chapter 25 enjoy
Far away in the arid landscape where Naruto went into his six-tailed states, a small group of shinobi is gathered.
A large Boulder is suddenly wrapped around in a unique chain only for electricity to flow through it. Moments later, it turned to rubble.
"Nice Naruto, you took your mother's jutsu and improved it to a greater level," Kakashi said from her perch against a large rock.
"Kushina would be proud of you, Naruto," Minato added as he stood next to Kakashi.
Minato can take form outside of his son's mind thanks to Kurama separating his yin and yang chakras.
Naruto grew up with the yang half, so he uses that. Kurama uses his yin half.
Naruto perfected the tail beast clone. Since Minato spent several years with yin Kurama, he can switch places when the jutsu is cast.
"Wasn't easy, if it wasn't for the Anbu training, both physical and….mental. But, I can't even imagine how long it would take me to nail both the tailed beast clone and Uzumaki chain lightning."
"Very true it took me three years to create the Rasengan jutsu. All I had to go off of is a tail beast bomb from documents written during the First Hokage's time in this world.
"Damn, the lightning-coated chain is almost as destructive as my art," Deidara said to the left side of Kakashi.
"Agreed," his sister added.
"I second Kukiko words," Haku added.
Naruto's mind is deep in thought. It's been two days since Team Samui showed up for the chunin exams.
He is curious about how Darui lightning is black.
Kurama chuckled at this, followed up by Minato getting looks from the others.
"Naruto is wondering why Darui lightning jutsu was black."
They all shared a grin. It's no secret, Naruto. I was able to analyze the new jutsu and learn to suit it to his needs.
Any ninja can learn this ability, but few can match Naruto's pace. The best example is the tail beast clone based on Kiba human beast clone jutsu.
It's the trait expected of a Hokage-type shinobi, and Naruto wants to be a Hokage one day.
He got into a fighting stance once more, summoning his chakra chains. He sent them toward another Boulder, wrapping them around it.
Like before, he channels his lightning nature through the chain before pulling hard on it, and like clockwork, the Boulders shatter like glass.
"Doubt I'll learn the secrets of his black lightning. The only reason I can come up with is his personality."
All the ninjas are aware of how the same jutsu varies from person to person when cast.
"I'll worry about it later. We have to prepare for the chunin exam Kakashi senpai" Naruto held his hand to his father.
He grabbed it only to be absorbed by his son's body.
"Need a ride back to the village of Kakashi?" Deidara asked.
"No, I'll make my way back" he waved them off as he walked back.
"By," the four said in unison as they flew away on a giant clay bird.
It took them minutes to reach the village once Naruto and Deidara headed home with the girl going to their places as well.
"Is what I heard happen at the hot spring the other day true?" He asked.
"Yea, Deidara and word through the grapevine the fiasco helped ease some of the tension since they walked into the village,"
"I can see that after learning of the Hyuga Affair,"
"Agreed" After a long day, the two called it a night, getting some much-needed rest.
The following day all available Anbu are ordered to meet with the Hokage.
"Is everyone able to come here?" Hiruzen shouts over the crowd of his Anbu.
Ibiki stands before him, calling out names. Finally, after several minutes, all agents are accounted for.
"Good as you know, the Chunin exams will be starting soon. Therefore Foreign shinobi will be arriving soon!"
"Pardon me but isn't one squad already in the village?" And random Anbu asked.
"Yes, one of several Kumo squads have shown up, not to mention this squad has the son of the Fourth Raikage in its ranks!" He didn't need to explain further their safety was placed high on their task.
"Are they the only high profile foreign genin squad coming to the village?" Another Anbu asked.
"No, the other ones are the children of the fourth Kazekage, will be keeping one squad on Anbu watching over them during the duration of the exams!"
He continued onward, filling them in on all the details, including what each exam is and what it requires of the genin.
Once the meeting was over, Naruto walked over to Ibiki, "I kinda feel bad for the genin with you as their protector, Ibiki senpai."
"Hmm, speaking of the first exam, we're a little short on sentinels. Are you interested in being one?"
"No thanks, if I did, no one would pass" they both broke out into hysterical laughter.
"What about being a disguised chunin who knows the answers?"
Naruto paused for a moment, clearly Contemplating Ibiki's offer. "Why me?"
"Your short size would allow you to blend in seemingly with genin."
"sure"
"I'll let the others know," the jonin shunshined out of sight.
Naruto met up with his squad mates telling them what was going on at his end.
"Will you need to wear the mask you used to block Hyuga's eyes?" Deidara asked.
"Wouldn't hurt. I may need to use a transformation jutsu because of this." He points to his spiky blonde hair getting a nod of agreement.
"You did sub for sensei for a few genin squads. It might be a good idea to be there when their jonin sensei recommend their squads for the exams." His sister added.
"Kukiko does raise a valid point, Naruto?" Haku added.
"Knowing the old man, he'll probably station me to be there," he said with a sigh.
He called it a day heading home with Deidara not far behind him. He assumed Kukiko and Haku home headed home as well.
Natsu stayed up for an extra three hours, lost in thought, his mind going over the three exams.
The first written test tests their ability to gather information, and he's one of the chunin the genin has to cheat off.
Fortunately, he's off work till the start of the chunin exams. He let out one final yawn before falling asleep.
The following day he decides to check up on the genin squad to see what it takes to survive the exams.
In his off-duty chunin gear, Naruto watches them from high in the canopy in one of the many training grounds.
To no surprise, Gia's training his squad extra hard in preparation for the exams.
And from what he sees, they might stand a chance. Then he notices Gai face his direction.
He gives him a thumbs up, only for him to give a sparkling smile in return.
Next on his list is Kurenai's team. Now he is hoping they made great strides since he trained them for two weeks.
He sees them continuing their strength exercises. To his satisfaction, their speed and reflexes have increased several times over.
Kiba and Akamaru are practicing the clan jutsu, Shino doing the same. Hinata, however, was a surprise.
She is doing basic lightning nature exercises when he notices the team Samui training as well.
Further investigation Darui teaches her to control her lightning nature.
This further cemented his hopes for all the work he put into mending the wound with bear fruit.
He further observed them for another hour, getting a good read on the three genins.
"Hmm, they might have a chance of becoming chunin."
He shunshined out of sight, checking in on Kakashi's team. He has been wondering how they have been since waves.
He quickly found them doing typical D-tank missions, and to his amusement, all three had dejected looks.
He knew those missions were a snore-fest for genin, who graduated after being pulled from the academy.
But he didn't know the genin Missory could be this amusing. A close look at Sai reveals he doesn't mind.
After being under Danzo's control for so long, Naruto concluded that he likes the freedom a regular genin gives him.
Not long after, Deidara joined him, scoping out genin for the chunin exams.
"So, how do you think they will fare during the exams assuming they will even be entered?"
"Gai and Kurenai's team have promise. that's if they agree to participate, Kakashi's team is another story."
"How so?"
"They performed admirably in the waves mission. However, it's clear Sasuke isn't happy at his current level."
"I can see that, but there are no shortcuts when it comes to being a ninja."
"I know that. You know that, unfortunately, Sasuke doesn't."
"Now that I think about it, maybe entering will be good for him. After all, he'll meet ninja with no natural talent but far surpass him through hard work."
"You've been hanging out with Gai again, haven't you."
"So, the man inspires me to get stronger through hard work,"
"The man has no sense of style, and if you start dressing like him, I'll tell the Hokage about-"
"You wouldn't!"
"Oh I would, who would though Deidara of Konoha formerly of Iwa-"
"If you finish that sentence!"
"Or what?"
Deidara couldn't come up with a response, so he just looked away.
"I win!" The two quickly went back to analyzing Kakashi's team chances.
After ten more minutes, they headed off, the first foreign genin having been showing up the past few days.
When they make it to the front gate, making sure to stay out of sight, they witness three genins, and their jonin sensei enter the village.
Going off their headbands, they're from suna. One genin wears primarily black clothes with some large objects covered in cloth.
The other is a girl who has a giant fan on her back if the intel their spies have gathered is accurate.
The last genin sent shivers down their spines with his dark red hair and gord on his back.
Then there is their jonin sensei with half his face covered by some cloth.
"The short one gives me a bad feeling Naruto."
"You're not alone. Kurama got anything to add?"
"SHUKAKU!" he roared, causing Naruto to grab his head from the massive headache Kurama caused.
A quick look at the red hair boy tells them he has one too. A look at his squadmates revealed concerned eyes.
"KURAMA, YOU BASTARD, WHERE ARE YOU!"
"KURAMA, YOU SUPPOSE TO WARN ME NEXT TIME DO THAT!"
"Sorry, I just wanted to piss him off a little. Patient Shukaku will meet soon if you behave yourself, hehe."
"...fine, don't keep me waiting!"
"Kurama, mind explaining what just happened?"
"You know Gyuki the eight tail, Shukaku is the one tail, his container is the red-haired boy with the gord on his back."
"Great, you brother Shukaku container is competing in the chunin exams, and I'm part of the village anbu. So what could go wrong!"
This whole time Deidara is wondering what the hell is going on inside Naruto's head.
Once all the noise in his head died down, Naruto looked at Deidara tapping his head. He nods, knowing it concerns his tenet Kurama.
They continued to monitor the village gates as more foreign genin squads registered for the exams.
Before they knew it, three hours had passed, and with the sun touching the horizon, they called it a day.
Usually, Naruto would go home, but after what Kurama did, he goes to the Hokage to decide on a course of action regarding the one tail in the village.
Thanks to his father's jutsu, he stood before the Hokage within seconds.
"What brought you here, Naruto?"
"Tailed beast clone" second later, a practically carbon copy of Naruto stood beside him.
Except his eyes were red with slit, thicken whisker marks, pronounced fingers, nails and teeth, and spiky blood red hair.
"Tell him what you told Me NOW!" Kurama cringed at his word before complying.
Once his piece was done, Hiruzen took a long drag of his pipe before exhaling.
Only slap Kurama across the face "do you realize what you've just done, KURAMA!"
"I pissed off my brother."
"That's not what I mean. Yes, we're allies with them, but if they catch wind of Naruto being your container!"
"I said what I said to keep him from going on a rampage."
"Hmm" is the collective response.
"If suna is up to something bringing him to these exams, Hehe, I can get it out of him, and I know you sensed it, Naruto!" Hiruzen looks to Naruto, hoping to get an answer.
"Kurama right there something off about those sand genin and since they have the one tail sealed inside that kid. So it led me to believe they're the Kazekage kids?"
Hiruzen goes through the list of all the chunin exam candidates. Sure enough, three from the sand village are the children of their Kazekage.
"We'll have to take extra precautions monitoring them while they stay in the village, And make sure whoever watches them remains in the shadows."
"Hai" Naruto undo the jutsu before heading off.
Much to Naruto's frustration, he's the first assigned to watch the suna shinobi the following day.
But before he can do that, to no surprise, the Hokage has him stand by as the jonin. Recommend their squad for the exams.
Asuma, Kurenai, and Kakashi stepped forward, recommending their rookie squad for the exams.
Only for Iruka to step forward, spouting off about how these genins aren't ready.
"Enough, Kitsune, you worked with both Kurenai, Kakashi, and Gai's teams. What is your assessment of the three squads?" This got a shocked look from the remaining jonin and chunin.
"I only did one mission with the Kakashi squad, so it's hard to say for sure, but I believe they're ready. And as Kakashi senpai pointed out, failing might humble them a bit. Onto Gai's squad, it's no question they're ready. It is hard to say how far they can make it, but I have confidence they'll pass the first two exams. Finally, the Kurenai squad, they were able to sniff out my identity. No thanks to you!" This got chuckles all-around before urging him to continue.
"From what I've seen and I did train them a bit, they are more than ready to enter the exams."
"Thank you for your insight, Kitsune. You are free to go now."
"Hai," with his tags scattered across the village, Naruto teleported out of sight.
"Now, are there any other jonin who want their squad to enter the exams?" Several jonin stepped forward.
With one task done, Naruto tracked down the suna genin. Then, he slipped into the shadows taking notes of any odd behavior.
All the years he spent in the corps prove invaluable as he effortlessly remains unnoticed by his suna shinobi.
To no surprise, the children of the kazekage behaved themselves.
That was until the genin in black clothing, unfortunately, ran into Konohamaru and his friends. To make matters worse, Sakura somehow got thrown into the mix.
Moments later, the man in black held up konohamaru but the collar of his shirt.
"Damn it!" Suddenly the boy loses his grip as a pebble hits him from the lone Uchiha.
Before it can go any further, he makes himself known, landing behind the boy in black resting his hand on the shoulder.
"Rules say no fighting till the exams start, or do you want to get disqualified here and now!" He declares, putting everyone on edge. "That goes Double for you sound ninja over there." He throws a kunai through the brush, hitting the branch.
The land before them, making themselves known.
"S-sorry" this time, it's the girl with a fan on her back.
Naruto suddenly catches a rock thrown at him. He looks to its origin to see Sasuke.
"My apology Konoha anbu Kankuro, you just disgraced our village, losing your temper again," the red-haired boy said from his tree branch adjacent to Sasukes.
"I'll let it slide this time. If we catch you again, you have to wait another six months to take the exams!"
"Y-yes, sir and sorry, Gaara," the now-named Kankuro said.
The now-named Gaara landed beside Kankuro, walking away only for Sasuke to call out to him, asking his name.
Naruto eyes the sound genin once more before they head off on their own.
Using Kurama chakra, Naruto's eyes turn red with slits to glance toward Gaara.
Without being noticed by the other, he matches his gaze before nodding.
Naruto shunshined out of sight, slipping into the shadows, tailing his targets once again.
With sound shinobi
"How the hell did that guy
know we were there," the ninja with a headband that frames his face shouts."
"If his clothes are any indication he's part of Konoha's Anbu forces, it shouldn't be a surprise he knew we were watching them."
"I have to agree," the squad-only females added.
"We will have to keep on our toes for the remainder of the exams from this point on,"
"Fine."
With Naruto
Minus the confrontation with konohamaru and Kakashi's squad, they behaved themselves.
When the sun touched the horizon, he switched out with another Anbu agent.
Before anyone knew it, the day of the first exam had finally come, minus his chunin vest. Instead, Naruto is in his off-duty gear, taking extra precautions to cover his hair and face.
He sits in the exam room with another chunin on the other side. They send each other a nod as they wait for all the genin to show up.
After half an hour of waiting, everyone stood in the room, only for Ibiki and a small army of chunin to show up.
He explained the test and its rules before announcing the start of the first exam.
He went to work filling out each question at a modest pace with pencil in hand to prevent any suspicion among the genin.
After 20 minutes, he finished all nine questions. His silent glance to his fellow chunin revealed he spent as well.
Now all they have to do is wait for the time limit to run out. Needing something to kill time, he takes a look around.
And to no surprise, he noticed all the genin methods of cheating, some of it predictable and others ingenious.
And Ibiki wanted him to be a sentinel; he counts at least 20 candidates cheating off him.
He struggled to stifle a chuckle as one squad after another was disqualified.
As the time limit came closer and closer, Naruto could feel the tension in the air. It was so thick you could cut it with a kunai.
Not a moment past the 45-minute mark Ibiki gets everyone's attention.
He told everyone about the new rules for the tenth and final question.
Squad after squad gives up, not wanting to risk being barred from doing the chunin exam again.
Then the last thing any chunin would expect, Z the fourth Raikage son, spoke.
"Hell no, my squad and I didn't come this far to give up now. There is nothing you can do to break my resolve to pass these exams!"
One last glance around, he infected all the remaining genin with his resolve.
"78 left. Hmm, you all pass!" He shouts, getting dumbfounded looks from nearly all of them.
A quick explanation of the exam and the first nine questions, he waved his hand, letting everyone know he was one of two chunin with the answers.
Not a moment too late, everyone's favorite Dango addict comes bursting through the window.
She was spouting off the typical exam proctor speech telling everyone to show up to the 44th training ground the next day.
Naruto and his squad ended their day at Ichiraku ramen shop, joined by the Hokage sitting beside him.
"So, how did the first exam go, Naruto?" His sister asked.
"I counted at least 20 genin cheating off me, some of it predictable, others ingenious."
"I heard Ibiki wanted you to be a sentinel. So why did you decline?" This time it's Haku to ask.
"If I did become one, no one would pass the first exam!" This got chuckles from everyone.
"Your orders are up," Teuchi said, handing each one their bowl of ramen. They called it a night once dinner was over.
He is resting in his bed, staring at his apartment ceiling, wondering how the genin Will fair during the survival test.
The forest of death is no cakewalk, even for Anbu. You have to always be on guard.
He has little doubt that Kurenai's team will do fine knowing their skill set.
Gai's team has a one-year of experience as the rookies.
Kakashi's team has Sai as a teammate, so he's not too worried about them.
The one that worries him is Samui's team. They're not only a different land but the forest of death of all places.
They know the risk. With the Raikage son on their team, things could turn ugly if he dies.
With one final yawn, he calls it a night going to sleep.
The following day his squad is doing a routine patrol of the village when they discover a Grisly site.
"Who could have done this?" Deidara asked
"I don't know, and look through their belongings to tell us they're here for the chunin exam!" Naruto states.
"So what do we do, Kitsune?" His sister asked.
"We need to let Anko know she's the proctor and might give us some insight on these three. Stay here. The last thing we need is to start a panic."
"Hai," they replied before he shunshined out of sight.
Anko is relaxing away eating Dango when Naruto appears before her.
"What is it, Kitsune?"
"We have a problem. I need you to come with me right away!" He throws a tagged kunai to the ground holding out his hand.
"Fine," she grabs his hand, only to be teleported away.
When they land, his squad points to the body they found. Her gaze hardened, seeing their faces or lack thereof.
"What do you make of it?" Naruto asked.
"It's his jutsu, alright!"
"Who?"
"Orochimaru!" They respond with complete silence.
"Trout, Owl, and Wolf inform the Hokage, Anko I'm going with you in search of Orochimaru. Before you ask, do you honestly think you can take on Orochimaru by yourself!"
She couldn't respond, "fine. We can cover more ground."
"Hai," he grabbed her hand, teleporting back to the forest.
"You got everything you need?" She asked
"Yes, we need to hurry," and they ran into the forest, hoping they were not too late for whatever Orochimaru had planned.
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