxxxx

The chunin exams had been a trap. A beautiful trap by that weird snake ninja who turned out to be one of the Sannin. Just like the Ero-sennin. He had seen the huge snake summon rampaging through Konoha but there were more important things like that baka Sasuke running after Gaara.

He yelled out when he saw Ino being surrounded by the Oto-nin.

"SUITON: MIZU TATE NO JUTSU" a voice screamed and a wall of water erupted in front of her. Ino looked to see an advancing blonde.

"Whiskers" She shouted out holding a Kunai in her hands. "Ino-Chan behind you" he screamed.

She whirled around looking at the advancing sound ninja, his hands already moving for a Jutsu. She substituted herself with a nearby log and flung Shurikans at the man who just laughed and easily deflected them. Growling she leapt at him, Taijutsu was not her strongest suit but she had improved in the past few days. He seemed surprised, but easily blocked the punch she threw and flung her away making her land in a heap near a wall.

A/N : I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please don't forget to review. Your reviews fuel me