Chapter 9: The Chunin Exams Begin
''Alright you maggots listen up!'' The man in the center of the group shouted out.
The man's booming voice, tall and imposing figure combined with his intimidating glare made every single Genin inside the room freeze in fear. Seeing everyone in the room shutting up and giving him their full attention he smirks.
''Good, now that I have your attenion listen up. I am Ibiki Morino, I'll be the proctor for this session of the exams. First everyone hand over your paperwork and you'll receive a number which will determine where you will sit in the room.'' Ibiki explained holding a small paper with the number one on it. ''After you're all seated we will begin the written portion of the exam.''
Naruto sweatdropped hearing this, ''A written test? Son of a bitch..'' He muttered.
30 minutes later.
After everyone in the room was seated we see Naruto sitting in the middle row, Kurotsuchi sitting three rows behind him and Genma seated on the right side of the room in the same row as Kurotsuchi. Having explained the rules the Genin were now seen doing the test.
Naruto, despite not being the best at written tests put on a tough demeanor. ''Psh, I wasn't that bad at written tests when I was a student so I'll just take my time and answer the ones I can do.''
Genma wasn't faring any better as he was rubbing his temple at how advanced the questions were. ''You've gotta be kidding me, how are Genin supposed to figure this shit out? This is Jonin level material.''
Kurotsuchi was looking over the questions on the test paper and she was mentally swearing at how difficult the questions were. Sure she was a smart girl but this, this was too advanced even for her. ''This is ridiculous, why are they giving us such advanced stuff? There's no way in hell Genma and Naruto can answer these, hell I can barely do it!''
They continued on for another ten minutes before Naruto decided to do the unthinkable...
''Man, this is so difficult, how do they expect us to answer this?!'' Thought a frantic Kurotsuchi, then a thought hit her. ''Hold on a second...that Ibiki guy said that anyone foolish enough to let themselves be caught cheating doesn't deserve to be here...foolish enough to let themselves be caught...Wait..I got it! He's not forbidding it, he wants us to cheat and not get caught. I got it now, we're being tested on our ability to gather information. Quite clever. I wonder if Naruto and Genma figured it out yet.''
Looking around the room she manages to see Genma out of the corner of her eye and saw that he was actually writing down some answers on his test paper. Nodding in satisfaction he takes out a small piece of paper in his coat pocket and unfurls it. She then sees him copying down the answers on his test paper and rolls it up again. Sticking it to his senbon he looks around the room and spots Kurotsuchi, the two wave at each other and with a nod Genma places the senbon in his mouth with the paper attached to it and aims it at Kurotsuchi and spits it at her. The senbon lands directly in front of her and she smirks in satisfaction.
Opening up the paper she saw all the answers as well as a post scriptum.
''Toss this senbon over to Naruto when you're done.''
Looking back at Genma she nods before jotting the answers for herself down.
Naruto, who was busy trying to figure out all the answers was taking by surprise when the senbon landed in front of him that he almost screamed.
''What the fuck!? Oh wait, Genma is the only person I know who would send messages attached to senbon, let's see what's up.'' Naruto then opens it and sees nine answers on it. ''Hell yeah!''
He then noticed Kurotsuchi's hand writing at the bottom portion of the paper.
''Here you go, Genma had found the answers.''
''Wow, I really should thank them later.'' Naruto then proceeds to jot all the answers down.
30 minutes later.
After the hour to take the test had past Ibiki had asked which of the Genin did not want to take the tenth question. The twist however was that if they chose to not answer the question they would fail on the spot and dismissed. If they chose to answer it but got it wrong, not only would they fail, they would be barred from taking the Chunin exams ever again.
Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma obviously chose to take the question despite the risk of answering it wrong. Team Kakashi, team Kurenai and Team Asuma all chose to take the question as well as the teams from Kumo, Kiri, and Taki.
After all who didn't want to take the question were dismissed Ibiki had revealed that there never was a tenth question, well a written one at least as the so-called tenth question's answer was them choosing to stay. After that he briefly explained why he implemented the strict rules and how that the test was designed to specifically encourage the Genin to cheat when suddenly a form broke through the classroom windows.
''What the hell is this?!'' Naruto exclaimed in shock.
''What in the world?'' Kurotsuchi thought.
''This isn't part of the test is it!?'' Exclaimed Genma.
When the mass of something hit the center of the room two hands popped out and tossed two kunai into the ceiling and out comes a woman with purple hair that was tied into a spiky ponytail, she wore a tan trench coat and wore a mesh shirt and leggings with an orange skirt. Completing her look she wore ANBU shin guards and behind her was a sign that read; 'The Second Exam Proctor: The Great Anko Mitarashi'
''Heads up boys and girls it's no time to be celebrating! I'll be your next proctor, Anko Mitarashi. You ready for the second test!? GOOD! LET'S GO FOLLOW ME!" The woman screamed out at the top of her lungs.
The classroom however, was left in a state of prue shock, confusion and in team Mako's case, annoyance with a mix of excitement.
''Oh great..I thought I was loud...'' Thought Naruto with a sweatdrop.
''Another screaming nutcase? Naruto is the only nutcase I'll deal with.'' Kurotsuchi thought with a deadpan expression.
''For the love of...whatever.'' Genma thought shaking his head.
The silence of the room would be killed by Ibiki who, from behind the curtain Anko had came in told her she was early...again causing her to face-vault. After she got back on her feet she eyes the room before smirking.
''Ibiki, you really let all these Genin pass? Softy.'' She said teasingly.
Ibii shook his head before he continued to speak. ''No, this year's group is the strongest we've had. Out of one-hundred teams we have forty-four remaining.''
''Tch, trust me, when I'm through with them more than half will be gone.'' Anko snorted.
''More than half?'' Thought Kurotsuchi.
''Alright, you guys have had it easy this far. Next we will begin the second part of the exam and your Jonin will tell you where to meet me in one hour, dismissed.'' Anko said in a sing-song voice.
-Forty-fourth training ground-
''This, this is the next test?" Kurotsuchi asked as Naruto and Genma were staring at the forest with nervous expressions.
Anko, seeing the nervousness of all the Genin smirked sadistically. ''I see you're all nervous, it's okay because every one should be. This is the forest of death everyone and soon enough you're going to find out why.''
Sakura, who's team was next to Naruto's placed her hands on her hips and began shaking it in an idiotic manner. ''Nya, they call it the forest of death and soon enough you're going to find out why.'' She said mocking the proctor much to everyone else's annoyance. ''Do your worst because Sasuke-kun can handle anything you throw at him!"
Anko, smirking sadistically threw a kunai at Sakura's cheek cutting slightly before she shunshins right behind the girl making her squeal in terror. ''Aw, you think your Sasuke is too good for this place? Well can you handle this?'' Anko then licks the blood that was trickling from the pinkette's wound making her shiver in fear. ''You know, little girls like you are the ones who never make out of this place alive.''
Sakura then shrieked in pure terror before she passed out cold. Grunting in annoyance Sasuke and Ino ick her up and carry her over to a tree.
Giggling in amusement Anko then turned to face the rest of the Genin. ''Alright kids listen up! Once again this place is called the forest of death and the second portion of the Chunin exams will take place here. This time all teams will be given these two scrolls. An earth and a heaven's scroll.'' Explained the Jonin holding said scrolls for all to see.
''Scrolls? What for?'' Yukari, who's team was standing beside Naruto's asked out of curiosity.
''It's simple young lady, this test will be...an anything goes battle.'' Anko declared with a smirk. ''Your objective is to collect each scroll and there is a tower that's in the center of this forest and you have to make it there within five days WITH both the earth and heaven scroll in your possessions and all teammates alive.''
''FIVE DAYS?! WHAT DO WE DO FOR FOOD?!'' Choji Akimichi, the fat-ass Genin asked in disbelief.
Kiba just face-palmed at his teammates antics. ''That's why it's called a survival test you forever hungry bastard.'' Snorted the Inuzuka.
''Ugh, true..'' Choji growled.
''Settle down everyone, before we I hand out the scrolls I want to give you these first.'' Another Jonin walked up to Anko and handed her a stack of papers. ''These are consent forms and you HAVE to sign it before you do this test.''
''A consent form? For what?'' Asked Mei who emerged from the crowd with Utakata and Chojuro.
''Heh, let me just say that this is basically giving the Chunin Exam committee permission to send you into the forest and they won't be responsible if you get killed.'' Laughed the Jonin.
''Ah great, just what I need.'' Thought Mei with a sweatdrop.
''Alright, if there isn't anything you want to say walk up to me and the other Jonin and we'll hand you a scroll.'' Anko ordered.
After every team was given a scroll they all scattered to discuss battle plans on how to achieve the one that they needed, currently we see Naruto, Kurotsuchi, and Genma sitting under a tree.
''Man, five days in this crazy place. Seems fun.'' Inquired Kurotsuchi.
''Sure is, well at least it's five days with you guys!" Said Naruto in excitement.
''Wonder who's gonna try and pick a fight with us while we're in there. I hope it's freaking Sasuke, you two kicked his ass before so I'm dying to get my turn.'' Genma said cracking his knuckles.
''Oh trust me, you'll get your turn bro.'' Naruto said.
Just then a voice called out to them, looking in the direction of the voice they spotted Mei and her team, Fu and Bina-chan from Takigakure and the team from Kumo.
''Oh, hey everyone.'' Naruto greeted.
''What's up Konoha Genin!?'' Bina-chan said with a shark-like grin.
''Holy crap, definitely not picking a fight with her in there.'' Thought Genma.
''You! I'm still going to bother you for bumping into me!" Exclaimed Fu as she walked over to Naruto and began poking his arm repeatedly much to his chagrin.
''Awe come on! Stop that!" Naruto said before turning to face his female teammate. ''Kurotsuchi help me!"
Kurotsuchi just shook her head at her best friend's pleads for help. ''Sorry, you never bump into a lady like that so you're gonna have to pay the price Naruto.''
Realizing that Fu won't be stopping her poking anytime soon Naruto just pouts before looking the other way much to the enjoyment of everyone else.
''Oh this is so going to be fun! I wonder how we're going to get the scroll we need? By the way what scrolls did you guys get? Come on! TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME!" Mabui exclaimed getting all in Kurotsuchi's face before Yugito placed her hand over the girl's mouth making her voice all muffled.
''Hehe, sorry about that everyone, Mabui is always so bubbly.'' Yugito said.
''Bubbly, bubbly and irritating at times.'' Samui said stoically.
''Ahem, attention all teams, the test will begin in ten minutes so please pick a gate.'' Anko's voice spoke out in a jutsu that made her sound like she was using a megaphone.
''Okay! We'll be seeing you in the forest everyone!'' Mabui then took off running amidst a dust cloud.
''Oh man, will she ever slow down?'' Yugito asked looking at Samui who only shrugs. The two Kumo blonde's then walk off after their teammate.
''You'd best pray I don't see you in there blondie.'' Fu said as she delivers one last good and hard poke to Naruto's arm.
''Hey!" The blonde said.
''See you around blondie, pink eyes and senbon mouth guy.'' Bina said with a wave before leaving with Fu.
''And I guess we'll be going too, see you guys in there, maybe.'' Mei said with a wink before turning to leave.
''Good luck you guys.'' Chojuro said with a smile.
''Yes, see you in there.'' Utakata said before he and Chojuro walk after Mei.
Now that they were left alone there was nothing left to do except for them to pick a gate to enter the forest through.
''Let's go with gate number eleven.'' Naruto said as they make their way towards it.
After making their way to the gate they begin to stretch and before they knew it, Anko's voice came up through the jutsu that amplified her voice.
''GO!"
Just as she said that all the gates open up and immediately every Genin team dashed straight through it except team eleven. The three of them casually walked through the open gate and with Naruto in the lead he pumps his fist up and the three of them had looks of excitement plastering their faces.
''Kurotsuchi, Genma, let's show these other teams that we like to get wet, wild and do dirty dirty things.'' Declared the blonde.
''And so our first hunting season begins.'' Kurotsuchi added with a smug grin.
''I almost feel bad for the other teams, keyword almost.'' Genma said before they leap into the tree tops.
Elsewhere we see three cloaked figures leap over the fence into the forest from another area. They all wore strawhats and had cloaks with red clouds on them. One of them appeared to have long, blonde hair that he wore into a half ponytail. His eyes appeared to be slanted and were blue. The most noticeable feature was his front bang was concealing what appeared to be a scope of sorts.
The other figure was another man that had an orange masked with spiky hair that framed his face.
Finally the third figure was a..man? A man who appeared to be very muscular and tall, about 6'3'', he had blue-grey skin and small, white round eyes and seemed to be carrying a sword wrapped in bandage on his back.
''Deidara, remember our first target is the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki. Kisame you go after the Rokubi Jinchuuriki. The black-haired man ordered.
''Alright, then what are you going to do Tobi?'' Questioned the blue-skinned man.
''I will be on standby if you need help. Try not to mess it up because you don't want to disappoint him.'' Said the masked-man as he disappears using some vortex like jutsu.
Nodding, the blue-skinned man leaped into the forest leaving the Deidara and Itachi alone.
''Well that mummified guy said he wanted to see if we are strong. Let's prove it to him.'' The blonde teen said before he continues to leap deeper into the forest. ''I hope you'll be happy to see me again Kurotsuchi, I'm looking forward to seeing you again.''
-Hokage's office, same time-
Mako Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma Sarutobi were seen sitting down before Hiruzen. The four of them were called suddenly alongside several other Jonin for an urgent meeting. Taking a puff from his pipe he then began to speak.
''You're all wondering why I called you here so urgently no?'' The old man asked.
''Yes, what have you called us for Lord Hokage?'' Mako asked.
Hiruzen then takes a few puffs from his pipe before he took a deep sigh and the Jonin in the room noticed her nervousness.
''Lord Hokage is something bothering you?'' Kakashi asked with concern in his voice.
Looking at the ground Hiruzen sighs once more before looking at the Jonin. ''Have any of you noticed anything unique this year?''
The Jonin in the room began to talk amongst themselves.
''Anyone know what he is talking about?'' A Jonin asked.
''No, do you?'' Another said.
''No, I don't.'' A third one said.
Mako, Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma were seen discussing what made this year's exam unique and couldn't figure out what it was and Kurenai would be the one to ask.
''Lord Hokage, what makes this year's exam unique?'' The red-eyed Jonin asked.
''I'm glad you asked.'' Hiruzen then put his hands together close to his mouth. ''This year, we have the Jinchuuriki's from Suna, Iwa, Kumo, Kiri, and the one from Taki as well as ours participating.''
The Jonin widened their eyes in surprise hearing this. Did this mean all the Jinchuuriki's were participating?!
''Wait, are you serious?!'' Asuma asked visibly shocked.
Hiruzen sighed before continuing. ''I am, and even with how unique this is there is one thing that is heavily concerning me because of said reason, there was a group that formed years ago in Ame. They're called the Akatsuki.''