Hokage Tower
Kakashi stood within a room among all the other Leaf Jonin who led Genin. Whether they be those who graduated not long ago to squads who've had several tries at Chunin and everything in between. Most prominent among them, aside from himself, were Kurenai, Asuma, and Guy.
Kurenai is fair-skinned woman of slender build. She has long black untamed hair reaching her upper back and red eyes. Her attire consisted of a red mesh blouse with only a right sleeve. Lee had modeled his appearance after Guy with the differences being more muscle and a flak jacket.
Asuma is a tall man with brown eyes, short black spiky hair, and a beard. He wore the standard Konoha ninja uniform with the sleeves rolled up halfway, flak jacket, regular shinobi sandals, and forehead protector. He also wore a sash that had the kanji for "Fire" (火) marked on it.
"I have summoned you all for a very important purpose." Hiruzen sat before them. "Seeing your fellow sensei here, I'm sure you realize what this is about."
"The Chunin Exams." Kakashi voiced.
"I've seen Genin from other lands around." Asuma added.
"In that case, we must be starting soon." Kurenai reasoned.
"Take heed." Hiruzen declared. "In seven days from today, on the 1st of July, the Genin will be tested. From those, only the very best will make Chunin. Now, let us choose our candidates. To begin, will those in charge of the rookie Genin step forward?" Three Jonin stepped up.
"Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma, what do you say? Are there any within your squads who are ready despite their inexperience. Keep in mind, Genin who have completed at least eight missions are technically eligible. Beyond that, only you may decide if they are ready."
"I lead Squad 7." Kakashi started. "Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Goku Sarutobi, and Hinata Hyuga. I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend all my Genin for the Chunin Exams."
"My squad is number 8." Kurenai continued. "Sakura Haruno, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame. I, Kurenai Yuki, recommend all three."
"My squad is number 10." Asuma finished. "Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi. I, Asuma Sarutobi, recommend all three."
"Alright, your students shall be permitted to take the Chunin Exams." Hiruzen declared. "Now, moving onto the rest…"
As the rookie's sensei stepped back, other sensei stepped up either putting their Genin forward or denying they were ready.
Training Ground 7, Morning…
The Genin of Team 7 were met by their sensei like normal; however, that's where the normalcy ended.
"Ah, you're all here." Kakashi noted. "Good. I know this is a bit sudden, but I've recommended you for the Chunin Exams." He held out four applications. "These are the forms. Whether or not you feel up to it is your choice. If you don't feel ready, don't show up."
"Alright, Kakashi Sensei!" Naruto lunged and hugged the man. "You rock!"
"Don't slobber on my vest." Kakashi put him down. "Whoever wants to take the exams, sign the forms, and bring them to Room 301 at the academy. It's at 3pm, 5 days from now. As such, you will have the time between now and then off. That's it."
He then gave each student their form.
"I was hoping sensei signed us up for this." Goku thought happily.
Konoha
The Genin of Team 7 had left the training grounds together.
"Chunin Exams." Naruto declared happily. "There's bound to be a lot of wicked ninjas there."
"I hope to battle some of them." Goku declared, excitedly.
The two friends shared a smile before fist bumping.
"There are people I'm hoping to have the chance to fight." Sasuke thought.
Goku, Turles, and Hinata were three prime examples that came to mind. Although, he did realize he could knock out two of those options now, see how he stacked up, Sasuke decided against it. He'd wait to see if they fought in the exams because then something would be on the line.
"The Chunin Exams…" Hinata stared at the paper. "Neji obtained the rank in his first go, so I got to do the same; otherwise, my position as clan heiress will come into question."
Academy: 5 Days Later…
All four Genin of Team 7 arrived and headed into the academy before climbing the stairs. They soon came across a hall full of Genin who were standing outside a room labeled 301. Everyone gathered observed Rock Lee taking a fist to the face which knocked him flat on his butt.
He was tended to by his female teammate, Tenten. She had dark brown hair in two Chinese style buns and matching eyes. She wore a pink sleeveless blouse and green pants. She had a katana sheathed along her back diagonally. What looked like two Genin were blocking the door.
"Your taking the Chunin Exams when you can't even get past us?"
"Why don't you just give up now before you get hurt?"
"Yeah, I think I hear your mommy calling for ya."
"Please let us through." Tenten voiced. "We're supposed to head in."
As she attempted to, one of them knocked her flat on her butt as well. At this point, Turles joined his teammates. Unlike Goku who continued to wear his blue gi, he had traded in his purple gi for a green one. It was a compromise on his part to honor his sensei without wearing the spandex.
The Sarutobi had refused to play into the farce his teammates wanted, refused to make himself seem weak, but they'd ultimately reached a compromise. All he had to do was stand by and let them do the brunt of it. That was bearable to the Sarutobi.
"This is harsh." A random Genin called out.
"Did you say harsh? Don't kid yourself. We're being nice by comparison. The exams will make this seem like a picnic."
"Some of you won't even survive the exams while others are wrecked for life. For Chunin, it's always life and death."
"You think this is a joke? Chunin are qualified to lead missions. The lives of your squad members are in your hands, so you must be tough enough to take the heat. Delicate little girls don't belong."
"We're just thinning out the herd. You won't pass anyways, so head on home."
"Real nice speech." Sasuke commented as he approached with his team. "I'd demand you both step aside and let me through if this wasn't a Genjutsu. We're going to the third floor, after all."
That got the assortment of Genin whispering.
"So, you noticed the Genjutsu?"
"It was kind of obvious." Goku answered. "You only put it on this door, so if anyone paid attention, they'd realize they've only climbed two floors."
Naruto nodded. "Right."
The Genjutsu dispelled revealing they were before room 201.
"Well, aren't we the smart ones? You've noticed an illusion, but let's see if you can step it up!"
The spiky haired Genin attempted to kick Sasuke, who was attempting to kick him right back. Lee, displaying the speed he had against Zabuza weeks prior, placed himself between the two and went about grabbing them by the ankles to stop them. Both backed off.
"He stopped my kick. That's some serious Chakra he has in his arm." The raven-haired boy thought, doing his best to keep a neutral expression. "The bruises on his face are gone as well."
"Hm." Turles smirked smugly at his female teammate. "You were worried I would ruin the plan."
Tenten pinched the bridge of her nose. "I should have known who I really had to worry about."
"I am sorry, but…" Lee began.
"Forget it." Tenten shook her head in surrender. "It's over."
"Goku." Turles addressed his twin. "Been awhile, huh?"
"Yeah, it has." Goku smiled. "We've only seen each other briefly as he's either heading off on missions or to meet his team while I've been doing the same."
"Hopefully, you've been making the most of your training." Turles held out a fist. "I wouldn't want a potential match between us to be over that fast."
Goku bumped his twin's fist. "Right back at ya."
"Guys, not to interrupt, but we should get going to the real testing room." Hinata voiced.
With that, Team 7 took off.
"So, that's your twin." Tenten grinned at Turles. "He's certainly more upbeat than you."
"That's him while I'm me." Turles shrugged. "Anyways, that whole team is one to keep an eye on."
"To do that, we should check in; otherwise, we won't be keeping an eye on anyone." Tenten looked to their third teammate. "Come on Lee."
"I will catch up with you in a minute." Lee turned from there. "You do not need to wait for me for I must check on something."
Once he was gone, Tenten sighed. "What is Lee up to now?"
"I could wager a guess, but I don't care enough to." Turles responded.
To Room 301
Team 7 were walking towards the actual exam room before Lee called out to them. "Hold on."
They all turned to see the older Genin on a walkway above.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked.
"I wish to fight, right here and now." Lee lept down to their level. "Unlike at the gate, I shall do this properly. My name is Rock Lee, and I challenge you, Sasuke Uchiha."
"So, you know me." Sasuke retorted.
"Everyone always talks about the Uchiha Clan and how great they are." Lee declared. "I want to see if the rumors are true, and I figured you'd be a good test for me."
"You've heard of the Uchiha Clan, yet you're challenging me?" Sasuke questioned. "You must be even more psycho than you look if. If you want to know more about my clan, I'll teach you the hard way."
"Bring it on." Lee took a stance. "Excellent. A match up against the number 1 rookie. I will force him into revealing his Sharingan and prove myself to you, Guy Sensei."
"Hold it!" Naruto exclaimed firmly. "I get him…"
Goku suddenly grabbed his friend by the back of the jacket. "No, you don't."
"Goku, let me go!" Naruto yelled.
"No." Goku grinned. "Look, I want to fight this guy to; however, intruding on a challenge that has been issued is something I cannot condone, unless lives are on the line. Rock Lee challenged Sasuke, so that is who fights. After they're done, you can have a go."
"Er, fine." Naruto relented and was let go before he crossed his arms. "Once Sasuke's done, I'm fighting him."
"Thank you, brother of Turles." Rock Lee thought.
"Alright, let's do it." Sasuke declared.
"There's no time for this." Hinata voiced. "Registration ends in just half an hour."
"Relax, this will all be over in five seconds." Sasuke assured before rushing the older Genin.
"Here he comes." Lee prepared himself. "Forgive me Guy Sensei. I know it is forbidden, but I may have to break the rules and use THAT Jutsu."
As Sasuke attempted to punch him, the older Genin lept above him. "Leaf Hurricane!"
Lee attempted to kick the Uchiha's head as he came down; however, the younger Genin ducked to avoid it. The older Genin, upon hitting the ground, used his hands to spin and kick at his opponent once more.
"I'm not moving fast enough!" Sasuke realized as he moved his arms to defend. "I got to block him."
Lee effortlessly kicked past his guard, sending the younger Genin off his feet and crashing to the ground. To see anyone doing this to Sasuke was a shock to the other three Genin of Team 7.
"Sasuke had his guard up, yet Lee went right through it." Hinata thought. "Even with the fact he's a member of Cousin Neji's team, I never expected he'd make it look that easy."
"I thought Lee was strong with what we saw from him upon returning to Konoha but seeing him fight someone more on his level cinches it." Goku thought.
"He's using some technique to get to me." Sasuke slowly began to pick himself back up as his hair obscured his eyes. "What is it? Ninjutsu or Genjutsu?"
"As expected, he is coming back for more, yet there has been no Sharingan." Lee firmed himself up. "Looks like I need to step it up a notch!"
Lee charged Sasuke, putting him on the defensive. Unlike their prior exchange, everyone noticed that the Uchiha wasn't nearly as outclassed. In fact, he began managing to keep up with the green spandexed boy. It's because his eyes were now red with one tomoe each.
"Hm, looks like I was getting ahead of myself." Lee smirked as he kept on fighting. "The Sharingan is already out."
"Both his eyes look like Kakashi Sensei's one!" Naruto thought, stunned.
"Sasuke's just unlocked the Sharingan!" Hinata thought, happy for him.
"Whoa, that Lee must be even faster than I thought." Goku grinned excitedly. "Now, I want to fight him even more than I already did!"
"They're nowhere near complete, but I can see him a lot better now than before." Sasuke thought before picking up the pace.
Their battle became that much more ferocious, as both stepped things up to a whole new level. At one point, Lee threw a kick which Sasuke managed to block by crossing both his arms. The force behind it was still enough to send the Uchiha skidding back.
"You see, my technique is neither Genjutsu nor Ninjutsu." Lee voiced. "All I use is Taijutsu, nothing more. As for your Sharingan, it gives you the ability to read a person. You can decipher hand signs, movements, and know what they would do before they know themselves.
Even though that eye sped up your reactions, your body is simply not fast enough to capitalize. Here is what I believe." Sasuke charged him. "There are two different ninjas. Those like you who were born with talent and don't have to work for it.
Then, there are those like me. The ones who train every day of our lives." The Uchiha threw a punch which Lee blocked. "The fact is, your Sharingan is the worst match for my extreme Taijutsu." Sasuke threw another, which was blocked. "Here is what I mean!"
As Lee moved, Sasuke crossed his arms. "I have to stop him!"
The older Genin threw a powerful kick, breaking his opponent's guard and launching him into the air. Lee then lept after and ended up soaring just underneath the Uchiha.
"Dancing Leaf Shadow." Sasuke commented.
"Good eye." Lee voiced. "Now, I shall prove my point." He opened his hands in a way that the wrappings began to come undone. "That hard work beats out natural talent. You are finished." Suddenly, the end of Lee's bandage was pinned to the wall by a paper pinwheel. "This is bad."
Suddenly, there was red and yellow turtle, wearing a headband around his neck, nearby. "That is enough, Lee!"
Instead of continuing his technique, Lee backed away. Goku withdrew his staff and ran forward before embedding it into the ground. This led to the Sarutobi pole vaulting into the air. He caught and put Sasuke's body over his shoulder before landing. There he set his teammate down.
Lee had landed before the turtle and took up a kneeling position before him. "You…You were watching our fight?"
"Of course. That last technique is forbidden, you know that."
"I am sorry." Lee apologized sincerely. "I did not mean…" The turtle glared harshly at him, causing the Genin to flinch. "It was an honest mistake! I was in the middle of a fight, and I got carried…"
"No excuses!" The turtle interrupted. "A Shinobi only uses his secret techniques when he has no other choice. Even the most inexperienced Genin knows that!"
Sasuke removed the blood that was pouring out of the corner of his mouth with his right arm warmer. "How could I lose to that freak!?"
Being beaten was bad enough but losing to such a ridiculous guy only added insult to injury. Sure, Sasuke has lost to Goku, Turles, and Hinata; however, at least their fights had been long, exhausting, and well-fought. This guy defeated him in less than ten minutes using only Taijutsu.
The fact that he got his Sharingan and still lost only increased his shame. Meanwhile, Naruto was trying to make sense of what just happened. He saw Sasuke lose, but even he didn't fully understand it. On top of that, some turtle was now reprimanding Lee.
"Hinata, that's a turtle, right?"
"Yeah, it is." Hinata voiced, as it obviously was that.
"Why is Lee apologizing to a turtle?" Naruto asked. "Can turtles become Sensei too?"
"I'm fairly certain that's a summon." Hinata responded.
"Your unfitting behavior deserves punishment." The turtle declared, causing Naruto not to ask his next question.
Lee nodded. "I…understand."
"Very well, come on out Guy Sensei!"
Guy appeared atop the turtle. "Hey, what's shaking everybody!? You're all enjoying the springtime of youth, aren't you?"
"An even bigger weirdo came out!" Naruto screeched while shaking. "Look at those eyebrows! I think they're alive or something!"
"Seems about right, given the few times I've meat Neji's Sensei." Hinata thought.
Sasuke said nothing, but the look on his face showed he was equally disturbed.
"He must be really strong; otherwise, Turles wouldn't put up with this." Goku thought.
"I see where Bushy Brows gets his creepiness from." Naruto bluntly stated.
"Do not insult Guy Sensei!" Lee pointed at him. "He is one of the greatest men in the world!"
"Well, excuse me for not seeing his greatness!" Naruto yelled. "I was too busy watching him crawl up from beneath a freaking turtle!"
"He did not…"
"Give it a rest, Lee." Guy interrupted his student, not looking offended at all. "Excellent. Now, for your punishment... LEE, YOU FOOL!"
The Jonin punched the boy hard enough to send him flying, much to Team 7's shock. To make things even more confusing, Guy then approached his student and knelt before him.
"You know how much I detest having to punish you." The sensei stated with a shaky voice. "Why do you make me do this?"
"S-Sensei?" Lee sniffled, tears flowing freely.
"There is no need for words Lee." Guy then began was crying. "I understand."
"Guy Sensei..."
"Lee..."
"Guy Sensei!"
"Lee!"
"GUY SENSEI!"
"LEE!"
The two spandex wearing shinobi embraced one another in a fierce hug. After a while, it came to an end with Guy standing and wiping his tears.
He then placed a hand on Lee's shoulder. "Oh Lee, you are simply going through a phase. Too old to be a boy, yet too young to be a man. We all make mistakes while exploring our youth, and you shall make amends by running 500 laps around the village, starting right now!"
"Yes Sensei!"
"So, you're not entering the Chunin Exams?" Hinata asked innocently.
Guy had the decency to look sheepish as he scratched the back of his head. "Ah, I forgot about that. Lee, not only did you disobey the rules regarding that technique, but you also kept your team and these fine Genin from handing in their application.
This created an unnecessary interlude that could damage the reputation and development of both parties. For that, I must give you a harsher punishment. Your punishment will be 1000 laps instead of 500. How does that sound?"
"Outstanding, sir!"
"Now, this must be Kakashi's squad." Guy was almost certain given he could see Neji's cousin and Turles twin there. "Tell me, how is Kakashi doing?"
"Do you know him?" Sasuke asked.
"Do I know him?" Guy chuckled. "Of course, he is my eternal rival."
"No way!" Naruto denied.
"How dare you!" Lee was instantly defending his sensei. "If Guy Sensei says it is true, then it is.
"Let it go, Lee." Guy waved them off. "After all, the actions of a Shinobi speak louder than the words he pronounces." Before any member of Team 7 had time to blink, he was already behind them. "My record is 49 losses and 50 wins, which is one better than his."
All four Genin were stunned.
"H-H-How did you beat Kakashi Sensei!?" Naruto stuttered.
"Thing is, I am faster and stronger than Kakashi." Guy retorted.
"Between what I've seen from Lee and him, Team 9 is likely one of the teams to watch." Goku thought.
"I told you Guy Sensei is the finest Shinobi there is!" Lee exclaimed in victory.
"On behalf of my youthful student, I ask you to forgive him for any trouble he might have caused. Look deep into my dazzling eyes and accept my sincere apology." Guy declared while showing off his shiny set of teeth. "Lee, I believe you should allow Kakashi's students go now. They must hand in their applications if they want to take part in the Chunin Exams."
The Jonin threw a kunai at the paper pinwheel, knocking it out of the wall and liberating the Genin's bandages. While Lee started to wrap the bandages, Naruto and Goku had the opportunity to see his hand. His knuckles were abused, almost defaced.
"Now Lee, Ningame and I will be leaving." Guy declared. "Give it your best and let everyone know the extent of your youth!"
"Yes sensei!"
With a poof of smoke, Jonin and turtle were gone.
"Sasuke, I must confess I have not been honest with you." Lee started. "I certainly wanted to test my skills against yours, but it is for the sole purpose of one day besting my teammate, Neji Hyuga. His prodigious nature is clear.
Surely, you saw it on that mission he was part of. Be advised, if we meet again, I shall show you no mercy." Sasuke growled at that. "I have said what I wanted." He lept back to the upper floor. "Now, I will take my leave."
He left the scene.
"Heh, looks like the Uchiha aren't as strong as everyone says." Naruto suddenly declared.
"Shut up!" Sasuke glared at Naruto. "Next time I see that clown, I'll drive him to his knees."
"Oh please, you were getting your butt handed to you a minute ago." Naruto voiced. "What makes you think next time will be any different?"
"Next time, he can be stronger." Goku suddenly declared with a grin. "Losing any battle is never the end. It's just an opportunity to learn and grow. To be better next time. If they train hard, then we'll train harder."
The raven-haired boy stared at the ground, apparently pondering the Sarutobi's words, before letting off a wide smirk. "These Chunin Exams are getting interesting."
"What do you know, we finally agree on something!" Naruto exclaimed with a foxy grin.
"I'm ready." Hinata added with her own smile.
"Then, let's get moving." Goku declared.
On the poll within my profile, In my story, Rising Succession, should Goku be capable of using Advanced Chakra Natures? (I.E. Wood Release, Crystal Release, Ice Release, and so on), this is how the results are shaping up.
Yes: 2
No: 0
Let's talk about the scaling for a moment. Sasuke didn't unlock his Sharingan in the Land of Waves given there was no encounter on the bridge; however, I'd still put this Sasuke as equivalent to how he was in this arc. That means upon actually unlocking his Sharingan here, he was better able to keep up with this Lee. That said, this Lee is stronger than his canon counterpart by proxy of prior changed. The fact that Neji trains with Hinata, and his father is alive made him Chunin level.
With someone like this Neji around, the whole team benefits. Not to mention, they'd already done one Chunin Exams as well which is just a layer of extra experiance that proceeds to push them higher. In essence, when all is said and done, this fight doesn't change because both combatants are stronger than their canon selves to the point it balances out.
Dontus -not Donut- Powerus: Goku will pick up Ninjutsu fast but not in the heat of battle since I view that stepping on the toes of what an Uchiha does. As Goku trains, he'll pick up more and more Ninjutsu easier and easier. Right now, he's just been starting to dip his toes into exploring his Chakra Natures, which he never knew until recently. Now that he does and has been training to learn, he will grow faster. When it comes to the poll, I'd like the people to have say, if they want to.
If they vote yes, then sure Goku will eventually learn flight. If they end up voting not, then I guess this Goku just won't fly. As for Goku's path to power, with or without the ability to used Advanced Nature releases, I think he'd be just fine. He has paths to power that can keep up with those two. When it comes time for Boruto stuff, he'll have his way to battle them just Sasuke and Naruto do.