Disclaimer: I use AI to help me write.
"Normal Talking"
Powers, Techniques, and Jutsu
'Thinking'
"Tailed Chakra Spirit talking"
(Scene Break/Time Skip)
"Superhearing"
(Four days later – Center Tower of Forest of Death)
Thanks to Aito, he and his teammates got the scroll they needed within the first hour and made it to the center tower around the same time as the Sand Siblings. That was when Aito realized that Gaara was Shukaku's jinchuriki, thanks to Kurama. So now they could relax as they waited the remaining four days. Team 7 made it on the fourth day, and it looked like they had been put through hell. Aito also discovered that Yugito from the team Kumo sent was Matatabi's jinchuriki.
(Somewhere in the Center Tower)
The air was thick with tension in the center tower of the Forest of Death despite the sunlight streaming in from the high windows. The usually empty halls were now filled with the constant bustle of shinobi, exam proctors, and hopeful participants. Aito leaned casually against one of the stone walls, his gaze fixed thoughtfully on a scroll he had just retrieved. The second part of the Chunin Exams had been nothing short of intense, and the exhaustion in the air was palpable.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the corridor, snapping Aito out of his focus.
"Aito! Aito!"
Aito looked up just in time to see Naruto bounding toward him, his face lit with a wide, giddy smile. His jumpsuit was ripped and covered in dirt, his face smeared with grime, and he looked as though he had been through absolute hell. Still, his black eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.
Aito raised an eyebrow and pushed himself off the wall, folding his arms across his chest. "Naruto? You look like you've just crawled through a battlefield. What's got you so happy?"
Naruto stopped in front of his twin brother, grinning ear to ear despite the dirt and bruises covering his face. "I have all of them now!"
"And by all of them, do you mean concerning what was discussed at Mina-To's fortress?" Aito asked
Naruto simply nodded. Aito blinked, surprise briefly crossing his face before it softened into an encouraging smile. He placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, gently squeezing it. "Really? That's amazing, Naruto. When did they manifest?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed with excitement, but his voice also had an edge of seriousness as he continued. "It happened about three days ago. We ran into this super-strong ninja named Orochimaru. He wiped the floor with us at first, like we were nothing. Then, bam! They kicked in, and suddenly, I could actually fight back."
Aito's smile faded slightly, a more concerned expression taking over. "Orochimaru? What happened after that?"
Naruto scratched his head, his excitement giving way to a frown. "Well, after all of them manifested, things turned around, but it wasn't over. Before we knew it, that creepy guy bit Sasuke, knocking him out. We managed to escape, but Sasuke hasn't been the same. He's in the infirmary now."
Aito's eyes narrowed, a flicker of worry passing through them. 'ASTRA, get me everything you can on Orochimaru.'
Within seconds, ASTRA responded, "Orochimaru, once a respected shinobi of the Leaf and one of the legendary Sannin, is now an S-Rank rogue ninja and an extremely dangerous threat. Originally trained by the Third Hokage, Orochimaru became obsessed with forbidden techniques and the pursuit of immortality, ultimately betraying Konoha and fleeing after conducting illegal human experiments. He is a master of ninjutsu, particularly snake-based techniques, and has been seen summoning giant serpents, possibly including Manda. His skill in forbidden jutsu allows him to modify his own body, even enabling him to survive fatal injuries by 'shedding' his skin. Orochimaru is also capable of inducing intense fear or paralysis, likely through a form of genjutsu or sheer intimidation. His current interest seems to revolve around the Uchiha clan, specifically Sasuke Uchiha, and acquiring powerful Bloodline Limits like the Sharingan. Orochimaru should be approached with extreme caution, and direct engagement is strongly discouraged without substantial backup."
Aito clenched his jaw slightly, unconsciously flexing his chakra, causing the floor around him to crack slightly, surprising Naruto. This wasn't good news, not with Sasuke now in the infirmary. He turned his attention back to Naruto, giving him a nod.
"This Orochimaru sounds dangerous, Naruto. We need to be prepared if he shows up again." Aito paused for a moment, his gaze softening. "You said you have all of them now, right? How about I help you train in them?"
Naruto's eyes lit up again, and he nodded eagerly. "You mean it, Aito? You'd do that?"
Aito smiled, giving Naruto a reassuring look. "Of course. We're in this together, right? I'll help you learn everything you need to know. We'll ensure you can handle whatever comes your way—including Orochimaru."
Naruto beamed, the fatigue momentarily forgotten in his excitement. "You're the best, Aito! Let's do this. I want to be ready for anything."
Aito gave his brother's shoulder another firm pat, his expression resolute. "Then let's get started after this portion of the exam. We'll make sure no one—not Orochimaru, not anyone—can threaten our friends again. I'm going to go and see how Cousin Sasuke is doing."
As Naruto nodded enthusiastically, the two brothers began walking together in the center tower, heading for the infirmary, united in purpose. Despite the chaos and the challenges they had faced in the Forest of Death, they knew that their bond—and shared strength—would be their greatest weapon in the battles to come.
(Minutes later – Infirmary)
The air in the center tower was filled with a strange mixture of anxiety and hope. As Aito and Naruto walked briskly down the hallway, the muted chatter of medics and the occasional clinking of metal could be heard beyond the paper-thin walls of the infirmary. Aito led the way, his face stoic, while Naruto followed with a mix of concern and determination etched into his features. The ceiling lanterns gave off a soft, warm glow that barely cut through the unease in the air.
They approached a section of the infirmary marked by the paper screens and curtains that separated patients from prying eyes. The infirmary looked simple to an outsider—wooden frames, tatami mats, and modest bedding. But Aito knew better; the true capabilities of Konoha's advanced medical tech were hidden behind the unassuming decor. Each bed held more than met the eye, integrated with sophisticated monitoring equipment disguised as simple adornments.
Aito could hear Naruto's breathing quicken as they approached the far end of the infirmary, where Sasuke was resting. They soon saw Kakashi standing near one of the curtained-off sections, his visible eye focused intently on the patient within. Sakura sat beside Sasuke's bed, her hands resting on her lap, her gaze unwavering. Her eyes, filled with worry, darted up as she noticed Aito and Naruto approaching.
"Kakashi-sensei, Sakura." Aito greeted softly, his eyes shifting from the pair to the bed where Sasuke lay. The room around them was bathed in warm lantern light, the faint hum of chakra-infused seals beneath the floor creating a subtle sense of calm. The quiet whirring of hidden diagnostics could only be heard if one listened closely enough.
Naruto pushed past Aito slightly, stepping closer to the bed. "Sasuke..." he murmured, the usual excitement in his voice absent. His eyes moved over his friend, taking in the dark marks still faintly visible on Sasuke's neck—a reminder of their encounter with Orochimaru. Sasuke's face was pale, his breathing steady but shallow.
Kakashi glanced over at them, his tone measured and calm. "He's stable for now. The medics have done everything they can, but it's up to Sasuke to fight off whatever Orochimaru did to him."
Sakura nodded, her voice shaky but resolute. "He's strong. He'll get through this. I know he will."
Aito gave a small nod as he moved closer, his eyes briefly scanning the discreet wooden panels embedded in the bed's frame. He knew the monitors were beneath those panels, relaying Sasuke's condition to KAIDO, Konoha's AI. The medics had assured them that Sasuke was being watched closely, with chakra levels and vitals tracked at all times—all behind the modest appearance of traditional care.
Naruto clenched his fists as he stared at Sasuke, the quiet tension in the room settling into his bones. "When he wakes up, I'll ensure he knows we're right here. Orochimaru isn't gonna get away with this."
Kakashi placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "For now, we need to let him rest. He's in good hands, Naruto. And we'll be here for him when he wakes up."
Aito glanced at his twin brother, seeing the determination in Naruto's eyes. He placed a hand on Naruto's other shoulder. "Kakashi-sensei is right. Sasuke needs time to recover. We'll make sure we're ready when he does."
Naruto nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on Sasuke. The soft hum of the hidden technology beneath the tatami mats seemed almost like a promise—that Konoha, with all its hidden strength, would do whatever it took to protect its own.
Beneath the appearance Aito was currently using, Aito could see Sasuke's chakra network. He sees something foreign emitting purple chakra, attempting to integrate itself into Sasuke's chakra network. Aito walks over to the top of Sasuke's bed to better understand what exactly it is. Aito sees three tomoe in a triangle formation on the junction where Sasuke's shoulder meets his neck.
'Whatever that is, Sasuke's body is trying to fight it off like an infection.' Aito thought, 'ASTRA, make sure that Takeshi knows to have a Hyuga watch over Sasuke until this exam portion is completed.'
"Of course, Aito." ASTRA responded
(One day later – Center Tower Arena)
Sasuke survived whatever Orochimaru gave him and fully recovered, after which Kakashi used Curse Sealing. As Aito recommended, Takeshi did have a Hyuga examine Sasuke and came to the same conclusion that Aito had. Overall, Team Guy, Team Ten, Team Eight, Team Seven, Team Suna, Aito's team, Kabuto's team, a team from the Sound Village, and Team Kumo all managed to pass. All the respective Genin who made it to the tower were standing in a large crowd, with Takeshi, Anko, and their respective Sensei standing in front of them.
"Your students made an impressive showing! My team is bound to knock them out in the next round. At the next level, it will be all about their abilities." Guy commented next to Kakashi
"Huh? I'm sorry…Did you say something?" Kakashi responded
"I've got a bad feeling about this…" Sasuke commented
"Now, Lord Hokage himself will explain about the third exam. Listen up and take every word he says to heart!" Anko announced before stepping back, allowing Takeshi to take center stage, "They're all yours, my lord."
"That one with the black glasses over there is Gyuki's jinchuriki." Kurama commented
'We have Shukaku, Matatabi, Gyuki, and you Kurama all in one place. Something is up with these exams; something doesn't feel right. Four jinchuriki in one place can't just be a coincidence.' Aito responded, 'Do you think Suna and Kumo are trying something?'
"I don't know, but something is definitely up. I agree with you; this can't just be a coincidence." Kurama answered
"Very well, the third examination is about to commence." Takeshi said. "Before explaining the procedure, let me clarify the underlying purpose. Why do you think this exam is being conducted jointly by all allied nations?"
"'To promote friendship among allied nations and raise shinobi standards.' Be clear about what those fine phrases mean! These examinations are, in fact, a miniature war between our allied lands." Takeshi answered.
"What do you mean?" Tenten asked
"If you study recent history and look at a map, you'll see our alliance is a temporary, mutually beneficial agreement among neighboring lands that were once in constant conflict, vying for power and resources until a better solution was devised: the Chunin Exams." Takeshi answered
"I thought the point was to select Genin to become Chunin!" Naruto exclaimed in outrage
"Make no mistake, this exam will weed out those unfit to become Chunin." Takeshi responded. "But more importantly, it serves as an arena where young shinobi may fight to the death for the honor of their homelands!"
"The honor of their lands?!" Ino exclaimed in confusion and outrage
"The third examination will be conducted under the watchful eyes of distinguished guests, including rulers and nobility of the lands you aspire to serve." Takeshi answered. "Among them will be the leaders of each hidden village. They will be watching you."
"If a nation's applicants show outstanding skill, noblemen from all lands will quickly commission work from that nation." Takeshi explained. "But if a country's applicants are shown to be weak or incompetent, commissions will dwindle."
"When a land is strong in battle, and its village coffers overflow from numerous commissions, that village can say to its neighbors, 'Beware, for we possess power, wealth, and political influence!'" Takeshi continued.
"So?! Why is it necessary to stake our lives and fight?!" Kiba asked in outrage
"The strength of a country comes from its village; the village draws strength from its shinobi, and a shinobi's greatest strength only emerges in a desperate life-and-death battle." Takeshi answered.
"These exams are a public arena for each country to show off the strength of its warriors, and thus the strength of the country itself." Takeshi explained. "This test carries meaning and great consequences. As you fight for your lives and your people, you fulfill the dream envisioned by our ancestors."
"But, you've always emphasized the concept of 'Friendship', why?" Tenten asked
"My meaning may be subtle, but my words are chosen carefully." Takeshi answered. "To preserve the balance of power at the risk of lives is the essence of friendship in the shinobi world. Let me reiterate: this is no ordinary test. You risk not only your futures and dreams but the dignity and prestige of your village."
"Could you wrap up the philosophical talk and get down to the life-and-death stuff any time soon?" Gaara asked
Hayate appeared via Body Flicker Technique, "Forgive my interruption, Lord Hokage, but if you don't mind handing the rest of the proceedings over to me, Hayate Gekko, proctor of the third exam."
"You may proceed." Takeshi said, handing the floor over to Hayate
"Good to meet you, I'm Hayate." he greeted the Genin. "Before we start, I need you all to do something. There are preliminaries, and your progress to the main exam depends on how well you handle them."
"Preliminaries?!" Sakura asked in outrage, considering what Team 7 had already been through, 'Thankfully, we got a day's rest.'
"What?! Preliminaries?" Shikamaru followed in outrage
"Master Hayate, I don't understand what you mean by preliminaries. Why can't all the remaining applicants proceed directly to the next exam?" Sakura asked
"I'm not saying the first two exams weren't demanding, but we still have too many applicants." Hayate answered. "According to the rules, we need a preliminary test to reduce the number of applicants for the third exam."
"But…" Sakura started to protest
"As Lord Hokage mentioned, many honored guests will be observing the third exam, so it must be intense, tight, and fast-moving." Hayate said, cutting Sakura off. "Now that you know, anyone who doesn't feel up to the challenge can step forward and leave. The preliminaries start right now!"
"Well, I'm outta here." Kabuto said, raising his hand, causing Aito to raise an eyebrow
"Aren't you Yakushi Kabuto of Konoha? Okay, you can go." Hayate said. "By the way, from here on, you fight as individuals, not as teams. Make the decision that's right for you without worrying about anyone else. Does anyone else want out? Show of hands?"
"There's a familiar face, huh?" Takeshi mumbled quietly, barely audible to those nearby, though Aito heard him clearly. "If memory serves, this is where he dropped out last time. What's he thinking? Kabuto Yakushi... six attempts, six failures."
"What sort of record has he got?" Takeshi asked
"Ordinary, unremarkable. He was an average student in his academy days, earning mediocre grades. It took him three attempts to pass his finals and graduate. Since then, he's completed two C-ranked and 14 D-ranked missions. There's nothing noteworthy in the records of his battles, except…" Anko answered
"Except?" Takeshi ushering Anko to continue
"Except for something that happened before he even entered the academy." Anko answered, "Do you remember the tale of a young boy brought back from a battle at Kikyo Pass?"
"I do. If I remember correctly, the story was that a Jonin Elite Ninja of the medical corps took in an enemy youth who had survived on the battlefield." Takeshi answered, "And he's that child?"
'Alright, something definitely fishy about Kabuto if this is the same point in all the previous exams that he dropped out.' Aito thought, 'ASTRA, flag Kabuto's file as suspicious.'
"Of course, Aito." ASTRA responded
"Has it become too much for you? Are you ready to snap? Is your roiling blood aching to flow free? Get ahold of yourself! Have you forgotten Lord Orochimaru's orders?" Aito and Naruto heard one of Kabuto's teammates whisper on the outer end opposite them.
Having heard them, Naruto started to make a move, only for Aito to grab his shoulder and stop him, "Naruto, keep your cool. Now is not the time to make a scene. They will be dealt with once this is over and done with."
Naruto just huffed before deciding to take his brother's advice and relaxed.
"You guys can take it from here. Especially you, Yoroi, with your abilities, this next bit should be a piece of cake! It's the perfect opportunity for a real show of sheer brute strength! Considering how you resent my recent promotion, I would have thought you'd jump at the chance." Aito heard Kabuto respond
"You may think you're Lord Orochimaru's favorite, but don't push it, brat." Aito and Naruto heard Kabuto's teammate whisper
"I got it. Loud and clear, coach!" Aito and Naruto heard Kabuto whisper back before he walked away
'ASTRA, inform Takeshi and the other Jonin that Kabuto and his teammates are working with Orochimaru.' Aito instructed
"Consider it done, Aito." ASTRA responded
"Looks like no one else is dropping out." Hayate said. "We'll begin the preliminaries with individual combat matches, like a tournament. There are 26 combatants, so we'll have 13 bouts. The winners will advance to the third exam. This is no-holds-barred combat—fight until one is dead, unconscious, or admits defeat."
"As soon as you sense you're overpowered, concede if you value your life." Hayate said. "We don't want a total bloodbath, so we may step in if there's an undisputed winner, but don't count on it. From here on, your fate lies in..." He paused as a banner rolled up, revealing a scoreboard.
"This electronic scoreboard. At the start of every round, we will display the names of two combatants competing in that match. Not to hurry you all to the slaughter, but let's begin. We'll now announce the first two names." Hayate said
Everyone looked up at the scoreboard with anticipation. Seconds later, it displayed 'Aito Uchiha vs Kiba Inuzuka'.
"Will the individuals listed on the board come forward now?" Hayate asked
"Hell yeah, I finally get to beat the class freak in front of everyone." Kiba cheered, making his way towards Hayate
"You just never learn, do you Kiba." Aito commented, making his way towards Hayate
"Aito Uchiha and Kiba Inuzuka, you two have been selected to compete in the first bout. Any objections?" Hayate asked
"I'm good." They both answered
"It's time for the first round to commence, all right. Everyone other than the two combatants should now move to the upper gallery." Hayate instructed
Everyone quickly made their way up to the gallery, leaving Kiba and Aito in the battle arena below.
The spectators, including Genin from other teams, their sensei, and proctors, looked down from the viewing platforms, excitement buzzing around them. The proctor, Hayate, stepped forward with his usual half-cough, gesturing to the first two combatants.
"This time, it's different, Aito." Kiba growled, dropping into a stance with Akamaru mirroring him. "I've been waiting for this since the Academy. I'm not gonna lose again!"
Aito tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Then give it your best shot, Kiba. Let's see what you've got."
Hayate raised his arm, coughing. "Begin!"
Kiba wasted no time, charging forward with Akamaru at his side. "Fang Over Fang!" he shouted, and with a swift rotation, he and Akamaru turned into twin drills, tearing across the arena floor toward Aito.
Aito remained motionless, his eyes narrowing as the spiraling duo approached. Just before impact, Aito stomped his foot, and the ground beneath him rippled like water, rising in an arc that diverted Kiba and Akamaru's path. The twin drills crashed into the earth barrier, dust and debris scattering in the air.
'He didn't even use any hand seals! How is that possible?' Everyone except Takeshi thought
"What the…?!" Kiba grunted, skidding to a stop with Akamaru landing beside him.
Aito stepped forward, his hand sweeping upward. The loose rocks and dust from Kiba's attack rose, suspended momentarily before Aito flicked his wrist, sending them hurtling toward Kiba. It wasn't a lethal attack, more of a diversion, and Kiba instinctively dodged, rolling to the side as Akamaru barked.
"I'm not done yet!" Kiba yelled, forming a hand sign. "Akamaru, Dynamic Marking!"
Akamaru leaped into the air, releasing a spray of urine that Aito easily sidestepped. The liquid splattered across the ground, leaving Kiba's intended markings on the arena floor. Aito's eyes narrowed as Kiba moved in again, charging with a low, aggressive stance. Aito could feel the anticipation in the crowd—they were waiting for something big.
'I guess I'll give them a bit of a show.' Aito thought, his lips curling upward.
Kiba lunged at him, his claws extended. Aito spun to the side gracefully, dodging the swipes effortlessly. As Kiba passed by, Aito extended his arm, his fingers twisting. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and a gust of wind burst forth, lifting Kiba off his feet and tossing him back several meters.
Kiba landed roughly, Akamaru barking in concern. He scrambled to his feet, glaring at Aito. "You think you're so tough, huh?! Let's see you handle this!"
Kiba and Akamaru both consumed their soldier pills, and in a flash, Akamaru transformed into a clone of Kiba. The two moved in tandem, launching themselves into the air and spinning violently.
"Fang Over Fang!"
Aito watched them come, the twin drills closing in rapidly. He stomped his foot again, and this time, the ground beneath him seemed to explode upwards, launching him high into the air. As Kiba and Akamaru crashed into the empty spot, Aito hovered momentarily, his eyes glinting with the thrill of battle.
With a flick of his wrist, the air seemed to bend, and Aito descended in a controlled glide. He extended his arm forward and flicked his wrist up, and a column of water shot up from beneath the arena floor, slamming into Kiba and Akamaru, disrupting their attack and sending them sprawling.
Kiba groaned, pushing himself to his feet. He was breathing heavily now, frustration etched across his face. "Why… why can't I…"
Aito landed softly, his feet touching the ground with barely a sound. He looked at Kiba, his expression softening. "You've improved, Kiba. But you're still rushing in without thinking."
Kiba growled, launching himself at Aito in one last desperate attempt. Aito sighed, stepping forward smoothly. He moved with fluid grace, ducking under Kiba's wild swing and, with a swift movement, struck Kiba in the side of the neck with the back of his hand.
Kiba's eyes widened in shock as his body went limp, collapsing to the ground, unconscious. Still, in his transformed state, Akamaru yelped and ran to Kiba's side, nudging him with his nose.
Hayate stepped forward, coughing slightly as he raised his arm. "Kiba Inuzuka is unable to continue. The winner is Aito Uchiha!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, the spectacle clearly living up to their expectations. Aito looked down at Kiba, his expression thoughtful. He knelt down, patting Akamaru gently on the head.
"You both fought well." he said quietly before standing and turning away, walking back to the sidelines where Naruto and the others were waiting. Naruto grinned, giving Aito a thumbs-up as he approached.
"You didn't hold back too much, did you, Aito?" Naruto teased, "And what was the no-hand seals deal? Ninjutsu typically requires hand seals."
Aito smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Just enough. Kiba's tough, but he still has a lot to learn. As for the no-hand seals, simple, I don't need them."
Naruto nodded, his eyes shifting to Kiba being carried away by Akamaru. "He'll come back stronger. We all will."
Aito glanced at his brother, the determination in Naruto's eyes reflecting his own. "Yeah. We will."
(Half an hour later)
The rest of the fights took a little longer than Aito and Kiba's, but not by much. All the victors were down in the arena with Takeshi, Ibiki, and Anko.
"I would like to let you all go now, but first, there's one last thing we must do for the finals." Takeshi said before Anko walked up with a box
"Hey, come on! I need to start training now!" Naruto exclaimed in outrage
"Don't be so impatient. There are slips of paper inside the box Anko is holding, and each of you should take one." Takeshi instructed
"I'll come around, so line up, okay?" Anko said before she walked up to Dosu, "One per person!"
Dosu stuck his arm in, grabbed one, and pulled out a slip of paper before Anko moved on to the next person in line. Before long, everyone had their paper.
"All right, does everybody have one now?" Takeshi asked only getting nods in return, "Then, starting at the left, each of you read out the number on your slip!"
"7." Dosu said
"1." Naruto said
"4." Temari said
"5." Kankuro said
"11." Gaara said
"3." Shikamaru said
"2." Neji said
"6." Shino said
"9." Aito said
"8." Omoi said
"10." Yugito said
"12." Sasuke said
"Now, I will reveal the match order for the tournament-style finals!" Takeshi announced, "Ibiki, show them the pairings."
"Yes, sir." Ibiki said before turning around, the clipboard in his hand
It read
Match 1: Naruto Uchiha vs Neji Hyuga
Match 2: Shikamaru Nara vs Temari
Match 3: Kankuro vs Shino Aburame
Match 4:Dosu vs Omoi
Match 5: Aito Uchiha vs Yugito Nii
Match 6: Gaara vs Sasuke Uchiha
"You said this is a tournament, so does that mean there's only one winner? Then does that mean that only one person gets to become a Chunin?" Shikamaru asked
"No, that's not the case." Takeshi answered. "In the finals, you'll be observed by many judges, including me, the Kazekage, the Raikage, and rulers and shinobi leaders from various countries. Based on your performance, the judges will assign you a value, and anyone deemed capable—regardless of losing in the first round—can become a Chunin."
"Do you mean it's possible that all of us here could become Chunin?" Temari asked
"Yes. However, it also means that none of you will become Chunin!" Takeshi answered, "The advantage of fighting in more rounds in the tournament is having more opportunities to display your talents for the judges."
"Does that answer your question, Shikamaru?" Takeshi asked, only getting a nod from Shikamaru, "Well then, good work, all of you! You are dismissed until one month from now."
Author's Note:
Thanks to one of Aito's Shinryokugan, he doesn't need hand seals like normal ninja do, thanks to his mastery over each chakra nature