With Team 7
Hinata and Karin managed to transport the other three Genin to an alcove located underneath a tree. There, The Hyuga did some precursory check on her teammates and went about administering the Healing Palm Jutsu before then laying traps outside.
She then returned and utilized her accumulated Medical-Nin knowledge to finish their treatment. Despite the harrowing battle they'd been through, Karin couldn't help but be interested in what Hinata was doing. The ability to heal without having to be used like some tool.
It always interested the girl; however, Kusa tended to keep such knowledge out of her grasp. Once the Hyuga was done ensuring the health of her teammates, she fell back on her butt up against the root of a tree. Karin cautiously moved closer before sitting next to the Hyuga.
Given she didn't seem to take offense to this, the Uzumaki figured it was fine. "Something's wrong with Sasuke's Chakra."
"What do you mean?" Hinata asked concerned.
"I'm not quite sure." Karin shook her head. "It's normal for Chakra to fluctuate when injured, but not by as much as his currently is." Now that she broke the ice, the red head decided to shift topics. "So, you're a Medical-Nin?"
"It's part of my repertoire." Hinata answered before noticing a rather sad look within the Uzumaki's eyes. "Does something about me being a Medical-Nin bother you?"
"Probably not in the way you are thinking." Karin responded.
She pulled her knees up to her chest as she suddenly felt cold. As Hinata tended to her team, the Uzumaki had been thinking what her future held now. In the heat of the moment, she had been content garnering all this information, thinking it might protect her.
In the quiet moments that followed Orochimaru's departure, she realized it wouldn't be enough to show her use beyond what her mother had provided. The fact that her teammates were dead, even though it wasn't really her fault, likely wouldn't help things.
"There's nothing more I can do for my team, so if you want to talk about it, I'll listen." Hinata offered Hi
Karin knew she shouldn't, Kusa wouldn't like it, but she's already shared information with this group before. Not to mention she could never talk to anyone in Kusa about this. Everyone knew what was happening, so there'd be no point.
None of this even mentioned the fact this girl was being genuinely kind to her, like Goku and Naruto had been. All this contemplation, and the ability to offload things was just too tempting at this point.
"My earliest memories are of traveling with my mother since we never had a home." Karin sighed. "Eventually, we were allowed to take refuge within Kusagakure provided my mom utilized a 'gift' we both shared. Something, as I understand it, not every Uzumaki had."
Hinata saw the pain, plain as day, on Karin's face. "What is this gift you two had?"
"By biting us, one can consume of our Chakra and heal." Karin crossed her arms over her legs and firmly held them together. "When my mother was needed, they would take her to heal their people, and I was left to wait. The way they used her took its toll.
Her last words to me were, 'I'll be right back. Be a good girl.' I waited all day, yet the one who would come collect me is the man who acts as my sensei now. They drained her of every drop of Chakra, and I only saw her body as I followed him into Kusa's hospital."
Hinata covered her mouth in horror. "That's…awful."
"I was just a child, yet they gave me no time to grieve." Karin continued. "They still had wounded, and I had our 'gift'. I was made to carry on the deal. I had to report to the hospital and was brought to battlefields.
Eventually, I was informed of these Chunin Exams and figured they could be my opportunity to show that my sensor abilities outstripped the usefulness of that 'gift'. Given how things have gone, I don't think anything will change. I guess I was just a hopeful…"
Suddenly, she stopped as the Hyuga hugged her. "I'm sorry you've had to go through that."
Suddenly, tears welled up within Karin's eyes. She learned early on that crying about her situation wouldn't solve a thing, but being held like this made her not want to even try and staunch the tears. She freely cried while Hinata just held her, letting this girl get it all out.
Eventually, the two of them ended up falling asleep, side by side. While it was certainly good to rest, after everything the two of them have been through, it meant neither of them noticed the three Sound Genin who were now hidden within the brush nearby.
"We found them." Vegeta voiced. "Just as Orochimaru ordered, we will strike at daybreak. Remember, our target is the Uchiha."
"If the other four get in our way, we take them out, right?" Zaku asked.
"Naturally." Vegeta responded.
Daybreak…
As Hinata began to stir, Karin did as well. While initially the Uzumaki felt better than she has in years, that was immediately overtaken by the fact that she sensed three Chakra signatures nearby. As far as she could tell, they were gearing up to move.
"Hinata, three foreign Chakra signatures are close!" Karin exclaimed.
Hinata stood and made the hand sign. "Byakugan!" The Hyuga could see them, so she moved towards the entrance. "Stay here and protect them!" She ran outside, determined that it wouldn't have to come to that. "I'll handle this."
Karin didn't even have time to speak as the Hyuga rushed outside. Even though this wasn't Orochimaru, that silver haired Leaf Genin, or the red-haired Suna Genin, the red head was still worried about Hinata confronting them alone.
At the same time, she recognized the Hyuga's order as an essential one given her teammates could not defend themselves. While she was not the best person to entrust with his, given her lack of combat skills, she would still honor the request.
Hinata was soon outside, in a defensive stance, staring where the enemy was. "Reveal yourselves!"
"You're supposed to be a Hyuga?" Vegeta's voice rang out. "What's the point of those eyes if we could get this close?" Hinata grimaced at that as the three Sound Genin stepped out. "Now, wake Uchiha because we want to fight him."
"What do you want with him?" Hinata asked. "I know Orochimaru is your leader, so why did he give him that strange mark on his neck?"
"A mark on the neck…given to Sasuke Uchiha?" Vegeta narrowed his eyes. "Girl, what does this mark look like?"
"Three black tomoe." Hinata responded firmly. "Your leader attacked us yesterday evening and ended it by extending his neck to bite Sasuke's."
"We were tasked with an assassination, yet Orochimaru marked him." Given this girl's indignation, Vegeta had no reason to doubt her words. "We were sent to be nothing more than a mere test."
"You know, I'm not liking this girl's tone." Zaku smirked. "Since she's standing in the way, I'll kill her first before moving onto Uchiha."
"Hold." Vegeta ordered.
"Hm, why?" Zaku asked.
"Beyond the fact the dirt ahead has obviously been dug up, one indication of the trap lain out before us, I've learned something that changes the mission we were given." Vegeta declared.
"Are you sure Vegeta?" Kin questioned, confused.
"Parameters have changed, Kin." Vegeta turned his back on Hinata. "I need more information, and we won't find it here. Now, you two either join me, or I can knock you both out before carrying you away."
That choice earned their cooperation as they joined their leader.
"Wait, you're just leaving?" Hinata questioned.
"Don't get it twisted." Vegeta looked back at her. "I've simply learned information that requires confirmation. The next time we meet, you won't be this lucky."
"What has Orochimaru done to Sasuke?" Hinata asked. "What is the gift he was left with?"
"Figure it out yourself." Vegeta turned away from her. "I need to do much the same now."
The three Sound Genin took off, leaving Hinata to wonder what that was about. Grunting drew her attention to the alcove as Goku and Naruto were waking. The Hyuga quickly reentered the alcove, and Karin joined her in drawing closer to the pair. Both could see they were safe.
"Hinata, what happened with that Kusa Genin?" Goku asked.
"There's a lot you two need to be caught up on." Hinata breathed a sigh of relief, glad at least two of her teammates were awake. "Why don't you come on out, and I'll explain things?"
Later…
From the moment everyone stepped outside the alcove, purple Chakra began to waft off Sasuke. To Karin, it merely felt as though his Chakra was still fluctuating. Nothing abnormal since that's how it's been from the moment he was bitten.
As such, no one really paid him much attention at that moment. Hinata, with help from Karin, went about explaining everything that happened after Orochimaru knocked them out. While they explained, the two boys listened intently.
They learned of how the trio fared against Orochimaru, the mark given to Sasuke, and Karin even decided to share what she'd told Hinata. Naruto and Goku were not happy to hear how the girl had been treated in the slightest.
"Oh, no." Once the explanation was done, Karin had perked up. "Sasuke's giving off similar, malicious Chakra to Orochimaru."
Everyone stood and turned to the alcove, just as visible purple Chakra swirled around a now conscious Sasuke. The left side of his face was covered by black, flame-like marks that came out of the same spot Orochimaru had bitten. The look on his face was that of demented hatred.
He stood with his head and arms hanging down while the tomoe in each of his Sharingan swirled. He turned his gaze squarely on Goku before suddenly rushing and kicking him in the gut. The Sarutobi was knocked off his feet and thud as he hit the ground back first.
"Goku!" Karin exclaimed, worriedly.
"Sasuke, what are you doing?" Hinata asked, shocked.
"How long have you had the golden hair and turquoise eyes?" Sasuke ignored everyone as he drew his saber, which was immediately surrounded by swirling purple Chakra. "How long have you hidden that power from me!?"
Before he could charge Goku, Naruto stepped into his path. "Sasuke, what are you doing?"
"Get out of my way Naruto." Sasuke ordered. "This doesn't involve you."
"It involves Hinata and me when you're attacking a teammate." Naruto declared firmly. "I'm doubly involved because that's my friend there."
"Not another word!" Sasuke yelled. "If you continue to speak, I will not hesitate to kill you to!"
One of Goku's marked kunai flew past Naruto's head and landed at Sasuke's feet before the Sarutobi suddenly appeared there in a black flash.
"I dare you to say that again!" Goku yelled.
While the Flying Rajin made Goku far faster than most could hope to react to, Goku rearing back his fist was nowhere near that fast. Sasuke was able to cross his arms, defending against the powerful haymaker Goku attempted to throw and only skid back about a foot.
Before Goku, Sasuke, or Naruto could proceed, Hinata ran in between them. "Please, stop." She looked at them, tears forming in her eyes since this seemed wrong. "Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum. Remember, it's the first thing Kakashi Sensei ever taught us. Right now, we're not living up to that."
Naruto and Goku hung their heads while those words seemed to have a soothing effect on Sasuke. The marks on his body retreated to the left side of his neck while the purple Chakra that surrounded him and his blade dissipated.
His Sharingan faded, and he fell to his butt while the White Light Chakra Saber clattered to the ground, falling from his hand. The Uchiha looked at his hand, wondering what that power was. Karin didn't know what to make of any of this, but at least Sasuke's Chakra felt normal now.
Outside the Tower: Evening…
Once they came to terms, at least as much as could be done, with what happened at the alcove, Team 7 and Karin set off towards the tower. The former still had their Heaven scroll while Karin still had her Earth scroll. There was no need to search out any others.
After avoiding fatal deathtraps, wild animals, and other teams, the Genin arrived at the infamous tower. They soon stood before a red door, locked by a seal. The seal could only be broken by a participant of the Chunin Exams. Naruto detached it, and the group made their way in.
Tower
The five Genin entered an empty room with a large, open scroll that showed some sort of message, undoubtedly addressed to all the candidates. It went like this: If qualities of Heaven are your desire, acquire wisdom to take your mind higher.
If the qualities of Earth are what you lack, train your body and prepare to attack. When Heaven and Earth are opened together, the peerless path will be righteous forever. This is the secret way that guides us from this place today."
Naruto read the scroll three times over before giving up. "So, what are we supposed to do?"
"It's a riddle." Hinata figured. "It obviously has to do with the Heaven and Earth scrolls. We have to use them to pass this test."
"Heaven is like the spiritual aspect of Chakra, while Earth is the physical aspect of it." Karin informed. "When the two are combined..."
"…we get Ninjutsu as a result." Sasuke concluded. "It's settled. We have to open both scrolls at the same time."
Karin didn't know how to feel about her time with these Genin coming to an end. The past two days have certainly been harrowing, but that's been her life in a nut shell. At least with them she was seen as more than some Chakra battery.
At this point, she knew that would be what awaited her upon being returned to her sensei. All illusion of proving herself a valuable kunoichi had been worked out of her mind. Even with all this in play, she couldn't bring herself to selfishly withhold her scroll from them.
Hinata approached the girl. "Karin…"
The Uzumaki looked at the Hyuga before managing a sad smile. "You all saw me to the tower, and I'm in one piece." She held out her team's Earth scroll. "This scroll is yours."
Rather than take it right away, Hinata put a gentle hand on her arm. "We're not going to let Kusagakure get their hands on you again."
Karin was surprised by that.
"That's right." Naruto nodded firmly. "At this point, I don't know if we're related by blood; however, you fought with our team against Orochimaru. That means something."
"Those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum." Goku recited. "That's the first lesson our sensei taught us, but I'd like to take it a step further. Those who don't treasure the memory of their comrades are worse scum than that.
Kusagakure did take you two in, and I realize smaller villages just don't have it as good as us; however, that doesn't absolve them of how they treated the both of you. You're kept around and used. When your mother died, there was no honoring her sacrifice."
"Konoha was unable to defend Uzushiogakure because they learned of the attack far too late." Hinata voiced. "With everything the Uzumaki have done for Konoha, we know Lord Third will shelter you."
"That's why, we won't leave you until you with a Shinobi we trust to see you to the old man." Naruto finished. "I know he'll help you.'
For the second time, in as many days, Karin found herself tearing up before eventually crying openly. "Thank you."
Hinata then took the Earth scroll from Karin before throwing Naruto's sealing scroll over to him. The blond unsealed their Heaven scroll. and they took a deep breath before proceeding to slowly open both at the same time.
Suddenly, smoke appeared out of the scrolls, like when a Shinobi performed a Summoning Jutsu. The two Genin stepped back in startled surprise, dropping the scrolls, before Iruka suddenly appeared.
"I-Iruka Sensei?" Naruto gaped.
The Chunin grinned. "It's good to see you guys."
"What are you doing here?" Goku asked. "Aren't you supposed to be at the academy?"
"Lord Third asked me to participate in this specific part of the Chunin Exams." Iruka responded. "I wanted to see if you had what it takes to get here, and I'm impressed."
Iruka observed his former students with fondness. Ever since Naruto and Goku became Genin, the three of them hadn't been able to spend time together the way they used to. He never thought he would miss paying for their ramen, but much to his surprise, he had.
The smile on his face faded once he took note of the tearful Kusa Genin with his former students. He knew these kids and figured they had a reason he'd get to after finishing his present job.
"So, this means we pass?" Hinata asked, wanting to be certain.
"That's right." Iruka nodded. "Congratulations."
"Yeah, we pass!" Naruto approached Iruka and hugged him. "I knew we could do it; I just knew it!"
"What would've happened if we had opened the scrolls before reaching the tower?" Sasuke asked.
"Well, my instructions were simple." The Chunin replied while rolling the scrolls up and putting them inside his back pouch. "In case you haven't noticed by now, this test was developed to see how well you could follow orders.
You were instructed to obtain both scrolls and keep them closed for no apparent reason. Had you opened them before getting here, you would be put unconscious for the rest of the time period. We didn't tell you that, so you would become tempted to open them."
"Tempted, us?" Naruto snorted petulantly at that. "Yeah right! We were never tempted, believe it!"
"If you say so, Naruto." Iruka chuckled. "You all made it here at the end of the second day, so that leaves two to three days of rest, depending on when the last team arrives on that third day. You'll find bedrooms and bathrooms passed that door over there."
He pointed at a small door below the big scroll. "There's also a lunch counter where you can get food. The instructions for the third phase will be explained when the last groups of Genins arrive. With that out of the way, would you mind telling me why you've arrived with a Kusa Genin."
"This is Karin Uzumaki…" Goku began.
That caught Iruka's interest immediately. Sasuke chose to back off while Naruto, Hinata, and Goku explained everything concerning her. They all knew this man well and believed he was the right choice, in this instance, when it came to relaying such information.
While Iruka knew not to generally take anything at face value, Karin seemed genuine in her emotions. Even if it all turned out to be a lie, she still did have the traits befitting an Uzumaki. No matter how he sliced it, Lord Third would want to know of this.
Even beyond that, Iruka's heart ached for this child. Again, her story could be an intricately woven story, but a part of him believed it to be true. For any child to go through what she had, it was abhorrent. Regardless, his next action was clear.
"I've heard everything." Iruka nodded. "Karin Uzumaki, Lord Third has already been summoned to the tower for alternative business, but I will inform him of you. He should then be here sooner. If you come with me, you can meet with him and discuss staying in Konoha."
If her new friends trusted this man, then Karin would trust him as well. "Alright, I'll follow."
Even as they started to walk away, through a different door, the Uzumaki couldn't help but look back at the Genin of team 7. While Sasuke was indifferent, the other three gave her reassuring smiles. She smiled back at them before leaving with Iruka.
Tower Room: Evening…
Hiruzen had worked it out to make it to the tower on the fifth day; however, learning of a potential, full blooded Uzumaki within the village had seen him move that time table up. He of course got the information associated with her.
She was just listed as Karin, as far as the information went. Considering Kusagakure was a smaller village, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for them to do what they could to hide her identity. After all, the other major villages had wiped Uzushiogakure out.
To then learn how two potential Uzumaki had been treated by Kusagakure was appalling, even with their gift. Hiruzen had been far younger when Uzushiogakure was at the height of their power, and the Uzumaki had always been steadfast allies to Konoha.
Hiruzen entered the room where Karin had been put, and judging by the plates stacked neatly on the coffee table before her, the girl had been fed. While not an exact likeness to Mito or Kishina, Hiruzen certainly got a sense of familiarity upon seeing her.
"Karin Uzumaki." Hiruzen commented as he came to stand before her.
Upon looking at the Hokage, he looked yet seemed tempered by a grandfatherly vibe. "Yes?"
"I must admit, I was uncertain you were an Uzumaki, even after I'd taken a look at your information." Hiruzen voiced. "Seeing you in person confirms you must be one as I've seen many in my time."
"That's understandable." Karin voiced. "Kusagakure went to great lengths to obscure what I was. A form of protection that likely would have worked had I not spoken up."
"I'm glad you did." Hiruzen offered a genuine smile. "I had thought I'd never meet a full blooded Uzumaki again. They were always steadfast allies of Konoha, and love bloomed between our villages. Two women of your clan made sacrifices for this village.
My only regret is that we could not be there for the Uzumaki when they needed us most. Had we known, you and your mother would not have had to suffer as you have. I fear this means others may very well be alive and in similar situations."
"I've wondered similar things, briefly." Karin stated.
"Yes, well…" Hiruzen cleared his throat. "Those are potential issues for another day. Right now, this is about you, and your desire to stay in Konoha."
"Three Genin from one of your teams showed me more kindness than Kusa ever has." Karin voiced.
"Team 7 seems to be starting a trend of bringing in new Shinobi form outside the village. That said, Zabuza and Haku Momochi have proven they may just have a good eye for this." Hiruzen nodded. "I will see your sensei is sent home without you."
"Y-You mean I can stay?" Karin asked, surprised it was that easy.
"Well, you'll have to go through the Interrogation and Torture unit." Hiruzen voiced, causing the girl to back into her seat before he gave a reassuring smile. "As long as you cooperate, there will be nothing extreme, I promise you."
Karin relaxed. "Right, I understand."
"Given her young age and current affiliation, it won't be nearly as long to sort her situation out." Hiruzen nodded. "I will send in a couple of Anbu to escort you out of the forest shortly."
"Wait, I have a question." Karin stated. "Naruto Uzumaki, is he really an Uzumaki?"
"His mother was one." Hiruzen sighed. "There is a lot of secrecy surrounding him, but with your appearance, I must now reveal to him part of that. In fact, seeing him is my next stop." He nodded. "That is my worry to have, for now be content that you will not return to Kusa."
As Hiruzen walked out, Karin felt a huge weight having been lifted from her shoulders. To hear the leader of this village confirm she wouldn't be going back finally cemented what Team 7 had said. If all it took was her cooperation, then she'd give it.
Team 7
Team 7 was in one of many rooms the tower had for teams who arrived before the fifth day. This one had four beds and one bathroom, with a shower included. That said, the tower facilities didn't belong to a five-star hotel. The bathroom only had one towel, there was no hot water, and there were no hygiene products. Despite this, the members of Team 7 had no complaints.
"It feels nice to take a shower after the last two days." Hinata voiced.
Even if Sasuke didn't voice it, all three of her teammates could agree, and everyone was happy to get some genuine rest. Suddenly, a knock at the door caught their attention. Naruto stood up and opened the door to reveal Hiruzen.
"Old Man!" Naruto exclaimed.
The rest of the team knew immediately who it was as they stood.
"Great Uncle Hiruzen, have you met with Karin yet?" Goku asked.
Hiruzen stepped into the room and closed the door. "I have, and everything shall be taken care of." He gave them a reassuring smile and nod. "I've already ordered her former sensei be escorted out of the Land of Fire.
As we speak, she should be on her way to go through the same processes we've put Zabuza, Haku, and the demon brothers through. Given her younger age, as well as far less notoriety, it shouldn't take nearly as long as those four did."
That confirmed to Team 7 they may very well see those four Mist Shinobi around the village now. "That aside, there are matters I must discuss with you Naruto. They are somewhat private and involve your clan."
Naruto looked on, interested in learning what Hiruzen had to say.
"Should we leave?" Hinata asked.
Despite all three of Naruto's teammates being interested in what their Hokage would say, they were clan born themselves and understood certain topics just weren't for the ears of an outsider. That said, Sasuke hadn't believed it until now that the loser was part of a clan.
"The decision is Naruto's." Hiruzen took a seat on the edge of one of the beds. "I am here for his benefit, and while some of the information may be private, letting him have the agency is his right."
"They can stay." Naruto voiced without hesitation.
"So be it." The older man then looked to Naruto and frowned a bit, the wrinkles on his face shifting as he did so. "I'll be honest, what I'm going to tell you isn't a happy story, which is why I've put this off. Before I truly begin, I will be keeping the identity of your father a secret.
He was a Shinobi of renown matching that of the Uzumaki. I feel you should at least make Chunin or be a few years older before I go talking about him. In short, he is an S rank secret, and you know the rules concerning A and S-rank secrets."
"Don't ask question, don't say anything." Hinata recited.
Everyone else nodded in agreement, so the Hokage pulled out a document; not unlike the ones they all got upon becoming Genin. The rest of Team 7 gathered around him to see that this belonged to a woman with long red hair.
"Kushina…Uzumaki…" Naruto had looked a long time to see if he could find anything on his parents, and now he held something. "So, she was my mother?"
"She died the night of your birth." The Hokage stated somberly. "Along with your father, I'm afraid. As far as we knew at the time, there were no other relatives left alive, no other members of the Uzumaki, to take you in.
Their village had been destroyed shortly after she was brought to Konoha from Uzu during her childhood. That made you a ward of the village, but I promised her I'd look after you. She was so excited to be a mother and loved you before you were even born."
"I see…" Naruto stated, looking rather sad at that.
He knew on some level that was the case, but hearing it spoken bought up all sorts of feelings he tried to repress. Goku put a hand on his shoulder, a means of comfort. Naruto appreciated the gesture from his friend.
"She has red hair like Karin." Goku noted.
"It was as common a trait with the Uzumaki, like the hair and eyes Sasuke shared with his clan." Hiruzen pulled out a map and pointed to a small island between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water. "Here is where their village was located.
It's quite distant from where we are, which did play a part in their destruction during the second war. At some point after your mother arrived, they were attacked by three of the other great villages. Secrecy between them was so great, word never reached Konoha of the attack."
"Uzushiogakure couldn't have been bigger than most smaller Shinobi villages out there." Sasuke noted. "Why would three of the major villages want it destroyed that badly?"
"Seals can do incredible things." The Hokage voiced. "Just at the basic level, one can contain objects in their own pocket dimension and create explosive tags. Fuinjutsu cannot do everything, but the Uzumaki were proficient in them.
Couple that with your average Uzumaki having immense Chakra reserves, as well as various other abilities, and they had every right to be feared. The fact it took three of the five big villages to destroy them should make it self-evident just how strong a village they were.
Sadly, this was a common practice during those terrible times. Clans with unique bloodlines or artifacts would give the enemy an advantage. If given a chance, the soundest tactic was to subsume or eliminate them. That is often why clans congregate into the larger villages."
"What does Uzushiogakure look like now?" Naruto asked.
"It was torn down, hollowed out, and plundered. To see such a longtime ally in such a state was…disheartening. We laid all we could find to rest in a mass grave before returning to our village. The only memory left of them is the spiral within our village's own emblem.
Even then, time has robbed most of that memory. This is why I was waiting. I didn't want to tell you that you belonged to a clan that had been robbed of everything. There is no land to give you. No legacy beyond what is in the history books. Nothing but ruins of your scattered clan."
"It was just luck that Goku happened to run into Karin and convince her to come with him." Naruto voiced.
"To be frank, yes." Hiruzen responded. "Admittedly, Karin existing has got me thinking of potentially others still being out there somewhere. Admittedly, I have no idea where we'd start looking."
"I hear that, but what about Uzu?" Naruto asked. "I mean, I've been starting to learn Fuinjutsu, guess I know why I was picking it up well, but would there potentially be anything sealed away there that a non-Uzumaki couldn't get their hands on?"
"Hm, that's actually a good theory Naruto." Hiruzen nodded. "Once the Chunin Exams conclude, you could go check it out with Karin." He stood. "Now, my time is growing short, I'm afraid. I must take my leave."
"Wait." Naruto stated, drawing his attention. "Could I…Could I come to you to hear more about my mom?"
"The Chunin Exams bring with it a lot of work for everyone, but once it has wrapped up, I'd be happy to tell you more about her." Hiruzen smiled. "Kakashi knows of her as well." That drew Naruto's attention. "Don't blame him for not saying anything, it was an S rank secret until now."
Naruto nodded in understanding, so the Third took his leave as there were many other problems left to attend to. Meeting with Anko and Granolah about their encounter with Orochimaru being one of them. Speaking of Orochimaru, that mark on Sasuke's neck needed Kakashi's attention.
As Hiruzen left, the team dispersed around the room and Goku ended up staring at his teammates. "Hyuga…Uchiha…Uzumaki…Two out of three were wiped out."
Hearing what Hiruzen had to say got Goku thinking about something he hadn't prior. As he understood it at this moment, two powerful clans, whether they were in the village or allies that laid outside it, had been wiped out. Pieces of Konoha ripped away at different points in time.
"What other clans were once allied with or part of Konoha?" Goku contemplated. "What else could have been lost to time?" He obviously didn't have much in the way of answers, though one clan did come to mind. "What about the Senju? Whatever happened to them?"
For the first time, Goku was contemplating why the village he lived in was the way it is. His mind also began to ponder what Konoha could have looked like had certain clans not been lost, in whatever ways they were. None of this accounted for prominent Shinobi outside the clans.
Tower Room: Night…
Kakashi, upon being summoned to the tower early, met up with Hiruzen, Anko, and Granolah within that same room the third had used to speak with Karin earlier. Anko and Granolah recounted their encounter with Orochimaru while Hiruzen informed of what he spied on Sasuke's shoulder.
"So, he's marked another." Anko muttered.
"I'll need to go about sealing that before the next round." Kakashi voiced. "If I do it sometime tomorrow, a full day's rest should see him still able to compete."
He knew Sasuke well enough that the Genin simply would not accept being pulled.
Should we even continue?" Anko asked.
"Orochimaru is clearly planning something; however, we're dammed if we do and dammed if we don't." Granolah was doing his best to contain his frustration over the situation. "Ultimately, continuing gives us more time to prepare for whatever he's got."
"Your assessment is correct." Hiruzen nodded. "For the time being, we'll continue the exams as planned while working to keep an eye on his movements."
"Right." Anko voiced.
"While I will seal that Curse Mark tomorrow, nothing says I can't potentially find some answers." Kakashi thought, leaving the room.
He had the intention of learning just what had happened to his team, and Gohan had found him just before he left for the forest. The older Sarutobi wanted him to see if his boys were okay. He could now confirm Goku was and ask him about a potential transformation.
"If anything were to truly cause a transformation, like it's said Bardock entered, it'd be an encounter with Orochimaru." Kakashi reasoned.
Goku's Dream?
Goku found himself blinded by an incomprehensible light; however, within that light he could make out three eyes, seemingly belonging to one being, staring back at him. Before he could discern anything specific, the being faded, and a large scroll suddenly appeared before him.
It unrolled to reveal a silhouette of himself. Despite the fact this could be one of Turles or his father, Goku knew it was his. His silhouette's hair turned gold while the eyes were turquoise. The name Grand Sage appeared beneath before fading as the silhouette returned to normal.
Not even a moment later, the kanji for the five basic Chakra Natures appeared around his silhouette, forming a sort of ring. Each one glowed their respective element's color. Then, an outer ring was formed around the first and was comprised of ten more kanji.
These ten read: Ice, Wood, Mud, Lava, Storm, Scorch, Boil, Crystal, Explosion, and Magnet. Unlike the inner five, these ten did not glow. Rather than be confused as he should, a sense of understanding passed over Goku…
Tower
Goku awoke with a gasp and shot to a sitting position as he looked at the sleeping forms of his teammates. His head was suddenly filled with information he didn't have prior to sleeping. No matter how much he wanted to think of it as a dream, his mind would not allow him to.
"You must have been having quite the dream."
Goku was startled by the voice of his sensei and turned to see said man resting his back against the corner of the room with his arms folded. "Kakashi Sensei." He kept his voice low as to not wake the others. "What are you doing here?"
"I here because I need to talk to you." Kakashi moved away from the wall. "Follow me."
Goku nodded before following his sensei out of the room.
Lunch Counter
Kakashi walked down some stairs and led his student to the lunch counter. There were a couple of roundtables, and he signaled to the nearest one.
The pair sat down before Kakashi got right to it. "I want you to tell me what happened to your team within this forest."
Goku dutifully proceeded to tell Kakashi about Team 7's time in the forest, though he made sure to note that parts of it were told to him second hand. Basically, things he wasn't there for or times he was unconscious. He started with their initial plan before entering the forest.
Naruto went to take a leak, only to be replaced, and he went off to do some scouting. That led to his encounter with Karin while Sasuke and Hinata dealt with the Rain Genin. He spoke of their deal with Karin before transitioning to their encounter with Orochimaru.
He spoke of what four of them saw while Naruto was within the stomach of a snake, and how that caused him to transform, just as he heard his father once had years ago. How Naruto seemed to release a little of the Nine Tail's Chakra, and they fought Orochimaru together.
Then, they were knocked out, and the other three fought their hearts out against the snake. They lost, and Orochimaru promised to give Sasuke power before giving him a strange mark on his neck. Karin and Hinata then took care of them, and he explained the former's story.
Then, those two encountered the Sound Genin, only for the seeming leader of that group to call a retreat. Naruto, Sasuke, and he woke up not long after; however, Sasuke's was a tad violent, but Hinata brought him to his senses.
Then, they made it to the tower where they parted ways with Karin. By the end of the tale, Kakashi was relieved to learn the truth behind the transformation yet frowned in despair upon hearing how Goku's story lined up with what Anko and Granolah had to say.
"…and that's all that happened." Goku stated, though his sensei noted his uncertainty at that.
"That is troubling news." Kakashi replied. "Orochimaru was interested in the power of the Sharingan before he even left the village. Now that Sasuke is the only Uchiha around, it's safe to assume he has become Orochimaru's target. We must be cautious from here on out."
"What about you, Kakashi Sensei?" Goku asked, causing Kakashi to blink in surprise. "You may not be an Uchiha, but you have a Sharingan. Doesn't that make you a target as well?"
"Orochimaru has no interest in me." Kakashi responded. "Anyways, is that really all there is to tell?" He looked pointedly at his student. "Something else seems to be on your mind."
"Sorry sensei, I'm just not sure what to make of it myself." Goku sighed. "It's about my dream…"
Goku went onto to explain how his mind perceived what happened within this dream to be genuinely gained information. He talked about that figure he saw briefly, and how he was given a name for the form he used. He finished by explaining what he gleamed on his Chakra Natures.
"…I believe I'm able of wield ten advanced Chakra Natures; however, I'm not versed enough in the five basic ones to even begin training with them at this time." Goku finished.
Kakashi didn't know what to make of this. He hadn't seen anyone within that room who could have given his student such a dream. Even then, why would he be the only target? Additionally, what would someone gain by making his student believe this to be genuine information?
"We'll schedule you an appointment with Inochi to have a look inside your mind once there's time." Kakashi decided to voice. "As things stand, this doesn't seem like it'll impede your performance moving forward. What about Grand Sage? Can you access it?"
"I can feel it within me right now though I'm not certain about utilizing it tomorrow." Goku informed. "I was able to control the anger decently enough; however, I think I'd like a little training with it before utilizing it right now."
"Understandable." Kakashi nodded. "For now, go back to your room and rest. Tomorrow, I'll handle the curse mark."
"Alright." Goku stood. "Night sensei."
"Good night, Goku."
Karin's story is pretty much taken from what we get during her Infinite Tsukuyomi. I know she's under the effects of said event, but I'd like to think everything we see, until things start going differently, is her past. While this Hinata is different from her canon counterpart, parts of her canon self are still there. Sure, she's striving to be a proper clan head; however, the kindness of her mother left an imprint, and she's had that kindness role model in her Uncle Hizashi.
Come the next morning, the Sound Genin pull up; however, I don't think a fight would happen here. Vegeta here doesn't really have a superiority complex about being an Elite Saiyan(Elite Ninja) or prince. That's not to say he doesn't have a lineage, but it's nothing that makes him a prince. This in turn leaves him with his strategic mind. I feel he'd be putting together, far earlier, that they are just pawns of Orochimaru.
In short, him backing off without initiating a fight is showing earlier signs of rebelling then what we got from Dosu at this point. That doesn't stop the fact that Sasuke's going to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. While Naruto is growing here, I think Sasuke's present ire would be directed at Goku. While Goku is normally levelheaded, a straight-out attack followed by threatening to kill his friend pushed buttons in all the wrong ways. Fortunately, Hinata got everyone to chill.
Then, they reach the tower on the evening of day 2 where they pass, and Karin is taken to await the Hokage's arrival. Given how the Hyuga Affair was handled in canon, I will admit it is possible Lord Third might have just sent Karin back to the Grass to avoid conflict. Conversely, how the Hyuga Affair turned out in my story, I feel, could lead to him deciding: Karin is an Uzumaki, so we shall protect her from what the Grass has done. Finally, we get to Goku's 'dream'.
If Bardock had lived, he'd have had this dream to. While Raditz and Turles do not share the five basic Chakra natures, that doesn't mean they are exempts from Super Sage. Those two merely have their own paths to strength after. As for my thought process on Goku's advanced Chakra Natures, I feel they should be a tangible elemental release. As for Swift Release, I'd like to think Goku's advanced releases have to be a sort of element themselves.
As for Particle Release, it simply didn't show up because that is even more advanced than the ones that have shown up. My thought process is that's more or less what Goku will be working on come Shippuden. It'll become known to Goku during that time, after he's spent the time skip delving into the other ten. It'd be like Goku's big power up in Super, aside from ascended forms of Super Sage.
Note: Next Chapter dives into the preliminaries. 8 teams, one of which contains four members, means 25 Genin will have proceeded to this round. Kabuto will still be withdrawing, so that's 24 Genin, 12 matches. Given the new people that are here, I took the liberty of randomizing every match, and all but two will be different from canon. Here's a list of the 24 who will battle in the prelims.
Team 7:
1. Sasuke Uchiha
2. Naruto Uzumaki
3. Hianta Hyuga
4. Goku Sarutobi
Team Baki:
5. Gaara
6. Temari
7. Kankuro
Team 8:
8. Kiba Inuzuka
9. Shino Aburame
10. Sakura Haruno
Team Vegeta:
11. Vegeta Hokori
12. Kin Tsuchi
13. Zaku Abumi
Team 10:
14 . Shikamaru Nara
15 . Ino Yamanaka
16. Choji Akamichi
Team Sumui:
17. Omoi
18. Karui
19. Atsui
Team 9(Guy):
20 Tenten
21. Rock Lee
22. Turles Sarutobi
Kabuto's Teammates:
23. Yoroi
24. Miusumi
Dontus -not Donut- Powerus: Actually, they don't need to absorb them numerically, it's just that the Nine Tails needs to be absorbed last for the other Tailed Beast to offset his power. At the beginning of Naruto Shippuden, before the One Tails was absorbed, two eyes of the statue are shown to have pupils. If we take filler into consideration, the 'Second Chunin Exams' arc takes place before the start of Shippuden where Fu is captured.
While Orochimaru is still a roadblock, the Akatsuki can still go after ones beyond it. That said, if we do take filler into consideration, the seven tails is still alive at this time in the story. As for Yugito, it was the start of the Akatsuki Suppression Arc which canonically follows after Tenchi Bridge arc. As for potential sage training, I'll keep it in mind for the future; however, I'm intending to keep Eight Gates seperate from the Super Saiyan Transformations.
NBATazuji: I'm glad you liked the chapter. I mainly pointed out mentioning Granolah in Chapter 1 because it does explain why he has the same sash as Asuma. As well as would go onto explain why he's not dressed nor has the hair color of a Hyuga. When it came to Orochimaru, that's a Sanin. Even without being a Jinchuriki, like I made him, he wouldn't have been hesitant to engage. A bit more careful, most certainly, but not hesitant to engage.
Here, being a Jinchuriki now enabled him to pretty much go about the fight as he did in canon. He did have to work a little harder given they attacked in a pair followed by a trio. Still, this was nothing he couldn't have handled. As for the addtional member, pay attention to the next chapter as Kabuto will mention them in that brief exchange, he has with Yoroi.