Naruto the Great Kunoichi Part 9

They had returned to the village, and had placed Haku in the hospital, due to his injuries sustained from the fight with those three people.

Naruto was bothered by this. She didn't know who those people were, or why they were after Haku, but somehow they were connected to Konoha. The leader's comments as well as Kakashi-sensei's reactions were proof enough.

What's more, she was no closer to winning Sakura-chan's heart than ever. And she was sure Ino had some plan to ensnare her in the works, too.

Plus, Kakashi-sensei said that she had some important news for them. She clutched her head in pain, her brain overworked.

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Sakura made sure that she was looking extra pretty today. She had returned to the village after such a hard fight, and she wanted to try and win over Sasuke's affections, before Ino could.

Speaking of the last mission, though it was a hard fight, she couldn't really claim to have done anything. It was mostly Kakashi and Naruto who did the fighting, and even Ino-pig helped. She, however, simply stood and watched.

She didn't want that. She didn't want to be helpless as one of her dearest and closest friends died in front of her.

She wanted to get stronger; she had to, to protect her friends.

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Ino looked around, trying to find some way of getting Sakura to notice her feelings, especially considering that Naruto was probably planning the exact same thing.

She found some rather sad looking clothing, a black shrt with a high collar and a pair of shorts. They looked like the sort of thing Sasuke would wear.

Then again, Sakura liked that jackhole, so maybe...

She smirked. Yeah, this might work.

They went up to the bridge, the three of them, where Kakashi stood waiting for them.

"Wow, on time for once." Naruto remarked, grinning. "lemme guess, the guy you liked dumped you, didn't he?"

"I have more important things to discuss." Kakashi replied in a threatening tone, and then quickly brightened somewhat. "I have come to a decision, and I realise now that you three show promise. As such, I have entered you into the upcoming Chunin exams."

"Wha!?" Naruto said, grinning excitedly. "That's amazing, Kakashi-sensei!"

The white-haired woman nodded. "As such, you should get going. The first part of the exam starts soon."

"WHAT!?"

"Oh yeah, didn't I tell you? It starts today. Just get over to the academy, right quick."

They did so, bringing a cloud of dust as they ran over to where they were supposed to be.

The Hokage looked down at the young man in the bed before him. Haku had been an enemy, and had almost killed Naruto. However, Kakashi had said that she saw promise in him, a chance a redemption, but only if he were given it.

The Hokage frowned. But would putting him through the exam be wise? He hoped so.

Sasuke walked around with his teammates, Chuni and Shika. Shika was lazy and preferred to sleep and watch clouds over doing anything really remarkable or important, and Chuni was pretty much only adept at eating. Shika wore a loose white T-shirt and had black hair done up in a ponytail; and Chuni wore jeans and yellow hot top with a loose, green outer shirt over it, her orangey hair was done up in twin braids that trailed over her shoulders and rested on the very top of her breasts.

However, he had managed to form a team with them, even if it was a rather loose, unreliable team.

"Hey, Sasuke-kun," Chuni said, eating a bag of potato chips, "where do you think the best places to eat are?"

"You already ate five minute ago." Sasuke said through gritted teeth, annoyed.

"I wouldn't argue with her, Sasu." Shika said absently. "It's too troublesome."

That was when three young girls crashed into them. Sasuke glared, and found that the interruption was caused by his former teammates and that blonde girl that he found almost as irritating as Sakura, what's her face...Inu.

"Sasuke!" Sakura exclaimed. Ino forced a smiled, and Naruto frowned, then brightened at the sight of the two women beside him.

"Oh, kawaii!" Naruto exclaimed, walking over to the girls. "You girls are so cute! What are your names, numbers, personal details?"

Shika sighed. "I am Shika Nara. My companion here is Chuni. And the jerk between us is Sasuke Uchiha."

"We met." Naruto said darkly, and then brightened. "So, have you two got anyone special on your lives?"

"Not really." Shika admitted, and Chuni dragged her foot along the ground, looking downwards shamefully.

Naruto grinned. "I see, so how would you two like to go out with m..."

"Naruto." Ino growled from behind her. "If you finish that sentence, you die."

"Eeep! O-okay, Ino-chan." Naruto slumped down, grimacing in defeat.

"So, how are you, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura said, in her most adorable voice.

"Meh." Sasuke replied with a shrug non-committedly.

"I...see." Sakura replied, feeling shot down. As well she should, because had been.

"Hey."

They all turned, and saw people that they ahdn't seen around the village before. One had weird purple markings on her face, her hair in twin stubby ponytails just popping out from the top of her cat ear hat. She had her black shirt and pants fashioned so that they showed off her mid-riff. The Male of the group was pretty tall, and had short sandy blonde hair that tapered into a large point at the back (kinda like Sasuke's hair, but different) and had two bangs at sides, and he wore a white shirt and tan pants. The final member was a young girl with long hair, who wore a brown-crimson shirt and a cream skirt. Her hair was styled into two little ponytails. She seemed...timid, to say the least.

"Can you direct us to the Ninja Academy?" The man said. "We're visting here, and would wish to join in the Chunin exams."

"Hey, that's where we're going." All six Konoha nin said at the same time. Naruto grinned. "Just follow us."

"Thanks." The man said, though his tone didn't reflect the statement. He sounded...cold.

The young red-haired girl clung close to the man as they walked over to the Academy. She would have to be barely 9.

Naruto wasn't sure, but for some reason she sensed....terrible sadness, and loneliness, as well as...hatred. It was probably her imagination.

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They had all separated, finding their own way to the exams. Naruto, Ino and Sakura wandered around, aimlessly searching for the room where the exams would begin.

"You there!"

They turned, and saw a curious young girl with a two long braids on either side of her head done up in a loop with a little clothed bun on top, a long sleeved green top and green pants with orange...things over them. Her shirt barely covered her navel. Her eyes...were incredibly weird looking.

"Are any of you Sasuke Uchiha!?" She proclaimed.

"Uh...no." Ino said dryly.

"Damn!" The girl yelled out. "Then, I must continue searching."

"Why are you so interested in Sasuke?" Naruto asked, though she could probably guess why.

The girl saluted. "I am Rock Lin! I am a ninja warrior, and am proud of this! I have heard that Uchiha is supposed to be strong, and I wish to test this out, to see whether he is worthy of my admiration, or my scorn!"

Naruto sighed. "Why do all the cute ones go after SASUKE?"

"Tell me about it..." Ino returned, her expression the same as Naruto's.

Sakura was a little confused as to what the two blondes where talking about, but decided to be helpful. Afetr all, no way would Sasuke like someone this weird. Better to break her hopes now, rather than later when it'd be more devastating.

"He was behind us, so if you go down that way, you might be able to find him."

"Thank you, yosh!" She said, and then ran down the hall.

"What a weird girl." Sakura remarked.

"Yeah..."

They had finally reached their destination, and entered.

They gulped a little, staring in a little nervousness as they found themselves surrounded by a large group of genin. A young man with glasses and white hair approached them.

"Hey there." He said. "I am Kabuto, and I and a few other Leaf nin are sitting over there, trying to figure out strategies. I would appreciate it if you join us."

"Sure!" Naruto said, grinning.

She liked making new friends. Besides, she might meet some cute ladies.

Elsewhere, Yarou stood at the place where the finals would eventually be held.

"It's almost showtime." The criminal said, grinning. "The Chunin exams are upon us, along with a good deal of ninja with skills that we might be able to use."

"Plus, Haku and the fox brat will be here, as well." Kusotore remarked.

Yarou nodded. "Agreed. And, of course, Orochi-chan and the Third Hokage himself will be making an appearance. Can't wait. Soon, all these years of planning, preparing and waiting will reach fruition. Soon, we shall have our revenge."

He laughed, anticipating the future.

Yeah, a new chapter at last. And, it's onto the best arc, the Chunin exams. Or, at least, second best.

Yeah, Yarou's back. He won't be leaving for a while folks.

If any of you are wondering why Ino tried to stop Naruto from flirting....well, it's probably because she couldn't tolerate Naruto betraying Sakura, despite being rivals. Or something.

Again, any ideas on possinle pairings, or ideas in general, will be helpful.

And I did the impossible. I made Gaara...cute.

Any ideas on who else could be gender bent in future, and how they'd look.

Also, I tried my best to describe the ew appearances of our cast. Hope you like.

Don't worry, Haku will be rejoining Naruto and the gang soon. Be patient.

Hope you enjoyed it, and please comment.