Chapter 7

Naruto sat on a branch far away from the battle he was sensing. He actually had to thank Saskue-teme for providing a great getaway. He set some traps just in case. He knew that even though Saskue was rookie of the year he couldn’t match up with Kakashi. He now sat in a meditative state and tried to remember the words that Kakashi said.

“Well aside from taking on a jounin by yourself…” Naruto replayed in his head.

‘Well that’s true. He is a jounin and I’m a genin. There was no way I was going to get those bells away from him by myself. So if this test isn’t about individual skills then what is it?’ He thought. He racked his brain for a possible answer and he only came up with questions. He then remembered something that Kakashi said yesterday.

“Wait a minute. How could only nine actually graduate?” he asked no one. Unknown to him, Kakashi smiled under his mask. He had managed to get around Naruto’s traps, which would have hurt, and spied on the boy. He was surprised and impressed that the former dead last was starting to get the idea of the test.

‘I’ll have to keep a close eye on him.’ Kakashi disappeared and went in search of his other students. He wondered if the others were as sharp as this one.

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Sadly, Kakashi was greatly disappointed in Sakura. With one simple genjutsu, she was easily defeated. It seems that she was more concerned about Saskue’s well-been than her skills. Speaking of the Uchiha, he was currently facing him.

“Shinobi Fighting Number Two: Genjutsu. Sakura fell for it.” Kakashi said while reading his book.

“I’m not the same as them.” Sasuke said

“Say that after you get the bells… Sasuke-kun.” Kakashi put his book away and looked at the Uchiha. “The strength of the village’s number one Uchiha clan… this should be interesting.” He said. Sasuke started by throwing shurikens at Kakashi. Kakashi dodged not really impressed until he saw Sasuke throw a kunai at a rope. ‘A trap.’ He thought as he saw a rain of knives coming at him. He dodged again and quickly blocked a kick from Sasuke. Saskue twisted his body and threw a punch. Kakashi caught the punch and raised his forearm to block another kick. He then noticed Sasuke’s smirk and was wide eye as he watch Sasuke actually touch the bells. He broke off contact from him and put some distance between them. He was surprised yet again by his students but he didn’t show it.

“That was pretty close. Not as good as Naruto but close enough.” He taunted. Sasuke growled at being referred to the dobe. Doing some quick hand signs, Sasuke prepared a jutsu. Kakashi was again surprised. ‘There’s no way he knows that technique. A genin shouldn’t have the chakra for such an advance technique.’ Sasuke ended his seals and took a deep breath. ‘Well I guess I was wrong. Why am I underestimating these kids?’

“Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique).” Sasuke said and blew a large fireball at Kakashi. As his attack died down and the smoke cleared, he saw that Kakashi was not there. Sasuke tried to look for him quickly. ‘Where is he? Is he to my right? To the left?’ He thought until he felt something grab his leg. ‘Shit’ was Sasuke’s last thought before he was sucked into the ground. He was buried up to his head and was glaring at a smiling Kakashi.

“Doton: Shinju Zanshu no Jutsu (Earth Release: Inner Decapitation Technique).” Kakashi said. “You right about one thing. You are different from the others but you can’t do this alone. Naruto…” Kakashi dodged the three kunai that where throw while he back was turned. He turned to face three Narutos coming out of the bushes. “I was wondering when you would try again.” He dodged the first Naruto and had to block the second Naruto’s kick. He was about to destroy the clone but the third Naruto stopped his punch with his foot which allow the first clone to catch Kakashi in the chest. Kakashi back off and prepared a defense when he noticed three other Narutos. Two were trying to dig Sasuke out while the other was defending him. Kakashi smirked and destroyed the three clones and charged at the Naruto. Naruto stopped the two clones from helping and pushed the two clones to attack. They charged and Naruto did a few hand seals. Taking a deep breath, he called out his attack.

“Katon: Kasumi Engo no Jutsu (Fire Release: Covering Mist Technique).” Kakashi was confused since he didn’t see any fire but he thought it weird that he smelled some sort of gas. The two clones smiled.

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Anko was concerned for Naruto. So far she had met up with Asuma and his team passed. She sighed and hoped that he had listened to her words. Suddenly an explosion broke her thoughts. She jumped up to the roof to see a lot of smoke coming for the memorial stone area. She knew that Kakashi like training near there so what could have cause such and explosion? She them remembered a suggestion that she gave to Naruto when he learned the Kage Bunshin. She suddenly started to laugh.

“Well, at least he listened to my suggestion. Kakashi must be a mess dealing with him. That’s my otouto.” She said with a chuckle.

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Sarutobi shock his head as he secretly watched team seven’s exam. Perhaps Naruto was going a bit overbroad with using Kage Bunshins as suicide bombers. Thought he really couldn’t say that the idea was not put into his head.

‘He’s becoming as crazy as Anko. Maybe I should see if they are related.’

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Kakashi coughed and dusted himself off. He would have to learn how he learned that Katon later. For now, he had to find out if this kid was all there in the head. Sure it was a very creative tactic, worthy of a prankster, but when he said to come at him with the intention to kill he didn’t expect him to take him seriously. He looked at the damage cause and was glad that he took the clones grins as a warning. He hid underground again but the blast still almost got him. Doing a small Suiton, he doused the fires cause by the clones. He sighed as the flames went out.

‘What did I do to deserve this fate?’

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Naruto sat with Sasuke and a recently awaken Sakura. Sasuke was not happy about being rescue by Naruto and was even angrier at Naruto’s jutsus. A gas that would turn into a huge fire bomb with a spark was an interesting technique.

“I don’t have time to talk dobe. I have to get those bells.” He said

“Damn it teme, I’ll trying to tell you something important. That’s why I saved your ass back there.” Naruto yelled

“Hey don’t yell at Sasuke-kun, Naruto.” Sakura shouted

“Shut it pinky and listen the both of you. The bells are not the test. They’re a diversion.”

“What?” the both asked

“Think about it. He’s a jounin and we’re genins. His skill surpasses ours. There is no way we could get those bells.”

“Maybe for you dobe but I will get a bell.” Sasuke said

“Will you just forget the bell? This guy has a hidden agenda and I think we should figure it out before we go at this guy again.” Naruto explained

“What do you mean?” Sakura asked

“I thought back to what he said yesterday. Out of twenty-seven of the graduating class only nine would become genins. Isn’t that kind of odd?” Sakura was actually beginning to think about. Sasuke was getting more and more pissed.

“We’re standing here doing nothing and it’s almost noon. I’m not staying here any longer. I’m going to get those bells and if you stand in my way I’ll beat you down.” Naruto clench his fist in anger but he needed to stay calm.

“Look, let’s say that you have a point Naruto. Even if we work together, we still may not get the bells.” Sakura said.

‘Work together? Wait a minute. If only nine become genin that would mean that there would only be three teams. Since we’re all broken up into teams of three… That’s it. That’s the meaning behind this test.’ “Pinky, you’re a genius.” Naruto said

“Well duh.” She said

“I finally figured it out. This isn’t a test of skill. It’s a test of…” He was cut off when they heard the alarm. Suddenly, Naruto was hoisted into the air by Kakashi. He looked at the one eyed jounin.

“You are one crazy kid.” He said

“Thanks.” Naruto replied. Kakashi looked at his team and sighed.

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Naruto couldn’t help but chuckle at Sakura’s uncomfortable situation. She glared at the blond and tried to struggle out of the ropes that held her to one of the stumps. Kakashi got the attention of the team.

“You guys look hungry. Oh! I have some good news and some bad news.” Kakashi said. All three perked up.

“Good news is that Naruto will be the one who goes by to the academy.”

“WHAT!” he roared. The other two smirked at the blond. “How is that a good thing?”

“You will be placed on a better team.” He turned to face the other two. “The other two will be bumped from the program, permanently. That’s the bad news.” He said. Sasuke not liking that decision charged forward only to be placed on the ground with Kakashi stepping on his head.

“Hey, you can’t step on Sasuke like that.” Shouted Sakura

“You two are nothing but a bunch of brats. Did you even ask yourself why you’re put into teams of three or why only nine would actually become genins?” Kakashi asked. Sakura looked confused and Kakashi sighed. “The point of the exam was…”

“Teamwork.” Naruto said

“Teamwork? So what were the bells for?” Sakura asked

“It was meant to divide us. This test was to see how we do as a team. Even if we didn’t get the bell, we would have passed if we worked together.”

“Well said Naruto. That’s why you are getting a second shot and let someone else deal with you psychotic ideas.” Naruto just grinned.

“Wait, why is only Naruto getting a second shot?” Sasuke asked

“You each have your weakness. Sasuke, you think that the others will only slow you down. Sakura, you’re only concerned with Sasuke and didn’t even think of helping Naruto. Naruto, you feel that you need to take on everything by yourself. Unlike you two, Naruto was willing to help you both. He took Sakura to safety and helped you escape. He also shared information about the test that he didn’t have to. Naruto has a grasp of how to be team player while you two are far behind in that department.” Kakashi explained. The other two looked at Naruto who just shrugged. Kakashi went on to explain the spot that they were at. The memorial stone that held the names of those that were KIA, killed in action. He then told them that those who abandoned their team are trash. Everyone got depressed so Kakashi decided to raise their spirits.

“Ok I’m going to give you one more chance. Sasuke and Naruto, you two can eat the lunches but don’t feed Sakura. You’re got ten minutes. Remember my word is law.” He said and disappeared. The two sat and began to eat. Each had their own thoughts.

‘I can’t believe that I’m tied to the post. If anything I thought it would be Naruto that would be here. This isn’t the same idiot who was in the academy. Was he holding back all this time? I mean, he mostly hanged out with Hinata and Shikamaru and they had the same grades as him. Also, what was with that bunshin technique? They aren’t solid. What else are you hiding Uzumaki Naruto?’ Sakura thought

‘Damn it. Who the hell is this guy? This isn’t the dobe. This guy is someone different. When did he get so strong? He can create bunshins that are solid, he knows a Katon technique, his speed, and power and tactics have improved greatly. When did he get such strength?’ Sasuke thought. Hidden in the trees, Kakashi was thinking along the same lines as both Sakura and Sasuke. Naruto stopped eating and turned to Sasuke. He looked like he talking but no sound was coming out. Sasuke nodded and accidentally spilled out the contents of his pouch. The smoke bombs he had exploded. Kakashi stayed hidden and waited for the smoke to clear. When it did, he saw Naruto yelling at Sasuke, Sakura yelling at Naruto and Sasuke being Sasuke. Kakashi sighed.

‘I guess I don’t get another team.’ He thought

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“Guess you didn’t get rookie of the year for nothing huh?” Naruto whispered

“That was a nice plan but you’re still dobe.” Sasuke said just as quietly

“You’re still a teme, as well.” Naruto turned to Sakura who was eating Sasuke’s and Naruto’s portions. “All right Sakura what’s the plan?” Sakura swallowed and beckon them closer.

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Ten minutes passed and Kakashi reappeared. He walked up to the three smirking teens.

‘Smirking?’ Was his only warning before the henge dropped and was replaced by three Kage Bunshins. ‘You’ve got to kidding me? Now all three of them outsmarted me?’ Kakashi sighed in frustration as the three clones waved bye before a huge fireball came toward them. Naruto was using the Kasumi Engo no Jutsu while Sasuke used the Gokakyu no Jutsu. The two attacks created a meteor size fireball. Kakashi dodged the attack but got his vest caught on fire. Coming to a stop, he couldn’t worry about his vest when Sasuke came to attack. He blocked the kick and threw a kick to match Naruto’s flying kick. The two created just the opening for Sakura to launch a bunch of shurikens and pinned Kakashi to a tree. Before he could break loose, three kunai were on him, one to the heart, one to the throat and one to his privates. They gave him wicked grins.

“I guess we’ll be taking those bells, sensei.” Said Naruto. Kakashi gave a smile and then disappeared.

“He knows the Kage Bunshin?” shouted Naruto

“Of course.” All three turned to see Kakashi standing there with a smile. “I am a jounin you know.” Sasuke looked at Naruto with a small frown.

‘That’s a jounin technique he knows?’ Kakashi then looked at the three. He grin, all though you couldn’t see it, and put his thumb out.

“Congratulations team seven. You are now genins.” He said. Sakura and Naruto cheered loudly while Sasuke grinned. Kakashi looked at his team.

‘This should be very interesting.’

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Authors’ Notes: I would like to take this time to say good bye to one of the coolest jounins from Naruto. Sarutobi Asuma, son of the Sandiame Hokage, passed away in the latest chapter in the magma. Happy trails Asuma. Oh, just to let you know. The contest is still on. So send in your votes. The results are still the same as it was posted in the Authors’ Notes chapter that I posted. Hope you like the chapter. Peace