Chunin Exams!
It has been a week since Naruto got back from his last mission in the border of Fire Country. His encounter and fight with Iwa's jinchuriki, though rather wasn't fruitful or helped for them in the mission, it at least let the team get out of it alive. He was also a bit proud, because of the fact of him being able to defeat a trained and hardened jinchuriki without using Mangekyou, and by limiting his prowess to only his jinchuriki capabilities.
Also, on returning back and meeting Ino he came to realize how much he worried Ino. But he couldn't help his situation, he was on a classified mission and he wasn't supposed go around telling people about everything. Naruto however was happy that there was someone as Ino in his life who is really worried about him and his well-being. But internally he beat himself up about worrying Ino so much he should have atleast told her when he would be getting back to he village.
But thinking back about Ino Naruto couldn't help but smile and feel happy. Her presence itself brought warmth in Naruto's life. She was really important to him and no matter what happens he swore that night that he was going to protect Ino, at any cost. Although there was a thought in his head that always loomed over since he returned from his mission. 'Ino-chan was so worried about me, but why did she, I mean yeah, I know that we both are good friends and are pretty close; even though; she didn't have to cry and worry about me so much.' Naruto pondered in his own thoughts as he got himself lost in his musings, as he didn't understand why Ino had to cry.
"You are the densest person I have ever met Naruto. That girl outright loves you. She doesn't even think of hiding the obviousness in her feelings, be it in her actions or the way she has been expressing them! Hurry up and clai-" said Kurama as both of them started a mental conversation but was immediately cut-off by Naruto who didn't even want to think of Ino loving him.
"Shut up! Kurama, why are you always constantly worried about my love-life… and moreover Ino-chan doesn't like me that way and I am sure about so; end of discussion and no more arguments." said Naruto as he simply quit his mind scape and left the place. He never understood why his fluffy friend always said or interfered in his love life for that matter. Naruto was happy that he has Ino in his life, but he always thought her as his friend. He never thought of turning what he has with her into something more than friendship. Sure when talking in a third person perspective, Naruto and Ino had quite a few romantic and emotionally intimate moments, be it him comforting Ino or the other way around; yet they didn't change the bond as of now though; at least for Naruto.
Keeping all these thoughts aside Naruto decided to concentrate to the task in his hand first. The chunin exams were going to start in a week. Then Naruto drifted in to yesterday's memories.
Yesterday; in team 7 training grounds:
Kakashi has called for his team right after he got enough rest after the tiring and gruesome mission along with Naruto. He called his genin team to their training ground to inform them about the upcoming chunin exams that were going to happen in Konoha.
Kakashi was very proud about his team for that matter. After witnessing the skills of their genin in the wave mission Kakashi realized that his team was having skills more than enough to be a chunin. Both Naruto and Sasuke have proven what they can do and extent of their strength in one mission. Naruto though was a much bigger surprise for Kakashi. As he saw him battle a completely trained jinchuriki and emerge as victor out of it, he couldn't help but feel amazed and proud at the display of his student's strength.
And coming to Ino, though she didn't have much raw-skill like the other twin in their team, she was tactical and also synced well and maintained a good team dynamic with them. She just needs more time to train and improve her shinobi kills. All in all Kakashi felt that his team was ready to participate in the chunin exams.
And as of now the genin of team 7 were waiting for their sensei. Of course Kakashi being Kakashi never comes on time. It is only wishful thinking for someone to expect him to be on time. It has been about 15 minutes since the genin arrived to the training grounds and have been waiting for their eternally late sensei.
"I swear one of these days, I am going to lose my nerve and do something I shouldn't, because of Kakashi sensei's punctual behavior." said Naruto with a pinch of Sarcasm at the last line. He couldn't help but get furious about his sensei, he always keeps the team waiting and when asked why he was late he either gives an apology with a lame excuse and shrugs it off as if it is nothing.
Listening to Naruto Ino just chuckled. Its not because its funny but because it is the way Naruto vented it out. She didn't know why but when Naruto got frustrated and said things out loud and did things like these a smile always crept up her face. Nonetheless she controlled her laughs and simply nodded her head agreeing with Naruto. "Yeah you are right Naruto. It gets me on my nerves sometimes too." said Ino after stopping her chuckling.
"you bet!" said Naruto as he turned and looked at Ino. Although he has to admit that when he saw her chuckling at his comments at his sensei she was looking rather cute.
"I agree with you Naruto. Even I am getting tired of Sensei's tardiness and his rather punctual behavior." said Sasuke going and agreeing with Naruto's anger as he even justified his feeling; about his sensei's punctuality.
"But hey why do you think he might have called us for? I mean… we were given off… Naruto himself returned along with Kakashi after a mission." asked Ino, as she tried to reason herself. She was wondering though.
On hearing that Naruto went to a mission Sasuke realized it was during that time when Ino came to his house for Naruto. Even though Sasuke realized it he looked at Naruto and gave a sign that said "we need to talk"
Naruto on noticing what Sasuke was trying to say just nodded his head and agreed to talk about it later.
"I think it would be for chunin exams Ino-chan. Kakashi sensei might have called us here to inform us about them. Out of all the things this is the most probable and possible, according to me at least." said Naruto with his usual excitement in his voice and with a small smile.
"I guess yes. Even I thought the same thing. It might be for the chunin exams." Said Sasuke as he went in motion with Naruto's opinion.
Sasuke felt a bit happy though. He was happy that the chunin exams were coming and he would know his skill and where he stands. And so was Naruto.
Ino on the other hand couldn't help but agree, after all she just heard the same thing from Sakura recently. "I think yes you both are right. Even Sakura was saying me about chunin exams recently. I guess Kakashi sensei has finally decided to nominate us for the chunin exams." Said Ino as she voiced her opinions.
And then the three genin's conversation continued as they started to talk about other random things happening around the village. As they were in their conversation, Kakashi appeared in front of them via a shunshin and there were few leaves swirling around him.
"Yo." said Kakashi in his usual tone and with his signature eye-smile under his mask. He was also having three forms in his hands. On noticing them all the three genin realized it was forms… entrance forms for their chunin exams.
Seeing that all the three genin were in glee and were excited. "I called my genin here, to inform them about the chunin exams that were going to commence this week. And yep! I did nominate you people to participate in these exams. Here you go, take these forms and fill them if you feel you can participate in the exam." said Kakashi as he handed his team the forms in his hand, still smiling.
"These exams are going to be in Iwagakure this time since they will be hosting it." said Kakashi in his usual flat tone. Listening that the competition is going to be in Iwagakure, the genin got all the more excited. But something else struck Ino.
"but sensei, doesn't Konoha and Iwa hate each other because of the previous ninja war? What if they try to pull something on our shinobi." Ino raised her question as she pondered about it when Kakashi was mentioning about the exams taking place in Iwagakure. 'Ino sure knows history and the way of villages… nothing less can be expected from her!' thought Kakashi, as he felt a bit surprised that his student knew about her village's condition with Iwagakure.
"Yes Ino, what you said is true... the chunin exams are conducted every time so that each village gets to display their military strength through their genin. And there is always the rule for the hosting village to take care of the other nations shinobi since anything happening there would bring bad name in shinobi politics. And so there won't be anything Iwa can do to pull or harm our shinobi." Said Kakashi as he explained in detailed manner to Ino. Even Naruto and Sasuke were listening to Sasuke very much intently and so nodded their heads in the end as they understood what Kakashi was trying to say.
"Well that is it. Oh and by the way… we are going to start to Iwa tomorrow evening along with other teams of our village so I suggest you to pack quick." said Kakashi and then disappeared in swirl of leaves again leaving the genin all to themselves.
"Hey… aren't they supposed to inform us ahead of time… how do they-" said Naruto but was cut off by Ino before he could speak.
"actually Naruto, we were supposed to know about the chunin exams like 3 weeks before… it was Kakashi sensei who forgot to inform us and is doing it now." Said Ino as she sweat dropped at Kakashi's punctuality in delivering the message to them that was essential.
"Whaaatt!" shouted Naruto. It is just that he was baffled about the fact that they have to start traveling tomorrow to Iwagakure. He felt that it was so sudden. Of course it isn't like he isn't ready for the exam… he is far from it. He just questioned how can it be so sudden. He was wondering how could Kakashi be so late even in delivering the info.
Back to the present:
Naruto glanced at the clock in his apartment as he packed the things he needed to by sealing them of in storage scrolls. He noticed that it was already time and he needs to get to Konoha gates and meet with his team to start to Iwagakure.
'chunin exams huh… guess I came a long way since my genin days.' Naruto thought mentally as he got out of his apartment. He decided to walk and go towards the village gates rather than jump on the rooftops.
He felt like taking in the scenery of Konoha right now. Considering that he is going to be away from Konoha for a while, he felt like he need to take in the peace and calmness in it. Naruto walked just like that as he immersed himself in the tenderness of the village. He called Konoha his home. It meant a lot to him. As a shinobi he is willing to protect it with his life. Though he is an orphan, he found his way to find something precious which is worth to fight for in his life and get stronger. And that something is his village, the villagers in it and the friends he made. 'Ino, Sasuke, Kakashi, jiji, my classmates' were the thoughts of Naruto as he was thinking about his precious people.
He then turned around to see the lively populace of Konoha and the shops flourishing all his way as he moved. To be honest the village was always filled with calmness and peace for him, and so it is a home for him.
Naruto as he took his time and walked slowly… he then finally reached the village gates. At the village gates were the rest of the genin teams that were participating in the chunin exams. There was Kurenai Yuhi, the genjutsu mistress of Konoha, there was Asuma Sarutobi, one of the former guardian 12 shinobi, then there was Maito Guy, the green beast of Konoha, or possibly the best taijutsu user. There was Kakashi Hatake their team Sense-
'wait Kakashi-sensei is already here!' thought Naruto realized he is the only one that was left. 'Damn! I am late' thinking that Naruto shunshined quickly towards his team and then smiled as he sweat dropped. By the looks of his teammates and others he understood that he was late. "Uhmm I am sorry, I was lost in the path of life, so had to find my way around… It took me some time." Naruto said in an attempt to give an excuse for not being punctual. But everyone just face-palmed at Naruto's lame excuse.
"Geez Naruto… you are slowly turning into Kakashi-sensei or what? You are being late and now giving excuses like him. At least have the decency to say some excuse made on your own." said Ino as she decided to comment at his lame excuse while also reprimanding him for being late. "Hey Ino-chan, come on… its not like I am so late. You need to cut me some slack here." Naruto whined while trying to cover up his mistake.
"Are you sure about what you are saying Naruto-kun? you gave me the same excuse when you were late last time." said Kurenai chuckling at the young blond, as she remembered how Naruto excused himself for being late last time, when he came for their mission.
Naruto on hearing this just smiled sheepishly and decided to not talk anymore about it. He didn't have anything else to say or counter for what she asked or more likely said to him.
Kakashi was still sweat dropping at his student. "It is ok Naruto, lets start moving… it is already late… our journey is quite long. We need to reach Iwagakure in 5 days." Said Kakashi as he also inwardly chuckled at seeing Naruto trying to use one of Kakashi's excuse for being late.
Naruto just nodded his head and started to move along with his teams and significant other genin teams. Naruto however wondered thought. All the genin teams that graduated from his class were coming and participating in the chunin exams. Even though Naruto felt proud and happy that all his peers were ready to become chunin. The rest of the journey continued as he talked with his old friends.
He enjoyed talking to Shikamaru more though. Out of all people in his class he felt Shikamaru was his best friend after Sasuke. Sasuke was more like a brother, than a friend. Naruto couldn't help but feel that way. Sasuke also felt the same though. Their feeling of being brothers was mutual.
"I can't wait to participate in the chunin exams. I am excited!" said Naruto to Shikamaru with lot of zeal and excitement in his voice. Listening to it Shikamaru just smiled. " Troublesome… you are going to kick everyone's ass there and enjoy beating your contenders." said Shikamaru in his signature lazy tone. "hey come on Shikamaru, the dead last of our academy, Naruto! Beating everyone's ass… you think it is possible!?" asked Kiba, with his brash attitude. "Oh you are going to see…" was all that Shikamaru said.
The entire team 9 along with their sensei, were thinking the same as Kiba.
'I wonder what Naruto-kun is going to do to display his youthful flames in the exam!' though guy. Even the genin of his team were eyeing Naruto.
In fact listening to what Shikamaru was saying, even Asuma was surprised. Every jonin sensei in their village how bad Naruto used to perform in the academy, he barely passed the genin exams back in the academy they didn't understand what Shikamaru said nor believed it.
However unknown to him Both Kakashi and Kurenai were smiling by imaging the fight Naruto will be able to give in the exam. Both of the jonin also thought about the stoic Uchiha. They knew that by no means Sasuke is weak when compared to Naruto. Kakashi has already seen Sasuke once performing a single lightning jutsu and completing off a bunch of bandits in mere seconds. It was Kurenai though, she was wishing to see Sasuke fight soon in the exams. After listening so much about their training as Naruto said, she couldn't help but get curious.
They have to wait as they will see what the twin dragons of Konoha are going to do.
However it was Naruto who was curious more than others. He didn't understand how Shikamaru saw through him. I mean no one knew of Naruto's strength other than Sasuke and his sensei along with Ino.
'how does Shikamaru know about me. He talks as if he knows about my strength…. Wait a minute, it must be Sakura. She must have said to her team about that day about me and Sasuke when she saw us training.' Naruto thought as he finally realized that it must be Sakura.
"So… Shikamaru, you know about me I guess." said Naruto a bit sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. It was only Shikamaru, Naruto and Sasuke now, others were quite a bit away from them. No one could hear what they were talking for that matter. "troublesome… yeah It was Sakura who told us about you… and Sasuke too. I think only my team knows about your actual strength." Said Shikamaru as he also eyed Sasuke in the end. Sasuke just gave a curt nod acknowledging what Shikamaru said.
"…."
"…."
"…."
there was a moment of silence between the three as the topic got saturated.
"Shikamaru I don't want anyone else to know about us… it will be too much of a trouble as people start to suspect our tremendous growth as a shinobi in a short span of time." said Sasuke after sometime in his stoic manner.
"Yeah Shikamaru, what Sasuke says is true… we need to keep it secret at least until chunin exams complete." said Naruto as he nodded his head and agreed to what Sasuke said.
"yeah, I know that… I was expecting what you both were going to say, don't worry though, I am not going to reveal anything to people about you." said Shikamaru as he gave a smile and reassured his friends.
Both Sasuke and Naruto smiled on listening to him and settled themselves. "alright then lets kick some Ass in the chunin exams!" exclaimed Naruto with that cheerfulness radiating out of him and with that ear to ear grin.
After three days:
All the genin teams finally arrived to Iwagakure. They have traveled all the
way from Konoha and were completely exhausted. They wanted to rest up and get rid of their tiredness. Naruto being a jinchuriki wasn't much tired due to his tenant of course. Kurama always helped Naruto when it came to endurance and stamina, by constantly healing him up. Naruto was happy at least for that one fact.
"So this is it… we have arrived to Iwagakure. Guess we need to report ourself and get ourselves into a hotel and rest up." said Asuma Sarutobi still smoking. Honestly, he never had a moment in his life, without a cigarette in his mouth.
"Yep we finally reached… We can rest up and get ready for the competition… but before that I badly need a shower. I am tired and want to relax." said Sakura keeping an exhausted look on her face. Her body was aching like hell so was of other kunoichi around her.
"Even I agree… we have been traveling since 3 days, my body is crying for a shower right now!" said Ino as she joined along with Sakura and expressed that she couldn't agree anymore.
"Yeah me too, I am done with this traveling." said Tenten as she was also having that same exhausted look on her face as Sakura.
Lee then turned towards his teammate and then started lecturing and motivating her of burning flames of youth. He was telling her that, she needs to push her limits to better herself as a shinobi and things along those lines. So was Guy.
"Are they always like this?" asked Naruto turning to Kakashi with a sweat drop over his head. Naruto couldn't understand their tendencies, he found them…. weird. "Yep they are, Guy is quite eccentric sometimes and likes to rub his youthful ideas and youthful philosophies on people he sees." Said Kakashi as he nodded his head and explained Naruto.
"Well they are weird…" was all Naruto said. "I couldn't agree more." said Sasuke as he also sweat dropped and watched the eccentric tendencies of Guy and Lee.
As they were all in their own musings, they reached the village entrance and came to a stop. The village guards were already there to question them for their purpose of visit. However on seeing Naruto one of the guard felt that he saw that face somewhere else… 'no it couldn't be… that kid looks exactly like that bastard Yondaime!' the guard yelled in his mind. He was already sending glares towards Naruto. Naruto though acted as if he didn't notice, he did know that the guy was glaring at him. 'Strange… why is he glaring at me?' thought Naruto.
"Your purpose of visit?" asked the other guard. He was tall, tan skinned and was having black hair and looked well built. He was also having many scars on his hands. "we are Konoha shinobi here with our genin team… for the upcoming chunin exams." said Asuma, in his usual flat tone.
"let me veri-" before the chunin guard of Iwa could finish a jonin of appeared in front of them. "let me take over from here. I was already informed about them by tsuchikage-sama, Midori… their arrival is as expected." said the new man in the scene. He wore standard Iwa uniform of jonin and was having a katana strapped in his side, he looked quite older than Kakashi and looked as an experienced jonin.
Upon listening to him the guards allowed the Konoha 12 along with their sensei. "My name is Shinachiku Asame. I have been assigned to look after your stay here in Iwa until the exams here complete, follow me" said Shinachiku in a flat tone, that held hostility in it and conveyed no other emotion. The way it went for Iwa in the third shinobi war with Konoha, it was to be expected. That crushing defeat Konoha gave to Iwagakure is something that can't be forgotten. 'Sharingan no Kakashi… the man who copied a thousand jutsu, Asuma Sarutobi one of the strongest guardian 12 shinobi… and their genin teams. And that blond brat… it is quite strange that he looks like that bastard Yondaime!' thought Shinachiku with despise. He hated Konoha the most. Everyone in Iwa did that. There were lot of shinobi who were slaughtered and everyone of Iwa that day lost their dear ones. So it cant be commented upon.
Kakashi and others just nodded and followed him as he said. After walking for a bit they were shown a hotel they were going to stay till the exams complete and were said about other rules and regulation. And with that the evening came by and all the teams were settled in their own rooms and were already resting peacefully in deep slumbers after their dinners .
Kakashi was still awake though. He couldn't sleep and was just reading his icha icha novel. He then glanced at his team who was sleeping peacefully. There were beds laid along the room and everyone were sleeping in them. He couldn't help but wonder about the strength that Naruto and showcased at such young age. He was quite confident about his team and he felt that they are progressing as a shinobi in the best way possible.
As he was in his thoughts Naruto woke up from his sleep to drink some water and then noticed that Kakashi wasn't sleeping. He then walked towards him and sat beside him. "hey Kakashi-sensei is something matter? Why are you not sleeping?" asked Naruto in a caring manner. Kakashi just smiled under his mask and then turned towards her as he closed the book.
"I was stuck in some memories of past and was trying to pull myself out… thanks to you though I got out of them quick enough." said Kakashi in his carefree voice. Naruto just nodded and then there was some silence between them. Naruto however decided to break the silence as she wanted to ask him something.
"Hey Kakashi-sensei, do you think I can become chunin?" asked Naruto a bit serious. He wanted to know whee he stands as a shinobi in front of his teacher. "well when it comes to raw-skill, you do you have the potential to become a chunin, however you do lack experience and the tactful thinking that comes with it, given a chance and time, I am sure you would be a good chunin if you get promoted in these exams." said Kakashi as he smile at the boy. Naruto was confident about himself, Kakashi knew that. But even he needs a push sometimes and so Kakashi was willing to give it to Naruto right now.
Upon listening to what Kakashi-sensei said, Naruto was grinning ear to ear happy that his teacher was confident enough about him in becoming chunin. "thanks a lot sensei… that means a lot… if I become a chunin, I will be one-step ahead to become the Hokage… and believe it I am going to kick everyone's ass in this exam and become chunin." said Naruto, as he was filled with a wave of zeal and enthusiasm to rock in the exams.
"that you will do Naruto… I am sure you will." said Kakashi as he ruffled Naruto's blond hair. 'You know Naruto, I have a feeling that you, will be the only shinobi of our village who can surpass your father or any other shinobi for that matter. You will be the greatest ninja of all time. I have faith in you.' thought Kakashi as he still ruffled his hair.
After that Both Naruto went back to sleep and were comfortably sleeping, as they drifted into a deep slumber and slept like logs till next morning.
After all tomorrow is going to be a big day for all the genin across the elemental nations.
The next day:
Naruto was now standing in front of the oldest Kage he has ever seen. That man has to be at least 90 years old. Nonetheless the man though looked Old, he had the right to be the Kage to the village. He has lived through three shinobi wards and yet protects his village. And for that Naruto gave the respect to the Tsuchikage which he clearly deserved.
Apparently the age old Kage has been giving a small speech to enlighten the younger generations, and make them understand the responsibility they hold in their future for their respective villages. Naruto being Naruto never had the patience to listen so he was already getting restless. Ino was standing just beside him and was feeling a bit nervous. Naruto as he turned towards her immediately noticed her face with tensed expression. He didn't understand why but Ino was very much tensed. He guessed it might be due to the exam, but he decided to ask her.
"hey Ino-chan! What is wrong do you feel alright? You look all worked up!" asked Naruto in whispering manner as he didn't want to draw others attention. Ino immediately lifted her head up and then looked Naruto in the eyes. For a second she forgot everything and then immersed herself in those deep blue whirlpools. She always found that his eyes ease her every time.
But she immediately came back to world and then simply waved at him dismissing his comment. "its nothing Naruto… I am not tensed much… its just that, ok I will be honest, seeing you and Sasuke, it is obvious that I don't stand a chance against you both, I am feeling nervous about this competition… I may be only a liability to y-" said Ino looking at the ground, but before she could complete she was cut off by Naruto.
"Come on Ino-chan, I know you are stronger that… don't feel like that, we are team, we cover our backs right. How much ever strong I am or even Sasuke for that matter, our team can only be completed by 'You'. And trust me you are a skilled kunoichi and you will not be a liability to our team. You should stop yourself short, be confident, our team is going to ace in the exams!" said Naruto still in the same whispering tone as he tried to fix things in Ino's mind and cheering her.
Listening to all of it Ino just smiled at him and then realized that, what he was saying is true. She didn't have to sell herself short. Together the three of them make team 7! "thank you Naruto… that means a lot to me, and yes our team is going to ace!" said Ino as she chimed in with Naruto. Naruto just nodded and said "you Bet! we will!"
By that time the old Kage finished giving his speech and then came into the details about the exam. "… and as for the exams, there will two stages for the exam. Stage one would be a survival test in the forest you see around you. The winners of the survival test will be participating in the final stage, which will be a battle between the shinobi in the grand arena. And with that genin, I wish everyone all the best and perform well enough to make your villages proud. I shall take my leave." Saying that the Tsuchikage came out of the dias and left the genin, as he went back to his office.
A tall man who looked quite bulky came onto the dias. He looked strong enough to be a jonin and Naruto took a correct guess, he is proctor of the exam. "All the genin over here please pay attention to me. I am the proctor of you chunin exams and my name is Kitsuchi. The first stage of the exam is a survival test as you have already heard. Each team is given, a flag randomly. There are two types of flags in this test, one is blue while the other is red. The top 4 teams that reach the end of the forest with each of a blue scroll and a red scroll pass the test. Oh and by the way you are going to have only 2 days to reach the end of this forest. I wish you everyone all the best." Said Kitsuchi. He was a tall and broad looking and had black hair. He wore his headband like all other jonin and had the standanrd Iwa uniform, under which he had red robes that were different to others, he also carried a sword with him. After saying what he had to Kitsuchi; the proctor of their exam vanished away. Soon enough few chunin came and handed each team a random flag.
"troublesome… we need to fight now. Man I hate this part!" said Shikamaru as he received a blue flag for his own team. "Oh come on Shikamaru… why don't you move your ass and put some use of it at least for once." said Sakura as she tried to motivate the lazy Nara. "Fine… don't nag me like my mom now." Said the lazy Nara, as he agreed to fight and participate in the test.
"Naruto we got a blue flag, even team 10 got the same." said Sasuke as he took the flag that was given to his team and walked over towards Naruto.
Naruto simply nodded and so did Ino. After sometime other teams also got their flags and then everyone was given a signal to GO!
And with that all the teams blasted off themselves into the forest and started to pick their targets in order to get their flags. Same was happening with team 7. "hey Sasuke do you have a plan? I mean yeah they did say us to go! But still we need to have a plan right? What about you Naru-" asked Ino two both the boys in her team, but she was cut off before she could finish, as a kunai flew past her. As shinobi instincts clicked in she quickly dodged it and placed herself on land.
They then saw, 3 ninjas who are apparently from Amegakure. Surprisingly all the three ninja had the same dress and they were also having an umbrella each in one of their hands. They looked quite sinister but it is nothing that can make Naruto fear. "Wow! Look at the cute little genin here, these mere kids think they have a chance of winning this exam. But I am sorry to crush your hopes kidd-" the ninja who was talking didn't have a chance to complete as his face was met with a brutal punch from Sasuke. The other two ninjas didn't even see the genin in front of them move. They were blown out of their minds as they saw their temmate get knocked in a flash.
"you talk too much… you should take your chance and eliminate your opponent when you find your opportunity." said Sasuke in his monotone and stoic voice as he recovered from his position after punching the Ame ninja.
"stupid Brats! you are going to pay for this… Mesu and Dosu… formation 3" Said The ninja who got up and restored himself after taking the punch from Sasuke.
Sasuke and Naruto, could have finished the two genin, in a flash of blue and yellow if they wanted to, but they waited to see if they really put up a fight. Moreover they didn't want to reveal their all out strength so quick.
And then the Ame team made a diamond shape formation and stood closer to each other. All the three weaved few hand-signs, Sasuke already had the Sharingan active and so already started to copy the jutsu they were doing.
"Suiton: Mizurappa" yelled the three genin in unison as all the three of them let raging waters towards team 7. Though the jutsu was not on a large scale, it was considerably still powerful. Upon seeing the jutsu unleash itself, the Ame ninja had a smirk on their face. 'its over, I pity these Konoha genin. Poor brats.' was what the Ame genin Shinko was thinking.
Ino was still shocked at the events that happened in front of her. One second there was a kunai approaching her and the next thing she knew there was a ninjutsu fight being initiated between the two teams. Naruto simply opened a scroll and then channeled chakra into it. And as soon as he did that the seal in scroll opened and there was a barrier that was set up around Naruto, Sasuke and Ino. The water jutsu failed to hit them.
"fuiinjutsu: encampment barrier" Naruto yelled mentally to himself the Ame genin were surprised at what happened in front of them. They expected the newbie genin to get destroyed in their jutsu. Before they could Naruto Sasuke went through hand-signs and then yelled "Katon: Gokakyu no jutsu" and then there was a massive fireball that erupted from Sasuke's mouth that went in the direction of the Ame team. The Ame team seeing it, quickly went through few hand-signs and yelled "Suiton: suijihenki" and they did that right on time as a water wall emerged in front of them and then it saved them from the fireball that was approaching them.
Before the Ame genin knew it Naruto was already behind them. He caught them off guard and so he used his opportunity, he then opened a scroll to his hands went in crazy speed as he did the essential calligraphy, to make his jutsu work. As shinko noticed Naruto's presence, he immediately turned around to see him. Naruto was right on time and then yelled "Fuiinjutsu: chakra sealing barrier" and as he said that he bit his thumb and used his blood, and then slammed the ground to make the jutsu work. As he did that there were seals that reached from him towards the three Amegakure genin. As they were caught by the seal, they felt their chakra being sealed off. They understood what was happening. Naruto on the other hand didn't get up from his crouched position, and he held his palm on the ground as it was essential for his jutsu to work.
"Shit, Mesu! This guy is pulling out our chakra… we can't use any jutsu if this continues. We have already used a lot chakra in our previous jutsu." yelled Shinko towards one of his teammate, who could be identified as Mesu now. Naruto was having a smile on his face. They have won this fight the minute Naruto caught them in his jutsu. This is why Naruto, respected and was interested in fuiinjutsu always. It always came handy in the battlefield, it was the most versatile shinobi art according to him.
"Dosu, Mesu… we can't do anything! this stupid brat's jutsu is not even letting us move from our place… my chakra is being siphoned off completely… come up with some idea damn it! We can only do hand-signs and do ninjutsu, but I am not having chakra anymore!" yelled Shinko as he realized that his chakra reserve was going to become empty anytime now and he might be die if Naruto didn't stop the jutsu he was doing.
Realizing that anymore than this, the Amegakure genin would die, Naruto called off the jutsu at the right time. There was barely any chakra in their enemies, to even stand, forget about even fighting. Naruto then closely moved towards them and stood there. Shinko immediately pulled out the red flag his team had and gave it to Naruto. Naruto just nodded and simply took it. This is the serious side of Naruto. Sure he is cheery, and talkative when he has to, but when it is a battlefield there is no one who is as serious or stoic as Naruto, he didn't speak a single thing since the start of the battle. Shinko was old enough to understand the face Naruto hard. 'here I thought that this round would be easy, thinking that these brats are nothing in front me…. Even though this blond genin is really dangerous, and he used practically two jutsu, to defeat my team. I can clearly, understand that he is still holding back!' Dosu was mentally conversing with himself. " The moment I saw you three, do a water jutsu together to make it effectively I realized that you can only work as a team efficiently, individually you don't put up a fight. You should sharp you individual skills more or else you won't be able to survive on a battlefield!" said Naruto as he looked at their incapicitated and helpless enemies.
Naruto then simply put a restrain seal on each of them and then left them there. He didn't want any other annoyance right now. After seeing the display of strength no one in their right mind would chase after this team 7 again. But, Naruto didn't want any chances so he put a restraint seal on them so that they can't move for a while. "I have placed a restraint seal, you wont be able to move for sometime, the seal wears off later and then you can be on your way." said Naruto in a stoic manner. The three genin just nodded and then Naruto looked towards his teammate. "Lets move Sasuke, Ino-chan." was all he said. He then turned around and walked behind their teammates as they continued to progress towards the end of the forest to complete the round.
Ino was not surprised, it was expected from her teammates, considering what she saw with Zabuza, this was nothing. But there was something with Ino, she didn't like when Naruto gets serious. She wanted him to be that cheery blond idiot of hers. But Naruto never displayed his emotions in battle, at least that is what she observed. Ino however also thought of some thing else. After seeing the whole fight, she realized that she didn't do anything to help them. Though she didn't get a chance to help them, she knew that she wouldn't be able to defend her teammates with her current skills. She sulked for a moment and then was lost in those thoughts.
Naruto then in no time, was between his teammates and they were already running quick enough. He then turned towards Ino and smiled seeing her. "That was a lot easier Ino-chan, I thought I had to send clones… our time and energy both was saved, don't you think?" said Naruto back to being the cheerful Naruto she knew. Ino who was sad a moment ago decided to brush it off and then just grinned at him. She then nodded her head in accepting the fact. "Yeah! it certainly did get easier for us, now we have to reach the end quickly, I don't want to be in this forest. I don't like it for some reason." said Ino as she showed distaste in the last part. Naruto just smiled and then said "of course, we will reach the end soon enough if we keep this pace!"
Though Naruto seemed that he didn't notice the demeanor of Ino, he did saw her sulking. And he already thought of possible reasons. 'Ino-chan is feeling again about her performance I guess… I should do about something about it afterwards!' thought Naruto as he still looked at Ino. Even Sasuke was also thinking the same, when he saw Ino sulk there for a moment.
After three hours of constant running team 7 finally reached the end of the forest. Naruto and Sasuke weren't tired for one, they didn't even spend quarter of their energies on the Ame team… they were ready to fight again if they have to. What actually is worrying them though is Ino. They both understood that she is feeling something and her demeanor is a bit off even though she talked normally back then.
As they reached the end they saw the forest clearing. There was already a bunch of Iwa shinobi standing there. All of the shinobi were dumbstruck on seeing a genin team this quick. They couldn't understand how in the world did they complete the exam so fast.
There was Kitsuchi staring wide-eyed at the leaf genin who were coming towards them. He still couldn't believe it how quickly they were able to complete the exam. Was Iwa's standards dropping?
And within few seconds, team 7 arrived and stood in front of Kitsuchi. Kitsuchi realizing they were there right in front of him shrugged off the other thoughts and decided to speak. "I suppose you have the two flags you need." said Kitsuchi, he then saw Naruto showing him them as he pulled them out of a storage scroll where he stored them safely.
Kitsuchi just nodded and then decided to congratulate them. "I congratulate you for passing the first round… it is a lie if I say I am not surprised by how quick you completed. You just a new record in the exams, you completed the round in 3 hours 23 minutes 29 seconds. I am indeed impressed." said Kitsuchi, in a flat tone with no underlying emotion in it. 'I think the rumours are really true then… this blond kid might really be the Yondaime's kid… even though I can't say until I see his real performance on a battle.' thought Kitsuchi. Kitsuchi for one didn't have any hatred towards Konoha… he used in the past but he let go of it. Because there were casualties on both sides and both the nations were equally responsible. He was one of the very few shinobi who liked to think like that in his village. For him letting go of hatred helped him in life.
Naruto, Sasuke and Ino just smiled at what he said and then nodded their heads. "you will be escorted towards the arena close-by. There are rooms and as well as your sensei, you can rest up there. I congratulate you all once again." said Kitsuchi and then left the genin to themselves.
And then there came a chunin who said "follow me" all the three genin of team 7 agreed and went behind him and in no time they reached the arena.
They didn't mind resting if they could, that would be a bonus and who would disagree?
In the arena rooms:
Kakashi was shocked to see his team. He knew they were strong and would most probably be here first before most of the teams. But he didn't expected it to be so quick. 'WOW!' was all Kakashi thinking.
"hey Kakashi-sensei, we are back… how long do we have for the finals to start?" asked Naruto in his usual cheery tone with smile on his face. Kakashi then got of his thoughts and then smiled back at him. "congratulations! I didn't expect you to see this quick… even though… I once again congratulate you! There are still two days for the final exams to start. You can relax yourself for a while I hope so." said Kakashi still giving one of his eye-smiles.
"We could rest up a bit I guess." said Ino. Sasuke gave a curt nod and Naruto just sad "yep!" After that the entire team 7 went to sleep and rest up a bit. Kakashi though just smiled seeing them and was so proud. 'your team is destined for greatness! Isn't it kami-sama' thought Kakashi as he got back to reading his book.
Both the boys went to sleep however Ino was finding trouble in sleeping. She couldn't evade her insecurity even though Naruto try to put some sense. It was very obvious now and there were tears rolling down from her eyes. 'there is no point of, whining now… I need to get strong and catch up with my teammates, I need to be able to protect Naruto, and Sasuke. If I am going to remain like this my teammates will be far ahead of me and if that happens Naruto will get far from me!' thought Ino with a hard resolve and wanted to train harder after getting back to village!
Unknown to her Naruto was awake and he noticed that Ino wasn't sleeping. He understood just by looking her posture. He slowly went towards her and sat on her bed. "Ino-chan… do you want to talk about how you are feeling?" said Naruto with concern and care in his voice. Ino quickly sat up and then looked Naruto in his eyes. They were requesting her to talk and open up about everything. She quickly went forward and hugged him and let herself sink into his arms. Naruto immediately hugged her back reassuring her. "Shh! Calm down and explain me what is making Ino-chan cry." was all that Naruto said as he held her much more tighter in his hug.
AN: I think I have typed enough for this chapter, let me take a break… oof it is the lengthiest I have ever wrote. 8000 words!
so please review it and mention your thoughts. There is still lot of fight to happen and though there is a short one in this chapter, don't worry, u can expect a bigger and greater in next chapter!
until next time,
Ja Ne!