Disclaimer and Authors note: Sadly, since the time I updated last (I am extremely sorry that it has been a while) I have not acquired the rights to the Naruto franchise, and I receive no compensation for it (that sucks too since I am still unemployed as of this posting, damn it is hard finding a job.) I do not use these characters with any permission from the creator, just like all other fanfic writers.

I hope you all enjoy, and I would really appreciate some reviews.

On with the story.

Naruto Retold

Chapter Thirteen: Converge for the Exams

The forest was quiet as even the wind was no longer moving. A young girl silently made her way through the brush as she neared her target. She was glad for the still air; the young konoichi knew that if her prey caught just one small scent, it would all be over.

She peaked through the leaves and her emerald eyes reflected the prize. A small scroll lay at the feet of the vigilant male ninja who was resting in a small clearing, she had to get this scroll at all costs but it would be preferable if he never knew it happened.

She smirked and, molding some chakra, she ran through a short series of hand signs.

The targets form was suddenly alert; he grabbed the scroll and took off right at her location. He found his stalker quickly. He had sensed her presence and laid out a trap, using the scroll as bait. He knew that eventually the person who was trailing him would make a move and then he would strike.

He found the girl quickly, and in short order had a kunai blade flush against her neck, as he held her from behind. He smirked victoriously, "you lose," he growled softly into her ear.

The girl just stayed motionless.

The sound of steady clapping reached both their ears, the air to their right seemed to shimmer and a rather curvy figure appeared before them. She was garbed in what looked to be a short dress made up of wrappings. Her crimson eyes gleamed happily and her dark curly hair reached down her back.

A second, shorter figure appeared behind her. He wore a dark gray overcoat with a high collar that hid most of his face; his eyes were concealed behind a pair of dark shades.

And bringing up the rear a small white dog trotted up to his partners' feet.

Kurenai walked right up to her two remaining students, Kiba still had a hold on Sakura though his blade had drifted away from her neck. The Jonin-sensei beamed down at the pair, "very well done…" she noticed Kiba's chest puffed out proudly a bit and her grin widened, "…Sakura."

"Huh?" Kiba said confusedly and the girl that was supposed to be in front of him suddenly vanished from view and the air to his left, back in the clearing he has just left, began to shift as though a heat shimmer and revealed a pink haired girl smiling and holding the scroll that just moments ago was at his feet. He looked down at his hand and found himself holding a small stick the same size as the scroll. "Wait a sec, what just happened?" he muttered mostly to himself as he dropped the stick and put the kunai in his other hand back into his holster.

Kurenai spoke up, "it's quite simple, Sakura cast a genjutsu that she has recently mastered used to confuse the senses. She misdirected your attention and made you think you had her cornered and that you still had the scroll, and then claimed the prize." The elder Konoichi turned to her female student, "very well done Sakura, I couldn't have done it better myself."

"Thank you, sensei," the young girl said happily.

Kiba visibly deflated at the announcement, he knew that it was a test for Sakura of course, but he had no idea that Sakura had learned that sort of genjutsu.

As though reading his thoughts Shino spoke up, "surprise is a large part of our lives Kiba," he observed.

"Besides," Sakura said, "now that you know I can use this particular technique, it probably won't work on you again."

"Yeah, yeah" Kiba muttered slightly mollified. He reached down and picked up the small white dog at his feet. Addressing the animal, "don't you dare say anything; if Hana finds out I'll never live it down."

Akamaru gave a small whine and licked at his partners' nose, he was then transferred to his perch atop Kiba's head.

Shino turned to Sakura, "you really do posses a natural talent in genjutsu, and your chakra control was superb. But you need to be careful with whom you use it on, for example that particular technique would never work on me." He said in an even tone.

Sakura and Kiba both bristled, "what does that mean?" the both snapped in unison.

Shino raised an eyebrow curiously, "nothing nefarious I assure you. I am simply making the observation that a genjutsu would prove ineffective against some opponents…for example a kikai user whose allies do not posses the higher brain function to be affected and can therefore guide me though it or even a Hyuuga or an Uchiha, both of whom posses a bloodline that allow them to see chakra and therefore make the genjutsu itself an actual liability."

Sakura and Kiba both simply gawked at their teammate, this was the longest he had spoken at one go so far.

"Excellent point Shino," Kurenai said. "But I know for a fact that there are genjutsu that can confuse even the Byakugan and Sharingan, there are even techniques that can throw off the kikai." She spoke to them all, "there is no technique or jutsu or defense in the world that is completely unbeatable. Some are harder to get past than others, but everything has a weakness. And your job as shinobi is to figure those out and exploit them."

"Yes sensei," the three genin said in unison.

Kurenai nodded to her students, "now training will be done for today," she said as she saw the sun beginning to set. "I want you all to be well rested for tomorrow, the exams begin at 8am sharp room 302 at the academy…don't be late." With that she vanished in a swirl of leaves.

Shino turned back to the other two, "I hope that my observations did not upset you. No offence was intended; I merely wished to make a constructive criticism."

"It's cool," Kiba shrugged.

"Yeah," Sakura agreed. "It's fine, and thanks Shino, I know there was a compliment in there somewhere."

"You have indeed improved, Sakura," Shino said evenly. "Both in your technique and emotionally, at least you have not allowed your attraction to Uchiha Sasuke to dampen your learning."

Sakura blushed a bit, "oh don't think that I am past him or anything," she smiled. "But I have been thinking that not being on his team may have been for the best, you're right Shino being around him would probably distract me." Her grin widened, "I will still make him mine one day."

She turned around began to walk home, her thoughts on the training she had received. She really was happy and getting superb instruction from Kurenai-sensei. She had also realized something after getting over the crushing, bitter disappointment of not being on Sasuke-kun's team.

She had not seen any of that team in a while and not thought of them, but Shino bringing it up she recalled something that she did the last day at the academy, and the poor flustered girl she and Ino-pig had torn into.

Sakura's eyes became downcast; in her rage at the team selections she saw the happy face on Hinata and quickly misconstrued it at joy for being teamed with Sasuke. She, and apparently every other girl in the class, quickly forgot it was not Sasuke that Hinata watched with a faraway look in her eyes.

Why the girl was infatuated with Naruto was completely beyond Sakura, she just could not wrap her mind around it. Sakura smiled as she thought of the perfect way to apologize for her harsh words and helping the one girl that was not competition for her Sasuke-kun get the blonde Baka was just the way to do it.

Once Sakura was out of earshot Kiba muttered, "Good luck with that." He turned to Shino, "she has gotten better huh? And that Uchiha would be lucky to have her, I just hope he doesn't do anything to hurt her…her progress I mean." With that he too bounded off home.

Shino eyed him for moment until he vanished in the trees, "interesting," he said quietly to himself.

OoOoO

Shikamaru frowned at the paper that was awaiting his signature. He had to sign a release before he could participate in the chunin exams.

But it was so damn troublesome.

Different scenarios ran through his mind simultaneously.

The lazy Nara knew that these exams could only be taken by teams of three, so when Asuma had given them the option of participation it would only be available if all three consented to it. He knew this was a test…damn he hated tests.

On the one hand the chunin exams were said to be extremely difficult and downright dangerous. There have been people who have been so badly scarred, both physically and emotionally, that made their continued lives as shinobi impossible. Candidates had even lost their lives in the attempt in the past.

And what if, after all that, the worst happened and he passed…he shuddered to think of the responsibilities that he would have to deal with then?

On the other hand, it was apparent that Hatake Kakashi's team of Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke would be participating. Trust Ino to know the most current rumors, what would he have to deal with if he denied Ino the chance to impress her precious Sasuke-kun?

He gave an involuntary shudder and quickly signed his name; some situations of danger are preferable to others after all.

He swore to himself though, at his earliest convenience with out damaging his reputation too much or making himself look too good and without hampering Ino's possible success, he back out at the first opportunity.

Chouji took his que from his most trusted friend and signed his own form immediately after Shikamaru.

OoOoO

"Yosh, I hear that Gai-sensei's eternal rival's team is also participating this year." A joyous voice rang out as Rock Lee continued doing his 300 one armed, no feet push ups...up to 258 now. "It would be a most youthful experience to meet in contest the students of the eternally hip Hatake Kakashi."

Neji's eyebrow twitched in annoyance at the overly loud shout of his overly enthusiastic idiot teammate as he attempted to clear his mind for mediation. He really should meditate in the Hyuuga compound, far less distracting there. He gave a non-committal grunt at Lee's announcement, none of those weaklings would prove and 'youthful' challenge, especially…

"So your cousin is participating?" Tenten said as she twirled a kunai absentmindedly on her finger before she lazily snapped it off somewhere to her right, hitting the bulls eye dead center without so much as paying attention.

Neji simply grunted quietly again.

Tenten simply shook her head as a frown spread across her face, "whatever, forget I said anything." She then gathered up her practice Kunai.

OoOoO

She never felt so confident in herself. The feeling was amazing to Hinata, the once shy wall flower felt as though she had assimilated some of Naruto's natural confidence.

She did not act the same as her newfound boyfriend, her mannerisms and nature were still mostly the quiet and demure girl shed always been. She carried herself differently however, prouder and surer of herself. Her eyes, once having been constantly watching her own feet, were steeled and resolute, ready for a challenge.

Kakashi and Sasuke both seemed to have noticed. Kakashi came to the group and said that they were being offered a chance to compete in the upcoming chunin selection exams. The single raised eyebrow on her sensei at her immediate, almost enthusiastic, agreement to it almost screamed shock, as did Sasukes' wide-eyed stare.

Naruto just chuckled and agreed with her sentiments.

Even just being around the blond boy had done wonders for the girl, but to have him return her feelings? Even if they weren't yet at the level she had for him was astounding.

Naruto watched his girlfriend from the corner of his eye as the trio that was team 7 approached the school to make their way to the main exam room on the third floor, he still found the whole situation to be rather surreal and his thoughts were rather confused.

What was it that he felt for this girl? She was the first person his own age that seemed to genuinely care fore him; he had never experienced that before. He knew that this was one thing that he did not want to screw up.

Oh please let the Kami make sure he didn't do anything stupid.

He thoughts were cut short when Sasuke turned around and faced the two of them, Kakashi was gone for now and there was no one else around, this seemed like the opportune time to say what he wanted to say.

His teammates eyed him curiously as he spoke, "there's something that needs to be put out of the way."

OoOoO

A few days ago Sasuke was alone at his family home; the house was quiet and mostly dark. He was rooting through some old family albums of pictures; he really had no idea what caused him to do so there was just a sudden urge for it.

He had long since tore through those pictures and destroyed all evidence of his murderous older brother, all pictures and belongings of Itachi's he has set ablaze with the very same jutsu that he had helped Sasuke perfect.

Sasuke recalled the hours he spent at the bonfire bawling his eyes out, it had brought him no comfort.

Maybe it was Hinata, he mused. He had started to forget what his mother was like, focusing only on avenging her and the others. After the mission to wave however and the care he received from both Tsunami and from his quiet teammate there was a question that kept running through his mind.

What would his mother think of his current outlook of vengeance?

His mother was the one truly good constant in his life; she always had comforting words and a smile when he needed it most. But even that smile and warm voice was beginning to fade to him.

He wasn't sure what he was looking for among those photos until he looked through one that predated his own birth.

There was a picture of his mother at his parents wedding day, quite a few of those pictures were of his parents, both smiling at the camera.

But two pictures stuck out, one was of two women. His mother was one of them, dressed in her wedding ensemble, and another woman had her arm around his mothers shoulder. She was grinning at the camera and was obviously the maid of honor, what was odd was that she was obviously not an Uchiha. She has absurdly long red hair and bright green eyes.

There was something oddly familiar about that woman, but he was sure he'd never seen her before.

The next picture was of his mother and that woman again, but this time the red-head seemed to have snaked her arm out and latched onto another woman. He had stared at this one, she was a Hyuuga. And she also looked vaguely familiar, though he couldn't quite place her. Sasuke decided that it must be the eyes, having grown used to seeing Hinata's light milky-lavender tinted Byakugan.

In the background of that picture he saw a small glimpse of light blond hair and another Hyuuga, a male. The blonde hair he could not tell who that was at all, nor the Hyuuga male.

But that was odd, as far as he remembered an Uchiha wedding was a clan affair. Who were these outsiders that attended his parents wedding? An odd little bit of hope began to spread in him.

The only thing he knew of his parents were as his parents. His mothers' kind smile and his fathers' stern expression…where there people still alive that could tell him about his parents as people?

The only clue he had was the Hyuuga lady, maybe Hinata knows her?

That very moment he took off, as far as he knew Hinata and the dobe would still be training. When he found them an uncomfortable feeling twisted his gut, the two of them were just sitting there, but there were very close and Hinata's head was resting on Naruto's shoulder. They were also holding hands.

Sasuke slowly turned around and began to walk home; he wasn't sure what he felt. On the one hand anyone with a pair of semi functioning eyes could see the way the Hyuuga girl looked that the blonde idiot. On the other hand a small part of him, very deep down, kind of hoped the obnoxious dobe would remain ignorant of that.

Apparently he wised up to it though, and after he got home Sasuke thought, however bitterly, maybe it was for the best. This was a very good reason to not get too attached until he achieved his first goal, he could work on the other later. Since being teamed up with that girl though, and seeing her potential…he didn't know where it would have led. But it was for the best, he convinced himself, after all he eventually wanted the rebuild the Uchiha clan and he wasn't sure what another ocular bloodline would do to that.

The following day Kakashi had announced that they would be given the opportunity to try for chunin, and thoughts of figuring out a bit of his parents past were put on hold.

OoOoO

But there was something he needed to make clear.

"I saw you two at the training ground the other day, and I need to say something about whatever is going on between you two."

Hinata's and Naruto's eyes both went wide, which Sasuke found almost comedic. He raised his hand as they both attempted to talk. He spoke over them, "if you want to date, that is none of my business. I also get that as you dobe have been unusually quiet about this, especially for you, that you'd prefer it kept secret. Well I'm not saying anything to anyone, and this will be the only time I even bring it up."

He paused as the two relaxed a bit, "do what you want, just don't let it interfere. As long as this doesn't get in my way, I don't care. I just wanted to make that clear."

He turned around and kept walking, barely listening to the relived consent from his teammates and their thanks. He squashed down the small part of himself that hoped for Naruto's habits to eventually annoy the girl, as he led the way to the third floor.

Authors note: well, I hope you all liked it. I wont say that I'll try to update quicker cause who knows but I will be continuing eventually. Until then, be safe and enjoy the upcoming holidays. Please review, thanks for reading.

P.S. this has nothing to do with anything really but I saw the latest Harry Potter movie on Friday November 19thand it was packed, and holy crap what a great movie. My opinion it was the best so far, it stayed very true to the book with only a few discrepancies, but I guess that's what splitting one book into two movies can do for you time wise. So to any other Potter fans out there who have yet to see it…what are you waiting for?