Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto Dragon Champion ❯ The Chuunin Exams first test ( Chapter 6 )

Naruto - The Twin Swords

 

Disclaimer: I am merely a simple guy with too much free time on his hands, as such, I don't own anything the least bit related to Naruto.

 

Chapter 5

 

The Chuunin Exam's first test

 

( ): Thoughts

 

((“ ”)): Holy Talon's voice

 

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`In the times of ignorance, darkness clouded our vision, but a little wisdom gained, understood, and retained, can light even the darkest night and allowed us to see beyond the darkness. Treasure knowledge and wisdom, for they can be as strong as the strongest armor and weapon. And knowledge can be greater than any spell or army when used at the right place, the right time, and for the right occasion.'

 

From the memoirs of a sage of Dagren

 

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Naruto looked towards the new arrivals and sighed as he could tell that now was not the time for him to get violent as he quickly sheathed Holy Talon in the sheath behind him. Just as Ibiki was done speaking with the rest of the classes, he then pointed a finger to the Sound Genin, and he was not in the best of moods as he spoke.

 

“You Genin from the Village from the Hidden Sound! What makes you think that you can just start fighting before the start of the Exams? You want to be failed out from the Exams before it's even started?”

 

Dosu spoke in his usual arrogant tone.

 

“Sorry, we're new here so we're kind of jumpy, sir.”

 

Ibiki gave a snort and a slight glare and then directed his attention to the rest of the Genin teams, including Naruto.

 

“I'll only say this once so you all had better pay attention. There will be no combat between candidates, no attacking without the permission of you're proctor, and even if that happens, use of fatal force is forbidden! If you do break those rules while I'm here and you try to piss me off, not only will I physically throw you out of the Chuunin Exams, but I'll bar you and your team from ever being in it and taking the rank of Chuunin…do I make myself clear?!”

 

The other Genin got the message and all of them were ready, while one of the Sound Genin, Zaku replied smugly.

 

“No fatal force…that's no fun.”

 

The rest of the Chuunin smirked and chuckled lightly as they

 

Naruto however didn't seem to notice as he waited for what sort of Exam was this first part of the Chuunin Exams were supposed to be. Ibiki was the one who started the whole thing as he spoke once more with full authority in his voice.

 

“Now that we've got that over and done with, it's time for the first stage of the Chuunin Exams to officially begin, submit you're paper-work and you will each be then given a number, the number then determines where you will be seating. Once you're seated, we will begin the written test portion of the Chuunin Exams.”

 

That got Naruto's attention right off the bat.

 

“The what? Did he just say what I think he said?”

 

One of the Chuunin confirmed Naruto's worst fears as he was handling a large bundle of test papers, and the looks Naruto had on his face got the attention of both Sakura and Kabuto was Naruto looked like he was about to be stunned out of his mind.

 

Naruto slapped his forehead and groaned.

 

“Written Exams…I should have known that this was going to be part of the Chuunin exams. This is going to be trouble…for me anyway.”

 

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Later…

 

The Chuunin all took seats around the walls of the room as the Genin were right in the middle. The Genin were naturally broken apart so there was no chance that they would be as a team when they took the test, and Naruto knew that for a fact as he sat then and looked at the Exam papers. The blonde ninja was not in the best of states as he looked at the exam papers.

 

(This is just great…I don't know where Sasuke, and Sakura-chan are sitting right now, this is not good, I'm all alone right now.)

 

In the back of Naruto at least a few rows back, Sakura watched her team-mate, and truth be told…she was getting a bit worried. She normally would have snickered or laughed at Naruto since she knew for a fact that written exams were not his strong point, but not today, she was concerned on what might happen for her blonde team-mate.

 

(This is not good, Naruto didn't do very well in any written exams back in the Academy…well, I just hope that the Exams aren't too hard.)

 

Naruto placed his hands on the sides of his head and mused on what he should do right now, but it was then that he heard someone calling his name right next to him.

 

“Ummm…Naruto-kun?”

 

He turned and to his surprise, he found himself looking at none other than Hinata Hyuga, who was currently blushing bright red as she sat next to him, while he still had Holy Talon next to him. The Hyuga girl couldn't help but be thankful for her luck at sitting close to her crush…who had gone from cute in her eyes, to outright devastatingly handsome. Naruto recognized her quickly and smiled in greeting.

 

“Hi Hinata…wow, I didn't know you were seating here. Is something wrong?”

 

(Wow, she's good, I wasn't aware that she was right next to me.)

 

((“It's because you were worried about the written exams that you failed to notice her presence Master Naruto…she did acquire the next number that you did when she submitted her paper-work.”))

 

(Maybe you're right…but she's good at avoiding my senses, I guess she's really worked hard on that since I last saw her.)

 

Hinata shock her head and smiled at her crush…while willing herself not to faint as she could see how much Naruto had changed, he was taller than her now and he seemed to be so…masculine. She reluctantly pushed those thoughts aside and spoke.

 

“N…No, I'm fine Naruto-kun…I…I wanted to say, good luck and everything.”

 

Naruto smiled right back at her and replied.

 

“Good luck to you too Hinata.”

 

(From the looks of things, I'm certainly going to need it.)

 

Ibiki then took out a piece of chalk and tapped the board with a slightly quick pace, grabbing the attention of everyone in the room.

 

“All right everyone, eyes front, before we being the exam, I want to make it clear to all of you that there are a few rules you all will need to hear…and no, I will not entertain any questions so shut it and listen up good the first time around.”

 

Sakura and the other Genin were stunned by that and she was the first to think it over.

 

(No questions answered? What sort of rules does he have in mind?)

 

Ibiki then began to write on the board and as he did so, he also spoke out just what they had to get themselves ready for the moment he gave the order for the exams to finally take place.

 

“All right, rule number one is that this written exam is graded in a point reduction system, however, unlike what you're all used to, you all start with a perfect score of ten points, for every answer you get wrong you will lose one point, so if you fail to provide the correct answer to three question you're total score will be seven.”

 

(So if I get all of it wrong, I don't get squat…that's a real mess.)

 

Naruto thought as he listened to what the proctor was telling them. However the next rule he was going to give out was really going to grab Naruto, and just about everyone else right in the guts and yank them the hard way.

 

“Rule number two…teams will either pass…or fail through the total scores of all team members so that means all of you have to give high marks in order to pass the exam.”

 

That got the reaction of shock and anxiety from just about everyone in the room full of Genin as they all gasped in shock and realization on just what sort of a situation they had just been able to find themselves in, The team of Shikamaru, Chouji, and Ino were tense, the Sand Siblings, Gaara, Temari, and Kankurou kept their cool, Shino, Kiba, and Hinata were silent the whole time, while the Sound Genin Kin, Dosu, and Zaku were also calm as well. Sakura however was far from cool as she hit her head on the table and on her test paper and when she looked back up, she was livid with shock, unmindful of the bruise on her forehead.

 

“What the heck?! Are you saying we all get scored as a team?!”

 

“Silence!!! I have my reasons for the rules, so shut up and listen!”

 

(Reasons?)

 

“Now then…rule number three…the Chuunin sentinels you see that are around the room are there to watch you for any signs of cheating. And if they catch someone cheating, they deduct two points from the culprit's score.”

 

“What?!”

 

“Huh?!”

 

Ibiki was enjoying this as he spoke once more to the Genin who he could see were already feeling the pressure.

 

“Be warned, their eyes are very sharp, once they catch you, you'll regret it… and on the off chance you get caught five times…then you're history and you will be dismissed from the Chuunin Exams before the scores are even tallied and recorded.”

 

The Genin were really feeling the pressure and Sakura was not happy as she began to understand the situation they were in and how hopeless it sounded to her.

 

(Sheesh, the tests and rules are so hard, and there's so many ways to lose points here, how in the heck are we suppose to pass this test with that many rules?)

 

“Anyone foolish enough to be caught by the sentinels does not deserve to be a ninja, if you truly want to be Chuunin, then you will have to show us just what kind of exceptional ninja you can be and what you all really are.”

 

“I've got my eyes on you all, so be ready.” One of the Chuunin replied as he looked at the Genin daringly…making them gulp and be even more stressed out.

 

Sakura then placed her mind to work as she tried to figure out a solution.

 

(Okay, okay, calm down Sakura and relax….I know I'll do all right, and so will Sasuke-kun…but I'm more worried about Naruto-kun, wait, if me and Sasuke-kun do well enough we might survive this…even if Naruto gets a zero in the scores.”

 

“Oh yes, there is one more thing I need to mention to all of you…if any candidate gets a zero…then the entire team he or she belongs to…fails instantly.”

 

Ibiki said with a slight grin and a very dark and serious expression.

 

Sasuke was shocked by that announcement and Sakura was livid, while Naruto felt their glares directed right at him and the only thing he could do was once more shake his head and slap his forehead with his hand.

 

(Great…that's really adding the last nail on my coffin with a bang.)

 

((“He's a strict one all right.”))

 

“Naruto-kun?”

 

Hinata asked, and she was very worried for Naruto as she knew that while she was good in academics as well, though not in the same caliber as Sakura, she was still very good at what she did when it involved academics, but Naruto was another matter and she was worried that he might not do well…she wanted to do something to help her long time crush….but what could her option be?

 

“The final question won't be given until fifteen minutes before the end of the testing period. Therefore you have only one hour to finish the full number of questions in you're exam paper.”

 

And at exactly 3:30, Ibiki gave the go ahead for the exams to begin.

 

“Begin!”

 

The Genin wasted no time and began to make their moves on the Exam, Sakura too a deep breath to calm her nerves and thought it over.

 

(Ok, calm down Sakura…you can do this, this is where you can really show you're stuff…please Naruto-kun, just get one of the questions right.)

 

Sasuke shook his head mentally and gazed right at his blonde team-mate, and while he didn't want to show it, he was also worried about how Naruto was going to get out of this one.

 

(This is not good…all he's going is just sitting there, he might choke for real this time…I just hope that sword he's got, Holy Talon can get him out of the mess he's in or we're done for.)

 

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Sakura and Sasuke however didn't have to worry too much, as Holy Talon was not just a living weapon or a massive container of Dragon magic and essences. It was created with the knowledge of the Holy Dragons and their leader Faldren…who had lived for over 25,000 years and had taught countless Dragon Champions, and since it was under Naruto's command it was more than ready to aid it's wielder.

 

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((“Master Naruto…please let me see the questions.”))

 

(Why, what do you plan to do?)

 

((“I intend to help you with this problem you have, all you have to do is to allow me to see the questions and decipher them for you and I will provide you with the needed answers to the questions.”))

 

(Can you do that?)

 

((“Of course Master Naruto, all you need to do is to run you're right hand which has the Dragon Champion tattoo on it slowly, I will then read the questions slowly through you're hand using magic and decipher them, once I'm done, I will relay the answers to you.”))

 

(But what if we get caught?)

 

((“You need not worry Master Naruto…as you might have guessed, no one but you can hear my voice due to you being my wielder, thus there is no way they can hear me giving you the answers. And I have gained quite a lot of knowledge over the many centuries of my existence, I am not just limited to combat techniques, sword styles, hand to hand moves, spells, and warfare, I carry knowledge on art, philosophy, literature, science, engineering, mathematics, geology, geography, magical incantations, medicine, tactics, social graces, economics, strategy, politics…and more. And since I resemble a sword, no one here would suspect that I am a living sword despite my unusual appearance. In this case…YOU have the advantage over all of them, with the exception of Sakura and Sasuke, as you're pink haired team-mate has the highest intelligence in you're team, and Sasuke can find his own way to answer the questions before him….namely with the Sharingan you mentioned that he has at his disposal”))

 

Naruto smiled at that and realized what that meant to him. The Holy Talon could translate the questions to it's own language and then tell him the answers to his questions, and the beauty of it was…he was not cheating officially. He was cheating in a way…but his way of cheating was totally unique since he was NOT cheating in the normal fashion that most ninja were known to do. No one could hear Holy Talon's voice but him and no one else knew that the sword was a living being, except himself and the Hokage, and that meant that none of the Chuunin sentinels would be able to see him cheat and better yet…be unable to hear the words the Holy Talon would say to him…it was o…brilliant he almost wanted to scream out for joy and brag about his advantage, but he knew better and kept his trap shut.

 

(Man…I'm really happy you're on my side Holy Talon.)

 

((“You need not thank me Master Naruto, it is my duty to serve you as my wielder and master.”))

 

(Well, thanks anyway, how long will it take for you to come up with the answers?)

 

((“At least half an hour maximum since I will need to translate the questions to my language and then I will speak the answers to you in yours, once you are done with what the procedure requires, you can relax and take it easy for now.”))

 

Naruto smiled warmly and then ran his right hand over the question paper and he watched as the tattoo glowed very faintly and he felt a slight rush of energy in his arm. As soon as he was done, Holy Talon told him that he can relax for the time being, but it then suggested that he act worried to further shield himself from any prying eyes.

 

Naruto did so and sure enough, he was able to act in such a way that almost no one suspected that he had an ally already giving him the answers he needed. He then looked about and decided to observe the happenings about him, while retaining the image of struggling his ass off and panicking under pressure.

 

Sasuke was dealing one problem that involved a precise analysis of how several key factors could affect a shuriken when thrown at a target in a tree…along with other factors, the Uchiha survivor had to admit that this was one exam that was really going to test his brain cells. Sakura on the other hand proved her intelligence as she scanned the problems carefully and managed to figure them out.

 

(These are all integrated problems based on uncertainty and require highly complex mechanical energy analysis…incredibly advanced stuff for an exam…there's no way Naruto can solve these things! He doesn't have a chance! In fact I'll bet that there's only a handful of Genin here apart from me who could even solve these without losing their minds through the problems.)

 

Sakura looked at the other problems while Naruto continued to act all freaked out but trying not to panic, which in truth came naturally since he knew that without Holy Talon's help, he would have been sunk long ago.

 

(Each problem just gets even harder as you complete the first, this is really hard stuff for anyone.)

 

Sasuke himself finally admitted that even he couldn't understand these problems.

 

(This is really getting interesting…I can't even begin to understand all these problems.)

 

Hinata looked at Naruto and she had to admit that she was deeply worried about how her long time crush was handling the pressure, unaware of the fact that it was only a ruse made by the blonde Genin to keep himself occupied and away from most scrutiny, until Holy Talon completed it's analysis of the questions. She wondered what she should do to help her crush out of her predicament, she knew how much Naruto wanted to be Hokage someday. And the idea of failing and being denied that chance must be hard for him.

 

(What should I do? I…I have to help Naruto-kun somehow…but what can I do for him?)

 

Sakura ran her hand in her hair and thought it over once more.

 

(These problems are real hard…I'm almost tempted to…no, that's a bad idea, if I get caught, that's really going to affect the others. But why all these rules…I don't get it…it's almost as if they want us to try and cheat to pass this exam. But why go through all the trouble of making rules against cheating when they are encouraging cheating in the first place? Unless…they WANT us to cheat on purpose without us getting caught by them.)

 

Sasuke himself found out about the hidden trick in the Exams as well as Sakura did. He had to admit that it was hard to figure out at first, but the test did have an ulterior motive for being this hard.

 

(The reason these problems get successively harder is the fact that the only way to pass IS to cheat, and that is to see how we gather intelligence under dire circumstances and this is a dire as things can get, not to mention the rules are not actually forbidding cheating, but encouraging it. This test was made this way in order for us to reveal our ability as ninja to gather information and use it, but without revealing anything to the ones observing us. I just hope that the others have figured it out already.)

 

Naruto looked on and then out of nowhere, he heard Hinata speak to him in a low voice, apparently in order not to be heard by the Chuunin sentinels.

 

“N-N-Naruto-kun…”

 

“Huh? What is it Hinata?”

 

“I…I…If…y…y-you w-w-want…you…you could…um…”

 

Hinata tried to speak but she was so nervous at this moment that she was once more stuttering as she looked lovingly at her handsome crush since her Academy days, she couldn't help herself as she looked at him and felt herself blushing once more, however she clamped down a bit on her emotions and focused on doing what she had in mind, as she slowly slid her exam paper closer to Naruto, hopefully without being seen. She had answered several problems already and she was assured of her correct answers to the questions, and she hoped that Naruto wouldn't mind.

 

“You…-y-y-you could…c-copy…from….me.”

 

This got Naruto's attention as he couldn't believe that Hinata, one of the strangest, and somewhat weird, shy, and yet nice girl he knew was actually saying that she was all right with him copying her answers, he didn't expect this and he quickly began top suspect something was off with how Hinata was acting.

 

(This could be a trick…no, what the heck am I thinking?! This is Hinata here, she's too nice to actually go into tricking someone. Or maybe she was forced by Kiba and Shino…I wouldn't count them out for trying something like that.)

 

((“I do not think so Master Naruto…from what I can sense, Hinata's gestures are not forced or coerced…they are totally sincere and that means she's actually wanting to give you the answers that she has already completed.”))

 

(Wait a minute…are you saying that Hinata's actually giving me the answers to the questions freely? But that's just weird…no offense meant, I mean I really like the gesture…but why would she do that?)

 

((“I believe it's because she cares about you, her aura tells me that she feels something for you and wants to help you in her own way, even if she might get into serious trouble, since if she is caught doing this, there is a chance that she will be barred from taking the Chuunin Exam and I doubt Kiba and Shino would like that. But she's willing to do that for you Master Naruto…though she seems to be really having a hard time focusing on it…considering the way she's stuttering and well…blushing.”))

 

(Hinata's doing all this because she cares about me? I never knew that, but what does that mean, why would Hinata do all this for me? What would she like about me anyway?)

 

((“I'm not entirely sure why she likes you Master Naruto since I cannot fathom her reasons for that attitude she shows towards you…but I can assure you that Hinata has affections for you, if you really wish to know the reason, then you must ask her yourself. However, it would be best for you both to stop this, if she is caught then she will pay for it…and I doubt you'd like that Master Naruto. And there is the fact that if you are caught, then you're team mates will also be caught in the firing line.”))

 

Holy Talon was right, Naruto thought about it and knew that to be true, while he appreciated Hinata's gestures and in normal situations, he would have taken this chance since he would have been very desperate at this point. But he didn't want Hinata to suffer all for his sake…he was still unsure as to why Hinata had feelings towards him but he would find out eventually, until then, he would have to tell her politely that he can't ask her to give up her chance to be a Chuunin for his own…he would have never wanted that. Along with that was the fact that if he was caught cheating, he would also involve both Sakura and Sasuke…and that further convinced him to turn that idea down.

 

“Hinata…”

 

“Y-Y-Yes N-N-Naruto-kun?”

 

“I thank you for the options…but I have to say no.”

 

“B-Bu-but why?”

 

“I don't mean that I don't appreciate you helping me…in fact I am happy that you are doing that for me of all people. But I won't have you get caught by the sentinels and be kicked out of the Chuunin Exams because of me. You made it this far to be in the Exams Hinata, I won't have you lose it now.”

 

Hinata looked a bit surprised at that and then Naruto smiled warmly at her…making her blush brightly as he spoke once more.

 

“Besides…I am a ninja Hinata, I am my own brand of ace ninja and I will make my way through this. You don't have to worry about me Hinata, go do what you're doing and I will be right with you. I can do this.”

 

Hinata looked at him and saw the sincerity in her crush's eyes and his face, he was going to pull through and she felt her heart go out to her long time crush as she smiled warmly at him.

 

“All right then…good luck!”

 

Hinata then went to work on her test as Naruto spoke to Holy Talon.

 

(Did I do the right thing?)

 

((“You did well enough Master Naruto…she'll be fine and I am almost done with the questions, but it seems that my warning to you was well warranted…move you're head aside now.”))

 

Naruto did so as a kunai came out of nowhere and missed him and hit the test paper of one of the Genin behind him. The guy was stunned by this and a Chuunin sentinel had just told him that he had cheated five times and was out, after a few protests, he and his team were out of the room, they were not the only ones as the Chuunin sentinels began to remove Genin teams one by one.

 

Like Sasuke, and Sakura, the other Genin teams were already using their moves to cheat in the exam in order to pass it and show their stuff.

 

Shino sent some of his bugs to exam the papers of the other Genin and when they all the got correct and needed information, the bugs then spoke to Shino and since Shino was a specially skilled ninja who's clan specialized in insects, he was able to speak to them in the same way Naruto could talk to Holy Talon. Likewise, Akamaru scanned the room with his vision, which was a bit stronger than Kiba's and relayed in barks and yips what he saw, and Kiba, being familiar with the language of dogs understood that very quickly.

 

Tenten on the other hand had placed a hidden set of mirrors on a light above her and used hidden metal wires to move the mirrors to copy the answers, namely from Shino's own paper as well, she then sent a message to Lee who acknowledged his grasp of the answers with his headband, Neji on the other hand was using his Byakugan to see the actions of the other Genin to determine which one he could be able to read an gather answers from.

 

Kankurou got his answers with the aid of one of his puppets who posed as a Chuunin, Gaara however kept his composure and relaxed himself. Sasuke used his Sharingan to gather the answers from another Genin, the Sound Genin used their own training in telling the difference of sound waves and patterns to locate the right answers being written on the paper. And soon enough Gaara made his move as Ibiki watched him.

 

(That one is as calm as ever…he's different all right.)

 

Gaara however had already begun to cheat by creating a sand replica of an eye-ball and used it to spy on the other Genin, with the sand blinding them and giving him a window of opportunity to go his thing, Ibiki noted that but let it pass for the time being.

 

The only one who was NOT cheating was Sakura herself as her high level of intellect was brought to the fore-front of the exam as she answered the problems without resorting to any cheating methods.

 

Ino also used her clan's body and spirit switching jutsu to temporarily take command of Sakura's vision and gain the answers for her team, much to Shikamaru and Chouji's approval, this gave them the edge they needed in this test.

 

It was at this time that Holy Talon was finished with it's translations and deciphering of the questions and it now spoke it it's master and wielder.

 

((“Master Naruto…I have finished my work, I am now giving you the answers.”))

 

(Great!)

 

Naruto dropped his disguise of panic and worry and smiled widely as he was given the answers by the Holy Dragon Sword and took up the pencil and began to write in the answers to the questions as Holy Talon gave him the answers, this made Naruto relax a bit more as he was able to finish the answers before the time was nearing the expired rate. However he was wondering about the mentioned tenth question. The one that was not going to be given out until the exam period was over, he wondered why it was kept out of the test itself.

 

Holy Talon then told it's master what it was able to find out about the objectives of the test, namely since the reason why the problems were so hard was to encourage cheating, or rather in military speak, to gather information, in the most adverse conditions. Naruto was surprised at that, and took a bit of time figuring it out a bit more and then sighed a bit and went on to finish the Exams.

 

As soon as he was done, Ibiki got ready to finally drop the tenth question right on the top of everyone's heads.

 

(Now that we got rid of the hopeless cases, it's time to really get the main event rolling and crank up the heat on our survivors.)

 

“All right then…it's time for the final question so get ready and listen up good!”

 

(This guy's really full of himself)

 

Sasuke thought as he looked on, while Sakura herself thought as well on the tenth question.

 

(Here it is…the final obstacle to overcome.)

 

(Kankurou, hurry up! We won't make it out if you don't get here in them for the final questions!)

 

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In the Hokage Tower…

 

Kurenai, Asuma, and Kakashi were busy sitting down and thinking about the year's Chuunin exams and how different this year's Chuunin Exams were. Kakashi noted the silence and he began to wish he could hear his team's voices once more, despite the calm atmosphere.

 

“It's really quiet without the Rookies around, makes me wish they were here to liven things up a little.”

 

Asuma sighed and spoke to his fellow Jonin.

 

“You might be seeing them again sooner than you think Kakashi.”

 

“Oh, why's that Asuma?”

 

“Because they have the most dangerous and most sadistic Jonin to be their proctor this year, you and I both know him and how capable he is at what he does. And I can bet that a large number of the Genin teams are being weeded out”

 

“You mean…”

 

“That's right, the Rookies on all our teams have gotten the short end of the stick this year for this stage of the Chuunin exams…Ibiki's the one who's giving them the Chuunin Exams right now. And you and both know what that means when Ibiki's the one in charge of the exams.”

 

(Already their chances of passing look very low…that's really handing them to the wolves right off the bat.)

 

Kakashi sighed at that and knew that things had just gotten thrown off the deep end for his team.

 

“Great…this is really going to be a problem for them if that sadist is the one handling the exams.”

 

Kurenai was curious about that as she had never heard of Ibiki before and she naturally wondered why this man was able to get such reactions from veteran Jonin such as Asuma and Kakashi.

 

“What do you mean by that? Who's Ibiki?”

 

Asuma sighed and explained as he looked at the roof first.

 

“I'm not surprised you don't know him Kurenai, since you've only been appointed as a Jonin recently. You already know that there are actually two groups of Jonin, right?”

 

“I do, though forgive me if I am ignorant on some things, so what does that have to do with this Ibiki person who's giving the Genin teams the written part of the Chuunin exams?”

 

Kakashi took over and spoke to Kurenai.

 

“Well…the other group of Jonin are different from us and are naturally called Special Jonin, basically they are chosen to have that distinctive rank since they specialize in one particular skill or specialization…in Ibiki's case…his specialty is interrogation.”

 

“Interrogation?”

 

Asuma nodded as he looked at Kurenai.

 

“Ibiki Morino is a Special Jonin who's had his share of battle-field experience and is a very skilled fighter, though more than once he himself has been captured and tortured by enemy ninja, but he has fought his way through them but he also learned plenty from those missions and also was able to capture his own share of enemy ninja and interrogate them. He's a specialist in physical and psychological torture, he knows how much a person's mind and body can handle before they break down. That's why he's also the head of the ANBU Squads' torture and interrogation teams. He might NOT be using physical torture on the Genin…but he knows ways on mentally torturing people and interrogating them without the use of physical action. He works his best people's minds and only reserves physical action when the needs come to that.”

 

Kakashi nodded in agreement at Asuma's statement, while Kurenai looked on in worry as the facts now became clear to her.

 

“That's why he's going to be one hell of a test for the Rookies to deal with, and I can bet ten to one…they are already seeing just how much of the nightmare Ibiki is when he puts his mind to the task at hand in front of him.”

 

----------

 

Sure enough…

 

“Now before you survivors decide to take the tenth question…there are some rules you all might have to be aware of that is part of the question, so listen up good.”

 

(You've got to be kidding me?! What sort of rules does he have this time?!)

 

Sakura thought as she and the others, including Naruto looked on and waited for what Ibiki was about to say. The Special Jonin then directed his attention to the door as Kankurou entered the room, escorted by his puppet still in the Chuunin disguise. The Genin had requested to use the comfort room earlier with the intent on gathering all the information he could on the exam, and he had gone there not just…to do the call of nature, but to get the data, Ibiki knew that for a fact but said nothing in order to let Kankurou think that he got off scot free…but since the tenth question was about to come into play…play time was now officially over. It was time to toss aside the kid gloves and put on the gauntlets…so to speak.

 

“Well now, you made it just in time, I do hope you find you're little trip to the bath-room, enlightening.”

 

(He's seen through the disguise…he's on to us!)

 

Kankurou kept calm and made his way back to his seat, but not before covertly dropping off a roll of paper the size of a thimble to his sister and then took his seat.

 

“Now then, the rules that I am going to give you are purely unique only to question 10 and therefore you will need to listen since I will NOT repeat them…and try not to let them frighten you.”

 

Naruto looked on intensely at that.

 

(Those rules he's got for the question don't sound the least bit helpful…what the heck kind of is it?)

 

((“I can't say for sure Master Naruto, but we will have to keep on moving no matter what, it's you're move this time.”))

 

“Rule number one…each of you is given the option not to take the question, it shall be you're personal decision.”

 

(What the heck?)

 

Naruto thought as this one rule was not making sense, the same thought was also running in Sasuke's mind the very second he heard that new rule as well as the others did and that rule was also beginning to not make sense to him as well.

 

(We're free to choose to answer?! That's one of the weirdest rules I've heard of.)

 

Temari was also surprised and was among them to voice that concern.

 

“Whoa…there's a catch isn't there? So what if we choose not to take the tenth question?”

 

“The answer to that question is very simple…if you choose to not take the tenth question, then you're exact total of points, regardless of you're answers to the previous questions will be reduced to zero…and you will fail, and as you already know, if you get a zero, then you all will fail as well.”

 

The reactions of the Genin were natural as they were talking that they would rather take the question than fail, just as Ibiki knew they would, and now that was the case for all the Genin teams, he was going to really turn up the heat on them, and make them think twice before taking the tenth question, he was going to see just how tough they really were.

 

“Not so fast people…you didn't let me finish.”

 

Sakura was getting more worried and more annoyed and frustrated.

 

(Darn it! Enough with the rules and tell us the question already!)

 

“Rule number two. If you do take the question and answer it incorrectly, not only will you be failed from the Chuunin exams this year…but you will be forever barred from taking the Chuunin exams ever again!”

 

Naruto was stunned by that announcement and practically just about everyone in the room were stunned out of their minds. Kiba and Akamaru were the only ones who voiced out their protest.

 

“That's total bull! What kind of rule is that one?! And there have been just as many people here who've no doubt taken the Exams before!”

 

The puppy also voiced it's displeasure on the situation itself.

 

Ibiki laughed a bit at that and looked right at both Kiba and Akamaru.

 

“Then I guess that means that you're unlucky, I wasn't making the rules in the past Exams…”

 

Ibiki then glared darkly at all the Genin and spoke to them in a very creepy voice.

 

“But today…I AM making the rules, of course you don't have to take the tenth question if you don't want to…but know full well what awaits you and you're team if you chose not to take it…either way, that's up to you…now, you have anything else to say?”

 

Kiba and Akamaru could only look on helplessly as the Genin sat back on his bench.

 

“Of course, if you're not feeling confident enough, then you can skip the question and take the Chuunin Exams next year.”

 

Ibiki then laughed as he waited for the Genin to make their move.

 

----------

 

Sakura was stunned by the revelations and was really worried about the fates of herself and her team.

 

(Thanks a lot, if one of us takes the choice to not answer the question, then all three of us fail. No way! That won't happen at all…but if either of us take the question and get it wrong…we fail and can't ever take part in the Chuunin Exams ever again. This really stinks, why can't they just give us a NORMAL test?!)

 

Naruto gritted his teeth and was not happy, while Hinata looked worriedly at her crush and hoped that Naruto would be all right, she hoped that she would still be around to see Naruto become the Hokage, he wanted to be.

 

Ibiki then looked at all the candidate Genin and spoke.

 

“All right then…are you ready for the tenth question? Those of you who don't want to take the tenth question will raise you're hand, when you do, you're number will be recorded and you are free to leave the room…no one among the Chuunin sentinels here will stop you.”

 

Naruto was really not liking this situation.

 

(Any suggestions Holy Talon?)

 

((“I'm afraid not Master Naruto…it's you're move.”))

 

(I guess, but I don't know if the tenth question is easy or not, If I get it wrong, then I am a Genin for life…and with the way things are going…No, I can't skip that question either even if I wanted to, if I do, then the whole team's going down, I can't let Sasuke and Sakura-chan down after all this and what we had been through…I can't and I won't…I have to decide…my team and my future as a Genin hangs on this decision.)

 

Sakura was also deep in thought and great worry.

 

(Well, there's no way that he can get me to raise my hand, I won't give up and lose this chance…but Naruto…this is serious….more so than the previous questions, he doesn't have a chance in this. Go ahead Naruto…raise you're hand, I know that it would really be a blow to you're pride and you're dreams…but you don't have to worry about me and Sasuke-kun. There's always the second Chuunin Exams, just think about yourself for now.)

 

The pressure of the rules was more than some Genin were willing to take as there were those who began to raise their hands, one of the Genin in question was right next to Naruto as he dropped his pencil and raised his hand. That was then followed by the raising of hands by other Genin and their numbers along with the numbers of their team mates were called out as they all left the room. Only 78 teams were left at that and it was making things even harder for the rest who were still there in the room.

 

Sakura looked at Naruto as the blonde ninja was still and silent…totally unlike the loudmouth blonde that she knew back then in the Academy and now.

 

(Come on Naruto…raise you're hand…why don't you do that?)

 

It was then that Sakura recalled the times Naruto had said that his dream was to be Hokage…and what raising his hand means to him,

 

(Naruto…)

 

----------

 

Flashback 1

 

“Someday I'm going to be Hokage and then you'll look up to me! My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I will become Hokage so remember my name!”

 

----------

 

Flashback 2

 

“ AHHHHH Shut up! I'm willing to do anything to become Hokage someday and I don't care what it takes be Hokage!”

 

----------

 

Flashback 3

 

“I want to be the best and most respected Hokage, then the whole village will stop treating me like I'm nobody and treat me like I'm somebody of importance! That is my dream!!!”

 

----------

 

Back to the present…

 

Sakura recalled all those times and she couldn't help but feel great sadness and respect for the team-mate that she looked down upon, and how serious this was for him.

 

(Hokage, Hokage…he wants to be Hokage so he can be respected… Naruto…you have a serious one track mind…if he raised his hand, not only will it be a blow to his pride…but it will kill him to have the dream of being Hokage taken from him like this and be denied that dream for all his life. I…I can't let him be like this…he doesn't have to…I guess I will do it…don't worry, you guys can dot his next year, and I'll be ready for it.)

 

Unknown to her, Naruto already made up his mind.

 

(I am not going to back down from this…Holy Talon; can I count on you if I make this choice?)

 

((“You do not need to ask me that Master Naruto…whatever decision you make or what path you choose, I will be by your side to whatever end awaits you. All my power and skill are yours to command in what you seek to accomplish.”))

 

Naruto smiled a bit and raised his hand…getting the attention of Hinata, Sakura, and Sasuke, and all of them were very worried about this as he held up his hand.

 

----------

 

Back with the Jonin…

 

“How did Ibiki become head of the ANBU Interrogation and Torture teams?”

 

“Ibiki is a master of interrogation, because he has a deep understanding of how a person's mind works, he knows just where to push and prod that he uncovers you're inner weaknesses. In fact, he's so good at it he only resorts to physical torture if it needs to be done, and he doesn't have to at times, he messes up you're head so much, you end up torturing yourself.”

 

Asuma said to Kurenai as Kakashi looked on.

 

----------

 

Back in room 301…

 

Naruto held up his hand and everyone was looking…that is until he dropped his hand on the table with a bang and stood up and glared defiantly at Ibiki, unmindful of the commotion he was causing and the looks begin given to him.

 

“Don't you dare think you can underestimate me! I don't quit and I don't run, I don't give a damn if I'll be a Genin for the rest of my natural life! I won't be intimidated or scared by either you, the Chuunin sentinels looking like hawks or the tenth question you've got in that head of yours! I don't care how tough you act or really are! I will be Hokage someday and I will never take those words back! Ever!”

 

Sasuke and Sakura were stunned at that and just about every other Genin team from the other villages were surprised at that.

 

As Naruto sat down, Hinata blushed once more as she saw the truth in Naruto's face and how much he had changed.

 

(Naruto-kun…you've become so brave and so strong! I won't give up either! I will take the tenth question as well…no matter what happens!)

 

Shino looked at Naruto and gave a slight grunt...but he nodded a bit at how much Naruto had changed since he had last seen him.

 

(He has changed…)

 

Kiba had to admit that Naruto was different from before. Akamaru also agreed with his master as he had never seen Naruto this fired up.

 

(He's certainly got guts this time around, a hell of a lot more than he did back in the Academy.)

 

Ino also nodded as she looked at Naruto.

 

(He's really different, not just in looks too…he's going to be interesting.)

 

Shikamaru sighed a bit.

 

(Man…he's still as loud as ever, despite the fact he's gotten a great deal of courage to go with the looks and moves, at least that hasn't changed too much or I'd never recognize him.)

 

Chouji smirked a bit.

 

(This is getting to be fun…)

 

Dosu also noted that and had to grin a little behind his face wrappings.

 

(The brat's got backbone to go with the moves…I'm going to enjoy taking him out when I get the chance.)

 

Temari was smiling at that with a slight blush.

 

(That blonde hottie really has got the guts to say those things…I'm really going to like him!)

 

Kankurou grumbled but he had to admit that Naruto was more than looks and moves as well. Gaara didn't show too much emotion, but he was actually glad that the blonde was still going at it. It would disappoint him if he backed out this early before they got to fight one another.

 

Tenten smiled a bit at that.

 

(He's really on fire now…I can't wait to see him in action in the Exams!)

 

Lee was impressed and smiled at Naruto's bravery and strength of will.

 

(He has the fire of youth in him, and it's really in full power!!! I can't wait to see him in action!)

 

Neji looked at Naruto and had to admit, he was different.

 

(Hmmm…this Naruto Uzumaki is interesting, he needs to be watched.)

 

Sasuke smiled at that and laughed mentally to himself.

 

(He's really stubborn and might have no idea what he is saying and what he's about to get into. But then again, he is who he is, Naruto the most unpredictable ninja the Academy's ever had, and he's got the guts and courage to go with it…I hate to say it…but this is fun to watch.)

 

Sakura couldn't help but smile at her team-mate's actions.

 

(Way to go…you crazy good looking fool. I guess I will have to be nicer to you now, since you've really changed a good deal since the first time I saw you Naruto-kun.)

 

Ibiki looked on and then spoke directly to Naruto.

 

“This decision will not just affect you now as a Genin, but you're future as a ninja for all time, and that of your team-mates as well. If there is a chance for you to save your skin, now is your chance.”

 

Naruto replied right back at Ibiki.

 

“No way…I won't back down from this and I won't take back my words. I am a ninja to the very end, I will keep my word and that is my way of the ninja.”

 

The other Genin were also acting differently, their faces once filled with tension, worry, and more were now different, it showed courage, determination, strength and focus…and Ibiki and the rest of the Chuunin sentinels saw that as well…all 78 Genin teams were now fired up and ready, no one raised their hands…they were all going to stay and take the question.

 

Ibiki was not showing emotions as a Special Jonin and head of the Interrogation and Torture Team of the ANBU…but he was impressed…very impressed.

 

(Remarkable…his outburst has given the rest of the teams the backbone and will to keep on moving. He's inspired them to stay and fight, all 78 of them, they are a lot more than I expected. But none of them are wavering or backing down, not like the others who have left. And all because of that blonde kid with the sword on his back. I think that's it.)

 

Ibiki turned to face the other Chuunin sentinels and they too were impressed and gave their nods. Ibiki nodded and knew that the time had come to tell them the true purpose of the written Exams and the tenth question.

 

“Well…I admire you're determination and will, if nothing else, for those of you who are still remaining, there is only one thing left to do. And that is for me to tell you that you all have passed the first stage of the Chuunin Exams.”

 

That got a reaction from all the Genin teams, they were stunned by this. Naruto was as well. Sakura however was the very first to voice out their collective surprise.

 

“Whoa! What just happened? What do you mean we passed the Exam? Where's the tenth question you were going to ask us?!”

 

Ibiki was enjoying this and laughed a bit and then explained.

 

“There never was a tenth question…at least not a written one, you see, the decision to stay…you're decision IS the answer to the tenth question.”

 

“So you're saying that all the questions we've answered in the written test were all for nothing?!”

 

Temari said with surprise.

 

“Hardly, the questions in the written exam were designed to test your abilities to gather information, accurate information that could help you and you're team in dire conditions. That is the reason why the rules were made that way, and the rules as well were made so that you had to cheat. In real life, the conditions of the battle-zone demand that in order for you to get the advantage you must have all the information that you can get.”

 

That was enough for Temari as she relaxed her glare at Ibiki and spoke.

 

“Oh, that makes sense I guess.”

 

“Now allow me to clarify a few points, the first one being the reason why you are all graded as a team. The reason for the scoring as a team was to make you aware of the fact that in order to survive you had to work as one team and that you're individual decisions would affect you're entire squad.”

 

Naruto sighed and relaxed a bit that things were now over. Sakura thought the very same thing, and so did Sasuke. Hinata laughed silently and smiled at how relaxed Naruto was now…she liked…no, loved it when he was in a genuine happy mood.

 

“The first nine questions were made to be successively difficult, and in fact, you may have realized that they were made too difficult for any Genin to solve normally… the only way you would have gained the correct answers, was to cheat. Of course you would have to know the ones who truly had the answers since you needed someone to cheat from. That was why we had placed two Chuunin who were disguised as Genin who were already familiar with the correct answers, to serve as the ones you had to copy the answers from.”

 

The two disguised Chuunin smiled and raised their hands, and Naruto gave a look of genuine surprise to see that one of the said Chuunin was right in front of him. However he decided to just relax for now.

 

“Those who were caught at it failed, because it is better not to cheat, than to cheat badly. Information is vital in any battle, and how well you can gather that information can determine whether a mission can be a successful victory or a disastrous defeat.”

 

Ibiki then removed his own forehead protector/bandana and to the shock, horror and disgust of most of the Genin, including Naruto, they spotted horrible wounds on Ibiki's head. There were jagged scars, puncture wounds, burn marks, lacerations and more.

 

(Whoa…how the heck did he get that many injuries?!)

 

((“It comes with the dangers of missions Master Naruto…all warriors, even Dragon Champions carry great wounds that are a testament to their struggles.”))

 

“And make no mistake of this…there will be times you have to risk you're very life to get the information.”

 

Sasuke looked over the number of injuries and had to admit they were something else entirely.

 

(Man, that guy's head is a freaking mess…scars, puncture marks, burns…What he must have endured.)

 

Hinata gasped while Naruto shook his head, and only Gaara remained calm and relaxed on the whole thing.

 

Ibiki placed back his forehead protector/bandana and then spoke once more.

 

“Of course, you need to consider the source of information you are using, intelligence from the enemy is not necessarily accurate, always bare this in mind. Disinformation, or rather the feeding of false information is far worse than no information at all, it can lead to a massive loss of ninja and fellow team members…or in the worse case scenario…the destruction of an entire village. That is the reason why I placed you all in a position to be forced into gathering accurate intelligence. Cheat in order to survive, and that is the reason why those who were not able to handle it and do it properly were weeded out from the Exams, leaving only you all.”

 

Temari had to admit that the logic in the tests was flawless and she got the idea on why the tests were so hard, the questions very hard, and the rules near impossible.

 

“Okay, but I still cannot understand the purpose of the tenth question thing.”

 

“You're not supposed to…the tenth question was the point of the whole exam itself. Surely you could see that.”

 

“Okay…but explain to us anyway.”

 

Naruto then smiled at that and spoke.

 

“You wanted to test us as a team, and the tenth question was the root of the whole thing. The reason for the tenth question is that you wanted to determine how we would react in a no win situation, if we didn't take the question, we would be safe, but we would fail as a team, and if we took it but got it wrong…we would never be Chuunin. We were to show how we deal with a no win situation and how we would accomplish the mission despite the odds.”

 

Ibiki smiled as he could see that Naruto was really getting the idea…and to the amazement of everyone else, and Sasuke gave a slight look at Naruto as Ibiki motioned for his blonde team-mate to continue on with what he was saying.

 

“Which is the exact thing that Chuunin face every day of their lives in missions…you wanted to see which of us were willing to risk everything, even our very lives to accomplish the mission even if we know next to nothing on how many enemies we had to fight, how well armed they are, if it was a trap and they are expecting us, or all of the above. The other option is for us to pass out on the missions, and live to fight another day, and avoid death today…but we can't do that if we want to be Chuunin. “

 

“There will be missions that have risks that are considered to be near suicidal and the risk of death is very high, but we must never think about it, we must think only of our goal, and achieving it through courage, determination, skill and will…because these are the traits required of a Chuunin squad leader. All because we hold the future of our village and fellow ninja in our hands and thinking only of our own safety will ensure that not only will we lose the chance, but we will make our village suffer, along with our team. Chuunin have to be strong not just in body, but in will, determination, and courage to see things through, despite the odds before them…if we didn't show that we were willing to risk our very lives for the goal, for our village, and for our honor…then we don't deserve to be Chuunin at all, much less be called ninja, and the same thing could be said for those who take the safer route, who lose their determination in the face of danger, those who risk the lives of other for the sake of their own lives, and those who would save their own necks by sacrificing their honor…they also don't deserve to be Chuunin…at least as long as you're the proctor…am I right Ibiki-sensei?”

 

Ibiki smiled warmly at the blonde ninja and Naruto smiled back, while the others were looking at the two.

 

The Genin were all impressed, Sakura was awed by this, Sasuke admitted that Naruto's words made sense, Hinata was proud of her crush's words, Ino was surprised, Shikamaru was surprised at how much Naruto had changed, Chouji was shaking his head. Kiba and Akamaru were stunned at how much Naruto had changed, Shino nodded as he saw Naruto's logic. Gaara was emotionless, but had his eye-brows raised, Kankurou grumbled at how Naruto had shown another side of himself, Temari was impressed with the blonde ninja, Tenten smirked, Neji placed his hands on the desk and linked his fingers together as he looked at Naruto, and Lee was impressed of Naruto's words.

 

“You are correct Naruto Uzumaki, everything you said was correct and you are right on saying that those who were not ready to take risks will never be Chuunin on my watch. For the rest of you, including you Naruto, you all have answered correctly the ten questions I have placed before you, therefore you have truly earned the right to be part of the second part of the Chuunin Exams, you have passed the first gate, and I hereby declare that this stage of the Chuunin Selection Exam to be finished, there is nothing left for me to do, than to wish you all good luck.”

 

Naruto got up and cheered out loud.

 

“ALL RIGHT!!!! WE GET TO REACH THE NEXT STAGE!!!!!”

 

The other Genin looked on at Naruto while Ibiki smiled at Naruto.

 

(He's a real funny one, this blonde kid, I wonder how he will do in the next stage…and how he will deal with…)

 

Ibiki then looked to the left and felt something was coming…and sure enough, something was coming as a massive sphere came crashing right through the window and sent glass shattering all over the place. Ibiki held his ground, unconcerned as he already knew just who was showing up.

 

The ball turned out to be a large cloth bundle and hands appeared, throwing kunai out and the weapons hit the roof, and someone appeared out of the cloth. Ibiki who was behind the tarp sighed as he knew that while the entrance was grand, as her style liked…she jumped the gun yet again.

 

(Ah, typical of her…jumping the gun as usual.)

 

“Is this part of the test that I don't know about?!”

 

Naruto was stunned as he looked at what the heck was happening before him. It was then that he heard a female voice with a lot of energy in it's tone…reminding him of himself for some reason.

 

“Heads up boys and girls, this is hardly the time for you to be celebrating…”

 

The new arrival was certainly a woman who had her black/blue hair in a short tail on the back of her head, wore a short style trench-coat which was in a light tan color, she had a forehead protector on her, an orange mini-skirt, had on shin and foot guards on her legs, and strange pendant…but those were not what were really striking about the new arrival, the fact was that she was wearing a fishnet body suit that covered her form, with her breasts being the most prominent, and the body suit's lower leggings were only a few inches up her knees. The outfit was enough to make most normal men look at her with surprise…and more.

 

Even Naruto was a bit surprised at this.

 

(Who the heck is she?!)

 

“I'll be you're next proctor, Anko Mitarashi.”

 

The woman was attractive, there was no doubts about that, though her brown eyes had an odd quality in them.

 

“Ready for the second part of you're test?”

 

Anko then raised her fist up and gave a shout.

 

“Good, then follow me!”

 

The Genin were stunned by all this, while Naruto couldn't help but stare at Anko…he had no idea who this woman was, but she was certainly something else entirely. He did not doubt that she was attractive, though her personality was certainly off.

 

Ibiki moved aside and gave a grumble at Anko.

 

“You're early again Anko. You were not supposed to show up at this point and time, but you jumped the gun yet again.”

 

Anko gave a sour look and was a bit embarrassed as she realized her blunder.

 

Sakura was not pleased with the antics as she looked at Anko.

 

(Great, we a screaming nutcase for the second half of the Chuunin Selection Exams…she reminds me of Naruto before all the changes.)

 

Anko looked at all the Genin teams with a measure of surprise, though she was not showing it, rather, she was showing a slightly disgusted expression.

 

“How many are there this year? Ibiki, you let all of these guys pass? You're test must have been too easy. Are you getting soft or something?”

 

“Or it could be we have a strong crop of candidates this year Anko…namely the blonde one before you, he has more guts than the rest of them for taking my special question.”

 

“Oh, someone actually answered the tenth question…which one is it?”

 

“The one there with the sword on his back…Naruto Uzumaki.”

 

Anko directed her attention to the blonde ninja in question and took on his appearance…and smiled a bit at what she saw. The blonde's looks were very interesting, he looked far older with the handsome face he had, she liked the looks of the silver highlights in his hair that added a nice mix to the blonde color, the eyes were interesting with the mix of blue and silver…and he was tall as well, and she could see the muscles underneath the clothes since the clothes hugged his frame. The sword looked nice, though it didn't resemble any sword she knew of. Anko grinned at Naruto as she took it all in, and mentally licked her lips.

 

(Well now, here's one good looking kid…I am really curious just how good he is when we go to the second part of the Exams. He certainly has a look that's different from the others I've seen…give him a few years…man I want to be around to see that, shame he has to go to that place for the second part of the Exam…don't die there kid…I've got QUITE a few ideas and tricks I want to try out on you.)

 

Naruto was getting a bit freaked out by the intense look Anko was giving him, though not entirely. Anko smiled as she stopped her inspection of the blonde ninja.

 

“He's okay, but the rest of them don't look like much…trust me, by the time I'm done with them, more than half of them will be out.”

 

Sakura gasped at that and wondered that maybe she had misjudged Anko.

 

“What?! More than half of us will be gone?! Is she serious?!”

 

Anko then carried on.

 

“This is actually going to be interesting, all right you maggots, you've had easy for today…but tomorrow…things are going to be VERY different under my watch…I'll be informing you're squad leaders where to meet me tomorrow, first thing in the morning…don't be late.”

 

----------

 

Later…

 

Naruto sighed as he and the others left room 301 and the Academy, along with the rest of the Genin teams, he was relaxed and was in the mood for a party and he then turned to face Sakura and Sasuke with his usual grin.

 

“Hey guys…we can cool our heels for today, you in the mood to get some ramen? My treat!”

 

Sasuke snorted and gave an unconcerned look.

 

“No thanks, you're better off getting ready for the next part tomorrow dobe…I'll see you guys tomorrow.”

 

Naruto sighed as Sasuke walked away and shook his head.

 

“Geez, he's no fun…how about it Sakura-chan? You want to grab a bite to eat….my treat!”

 

Sakura sighed at that, she did promise to be nicer to Naruto and going out with him would be good, though she wished that Sasuke was with them.

 

“All right Naruto…for today, but I get to order my meal all right?”

 

“Sure! I'm paying so whatever you want, I'll pay for it!”

 

Sakura sighed and smiled, not blaming Naruto for his good spirits as the two of them walked on to the ramen stand…and then, Naruto noted that he was being followed, and he quickly turned to see none other than Hinata Hyuuga following him.

 

“Oh Hinata, what's up?”

 

Hinata blushed a bit as she stepped out of the back of the wall of the building she was hiding behind. Naruto somehow sensed her despite her best efforts to hide herself, and since she was found she decided to speak to her crush as she twiddled her fingers.

 

“I…I…I wanted to say congratulations…for…passing the…exam, N-Naruto-kun.”

 

Naruto smiled back and replied.

 

“Thanks for the congratulations Hinata…oh yeah, I want to thank you for doing what you did for me before, though I am happy you were not caught by the Chuunin sentinels, I didn't want you to get into trouble.”

 

Sakura was surprised by that.

 

“What does that mean, what exactly was Hinata trying to do?”

 

Naruto then filled her in and Hinata shyly confirmed Naruto's words to Sakura and she was surprised a bit at Hinata's actions. Though she knew that the Hyuuga heiress had a king sized crush on her blonde teammate. She knew that and was willing to bet that the others knew that as well…though what Hinata did was certainly bold to say the least.

 

Naruto then had an idea.

 

“Hey Hinata, do you have anything to do today?”

 

The Hyuuga girl blushed bright red and Sakura looked at her team-mate warily, wondering just what he was up to.

 

“N-n-nothing today…why do you ask?”

 

“I was going to treat out my team-mates but Sasuke bailed on the last minute, since you passed the exams like us, how about I treat you out for some ramen for passing the exams too? It's the least I could do for what you did for me back there, it's not much and might not match what you were willing to do for me…but it's the least I can manage with what money I have, is that okay with you?”

 

Hinata couldn't believe her luck…

 

(N-N-N-Naruto-kun…is treating me…out for ramen…he's…he's never done that before….I…I…I want to go with him.)

 

“S-s-sure, I-I-I-I would like a lot…N-Naruto-kun.”

 

Naruto grinned widely at that.

 

“Great! Come on then, the day's getting shorter!”

 

The three went off as the rest of the Genin moved on, with the Sand Siblings heading for their lodgings, while the others were off to tell their parents the good news. Hinata blushed as she walked alongside her long-time crush while Sakura g\joined in, wondering how Naruto had grown and she hoped that things were going to be all right for the next stage of the Exams.

 

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In Room 301…

 

Ibiki smiled as he looked at one exam paper in particular as he was checking and grading the Exam papers of the Genin. The exam paper he was looking at was none other than that of a certain blonde ninja with a sword.

 

(Interesting, not only was he able to answer the questions well…but he knew the true purpose of the tenth question…I have a feeling this one kid, Naruto will be something soon in the Chuunin Selection Exams' finals…at the rate he's going, he's going to really make an impression on the village…considering his secret. I am actually looking forward to see what else he can do.)

 

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In another part of Konoha the next day…

 

“Where the heck are we?” Naruto asked as he and the rest of the Genin teams looked to find themselves before a massive forest with gates and metal walls on them all, the place looked very old and it appeared that the place was restricted with all the chains and warnings on them. There were massive trees all over the place, some of the trunks being as wide as houses and towers, along with the trees as well On the side were several Chuunin sentinels, and naturally in front of the gathered Genin was Anko herself.

 

Anko smiled and gave the introductions.

 

“This is the site for the second half of the Chuunin Selection Exams, this is known as the 44th Battle Training Zone, but for us Chuunin and Jonin, it goes by another name…the Forest of Death.”

 

Naruto looked on but was a bit worried at the name.

 

“Forest of Death huh?”

 

----------

 

Unknown to everyone…

 

“So the village of Konoha is having the Chuunin Exams…that brings back some old memories for me in my own youth.”

 

“It does?”

 

“Yes… however we have more pressing matters to take care of. You know the plan, since he hasn't seen you without the mask off back then on the bridge…you should have an easy time on things. Remember, wait for the time of the main tournament to begin…then tell me where he is.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“Oh, before I forget.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Be careful…Haku. Something of great importance will be taking place soon…I can feel it in the air.”

 

“I will be fine sir.”

 

Zabuza nodded as Haku left the area where they had set up base-camp to infiltrate Konoha. The missing nin and former member of the Mist Seven Swordsmen checked his head cleaving sword and noted at the new repairs and reinforcement on the blade. He smiled as he placed it back on his back and spoke to himself.

 

“Soon Kakashi, you and that blonde boy will finally get what's coming to you…I, Zabuza the Demon of the Mist swear it.”

 

----------

 

To be continued…

 

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Author's notes:

 

This was one long chapter and I apologize for that, the internet's been really messed up for the past few days so I wasn't able to update everything for a while….so forgive the delays. As you can see, I didn't forget Haku and Zabuza, and the two of them are going to be a problem once they get into the action, but you can bet I won't make them total villains in the story.

 

Naruto is about to enter the Forest of Death, and you can bet ten to one, things are going to get very hectic as a certain snake bastard is going to show up in the mix in a very short while. And we are about to see one hell of a sword fight…

 

That's right, we are going to see which sword has the best powers in the next chapter…so be ready to place you're bets.

 

On the next chapter…swords will clash…which is better, the Kusanagi of Orochimaru…or the Holy Talon of Naruto?

 

Find out soon!