Chapter 8: The Looks We Get

"You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It's their mistake, not my failing."

― Richard P. Feynman


Sakura- Team 7, Academy Classrooms

"Well, I planned on cheating!"

Sakura clenches her pencil hard enough for the wood to crack, only relaxes her hold at the thought of splinters, of Sasuke witnessing her inner rage firsthand out in the open leading to questions on how she'll stay calm under the pressure of the exams.

And Naruto meanwhile grins deviously, most likely believes the latter is about to occur at waiting for an outburst from her.

"What? I'm not smart like you! This is my only option y'know!"

Sakura clears her throat, straightens her posture. "Alright then, care to tell us how you'll plan to cheat Naruto and not get caught? You know if even one of us gets exposed or caught by one of the proctors then our whole team will- "

"I'm well aware of what will happen Sakura." Naruto interrupts her flatly, mirth in his eyes gone.

Failure isn't on the table for him.

'There's too much at stake to fail when I've come this far, to only be known for destruction and just as Konoha's weapon.'

He cracks his knuckles, leans his head against his palm. "I won't get caught, there's always a hidden point to these exams that the proctors are expecting us to figure out. This is probably something similar to like collecting intel without breaking your cover."

Sasuke arches a brow curiously, isn't ready to fully agree or disagree with Naruto just yet. "Do you have some back up plans in mind in case your method of cheating goes south?"

Naruto nods, small grin returning as he gestures with a thumb back in Sakura's direction. "Yeah, we're lucky to have Sakura's intellect on our team y'know. I'm sure you're not even going to need to cheat Sakura knowing your knowledge in major historical events of Konoha, mathematics, and science."

Sakura blinks in surprise at the compliment, Sasuke quietly skeptical at where Naruto's going with this.

"It isn't like we'll be sitting next to each other though." Sasuke finally mutters.

"Sakura can still send us signals on what answer choices to pick for A, B, C, D, and so on." Naruto refutes.

Sakura raises a hand, own mind filling with a rush of scenarios on the practicality of implementing said idea. "It's not a bad plan, but Sasuke's right. Not to mention that the exam isn't just going to be multiple choice. There's no way I can send so many signals for the fill-in-the blank and scenario-based questions without one of the proctors catching on to what I'm doing."

Naruto shrugs then. "Well, that's where Sasuke's sharingan comes in and I used my wind affinity to my advantage. Maybe I'll cheat off of Hinata if I'm close enough to her to get a few points in as well."

Sakura snorts, words like drops of acid slipping out, too late to take back. "Why force her to do such a thing just because she was sacrificed to you? So you can bring down Team 8 too?"

Cobalt eyes sharpen flashing sanguine, points his pencil at her in a way that makes Sasuke's eyes narrow in alert.

'Ugh, I can never tell how quick his mood is going to change.' He scowls.

It would be interesting to properly fight him in a match just to learn what can truly take a jinchuriki down.

The ground beneath them trembles, whistle of wind rising into the room.

"I wasn't asking for your opinion in that matter Sakura." Naruto sneers darkly, ignores Sasuke's frown at his potential to destroy this very room.

Kakashi settles himself into the middle of their conversation, sends Naruto a warning look.

"You're here to discuss plans, not fight. It's already unprecedented that you're learning what the 3 main parts of the exams will be when normally it's made to be a surprise, use that to your advantage to form general plans, not fight/argue with each other." He reiterates.

Naruto chuckles coldly at Sakura's still tense shoulders, digs in where it will hurt her the most the same way she just did to him.

"The harder sections we'll be dealing with The Forest of Death and the main Tournament. At least 30-40% of participants who enter said forest, don't return. I'm sure you don't want to end up as part of that statistic y'know."

Sakura bristles, knows what he's saying even without having to say it aloud. 'Brains are great and all, but they need to be backed up with strength on the battlefield.'

Strength. A skill she doesn't yet fully have, weaknesses her opponents will pick apart on her.

"I've been training nearly daily in practically every Earth-related technique that's available to me, but I know it won't be easy if I get matched in the Tournament against a close-range fighter or someone who mixes it up with some other unique ability or clan technique." Sakura relates calmly despite her fried nerves.

Her verdant eyes sharpen on Naruto daring him to question this, but his eyes have clouded over and her stomach knots.

Because Naruto doesn't necessarily care if she's stronger, as long as it means they can advance to reach the final stage where the 1-on-1 matches will occur.

And that he can be one step closer to having the means to not be so tied to the village.

Kakashi claps his hands regaining everyone's attention.

"The Chunin exams don't officially start for another 3 months. I believe that's plenty of time for us to do 1 or 2 more small D or even C-ranked missions. After that, you all can study together the most common materials that will be on the written part of the exam followed by sparring to prepare for the physical aspects. Remember, this is your time to shine and show us as your sensei and the rest of the nations that you deserve to move up in rank. Any questions?"

Silence greets him in return, and he nods.

"Great; you all are dismissed then! And preferably no more bickering, there are parts to this exam that are team based in order to pass." He reiterates and emphasizes, specifically looks at Naruto to ensure he understands.

Naruto laughs dryly. "Yes sensei, I hear ya loud and clear!"

But despite Kakashi-sensei's warnings, he's the first to immediately leave the classroom and Sakura swallows down the sensation of razors closing up her throat.

Lady Azeki's reading of her future hasn't happened yet as far as she's aware, but it's coming...

'The rivers of your life have always been rather straight and calm, so be wary of a downward slope coming filled with darkness and heartache.'

Will it be the exams where this happens? Or right afterwards? The most aggravating thing about Lady Azeki's fortunes despite their frightening accuracy is never knowing how far in the future said events will occur.

'It would be nice if I could do research on every last participant coming in from each nation, but I don't have that luxury. I just need to quickly find and use to my advantage whatever weaknesses any targets I face show me before they find mine.' Sakura decides.

"Sakura?"

A light poke at her arm jolts away her swirling thoughts, Sasuke studying her closely.

Heat burns at her cheeks under the intensity of his stare, tacking on a grin. "Oh, sorry! Were you calling me Sasuke?"

Sasuke nods slowly, points at Naruto's retreating form outside. "Don't worry so much about the exams. Naruto isn't so dumb or cruel to not have our backs no matter what we'll come across."

Her mind knows this, but her heart refuses to believe the reminder, drums in her ears incessantly like a buzzing fly.

"Right! I promise I won't slow you or Naruto down Sasuke!"

Sasuke scoffs, words probably sounding as flat to him as they do to her. "Whatever, just don't forget to tell yourself that as well. If there's anything you think might slow you down right now Sakura, get rid of it."

The warning is just another prick to her chest, masking her worries with a clipped nod.

Outside, the sun beats down on her, sapphire sky free of clouds. Cicadas hiss from the shadows of the trees and greenery of the bushes, dragonflies swishing across murky puddles the color of tea. Though even they can't escape this humidity as sweat clings to her body, hair sticking to her neck and back like glue.

Absently, she twirls a finger through her pink locks.

'I've been growing my hair out for years; all in the hopes Sasuke would notice it...' She realizes, stopping in place.

And it's been months now since they've been on a team together, he hasn't once commented on it or even cared. So much for the rumors that he preferred girls with long hair, his mind is only towards his elusive brother, getting stronger to exact revenge...

"Anything that will slow me down?" Sakura murmurs to herself as she moves again for home.

"Welcome Back Dear! I'm making stir-fry so I hope you haven't eaten lunch yet!" Mebuki's voice chimes out from the kitchen.

"If you have, it might make your Mother cry into the fry! She's been chopping away at so many vegetables here and mixing at this broth shortly after you left this morning." Kizashi chimes in, Sakura giggling at her Mom's grunt of no thanks to him not helping and his hovering.

"I'll be down shortly!" Sakura promises, heading upstairs first.

At least they didn't outright ask if she's still certain about being a kunoichi even with the extra ryo she's brought home easing some of the bills, sure about being on a team with their village's jinchuriki.

She moves for her vanity mirror, finds the scissors she normally uses just to trim the loose ends in her hair and more recently now, helping to sew up torn spots in her pants and tops.

Long hair is a weakness, beauty means nothing on the battlefield.

Sakura studies her features while breathing in slowly. The forest green of her eyes is misty with hesitation before she blinks it away, steadies her hand and the scissors up to the ends of her hair.

"It will grow back." She murmurs before clenching her teeth.

'Here goes nothing.'


Jiraiya- Whispered Desires Club

"You know I hate meeting you in places like this."

"That's cuz you're a stick in the mud!" Jiraiya chortles, slapping a hand to his subordinates back.

'Seiji' as he likes to be called, sends him a look, steel eyes matching the haze of various cigars in the air. For being one of his longest connections to the spy networks he has for Suna, Iwa, and Kumo that haven't left the field or been killed, he continues to treat him with mild disdain at having to do tasks outside his usual routines.

Like meeting him in this seedy bar.

Jiraiya gestures to the waiter for another round of plum sake and karaage for him, Seiji raising up a hand not to bother as he won't be staying long.

"Come on, let me treat you! Not every day I'm feeling so generous!" Jiraiya teases.

Seiji arches a brow. "How much ryo have you already blown through in this dump?"

Jiraiya ignores his question, lightly stacks his sake cups together while keeping a lingering gaze on the bubbly brunette who has to at least be a D-cup, no, maybe a DD if he could get a closer look from the way her top bounces with each twist and turn of her hips that she makes...

'Is that one of my regulars? Hard to tell sometimes with all the make-up!' He grins.

"Hey, time flies when you're having fun! I'm killing two birds with one stone here and biting the bullet!" Jiraiya beams.

Seiji lowers his voice at his sudden spouting of idioms: be on alert.

"How is the weather?" He asks carefully.

Jiraiya shrugs, grin falling. "Stormy, I'm getting the ball rolling to head to greener pastures."

'Ah, he's finally heading back home to Konoha.' Seiji realizes.

He produces a paper crane from his pocket once the bartender leaves them be with their additional snacks and drinks.

"Clouds are on the horizon from what I've gathered from a few merchants in the black markets. At least two storms head for the greener pastures."

Jiraiya scours the ink within the crane's blue tipped wings before burning it to ash, crumples pieces of soot into his discarded sake cups.

'The Akatsuki are getting too close.' He scowls.

"My alarm bells are ringing, but I need to set up and connect with a few others before I make the uphill battle. Report in that I'll arrive sometime in Exam season." Jiraiya mutters.

Seiji nods, takes a polite sip of sake and bite of kaarage before standing from the booth to go.

"Don't cut corners when it comes to their kind." He warns over his shoulder.

Jiraiya snorts, waves him away.

The Akatsuki have been his biggest challenge since becoming Konoha's top spy. All of their members stick to the shadows despite the income they're generating taking on unsavory assignments from the various nations, have such strange/elusive powers, and for some reason...

Are targeting Jinchuriki.

'And now two are going after Konoha's.'

He absently bites into another piece of karaage. If he recalls correctly based on today's date, that kid probably received a sacrificial gift not too long ago.

Jiraiya chuckles at the thought. From what he's heard through his networks the boy is a little terror, lives up to his moniker as holder of the Nine Tails known for creating paths of destruction should someone get on his bad side.

Getting a human sacrifice changed nothing about his personality apparently, but at least Konoha's crops and trade routes are safe from being damaged for the time being.

"Can I get you a refill sweetie?!" The brunette he was ogling earlier appears by his side, gives him nearly a full view of her cleavage as she makes a show of refilling his cups with a mix of strawberry sake and the finest vintage wine the club has.

Ah, now he remembers who she is!

Jiraiya beams, salutes his full cup to her. "You and I are truly birds of a feather Koyaki! Come back here on your next break; I wanna know just how much you've improved since your last assignment! Truly test if everything I've taught you is up to my standards!"

Koyaki rolls her eyes, drops her bubbly persona to send him a frosty smile.

'Ouch, just as harsh of a glare as Seiji's!'

She lowers her voice to a hiss, nails scratching at the wood of the table, hazel eyes turning smoldering as if to tear into him next.

"Next time, I'm picking the location for our info drop and my disguise you old pervert."


Hinata- Team 8, Training Grounds

"Alright, I'm feeling generous since you all have been at these search and attack drills since sunrise. I'm proud to see you've all implemented my basic genjutsu skills into each of your move sets in at least one way! Take an hour break for lunch and then let's meet back further up the Naka River to continue practicing." Kurenai announces with a clap of her hands to her team, laughs as each one of them slumps in relief.

As soon as Kurenai-sensei is out of earshot, Kiba smirks.

"Think she's going off to see Asuma-sensei again?"

Hinata hums, nods slowly. "It's obvious enough from the way the scent of cigarettes cling to her. Only Asuma-sensei likes to use that woodsy brand from what I've heard Ino say."

'And it's one of the many reasons why I don't want to live with you sensei even with your multiple offers. You spend more nights at Asuma-sensei's apartment then you do at your own.'

Kiba immediately moves to pull his bento from his bag, tosses out Akamaru's treats with a grin. He winces at Shino's simple meal of a tonkatsu bowl layered with beetles, points with a chopstick in surprise at the mix of beef noodles, rice, steamed vegetables, and tempura that line each square of Hinata's bento box.

"Whoa, look at you improving! My Sis and Mom would've overcooked that beef until it was black!" He comments with a laugh.

Hinata grins, happily takes a bite of the combination of beef udon and rice.

"Naruto made this actually." She remarks nearly making Kiba spit out his curry.

"Huh?! And your stomach hasn't started to hurt?! You aren't about to puke on us; are you?" He sputters in concern.

Shino jabs into his arm with his own chopstick before Kiba can say more. "There's no reason to be so worried. Why? Because this isn't the first time Hinata has brought and ate a meal mainly prepared mostly be Naruto."

Hinata feels her smile crack just slightly at Kiba's barbs, sighing. "Shino's right. Naruto's culinary skills have vastly improved since learning more recipes beyond just mostly ramen and cereal products."

"Get used to these rolling blackouts, especially when it rains like this." Naruto grunts, lightning streaking across the sky in a jagged crisscross of white. Flurries of rain pound against the ceiling, wind rattling at the windows.

'Gotta add batteries to the list for the next time of one of us does a store run.' He realizes, lighting some candles around the kitchen and living room to at least keep them from bumping into things.

Hinata sits up slowly from her futon to look at the trail of droplets sliding down the window that leads to the mini outside garden, their plants blowing in every direction. Moisture gathers at the bottom of the sill despite all the efforts they've done to seal every crack, pursing her lips if the glass will hold until morning. Even at the best of times she's learned that Naruto's apartment complex loses power quite often no matter the weather, his room seeming to lose it the most based on peeks she's done with her byakugan at his neighbors.

"Ah, it's fine. We were able to finish cooking and cleaning up at least." She relates, attempting to stand only for Naruto to send her a scowl.

"No, sit back down! Geez, didn't Kurenai-sensei say you need to stay off that foot for at least a week y'know?! I know it's hurting you more than you say it is!" He gripes, already settling their plates onto a tray to take to the living room.

Hinata frowns, squirming at his admonishing stare. "I-I don't feel right not being of some help-"

Naruto shakes his head before she can finish. "You cleaned up the living room and helped me fold the laundry, so it was a productive day. Anyways, I told you I wasn't making ramen, so you don't need to worry. And I didn't burn any of the meat or rice either cuz I followed your directions the exact same way we've made ginger pork with stir fried rice before y'know."

Hinata giggles lightly as he settles in across from her, candlelight shining on his blond locks, droplets of sweat he shakes away from either hovering over the stove or his earlier shower.

She blinks at Naruto's silly grin, a warmth in his eyes focused only on her that makes goosebumps rise across her skin.

The first bite tastes of soy sauce, Naruto might've used too much...

He leans in expectantly, fidgets just slightly waiting to get her opinion and she beams. "It's good. A little salty, but I like it!"

Her cheeks flush taking in the dance of amber hues across his walls, his confident and relieved grin. This is a meal that should've only taken around 30 to 45 minutes, but instead Naruto worked on for over an hour.

To try and get it just right for her.

'Are we on a date?' Hinata asks herself, swallows down the words before they can come out.

"Overthinking things Hinata?" Naruto teases and she feels her blush slide down her neck.

"Maybe, I don't know?" She mumbles.

Naruto laughs between bites of pork, and she feels her pulse ignite.

No, they've done this dozens of times. Tonight is no different just because of another power outage.

"Think our neighbors are enjoying a feast as great as us right now? Cuz, I don't!" Naruto cheers.

Hinata snickers, taps her glass to his. "I've checked before and can confirm, this is better than eating a canned meal or dry cereal.'

"I don't care how nice he's been to ya Hinata, if I get matched up against him the tournament, I'm paying him back for those bruises he gave me knocking me back against the stairs." Kiba growls, cracking his knuckles.

"You were taunting him." Shino supplies, Kiba giving him an indignant look in return he should at least be on his side when it comes to dealing with Naruto. It's no wonder his Sis and Mom said to be wary of how much time he spends around Hinata outside of team obligations, jinchuriki aren't known for their patience or mannerisms.

And who knows how much that will influence Hinata.

"Whatever, I'm not going easy on him or anybody we face!" He gripes, Akamaru barking his agreement.

His attention turns to Shino, gaze focused on the forests ahead, afternoon sun dipping against layers of moss and spiraling vines high up in the trees.

"Anyone you got a burning desire to face?" Kiba questions.

Shino shrugs, though both Kiba and Hinata can tell he's mulling over the answer between bites of rice.

"...Sasuke, I suppose." He eventually says.

Kiba grins toothily, elbows him into his side making him scoot away. "Oh really?! Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing that prick fall on his ass too with how many people are gushing over him to win the whole damn tournament. But how do you plan to counter his fire-related jutsu? Your beetles would get burned to a crisp!"

"I've been training them in various manners in order to help build a resistance and avoid direct interaction with said flames. Eventually, we're going to run into a target that specializes in or has an affinity towards fire, I have to put them to the test." He reasons.

Kiba scoffs at his explanation. "Just say you want his ass beaten too no matter the tactic you gotta use."

Hinata clears her throat, even if neither expect her to say somebody, she knows who she must face. "Neji."

Kiba arches a brow. "What about him?"

"Neji is who I'm sure I'll face in the tournament once we get through the written portion and The Forest of Death parts of the exams." She clarifies.

She raises a hand before Kiba can proclaim that's a terrible thing to imagine. "Though the 1-on-1 matches are supposed to be random, I'm sure they won't truly be. Especially not with all the perks the Hyūga clan has already gotten from sacrificing me. The Chunin Exam proctors aren't going to want two Hyūga clan members rising in rank to chunin in the same exam period; it would look potentially to the other clans like too much favoritism."

Kiba runs his chin thoughtfully, lunch churning in his chest at Hinata's calm expression.

"You...You can always forfeit it comes down to that." He mutters.

Hinata's brows scrunch, even if she's no longer an official Hyūga clan member, she isn't just going to back down from a match if only because her nerves and fear might try to keep her locked in place.

Her eyes wander downward at his and Shino's uncertain stares, blinking away the memory of her continued dreams, Dr. Hashijimi's voice a light crackle in her ears.

"Hinata needs to drink this tea at least weekly up until the day of her being sacrificed. It's a herbal tonic that will keep her body pure for at least 2-3 moon cycles just in case something occurs while she's out and about the village. Certain men I'm sure may want to shake up your plans." She instructs.

Said tea smells of sewage, color as dark as mud.

Hinata pushes the foul drink back, squirms under Hashijimi and the Elders staring.

Frustrated at her insolence, disappointment she continues to be stubborn.

Hiashi steps forward from the group, moves the cup right back into her hands ignoring her wince.

"Drink Hinata. The least you can do is be an obedient sacrifice for the clan."

Her chest tightens, she shouldn't be thinking about this now of all times...

'You're not just a sacrifice Hinata, you just gotta remind the rest of the village that.' Naruto's words come to mind.

"Kiba. Shino. I must show Neji how much stronger I've gotten since my departure from the compound. It's true there's still a high chance he's stronger than me, but there are skills I have right now that could make him lose if I really do face him." Hinata resolves.

Shino blows out a breath. "He'll be fighting you with the intention to kill."

Hinata nods, Neji's wanted to kill her for probably years now since Uncle's death, being sacrificed cemented to him that she's destined to forever be weak.

Inferior.

'This will be the last time he thinks of me that way.'


Kakashi- Shigawara's Tea's

"So, are your genin ready for the big day tomorrow Kakashi?! I told Lee to get a youthful night's rest tonight instead of doing 100 laps around the village! Gotta make sure he conserves his energy for his grand debut!" Gai cheers.

Kakashi shrugs. 'Ready as they'll ever be.'

"I heard Ibiki will be proctoring the first part of these exams, who knows what type of mind game he's come up with."

Gai chuckles. "Something geared toward interrogation and spying I bet knowing his field of specialty. I'm sure the proctors are hoping to knock out a majority of the competing teams during this first stage."

Kakashi nods, absently sips at his green tea.

Gai leans close to him, expression changing to one of unusual seriousness.

"And you still haven't told Naruto or Sasuke for that matter anything regarding your past; have you?"

Kakashi shakes his head slowly, covers the stiffening of shoulders. "No, not that I can truly stop them from looking for answers on their own."

And Sasuke will inquire about his sharingan, knows from the way his dark eyes bore into him like arrows.

It doesn't matter what type of tricks or mental tactics Ibiki will attempt to use to instill fear, he knows that Naruto isn't going to back down so easily at a chance to officially rise in rank.

'More than anything, he wants more opportunities to be away from the village.'

His mind delves into if all of them have properly studied and trained, teamwork not the greatest compared to the rest of the rookies. The last thing he wants is any of them forfeiting or being disqualified without making it to the tournament.

"...And what's your opinion Kakashi?"

Kakashi peers up from his drink, blinks owlishly.

"Hmm?"

Gai takes his ignoring of him in stride, beams. "Keep up Kakashi! I was asking what you think will happen between the sacrifice...err Hinata I mean and Neji. As much as I've tried to instill the passion of youth and teamwork in Neji, he continues to mostly train independently and disregards my nuggets of wisdom!"

Kakashi swirls his glass, recalls the darkness that falls over Naruto's eyes at watching Neji from afar when Hinata isn't around him.

"I say you need to warn him this won't be like the usual spars and matches he's done before."


Naruto & Hinata- Academy Entrance

"That's her, right? Konoha's latest sacrifice? Ah, she really does have Hyūga eyes. I thought it was just a rumor that their clan gave up one of their own." A woman nudges a man who must be her husband.

Gossip has turned into outright staring. Pointing.

"Not only that, but I also heard Suna's own jinchuriki is participating in this year's exams." An older man huffs while tapping his cane to the ground.

"Wait, Lord Third is actually okay with the Nine Tails taking part in the Chunin Exams? How can we be sure for our safety if he goes on a rampage?" Another gossipy hag questions.

The man hisses for both women to lower their voices, turns to the first lady with a scowl. "Not so loud Maiko! You don't want her or the jinchuriki hearing you speak that way."

'Too late for that.' Naruto rolls his eyes.

Maimi or whatever name her husband called her by isn't the only one curious and alarmed at his and Hinata's presence as they wait for classroom 301 to open. Dozens of eyes burn on their back, a mix of puzzled, fearful, and outright annoyance.

"Good luck out there today, and I say that for all of Team 8 too." Naruto mentions, peering back to Hinata.

A soft grin adorns her face with a nod, but he can see the undercurrent of worry in her features, the way her fingers tightened at her sides when Neji walked by with his team.

"Don't be reckless."

She tentatively brushes her fingers against his before stepping away to properly join her team.

Naruto gives her one final look as he goes to do the same, repeats to himself the words of confidence that they've been preparing for this for weeks.

Ibiki steps forward into view, steely expression wandering over them all.

"All teams taking part in this year's Chunin exams step forward now to take attendance!" He orders.

"Ready?" Naruto mouths.

Hinata gives the faintest nod back his way.

"Ready."

-x-


A taste of Jiraiya's coming with this chapter! Keep in mind, the dynamics of his relationship with Naruto will be a lot frostier compared to canon, especially starting out.

I realized I didn't want to bog this chapter down with too many events at once, so the beginning stages of the exams will start next chapter. No need to rush I feel like so I can write out everything I want to occur!

As always, pa-tre-ons get early access to chapters, bonus content from my stories, and my original writings! I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there!

Check out my Insta by the same name for book reviews, my anime drawings, and travel blog!

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