So I was in a car accident. I messed up my arms a bit but we'll see if it affects my work. I'm okay, aside from my arms which took the brunt of the force, I'm walking around as if nothing happened.

Chapter 75 Chunin Exams pt 1

"I just said not to do anything stupid!"

I received a lecture.

"What do you hope to accomplish, angering two Kages!?"

Neji glared at me, the veins around his eyes bulging. I wondered if he knew his Byakugan was active. Could he not feel the difference?

When using the Sharingan, my vision changed, and I could feel the rush of chakra to my eyes. Perhaps he thought the flow to his eyes was the blood rushing to his head. He was a bit red in the face.

Focus.

"I was following protocol," I stated, not for the first time. "Through my actions, they will know we won't tolerate rule-breaking."

I could feel their glares of disbelief. Konoha twelve all attended my trail and sat in a circle around me. Neji took up the mantle of the prosecutor and lectured me.

"The incident with the cloud was unavoidable but was it necessary to imprison Kankauro too?" Sasuke asked, doubting me.

"We could have let Tsunade beat him to a pulp and make him unable to compete in the exams, thus blocking Suna's participation. You need teams of three to take part in the exams." I explained the last bit when Naruto gave me a confused look.

"Lady Tsunade wouldn't have done that," Tenten defended her idol. "Right?"

Sasuke avoided eye contact; Naruto wasn't so lucky.

"I-It isn't that she would beat him to a pulp pursue." he struggled to find the words. "She would find a way to make his life miserable and ensure he wouldn't make it to the finals. Probably."

"How would she be able to do that?" Lee asked.

"Money makes the world go 'round," I sang. "She still got her money~."

"Sabotage!?" Tenten looked faint.

"Everyone wants to win, but if they got the money, they might be willing to target a specific person for elimination," I explained with a shrug. "The Sand and Leaf have an alliance, but there is only so much bullying they can take."

"So basically, you stopped an international incident by making yourself the sole target," Shikamaru analyzed the situation.

"That too~."

"Then what was the purpose of your action?" Ino asked, having woken up when the argument started.

"To show off."

"EHHHH!?"

"Now hear me out; it was an intimidation tactic," I stepped away from Neji. "With his show of power, they will either target me and die or avoid me,"

"You revealed your hand," Shino admonished me.

"We both know that's not true," I countered. "My ability to fly isn't something I hide; the wood style wasn't mine, and sealing scrolls are base fuinjutsu."

"Our plan for the Chunin exams was to pretend to be weak," Lee confessed. "That way, we would be able to defeat our enemies with a surprise attack." The image of Lee getting crushed by sand made me frown.

"Don't worry, Lee, the people here are strong and wouldn't look down on you. The Leaf is known for its lethal shinobis. One look in our bingo book, and you'll find our senseis decorating the pages. Asuma, Kurenai, Guy, and don't get me started on Kakashi. They aren't your typical goofy senseis. They grew up in war and made a name for themselves. It is not a stretch to think they will train students just as lethal."

I took out a journal. "That being said. Who wants information on the competition?" I flipped through the pages revealing information about the genins from different villages, their strengths, and weaknesses. And their data chart. We wouldn't need Kabuto if he showed up.

"Don't think you can distract me from-" Neji started.

"Hey, it says here that you can see up to 50 meters." I interrupted him.

"53 meters!" He corrected, taking the book from me. "You wrote this, right?"

"Using the info from your data sheets."

These rates are ridiculous," he looked down at me. "Where's your info?"

I pouted but gestured to the back of the book. Everyone gathered around with interest.

They read it and then looked up at me.

"Did you write this?" Shikamaru asked.

"Nope, Kaka-sensei did."

"Why does he know your beast size," Ino asked.

"We don't talk about it."

"Ahem," I coughed. "Kakashi Hatake is a renowned shinobi; something like chest size is child's play."

"Huh? You're that heavy, Sakura-chan? You don't look it," Naruto said with a tilt of his head.

"I have a lot of muscles."

"Oi, why is your "Intelligence" higher than mine?" Shikamaru grumbled.

"I actually tried on the test."

"Chakra control, Strength, and intelligence are your highest stats, with jutsu and Stamina your lowest," Shino analysis. "The information on this page is inaccurate."

"Huh?"

"Your jutsu rates are too low."

I grinned.

"I don't know what you're talking about~."

"I won't stand for this!"

Hiruzen kept a neutral face as the Raikage went on a rampage. After Sakura left, a Genin sheepishly approached him and informed him of the missing Genins. He explained that they had attacked them during their mission, and Sakura took the Genins hostage as collateral.

Hiruzen was impressed that Sakura managed the situation so well. As a Genin, she was to be ignorant of many things; the academy couldn't teach everything. Only through experience can one learn effectively, yet she handled the situation the right way. If Sakura retaliated and harmed the Genins, it would cause issues if Tsunade got hurt during their attack. It would be war.

"This wouldn't have happened if your Genins weren't so trigger-happy." Onoki, Third Tsuchikage said. "You should be thankful they're not dead."

"It's our protocol to kill first and ask questions later," Yagura, fourth Mizukage stated. The situation was very amusing to him. Having all the Kages in one place was a recipe for disaster.

"Hiruzen, What do I have to do to have my son returned safely to me," Rasa, Fourth Kazekage asked after much contemplation.

The Kages gathered in a VIP room for pre-Kage summit discussions. It was partly to ease them into it and discuss Sakura's behavior.

"When it comes to Nobles, an apology would be acceptable. You will have to bow down before Tsunade and beg his pardon.," Hiruzen stated, sending the father a look of sympathy.

"You expect me to bow down before that woman!?" Raikage A yelled, lightning sparking around him.

"That is in Kankaro's case since he directly disrespected Tsunade," he locked eyes with A. "In your case, you would have to apologize to me and the Genin team involved." That was arguably worse than apologizing to Tsunade; Sakura would not make it easy for him.

"You want me to apologize to a child?" his tone was dark and promised death to anyone who answered yes.

The Kages attendants all lined the wall, quietly watching the scene. Anymore towards their Kage would result in their involvement. Shikaku watched the movements of those in attendance. He was the only one, not a Jinchuriki, and he knew it.

Knock knock.

A timid knock was heard and drew everyone's attention. No one spoke.

"Uhh, Shibuki of the Takigakure and Fu of Takigakure," a shaky voice called.

"Come!" Hiruzen commanded, and a young man entered along with his female companion.

He bowed politely.

"Shibuki of the Takigakure greets the five Kages," he said gently.

"Fu of the Takigakure greets the five Kages," Fu said with a bow.

Takigakure was the only village outside the five great nations to have a Jinchuriki. Shibuki was the only village leader not on Kage's level and had to lower his head to those not his equal. He was only summoned to this place because he had a Jinchuriki in his care.

"I'm glad you could make it here safely, Shibuki. Please have a seat," Hiruzen welcomed him warmly.

"Thank you for having me, Hokage-sama," Shibuki stood and quickly walked over to the chair with his village symbol.

"Now then, where were we? Hiruzen asked after Shibuki settled in.

"Raikage was telling us he didn't want his Genins back and how you should kill them," Yagura said calmly.

Raikage's lightning sparked back to life, and Hiruzen sighed.

"Sakura is very reasonable, " Hiruzen lied. Shikaku was sure not to make eye contact with anyone. "All you have to do is apologize for their behavior. As Leaders, we must take responsibility for our subordinates' actions."

"Yes, and unlike the Hyuga incident, you can't claim to know nothing," Yagura said with a rare smile. "At least with this, you can say it was a genuine accident, and you didn't intend for it to happen."

The table broke apart then from the impact of A's fist.

"Bring them here," he growled.

"Shikaku," Hiruzen waved. The Nara head touched his odd pink earring and spoke.

"Come to the conference room and bring Tsunade."

"You had a listening device on you!?" Onoki was appalled.

"No, just a communicator of sorts," Shikaku responded.

Knock knock.

"Tsunade Senju, requesting entry," Tsunade called from beyond the door.

"Enter!" Hiruzen called,and Tsunade strode in.

Tension built in the room as Tsundae looked around, her head held high. She wouldn't bow to anyone.

"Where's Sakura?" Hiruzen asked.

"She wasn't nearby when we got the summons," Tsunade said with a wave of her hand. The Raikage huffed and sat in his chair as all eyes turned to the Kazekage.

Rasa exhaled before rising from his chair. He was a Kage first, but when the time came, he had to exercise his fatherly role.

"Please excuse the actions of my foolish son, he was out of line, and I apologize for not raising him properly," Rasa apologizes with a waist bow. "Please overlook it just this once."

Silence.

Tsunade looked down at his red hair with cold brown eyes. The room chilled.

Clap!

Everyone reached for their weapons. The Jinchurikis leaped to stand on the table; in front of their Kages. Shikaku didn't move, his hand in the rat seal. The Nara sighed when he saw her and dropped his hand.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed, Haruno?"

Sakura tilted her head to the side, her eyes wide and innocent as she looked around the room. She shrugged when she found everyone's weapons pointing at her.

"I did knock."

Dramatic entries were always the best. I was saved by the summons, as everyone was arguing about the information I gathered. While they weren't as weak as they were in the original, they weren't that strong. They seemed to disagree. The arguing was getting to a boiling point when Shikamaru got the order for us to gather.

We quickly made our escape.

Reaching the unguarded door, I knocked.

"Please overlook it just this once."

I blinked. Then there was the silence. It lasted more than five seconds, so I let myself in. I was greeted with a sight to behold. The Kazekage bowed his head to the princess of the Leaf. I was sure to memorize it down to the scent in the room.

The sight was so marvelous that no one saw us standing there. I broke the genjutsu with a clap. With the tension so high, everyone reacted hastily.

Weapons drawn, everyone was on high alert, and I began the target. I played innocent.

Shikaku chastised me.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed, Haruno?"

"I did knock," I replied.

"Grandma Tsunade, that's enough; you're making everyone nervous," Naruto walked in, frowning at the blond.

"Don't ruin my fun, brat; you weren't the one that one shoved down," she looked down at him as he walked up next to her.

"Yeah, but he wasn't the one to do it either," Naruto pointed to the Kazekage now behind Gaara.

"He's responsible for the actions of his children and Genin's Naruto; that's what it means to be a Kage," Tsunade spoke with benevolence. Naruto thought for a moment, making eye contact with Gaara. I wasn't sure why he was so invested in this.

"How about this," he said with a bright smile. "I'll kick his ass in the exams!"

Wasn't that what I said I was trying to avoid?

"I'll restore your honor by humiliating him!' He was so proud of himself. Tsunade pats his head fondly, making the Kages' eyes go wide.

"Alright," Tsunade said, turning to Rasa. "I'll let his disrespect slide, just this once. Ensure he is disciplined; there won't be a next time."

"Thank you for your mercy," Rasa bowed again.

"Nee-chan!" Naruto called over, and I snapped my fingers.

The ground rumbled, and a wooden cage emerged with a confused Kankuro inside.

"Kankuro!" Rasa called, and the puppet master turned to his father.

"Dad?" he said, unsure. The cage disappeared in a poof of smoke freeing the Genin.

He took a step away from his former wooden prison and moved in the direction of his father.

"Are you okay?" Rasa asked, looking him over.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little hunger," Kankuro explained.

Rasa sighed before turning Kankuro towards Tsunade as they both bowed.

"Ah, Sorry," Kankuro apologized to Tsunade. She nodded in satisfaction.

"Don't worry about it. I'm gonna kick your ass during the exams," Naruto said, lighting the mood.

"Hmph, we'll see," Kankuro smirked. His eyes wandered to me before darting away. I didn't even touch him.

"Right, now that that's settled, I think it's time the Raikage collects his Genins," Yagura said. He looked so young it was hard not to stare. "Got something to say?" he asked when our eyes met.

"Can you teach me your skincare routine?" I said immediately. Tsunade remained young with a jutsu, but there was no way a man from the Hidden Mist would go through all that trouble.

"It's purely genetic," he replied.

"Eh, even your parents?"

"That's right."

"Fascinating."

Orochimaru would love him.

"Enough girl talk; let's get this over with!" Onoki complained.

"We'll continue another time, " Yagura said with a chuckle.

"I'll be sure to seek you out!" I promised.

With that, we all stared at the Raikage.

"Tch," A looked over at Hiruzen. "Hokage, you know I had nothing to do with this, but I apologize for not disciplining my Genins and putting yours at risk."

I blinked.

"I understand and accept your apology," Hiruzen replied.

"You do!?"

Naruto and I made the same confused face.

Raikage turned to Tsunade. "I probably wouldn't have stopped them if I knew you were in the carriage, but since we were in a cease-fire, I have no excuse for thor actions. I apologize for putting you in danger when you're off duty."

"You're honest is refreshing, and your apology accepted," Tsunade replied. "Now, apologize to the kids."

We lined up before him, all wearing blank faces. He gritted his teeth before smiling viciously.

"I apologize to you. I had no intention of harming you before the exams," he said with a smirk.

Ah, a backhanded apology.

Hiruzen sighed.

"You need not worry, Kumogakure won't make any more attempts on your life without my permission, so you can rest easy." The room was silent.

I was starting to like this guy. Fine, if you wanna play, I'll dance with you.

I stepped forward and stood at attention.

"Thank you for your kind remarks; I accept your apologies. I appreciate you alerting me about your role in any assaults. Your remarks have given me peace of mind regarding the Hyugas I am responsible for. Because of this, we can hold you accountable if a Kumonin tries to kidnap a Hyuga while we're here, right?"

The last sentence was going to be something boring but after having it rephrased. I am thrilled with it.

Next Chapter

February 1