Konoha Academy: Room 301

"Alright, there's a lot of teams here!" Goku thought excitedly.

That was no mere exaggeration. There were fellow Konoha Genin among Genin from Kumogakure, Sunagakure, Amegakure, Kusagakure, and Otogakure. Some of the participating teams had members over eighteen, which meant they had to be relatively strong.

"Turles!" A familiar voice squealed. "I've missed…" It was Ino who stopped and deflated upon seeing it was Goku. "Aw, I noticed your hair through the crowd and thought you were Turles."

"Sorry Ino." Goku chuckled while rubbing the back of his head. "If it's any consolation, I've seen my brother." He shrugged. "He's not the type to simply turn up and look at things. He's here to compete."

"Alright, I can at least look forward to that." Ino then looked at Hinata and smiled. "At least your team being here means Hinata is."

"That's right." Hinata nodded. "Our team wasn't about to miss this chance for anything."

Even though Ino was rather attached to his brother, Goku thought Ino was on the right track as a Kunochi. While she had scared him when they were younger, any time he and the guys made her mad, the Sarutobi didn't dislike her. As Ino and Hinata began to catch up, Goku wandered off.

"Hey you two." He'd spotted Shikamaru and Choji. "Long time no see."

Shikamaru sighed. "Hey."

"Hey Goku, want a chip?" Choji offered as he extended his bag.

"I can always count on you for a little boost." Goku smiled as he took one. "Anyways, how have you guys been?"

"The life of a Genin is too troublesome for my taste." The heir of the Nara clan said in his usual tired tone. "Asuma Sensei makes us train…I swear, it's such a drag."

"Hey, look who we got here!" Naruto exclaimed as he joined them. "It's the remaining two members of The Three Stooges!"

Shikamaru's eye twitched. "Stop calling us that, you troublesome blond."

"Well, what do you know?" Kiba walked up with Sakura and Shino flanking him. "Looks like we stumbled upon a sort of reunion."

Unlike the last time they'd all seen her, Sakura's hair was shorter, and she had a level of maturity that hadn't been there before. While Sasuke didn't notice, many there did take note she wasn't fawning over the Uchiha like she used to. Clearly, Kurnai had done wonders with her.

"I didn't think Sakura was a terrible Kunochi before; however, there was certainly room for improvement." Goku grinned. "Now, I wouldn't mind fighting her."

"If Turles were here, it'd be a reunion of the Rookie 11." Sakura noted.

"He's likely sticking with his team." Goku informed. "From what I've gathered, he's got to have become a lot stronger." He nodded to Team 8. "I hope the same can be said for you guys."

"Kurenai Sensei trained us like crazy." Kiba retorted. "We are the toughest team out here."

"You seem confident, Kiba." Sasuke faced the Inuzuka. "Be careful that mouth of yours doesn't get you in trouble."

"Besides, anyone with half a brain knows Team 7 is going to win this thing!" Naruto boasted.

"Hey, you guys." A voice called out.

Everyone turned around to see a noticeably older boy approaching their group. He had long gray hair done in a ponytail and wore round glasses. The symbol carved on his headband showed he was a Shinobi from Konoha.

"You might want to try keeping it down." The boy informed. "No offense, but you are ten of the rookies, right? Fresh out of the academy? I wouldn't go making a spectacle of yourselves. Just cool it. This isn't a class fieldtrip."

"Well, who asked you?" Ino demanded. "Who are you?"

"My name is Kabuto Yakushi, a Genin of Konoha just like you." The teen responded politely, not looking bothered by the rudeness displayed by the Yamanaka. "Everyone here is feeling nervous for the exams, and your chit-chat isn't really helping."

This resulted in the rookies looking around and noticing all eyes were on them.

"I take it this isn't your first time taking the Chunin Exams?" Sasuke asked.

Kabuto nodded. "That's right."

"So, how many times have you tried?" Naruto asked.

Kabuto chuckled awkwardly while rubbing the back of his head. "Actually, this is my seventh time."

"You failed the Chunin Exams six times in a row?" Kiba asked. "Wow, you must suck."

"I assure you; the Chunin Exams are not easy." The gray-haired teen narrowed his eyes a little. That's why I'm here to give you some advice."

"How are you supposed to help us?" Sasuke asked, clearly doubting the validity of his statement.

"With these." Kabuto replied as he brought a stack of cards out of his pouch. "They're my Ninja Info Cards, and their purpose is to allow information to be stored. With the use of my Chakra, I can add whatever I want into them.

Because the Chunin Exams are held only twice a year, I've spent the last six gathering information about roughly 200 participants, including the ones from this year. So you see, I haven't wasted all my time."

"Just how specific is your information?" Sasuke inquired, interested.

"I think a demonstration would be better." Kabuto voiced. "Is there anyone you'd like to know about? If I can find them, I'll be able to show you at least some basic information about them."

"I want information on Rock Lee of the Leaf Village." Sasuke declared.

"I'd like to see what you got on Gaara of the Desert." Goku chimed in.

"I'd like information on Hinata Hyuga, Sasuke Uchiha, and Goku Sarutobi of the Leaf Village." Sakura added.

All the Genin of Team 7 looked at her. Those named hadn't imagined she'd show interest in learning about them while Naruto was fuming at the fact he wasn't included.

"Five people, yet it's just no fun since you know their names." Kabuto declared. "It makes it easy." He took five cards from his deck. "Here they are." Kabuto placed the blank cards on the floor before pouring some chakra into the first card.

"Rock Lee from Konoha. He's about a year older than you guys while his record shows five A ranks, twenty B ranks, forty C-ranks, and one hundred sixty D-ranks. His team competed in the last Chunin Exams held in Kumogakure.

There his teammate, Neji Hyuga, received the promotion to Chunin. His Jonin sensei is Might Guy while his teammates are Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Turles Sarutobi. His Taijutsu skills are off the charts while his Genjutsu and Ninjutsu skills are pretty much non-existent."

"That is Lee's record; however, Turles only joined them months ago, so his can't look exactly like this." Goku reasoned. "Still, I bet his is impressive all on its own."

That's all I got from Rock Lee, so let's move onto Gaara. According to my info, this is his first time applying to the Chunin Exams. His teammates are Temari and Kankuro, sister and brother. He has completed an unknown number of D ranks, eight C ranks, and a B rank.

While not as impressive a record as Lee's, according to the info I have here, he has completed every mission without receiving a single scratch. As for his abilities, I'm afraid I don't know anything about them; however, it's fair to assume he's very strong."

"The dude's done a B rank, yet he's never been injured?" Shikamaru questioned, stunned.

"What's the deal with this guy?" Naruto asked.

"Well, that's all I got on Rock Lee and Gaara." Kabuto informed. "Moving onto three of the members from Team 7, I'll give you their general run down before going individual with them. Team 7, also known as Team Potential.

They are comprised of Jonin Sensei Kakashi Hatake who oversees Naruto Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, Goku Sarutobi, and Sasuke Uchiha. Together, they've completed one hundred sixty D ranks, 16 C ranks, and 1 A rank."

"No fair!" Kiba exclaimed. "How did you guys get an A rank!?"

"It's simply because we're better, dog breath." Naruto returned with a foxy grin.

"You…" Kiba growled.

Akamaru barked at the blond.

"Kiba, hush." Sakura ordered firmly before looking at the members of team 7. "How did you complete that many D ranks?"

"That's a good point." Shikamaru stated. "Even between the 4 of you, the same number of D ranks as an older team is insane."

"Eh, Kakashi Sensei knew how to motivate us." Goku shrugged.

"Agreed." Hinata nodded. "More advanced training, plenty of times where he'd treat us to food, and the promise of higher ranked missions."

"He even told us at one point he was looking into a B rank, but the Chunin Exams appeared to have derailed that plan." Sasuke finished.

"What else do you have to say Kabuto?" Sakura asked, more interested.

"There isn't much more to say as someone has taken care in hiding too many specifics on them." Kabuto declared. "Given their records, I wouldn't underestimate anyone on Team 7, even the one you didn't ask to get information on."

"Just how hard do you think this exam will be?" Shikamaru asked.

Kabuto let out a chuckle. "In all honesty, I think this is going to be the hardest one I've ever participated in. Some teams are very skilled, other teams are intelligent, and others still have a lot of experience.

There's even a few among them that have all three traits. Even with my Ninja Info Cards, I don't think I have much of an advantage. There's no doubt about it, these Chunin Exams will be the most challenging thing you guys will ever…"

"AAAAAAARRRGGHHH!" Naruto's voice boomed, gaining the attention of everyone that was inside the room. "MY NAME IS NARUTO UZUMAKI, AND I'LL BEAT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! BELIEVE IT!"

"Hinata, tell your boyfriend to keep his big fat trap shut!" Ino yelled.

Hinata blushed crimson at such an insinuation while the eyes of every other Genin in the room were now on them again. Though practically every eye was staring daggers at the whole group, a certain set of red eyes looked on in confusion.

Those red eyes belonged to a girl with fair skin and hair as red as her eyes. She wore a mesh shirt, a purple skirt, a light brown short sleeved jacket with an orange stripe going across the chest, and black sandals. She also had the Kusagakure forehead protector on her forehead.

"Can you say that again." Kiba covered his mouth and pitched up his voice. "Didn't quite catch that."

"You moron." Shikamaru commented. "Are you trying to get everybody in the place to hate us?"

"I don't know, I think it was a good point to make." Goku commented with a grin.

Ino pinched the bridge of her nose. "You would."

"See, this is exactly what I'm talking about." Kabuto voiced. "If you keep doing this sort of thing, you might as well…"

Suddenly, two kunai impacted the wall behind the large group drawing their attention. Goku, Sasuke, Hinata, Shino, and Sakura caught sight of two Kumogakure Shinobi running out of the crowd with their hands on the hilts of their respective blades.

The first was a guy with blond hair, worn in an asymmetrical bowl cut and green eyes. His attire consists of a sleeveless version of the standard Kumogakure uniform. He also has bandages on his forearms, shin guards, and the kanji for "heat" tattooed on his left shoulder.

The second was a dark-skinned kunoichi with long spiky red hair and amber eyes. She wore a long, short-sleeved dress, two yellow earrings, fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots with white soles, and wore her forehead protector like a bandanna.

Goku and Sasuke drew their respective weapons before taking up a defensive stance. They now stood between the other rookies, and these aggressors before them. Despite the rather pointed look these two gave, it did seem to be enough to make the pair stop.

"Karui! Atsui!" A new voice broke out. "I told you not to let the words get to you."

A dark-skinned guy with spiky white hair and dark eyes walked out from among the crowd. He wore a dark outfit consisting of a shirt with a hood, red bandage hand guards, Kumogakure shin guards, and a black forehead protector. Like his comrades, he carried a sword."

"I couldn't help it Omoi." Atsui declared. "That blond there just made my blood run hot."

"Yeah, who does he think he is issuing a challenge like that." Karui added with a sneer. "The kid didn't even jump to his own defense after such a remark."

"Still, you two know the Raikage's orders concerning how we conduct ourselves, especially in anything related to Konoha." Omoi retorted, causing both his teammates to grimace. "Look, all I'm saying is you got to save this newfound beef for where it's official."

Before anyone else could speak, there was poof of smoke at the front of the class. "Alright you baby-faced degenerates, pipe down and listen up!"

The smoke faded away, revealing several Chunin and Jonin wearing grey uniforms. The man in the center wore the same outfit as the rest of them but with a black overcoat that reached his knees.

"It's time to begin." The tall man smirked. "I'm Ibiki Morino, the proctor in charge of the first exam, and your worst enemy if you don't abide my orders. First, you candidates from Kusa. Who told you it was okay to fight? You want to fail before we've begun?"

"No sir!" Karui & Atsui declared as one.

The Genin from Kumo backed down while Goku and Sasuke did the same.

"I'm sorry about my teammates sir." Omoi added.

"I'll say this once so listen up." Ibiki declared. "There will be no combat between candidates, no attacking each other without permission from your proctors. Anyone who even thinks of messing with me will be disqualified in an instant, got it?"

"No fatal force?" Zaku scoffed to himself. "That's no fun."

"Now, if we're ready, we'll proceed to the first stage of the Chunin Exam." Ibiki declared. "Hand over your paperwork. In return, you'll each be given a number. This number determines where you sit. We'll start the written test once you're all seated."

Naruto freaked out over that while Goku wasn't the biggest fan of it.

Later…

Everyone was seated, displaced from their teammates.

"Alright everyone, pay attention to the following instructions." Ibiki raised his voice. "I will not answer any questions, so you best pay attention the first time around. Rule number one: This test is conducted on a point reducing system.

All of you will begin with a perfect score of ten points. One point will be deducted for each answer you get wrong. For example, if you have three wrong answers, your final score is seven points. Rule number two: Teams pass or fail depending on the total score of its members."

"Wait a second!" Ino exclaimed. "Are you saying we'll be tested as a team!?"

"Silence!" Ibiki barked. "I'm in charge of this test, so I will supervise how I see fit! Rule number three: These men you see around the room are sentinels. They are here to keep an eye on each of you and look for signs of cheating.

Every time they do, two points will be deducted from you. If you get yourselves caught five times, you will be dismissed before the time ends. If that happens, then it just means you don't have what it takes to become Chunin."

"This guy is not messing around." Goku thought. "Naruto and I already had a tough enough time with our standard tests from the academy; I can only imagine this test will be harder than those."

"One more thing." Ibiki continued. "If anyone gets a zero, their entire team fails." Naruto and Goku could feel the pressure coming from Hinata and Sasuke. "You have one hour in total; however, the last question will be given fifteen minutes before the hour passes…GO!"

Everyone turned their paper, and Goku filled out his information before he started in on the questions. "W-what are these!?"

The questions weren't just tough to answer, they were near impossible. Most of them were about mathematics, physics, and logarithm. Goku was just able to eek out an average in all book subjects back at the academy.

What's more, he wasn't certain, but there seemed to be questions here based on things that weren't even mentioned during his time at the academy. Goku took a deep breath and started reading the questions again. At the very least, some of them weren't as hard as others.

Still, everyone would demand time and focus. Goku knew he'd have to utilize every trick he's every learned just to have a shot at POSSIBLY answering three within the time limit. Even then, he knew there'd be no certainty he'd get them right.

"Let's repeat the instructions given by Ibiki." Goku mulled over things. "He talked about the point-reducing system, how we will be tested as a team, how we will be eliminated if we get caught cheating five times, and how we will fail if one of our teammates gets a zero."

"Why would they allow us to cheat four times before kicking us out?" Upon reexamining that third point, it made no sense. "Back at the academy, no teacher never tolerated cheating near the extent these guys are. It's almost as if they…want us to cheat."

Even realizing that, Goku wasn't in a good position to cheat by himself. Whereas others were lucky enough to be near potential allies, he wasn't. The tradeoff was the fact that he did note a person seemed to be working rather vigorously next to him.

"Wait, I have four slots to use." Goku remembered he did have something that could aid him. "All I need is to wait, make note of the person who seems to know what he's doing, and use the technique at the right time to cinch the points."

Goku went about taking note of things, without inherently breaking any rules or potentially being called out as a cheater. He also went about erasing his information and attempting to look as though he was working through the test.

Goku was by no means the first to realize the truth. Others were quick to get it down and utilize their unique advantages to cheat. It wasn't long before the sentinels began catching people and sending teams home as a result.

30 minutes later…

"The person next to me is slowing down, so this is it." Goku thought.

He had no doubt the sentinels would see this, but it should only count as one instance. Perfectly in keeping with the four chances they got. Goku would still try to keep it hidden. As such, he moved his hands down to his lap before bringing them together.

The Sarutobi then put his time practicing hand sign speed to good use by flashing through a set as fast as possible. "Wind Release: Breakthrough!"

Goku had taken in a deep breath while disguising it as nothing more than a sneeze. He really played it up upon letting it out. Papers flew into the air, getting people to stand as they attempted to reclaim them. Goku grabbed his new paper before erasing the prior name and writing in his.

"Now, just got to remember to hold onto this if anyone gets the same idea." Goku thought.

He laid an arm on the paper before pretending he was still working. As time continued to wear, more people cheated. Some would get away with it, either by being genuinely discreet or staying within the limit. Others would be caught too many times leading to more teams being booted.

Fifteen Minutes Later…

"Your attention, please." Ibiki voiced. "We have fifteen minutes left, which means the tenth and final question will be given." All remaining candidates looked at him, and the smirk on his face told them they weren't going to like it. "This question comes with a certain rule.

You can choose if you want this question; however, not taking it means, regardless of all prior answers, you'll get a zero. In other words, you fail which means your teammates fail as well. If you fail to answer this question, you fail the exam, and can never take the Chunin Exams again."

"That's bull man!" Kiba exclaimed as he stood. "There are others here who have taken the test before!"

"Then, I guess you're unlucky enough to have me as your proctor." Ibiki replied with a dark chuckle. "I'm in charge of this test, and I will supervise it how I see fit. Besides, you can't say I'm not giving you a way out.

You're more than free to leave this room along with your team. Go ahead, no one will stop you. Just keep in mind, you'll have to take the exams next year…if you leave now, that is. Those who want out, now's your chance."

"I-I'm sorry. I can't do this. I resign."

"I can't do this either. I'm sorry, guys."

"I quit too."

"I quit."

"Sorry, this is too much."

"No…I can't go through with this."

One after another, the weak-willed candidates left the room. As they quit, their team had to leave with them. Goku was unfazed by this because he had faith. He knew Team 7 could do this. Even he could do this, as to his knowledge, since he should still have three cheat slots left.

Then, he saw his friend raising a shaky hand. "Naruto?

"Don't underestimate me!" The blond slammed his hand down on the desk. "I don't quit nor run! You can act tough all you want, but it won't scare me off! No way! I don't care if I do get stuck as a Genin for the rest of my life!" He stood. "I'll still be Hokage someday!"

Goku smiled since that was the kind of guy his friend was. Besides, the blond was right. Even if he stayed a Genin, it wouldn't impede his dream either. Genin or not, Goku would be the strongest in all the Elemental Nations.

Even Sasuke couldn't help but smirk at his teammate's statement. "He's going for it even though he's completely clueless…The kid has guts; I'll give him that."

"That's Naruto." Hinata thought lovingly. "No matter the odds, he'll face them head on."

"This is a life-changing decision." Ibiki warned. "Are you sure you're not going to quit? You could stay a Genin for the rest of your life."

"I never go back on my word." Naruto declared firmly. "That's my Nindo, my Ninja Way."

Ibiki watched as the blond inspired the rest of the candidates with his speech. Where he once saw fear, he now saw determination. Where he once saw hesitation, he now saw willingness to take risks. In the end, he saw what he wanted, what was expected from a Chunin.

They had no idea what they were up against, and they were still going for it. That was what he was looking for. That was the kind of Chunin the village needed. He smirked since it was now time to finish the first exam.

"If there are no more candidates who want out, then there is one thing left to say." Ibiki declared. "Congratulations on passing the first part of the Chunin Exams!"

…

Everyone was stunned into silence for a good moment.

"Wait, what do you mean we pass?" Sakura questioned. "What about the tenth question?"

Ibiki laughed heartedly. "There never was one! Not a written one at least. You could say the tenth question was whether you wanted to pass the test or not. The only thing I did was weed out the candidates who didn't have what it took."

"So, the other nine questions were a waste of time?" Temari demanded.

"Quite the opposite, actually. The purpose of the nine questions was to see how good you were at gathering information without getting caught. There's a reason why you were tested as a team. I wanted to see how you dealt with the pressure.

As you have probably noticed, the nine questions were too complicated for your average Genin. Intelligence is always an important factor, but what we were truly looking for was that you cheated without getting caught.

Why do you think we gave you four chances? Obviously, you needed someone you could copy from, so I placed transformed Chunin among you. Those were the sources where you could get your precious information from."

Two teens stood and dispelled their transformation.

Goku saw that one of them had been the person next to him, the very person whose paper he snagged. "Alight, I got good information!"

"In other words, it didn't really matter if the information you received was incorrect or not." Ibiki continued. "It was your ability to get that information without getting caught what was tested."

He took off his bandana headband revealing an overwhelming number of scars, burns, and screw holes. Almost every inch of Ibiki's skull skin was distorted.

"Information…that is something that can save your lives and the lives of your comrades. You must learn how to get it and keep it away from your enemies, regardless of the methods they use against you. Keep this in mind: No information is ALWAYS better than false information.

Now we have reached the end of the first test, and you all passed. I know many other candidates would've relented, but you kept forging on. For that, you've earned some of my respect. I hereby announce the end of the first part of the Chunin Exams. Good luck out there."

Suddenly, a bundled-up poster crashed into the room before the person within threw out kunai to display what it said to everyone. It read, 'Behold! The awesome and incredibly sexy Anko Mitarashi is here! Welcome to the second part of the Chunin Exams!'

The one responsible was a purple haired kunoichi in her mid-twenties who was striking a heroic pose. She wore a fitted mesh body suit that stretched from her neck down to her thighs, all of this under an open beige overcoat.

"Is this part of the test?" Naruto asked meekly, not understanding what was going on.

"Heads up boys and girls!" Anko declared. "This is no time to be celebrating! I'll be your next proctor, Anko Mitarashi! Ready for the second test? Good. Follow me!""

All the Genin were left befuddled.

"You're here early, Anko." Ibiki commented, not looking amused at all.

"How many are there?" Anko looked at the prior proctor. "Ibiki, why are there so many Genin? I thought you were supposed to reduce the numbers to the minimum, weren't you?"

"What can I say?" Ibiki shrugged. "They're one strong crop of candidates."

"They sure don't look it." Anko smiled. "Trust me. Before I'm done with them, more than half will be eliminated."

"More than half of us?" Ino reiterated in shock.

"This is going to be fun." Anko liked that reaction. "Alright you maggots, you've had it easy thus far, but things will be different first thing in the morning. I'll let your squad leaders know where you'll meet me. Dismissed."

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), the results are now:

Yes: 4

No: 0

In this chapter, I've almost finalized the important players to this arc. Kumogakure is here because of how the 'Hyuga Affair' turned out in this universe. I know it's a rather popular thing to put Samui as a Genin; however, her age in comparison to Omoi and Karui is rather drastic. The two of them are in their teens come Part II while Samui is in her mid-twenties. In my opinion, she serves better as the team's Jonin Sensei at this point.

This did open a slot on the team, so I simply deaged Samui's brother, Atsui, to fulfill the third teammate slot. As I said, Omoi and Karui are in their teens come part two, in fact they are the same age as Naruto, so they'd be twelve in part I. Atsui is stated to be 19, according to Narutopedia, so it's easier in my mind to make him the same age as everyone else is now. Of course, the red headed Genin from Kusa is Karin.

It was retconned later that she was at this Chunin Exams, and I don't blame the author for that. After all, Naruto was a weekly manga, but it does give me some stuff to play around with. As for Orochimaru, I'm under the impression he assumes the identity of Shiore on the day of the second phase; otherwise, I feel there's have been something to draw our attention to that team in the written exam.

Dontus -not Donut- Powerus: Sasuke was still peeved about losing to Lee, but at least he does now have his Sharingan. Learning speed is a whole other ball game compared to the point you're making. Yes, Sasuke can use his Sharingan to copy a Jutsu, but if you sit Goku and Sasuke in seperate rooms with a scroll on something physcial, the former will learn it well before the latter.

I'd say at this point, Goku's learning speed is equal to or just above Naruto with the Shadow Clones. Moving away from the gi is part II material. In Naruto, you do not deviate from your everyday attire until part II. That is something every member of the rookie 9, along with the Genin of Guy's team, followed. As for Dustless Bewildering Cover, I'll think about it.