Author's Notes: Once again, I apologize for the last chapter being mostly just flashbacks, but as stated, I really wanted to show case Naruto's date with both girls. As well as have Naruto flex a bit more of his political muscle in clan affairs, in regards to Yakumo's uncle. Normally, Naruto would not threaten those that are not involved with the conflict, but our little hanyou really had to drive the point home to Unkai.

As for Izumi, I figured that being technically only half Uchiha, the rest of the clan would have ostracized her and would label her with derogatory names like "Half-breed" and "half-blood" and such, meant to insult her blood status within the clan and the fact that she couldn't properly use her Sharingan. Which we saw Sasuke continuing on, and implying that she could have redeemed herself by submitting to him.

Rest assured, during the exams, Sasuke will be confronting Naruto about Izumi, which will also be interesting as well.


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Spotlight

Two new stories make the spotlight this time around!

NaruAnko: The Fiend – by SelenetheNerd

Dungeons and Dragons cross over with our favorite blonde. Starting during the Secret Scroll theft, instead of learning the Shadow Clone jutsu, he summons an Arch Devil from the Nine Hells. Read on as she makes him her warlock and thrusts him into a war that is as old as time itself!

No More Lies – by FenreldStormbladed

From an anonymous person, Naruto learns that he has been lied to his entire life by the very people he loved and trusted in regards to whom his parents were. Feeling betrayed, Naruto fakes his death and leaves the village.


Review Corner

VFSNAKE – Didn't you do that in one of your stories? Could have sworn I have read that exact scene between Kakashi and Gai somewhere before.

Agnar – The drama around Mebuki will be coming to a close after the Chuunin Exams. I got plans for her when she confronts Sakura about something that happens during the finals.

As for Sasuke, I have a plan for him and something he comes across during his time away from Konoha. Something I don't think a lot of people will see coming.

Issei Uzumaki – I had to mix it up a little when the girls request their marks. Also, I figured it would be nearly impossible for both Izumi and Yakumo to not learn about Naruto being a half demon and a Jashinist since they both live under the same roof and let's face it, Anko isn't always quiet about such things.

Imperial-samaB – To apologize for the flashback chapter, this chapter will be dedicated to the Exams completely!

Laverniak – Sakura and Hinata will dominate those that stand against them. So expect their matches in the preliminaries to turn out different. Also, I have a comical ending for Sakura and Ino's match.

As for Sasuke, I do have something planned for him to bring him up to Naruto's power, and I feel it is believable to be able to obtain and make him a real threat to Naruto and the rest of the Elemental Nations.

Killthebeast – There will be many notable guests to watch the finals. Koyuki, Mei, and Tsunami to name a few. As well as the Fire Daimyo and his wife. As well as one other guest.

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark – Yup, I gave Izumi a Mangekyou Sharingan via ex machina due to her transformation into a hanyou. As such, she doesn't suffer from chakra depletion from using it like she use to with her regular Sharingan eyes.

As for Orochimaru, I got plans for him.

PraetorXyn – I already plan on Hinata winning her match, since she is not the same girl from canon. Also, she isn't limited to just her clan's style of taijutsu and will utilize other forms to beat the crap out of Neji. In the end though, Neji will still get some sense knocked into him about fate and all.

Sasuke on the other hand, you'll love what I have planned. And it will happen in the finals in front of everyone.

Voltblaze0522 – Glad you are enjoying it. I will say this, due to how over powered Naruto is, he will not encounter Orochimaru during this time. I will have to separate him from the team to allow Orochimaru to mark Sasuke. Though doesn't mean Sakura won't give the snake a good beat down in Naruto's place.


Harem

In a relationship - Anko*, Ayame*, Fem!Haku*, Fem!Kyuubi*, Fubuki*, Hana*, Hanabi, Hinata*, Izumi*, Koyuki*, Mei, Sakura*, Tsunami*, Yakumo*, Yugao*

Has yet to court - Ameyuri, Fem!Hidan, Fem!Jashin, Fu, Fuka, Hokuto, Ino, Isaribi, Karin, Karui, Kin, Konan, Kurenai, Kurotsuchi, Kushina, Mikoto, Pakura, Rin, Ryuzetsu, Samui, Shion, Shizuka Shizune, Tayuya, Tenten, Temari, Tsume, Tsunade, and Yugito

Those with * next to their names have accepted to bear Naruto's mark.

Now, on with the show!


Darkness Falls

Chapter 31

Hokage's Office

"Each team has been submitted their permission slips, Hokage-sama." Iruka informed the Hokage with a slight frown. The scarred Chunin wasn't exactly pleased to hear that all of the jounin sensei's had endorsed their teams for the exams. Honestly, he felt that only Gai's team was ready for the test, the others were still too green. Having only been genin for less then a year.

"You don't approve that each of the teams have been endorsed, do you Iruka?" Hiruzen inquired with a knowing look. The elder village leader knew all to well how the academy instructor felt about his former students, namely Naruto. It was clear the scarred man viewed the young blonde as a little brother figure.

"To be honest sir, I just don't think most of the teams are ready for the exams." Iruka openly stated. "With the exception of Team 9, everyone hasn't even been genin for a full year."

"Be that as it may." The Hokage began with a slight grin. "But, as you may recall, Team 7 themselves have had quite the start for their Shinobi careers. Their first C-rank mission turned into an A-rank, yet they were still able to complete it with no fatalities or lasting injuries."

"But…."

"Then there was their most recent mission in Haru no Kuni." Hiruzen interrupted the instructor. "Which, according to Princess Koyuki herself, both Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan were key figures for not only the missions success, but also keeping the rebels alive."

"But Naruto….."

"Is quite capable." The elder man interrupted once more. "Most, if not all of Team 7's success, has been due to Naruto-kun. He has proven to have a sharp intellect, enough to rival, if not surpass, any Nara clan member. He also has a drive in him to protect those who can not protect themselves, regardless of the consequences to himself. In Nami no Kuni, at the risk of being charged with insubordination, he ignored Kakashi's orders and remained with the family on a hunch that the family would be targeted. A hunch that proved to be correct."

"In Haru no Kuni, Naruto-kun had warned Kakashi countless times of an impeding ambush." The elder man continued. "When Hatake ignored his warnings, Naruto-kun had taken it upon himself to plan out every detail to protect not only the client, but everyone else. Which was complicated even further when he learned of the rebels attempting a counter ambush. In the end, Naruto saved everyone. Even taking four kunai in the back to protect Koyuki-hime from harm."

Iruka could only gawk at the aged village leader. While he had known of the teams numerous successes, he had never read the actual reports as they were generally reserved for the Hokage's eyes only, and thus, he had given credit to Kakashi for the teams success. But to learn that from the teams inception, Naruto was the one responsible for each victory.

"Still, if you are unconvinced." Hiruzen spoke once more. "Feel free to test them yourself."

With a silent nod, the scarred Chunin left the office, pondering what course of action he should take.


Konoha Streets

Both Sakura and Naruto were casually making their way through the village towards the Academy, having just dropped off their entry papers to a receptionist in a makeshift office at the edge of the village, instead of the usual Records Building located next to the Hokage's Tower. Making the pinkette groan in slight irritation. To make matters worse, Kakashi had conveniently failed to mentioned where they had to turn the papers in at.

"Seriously, they could have just had everyone turn in their papers at the Academy." Sakura grumbled, earning a chuckle from her blonde mate.

"I am sure they did it this way on purpose." Naruto commented with a thoughtful expression. "Probably to throw the participants off their game. Remember what Kakashi did during our Genin test?"

"Ugh, don't remind me." The pinkette groaned. Her days fresh out of the academy were not her proudest of moments.

"What I meant was when Kakashi-sensei initially made is work against each other using hunger, tiredness, and irritation." The blonde pointed out. "It stands to reason that Konoha is doing the same thing, to further weed out any genins who are not ready for the exams."

"Make's sense." Sakura conceded, though still grumbled about having to walk all the way across the village. "So, did Anko-chan or Yugao-chan give you any hints on what to expect."

"Nope." He replied, earning a defeated sigh from the pink haired kunoichi. "All Anko-chan said was that there would be a surprise, though still refused to give any hints as to what it is. Even after I bribed her with a case of dango."

"Wow, must be a hell of a surprise if she wouldn't even budge after that." Sakura commented, clearly shocked that her future sister-wife had refused her favorite treat.

"Ouch!" A voice exclaimed from just around the corner ahead of the two hanyous. "That hurt you little jerk!"

Rounding the corner, the pair were greeted by the sight of a bulky looking guy, wearing a Bunraku style puppeteer's costume, with a black hood with what appeared to be cat like ears on the top. A Suna symbol etched into the boys hitai-ate that seemed to be stitched onto the cat eared hood. Make up covered the large boys face in some sort of intricate design that appeared to have been drawn on using his sister's lip stick, if the color that adorned the girl's lips next to him was any indication. In the make up wearing boys hand was none other the Konohamaru, the grandson of the old man, his other hand drawn back in a threatening gesture against the kid.

Next to the boy in cat pajamas was sandy blonde haired girl with an annoyed look on her face. She had teal colored eyes and her hair tied into four different pig tails tails. Two on the top, and two on the bottom. Her outfit consisting of a single light purple, off the shoulders garment that extended halfway down her thighs. A scarlet sash wrapped firmly around her waist. Underneath the light purple garment, the girl wore a full body fish net armor that covered her shoulders and her left thigh, while a separate piece of fish net covered her right calf. Her hitai-ate hanging loosely around her neck, as what appeared to be a massive fan was slung over her back.

"Put him down you big cross dressing bully!" A girl around the same age as both Naruto and Sakura shouted. Taking in her appearance, the two noted that she wore her dark brown hair up into a pair of buns at the top of her head, giving off the appearance of panda ears. This was especially highlighted by her choice of clothing. A pink sleeveless qipao-style blouse with red trimmings and yellow fastening buttons, accompanied with dark green pants. With a kunai holster secured firmly to her outer right thigh and a pair of blue, ankle high kunoichi sandals, with her hitai-ate proudly displaying the leaf symbol on her forehead.

"Kankuro, just put him down." The blonde haired girl sighed in frustration. "You don't want to piss 'him' off, do you?"

"No, this little jerk needs to pay for running into me." The bulky boy stated, bringing his fist back to punch the young boy. "Besides, 'he' isn't here, and what he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"You know." A low voice spoke from directly behind Kankuro made itself known, causing the poor Suna teen to jump. "Drag night is on Tuesday evenings at the Rusty Kunai Bar, but for crying out loud man, not in front of the children."

Face burning red with embarrassment, the Suna teen dropped the young boy, earning a slight 'eep' from him as he landed on his rump, and turned to face the blonde haired teen. It didn't help matters that two of the three girls were currently laughing at his expense, while the bun haired girl had stars in her eyes as she gazed upon the blonde behind him, or rather, what the blonde held. Turning to meet the upstart, he was swiftly met with a slight pressure to his throat. Casting his eyes down, Kankuro could make out what appeared to be a black, blade like weapon behind held in a reverse grip position in the blondes hand, aimed directly at his jugular.

"Now, normally I would ask why Suna Shinobi are in Konoha, but I am going to guess you are here to partake in the Chunin Exams." Naruto commented as he withdraw his blade, now that Konohamaru was out of danger. Taking a step back away from the black clad teen.

"That is correct umm." The blonde girl answered, once she had reigned in her laughter at her brothers expense.

"Naruto." The blonde hanyou replied. "Naruto Uzumaki, and may I have the name of such a beautiful desert flower?"

"Te-Temari." The blonde girl blushed at the teen's compliment, while Kankuro fumed at the blonde that was flirting with his sister. "Temari of the Wind, and this idiot that steals my make up is my brother, Kankuro."

"A pleasure to meet you, Temari-chan." The blonde stated as he gently took hold of the Suna girls hand and gave a light kiss on her knuckles, causing her to blush even more at the gesture.

"It's not make up!" Kankuro exclaimed, interrupting the moment between the two blondes. "It's war paint!"

"If you say so." Naruto shrugged, turning his attention back to the Suna boy. "As I said, drag night is on Tuesdays at the Rusty Kunai, enjoy yourself."

This earned another round of laughter from Sakura, Temari, and Konohamaru, causing the black clad Suna teen to fume further as his hands itched to pull the massive bundle that was secured to his back out, and put the blonde upstart in his place. Meanwhile, the bun haired girl still seemed to be in a trance as she stared blankly at the blonde hanyou. Noticing this, Naruto moved over to her and snapped his fingers in front of her face a few times before she snapped out of her daze.

"Hey, welcome back, have a nice trip?" Naruto smirked, causing the poor girl to blush in embarrassment.

"Sorry, I just kind of zone out when I see a new unique weapon, being Konoha's Weapon's Mistress and all." The dark brown haired girl replied. "Name's Tenten Higurashi."

"Pleasure to meet you, since you were spacing out I guess I should re-introduce myself. I'm Naruto Uzumaki." He introduced himself for a second time, much to Tenten's embarrassment for being reminded that she had been day dreaming about the blondes weapon, which prompted her to perk up and look at the blonde questionably.

"Um, what exactly was that kind of weapon?" She asked.

"This?" Naruto asked as he summoned for the black tanto once more, stilling holding it in a reverse grip position, earning a nod from the bun haired girl as her eyes start to glaze over upon seeing the weapon once more. "This is my Dark Blade technique from my blood line. Essentially, it's a form of Yin release, allowing me to manipulate the darkness element into physical form."

"That….is so cool!" Tenten gushed as her eyes developed a star struck look as she imagined all sorts of possibilities such a technique could produce.

"It gets even better." Sakura commented as she approached the group, catching the bun haired girls attention. "Any weapon formed from his Dark Blade technique will not dull, lose its edge, and is pretty much indestructible."

"Wait, I know you." Tenten commented as she pointed towards Sakura." Aren't you one of those fan girls for that brooding emo Uchiha?"

At this, Sakura couldn't help but allow her head to drop in shame at being reminded of possibly the worst mistake she had ever made in her short life so far.

"Please don't remind me of that." The pinkette sighed. "Those really were not my proudest of days."

"That's in the past now, Sakura-chan here has improved by leaps and bounds since her academy days." Naruto stated matter of factually, defending his mate.

"Yeah, all it took was the bastard to nearly kill me to open my eyes." Sakura half grumbled, recounting the events that occurred during her first mission outside of the village. Hearing this, Tenten, Temari, Kankuro, and even Konohamaru's eyes widened in disbelief at the implication.

"You don't mean that he…." Tenten couldn't even finished the question, clearly disgusted by the Uchiha's actions.

"Yeah, bastard switched places with me so I could take the blows meant for him." The pinkette growled. "Thankfully Haku-chan wasn't aiming to kill, only to incapacitate."

"Wait, you mean Haku that is currently currently working in the hospital?" The bun haired girl inquired, having recalled seeing someone by that name tending to her team mates injuries on occasion when they would go over board on their training.

"Yup," Naruto chuckled. "She's one of my girlfriends. Her dream is to be the number one Iryo-nin in all of the Elemental Nations."

"Wait….what do you mean one of your girlfriends?" Kankuro inquired, though both girls had the same question running through their mind as well.

"The short version is that Naruto-kun is the last of two clans." Sakura explained, catching the groups attention.

"So lucky bastard is in the CRA then." The black clad Suna boy commented, knowing full well the benefits of being in the program. A hint of jealousy in his tone. Though his lecherous thoughts had only earned him a bop on the head by an irate sister.

"Yes, I submitted myself into the CRA, but not for the reasons you girls think." Naruto stated, seeing the angered looks from both Temari and Tenten. "I took the initiative because I knew once my heritage got out, the Council would force their daughters and others on me and I refuse to be in any relationship that has no love in it. So by making the first move, I got to dictate my terms, and my terms are simple. Free choice."

Hearing this, both Temari and Tenten calmed down slightly, a bit surprised that the blonde in front of them had such fore thought to avoid having other women being put in such a predicament with no choice. Turning towards the pink haired girl, the bun haired girl spoke.

"You're one of his girlfriends too, aren't you." It was more of a statement then a question.

"Yeah." Sakura blushed slightly. "I was already slowly gaining a crush for him during our mission to Nami no Kuni, but I fully fell for him when he took care of me after the incident. Since then, well, it's only been better."

"Wait, that Uchiha prick is the last of his clan too, does that mean he can be in the CRA as well?" Tenten asked, a little worried, since after hearing what the raven haired boy did to his own team mate, she knew there was very little chance he would be a kind as Naruto was with such a program.

"He was." Naruto sighed. "Tried to use the act to force Haku-chan and a few others to be with him. Fortunately, they were already involved with me, so they were spared from that fate. After that, Sasuke-teme threw a massive fit and pulled himself from the program, shortly after, the old man banned him entirely from entering it in the future."

"Ain't that right, Uke-chan?" Naruto commented, looking towards a tree branch just above the group, prompting the others to look up and see the lone Uchiha standing above them. A scowl on his face due to the blondes new nickname for him as he jumped down, just outside of the group of people. "The raccoon can come out to play as well."

At this, a swirl of sand appeared in the center of the group, revealing a fair skinned boy with short and spiky auburn hair. His green eyes lacking any pupils or eyebrows, with tanuki-like black rings around his eyes, as well as the kanji for 'love' above his left eye. His attired consisted of a short sleeved black body suit with an open neck, and almost full length leggings. A white cloth wraps around his right shoulder and the left side of his hip, with a wide brown leather strap that supports the massive gourd on his back. His Suna hitai-ate wrapped around the aforementioned leather strap.

"He-hey Gaara." Kankuro stammered in fear at the appearance of his younger brother. Knowing full well the youngest of the three had observed his prior actions. "Listen, we-we were just messing around is all, and…."

"You are a disgrace to our village, Kankuro." The red headed boy identified as Gaara stated coldly. "Now shut up, or I'll kill you."

Meanwhile in Kirigakure, an auburn haired beauty sneezed, interrupting her day dream about a certain blonde hanyou, causing her to scowl.

'Either Naruto-kun is thinking about me, or someone stole my line.' She mentally pondered. 'Well, Naruto-kun is allowed to fantasize about me, he is my fiance after all. But if I find that someone stole my line, I will melt their balls off."

Back in Konoha, Gaara felt a foreign sensation as a slight shiver traveled up his spine, prompting him to discreetly create a sand barrier around his crotch area, unnoticed to those around him. Mentally shaking off the strange experience, the raccoon eyed boy turned his attention towards his fellow Suna shinobi with a glare.

"It annoys me that you'd lose control in a quarrel with children." The red headed Suna-nin stated coldly. "Have you forgotten why we came here?"

"But Gaara….they started it." Kankuro attempted to defend himself. "The little shrimp slammed into me!"

"Kankuro, shut up." Gaara stated icily once more, though oddly enough didn't finish with the threat of death like he did the last time.

"You're right, Gaara." The blade clad, make up wearing Suna-nin replied nervously. "I was out of line."

"We're sorry Gaara." Temari said, equally afraid of the red headed boy.

"Sorry for my team's actions." Gaara sighed, turning his attention to the Konoha-nin. "I am Gaara of the Sand, Suna Genin here for the Chunin Exams."

"Tenten Higarashi, Weapons Mistress of Konoha." The bun haired girl introduced herself with a slight bow, though never took her eyes off of the three Suna-nin. "Also partaking in the Chunin Exams."

"Sakura Haruno, also participating in the exams." The pinkette stated.

"Naruto Uzumaki, The Shadow Fox." The blonde hanyou grinned. "And yes, I am also in the exams."

"You should ignore these weaklings. I'm the only one you need to concern yourself with." The Uchiha sneered, causing the group to turn their attention towards him. "Sasuke Uchiha."

"Whatever." Temari rolled her eyes at the raven haired teens antics. While she would say the raven haired boy was cute, his attitude was a big turn off. The blonde one though, not only was he cute, but he had a much warmer personality that seemed to make him easy to open up to. 'Hmm, I wonder when all of this is over, if I could probably talk him into taking me on a date. He is part of the CRA after all.'

Kankuro watched as his sister developed a light blush when she looked at the blonde Konoha-nin, grinning slightly to himself about the amount of black mail material he had just acquired. However, Sasuke had also seen the blush and had other, far more selfish thoughts.

"If you prove yourself to be strong, woman. You'll be given the honor to bear my children" The Uchiha arrogantly stated, his eyes leveling on Temari. He then turned his eyes towards the bun haired girl. "The same goes for you."

At this, both Termari and Tenten curled their lips in disgust, appalled by the boys proclamation as he walked away from the group, feeling he had said his piece. The Uchiha's statement didn't sit well with the others present either, as Gaara made a silent vow to destroy the Uchiha. Even Konohamaru had a face of disgust at the boys display of arrogance.

"Temari, Kankuro." Gaara called out, catching both his team mates attention. "We're leaving."

Nodding, both of the Suna-nin began to make their way towards the academy. However, the red headed boy remained. Staring at Naruto, a sadistic smile spreading across his face.

"You are interesting." Gaara commented, the psychotic grin never leaving his face. "Mother is intrigued by you, and she really wants your blood."

Naruto stood there, a bit confused at the red heads words. Not the fact that the Suna boy had threatened to kill him, he was use to such threats, but by the fact that he referred to his 'mother'.

'Shukaku was a male, right?' The blonde mentally inquired to his vixen.

'Yeah, only myself and my sister, Matatabi are the only girls from all the Bijuu.' Ahri replied, equally confused as to why her brothers container was referring to him as his mother. 'So, I don't know why he is having his container call him mother.'

'Questions for later I suppose.' Naruto mentally sighed. Though he did recall one other thing about the red headed jinchuriki. 'At any rate, I am going to need to fix his seal. It already looked weak and about to break at any moment.'

"Guess I'll see you guys later." Tenten commented. "It was nice to meet you both. Naruto-san, Sakura-san."

Both hanyous watched as the weapon's mistress took off towards the academy, no doubt to meet up with her team, before Naruto turned his attention to Konohamaru, whom was still standing where he had landed on his rear after the Suna-nin had dropped him.

"Umm, Naruto-san…." The young boy began.

"You want to know about Sasuke, don't you." Naruto finished for the boy, picking up on the young boys thoughts of what he had just witnessed, earning a nod in confirmation. "In short, Sasuke is the product of taking shortcuts. While he does have a natural talent, he has been given everything he has desired as no one has ever told him no. As such, he feels that anything he wants, whether it be a jutsu, a weapon, or even a person, should belong to him. Simply because he wants it."

"Is this what you meant when you said that there are no short cuts?" Konohamaru inquired, remembering the blondes words months prior. At the time, his private tutor had told him to ignore the boys words, and that Naruto was nothing but a delinquent that no body loved or cared for. Now, he could see that not only was there people who loved him and cared for him, but that the blonde was also a highly skilled shinobi for his age. Considering the way he handled the large bully, and how he stared down the red headed boy without so much as blinking.

"Mostly." The blonde nodded. "But also because there is nothing in life that is free. Everything you want or desire, or even need comes at a price. Be it of monetary value, emotional or physical."

"I think I understand." The young boy replied, as he mulled over the blondes words. "From here on out, I will train hard and earn my spot as Hokage someday!"

"I look forward to seeing the results." Naruto chuckled at the boys enthusiasim, before turning to Sakura. "Well, shall we?"

"Let's." The pinkette grinned as she grabbed hold of the blondes hand as the two departed in the direction of the academy. Seemingly unaware that a pair of eyes were watching them.


Iruka

The scarred chunin followed after the two remaining members of Team 7, having just witnessed their exchange with the three foreign genin from Sunagakure. Iruka had to admit that he was impressed with how his surrogate brother had handled the three Suna-nin. Able to de-escalate the situation before it escalated further.

What had surprised him further was learning that his own team mate was one of his girlfriends. While he knew that Naruto had submitted himself into the Clan Restoration Act, he was unaware of all the girls involved with the blonde, and last he recalled, the Haruno girl was head over heels for the Uchiha boy. He momentarily pondered what could have lead to the girl switching her focus from one boy to the other. Though he had to admit that it was a change for the better. It seemed as if Naruto had managed to get the girl off her diets and take her kunoichi career far more seriously, as she appeared to have developed some muscle mass. Not to mention her posture was one of self confidence. Something she severely lacked during the academy.

'Still, with those two together, I know exactly how I can test him.' Iruka thought to himself before he disappeared from his position. Hoping to catch the two of them off guard before they reached the academy.

Getting into position a few meters ahead of the duo, Iruka ensured his disguise was in place, posing as a rogue Iwa-nin with a vendetta against the boys father. He watched as the blonde leaned over and whispered something in the ear of his pink haired team mate and lover, causing her to giggle slightly before he made his move. With the speed and accuracy of years of training, Iruka had effortlessly dropped behind Sakura and grabbed hold of her to retrain her movements while he brought a kunai up to her throat in a threatening gesture.

This prompted Naruto to turn and look at their assailant, an irate expression on his face. Clearly not pleased that someone was threatening his mate in such a fashion.

"Now, this is what you're going to do boy." Iruka instructed, disguising his voice via a seal on his throat. "You are going to bring all of your fathers scrolls to the top of the Hokage Monument."

"And if I don't?" Naruto inquired in an eerily calm voice, which kind of shook Iruka.

"Then I will just have to spill this pretty little things blood all over the ground." The disguised Iruka threatened, further implying the point by bringing the kunai closer to the girls neck. Unseen to him though, his would be hostage had a bored expression on her face. She knew she was in no real danger as she was well aware that any injury he may give her would be nothing, as her hanyou physiology would heal any injury she may receive.

"I have a better idea." The blonde spoke, his voice still holding the cold as steel tone. "You're going to let her go, and I may let you walk away with most of your limbs attached."

"I don't think you quite understand the situation you are in. So let me enlighten you boy." Iruka growled.

However, he didn't get a chance to react as suddenly his hostage disappeared from his grasp, literally falling within the shadow below them. At the same time, Naruto had dropped into his own shadow and within the blink of an eye, the blonde had rocketed out of the shadow beneath Iruka, where as Sakura had reemerged in the spot where Naruto had once been standing. Connecting with the poor Chunin's jaw with a powerful impact, lifting the man off of his feet by nearly half a meter. However, the blondes assault was not over just yet, as he rounded in mid air and brought a sharp kick into the mans sternum, sending him flying back into the wall with enough force to crack the concrete.

With his vision all blurry, Iruka could barely make out the blonde that was now stalking towards him. Struggling slightly, he lifted off his mask that had concealed his face and deactivated the seal that was on his throat, returning his voice to normal.

"Wa-wait, it's me." He gasped out, trying to catch his breath. "It's me Naruto."

"I know, Iruka-sensei." The blonde grinned mischievously. "I actually knew the entire time."

This caused the scarred chunin to freeze in shock. If what the blonde genin said was true, he knew it was him the entire time, and still allowed it to play out.

"If you knew it was me, then why did you attack me like that?" Iruka inquired, casting a glare at the young hanyou. "And further more, how did you know it was me?"

"In order, you threatened my mate. My pride and her honor would not allow that to stand. So you had to be punished. You should be thankful I held back." Naruto stated, the grin never leaving his face. "As for how I knew it was you, aside from your scent; I picked up your chakra signature when we were talking with the Suna-nin."

Iruka could only allow his jaw to drop, having been informed that the young blonde had had him pegged pretty much as soon as he came into the area. Making the instructor wonder just how good the boys sensory abilities were.

"Anyways, as fun as it's been Iruka-sensei, we really need to get to the Academy before the exams start." The blonde stated as he began walking away, with Sakura falling in step along side him. "Catch ya later!"

Iruka let out a small groan in pain as he watched the two disappear down the road. Leaning back on the concrete wall, he reluctantly had to admit that the boy he saw as a younger brother was more then ready for the exams before him. As he lay there, a shadow loomed over him.

"I take it he passed your test, Iruka-san?"


Academy

As the two hanyous approached the Academy entrance, they were greeted with a disgruntled Uchiha waiting for them. Seeing the two arrived, the brooding avenger kicked off the post he was leaning against and made his way towards the two, all the while glaring at the blonde.

"About time you two showed up." He remarked with a sneer. "I've been waiting for nearly an hour."

"First off, you've only been here twenty minutes, at max. So stop being such a drama queen." Naruto pointed out. "Secondly, you have no choice but to wait for us, since the exams require the entire team."

"Whatever, lets just go already." Sasuke stated, turning towards the academy entrance. "We've wasted enough time."

"Well, he seems to be in a good mood." The blonde commented, earning a giggle from his pink haired mate.

"But it seems he has it out for you more then usual today." Sakura commented, noticing the increase of glares directed at the blonde hanyou during each encounter.

"He ran into Izumi-chan and I while we were returning from our date." Naruto informed her. "Made some disparaging remarks about her and the usual, 'you should submit to me and redeem yourself' tirade. Izumi-chan shut him up quickly though, when she said she renounced her Uchiha heritage and stated she would proudly take up the Uzumaki name."

"Ah, so that's why he is in such a lovely mood." The pinkette chuckled.

"Well, let us be off." Naruto stated. "His Royal Duck Ass will be upset if we don't make haste."

This of course earned another giggle from his pink haired mate.

Entering the Academy, they were greeted with a swarm of participants for the exams. Some of which were just standing around and talking with their teams, while others were attempting and in most cases, failing, to intimidate other teams. Though it wasn't missed to the two hanyou that a number of the male participants were leering at Sakura with lust filled eyes, though both shrugged it off, knowing full well that a majority of the teams wouldn't even make it to the end.

Moving through the crowd of genin, the trio went up the first flight of steps, only to be greeted with an even larger crowd surrounding a single door, labeled 301, with two genin seemingly standing guard at said door. Preventing others from entering the room. This was further punctuated when one of the genin guarding the door delivered a brutal blow to a green suited boy with a bowl cut hair style, sending him skidding across the floor.

"Is someone as talent-less as you really planning to take the Chunin Exams? Why bother?" The genin with messy brown hair stated condescendingly. "Bunch of wet behind the ears snot noses."

"You said it." His partner smirked.

"Please just let us in." A familiar bun haired girl pleaded, approaching the two guarding the door.

Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the genin with the messy hair. The blonde hanyou could see his muscles tense ever so slightly, showing the tell tale sign that he was about to attack the girl approaching him. In the blink of an eye, it appeared as if the blonde hanyou had disappeared from sight, only to reappear in between the bun haired girl and the genin. Blocking a kick aimed at the girls head, earning a gasp in shock from the girl, and a grunt of annoyance from her would be attacker.

"Now, that wasn't very nice." Naruto stated while still gripping the boys shin before roughly pushing it away, causing the boy to stagger slightly before regaining his balance. He then turned and smiled to the bun haired girl. "Hey Kuma-hime."

Tenten couldn't help but to blush at the blondes nickname for her, Bear Princess. Namely because it was different from the usual 'Panda' nicknames she was usually stuck with. Giving her a growing hatred for the beast.

"Good to see you, Naruto-san." She bowed slightly, hoping to hide her blush.

"Now, why would you attack a fellow Konoha genin?" The blonde inquired, turning his attention back towards the two genin blocking the door.

"You misunderstand." The messy haired genin stated.

"We're just trying to spare you is all." His partner finished for him.

"The Chunin Exams are incredibly difficult." The messy haired one continued. "We should know, we've failed it three times so far."

"There are those who have made it, only to immediately give up being a shinobi afterwards." The other one stated. "Others ended up being crippled and some reduced to nothing more then mere vegetables. And these are only the ones who have survived."

This earned a chorus of murmuring echoing through the crowd of genin hopefuls. Many of which were beginning to doubt their resolve and their ability to complete the exams.

"Besides that, Chunin are cell commanders. They lead their units." The messy haired boy continued his lecture. "The responsibilities for failed missions and dead shinobi rest firmly on their shoulders."

"And you little punks have the nerve to think you are ready for this?" The other snorted.

Once again, a second chorus of murmuring could be heard flowing through the crowd, however it was ended when the sound of a single individual slowly clapping interrupted their thoughts as the crowd focused on the blonde genin in front of the two guards.

"Impressive little speech there, Kotetsu." Naruto commented with a smirk as the identified Kotetsu's jaw hit the floor. "You did good too Izumo, though I gotta say, your henges make you both look uglier then usual."

"How the hell did you know it was us?" Both exclaimed, earning a chuckle from the blonde.

"You can change your appearance, but you can't change your laziness." The blonde chuckled playfully. "Both of you were standing in the same posture you two always stand in at the main gates."

Both of the Eternal Gate Guards allowed their henges to drop, as they lowered their head in shame for being outed so easily by a mere genin.

"Whatever." A voice spoke up from the back crowd as a figure roughly pushed his way through. "Just drop this pathetic genjutsu. I have business on the third floor."

"You're an idiot." Sakura sighed as she approached where Naruto was standing. "That was to weed out those truly not ready for the exams. Now there will be countless more competition going forward."

"Good, more to witness an Uchiha Elite as I dominate these exams." Sasuke smirked arrogantly, prompting both Naruto and Sakura to shake their head in disappointment at their team mates antics.

Since their little set up had been exposed, but of the Chunin that had been disguised as genin lifted their genjutsu, revealing the flight of steps that lead to the next floor. Without saying a word, the lone Uchiha brushed passed the two and ascended the stairs, not bothering to see if his team mates were following or not. Both hanyous were about to follow after their team mate when a voice called out to them, or rather, to Sakura.

"You are Sakura, aren't you?" The bowl haired boy said, approaching the two. "My name is Rock Lee. Would you like to go out with me? I'll protect you with my life!"

"Wha!?" The pinkette exclaimed in confusion, as the boys proposal had literally come out of no where. "I am going to have to respectfully decline Lee-san; as I already have a mate."

Hearing this, the green clad boy looked to the blonde that stood next to her before allowing his eyes to travel down, seeing the two holding hands. Seeing this, a fire of determination roared to life in the boys eyes as he turned fully towards Naruto.

"I challenge you for Sakura's hand!" Rock Lee exclaimed exuberantly, flashing his sensei's trade mark smile.

"I decline." Naruto simply stated, though there was an undertone of irritation in his voice at the unintentional insinuation that his mate was a mere prize to be won. "Because Sakura-chan is not some prize to be won, like a trinket at a street festival. She is a strong willed kunoichi with her own free will."

At this, Lee realized how his words sounded and began to profusely apologize to the pinkette and the blonde before him. Both of which shrugged it off with a light warning to think before he speaks in the future. Of course this earned the duo a spiel of various challenges the green clad genin would do to atone for his mistake.

Meanwhile, Tenten's other team mate glared at the blonde with intense hatred. To hime, Naruto was the sole reason that both Hinata and Hanabi had rebelled against the Clan Elders teachings and had forsaken their clans proud traditions. Silently, the Hyuga prodigy seethed at the blonde as he watched the duo ascend the flight of steps.

"Something wrong, Neji?" Tenten inquired, seeing the look that washed over her team mates face.

"Nothing, we're wasting time." He commented as he began to make his way up the stairs. 'Just you wait, Naruto Uzumaki. I will end you and bring honor back to the Hyuga Clan.'


Team 7

The trio that made up Team 7 proceeded to make their way along the hall way towards the real room that the tests were to begin in. Though to their surprise, they saw Kakashi leaning against the wall, reading the next volume of Demon Heart, and by the looks of it, it was almost finished with it. This of course prompted both Naruto and Sakura to smirk knowingly.

"Good to see you all made it." He lazily commented, not looking up from his book. "It would have been a shame if one of you decided not to come, or attempted to do this on your own."

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked.

"It's rather simple." The silver haired jonin stated as he closed the book, looking over his team. "This exam is designed for three man teams. As such, if a full team is not present, they would not be allowed to partake in the exams."

At this, both Sakura and Naruto couldn't help but smile at this. Both had a suspicion that something like this would be involved with the exams. Why else would entry into the exams require not only the team's sensei to sponsor them, but also require all three team members to submit their own forms.

"Anyways, I wish you three the best of luck." Kakashi gave his trade mark eye smile. "And look out for one another."

"Don't worry Taida-sensei." Sakura grinned.

"We got this." Naruto finished.

Sasuke merely gave his typical grunt in response as he set off towards the exam room, with the other two following behind him. However, Naruto briefly stopped and reached into his jacket.

"Hey, Taida-sensei." Naruto called out as he tossed the item he just removed from his jacket towards the silver haired jonin. "Catch!"

Kakashi caught the item in question and took a moment to examine it before he smirked, as he looked over the cover of the third volume of the Demon Heart books.

'I wonder why he had a spare copy?' The silver haired jonin mentally questioned as he watched his three students disappear through the large doors of the examination room.


Additional Authors Notes: After a bit of deliberation, I decided to end this chapter here. Just before they enter the room. So next chapter will kick off with the Rookies meeting for the first time since they all graduated from the Academy. Not to mention, the much awaited confrontation between Ino and Sakura, just need to plan out what is going to be said between the two.

We also got to meet the Sand Siblings, as well as a different take on Naruto lecturing Konohamaru about taking short cuts, and using Sasuke as a prime example of someone who has taken short cuts in life. Also hinted at a bit of one sided animosity between Neji and Naruto, much in thanks to the clan elders manipulating the poor Hyuga prodigy, as was hinted a few chapters back.

Anyways, hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the reviews, or hit me up with a private message!