Chapter 8: New Faces
*Four month time skip*
It's another bright and early Monday morning in Konohagakure, it's been approximately four months since Mako had decided to implement a rough training regime for her Genin in order to prepare them for something that was coming up very soon. Though they pestered her endlessly on what was coming but she declined to tell them until she felt they earned the right to know.
Now we see the Uchiha woman standing in the middle of the third training field all by herself. She looks around as if searching for something and nods in approval. Today was their final day of a four month long training regime and she wanted to test her Genin's ability to work as a team as a final test and despite their teamwork being flawless she thought it would've been some good training regardless.
''Well well, they've done a good job in hiding. Let's see if they have what it takes to take the bells.'' Thought the Jonin as she hears something behind her. Turning around she spots a flurry of shuriken flying her way and with great speed and precision she catches them all through the hole in the middle with her fingers. ''Nice try Genma, nice try.'' She called out.
''Goddammit! What did I expect she's a Jonin!'' The brown-haired boy thought.
What happened next took Genma by surprise as Mako then flings the shuriken in the direction he was in sending them his way.
''Ah crap.'' Genma said to himself as he hops to another tree to avoid getting riddled with the projectiles.
''He dodged them, his reaction time has improved.'' Mako thought before hearing footsteps behind her. Turning around she spots Kurotsuchi and Naruto coming at her with their katana and ninjato drawn, ready for the kill.
''Take this sensei!" The two Genin shouted in unison as they perform jump attacks hoping to get her.
Seeing this, Mako raises her hands up and catches both their swords with her hand much to the shock of the two teenagers. ''I like the synergy you two have together but it's going to take more than that to beat me.'' Mako chuckled only to be caught off guard when Kurotsuchi spins performs a forward kick striking Mako square in the face making her stagger backwards while letting go of their swords.
''I should've seen that coming from you.'' Mako thought before blocking another kick from the Iwa teen. She then grabs the girl and hurls her several feet away creating some distance between them.
Naruto then reaches forward and grabs Mako on the forearm and attempts to shoulder throw her only for the Jonin to perform a maneuver that allows her to shoulder throw the blonde instead taking him completely by surprise. With him on the ground Mako draws several kunai knives and stabs them into the ground effectively pinning the him.
''Oh come on!'' Naruto shouted in annoyance.
Mako just smirks in accomplishment but before she could turn her attention back to Kurotsuchi Genma had appeared behind her with two kunai knives drawn. As Naruto breaks free he quickly picks up his ninjato and the two teens charge towards the Uchiha Jonin. Reacting quickly Mako reaches for her wakizashi and a kunai knife and expertly intercept the blades the two teens were holding and quickly shoves them to where they were positioned in front of her.
''Now boys, it's not nice to gang up on a lady let alone hit one with a sword or kunai.'' Mako teased before going in for a flurry of swings.
The two teens tried their best to intercept each swing but thanks to Mako's greater physical prowess she had swatted the kunai and ninjato out of their hands and cornered them against a tree.
''You're cornered.'' Mako said as she raises her wakizashi high above her head, her grin dissipating when she saw the boys grin.
''Speak for yourself sensei.'' Naruto said in a teasing manner.
Just then the earth in front of them begins to rise separating the two and out comes Kurotsuchi who appears and delivers a powerful punch to Mako's chest sending the Jonin flying back several feet.
''Damn, that's quite the punch.'' Mako thought through clenched teeth as she strikes a tree.
She falls on her butt and feels the presence of her three Genin looming over her. Looking up she sees Kurotsuchi holding two bells in her hand. ''Well sensei, looks like the students win.'' The Iwa girl said as the Jonin gets back on her feet.
''Well Kurotsuchi, I'm impressed. Good job using the Hiding Like A Mole technique.'' Mako then looks at Genma and Naruto. ''And you two work well together. So I'm assuming you all understood what the purpose of this test was correct?''
''Teamwork, it wasn't hard to figure out at all sensei.'' Naruto answered.
''I'm not surprised you figured it out you three. I expected this from the top three Genin of class two-fifty.'' Mako praised earning smiles from her students. ''So you guys want to get some lunch?''
''Sure sensei, after a fun training session we could use some grub.'' Said Genma.
The four of them then leave to head back to the village to enjoy some teacher-student time together.
-Konoha Main Gate, same time-
As usual for them we see the now Tokubetsu Jonin Izumo and Kotetsu, both now twenty-two years old sitting at the guard station in their fortieth shift in a row. The day for them was the same old same old, sit there, do nothing but watch who comes through the gate and as always, nothing exciting happened on the job.
''Izumo man, will we ever get out of this? I'm tired of us being the only gate guards.'' Complained Kotetsu.
Izumo just sighed resting his head on the desk. ''Just deal with Kotetsu, we're shinobi who specialize in guard details so there's no way out of this. Deal with it.''
Kotetsu knew that his best friend was right and just growled in annoyance.
Izumo just sighs before staring blanky in front of him when he notices a large group of people walk in through the main gate. The thing that caught his attention was that these weren't people from Konoha, he noticed they appeared to all be Genin from the other villages. He saw some that were wearing the red shinobi outfit of Iwa, some had the signature white headband of Kumo while some looked to be carrying swords and wearing blue shinobi outfits and some wearing the attire of Suna.
''It's that time of year already isn't it?.'' Izumo thought.
-Golden Dragon Restaurant-
After heading back into the village Mako had decided to treat her Genin to a nice, hearty lunch at the well-known and liked restaurant the Golden Dragon. Currently they were all devouring the large special consisting of dried noodles, miso soup, and dango courtesy of Mako.
''Wow sensei, this place has some of the best food I've ever tasted!" Naruto exclaimed in pure joy as he was devouring some tempura.
''I'm glad you like it Naruto, go on there's plenty enough to go around.'' Said the Jonin.
Kurotsuchi was currently seen eating her favorite dish of fried noodles with a lot of seasoning on it. ''Wow, Iwa has some good food but Konoha's easily tops it!''
Genma, who had already finished his plate was seen using his senbon as a toothpick as usual. ''Ah, great food.''
Mako smiles contently seeing her Genin enjoying themselves. Her smiled would rescind when she remembered the meeting she and the other Jonin had just two weeks ago. During the last four months the Uchiha Jonin had pushed her students even harder than ever when they weren't on missions. The reason for this was for the upcoming event that will occur in just next week.
Sighing, she decided to tell her students about the event.
''Naruto, Kurotsuchi, Genma.''
The three Genin stopped what they were doing and looked at their sensei. ''Yes sensei?''
''Do you guys know what's coming up next week?'' Mako asked.
The Genin then go into a deep thought for several minutes before shaking their heads no. ''No sensei I don't think any of us know, what's coming up?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
A large confident smirk then plasters the Jonin's face. ''Then listen carefully you three. Next week, all the five great shinobi villages will gather their Genin in a test. A test to see which one of those Genin have the qualities to become Chunin.'' Explained the Jonin.
Hearing this the three of them look at each other with knowing smirks on their faces.
''Wait, you mean that this event will see that we are promoted to Chunin?'' Genma questioned.
''That's right, the Chunin exams. It's held twice every year and next week you three have the chance to prove to me and the Lord Hokage how much you've developed since this team formed. That is if you want to.'' The Jonin continued.
The three Genin just stared at Mako with a look of mixed excitement and nervousness, in one week, just one week, they can prove themselves to the world and earn the right to be called Chunin and further advance their careers.
''Huddle.'' Kurotsuchi said and the three of them huddle together making Mako raise an eyebrow.
''No shit we're obviously going to take the exams, I mean come on! When we pass this we are one step closer to being Kage!" Kurotsuchi whispered earning nods from her teammates.
''Hell yeah! I'm in if you're both in.'' Naruto said.
''Obviously Naruto! What about you Genma?'' Kurtosuchi said facing the brown-haired boy.
''Hell yes, I get one step closer to becoming the Hokage's elite guard so I'm definitely in.'' Genma said nodding.
Separating, the three of them face Mako with looks of confidence.
''Well?'' Mako asked.
Kurotsuchi would be the one to speak on behalf of her teammates. ''Of course we'll take it sensei. This is another step in our careers as shinobi since I'll be one step closer to becoming Tsuchikage.''
''And I'll be one step closer to becoming Hokage.'' Naruto spoke up.
''And I'll be one step closer to becoming the Hokage's elite guard.'' Genma said nodding at Naruto.
Kurotsuchi smiled at her teammates before continuing. ''We've been through a lot since this team formed, we'll show the other Jonin and Genin the result of your training and make you proud sensei.'' Concluded Kurotsuchi.
Mako closes her eyes and looks down onto the table. A big grin forms on her face as she begins to chuckle. ''I know you'll have what it takes to pass this you guys.'' She then reaches into her pouch and pulls out what looks like three slips of paper. ''Here, these are entrance papers, I want you three to read it over and sign it when you're done. I'll take it to Lord Hokage and you'll officially be registered to take the exams.'' She said handing the papers over.
After getting their own piece of paper the three of them take a moment to read it over, after that they all nod with smiles. Taking out a pen Mako hands it to Kurotsuchi who signs her paper before handing the pen to Naruto and Genma.
Handing the pieces of paper to their sensei the three Genin nod. ''We'll make you proud sensei, believe in us just as we believe in you.'' The three of them said in unison.
''I do believe in you. Since we've been training hard the past four months I want you three to rest for the week and meet me in front of the big testing room at the academy on the third floor on May 1st at exactly 12:00 PM.'' Said Mako.
The four of them then continue to spend another the rest of the afternoon before parting ways with Mako heading straight towards the Hokage tower and Genma going for a walk to buy some things for his mother. That leaves us with Naruto and Kurotsuchi who are now seen walking down a fenced alleyway as a shortcut back to her place.
''Oh boy! I'm really excited Kurotsuchi! To think we'll be Chunin after this exam is over!'' Said an excited Naruto.
''Tell me about it, I can't wait to take the title of Tsuchikage from my old man.'' Kurotsuchi said smug grin.
The two of them continued their walk until they saw three figures sitting on a bench under a large tree, three people they've never seen before.
''Hey, who's that?'' Naruto asked pointing at the three figures.
''Let's go check then.'' Said Kurotsuchi as the two walk closer to the three unknown persons as the two sides notice each other.
When they got close to them they saw three teenagers around the same age as them. One was a young man who had a sword of sorts strapped to his back and had short, tuffy blue hair with dark eyes. One thing they noticed about him was that he had pointed, shark-like teeth and was really short. Lastly, he wore square, black-rimmed glasses, camouflage patterned pants and ear protectors.
The person next to him was another male who was about the same height as Naruto and had pale skin, golden eyes and brown hair that reaches to his wore a light blue long-sleeved shirt and gray pants. The one thing the two noticed with him was that he was carrying a bamboo jug and a pipe.
The last person they looked at was the only female of the three. She had very, very long auburn hair that went all the way down to her ankles that was left united. She wore a long-sleeved, dark blue blouse and cyan booty shorts. Kurotsuchi noticed that she had four bangs in front of her face. Two short ones, one covering her eye and two longer ones that fell down to her cleavage.
The thing that Naruto and Kurotsuchi noticed besides their appearances was that they were sporting the headbands of Kirigakure.
''Oh look, it's a few locals. How do you do?'' The auburn-haired girl greeted.
''Not bad, what are you Kiri shinobi doing in our village? You here to take the Chunin exams?'' Questioned Naruto.
''Yeah, that's right.'' The Kiri boy with glasses answered showing his entrance papers to the two.
''Right on point.'' The boy with the pipe said before blowing into his pipe.
Kurotsuchi would be the one to speak this time. ''You guys seem like reasonable people. I'm Kurotsuchi Kamizuru and this blonde guy here is my best friend Naruto Uzumaki.''
''Hey.'' Greeted Naruto earning sounds of acknowledgement from the three Kiri Genin.
''Well then, if we're going to introduce ourselves I'll start, my name is Mei Terumi.'' Said the girl.
''And I'm Utakata Tsuchigumo. A pleasure.''
''I'm Chojuro Kawasaki, pleased to meet you two.'' The boy with the glasses said.
''Likewise, now what are you three doing here by yourselves? Isn't your Jonin sensei with you?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
''No, all the Genin that arrived with us came here without their senseis, they apparently will join us later in the exams.'' Mei inquired before eyeing Kurotsuchi noticing her red outfit and brown vest. ''By the way Kurotsuchi, you wouldn't happen to be from Iwa would you?''
Kurotsuchi, noticing Mei's question raised an eyebrow, ''Yeah, why do you ask?''
''It's because I thought Konoha and Iwa still hated each other from the last war and I'm quite surprised to see you here especially with a Konoha Genin let alone wearing the headband.'' Said the Kiri kunoichi.
''I'm an exchange student and my gramps sent me here to be a kunoichi in service to the Hokage. What's it to you though?'' Kurotsuchi asked a bit defensively.
''If you're wondering if I'm trying to pick a fight with you I'm not, I know Kiri and Iwa still have ill feelings towards each other but I don't care about that. So, could you guys show me and the boys around?'' Asked Mei.
''Erm, sure I guess, if Naruto wants to that is.'' Kurotsuchi looked at Naruto as if asking his permission. His only answer was a shrug. ''Alright then, follow us.''
-Konoha Shopping District-
While they were giving the Kiri Genin a tour of the village they had met up with Genma who decided to join the group since he had finished errands for his mom and now they are seen concluding their tour by showing the Kiri Genin the shopping district.
''And here is the best weapon's shop in the entire village.'' Concluded Naruto as the five of them stood in front of the Shinobi equipment and wear super store.
''Wow! That's pretty cool, back in Kiri our stores just sell beheading swords and all these poison-tipped claws. It's cool but it gets very bland after a while.'' Chojuro said.
''I agree, that's why I only use kunai and shuriken, I hate using those beheading swords because they're too heavy and in close-quarters combat a bit overkill if you ask me.'' Said Utakata as he blows into his pipe.
''Well, we appreciate the tour you guys, we'll be heading off now, toodle-loo!" Said Mei as she, Chojuro and Utakata walk off before vanishing into the crowd.
Waving good-bye Kurotsuchi, Naruto and Genma then turn to walk the other way.
''So what did you guys think of them?'' Asked Naruto.
''They don't seem too bad, but ill-feelings still exist between Iwa and Kiri.'' Kurotsuchi said. ''Oh well, I had no reason to attack them so whatever.''
''My dad was nearly killed by Kiri shinobi in the last war, so I don't know how I should feel really. I'm not saying I hate those three, they seem really nice but I guess we'll get to know them later before I make my final judgement.'' Genma said.
The three of them continue walking until they came to a corner, turning the corner Naruto bumps into a red bag of something with enough force to send him stumbling back only to be caught by Kurotsuchi.
''You alright?'' Asked the Iwa girl.
''Yeah, I'm alright.'' Naruto said rubbing his nose.
''Hey!" The person Naruto bumped into yelled as they turned around revealing a girl with layered, minty-green hair with an orange clip in it. Her skin was tanned and she wore a short sleeveless white midriff shirt with fishnet armor underneath it with a white armlets and a white apron skirt and had her headband wrapped around her right arm.''Watch where you're going blondie!" The girl yelled.
''Busted.'' Genma whispered to Kurotsuchi who only snickers.
''Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to! I just didn't see you there!" Naruto said holding his hands up defensively.
''You'd better be sorry.'' Said the mint-haired girl.
''Hey Fu, this is our first time in Konoha so don't go around yelling at the people here.'' Another voice spoke out.
Turning around the Konoha Genin saw another girl walk up to them. She was wearing a red bomber jacket and had red hair that had two long bangs framing each side of her face with a single one coming down in between her eyes. The thing Team Mako noticed about her was that she appeared to have stitch markings across her face that went across the bridge of her nose and her headband was worn like a scarf which had an arrow pointed downwards as the symbol minus the point.
''Oh! Hey Bina-Chan! I didn't see you there! I wasn't yelling at this blonde guy here, well, I was but it was because he bumped into me.'' Said Fu the mint-haired girl.
''Psh, sure you were. Anyway, sorry for my teammates outburst, she can be a little mean.'' Said Bina shaking her head.
''I am not mean!" Fu protested.
''Yes you are Fu.'' Bina retorted before pulling Fu by the straps of the red bag that was on her back. ''Sorry for the trouble, see you!'' The red head then took off while dragging Fu off.
The three of them sweatdrop at the two girls' antics, well mostly Bina, the red head girl with the stitches on her face.
''What village were they from?'' Naruto asked.
''I managed to catch a glimpse of the symbol on their headbands, they're from Takigakure to the northwest.''
''I see, well it's five in the evening now so what do you guys want to do? I'm starving, we've haven't eaten anything since lunch.'' Naruto quipped.
''I guess, what do you have in mind Naruto? And don't take me and Genma out to eat ramen again!" Kurotsuchi said in a bossy voice.
''Huh!? Why!?''
''Because ramen is not healthy! I'm your best friend and I know what's best for you!" Kurotsuchi said.
Crossing his arms Naruto pouts cutely turning around. ''I know what's best for me!''
Naruto was about to speak more before another voice interrupted their thoughts...accompanied by the sounds of what they thought was a stampede.
''OUT OF THE WAY OUT OF THE WAY!''
''What the heck was that?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
Turning to their left they spotted a girl running towards them at such a speed that they didn't have enough time to react as the girl went crashing into Naruto toppling him to the ground casuing a huge dust cloud to scatter.
''Agh! That hurt!'' Cried out Naruto.
''Woah! What's going on here?'' Genma shouted as the dust cloud clears.
As the dust cloud clears completely Kurotsuchi and Genma see Naruto on the floor and in front of him was a dark-skinned girl who was coughing, she had light grary hair that was pulled back into a bun with two bangs that fall on either side of her face and she wore what appeared to be formal clothes that consisted of a long-sleeved, high-collared dress shirt and a skirt. She had long earrings and had a the headband for Kumogakure tied to her forehead. After she ceased her coughing it's revealed that she has green eyes.
''Cough cough, watch where you're going Kumo girl!" Kurotsuchi shouted in annoyance as she helped Naruto back to his feet.
''Oh! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!'' The girl said as she got up and began to bow in respect to the three Konoha Genin.
''You alright man?'' Genma said placing his hand on Naruto's shoulder.
''Yeah, just got knocked down is all.'' Said Naruto with his trademark grin before turning to face the girl who was still apologizing. ''What's gotten you so worked up that you were running so fast?''
Hearing the blonde speak she stopped her bowing. ''Oh! I just panicked because I don't know where my teammates went. Oh my name is Mabui and I'm from Kumogakure!'' Said the girl holding her hand out.
''Naruto Uzumaki, obviously from here.'' Naruto greeted back shaking the girl's hand.
''Genma Shiranui.'' Genma and Mabui shook hands before the girl looked at Kurotsuchi.
Shrugging, Kurotsuchi held her hands out and the two girls shook hands. ''I'm Kurotsuchi Kamizuru. You might notice that I'm wearing the outfit of Iwa kunoichi but that's because I actually am from Iwa. It's just that I was sent here as part of the Shinobi Exchange Between Villages.''
''Oh! That's so cool! Nice to meet you Kurotsuchi! Naruto! Genma!" Said the Mabui excitedly as she shakes all their hands again.
''Mabui! There you are.'' Shouted out another female's voice.
Hearing her name being called Mabui turns and sees two blonde girls walking up to her and our characters. ''Yugito! Samui! I thought I lost you guys!" Mabui exclaimed before enveloping her two teammates in a group hug.
''Hey! Let go! You're the one who ran off!'' Yugito said barely able to breath due to the amount of force Mabui was hugging her with.
''L-let go!'' Samui cried out.
''Oh! So sorry girls!" Mabui then let her teammates go and our characters were able to get a better look at them.
The first girl had long, straight blonde hair that was tied into a long pony-tail. She had dark eyes and had red lipstick on. Her outfit consisted of short-sleeved black and purple blouse and black pants with a cloud design on them.
The other girl had fair-skin with a curvaceous figure. She had blue eyes and her hair was in an asymmetrical bob cut style with the front bangs reaching her shoulders. The one thing that caught Team Mako's attention, particularly the boys was that she wore a low-cut outfit which showed off her sizeable cleavage.
Naruto and Genma were trying their hardest not to stare which didn't go unnoticed by Kurotsuchi who bops them on the head really hard.
''Ow! Why'd you do that Kurotsuchi?!'' Genma asked rubbing the lump forming on his head.
''Yeah! What did we do?'' Naruto asked.
''Perverts!" Kurotsuchi growled, ''Dammit! She's got some melons!''
When they both saw that they were looking at one another they blushed even redder before looking away knowing what the other was thinking.
Anyway, back to the girl she had mesh shirt underneath her top and a short skirt with wore high boots. Lastly, she had a tanto blade strapped to her back horizontially.
''Guys this is Yugito and Samui, we're all from Kumogakure!'' Mabui said introducing her teammates.
''Hey.'' Yugito greeted.
''How do you do?'' Samui said in a stoic voice.
''Yugito and Samui, this is Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma!'' Mabui said excitedly.
''It's a pleasure to meet you all but, we have to go and find our Jonin sensei who wants to get in some last minute training before the exams. See you guys around. Let's go Mabui and try not to get lost again.'' Yugito said walking away with Samui behind.
''So you three are in the Chunin exams as well? Mabui asked.
''Yeah we are, why do you ask?'' Kurotsuchi said.
''Just want to know, oh boy this will be fun! I'll see you guys then!'' Mabui quipped before turning around, ''Hey girls wait up!'' She ran off after her teammates.
Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma were left a bit exasperated. Here Kurotsuchi and Genma thought Naruto had endless amounts of energy but the Kumo girl Mabiu seems...bubbly and more energetic than their blonde teammate.
''Well, we should get going, it's dinner time so let's go grab a bite.'' Kurotsuchi said.
''Fine by me.'' Said Genma with a shrug.
''Alright, ramen time!" Naruto exclaimed before Kurotsuchi caught him in her nose pinch of death.
''No ramen!''
''Ow!"
-Hokage's office, same time-
Hiruzen Sarutobi, our beloved Hokage is seen sitting in his chair looking over some paperwork, the room was empty when suddenly several Jonin shunshin into the room. Among then was Kakashi Hatake, Mako Uchiha, a woman with long black hair and red-eyes wearing an outfit that resembled bandages. The man next to her was wearing the traditional Jonin vest and had brown eyes, olive skin and short spiky hair with a beard.
Looking up he takes a puff from his pipe before smiling. ''Ah, there you all are, I was thinking you weren't going to show up.''
''Well, I was going to show up fashionably late but I decided to diverge from the path to life.'' Said Kakashi.
Mako just snorted at the silver-haired Jonin. ''Sure, you only showed up on time because Lord Hokage summoned us.''
''Hey...it's true.'' Protested the masked Jonin.
''Alright you two, let's get on with why we're here.'' Said the red-eyed woman before looking at Hiruzen, ''Whenever you're ready Lord Hokage.''
Hiruzen nods before continuing. ''Alright, you all know why you're here. In one week the Chunin exams will begin and I want to know if you four will be put your Genin in this. If you are announce them then hand me their entrance papers. So who will be up first?''
''I will.'' Kakashi said walking up. ''I lead team seven. Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka. Now I, Kakashi Hatake recommend all three.''
Nodding, Hiruzen then looks at the Jonin kunoichi with red-eyes. ''Kurenai?''
Kurenai then walks up. ''I lead team eight. Yukari Nishizumi, Shino Aburame, and Shikamaru Nara. Now I, Kurenai Yuhi recommend all three for the exams.''
Hiruzen then looks at the male Jonin with spiky hair. ''You son?''
The man walks up just like the two Jonin before him. ''I'm in charge of team ten. Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, Choji Akimichi. Now I, Asuma Sarutobi recommend all three.''
''Alright then, and you Mako?'' Hiruzen said looking at the Uchiha Jonin,
With a confident smirk Mako steps up. ''I lead team eleven. Naruto Uzumaki, Kurotsuchi Kamizuru, and Genma Shiranui. Now I, Mako Uchiha recommend all three.'' She concluded with a proud smirk.
The other Jonin in the room began talking amongst themselves in pure disbelief.
''No way, the rookies are in?'' One Jonin asked.
''You guys remember a few years back when they entered rookies? Didn't end so well did it?'' Said another.
Hearing the conversation Hiruzen raises his hand prompting the Jonin to silence. ''Now now, I'm sure you're all surprised that the rookies are entering this exam. I assure you however that this particular group of nine, especially Mako's team will have no problem overcoming the difficulties of this exam.''
''Are you guys sure?'' A voice spoke up.
Turning around the four Jonin spot Iruka walking out from the crowd. ''Those names that were just called, I taught them all when they were in the academy so I know their capabilities. You guys should reconsider.'' Said the Chunin.
Mako only shook her head in response. ''You aren't their teacher anymore, they're ours now and we've helped them increase their skill so I'm pretty sure they'll all make it through. Especially my team so relax Iruka.''
''But Mako!''
''Enough Iruka, settle down.'' Hiruzen shouted diffusing the situation. ''Now, since they've all recommended their Genin for the exams there is no backing out. If there isn't anything everyone else here wants to add then you're all dismissed. Tell your Genin to go to the big testing room on the third floor of the academy at 12 PM sharp.'' Hiruzen concluded.
The Jonin all walk out through the door and before she could leave Mako was stopped by Kakashi.
''So Mako, want to have a spar? We'll make a wager to make it more interesting.'' The silver-haired Jonin asked
''Um, no. Go away and jack off to your porn.'' Mako snorted before she shunshins leaving a sweatdropping Kakashi by himself.
''Hey..I don't do that while reading..'' He said to himself.
-Ninja Academy, 1 week later-
The camera shows the ninja academy, the one where our beloved Genin Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma attended together as it shows them walking down the corridor on the third floor of the building. At the end of the hallway they spot a figure, the figure being Mako Uchiha, their Jonin sensei and mentor.
''Morning you three.'' Greeted Mako.
''Morning sensei.'' The three Genin said back.
The four of them look at each other in a moment of silence and it would be Mako who would speak.
''I'm proud of you guys. You've been good to me since this team formed and I couldn't have asked for a better team. Each one of you have a special quality about you that even I admire.'' Mako said earning smiles from the three.
She the turns to look at Genma.
''Genma Shiranui. You may act uncaring and cold towards others but when Naruto and Kurotsuchi's lives are on the line you do not hesitate to come to their aid, you've proven to me that you're willing to help anyone, no matter where they are from. Your skills in fire release far exceeds my expectations. I truly believe you'll become a great guard for Naruto when he's Hokage.''
Genma smiles a big smile before nodding.
''You, Kurotsuchi Kamizuru, the honorable granddaughter of the third Tsuchikage. I expected greatness from you and you did not disappoint. Despite you being a prodigy you did not let your natural talent bring the arrogance out of you. You willingly helped Naruto when he was in need and even with that tough girl attitude you have you're very soft and sweet. When you felt like it that is. There's no doubt you'll become the fourth Tsuchikage.''
Smiling, Kurotsuchi nods before Mako turns her attention to Naruto.
''And you, Naruto Uzumaki, you've shown me and the others that you have an unbreakable spirit, you're determination is strong, the strongest of anyone I know and you absolutely do not quit. You keep going until you achieve your goal and taking this exams, despite the difficulties it presents proves to me that you are willing to face and overcome any challenge that comes your way. I know you'll become the fifth Hokage. Other Jonin have their star pupils but to me, you're all my star pupils.''
Returning the smile Mako continues, ''Today is a very important day for you. Just beyond this door will be the most challenging thing you have ever done in your life, should you triumph, no, I mean when you triumph you will become a true shinobi, Chunin of Konohagakure. Are you three ready?'''
Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma all look at each other with smiles and looks of confidence. ''We are sensei, thank you for everything you've taught us. Have faith that we will pass this exam as we have faith in you as our Jonin sensei.'' Said Kurotsuchi.
Mako, touched by the words her Iwa student spoke walked over to her students and they all share a group hug. ''Good luck.'' She whispered.
Stepping to the side the three of them places their hands on the door. Looking at Mako she gives them a nod. Looking at each other they all nod in approval before opening the door.
''Holy crap, I didn't expect...this much people.'' Kurotsuchi said nervously as the camera reveals a mass of Genin sitting throughout the room.
''Goddamn, what's this? A summit or an exam?'' Genma thought swallowing.
''This seems fun.'' Naruto said to himself before several familar people walked over.
''Well look at that, it's the Konoha Genin we encountered last week. How's it going?'' A certain auburn-haired girl said.
''Oh, hey Mei.'' Kurotsuchi greeted.
''Hi guys.'' Chojuro said.
''Hey.'' Said Utakata.
''Oh my god! It's Naruto, Kurotsuchi, and Genma! How's it going guys!'' Mabui said running over.
''Um, hey.'' Naruto said.
''Dammit Mabui, stop being so hyperactive.'' Yugito complained as she and Samui walked over. ''Oh, it's you three.''
Kurotsuchi was about to greet the Kumo kunoichi back when suddenly another voice spoke up.
''Hey! It's the blonde guy that bumped into me!" The revealed Fu said as she walks over and begins poking Naruto in the arm like a curious baby.
''Hey stop it!" Naruto quipped.
A familiar bomber jacket wearing female came walking up beside Fu. ''Tch, stop being so annoying Fu, sorry about that.'' The revealed Bina said rubbing her temple.
''Oh heh heh it's no problem.'' Naruto said as Fu was pulled off of him by Bina
''Huh, sure looks like an interesting group of people. I think I'm gonna like all these guys.'' Genma thought with a smirk.
Just then a group of Jonin shunshin in front of the room catching every Genin by surprise. All the older shinobi looking at the group of candidates with intimidating looks.
''Alright you maggots listen up!'' I'm Ibiki Morino, your proctor for the first part of the Chunin exams.'' The tallest Jonin of the group, a scarred man with a trench coat yelled.