-AN-

While I may have excited some of ya'll in the last chapter, we're gonna be dealing with the fallout of the wave mission and some much needed downtime for team 7 this chapter. Or maybe...

-Story Start-

Groaning and stretching as he stood alone in the middle of the training grounds, is was a content Naruto who was ready for a new day. While Kakashi-sensei had given them a few days of to relax and recuperate from their c turned a rank mission, Naruto of all of them was ready to buckle down even harder than before. So here he was, half of the head hunter's cleaver on his back and ready to experiment. Bracing himself and making an even 200 clones, Naruto raised a fist and grinned, "One half is for chakra control with water walking, one quarter is for shunshin practice, and the last quarter are for seal practice! Let's get to it!" Before he fully turned away the clearing was filled with cheers before the sounds of justu use followed. Sitting down under a tree while placing the still just as large as him sword down against the wood next to him, Naruto unsealed a jar of sealing ink and a brush. Removing his black jacket and getting to work on a scroll, be began to work on applying seals first to the paper, and then adhering the paper to his body. From frequent trips to the library and exhausting what scrolls he could borrow on seals, Naruto had learned about these latest ones that would help him with his physical training. Those were weight seals. Instead of dealing with bulky weights that eventually wouldn't be able to keep up, Naruto had decided that these would probably work better in the long run. Finishing and applying one to his chest, were he already could feel the added weight, he started on the next one. The seals were preset to apply a certain percentage of his body weight, which he could later adjust at any point with just a few brush strokes. Eventually with enough training he hoped to be able to strong enough to wave around this giant sword like a feather.

But one thing at a time, so they say.

Finishing up a total set of 6 more seals and linking them all together with a master on or off seal on his left wrist, 2 for each leg, and 1 on each forearm, he activated each before putting his supplies away. "Maybe I over did it?" Groaning and forcing himself to stand and eventually doing so, Naruto shook his head, "Won't get stronger if I don't push myself, let's get to it!" Starting off at a slow jog, his goal for the day was to hopefully get up to running speed somewhat close to normal. As usual, if Naruto had been paying attention, he would have considered that the complete set of 7 weight seals didn't total out to a percentage of his total weight, but each seal individually did so. Meaning at the moment, he was trying to run with about 3 times his normal weight.

Unnoticed by the sweating blonde was a girl who was doing her best to work up the courage to talk to him. She had heard that his team had returned to the village, and with some light teasing from her own sensei, she had come out early during their own rest day to try to see him. As usual she had found him training to the max. Lavender eyes gaining some determination as she thought of her potential rival and how she wouldn't have a problem talking to her crush, Hinata Hyuuga stepped out from behind the tree and made her way to a struggling Naruto. "G-g-goodmorning Naruto-kun!" She actually spoke out to him!

Looking over and seeing the quiet girl, Naruto had to puzzle out for a moment to remember who she was. He didn't speak to her much at the academy, but she was one of the few that was never really mean to him. What was her name again? "Oh, hey Hinata-chan! Come out to train early today? Sorry I'm taking up the training ground here, I can clear out if ya need." He was sure each team had their own training ground, but he could be wrong.

Shaking her head and gaining some confidence, Hinata strode forward, "No no, you're not in the way. Um, maybe I could join you?" Be bold, be bold, be bold.

"Sure! The more the merrier! I'm working on my physical fitness right now with weight seals, so I'll be a little slow, but you can join me or work with any of my clones, I've got a bunch!" Laughing at himself a bit he continued making laps of the field.

Deciding some jogging would be good to start with, she was quick to catch up with Naruto and ran with him on his left, though slightly behind him. The seals he had applied to himself looked complex and well done, and she was so focused on them she almost forgot that she was staring at Naruto's bare arms. Were his muscles always that defined? Blush forming on her face, she did her best to shake her thoughts away.

"You know, it's gonna get hot soon, you may want to lose that thick jacket. Don't wanna pass out early." Seeing it as the most logical thing, Naruto pointed out his own jacket, "You can stash it next to mine if you'd like."

Going scarlet at the thought of taking off her jacket while in front of Naruto, and was ready to deny it and tell him she was fine. Jade eyes crossed her mind. Would she have a problem? Of course not, she didn't need to wear a bulky jacket or hide herself away. Be bold. "S-s-s-sure thing. I'll catch up." Dashing away as they came up to Naruto's jacket and sword, Hinata gave his things a quick once over before, all at once making her decision, shucked her jacket and ran to rejoin the boy. Clad in a standard black kunoichi top with mesh lining, Hinata was back to running just behind the bright blonde boy. They ran together in silence for a while, one doing everything he could to focus on not letting the weight crush him, while the other was trying not to die of embarrassment. But, after long enough, the routine of training kicked in, and her blush began to ebb away. Focused on the boys back, she worked herself up to ask a question. "Naruto-kun, what happened to your eye?"

Slowing only slightly, Naruto thought of how to explain the change of the color to her. Officially Kakashi sensei said that he should tell everyone that because it was damaged due to potentially poison that it changed the color permanently. But it felt a little to fake. Then again, if he changed the story now Kakashi sensei would get seriously mad with him, never mind Jiji. "Well during our mission I was fighting this really tough opponent who used senbon. He got me pretty good once and it tore up my eye. Thankfully for some reason I've always healed fast, but now it's just purple. Nothing special about it." And that was true. Besides one of his eyes now being purple, there was nothing different about it.

"I'm glad to see you've recovered. Though that scar looks painful." Hinata was alluding to the long but thin scar that went from the corner of his left eye to nearly his temple. It didn't bug him at all, only occasionally itching, but that was it.

Slowing and motioning that he was getting on the ground, Naruto began a long series of push ups while Hinata absently dropped in front of him and did the same. "Well it doesn't hurt all, promise. Just a little itchy sometimes." Gulping down air and focusing on the ground, Naruto wasn't fully prepared when he looked up to make eye contact with the lavender eyed girl. Because while her cute face was watching him with an inquisitive look, the front of her shirt drooped quiet a bit. Blushing and forcefully staring directly into her eyes, Naruto swore to the kami he wasn't turning into his sensei.

Seeing her crush turn red, she had to note that he had a lot of weight on him if the amount of chakra flowing through those seals were an idea. And it was starting to warm up now that the sun was rising. Thinking for a while as she hadn't talked to him, ever, she was curious about what else he had gotten up to. It was pretty easy to talk to him once she got going. "How was it, you first mission outside?"

Diverting his eyes down and focusing intently on the dirt, unintentionally giving Hinata the idea that things weren't all that great(even if that was the truth), Naruto eventually started recounting the mission. From start to finish he talked about their grumpy old man client, the not so smart demon brothers, their first run in with Zabuza, and all the craziness that followed. His tale took long enough for both young ninja to move one from push-ups to sit-ups. Then from sit-ups to squats. Finishing his normal strength training and standing straight finally with a smile, Naruto wound down his story and pointed at his sword, "And then we've been back for a few days, I still haven't started really training with head hunter. But Kakashi said I have plenty of time, and at my level he said it's more of a one motion weapon anyway, so I should focus on simple movements first." Which he would, and eventually he would find a teacher.

Mesmerized by the determination and grit of the boy in front of her, Hinata internally had to hope that one day she could measure up to that same standard. "I think you've made a lot of progress, Naruto-kun." Pausing as she looked up at a now visibly higher sun she smiled, "I think you'll make your dreams come true, one day."

Happy that he had a friend who believed in him, Naruto hooked a thumb towards the tree where their stuff was, "Wanna spar for a bit before taking a break for lunch? I've never fought a Hyuuga before."

Nodding without a thought and waiting for the boy to get situated across from her, she eventually lowered into her family stance, "I'm ready."

Grinning, Naruto fired forward, seemingly no longer hindered by the extra weight, "Let's do this!" For the rest of the morning Naruto and Hinata sparred back and forth. Hinata showing flexibility and amazing skill in both evading Naruto's wild strikes and punishing his over extensions when she could. In turn while Naruto was slowed down somewhat, he still hit a lot harder than she was used to, but she was happy that someone was taking her seriously. Kiba had a tendency to pull his punches with her, and Shino wasn't the physical type at all. Both children happy and in the moment it was a carefree Naruto who eventually slipped up, not being able to back away from a strike from Hinata completely and taking a full force juken to the side for his error. "Yow! That smarts." Lifting his shirt and looking at the bruise forming, Hinata was to frazzled to continue herself.

While normally she would be blushing at Naruto's brazen abs display, she was more worried about the damage she may have done. She had moved completely on instinct and hadn't meant to strike with such force. But as Naruto just grinned and laughed, he shrugged and put down his shirt. "Are, you ok Naruto-kun?"

"Never better! Man, you're hits pack a punch! No wonder you're so good. I bet your team really appreciates you." Ever one to dish out compliments, Naruto was all smiles. Plus he was sure the fox was already healing the damage, more than likely he'd be fine in a few minutes.

While the huffing and puffing girl wasn't to sure about that, she did look around as there seemed to be a lot less clones on the training field with them. "Um, Naruto, what happened to your clones?"

"Ah." Looking around and then looking up, Naruto nodded, "It's lunch time. They usually disperse to warn me that it's time to eat. Guess I'm a little distracted." With a chuckle, Naruto was already turning to pick up his downed jacket and sword.

"I didn't mean to break your routine Naruto-kun." She hadn't meant to be a bother, she knew how important a routine could be to some people.

"No sweat, I had fun. We should train together again sometime, working up a sweat together is the best way to spend a morning!" Hearing a thump behind him, Naruto looked back at the passed out Hinata, steam billowing from her ears, "Wait, Hinata-chan! You okay! He-hey! Wake up!" Poor boy would learn to choose his words better in the future with someone who had such an active imagination.

-b-

Blushing but walking next to the grinning boy, Hinata was poking her fingers together as they walked to ichiraku's ramen stand. "I'm sorry for the trouble!"

Waving his hand with no concern, Naruto was all smiles, "It's no sweat, I pass out after a good workout lots of times. I wouldn't judge." Turning and holding the flap for the stand open, Naruto called out, "Hey there old man! Need a dozen bowls or pork ramen today! Tons of training to catch up on."

Looking up to see his favorite customer waltz in, his grin grew a few sizes seeing a blue haired and lavender eyed girl coming in along with him. And what was this, Naruto pulled out a seat for her? Oh ho! "Well well my boy, order coming up. And what about the little lady?"

Nearly overwhelmed by the smiling face above them, Hinata pointed at the sign behind him, "Um, miso would be nice please." Watching the man nod and turn away, there was a pretty girl who came out from the back room upon hearing Naruto was there.

"Hey there Ayame-nee chan. Any good news today?" Naruto as always, considered these two some of his most important people in this village. Now if only he had Iruka here, it'd be a nearly perfect lunch.

"Nope Naruto, nothing new so far. Though it's a sight to see you in here with such a cutie. Who's this?" Both teasing and curious, Ayame turned to the Hyuuga girl.

Rocking in his seat slightly Naruto nodded, "This is Hinata-chan! She's on a different team but she's a good friend of mine! We've been catching up this morning since we haven't really seen each other since the academy." Finally getting his first bowl of ramen, Naruto started to dig in.

Shaking her head at the boy's antics, Ayame nodded to the younger girl who had her jacket in her lap, "Well if Naruto says you're good people you're always welcome here." Looking the younger girl over however, a sly grin worked it's way on her face, "Plus, Naruto really needs someone level headed to watch out for him. Don't let all the training fool you, he's kind of an air head."

Ignoring the protests from the boy, Hinata nodded to the older woman with a smile on her face. This was nice, warm, much warmer than her family at home. Turning slightly as someone else threw open the barrier, it was a loud girlish voice that drew attention. "I knew I heard a loudmouth! What's up whiskers, you overdo it again?" Ino wasn't normally one for ramen, but she was one for following things that interested her. And currently, that was a ditzy blonde.

Throwing up a hand and greeting the jade eyed girl, Naruto was still in high spirits, "Ino-chan! You ditch the lazy trio?" While he and the Yamanaka hadn't hung out all that much, they had occasionally chatted about plants and their uses and meanings. Ino hadn't been prepared for a boy to know stuff like that, and it was what got her started watching the boy. And as she slid into the seat next to him and placed her own order, she had to silently beg forgiveness from Hinata, 'sorry, but you snooze you lose.' While it wasn't a done deal that she had a serious interest in him, she was curious, and that was enough right now.

"They're all laying out over on the hill near our training ground. Asuma said today should be a lazy day and I got bored. Figured I could track you down and watch you blow stuff up. What've you been doin?" Leaning forward to look past the boy, Ino gave a wave to the demure Hyuuga, "Hey there Hinata-san. Long time!"

Nodding to her, Hinata would always be polite, "Likewise Ino-san." Thinking over this development and not liking it, Hinata sat up a little straighter, "Naruto-kun and I have been training all morning."

Turning to the newest addition, Naruto nodded quickly, "Yeah we have, Hinata is super awesome and packs a mean punch." He missed the look that passed between the two girls.

"Does she? Maybe we'll have to spar too." Oh ho, maybe the timid girl was growing a spine after all. Well she had a long time to go before she could stand up to the gossip queen."

Hinata turned back to her own dish, silently ordering another, "I wouldn't mind a spar Ino-san. It could be, worthwhile." Ignoring what sitting up so straight was doing to her shirt, Hinata could not back down in the face of her enemy right now.

Relaxing into her own stool and and adjusting her hair over her shoulder, Ino nodded as her own veggie ramen came, "I'm sure it will be." Oh it was on Hyuuga.

Trying not to laugh at the scene unfolding before her, Ayame turned back to her father with a grin. While he was doing his best to focus on making food and dealing out orders, she could see the smirk on his face. Her little brother was so popular! Oh she couldn't wait to tease him about this later, when the two youngsters weren't around trying to stake their claim. Deciding to nudge the boat so to speak, Ayame leaned a new bowl in front of Naruto while taking away his small stack, "So Naruto, anything new going on with you besides training? How're your teammates doing?" Bring up Sakura, that always got a rise out of him.

Shrugging and waving his chopsticks about Naruto dimmed only a little, "Well Sasuke said he was going to train like crazy and make sure I didn't get ahead of him, not like he can beat me anyway. Ah, sorry Ino-chan." He only to late remembered her crush on the broody boy.

"Ah don't worry about it, that crush stuff was for the academy. We're ninja now, we gotta focus right?" She saw how being a fangirl wasn't working for Sakura, and no one would accuse Ino of not being able to learn from other's mistakes.

Mismatched purple and blue eyes locked on the girl, Naruto's opinion of her ticked up a few notches, "God I wish Sakura would get that message. She's always on about the stick in the mud. I mean, he's warmed up a bit since we've been on a team, but she's still the same old Sakura." Maybe before he had really focused on his own training he would probably be the same. But with all the hard work and progress he made, it was easy to see how far behind the pinkette was getting.

"Have you offered to train with Sakura-san?" It was Hinata who garnered his attention now, leaning forward just slightly more than proper while looking up at the male blonde, oh, score one for the quiet one, was that a blush on Naruto's face?

"A-ah I've tried, but she always blows me off, so I gave up a while ago. Says something about it'll affect her figure or whatever. I mean, we're ninja, as much as we work out and train, you gotta eat all you can, not like it's easy for us to put on the weight." Naruto was a testament to that. Ever since he had upped his training he was almost always hungry. Good thing mission pay was pretty decent and his apartment was dirt cheap.

Ino grimaced for only a moment, that cheap little hussy. So she had some boobs already, but that wasn't everything! "So do you like girls with a little weight on them then, Naruto-kun." Attempting a decent lowered tone, she was declaring war.

Naruto finished his last bowl with a satisfied smile, "I mean, everyone should be healthy. Starving yourself is no good." Point of the question flying way over his head, but it was enough for the girls on either side of him.

"Well Naruto-kun, since you're finished, would you like to continue training?" Hinata herself put down her last bowl. Only slightly behind the boy, she'd show her dedication in her own way. Take that stick girl.

Shaking his head, Naruto held up a scroll, "Actually I gotta run to the Hokage tower first, I forgot Jiji summoned me about something with the mission. Then I gotta hit the library. Mismatched eyes turning to the Hyuuga, his bright smile had the girl swooning, "But we can train tomorrow. I still have another couple of free days." Seeing the girl nod in return, Naruto did the polite thing and turned to Ino, "I know you'll probably be with your own team, but you're welcome to join us too Ino-chan."

"Oh you never know, it could be fun. I'll let ya know later." Waving as the boy paid for his meal, and leaving enough to cover Hinata's and her's, he was out the door and down the street before both girls turned on each other. "Listen up princess, just cause you've liked him for a long time doesn't mean no one else can show interest. You've had plenty of time to make a move."

"Says the hussy that jumps from newest fad to newest fad. I'm actually interested in Naruto-kun, what about you?" Eyes hard, things were escalating a little to quickly.

"Ohkay time out!" Ayame clapped her hands, seeing a reason to intervene now that the clueless boy was gone. Seeing both girls looking up to her with questioning looks, the sudo elder sister grinned. "You both know Naruto wouldn't approve of you fighting like this. So let's set some ground rules." Seeing as both girls were paying attention, knowing that if big sis Ayame said something Naruto would listen, and that also would be true if she decided to tank their chances. "Use your minds, not your fists, I know ninja are a more physical bunch, but Naruto doesn't have a lot of people he calls friends, and seeing two friends fighting would crush him. Two, no tricks, at least on Naruto. Three, this is neutral ground, if you're all here, you're here as friends. Got it?"

Sitting and thinking about it for a moment, the more diplomatic Hyuuga had no problem agreeing, "That's fair, Ayame-san." She'd spar with her father for a week straight before giving up to Ino.

"Big sis makes the rules." Ino could play the game however, and knew it better than the wallflower. This was going to be easy peasy.

Smiling and nodding, Ayame motioned to the door, "Then off you go. Unless you'd like to order more without Naruto here?" Seeing both girls eye each other before shaking their heads and leaving, Teuchi leaned over to his daughter,

"Why is every ninja that comes through here so crazy."

Shrugging Ayame started collecting empty bowls, "I think that's just ninja dad, I think they're all a little cracked.

Down the road and making great time to the tower, Naruto was in high spirits. He got to have lunch with probably his two best friends outside of his team, Ayame seemed to like them, and they agreed to train with him. What more could today ask for? Bounding into the building and slowing only moderately at the stairs, the Uzumaki was before the Hokage's secretary after only a few moments. "Naruto Uzumaki, answering the Hokage's summons!"

Shuffling some papers around before shooting the boy a bored look, the chunin guard nodded before waving him through, "Go on, he was expecting you a while ago." Missing the boy chuckle and bow as he walked away, the wondered if he could finally take lunch.

Inside the office, closing the door behind him, Naruto was met with his Jiji leaning back into his chair, pipe in hand. With a groan and a weary smile, the Hokage made eye contact with Naruto, "It's good to see you my boy. Took you long enough to stop by." Feeling bad that he hadn't been able to check up on the boy. He could at least give him some good news today.

"Sorry Jiji, woke up and started training right away. OH, Hinata-chan joined me today, and we had lunch too! Oh oh, and Ino-chan stopped by as well. And-"

Chuckling and cutting the boy off, Sarutobi could always appreciate Naruto's energy, "I'm sorry Naruto, as much as I would love for you to tell me all about your day, you are a bit late, and I have something to give you before continuing other duties." He was not looking forward to another council meeting. Did they really need his input in order to change a street name?

Scratching his neck, Naruto nodded, "Sorry Jiji, so what's up?"

Reaching into his desk the elder ninja pulled out a scroll and leaned forward to hand it to Naruto, who took it slowly and waited for an explanation. "We forgot about it during your debriefing of your mission. But because you were the one to solely take down the demon brothers, their bounty also goes to you. So that's your extra payment. Be responsible with it." Sarutobi had watched the boy long enough to know he'd just buy more ramen with it at most. Boy saved quiet a lot of money that way.

Already thinking of hitting the weapon's shop. He needed scrolls and sealing ink. "Thanks a lot Jiji, this'll help out a ton." Standing a little straighter, Naruto gave his Hokage a laid back thumbs up.

Nodding and waving the boy away with a smile, Sarutobi starting piling together his paperwork, "Go on now, and take care of yourself." Watching the boy turn and run off, he wondered briefly if he could get some time with his favorite book.

Naruto however was already down the stairs and making a break for the outside world. Lunch with his friends and now extra pay, today was just about perfect! And he knew just what he needed to finish out such a great day. The weapon's shop owner Higurashi-san had been talking about some explosive liquid the other day. Nitric, nitrous, well nitro-something or other. And he just had to get some of it to play with. It was time to get back to his other favorite thing in the whole world.

-b-

Several days and a much poorer Naruto later, all of the genin members of team 7 were looking at their sensei with disgruntled looks. Though it was Sasuke who spoke up first, "You wanna run that by us again?"

Naruto wiggled a finger in his ear, "Yeah I'm pretty sure I had something crazy in my ear just now."

Cheeky brats. Kakashi was just showing them how proud he was of them. By signing them up for the next chunin exams. "I think the chunin exams will be good for you. And plus, they're here in the village so you'll have the home field advantage, which is a big plus. Less likely for anything to happen to you." Sure, they hadn't graduated all that long enough, but they had already been through a lot. They had talent. And if they happened to actually make it further than say, Kurenai's team or Asuma's team, he'd win a pretty decent wager too. He wouldn't even consider his team not making it further than the other sensei's teams, because giving up his book was blasphemy.

"I mean, do you think we're ready?" Sakura was trying to be a voice of reason here, thinking of possibly her own shortcomings for once.

Shrugging it was Sasuke who spoke up, "I mean, it would be good experience. It's not like we're expected to make chunin as rookies anyway." We could see what we have to look forward to.

Naruto agreed and said as much, "Plus we could show off and you never know, wouldn't it be super cool if we did make chunin first try?" Ever the optimist, Naruto was all for full steam ahead.

Passing the kids their information sheets, he nodded to them before getting ready to go, Well there are your forms. Fill them out and meet at the designated location in two days. And don't get into any trouble." Looking pointedly at Naruto, the jounin left in a swirl of leaves.

Looking at each other, the three got comfortable in their training ground, now willing to take it seriously now that their teacher had left. It was Naruto who held up a finger first, "So do we really wanna do this?"

Sasuke nodded, "I do, it'd be a good test of our skills to see how far we've come." And personally, to see how much further he had to go before reaching his older brother.

Sakura made a show of sighing heavily before nodding, "It'd be good for learn something new, plus, we do things as a team, so if you both wanna do it, then I'm in." She was trying to warm up to the blonde and not treat him as she had before. It was easier now that he wasn't asking her out all the time.

Naruto nodded, "So what do you think, going into an unexpected situation, should we be worried about anything?"

Sakura shrugged, "We have our pass-codes in case someone tries to take our place or we get separated. Maybe spying options? If we're fighting against other teams, it'd be good to have some idea of how to spy on others and relay information." Book smart she was, that knowledge could be applied when she was focused.

Shrugging Naruto made several clones, "I mean, I kinda have that covered?"

Sasuke saw where the mistake was however, "Remember the bridge? Unless you've already made them, you might be at a disadvantage." Remembering the blood on his face, that missing eye, no. They were alive and here now, that was what mattered.

Sakura tapped a clone, "Couldn't you transform a few? Turn them into pieces of your clothes, or maybe something small so it wouldn't be noticed moving around? Like a bug? Sure you wouldn't get past an Aburame, but plenty of others would be fooled."

Thinking about it, Naruto looked at all of this clones, about a dozen or so, before trying to plan it out. "How about 6 of your transform into beetles, while 3 can transform into fake kunai and 3 are fake shuriken?" Watching the clones nod and do as they were told. With puffs of smoke the requested items and insects were on the ground before them all. All of the bugs quickly disappeared into his jacket, while he pocketed the kunai and shuriken into a special pocket. "Funny, like this because they're so much smaller they should probably last much much longer. I'll experiment with it today and tomorrow to get an idea for how long they can last this way. Thanks Sakura, I never would have thought of using my clones this way."

Nodding Sakura had a superior smirk on her face, "And that's why I'm the smart one and you're the explosion nut."

Sasuke shrugged, "Anything else we should maybe worry about?"

Sakura giggled, "Being vastly outnumbered?"

"I'd have to be dead Sakura-chan."

"Being vastly overpowered?" It was Sasuke with the thoughtful question.

Naruto almost immediately wanted to boast that that wouldn't happen. But he too remembered Zabuza and Haku. "I could use my clones to force some distance, help us regroup and decide to either fight or retreat."

Sakura nodded, "I wish I had the chakra to reliably use the shunshin like you. It'd help."

Sasuke stood up for her, "I can't use it well either right now. So we'll have to rely on Naruto for distraction. It's what he's best at after all."

"I wanna be offended, but I can't be."

Spending another half an hour thinking about possible scenarios and plans. The three chunin hopefuls all stood at the sound of Naruto's stomach grumbling.

"Are you ever not hungry?" Sakura was looking sidelong at the boy. Sasuke stuck between them as per their new norm.

"I train tons, of course I'm always hungry." That reminded him, he'd have to take the training seals off during the exam. Wouldn't do to be slowed down. Joking and laughing as they made it back to the village proper, it was a distracted Konohamaru that slammed into their pink teammate.

"Hey, watch where you're going!"

"Ugh, why don't you watch it! With a forehead that big it's amazing you don't fall over on your face!" Giving the girl the stink eye, both of his friends and Naruto were trying to warn him.

"What was that?" The low tone and growl were all Naruto needed to know.

"You better run Konohamaru!"

Seeing the girl getting angry, the grandson of the Hokage did just that, turning tail and running as fast as his legs could carry him. Sakura was hot on his heels.

"You know, should we be worried she can't keep up with an academy student?" Naruto was leaning over to Sasuke as they followed much slower and much further back.

"Depressed is a better word." Sighing at the skill of their third teammate, the reforming broodster wasn't sure how to help her get over her habits.

"You know, if you told her you liked girls who could fight, she'd probably start training more than me." Naruto had his hands behind his head, more comfortable than usual on the topic of the girl he used to like.

"Huh, finally over that crush?"

"Yeah I guess so. Seems to dumb now, chasing after someone who barely knows you exist."

"Ow! Hey, watch where you're going brat! How about a put you in your place." Not recognizing the voice, Sasuke and Naruto both blurred ahead, Naruto taking to the roof and scattering clones and Sasuke stayed low and angled into the alley the kids had tried to hide in. Coming up and stopping in front of Sakura, Sasuke sized up the newcomer. Clad in a black bodysuit and purple face-paint, the teenager was holding Konohamaru by the front of his shirt. Behind him and obscured slightly by a wrapped bundle on his back was a blonde girl with her hair up in four pigtails, wearing a black battle dress and fishnet stockings. A large war fan was on her back along with a deep frown.

"Leave him alone Kankuro, we're not here to bully kids."

"Kid needs to learn some manners, why don't I break a finger or two and then we can go Temari." A sadistic grin on the teens face, Sasuke frown but noticed movement along the rooftop.

"You might want to let the Hokage's grandson go, before something bad happens to you." Sasuke was now completely relaxed, waiting for the fun.

"Like I give a damn, kid shouldn't have run into me."

Within a breath, many things changed at once. Konohamaru was forcibly used as a kawarimi focus. Replaced by a much larger and grinning black and orange clad blonde who immediately hugged the face painted teen,"Ever meet an exploding clone?" While the clone itself couldn't explode, he was certainly covered in enough exploding tags to make up for it.

"Kankuro! Wait we-" Temari didn't get to finish her sentence, a very sharp blade held to her neck. When did he get behind her?

"Threatening such an important person just days before the chunin exams. That's plucky." Naruto's tone was cold and for one reason. No one was going to threaten his friends, especially not the kids.

Finding themselves in a standoff, a third voice came from the tree, "I'm sorry for my siblings, please release them, I'll have them disciplined when we return to our hotel. We're here for the chunin exams." The last of the three man sand team, Sabaku no Gaara had his arms cross while his ever present sand gourd was vibrating slightly.

Sakura stepped forward now, signaling to Naruto that they had Konohamaru, "Please remember, you're guests here. Please don't make trouble." Watching the glacial blonde remove his sword from Temari's neck before jumping away, the grinning clone poofed himself out of existence. Kankuro released his breath that he had been holding. Before puffing himself up to give them all a piece of his mind.

"Kankura enough. Or I'll kill you." That froze the older boy in his place.

More than a little unnerved about the dynamic between the three teammates, Sasuke stepped forward, "You, red head, what's your name?"

"Sabaku no Gaara. And yours? The blonde too."

"Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki. We'll be waiting for you in the exams."

A cold grin on his face, Gaara nodded, "You better be. I'm looking forward to having worthy opponents." All three siblings left in a swirl of sand after that. Turning to each other after Naruto rejoined them from the high ground, they all had to wonder.

Just what kind of monsters were they going to meet during this exam?

-AN

And cut! The chunin exams are here! A cat fight is looming, team seven that has some healthy banter with each other, and what was that about Naruto spending his bounty pay on supplies?