Chapter 4
"Good Morning."
Naruto could still not believe that Kakashi would always come late. They should have gotten used to the fact but could not. Kakashi landed before his fuming Genins and began searching the pouch he had in his waist.
"This is sudden but I have nominated you guys for the Chunin Selection Exam. Here are your applications."
The Genins were surprised. They graduated from Genin just a few months ago. And now they were about to become Chunin. They took the application and looked at it properly.
"Though this is just a nomination. Whether to take the exam is up to each of you. Those who wish to take it should sign the papers and turn them in at Room 301 by 4pm Tomorrow. That is all."
Kakashi disappeared after saying that. Naruto understood why Suna Shinobi was in Konoha. That meant he would have to fight Gaara. But that was not going to be a problem.
The Next Day…
"Good Morning. Now let's go."
Naruto was waiting as Sakura and Sasuke came. They walked in, the paper Kakashi had given them in their hand. Many people were there, it seemed.
"You plan to take the Chunin Exam with that? You should quit now."
Naurto stopped as he saw a Boy in Green Jumpsuit get beaten by other Genins. He was surprised as the Boy in Green Jumpsuit should have been stronger. There were others too. But the boy in Green Jumpsuit was just above Sasuke. If Sasuke had not trained to catch up with Naruto, then maybe he would have been weaker.
Naruto saw that there was Genjutsu on the sign. He saw Sasuke was about to speak but stopped him.
"What are you doing? If you tell everyone that there is Genjutsu here, then even those who don't have basic skill to dispel Genjutsu will participate. Think about it."
Naruto was right. Sasuke hated that Naruto was right. Afterall, Naruto was supposed to be weaker than him but he was stronger.
Sasuke followed as Naruto walked towards the true Room 301. As he was walking the person that was standing guard lunged at Naruto. The Guy in Green Jumpsuit caught the kick thrown.
"What happened to the plan? You are the one who said we should not draw attention."
A Boy with long hair and eyes the same as Hinata came and started scolding Guy in Green Jumpsuit. Naurto could tell that guy was obviously Chunin Level by using Kenbunshoku. The Green Jumpsuit Guy approached Sakura.
"My name is Rock Lee. You must be Sakura. Let's go out together. I will protect you till I die."
They smiled and winked at Sakura. That was when they noticed his Bushy Brows. When he smiled, there was a sparkle that appeared.
"No way. You are lame."
Lee got dejected. The Long Haired Guy approached Sasuke.
"Hey you. What is your name? When you want to learn someone's name, you should give yours first."
The Long Haired Guy stared intently at Sasuke. But Naruto came in between them and motioned for Sasuke to follow him as the exam was about to start. As they were walking, Lee walked up behind them.
"Hey, guy with the Dark Eyes, you are Sasuke Uchiha, right? Will you fight me right here? I want to test my techniques against the offspring of the Genius Ninja Clan."
Naruto was surprised as he did not expect Lee to challenge them head on. Sasuke gave a Cocky Grin.
"Challenging me despite knowing that I am Uchiha. Frankly, you are a fool. You are about to learn what this name means, Thick Brows."
Lee got ready to fight as Sasuke looked at Naruto. Naruto motioned for him to be careful.
"I will say this. You guys cannot defeat me. Because I am the Strongest Genin in Leaf right now."
Sakura and Sasuke looked at Naruto, expecting him to say something but Naruto did not really care what Lee talked about. Sasuke was excited. Naruto had told him to be careful. That meant the guy was strong. He could probably gauze himself against Lee.
Sakura looked at the clock and upon seeing that only 30 Minutes was left, she tried to stop Sasuke. But Naruto reassured her that they would make it there. Sasuke rushed at Lee. Lee, seeing Sasuke come at him, rushed at him too.
"Konoha Senpuu."
Sasuke saw Lee spin in the Air as he was about to kick him. Sasuke jumped as he performed the Aerial Cartwheel, hitting Lee's chest with his leg and landing. He thought that he had done some damage but Lee just hit him with another Kick. Sasuke decided that this would be the perfect place to use his bloodline. The Bloodline he had unlocked when battling to death with Haku's Ice Clone. The Sharingan.
Lee saw the shift in Colour of Sasuke's eyes and recognised it from what his Sensei had told about Kakashi Hatake. Sasuke saw Lee come before him and raise his leg for a striked. With his Sharingan, he predicted that Lee was going for a roundhouse kick.
Sasuke ducked as he sweeped Lee's leg, making him fall down. But Lee got up quickly. It seemed he would have to end it quickly. He quickly swept Sasuke's feet and sent him flying. Before Sasuke could do anything, Lee was just behind him. Lee started untying his bandages.
Naruto knew what was going to be next and knew that he would have to stop Lee before he did any damage to Sasuke. He poked his Temples as he released the Limiter. He grabbed the bandage before it coiled around Sasuke and slammed Lee into the ground. Lee got up and was ready to fight Naruto.
"That's enough Lee."
Lee stood down as Naruto caught the falling Sasuke.
"Lee. That technique is forbidden."
Naruto felt something. Someone as strong as Kakashi was coming. A S-Rank Shinobi was coming.
"Is that Lee's Jonin Sensei?"
"No. It is likely Lee's Sensei's Summon. His Sensei is here."
There was a puff of smoke as a Guy wearing the Same Green Jumpsuit and having even thicker Eyebrows appeared on the Turtle's back.
"Geez. You guys are the epitome of Youth. Come here Lee."
Lee approached his Sensei. All of a sudden, his sensei hit him with a punch in his cheeks and sent him flying. The Sensei approached Lee again and started to Cry. Lee started to cry too. And soon enough they were hugging each other. The Sensei let Lee go.
"It's alright, Lee. Youth and mistakes go hand in hand. But you did start a fight and almost broke my rules, your punishment will take place after the Chunin Exam. And it will be 500 Laps around the Training Ground."
The Sensei turned towards them and smiled in recognition.
"Hey you guys, how is Kakashi Sensei doing?"
"You know him?"
Sasuke and Sakura were shocked but Naruto was not. It was obvious one Jonin knew the other. It was like asking the Waiter if he knew the Chef. To his surprise, the Sensei disappeared from beside Lee. But Naruto could see him move.
"People refer to us as 'Eternal Rival'. 50 Wins and 49 Losses. I am Stronger than Kakashi."
Sasuke and Sakura's head turns were slower than Naruto's. Naruto did not want to believe the Sensei' claim but he was sure that Sensei was stronger by a little. But he was sure that the Sensei had something that gave him an advantage. He was also faster than Kakashi.
"See? Gai Sensei is incredible."
So his name was Gai. Naruto made sure to remember that name.
"You guys better go. The exam is about to start."
Lee wanted to say something. Lee wanted to say that Neji was the strongest Konoha Genin and not him but seeing Naruto's speed, he was not sure if Neji was the Strongest Konoha Genin.
Team Seven proceeded to Room #01 and were greeted by their sensei. He wished them Best of Luck and exited. They pushed the door open and walked in to see Genin from many different Villages. As soon as they entered, they were bombarded with various Ki. But none of them were as strong as Zabuza's.
And only the weak ones were emitting it. Naruto decided to do something more than just release his Killer Intent. Those who felt the Killer Intent felt fear. They could not bear it and just bolted out.
"Naruto. I have missed you."
Naruto was surprised as Ino jumped on him. He was so focused on releasing his Reiatsu that he had not used Kenbunshoku. Ino kissed him on his Cheeks as Naruto carried her on his back. Sakura gave a small laugh.
"What are you doing, Ino? I thought you would be all over Sasuke, not Naruto."
Ino motioned towards Sasuke and then towards Naruto had grown to 6" 3' and had also gotten more handsome. Soon Ino's Teammates, Shikamaru Nara and Akimichi Choji, followed after her.
"You guys are taking this stupid test too? It is sad that your lovers are going to die as soon as your relationship begins. Man. This sucks."
"Yahoo. Found you. Everyone is assembled here."
Kiba Inazuka, Hinata Hyuuga and Shino Aburame walked towards them. They were part of Team 9 under Kurenai Yuhi. Hinata looked at Naruto but anger flashed in her eyes on seeing Ino on Naruto.
"Get off him, bitch."
Hinata appeared as she pulled Ino away. Everyone was surprised by this change. Then Hinata turned to Naruto and scanned him. Then she fainted.
"I see. All Nine of this year's rookie genins are taking the exam. I wonder how far we will get, eh, Sasuke?"
"You seem confident, Kiba."
"Hey you guys. You should be more quiet. You guys are rookies just out of the Academy, right? Screaming like school girls. This is not a Picnic."
Naruto was surprised again as he felt that the Genin was just a little bit weaker than Kakashi Sensei.
"Who are you?"
"I am Kabuto Yakushi. But instead of me, look at the team behind you."
All the Rookie turned to see three Genin of some village staring intensely at them.
"Those guys are from Amegakure. They have short tempers. Everyone is nervous about this exam, quiet down before you cause a scene. Well I can't blame you. You are Clueless Rockies. You remind me of how I used to be."
Naruto was surprised. This was not Kabuto's first time. Then why had he not passed. He used to feel that Kabuto's Chakra was Cunning and had evil in it. It would be better if they did not get involved with him.
But it was him that approached them. Why was it? Why did someone like Kabuto approach some rookies? It could not be from the Good of his heart as there was no good in his Voice.
"Kabuto-san, is this your second time?"
"Nope. This is My Seventh Time. This exam is held twice a year so this is my fourth year. And I know a lot about this information. I will share some info with you cute Rookies. With these Nin-info Cards."
Kabuto explained about the card and Naruto was further shocked as that information should not be something that should have been shared with all of the enmity.
"You have info on individuals. Tell me about Gaara from Sunagakure and Rock Lee from Konohagakure."
Kabuto pulled out two cards as he channelled his chakra into them. He showed the first Card and it was of Rock Lee.
"OK, First is Rock Lee. He is a Year older than you guys. He has completed twenty D Rank Mission and 12 C Rank Mission. His Sensei is Might Gai. His Taijutsu has improved greatly this year, the rest is nothing impressive. Last year he gained attention as a talented new genin but he did not participate in the Exam. Like you guys, this is his first time. On his team are Neji Hyuga and Tenten."
So the Long Haired Boy's name was Neji and he was from the same clan as Hinata. Hyuga and their Byakugan were known everywhere,after all.
"Next is Gaara. He has completed 8 C Rank Mission and 1 B Rank Mission. A B Rank mission as a Genin is impressive. But since he is a Newcomer from a foreign country, I do not have much info. But It seems he returned from all of his missions without even a scratch."
Naruto did not need to see the information on the Card to know that Gaara was the most dangerous one here.
"Konoha, Suna, Ame, Kusa, Taki and Oto. Many outstanding Genins from Various Hidden Villages are here to take the Exam. Well the Otogakure is a small village just created last year so there is not much info but the rest of the Hidden Villages are filled with Talented Youngsters."
He sensed someone rushing at Kabuto. But he just stayed put as Kankuro was someone that should be able to dodge anything a Genin threw at him.
And true to what he thought, Kabuto dodged the Oto Mummy Shinobi's Fist. But due to some weird Jutsu, Kabuto's Glasses were broken. Kakashi removed the glass but got dizzy and puked.
"Quiet down you worthless bastards."
There was a huge puff of smoke as Many People appeared. The man that wore the black coat and stood at the front was probably the leader of this group. He was kind of scary.
"Thanks for waiting. I am Ibiki Morino, the examiner for the Chunin Selection Exam's First Test. Hidden guys,stop doing as you please before the exam. Do you want to fail already?"
The Oto shinobi apologised to Ibiki.
"Here is a good opportunity to say this. There will be no fighting without the permission of the Examiner. Even if permission is granted, killing your opponent will not be tolerated. Those pigs that disobey me will fail immediately. Do I make myself clear?"
Ibiki pulled out a box and pulled out a Tab.
"We will now start the first test in the Chunin exam. Instead of your current seating arrangements. You will pick one of these tabs and sit in the seat assigned to you. We will then hand out the exams."
Everyone was surprised. Why would a Chunin Exam have a paper test? Something was wrong here. Maybe he would understand the test if he listened to Ibiki. Naruto takes the tab and gets to his seat. Hinata was the one that sat beside him. The Test Paper was placed on the table before every Genins.
"Do not turn your test's over. Listen closely to what I am about to say. There are many important rules to this first test. I will write it on the Board while I explain, but questions will not be allowed. So listen carefully."
Ibiki pulled out a chalk and turned to the board behind him. He started writing all the rules on the Board.
"The first rule. You Guys will all start off with 10 points. The test is made up of 10 questions and each one is worth a point but this test uses a subtraction If you answer all the questions correctly, you keep your points. But say if you miss three questions, you lose three points and will have 7."
"The second rule. This is a Team Test. Whether you pass or not will be determined by the combined score of your teammates. So, each team will compete to see how many points they can hold onto from the initial team total of 30."
"Now the most important rule.. The third rule is that during the exam, anyone caught by the testing officers doing sneaky activities, namely cheating., will have 2 points subtracted for every offence."
"So there will be some who will lose all their points during the exam and be asked to leave. We will have our eyes on you guys. Realise that the pathetic ones that get caught cheating will be destroying themselves. As shinobis trying to achieve the level of Chunin, be proud ninjas."
"And the final rule, those that lose all their initial points during the test and those that don't answer any questions correctly will be failed along with their 2 teammates. The exam will last one hour. Begin."
* ALERT *
[CHUNIN EXAM TEST 1] HAS BEEN CREATED.
* QUEST INFO *
DESCRIPTION: YOU HAVE HEARD THE RULE.
GOAL:
[0/1] Pass
Naruto looked around and saw that few people were scribbling wildly. How could they know the answer? It was like they already knew the answer. Wait. Did they really do it? If so, then that means those who were taking the test should be cheating from the ones who know the answer without getting caught. He hoped his team got the point of the exam too.
He ignored everything going around him as he copied every stroke. Many people were thrown out for getting caught for cheating. Naruto completed everything and looked at the last question. The question said that it would be revealed 45 minutes after the test had begun.
"Nice your doll playing beneficial? Just sit down. I will now explain the last question."
Naruto watched as he saw a look of shock in Kankuro's face. What did Ibiki mean when he said 'doll playing'.
"For the 10th Question, you must decide whether you will take it or not. If you choose no to, your points will be reduced to zero. You fail. Along with your two teammates. If you choose to take it and answer incorrectly, that person will lose the right to take the Chunin Exam again."
Naruto was surprised. If this was the same condition as before, then how had Kabuto taken the exam 7 times?
"What kind of stupid rule is that? There are guys here who have taken the exam before."
Ibiki laughed at Kiba.
"You guys were unlucky. This year it is my rule. But I am giving you a way out. Those that are not confident can choose not to take it and try again next year. Now let's begin the 10th question. Those that do not wish to take it, raise your hand. Once your number is confirmed, leave."
Naruto looked around and was surprised as many raised their hands. If they could not withstand this, then how would they withstand any kind of torture? Naruto's eyes widened. He understood what the test was supposed to show.
The 9 Questions were a test of someone's Information Gathering. And the 10th Question was a test of how much someone could hold on until they spilled the information. Naruto looked around and saw that there were only 39 People left. He saw IIbiki smiled.
"To the 39 who remain, I congratulate you on passing the First Test."
* ALERT *
QUEST HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
Naruto did not show any reaction as he had already guessed it. But the others were surprised.
"Wait, what do you mean? We already? What about the 10th Question?"
"There never was such a thing. Or you could say that those two choices were the 10th question. The First 9 questions were not pointless, if you think that. They had already served their intended purpose, to test your individual information gathering ability. The success on this test is based on the whole tema doing well. This puts pressure on each member not to mess things up for their teammates."
Ibiki removed the Bandana he wore and showed his scarred head.
"Sometimes information is more than life and on missions and the battlefield, people risk their lives to get their hands on it. If the enemy or 3rd party notices you. There is no Guarantee the info will be accurate.I want you to remember this. Important information in your hands can be a powerful weapon for your comrades and for the village."
All of a sudden the glass broke and a black ball bounced in. It threw two kunai, and hung a Sign. 'Sexy and Single, Anko Mitarashi has arrived' was written on the sign.
"You guys, this is not the time to be celebrating. I am the Examiner for the Second Test, Anko Mitarashi. Now let's go. Follow me."
Ibiki appeared besides Anko.
"Bad timing."
Anko blushed at her mistake. Anko looked at all those that were sitting there. She counted them.
"39? Ibiki, you still get it huh. You left only 13 teams. But I will still cut the number in half. I am getting excited. I will explain everything once we have changed places. Follow me."
Sometimes late,
Training Ground #44,
The Forest of Death,
Konoha…
"Welcome to the stage for the Second Test. Training Ground #44.. It is also known as 'The Forest of Death'?"
Naruto looked at the large trees in the Training Ground. He used Kenbunshoku and was surprised as there were many strong voices in the Forest. But Naruto was scared as he picked a Voice, He had thought that Kabuto was the suspicious one.
But this Voice was a lot stronger than Kakashi and almost as strong as Hiruzen. Naruto had not picked the Voice before though. The Voice had changed after the Written Test. Why did it change though? He decided to ignore it for now.
"You will soon find out why it is called the Forest of Death. Now before we start the Second Test. There is something that has to pass out."
Anko pulled out a stack of paper. She sent it to be passed around but kept one to show to everyone.
"You must sign these agreement forms. There will be deaths in this one and if I don;t have you guys sign these, it will all be my responsibility. I am going to explain the second test, then you can sign it afterward and then each team will check in at the booth behind me. I will now explain the Second Test. Simply put you will attempt the ultimate Survival."
Anko pulled out a Map of the Forest of Death.
"First I will explain the area in which it will take place. Around practice arena No.44 are 44 locked gates. First, the River and a Tower in the Center. From theGates to the Tower is about 10 km. During the survival here, you will be asked to complete Certain Tasks. Using your many weapons and jutsu, you will compete in a no rules scroll battle."
Anko put the Map back into her pocket as she pulled out two Scrolls with 'Heaven' and 'Earth' written on it.
"You will fight over these two scrolls, the 'Heaven' and 'Earth'.There are 29 people here meaning 13 Teams. 6 will get the 'Heaven Scroll' and 7 will get the 'Earth Scroll'. To pass this test your team must take it to the tower with both scrolls. But there is a time limit. This second test will last 120 Hours which is exactly 5 days. You are on your own. Just watch out for the Man-Eating Beasts, poisonous insects."
Anko smiled.
"Now I will talk about what will disqualify you. First, those that don't make it to the tower with both scrolls within the time limit. Second, those who lose a teammate or those who have a teammate killed. As a Rule, there is no quitting in the middle. You will be in the forest for five days. And you must not look inside the scroll until you make it to the exchange the three forms for your scroll and then choose a gate to get ready for the start."
* ALERT *
[CHUNIN EXAM TEST 2] HAS BEEN CREATED.
* QUEST INFO *
DESCRIPTION: YOU HAVE HEARD THE RULE.
GOAL:
[0/1] Earth Scroll
[0/1] Heaven Scroll
Naruto signed the waiver and collected their scroll. Team Seven had the 'Heaven Scroll'. They waited for the door to open and dashed in. They came to a place that they thought would be perfect for hiding. They stopped as they heard human screams.
"That was a human scream, right? I got to take a piss."
Naruto stood up as he went to relieve himself. But as he was peeing, an Ame Ninja came behind him.
"Time to rise and shine."
Igris came out as he slashed the Ame Ninja. The Ame Ninja ran away as he bled.
"What happened?"
Sakura and Sasuke came there upon hearing the commotion. Sasuke understood what could happen.
"If we get separated next time, even if it is one of us, don't trust them. This could happen again. We will make a Codeword just in case. Listen if they get the Codeword wrong, assume they are the enemy no matter what they look like. Listen carefully, I will only say it once."
Unknown to them, Orochimaru was listening to them.
A large gust of wind came and swept multiple tree's as they were blown away. Sasuke and Sakura found each other. Sasuke asked Sakura and she told the
Then Naruto also came. Sasuke then realised that something was wrong as he asked Naruto the code. Naruto told the code. But Sasuke threw a Kunai at him, but Naruto smiled as he puffed, showing that it was Orochimaru.
"Impressive that you knew. But how did you know that I was a Fake?"
"Naruto would not remember the may have gotten smarter but he would still not remember it."
Sakura was surprised. But she wondered where Naruto was.
With Naruto…
"Where am I?"
Naruto got up as a Shadow fell on him. He looked up and saw a Large Snake come at him. The Snake wrapped its tail around Naruto.
"Having a Giant Snake under my command will be cool. Rise."
Zabuza, Haku and Igris came out. They jumped the large Snake and destroyed it. But it dispelled in a puff of smoke, disappointing Naruto. Naruto decided to go towards his team mates.
With Sakura and Sasuke…
"You want my 'Earth Scroll',right? Since you guys have the 'Heaven Scroll'."
Orochimaru pulled out the Earth Scroll as he coiled his tongue around the Scroll and swallowed it.
"Now, let's begin the battle for each other's scroll with our lives on the line."
Orochimaru let out his Killer Intent. Sasuke and Sakura were scared as they felt fear. Who was this guy? That was bad. They had to run.
But Naruto came as he landed in front of them. Naruto released his Killer Intent out. Orochimaru was scared at feeling Naruto's Power. It was even more than the Leader of Akatsuki. He would have given Sasuke the Seal and run away.
But to his surprise, Naruto grabbed his face as he slammed Orochimaru into the Ground. He then tossed Orochimaru up as he pointed his palm at him.
"Stop. We can get the scroll from him. He has the scroll we need in his Stomach. Kill him after taking it out."
Naruto stopped as he raised his hand and the scroll tore out of Orochimaru . Orochimaru was shocked as he saw the hole in his stomach. Naruto dropped the scroll to the ground. Orochimaru quickly used Reverse Summoning to escape.
"Let's go."
Naruto then grabbed them as he flew them to the tower. The team had landed gracefully. Well, it was Naruto that had landed, not the team but still they landed gracefully. Naruto informed Sasuke as they walked into the tower through one of the multiple doors in the tower. They looked around to see that Nobody was there but there was a Board with something written in it.
But some words were missing. But Naruto pulled out both the scroll as he opened it. He saw smoke appearing out of it and threw it on the ground. There was a huge puff of smoke. When the smoke cleared, Iruka was standing there. Iruka was surprised at seeing Team Seven and Team Seven were surprised at seeing Iruka.
"What? How have you already completed the Second Test? Only 15 Minutes have passed since the Test started. But let's focus on what happens next. At the end of this second test, it is set up so we Chunins meet up with the exam takers and I was allowed to be the one to greet you. Congratulations, all three of you passed the second test. And in Record time too. Next I would like to talk to you about Hokage-sama's message."
Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke looked at it again. They still could not understand it.
"This is the motto of the Chunin Exam. The 'Heaven' in this paragraph refers to the human mind. And the 'Earth' refers to the Human Body. If you lack heaven seek wisdom, be prepared. That is basically it. Gain knowledge and prepare yourself for the mission. If you lack Earth, run in the field, seek advantages. That is all I to pass it on to you,"
* ALERT *
QUEST HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
"Congratulations to everyone on passing the Second Test."
Anko looked around as she gave a proud smile. She had cut the number in half just like she had said. But she was expecting it to be cut to single digits. And 18 were still here.
"Your team is not too bad. Maybe they were lucky. But as long as my team is around, getting any farther is impossible. From now on, it is all about real ability. Well, with youth there are sweet times and there are sour times, eh Kakashi."
Kakashi was not listening to Gai. He was looking at his team. From what he had heard from Naruto, they had grown a lot. Naruto had grown the most. He was the Deadlast when he graduated but right now he had managed to send Orochimaru running. He heard Gai calling his name and turned to him. It seems Gai was telling something.
"Huh? You say something?"
Gai was shocked. That was something Kakashi had an upper hand on. Gai knew he would never be as Cool as his Rival. Gai's Team was looking at his interaction with Kakashi.
Hiruzen looked at everyone that passed. Iruka had said that letting Rookies attend the Exam was not a good idea. But it seems that half of those who passed were Rookies. No wonder they were all nominated.
"Hokage-sama will now explain the third test. Listen Carefully."