AN:

Thanks for the review guys and sorry for the delay! I've had quite a few deadlines to meet so I couldn't get this chapter out until now. I'll address several questions here before the chapter starts.

Bvvlaze: Many jutsu can be utilized without handsigns, Rasengan and Chidori for example are prime example of jutsu that don't require handsigns. Handsigns are referred to as a measure of Shinobi's skill in the manga and the fewer handsigns required reflect a greater skill in controlling the chakra and elemental release necessary for the jutsu. As for directing the fireballs in the Naruto wiki Hosenka no Jutsu is explicitly described as being able to hide shuriken which the user can direct via chakra inside the fireballs. Hence, controlling the fire.

777torn777: Potentially, I've considered that option, and it would be a good way to have Tsunade enter the story but I haven't decided on whether I'm going to include Itachi's sickness in the story.

As they made their way to the exam room the following day both Tayuya and Naruto noticed a large congregation of genin on the second floor trying to get into room 201. "…T-they do know that this is the second floor… right?" Asked Tayuya, completely amazed that so many of them had been fooled by such a low-rank genjutsu. "I know that genjutsu is looked down upon in comparison to taijutsu and ninjutsu but for so many genin to neglect it to this extent…"

"Yes, it's a weakness we should be able to exploit. Let's hurry up to the room though. If they can't make it past this stage then it would be more merciful for them not to progress."

As they entered room 301, Naruto took notice of the genin that were skilled enough to see past the genjutsu. The team from Suna consisting of Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari were sitting in a corner, several teams of Konoha genin, including Sasuke and Sakura, several squads of Iwa genin, three squads from Kumo, two teams from Ame, and a squad from Kiri.

"Gaara will be problematic… with the Ichibi's chakra, Tayuya's genjutsu won't really be able to take hold as strongly. It would be best if we could put off engaging them directly. That Konoha genin that is pretending to be lazy and complaining to his teammates has already scouted the room twice since we walked in, he's a tactician for sure. Sasuke has awakened his Sharingan from what I understand. There are quite a few talented genin here." Thought Naruto as he discreetly surveyed the room. He noticed Tayuya doing the same before sitting down in the back middle of the room.

"All right! Quiet down you worthless bastards!" came a strong voice as a giant cloud of smoke appeared at the front of the room. Most of the genin instantly stopped talking and warily glanced at the smoke while it slowly dissipated. A man with a large overcoat, a headscarf and a several scars running down the side and front of his face stood in front of a crowd of Konoha examiners all wearing white.

"Thank you all for waiting. My name is Morino Ibiki, the head examiner for the Chunin Exam's first test." Said Ibiki to the room. "There will be no fighting without the permission of the examiner. Even if permission is granted, killing your opponent will not be tolerated. Those scum that disobey me will be failed immediately. Do I make myself clear?"

The absolute silence that followed seemed to satisfy the examiner. "We will now start the first test in the Chunin Exam. Instead of your current seating arrangements, you will all come down here and pick a random tab and sit in the seat on that tab. Once everyone is reseated, we will hand out the exams."

Naruto sighed as he and Tayuya joined the throng of genin slowly filing their way down to the front of the room. While he was waiting to draw his lot, Naruto heard whispers direct his and Tayuya's way. While it was unfortunate that they were already being singled out this early, it was to be expected given that they were the only shinobi taking the exam without being from a shinobi village. At least this was a paper test and he wouldn't have to deal with any genin trying to make a name by taking out the 'arrogant villageless genin'.

Tayuya found herself seated in the front of the room while Naruto had returned to the back, near where they had previously sat. As the seats around her slowly filled, the examiners started to pass out seats of paper face down. She frowned as she handed the stack of tests to the Iwa genin next to her. If the paper test was over standard shinobi history or theory then she and Naruto might be at a disadvantage. While she was sure the two of them had more practical experience than anyone else in the room, their studies under Itachi and Orochimaru the last few months had included taijutsu, genjutsu, and ninjutsu training, stealth and assassination techniques, survivalist training, tracking, among other areas but not academic studies.

"Everyone have an exam? Good. Listen closely to what I am about to say. Do not turn your test over." Said Ibiki as he picked up a piece of chalk and started writing on the blackboard at the front of the room. "There are many important rules to this first test. I'll write them on the board while I explain, but questions will not be allowed, so listen carefully."

"The first rule. You guys all start off with 10 points. The test is made up of 10 questions and each one is worth a point but this exam uses the subtraction system." Said Ibiki as he wrote on the chalkboard.

"If you answer all the questions correctly you keep all your points. If you answer a question incorrectly… you'll lose a point. The second rule is that this is a team test. Whether you pass or not will be determined by the combined score of your teammates." Said Ibiki.

"Why is this a team test?" shouted a genin from a few rows behind Naruto.

"Shut up, you don't have the right to question me. There is a reason for this, be quiet and listen. Now for the most important rule. The third rule is that during the exam anyone caught by the testing officers doing sneaky activities, namely cheating… will have 2 points subtracted for every offense. If you lose all your points you fail."

"So that's how it is… this is a test of our ability to gather intelligence. Cheating in any other situation merits an instant fail." Thought Naruto as he was silently thanked Itachi and Orochimaru for the mask. "It's okay to use the Sharingan as long as no one can see I suppose…"

"You're all shinobi trying to achieve the level of Chunin, be proud." Said Ibiki with a small smirk. "The final rule is this, those that lose all their initial points during the test and those that don't answer any questions correctly will be failed along with their two teammates." A groan came from several genin in the room. Tayuya smirked, there were clearly several idiots in this group.

"The exam will last one hour. Begin!" The sound of paper being flipped over filled the room as the Naruto felt several of the examiners glaring at him watching his every move like a hawk.

"Okay let's see… Question 2. Line B, seen in the picture, is the greatest possible distance a shinobi can throw his shuriken from a tree of 7 meters. For enemies who appear within the circumference of the shuriken's range, explain the attack options using this distance. Show your work… this is completely beyond genin. Most chunin would have trouble answering a theory question of this degree. I knew it. This is a test of our intelligence-gathering capabilities." Thought Naruto.

Naruto closed his eyes as he placed one palm on the underside of the desk. "Mokuton: Ki no Umi, Nagareru." (Mokuton: Sea of Trees, Flowing Unity) He let his consciousness spread to envelope the whole room. As long as there was wood, plants, earth, or water the Ki no Umi, Nagareru jutsu would let him know everything within its domain.

"I see… there are a few chunin in the exam with all the answers… alright let's copy the movements I get from the wood of the desk and write it down. I should probably pass it along to Tayuya just in case as well."

Tayuya grinned as the wood next to her exam slowly embossed itself with the answers to each of the question. Clearly Naruto had figured out the true meaning of the exam. She moved ever so slightly to shield the answers with her arms as she started copying them onto her paper. Behind her, Naruto was also carefully copying the answers to onto his exam to make sure no one else could see what he was doing.

"Now that Tayuya has the answers as well I should try to see if I can figure out if any of these genin will be a threat later on in the exam. I will have to avoid Sasuke-san, showing my Sharingan would only cause problems and I'd get scolded by Itachi nii-san. Gaara's problematic I don't know if I can beat him in my current state without using any of my abilities. Of the Leaf… that Lee might be a problem."

"You might want to focus less on the Leaf genin and more on those Iwa and Kiri 'genin'. I sense some very dark emotions coming from them. This test may not be as simple as you think Naruto."Growled the Kyuubi.

"As always your insights are appreciated. Thank you Kurama-sama." Thought Naruto respectfully. The Kyuubi merely grunted and returned to sleeping.

"Umm… I just have one question. How many teams will pass this test?" asked a genin next Sakura, standing up.

"Hehehe… It's not like knowing will help you… or do you want to be disqualified?" asked Ibiki in a dangerous voice. The genin yelped before quickly sitting down.

"It seems there are still individuals who haven't figured out the real purpose of the exam. Well that's not my problem. I suppose I should meditate with the time remaining. I doubt I'll have much chance to rest once this exam is over."

As Naruto and Tayuya waited for the mysterious tenth question to be revealed, they noticed the range of reactions from the other genin. The ones who were already panicking were either going to drop out here or be taken out in the next exam, they weren't the ones that the two of them needed to worry about. The ones who were calmly pressing forwards were the ones to take notice off.

"Okay! We will now begin the tenth question." Said Ibiki seriously as he faced the room.

"Now before we get to it… I will go over the added rules for this question."

As Ibiki started, Kankuro walked back into the room from his bathroom trip.

"Was your doll playing beneficial?... heh just sit down."

"I'll continue explaining now. These are the rules of desperation. For the tenth question you must decide whether you will take it or not."

"Choose? What happens if we choose not to?" asked Temari loudly.

"If you choose not to, your points will be reduced to zero… You fail! Along with your two teammates." Answered Ibiki with a smirk.

"What the hell does that mean!"

"Of course, we'll take the question then!" came the chorus of shouts from indignant genin.

"And now the other rule… If you choose to take it and answer incorrectly, that person will lose the right to take the Chunin Selection Exam again."

"What kind of stupid rule is that! There are guys here who've take the exam before!" shouted a Genin in a grey parka with a ninken perched on his head.

"Hehehehehe… Tough luck. I'm in charge this year, my decisions, my rules. But I am giving you a way out. Those that aren't confident can choose not to take it and try again next year." Said Ibiki scarily.

"Now… let's begin the tenth question. Those that do not wish to take it, raise your hand. Once your number is confirmed, leave."

A score of genin began raising their hands and shakily apologizing to their teammates. Some were consoled. Others were scolded. All were failed.

"You could save some of these genin you know Naruto." Stated the Kyuubi in a bored tone.

"It's unlike you to care so much Kurama-sama. Even if I help some of them here, won't they simply fail in the next exam? Wouldn't it be better to let them fail here where their lives may not be at risk?" queried Naruto.

"You are calm, and have experienced much Naruto, but you are not Kami. You cannot foresee the future, not even with those eyes of yours. The interconnectedness of all things is beyond the comprehension of one caught within it. Beyond you and me. Perhaps your intervention will merely delay the inevitable. Or perhaps it is the first step of a new becoming, a different trajectory." Murmured Kurama sagely.

"I have much to learn… Thank you again Kurama-sama." Thought Naruto as he stood up.

"You can prattle all you want about having us stay genin forever but you don't possess that authority, do you? You might be able to pull that off with the Leaf genin here but there's no way that Iwa, Suna, Kumo, Ame or any other village will accept that provision from you. To see through hidden meanings and discern the truth underneath, that is what this exam is about isn't it, Ibiki-sensei?" Accused Naruto in a calm tone as he pointed a finger at the examiner.

"Oh? Interesting theory, are you willing to risk your life on that read?" asked Ibiki as he leveled a threatening gaze at Naruto.

"Indecisiveness is the bane of all shinobi. Better to determine what one perceives as their best option and stick to it, one should only switch choices if evidence can convince them to. I see no evidence for me to change my decision." Answered Naruto as he smirked underneath his mask.

"Interesting kid… He annihilated everyone else's worries. There's 77 left… More than I expected." Thought Ibiki as he said. "Why not keep that information to yourself? You've just helped a bunch of genin who might be your enemy in the next exam."

"Who knows what the whims of fate will bring? Today's enemy might be tomorrow's friend. Better to extend friendship and compassion when possible rather than hatred. That's my nindo."

Ibiki merely closed his eyes and genuinely smiled. "Good decisions... Now to everyone still remaining… I congratulate you on passing the first exam!"

"As this genin deduced, the tenth question was the choice to stay in or not. The previous nine were to test your information gathering abilities." State Ibiki quickly to placate the confusion of the genin remaining.

"First, as the rules explained, success on this test was based on the whole team doing well. This put pressure on each member not to mess things up for their teammates." Said Ibiki as he covertly motioned for one of the other examiners to find anything out about the mysterious genin that had stolen his thunder.

"However, the questions were not of the degree that genin would be able to answer. Because of that, I'm sure most people came to the conclusion that to score points, you would have to cheat. Basically, the premise of the test is to cheat. We had two chunin who knew the answers to all the questions mixed into the crowd to help you guys out. But those that cheat poorly fail of course…" continued Ibiki as he slowly untied the Konoha hitai-ate around his head revealing the gruesome scarring underneath. "Because… at times, information is more important than life, and on missions and the battlefield people risk their lives to get their hands on it."

"If the enemy notices you, there is no guarantee the information will be accurate. I want you all to remember this. Important information in your hands can be a powerful weapon for your comrades and your village. This test was to separate those of you who could gather information from those of you who couldn't." said a smiling Ibiki as he re-tied his hitai-ate.

"But… I don't understand the final question," said a frowning Temari.

"The genin that called me out got it correctly. If you passed all the trials and became a chunin and were sent on a mission with no intel, no support, no help from other squads… can you refuse? Can you say no simply because you don't wish to see your teammates hurt, can you avoid it? The answer is no! No matter what the danger, no matter what the risk there are missions you cannot avoid. The ability to be courageous, survive hardship and move forward unflinchingly, this is the quality necessary to become a Chunin. All of you have demonstrated this quality. The first exam is finished. I wish all of you luck." Said Ibiki approvingly.

As soon as Ibiki had finished his speech, one of the windows near him shattered as a dark blur streaked into the room. A giant back banner unfurled and was held in place by four kunai anchoring it into the ceiling and floor. A tall slender woman with violet hair in a fanned pony-tail wearing a mesh bodysuit with a tan colored overcoat. The entire room watched in awkward silence as the woman launched into a clearly pre-practiced spiel.

"Listen up kids! This is no time for celebrating. I am the examiner for the second test! Mitarashi Anko! Now let's go. Follow me!" She shouted exuberantly as she raised her fist into the air. Naruto and Tayuya both blinked as they tried to comprehend how someone as loud and boisterous could have become a ninja.

"For some reason I feel like fate is telling me what might have been…" thought Naruto in shock.

"If you had turned out like her at all I would have hated you." Responded Kurama pointedly.

"Bad timing Anko…" said Ibiki as he made his way out from behind the banner.

"77 Remaining? Ibiki, you left 26 teams? The test was too easy this time!" accused Anko as Ibiki smirked and held his hands up.

"This time there are a lot of outstanding ones…"

"Bah you better not be losing your touch. I'll cut the number by at least half in the next test. Now you lot, follow me! I'll explain everything once we've changed places…"

"Well… I can't say I didn't expect this Samsara." Said Tayuya, her back against Naruto.

"No kidding… but right off the bat too… and with this many people. That's surprising." Muttered Naruto as the two stared at the group of five teams surrounding them, three teams from Iwa, and two from Kumo. "Hey hey… What's with this? Five teams for the two of us village-less entries… and after I even gave away the answer to the test in round one?"

"It's too bad… this is the end of the line for you. Maybe you'll learn to be less trusting in the next life." Said one of the Iwa genin as all five squads prepared to do battle.

"Tayuya… if possible don't do any permanent damage to them." Said Naruto casually.

"Your too kind. It'll get you killed someday." Responded an exasperated Tayuya.

"Someone's overestimating themselves. Get them!" shouted the Iwa genin as a storm of ninjutsu, shuriken and kunai rained down upon Naruto and Tayuya.

"This is bad… I'm not fast enough to evade all of them if they cover for each other, and without my Mokuton, Kurama's chakra, or my Sharingan… Think! Think Naruto! You need to come up with a plan in the next 0.4 seconds or you and Tayuya are dead!" Thought Naruto frantically as he tried to kick his brain into overdrive.

"Fool. Don't think Naruto. Do." Said Kurama crossly as he yanked over control from Naruto. "Now watch and learn."

"Katon: Uzusenpu no Jutsu." Muttered Naruto he quickly flashed a handsign while a giant whirlwind of fire erupted around Naruto and Tayuya, slowly expanding as it stopped the attacks from the Iwa and Kumo genin while steadily forcing them back.

"I can keep this up while you set up a genjutsu Tayuya. How many of them do you think you can get?"

"As long as they don't realize my flute casts a genjutsu I can get them all. I'll need you to protect me for a few seconds after you drop the inferno. If they can't hear my genjutsu it won't affect them."

"Got it. I'll take out any stragglers there might be."

As soon as Naruto dropped the inferno, an echoing melody slowly drifted throughout the area as Tayuya lovingly played her flute while Naruto kept watch. The two were forced to step back as three of the Iwa nin struck down simultaneously with ninjato where they had just stood. Tayuya narrowed her eyes as she realized the Iwa nin had earplugs in.

"You… none of you are genin are you?" asked Tayuya coldly as she crouched into a battle stance, the Iwa nin merely smirked as their Kumo compatriots surrounded the pair.

"It looks like we don't have the luxury of being compassionate today." Said Naruto calmly.

"We have our orders, Samsara-san. I hope you understand. It's nothing personal." Said one of the Iwa nin as he pointed his ninjato at Naruto.

"Tayuya make sure no one else is around. We can't afford to have witnesses." Said Naruto seriously as he turned back to focus on who he assumed was the leader

"Watch closely, and don't tell a soul." Said Naruto as he made the snake seal. "Mokuton: Jukai Kotan." The Iwa and Kumo nin realized what was happening a split second too late as a dense forest of trees burst through the ground around them wrapping themselves around the enemy nin and restrained them, the trees quickly followed after any ninja that were fast enough to avoid the initial barrage before restraining them as well.

"Ugh… w-who are you?" shouted the leader of the Iwa nin as he struggled to free himself from his bindings.

"Someone you should not have attacked. Now… who do you work for?" asked Naruto calmly as he stared into the eyes of the terrified nin.

"We – were hired by…" started the Iwa nin before he was interrupted.

"Stop. You know if any of us speak, we all die." Said a nin with a Kumo headband in a calm voice. From the way everyone else listened, it was clear that they were the leader.

"Samsara-san. It is clear that we cannot kill you. We cannot return to our employer either. Our lives are over. I ask only that you kill my subordinates as painlessly as possible." Said the ninja as he looked up at Naruto.

"You ask for compassion when you have given none. However, I cannot fault you for that. The fault lies with this broken shinobi system that pits us against our fellow humans. I hope you will be reborn into a more peaceful time. One in which none of you need become shinobi." Said Naruto in a sad voice as he held out a hand and closed it into a fist. "Do not worry. It will be quicker and easier than falling asleep. Rest now, ninja of the Elemental Nations." Blood splattered across fresh leaves.

The rest of the trek through the forest towards the tower in the Forest of Death was uneventful and quiet. Tayuya noted the rather sullen mood that Naruto had been in since their encounter with those nin.