Naruto Senju

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Chapter 25: Chunin Exams Part 1

The following week, the Chunin Exams started to commence. Shinobi from all over the nation began filtering into the village. It wasn't until after meeting with Naruto that Team Seven finally began their journey to becoming Chunin.

Our trio was currently walked through the street of Konoha headed towards the academy, however their path would be blocked as Menma turned the corner.

Falling backwards when another body collided into his own he could not help but glare at the unknown person. "Hey watch were you're going!"

Menma instantly felt himself pulled up, his eyes staring into a set of amber. "What the hell did you just say?"

Before him stood a dark skinned red haired girl, her fist clenched tightly around the front of his hoodie as she held him off the ground. Hearing the yelling Sasuke and Sakura managed to catch up to their teammate, however they weren't the only ones as two more unknown ninja stepped behind the girl.

"Karui put him down, what if another leaf ninja comes and sees this?" A white haired boy asked grabbing the girl's wrist that held Menma. The now named girl sighed heavily before dropping Menma to his feet.

"Sensei told us not to cause trouble and you're doing exactly that." Menma turned to see a blonde haired girl, his eyes narrowed as she spoke to the other girl.

"That's goes for you too, Menma." Sasuke spoke, hitting Menma's shoulder catching his complete attention. "We need to get to the academy."

"Are you three taking the Chunin Exams?" Team Seven looked to the white haired boy who stepped towards them.

"Yeah what of it?" Sasuke asked eyeing the group, he noticed each of them wore a Kumo headband, signaling they were from the Cloud Village.

"So are we. I'm Darui by the way, these are my teammates, Karui and Yugito." He spoke pointing to the red head and blonde.

"I'm Sasuke, this is Menma and Sakura." Sasuke spoke before turning back to Menma who was back to staring at the blonde girl.

'Something isn't right about her…' Menma thought to himself as he was pulled back by Sasuke. "Come on, let's get going you two, be need to hurry or we'll be late."

The teams parted ways, but little to Team Seven's knowledge Yugito was thinking the same thing as Menma. She turned her head, watching Menma's back as he walked away.

"You noticed after all, huh?" Spoke a voice from deep within her head.

'What do you mean? Noticed?' Yugito asked frowning at the voices comment.

"That boy, he holds the Kyuubi." The voice replied. "He's a jinchuriki, just like you."

Deep inside lay a two tailed cat blue flames covering her body, the Nibi, Matatabi.

-With Team Seven-

"What do you guys think the exam will be like?" Sakura asked turning back to look at Menma and Sasuke. The group had finally arrived at the academy and proceeded towards their assigned classroom.

"Considering it's the chunin exam, difficult." Sasuke spoke as they walked up the set of stairs to see a large crowd of Genin.

"Your telling me, you're actually trying to take the Chunin exams?" Mocked one of the Chunin glaring down at the group of genin.

"You kids won't last ten minutes I this exam." The other Chunin spoke.

"Please just let us through." Replied Tenten as she tried to walk to the door only to be pushed back by the two boys.

"That wasn't necessary." One of the genin in the crowd spoke.

"Oh please, we are doing you all a favor."

"He's right, a Chunin is a leader of a squad it's their job to get their team back alive. So what's wrong with helping find out who isn't ready for that?"

"That's true, but I'll pass." Sasuke spoke as he walked towards the two boys. "And undo this genjutsu, I want to go to the third floor."

When Sasuke said this everyone in the crowd grew confused, as they had not realized that this was the second floor, not the third, where the exams where being held.

"You're the first to notice." Said one of the boys, looking at Sasuke with a smirk.

"Yeah, you both realized it too, didn't you?" Sasuke asked looking back at Menma and Sakura.

Menma nodded, he had realized that they were of the second floor, not the third. However he decided to follow Sasuke. While Sakura also nodded.

"You aren't half bad kid, but being able to detect some simple genjutsu isn't enough to become Chunin." The boy spoke again, but this time he moved forward to kick Sasuke, who did the same.

Just as they were about to collide, Lee jumped in the middle, each hand gripping each of the boys' legs.

'Fast…' Menma thought, he had only just noticed the black haired boy when he appeared between Sasuke and the chunin. 'He was holding back.'

'He stopped my kick.' Sasuke thought, both surprised and annoyed as he looked to Lee who let go of the both boys.

"You broke our promise, Lee." Turning around, Menma saw a pale eyed brown haired boy walk towards them. "You were the one who didn't want to gain unwanted attention."

"Sorry Neji." Lee spoke, turning he looked towards Sasuke, about to apologize his eyes suddenly landed on Sakura. "My name is Rock Lee, let's go out together, I will protect you with my life." Lee shouted out.

When Menma heard this he couldn't help but snicker laughter when Sakura's face turned to horror. Even Sasuke found the situation funny, as a slight smile appeared on his face. Lucky for Lee, Sakura let the boy down easy.

"No thank you." Sakura spoke.

"Hey you." Neji spoke as he walked towards Team Seven, his eyes scanning Sasuke. "You are you?"

"Aren't you suppose to introduce yourself before asking someone's name?" Sasuke responded looking at the Hyuuga who frowned at his remark. "You're a rookie aren't you? Tell me what your age is."

Sasuke scowled at Neji, his eyes narrowing. "Why do you care?"

Angered by Sasuke's remark towards him, Neji quickly stepped towards the boy. But before he could say anything Menma stepped between them.

"And who are you?" Neji asked staring daggers at Menma.

"His teammate." Menma said motioning to Sasuke before turning around to look at him and Sakura. "Come on you two, let's go."

As the team headed back for the stairs, Sasuke looked at Menma. "You didn't need to do that, I could have handled him myself."

Menma remained silent as the three left for the third floor, followed by the rest of the crowd. The two Chunin who had been standing at the door watched at the hall cleared out.

"Those three older ones, they're students of Guy and the younger ones must me Naruto's."

"Seems like we have ourselves some candidates for this year, Kotetsu."

"Your right, Izumo." Both boys quickly turned into their older selves, revealing that they were Chunin examiners.

When Team Seven finally arrived at the doors leading into the room they were greeted by an almost full room of genin from various villages.

"Sasuke-kun!" Cried out a blonde haired girl as she jumped on to the Uchiha. Menma and Sakura both turned to see Sasuke sitting on the floor scowling as Ino sat on his laps her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Get off of Sasuke Ino-pig!" Sakura yelled, attracting attention of other genin. "Don't tell me you guys are taking this exam too?"

Menma and Sakura looked up to see Shikamaru and Chouji standing in front of them.

"Hey Shikamaru, Chouji." Menma spoke greeted the boys.

"So you six are taking this exam too?" Spoke a new voice, the group looked to see Kiba, Shino, and Hinata walking towards them. Upon seeing the group Menma quickly raised an eyebrow when Hinata's face turned redder then his hair.

"Yes, it seems that we all will be taking this exam together." Sasuke spoke after finally being able to pry a reluctant Ino off of himself. Menma pulled his eyes from the group to look around at the shinobi sitting in the room. Feeling a pair of eyes of him, Menma turned to see a red haired boy sitting at the back of the classroom, a large gourd strapped to his back. A brown haired boy and a blonde haired girl sat on either side of him. A chill ran up his spine as the red haired boy looked at him.

He quickly turned away, breaking eye contact.

Narrowing his eyes, Menma spotted the Kumo team they had run into before. His eyes locked with Yugito's who was staring at him. 'What's with her?'

"You must be newbies, talking without a care in the world. Don't think for a second this exam is a joke." Spoke the unfamiliar boy.

"Who the hell do you think you are, talking to us like that?" Kiba growled out.

"My name is Kabuto Yakushi, I would keep it down if I were you." Kabuto spoke signally around the class room.

The Genin looked around and saw most of the other Genin glaring at them.

"Everyone is on guard, I wouldn't recommend annoying anyone in here." Kabuto continued. "That group is from Amegakure, short tempers to say the least." The group of three boys glared at Kabuto who quickly turned back to the Rookies.

"So you've taken this exam before?" Sakura asked wondering how the boy new so much.

"Something like that…I have actually taken it several times, this is my fourth year." Replied the clearly embarrassed boy.

"The Chunin Exams are difficult then?" Shikamaru asked sighing as he already knew the answer.

"You could say that." Kabuto asked as the Nara heir mumbled something about being troublesome. "Since this is your first exam I'll give you all a few tips." Kabuto spoke as he pulled out a stack of plain white cards. "These are recognition cards."

"What do they do?" Ino asked looking down at the cards.

"I can use these to get information on people, which is what I've been doing for the past four years of taking this exam. Anyone you guys want to know about?"

Before any of the Genin could speak, Sasuke noticed several blurs coming towards them. Pulling a kunai out Sasuke wasn't the only one who noticed as Neji readied himself. However they were both surprised when one of the attackers, a boy with black spikey hair launched two kunai towards not the rookies, but Kabuto. Luckily Kabuto jumped back, avoiding the attack.

Another boy appeared in front of Kabuto, this time it was another boy wrapped in bandages. Menma, finally seeing the attackers noticed the Otogakure headbands that the pair were wearing.

"Hey!" Menma called out, the gauze wearing boy ignored him as he swung his fist towards Kabuto who dodged the punch. He didn't see the second punch, as he glasses flew from his face, shattering on the floor.

As the Oto-nin stepped forward his wrists were grabbed by Menma, who had stepped in front of Kabuto blocking the boy from any further attacks.

"You're not as good as I thought, having a brat protecting you." The boy named Dosu spoke, a smirk hiding under the bandaging as he looked at Menma who glared up at the boy.

"But this on one of those stupid cards of yours, the three from Otogakure will definitely make chunin, and if anyone tries to stop us, we'll kill on the spot." The black haired boy named Zaku spoke.

Meanwhile Menma continued staring at Dosu, something wasn't right about these two. Releasing his grip on the boy Menma turned to look back at Kabuto who remained sitting on the floor, his eyes squinting as he looked up.

The door slammed open, catching the attention of every genin in the room. Standing behind Kabuto was a tall, muscular man, wearing a long black trench coat, a large group of Konoha examiners standing behind him.

"My name is Ibiki Morine, I'll be your instructor for the first exam, now let's get started." Ibiki spoke.

Menma's head dropped onto the table as he grasped his head in defeat.

'Damnit! This is the Chunin Exam, I thought it was going to be just fighting, but a written test!?' Menma internally screamed as he raised his head to look down at the paper. 'And I don't know a single answer!'

Sasuke set a few tables behind him, his chin rested on his folded hands. His dark eyes scanning over the test. 'Hm, I don't know a single answer, we never learned any of this…'

Slowly looking around, Sasuke's eyes narrowed further when he saw genin around his quickly writing on the paper. 'Everyone knows the answers? How?'

Sasuke looked down to the table when he noticed a small bug crawling across it before flying to Shino. 'Cheating?' Sasuke gave a small smirk as realization hit him. Blinking, his sharingan activated.

'They want us to use our knowledge to steal answers from the others.' His eyes looked towards the boy sitting in front of his, his sharingan began following the movement of his hand, answering each question just as the other boy did.

Sakura on the other hand, who sat a few tables in front of Menma was easily answering the questions. 'I wonder how Menma and Sasuke are doing?' She thought as she continued reading over the questions.

'Damn…' His hands continued holding his head as he looked at the clock, ten minutes remained of the forty-five they had. 'How am I supposed to do this!?'

He fidgeted in his chair as time continued ticking away. Suddenly he felt a ball of paper land next to him, looking around he made sure none of the instructors saw him. Bending down Menma grabbed the paper, unfolding it he was surprised to see the answers on the test written on it. At the bottom of the paper a single sentence was written.

Don't drag us down, idiot.

Smiling Menma quickly began writing the answers on his test sheet as time continued ticking.

-Jounin Lounge-

Seeing off their teams, Jounin Senseis, including Asuma, Guy, Kurenai, Naruto and Kakashi who arrived with Naruto sat in the lounge room as they waited to hear from their teams who had just begun their first test.

"So we're all here…" Kurenai spoke looking towards the group of Jounin as she, Naruto, and Kakashi walked into the room. Behind them, Jounin from other villages also filtered it, however it was a certain Kumogakure ninja that caught Naruto's attention.

He could feel immense chakra seeping from the man. "This is going to be an interesting exam." Naruto spoke turning back to his friends.

"Why is that?" Kakashi asked looking are Naruto with confusion.

"That man over there, his name is Killer Bee, adoptive brother of Yondiame Raikage and the jinchuriki of the Hachibi." Naruto spoke, causing each of the Jounin around him to stare at him in shock.

"You're joking?" Kakashi asked surprised, while Kurenai gasped. "How do you know?"

"Years ago, Minato accoutered him and his brother on a mission, that man is said to be the perfect jinchuriki, as he has complete control over his buiji. From what I know about him, he is the sensei of Kumo's other Jinchuriki, a young girl who controls the Nibi, which means that girl will be participating in the exams." Naruto spoke remembering the rumors he had heard of Killer Bee and his genin team.

"Does the Hokage know this?" Asuma asked, not understanding why his father would allow another Jinchuriki into the exams.

"Yes." Naruto replied.

"But why would Kumo risk sending both their jinchuriki here?" Kurenai asked.

"My guess is that it has something to do with Menma…" Naruto spoke frrowning as Kurenai's shock went to anxiety. "However I doubt they are aware that he holds the Kyuubi, but they know of its existence."

"And I thought the kid already had it tough."

The group turned to see Anko walking towards them, making Naruto raise his eyebrows, not thinking the special Jounin would be here.

"What do you mean, Anko?" Kurenai asked, looking up to her close friend.

"You didn't hear, this year's first proctor is Ibiki." Anko spoke, smiling as Kakashi frowned at the name. "Things are going to get tricky for your team Naruto."

Naruto just laughed. "They can take it, that's why I put them in there in the first place."

"That's not all…" Anko spoke, a large smile covered her lips are she looked at her friends. "I'm in charge of the second part."

"They're doomed." Kakashi spoke plainly as he looked at Anko.

-Back to the Exams-

The alarm sounded through the room, signally the test has been completed. "It's now time for the final question, there was one thing I never to you all before we started the test, that thing is being you get to use to take the final question or not."

When the genin heard this, they were all clearly confused by what the man said.

"Choose? What the hell does that mean?" Menma turned to see a blonde haired girl standing behind him glaring at Ibiki when he spoke.

"It's simple, if you choose not to answer the question then you and your team fails, or if you get it wrong you and your team fail." Explained Ibiki, causing some of the genin to become infuriated.

"That's bullshit! You can't do that!" Cried out Genin from Amegakure.

"Well, i'm the one making the rules this year, if you don't like it your free to leave." Ibiki stated before giving a small laugh.

For a few minutes the room remained silent as genin began to doubt themselves, just what Ibiki was trying to do. Two groups stood and left the room, followed by more and more. Soon enough the percipients were cut in half.

"This is your last chance, leave now if you have any doubts." Ibiki spoke again, sure enough more genin began to doubt themselves. Menma sat silently in his seat, his eyes scanned to Sasuke and Sakura, both remained still as they looked down.

'No way am I giving up now.' Menma thought as he looked up to Ibiki with confidence. "I'm not going to run away like some coward, give us the question already." Menma yelled out smirking at Ibiki.

"Are you sure, this question can change your entire laugh." Ibiki said looking at the red haired boy.

"Hell yeah!" Menma said confidently, not taking his eyes off Ibiki who gave a small sigh before looking around the class. 'Naruto, you sure got some kid…'

'Sixty Genin, more than usual but it will have to do…' Ibiki thought. "Since all of you now seem ready to take the question, I have one thing to say… you all pass."

Confusion and surprise washed over the remaining genin. Sakura stood from her seat. "Wait, what, we pass? What about the final question?"

Ibiki smiled. "That was the question, to take it or not. The paper each of you took had no meaning what so ever, the real test was to see if anyone would crack under the pressure." Finishing explain the test, one of the windows of the room shattered as a single object burst through it.

In front of Ibiki now stood an average height, purple haired women who stood in a tan trench coat.

"I am the second examiner, Anko Mitarashi, now follow me!" Anko shouted out, however everyone in the room remained still as they looked at the women with disbelief.

"You never had been good at timing, Anko." Ibiki spoke as he looked plainly at the women who blushed in embarrassment, however she quickly pushed it down before glaring at Ibiki. "You let twenty teams pass, you've gotten soft."

"Or we just have a good batch this year." Ibiki replied.

Anko shook her head. "Well it doesn't matter anyway, ill cut that number in half." A chill ran up the Genins' spines as a sinister smile covered Anko's lips. "Now then, we will begin the second stage of the Chunin Exams."

Sakura looked at the women with disbelief. "Right now? But shouldn't we meet up with our Sensei to let them know we passed?"

"You sensei has already been notified." Anko spoke looking at Sakura. "Now, we are wasting precious time."

Soon enough the remaining Genin arrived at the location of the second stage of the exam. As they waited for Anko to arrive, Sakura couldn't help but let her eyes wonder around the forest behind the chain fence.

"This place is giving me the creeps." Sakura said nervously as she looked at Menma who couldn't help but nod just as a loud animalistic growl echoed from the forest.

Anko appeared within a cloud of smoke, she proceeded to tell them that they would be spending the next five days within the forest. She then gave each participant a consent form, making sure she wouldn't be responsible for injuries or even death. Anko told them of the rules, and how their objective was to obtain two scrolls, one heaven and one earth.

At exactly noon, the signal was given and the genin began stage two of the Chunin Exams.

Team Seven had been walking for an hour and were now taking a small break, the group had yet to run into anyone.

"We should get moving soon, it's not good to stay in one place for long." Sasuke spoke looking up to his teammates.

A swarm on kunai flew from the brush past the Uchiha, and into the tree behind him.

"You missed, show yourself!" Menma shouted standing up to look towards where the kunai had been thrown, sure enough alone boy, a metal mask covering his face stepped out towards the group. Team Seven noticed the Ame headband resting on the boy's forehead.

'That's one of the Ame-nin Kabuto was talking about before.' Sakura thought recalling that they had a bad temper.

"Hm, you got me, now tell me, which one of you has the scroll." His voice was raspy, but they could hear him just fine. The boy suddenly took off towards the group, another kunai held in his hand.

Jumping into the air, Sasuke began flashing through hand signs as he watched the genin rush towards Sakura and Menma.

'Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu.'

Seven small fireballs rained down on the boy, who easily dodged. Menma, rushed towards the boy, grabbing his wrist, he blocked his attack and delivered a kick to the boy's chest sending him backwards. This gave Sasuke time to land behind him, his own foot colliding with his back, sending him up into the trees.

Paper bombs rained down onto the group, Sakura jumped back while Menma and Sasuke weaved through them, making their way up the trees.

"Hand over your scroll now!" The boy screamed as his body was launched downward, his forearm colliding with Menma's midair.

"No way that's going to happen." Menma spoke, the other boy didn't notice Sasuke move behind him until a kunai was buried into his back.

"W-What…" He squeaked out as he turned to see Sasuke behind him, a set of two tomoe sharingan staring back at him. "My back was taken…damn it." He fell to the ground as blood poured from his back.

"With him gone, that's another team we won't have to worry about." Sasuke spoke as he dropped the bloody kunai onto the forest floor. "Now let's get going."

By this time Sakura ran up to the boy's, her eyes shifting from the lifeless genin they had fought before.

"Wait." Sasuke and Sakura turned to look at Menma, his eyes were narrowed as he looked past the trees surrounding them. "Do you guys hear that?"

Listening closely, sure enough they could hear the sound of rumbling a distance away. "What is that?" Sakura asked as a pit formed in her stomach, she had a bad feeling about this.

Anko currently sat outside of the forest's fence eating dango, she planned to head to the tower when she was done to see how the brats were doing. She was stalled when two ANBU landed before her. Her eyes widened when they told her of the incident that had occurred.

When they arrived on the scene, her eyes narrowed as she looked down at the three bodies in front of her.

"From what their I.D's said they were from Kusagakure and were participating in the exam, but now…"

"Their faces are completely gone…" Anko spoke, her hand holding the curse mark that rested on her neck.

"Yes, like their faces where melted off." The ANBU continued.

'No doubt about it, it's him, but why the hell is he here, of all the places, and of all the times, why now!?' Anko yelled to herself knowing who was responsible for this. "You two, go straight to Hokage-sama and tell him, tell him to send a group of Jounin out, we have to find him before anything happens!" Anko demanded, clear with urgency. The ANBU nodded before vanishing, leaving Anko alone.

'Your finally back, Orochimaru.'

After a giant gust of wind crashed through the forest, Menma found himself standing alone in a small clearing.

"What happened?" Menma said looking around trying to spot Sakura and Sasuke. "Sakura! Sasuke! Where are you two?" He called out, he was only met with silence.

Feeling a presence behind him, Menma jumped up narrowly missing a large snake which had appeared behind him. The snake struck again, seeing this, Menma jumped down, avoiding the beast's mouth. Propelling himself up, he dug two kunai into its neck, then with a chakra filled kick the snake exploded into a puff of smoke.

"A summon!" Menma said landing on a branch. "Summon must have sent it after me, I have to find Sasuke and Sakura."

-With Sasuke and Sakura-

After the gust of wind hit the group, Sasuke and Sakura stood together as they looked around for their missing team mate.

"Menma!" Sakura called out, looking around the forest.

To their surprise their call was answered. "I found you guys! What happened?" Menma ran out into the clearing, a small smile covered his lips when he saw his teammates, however it was not returned. Sasuke's eyes narrowed as the red head ran towards him.

"How stupid do you think we are?" Sasuke asked catching Sakura's attention. "What are you talking about?" Menma asked stopping in front of the Uchiha.

"Who are you and what have you done to Menma?!" Sasuke yelled out glaring at the imposter. "Tell me now." For some odd reason, unexplainable rage came over Sasuke, the Uchiha didn't know why so he pushed down whatever feeling it was.

Menma gave a large smirk. "Well aren't you the clever one." A new voice spoke before Menma turned into a cloud of smoke, now stood a pale skinned, dark haired women, purple ropes wrapped around her waist.

"You're good, this promises to be quite an interesting fight." The women spoke looking at the unsuspecting genin. Reaching behind her back she head a single earth scroll in the palm of her hand catching Sakura and Sasuke's attention.

"Now wouldn't my earth scroll so prefect with your heaven scroll?" Her tongue slipped from between her lips before latching onto the scroll and pulling down and into her throat. "Well when this fight is over, one of us will have both." Her snake-like eyes narrowed down at Sasuke.

"While the other will cease to exist."

Both Genins' eyes shot open as killer intent flooded through the area. Sakura dropped to her knees as tears fell down her cheeks, meanwhile Sasuke began to taste sour, and sure enough he also dropped to his knees before vomiting.

Taking a deep breathe he fell backwards. 'Her thirst for blood, i-it's horrifying, looking into her eyes, I can see the moment of my death. Just what is she?' Turning his head, Sasuke looked at Sakura, she was trembling in horror.

'We have to get away.'

A sinister laugh then rung through their ears, their attention shooting back to the women, could they even call her that?

"You're paralyzed with fear, I thought you would be more of a challenge." She spoke.

Sasuke closed his eyes, his teeth sinking into his lips, he had to do something to break this. The women's arm raised, two kunai resting between her fingers.

Launching them towards pair, her vision shifted to the trees. "So that's how it is?" Looking back to the spot her kunai had hit was nothing, Sasuke and Sakura where gone.

"He used pain to shake off my 'presence', not too bad."

In the tree above Sasuke leaned against the trunk of the tree, a trail of blood smeared down his chin.

"Sasuke, are you alright?" Sakura asked, but was cut off when Sasuke's hand gripped her mouth, keeping her from speaking anymore. Sasuke didn't notice as a shadow crept over them until both of Sakura's hand grabbed his shoulder. A large snake looked down at the pair, luckily they escaped before it could do any damage.

"Damn, I didn't even notice, i'm losing it!" Sasuke spoke as he jumped from the branch, his eyes widened in horror as the women appeared in front of him. "No! Stay away!" He screamed, grabbing a handful of shuriken before launching them at her.

Falling onto a lower branch Sasuke tripped forward, landing on his hands and knees he looked at the dead snake in relief, that relief changed to horror when an arm burst from the reptiles head before the women crawled out licking her lips. Her body wrapped around the branch that Sasuke sat on, his body once again frozen.

The women sped towards Sasuke, a barrage of shuriken stopped the women in her tracks. Sasuke watched as Menma landed between him and the women. Relief washed over him when he saw the boy.

"You okay, Sasuke?" Menma spoke not taking his eyes off the women. "I've never seen you look this bad."

Sasuke shook his head. "No! GET OUT OF HERE MENMA! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP AGIANST!" Sasuke yelled out in frustration. This pit in his stomach grew as Menma remained still, the feeling of fear washed over him, but it wasn't for his own life? It truly was a strange feeling.

"You managed to get away from my friend, and in surprising timing too." She spoke looking towards the boy.

Sasuke's frustration grew as Menma remained still. 'Damnit, he won't leave, that stubborn fool! What should I do?' His fists clenched onto his shorts until his hand touch the scroll in his pocket.

"You can have it!" Menma turned around to see Sasuke holding out their own scroll. "The scroll, take it and leave us alone!"

A few trees away Sakura watched in surprise as Sasuke held the scroll out to the women.

"Sasuke! You idiot what are you doing!" Menma yelled as Sasuke threw the scroll towards the women only for him to grab it. "Are you just going to give away our scroll so easily?"

"A pity really, I have no interest in that scroll, if I wanted to I could just kill you three and take it." Black markings appeared on the women's wrists as she smeared blood on them.

'Summoning Jutsu.'

Another large just of wind sent both Sasuke and Menma flying back, Sasuke gasped when his back his the front of a tree's trunk. The snake moved towards Sasuke, however it stopped suddenly.

Sasuke looked up to see Menma standing in front of him, the snake's face pressed into his back. "Fool, why don't you move next time?" Menma's head shot up, his eyes were blood red, his whisker marks deepened in color. "Unlike you, i'm not one to give up."

Menma spun around, his fist collided with the snake's nose. Sakura and Sasuke's eyes widened when the snake was pushed back. They weren't the only ones surprised as a smile formed on the women's lips. "This power, incredible."

Menma's fist cocked back again and delivered an even more powerful punch to the snakes face again. The snake recoiled before striking, its head knocking Menma back, sending him back into a tree.

"I wanted to play with him a little more but, he isn't who I really want." She spoke looking back to Sasuke who watched as Menma flew through the air.

'NO!' Sasuke yelled to himself pulling a kunai out he threw it towards his teammate, the weapon pierced Menma's hoodie and embedded its self into a tree.

The women's eyes narrowed as Sasuke stood up, his eyes slowly closed. 'Hm, it seems his Uchiha blood has come to a boil.'

The snake exploded into a puff of smoke allowing her to drop onto a group of branches across from the Uchiha. Sasuke stood complexly still on the branch until his fists clenched tightly.

'If I want to face Itachi someday, how do I expect to beat him if I can't face this monster?'

Sasuke's eyes shot open, a set of sharingan seemed to glow as he looked at the women, and pulling out a kunai he placed it between his teeth.

'I'll play with him for a little bit.' She thought before Sasuke took off towards her. Outstretching her arms, a gust heavy wind followed.

Sasuke jumped up, two shuriken appeared in each hand, launching them at the women, she side stepped. Landing sideway on a tree Sasuke used all the force he could to propel his body towards her. His leg kicked out, the sole of his sandal collided with her lower arm, and then it swapped. The force pushed the women back creating marks in the dirt. Spinning in the air, Sasuke's fist hit the women's arm again, ducking under a counterattack. Sasuke dropped to all fours before back flipping backwards.

As the women ran towards him, he noticed her movements began to slow down, he could predict each strike she intended to make. Her fist aimed from his face but was caught by his hand before she stumbled back.

She turned, it was speeds Sakura had never seen as the women made circles around Sasuke, but for him he could see her perfectly.

'With these eyes, I can see her just fine!'

Breathing in, Sasuke blew two large fireballs towards the women, making her stop to dodge them.

"Such mastery of the sharingan at such a young age, you truly are an Uchiha."

Spit flew from Sasuke's mouth when her fist embedded its self into his abdomen. Then again and again, catching his breath Sasuke jumped above, landing upside down on a branch. Once again he pushed himself up, his arms wrapped around the women as he sent them both tumbling down onto the forest floor.

Sasuke jumped back when the women's head slammed into the ground. But he froze when she turned to mud.

'Substitution!'

Sasuke stumbled back when the women's fist collided with his cheeks, then her foot to his chest. She walked towards him as he lay on the ground.

"I take back what I said before, your nothing but a disappointment." She spoke as she stepped closer, only a smirk to form on Sasuke's lips when three explosions sounded behind her. Jumping up Sasuke threw a handful of shuriken at her, each had a ninja wire attached. Pulling back, the wires wrapped around her and pulled her against a tree.

"Impossible! This jutsu, the sharingan triple windmill attack!"

Sasuke bit down hard on the wire as he glared at the women, clapping his hands together fire circled around him.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!"

The fire raced from Sasuke towards the women who let out a blood curtailing scream the fire spread over her body. Releasing the wires, Sasuke dropped to one knee as the fire vanished.

"You proved me wrong, you are the perfect specimen I was looking for, and I will turn you into the perfect weapon, the perfect Uchiha." Sasuke's head shot up when he heard the women's voice again.

"You are his brother after all, if anything your eyes are even more powerful than Itachi's."

"Who are you? What do you want?" Sasuke yelled glaring at the women as she walked towards him.

Her hand reached up to her eyes, skin pulled down revealing purple markings around her eyes. Her voice deepened as she spoke. "My name is Orochimaru, and as to what I want, well that depends on you. But, first you have to defeat a team of ninja that serve me."

Sasuke stood up, preparing to fight once more when he saw Orochimaru began flashing through hand sings.

A distance away, Menma's eyes slowly began to open, narrowing down where he saw Sasuke and Orochimaru standing. Reaching up he pulled the kunai from his hoodie before jumping down just as Orochimaru's neck extended from his body.

Sasuke stood frozen as the man, no demon, sped towards him. As Orochimaru inched closer, fangs extended from his mouth.

"SASUKE!"

Teeth sunk into the Uchiha's neck just before Menma landed a few feet away, his eyes wide. A second later the ninja released Sasuke's neck letting the boy drop on the group as three tomoes appeared on his neck. An immense pain flooded Sasuke's body and mind.

"What did you do!?" Menma yelled running over to his teammate just as Sakura landed down next to him.

"I just gave him a little parting gift, and soon Sasuke-kun will thank me for it." Menma gritted his teeth as Orochimaru spoke. A similar rage that Sasuke felt ran through Menma.

"No Sasuke would never help someone like you!" He screamed causing the man to smile. "I will be taking my leave now, but I will see you again, Menma Uzumaki." Orochimaru spoke before sinking into the ground.

"AHHH!" Menma's head shot to Sasuke as he saw the boy gripping his neck tightly as he tried to push himself up.

"Sasuke!" Menma called out as both he and Sakura ran towards Sasuke.

-Later that evening-

Anko raced through the forest in search for intruder when she felt a familiar chakra signature close by.

'He's close…' She thought as she closed in on her target. Soon enough she landed down on a large branch. In front of her stood the man she was searching for, former snake Sannin and missing-nin Orochimaru. "I finally found you." Anko spoke walking towards her former sensei.

"It's been a long time, Anko." Orochimaru spoke turning to look at the purple haired Jounin.

"Not long enough though."

Orochimaru smiled as he eyed the women. "Why did you come find me, i'm sure it wasn't to just talk."

Anko nodded, giving the man a small smirk. "Your right, i'm not here to talk." Her hand grabbed onto the collar of her trench coat and pulled down revealing the same curse mark as Sasuke now adorned.

"I'll kill you, right here and now, even if it costs me my own life." Anko called out, pulling a set of senbon needles.

Orochimaru's tongue outstretched, heading straight towards Anko who jumped into the air dodging the attack. Landing upside down on a higher branch she channeled chakra to the bottoms of her feet, keeping her balance.

However, Orochimaru's tongue wrapped around her ankle before flinging her into the trunk of the tree. Holding out her left arm she whispered out.

'Hidden Shadow Snakes.' Several snakes burst out from her sleeves towards the Snake Sannin, forcing him to release his grip on her. The snakes wrapped themselves around the man, keeping him held tightly against a tree.

"There isn't a chance a hell that I'll let you get away!" Anko yelled running towards Orochimaru, grabbing his hands she stabbed it with a kunai. "Your mine."

Using her free hand, Anko began readying her attack. "You and I, we will die right here."

Orochimaru smiled, recognizing the technique as the Twin Snakes Death Technique. "I'm afraid that's not going to happen, Anko."

Anko whipped her head around to see Orochimaru standing behind her, a sinister smile covering his lips. "You can't kill a replacement."

Turning back around Anko scowled when the man in front of her turned to mud. Pulling the kunai from her hand she threw it past the Sannin, her fists clenching tightly in frustration. Orochimaru raised his hand, simultaneously the curse mark on the women's shoulder activated causing her fall to her knees. Walking towards her, his hand gripped her neck, her feet dangled as he picked her off the ground.

"Like I said you're the only one is dying." With his free hand Orochimaru pulled out a kunai and held it against her neck, letting a drop of blood leak from her skin.

"W-Why have you come here?" Anko managed to say, her voice laced in desperation.

"After so long, this is the greeting I receive." The man taunted his eyes narrowing.

"H-Have you come to kill the H-Hokage?" She asked glaring up at him.

He shook his head however. "I don't have enough followers to try and pull a stunt like that, I came here to observe a few Leaf Ninjas and I look forward to watching them compete. Should you cancel this exam I will destroy Konoha." Releasing his grip on her his slashed the kunai through the air, out of the corner of his eye a single blur flew passed him.

"Well if it isn't a little reunion." Across the branch stood Kakashi, Anko resting in his arms.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, glaring at Orochimaru. "I suggest you leave now, i'm not in the mood to deal with you." He spoke causing Orochimaru to smile.

"You're feeling might change when you find out about the little gift the Uchiha heir." Kakashi's eyes widened as did Anko's. He didn't mean, no…

Turning Orochimaru faded into the night. "We will see each other very soon, you three." He spoke before completely disappearing. Kakashi stood completely still, his eyes still wide.

'I have to tell Naruto, Sasuke got the curse mark...''

-Morning with Team Ten-

Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji made their way through the trees as the sun began peeking through the forest.

"So where are we headed Shikamaru?" Chouji asked looking towards the brunette as they walked.

"Towards the tower." He spoke in a bored tone.

"Why, we don't have our second scroll?" Ino asked turning towards the two boys. "Simple, by now some team is bound to have two scrolls and will be making tier way to the tower so we will go after them-

Before Shikamaru could continue explaining his plan the group's attention was turned to the trees when a new voice broke the silence.

"P-P-Please…I beg of you…"

"PUT HIM DOWN!" Another voice yelled as Team Ten walked towards the sources, peeking through the brush they witnessed as a lone figure stood in the center of a small clearing. The boy had blood red hair, similar to that of Menma, however he was pale and had a large gourd strapped to his back.

Another boy was held in the air, sand covered his body. "P-Please…" He croaked out, two more boys stood beneath him, each wearing an Ame headband as well as kunai held in their hands.

The unknown boy's hand clenched, Shikamaru, Chouji, and Ino's eyes widened as the sand tightened before blood rained down coating the trees and dirt around.

The deceased boy's teammates slowly backed away but sand raced towards them, wrapping around both boys legs.

"You're not getting away." The red haired boy spoke as his arm raised again.

Team Ten quickly turned their head, averting their vision as blood curtailing screams echoed through the forest.

"You've had your fun, Garra now let's get going to the tower." A brown haired boy spoke walking out from behind the trees with a blonde girl standing next to him.

"Let's get out of here." Shikamaru whispered, earning a nod from Chouji and Ino before they sprinted off, leaving the sand ninja to themselves.

-With Team Seven-

Sakura and Menma sat under a large tree as Sasuke lay asleep between them. Sakura and Menma had been taking shifts throughout the night, both having rested they watched over the Uchiha together.

Sakura frowned as she looked down at the mark on Sasuke's neck. "Menma, what do you think that thing is?"

"I'm not sure." Grabbing a piece of cloth he set it on Sasuke's forehead as he began sweating. "All I know is that it's not good."

"Well what do you know, we finally found you three." Menma and Sakura's head snapped around when a familiar voice spoke. One the opposite side of the opening stood the three Oto-Nin from before, Dosu, Zako, and Kin.

"Hand over Sasuke, now!" Zaku yelled pointing to the insensible boy.

Sakura stood up, her hands tightly clenched as she glared at Zaku. "You'll never get Sasuke."

"Zaku, I'll deal with the girl, you get Sasuke." Dosu spoke, pulling up the sleeve of his top revealing a metal brace–like object around his arm. Sakura took a step back as Zaku sprinted towards her, a handful of kunai in his hands, each laced with explosives trying to force the two to move. Feeling a hand on her shoulder Sakura turned to see Menma.

"Don't worry, I won't let them lay a hand on him." Menma spoke, letting his hand drop he stepped in front of Sakura. The explosive kunai were launched towards the pair.

'I won't have enough time to move Sasuke and Sakura, so please help me.' Menma thought, his eyes slowly closed as the kunais came closer and closer.

Menma held out his hands. 'I don't want my precious people to be hurt.'

Everyone's eyes widened as the kunai's were blasted backwards by a large gust of wind before exploding up in the air. Menma's eyes shot open when he felt the wind form around his hands.

"What!? He deflected my kunais!" Zaku yelled looking at Menma with shock. "Tch, it doesn't matter we are still getting Sasuke!"

Zaku ran back towards them, holding up the palms of his hands. Menma did the same, hoping what had happened before would again. 'Come one!'

A green blur flashed in front of Menma, sending Zaku flying back only to be caught by Dosu.

Looking up Sakura instantly noticed the bowl haircut, giving a sigh of relief.

"Who are you?" Dosu asked.

"Me? Well i'm Konoha's handsome blue beast, Rock Lee!"

Menma couldn't help but smile at the boy's introduction. "Not that i'm not happy for the help, but what are you doing here Lee?"

Lee turned his head, his eyes seemed to pass through Menma so he was looking directly at Sakura. "Whenever you're in danger, I will come in a moment's notice."

"But Lee, right now, we're enemies." Menma spoke looking from Sakura to Lee who smiled again. "As Sakura's teammate I will protect you too, Menma."

Sakura gave a soft smile. "Alright, thank you, Lee."

Lee quickly turned around to hide the large smile that covered his face, as well as the tears falling down his cheeks. 'I did it Guy-Sensei!'

"I guess we have no choice, we won't be holding back anymore." Dosu spoke, pulling an Earth Scroll from his pocket before setting it on the ground. "Let's go, Zako, Kin you stay back."

Menma stepped next to Lee. "Don't forget about me Lee, I can still fight."

Lee nodded, both boys got into a fighting stance as Dosu and Zaku rushed towards them. 'We are still at a disadvantage, two against three, Sakura can't fight right now.' Menma thought as he blocked a punch which Zaku had thrown. 'And they're strong.'

-Sasuke's Mindscape-

When Sasuke's eyes finally opened he seemed to be floating through white space. "Where am I?"

His eyes narrowed when a figure appeared in front of him, a short, black haired boy, his hands covering his eyes as tears fell down his cheeks. "Kaa-san, Tou-san…"

"It's me…"

His younger self continued clutching his face as he sobbed. "Why did you leave me all alone, i'm scared, I don't want to me alone. Please, somebody…I don't want to be all alone." His small body began shaking in angst as Sasuke saw the images of his deceased parents lying on the floor of their room, a pool of blood surrounding them.

"M-My family…m-my clan, everyone, gone. I-I just want them back." He spoke, Sasuke stepped forward taking a closer look at his younger self, he froze mid step when his younger self vanished, an even younger boy replacing it.

It was during his first year of the academy, before the death of his family. "Nii-san, how come you never play with me anymore? He's always too busy…" He spoke slowly, looking down at his feet. "I wish someone would notice me…"

"Sasuke!"

Sasuke felt a cold breeze wash over him as a short red haired boy passed through his body, stopping a foot in front of his younger self.

"Tou-chan said he was taking me for ramen, you want to come with me?"

Sasuke's eyes softened when the familiar boy spoke, a happy smile covering his youngerself's lips. He watched as his younger self's head lifted up, the gloomy expression replaced with happiness. Another body passed through Sasuke's, in front of his stood Naruto, a gentle smile on his face as one of his hands rested on Menma's while the other rested on his own.

A family? Sasuke frowned, his fists clenching as he thought back to his mother, father, and brother. 'The pain of loss, I never want to experience that again…' He thought looking at the three standing before him.

"No, never again."

-Reality-

Lee carefully began unwrapping the bandages which covered his hands and wrists. 'Guy-Sensei, it seems I have to use that move now…'

Dosu rushed towards Lee, his right hand extended.

"…To protect my friends. Lee spoke forming a hand sign, catching Menma's attention.

Lee suddenly vanished.

Dosu slid to a stop. 'He's gone!'

Unexpectedly Lee reappeared below the boy, his foot colliding with Dosu's chin sending him into the air. Falling on all fours, Lee pushed himself up so he was behind Dosu. "I'm not finished yet."

The bandages that had once been wrapped around Lee's hands wrapped around Dosu's body, immobilizing him completely. Grabbing onto his body, Lee let gravity take effect, both boys began dropping towards the ground, Dosu headfirst.

Zaku bit his lip. "That's not good, if he lands like that, no telling what will happen."

"Don't forget your fighting me!" Menma spoke, jumping up delivering a kick Zaku's cheek when his attention turned. As Lee and Dosu approached the ground with frightening speed, Menma used his effort to keep Zaku focused on him, powerless to help his teammate.

Sure enough Dosu came crashing into the ground. Lee pushed himself up, his foot implanting itself into Dosu's stomach, blood spurted from his mouth.

As the cloud of dust cleared, Kin and Zaku stared in horror as Dosu lay unconscious in a pile of rocks.

"Dosu!" Zaku yelled out, not receiving a reply his turned back to Menma. "I'll end you right here." Holding out his hands Menma's vision blurred as his ears began ringing.

"Take this!" Zaku screamed. Menma dropped to his knees, his hands clutching his head as his body began to spasm. Sakura grimaced as she watched Menma shake.

'What did he do?' Sakura thought as she watched Menma attempt to push himself up. Holding out his hand he did what he could to get Zaku away, it worked as another powerful gust of wind forced Zaku to jump back. Standing up Menma panted as he looked around, as of now he couldn't hear, all he could feel was vibrations traveling through his body.

Reaching behind him Menma flung a handful of shuriken at Zaku who merely smirked, holding out his hands once again, the shuriken were sent flying back towards Menma who jumped out of the way, narrowly dodging his own attack.

'How, he reflected my shurikens…'

Lowering his arms, Zaku turned to Kin, giving the girl a nod. Kin sprinted towards Sakura, before she could react, Sakura was sent flying into the trees, a large bruise forming on her cheek. Pulling out a kunai, Kin rushed Sasuke.

Menma turned, his eyes catching a glimpse of what was happening quickly attempted to grab a kunai or shuriken but his weapons pouch was empty.

"LEE!" Menma yelled, Lee turned his head seeing Kin rush towards Sasuke who remained asleep. He wouldn't make it in time, and Menma noticed this.

"Sasuke!"

Kin inched closer, her arm extended, kunai pointed directly at Sasuke's neck. "You're dead!"

A set of crimson eyes shot open. As Kin slashed the kunai she noticed she only cut through air when she hit the ground. Her head shot around when a foot hit her back sending her into the tree. Menma and Lee were shocked to see Sasuke standing outside of the tree, his sharingan activated as he walked towards the Kin.

"You tried to kill me, so i'm sure you won't mind if I kill you." Sasuke spoke slowly, it wasn't until he said that, that Menma noticed the black markings covering half of his body.

'It must be coming from that mark Orochimaru gave him!' Menma thought to himself, suddenly tainted chakra began filling the air, catching everyone's attention, it was coming straight from Sasuke.

Zaku watched as Kin was lifted up with ease, gritting his teeth he held out his hand aiming for the Uchiha. Sasuke turned around, his sharingan eyes narrowing at Zaku, sending a shiver down his spine.

Sasuke slowly looked around, he noticed Sakura pulling herself from the trees, Lee standing a few meters away next to an unconscious Dosu, and finally Menma.

Turning back to Kin, Sasuke's hand tightened around her neck causing the girl to begin to squirm, her hands grabbing Sasuke's wrist. "Why are you trying to fight, like I said you shouldn't care if I kill you?"

Gritting his teeth Zaku rushed Sasuke, ignoring the feeling of dreed washing over him. "Bastard!" He called out, raising his arms the tree was ripped the shreds, Kin was thrown onto the ground as Sasuke landed in between Menma and Lee.

Sitting on her knees Kin grabbed her throat as she began coughing violently due from the lack of air. Looking from the girl to Sasuke, Menma frowned. 'Something isn't right, this isn't Sasuke…'

Sasuke turned his head to look at Zaku who was running back towards him. "What a fool…"

Zaku's eyes widened when Sasuke disappeared, then two hands gripped his wrists and a foot pressed against his spine. "You seem to really care about these arms of your, in fact you seem rather attached."

Menma, Lee, Sakura, and Kin watched was Sasuke pulled back causing Zaku to scream in pain, then again, the scream grew louder.

"Sasuke stop, this isn't you!" Sakura yelled, tears welling in her eyes as she watched Sasuke pull the arms back even more. "Yeah your right, i'm even stronger now."

Sakura cringed when to loud snaps were heard from Zaku who fell to the ground before letting out a spine chilling scream.

Menma's fists clenched, he had to snap Sasuke out of this, so he did the only thing he could think of. Walking towards Sasuke who wore a large smirk looking down at the incapacitated Oto-nin.

Cocking his fists back, Sasuke fell to the ground when Menma's fist rammed into his cheek. Sasuke lay wide eyed when Menma sat on his pelvis, keeping him from moving as his punched Sasuke's face again and again, blood flew from Sasuke's mouth as Menma continued hitting him.

"Snap out of it, Sasuke!" Menma yelled glaring down at Sasuke who remained still as he continued punching him. The markings covering Sasuke's body slowly began to recede, his sharingan faded away as he looked up at Menma who finally stopped throwing hits.

"M-Menma…what happened?" Sasuke asked slowly looking up at his teammate who closed his eyes, breathing a sigh of relief.

Sitting up, Menma pushed himself off of Sasuke, looking back to Kin who had wrapped both Dosu and Zaku.

"You win this time, but we will be back." Kin spoke before leaving with the two boys, a single earth scroll siting on the ground.

"There you are Lee!"

Team Seven looked up into the trees to see Neji and Tenten sitting down on a large branch. "Come on, Lee, we already have our second scroll, we need to get to the tower." Tenten spoke causing Lee to nod before jumping up next to her.

"Good luck you three, I'll see you in the final stage!" Lee shouted bidding the group farewell.

Menma stood up, walking over he picked up the earth scroll. "Well let's head to the tower." He spoke, ignoring the painful feeling rising in his chest as he watched Sasuke regained his footing before nodding.

Team Seven then left the opening, making their way towards the tower before moving onto stage three on the exam.

Once all of the remaining Genin teams arrived Anko proceeding to tell them they had passed stage two of the Chunin Exams. Hiruzen arrived shortly after his eyes traveling around looking at the remaining teams, however he couldn't help to look at Sasuke. He had been notified of what happened from Anko, including the curse mark who had been put on him.

Jounin instructors began filtering in, each standing behind their team. Naruto bend down behind Team Seven. "Congratulations you three, you all did well." He spoke quickly not wanting to disrupt Hiruzen's speech. His normal smile faded, replaced with seriousness as he looked down at the curse mark on Sasuke's neck, his fisting clenching tightly. Kakashi had come to him after encountering Orochimaru and told him what had happened, so say he was angry was in understatement.

'When I find that bastard snake, I'll skin him alive.'

Eight Teams remained, including the group from Kumo, Suna, Ame, and the Rookies from Konoha.

"It seems the Kyuubi container passed, these will be very interesting fights, don't you think?" Matatabi spoke to Yugito who gave a small nod turning to look briefly at Menma before turning forward.

As Hiruzen finishing speaking, a sickly looking Konoha Jounin stepped in front of him.

"My name is Hayate Gekko and I will be in charge of the third part of the exam, however before we start this part we will have to have a preliminary round where you all will be paired up randomly to face off. The winners will move on to the last, and final section of the Chunin Exams. This is due to the large number of team and contestants left." Hayate spoke.

"Wait don't we get a break? We just finished the second stage!" Ino yelled receiving nods from a few other genin.

"That doesn't matter, but if you wish to leave please raise your hand." Hayate spoke, looking around the group of genin, waiting to see if anyone plans to leave.

Naruto looked down to Sasuke and Menma, both remained quiet, while Sakura looked at him with pleading eyes. "Sasuke, are you sure you can continue?"

Sasuke turned to look at Naruto, giving a small but confident nod he turned back to Hayate. "I'm positive."

Naruto gave Hayate a small nod, he then turned to Hiruzen. "Sasuke will be continuing, however if the seal goes out of control I will intervene." Naruto spoke earning a smirk from Sasuke.

After a moment of silence, not a single Genin willing to leave Hayate spoke.

"Alright then, let's begin Stage Three of the Chunin Exams."

Each Genin nodded as they began a new journey towards becoming chunin.

AN: Chapter twenty-five complete. It's been over a month since my last update, school has been extremely stressful, and this is the first weekend since starting back that I don't have work to do on the weekends so I spent my time writing. Hopefully there won't be that long of timespan between my next update. As I write this author's note I pass 100K words for this story which means a lot to me. Anyway, I hope you enjoy, next chapter will include preliminaries and the month long training period, which will be significant for both Sasuke and Menma. *Cough Cough* New Justus *Cough Cough*

Oh one last thing, let me know who you guys want to read fight, maybe Menma vs Darui or something.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time…

Next Chapter: Chunin Exams Part 2