{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Entrance exam hall}

July 6th

Team 7 walked through the examination hall doors and headed toward the registration booth to submit their papers. Sasuke's eyes scanned the area, looking at the large group of participants gathered in one spot. A commotion began to form around two older boys blocking the door.

"Let us through! we need to get inside before they close the exam!" One of the older boys shouted.

One boy tried to rush them, but they were backhanded easily, sent sprawling across the floor in shock.

"Beat it! If you can't even get past us, you have no chance and no right to be in this hall!" one of the older Genin shouted at the group.

"You can't just decide that for all of us!" The first boy said, trying to regain his footing.

Sasuke sighed, looked up at the sign above the door, and caught on.

A smirk plastered onto his face as he approached the two Genin.

"Take that crap down. It's apparent that it's a genjutsu. " Said Sasuke.

Naruto's eyes widened slightly, and Sakura looked up at the sign.

"Genjutsu? What are you on about," said the disguised Kotetsu.

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Go ahead, tell them, Naruto. I'm sure you saw it before we did."

Naruto smirked. "Nice of you to give praise. And yes, the genjutsu is at the academy level. It is a neat little sleight of hand, but nothing special."

"Alright, you think you're smart? show me then!" Kotetsu said as he dashed and sent a kick towards Naruto, but Sasuke moved fast, spinning to send one to intercept.

To Sakura's surprise, both attacks were repelled when Lee sped between them, catching both legs before they could make contact, and shoved them away.

"Please. No fighting. We have no reason to do such a thing. There's nothing to prove here. If we start a fight now, they will throw us all out, and then we'll all miss out on this year's chunin selection exams," said Lee as he released both legs.

Sasuke's eyes widened. 'What the? That's some chakra he's got in his arm.'

Lee let out a breath and winced when he felt Neji's glare. "Wasn't it your Idea to keep a low profile? What were you thinking," the Hyuuga scolded harshly.

Lee looked down and sighed. "Sorry."

Tenten shook her head and turned to look at this year's Rookie of the Year, then at Sakura, and then her gaze stopped at Naruto. "Ah. You're that one kid from before."

Naruto gave a slight smile. "You remember me, huh?"

"How could I forget? You got run over pretty bad," she said with a hint of humor.

Leel recognized Naruto and bowed. "Ah! I apologize! I was running behind that day... you are that one guy... right?

"The guy you slammed into when making laps around the village? Yeah, I'm him. And my name's Naruto." Naruto said with a chuckle.

Sakura leaned forward. "You know these people?"

Naruto shook his head, "Had a weird encounter, that's all."

"Enough, you two. let's get a move on." Said Neji.

"Hold on," Sasuke said, stepping forward. "Who are you?"

Neji's eyes narrowed at first, and then a smirk appeared on his face. "None of your concern. We'll meet in the exams if you're anything worth my time. I won't waste my breath on a rookie. Let's go, Team."

Sasuke clenched his fist, and a smirk came onto his face as he watched them go.

Naruto knew the look. Sasuke's pumped.

A smirk also itched its way onto Naruto's face. He knew there were consequences to showing off, but he was eager to prove himself, too.

Line break.

It was after checking in that they were able to finally ascend to the final floor.

The Team was walking through an open space when Naruto stopped and turned to where Lee was standing.

"Hey, you, the one with the attitude! Hold on!" announced Lee, the boy leaping from the balcony and before the Team.

"Yeah? What do you want?" asked Sasuke.

"I want to fight. Right here, Right now." responded the spandex-wearing Genin.

Sasuke smirked. "And why should I accept?"

Lee took a stance: "You were this year's Rookie of the Year and the wielder of the Uchiha clan's famed Sharingan. Well, I also happen to be last year's Rookie of the Year. My name is Rock Lee! I challenge you to a fight. I wish to see if what they say about your clan is true.

Sasuke smirked and stepped forward. "Oh? And what do they say about my clan?"

"That They were the most dangerous clan. That their eyes were unbeatable."

Sasuke's smirk broadened. "And even with that reputation, you think you can beat me? A member of the Uchiha clan?"

Lee scoffed. "Of course. And I will show you why. This fight will end in a mere moment!"

Naruto sighed. "Yeah, I felt everyone was going to single you out."

Sasuke smirked and whispered. "It's fine. Push comes to shove; aside from me, you're our heavy hitter. No one needs to know that, so just watch for weakness."

Sakura shook her head as Sasuke stepped forward, Naruto crossing his arms to see what this other kid could do.

Lee took a fighting stance as well, and Sasuke rushed the boy, sending a punch Lee's way.

Lee smirked and blurred out of the way, appearing behind Sasuke to trip him, but Sasuke was fast enough to flip forward and roll away, getting up in time to block the second kick sent his way.

Sasuke was sent skidding back and watched Lee Jump into the air, the boy spinning, ready to bring his heel down onto Sasuke's head.

Sasuke smirked and side-stepped the attack, slamming his fist into Lee's side, much to Lee's surprise. The older boy recovered quickly, holding his side in surprise.

Naruto crossed his arms and smirked. 'Now we're talking.' he thought to himself.

Lee dashed at Sasuke at twice the speed as before, weaving around Sasuke's jabs and attempted kicks, looking for an opening and finding it to be a bit difficult. 'What's this? The Uchiha is quite talented! I'll need to push harder then!'

Sasuke stuck his leg out to catch Lee in the air, yet Lee had also expected such and twisted his body out of the way, landing on his feet and charging the boy with a kick.

Sasuke defended again but was surprised when, upon impact, Lee stuck his hands on the ground and slammed his other foot into Sasuke's jaw, sending Sasuke flying back.

Sasuke hit his back pretty hard but got up, growling. 'He doesn't hit as hard as Naruto, but he's more skilled. OK, let's see how he likes this!'

Sasuke's eyes shimmered into the Sharingan, and Sakura's excitement grew. Thanks to Naruto pushing him to his limit, there was two tomoe in each eye. 'C'mon, Sasuke, show this guy what you're made of!' she thought excitedly.

Lee's eyes widened. 'Sharingan! This is what I've been waiting for!' thought Lee.

Lee took a stance, waiting for Sasuke to make a move, and the Uchiha did the same.

they were still eager to exploit the other, but with neither moving, they came to the same conclusion.' It's time to end this!'

They both rushed at one another, Lee sliding into a move to finish the Uchiha, and Sasuke's eyes spun with focus.

'Does he plan to use the dancing Leaf Shadow? Let's see how he likes this, then!'

To Lee's shock, Sasuke's body language shifted, and they were suddenly mirroring one another.

Their kicks slammed into one another with extreme force, causing them both to wince, but Lee recovered first, twisting into a different move.

"Leaf hurricane!" the boy yelled, a powerful leg sweep catching Sasuke's foot and another approaching his chest.

Sasuke blocked the attack successfully but noticed the bandage wrapped around his leg.

Skidding back, Sasuke tried to slash it off quickly, but Lee was faster and yanked Sasuke toward him.

Sasuke cursed momentarily before a smirk found its way back onto his face. 'OK then! Be that way!' he thought to himself, adjusting to lean into an attack.

Both boys were stopped. Naruto caught Lee's back calf and Sasuke's foot.

Sasuke's eyes widened with annoyance, and he hopped back, free of Lee's bandages.

Lee tried to rush up but tripped on some kind of weight; his leg was suddenly too heavy to move correctly. "Wha?- oof!" the boy yelped as he fell on his knee.

He looked down in surprise. 'a gravity seal?'

Sasuke crossed his arms. "I had him, Uzumaki. Why'd you butt in."

Naruto pointed at the clock, and Sasuke's eyes widened. 'crap, this wasn't supposed to take this long!'

Lee stood up and sighed, having easily wiped off the seal.' That was unnecessary, Uzumaki Naruto. Now, you are on my radar as well. It was my mistake not to see you as a threat before but to have stopped our attacks like I did with those other Genin points to a hidden threat I had not perceived.'

"Sorry to interrupt this fight, but we have somewhere we need to be in ten minutes. I'm sure you two will have a chance to settle this later, but right now, we can't be late," Naruto said before turning around.

Sasuke smirked and looked him up and down. "You weren't bad, Lee. But next time, Ninjutsu will be on the table. We'll see who's stronger then."

Lee's eyes narrowed at that. 'His Sharingan is a lot more formidable than anticipated. I now know that we will be facing tough opponents in these exams. This will be fun indeed!'

Le gave a bow." I hope to face you both in the exams! Know that I myself was holding back as well. We will see who the stronger of us is soon, so be ready."

"Likewise." Said the retreating Uchiha.

When the Team was out of sight, Lee let out a breath and clenched his fists in anticipation and frustration. He wasn't expecting the rookie team to be that strong. Not even close.

'I set out to practice against another Dojutsu user, only to find a new challenger in a Rookie. This Naruto character stopped out attacks with little difficulty. I couldn't show off for the girl either. What a disaster.' the boy sighed in his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Gai, who was watching from a distance, was also on edge, but for a different reason.

'Just, what are you teaching these kids, Kakashi?'

Line break.

Naruto felt bad for getting between Lee and Sasuke like that, but he was afraid of both being late and Sasuke showing off too much to get the upper hand. Luckily, He and Sasuke are on the same page... for once.

Naruto took a breath, opened the double doors, and stepped into the large classroom filled with Genin of all shapes and sizes.

The moment the doors opened to reveal them, everyone present paused, and a wave of killing intent hit them.

Sakura froze, but Naruto planted a hand on her shoulder and stepped ahead to shield her from the worst of it, smirking. "It takes all of them combined to give off this measly amount of pressure? I guess facing Zabuza has left us rather jaded, eh?" the boy whispered to his Team. When She thought about it, it didn't compare.

Sakura relaxed and smirked, nodding and waving off the pressure sent their way with ease, and Sasuke did not even need the prompt from Naruto to do so.

The other Genin saw this and scoffed, going about their business. No doubt a few teams before them were scared off, but not them.

Before Sasuke could comment, Ino wrapped her arms around his neck from behind and giggled. "Sasuke! Where've you been? You have no idea how much I was hoping you'd show up here." she said in a flirtatious tone. "I've missed those brooding good looks of yours."

Sakura growled and stomped her way up to Ino. "Get off of my teammate, you Porker!"

Ino glared, a smirk on her face. "They let you in? I see you still got those big frown lines on your billboard brow."

"Leave my Forehead out of it!"

Ino made a teasing gesture before her eyes landed on Naruto, and they went wide. "N-Naruto?! Is that you?!" she said, releasing Sasuke, much to the Uchiha's relief.

Naruto wasn't paying attention to the exchange, having a bit of a staring contest with Gaara in the background, when he noticed the fellow blonde approach and turned to her. "huh?"

Ino leaned in close and smirked. "Well, I like the new look on you, my fellow blonde! It's so rugged! You actually look kind of good!"

Naruto looked down at himself in confusion before his eyes widened. 'D-did she just flirts with me?!'

Ino's smirk broadened at the flustered blush on the blonde, and before she could say something else to fluster him, her teammate jumped in. "Back off you whore! Jumping from man to man, just who do you think you are?!" shouted Sakura in annoyance.

Ino's eye twitched in anger. "I was only teasing you, greedy cow! You already have Sasuke! What, do you suddenly like Naruto too?!"

"I could ask the exact same thing you-" Sakura was cut off when Naruto put a finger up to silence her.

"Woah. You actually got her to shut up? Impressive." said Shikamaru as he walked over, Choji right behind him.

Sakura huffed, and Naruto sighed. "Good to see you too."

To Naruto's surprise, Choji held out his hand for a high five, and they clasped hands. "Good to have you here, Brother!" said Choji in a jovial tone. Anyone who fed him as nicely as he did in the arcade was a friend in the boy's book, and Naruto couldn't help the smile that formed.

Sakura and Ino continued their spat. Sasuke scanned around for anyone who might be a challenge, and Naruto talked with his two buddies from the academy.

"So. how have things been since becoming a genin?" asked Naruto.

Shikamaru looked thoughtful. "aside from two C-rank missions involving luring a few criminals towards a stronger team to be ambushed, nothing but troublesome D-rank missions. How about you guys? Anything worth sharing?"

Naruto chuckled. "Yeah, something big. Our first mission outside the village was a C-rank that turned into an A-rank."

Both boys looked interested and leaned forward, and Naruto told them the tale of how they faced off against Zabuza and Haku.

"That all sounds fake," said Kiba's familiar voice as he stepped in mid-conversation, and Naruto's brow twitched.

"Obviously, you're just exaggerating to get attention. You all defeated two A-rank criminals? Yeah. I think that's a lie. So cut the crap; I'd rather not lose any more time to hear of your pathetic fantasies."

Naruto was in Kiba's face, a playful and dangerous smirk on his features. "Oh? Do you want to test that theory on us? Because believe me, we aren't on the same level."

Kiba and Akamaru both growled, and Kiba smirked. "Why not? I'm all for knocking you off your pedestal a bit early."

"Kiba, be respectful," said Shino as he appeared beside Kiba. "Naruto Uzumaki is no liar."

Naruto smirked and nodded. "After the exams, I can show you both the receipt of our victory."

Kiba scoffed. "oh, we'll see."

Hinata came into view, appraised the Uzumaki up and down, and crossed her arms. "You haven't changed since the academy, I see. Still a bit loud."

Naruto frowned. "I'm loud?"

"Whenever you're with Kiba, yeah," said Shikamaru.

Hinata's eyes went somewhere he wasn't sure of before landing back on him. "who represents your teams?"

Naruto wasn't sure how to answer that, but Shikamaru raised his hand. "I mostly do the talking for mine.

Before she could say anything, someone interrupted them.

"Would you greenhorns please keep it down?" asked a voice as footsteps closed in on them. Naruto turned to see a young man with silver hair. "You're bringing too much attention to yourselves."

Naruto stared at the man, and his eyes widened in surprise. 'what the? Is he like me in that he has a lot of chakra? No. This isn't normal. It feels... aged? Used? How do I even put this? More oppressive. That's what it is. It's more potent.'

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. My name is Kabuto yakushi. I'm... something of a veteran to these exams."

Hinata raised a brow. 'So he's been through this song and dance enough to be considered a veteran? I don't know what to make of that, but...' She looked him up and down and didn't like the aura he was emitting. It was too hard to read as if he was trying to hide it.

"Oh yeah? What's that supposed to mean?" asked Kiba cluelessly.

Kabuto sighed and adjusted his glasses. "I've been through these exams enough times to know it like the back of my hand."

'The back of your hand, huh?' thought Naruto as he crossed his arms.

"So then you know what happens after this part of the exams?" asked Sasuke as he joined the conversation, followed by Ino and Sakura.

Kabuto nodded. "More than that. I have something that can help you fresh out of the academy, greenhorns," said Kabuto, pulling out a pack of cards, "This is an encyclopedia of information on our fellow contestants and some information concerning their native lands. I'd be happy to share any knowledge on the other contestants with you all. It'll help to give you an edge on the competition."

Sasuke looked interested instantly and stepped up. "Do you have anything on a guy named Lee?

"Ah, Lee. Let me see, let me see... There. Rock Lee. A taijutsu specialist incapable of using genjutsu or Ninjutsu, he was nearly a dropout at the academy before becoming the apprentice to Konoha's green breast, Gai of the hidden leaf."

"Hang on. He said he was last year's Rookie of the Year," Sasuke said, confused.

Kabuto shook his head. "That honor went to his teammate, Neji Hyuuga, a branch member of the Hyuuga clan."

Naruto nodded. "OK then, how about... The sand genin, the one with Gaara in it."

Kabuto nodded. "Ah. This one's interesting. This is considered invincible in their genin community, with them being the only ones consistently taking C-rank missions due to their nature as a chunin-level threat. They've completed three B-rank missions. And get this. On all of these missions, their teammate Gaara has never been injured. They have been nicknamed the Sand Siblings for being related. It's Gaara who caused their Team's success. His strength and the amount of power he exudes are well known to them, so they don't often get any challengers to their skillset.

Their eyes widened, even Hinata looking wary at the prospect. That can't be right, can it? An invincible genin?

Other participants who overheard this felt a bit of fear and wariness at the prospect of having to face such a monster, and those who thought that they were a bit too close to his TeamTeam comfort felt the need to move away.

"Are there any other teams we should be aware of?" asked Sakura. Kabuto looked and took out more cards from the deck but didn't put chakra to reveal them.

"Well, there is this one team from the Village of Sound," began Kabuto, mulling over the information, "But… well, they're a new village and only have one team participating in these exams, so they're not expected to do well."

The three sound Genin glared at Kabuto for his remark, Zaku clenching his fist, and Dosu sending a death glare.

They watched from afar as Kabuto continued to indulge the Genin with his so-called intel, and Kin had enough of waiting. "Did you hear what fore eyes said about said about our village? I say we show them what a sound ninja can do, starting with him," she said, her hands itching for her senbon.

Zaku chuckled. "what do you say, Dosu?"

the bandaged Genin nodded with a growl, and the two boys blurred into action.

Hinata and Naruto were the first to react. They jumped away from the senbo and toward the Genin from the crowd, forcing Kabuto to receive no immediate assistance.

Zaku jumped into the air to send Kunai Kunaight for Kabuto, who went to his holster and deflected the projects with ease before ducking under a kick from Dosu and weaving just far enough from his fist to avoid any damage.

Dosu smirked as Kabuto slid away, and the silver-haired boy also smirked.

"Damn, that guy can move!" said Kiba in surprise, Akamaru agreeing with him.

"Stay back, Kiba," hissed Shino, not wanting his teammate to get into the crossfire. 'something isn't right with this exchange. I just know it.' he thought to himself.

"It's not bad dodging my attack like that. But you're about to see why you shouldn't look down on the village hidden in sound," said Dose.

Kabuto scoffed while adjusting his glasses. "Please. I saw you attack a mile away. You're slow and clumsy, all three of you. None of you-.. urgh!"

Everyone was shocked at the sight. Kabuto's glasses suddenly cracked, and the boy's equilibrium disappeared.

He looked around in a dazed stupor and fell to one knee before retching up his lunch, his hand clamped on his stomach, a feeling of wrongness settling within him.

'Wha-what? What happened to me? How is this even possible?! What's happening?! I swear I dodged that attack!' Kabuto thought to himself.

Dosu laughed and stepped closer, but a presence was felt behind him, and he jumped away at the sight of Ibiki. "What the hell do you fools think you're doing?! Must I remind you of the rules? Any damage to the participants is dealt with accordingly."

Kabuto stood up and wiped his mouth," I'm fine. Just shaken is all."

Ibiki glared at him as well, and Kabuto winced.

'What the hell was that attack?! It wasn't fast, but it looked brutal! I should have activated my Byakuga to see what was happening!' Neji thought, scolding himself internally.

Hinata, however, caught everything. "Sound."

Naruto looked at her, and she tugged his jacket. "He uses sound, so be careful."

The boy's eyes widened, and he nodded. "I'll pass this info on, Thanks."

"Alright, everyone, sit down and shut up! Get to your seats so we can start the first stage of the exams!" yelled Ibiki, and everyone was made to sit. The startled Genin made such a commotion from being in a hurry that the teams were accidentally separated.

Ibiki smirked, and a bloom of smoke went off at the corner of the room, revealing a bunch of examiners and the personnel.

Once seated, Naruto instantly noticed how Ibiki was using the newer and more nervous Genin here to scramble the kids around, the panicked Genin running about to grab a seat as fast as possible.

Hinata sat next to him and likely deduced the same thing.

"Now. Here's how that'll work. This is a written test and will be scored as such. There is no catch, and there shall be no complaining. Your score will be graded not as an individual but as a team. If one of you is lagging behind, then you'll all fail," said Ibiki.

Kiba tensed at that. "Fuuuuck! Really, man?!"

"Shut up! Not another word while I'm talking!"

Kiba shrunk in his seat. Unlike in the academy, there was no laughter. Only glares.

"One last thing. The Sentinels positioned around you are to watch for any signs of cheating, so you'd better not get caught. Their eyes are sharp. They subtract two points from the culprit for every incident they spot. If someone is caught five times, The entire Team fails." said Ibiki.

Sakura was deflated by that and looked at Naruto to make sure he was doing well. Of course, he was. Her TeamTeamn't weak-willed.

She calmed herself as the testing began, but one look at the sheet instantly worried her. 'These are integrated problems based on uncertainty principles and require complex mechanical energy analysis. It's a fuinjutsu section! He'll be able to pass this bit with ease. I'm worried about nothing. Yet... Everything else isn't his strong suit. What do I do? How do I help?!'

Naruto stared at the sheet and deduced that he was indeed a bit stumped. He sped through anything related to formula analysis, raced through the understanding of breaking down and defusing a complex chain-paper bomb minefield, and anything related to the knowledge of energy manipulation and even a bit of fission. But things like understanding trajectory and traps of a different category were things he simply ignored in school as he should have. He was a learner by application, and not so much by study, and while it allowed him to learn his mother's fuinjutsu faster than a typical learner, it put him at a bit of a disadvantage with his inability to apply other forms of knowledge here.

'This is what I get for being a one-trick pony. At this rate, I'm Likely to miss the other twenty questions.'

His thoughts were cut off when Hinata nudged him, and he gave her the most subtle glance.

She'd written a hidden message that made him smirk. 'Ah. OK then, I'll bite.' he thought to himself.

He shared his fuinjutsu paper with her, and she shared her understanding of trajectory and the method of predicting a person's next move on the battlefield based on position alone and the complex circumstances surrounding their positioning. They helped one another. He solved her questions, and she solved his.

Then, with another switch of their papers faster than the Sentinels could blink, their answers were shared, and the tension on their shoulders eased.

Naruto smirked at having found a good partner in the girl and saw that she was using her Byakugan to copy off of Shikamaru's paper as well.

'Looks like I lucked out.'

Line break.

Elsewhere, Kakashi sat on a bench outside of where everything was happening, his nerves a little on end.

The copy ninja took a deep breath and looked up at the clock. 'I hope they're doing OK. I know they're talented, but still...'

"You good, Kakashi?" asked Gai, who was making his way down the hall.

Kakashi scoffed. "Of course. I'm just taking it easy."

Gai chuckled. "I can tell when you're nervous. You are good at hiding it most of the time, but the way you tap your foot for long periods gives it away."

Kakashi rolled his one eye. "what is it, Gai? What do you want?"

Gai smirked and sat next to him. "I met your TeamTeamell. I did not meet them, but I watched an encounter between them and one of my students."

Kakashi nodded. "They didn't get into any trouble, did they?"

Gai shook his head. "Nah, of course not. There's just something I noticed about them. One in particular."

"Oh? And who's that?" asked the Cyclops.

"The supposed class clown."

Kakashi raised a brow at first, but then a smirk found its way under his mask. 'Ah, the information on Naruto is extremely outdated. He's still classified as the class clown,' he said.

"What about him, Gai? he asked his friend.

Gai was silent for a short moment before speaking. "What method of training are you using to transform your students?"

"Ah. That's my little secret. I can't reveal such a thing."

Gai frowned. "Is this because I refused to share my own?"

Kakashi chuckled. "When the exams are over, I'll tell you everything."

"Alright then. But don't take me for a fool, my rival."

Kakashi gave Gai a smile, and they both stood up and went to get something to eat. Kakashi needed something to get his mind off of the exams.

Line break.

An hour has passed since the exam began, and the final question was posed.

Those who stayed for it were rewarded with passing, while those who failed to cheat, were put under too much pressure, or were all around unworthy were sent out.

Unfortunately, far too many Genin were still ready to take the next part of the exam. Ibiki couldn't help but feel that maybe he was being too nice this time around.

'Anko's gonna have a field day with this one.' thought Ibiki.

And speak of the devil. Ibiki glanced out the window as a shadow appeared, and in a crash, his boisterous and fellow protected came through the window, rolling while simultaneously throwing Kunai Kunai to the ceiling to hang up some kind of curtain. She was on her feet faster than the Genin there knew she was there.

She stood in front of the class, her hands on her hips and a huge smirk on her face. "OK, Maggots! I'll be your next proctor, Anko Mitarashi! Are you ready for the second test? Good! Then follow! Wha, what the hell!"

Her eyes went wide at the amount of students present in the room.

Ibiki moved the curtain from his face, the thing having comically fallen on top of him.

"What the hell, Ibiki! Did I arrive early?!"

Ibiki sighed. "As loud as ever."

Naruto stared at this lady with widened eyes. 'Holy shit. What is she wearing?! I can almost see...No. I can see the outline of her breasts! That's so...'

The blonde closed his eyes and beat his head. 'Fucking Hormones!'

Kiba was on cloud nine; however, he was holding his nose to prevent an obvious nosebleed.

Sakura's brow twitched at the lady's entrance. 'Well, isn't she a loudmouth? This'll be interesting.'

"This year's batch is a tough one, so don't go easy on them. Get straight to the point," said Ibiki.

Anko smirked and turned back to the class, her coat covering her up more. "Fine. More than half of them won't pass this next one anyway, so we're fine."

Everyone tensed at that statement. "You maggots have had it easy, but first thing in the morning, things will get really bloody really fast. I'll let your squad leaders know where to Meet me. So until then, dismissed."

The class froze at first, but Naruto, Neji, and Hinata were the first to stand as though nothing had happened or been said, followed by Gaara and his Team. One by one, the Genin team made their way out until no one was left except for the examiners and proctors.

Ibiki couldn't help but smirk at Anko's antics and sat in his chair. " Real smooth, Anko. Real smooth.

"S-shut up! Seriously Ibiki! Why are there so many of them?!"

The man chuckled as Izumo and Kotetsu moved the chairs around and turned in the tests. "There are some prodigies in the midst. They aren't as easy to rattle as the rest of the little mice. This may be this year's most interesting exam since Itachi's year."

Anko's eyes narrowed at the name. "Because of his brother?" asked Anko.

Ibiki shook his head at that. 'Of course not. Kushina's brat, the Hyuuga prodigies, and the son of the fourth Kazekage are some of the reasons individually, as well as Sasuke. So many of them here and together make a melting pot of chaos that I have no chance of controlling.' thought Ibiki.

Anko couldn't sense what he meant and scoffed. "Whatever. I'm gonna meet with the other Jonin.

Ibiki waved her off. "You do that.

Line break.

Not far from where the exit hall was, Hinata pulled Team 7 aside to talk, and they followed her somewhere they couldn't be heard.

"I want to form a non-aggression pact with you." Said Hinata to Sasuke.

Sasuke crossed his arms and wanted to say something but turned to Naruto, watching for a reaction.

Naruto was surprised that Sasuke didn't decide for them and smirked.

Naruto stepped forward, and Hinata faced him. "What would his entail? An alliance? or Simply staying out of each other's way?" the boy asked.

"The latter. With so many Genin from other villages, I figured the least we could do was make a truce for this part of the exam and focus on making it out of it. We will keep out of each other's way for now." Said Hinata.

Sasuke couldn't help his smirk. 'An alliance with Hinata could give us a chance to know Neji and what he's capable of. C'mon, Naruto. Let's take her up on it.'

"What if I decide you are a competition? What if I say NO?" Naruto said, leaning closer to the girl with an amused look. "This is the chunin exams, after all. Every team team themselves."

Hinata wasn't affected, only scowling at the prospect. "Then you'd be another to add to my list of enemies. Unless there's something you want in return?"

"Information on Neji Hyuuga," said Sasuke quickly.

Naruto turned in the boy's direction, and Sasuke shrugged.

The blonde sighed and nodded. "Anything on him?"

Hinata thought about it. If she gave away her cousin, she'd give herself away as well. Their abilities are shared, except for some critical differences in the way they fight and utilize the Byakugan. "I can give you... advice on how to deal with him if you ever encounter him in a fight."

Sasuke nodded. "Please do."

Sakura sighed as she waited to go home. This intriguing stuff is important, sure. But she's mentally exhausted. It's hard to believe these boys can even continue going after this.

The three had a lengthy discussion, sharing what they knew and agreeing to work together temporarily until it was time to leave.

They parted ways, making their way to their sensei, respectively, and Kakashi congratulated his TeamTeam on passing the first part of the exams.

Hinata walked next to Kiba, who had an agitated look on his face. "What took you so long? Why wouldn't you let me tag along?

Hinata sighed. "Diplomacy isn't your strong suit. I suspected Sasuke was leading his team, but it might be Naruto. I was right in not bringing you because of the conflict you get into with the Uzumaki every chance you can get."

Kiba felt hurt because she felt he was incompetent in Teaming with the other Team, and then his mind reeled at the revelation that Naruto led Team 7. "Wait... The loser is leading his TeamTeam thought-"

Hinata slammed her hand on his mouth and glared, her body pressing him against the wall, and Akamaru yelped and jumped onto her shoulder.

Shino sighed. "You see? Just let her deal with the more complex tasks like communication and negotiation to us."

Hinata released Kiba, and the boy nodded in a daze.

Kiba felt his mind slowly begin to work again as the girl stepped away, a blush on his face at having felt her body against him. 'T-that was hot...'

"Ah. There you are."

They turned around and saw Kurenai approaching them. Hinata smiled as she made her way to sensei, and her Team slowly stepped in.

"How was your first part of the exam? Everything was OK," the woman asked, smiling.

They all nodded, and Hinata answered. "The test was simple, but it seems the second part will be more difficult."

Kurenai smirked. 'I knew they'd be just fine. My little Genin won't be Genin once this is over. I don't know how to feel about that, but...'

"Let's go then, shall we?"

Hinata and Kiba smiled, and Shino nodded, following his teammates out.

In the background, Dosu's eyes narrowed. "Alliances are being made, hmm? Two can play that game. Let's see if the grass-nin are willing to cooperate."

Line break.

Kabuto stood over the bloody corpses of three grass ninja, his face stained with some of their blood.

It was messier than he wanted, but it was done.

Orochimaru stood next to him, taking his pick at the one whose form he would take.

"Good work, Kabuto. You've done exceptional thus far." Said Orochimaru.

"I only do what's asked of me," said Kabuto with a shrug.

"This next phase will be advantageous for both of us, I assure you."

Kabuto nodded. Both had been worried about the nature of the second exam. This was all to invade Konoha and kill the Third Hokage. Sasuke was... a side mission, an investment for future use against Itachi. Orochimaru has wanted the Sharingan for himself for some time, but not just any Sharingan. No. one that will match or surpass Itachi's very own.

Kabuto watched as Orochimaru took the form of the deceased grass-nin, specifically the female.

"Ah, How do I look Kabuto? Convinced?"

Kabuto's eyes widened. "H-...How did you get the voice right?"

the Sannin chuckled. "Let's get a move on then. You have an exam to prepare for, and I have minions to disguise as those two now."

Kabuto nodded. 'You will never cease to both amaze me and leave me unnerved.' the younger man thought to himself as he followed Orochimaru to an undisclosed location.

Line break.

End chapter.