(Chapter 44: Time for an Exam)
The next few months leading into the Chunin Exams would be surprisingly short in their passing, as all parties involved readied themselves for the impending event and chance to not only rank further forward into the next stage of their shinobi career. With none more eager to engage than that of Team Kazushi who had been training and preparing nonstop in these past few months to lay claim to what they coveted most in the rank of Chunin and all of the opportunities it would bring forth for them as a whole.
(June 13th, 998 S.E, Senju Park, 12:10 Pm)
It would be a bit after noon as the members of Team Kazushi were gathered at their resident meeting spot, for the exciting news that their sensei had to tell them regarding the Chunin Exams.
"Well, my dumbass kids. This is it…the three of you have been officially cleared to participate in the Chunin Exams!" Kazushi informed her genin
"We did it guys! We're finally hittin' the big leagues!" Naruto cheered
"Of course we were gonna make it, Naruto! This is us we're talking about, so no shit we'd make it this far!" Sakura exclaimed in an equal amount of joy
"Fuck yeah, up top Sakura!" Naruto replied as the two high-fived each other out of sheer joy
"I will admit that this has been a long time coming, sensei...I almost can't believe we have finally made it to this point." Sasuke said with an eager smile of his own
"Trust me, I feel the same way. After so much time and energy waiting for this day to finally fucking happen, we're here, Honestly, I couldn't be more proud of the 3 of you…My dumbass kids growing up on me." Kazushi said back with a slight sniffle at seeing how far her genin had come
"Well, Kazu. We couldn't have gotten this far without you." Naruto spoke knowing that it was thanks to Kazushi that they had become absolute monsters
"He does have a point. Without you pushing us to the point of exhaustion and forcing us to shatter our limits, time and time again. We would not be as strong as we are now." Sasuke said as he took out a scroll from within his pack that he carried
"Which is why we decided to get you this as a thank-you present." Sasuke further spoke as he unraveled the seal to reveal a large chocolate cake with green and wooden brown icing on it
"You guys, didn't have to get me a thank you cake. I was just happy to see you three get strong as shit." Kazushi said as Naruto grabbed the cake and sat it down on a nearby wooden table
"Hey, you made us into the strongest pair of genin the village has ever seen. On top of that, you also stuck your neck out for us to go on kickass missions all the time. So us getting you a thank-you cake is the least we can do." Sakura replied seeing this as the very least they could do for the daughter of Tsunade
"So about we enjoy this cake, the drinks that I brought for the occasion, and enjoy ourselves." Naruto said as he began to reach into his bag to do so
"Just how long have you guys been planning something like this?" Kazushi asked feeling herself beginning to tear up
"Since the first week of April. We had figured that since we had been together for so long. That it called for us to plan a celebration for our continuous success on and off the field…As well as your being a fantastic sensei." Sasuke answered back while Naruto's Double Team dopplegangers began bringing out scrolls with various other snacks in them before disappearing
Seeing as how the trio felt that Kazushi was owed a celebratory party for her hard work in further transforming them into warriors that could take on just about anything, as such they had spent the last 2 months prepping for this event.
"So from all of us too you, Kazushi-sensei. Thank you for being there for us, and helping us to be awesome…But most importantly, thank you for taking a chance on a group of misfit genin to be something greater." Naruto spoke thanking his cousin/sensei for going the distance with them
"Of course, I'd take a chance on all 3 of you idiots. You three have been one of the best things to have happened to me this past year and some change." Kazushi said wiping the tears that were threatening to run down her cheeks
"And you are one of the best things that have happened to us…Seriously, Kazushi-sensei you are one helluva mentor, and everything I want to be in the future as the strongest menace to ever do it." Sakura said back glad to have had the Wood Release user as her mentor over the past year and few months
"That is a sentiment I will wholeheartedly agree with…I know that regardless of what will happen; that thanks to you, we will pass the Chunin Exams with the greatest of ease. Something I am grateful to have been prepared for by someone as strong albeit eccentric as yourself, Kazushi-sensei." Sasuke spoke in having found Kazushi too be an admirable if at times off-kilter sensei
"You already know how I feel about you since we get high almost everyday…But, I'll say it with my whole chest that I'm thankful and over the moon that I landed with you as my sensei. Better yet, if there's ever a time where I'm on a mission and I'm ten toes deep in trouble, at least I know I'll have my awesome sensei there to back me up!" Naruto added as well in his thoughts and feelings towards Kazushi
"I swear if the three of you don't stop this, I'm gonna start fucking' crying right now...Fuck, you guys got me actually tearing up right now." Kazushi said as the table was full of snacks and sweets galore for this day of celebration
"If that is the case then how about we begin the celebration in full." Sasuke said as a tear-filled smile had spread across Kazushi's face
"Gladly…Let's get this party started!" Kazushi said as from there they began to enjoy the small celebration with one another
'Hey, Kazu…After all this is done and over with. Do you wanna do something cool?' Naruto telepathically asked his cousin as he munched on some caramel-covered mochi balls
'What do you have in mind, Naruto?' Kazushi asked back through the mind radio as she enjoyed some cake and lemonade
'I was thinking we could go for a ride on one of my summons and just take a trip around the countryside while we get baked. Could be pretty fun, if you're up for it?' Naruto told her as something they could do
'Sure, I'm down for it. Besides, I'm just happy to spend time with my little cousin in general.' Kazushi replied being down for it in general
'Great! Ahhh, man this is gonna be great. Celebrating my cousin being a badass sensei, and the Chunin Exams coming up in a week and a half…This is gonna be epic!' Naruto cheered to himself as he continued to enjoy the good vibes with everyone
(4 days later, Konoha, 3:52 Pm, June 17th, 998 S.E)
It would be a few days later as Naruto and Sakura were just goofing about the village as they waited for the Chunin Exams to begin in the following week to come as they were just vibing from the excitement that came with upcoming Exams.
"So you mean to tell me that you think that you think you could scrap with the 9 tails all on your own?" Sakura asked Naruto
"Well, yeah. I mean with how much firepower I got under my belt, I think I could have a pretty damn good chance at doing it. Besides, if the 1st Hokage, Madara Uchiha and even Lord 4th and Kazushi a little could take it on, then so could I." Naruto said back confident that he could pull off a win against the strongest of the 9 tailed beasts
"Honestly, Sakura. Is there really any doubt that I could pull it off; with all the crazy stuff I can do?" Naruto questioned back
"You do bring up a good point, Naruto. Since you are the only person that can be considered a walking calamity. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if you started raining down earthquakes and hurricanes at will." Sakura responded knowing full well that her brother was a living natural disaster
"I haven't tried to do that stuff just yet...Since you know, I'd rather not turn the village into a crater by screwing around with my powers…Everywhere else is fair game…except for Gaara's home and Fu's, and that Wave place." Naruto said before listing off all the places that he'd swore not to fuck up when he started going nuts with his powers
"And I along with just about everyone in the village appreciates that. I swear it feels super weird knowing that not even a year ago you were you were my punk-ass lil brother…Now look at you, one of the strongest people in the village and I couldn't be anymore proud of you." Sakura replied as Naruto gave a bashful grin at her words
"Hey, I'm just glad that I get to be with my awesome sister on the best team I could ever ask for!" Naruto said back happy to have been on a team with Sakura for all this time
"Same here for the best little brother in the world too." Sakura spoke as they continued to walk around the village
"By the way, Naruto. What happened to that sword Mizuki-sensei gave to you awhile back?" Sakura questioned having noticed Naruto's weapon being absent on his person for a while now
"Oh Mizuki-sensei said that since the exams were coming up; that he sent it off to get tricked out for me. Something about his favorite student deserving a kickass upgrade, so I'm waiting for it to get back from Iron Country." Naruto informed Sakura of where his shortsword had been
"Huh, well when is it gonna be back here?" Sakura questioned
"In a couple of days from now, probably 3 or 4 max...I'm just really amped to see what its gonna look like!" Naruto answered back in excitement of what his sword would soon look like once he got it back
"That's gonna be pretty cool…Also, why the hell does Sasuke look like he's about to slice that weird guy in the gimp suit to pieces?" Sakura asked
"I dunno, but we better check it out before somebody loses a limb...or two." Naruto answered back as they rushed over to the sigh in question
Meanwhile, Sasuke who had his sword towards Kankuro after he'd threatened an Uchiha from the Academy for bumping into him as was about to accost the young boy, Sasuke had taken that personally and had both his chokuto and jian pointed at his neck and left shoulder ready to slice into him. What with Temari watching on with a cocksure smirk as Kankuro got ready to utilize Crow to teach whoever this 'wannabe swordsman' was a lesson, as a vicious grin crossed his face as he reached towards the large puppet on his back.
But before Naruto or Sakura could get close enough to ask what was going on, both children of the current Kazekage, Sasuke, as well as Sakura and especially Naruto felt a large amount of malice, discontent and overall slow roiling anger appear behind Temari and Kankuro. Which when both turned around as Kankuro felt a wave of sand slam into him and constrict around him with the force of a furious water buffalo, it was a very much non-plussed Gaara that looked at Kankuro and Temari with nothing but contempt on her face.
"Just what do you think you were doing, Kankuro?" Gaara asked pointedly towards the puppeteer
"I was gonna teach that wannabe samurai a lesson for getting in my way!" Kankuro barked out but found himself pressed even further into the wall
"Do not raise your voice at me when I am asking you a question. Otherwise, I will make sure you are rendered silent for the duration of the Exams." Gaara told him as the sand holding him against the wall grew spikes of sandstone and quartz near his neck
"Now then, what was the reason as to why my brother was attempting to use his puppet on you?" Gaara asked turning her attention towards Sasuke
"After one of my clansmen had run into him by accident. He decided to try and accost him, luckily I was able to prevent things from getting any worse than they already had…Your brother took offense to my stopping him, and I was readied to engage him before you appeared." Sasuke spoke as he gestured to the black-eye that the young child was sporting causing Gaara's expression to sour
"You mean to tell me, that all of this was because you couldn't handle a child accidentally running into you? Are you that much of an insecure idiot, that you have to assault children?" Gaara asked with narrowed eyes
"Better yet, why didn't you do anything to diffuse the situation, Temari? Do you think that our brother making us look like insecure weaklings, does us any favors when we are guests in another village?" Gaara questioned her older 'sister' their voice coarse as sandstone against mortar from sheer irritation
"I was going to let, Kankuro handle it and…" Temari tried to say before the piercing glare of Gaara silenced her
"So you were going to let Kankuro embarrass us is what I'm hearing? It is times like these where I contemplate if having you two around is such a good idea." Gaara spoke as despite the irritation and anger in her voice the calmness of which it was said with made it far, far more menacing than normal
"Gaara, calm down. If you just let Kankuro apologize we can make this right." Temari said as she saw the sand harden around Kankuro's ribs
"The only thing you can do is be quiet and….Naruto, is that you?" Gaara said as her demeanor switched from ever increasingly angry too much more demure and happy upon seeing Naruto
"Oh hi Gaara…was I interrupting something?" Naruto greeted the redhead
"Not at all, I was just scolding my 'brother' for assaulting a child for no reason, and my 'sister' for allowing it to happen for again no good reason." Gaara replied
"Cool and also that is a giant dick move by the way." Naruto said as he looked at the restrained Kankuro
"Fuck…you…AGGHHKKKK!" Kankuro choked out before the sand around him tightened
"You will not insult my friend Kankuro. Do it again in my presence, and Crow will not be the only thing reduced to splinters. Am I made clear?" Gaara said to her constrained brother
"C-Crystal." Kankuro said as he felt his ribs cracking bordering on snapping
'W-When did Gaara have the time to make friends with this guy.' Temari wondered to herself as she looked at the blonde who was able to make her sister do a near 180 in personality
"Anyways, Sakura and I were taking a walk around the village before I invited her and Sasuke to dinner at my farmhouse. You wanna come along with, I make some killer food?" Naruto asked the vessel of Shukaku
"I would be delighted to do so, when will this begin?" Gaara asked
"In about 2 or so hours from now..give or take. I can come get you at wherever you and your…siblings are staying at." Naruto spoke
"That sounds wonderful. I will be presentable when you arrive." Gaara told the superhuman blonde
"Great, I'll see you then, Gaara." Naruto said happy to have Gaara as company
"Likewise…Also, on behalf of my village and siblings, I apologize for my brother assaulting someone from your clan like that…Here, I hope that this can be a show of making amends." Gaara apologized before quickly making a sandstone sculpture of a condor to give to the small Uchiha
"Wow, this looks cool! Thank you, pretty lady this is awesome!" The young Uchiha spoke as the sculpture floated over to her
"I'm glad you like it. Now then, if you don't mind, I am going to have a word with both of my siblings in private…Apparently, for all of our being chosen as representatives of our villages, that our father did not teach them proper decorum. Yet I'm the monster." Gaara spoke as she caused the sand-covered mass that surrounded Kankuro to float towards her and while loosened enough to not break his bones was tight enough to restrain him
"Of course and I look forward to seeing you later this evening." Sasuke spoke as Gaara formed a leash made of sandstone and connected to the floating sand covered mass that was her brother
"Likewise, now come along Temari. We have a discussion to have about how to act properly in public; to be had." Gaara said to her elder sister with a tone that said 'fuck around and find out' if you disobey me
"Understood, Gaara." Temari replied knowing not to push her luck with this more stable version of her younger sister
"Well, that was something else." Naruto said as they watched Gaara drag Kankuro away like a warped looking sand balloon
"Agreed, and now the question is what do we do now?" Sasuke asked whilst making a Shadow Clone to escort the younger Uchiha back to the Compound
"We can play 'fun' hacky sack until then." Sakura suggested with a wide grin
"I love where you're going, and I'm here for it! Let's do it! Naruto said all on board for the idea
"I guess one game couldn't hurt for the time being." Sasuke spoke
"Awesome! I'll have my doppelgangers get started on dinner right now. So that everything will be ready by the time we pick up Gaara." Naruto replied as he sent the long range mental command to his Double Team Dopplegangers at his farmhouse
"At this point, I know that I shouldn't be surprised by your abilities anymore…However, the fact that you can do things such as telepathy from that distance, astonishes me nonetheless." Sasuke said finding himself surprised once again surprised by Naruto's capabilities
"What can I say, Sasuke. I'm just that nice with it, now come on; let's play some hacky sack!" Naruto replied with a savage grin
"Alright, but let's try and not get too carried away this time. The last time we went at it and an entire park was nearly in ruins." Sasuke advised to his two companions
"It's not are fault that the village isn't built different like us..Now come on, Sasuke let's get it started!." Sakura said with a shrug of her shoulders
'How I wound up being the responsible one between the three of us, I will never know.' Sasuke wondered to himself as he walked alongside his friends to play said game
(The next day later, Senju Estate, 3:25 Pm, June 18th, 998 S.E)
Meanwhile, as the following afternoon approached; Tsunade and Dan were having lunch at their home with their former teammate turned leader of the new Village Hidden in the Sound; Orochimaru. The experience being a rather surreal one considering that they were welcomed in the village due to them having diplomatic immunity, as well as the fact that said Sannin was now an attractive pale woman.
"Is their something wrong? You two have been giving me odd looks ever since I arrived." Orochimaru questioned as both Tsunade and Dan still looked shocked too see their 'friend's' appearance
"It's nothing Orochimaru…Its just that after all this time we didn't think we'd see you again. Especially, with your new…appearance." Dan answered back still adjusting to Orochimaru's new state of being
"How could I forget, that not everyone would be used to my new form…Apologies for not having warned either of you ahead of time that I have changed. However, I have been busy creating a new Hidden Village among a few other things in the works." Orochimaru replied knowing that their new appearance would be shocking too say the least
"That would be an understatement." Tsunade said as she found herself looking up and down at the now effiminate Serpent Sannin
"What's the matter Tsunade, are you jealous that I actually look better than you? Not that I couldn't blame you for feeling envious, I did make sure that what you see would be nothing short of perfection." Orochimaru responded with an impish grin across her face as Tsunade stopped eating her curry to speak
"I will admit that I am a bit jealous of how you look…Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that your happy to be in whatever this is for you. But, I'm just wondering if all of 'this' is natural. Either you have a fantastic surgeons up your sleeve, or you paid off the Devil himself to give you something that looks this good." Tsunade said back with a scrutinizing look as she continued to look up and down at her changed
"Oh I can assure you, that everything you see here is 100% natural." Orochimaru spoke her grin having not vanished in any capacity
"Then prove it." Tsunade said still unconvinced
"Luckily enough, I came prepared for this occasion." Orochimaru said as she pulled out a pocket scroll from out of her pants
"You did?" A befuddled Dan asked
"Yes, as I figured something like this may happen. Considering that we have had a bottle or 3 of very strong alcohol at this point. I figured that it wouldn't hurt too have someone take some photos, after all now that I have become as I've heard so often…incredibly stunning. That some rather candid photos wouldn't hurt." Orochimaru answered back as she passed the scroll too the Senju couple
"You've had photos done? Color me impressed but I never thought you would get into modeling." Dan said as a small stack of photos appeared
"Let's just say that with my having become the leader of my village, as well as my new appearance. Came with it, a new level of confidence…and honestly it feels liberating to feel this way about myself." Orochimaru replied having felt a level of boldness in this form than she had in her original body
'With photos like these, I can see why…Even back in the day, Orochimaru never liked to show much skin.' Dan remarked over Orochimaru being self-conscious about their body image
However, in these rather risque photos that were in either various forms of lingerie, various sexy costumes that ranged from a courtesean, sexy school teacher, swimsuits, and the like, as well as tastefully nude photographs as well that showed her in all her glory. Something that stunned both Senju's too see that Orochimaru wasn't kidding about their beauty being natural considering that not only was she a pale-faced beauty that equaled if not slightly edged out Tsunade in terms of looks but she was much more muscular as well than said Senju it the defined musculature and 6-pack were anything to go by.
"I'll be damned, you really do look that good...I can't tell if I should be jealous or proud right now." Tsunade said having to admit that Orochimaru's new look was definitely a stunner
"Thank you, Tsunade. I may not be as blessed as you in the bust department, but I am glad that what I am now is at least comparable too you." Orochimaru said back glad that she could at least match her once friend in terms of appearance
"Agreed, as whoever took these photos of you. I can definitely say that those hips of yours don't lie." Tsunade remarked at the fact that some how her fellow Sannin's hips and rear end were wider than hers
"I would comment on it as well that you do look great. However, my wife is right here, and I am nowhere near stupid enough to make any comments that would enrage her." Dan said as while he was tipsy he was still lucid enough to not do anything that idiotic
"Good choice, honey." Tsunade said giving him a pat on the shoulder
'Although, now that I'm retiring, I'm going have to start training again…I'll be damned if Orochimaru of all people has a nicer ass than me.' Tsunade added as they soon put the photos back into the scroll
"My state of being, being all natural aside. I am glad nonetheless, that the both of you would still welcome me into your household…It is nice to know that after all these years, that I am still your friend in some capacity." Orochimaru said after having a few brief laughs to themselves after seeing their reactions
"You not only supported our relationship when hardly anyone would give it a fighting chance. You were also the best man at my wedding, there for the birth of both our children, and one of the greatest friends that anyone could have asked for. So despite everything that happened after you left you have never stopped being our friend Orochimaru." Dan told the effeminate Serpent Sannin
"...Dan is right, you know. You were really the only person who I could count on to treat me as an actual person when we were out of the academy. Even to this day, you are still one of the kindest people I know…a bit off and quiet times, but still a sweetheart." Tsunade said to her former teammate who almost felt themselves blush a little at the genuine words of kindness
"I am glad that you two still see me as such. Given that almost everyone in the village gave up on me, after my perceived 'crimes' against the village that were 'discovered' by Jiraiya." Orochimaru replied thankful that the Senju's still believed in them as a good person
"Of course, Orochimaru. Besides, Jiraiya isn't the most reliable person in the village…That man has more skeletons in his closet than a graveyard." Tsunade spoke in full-blown derision of the Toad Sannin
"And yet that man has had everything under the sun at his disposal, then had the nerve to both constantly bully and make a mockery of me for not joining in his perverse schemes, or supporting me for that matter. Or ruin my reputation whenever possible…and as you can see the latter proved true; despite it being an outright lie that he fabricated." Orochimaru replied semi-bitterly which caught both Senju's attention
"What do you mean fabricated? I know that the investigation didn't make any sense, with everything being much too suspect and coincedental. Even moreso when your experiments were if anything benign or beneficial to the village." Dan questioned
"That is because, I was set up by my former teammate…as it turns out he couldn't stand the fact that my standing in not just the village but in Ozai's court was far more favorable than his. Which was why he had his men as well as some of his summons that were versed in sabotage and genjutsu to tamper with my experiments to make them more grotesque and abhorrent." Orochimaru answered back surprising both of them at this information
"He did what?!" Tsunade said with such anger in voice that it folded her spoon in half
"You heard me, correctly, Tsunade. I was set up from the start, as at the time I couldn't prove my innocence. Given how he manipulated Minato into doing a rush trial to banish me from the village for inhumane experiments on the villagers, so that I couldn't go to Ozai for clemency in order to have a proper trial and investigation…Seeing as how he explained it to Minato, I had too much influence with our Daimyo that could be used to sweep it under the rug and continue with my experimentation, and so I was put under a private sham trial under false charges and banished as a rogue ninja." Orochimaru informed the Senju's
'And people in my village wonder why I became as cruel and harsh as I had…Betrayal by our own village for something you had not even done, does that too a person.' Orochimaru said to themselves
"Why didn't you reach out to us, then? We could have done something to have helped stop any of this." Tsunade asked her former teammate
"I didn't because it would have put the two of you in the crossfire…I know that you both would have risked it all to help me, but you were parents of 2 wonderful children that had their whole lives ahead of them. And the last thing I wanted was to drag you two into something that could ruin your lives and reputation, and the lives of Kazushi and Lyoto at the time…So I bit my tongue and faced it with all the dignity that I could." Orochimaru answered back
"Besides, you both remember how untouchable Jiraiya was at the time. Do you really think with how well he was connected both in and outside of the village, that he would have let anything get in the way of him getting me out of the picture?" Orochimaru added knowing that back then Jiraiya was essentially bulletproof
Something that the Senju couple had to agree with considering that with his reputation as the more popular of the 3 Legendary Sannin, who was not only a war hero, but trained the current Hokage at the time, and was a famed writer and popular with the people; wherein by contrast Orochimaru was while still famed the more taciturn and withdrawn between them. That in addition to the connections he had to grease the wheels in favor of getting what he wanted, that it wasn't too hard for him too make sure things wound up in his favor, and as such due to all of these factors, that unless you had pull on par with the Hokage or Ozai…then you were essentially fucked.
"I-I am so sorry that you went through all of that, Orochimaru. I can't believe Jiraiya would stoop that low to get rid of you…Just when I thought he couldn't sink any lower." Dan said absolutely furious with the white-haired Sannin
"Believe me, it isn't too hard to believe. My encounters and years serving alongside him, have shown me his true colors as a wretched and foul man." Orochimaru replied before turning their golden gaze to a seething Tsunade
"And before you go stomping over to give him a piece of your mind, I would advise it if you just let things be. The past is in the past, and all the pummelings you can give him won't change that." Orochimaru said to the blonde Sannin who looked absolutely furious and heartbroken to hear this
"Then what?!...You just want me to stand by and let him get away with it?!...When he's already fucked up enough things in the village?" Tsunade questioned furiously as her anger while genuine was only amplified by her intoxicated state
"No, that is not what I am asking either of you to do. As I want you to take these scrolls, and make sure that they get to the Fire Daimyo as soon as possible." Orochimaru said as they tapped a seal on their arm before two pairs of scrolls appeared
"What are in these scrolls?" Dan asked as two decently sized scrolls appeared on the table
"These scrolls contain all of the evidence I have been gathering against Jiraiya to prove my innocence. Not only that, but a few more things to show that the number of skeletons in his closets go much deeper than what he's led everyone too believe." Orochimaru answered back as he pushed both scrolls towards the Senju's
"It has taken me a lot of effort, having my men and my summons scour the Elemental Nations in order to gain any scrap of evidence possible; that could lead towards proving I am innocent for something I did not do. And after 2 decades worth of doing so, I have finally done it…as such I am entrusting you both to help make sure that Jiraiya pays for what he's done on my behalf." Orochimaru further spoke as Dan took both scrolls
"Not to sound rude or anything, but why can't you do it? I'm sure that Ozai would love to hear your side of the story; if you went through all of this effort." Dan questioned
"That is for the simple reason that Jiraiya despite how far he has fallen in the past year. Still has enough influence left to tamper with and erase all of the evidence I have gathered, that has been brought with me during my visit here…I cannot afford to take any risks in letting him get another one over me. That is why I entrust this too be done with you two, as you are still my greatest friends in these moments." Orochimaru answered back their face while still happy to see their longtime friends was also one of utmost seriousness
"Don't worry, Orochimaru. You have my word that these will get to Ozai…Jiraiya has gotten away with too much shit for far too long." Tsunade swore to the Serpent Sannin who smiled warmly at that
"Thank you, Tsunade…I truly do appreciate this." Orochimaru replied
"It's the least we can do for you…No matter what happens, Orochimaru you will always be welcome in our household as our friend." Tsunade said back
"Again, I cannot express my thankfulness to have you both in my life, right now…So how about we continue this night with no further worries or negativity." Orochimaru spoke finding their heart swell with nothing but joy from being in the warmth and fellowship of her two greatest friends
(5 days later, June 23rd, 998 S.E, The Academy, 11:45 Am)
Meanwhile, it would be nearly a week later as the day of the Exams had finally arrived in full as our intrepid genin had arrived at the steps of the Academy eager and ready to get things underway.
"Alright, guys, we've finally made it. Once we get in here we can finally get started on making our way up in the world." Naruto spoke finding this promised day almost surreal
"I will admit that this day has been a long time coming. But now that we are here at long last, we can finally take what is ours." Sasuke said in agreement
"Then what the hell are we waiting for?! Let's get in and do this shit already!" Sakura exclaimed as she pushed open the door and walked in
"You can't say she doesn't have the right idea...Better now than never." Naruto said back as he entered after Sakura with Sasuke in tow
From there with the use of Sasuke's Sharingan and Naruto's immunity to illusions that it allowed them to bypass the 1st phase of this section of the Exams as a 'see through the underneath' sort of trial, as they headed upstairs to find a littany of other genin in the wings. Yet what caught their attention amongst the others in the room was the fact that a bruised and irritated Mizore and Toshiro were walking out alongside an indifferent but non-plussed Sai, who looked like an irate babysitter in comparison to his normally placid expression.
"What the hell happened to the twin idiots?" Sakura asked
"Beats me, but I'm gonna and ask Choji and see if he knows what's up." Naruto answered back
"Cool. I'm gonna see if I can grab us some snacks…You wanna come with, Sasuke?" Sakura asked the Uchiha in question
"No thank you, I think I will stay behind and keep my guard. I still do not trust anyone hear, seeing as how we are now in competition with nearly everyone here." Sasuke answered back his eyes shifting around conscious of the fact that any and everyone could be an enemy
"Fair point, well you keep guard on that and I'll go see what's up with everyone else." Naruto said as he began walking off
"Be careful nonetheless, any and everything can happen." Sasuke said back to the superhuman blonde as he gave him a thumbs up before approaching Choji
"Ayo, Choji! What's up my man, how've you been?!" Naruto called over to the behemoth
"Hey, Naruto, I've been doing good!" Choji said as they clapped hands with each other before giving one another a one-armed hug
"That's great man, and you look like you've been doing pretty great yourself." Naruto replied looking up at Choji who seemed to have put on a good deal of muscle and grown 5 extra inches in height
"Thanks…Asuma-sensei keeps us pretty busy. Since with you, Sasuke, and Sakura being the ace examples of a genin team. We have to keep up somehow as the next generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho." Choji told Naruto at the fact that he and his own teammates had been put through their paces
"And how's that working out for you?" Naruto inquired
"Better than what I thought." Choji answered
"Since Shikamaru and I are coming through a lot lately…It has been pretty tough since Ino won't really train all that much outside of when Asuma-sensei makes her. But other than that, Shikamaru and I have been crushing it lately." Choji explained to Naruto regarding his experiences up till now
"Ooof, that sounds rough buddy." Naruto said sympathizing with the gentle giant
"I won't lie to you when I say that we've had a few close calls because of it…Honestly, I think that it would be better for everyone if she got out while she still could." Choji replied with nerves and a slight rattle to his voice
Suffice it to say that even Choji despite his usually patient and jovial demeanor; had grown tired of Ino's bullheaded nature and refusal to do more than the bare minimum despite Asuma's continued urgings'; given how because of that not only had he and Shikamaru had to pretty much hard carry the team itself during missions. But suffice to say that he'd had a few too many close calls and injuries that from his experiences made Choji almost have to stress eat because of it, and as such was glad to get away from Ino the moment he could earn his Chunin vest.
"Dude, I am so sorry you've had to put up with her bullcrap…Tell you what, after all of this is over; how about I make you some kickass food to celebrate us making it to the top! How does that sound?" Naruto said to the behemoth that was Choji
"Sounds great…I could really go for something to eat after…You know me so well." Choji said as Naruto fished out of his satchel Choji's favorite brand of potato chips
"Dude, after we've had each others' backs for so long. You know I've got you covered." Naruto replied as he passed them to Choji
"You really are…a lifesaver. I dunno what I'd do without you." Choji said as he began eating from the large bag of chips
"No problem man…Oh, and what happened with those two? I didn't know we were gonna start scrapping' this early?" Naruto asked gesturing over to Mizore and Toshiro
"Oh them? They got messed up by Neji and Rock Lee." Choji informed Naruto
"Wait a sec, how did that happen?" Naruto questioned
"Mizore and Toshiro got into it with them about being better than everyone, since they found out they were the worst genin in the village. So Neji and Rock Lee decided to take them on in a 'friendly' fight, and long story short, they lost." Choji answered back
"Was it a close fight?" Naruto asked
"It was a decent fight, but they made the mistake of underestimating them. Which is stupid if you ask me, since Neji and Lee are some of the best taijutsu specialists in the village; outside of Sakura." Choji answered back on how things had gone
"So THAT explains the bruises on them, and why they look like an angry house cat that got dunked in ice water and vinegar...Can't say I say they didn't deserve it." Naruto remarked at their sour-looking expressions
"Yeah, and that's why I'm staying as far away from them as possible. Heck, even Shika made the right call in pretending to fall asleep." Choji spoke as he gestured to a 'napping' Shikamaru
"Fair play to him…Anyways, good to see your in great health still, and sorry we haven't hung out more. But shit just got real for me, and a lot of stuff has been happening." Naruto aplogized for having not spent as much time with Choji as he felt he should
"Its all good man. Plus we can make up for lost time after the exams are over." Choji replied not seeing any harm done
"Fair, fair. Well, I'll catch you later." Naruto said before fist-bumping Choji and heading off to be with Sakura who found some snacks for Sasuke and herself
"So what did you find out?" Sasuke questioned
"Turns out that the two idiots; tried to challenge Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga to a fight for an ego boost…Things went south and they got beat pretty bad by them." Naruto informed the swordsman
"What did they think was going to happen? Even I know that challenging those two to pure taijutsu is tantamount to suicide…I swear their egos are astonishingly large for a pair who have yet to best real challenges in the world." Sasuke wondered as once again the sheer arrogance of the twin jinchuuriki continued to stupefy him to no end
"My only regret is that we didn't get to see it in action. That would've been awesome to see them get their good-for-nothing asses kicked to high heaven." Sakura spoke as she munched on a bag of pretzels she got from a vending machine
"Well, look on the bright side, Sakura. Soon enough we are gonna see plenty of action once things kick-off." Naruto replied before he found his aura-senses going off
"Something wrong, Naruto?" Sakura asked
"I'll tell you guys after things settle down. Right now it looks like we've got company." Naruto said as a young man in purple clothes and silver hair flanked by two other older-looking genin walked towards him
"Can I help you?" Naruto questioned the silver-haired man
"Yes, I was actually looking for you. Considering how much of a legend you are around the village." The silver-haired man said as he straightened his glasses
"While I am glad that I'm getting rep for myself. I also, wanna know who you are and what your deal is about." Naruto asked back as he used his telepathy to get a better read on the guy and who he and his friends were
"Apologies. My name is Kabuto Yakushi, and these are my teammates Yoroi and Misumi." Kabuto introduced himself whilst Misumi and Yoroi remained silent
"As to what I'm doing here. I'm just trying to gather some information about this years batch of Chunin hopefuls. Never hurts to have some info on the competition. Especially, since this will be our 3rd time taking the Exams." Kabuto further spoke
"Are the exams really that tough?" Sakura asked
"They are if you aren't prepared." Was Kabuto's reply
"Alright, if you have so much info. Then I wanna see it." Naruto asked as in a puff of smoke Kabuto seemingly conjured out of thin air a hand of blank cards
"These are my lucky info cards, all I have to do is channel some chakra into them. Then after that the name of anyone I choose and the information I've gathered on them will appear…That being said if anyone would like to know information on anyone, then be my guest." Kabuto said loud enough for anyone to hear
"I would like to hear about Naruto and his teammates if it wouldn't be too much trouble." Came the soft voice of Gaara
"Really?...Very well, then." Kabuto said
"I will save Naruto for last and start with his two teammates." Kabuto spoke
'At least we get to see if he's bluffing or not about these info cards being the real deal.' Were the collective thoughts of Team Kazushi
"Sakura Haruno, age 18, stands at five foot 9 inches, and weighs 189 pounds, highly proficient in the Kure Clan techniques and in taijutsu overall to be ranked at Kage level. Has alongside her teammates completed 124 D-Ranks, 16 C-Ranks, Several B-ranks, and 2 A-ranked missions. In addition, she with the assistance of Sasuke Uchiha here who stands at five foot 11, age 18 , and weighs at 175 pounds, and have completed 13 assassination missions together that are well within the range of B to A-rank, as well as showing proficiency with fire and lightning release, as well as nearly solid Kage-level kenjutsu.. While Sakura herself has completed 19 by herself…And I can't believe I'm saying this have killed the late Tsuchikage's son." Kabuto listed off much to the surprise and murmurs of those in attendance
"Damn, you really know your stuff…How are you that fucking accurate with that shit?!" Sakura said surprised that Kabuto was spot on down to the last detail
"My sensei works in Torture and Interrogation. As such they have made it are business to know every and anything that goes on in the village…We may have failed the exams thrice over, but that doesn't mean we can't improve where we can." Kabuto said back with a smile
"Fair point…Now let's get to what the hell my little brother is all about! I've gotta hear some of this shit." Sakura said in excitement
"Very well…Naruto Uzumaki, age 18, stands at five foot 10 and weighs at 212 pounds. Regarded in the Bingo Books as an A-ranked threat, for his defeat of Raiga Kurosuki in single combat, having battled the 7-tails jinchuuriki to a standstill in an exhibition, and…fought against the 4 tails jinchuuriki to a stalemate as well as having killed Gato the Krakken with Kakashi Hatake and Kazushi Senju. Alongside the defeat of various B-ranked missing ninja and ronin…It seems as though you 3 are certainly this years standouts." Kabuto replied as he listed off Naruto's accomplishments that caused the majority of the eyes in the room
"What can I say we're just that good…By the way, to any and everyone that wants of piece of me and my teammates. Remember that if I can beat one of the 7 swordsmen of the Mist, take down a crime lord with water powers, fight the 7 tails jinchuuriki who was 2 tails short of going full power, and duke it out with the 4 tails jinchuuriki without sleeping for 2 weeks…Then what the fuck do any of you think you can do against me or my friends?" Naruto said with the aura of 'fuck around and find out it you wanna die' surrounding him
"I will say this much…You and your squad are definitely locked into ace this years exams. Since there are fresh jonin that don't have records as decorated as all of you." Kabuto spoke genuinely impressed by their feats accomplished
"Thank you, and as Naruto said. We are simply that efficient at what we do, not only that but we had a fantastic sensei." Sasuke replied
"I can very well see that…Now then, is there anyone that you would like to know about?" Kabuto questioned
"Yeah, I would actually like to know what the good lady Gaara is all about. If that isn't too much trouble." Naruto said as Kabuto channeled chakra into an info card
"Alright, we have Gaara of the Dessert, standing at a height of 5 foot 4 and weighing at 138 pounds. Holding a record of 30 D-Ranks, 27-C Ranks, 13 B-Ranks and 1 A-ranked mission, and through all of them she has never been harmed on a single encounter. In addition, she wields an incredible proficiency with her sand jutsu to the point of being able to create highly intricate constructs at will, in addition she has recently show a proficiency for taijutsu and above average physical strength." Kabuto reported
"When have you been able to use taijutsu, Gaara?" Temari asked
"Perhaps, if you took an interest in my life instead of treating me like a monster. Then I would tell you, what I do in my private time." Gaara haughtily answered back
"Thanks for letting me know, and also I did not know that Gaara was nice with the hands." Naruto said genuinely surprised to hear that
"Well, considering that that is all that can be said. Given that I doubt there is anyone here who can top the 4 of you. Then I wish you all the very best." Kabuto spoke
"You as well, my guy…Hopefully, you get that promotion to Chunin." Naruto said back
"Well, as they say…4th time's the charm at this point." Kabuto said with a semi-nervous chuckle
"Alright, well I won't take up any of your time, so see you later." Naruto said as Kabuto took his leave while flanked by his 'teammates'
"Looks like we've put ourselves as public enemy number 1." Sakura spoke seeing the weary eyes of the surrounding genin focused on them
"Yeah, but what the hell are they gonna do against us?...Except for Gaara's group, there's not really anyone here that can beat us." Naruto replied knowing that together they were damn near unbeatable
"Fair point, just assessing how many punching bags are ours for the beating." Sakura said back with an underlying tone of bloodthirst in her voice at so many walking targets
"Regardless, of our greater strength and abilities. We should still remain vigilant of all potential threats. After all, there is still danger in numbers." Sasuke said knowing they should nevertheless keep their guard up against the competition
"Hey, there could be a 100 or a thousand of them, and they'll still fall. Because in the end, we're a bunch goddamn monsters that no one can stop on our way to the top!" Naruto spoke with utmost confidence
"And I dare anyone to try and stop us, from getting there." Naruto said as he locked eyes with Toshiro who met him back with a wrathful grin
'Just you fucking wait, you shitty mistake. I'll crush you and all your friends in front of everyone. And prove once and for all that I'm better than you.' Was Toshiro's internal proclamation as both brothers stared each other down with nothing but bad intentions toward the other
So with the Chunin Exams here at long last and our players ready and set for all of what shall and will come from it, how the long-awaited Exams will play out as everyone bids for the coveted promotion to Chunin, is simply something you will all have to wait and see in the next installments of, Naruto: The PokeSage!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we now kick off Part 3 with the Chunin Exams and all I can say is buckle up everybody; because shit is gonna go down! Furthermore, thank you all for supporting the story this far, as I did not think we would get to the Chunin Exams, but yet and still we've made it and I am all too excited too share how events will shake up in this version of events! As such I also wanted to say that it is in part towards my planning out the Chunin Exams and the events to come out of it that it has taken this long, given that with all the changes I've made so far I've had to account for them in the context of the story, and as such a good chunk of events will be considerably different in terms of what it will mean for the Chunin Exams and the Invasion going forwards. On top of also working on a reboot to my Gamer Amongst Monsters story that will be coming out this summer.
But as always, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. What with the next chapter to come being everyone in their foray into the Forest of Death, so stay tuned as we get into the Chunin Exams!
Part 3 Theme Song: Themata by Karnivool
Random End Song: To the Pain by Nonpoint
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: Well, here's the thing as Orochiaru has made clear is that Jiraiya at the time he was doing at the time they got set-up by the Toad in question; was that he was essentially bulletproof to everything anyone could pin on him. As such Jiraiya pretty much figured he could take some 'off the top' from Ozai and nobody would still be able to touch him due to him essentially being like tethlon...Also, trust me I plan on more of Jiraiya's 'children problems' coming to roost in the aftermath of the Exams.
Darth Diabolos: Glad you like what I've got going on for this version of Gaara, as I like throwing these versions of her a bone every once in a while at any time I do make one with a female Gaara. Also, I'm happy you like what I came up with for Jiraiya and Minato's punishments, given that I wanted it to be nothing too extreme, but still in the realm of believability. Actually, yes Orochimaru does know that Ozai is there and as such has been adjusting their plans accordingly in knowing that with so much changing that she will have to weigh the options of what could and would happen should they go through with it, in regards to what they will gain vs what they will lose if they continue on with it. Lastly, the Toads will eventually be shown in regards to their state of things its just that I'm still doing some polishing off in regards to the growing scale of how Giratina just absolutely wrecked the place, since you don't come out of what is essentially a nightmare god messing with your home unscathed!
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you like the chapter and again sorry for the hold-up, but with all the changes I've been making up till now I have had to make a LOT of adjustments for what will be going on in the Exams proper and in the aftermath of it. Oh and trust me we're gonna see more of Jiraiya's bastards down the line, one of which is actually taking part in the Exams under Orochimaru's village. Also, yeah it was nothing personal to Minato but...yeah things between him and Jiraiya are at an all-time low and are only getting lower as we speak as the Exams will continue...Furthermore, glad you like everyone's relationships' progressing as I figured that with everything coming off the back of the Wave Arc and now going into the Chunin Exams; that it would be nice if we got a bit of sunshine before we get right back into the middle of things. As for Kin again nothing personal, but that's what you get when you continue to associate with someone that's a total headass...eventually their nonsense is gonna round back on you with a VENGEANCE! And as for Tayuya, her end will eventually come, as she won't be going on much longer after she sees what's become of Kin thanks to her actions.
starravenwolf: Glad you liked what I did with Jiraiya, since I wanted to make it clear that the consequences of his actions were going to outright demolish him outright, for what he did. Also, yes Naruto did win his money and actually has been putting that towards his farm in upkeeping it...Also, say what you want but Naruto may not be outwardly a cassanova with the ladies, but when he gives relationship advice; it can low-key work...its just a matter of how you apply it is all...Also, I will save the Eevee moment for later on as it just seems way too good to pass up for future shenanigans.
God of Wind 200: Actually, I am planning something between Naruto and Orochimaru that will make the former's gathering of all plates a mutually beneficial agreement for both.
