Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Strange New World ❯ The Chuunin Exams Part 1 ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

The Chuunin exams Part 1
 
 
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
 
As the final day for deciding dawned, the group was in high spirits, except for Sakura who was still unsure of the exam. "Don't worry, Sakura-chan." Kurama said. "I know that you will do well. Think of the exam as a test of your abilities. The abilities that you have been improving on since we met." He draped an arm around her shoulders. "I can't wait to see you in action, Sakura-chan." Sakura giggled at the compliment. She had lessened her obsession with the kitsune, although she still lusted after him. They approached the Academy building where they met the others. "Good afternoon." Kurama said as they turned to walk into the building.
 
"All we have to do is hand these application forms in, and then we will be ready to sit the exam." Naruto said excitedly. The blond was practically dancing. "I can't wait!" Sasuke gave a small smile. Normally he would have told the dobe to calm himself down, but today he was excited too. He and the others ascended the stairs until they saw room 301, with a number of entrants waiting, but two Genin was refusing them access. "Why are you holding up the line?" Sasuke asked, before he realised something. They weren't up high enough for this to be 301. "Sakura, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
 
"Genjutsu." Sakura said as the others picked up on her thoughts. "Hey, why don't you drop your act and let us get to the real room 301!"Sakura shouted. Then the Genjutsu was dropped, allowing everyone to see that they had been fooled. From the other end of the corridor, three other Konoha Genin watched the group as they approached them.
 
One dressed in green and with fuzzy eyebrows approached the group. "Miss, I am enchanted by your charming good looks." He said, bowing to Sakura. "My name is Rock Lee, my fair lady." Sakura blushed at the attention. "I have decided that I shall always protect you, even with my life." He said as he stuck his right arm out. "That's a promise." Sakura could just stare at him.
 
"Er... I don't need your protection, but thank you anyway." She said as she followed her friends up the stairs to the correct floor. 'That boy is weird.' She thought as she caught up to the others, however, once they had reached the floor, the boy in green was behind them once more.
 
"I nearly forgot!" The boy shouted to the backs of those walking towards the room. "Uchiha, I want to fight here and now!" Hiei and Sasuke both turned and faced Rock Lee. "I shall prove that hard work beats geniuses!" Hiei sighed as he walked forward. "Not you, the other one." Lee said.
 
"What's the matter, afraid that you'll lose to me?" Hiei asked as he removed his cloak and sword. "I promise you that you won't be able to lay a finger on me without a big fight." Yusuke looked on. When did Hiei become a brawler? The half-Toushin could only watch as his love locked his red eyes onto Rock Lee. "Why should my cousin waste his time with you?" Hiei smirked.
 
The smirk on Hiei's face made Lee's blood boil, just who did this kid think he was anyway? He changed his stance, to the one that he took while fighting. This boy wanted to fight; therefore Lee would quickly defeat him before taking on his real target. "Very well." Lee said, trying to hold back the anger that was building. "I'm not going to hold back." The smirk widened. "Do you understand?"
 
"Perfectly." Hiei said and seemed to disappear, appearing behind Lee. "However I like to protect foolish people from myself, especially as this means nothing more than a bit of extra training." Lee grabbed Hiei and kicked him into the air, before leaping into the air, to kick Hiei to towards the ground, However before he could clear his foot, Hiei grabbed the foot, twisting so Lee would be below him, and delivered his own kick, sending Lee into the floor. "Can we call this over yet?" He asked. "I'm getting bored." Lee picked himself up slowly. He seemed to be in one piece; slowly he released the bandages on both his arms.
 
'Sorry, Gai-sensei.' Lee said, mentally apologising to the Jounin leading his team. 'This guy won't go down any other way.' Lee then ran towards Hiei, kicking him into the air. However before he could complete his attack, there was a shout, and the others saw a larger version of the boy standing on a turtle. Lee lay off the attack. "Sorry Gai-sensei." Lee said. "I..."
 
"I told you that move was forbidden." Gai said to his student. "I hope that you are ready to accept the consequences of your actions." Lee nodded and Gai punched him in the face. "However everything is forgiven because it is the Springtime of Youth!" The two ran forwards and hugged each other, tears streaming down their faces. It was then that Gai noticed the two teams staring at them. "Ah, the teams of the Eternal Lovebirds!" Gai exclaimed. "How is my Eternal Rival and his beau after their holiday?"
 
Team Kakashi and Team Iruka stared at each other. They didn't know who this man was, although it was obvious that he was a Jounin, like their own leaders. "Uh... they're fine, Gai-sensei." Naruto said, picking out that Gai was the Jounin's name, as he saw the tears start again. "Erm... we would love to stay and chat, but we haven't handed in out application forms. Oh, look at the time." Naruto said grabbing Sasuke and started running. "We're going to be late!" A few minutes of running brought them to Room 301, where Kakashi and Iruka were waiting for them.
 
"What took you so long?" Iruka asked, laughing as they were almost bowled over. "Calm down, it looks as though you've been chased by Pakkun and his gang." It wouldn't be unlike Kakashi either. He had jokingly sent the pack after Iruka when he dared to be late for their last date. He looked into the corridor and could make out two forms. "It looks as though they met up with Gai and one of his students." He said. "That pair seems to be enjoying their 'Springtime of Youth', don't they?" He turned his attention back to the two teams. "It is good that you all chose to come here. You can only enter in your teams, and not as single combatants. Now, go through the door and hand in your paperwork to the desk attendants. They will give you your instructions." The group nodded and entered the room.
 
"The first proctor that will be testing the Chuunin candidates is Morino Ibiki." Kakashi said. Seeing Iruka's disbelieving glance he smiled. "Yes, that Morino Ibiki, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said, knowing that Iruka had him as the first proctor during the exams that he had been promoted as Chuunin in. "They also have Mitarashi Anko as their second proctor." Iruka groaned. She became a Chuunin the same year that he had, although she had graduated the Academy a few years before he did.
 
Ten minutes later and the two teams left the room. The Chuunin exams started the next day, where they would meet the first proctor in room 101 at 9am. "Well done." Kakashi said as they left the Academy. "Now that you have taken your first steps into becoming Chuunins, I shall treat you all to barbecue and ramen." That brought out cries of joy from the six Genins. 'It is the least I can do for what you will be put through tomorrow.' Iruka could see the concern in Kakashi's stance, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
 
"They will do well, Kakashi-kun." Iruka said as they entered the barbecue shop. "I'll order." Iruka took a moment to decide on that they should get before motioning to the chef. "We want enough barbecue pork and beef for ten." He said before thinking of something else. "Oh, could you throw a few spare ribs while you're making up the order. We would like to take it away, please." The owner nodded and ordered the staff to start the cooking. "Kakashi-kun, they will get through the first two stages as long as they work in a team." He took the order as Kakashi paid for it and then walked over to Ichiraku Ramen to order the other part of their dinner.
 
"Ah, if it isn't young Iruka and Naruto." The man said as he approached the counter. "What can we do for you today? The usual?"
 
"No, not today." Iruka said with a smile. "We're having a family meal at home, so we need some of your delicious ramen to take away." He looked at Naruto, who was bouncing at his side. "We need enough ramen for seven and Naruto-kun, please." Iruka's eyes closed. "Kakashi's team and my own have both submitted their application forms to take part in the Chuunin exams that are starting soon." The man laughed.
 
"Indeed a worthy cause to celebrate!" He exclaimed. "Maybe the boy will buy more bowls from us when he had more money! For your celebration, this is on the house!" Iruka blushed and tried to refuse the offer. "No arguments either. You and Naruto have spent many nights in here, and it is the least we can do." The man and his daughter set to work, cooking the ramen for the group. "There you go." He said once the order had been completed.
 
"Come along, Naruto, we have to get to the Uchiha mansion with the food." Iruka said. The others had already carried the barbecue to Sasuke's, where they were waiting for them. Iruka grinned at the sigh. "Don't pretend that you don't like going there. You spend most of the time snuggling with Sasuke to take much notice of anything else." Iruka ducked to avoid the playful punch aimed at him.
 
"Well you and Kakashi flirt like mad." Naruto said in defence. "Not to mention that I'm still trying to get the sight of you and that pervert in bed together out of my mind!" That made Iruka blush. `Got you now, Dad.' Naruto thought, giggling at the reaction. "You can't say that you didn't enjoy that." Iruka growled.
 
"It was for space conservation." Iruka said defensively. "He... I... we..." He broke off blushing. "Nothing happened!" Naruto gave him a sceptical look. "He gave me a massage before telling me that he had wanted me below him like that for a while." Naruto laughed. "Then we started sleeping in the same bed, but nothing else happened until the holiday, when the mood was spoiled by Shuichi and Sakura. The voyeuristic perverts had to walk in on us just when we... when Kakashi..." Iruka's blush deepened. Naruto grabbed Iruka's arm as they almost passed the mansion.
 
The group talked excitedly about what they thought the exams would be like, Iruka and Kakashi listening to them. Suddenly Yusuke grinned, having thought up a very entertaining plan. "Why don't we play a game?" He asked, "Truth or Dare, Spin the bottle design. Its quite an easy game, we take one bottle, and one person spins it. Whoever the bottle points to can choose whether they want to answer something truthfully or do a dare. Once that has been completed then it is the person that did the actions turn to spin the bottle and ask." After that was explained everyone agreed. "Kakashi, Iruka, planning on joining us?" Yusuke asked from where he knelt on the ground. The two Jounins joining in, Yusuke took the bottle and spun it, landing on Iruka. "Truth or dare, Iruka-sensei?" Iruka answered that he wanted a dare. Yusuke took a moment to think of a suitable dare. "I dare you to... spank Kakashi!" The look on Iruka and Kakashis face was priceless. "A proper spanking." He could hear Naruto snicker beside him.
 
"Sorry, Kakashi-kun." Iruka said, as Kakashi lay across his lap, baring his ass to the view of the others, before Iruka spanked the bared skin, bringing out a quiet moan from the Jounin. Iruka blushed, knowing that he found out one of Kakashis weaknesses. "Will that be suitable?" Iruka asked before it got too far. He sighed in relief when Yusuke nodded. He waited until Kakashi had sat back up before it spun the bottle, landing on Hiei. "Truth or dare, Hiei-kun?" Hiei answered 'Truth'. "Okay, there has been something bothering me ever since I taught you in the Academy." Iruka said. "When you were introduced to me, Sasuke introduced you as Uchiha Hiei." Iruka said. "I don't think that was the truth. Tell me who you really are."
 
Hiei took a deep breath. He had thought at the time that Iruka hadn't believed him, but the Jounin, then Chuunin, hadn't questioned him. "My name is Hiei, I never had a family name, but a title I acquired was 'Jaganshi'. I have an ability that is more powerful than the Sharingan, and more versatile than the Byakugan. Sasuke adopted me into his family after we joined Konoha but before we met you." Hiei didn't mention that the reason why he had the ability lay in the disappearing Jagan under his hatai-ate. That it and its abilities were being absorbed into his body as his own, the less useful abilities being rejected. "Is that all you wanted?" Iruka nodded, allowing Hiei to spin the bottle, landing on Kurama. "Truth or dare?" Kurama selected truth. "What were you and Naruto doing in the forest after the practice fights we had on the water?" Hiei asked. He had always wanted to know, but Kurama avoided the question like the plague. "No avoiding the question this time, fox."
 
Kurama's eyes closed. He knew that he shouldn't tell them, but he had no real choice. "I was helping Naruto learn some control." He said, hoping that it would be enough for Hiei. The three-eyed bastard had him by his nuts. Hiei continued to stare at him. He looked at Naruto, who nodded, giving his consent. "I was helping Naruto to gain the powers... of the Kyubi.” The last three words were said quickly, bringing gasps from Sasuke and Sakura. Sakura backed away from Naruto, but Sasuke never moved. The Uchiha was shocked. Such a destructive beast was contained in such a small, human, body. Tentatively he placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder.
 
"Dobe, you should have told us." Sasuke said. "We would have understood, or I would have." He pulled Naruto into him. "I always knew that you were special, even though the adults disregarded you, I always could feel that you would prove them wrong somehow." Naruto smiled as he felt Sasuke's arms encircle him. "You have made me want to hold you closer to me than ever before, to protect you more than before too." Sasuke looked over at Sakura. "This hasn't changed Naruto, Sakura." He said before turning his attention back to the kitsune host in his arms. "No wonder you can use such difficult skills like Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. The Kyubi has given you more chakra than you know what to do with." Sasuke laid his head on Naruto's as he allowed his thoughts to collect. 'This explains why everyone seemed to hate him.' Sasuke thought. 'Although I never heard any of my family complain about Naruto, and I am sure that if they did, that I would have been told to stay away from him.'
 
Sakura blinked a few times. She had calmed down after the revelation had set in. She had often wondered why the adults of the village ignored Naruto, and now she knew, although she couldn't understand why. Yes the Kyubi was inside the boy, however Naruto never killed anyone, and it wasn't his fault that the Kyubi did. "Naruto, I will stand beside you no matter what." She said. "You have been nothing but kind to me. If anybody says anything against you, I'll give them what for." Naruto smiled at Sakura. 'I refuse to let the feelings of the my parents influence my judgement anymore!'
 
"The Fourth Hokage chose Naruto for a reason." Kakashi said as he looked at the two boys. "Many people forgot that reason, although a few never. The Third Hokage and myself among the few that remembers." Everyone looked at Kakashi. Iruka had never heard of any reason why Naruto had been chosen. "The Fourth Hokage chose Naruto because Naruto was his own child. He refused to take and mess up the life of a child from another family." Naruto's eyes opened wide. He was the child of the Fourth Hokage? "People just don't like remembering the Hokage's sacrifice for the village was more than just his life." Again the room was stunned into silence as Kakashi revealed another shocking discovery. Even Iruka was stunned.
 
'My Naruto, the son of the Fourth?' Iruka thought as he saw Sasuke hold him tighter if possible. 'They do look similar, now that I think about it.' He smiled. "Well that was a surprise." Iruka said, making light of the situation. "The son of the Fourth Hokage is a troublemaker." His joking statement made the others laugh. "Now you know where you are from, don't let it go to your head. You are still a Genin, and will be until you pass the Chuunin examination." Naruto nodded, knowing that Iruka was correct. However it gave him a warm feeling, knowing that he was the Fourth Hokage's child, that he finally knew who his true father was and why he had never seen him.
 
"Can we finish the game?" Hiei asked. "I would like to go to bed sometime this night. We all have early starts tomorrow." At that point in time Hiei's tolerance for company was running pretty low, and he was getting crabby.
 
"Two more turns suit you, Hiei?" Kurama asked, smiling when Hiei nodded. He then turned the bottle, landing on Sasuke. "Well, Sasuke-kun, truth or dare?" Kurama asked, his emerald eyes glittering in the light. He grinned when Sasuke decided that he wanted truth. "Okay... what is your personal opinion of everyone in this room." He said, interested in the Uchiha's opinion. Sasuke gulped, blushing bright red.
 
"Everyone?" He squeaked, seeing Kurama's nod, he sighed. "Well... I hold great respect for Iruka and Kakashi, even more so since they adopted Naruto and myself. They never had to, it was their choice, and I am happy that they chose to do so." Both Jounins felt embarrassed.
 
"At first I thought of Sakura as an annoying pest. She didn't understand, or try to understand, Naruto. She didn't understand that being alone is the worst punishment that you could give anyone. She believed that being scolded by parents was worse. Happily that view has changed. Sakura is now a valuable friend, that has learned some of her mistakes and has grown because that. I wouldn't trade her for the world." Sasuke could see the happiness in her eyes.
 
"Hiei may not be born an Uchiha, but he has all the points of being one, be it because of a different ability or not. He is stronger than what you first expect him to be. Some of his abilities astound me, not speaking of others. Had he been born into my family, I believe that he could have surpassed even Itachi." His gaze moved between Kurama and Yusuke. "I haven't been around you and Yusuke that long to truly make an opinion over you both, however I am sure that you are very capable fighters, and are good friends to have." He tightened the grip on Naruto's hand.
 
"I've left the best until the last." Sasuke said as he faced Naruto. "I used to think that he was idiotic, crazy and everything related." Sasuke said. "However, idiotic though he was, Naruto gained my respect and admiration. He has proved that we can all trust him. He may not use his brain much, but his stamina and chakra reserves more than make up for that." He smiled. "As long as there is someone there who can encourage him to new heights then Naruto can only get better." Naruto blushed. "That is why I love him." Then Sasuke spun the bottle and it landed on Sakura. "Truth or dare, Sakura-chan?" Sakura thought a moment before asking for a dare. Sasuke grinned. Here was his chance to get his own back on Kurama. "Sakura, I dare you to kiss Kurama, a full kiss, tongues included." Sakura beamed while Kurama started backing away.
 
"It's a dare, Shuichi-kun." She said sweetly. "I cannot back out of it, can I?" Kurama made a run for it, Sakura closely following him shouting for him to stop and to submit to her feminine wiles. Sasuke grinned.
 
"May they have many pink haired, green eyed babies.” Sasuke said, making everyone laugh. "Now, as Hiei mentioned earlier, we all have an early start, and since we don't know what we are up against tomorrow morning, it is advisable that we get to bed early." The others couldn't disagree with Sasuke's observation. "Thank you, please have a safe journey home."
 
 
The group met up the next day and walked to the specified Academy room, where the exam would be held that day. The six were chatting excitedly about the exams when Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Hinata and Shino approached them. "Looks like we're all ready to take part in this exam." Ino said. "Hello, Shuichi-kun!" She exclaimed, standing beside him. How are you? It has been a while since I saw you last." Before Kurama could answer the door opened and they were all summoned inside.
 
"Take a tab and sit at the corresponding seat." The man said, the group doing so. "Very good. I am Morino Ibiki, your first proctor for the Chuunin examinations. The rules of the exam are simple; each participant starts with a total of 10 points, and each question of the test is worth 1 point. Using a subtraction system, every time a question is answered incorrectly, they will lose 1 point. So, to keep your score of 10, you must answer all questions correctly; if you get all of your questions wrong, your total score will be 0. However, the test is a team event. So, when the test is finished, all the team members' scores will be added together and combined." He looked around the room " Moreover, every time a person is caught cheating by the testing officers, they lose 2 points from their total. If you're caught cheating 5 times, you will be failed along with your team; you and your team will also be expelled from the test if you fail to answer any questions correctly." While he spoke, he scribbled the rules down on the blackboard, as a Chuunin that had entered the room with him placed a sheet of paper, face down on each desk. Once he had finished, Ibiki looked at the time, as it just turned 10am. "Your hour starts now." Everyone turned over their papers and started reading the questions.
 
Kurama read over the questions. 'Well these are tricky.' He thought as he waggled his pen back and forth as he tried working out the answers. "They're tricky but not impossible. However I doubt Hiei and Yusuke will get through without my help. Thank goodness that I have some good experience with these types of problems.' As each answer was worked out and penned into the space provided, Kurama used a plant to crawl along the ground and wrap around Hiei's leg to get the apparition's attention.
 
'So you have the answers already, fox?' Hiei asked, pretending to yawn. 'Go slowly, I do have to write them down.' One by one the apparition copied the answers with care, until they were all filled in. 'Now all I have to do is give them to the Detective.' He said to himself before focusing on Yusuke. 'Detective, want the answers?' Hiei smirked when he saw Yusuke sit upright.
 
'Hiei, what do you think that you're doing?' Yusuke shouted to the apparition through his mind. 'If we get caught cheating then...'
 
'Shut up and let me talk.' Hiei growled. 'The idea is that you HAVE to cheat. You just don't get caught cheating. Now start listening and writing. You have five minutes before the final question is revealed.' Yusuke sighed as he wrote down what the apparition said for each answer.
 
 
Naruto was frustrated. Not a single question made sense to him. He knew that he would have to wait for the final question to be asked to see if he could answer it and get through. All the time, Sakura and Sasuke had been getting their answers down on the paper, Sakura having worked them out, while Sasuke used his Sharingan to copy the movements of the person in front of him. Both of them were worried about Naruto and got even more so as the time was quickly coming to close to the 45 minute deadline for the paper to be finished.
 
 "I hope you are finished because it is time for question 10."Ibiki said to the Genins in front of him. However before I ask it, I want you to know that if you decide to take it and fail to answer it correctly then you will be Genins forever, without another chance to become Chuunin. Also if you choose not to take the exam you and your team will be disqualified." He said as he looked over the group. "Each of you has to make your mind up about whether you will take the last question or whether you would rather wait another six months."
 
Group by group, many left the room, unable to fathom the choice that they would have to make. The choice that could, potentially, ruin their lives. All the Genins had to take a step back and think, but none more than Naruto. He knew that if he wanted his team to go through then he would have to go for the tenth question, however if he did go for it and failed in the process then he would never become a Chuunin. Sakura looked at the orange clad form, knowing that even if she and Sasuke got all their answers correct, if Naruto got none of his right, then they would fail. `Naruto please put your hand up.' Sakura thought. 'Six months and we could take the test again.' As though Naruto heard her thoughts, he hesitantly raised his hand, before changing his mind and slammed it against the desk.
 
"I swore that I wouldn't back down from a challenge." Naruto said. "This is my way of the Ninja." Morino Ibiki looked at the rest of the room. Nobody else had moved a muscle since Naruto's outburst. 'Well it looks like we may as well call it a day.' Ibiki thought as the remainder stayed as though they were stuck to their seats. He looked at the clock and saw the hour end. "Everyone in the room passes the first test." He said, to everybody's amazement. "Well done tomorrow will be your nest test with..." A loud crash from the window brought everyone's attention to what caused it, and saw a young woman standing up.
 
"Your next test will be with yours truly!" She announced. "I am Mitarashi Anko, and you shall meet me tomorrow at Practice Area Number 44. Be prepared for five days survival." With that she disappeared.
 
The Genins filed out of the room, sticking mostly in their teams until they met up with their Jounin instructors outside. Yusuke and Sasuke looked over the Genins from the other Hidden Villages. The ones that stood out the most was the Sunagakure Genin trio, most specifically the shortest one. All three looked dangerous, but the red-haired one looked even more so. The look that he gave Yusuke in return sent shivers up the Toushin's back. Never since Sensui had he felt that way. The look spelled death to the half demon. However he broke the eye contact in favour of talking with his friends. "I'm glad that you all made it through." Iruka said happily. "I heard that you have Mitarashi Anko as your proctor tomorrow."
 
"Yeah." Naruto said. "She wants us to meet her at Practice Area 44 at noon tomorrow." That brought out a gasp from Iruka. "What's the matter, Iruka?" Naruto asked, seeing Iruka's reaction. "Please tell us."
 
"Area 44 is also known as the 'Forest of Death'." Iruka said. "Promise me that you six will take care of yourselves. It is very dangerous to be in there. I don't understand why she chose that place, but I am sure that you will be expected to fight for some reason. For what its worth, complete whatever she asks you to accomplish as soon as you can." The six promised that they would do as the Jounin said. "Thank you."
 
Kakashi just watched the six Genins and Iruka. The more he watched them together, the more like a family they looked. Even Sakura, who had a real family of her own, felt like his daughter. Why shouldn't she? They had been together for well over a year. "Just come back to us alive, okay? You know that your Mother will worry until you do." The glare that Iruka shot at him made the others howl in laughter.
 
 
None of the teams got a decent night's sleep, they were all either too excited or worried, about the test that lay ahead of them. In fact most of them were at the Training area well before they needed to be, Kakashi and Iruka's teams were no different. To many it seemed that they had all been sleeping in the same place, but they had in actual fact, met up at Sasuke's when they all realised that they were getting no sleep. The group had devised a game play that would work for them. Team Kakashi and Team Iruka had decided to combine their numbers into a larger team to make sure that they all got through.
 
 
As the time for the examination to begin drew near, the remaining teams all arrived, ready for the beginning of the exams. Dead on noon, Anko arrived. "It is nice to see you all here." She said gaining everyone's attention. Although before we continue, everyone had to sign one of these forms, saying that Konoha is in no way responsible for any of your deaths that could happen." The forms were passed around. "If one of your team doesn't sign their form then you cannot proceed to your appointed gate for departure." She smiled at the group. "Now, this test I can guarantee that I can cut your numbers by at least 50%." She pulled out two scrolls. "Each team will get either a Heaven Scroll or an Earth Scroll. The aim of this test is to get to the tower at the centre of the training area with both the Heaven and the Earth Scroll. Failure to do so will result in your team being disqualified from the exams." She could hear the mumbling from the Genins, This was what she liked. She noticed some more teams leaving and smiled. 'Weak fools.' she thought.
 
 
After leaving the groups some more time to decide what they wanted to do, Anko interrupted their thoughts. "Okay, all those that have signed their application forms, please take them to the registration desk." Kakashi's team was given a Heaven Scroll and sent to Gate 12, while Iruka's team were given an Earth Scroll and sent to Gate 13. When 2.30 came, the gates opened, allowing all the teams to set out. No sooner were the Kakashi and Iruka's teams inside the area, than they began to seek each other out to do the first part of their plan. To work together to gain the two other scrolls.
 
"Well this looks like it could get interesting." Kurama said as they met up. "I don't suggest we try to be the quickest, although being last is worst of all." Kurama said. "We both have different scrolls, meaning at the very least one of us will go though, and however that isn't optional. We need to get our hands on the other scrolls, because I doubt that either of us would willingly give up the chance of advancing to Chuunins." He looked specifically at Naruto. "We need to track down who has a Heaven Scroll and who has an Earth Scroll." With that he sent out a command amongst the plants to find their nearest targets. "Our nearest opposition is a group of Hidden Rain Ninjas, however they also have a Hidden Sand team after them. I suggest that we focus on one of the other teams; there is another Konohagure just ahead of the Hidden Rain ninjas. We could get a Heaven Scroll from them." He searched further a field. "There is another Konohagure team ahead who has an Earth Scroll." He pointed into the directions of the two Konoha ninja teams. "We could split up and attack them before meeting up again. Either way we have to go now." The two teams nodded and decided to split up. "We will find you once we have our Scroll." Kurama said. "Take care." With that the two teams went their separate ways.
 
 
It didn't take long for Kurama and his team to catch up with their targets, not before they saw that they had both scrolls having defeated another team. "Well, well." Kurama said quietly. "It looks like we can defeat these guys and then take both their scrolls and help the others out even more." The other ninjas seemed to be wary as they watched. "We may as well attack them." Kurama said. "We won't get them any more off guard than this now." Yusuke and Hiei nodded as they moved from Kurama, making a triangle around their targets, waiting for Kurama to start the attack. They swooped in once the grass had pinned them to the spot, Hiei aiming for the Scrolls while Yusuke covered him.
 
 
The fight was over quickly, Yusuke and the others were victorious. “We have a problem.” Kurama said. “Sasuke's group has gone further than I expected. There are a number of ninja groups in their area. We need to get to them before any of the other groups do.” The three picked up the pace as fast as possible, needing to cover as much distance as they could.
 
Suddenly a feeling of dread took over them. “Kurama, we need to hurry faster.” Hiei said, before Kurama took out the three scrolls that he was carrying and threw them at Hiei. He then removed his backpack and gave it to Yusuke. “What are you going to do?” Hiei asked as he stowed the scrolls inside his cloak. “Tell us, fox.” Kurama smiled.
 
“Catch up when you can, but stick together. If they are in trouble, I am the most suitable person to go on ahead.” Kurama said in the way of an explanation, as he allowed some more of Youko Kurama free. “I will make sure that they are safe.” With that the kitsune disappeared, his speed augmented by his own natural ability. `Please be safe.' Kurama thought as he sped through the trees. `Maybe I should have had Yusuke or Hiei stay with them, or at least have traded them with another member of Sasuke's group. They would have had more protection then.'
 
 
He arrived at the site, seeing Sasuke facing off against a Hidden Grass ninja. Naruto was already crippled by pain, and was writing on the ground, holding his stomach. Kurama could feel the Kyubi's frustration, however he had more pressing matters to attend to. “Sasuke let me handle this!” Kurama shouted before leaping between Sasuke and the other ninja. He could see that Sasuke had his Sharingan Eyes out. “Take care of Naruto.”
 
“Be careful.” Sasuke said. “He is very dangerous.” Both Sasuke and Sakura held Naruto between them and leaped into the trees. Kurama smiled coldly at the stranger, he didn't need Sasuke's warning to tell him that this person was dangerous. To ground Naruto, as he had done, must have taken a lot of skill. Only then did Kurama see that the skin on his opponent's face was beginning to peel off.
 
“Why don't you show me your real face?” Kurama asked. “Not to mention your name. I want to know what to write on the headstone of your grave.” He saw his opponent reach up and pull the skin away from his face, revealing a pale-skinned man with, what looked like, purple eye shadow on his eyelids, running down parallel to his nose. He also had golden eyes with slits for pupils, very much like the eyes of a snake. The look of self-assurance and calmness that the eyes held made a shiver run down Kurama's back. `Just who is he?' Kurama asked himself. `He has an aura darker than Youko's.' The stranger laughed. It seemed hollow and devoid of all emotions.
 
“I am called Orochimaru.” He said, locking gazes with the kitsune. “I do not remember you from Konoha, so you must have joined the village recently.” Orochimaru said, as he looked the other up and down. “Since you know who I am, I would like to know who I am addressing.” He waited patiently for Kurama to answer him. He had to admit that he was curious about the child and wanted to know why he thought that he could defeat him. “Your claim to be able to defeat me amuses me so much that I would like to know who to attribute the idea to.” Orochimaru said as he felt a lot of energy surround the boy.
 
“My name is Minamino Shuichi.” Kurama said, feeling Youko's energy infuse his body. “You don't seem to have a very high opinion of me, something that I will remedy before you die.” He allowed the energy to reach out to all the plants in the surrounding area. He preferred to overkill a powerful foe, rather than to underestimate his strength. “I won't let you pass me, Orochimaru-san.” A moment later and Kurama attacked, grass entwining around Orochimaru's legs. `Something isn't right.' Kurama thought as he called upon the sharp senses of Youko, and he could hear breathing behind him. He turned in time to avoid the attack. With disgust he saw that it was a tongue. He heard more laughter from Orochimaru. `Where is that bastard?' He thought.
 
`I never would have guessed that he could own such a rare Kekkai Genkai.' Orochimaru thought. `However I think that this could be his only, real, ability, that is unless he has something hidden up his sleeve.' It was only then that he became aware that the boy had disappeared. `He is good, but just how good is he really?' Orochimaru bared his left arm, raised his right thumb to his mouth and bit it hard enough to draw forth blood. He then ran the bleeding thumb over the strange marking on the skin. “Kuchiyose no Jutsu.” Orochimaru said as his palm came into contact with the ground, summoning a giant snake.
 
Kurama watched as Orochimaru summoned the snake, fear spiked in the pit of his belly. `Fight him!' Youko snarled. `Fight him or release me!' The colder side of Kurama's spirit broke through the fear that had enveloped him.
 
`I'll fight, Youko.' Kurama said. `We don't want too many people to know of your existence too soon.' He reached into his hair and drew forth two roses. `Time to try something new.' He changed both roses into Rose Whips. `Sasuke, Sakura, I can't buy you much more time. You better be in a safe place. If this attack fails, it could be disastrous.' Suddenly he saw a flash of blue out of the corner of his eye. It flew past Orochimaru's head.
 
“You can get up, Kurama.” Yusuke said. “The backup has arrived.” Kurama did so, glaring at Yusuke. “Hiei has gone on ahead, he told me that you needed help.” He stared at Orochimaru. “Mind filling me in? I do prefer to know things about those that I have a date with. You know, his likes and dislikes.” Kurama couldn't help but laugh, half wishing that Hiei was there to witness Yusuke's little joke.
 
“His name is Orochimaru. His pet love is snakes. He is powerful, able to cripple Naruto without much trouble.” Yusuke grinned. “Yusuke, he is on a whole new level. I doubt that even Kakashi-sensei could match him. We need to get out of here.” Yusuke stared at his friend. “Look, you can't control your power properly yet, even though you have greatly improved it. For now, we have to get to the others and make sure that they are safe.”
 
 
All the time Orochimaru was watching the pair interacting. The new arrival seemed to be more powerful than the first that had stood against him; he seemed to be more hot-blooded too. He seemed to have harnessed a power like the Rasengan, and that wasn't something that Orochimaru wanted to contend with in his present state. He needed more information before he could decide what to do with them. However one thing that he didn't miss was the look of frustration in the green eyes of the one named Minamino Shuichi. All he needed to know was what frustrated the boy so much. A moment later and the space where Orochimaru had stood was empty. “Hey, where'd he go?” Yusuke asked looking around the glade for Orochimaru.
 
“He has gone, Yusuke.” Kurama said as both whips became roses once more. “For now we need to group up with the others.” The two ran through the forest, eventually finding the group. “How is he?” Kurama asked, looking down at Naruto's still form. “It looks as though he has passed out from the pain.” Sasuke nodded solemnly. “Hiei, what can you tell us about the geography of the area?”
 
“There is a river running through the middle of the area. The tower where we are aiming for lied on that river. If we follow it then we should get there quicker.” Hiei said. “Both of our teams have both scrolls, don't they?” Sasuke looked away. “Please tell me that you didn't lose the scroll that you were given.”
 
“I thought that if I gave the scroll to Orochimaru then he would leave us alone.” Sasuke said quietly. “He didn't, instead he attacked us and crippled Naruto before destroying the scroll. Soon after that Shuichi arrived.” He felt ashamed but Kurama placed a hand on his shoulder.
 
“Don't worry, Sasuke, it will be easy enough to get another Heaven Scroll.” Kurama said. “Keep your chin up.” He picked up Naruto. “Hiei take us to the river. We will be able to stay there for a while as we will be able to gather food and rest if we could find a place that would give us shelter.” The group followed the apparition through the trees.
 
 
It took very little time for the group to find the river and to get to a suitable overhang. “Sasuke, hold your boyfriend for a while.” Kurama said placing the unconscious boy into the Uchiha's arms. He reached into his hair and brought out a handful of seeds and scattered them on the ground. He proceeded to use his energy to make them grow into a thick layer of plants, on which Sasuke lay Naruto.
 
“Shuichi, I have heard Yusuke and Hiei both refer to you as Kurama, why is that?” Sasuke asked as he sat beside Naruto stroking his hair. “How were you able to help Naruto gain control over the Kyubi within him?” The thoughts had been plaguing the Uchiha for a while, but only then did he have the courage to ask the imposing teen the question.
 
`So he finally asked me. It took him long enough.' Kurama thought to himself as he saw how nervous the Uchiha was. “I was able to help him because I am like him.” Kurama said. “The only difference between Naruto and myself is that Youko Kurama was forced to merge with me to save his own life. He isn't sealed within me; he just cannot leave me, as he is as bound to this body as I am. Basically we are two conflicting personalities in one body. Most of my strength and ability is in actual fact his. We have two totally different forms, and you can tell which one of us is the dominant personality by looking at our eyes. Youko's eyes are an icy gold in colour while mine are emerald green. We can change forms between the others at will.” With a flicker, the taller, leaner form of Youko Kurama, complete with ears and tail, replaced Shuichi's body. “This is my other half's natural form.” Kurama said, his voice sounding much different, gruffer, than before. A moment later and Shuichi's body was back. “This goes no further than here.” The knowledge that they had just learned stunned Sasuke and Sakura into silence, “If I find out that any one else knows I know whom to hunt down.”
 
“We should take turns to sit and watch in pairs.” Hiei said as though the previous discussion hadn't happened. “One searching for Heaven Scrolls and the other watching over the party.” He looked at each member of the group. “To prove who we are I suggest that we use something that only we as a group knows… how about the truth and dare game that we played with Kakashi and Iruka the other night?” The group nodded as they decided who was going to take first watch.
 
 
Two days later and the group were still in the same place. Naruto had just regained consciousness the previous night, and the group were eating steamed fish that Hiei had prepared. “We have today and tomorrow to get a Heaven Scroll.” Sasuke said. “Most teams will have passed the test by now. Where are we going to get a scroll so late on in the test?” He had already refused to think of Naruto's motion of opening the Heaven Scroll that Yusuke's team had got.
 
“I know where you can get one.” A strange voice said, drawing everyone's attention to him. “By now most teams will be at the tower, whether they have both scrolls or not. They would be lying in wait for the last few teams.” The stranger explained. Kurama looked over the stranger. He was older than any of the group was; he seemed to be in his late teens or early twenties. He had shoulder length, silver hair, which was tied back at the nape of his neck. The stranger nervously pushed his glasses up on his nose. “My name is Kabuto by the way. I'm a Konohagure Genin like you all are.”
 
“What are you hoping to gain from helping us?” Kurama asked, his green eyes staring into black ones. “We are unsure of what your intentions are… Kabuto.” Kurama could see just how shifty the new Genin was. “Tell us what you're really after.” The Kitsune sounded bored.
 
“I only want to make sure that as many Konohagure teams pass as possible.” Kabuto answered, however it was clear that Kurama didn't trust him. “I swear that's everything, you have no need to glare at me like that.” He saw the shorter boy tug his questioner's arm and whisper something in his ear, bringing a smile to the other's face.
 
“Give us your Heaven Scroll and we will let you live here alive. Refuse us and you'll gain personal experience why we are going to get through every test thrown at us.” Kurama said as he cracked his knuckles, seeing Hiei reaching for his sword.
 
“Please, I swear that I will help you get a Heaven Scroll.” Kabuto said, panicking at the prospect of fighting them, possibly having to reveal his true strength. “My team mates would kill me if I gave their scroll away. They are waiting for me at the tower. I just would prefer you six to arrive with me.” He prayed that they would stand down, something that Kurama did first, the others following behind him. “Please follow me. I am sure that we will find a team or two in the district of the tower.”
 
 
It took the seven Genins a few hours to get to the tower area where Kabuto said that they would have the best chance of getting a Heaven Scroll. However, unbeknownst to Kabuto, Kurama had pick-pocketed his own Heaven Scroll as they walked. Only Hiei had noticed the action, the fox still had his thieving tendency. Kurama had replaced the scroll with a piece of wood roughly the same length and weight as the scroll. He needed to make sure that the two teams got into the next round, and that was the easiest way.
 
It was a moment later that the kitsune suspected that they were going round in a circle, and to confirm his suspicions, he planted a lantern plant in the soil, and sure enough they passed the plant again half an hour later. “Kabuto, why are you leading us around in a circle?” Kurama asked, suspecting that the other Genin knew what was happening. The shocked look told him otherwise.
 
“How could I be so stupid?” Kabuto exclaimed. “This is obviously Genjutsu. Who ever is behind this is hoping that we become exhausted and become easy targets.” He looked around the glade. “Where are you? We haven't got all day, so show yourselves before we get nasty.” Then from the ground forty ninjas appeared. Kurama could see Yusuke and Naruto grinning at each other.
 
`Oh no, not again!' Kurama thought. `I know exactly what that pair is planning!' Yusuke looked at Kurama's face and his grin widened. “Get it over with then.” Kurama cried, embarrassed that two of his friends were going to do something so… idiotic.
 
“You heard the man, Naruto.” Yusuke said, seeing Naruto prepare for the attack. “He told us to `get on with it then' and who are we to refuse that invite?”
 
“Harem no Jutsu!” The two shouted and eighty, naked, ladies threw themselves at the clones. Hiei's left eye twitched, a habit picked up after being around an angry Iruka, as he watched Yusuke's antics. However the Harem technique worked its magic on the optic nerves of the users of the other clones and the three were blasted out of the ground by great fountains of blood.
 
“Works every time!” Naruto exclaimed as Hiei checked the unconscious figures, savagely kicking each body in his search for the Heaven Scroll. Finally finding it, he glared at Yusuke, who gulped. He knew that he was in trouble, and he would pay for it later, although the anticipation of what Hiei would do, as a punishment seemed more important.
 
“Now that you all have both scrolls we can go to the tower and end this.” He said. “I'm sure that Kakashi-sensei and Iruka-sensei would be pleased to know that you all passed.” He led the way to the tower, leaving the teams at their entrances. “I'll see you guys later.” Kabuto said before searching for his own team.
 
Hiei turned out his secret pockets and gave two scrolls to Sasuke. Only then did Kurama remember that he still had Kabuto's Heaven Scroll, however it was too late to return it to its rightful owner. “Oh dear.” Kurama said. “I think that Kabuto isn't going to be happy with me. I have his Heaven Scroll here.” Shrugging, the teams entered their respective doors. Following the instructions on the wall, the teams both opened their scrolls, summoning their Jounin instructors.
 
Yusuke looked Iruka from top to toe. Water was still dripping from the Jounin's hair, which Iruka was quickly trying to dry with a towel. Obviously Iruka had just left the shower or bath to be like that. In the next room, Kakashi was in a similar predicament, although his hair had been given enough time to dry. He had thought that they had plenty of time to take a quick shower after he had spent the day training with Iruka. He had even offered to share his shower with Iruka, who declined his idea for some strange reason that Kakashi couldn't fathom… was it possible that the other Jounin had thought that Kakashi wanted something more than a shower? No it couldn't be, although Kakashi was quite adventurous, he would much rather do something like that in the bath.
 
“Well done!” The Jounins said at the same time. “You pass the test!”
 
 
“What did you do with our Heaven Scroll?” Akado Yoroi shouted in Kabuto's ear. “We needed that!” Kabuto's eyes narrowed. “I don't see why you are his favourite!” The team all knew to whom Yoroi referred. “He has many others that would be of better use to him.”
 
“Maybe you should take that up with Orochimaru-sama.” Kabuto said. “I am sure that he would love to give you many examples where I am useful.” He smiled. “Be sure to tell me what he says.” His team members backed away. `I am sure that Orochimaru-sama would never tell them exactly what I am good for. He would rather kill them for asking such a question.' He thought. “If that is everything, we need to go and report to Orochimaru-sama.” He looked at the six cards he held in his hand. “I am sure that he would be very interested in the information that I have gathered.”
 
 
The Hokage summoned all the Genin that passed the second exam. “I can see that we have twenty-one entrants for the third exam. That is still too many, so we shall have a preliminary test to cut the numbers down. These shall start immediately, so those unfit or unwilling to go into immediate combat, please leave.” Akamichi Choji left the room clutching his stomach. “Okay, Gekkou Hayate shall explain the rules to you.”
 
“The only rule is to win.” The Jounin said coughing. “You can make your opponents give up, knock them unconscious or kill them. Any weapon is legal.” He coughed again. “The winners of each battle shall face off a month later in front of the lords and ladies of the land. From those battles, the ones best suited to become Chuunin will be promoted.” Hayate coughed again. “If you are all still willing to continue, please follow me to the arena.” All the candidates followed Hayate to the arena. “Anko-san, please reveal the board.” He said. “The names of the combatants shall be chosen randomly. The first shall be…” Names started flashing on the board, stopping at the moment that Hayate coughed. “Uchiha Sasuke versus Minamino Shuichi.”
 
 
~~~
Author's Note: The Chuunin exams are just too vast to do in one chapter, so there is at least one more to come.
 
A HUGE thank you to all those that takes the time to review my fic, I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it.