(A/N: Like the chapters before this, I Disclaim the following I do not own Naruto or anything pertaining to it (minus my stuff I mix in), but that would be a nice thought.)

(A/N: to all readers, I wish to make known that my switching of POVs is to aid you, the reader, so you know where one part stops and where the next beings and to prevent it from pulling a page from J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye (While one may like the concept of a stream of consciousness written down In my opinion as protected by the first amendment Is: That book was by far the worst book I ever read(If you liked that book more power to ya (But if that is what you want then you came to the wrong Fanfic author) I couldn't follow along that bloody book to save my ass)

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Borello circa 05/2019: Wish Granted

Guest 11/2017: Granted and I'm not dead thank god.

My 2 Guys: Thank you Here's my latest for at least a short while

HyperA1985: Here's your Chapter related wish. I've no idea what that is "Shinigami Zanpukato"

marquisxshax: I'm sorry you feel the way you do. If you have the time to waste belittling my way of writing, You have time to use Writing a better version than me. The only one to blame for you clicking on my story is you, and FTR I've a real Good Beta and he in turn writes pretty good stories himself. I'd share his name but I'm not going to, after that review.

(A/N: any further comments/reviews about my Grammar, I simply wish to say this: I'm not perfect)

Squad 7 and company, after some traveling, made it back to the Hidden Leaf. They managed to sneak in Zabuza and Haku under the clever guise of lost travelers. And before long, they were in the Hokage Tower and had knocked on the door to the Hokage's Office.

"Come in." Said Hiruzen from within. With the Transformed Zabuza and Haku, they entered and temporarily parked them in the back of the Hokage office.

"Squad 7 Reporting Mission accomplished, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said with an Eye smile. Hiruzen made a sigh of relief after clearing another piece of paperwork. "And a Summarized Report of our squad's mission for the first leg of getting him to the Land of waves was for the most part uneventful minus one incident." This perked Hiruzen's interest, so he flipped the paper he was working on so it faced down.

"Report."

"As it turned out, the client had Ninja going after him, which naturally made his requested mission a Mid B rank or higher."

"Easy to assume you resumed the mission, despite the danger." Hiruzen asked, even though intuitively, he already knew the answer.

"Exactly, and while on the way, we learned of the gravity of the Client's desperate situation, and to summarize. His entire homeland was under the control of Gato's now-deceased tyrant and was building a bridge to break said Tyrants' hold. So, in exchange for a trade agreement between the land of waves and the land of fire and payment on a later date, we temporarily waived the fee for the B Rank mission." Kakashi said, finishing his explanation as to why they worked for free.

"Nice job. I'll get word to our feudal lord on that promise, and is there anything else." Hiruzen said

"During the course of the mission, we clashed with an infamous rogue ninja from the hidden mist who actually helped us complete our mission," Kakashi concluded.

"Which brings us to our next item of business," Naruto said, ushering for the Disguised Zabuza and Haku to come closer. They dispelled the transformation prompting the Anbu to appear. "These two wish to join our ranks and don't worry about their weapons. I've sealed them into this scroll." Naruto said, displaying the scroll.

"As per their Chakra and subsequently Jutsu. We placed some Chakra suppression seals on them, which were activated when the Transformation was dispelled. Brought to you with courtesy by Naruto." Kakashi said

"Okay then," Hiruzen said, gesturing for the Anbu to stand down, which prompted the Anbu to leave.

"Haku," Naruto said, which prompted Haku to wave at Hiruzen, "has no Official affiliation with the hidden mist contrary to the headband. A lab test will reveal that it was taken off a ninja. This fact is in case you don't take Haku at his word."

"And in exchange for Zabuza's time to be served before joining our ranks reduced in half, I offer you the bane of the paperwork that plagues you," Naruto said, gesturing to the mounds of paperwork that strewn around the office.

"Tell Me, Tell me, Tell me!" Hiruzen said frantically, flashing at him with practically Hiraishin speed holding tight Naruto's shoulders.

"Hmm, you'd think he learned your Hiraishin, Minato." Kurama commented, amused.

"Visually, it would seem that way." Minato said with a cartoon sweatdrop.

"Okay, the bane of Paperwork is best summarized by two words," Naruto said, his famous fox-like grin spreading across his face.

"Which are," Hiruzen asked, his tone conveying his annoyance at the dramatic pause.

"Shadow clones," Naruto said to a now face-palming Hiruzen.

Primordial plane*

As Kami watched the mortals below, she noticed the impending verbal bomb and pulled three pairs of Earplugs out of thin air. The first she used for herself. She then hurried to Yami and Shinigami, who were playing a game of shogi, and hurled them at her brothers.

"Hi-Pa-Ba-Di (A/N: short for Hiruzen's Paperwork Bane Discovery) Bomb in 3… 2… 1…." As Kami spoke, her siblings grabbed the earplugs and plugged each other's ears, and by the time Kami said one

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" sounded a voice which made the a good majority of the plane shake as though an earthquake was happening.

"WHAT Was that?!" Yami said as though Kami had dropped a bomb on them Personally.

"That would be one Hiruzen discovering the bane of Paperwork." Kami replied.

"Hmm," Shinigami mused, "for a man of Hiruzen's age, he still has some pretty potent pipes on him."

"I'll Second that." Yami replied, digging his left ear, which was still ringing a bit despite getting the earplugs in before the scream.

mortal plane*

"Naruto, my boy, consider your exchanged deal sold." Hiruzen informed the young genin. Shortly after Zabuza and Haku's Paperwork was done, he mustered up as much chakra as he could and put six shadow clones to work on the rest, then with a certain orange book in hand (A/N: a bit of a no brainer as per which book that is) He hurries out of his Office.

"Lecherous old man." Kushina growled from within Naruto's Head. Anbu escorted Zabuza out, and Naruto's Shadow clones escorted Haku to Naruto's old apartment.

"Well, now that Zabuza is squared away." Naruto informed Hiruzen. "My shadow clones will set Haku up in my old apartment since I'm gonna move into my Mom's old house."

"Why not move in with your uncle?" Minato asked.

"And endure the possibility of walking in on him and Mikoto playing 'hide the Salami.' No thank you." Naruto replied to his father.

"Huh?" came Madara's thoughtful reply. Minato whispers what Naruto meant in his ears, "Oh, gross."

"On the subject of love and romance," Naruto spoke out loud. "I've to see a certain Hyuga Princess about a date." With that, Naruto jogged out of the Hokage's Office.

"Well, I'm gonna go for a walk," Kakashi said as he Shunshin's out of the office.

meanwhile in an unconnected Universe*

A certain leader of a British vampire hunting organization was sitting behind her desk when she felt a wave of unease pass over her.

"Why do I get a distinct impression that Alucard is influencing the multiverse?" She mused to herself.

"I'm going for a walk." Alucard's voice came.

"THE HELL YOU ARE!" Integra shouted as she hopped up from behind her desk and ran after her vampire servant.

Back in the main story*

"Hnn," Sasuke grunted. "though Naruto's time would be better suited towards becoming stronger, Even he, given his past, is entitled to some happiness." Sakura couldn't help but nod with a smile on her face.

"So Sasuke, I figured you and I could, you know, follow Naruto's Date example?" Sakura asked in a hopeful tone.

"Look, Sakura, I will not deny you're good-looking, and you've undoubtedly gotten stronger by Naruto's example, but you need to come up with your own ninja way. This will help you define who you are not only as a ninja but also as a person. If you want to be with me, you have got to prove that you are the one for me not only every chance you get while in front of me, but to everyone who interacts with you that way, word of your deeds will reach my ears." Sasuke looked up at the sky. "Then, when all is said and done, I'll be more than ready for life after my vengeance to preserve my clan." Sasuke said with a hand on Sakura's shoulder, "So my official answer to your Question about following Naruto's date example is: Yeah, but not now." Sakura sadly looked away.

"Okay, Sasuke." Sakura said with a small smile as well as a sad tone.

Naruto*

As Naruto was running through the village, he couldn't help but feel followed. He glanced back to the sight of Square Rocks.

"In the immortal words of lord third, 'Another headache.'" Minato commented.

"Konohamaru," Naruto started. "if you're gonna practice stealth try something less conspicuous than Square rocks and two holes." The disguise burst in a display of colored smoke. "And a lot less gunpowder." After sniffing the smoke, fanning some of It away with his hand.

"Yeah, Boss, I know." He said, a little disappointed as the smoke disappeared. Naruto noticed two more standing in the smoke with Konohamaru.

"These two are your friends?"

"Yes, yes they are, and we were hoping you'd help us with a game of ninja." Konohamaru introduced.

"To essentially assist you in building teamwork skills and build stealth skills." Naruto inquired, curiously

"Exactly." Konohamaru beamed.

"A ninja playing ninja." A familiar voice called out, and the four turned to the sight of Sakura looking at them with disapproval.

"Oh, Hey Sakura, you clearly weren't here long. The game I'll be playing with them is to help them be better Ninja since they're in the academy."

"Say Boss is she…Your… " Konohamaru trailed off, displaying his pinky.

"Please, Konohamaru, don't insult me. She's my teammate and my friend, nothing more." Naruto replied, borderline indignant.

"Well, that's a relief. I mean, with that Flat chest, I'd be surp… " Konohamaru said, being cut off by Naruto too little too late as Sakura gave both Konohamaru and Naruto a nasty lump on their heads.

(A: I'm sorry, readers, I've got nothing in the dept. of making between Point a. when Sakura walks away to point b. when Konohamaru is stupid enough to insult her again, Original so I'm just gonna skip it )

"Um, Konohamaru, are you perchance familiar with the Phrase 'Hell Hath no Fury like a woman scorned'" Naruto asked as he slowly backed away, sweating bullets.

"Um, No, Boss."

"Run, you Knuckleheads!" Naruto shouted to the Konohamaru corp while running away. "RUN!" Naruto shouted as he was several feet away from them. Konohamaru glanced at a Sakura, who now had a look of fury that promised pain.

"Oh," Konohamaru laughed nervously, slowly turning away. "Right behind ya, boss!" Konohamaru said, sprinting past Naruto

"Said the academy student running ahead of me." Naruto thought about the sight of Konohamaru pulling away. After Konohamaru rounded a corner, he found himself to be falling back onto the ground.

"Ow." Konohamaru groaned as he looked up. He saw two Genin. One was in black with something wrapped in bandages, and another with a fan on her back.

"Can I Help You?" The boy in black asked as he reached down to pick up Konohamaru by the scarf.

"Put him down, Kankuro," The girl scolded, "Or you'll pay for it later."

"Actually, that will be happening sooner than you think." Naruto chimed in.

"And Why's that?" Kankuro asked smugly.

"I'm why," Said a voice from behind that was unknown to them, turning to the sight of Maikeru Namikaze.

"Uncle, it's cool; I got this."

"So I'm supposed to be scared because you got your uncle?" Kankuro taunted.

"Yeah, you'd like that," Maikaru replied, "but I'm not why you should be scared." Just then, a pebble beans Kankuro's hand. After a fangirl squeal from Sakura at the sight of Sasuke. "And, No, that wasn't it, and it was for the best that pain in your hand is all you got away with." Kankuro opened his mouth to retort, only to freeze instantly when he felt cold steel on his neck.

"Don't even think about it," Naruto whispers into Kankuro's ear. "If you go for that thing on your back, it will be the last thing you ever do." He relaxed the instant when Naruto took his Sword from Kankuro's Neck.

"As I said, I'm not the one you should fear," Maikeru said with a Pause. "He is." Maikeru pointed to a source of blood lust that was present in the area with his thumb. "Isn't that right? O, Prince of the Desert?" Maikeru asked the Red brownish-haired boy standing in the tree not too far from him, much to the mild Shock of Sakura and Sasuke and the expense of Fear of Temari and Kankuro.

"How did he sense me?" Gaara wondered before turning to his Brother. "Kankuro, keep a hold of yourself, or I'll kill you." He said with a Basilisk stare at his teammate.

"He's no Ordinary Guy," Sasuke thought as he observed the other boy. "Just from the victim of his stare, I can tell that guy has the stare like a Basilisk, and his movements are even smoother than Kakashi-sensei."

"Naruto," Kurama spoke, gaining his Jinchuriki's attention. "that Kid holds the one tail."

"You're sure of this?" Naruto replied, shocked.

"He is," Hashirama answered, with a nod from Kushina. "I can back him on that."

"We didn't come here to play around, Temari, Kankuro," Gaara said as he Sand shunshin'd by his Teammates. "Now, Let's go," Gaara said as he and his teammates turned to leave.

"Hold it," Sakura called out, gaining the attention of the other genin. "While it's true that The Leaf Village and Sand Village are allies, you can't go walking around without an official reason, so state your reason for your presence."

"Oh, you know we were just in the area and thought this would make for a delightful summer home," Temari replied, sarcasm oozing from her voice. "Why the fuck do think we're here?"

"The chunin exams." Maikeru supplied, "but at the same time, under the terms of the International agreement of these exams, all foreign teams are to check in with the hosting village's Anbu Black Ops. So if you three can't present proof that you have already checked in, you have two options." Maikeru held up one finger. "Follow me to the Anbu check-in station, and we'll get this all settled." Maikeru then held up a second finger. "Resist, and this will be considered a violation of International Law and, as such, you three will be detained for questioning. You will then promptly be escorted back to your village, and your village will be blacklisted from participating in the following three chunin exams."

"Damn, Uncle." Naruto whistled, "Did Grampa and Grandma feed you law books as a kid?" A tick mark appeared on Maikeru's head as he glared at his nephew.

"HAHAHA!" Minato laughed, clutching his stomach, "I can't, hahahaha. I can't breathe. Hahahaha!"

"I know you're laughing at me," Maikeru shouted, "brother!" Minato instantly shut up.

"Oh right, I forgot he could hear us."

"Anyway," Maikeru looked down at the Sand Genin, all of whom looked very confused. "Have you three already checked in?"

"Yes," Temari replied as she held up her passport, with the official seal for the chunin exams stamped. "We have."

"Excellent, then I trust you three don't need help finding the hotel that the foreign teams are assigned." Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro shook their head. "Wonderful, then, I bid you all adieu." Maikeru then vanished in a blur of speed. Gaara looked at Naruto and Sasuke.

"Who are you two?" Gaara asked

"It's considered rude to demand a stranger's name before giving yours." Sasuke countered.

"My name is Gaara of the Desert."

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke replied, with all the pride of his family name.

"And I'm Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto supplied his name.

"You're both strong," Gaara replied, his blank expression turning to a more bloodthirsty one. "Mother will enjoy your blood."

"Well, tell your 'mother' that if you think you're bad," Naruto put his hands in his pockets and glared at Gaara. "I'm Nine times worse." Gaara's eyes widened in shock while Temari and Kankuro looked at each other, confused. Sasuke and Sakura, however, knew precisely what Naruto was referring to.

"This guy's a Jinchuriki too." Sakura paled at the thought.

"If Naruto is telling Gaara, he's nine times worse. Then he's the Jinchuirki of the One Tail." Sasuke thought as he looked at his teammate.

"Well," Naruto turned to his teammates. "That was exciting, now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to go back to what I was doing. Talk to you later." Naruto jumped off towards the training fields.

After a few minutes, Naruto arrived at Training Ground 8, where Hinata, Kiba, and Shino were all sitting on the ground. All three of them were breathing heavily. Clearly, they had just finished a three-way deadlock match. "Hey, Hinata." Naruto called out to the Hyuga Heiress, who turned around with a blush on her face, remembering what her father had told her.

"H-Hi, Naruto," Hinata stuttered slightly.

"I was wondering, are you busy?"

"N-not really, we just finished our last training match. Why?"

"Well," Naruto rubbed the back of his head, a slight blush appearing on his face. "I was wondering, well, if you'd like to go grab some ramen with me?" Hinata's face went red as a tomato.

"D-did I hear that, right?" "N-naruto is asking ME out? Oh Kami-sama, if this is a dream, please don't let me wake up."

Primordial Plane*

Kami, Yami, and Shinigami were watching Naruto and Hinata. Yami's jaw had dropped while Shinigami was trying not to stare at Kami, who had the smuggest of looks on her face.

"Well," Kami started.

"Not. A. Word." Shinigami cut off his sister as he reached into his pocket, handing Kami a stack of solid gold coins.

"Go for it, Hinata." Kami looked back down at the two shinobi.

Mortal Plane*

"Of Course!" Hinata shouted, then her face darkened.

"Awesome." Naruto replied, a goofy smile on his face. "Let's go." Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand, and they both ran off towards Ichiraku. Kiba and Shino looked at each other.

"D-did that really just happen?" Kiba asked his stoic friend.

"If you doubt your eyes," Shino replied, "then maybe you should go see a doctor. If you are wondering if I noticed that Naruto just asked Hinata on a date, then yes, yes, I did."

"Okay, cool, just wondering."

Hokage Office*

Kakashi, Kurenai, Guy, Asuma and Iruka were all standing infront of Hiruzen.

"As we are all aware," Hiruzen began, "the chunin exams will begin tomorrow. We represent The Hidden Leaf and The Land of Fire. As such, I will now hear which teams will be participating." Guy stepped forward.

"I, Might Guy, jounin sensei of Neji Hyuga, Tenten Tetsutsuki, and Rock Lee, recommend all three of my Genin for the Chunin exams." Kakashi stepped forward next.

"I, Kakashi Hatake, jounin sensei of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno, recommend all three of my Genin for the Chunin exams." Kurenai stepped forward next.

"I, Kurenai Yuhi, jounin sensei of Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, and Kiba Inuzuka, recommend all three of my Genin for the Chunin exams." Asuma also stepped forward.

"I, Asuma Sarutobi, jounin sensei of Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara recommend all three of my Genin for the Chunin exams."

"They all just graduated!" Iruka protested, "That's way too soon."

"I'm of a mind to agree with Iruka," Guy spoke. "My Eternal Rival, you're being too hasty. Even I waited a full year before recommending my team."

"Huh," Kakashi looked at Guy, "Did you say something?"

"GAAAAAAHHH!" Guy gripped his head. "Curse you and that cool hip attitude of yours!"

"He's enjoying this." Hiruzen observed as he watched the two jounin interact.

"I know you're worried about the genin." Kakashi spoke to Iruka, "but they aren't your students anymore. They are ours, and much has changed since you taught them."

"But the exams could get them killed!" Iruka countered. "They aren't ready."

"I was only six when I took the Chunin Exams."

"That was a time of war!"

"Then how about a wager," Kakashi replied, "if you wish to test my team, feel free, but if you find they are ready, you have to pay for the next four Icha-Icha series books. If you can prove they aren't, I'll withdraw my recommendation." Iruka sighed.

"Fine."

with Sasuke and Sakura*

Sasuke and Sakura were standing in training ground seven, and both were in battle stances.

"Ready?" Sasuke asked.

"When you are." Sakura declared. Without another word, the two genin charged each other. Sakura threw a kick at Sasuke, who blocked it, then ducked down, sweeping Sakura's feet, who jumped to avoid the counter-attack, only to see a wave of Shuriken flying at her. The shuriken dug into Sakura, who replaced herself. Then, Sakura started weaving handsigns. Recognizing the signs, Sasuke activated his Sharingan in preparation. "Demon Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique."

"Demon Illusion: Genjutsu reversal!" Sasuke locked eyes with Sakura. The world around Sakura swirled as she felt dizzy. When her vision cleared, she was in the streets of Konoha. Only they were covered in blood. Sakura gasped in horror as she saw Sasuke and Naruto on the ground. They were covered in blood, and they weren't moving. Standing over them was a man. He had jet-black hair pulled back in a low ponytail, and his face was framed with center-parted bangs that extended to his chin; the ponytail and bangs grew longer over the years. His overall appearance is very similar to Sasuke's. He even had the Sharingan in both eyes, each with three Tomoe marks like Kakashi's. He was wearing the standard Anbu Uniform, and he had a tanto in his right hand, soaked in blood.

"Such weakness," The man spoke. His voice was calm and collected. "You have forgotten what makes you strong," the man looked down at Sasuke. "My foolish little brother. Your village now pays the price for your weakness." Sakura screamed as the genjutsu shattered and the world returned to normal around her.

"SAKURA!" Sasuke's voice caused her to return to normal as she saw Sasuke looking at her, concern on his face. "Are you alright?"

"W-what was that?" Sakura stuttered as she looked at Sasuke, who looked down at the ground.

"My deepest fear. The fear that Itachi," Sasuke spat the name of his brother. "Will return and kill everyone I care about." Sasuke helped Sakura to her feet. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Aww, how cute." a new voice called out, and two genin turned to see a shinobi with a Hidden Rain village forehead protector and a cloak. "You two really should-" he was cut off by Sakura and Sasuke charging in. Sasuke jumped into the air and landed in front of the shinobi, and engaged in a battle of Taijutsu. "Sasuke has improved since the academy." Iruka thought as he sparred with the young Uchiha. Sasuke jumped back and reached into his kunai pouch, hurling Shuriken at the disguised Academy instructor. Iruka countered by pulling a sword and slicing the kunai out of the air, then charged in only to be met by a tree springing to life as ensnaring him. Sakura emerged from the tree, kunai in hand, and Iruka struggled in a bid to break free. "Sakura's skill in Genjutsu has improved quite significantly."

"It's over." Sakura declared. "Demon Illusion: Binding Tree of Death." Sakura thrust her kunai at Iruka's neck, aiming for the carotid artery.

"You shouldn't reveal your tricks so easily, little girl." Iruka flared his chakra, shattering Sakura's control over his chakra, breaking the Genjutsu. "A true Kunoichi would go for the kill before declaring it."

"We know." Sasuke's voice sounded right behind Iruka, who turned around, only to be met with Sasuke's fist colliding with his face, sending the disguised chunin flying back into Sakura's waiting fist, who delivered a swift uppercut him in the stomach, sending Iruka into the air. The air heated up as Iruka heard the sound of the crackling fire, and he turned his head to see a fireball roaring toward him.

"Oooh shit!" The flames engulfed him.

"Nice shot, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura shouted.

"Don't drop your guard." Sasuke chastised, "he might have escaped." true to his words, the Iruka had performed a substitution, and a charred log fell to the ground.

"Not bad, not bad at all." Iruka taunted. "But of course I'd-" Sasuke charged in the lightning blade crackling in his hand. "WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!" Iruka waved his hands in front of him. "Sasuke, Stop!" Iruka dispelled the transformation. "It's me." Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks, the lightning blade still flickering in his palm.

"What the hell, Iruka sensei?"

"Is it your policy to kill people who just try to attack you?"

"We are shinobi." Sasuke replied, "you taught us that it's usually them or us in many situations." Iruka sweatdropped at Sasuke's nonchalant response. "But we're off-topic. Why did you attack Sakura and me?"

"I was testing you." Iruka sighed, "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but you'll find out soon anyway. Kakashi has recommended you for the Chunin Exams."

"Oh, that's right," Sakura commented. "I forgot Konoha was hosting the Chunin Exams this year."

"Yeah, when Kakashi recommended you three, I protested as I didn't think you were ready."

"What do you think, now, Iruka-sensei?" Sasuke asked, a slight smirk on his face.

"Well, you two could hold your own quite well, and your teamwork was flawless." Iruka looked at Sakura. "Although you still have some fangirl tendencies, you've definitely improved dramatically since the Academy."

"Well, Sasuke-kun and Naruto gave me a reality check that I desperately needed." Sakura replied, rubbing the back of her head. "But, if I'm still getting distracted, I've got some work to do."

"Don't sell yourself short." Sasuke replied, "your timing with Genjutsu was flawless. If this was one year ago, all you'd have done was stand there, gushing at my, and this quoting you, 'Supreme awesomeness' or something like that." Sakura blushed slightly at being called out.

"I have to agree with Sasuke." Iruka chimed in. "Anyway, you both have passed my little test with flying colors. Now, I'm going to test Naruto, don't warn him." Iruka teleported away, and Sakura and Sasuke locked eyes with identical looks of horror.

"Didn't Naruto say he was going on a date with Hinata?"

"Yeah," Sakura replied, "he did. This won't end well, will it?"

"Probably not."

"Wanna go watch?" Sasuke raised his eyebrows at Sakura.

"Is this an excuse to try and get me to agree to some sort of mini-date?"

"No, I'm not going to force the issue if you're not ready."

"She's learning." Sasuke smiled internally.

"-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" a scream sounded out as Iruka, once again in his transformed state, came slamming into a tree. An overwhelming chakra presence filled the air as a livid Naruto stepped out from the woods. His eyes were once again in the Mangekyo Sharingan state.

"Uh oh," Sasuke gulped as he felt the rage rolling off of Naruto in waves.

"I don't know who you are." Naruto started as he cracked his knuckles. "But not only did you interrupt date with Hinata, which alone is a sin worthy of death. But you made me waste precious ramen. THAT KIND OF SACRILEGE CAN NOT BE ALLOWED!" Naruto's chakra flared in response to his anger. The ground around them cracked and splintered as the invisible pressure of Naruto's chakra exerted its influence on the world around him. "I hope you've made peace with Kami-sama because I will show you no mercy."

"Why did I agree to this stupid bet?" Iruka complained as he watched his favorite student drop into his sword stance, blade drawn. "You're a cocky brat, aren't you?" Naruto charged forward, bringing his blade down at Iruka's neck, who quickly used a substitution to dodge the fatal blow. Using the distraction, Iruka hurled several kunai at Naruto from his blind spot. Naruto, sensing the attack, spun around and channeled wind chakra through the sword, then started slicing through the shuriken as if they were soft butter. Naruto sheathed his sword and began weaving hand signs.

"Fire style: Majestic demolisher flame!" Naruto unleashed a torrent of flame, the heat scorching the ground as they approached Iruka, who started weaving signs of his own.

"Water style: water wall." the nearby lake surged, and the water swirled to form a protective wall around the chunin. The wave of fire collided with the wall of water, causing steam to generate and quickly engulf the area. Iruka, using his training, used the steam as a cloak to silently approach Naruto. Only for the genin to leap from the steam, right at Iruka, several balls of fire trailing in the air behind him, each the size of a small elephant. Iruka's eyes widened in horror as the fireballs converged on him. Iruka jumped back to dodge when the fireballs collided. They exploded, the shockwave blasting Iruka back as he slid across the lake. "His skill with fire style. It's unreal. And in a battle of Ninjutsu, Naruto's got the upper hand, thanks to the Kyubi inside him, his chakra reserves dwarf most of the village put together." Iruka charged Naruto. "I have to stop him from weaving signs." Iruka threw a punch at Naruto, who blocked, countering with a sweep to the legs, which Iruka jumped over, landed on one hand, and used the rotation of his body to deliver a devastating roundhouse kick to Naruto's ribcage. The blow collided, only for Naruto to disappear in a 'Poof' of smoke. "Shadow Clone!" The cloud of steam shifted, and Naruto appeared from the displaced steam in mid-air, a Rasengan formed in his hand.

"Rasengan!" Iruka jumped back to avoid the sphere of chakra, which, when Naruto thrust his hand out, caused the ground to explode from contacting the jutsu.

"OH, COME ON!" Iruka shouted, dropping the transformation. "First Sasuke and now, you. Why are my students trying to kill me?!

"You made me waste ramen," Naruto replied, glaring up at Iruka. "You know I'm only allowed to go to that shop once a month, thanks to my teachers." Naruto started walking forward. "To make it worse, this was supposed to be my first date with Hinata." Naruto grabbed Iruka by the collar and dragged the chunin to look him in the face. "Now, what the hell is she going to think of me?!"

"I-I'd say I think you owe me another." Hinata's voice sounded as the Hyuga heiress stepped out from the forest surrounding them.

"Well, I can't exactly say no, now can I?" Naruto smiled at Hinata, who blushed. Naruto then turned to Iruka. "So, what exactly were you doing, Iruka-sensei?"

"He was testing us to ensure that the three of us were ready for the Chunin Exams," Sasuke replied. "He attacked us earlier, and we passed."

"What about the other teams?" Naruto asked.

"Well, I can't do team eight now that Hinata's witnessed me." Iruka sighed. "I'm not entirely sure what to do. But I do know I'll need to leave. Best of luck to you all." Iruka teleported away.

(With Kakashi)

Kakashi was standing on a rooftop with a copy of Icha Icha in his hand as he waited for Iruka to return. A few seconds later, Iruka appeared after using the Teleportation Jutsu.

"So," Kakashi spoke, not looking at the chunin, "did you enjoy getting your ass kicked by my adorable little Genin?"

"You were watching the entire time." Iruka glared at Kakashi.

"Yep," Kakashi eye smiled at the chunin.

"I hate you," Iruka growled. "Soooo much."

"Just to let you know, Jiraiya-sama said the next book is a collector's edition, and I'll be placing the pre-order today. Since you lost our bet, you'll be paying for it." Iruka paled significantly as he was reminded of the bet he and Kakashi agreed to. "I'll come to collect you later. For now, I need to talk to my adorable little genin." Kakashi teleported away, leaving Iruka alone with his thoughts.

(Back with team seven)

Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, and Sakura were sitting on a large blanket that Naruto had acquired.

"And then we managed to kill Gato, freeing the people of Nami from his tyranny." Naruto finished summarizing the last mission they were on.

"Wow," Hinata replied, "That must have been an intense mission."

"Yeah, no kidding." Sakura chimed in, "I wasn't sure we'd make it out with our lives." Before anyone could say anything else, Kakashi appeared in a 'poof' of smoke. Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke, and Sakura got to their feet, looking at the jounin.

"Yo." Kakashi greets the genin, then notices Hinata. "Hinata, what are you doing here? Aren't you on team 8?"

"Naruto-kun and I are on a d-date." Hinata stuttered the last word, still internally gushing that Naruto had asked her out.

"Well," Kakashi smiled a bit. "I'm sorry to cut it short, but I need to have a meeting with my team."

"O-Okay." Hinata turned to Naruto. "Bye N-Naruto-kun."

"Later, Hinata-chan." Naruto smiled at her. Hinata, mustering all her confidence, grabbed Naruto by the hem of his outfit and pulled him into a kiss. Naruto's face turned red, Sasuke's jaw had dropped, and Sakura was beaming.

"Way to go, Hinata!" Sakura cheered.

"HAHAHAHA!" Kushina laughed out at her son's embarrassment. "I like her."

"I have to admit," Minato chimed in. "under her shy deminer, I see a lot of Kushina in her."

"I kissed Naruto-kun. I kissed Naruto-kun." Hinata cheered in her head as she ran off. Naruto was still rooted in place, stunned.

"Don't ever think I've seen you at a loss for words," Sasuke teased his blond friend, "Naruto." Naruto touched his lips in a numb shock.

"She kissed me," Naruto giggled a bit in his head. "Hinata-chan kissed me." Naruto jumped in the air and then fell, landing on his feet. "What a spitfire!"

"Naruto." Kakashi shouted, bringing Naruto back to reality.

"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei?"

"Can you focus, please?"

"Okay."

"Excellent." Kakashi coughed into his fist dramatically. "As you three are aware, the chunin exams are being hosted in Konoha this year, and, as your Jounin sensei, it is my choice whether or not I recommend you three to partake in those exams. You three did so well in our A-rank mission. As such," Kakashi pulled out three pieces of paper with a dramatic flourish and handed one to each of the three Genin. "I've decided to recommend you."

"What are the chunin exams?" Madara asked.

"Your guess is as good as mine." Hashirama replied, "There wasn't anything like that when I was Hokage."

"It's an exam set up that was established after the Third Shinobi world war." Minato supplied, "Sandaime-sama created it as a way for genin to promote without the need for heroism in times of war. Less bloodshed this way."

"Oh, that makes sense." Hashirama replied, "Thank you, Minato-san."

"You're welcome, Shodaime-sama."

"Just keep in mind, you're under no obligation to accept," Kakashi spoke up. "If you don't think you're ready, there's no shame in bowing out. But if you're up for it, you are to report to classroom 301 in the academy building in three hours." With that, Kakashi teleported away.

"Well," Naruto started as he turned to his teammates. "There's no way in hell I'm not going."

"Count me in too," Sakura punched her fist, "I'm not backing down."

"Hn," Sasuke grunted. "I'm not about to let you two show me up."

(Time Skip Three hours later)

Team Seven made their way up through the school building and eventually made their way up the next flight of stairs. When they arrived on the landing, they saw a group of students standing outside a classroom. Naruto saw the number 301 on the tag above the door. Just then, a boy in a green jumpsuit is punched back someone from the group of genin speaks up.

"Let us in. We need to register for the exams!"

"The Chunin exams are real challenging kids like you should just quit." One of the genin guards says.

"Please let us through." A girl with bun hair spoke. "Why would fellow Leaf Shinobi do this?"

"Shut up." The first guard punched the girl. Sakura growled, clenching her fists, preparing to teach the other guard a lesson.

"Hold on, Sakura," Naruto whispered as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Take a closer look at the sign. Something's not right." Sakura looked at the sign, then, using her genjutsu training, felt the disruption of chakra around the sign.

"A genjutsu," Sakura whispered back.

"Yeah," Sasuke replied, equally as quietly, "Naruto and I noticed it just a second ago. I think this is some kind of test."

"Good point," Sakura replied, "if they can't see through a genjutsu like this, then they aren't worthy of being chunin."

"Plus," Naruto added, "we're on the second floor." Sakura facepalmed herself.

"How did I not notice?"

"It's okay," Sasuke comforted, "we all have our dumb blonde moments."

"Note to self," Naruto growled mentally, "When these exams are over, prank Sasuke, hard!" Sasuke shuttered a bit.

"Why do I feel like I've unintentionally invoked an ancient doom upon myself." Sasuke shrugged a bit. "Anyway, we should go up to the next floor." Naruto and Sakura nodded, and the team of three walked up the next flight of stairs and found an empty hallway with the real room 301 at the end. As they walked up, Kakashi teleported in.

"Oh good," Kakashi spoke, eye smiling at the group of three. "You're all here."

"Why? Would one of us being missing be bad?" Sakura asked.

"Yes, if all three of you hadn't shown up, I'd have no choice but to ban you from the exams."

"But you said we were under no obligation to accept." Naruto protested.

"I said that so you wouldn't pressure Sakura into accepting. I wanted this to be her choice. I knew if I told you this and you and Sasuke didn't back down, Sakura would be forced to agree or risk you two turning on her."

"Hey," Sakura protested, "I'm not that weak."

"I know," Kakashi placed a hand on her head. "You've made leaps and bounds since the bell test, but I wanted to test your true resolve." Kakashi looked at his other students. "Well, since you're all here, welcome, Team 7, to the first stage of the Chunin Exams." Kakashi vanished again, and Sasuke started walking forward eagerly. Naruto started to follow when Sakura grabbed his wrist.

"Hey, Naruto."

"What's up, Sakura?" Naruto asked as he turned to face her.

"You're a skilled sensory type, right?"

"Well, I don't like to toot my own horn."

"Is Ino in that room?" Naruto closed his eyes for a second.

"No," Naruto replied as he opened his eyes. "She's about two floors below us. Why?"

"I want to pull a prank on her." Naruto's confusion turned to sinister as he looked at Sakura.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I want to use the transformation jutsu, any ideas?"

"I've got one." Naruto smiled, created three clones of himself, then made the necessary sign and transformed into a perfect replica of Sasuke. The other two transformed into Asuma and Kakashi, then used the transparency Jutsu that Madara taught Naruto.

"This is going to be fun." Kushina giggled, already knowing Naruto's plan.

"You Uzumaki and your pranks." Madara rolled his eyes.

"Want to repeat that?" Kushina's voice was now cold, and Naruto got the mental image of his mother in her angry mode.

"N-N-Nothing!"

"Why the clone?"

"So Ino doesn't get suspicious." Naruto's clone replied. "And for my idea."

"So, what's the idea?"

"Just watch and play along." A few moments later, Ino and her teammates walked up the stairs. Ino saw Sasuke and her eyes brightened.

"Oh, hey there, handsome." Ino greeted flirtatiously. Sakura's left eye started twitching. Just then, the clones disguised as Asuma and Kakashi appeared.

"Oh, well then," 'Kakashi' started. "This is awkward."

"Yeah," 'Asuma' Replied.

"What's awkward?" Ino asked. "Asuma-sensei?"

"See, the thing is." 'Asuma' rubbed the back of his head. "I may have forgotten to tell you that the Chunin Exams only accepts a certain amount of shinobi from the hosting village. So, which team arrived first?"

"Our team," Sakura replied, catching on to Naruto's plan.

"I see," 'Asuma' looked at his team. "Well, since you three arrived last, unfortunately, I'm going to have to deny your entry to the Chunin Exams, as Team 7 was the last team that can be accepted."

"WHAT?!" Ino shouted, shocked.

"Oh no, what a tragedy," Shikamaru commented sarcastically, "Oh well, guess there's always next year." Ino collapsed to her knees.

"No, now I can't prove myself to Sasuke-kun, and what makes it worse, Billboard brow gets to become a chunin before me. I'll never hear the end of this!"

"Someone give Naruto an award for this top-tier acting." Sakura snickered in her head. "He's even copied Asuma-sensei's body patterns." The door opened behind her, and Sasuke poked his head out.

"Hey, Dobe, Sakura, can you stop screwing around and get in here?" Sasuke demanded. Ino's head shot up and saw the real Sasuke, then looked at Naruto and seemed to put two and two together.

"NARUTO!" Ino shouted, running at the clone, "IS THIS JUST ONE OF YOUR STUPID PRANKS?!"

"Busted." Kurama snickered at his Jinchuriki.

"He had her going for a minute." Minato snickered.

"AWWW, MAN!" Kushina whined a bit. "Sasuke has some really shitty timing. Like most Uchiha."

"HEY!" Madara shouted.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Hashirama laughed at his friend's misfortune. "Called out."

"SHUT UP, HASHIRAMA!" Naruto sighed and dispelled his clones and his transformation jutsu.

"Yeah, it was." Naruto chuckled slightly. "Well, we might as well go on in." With that, the group of five joined Sasuke inside the classroom where the first exam was to take place.

(A/N: And with that chapter is concluded, I do apologies for the long delay in updates I've been having computer troubles (so I'm uploading at my local library))