Disclaimer: Naruto is still unowned by me. What a shame...
A.N: Sorry about such a delay on the update. School was a real killer this last month, plus starting on my new fic, Mangekyö (I have a link at the top of my profile, if you wish to read it.) But summer has finally arrived which means, circumstances permitting, more freqeunt updates. Anyway, hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Added: In response to Ch. 4 Reviews (I forgot to answer).
To Darak: Sasuke acted like a catalyst to Naruto; it brought back the flow of rivalry, in a sense. He'll be facing the reprocussions of "show-boating" rather soon.
To theDragonBard: Raikiri has been said to cut through lightning itself. Sasuke also had the cursed seal activated, giving him a significant powerboost. This, IMO, would provide resistance to F:RS. But Naruto did prevail, wind lightning.
Two medic-nin hurried across the field from the sidelines. Stretchers in hand, they quickly examined his body. Within seconds the inspection was completed, and the two slowly lifted the immobile shinobi onto the stretcher. The crowd watched Uchiha Sasuke being carried away, still in shock at the upset.
Naruto, expecting sudden praise and acknowledgement, saw his hopes fizzle out. Even after he's knocked off his plateau, they still recognize him more than me. But I shattered their idealization of an invincible Sasuke is now gone.
Turning to the judges' table, he watched Iruka march back towards him, carrying a Konoha headband and a small stack of papers. His features were crossed with graveness and worry.
"Come with me," the sensei reluctantly ordered. "We're going to pay Hokage-sama a visit." Walking off the lush field, he beckoned the blond to follow. He's taking me to see Sandaime Hokage? Maybe I shouldn't have taken a field day with my repertoire of abilities.
Steps landing upon the soft cushion of grass, Naruto felt the fury-driven eyes of the Academy class burning theoretical holes into the back of his skull. Even after reaching the paved streets of the village, the tension from the examination surrounded his very being. Sensei and pupil continued their journey on, soon reaching the familiar red-roofed structure. Climbing the fleeting stairs, they approached the second story, entering into the fairly cool corridors.
Iruka's footsteps echoed on the slated tile, the blond jinchuuriki trailing not far behind. The brunet soon halted in front of a pair of mahogany, wooden doors. "Wait here," he advised the boy, before pressing onward into the secluded office.
How am I going to explain this? Blood cooling from the aftermath of the spar against Sasuke, Naruto quickly regained his composure, severity of the situation dawning upon him. What would I say; the Kyuubi's chakra saved me from a future organization that was trying to harness all the bijuu's powers? He'd think I'd be out of my mind, and that's the last thing I need. Damn it, why'd I let my desire to put that teme in his place control my emotions.
Several minutes passed by, with no sign of Iruka exiting in the immediate future. Keen hearing allowed the boy to catch sections of the involved conversation behind closed doors, but not enough to label the topic of the discussion. More than likely, it is probably, "How can Naruto, with no talent, suddenly perform Jonin level techniques and strategies, plus defeat the number one rookie, Uchiha Sasuke?"
Contemplating the events of the last series of days, the blond paced throughout the barren passageway, reevaluating all traces of his activity. When I tried to use Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, I could barely summon five, so that would mean my chakra control is virtually none, once again. However, I still remember how to activate each jutsu, hand seals and all.
A jolt of pain unexpectedly shot across his bruised right leg. Clutching his knee, Naruto returned to the insignificant bench outside the entrance. This twelve year old body hasn't been trained to conduct these moves either. The Graduation Exam would have been much easier to pass if it had been the same as last…
Features exposed an unsettling feeling of doubt, expressed in every inch of his bronzed countenance. Why was it different? In my original timeline, to graduate only required the completion of a jutsu, specifically cloning. Yet here, the sensei expected a full blown match between everyone.
Metal knobbing embedded within the portal slowly turned, signifying the end of the conference. Could it be that using the Kyuubi's power has changed events to such an extent?
"Naruto, Hokage-sama wishes to see you now," spoke the brunet sensei, holding the door open for the blond. Departing from the bench, he strolled past Iruka into the office, expecting the imminent interrogation. Door closing behind, the jinchuuriki entered the slightly tumultuous room, spotting an elderly figure hovering over a crowded desk. Approaching closer, Naruto saw in perfectly detail each aged wrinkle drawn across the other's façade.
"Please, take a seat Naruto," he softly spoke, gesturing to the wooden chair opposite of his person. As the blond took his place, the man resumed, "Iruka-sensei informed me of your performance in the Graduation Exam today. Apparently, you displayed some uncharacteristically powerful skills for an Academy student, especially one with sub par graded evaluations."
Should I tell him about everything? Hokage-jiisama would understand better than anyone else in Konoha about the predicament I'm in. "Well…"
"Yes, Naruto?" the Hokage pried on, curiosity flaring in his eyes.
But, the chances he would actually trust my word are slim. I'll admit, these circumstances are abnormal, to put it lightly. Plus, alterations have already occurred from the small bit of time I've been in this new timeline. Telling him about this could change events, possibly for the worse; saving this village from all the upcoming strife would become a more difficult task.
"…ah, over the past couple months, I've been training every day…" Naruto glanced over at the old male expressing doubt. Damn, he's not buying it; I need something to explain the shadow clones. What am I going to do; tell him I looked at that –
"…and…I used the Scroll of Seals to learn Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. I know it's not allowed, but I really wanted to graduate this time and…" The panicked blond halted his rambling, spotting Sandaime Hokage signaling for him to stop.
"Naruto, calm down," he sternly ordered. "The Scroll of Seals is forbidden to all ninja within Konohagakure, unless I grant my express consent. However, that a mere student should accomplish a Jonin-level technique at such a precise rate is very impressive. I wonder, how did you complete this feat?"
Upon hearing the inquiry, the expression on the blonde's face immediately faced distress. He's asking how?! I need an excuse – fast. "Er… Probably since the chakra of the Kyuubi is infused with my own, I assume it gives me the ability to attain normally difficult-to-perform jutsu…" The aged Hokage's jaw, to the dismay of Naruto, dropped to the floor. That was a mistake; I'm in for it now.
"You know… about the…Kyuubi!?!" he stuttered, before fiercely changing his tone. "Who in the hell revealed this to you – I specifically tabooed all discussion of this matter!" Stopping his onslaught, the image of the graduate's shocked appearance graced his vision.
"Jii-sama, I just overheard it in a conversation, I swear!" the blond lied. "The rest I read for myself in the library; curiosity overtook me! And finding out that it resided within me made me realize why everyone treats me with such contempt!"
Reluctantly responding to the boy's plea, the elderly figure struggled to regain his composure. "Ahem, I am deeply sorry you witnessed that," the Hokage muttered. "It's probably better for you to know, anyway," he calmly added, the dark cloud abandoning his mood.
"Before I adjourn this meeting, though, I'll advise you on several points. First, don't rummage through that scroll again, or your punishment will be severe. More importantly, the power of the bijuu within should be taken with responsibility, not to be used by a whim," the Sandaime carefully warned.
I'm tempted to let him know how many times that tune has crossed my ears. "Yeah, I understand."
"Good, good. Now before you leave, is there anything else you'd like to tell me?" the man asked, fishing for more information.
Naruto nervously chuckled at the posed question. "No, that's all of it! I won't bother you any longer, jii-sama, so I'll just head out." With that, the blond swiftly rose from the chair and hurried out the wooden door. Phew, I lucked out with that lecture!
Outside the entryway, the waiting sensei worryingly paced back and forth. Upon catching sight of the rushed Naruto, his pupils lit up in concern. "Hokage-sama wasn't too harsh on you, was he?"
"No, it's fine Iruka-sensei. But I should be heading home for awhile, I need to rest afterall," the blond assured, jogging past the concerned person and flying out of the building.
"Well, if you're sure, I'll see you tomorrow," the Chuunin resigned, farewell not received.
Early morning dawned once again, rays briefly striking through an opening onto a frog-patterned bedspread. Resting under the covers lay the slumbering Uzumaki, replenishing his chakra stores. Over on the cream-colored nightstand, red numbers flashed across an automated clock, displaying the time '7:29'. Mere seconds passed before the latter two digits flipped, causing a loud commotion throughout the homely abode.
"Wake up!! Time for RAMEN!!!" the alarm buzzed, awakening the sleeper out of his dreams.
"Time…already?" he groaned, ascending from the mattress. Taking time to breakfast on a cup of instant ramen, the blond departed his household, setting off for his final day at the Academy. The paved lanes throughout the village were relatively empty, providing a relaxing an uneventful journey for the half asleep male.
Arriving at the Academy, Naruto directly entered into his recognizable classroom. At the shutting of the door, all eyes drew to his person. Ripped to shreds on my last day here; how memorable.
Hesitantly dodging glares, the blond cautiously moved to the end of the room, taking a seat behind a desk. A voice from his left immediately spoke, "You've gotten yourself into a quite predicament, Naruto."
Nara Shikamaru, in his lazy glory, leaned back in the timber chair, continuing, "What a troublesome guy you are. All of the class keeps bringing up how their beloved Sasuke was defeated by you; they don't know how to react. As for your victim, he's wrapped up in some bandages, nursing his ego." The slothful male laughed at his ploy directed towards the sulking Uchiha.
"Haha, yeah," the blond offhandedly replied, his focus drawing onto the Uchiha several rows below his desk. Sasuke, I'd rather hurt your ego now than repeat the past.
"All of you settle down now!" the familiar sensei demanded, capturing the potential Genins' attention. "You are all gathered at this place one last time for your team placement. Besides taking into account each of your abilities at the exam yesterday, the Chuunin examiners also relied on each nin's overall performance at the Academy."
Retrieving a paper from the nearby pulpit, Iruka resumed his speech. "Every team will consist of a Jonin sensei and three Genin students. As I call out each of your names, please group with your teammates."
Expectancy flashed across Naruto's curios orbs, intently listening as the sensei bellowed the assignments. Thoroughly listing the arrangement of teams one to six, Iruka moved on to the next, "Team Seven…Uzumaki Naruto…"
Yes, one third there! Azure eyes lit up as the second name left lips, "Haruno Sakura, and…" The kunoichi slumped onto her bench, disappointed with the pairing. "…Uchiha Sasuke."
A series of gasps crossed the room as the brooding ninja trudged up the wooden steps, glaring at his teammate before resting. Sparkling, emerald eyes approached, their source known as Sakura, entranced by the sulking, pale shinobi.
"I'm glad we're on the same team, Sasuke-kun. Us two can just ignore him," the female emphasized, nodding at the blond within earshot. Naruto responded with a simple sigh, unused to the once-common shallowness.
Over the hour, the room filed clear of the soon-to-be Genin, each team introduced with its Jonin sensei. One squad remained; Seven. The kunoichi traversed the stiff, wooden planks, occasionally ogling at the increasingly annoyed Uchiha.
"Hn, our sensei can't even arrive on time, despite being a Jonin. Pathetic," he exasperatedly spoke, breaking silence. The jinchuuriki, sprawled upon the desk above, smirked at the comment. How opinions quickly change, hmm Sasuke?
"Don't be so quick to judge; they don't let everyone become a Jonin, Sasuke."
The blond's azure pits crossed with a harsh gaze, "Since when does a dobe like yourself have a right to an opinion. That exam spar was simply one fluke; it will not happen again."
"You think so? I'll be more than glad to knock you off your pedestal, again," Naruto provocatively taunted. The response was all he had hoped for; Sasuke's anger had ignited. Rising from his desk, he lunged towards the other, only to be halted by a single hand. Orbs traced upwards, bypassing black and olive clothing to reveal a nearly covered visage.
"Already conflict, and within the first two hours," the solemn male sighed. "I can already tell I'll hate teaching this squad." Lowering his palm, the shinobi trailed towards the sliding entrance.
"Who are you?" Sakura demandingly questioned, clearly disgruntled at Sasuke's treatment.
"Your Jonin sensei; now come, we can't spend all day in this classroom," he coolly informed, walking out of the room. The trio followed suit, tension running rampant throughout the atmosphere between them.
Departing from the Academy, the Jonin guided his pupils across the paved streets. Activity grew sparser as the journey continued, soon leaving all traces of bustle and commotion behind. Stopping, the sensei beckoned for the trailing three to take their seats upon the stone steps.
"Since the four of us will be working together, each of you will introduce yourselves in order to become better acquainted," the silver-haired nin casually stated. "Just explain your likes, dislikes, goals, and anything else of importance."
"But sensei!" the kunoichi whined, "Shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"
"As you wish. My name is Hatake Kakashi, Jonin of Konohagakure. Anything else you desire to know about my life has no meaning." Pointing to the female on the left, Kakashi spoke, "Now, your turn."
"Well, my name is Haruno Sakura, and my likes are…" the speaker paused, her cheeks tinged with crimson. "My goal is to date...ah well…" Her eyes darted between Kakashi and the pale boy beside her. "I dislike…uh…Naruto," she ended forcefully, covering her embarrassment.
The blasé Jonin sighed, seeming as to have expected her answer. "Alright, onto you, in the middle…"
Rolling his eyes, the Uchiha began, "Uchiha Sasuke. I don't have likes or dislikes, but I do have a goal, or rather a purpose." Darkened eyes hid behind their lids, angst drawn upon Sasuke's features. "The revival of my clan, and... to kill a certain man."
Sakura glanced over at her crush, curious as to what had brought the other to such hatred. Once again, their sensei appeared less than phased to his response. "Ok, lastly, you in the orange jumpsuit."
Hmm, I'll make this interesting. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. My likes…loyal friends, I suppose, along with ramen. I dislike traitors, and people who are consumed by self-centered goals," he initiated, slight mockery blended with his words. He watched Kakashi raise one slim eyebrow, finally catching interest.
"Goals? Well, I have several. One is to be recognized by everyone in Konoha by becoming Hokage. Also, I want to protect those precious to me, and not repeat my past mistakes," he ended nobly.
"Interesting…" the questioner trailed off, before resuming, "With that out of the way, I'll explain the situation. First off, none of you are officially Genin yet. And, at that, each team will be given another exam, to determine if they are qualified to progress."
Locking gaze with each member of his team, he continued warningly, "If you fail, you return to the Academy. And no one has ever passed my exam." Kakashi looked on as uneasiness crossed Sakura's façade, going as far as to slightly affect the cold countenance of Sasuke. Yet despite his ominous forewarning, he noticed one retained slight optimism.
"Whichever card you throw, Kakashi-sensei, I'm sure the three of us can handle it!" Naruto smirked, bringing dismay to his other two teammates. Noticing their reaction, his grin grew even more devilish. Heh, I suppose it helps to know the premise behind his test.
"Is that so, Naruto? Since you're so eager to prove yourself, meet me at the training grounds around noon." Displeasure crossed the blonde's face at the response, finally joining the other two possible Genin.
"Kakashi-sensei! Shouldn't we be able to have additional time to prepare?" the pink-haired kunoichi pleaded, expressing the opinion of the trio.
"Normally, I let my team prepare an entire day. On the other hand, your fellow squad members had that squabble earlier, you receive this punishment as a team. Take it in stride as a lesson in becoming a shinobi. Consequences of a single nin can affect the entire team, let alone the mission itself," the scarecrow-resembling male lectured, before turning his back.
"I'll expect you three at noon; if you're late, you automatically fail." With that, Kakashi disappeared in a cloud of dense smoke.
High above, the sun reached the noon hour, its blazing heat cooking the ground below. Three figures paced across the dried grass, awaiting the arrival of their sensei. Seconds soon transformed into minutes, still revealing no trace of the missing Jonin.
"Is he always this late?" complained Sakura, irritated as her complexion slowly fried with the sun.
"I think so," Naruto knowingly answered, before resting on a nearby slate. Almost instantaneously, a distinct chime resonated across the sparse field. Springing from the foliage, Kakashi landed adjacent to the waiting squad. Snatched between two slender fingers resided a pair of bells, occasionally sounding with the breeze.
"On time, I see; good. As for the two bells I hold in my possession, they shall become your final exam."
A.N: Chapter 5 - fin. A couple weeks ago, I was aiming to include the bell test in this chapter. But, I didn't want the story to seem discontinued, so I decided on beginning Ch. 6 with it. So, stay tuned! And remember, reviews, as always, are greatly appreciated.