Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC and only my OC. (sighs)
Author's Note: Sorry for my absence but I do would like to Thank all those that still reviewed and favorite this story. Gonna try to make this as long as possible cause I might be absent again but I will try to make this story as epic on screen as I make it to be in my head. Thanks once again to faithful readers and reviewers, your comments make my day. Enjoy!
'Thinking'
"Talking"
Exams and Results
The day of the so-called exams has arrived and the boys couldn't be more excited but I find it BORING. One by one, each student is taken out of the room for some time and comes back with either a smile or worried expression.
While this is happening, I think back on our little group. All that came to mind was training and that is all we did: train. Separately of course and hardly saw each other out of the classroom. We make due during classes and recess but after the bell rings, it's every man for his self.
Naruto and I still trained together, very intensely. One day, I suggested we skip class all day so I can show him a place and train there. At first he was reluctant, but after much bribing, he caved.
At exactly 8am, Naruto knocks and I'm already at the door with a couple bottles of water and we took off ASAP. Naruto followed, as he didn't know where I am going, until we reached the outskirts of the fence of the training area known as the Forrest of Death. Surveying the fences, I waited until the coast is clear before running to the fence and jumping right over it. Signaling for Naruto to do the same, I took off, not waiting and hidden myself about 100 yards from where he is. Watching and waiting, I hid high up in the foliage, with a kunai ready in hand and breathing steadily, hearing for the footfalls of Naruto.
Nothing, I hear nothing
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Naruto hid in the higher branch above Roxanne, with her back to him and a couple shurikans in hand and took a deep breath. As fast as he can, Naruto threw each one to Roxanne's back but not fast enough as she turn at the last second and deflected each shurikans with her kunai. A smirk later, each opponent became a blur of black and blue bouncing off branch after branch from the trees around them. Clings and clangs of their knives sounded in the forest with no one to hear but the creatures that reside there.
Flipping backwards off the branch, Roxanne landed steadily on 2 feet and began the hand signs for the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu. 50 clones popped up and got into a stance around her.
Naruto, however was ready, did his own hand signs and more than 50 clones popped out in the trees above him. This shocked and surprised Roxanne as she didn't have any knowledge of Naruto having known the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu. With a yell, all the Narutos jumped for all the Roxannes and the clashed of it all was epic.
The real Roxanne stood watching in amazement down on the ground floor and as the real Naruto came to attack her, Roxanne grabbed both of his hands and continued to watch.
"Wha" Roxanne shushed him and continued to watch. Naruto, unsure of what's happening, also looked up and gaped at what he saw.
All 100 clones were evenly matched with their opponent, evenly matched in hit, kicks and slashes. Grunts and yells; jumps and twist. Every clone had an opponent and the sight of it just floored the originals at the skill levels of each clone on both sides.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Roxanne's POV /
Watching in silence as I didn't have any words in me to say at the scene above us, what does one say about the sight we are witnessing now? Sneaking a peek at Naruto, I'm guessing he is at a loss for words as I am and continued to watch the fight of a life time.
"Naruto (he looked at me) how do you know the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu?" He shrugs
"I watched you" Eye brows rose up and so he continued "I've seen you do it a few times and so watched carefully when you did and copied"
"But, I only did it a couple times, how can you copy something that has only happen a couple times, Naruto?" Staring at Naruto as he stared back with a straight face
"I only need to see it a couple times to get it" Wow, and I mean wow. I didn't say anything except to watch as each clone of mine and each clone of his started to diminish down to the single digits. I shrugged and pushed Naruto away, hard but not hard enough for he still kept his footing.
"Ok" was all that needed to be said before taking out 2 kunai's and attacked Naruto. Taking 2 out himself; we began our little dance off with slashes at each other along with kicks and punches. High kicks, low kicks, upper cuts and downward punches had the blood pumping. Each block or dodge is met with quick counter measures of chakra induced hits and each of us just kept right on smiling with glee. High up in the trees, under branches, low to the ground, across the streams and rivers we went and didn't stop. Except when we felt the security guards coming our ways and so ran up the tallest tree there is and with chakra powered jumps, we leaped high in the sky and got camouflaged by the sun.
After our much easy escape, we took off for a different training area, one that is hardly used and began again without so much as a break or signal. Either noticed.
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Snapping out of her musing, Roxanne looked around and noticed that Naruto wasn't next to her, so she nudges Kiba and signaled with her head towards the empty seat.
"Oh, he just went in" and laid his head back down.
Crossing her arms, Roxanne waited.
And waited.
And waited.
And when 20 minutes came and went, so did Naruto.
When he did finally showed up back to the classroom, Roxanne was anxious because the time that it took for Naruto to start and finish was long. The majority of the class didn't take that long and it might mean a good thing but the look on Naruto had Roxanne stumped. He looked confused and irritated, at first but when he looked up and saw Roxanne, he smiled. A plastic smile and Roxanne knows how that looks but did not question Naruto, just patted him on the back and waited for her turn.
The class usually gets off after 3 and the time said 2:45 pm and still, Roxanne waited. When the last student before Roxanne went, she got herself ready. As both the student and Iruka came back into class, Iruka held up his hand for attention.
"Ok class: since almost everyone is done and it's almost 3, you can all be dismissed. Tomorrow will be the ceremony. Roxanne, you are up" The boys stilled for a second and looked at Roxanne as she quietly walks down the steps and stood next to Iruka. As he led her out, Roxanne turned back and saluted with a thumbs up. The boys smiled and left.
Walking down the hall to an unused classroom that is forbidden to enter for any student, Iruka stopped right beside the door and looked at Roxanne.
"Good luck" he said as he turned the knob and allowed her to enter, closing the door as she did.
Blackness, total and utter blackness but that is no fret for Roxanne as she trained early on in life to see in the dark. Crouching down low, wrapping her tail around her waist; Roxanne slip out her kunai and searched her surroundings for any movement while she lowered her signature. Corner to corner she looked, up high to the ceiling and low to the floor. Only one lone light shown and it's from the light from the hallway underneath the door, right underneath her feet. Quickly as possible, Roxanne leaped soundlessly into the air and with chakra lined footing, she stuck to the ceiling, in the more darken area of the ceiling.
She sensed it before it clicked into mind, a kick to her face but she blocked it off and kick the shit out of her opponent, who slipped and fell to the floor. Quickly, Roxanne moved from her spot to another spot on the floor and waited. Not long after a groan could be heard did she sense 2 others aiming for her. A kunai to the side and shurikans to the head; Roxanne puffed away and mumbling could be heard 'Damn, substitute jutsu'. If one could see in the dark, they would have seen a smirk on Roxanne's face as she gave an uppercut and elbow combination to the one who mumbled along with a spin kick to the gut. A thud and Roxanne is once again hidden. But not for long, as she jumper high and quiet only to land on the back of the one she just knocked back. A loud thud and 'oof' and another loud thunk, that opponent is out for the count. That left 2 more, the one she kicked earlier and another one who hasn't attacked yet. Roxanne smiled and walked to the middle of the large room, which she had no idea was so big until she stepped foot in.
Standing in the open, Roxanne didn't have to wait long, the 2 opponents attacked first hand with weapons and Roxanne felt giddy about it because she stashed her knife and is going bare knuckles. Dodging down, leaping up and leaning far backwards, Roxanne dodged every single blow to any part of her body and as she was starting to get smug, a hit landed.
Right. Near. Her. Tail.
With a growl that had the opponents stopped for a second, a second to long, Roxanne unleashed her fury. Chakra powered fist and kicks, punching, kicking, uppercuts, and spin kicks. Each hit vibrated through their bodies and they could see stars flashing in their eyes. A thrust kick to one had them flying to the opposite wall with a crash and indent of their bodies. Out cold. The last one, Roxanne hit a few times before grabbing him in a choke hold and lifting him up, only to slam him down hard with a choke slam. Quickly, Roxanne slip out her kunai, swirled it and is about to cut the guy a new one when the light flashed on.
"Enough!" Came a shout and Roxanne stopped, one inch from gutting the guy, the same guy who hit her. Crouched over the guy, Roxanne bared her fangs at him with a loud growl and he squeaked very unmanly before squirming away. Scoffing, Roxanne stood up and put her knife away, looking at the one who yelled out for her to stop. A group of 4 stood next to a set of double doors and they started back.
One of them is Iruka and he looked a bit shaken.
The other is the Hokage and he had a small smirk on his features, which Roxanne returns.
The last 2 she did not know: an elderly woman and man.
Crossing her arms, Roxanne waited for instruction, as this was still an exam and she had no say, yet.
"Come" said the elderly woman as she and the man turn and walked out. Iruka and Hokage followed behind. Lastly, Roxanne looked around her at the opponents and with a smile, she followed.
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Following the group down the hall, we went through another door but this one had a long table at the end and that is where the 4 went and sat. Not sure on my place, I walked to the middle of the room and waited.
"OK, before we begin this evaluation, do you have any questions?"
"Yeah, why was I given a Jonin exam instead of a Genin exam?" Crossing my arms, I stared at the elders but saw no other expression besides the serious one they have.
"How do you know it wasn't a Genin exam?" I scoffed and unwrapped my tail.
"Oh, come off it. A basic Genin exam is on the knowledge of the basic techniques of jutsu's such as Cloning, Chakra control, Substitution, and the like. What I went through was a Jonin exams cause only with that exam does the examinee fight in complete darkness. Now try again and don't lie, I can tell if you did" The elders are taken back with my answer and they all looked at one another, whispering. Shaking my head, I looked around the room and saw a cooler. Walked over and filled a cup with water. Stepping back to my spot, I drank and waited. The old lady cleared her throat:
"Based on the report that Iruka did, we wanted to test a theory and it exceeded our expectations. The result will be decided today and tomorrow you'll know the results. You did well, Miss Roxanne" And that sounded like a dismissal but I stayed put.
"Is there anything else you need?" the old man asked
"Did Naruto Uzamaki pass?"
"I don't know how that is any concern" but I cut off the old lady's answer.
"Did Naruto Pass? And it's MY concern because I've taken upon myself to be responsible for him since the day I first met him. Now tell me: did Naruto pass?" The looks they all shared told me immediately that he didn't, not with the way Iruka looked.
"How the FUCK can he NOT pass? I taught him well and you'll know with Iruka's report that Naruto has improved greatly in the last month thanks to me" They all turned to Iruka.
"Yes, what Roxanne says is true. Naruto has improved significantly in the last month and I agree with Roxanne. Naruto should pass as he did meet the requirement that is needed for a Genin" The elders looked at one another and whispered as the Hokage sat there not interacting with the rest but looking at me with his scrutinizing eyes. We stared at each other and I had a distinct feeling he is trying to tell me something but not enough time, as the elders once again got my attention.
"Yes, well, with this new information, we will discuss it at an appropriate time" And again that sounded like a dismissal but I stayed put again.
"One thing before I go: I rather be a Genin, Like Naruto, then be skipped straight to Jonin like I haven't earned it"
"But you did earn it"
"Or so YOU think. See, I rather go through the stages that of a Shinobi like everyone else and not be given special treatment just because I showed some great fighting skills. I do, however thank you for giving me the chance at a Jonin Exam and Thank you for considering me for such a part but I like to start from the bottom and make my way to the top" I bowed for respect and turned around to make my way out but stopped just by the door.
"Oh, yeah and a little warning: If I find out that Naruto didn't pass and I did, I'll throw the headband back in your face and leave with Naruto" Hand on the knob and about to turn when a hand slammed on the table and the old lady yelled.
"You dare to threaten us?" I turned back with a smirk.
"I said a warning, not a threat and yes, If Naruto does NOT pass, we'll leave" Crossing my arms to show I am serious.
"And go where, nobody would want a nobody girl and a thing like that" My eye twitch when she said that and by the look on everyone's faces, she wasn't suppose to say that.
"A thing? A THING?! What the fuck is wrong with this village and Naruto? You all treat him like he's an outsider BUT I know for a fact he was born right here in this village. Well that ends Now. Pass him or we leave and I know there is one village that will be more than happy to accept us"
"Oh really, and which village is that?" the lady is really getting on my nerves with that smug smirk aiming at me but what I'm about to say will wipe it right off.
"You see lady, like much of you sitting there; I too have friends in High places. And if asked, he'll be more than happy to accept us in his academy in the Sand Village because the Kazekage owes me Big. Plus he'll do it to spite this village, which will be an added bonus, for him" And I was right, the smirk is wiped clean off and all of them sitting at the table is looking at me like I just said that I piss out diamonds.
"You would take Naruto to the Sand Village?" Iruka asked and I nodded. "But why?" why not?
"Because Naruto deserves to be treated fairly like everyone else, because Naruto deserves to be a Genin when he worked so hard for this exam, and because he's my Best Friend and I rather see him accomplish any dream he has by passing this obstacle, either in this village or the next" Saying this with a straight face showed that I'm being serious. Naruto deserves this like anybody else and I'll be damned if these elders get in the way of that. They all looked at each other, except the Hokage as he looked at me with a small twinkle in his eyes and a small unnoticeable smile. I knew then that what I said, he agrees whole heartedly.
A whole minute later, the old man and woman looked my way and nodded. I left with a smile.
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As I walked home, I thought about how if we all pass, who'll get stuck with whom. Once a Genin beginner, you'll be put in a 4 man cell (group): a Jonin as leader and 3 Genins. Which will be on Monday (results are on Friday, ei Tomorrow) which will give the new passing Genin 2 days to celebrate and rest up. Celebrate (scoffs) a bunch of kids won't know how to celebrate, except to eat at a nice restaurant, stay up late and sleep in the next day. With their family but what I'm gonna do with Naruto is get a 6 pack and chill out at home since we don't have family to celebrate with.
As I climbed the stairs of the apartment building, I suddenly felt tired, like the day has finally caught up to me and very slowly, I walked up the steps. Getting to my floor really tired me out and usually this does not happen but then again if you went through an emotional and physical thing like I did then you'd be tired too. Turning to the hallway, I see that the boys are waiting for me and were about to question me but I held up my hand to silence them. Confusion on their features as I unlocked my door and walked through without a backward glance, not bothering with removing my shoes, I went to my bedroom where I fell on the bed and got comfortable. Hearing the boys come in and stood on either side of my bed, they whispered among themselves.
"So Roxanne, you tired?" No, just thought it was a great idea at the time, ha.
"hmm-mmm" was the answer I'd given instead.
"Well, ok then. We're gonna go then" and before Naruto could turn around, I grabbed ahold of his wrist and hauled him into bed with me, wrapping my arms around his waist so he can't get away.
"Nah, stay here, you're too comfy to go" Feeling the warmth from Naruto face from embarrassment just made me warm up and sleepy.
"Um ok" was what I got from Sasuke but like Naruto, I grabbed his wrist before he turned around to go and hauled him in the bed behind me. Trapping his hand around my waist and letting him sort of spoon me, I sighed.
"Nah, you are too warm to be going anywhere too, Sasuke, so stay put and we'll all have a nice nap" Was the last thing I said before sleep claimed me and with a smile on my face.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 3rd person's POV /
As the sun is about to set and its rays of orange and red shown into Roxanne's apartment window, found 3 sleeping Shinobi's curled up around each other. Sasuke, on the left, with Roxanne asleep on his chest and an arm around her, whereas Naruto is on the right, spooned behind Roxanne with his arm around her waist. All legs tangled together and the only sounds are the breathing of each individual. If someone were to find them like this, it would have caused a ruckus if that person was a fan girl of Sasuke and wondered where he was.
But, as fate would have it nobody showed up to wake them from their pleasant sleep and only when the rays of orange peaked through the window to shine on Naruto's head did he wake. Eyes opening to a head of black spikes, Naruto smiled and tighten his hold on Roxanne. Yawning as quietly as he could, Naruto lifted his head up a bit and looked around the almost darken room. Smacking his dry lips, Naruto slowly slipped his arm from Roxanne and turned to sit up. Stretching and rubbing his eyes, Naruto sighed before turning back around to see the 2 still sleeping. Smiling, he rubbed Roxanne's back before getting up and going to the kitchen.
As Naruto left, Sasuke started waking up also and to a head full of hair; he smiled and tighten his hold on Roxanne before slowly sliding her off his chest. Roxanne grunted and grabbed onto the pillow to use instead. Sasuke smiled and moved a strand hair from Roxanne's face. Getting up and stretching; Sasuke yawn and heading out too. Waving to Naruto, Sasuke made his way to the bathroom to unload his bladder and wash his face to get rid of any lingering sleep. Naruto, already having done that, rummaged through the fridge and cabinets to see what he can start with for dinner.
Sasuke then came into the kitchen and helped Naruto look through.
"How tired you think she got from the exams? I didn't think they were that hard, you think?"
"No. the exams were cake and more but what if they purposely made it harder just for her?"
"What do you mean, Naruto?"
"Well you know that time she did a demonstration" Sasuke nodded "What if word got back to the other teachers and the Hokage? What if they wanted to see how strong she really is?" Sasuke leaned against the counter while Naruto tossed a frozen meat in the microwave to defrost.
"Are you saying that Roxanne might be stronger then all of us, even though we are the same age?" Sasuke whispered.
"All I'm saying is that maybe the older people at the academy wanted to see for themselves. That's all I'm saying. Now cut up some veggies and I'll get the pan and pots ready" And that was the end of that discussion but unbeknownst to them, Roxanne hear their entire conversation, even the hushed tones but kept her breathing leveled and eyes closed.
'Well they ain't wrong' thought Roxanne as she turned around and fell back asleep.
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Sometime later, the aroma of food got the rumblings started from Roxanne's stomach and she laughed lightly at that. Stretching out and yawning, Roxanne threw the blanket off her and jumped out of bed. Doing a light exercise to get the sleepiness out, Roxanne then rubbed her eyes and walked out of the room to see the finish touches and dance moves of Sasuke and Naruto. Standing there, she watched as the twirls and sidesteps of both of them just made her smile and leaned against the wall of her bedroom. Naruto scoped up some meat onto a plate and passed the plate to Sasuke who added some veggies to the mix. The same went for 2 more plates and they set them on the table, along with a pitcher of juice and a bowl of steaming hot rice. Some salt and pepper shakers, soy sauce and plum sauce came next and lastly the napkins. Just as they were finished, Roxanne surprised them with applaud and had them snapping their neck at the source.
"Once again, a brilliant show boys and dinner smell great. Just gonna get freshen up and we'll eat" not waiting for a response, Roxanne did what she said she'll do.
"Did you sense her or see her?" Sasuke whispered and Naruto shook his head in negativity.
"That's because you both were too into what you were doing and not paying attention to your surroundings like a good Shinobi would" Leaning against the door of the bathroom, Roxanne dried off her hands and smirked at the boys.
"She got a point there" Naruto said and Sasuke grunted a response. Tossing the towel to the sink, Roxanne walked over to the table and sat down.
"Let's eat boys" Picking up her spoon and dung in the rice to scoop a good portion onto her plate. The boys did the same and they all started eating, humming here and there. Silence ensued except for the sounds of utensils and munching. Soon, the other 2 noticed that Naruto is staring off into space and moving his food around his plate.
"Naruto, you ok?" Roxanne asked in concern and Naruto snapped out of it for a moment before hanging his head down, along with his hand on his lap. This got the rest putting down their forks and spoons on their plates and looked at Naruto.
"Do you think I passed?" and that is a question that Roxanne wanted to yell about but it will send the wrong message, so instead she gave a warm smile.
"I guarantee it, Naruto" 'Cause if they don't, we'll get the hell outta dodge and never look back' thought Roxanne.
"Yeah, Naruto, even I noticed that you have improved greatly and that's coming from me" Sasuke gave a small smile and Naruto looked up at their faces and that made his confidence go up a little.
"You think so?"
"I know so Naruto" and with that Naruto smiled and they all began eating again, with a light hearted atmosphere.
When the boys left after a game of cards, I sat at my table, waiting. Waiting for the upstairs to finish his nightly routine and for the building to quiet down; Cause what I'm about to do will need absolute stealth on my part.
Silence now.
Opening my window, I looked up to Naruto's window and saw that the lights are off. As I listen closer, I could hear light snoring and that gave me the confirmation I needed to jump out of the window.
'When/If we pass tomorrow, then what I'm about to do will surely be worth it' I thought with an evil smirk as I quietly jumped the roof tops.
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Early the next morning had the class room a buzzing with suppressed excitement on who pass the exams. Most are anxious and sitting at the edge of their seat, whereas others are very bored and/or sleeping. I happen to be one of those but the guys next to me, Kiba and Naruto, are shaking their legs and wrangling their hands together and usually this irritates me but today I shrugged it off. It is a special day anyways and I don't really feel like smacking them a new one just for that.
The waiting and excitement started to wither down to a light atmosphere when the clock hit 11 am and some of the class is snoozing. Leaning back in my seat, with my eyes closed, I kept an ear out for any footsteps coming from the hall that would signal the announcement of Iruka and some other body to enter the classroom for the results. At first I hear nothing, but then the soft padding of feet came and it got louder as they got closer. I nudged Naruto and Kiba awake and inclined my head to the door just as it open up. Students got other students up with a nudge, even Shika woke up when Choji shook him and everyone was at attention.
Iruka and a Jonin came in with a long wheeled cart covered by a white sheet. When the cart came to the middle of the front, right near Iruka's desk, did the Jonin stood behind it and Iruka stood in front.
"Good Morning class, sorry for the delay but we shall begin immediately on the results and passing of students who did well in the eyes of the instructors. First up" and I tuned out as the class applauded, turning to Naruto who had his elbows on the desk and sitting at the edge of his seat. Now that I looked around did I notice that all the students were like that, with the exception of Shika, Sasuke and me.
When Shika and Choji's name came up, Shika looked our way and the 3 of us gave them thumbs up as they walked by. Next after them is a boy whose name I didn't catch but Naruto told me once that he is way into bugs, which fascinate me because those bug live in his big ass coat. Next is the shy girl: Hinata and she looked our way and blushed. More like she looked at Naruto then blushed big time before heading to get her headband as I smiled at her knowingly. Sakura and Ino came next, along with the brown haired girl, whose name I never got. When Sasuke's name is called, he looked our way and we gave thumbs up to him as he smiled and walked down.
As each student is called, Naruto's enthusiasm came crashing down bit by bit and soon, his head followed that crash down to his crossed arms on the desk. My hand on his shoulder, I gave him a light squeeze and he smiled in gratitude. When most of the class got called and only the two of us were left, Naruto buried his head in his arms and sighed loudly in disappointment.
'Well, I guess we'll be packing it up today' is what I thought until Iruka spoke up.
"Naruto Uzamaki" and Naruto head snapped up so fast I thought he might have pulled something and that something just happen to be a BIG smile. Clapping him on the back, the class applauded and the guys and I hollered out our support as Naruto made his way down. Iruka congratulated him, handed Naruto his head band and shook his hand. Throughout the whole exchanged, the guys and I kept on cheering.
"Yeah!" Thrusting out the headband in the air and with a peace sign to follow, we all stand up and applauded more.
"I knew he'd make it, with a trainer like you at his side, Naruto made it" Kiba said as Naruto walked back to our desk and sat down.
"I guaranteed it, didn't I, Naruto?" He nodded with a big smile as she tied the headband around his head.
"Lastly , Miss Roxanne-, Um, I don't know your last name" the class laughed and I replied.
"And no one will know" Standing up, I too walked down and received my headband, a hand shake from Iruka and a silent whisper.
"Thank you for standing up for Naruto, without your 'warning', they wouldn't of passed him" I nodded and walked back to my desk, with applauds from the class. Sitting down, Iruka began speaking again and I tuned out, slipping on the headband and turning to Naruto.
"When class lets out for the final time, we're gonna celebrate, Just you and me" I whispered and Naruto just kept right on smiling.