Naruto stretched as the Genin of Team Six walked down the street, all of their friends already having headed off to their homes or hotels, "Well I'ma head back and tell Karin and Tayuya how today went then turn in early."
"Agreed," Shino stated, "Today may have been… easier than expected but I doubt tomorrow will be the same."
"I wouldn't say it was easy…" Hinata said as she cricked her neck, "At least until we all teamed up. My group got attacked… three or four times before your clone appeared."
"We were only attacked once," Naruto said with a smirk, "Though they fled rather quickly when Garra caught one of them in his Sand Coffin… honestly it was rather terrifying how easily Gaara could have killed the dumbass who tried sneaking up on us. Gaara kept up a light barrier of his sand so he knew what happened around us. I smelled the guy coming and it turns out Chōmei can read wind currents."
"In short it was next to impossible for anyone to sneak up on you," Shino said with a small smirk, "Sasuke, Kankurō and I had similar success foiling would be assassins due to my Kikaichu and we all know how difficult it is to get past the Byakugan. So sneaking up on Hinata would also be a fool's errand."
Hinata smirked as the three came to a crossroad, "Well see you two tomorrow."
"See ya!" Naruto said along with a nod from Shino and the three separated.
When Hinata got home she saw much to her surprise Neji waiting for her. Turning to her he said, "You should stay home tomorrow. Fate cannot change and no matter what you do, you will always remain the weak scared girl you were before you became a Genin."
Hinata looked at her cousin, "I disagree, Cousin. Fate is not set in stone, nor will I let you get under my skin. You need to grow up, and stop blaming a three year old girl for getting kidnapped by someone far stronger than her. Otherwise I fear what might happen to you," Neji's only response was a sneer before he turned on his heel and walked into the compound.
Hinata sighed. She hoped that one day Neji could see that he wasn't bound by fate and that he'd be free of the Cage Bird Seal. However at the very edges of her mind she had a feeling that while that would be the case it wouldn't be how she wanted it.
"Fool," Neji muttered as he entered his room, "Fate cannot be changed or altered."
From the depths of his mind Neji's own voice spoke to him "Indeed. Everyone's Fate is decided from birth. She is Fated to fail while I am Fated for great things… great things indeed."
Everyone who had passed the first round stood before Training Ground Forty-Four with both Fū's team and Gaara's team standing with Konoha's Rookie Nine as they were now being called after easily passing the First Exam. Hōki was grumbling with his hands in his pockets. The other two Genin on his temp team had come to blows within half an hour of starting despite his attempts to keep the peace. Both of them had been hot headed and demanded that the team focus on their scroll first though he did have the satisfaction of being the only one on that team to make it to round two.
Looking around Naruto was surprised to see a single team from Kirigakure consisting of two Shinobi and a Kunoichi. The Kunoichi noticed his look, smiled and nodded at him. Huh, guess Kiri wasn't mad that he'd gotten Zabuza to join Konoha… or at least this trio wasn't. On the other hand there was a team from Kusa who kept sending glares at him. Those three would be ones to keep an eye out for.
"Wonder what they'll have us do for the second round," Kiba said as he reached up to pet Akamaru.
"Perhaps some kind of survival test given the size of the training ground?" Choji suggested, "Place is huge from what my dad told me, and apparently has a lot of odd beasts and plants due to a high density of Nature Chakra."
"You don't seem upset about that though?" Ino noted, "Survival tests last for a while."
Choji smirked, "Have about two week's worth of camping stuff including extra tents, rations and sleeping bags, sealed on me at all times after our first C-Rank."
Ino flinched, "Yeah… might not have had any Nuke-Nin but that still sucked losing all our supplies to a natural sinkhole and underground river…" Sakura sighed. She was the one who was in charge of setting up the camp that night. Needless to say, Ino was pissed that night. While Ensui-Sensei had just sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, though even he had to admit he hadn't seen that sinkhole coming.
"Alright! Close your mouths, and open your ears!" Turning to the source of the new voice, most of the Genin froze. First Jiraiya as the proctor of the first exam and now Tsunade?! "I'm only going to explain this once. Welcome to Training Ground Forty-Four more commonly known as the Forest of Death. Your home for the next five days. Each team will receive one of these," Tsunade held up a wooden box with a golden symbol that looked like an eye with two horns on it on the lid with a single line going from top to bottom, "There are four checkpoints set up inside the forest all of which are non-combat zones. So don't get into any pointless fights while your at one. You will need to visit each one, pass the test and gain one of the four keys needed to open the box. However you're not allowed to open the box until you reach the tower in the center of the segment of the Training Ground Forty-Four you'll have access too," The female Sannin then smirked, "Of course you could try to open it beforehand but… well you'll deal with the consequences of your actions."
"What about food?" A Genin called out.
"Is killing allowed?" One of the genin from Oto asked with a confident smirk. Moments before a roar came from the forest that shook the leaves making many of the Genin look at each other nervously.
"Oh the tigers are doing well…" Tsunade's smirk grew slightly, "You'll have to hunt and gather food yourself. Just try to avoid the many poisonous flora and fauna inside. You want to be a Chunin, you need to know how to survive. As for the second question. Yes. you are allowed to kill your opponents hence the wavers from the first round. Oh and since there are so many of you, this time. There's one last ruel. There will be zero fighting between teams for one hour. For those of you bad with keeping track of time there'll be an alarm. Anyone who breaks this rule will get their entire team disqualified."
"Looks like I was right on the survival part,," Choji quietly chuckled, as he, Sasuke and Naruto moved forward to get their team's boxes. Once every team had a box they were directed towards one of the forty-four gates.
Naruto smirked as his team along with the team from Mizu waited for the exam to start at Gate Seventeen. As they waited one of the Mizu Genin glanced at Team Six, "Mai-Sama thinks it's unlikely for Zabuza-Sama to return to Mizu but… thanks for not killing him when you fought him. A lot of us who follow Mei-Sama look up to him as the only member of the Seven Swordsman who tried to stop Yagura's Massacre."
"Not a problem," Naruto replied, giving the Shinobi a nod, "He's gruff but a good guy. I'm hoping to learn some new Kenjutsu tricks form him at some point," The Mizu team smirked and gave Team Six fist bumps as the two teams wished each other luck. Moments later the gate opened and the six shot into the forest before going their separate ways.
As the second exam was starting, Hiashi along with Jiraiya, Guy and three squads of Anbu made their way through the Hyuga Compound heading to the Council's Chamber. The laws that Hinata had brought to his attention was just what he needed to end the curse that plagued their family. A small frown flitted over Hiashi's face. No matter where he looked, he couldn't find where the Caged Bird Seal came from but Hinata was right. It wasn't created until after the Hyuga Clan had joined Konoha.
When Hiashi opened the door to the Council's Chamber he hid a smirk at the shocked faces before his father Elder Hitoshī stood up, "Hiashi what is the meaning of this?! No one but the Hyuga Elders and Clan Head are allowed in this sacred room!"
Jiraiya smirked slightly as Hiashi glared at his father, "The meaning of this Father," Hiashi said calmly, "Is that you are all under arrest for Slavery of the Branch Family as all of you have demanded the continued use of the Cage Bird Seal which by Konoha's and the Land's of Fire's Laws is considered a Slave Brand," Turning he gave the Anbu a nod and they quickly moved forward and began placing Chakra Inhibiting Cuffs on the elders that Jiraiya had personally placed the Seals on for this very reason, "Hinata brought to my attention that our historic records had been tampered with to make it seem like the Cage Bird Seal had been in our family for generations before we first joined Konohagure. When in truth it wasn't created until afterwards."
Elder Hitoshī's face turned red with anger as he tried to activate his Byakugan despite the handcuffs, "Preposterous! Hiashi, this treasonous act will destroy our family!"
"No, it will save and unify it," Hiashi replied, "I have already requested a new seal from Jiraiya and young Naruto that will be placed on all members of the Hyuga Clan to protect our eyes."
"Uzumaki is a novice!" Elder Hitoshī growled, "As well as a monster in disguise! He'll sabotage the seal to destroy our eyes!"
"Naruto is Clan Heir of the Uzumaki Clan," Might Guy said his arms crossed over his chest as he glared at the old fool, "He is also a valued Shinobi of Konoha."
"He is the reincarnation of the Kyubi and must die!" Elder Hitoshī roared his face now turning purple in his fury that had grown so intense he had thrown all caution to the wind, "Nothing more, nothing less! He… urk!" Elder Hitoshī would have said more if not for the Tanto that was suddenly burned through his throat as the Anbu Tiger silenced him.
"As per the laws of Konoha," Tiger said calmly, "For breaking an S-Rank law you are sentenced to death."
As the corpse of Elder Hitoshī fell to the ground Hiashi moved forward kneeled next to his father, "By Hyuga law, as Hitoshī Hyuga has passed on I shall now destroy his eyes so no graverobbers can steal them," He then looked at Jiraiya who was the highest ranking Shinobi on sight of the mass arrest, "However due to the circumstances of his death I must ask if I am allowed to so as to not interfere with any possible investigations."
"You are," Jiraiya replied with a nod. Hiashi turned back to his father, placed his hands over Hitoshī's eyes and with a single powerful pulse of Lightning Chakra destroyed his father's eyes. Mentally he smirked. It felt wonderful to use his Lightning Chakra for the first time since he was a Chunin.
Standing back up Hiashi looked at the rest of the Elders, "If the rest of you have anything to say to me, say it now. As I doubt I'll be seeing any of you ever again," As expected very few Elders said anything as they cursed his name for destroying the Clan and throwing their traditions to the side. The rest of them kept silent as Hitoshī's small faction within the Elders had always been the most verbal and set in their ways. However they'd also held the most power amongst the Elders. Perhaps now that Hitoshī was gone, the Hyuga Clan could change. Only time would tell if it would be for the better… or the worse.
As Team Six rushed through the forest Naruto made several clones who turned into crows, mice and foxes who then spread out to find the checkpoints, "Time to find a place to make a good base of operations," Naruto said, "Should we go high or low?"
"I say high," Hinata said, "It'll take a little longer but might be a bit harder for others to find."
"Agreed," Shino stated.
"Going high it is," Naruto nodded and the three shot up to the treetops. It took a bit and the battle single had come and gone but they eventually found a tree where the branches raised to form a natural bowl. While Naruto put traps around the area including some of his new seals that were inspired by some of Orchid-Sensei's Manga. He did need a little help form his sisters, Shirohige…. And abusing the HELL out of his Shadow Clones to duplicate Fuinjutsu supplies to even make these prototypes.
While Naruto was working on traps and security seals, Shino put down a fire resistant tarp they could build a small fire on, while Hinata set up shelter. Once the camp was set up, they took a little time to examine the box, "Hmm… a single box and four keys… do you think the checkpoints will test us individually and then as a team?" Hinata asked.
"It would be the most logical decision," Shino stated as he adjusted his glasses, "However… I have had an odd feeling since before we entered the forest."
Naruto tilted his head in thought, "From everything Tayuya told me about Orochimaru I wouldn't be surprised if he somehow snuck into the exam… possibly to place a Cursed Seal on Sasuke but she's been working with Ibiki and Shukaku so the Hokage must be aware of that as well."
"It would explain why Jiraiya and Tsunade are proctors apart from showing off the village's strength," Hinata agreed.
"Main reason a couple of my clones went off to keep an eye on Team Seven and one is staying back with Tsunade," Naruto said, "If Orochimaru turns up my clones would be able to guide Tsunade and the Anbu to the bastard."
"What about any potential allies the Snake Sannin brought?" Shino asked.
"As much as I'd want to take them out, intel is more important right now," Naruto replied, "Sis told me about the other members of the Sound Four but by now she would have been replaced. Hopefully the Unknown of that group is here and we can get a scope on their abilities."
"Agreed," Hinata said before clapping her hands, "So with that out of the way let's focus on the task at hand shall we?"
"So what's the plan?" Sakura asked her teammates once they had a base camp set up in the roots of a large tree, "How are we going to find the checkpoints?"
"I could take over a bird and look around," Ino suggested, "Though that would leave you two, alone and having to defend me… wait… Sakura. I once heard that all these trees were made by the First Hokage… do you think you can use Wood Release to sense the general location of the checkpoints?"
"I… have no idea," Sakura said thoughtfully, "I never thought about using Wood Release like that… I don't see why I couldn't since with how thick this forest is all the roots would be interconnected in some way even if it's just being wrapped around each other… Give me a little time to try and think of the right hand signs for that kind of Jutsu."
"In the meantime how about we just look the old fashioned way?" Choji suggested, "This is still day one after all."
"Agreed," Ino said, "Let's be cautious about how we go about this."
"Alright, that's the traps set up," Kiba said as he walked towards his teammates.
"Both conventional and… not so conventional," Akamaru snickered.
"Please tell me you didn't actually make shit bombs," Sasuke groaned, getting identical large grins from Kiba and his partner.
"Ok. We won't tell you!" The two said simultaneously.
Shikamaru sighs, "So… you memorized the scent of the other participants so it'll be easier to find the checkpoints?"
"Most of them yeah," Kiba nodded before he scratched his chin, "Though it's odd. Some of the scents changed drastically… think someone snuck into the exam?"
"If they did, then the Anbu most likely already know," Sasuke said, his eyes narrowing, "Let's try stay out of that possible infiltrator's way."
"Agreed. So start looking for the checkpoints for a couple hours then come back," Shikamaru said, "If possible we should also try to get some intel on some of the others in the exam."
Sasuke, Kiba and Akamaru nodded, "Let's get to work then."
Naruto, Hinata and Shino made their way through the Forest of Death making their way to the first checkpoint. Naruto then clicked his tongue in annoyance, "One of the Kusa teams is going to be gunning for us. They just blitzed one of my clones that was in human form and instantly went for a kill shot."
"They might have a connection to some members of the Kusa Council that got in trouble form your Blood Debt," Shino stated as some of his Kikaichu flew away from him, making loose sphere around the trio.
"Most likely," Hinata agreed as she activated her Byakugan, "However it will be difficult to sneak up on us.
"What kind of tests do you think we'll get?" Naruto asked.
"It would be logical for the tests to either play to our strengths but be a little more advanced than what we're used to," Shino said thoughtfully, "Or play on our weaknesses and force us to adapt."
"Makes sense," Naruto nodded, "Though I'm honestly having a hard time thinking of any of our weaknesses due to how hard we trained to overcome them."
Hinata hummed, "Well ranged combat for me and Shino is a little difficult, though my wires, and his Kikaichu are a good way to rectify that. You're a jack of all trades with a focus on Fuin and Kenjutsu…"
"True… I have focused more Fuin, Ken and Taijutsu than Ninjutus," Naruto nodded, "I'm still no slouch for a Genin though."
"You are also unable to cast any Genjutsu," Shino stated, "Even with all those hours of Chakra Control exercises you still don't have the correct level of control. Though Hinata and I do have a couple of Ninjutsu we can use for range as well."
Hinata chuckled, "When put like that it's more likely the tests are playing to our strengths. If it was for our weaknesses I think even Yugao-Sensei would get a massive headache from trying to design the test. And if she'd get a headache what chances do other Jonin have?"
"True that!" Naruto snickered with even Shino chuckling softly, "Then again they could always surprise us… Can you imagine if it was a test for our cooking skills?"
"Camping style cooking or general?" Shino asked.
"General," Naruto replied, "Karin is the only one skilled at cooking… me and Tayuya just kinda follow her directions."
"At least she has you eating more than ramen," Hinata teased. Naruto rolled his eyes before the three landed before a large tent with a black flag at the top that had been set up. Seeing who was out front made Naruto stiffen slightly.
"Kurogane-Sensei," Naruto said, forcing himself to be polite to one of the few teachers at the Academy who hadn't directly sabotaged him… if only because the older Chunin had instead simply ignored him.
"Uzumaki-San," The Chunin said, his hair held in a bandana style forehead protector while his short graying goatee moved slightly in the wind, "I know this is too little too late but… I apologize for how I treated you at the Academy," Naruto was stunned but before he could say anything the Chunin continued, "This is the Black Checkpoint. How many have you been to already?"
"None," Shino said adjusting his glasses, "This is our first."
"Very well. Who will be entering?" Kurogane asked.
"I will," Hinata proclaimed, stepping forward.
"Hinata Hyuga. Enter and make your way to the Star section to be tested. Your teammates are to wait out here," Kurogane said.
"Good luck Hinata," Naruto said with a thumbs up and large grin while Shino gave a nod.
Hinata returned the thumbs up and entered the tent. She saw that foldable wooden walls had been set up creating different sections each with a sign hanging above it. Making her way to the section with a star sign, she found another Chunin waiting for her, "Alright Hyuga-San. Your test is to stand within that circle and dodge every incoming projectile without getting hit once. You will have three attempts before you fail the test and will be escorted out."
"I understand," Hinata replied as she quickly examined the section in greater detail, noticing several seals subtly carved into the walls. Moving to stand in the circle she took a deep breath and got ready to channel Water Chakra to her muscles. She'd refrain from doing so for as long as possible so she didn't run out of stamina too quickly.
"We will begin in three… two… one… go," The Chunin said and several senbon shot out with Hinata swiftly dodging them all and the senbon being absorbed into seals on the opposite wall only to be fired again. This continued for a few minutes before kunai were added to the mix. Hinata continued to dodge effortlessly but once it hit the halfway point the amount of flying metal increased. HInata wasn't worried though as she started channeling the Water Chakra she'd prepared and like a professional dancer she began bending and twirling out of the way of the flying metal.
The proctor for the test stared at Hinata with wide eyes as she moved with a grace and fluidity unknown to the Hyuga Clan. Part of his mind registered that how easily Hinata was moving was reminding him of a couple stories of the Red Death. Once the timer ran out the metal stopped flying and Hinata stood there panting, sweat slowly dripping down her face, "We… well done!" The Chunin said stunned that Hinata had passed on her first try, "Here is the first key," He then handed the Hyuga Heiress a key made of a light brown wood with the same eye symbol the box had however this time the symbol was black, "Good luck with the rest of the exam."
"Thank you," Hinata said as she walked out of the section, sealing the key away in a hidden seal in her dress.
"Welcome back Hinata," Naruto said with a large grin, while the members of some other teams who'd arrived during her trial looked over curious before going back to waiting. Naruto knew at least a couple were considering ambushing his team if their team member failed but he wasn't worried. Naruto, Hinata and Shino leapt into the trees and dashed away, heading towards the second checkpoint. Once they were a good distance away Naruto glanced over his shoulder with a cheeky grin, "Get the target?"
"Affirmative," Hinata replied, "My full report will have to wait till we're back at camp though."
"Fair enough," Shino replied though she could tell from the way he kept his head slightly lowered that he was hiding his smirk.
"Either way let's double time it to the next checkpoint," Naruto chuckled, "We can't take too long to get to the tower now can we?"
"Nope!" Hinata giggled, "Can't let all of Sensei's training go to waste!"
