All According to Plan

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. "Naruto" and all related characters, settings, and concepts are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and respective companies. This story is written by a fan, for fans, with no financial gain
Story Summary: In a world where darkness and light dance a delicate waltz, the Hokage's gambit unfolds. A tale of hidden alliances, emotional manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of power. Naruto Uzumaki, a boy burdened by a demon and scarred by isolation, finds himself at the center of a grand scheme, his destiny intertwined with the fate of Konoha itself. Will he rise above the shadows that haunt him, or will he succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume him?

Chapter 17 - Once More, With Feeling

"Amidst the chaos of the Chunin Exams, friendships will be tested, and new powers will emerge—will Naruto seize his destiny?"


The rusted gates of Training Ground 44 groaned open, revealing a tangled expanse of twisted trees and choking vines - the infamous Forest of Death. An oppressive humidity hung in the air, thick with the cloying scent of decaying foliage and unseen creatures.

Team Shadow Fangs stood at the threshold, an uneasy alliance of genin from rival villages. Sasuke Uchiha, last loyal son of Konoha's fallen clan, stood stoic and aloof. His obsidian eyes scanned the ominous canopy, the crimson glint of his newly awakened Sharingan flickering to life.

Beside him, Temari of the Sand gripped her giant iron fan, knuckles white beneath her fingerless gloves. Her teal eyes narrowed, guarded and calculating, as she sized up her temporary comrades. The chill in her gaze spoke volumes of the harsh desert that had forged her.

Rounding out the trio was Takeshi Kamizuru of Kumogakure, a stocky genin with close-cropped brown hair and dark eyes that gleamed with a mix of anticipation and nerves. He bounced on the balls of his feet, an excited energy at odds with the tense atmosphere.

"Listen up," Sasuke intoned, his voice low and authoritative, cutting through the eerie chitter of unseen fauna. "Our objective is clear. Locate our snake charm's missing half and reach the tower before dawn. Keep your wits about you."

Temari scoffed, her grip on her fan tightening. "Spare us the lecture, tree-hugger. We're not rookies stumbling through our first mission."

Takeshi grinned, cracking his knuckles with audible pops. "Yeah, pretty boy. Don't get your panties in a twist. We've got this."

Sasuke's jaw tightened imperceptibly, a flash of irritation in his eyes. But he exhaled slowly, schooling his features into a mask of neutral calm. The Uchiha fan on his back seemed to weigh heavier in that moment, a reminder of the clan he now represented.

"Of course," he said smoothly, his tone conciliatory. "My apologies. I meant no disrespect to either of your skills. I merely wish for us to work together efficiently."

Temari rolled her eyes, but her posture relaxed slightly. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."

With a shared nod, Team Shadow Fangs plunged into the overgrowth. The canopy swallowed them almost instantly, plunging them into a gloom broken only by weak shafts of sickly green light filtering through the leaves. The air hung heavy and still, the cloying scents of rotting wood and stagnant water filling their nostrils.

Strange birdcalls echoed in the distance, the cries taking on an almost human quality of despair. Vines and roots clutched at their sandals, as if the forest itself sought to ensnare them.

As they ventured deeper, Sasuke took point, his crimson eyes scanning for threats both natural and human. Temari followed close behind, one hand resting on her fan, ready to unleash its winds at a moment's notice. Takeshi brought up the rear, his stocky form tense as a coiled spring.

A tense silence hung between them, broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot and their own measured breaths. But it couldn't last.

Temari, never one for quiet, piped up. "So, what's the deal with you two? I heard Kumo and Konoha have some bad blood. How do we know pretty boy here won't stab us in the back first chance he gets?"

Takeshi snorted derisively. "Like he'd have the balls. Konoha ninja are all talk."

Sasuke stiffened, a retort rising in his throat. But he bit it back, taking a calming breath. "I understand your concerns," he said evenly. "But I assure you, I am here as a representative of the Uchiha clan. My loyalty, for the duration of this exam, is to our team."

Temari raised a skeptical brow. "The Uchiha clan? Didn't they all get wiped out? You're just a leftover, aren't you?"

Sasuke's eyes flashed, the tomoe of his Sharingan spinning dangerously. But again, he reined himself in. "The Uchiha live on through me," he said, his voice tight with controlled emotion. "And I intend to restore my clan's honor. Part of that is forging new bonds, even with former enemies."

Takeshi let out a low whistle. "Damn, that's heavy. And here I thought this exam was just about kicking ass and taking names."

Temari scoffed, but her expression softened fractionally. "Honor, huh? I guess I can respect that. Just don't expect me to hold your hand, Uchiha."

Sasuke allowed himself a small, wry smile. "I wouldn't dream of it, Temari-san."

Just then, a low growl echoed through the trees, freezing the genin in their tracks. Sasuke's hand flew to his kunai pouch, Sharingan whirling. Temari gripped her fan, eyes narrowed. Takeshi dropped into a ready stance, hands poised to form seals.

"What the fuck was that?" the Kumo nin hissed.

His answer came in the form of a monstrous bear crashing through the underbrush, its fur a sickly green, eyes glowing an unnatural yellow. Foam dripped from its maw as it charged, a roar of primal fury splitting the air.

There was no time for strategy, no room for the tension that had plagued them. Instinct took over, their training kicking in.

Temari leapt back, her fan snapping open with a metallic rasp. With a cry of exertion, she swung the heavy weapon, chakra whirling. "Kamaitachi no Jutsu!"

At the same instant, Sasuke's hands blurred through seals, chakra rising in a roar within him. "Katon: Gokakyuu no Jutsu!"

The two techniques collided, wind and fire merging into a veritable inferno that engulfed the charging beast. Its roar turned to a shriek of agony as the flames consumed fur and flesh alike, the stench of burning meat filling the clearing.

As the blaze died down, the charred remains of the bear collapsed in a smoldering heap. The three genin stood panting, adrenaline still singing in their veins.

Takeshi broke the silence with a whoop of delight. "Fuck yeah! Did you see that? We roasted that son of a bitch!"

Temari, too, had a fierce grin on her face, the thrill of victory easing her earlier hostility. "Not bad, Uchiha. Guess there's some fire in you after all."

Sasuke, for his part, could only nod, a new respect kindling in his gaze as he looked at his teammates. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to be gained from this alliance than a mere trinket.

But the forest around them wasn't finished with them yet. As the genin caught their breath, new sounds rose from the shadows - the skittering of chitin legs, the rasp of scales on bark. The Forest of Death, it seemed, had only begun to test them.

Still, as they turned to face these new challenges, there was a new unity between them, a shared fire born of battle. The path ahead was dark and treacherous, but perhaps, together, they could find the light at its end.


The dense foliage of the Forest of Death whispered with unseen threats, but Team Mist Dragons moved through it with surprising stealth. Kiba Inuzuka led the way, his nose twitching as he followed an invisible trail. Beside him, Akamaru padded silently, the ninken's form larger and more feral than most remembered. Sakura Haruno and Akatsuchi Gorō followed close behind, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger or opportunity.

Kiba's animalistic features were set in a predatory grin, his seal of Earth enhancing his already keen senses and aggressive nature. "They're close," he growled, his voice a rumbling baritone. "I can smell Sasuke's chakra a mile away. And he's not alone."

Sakura, her own seal granting her enhanced strength and stony grey flesh, nodded, her green eyes glinting with determination. "How many are with him?" she asked, her mind already racing with potential strategies and tactics.

"Two others," Kiba replied. "A girl... smells like sand and wind. And a guy, earthy with a hint of... honey?" He shook his head, puzzled. "Strange combination."

Akatsuchi, the stocky Iwa genin, shifted uncomfortably. While he respected the Uchiha's reputation, especially knowing the power of the Sharingan from Iwa's long feud with Konoha, he was less than thrilled about working with Leaf shinobi. "Are you sure about this?" he grumbled. "Taking on Uchiha and his team seems risky. Especially with you tree-huggers."

Kiba bristled at the insult, a low growl rumbling in his throat. But Sakura intervened before he could retort, her eyes narrowing as she turned to their new teammate. "Having second thoughts, Akatsuchi?" she asked coldly.

The Iwa nin flushed, his broad shoulders tensing. "N-no!" he stammered. "It's not that. It's just... well, you Konoha ninja have a reputation for being soft. All that talk of the Will of Fire and teamwork..."

Kiba barked out a harsh laugh. "Soft? You're about to see just how 'soft' we are, rock boy!"

Sakura silenced him with a look, then turned back to Akatsuchi. "I understand your reservations," she said, her tone measured. "But right now, we're Team Mist Dragons. That's all that matters. And this is an opportunity - for all of us. A chance to prove ourselves, to gather intel on our competition. Sasuke Uchiha is one of Konoha's strongest. If we can take him down..." She let the implication hang in the air.

Akatsuchi considered this, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose you're right," he admitted grudgingly. "Uchiha would be a valuable target. And working together, we might just stand a chance."

"Hell yeah we do!" Kiba exclaimed, his earlier anger forgotten in the thrill of the impending hunt. "Team Mist Dragons is about to show everyone what we're made of!"

Akamaru let out a low growl of agreement, his hackles rising in anticipation.

Sakura allowed herself a small, predatory smile. "Then let's not waste any more time," she said, cracking her knuckles. "We have a Leaf to crush."

As they continued to track Team Shadow Fangs, the tension in the air began to shift. Nervousness gave way to excitement, and even Akatsuchi found himself caught up in the thrill of the hunt. The power of the Seal of Earth thrummed through Sakura and Kiba, enhancing their already formidable abilities.

Sakura felt the familiar rush of chakra enhancement coursing through her body. She clenched her fist, feeling the raw power at her fingertips. "Remember the plan," she said, her voice low but intense. "Kiba and Akamaru, you'll be working from the shadows and looking to strike at openings. Akatsuchi, use your Earth Release to control the battlefield. I'll manage the front line." She'd flex as her curse seal began to spread over about a quarter of her body. Between her enhancements, ability to heal herself, and training with Tsunade she was a power-house in her own right.

Kiba nodded, his fangs glinting in the dim forest light. "Got it. Akamaru and I will keep them off balance."

Akatsuchi slammed his fist into his palm, a determined look replacing his earlier uncertainty. "I'll give you all the cover you need. These Konoha... I mean, our opponents won't know what hit them."

Sakura smiled, a hint of ferocity in her expression. "That's the spirit. Now, let's show them what Team Mist Dragons can do!"

As they neared their targets, the forest seemed to grow quieter, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the coming clash. Team Mist Dragons moved with purpose, their earlier camaraderie solidifying into a unified fighting force.

Suddenly, Kiba held up a hand, signaling them to stop. "They're just ahead," he whispered, his voice thick with excitement. "Looks like they just finished dealing with some kind of beast."

Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Perfect. They'll be tired and off-guard. Are we ready?"

Kiba and Akamaru tensed, ready to spring. Akatsuchi nodded, his hands already forming the first seal of an Earth Release technique. Sakura felt the Seal of Earth pulse with energy, her body coiled like a spring.

"On my mark," Sakura breathed, adrenaline surging through her veins. "Three... two... one..."

The forest held its breath, unaware that it was about to become a battlefield between two of the most formidable genin teams in the Chunin Exams. Team Mist Dragons was ready to make their move, and the real test was about to begin.


The acrid smell of singed fur still lingered in the air as Team Shadow Fangs regrouped. Sasuke's Sharingan faded, his eyes returning to their usual onyx as he scanned their surroundings. Temari adjusted her fan, while Takeshi recalled his scattered bee scouts.

"Anything to report?" Sasuke asked, his voice low.

Takeshi shook his head, a frown creasing his brow. "Nothing unusual. The bees haven't picked up any—"

Sasuke's hand shot up, cutting off Takeshi mid-sentence. His Sharingan flared to life, tomoe spinning rapidly as he sensed a sudden shift in the air. Time seemed to slow as his enhanced perception picked up minute details – a twig snapping unnaturally, a flash of movement in his peripheral vision, the faintest whisper of suppressed chakra.

"Ambush!" Sasuke shouted, his body already in motion. "Scatter!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than chaos erupted around them. A whirlwind of claws and fangs burst from the underbrush – Kiba and Akamaru, their forms blurred into a single, feral tornado of attack.

"Fang Over Fang!" Kiba's voice echoed through the clearing as the spiraling assault bore down on them.

Temari reacted instantly, swinging her fan in a wide arc. "Wind Scythe Jutsu!" The gust of wind collided with Kiba's attack, momentarily disrupting its trajectory but not stopping it entirely.

As Sasuke leapt back to avoid the oncoming assault, the ground beneath his feet suddenly shifted. Massive pillars of earth erupted from the forest floor, threatening to encase him.

"Earth Style: Stone Prison Jutsu!" a deep voice bellowed from the shadows.

Takeshi slammed his palms onto the ground. "Earth Style: Mud Wall!" A barrier rose up, intercepting the stone pillars and giving Sasuke the split second he needed to escape.

Landing on a nearby tree branch, Sasuke's Sharingan darted between his teammates and the emerging threats. Kiba and Akamaru were engaged in a furious close-quarters battle with Temari, while Takeshi struggled against the onslaught of earth techniques.

A flash of pink caught Sasuke's attention. Sakura emerged from the foliage, her fist cocked back and glowing with concentrated chakra. Her eyes, filled with a determination Sasuke had never seen before, locked onto him.

"You're mine, Sasuke!" Sakura roared, launching herself towards him with frightening speed.

Sasuke's mind raced, analyzing the situation in fractions of a second. Team Mist Dragons had orchestrated a near-perfect ambush, using Kiba's tracking skills to bypass Takeshi's bee scouts. They had separated Team Shadow Fangs, forcing each into individual battles that negated their recent teamwork.

As Sakura's chakra-enhanced fist hurtled towards him, Sasuke allowed himself a small smirk. Perfect ambush or not, Team Shadow Fangs wasn't going down without a fight.

"Temari! Takeshi!" Sasuke called out, his hands already flashing through seals. "Formation Delta!"

It was a gamble – they hadn't practiced any formations, let alone one called "Delta". But as Sasuke prepared to meet Sakura's attack, he hoped his teammates would understand the need to regroup and counter-attack as one.

Temari, locked in close-quarters combat with Kiba and Akamaru, gritted her teeth. "Easier said than done, tree-hugger!" she shouted, narrowly dodging another Fang Over Fang attack.

In a swift motion, she fully opened her fan. "Wind Style: Gale Force Wall!" A massive gust erupted, not aimed at her opponents, but at the ground beneath her feet. The force launched her skyward, breaking away from the feral duo's onslaught.

Takeshi, still fending off Akatsuchi's relentless earth techniques, heard Sasuke's call. "On it!" he yelled, his hands blurring through seals. "Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage!"

The Iwa genin's eyes widened in surprise as Takeshi sank into the ground, disappearing from view. Moments later, Takeshi erupted from the earth near Sasuke's position, narrowly avoiding a chakra-enhanced punch from Sakura that shattered the tree branch where Sasuke had been standing.

As Team Shadow Fangs regrouped, their opponents quickly realized their advantage was slipping. Kiba snarled in frustration, "Don't let them regroup! Akamaru, let's go!"

But it was too late. Sasuke, Temari, and Takeshi now stood back-to-back in a triangular formation, each facing one of their opponents.

"Nice of you to join me," Sasuke smirked, his Sharingan spinning as he tracked Sakura's movements.

Temari scoffed, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "Couldn't let you have all the fun, could we?"

Takeshi grinned, cracking his knuckles. "So, what's the plan, boss?"

Sasuke's mind raced, analyzing their situation. "They've got us outnumbered with Akamaru. We need to take them down one by one, quickly and decisively."

Temari nodded, her fan at the ready. "Who's our first target?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, scanning their opponents. "Kiba. He and Akamaru are their close-range powerhouses. If we take him out, we cut their offensive capability in half."

Takeshi grinned, cracking his knuckles. "I like it. How do we do this?"

"Temari, use your wind to disrupt their formation and isolate Kiba," Sasuke ordered. "Takeshi, your earth techniques and bees will be crucial. Limit Kiba's mobility and distract Akamaru. I'll engage directly, using my Sharingan to predict and counter his moves."

Both teammates nodded, a newfound determination in their eyes.

"Remember," Sasuke added, his voice low and intense, "we hit hard and fast. Give them no chance to regroup or counter. Our goal is to force a forfeit, not cause permanent harm."

Temari smirked, readying her fan. "Wouldn't dream of it, tree-hugger."

As Team Mist Dragons prepared for another assault, Sasuke felt a surge of confidence. "On my mark," he said. "Three... two... one... Now!"

In a burst of coordinated movement, Team Shadow Fangs sprang into action. Temari's wind howled through the clearing, a massive gust aimed not at their opponents, but at the space between them. The sudden maelstrom forced Team Mist Dragons apart, momentarily disrupting their formation.

Seizing the opportunity, Takeshi slammed his hands onto the ground. "Earth Style: Mud Bog!" The ground beneath Kiba and Akamaru suddenly turned to thick, sticky mud, hampering their movement.

Before Kiba could react, a swarm of Takeshi's bees descended upon Akamaru, buzzing and stinging. The ninken yelped in surprise, momentarily distracted from the battle.

Sasuke charged forward, his Sharingan spinning as he engaged Kiba directly. "Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" A barrage of small fireballs peppered the area around Kiba, forcing him to dodge awkwardly in the mud.

Sakura's voice cut through the chaos. "Kiba, watch out!"

But her warning came too late. As Kiba struggled in the mud, distracted by Sasuke's fire and worried about Akamaru, Temari made her move. With a mighty swing of her fan, she unleashed a concentrated blast of wind directly at Kiba.

"Wind Scythe Jutsu!"

The attack caught Kiba square in the chest, lifting him off his feet and slamming him into a nearby tree. He slumped to the ground, dazed and winded.

As Kiba fell, Team Shadow Fangs regrouped, ready to press their advantage against the remaining members of Team Mist Dragons. But the tide of battle was about to turn in an unexpected way.

Sakura, her green eyes blazing with determination, brought her hands together in a seal. "I won't let it end like this! Seal of Earth: Release!"

What happened next shocked everyone present, even her own teammate. Sakura's skin began to change, taking on a grey, stony texture. Her form bulked up, muscles rippling beneath the hardened exterior. Her features sharpened, brow ridges becoming more pronounced, and two ram-like horns curled from her forehead. Her hands and feet morphed into hoof-like appendages, and her overall appearance became reminiscent of a demonic human-ram hybrid.

Akatsuchi's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What... what is this?"

Sakura's voice, now deeper and resonating with power, echoed through the clearing. "This is the true power of the Seal of Earth. Now, let me show you what it can do!"

With frightening speed belying her new, bulky form, Sakura charged towards Team Shadow Fangs. Her first strike, aimed at Takeshi, shattered his hastily erected earth wall like it was made of glass.

Temari attempted to repel her with a wind jutsu, but Sakura merely leaned into it, her new form barely affected by the gale-force winds. "Is that all you've got?" Sakura taunted, continuing her advance.

Sasuke's Sharingan spun wildly, tracking Sakura's movements. "Careful!" he warned his teammates. "Her strength and durability have increased exponentially!"

As Sakura engaged Team Shadow Fangs, Akatsuchi seemed to snap out of his shock. Inspired by his teammate's transformation, he joined the fray, his earth techniques complementing Sakura's raw power.

The battle had shifted dramatically. What had seemed like a certain victory for Team Shadow Fangs now hung in the balance. Sasuke, Temari, and Takeshi found themselves on the defensive, struggling to counter Sakura's overwhelming power and Akatsuchi's support.

The forest clearing, once a battlefield of calculated moves and strategic plays, had transformed into a chaotic arena of raw power. Sakura, in her demonic ram-like form, stood at the center of the maelstrom, her every movement causing tremors in the earth.

Sasuke's mind raced, his Sharingan tracking Sakura's enhanced speed and power. "Fall back!" he shouted to his teammates. "We need to regroup!"

Team Shadow Fangs leapt backwards, narrowly avoiding a devastating punch from Sakura that shattered the ground where they had stood moments before. Akatsuchi, emboldened by his teammate's transformation, launched a barrage of earth projectiles to cover their retreat.

As they regrouped at the edge of the clearing, Temari hissed, "Any bright ideas, Uchiha? Our previous strategy is useless now."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, analyzing the situation. "We can't match her power head-on. We need to outsmart them, use their strength against them."

Takeshi, nursing a bruised arm from Sakura's earlier attack, nodded. "I'm all ears. That monster used to be a kunoichi?"

"She's still Sakura," Sasuke corrected, a hint of respect in his voice. "Just... enhanced. But every technique has a weakness. We just need to find it."

As they spoke, Sakura and Akatsuchi advanced, the ground trembling with each step. Sakura's voice boomed across the clearing, "Give up now, and we might go easy on you!"

Temari scoffed, "Not likely, freak show."

The battle raged on in the shadowed depths of the Forest of Death, the clash of jutsu and the cries of the genin echoing through the twisted trees. Sasuke, his Sharingan spinning, analyzed the flow of the fight, his mind racing to find a strategy to counter Sakura's monstrous transformation.

Sakura, her skin now a stony grey, lashed out with a fist that cratered the ground where Sasuke had stood a heartbeat before. Her eyes, normally a vibrant green, glowed with an eerie red light, her features distorted by the cursed seal's power.

Sasuke leapt back, his breath coming in short gasps. The air was thick with the tang of ozone and the coppery scent of blood, the latter from a gash on Temari's arm where Sakura's claws had found their mark.

Suddenly, Sasuke's eyes widened, a flash of inspiration lighting his features. He turned to Temari, his voice urgent over the din of battle.

"Temari! Your wind techniques - can you create a vacuum? A sphere of emptiness around Sakura?"

The Suna kunoichi blinked, surprised, but comprehension dawned quickly. "I... I've never tried, but theoretically... yes, I think I can manage it!"

Sasuke nodded, his Sharingan picking out Takeshi's stocky form amidst the chaos. "Takeshi! Can you trap her feet, hold her in place?"

The Kumo genin grinned fiercely, his hands already forming seals. "Consider it done, Uchiha!"

Sasuke turned back to Sakura, his own hands blurring through familiar signs. He could feel the heat of his chakra rising, the anticipation of the flames to come.

"Now!" he roared, leaping high into the air.

Temari's fan snapped open with a metallic rasp, her chakra surging. With a cry of exertion, she swung the heavy weapon, pouring her will into shaping the very air.

"Fuuton: Vacuum Sphere!"

The air around Sakura seemed to shimmer and distort, then suddenly rush inward as if pulled by an immense force. The transformed kunoichi staggered, her eyes widening as she found herself at the center of a perfect sphere of emptiness.

At the same moment, Takeshi slammed his hands into the ground, his chakra pulsing through the earth. "Doton: Stone Shackles!"

Tendrils of rock burst from the soil, wrapping around Sakura's ankles and rooting her in place. She snarled, lashing out at the restraints, but the vacuum surrounding her slowed her movements, robbing her blows of their monstrous strength.

And then Sasuke's voice rang out, echoing strangely in the sudden silence of the vacuum.

"Katon: Gokakyuu no Jutsu!"

A massive fireball roared from his lips, aimed directly at the sphere of nothingness that entrapped Sakura. As the flames hit the edge of the vacuum, they seemed to compress, growing brighter, hotter, more intense.

The vacuum shuddered, then collapsed with a thunderous roar. The rush of air back into the emptiness served to hyper-oxygenate the flames, turning them from a deep red to a blinding white. The fire surged, engulfing Sakura in a maelstrom of heat and light.

Sakura's scream cut through the roar of the flames, a sound of pure agony. When the fire cleared, she was on her knees, her transformed state flickering like a guttering candle. Her clothes were charred, her hair singed, and her stony skin was cracked and blackened.

But even as they watched, her flesh began to knit back together, the power of her seal and her own medical ninjutsu working to repair the damage. She lifted her head, her eyes filled with pain and rage.

From the sidelines, Akatsuchi watched in stunned disbelief. The sheer power and coordination of the attack, the way these three genin from different villages had come together to bring down a monster like Sakura...

He swallowed hard, his mind racing. The last Uchiha was a force to be reckoned with, that much was clear. But Sakura... the transformation she had undergone, the way she clung to life even now... she was a monster of a different sort.

As Sakura struggled to her feet, her transformation finally failing, leaving her battered and burned but alive, Akatsuchi knew he would have much to report to Onoki. The Chunin Exams had only just begun, but already they had shown that the next generation of shinobi were not to be underestimated.

And at the heart of it all, the last loyal Uchiha and the girl who had become a demon. Theirs were names that would surely echo through the annals of history.


As the first rays of dawn crept over the treetops of the Forest of Death, an exhausted group of genin gathered in the central tower's arena. The once pristine group of genin marred with scuffs, blood spatters, and the detritus of hard-fought battles. Fifteen young shinobi stood amidst the morning sun, their bodies battered but their spirits unbroken.

Anko Mitarashi, the proctor for the third exam, surveyed the assembled genin with a mix of pride and sadism. "Congratulations," she called out, her voice echoing in the cavernous space. "You've survived the Forest of Death and made it to the tower with your snake charms intact. Out of the 30 who entered, you 15 stand as the elite."

As Anko's words faded, the genin began to drift towards their original teams, the relief of familiar faces palpable in the air. Naruto, his grin stretching from ear to ear despite the grime and exhaustion, bounded over to Sasuke and Yakumo.

"Guys! We made it!" he exclaimed, throwing an arm around each of their shoulders. "I knew we would. Team 7 is unstoppable!"

Sasuke, his usually immaculate appearance dishevelled and his clothes torn, nonetheless managed a small smirk. "Hn. Was there ever any doubt?"

Yakumo, her long brown hair tangled with leaves and twigs, managed a tired smile. "It was tough, but we did it. Even apart from each other."

Nearby, the sand siblings reunited, their normally stoic faces showing flickers of relief. Gaara, his arms crossed over his chest, nodded at his siblings.

"Kankuro, Temari. I trust you fared well?"

Kankuro, his face paint smeared into a macabre mask, chuckled. "Well enough, little bro. Though I gotta say, that Uzumaki kid is something else. Never thought I'd see the day when I'd be glad to have a Leaf nin on my side."

Temari, her blonde hair escaping its usual four ponytails, snorted. "Speak for yourself. That Uchiha is a pain in the ass. Skilled, sure, but I've never met someone so uptight."

Across the arena, Hinata and Shino found each other, their faces etched with concern.

"Shino-kun, have you seen Shikamaru-kun?" Hinata asked, her pale eyes scanning the crowd.

Shino, his dark glasses reflecting the morning light, shook his head. "I have not. It is most concerning. Why? Because Shikamaru is not one to fail in these situations."

Hinata bit her lip, her brow furrowed. "I hope he's alright..."

A shout of disbelief drew their attention. Hiroshi, Takeshi, and Yuki stood in a tight knot, their faces a mix of shock and anger.

"Where the hell is the rest of Team Yugito?" Hiroshi demanded, his fists clenched. "And Team Samui? They can't have failed!"

Takeshi, his usual bravado subdued, shook his head. "I don't know, man. This exam... it's something else. Maybe they got held up."

Yuki, her ice blue eyes hard, scoffed. "Held up? In the Forest of Death? More like they got taken out. Face it, guys. We're on our own now."

Off to the side, Kurotsuchi stood alone, her pink eyes darting from face to face, her expression growing more and more worried with each passing second.

"Akatsuchi? Suzumebachi? Where are you guys?" she muttered under her breath, her hands twisting the fabric of her skirt. "Don't tell me you both..."

But even as worry gnawed at her gut, a flash of determination hardened her features. She was the granddaughter of the Tsuchikage. She would not show weakness, not here, not now.

In contrast to Kurotsuchi's concern, Suigetsu and Kaito seemed utterly unconcerned by their lack of teammates. Suigetsu, his sharp teeth glinting in a cocky grin, lounged against the arena wall, his sword propped casually against his shoulder.

"Looks like it's just you and me, Kaito," he drawled, his purple eyes gleaming with anticipation. "The two water specialists, not teams, just ready to take on the world."

Kaito, his spiky teal hair matted with sweat and grime, grinned back. "Damn straight, Suigetsu. We don't need a team to prove our strength. We'll show them all the strength of Suiton."

As the genin processed their new reality, the weight of what was to come settled heavy on their shoulders. They had survived the Forest of Death, but the real challenges were only just beginning. With their teams fractured and their resolve tested, they would need every ounce of skill, cunning, and determination to emerge victorious.

The brief respite was interrupted as a new figure entered the arena. Hayate Gekko, jōnin of Konoha and proctor for the upcoming exams, coughed politely into his fist. The genin fell silent, their eyes fixed on the sickly-looking ninja.

"Before we proceed," Hayate began, his voice soft but carrying, "Lord Hokage would like to say a few words."

The genin straightened as Orochimaru himself stepped into view, his pale face split by a serpentine smile. The Hokage's eyes, gold and slit-pupiled, swept over the assembled shinobi.

"My young ninja," Orochimaru purred, his voice a velvet rasp. "You stand here today as the pride of your villages. The trials you've endured have tested not only your individual skills, but your ability to adapt, to form alliances, to see underneath the underneath."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "But your journey is not over. To ascend to the rank of chūnin, to truly prove your worth, you must demonstrate your strength not just to your comrades, but to the world. In one month's time, you will compete in a tournament viewed by daimyō, nobles, and potential clients from across the nations."

Orochimaru's smile widened, taking on a predatory edge. "It is your duty, your privilege, to make the other villages think twice about challenging our strength. To show them the might and progress of our allied shinobi forces. Only the best among you will earn the title of chūnin."

A ripple of unease passed through the genin. Naruto frowned, his brow furrowing at the Hokage's words. Sasuke's eyes narrowed, while Hinata's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around her jacket sleeves.

Hayate stepped forward again, drawing the genin's attention. "However," he said, "before the final tournament, there is one more test to pass."

Confused murmurs broke out among the shinobi. Hadn't they just endured days of grueling battles and trials? What more could be asked of them?

Hayate held up a hand for silence. "We have an unprecedented number of candidates remaining. As such, we will be holding a preliminary round, right here and now, to halve your numbers for the final exam."

Shock and dismay rippled through the group. Exhausted faces paled further, while others set their jaws in grim determination.

"Your opponents will be chosen randomly," Hayate explained, gesturing to an electronic board on the far wall. "The matches will be one-on-one, with the winner advancing to the finals. There are no rules of engagement - you fight until one party is unable to continue or concedes defeat."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over the assembled genin. "If there are no questions, we will begin immediately."

The board flickered to life, names flashing across its surface in rapid succession. The genin watched with bated breath, hearts pounding, as their fates were decided by the whims of chance.

With a final beep, two names locked into place: Naruto Uzumaki vs Suigetsu Hozuki.

Naruto's head snapped towards his friend and rival, blue eyes wide. Suigetsu met his gaze, a sharp grin splitting his face even as surprise flickered in his violet eyes.

"Heh," Suigetsu chuckled, straightening from his slouch and hoisting his sword over his shoulder. "Guess it's you and me, Uzumaki. Let's give 'em a show, eh?"

Naruto swallowed hard, a mix of anticipation and dread churning in his gut as he stepped forward to face his teammate turned opponent. Around them, the other genin dispersed to the observation balconies, their own tensions momentarily forgotten as they prepared to witness the first clash of a new generation of shinobi.


As the other genin cleared the arena floor, Naruto and Suigetsu faced each other, tension crackling between them like electricity. Just minutes ago they had been teammates, united in the goal of surviving the Forest of Death. Now, they were opponents, each standing in the other's way to the finals.

Hayate glanced between the two genin, his sickly visage belying his keen observation. "If both combatants are ready... begin!"

Suigetsu moved first, his hand flashing to the hilt of his sword. With a ringing rasp of steel, he drew the blade and lunged forward, water trailing from his limbs as he activated his Hydration Jutsu.

Naruto leapt back, hands already forming the sign for his signature technique. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Three clones popped into existence around him, each one hurling a brace of shuriken at the charging Suigetsu. But the projectiles passed harmlessly through the Mist ninja's semi-liquid form, eliciting a sharp-toothed grin.

"Come on, Naruto!" Suigetsu taunted, his voice warbling through the water. "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"

Naruto gritted his teeth, dispersing his clones with a thought. He reached into his pouch, fingers brushing the cool metal of his tuning shuriken. Not yet, he thought. Not until I have him where I want him.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm!" Naruto thrust his hands forward, sending a concentrated blast of wind chakra at Suigetsu. The Mist ninja laughed as the jutsu scattered his watery form, only for the droplets to converge back into his shape a moment later.

"Is that all you've got?" Suigetsu crowed, swinging his sword in a glittering arc. "I expected more from the guy who took down Haku!"

In the balcony above, Hiruzen frowned slightly. "Naruto's usual tactics aren't working," he murmured. "Suigetsu's Hydration Jutsu makes him virtually immune to physical attacks."

Next to him, Jiraiya nodded, his eyes never leaving the battle below. "Don't count the kid out just yet, Sensei. He's got a few tricks up his sleeve."

As if on cue, Naruto leapt back, putting distance between himself and Suigetsu. His hand dipped into his pouch again, this time emerging with a fistful of his special tuning shuriken. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the whirring projectiles arcing towards Suigetsu.

The Mist ninja scoffed, preparing to let the shuriken pass through him as before. But as the blades neared, a low hum filled the air, growing louder with each rotation. Suigetsu winced, his liquid form rippling as the sound waves disrupted his chakra control.

"What the hell?" he growled, his voice losing some of its watery echo. "What kind of trick is this?"

Naruto allowed himself a small smirk. "Just a little something I've been working on. You like it?"

He sent another volley of tuning shuriken spinning towards Suigetsu, the humming intensifying as they whirled through the air. Suigetsu snarled, his form flickering between liquid and solid as he tried to maintain his jutsu under the sonic assault.

In the balcony, Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly. "I see... he's using sound waves to disrupt Suigetsu's chakra control. It's not enough to dispel the Hydration Jutsu completely, but it's throwing him off balance."

Tsunade nodded, a hint of pride in her voice. "He's showing good tactical thinking. Using an opponent's strength against them is a key principle of medical ninjutsu."

Back in the arena, Suigetsu was growing increasingly frustrated. Despite the disorienting hum of the tuning shuriken, Naruto's attacks still couldn't land a solid hit. The Mist ninja's form flowed like quicksilver, evading explosive tags and wind blasts alike.

"Enough of this!" Suigetsu roared, his temper fraying. "I'm ending this now!"

He surged forward, his body becoming a cresting wave. Naruto braced himself, hands forming a rapid series of signs. Just as Suigetsu was about to crash over him, Naruto finished his jutsu.

"Wind Style: Gale Wing!"

A swirling dome of wind chakra engulfed Naruto just as Suigetsu's watery form slammed into him. The collision sent a geyser of spray into the air, obscuring the combatants from view.

"Naruto!" Sakura cried from the balcony, her hands gripping the railing.

As the mist cleared, a collective gasp rippled through the onlookers. Naruto was nowhere to be seen, only a puddle of water marking where he once stood.

Suigetsu reformed himself, a triumphant grin on his face. "Hah! Guess you weren't as tough as everyone thought, Uzumaki. I win."

But Hayate didn't make the call. His eyes narrowed, scanning the arena. "Wait..."

A low whistle pierced the air, emanating from the massive stone hands forming the Ram seal at the back of the arena. All eyes turned to see Naruto standing atop the statue, battered but very much alive.

"You didn't really think you'd get me that easily, did you Suigetsu?" Naruto called down, his grin mirroring the Mist ninja's previous smirk.

Suigetsu's eyes widened, his triumphant grin fading into a look of shock. "What? How did you...?"

Naruto chuckled, holding up one of his tuning shuriken. "Genjutsu. The humming from these little beauties doesn't just disrupt your water jutsu, it can also mess with your senses. Made you think you got me while I set up for the big finale."

In the balcony, Hiruzen allowed a small smile to cross his weathered face. "Clever boy. Using sound-based genjutsu to create an opening... he's come a long way."

Orochimaru, standing a little apart from the other jonin, eyed his predecessor thoughtfully. "Indeed. Your little protege is full of surprises, Sarutobi-sensei."

Back in the arena, Suigetsu's shock was quickly giving way to anger. "You sneaky little... I'll get you for that!"

He moved to lunge at Naruto, but the blond genin was already in motion. Leaping from the statue, Naruto flung a barrage of tuning shuriken around the arena, their humming filling the air like a swarm of enraged bees. As he landed, he brought his hands together in a final seal.

"Wind Style: Discord Resonance!"

Chakra pulsed from Naruto's feet as he whistled a single, piercing note. The sound seemed to catch on the air, amplifying and distorting as it reached the tuning shuriken. The humming intensified, each shuriken vibrating in response to Naruto's chakra-infused whistle until the entire arena was filled with a deafening, discordant shriek.

Suigetsu screamed, his liquid form losing cohesion under the sonic assault. His body seemed to vaporize, turning into a fine mist that hung suspended in the air.

"Proctor!" Naruto shouted over the din. "I can hold him like this until he runs out of chakra to reform! Call the match!"

Hayate, his eyes watering from the intense sound, raised his hand. "Winner: Naruto Uzumaki!"

As the declaration left the proctor's lips, Naruto released his jutsu. The tuning shuriken clattered to the ground as Suigetsu's vapor form coalesced back into his body. The Mist ninja slumped to his knees, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

In the balcony, the jonin began to murmur amongst themselves.

"Impressive strategy," Kakashi mused. "Using sound to disrupt not only Suigetsu's jutsu, but his physical form as well. I didn't think wind chakra could be used in such a way."

Jiraiya grinned, slapping Hiruzen on the back. "Looks like your boy has been holding out on us, Sensei! I guess we now know what he's been working on with all those weird shuriken of his."

Hiruzen smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride as he watched Naruto help a groggy Suigetsu to his feet. "He's always had a knack for unorthodox solutions. But to pull off something like this... he's growing faster than I could have hoped."

Yugito, standing with her fellow Kumo jonin, looked thoughtful. "His tactics show good versatility and adaptability. He'd make a strong chunin."

Tsunade nodded in agreement. "He's got the right mindset for it, that's for sure. Medical ninja have to think fast and use every resource at their disposal. Naruto's showing that kind of potential."

Gantetsu, his arms folded across his broad chest, grunted. "Kid's got guts, I'll give him that. Took a big risk with that last move. Could've blown out his own eardrums if he wasn't careful."

Fuu, ever enthusiastic, was practically bouncing on her heels. "Did you see that? The way he used those shuriken? I've never seen anything like it! I can't wait to see what he does next!"

As the jonin continued to discuss the match, medic-nin tended to Suigetsu on the arena floor. Naruto, despite his exhaustion, couldn't suppress his grin. He'd won, and in a way that none of his peers had expected. He could feel their gazes on him, reassessing, re-evaluating.

He met Sasuke's eyes across the arena. His rival's face was impassive, but Naruto could see the glint of challenge in his dark eyes. The game had changed. The bar had been raised.

And Naruto was more than ready to meet it.


As Naruto and Suigetsu made their way back to the balcony, the remaining genin gathered around them. Naruto grinned, despite his fatigue, as he shrugged off the remains of his tattered orange and black jacket.

"Guess I need a new one of these," he chuckled, holding up the ruined garment. "Suigetsu really did a number on it."

Suigetsu smirked, his sharp teeth glinting. "Yeah, well, just wait until I get my hands on one of the Seven Swords. Then you'll see some real damage."

Naruto rolled his eyes good-naturedly, tossing the jacket aside. His mesh undershirt, clinging to his developing muscles, showed the results of his hard training.

Yakumo stepped forward, her eyes shining with admiration. "Naruto, that was amazing! The way you used those tuning shuriken... I've never seen anything like it!"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, a slight flush rising to his cheeks. "Thanks, Yakumo. But it was a close one. Suigetsu really pushed me to my limits."

Sasuke, leaning against the railing, allowed a small smirk to cross his face. He pushed off, approaching Naruto with his fist outstretched. "Not bad, Naruto. But when it's my turn, I'll make it look easy."

Naruto grinned, bumping his fist against Sasuke's. "We'll see about that, Sasuke. I set a pretty high bar."

Karin adjusted her glasses, her eyes flickering between Sasuke and Naruto. "Don't get too confident, you two. There's still a lot of fights to come, and anything can happen."

Hinata, her hands clasped nervously in front of her, spoke up softly. "That's right. We've all trained hard to get here. Any one of us could come out on top."

Gaara, his arms crossed over his chest, remained silent. But his eyes followed the conversation intently, a calculating gleam in their teal depths.

Kurotsuchi, her face still bearing the marks of her own battles, grinned fiercely. "Well, I for one can't wait to get back out there. I've got some new techniques I'm dying to try out."

As the genin continued to talk amongst themselves, the electronic board flared to life once more. All eyes turned to the screen, each ninja waiting with bated breath to see who would be called next.

With a final beep, the names locked into place: Sasuke Uchiha vs Temari.

Sasuke's smirk widened, a flash of excitement crossing his face. Across the balcony, Temari unfolded her arms, her hand drifting to the giant fan on her back.

"Looks like you get your wish, Uchiha," she called out, her voice carrying a challenge. "Let's see if you can back up all that talk."

As the two genin made their way down to the arena, the tension in the balcony ratcheted up a notch. Each of the remaining contenders knew that their own moment could come at any time. The Chunin Exams had entered its final, most brutal phase - a gauntlet of single combat where the only way forward was through the ninja standing across from you.

And each of them was determined to be the one left standing when the dust settled.