Chunin Exams!

A Powerful New Foe?

Konoha-Morning

It's been several months since Team 7 returned from their mission to the Land of Waves. In this time, they have completed more missions, ranging from C to A in rank. Unknown to Naruto and Sasuke, the two have gained entry to the Bingo Book. Naruto is known as the Red Death while Sasuke is known as Sharingan Warrior, both earned names after fighting off an army in the Land of Stone.

Though Team 7 isn't the only team completing their share of missions. The Three Rookies Teams have been neck and neck when it comes to mission completion but only Team 7 has two A rank missions completed. During this time, Naruto has trained extensively with Kubikiribōchō and learned of the origins of the Seven Ninja Swords.

Curious, Naruto searched the ninja archives for the name Masamune Dosan. Not much was known about the man except the place of his death; Uzushiogakure home of the Uzumaki Clan. Though the records are sketchy and the files are worn, it seems Dosan was commissioned to make the Seven Ninja Swords, sometime during the Warring States Period. Why he was commissioned to make Seven Bloody Swords is not known or who commissioned him to do so. But early records state, Dosan commissioned only two swords but later records describe eight.

Naruto lies in bed with his arms behind his head, starring up at the ceiling. Beside him, sleeping peacefully is Hinata who is oblivious to Naruto's presence and inner thoughts. Why did Dosan make the swords? Who commissioned the swords to be made? Why did the Uzumaki Clan allow Dosan's entry? What and where is the eighth sword? So many questions and not enough answers. Naruto glances at the sword in the corner. The long handle has been changed to a traditional Japanese handle but is longer due to the sword's length. All he knows for sure is; the Seven Ninja Swords belong to the Uzumaki Clan and he must speak with Watan. Naruto turns in his bed and has a melancholy look on his face.

"Uzumaki, huh?" States Naruto softly as he catches a reflection of his red hair in a mirror by his bed. Naruto often wonders what his life would be like if he grew up with his clan. To learn their techniques, their skills, to have their love. He has studied Fūinjutsu and excels in the art. These past months have been spent training with Kubikiribōchō, studying Fūinjutsu and Ninjutsu.

The sun breaks through his window and Naruto sits up in bed, having gained very little sleep. He puts on a dark gray ninja flak jacket with black trim. The jacket features a neck guard along with elongated shoulder padding, three scroll pouches on each side of the chest, and increased armor. Both arms are wrapped along with both legs. He also wears to dark grey gauntlets that cover all of his forearms. Naruto wears a pair of black ninja pants with dark grey shin guards. On the back of his waist is a sheathed push knife while on both legs, he wears kunai pouches. On his chest is a belt used to hold Kubikiribōchō on his back. He also wears two small silver hoop earrings. His hair is now straight and long with a bang framing the left side of his face.

Naruto looks himself over before he then ties his horned forehead protector onto his head. Satisfied with his attire, Naruto swings Kubikiribōchō over his shoulder and onto his back. While he has not learned everything about the swords, Naruto has learned several techniques from the Uzumaki scrolls that were recovered. The two extra handles provide new attack patterns to surprise his opponents. Naruto glances out his window before vanishing via body flicker.

On a bridge waiting for their teammate and Jonin Sensei, are Sasuke and Sakura. Like Naruto, Sasuke has been training non-stop since the A rank mission. While on the surface, Naruto and Sasuke seem to dislike each other, in battle they make a great team. The two have remained equally strong with no one gaining or losing ground. Though Naruto's monstrous chakra levels trump Sasuke's own. Sakura raises her head before Naruto appears.

"You're late." States Sakura with a glare, making Naruto look around. He doesn't spot Kakashi and turns away.

"I'm leaving." States Naruto simply, making Sakura gape.

"We have to wait for Kakashi Sensei!" Reminds Sakura, making Naruto glance back to her.

"Why the hell would I want to wait with you two for that long?" Questions Naruto with folded arms, making Sakura grow a tick mark on her head.

"Humph." Grunts Sasuke, making Naruto turn to him.

"Tch." Grunts Naruto, sucking his teeth. The three wait for an hour before Kakashi appears. By this time, Naruto's hair is waving around.

"Hey guys. Good morning. Sorry I'm late, I'm afraid I got lost on the path of life." States Kakashi, making the Genin grow tick marks.

"WHA?!" Shout Naruto and Sakura with big heads. The four then begin to do low ranked missions more suited to be called chores. After failing to complete said missions due to Naruto not having the patience, the three Genin begin to argue.

"Why can't you just act like a normal ninja?!" Shouts Sakura with Sasuke sighing. Naruto has his arms folded over his chest as Sakura yells.

"Will you shut up?" States Naruto as he picks his ear, "Your yelling is giving me a headache."

"Humph, you're hopeless." States Sasuke, making Naruto glance at him with narrowed eyes.

"And you're weak." Retorts Naruto, making Sasuke's ear twitch and his eyes narrow.

"You can't talk to Sasuke like-." "Shut up, Ugly." Interrupts Naruto bluntly, making Sakura's eyes turn white.

"There goes all that hard teamwork I built up." Laments Kakashi with a sigh.

"I'm better than you, Naruto." States Sasuke, making Naruto narrow his eyes, "Would you like me to prove it?"

"Fine with me." States Naruto as the two turn to each other fully, "It's about time we settle this."

"Y-You two need to stop this." Tries Sakura but the two ignore her. Kakashi glances up and spots a hawk circling above, confusing him.

"Alright, lets call it a day and meet sometime tomorrow." States Kakashi, making Sakura sigh in relief, "You two can beat each other up some other time."

"Whatever, I'm leaving." States Sasuke, making Sakura chase after him.

"Wait… maybe we could… spend some time together, I mean to build up our teamwork." States Sakura with a blush on her face.

"Tch, idiot." States Naruto as he glances to his left. He sniffs the air and smirks, "You placed your trap upwind." Three poofs of smoke go off to reveal Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon. The three dash around Naruto before Udon attacks from the front with a left punch. Naruto blocks the attack as Moegi comes from behind and attacks. Using his momentum against him, Naruto flips over Udon, kicking Moegi back as Konohamaru appears in front of him. He evades a punch and tosses both Konohamaru and Udon into Moegi.

"Aw man, we lost again." States Konohamaru as he coughs from the dust.

"Just what'd I'd expect from Konohamaru's rival." States Udon as he too coughs.

"Looks and skill, you rock boss man." States Moegi as the three recover and stand in front of Naruto. Naruto sighs at the little following he has and remembers the first time he met Konohamaru. Konohamaru also wishes to become Hokage and thus, the two are rivals.

"You three, shouldn't you be in class?" Questions Naruto with his arms over his chest. The three beam and smile before talking with Naruto.

"Boss man, let's play ninja!" Suggests Konohamaru with a smile, making Naruto sigh.

"Well…" Starts Naruto as Sakura stalks up with a downcast look on her face.

"Ninja playing Ninja, that is so dumb." States Sakura, making Naruto glance to her.

"Oh, rejected again I see." States Naruto, making Sakura growl.

"Shut up idiot!" Shouts Sakura with Inner Sakura growling with her fists up. Konohamaru looks at the unfamiliar face with suspicion. He had heard that Boss Man got a girlfriend but didn't think it would be her. Not to say she isn't pretty but she seems much too loud for Boss Man.

"Who is that, Boss Man?" Questions Konohamaru, deciding to get to the bottom of his question, "She can't be your girlfriend, can she?"

"Who is?!" Shouts Naruto, his mother's personality coming through, "Listen up, my girlfriend is a princess with dark blue hair and pale eyes, a shapely figure that makes this girl seem like a joke!" The three academy students take notes and nod along to Naruto's words while Sakura's anger grows. She knows she doesn't have the figure of Hinata but she's hot too!

"I thought so, she is much too loud and that forehead is way too big." States Konohamaru with a shrug and smile on his face. Udon and Moegi giggle while Sakura remains still.

"Since I can't play Ninja, I will give you guys a lesson in the Pursuit Jutsu." States Naruto as he sees Sakura's growing anger.

"A new Jutsu?!" Beams Konohamaru and his friends.

"I'm going to kill you!" Shouts Sakura, making the three pale and turn to Naruto who is already gone.

"EH?!" Exclaim the three before taking off with Sakura right behind them. Naruto watches from the roof of a building while chuckling.

"Hehehe, sometimes you got to make your own entertainment." States Naruto as he watches the three evade Sakura's wrath. Naruto's smirk leaves his face as the wind blows.

"Strange, I've been picking up foreign scents entering the village for the past several hours." Thinks Naruto with serious eyes, "I've also sensed new chakra signatures…, what is going on?"

Konohamru is running from his life along with his friends; Moegi and Udon. Glancing back, Konohamaru spots Sakura with a fierce look in her eyes, making him yell out and run faster. He takes a sharp turn and smacks right into someone, making him fall back and land on his bottom. Sakura comes to a stop along with Moegi and Udon. Recovering, Konohamaru looks up to spot two foreign ninja looking down at him.

"Do you need something, brat?" Questions the male of the two. He wears a Bunraku puppeteer's costume; a black, baggy, full body suit with a red and yellow circle on the front. He also wears a black hood which covers his head completely, and has cat-like ears and his forehead protector on his forehead. He also sports a triangular face-paint design. The girl has teal eyes and sandy blonde hair, which is gathered into four consecutive pigtails. Her outfit consists of a single light purple-colored, off-the-shoulders garment that extends to halfway down her thighs, with a scarlet sash tied around her waist. In addition to incorporating fishnet worn over her shoulders and legs, specifically on her right calf and her left thigh, she also wears her black forehead protector around her neck.

Hokage Tower

Hiruzen Sarutobi, better known as the Third Hokage sits in his office, smoking his pipe. In front of him stands all the Jonin and some Chunin of the Hidden Leaf Village. Among them are Kakashi Hatake; leader of Team 7, Kurenai Yuhi; leader of Team 8, Asuma Sarutobi; Leader of Team 10, Might Guy; leader of Team Guy, and Iruka. Most know the reason for being summoned while others suspect. Kakashi thinks over his time with his team and is confident they are more than prepared.

"I have summoned you all here for one reason alone." States Hiruzen as he exhales a puff of smoke, "Judging from your expressions, many of you know what I am talking about."

"It's hard to believe the time has come already." Thinks Kakashi with a blank face.

"The other lands have been informed, right?" States Asuma as he looks up in thought, "I've seen them around the village."

"So, when will it be?" Questions Kurenai, unfazed by the announcement.

"In one week." States Hiruzen, making Kakashi look to him.

"That's pretty short notice." Thinks Kakashi as Hiruzen exhales a cloud of smoke.

"I will now make the official announcement." States Hiruzen as he gazes at the ninja present, "In precisely seven days from today, on the first day of July, the Chunin Exams will commence."

Street

Konohamru is lifted off the ground, drawing gasps from the two Academy Students and Genin Sakura. Only then does Sakura see the headband telling her that these ninja is from the Village Hidden in the Sand. Konohamaru grunts out as the boy grasps his tight. Udon and Moegi look on with shock and fear at the unfamiliar face.

"Konohamaru!" Shouts Moegi with concern.

"That hurt, you piece of crap." Growls the male ninja. The female ninja sighs at the behavior while glancing around.

"Put him down, Kankuro." States the kunoichi as she looks to him, "We'll really get it if he finds out."

"Relax Temari, let me have my fun." States the ninja named Kankuro while Temari scoffs.

"Please let him go, we were just fooling around." States Sakura as the Udon steps forward.

"Let him go or Boss Man will kill you." Threatens Udon with a serious tone, making Kankuro laugh.

"Oh… that sounds interesting." States a voice from behind the group. Kankuro glances behind Udon and Sakura and spots a muscular teen who is quite tall and has black hair and blank eyes. The teen has no visible weapons on him but Kankuro and Temari can tell he is dangerous. He wears a black vestment that shows off his muscles and black pants. Standing beside him is a young girl with short violet hair. There appears to be nothing that stands out about her but she too emits an aura of danger. She wears an outfit similar to Sakura's but colored purple. Their headbands tell the ninja around, that they are from the Rain Village.

"Why don't you call up this "Boss Man"?" States the teen with a blank face but eyes that want a fight.

"Yanagi, stop it." States the girl with a monotone voice.

"Come now Retsu, we are a team aren't we?" Questions Yanagi with a glance back at her, making Retsu scoff.

"I am interested in this "Boss Man"." States Yanagi with a tone that puts everyone on edge.

"Yanagi, we don't have time for this." States Retsu with some sweat on her face.

"Then I'll make this quick." States Yanagi before he picks up Udon by the neck, making the boy gag and choke.

"Please stop!" States Sakura in a panic as Konohamaru and Udon struggle for their lives. Suddenly, danger senses flare before everyone ducks as a large sword sails overhead. The sword imbeds into a tree trunk before someone appears, standing on the handle of the sword. Konohamaru and Udon widen their eyes as the person has them in his arms.

"A couple of stupid little rats, have decided to pick on my adorable underlings." States a familiar voice, making Sakura dance in her head, "What am I to do about this?" The ninja glare as they stand from their positions to look at the newcomer.

"… I've decided." States the teen who is hidden by the sun, "I will exterminate the vermin."

Hokage Tower

"Now then, in conjunction with beginning the Chunin Exams, let us first have those in charge of the new Genin step forward." States Hiruzen as he gazes at the three Jonin. Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma step forward as Hiruzen exhales some smoke.

"Well then, are there any Genin from your squads you wish to recommend for these Exams?" Questions Hiruzen as he gazes at the three, "It goes without saying but if it's a Genin who has completed eight or more formal missions, they are applicable for the exams."

"But, common sense dictates that they complete more than twice the amount of missions as stated before applying for the Chunin Exams." Adds Hiruzen, making Iruka nod his head in agreement.

"That's right. While capable, none of them are ready for these Exams." Thinks Iruka always one to care for his students.

"Well, Asuma, you first." States Hiruzen as Asuma forms the Ram seal.

"Asuma's Team 10, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akamichi; I recommend all three for the exams." States Asuma boldly, drawing gasps from the ninja present and Iruka who can't believe it.

"Kurenai's Team 8, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, I recommend all three for the exams." States Kurenai, making Iruka widen his eyes in disbelief.

"Kakashi's Team 7, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Naruto Uzumaki; I Kakashi recommend all three for the exams." Announces Kakashi, making the ninja around talk amongst themselves.

"All three recommended…" States a Jonin in the back.

"The Rookies will be in this year's exams?" States another Jonin.

"Hold on just a minute!" Bursts Iruka as he steps forward, making the Jonin and Hokage look to him.

"What is it, Iruka?" Questions Hiruzen as he allows the outburst.

"Lord Hokage, please allow me to say one thing." States Iruka as Hiruzen nods his head, "This may sound presumptuous, but I was in charge of teaching the nine children recommended for the exams."

"I admit they were all talented students worthy of becoming ninja but this is too soon for them!" States Iruka as the Jonin look to him, "They should wait until they have more experience."

"I became a Chunin when I was six years younger than Naruto." States Kakashi, making Iruka narrow his eyes.

"Naruto is nothing like you!" Shouts Iruka as he steps forward, "Are you trying to destroy him?!"

"Iruka… you have no idea the level these children have grown." States Kakashi as he remains calm, "They have an A Rank mission under their belt and a B Rank mission."

"I know-." "But you don't." Interrupts Kakashi, making Iruka widen his eyes, "You have no idea just how strong they all have become and there is a very simple reason you don't know."

"Kakashi, that's enough." States Kurenai.

"They are no longer your students… they are my soldiers." States Kakashi, making Iruka narrow his eyes.

"And Naruto? Well… let's just say I'm not worried about Naruto being hurt… because… Naruto is strong." States Kakashi with an eye smile.

Street

Back on the street, the Rain and Sand Ninja glare up at the newcomer who looks down on them. Sakura breathes a sigh of relief while Moegi gets stars in her eyes. Konohamaru and Udon look up at their savoir and smile. Yanagi glares at the newcomer who would have beheaded them all with such a move. Retsu takes a good look at the teen and discreetly licks her lips while Temari checks out the muscles on the teen while Kankuro glares.

Bleach OST - Number One's One Else

"Boss Man!" Exclaims Moegi with excitement, making Yanagi narrow his eyes. The sun fades to reveal Naruto who holds Udon and Konohamaru with a glare on his face.

"Thank the heavens." Sighs Sakura, knowing she can't take these guys at all. Kankuro looks up at the newcomer and steps forward. Before he can do anything, a pebble hits his head and Sasuke appears under Naruto.

"You're a long way from home… and way out of your league." States Sasuke as he crushes a pebble in his hand.

"Sasuke!" Sqeals Sakura as Kankuro glares.

"Oi, oi, oi, you said something about atoning with our lives." States Yanagi as he gazes up at Naruto, "Pretty big words, I'm interested on how you're going to make that happen."

"I see… then… allow me to show you." States Naruto with closed eyes before they snap open and he launches from his spot with Konohamaru and Udon still in his arms. The speed catches the ninja by surprise before Naruto raises a single leg and brings it down. When he does, the surrounding area is destroyed and the ground is uprooted while dirt and dust is kicked into the air. As the dust clears, Naruto stands in the middle of a crater with Konohamaru and Udon gaping at the level of destruction from a single kick. Kankuro and Temari lands on a nearby fence and widen their eyes at the power before Kankuro grabs his shoulder.

"T-This is bad… a simple graze from his attack has broke my arm." Thinks Kankuro as Temari has a few scrapes from the debris.

"Local hottie turns out to be a monster." States Temari as she gazes at the destruction. Nearby, the Rain Ninja look on at the destruction. Both are unharmed as Yanagi looks at the destruction unfazed.

"So, the Leaf has a monster as well, this is turning out to be quite entertaining." States Yanagi with a smile.

End Song

"Hey Naruto!" Shouts a voice, making Naruto turn to it and spot Sakura with Moegi in her arms, "Are you trying to kill me?!"

"Tch." States Naruto simply and turns away, making Sakura gape. Kankuro growls and lands on the ground. He then takes the thing off his back and slams it beside him. Naruto doesn't turn but glares in his direction.

"Cone on punk, I'll show you what this "Rat" can do." States Kankuro as Naruto smirks.

"Wait, you're not going to use the Crow, are you?" Questions Temari in alarm as Naruto remains unfazed. Before a fight can break out, Naruto picks up two new signatures appear in the area. Quick as lightning, he draws two kunai and launches them at two different locations. One imbeds itself in the tree trunk that Sasuke is on while the other hits the fence.

"Stop sneaking around." States Naruto as he sets down Konohamaru and Udon who make faces at Kankuro and Yanagi, both of who growl at the punks, "Hiding is foolish when you both reek of blood."

"Kankuro, stop it." States a monotone voice, making Kankuro and Temari pale while Sasuke perks up at having barely sensed the newcomer, "You're a disgrace to our village."

"Yanagi, we've been here for barely an hour and you're picking fights with the locals." States a cold voice, making Retsu and Yanagi turn to the voice, "You have no respect for a village that is the first of the Five Great Ninja Villages."

"H-Hey, Gaara." Stutters Kankuro while Sasuke glares at the newcomer.

"How the hell did he get there?" Thinks Sasuke as he looks at Gaara, "He was as quite as Kakashi and only Naruto could sense him."

"Kotaro…" States Yanagi unfazed as he looks at his Team's Captain. Kotaro is seen sitting on the fence, overlooking the scene. He is a young teen with light spiky blond hair that reaches his back. He as tall as Naruto and has an X shaped scar on his face. He has brown eyes and wears helmet like respirator over his mouth. He wears a Rain Village flak jacket that with a dark cloak on his back. And unlike the others, he has a scythe draped over his shoulders. Connected to the scythe appears to be a chain.

"This guy, he slipped by my Sensory Abilities and approached downwind… the only reason I caught him was due to his killing intent." Thinks Naruto with narrowed eyes.

"We came to this village for a reason." Reminds Gaara with a cold look in his eyes, "I'll kill you." The declaration makes Sakura, Udon, Moegi and Konohamaru pale with Kankuro doing the same.

"R-Right." States Kankuro as he puts his hands up in surrender. Gaara turns to Sasuke and Naruto who both glance at him.

"This guy, his eyes are so cold." Thinks Sasuke while Naruto glances at Gaara.

"This chakra… I've felt something similar before." Thinks Naruto with a glare.

"He was able to stop Kankuro with a pebble while the other broke Kankuro's arm by simply grazing it… these two aren't bad." Thinks Gaara.

"Tell me, Yanagi?" States Kotaro as he gazes at Yanagi and Retsu, "Do you wish to die?" His question is meet with blank stares. Yanagi looks to Kotaro and slightly cracks his neck. Retsu stops him with a hand on his shoulder. Yanagi glances at her before backing down.

"N-No, forgive us." States Retsu as Kotaro looks to Naruto.

"I apologize for my teammate's actions towards your… underlings." States Kotaro as Naruto vanishes and appears on his sword. Kotaro remains unfazed by the action and simply looks at him.

"This guy… the level of destruction from a single kick was enough to damage the surrounding area… also, I felt no chakra from the attack meaning… that this power is all him." Thinks Kotaro.

"I've only felt a presence like this once before." Thinks Naruto as he gazes at Kotaro, "This guy… is Jonin level." Both Naruto and Kotaro vanish via Body Flicker and appear on the ground.

"Wait a minute!" Yells Sakura as she steps forward, feeling braver now that Naruto and Sasuke are nearby, "Regardless of a our alliance with the Land of Wind, a treaty states that no ninja can enter another ninja's village without permission."

"Will you be quite… Haruno Sakura." States Naruto, making Sakura look to him and see the look in his eyes. Standing across from him is Kotaro who has the same look in his eyes.

"It seems we will find ourselves across from each other again in time." States Kotaro as he gazes at Naruto, "If that is the case, I should give you my full title, right… Red Death of the Hidden Leaf?"

"What are you talking about?" States Naruto with folded arms, "I've never heard that name before."

"It's what you're listed as in the Bingo Book." States Kotaro before glancing to Sasuke, "And you're Sharingan Warrior."

"After our mission to the Land of Stone, we were listed in the Bingo Book as B-Rank." States Sasuke, answering Naruto's unspoken question. Kotaro steps forward and looks at Naruto.

"The thrill of killing all those people must have been something to experience right, Uzumaki Naruto?" Questions Kotaro with a smile, "How did it feel to send so many to the afterlife? Was it fun? Was it sad?"

"Or perhaps… did you feel nothing?" Continues Kotaro as he gains a curious look in his eyes. Naruto stays silent as he remembers their mission. A Rogue group of Ninja had been hiring bandits to attack the caravans on the road. They were told by the Ruler of the Land of Fire to assist the Land of Stone. The ninja from the Stone Village attacked on their end while Naruto and his team attacked at the Border of the Land of Fire. 200… that was the exact number of lives, Naruto took that day.

"You talk a lot." States Naruto simply, "You think you know me after reading some report from the Bingo Book?"

"It seems the apple really doesn't far fall from the tree, right… Son of the Salamander?" Reveals Naruto, making Yanagi and Retsu glare while Kotaro's face morphs into a glare, "No one should take pleasure in killing, no matter the situation. If they do… they are nothing but a stain on the ninja world."

"I see…" States Kotaro as he turns and walks away. "I'll be seeing you, Uzumaki Naruto."

"Not if I see you first." Replies Naruto as he watches the Rain Ninja walk away. Naruto thinks back to the mission in the Land of Stone and balls his hands into fist. It's true… he felt nothing when he killed them… a greater crime then the act itself.

"The Chunin Exams have begun." States Sasuke as he walks next to Naruto.

"It's not going to be easy." States Sakura as Naruto looks up at a tree and narrows his eyes.

"Just do me one favor." States Naruto as the two look to him, "Stay out of my way or I'll cut you down first." With his piece said, Naruto walks away with Sasuke and Sakura following.

So begins the Chunin Exams. Sorry for the late update I've been really busy with work.

So I've added a Son of Hanzo in this fic to give Naruto an enemy like Gaara is to Sasuke. All of the Rain Ninja will have Bloodlines. I've already decided on Kotaro's.

Next Chapter- Exams and the Forest of Death!