20
"If the balance isn't maintained, one nation could wind up with many more shinobi than its neighbors and it might be tempted to attack them. So they try to maintain the status quo, makes sense. I suppose." The silver-haired genin's voice breaks through my thoughts as I come back to reality. I really don't like him. Moving my hands from my back I cross my arms and find myself watching the silver-haired genin before me. His dark eyes though wide to feign innocence and heart. Were empty.
"Hn. Do those cards of yours have info on any of the other candidates, individually?" Sasuke questions as he takes a step forward. "They might, you have someone special in mind?" Kabuto questions with a smirk his voice lacing with arrogance. "I might." Sasuke snaps nearly drawing my gaze as Kabuto picks up his now blank card and puts it on the deck. "I can't promise my information is complete or perfect but I've got something on... just about everyone." As he speaks his gaze flicks over from Sasuke to me while his hands shuffle his cards.
So is that saying he has info on me or he doesn't? His gaze can't be a coincidence. His eyes then move to the rest of them. "Including you guys of course. So which one is it? Give me anything you know about them, a description, where they're from, whatever." He smirks pulling a card and holding it up. "Anything at all."
"He's Gaara of the desert, and there's Rock Lee of the leaf while you're at it." Sasuke practically orders him. "Man that's no fun, you even know their names, that makes it easy." Kabuto speaks lightly as he puts the card back on the deck. I finally frown. Just his voice is threatening to turn my stomach. He focuses on his cards before swiping his hand over the top of them just as Choji burps. Now holding up two cards as he sets his deck down he peers through his round glasses at Sasuke. "Here they are." Finally looking away from Kabuto I look towards Sasuke. His eyes are serious as if he's imagining defeating them in battle. Someone having a look like that. Would make people wonder if they'll turn on someone randomly to kill them. "Show them to me." And the darkness is back...
Kabuto first brings up Rock lee though I couldn't seem to look away from Sasuke. The look in his eyes troubles me almost as much as the silver-haired genin in front of us. His eyes right now... reminds me of someone who is on the verge of snapping. Teetering on the edge between dipping his hands in blood and remaining on the side of the bloody river to remain clean and dry. Until Kabuto mentions something about Gaara completing a B-rank mission without getting a scratch on him. Then beads of sweat build on Sasuke's face as he looks almost nervous. The dark look is still heavily in his eyes but even I can see a lump growing in his throat from that information. Am I actually trying to change who he is at his core by making him fight for life and not bloodshed? Is this why no matter how far he is coming along he's still... seeking it out?
"Well, you get the point. The competition is going to be intense this year." Huh. Looking down at Kabuto I can see how he's straining not to smirk as he looks to his right in the direction of the other genin. "It's almost enough to make you lose your confidence." Hinata speaks up nervously. "It's a fine time to start talking like that!" Ino snaps her voice wavering with her own growing nerves. "Do you... really think the exams are going to be tougher this year?" Sakura asks. "Oh yeah, in the four years I've been coming to these exams. I've never seen a crop of candidates with this much potential."
Hearing a breath quivering I turn around to see Naruto looking down, his hands clench into fists at his sides as his shoulders are shaking. Leaving Sasuke's side I ignore the eyes of the others as they watch Naruto. Putting my hand on his shoulder. "Naruto?" I question quietly and lean forward a bit to try and get a better view of his expression. "YYEEAAHH!" He shouts suddenly and shoots his arms into the air causing me to dodge his actions and take a step back from him. He laughs as he suddenly points at the rest of the room with his right hand on his hip. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki! And I'm ready to beat every one of ya! Believe it!" I couldn't help the giggle that managed its way out of me as I watch him. Yep, that's my best friend for you.
"Hey! What is that idiot trying to do, get us killed?!" Ino shouts at Sakura as if she has any control over Naruto. Yet my eyes drift off back to Sasuke who glances at me with a smirk. Nodding to him I look back to Naruto. Who needs a knife when we have my best friend to cut the tension with? "Yeah! I feel a lot better now!" Naruto says as he puts his hands behind his head.
Catching a glimpse of sudden movement, I look over in that direction from the corner of my eye. I turn around towards Kabuto as some ninja become visible. One with metal surrounding his arm lunging at Kabuto and throwing a punch, yet I watch him leap back so that the blow didn't land. Kabuto gives them a triumphant smirk before his glasses shatter. "Oh, I get it so it was that kind of attack." He says as he takes off the rims to his glasses.
"Hang on I saw it all, he dodged the attack how did that happen?" Sasuke asks rather upset that he couldn't figure it out. I glance to him before looking back to Kabuto. "It must have come closer than it looked. Tch.. Look at him acting like it was nothing. Real tuff guy." Shikamaru comments watching the scene play out. "No, he isn't acting.." I point out boredly, watching as he looks at the sound guy in front of him his eyes dilating as he takes in a shaky breath before falling to his knees. Puking right there on the floor. Definitely more to the attack than what meets the eye. "What... Did he just..." Naruto starts to ask and Sakura cuts in. "Kabuto what's wrong what is it?"
"Write this on your little card punk, the genin from the sound will be chunin before this is over. Guaranteed." The tall one says as the shorter hunchback looks at me, probably because I had noticed them before anyone else had. A loud sound happens drawing my eyes to the large smokescreen across the room from us. Once the smoke clears I see a group of people standing at the front of the classroom. "Alright, you baby-faced degenerates. Pipe down and listen up!" The voice pauses as the smokescreen fully dissipates. "It's time to begin. I'm Ibiki Morino, your proctor and from this moment your worst enemy. First, you candidates from the village hidden in the sound. Knock it off! Who told you, you could fight? You want to be failed before we've even begun?"
"Sorry, it's our first time." The hunched-over one speaks up as he looks towards the proctor "Guess we're a little jumpy, sir." I sigh knowing that was a planned assault with the way he and his teammates had moved in unison. However, I let my eyes roam over the weapon on his arm making sure the look of it would collate with my assumptions.
He attacks by sound, targeting the vibrations caused by the weapon on his arm. Brought from the holes on the top of it so it would work more like an instrument or dog whistle. Only the pitch has clearly been refined enough that not even a dog like Akamaru can pick it up. Either way, he targets the vibrations with his weapon causing damage to the inner ear. This is why Kabuto's ear is bleeding and why he had fallen to his knees vomiting. A tricky attack and powerful when wielded properly but there is a flaw. If you can keep your distance his arsenal is completely useless. Officially making him weaker than even Sakura, as long as you keep your distance.
"I'll say this once so listen up!" Ibiki says looking around the room making sure he has the eyes of everyone. "There will be no combat between candidates. No attacking each other without the permission of your proctor, and even then the use of fatal force is strictly prohibited. Anyone who even thinks of messing with me will be disqualified immediately. Got it?"
"Hmm, no fatal force? That's no fun." The tall sound boy comments. Causing the others behind Ibiki to laugh. "Now, if we're ready we will proceed to the first stage of the chunin exam. Hand over your paperwork in return you'll each be given a number. This number determines where you will sit. We'll start the written test once you are all seated."
"The what… Did he say written…" Naruto chokes nervously before one of the chunin behind Ibiki picks up the test pile and shakes it causing Naruto to completely freak. "NOOOOOO! Not a written test! No way!"
After having handed over my application and received a number, to none other than the seat next to the black-clothed Kankuro. I manage to keep my eyes away from him as I set down. Resting my hands on the table on either side of my test. "You don't seem to like me very much." He chuckles with his comment as I fight to keep my face void of expression. "Hey, I said something to ya cutie. You should just go home."
"Huh? Did you say something?" I question boredly as if I hadn't heard him. I manage to lean back in my seat pulling off the bored look I've taken to keeping anymore, causing him to officially glare at me. Looking ahead as I hear chalk tap against the blackboard I turn my attention back to the proctor. "Everyone eyes front. There are a few rules that you need to be aware of. And I won't answer any questions." He taps the chalk again to make his point clear. "So you better pay attention the first time around."
Turning he begins writing causing the chalk to scrape against the chalkboard subtly. "Alright, rule number one is this. The written part of the exam is conducted on a point reduction system. Contrary to what some of you may be used to, you all begin the test with a perfect score of ten points. One point will be deducted for each answer you get wrong." Sighing as he turns to face us again I close my eyes. "So if you miss three, your final score will be seven. Rule number two, teams will pass or fail based on the total scores of all members. Rule number three, the sentinels you see positioned around the room are there to watch you carefully for any signs of cheating. And for every incident, they spot they will subtract two points from the culprit's score. Be warned their eyes are extremely sharp and if they catch you five times you will be dismissed before the tests are even scored. Anyone fool enough to be caught cheating by the sentinels doesn't deserve to be here. If you want to be considered Shinobi then show us what exceptional Shinobi you can be…. One more thing. If any candidate should get a zero and fail the test then the entire team fails. The final question won't be given out until fifteen minutes until the end of the testing period. You'll have one hour total… Begin!"
Flipping my paper I look over first the question layout then the questions. The sounds of tapping from people already writing echo in the now quiet classroom as I take my time to read through the test. These questions are far beyond what normal Genin can answer, that much is certain. The rules in place for the test show they want people to cheat since the Shinobi way is through lies and deceit. To top it off there are plenty of missions that require information gathering. In fact, most missions require this. So the reasoning for this test and its wild questions is to see who is the best at information gathering. Yet, they probably didn't expect people like me to be taking this test who will be able to answer these questions with ease. Sighing I close my eyes. Naruto on the other hand not only can't answer these questions but knowing his personality he won't cheat. He's doomed from the beginning. So should I even bother answering these questions?
"Giving up already?" I hear Kankuro's nearly inaudible voice come from beside me.
"Not at all." I tell him boredly as I nearly sigh. On the off chance he doesn't fail I should fill out these answers anyway, right? Picking up the pencil that was on the table for me, I reread each question as I answer them. Code deciphering. Hmm… The numbers are not only jumbled but there are capital and lowercase letters mixed in. That's an easy one. First, you look at the numbers and then the letters. Decipher how many numbers between each letter. Then you focus on the caps and where they are. Writing on the side of my paper I work through the code only putting what I figure out directly into the box that asks for the answer. It came as no surprise to me however that the answer was just as cryptic as the code was. It is normal to expect this much from a code.
As a short time passes I finally finish the ninth question before I skim through my test checking my answers. Content with my work, I turn my test upside down and lay forward with my head on my arms upon my test. Closing my eyes again waiting for the end of the testing time. Waiting is so boring.
*Sakura*
Eh, these are integrated problems based on principles of uncertainty and require a complex energy analysis. Incredibly advanced stuff… Naruto! Can't solve these! He hasn't got a chance! In fact, there can't be more than a handful of people here besides me who even understand it.
"Hey! No sleeping during the test!" Hearing Ibiki yell causes everyone to pause in their writing. For those brief moments, not a sound could be heard as Tala lifts her head as if to ask who me? "Yes, you! Sit up!" My eyes widen. It's not like Tala to slack off like that. Yes, she always arrives late when we are supposed to meet up for missions. But other than that she is completely focused on just getting the squad's tasks done. But sleeping during something so important as the Chunin Exam? No, wouldn't happen. We watch as she sets up and yawns rather loudly.
"But I've been done…" She says groggily as she rubs her eyes with another yawn as if to emphasize her meaning. Causing Ibiki's eyes to widen briefly. Shocking the proctor that everyone had been made to feel nervous about. She… She's done?! How?! Not possible! Catching the eyes of Naruto and Sasuke their expressions told me they were thinking the same thing. I had always thought Tala was just an annoying girl who went out of her way just to get Sasuke's attention. But on all of the missions including our training both as a team or since she's started working with us individually, especially during our first initial test with Kakashi sensei. She's the one who has shown the most skill out of all us. Thinking about this now I couldn't understand why I had thought Tala would be near the same level as Naruto with these tests. Her being finished already, I couldn't help but feel the gap between Tala's skills and my own growing. Could this be why Sasuke likes her instead of me? Is Tala really so much better than me? Shaking my head I clear my thoughts. Now's not the time to be distracted. I can't let myself lose to her! Besides, there will be plenty of time to wonder about the mysteries that surround Tala and Sasuke later! Now's time for the test!
*Tala*
Opening my eyes I give a gentle inaudible sigh. I could still feel every now and then curious eyes upon me from all directions. My guess, people finally figured out they have to cheat but my test is face down which would make it impossible for them to use me. The questions on the test are all integrated mathematical problems. Yet with the way the questions are worded they revolve around uncertainty. Basically, just assumptions that are broken down into mathematical equations. Or, at least that is what they want us to think. Even problems like these can be broken down into numbers and placed into equations that would lead to the exact answers.
When I think about it like that all of them are rather complex. There most likely isn't more than a handful of people here that could answer any of the questions. Flicking my gaze to my left I find her pink hair as she is working on her own test. I have no doubt that Sakura can answer the questions. She is extremely weak but she's smart. Moving my gaze I find the red and white fan again. Sasuke on the other hand can't answer a single one of these. From watching him the entire time in the academy as we continuously received the assigned seats next to each other. I know exactly what he is capable of. And math.. was never his strong suit. However, knowing him he'll figure out the real reason behind this test and perform flawlessly. Finding the bright orange clothing of my final teammate. Naruto is sweet, caring, and honest. He not only can't answer any of these questions but his very personality will keep him from cheating in order to pass. Maybe, this was too early for him. He doesn't have a single quality for a chunin in any way shape or form either. Kakashi probably believes this will be more of a learning experience or something for us. It's actually probably just a way to give Kakashi himself some time off from the team.
"Number 41 fail!" A sentinal's voice echoes in the all but silent room. "Numbers 35 and 62 fail."
"Hey, no way!" Someone shouts before crashing sounds are heard with him giving strangled sounds as he is forced to leave. That would be fifteen teams now that have failed. So I guess things should be coming to a close soon.
"Uh, excuse me." Glancing over to Kankuro seeing him raising his hand as he smiles I tilt my head slightly. This is the first time I've actually heard him hold a polite tone. He's planning something. "What is it?" A sentinel asks. "Gotta use the can, sorry." I watch as he stands and a sentinel that has given me the creeps since the beginning places cuffs attached to a rope on Kankuro's wrists.
"We go with you to make sure you're not up to anything." The sentinel says before leading the boy away. Do they really go that far? This test is designed for cheating but, beyond leading him out of the room to make sure he doesn't catch peeks at another's test. Would there really be any sense for them to go into the bathroom with you? "That's perfectly understandable." Kankuro says with a large smile on his painted face as he is led from the room. No, this is completely suspicious to me.
"Alright! Listen up, the tenth and final question… But before I give you the question, there are some more rules that you need to be aware of." More rules? I silently ask myself finally looking towards the proctor, Ibiki, as I hear the room door open. "Huh?" I hear his quiet sound of question before hearing the door close. "Ah, made it just in time. I hope you found your trip to the bathroom enlightening... Well, take your seat." Ibiki says with his hands in the pockets of his long black trench coat. A few short moments later Kankuro sets back down nearly glaring at the proctor. Seriously, he should learn when to show emotion and when not to. Judging by the sweat still clinging to his face he was nervous as he should be. His sudden trip to the bathroom was obvious.
"These rules are unique to question ten. Listen carefully. And try not to let them frighten you." His voice that started his normal I'm better than you tone to a roll of coldness causes me to sigh as I see his eyes drift over to me. "Very well then. Rule number one. Each of you is free to choose not to be given the final question. It's your decision." Closing my eyes I take in a calm breath. What is Ibiki getting at? Free to choose? "Whoa, what's the catch?! What if we decide not to do it, what happens then?!" A girl yells as I listen to my heartbeat slow and steady.
"If you choose not to take the tenth question, regardless of your answers to the other 9 you'll get a zero. In other words, you fail and that means, of course, your teammates fail as well." Opening my eyes I look at his. He was clearly enjoying this. I myself am calm. I am worried about the others though. They could crack, especially Naruto…. There was talk going around the room about who would choose to fail and how of course they would take the question. All usual stuff if you ask me. Being told something like this would make you question why would they even have a rule like this? Of course with Ibiki saying that you and your teammates will fail means what he says next will be… really bad... "Not so fast. You didn't let me finish… If you do accept the question but answer it incorrectly you will not only fail. You will be barred from taking the chunin exam ever again!"
This guy... Looking into his determined eyes and watching his smile. To see through deception, that is the way of the Shinobi. From the very beginning, he put a lot of pressure on everyone to try and make them mess up. The test isn't just about proving your information-gathering skills but it was meant to test your strength of mind. The entire room when he stood calmly and explained the first set of rules grew tense and nervous. His tone shifting from authoritative to cold giving multiple meanings to his words. He's trying to break our spirits. Trying to make people quit.
It's just mind games. "Hey that's bull man, that's ridiculous!" Kiba stands pointing his finger at the proctor. "What kind of bogus rule is that?! There are lots of people here who have taken the test before!" His dog barks as if in agreement causing Ibiki to chuckle. "I guess you're just.. Unlucky. I wasn't making the rules before but, I am now. Of course, if you don't want to take it, you don't have to. If you're not feeling confident then by all means skip it. You can come back and try again next year." He laughs again. The uneasy fear growing in the room. "Now then if you're ready. The tenth and final question, those who don't want to take it raise your hand. Your number will be recorded and then you're free to go." Everything falls silent as the proctor lets his words settle in on everyone's shoulders.
Watching as more and more students give in to the fear. Doubt clouding their expressions. Doubt that this guy had managed to place in their minds. It was Naruto's hand hesitantly beginning to raise that causes my breath to catch. Shocking me to my core. Naruto isn't the kind of person to give up. He would push through to the end no matter what, right? "Don't underestimate me! I don't quit and I don't run! You can act tough all you want you guys aren't going to scare me off! No way! I don't care if I do get stuck as a Genin for the rest of my life!" Finally smirking as I watch my best friend's adorable actions. "I'll still be Hokage someday!" He proclaims in defiance before setting back down. Heh, Naruto, only you. I could hear even Kankuro next give a slight chuckle at his words. The tension in the room lessening brings new found courage to everyone. An impact, I feel, only Naruto can accomplish. "Interesting teammate you have there." He comments quietly to me causing me to subconsciously nod in reaction. "My best friend actually."
"This decision is one that could change your life. If for any reason you would rather quit. Now's your last chance." Ibiki asks him again as he watches Naruto closely. "No way, I never go back on my word. That's my nindo my ninja way." Naruto says and Ibiki falls silent looking around the room as the Sentinels are even smiling from Naruto's outburst. "Well then, I admire your determination if nothing else. For those of you remaining, there is only one thing left to do and that's for me to tell you…" He pauses for the dramatic effect his presence seems to have changed from the overwhelming stature and becoming more carefree. "That you've all passed the first exam!"