DISCLAIMER: WILL I EVER OWN NARUTO? NO, BECAUSE I AM POOR AS FUU- *gets hit on the head* MOVING ON!

One Man Army by Sleeping With Sirens

Ch 14: The Chunin Exams Pt. 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RIKO's POV
Staring at my father with slight shock and questioning, I turn away first, but other than that I don't give any reaction. Standing in silence with the other rookie Genin, I stare up towards the two proctors, and surrounding Chunin.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting. My name is Ibiki Morino. I'm one of the proctors and chief examiner for the first part of the Exams," he informs us.

Then, my father steps up. "My name is Ren Kiyomi," he announces making the rookies turn to me. Though, I keep a straight face and keep my gaze forward. "I am the other proctor and chief examiner." My father tells us with a stern gaze.

"You kids from the Sound Village," Ibiki points to the said Genin. "You can't carry on any way you please when the exam's about to start! Or....do you want to be disqualified?" He states with sadistic smirk.

"Sorry sir. It's our first exam, and we got a little carried away," the one with bandages on his face states.

I narrow my eyes, tch, yeah right?!

"Is that so," my father muses, a cold look to his crimson eyes, one I instantly recognize whenever I get scolded.

"From this point forward, there will be no more fighting without the express permission of the examining officers. And even if that permission is given, anything that endangers another applicant's life, is strictly forbidden! Any of you little piglets who break that rule are out! Disqualified. No second chances. Got that," Ibiki informs us with a deadly seriousness.

I cross my arms and tilt my head to the side, a sign of agreement.

"So, this is a test for little girly men," the Sound Nin with spiked hair smirks.

With lightning fast movements, my father throws a kunai at him, hitting the wall inches away from the boy's face. "Pay attention! We will not repeat the rules once they are said," my father professes.

"The first part of the Exams is about to commence. Turn in your written applications, take one these seating arrangement cards, and report directly to the seat indicated. When everyone's seated, we'll pass out the written part of the test," Ibiki instructs.

"Huh? A-A PAPER TEST!" Naruto exclaims, his eyes practically falling off his face.

I shake my head, I pity both Sakura and Sasuke. I think with a small smirk.

With that said, we follow our proctors instructions by turning in our applications. Taking my paper, I reach the table and give it to a, now older Izumo, and receive my number card. As I go to turn away, I quickly make eye contact with my father, who in turn, nods at me. I give a small smirk and respond with my own nod.

Walking away with a sudden certain kind of confidence, I look down at my hand and read my number. 13. There's two columns and each row allows four candidates. So, I'm in the second column, in the second row, in the first seat. Taking heed of my number, I go to my assigned seat.

"Papers face down until I give the signal! Now, listen up! There are a few big rules that pertain to this first test." Ibiki gathers our attention by telling a piece of chalk against the board. "I'll write them down on the blackboard and we'll explain them, but we won't take questions, so listen carefully. As Kiyomi-san said before, we will only say this once. Rule number one! Each one of you here starts off with ten points!"

"The test has ten questions, each worth one point. For each question you get wrong, we subtract a point from you. Get all ten right, and you retain the ten points you have. But if, for example, you answer three questions wrong, we take your ten points. Subtract one point for every wrong answer, and your total drops down to seven," my father explains in detail, giving us an idea of the rule works.

Right! If I get no answers wrong, I get no points subtracted from my total. Thank, Kami, I take my studying seriously, I sigh in relief.

"Rule number two! This written test is still a team event. Though, I am aware that there is a solo participant," Ibiki points out which makes my blood run cold.

If they mention my name, I will literally have a target painted on my back, I bite my lip as the Genin around me chatter with curiosity.

"With the exception of the solo participant, passing or failing will be determined of the sum of the points held by all three members of each cell. The object is for each team to have as few deductions as possible from its joint thirty-point total," my father informs, crossing his arms.

"W-wait a second!" I roll my eyes as I hear Sakura's voice. "This whole concept of the starting points and the deductions of the points is hard enough to follow! But what is this 'team total' you're talking about?" She questions.

My father's face instantly turns stern as he glares at her. "Did you not hear the part of 'no questions'? We have our reasons! Shut up and listen! You might learn something! This next part is crucial," my father chastises.

I raise my brows. Oh snap, I smirk.

"Rule number three. If, during the course of the exam, a candidate does anything out of the ordinary... In other words, anything that leads the proctor that he or she has cheated, we subtract TWO points off on each member of the cheater's team," Ibiki states, turning away from the blackboard to give us all a dark smirk.

"WHAT," a majority of the Genin around the room exclaim with outrage.

"Exactly! In all probability, some of you will run through your entire allowance of points during the test. If so, you'll be failed and asked to leave," my father adds.

"I'll be looking over your shoulders when you least expect it," Kotetsu states, giving everyone a smirk.

So, not only do we lose points by answering wrong, but we lose two points if we're caught cheating? Then, there's proctors like Kotetsu who'll be literally looking over our shoulders to see if WE ARE cheating? Huh, they're making a bigger point about cheating than anything else. Interesting, I think before giving a small smirk.

"One more thing!" Ibiki starts, gathering our attention once again. "If any individual loses all of his or her points, that person's entire cell, regardless of how the other two do, will be disqualified!"

I bite my lip, fighting the urge to smile, as I immediately think of Naruto's lack of intelligence for written tests. Oh, man! I feel bad for Sasuke and Sakura.

My father clears his throat. "You have one hour, starting now!"

I immediately spin the pencil in between my fingers and turn the paper around, starting the test. The first thing I obviously do is write my name on the space given, Kiyomi, Riko. After that, I let my crimson gaze scan the problems to evaluate which ones are the easiest, or the ones I have knowledge to. The first question is separated into three questions of a, b, and c. We're given three small questions and the answers are written as numbers. What WE have to do is to decipher the answers. The hard part is figuring out what kind of deciphering technique to use. I mean, there's several.

I frown, tapping the eraser part of my pencil to the desk. They're using numbers for the answers, and the highest number I can see is 20, so they're probably using the alphabet, right? So maybe, it's the monoalphabetic cipher. 0, obviously equals A, and 25 is Z. The other questions aren't any easier, in fact, they're even more difficult. 

These questions are too advanced for any Genin! If for example, you're like Naruto, who isn't known for his book smarts, this test would be impossible to pass, I frown, scrunching up my face. Now, that I think about it, they made a bigger fuss about cheating and getting CAUGHT cheating!

I shake my head, finally realizing the point to this test. They obviously want us to cheat, they just don't want us to get caught. In other words, if this wasn't an exam and the situation were different, this would be exactly like an infiltration mission. They're testing our skills of obtaining information, like cheating off other people to get our answers! It might be the wrong or right answers, but if it was information, it's still important!

I smirk at my thoughts, I must say, Ibiki and my father, thought this out perfectly! I'm impressed!

If that's the cause of this exam, then so be it. Lowering my left hand under the desk, I do a few single handed hand signs.

"Art of Nature: Whispering Winds," I mutter below my breath. A technique that is useful to gather information, also used when, if example, the user is temporarily blinded or fighting in complete darkness, it helps us acknowledge our surroundings.

Instantly, the noise in the room is amplified in my ears. It takes a few seconds to readjust, but I can pinpoint the different sounds. Like people's muttering, their whispers. The sounds of pencils writing on pencils. The clock as it counts off every second with a tick-tock. I can hear Akamaru's barking, probably giving Kiba all the answers. The discreet sound of several bugs crawling, most likely Shino's method to gain answers. If I strain my ears, I can hear the wailing of strings being pulled, following the sound, I spot mirrors on the ceiling.

Using the other applicants' mutters, I write down the answers to the exam questions. Though, when I can't distinguish their garble of incoherent mumbles, I narrow my eyes as I concentrate on the pencil scribbles. The process of my cheating takes a few minutes, but by then, I've completed the whole test.

Looking up from my test, I turn it face down and lazily sit back in my seat. Knowing that I'm finally done with the questions, also because the clock's ticking annoyed me, I disable my jutsu. Instantly, my hearing returns to normal and relieves my eardrums from the strain. Looking to the around me, I notice that I'm one of the first, along with several others, to finish the written test.

Just a few more, I sigh.

######

Balancing the pencil on my nose, I sit back, looking at the ceiling above me. Though, my attempts are futile because when I get startled by Ibiki's voice, I jump which makes the pencil fall. Pouting, I turn to him and listen.

"- weeded out the slackers! Let's move on to the most important question. Forty-five minutes have passed, the time has come," the scarred man informs.

"Get ready for the tenth question," my father announces.

"Though, there is one more rule," Ibiki starts, causing me to narrow my eyes.

More rules? This question must be important, or there's a hidden intention in the question itself, I think, biting the inside of my bottom lip.

But just as Ibiki is about to state the said rule, he gets cut off as the back door opens. Turning towards the interruption, I spot Kankuro walking in with a proctor.

"Heh, looks like you're in luck. The time you spent playing with your dolls wasn't completely wasted," Ibiki chuckles. "Don't worry about it. Sit down."

And that's what Kankuro does.

"Let me explain. This rule is absolute! First, you must choose whether to accept or reject the tenth question," he informs.

Accept or reject?! What the hell? What is this? What are they trying to do? This doesn't make sense, I scream in my head.

"C-choose?! What happens when someone doesn't accept this question," the familiar tone of Temari's voice rings out.

I agree with her, what happens to those who don't accept? Will they be disqualified?

My father's face darkens, just as a sadistic smirk appears on Ibiki's lips. "If you reject the question and don't even try to answer it, you'll lose all your points immediately and fail! And both your teammates will fail right along with you," my father professes, his red eyes shining with a malicious gleam.

Damn....that's not good, I visibly gulp, sweat trickling down my temple.

"Say what?!"

"Then, why would anyone reject it!?"

Genin around the room all exclaim, all voicing their opinions on the new, and incredulous, rule. Heck, I would scream too, but I prefer to panic in silence.

"Because of the other rule," Ibiki adds.

That shuts everyone up.

Other rule? But they only said ONE rule!

Ibiki smirks to my father, who then explains. "If you try to answer the question and get it wrong, you will NEVER be permitted to apply for the Chunin Ninja Exams again. Not ever!"

My eyes widen, my mouth parting in absolute shock. My heart literally stops beating and I stop breathing as well. Can they allow that? Let us stay Genin forever? Is that possible? Is-

No! Don't think like that! Look around, I do exactly that. Notice all the different age groups!? People here have retaken the Chunin Exams! Remember Kabuto? I immediately frown as I remember the older Leaf Nin, my head turning as my gaze lands in him. He said that this is his SEVENTH try! Just calm down, Riko. Stay calm, don't panic. Emotions cloud your judgement, think clearly and you'll get through this!

I sigh, my thoughts are right! I need to remain calm. So, inhaling and exhaling, I repeat the process until I visibly relaxed. I then shake my head, idiot!

My father works with Ibiki at the Torture and Interrogation unit, they use tactics to instill fear into us. They're psychologically torturing us with their methods by using rules that contradict this exam's intention. I cross my arms and frown, scolding myself for being duped.

Those two are evil geniuses, I glare at head proctors.

Watching as Ibiki's lips are moving, I push my focus to listen to what he's saying, instead of focusing on my inner thoughts.

"Just your rotten luck. I wasn't making the rules the past years. I am now," he tells, I assume Kiba because the boy sits back down. "I've been upfront with you. You can take a failing grade now, and try again later. Anyone who has doubts would be smart to reject the tenth question right now. Come back and reapply next year, and the year after that."

"Ready? Then, let's begin," my father starts. His red eyes clashing with my own crimson gaze, even if it's just for a second. I give him a silent nod as my answer. "Those who choose not to accept should raise their hands. Once their number has been confirmed, they will leave the room."

The room immediately fills with a suffocating silence, suspense building into the air. I know that the Genin around me are contemplating their decisions. I mean, it's a fifty-fifty chance - no, it's a no-win situation. You could either choose to reject the question and leave, opting to try again next year. Or, you accept the question with a BIG chance at answering it wrong, losing the ability to rise through the ranks and always being stuck as a Genin.

Gosh, this whole test is giving me stress! Who knew being a Chunin was this complex, I think as I feel tension build in between my shoulders.

My thoughts are broken as I spot someone stand in my peripheral vision. "I-I reject the question!" A man, with facial hair and a Leaf headband, exclaims while raising his hand.

"Number 50 fails! Also, numbers 130 and 111 fail along with him too!"

"Me too!"

"I quit too!"

"I'm sorry guys!"

"Me too, I quit!"

Genin are quiting left and right, and the ones remaining in the room are dwindling fast. I try to ignore them, but the ones in my row also raised their hands, eliminating themselves from the exams. I chew on the inside of my cheek before closing my eyes.

I won't quit, not now! Not ever!

Sighing, I open my eyes again, just to widen them in utter, and complete shock.

What the hell is he doing?! Out of all people, I would have never expected him to raise his hand, I shout in my head as I stare at the obnoxiously, bright, orange clad ninja.

Naruto's arm is up high, towards the ceiling as he raises his hand. He keeps his gaze down, his arm trembling, probably out of shame. Though, that's what I thought until he slams his hand on the desk.

"Never underestimate me! I don't quit, and I won't run! I'll accept your stupid question!! Even if I end up being a Genin for the rest of my life! I'll still become Lord Hokage even if I can make it by pure stubbornness! I don't care! I'm not afraid of you," Naruto shouts with absolute pride.

Man, and here I thought he was giving up! Shame on me, I shake my head with a smirk. Naruto doesn't know the definition of 'giving up'.

"I'll ask you one last time. This is a decision that could affect the rest of your life. Quit while you still have a chance," Ibiki tells us.

"I never go back on my word. That's my shinobi way," Naruto counters, still standing his ground.

I watch as Ibiki turns to my father, giving him a nod. My father responds with a nod of his own, a smirk painting his lips.

"Good call. Everyone who's still here, you've just past the first exam," my father announces, making relief wash through my body.

Oh, thank Kami! Whew! That was a close call, I let my body relax as a smile dresses my lips.

I then hear Sakura's voice exclaim with question, but I ignore her seeing as I already know the purpose of this written exam.

Testing our information gathering skills, just like an infiltration or espionage mission. That's what they were testing, it's so obvious.

Well, to me anyways...

######

Now, in the afternoon sun and nearing sunset, we stand before a gated area that's enclosed around BIG ASS trees, also known as the second part of the Chunin Exams. How did we get here? Well, earlier after both, Ibiki and my father, explained the purpose of the tenth question and yadda yadda. The new chief proctor, Anko Mitarashi broke through a classroom window before throwing up a banner with her name on it. Her character reminded me a lot of Naruto, just a bit more on the sadistic side.

And that's how we're here, seeing as she's the second proctor, this is the second part.

"This is the area for the second exam, Training Ground 44. Also known as, The Forest of Death," she grins sadistically.

Great, they just had to add the forest with the ominous name to the Chunin Exams! Wonderful, I deadpan.

"It looks like a pretty creepy place," Sakura says from besides me. Oh yeah, I reunited with my team, well, just to stand with them.

"Creepy being an understatement," I comment dryly.

"Heh heh," Anko laughs, obviously hearing our conversation. "You're about to find out first-hand why they call this The Forest of Death," she announces to the crowd, trying to scare us.

It works well, though, not for Naruto. He takes it one step further.

I watch as he stands with his legs together, placing his hands on his hips before lowering down to a semi squat. "Oooh~! You're about to find out first-hand why they call this The Forest of Death," he shakes his hips, imitating Anko's voice.

I facepalm, really, Naruto?

Naruto straightens his posture before pointing an angry finger at the proctor. "Like that's really gonna to scare us! You're tryna psych us out, and I'm not gonna fall for it," he exclaims, fed up with the mind games for today.

"Oh, really," Anko questions with a closed eye smile. I bite my lip, anticipating for the worst. "You're pretty cocky, huh?"

And with quick precision, the older woman pulls out a kunai and throws it at Naruto. Her actions are so fast that if you blinked, you would have missed it. The kunai barely scrapes against Naruto's cheek before flying past another Genin's hair. I have just enough time to notice the blood trickle out of Naruto's new wound before Anko appears behind him, she bends over his shoulder and licks the blood.

I cringe, stepping back. Ugh! Gross!

"Heh! Your kind are always the first to go. Spilling all that red, rich, lovely, luscious blood-" she starts to say, but cuts herself off. Taking another kunai, she turns over her shoulder.

On the receiving end, is the Genin who got a few strands of their hair cut off by the earlier kunai that Anko threw at Naruto. This Genin is pale, has long, pin-straight, black hair that reaches their waist. By their clothing, I can tell that they originate from the Grass Country. I can't really see their face seeing as it's obscured by a pointed straw hat.

I cringe even more, as the Grass Genin leers over Anko and holds out her first kunai. Well, it would have been a normal and polite interaction, if it wasn't the Genin's tongue holding the kunai. That's a really long tongue!

"Your kunai knife, I believe you dropped it," the Grass Nin informs, still with their tongue out. How are they talking with their tongue out?! That's what I want to know!

"Gee, thanks," Anko chuckles. "Don't stand behind me, radiating bloodlust. Unless you're in a hurry to die."

"I'll try to keep it under control, but the sight of warm, fresh, blood makes me crazy," the Grass Nin, who I now know is a woman, states. "And I was already revved up from losing a precious strand of my hair."

Anko gives a closed eye smile before chuckling. "Sorry about that," she apologizes.

I release a relieved sigh as the tension dissipates. Though, as I look at Naruto, I deadpan. Is he really trying to imitate that crazy lady's tongue, I ask myself as I watch him stick out his own tongue, trying to lengthen it.

"Looks like we have a hot blooded team in our hands this time out! Heh, should be fun," Anko laughs before turning somewhat serious. "Before we begin the second exam, there's something I need to hand out!" She informs by showing us a pile of papers.

Maybe more rules? Specifics about the exam? Consent forms, so families and other villages don't put the blame on the proctors if something happens to us, I question as I cross my arms.

"They're consent forms, everybody has to sign one," she informs, answering my silent question. "We want all the details covered before the first deaths occur! Sign before going in, so we can't be held liable. You wouldn't want me to get in trouble, would you?" She laughs, also voicing my reasoning. "First, I'll explain what the second exam entails. Then, you can sign the forms. With the other two members of your team, except for the solo participant, bring the forms to the hut behind you and submit them."

Great! Now, when I have no one by my side to submit my forms, the other teams will immediately know that I'M that solo participant! Damnit, I drop my hands from their positions, forming them into tight fists while frowning.

"Got that? Now, about the exam. To put it simply, it's a no-holds-barred survival test! Let's start with the topography of this training ground, I'll explain the rest later. Training Ground 44, is bordered by a circular perimeter, interrupted at regular intervals by forty-four locked gates. There are forests and a river, and in the center is a tower. About ten kilometers from those gates. Within the defines of this carefully delineated area, you're going to undergo a survival test. During the course of that test, you may use any ninja arts or weapons you have at your disposal. It's a kind of fight-to-the-death version of capture the flag, or this case, capture the scroll," she informs us before giving the forms to Naruto. He takes one and passes the pile on. 

Fight to the death? This is survival at its finest! The Genin here will be fighting, killing each other, for a scroll, I summarize before taking a look at all the contenders. Everyone here is my enemy, I think as someone hands me the forms. Taking one, I pass them to Sakura.

"Scroll," a Genin, from the crowd, asks.

"Exactly! There's a 'Scroll of Heaven', and a 'Scroll of Earth'. And your objective is to acquire both scrolls. There are seventy-nine of you here. That's twenty-six three member teams and one solo participant. Thirteen teams will start with the Heaven Scroll, and the other thirteen teams will start with the Earth Scroll. The solo participant will either start with the Heaven or Earth Scroll. But most important, you need both to pass! The solo participant will have the advantage and whichever scroll they get, one team will be left without the completion of their pair. Or, the groups who have that opposing scroll will also have an advantage seeing as there'll be an extra scroll to their pair," Anko explains to us the importance of scrolls.

So...if I get a Heaven Scroll, one team who also received a Heaven Scroll will be left without an Earth Scroll? They'll fail because I took their scroll. But those who have Earth Scrolls will also have an advantage seeing as there's one extra Heaven Scroll? Great, I'm still a target no matter what, I frown, allowing my posture to slump.

"So, your objective is to hold on to your own scroll, get your hands on one of the other kind and then bring them back to the tower at the center," Anko announces, her voice booming over the crowd.

"In other words, at least half of us, the thirteen teams whose scrolls are stolen, will fail," Sakura questions, basically repeating Anko's words, as usual.

If she really pays attention, then it shouldn't be that hard to follow, I muse, throwing her a sideways glance.

"You bet!" The lady answers with a grin. "And there's a time limit! You have 120 hours in which to complete this exam; Exactly five days!"

Five days?! Then, it REALLY is a survival test! Which means we have to gather our own food, be careful of our surroundings, sleep when it's absolutely necessary, and being aware of our enemies - which for me, IS EVERYONE! I exhale through my teeth before placing a permanent frown on my face.

"Five days," I hear Ino shout.

"What are we supposed to do for food," Choji exclaims, more worried about eating than surviving.

Well, for him food is basically his survival. The Akimichi Clan are always seen eating because they use their calories, or weight, as strength. With the excessive weight they gain from eating, they're able to produce a variety of powerful jutsus, leaning towards Taijutsu techniques.

Anyways...

"That's your problem," Anko answers him with a sigh. "The forests are full of nature's bounty. Of course, they're also full of man-eating animals, deadly insects, and poisonous plants!"

Good thing I know the difference between harmless and harmful plants. Yay me, I give myself a mental high-five.

"There's no way as many as thirteen teams will pass this. As the time shortens, the trials will come garde and faster, with less recovery time for any mistakes, accidents, or injuries. You'll be surrounded by enemies at all times, so you'll have to sleep with one eye open," our proctor professes, giving us the reality. "So, in addition to those who die in attempts to defend or capture a scroll, some of you are bound to succumb to exhaustion, exposure, starvation, and dehydration," she grins.

"Great," I mutter sarcastically. "Just more things to look out for while taking the exam." I roll my crimson eyes.

"Now, let's talk about the rules and what offenses you can disqualified for! Obviously, the teams that fail to reach the tower in time, are out! So is any team that loses a member, whether death or to severe injury. And, under no circumstances, can you leave the forest before the time is up. No recess. No time outs," Anko explains each rule as she raises a finger. "Also, you're forbidden to look at the contents of the scrolls until your inside the tower!"

"What if we sneak a peek," Naruto questions.

I smirk, really?

"You don't want to know," she says with a sadistic nature.

Well...that's vague.

"If any of you make it to the Chunin level, there will be times when you'll be entrusted with top-secret documents. So consider this a test of your trustworthiness! That's all the explanation you get. We'll trade one scroll for every three forms we get, with the exception of the solo participant. When you've got yours, choose the gate you want to start from. Everyone will begin at the same time," she tells us. Well, before she captures our attention again. "One final piece of advice, STAY ALIVE!"

Not wasting any time, I quickly let my gaze pass over the consent form as I quickly read it. As I finish, I take a pen from the hut and sigh, filling out the necessary information.

######

Participant Name: Kiyomi, Riko

Age: 12

Date of Birth: March 21

Family: Kiyomi, Ren. Kiyomi, Aoi. Kiyomi, Ranko.

Jounin Leader: Hatake, Kakashi

Genin Team: Uzumaki, Naruto. Uchiha, Sasuke. Haruno, Sakura.

Do you consent after understanding the full terms of this exam? Yes.

Are you aware of all the harm that can happen during the duration of this exam? Yes.

If you agree with the full terms of this exam, you, or your parent/guardian, will not hold the proctor of the exams accountable to any harm that you sustain. Do you agree? Yes.

After you signed and filled out the form, please turn it in at the designated location.

Thank you.

#####

After signing the consent form, I scoff, reading the last line. Pfft, are they really thanking us for signing to agree to our deaths? I shake my head and walk past other teams, but I make no eye contact.

Realizing that I'm alone, with no team, the other Genin stare after me, burning holes into my skin. A weight falls on my chest, aware that they know. Know that I'm the solo participant that the proctors have been raving about.

Large target painted on my back? Check. Genin wanting to kill me? Check. Feeling confident? Not!

Scurrying past the burning stares, I walk upon a fight of insults between Ino and Sakura. My dear instantly washed off as I deadpan.

Really? Here, I'm worrying about surviving against everyone, while these two are calling each other names!? Unbelievable! My respect for them as Kunoichis is dwindling, rapidly.

"Oh, yeah! Well, I get to spend five days with Sasuke," I hear Sakura announce.

A slight twist of jealousy churns at my heart, but my annoyance wins making my eye twitch. Ignoring what she said, I look to the side and find both, Shikamaru and Choji, standing off to the side. I can't tell if they're cowering, scared to come in between the girls' wrath, or if they're equally annoyed as me.

Throwing the girls a glance, I walk to move towards the duo of friends. As if sensing my arrival, Shikamaru looks towards me with a sigh.

I smirk, "so, what are the girls doing this time?"

"Sakura's antagonizing Ino about spending time with Sasuke. This is such a drag," he groans, well, that's before he gives a yawn.

"Tch, that's Sakura for you. She cares more about spending time with the said boy, than the importance of the exam. Trust me, I know. It's always Sasuke this, Sasuke that! It's annoying," I inform the Nara. I then switch my gaze to Ino. "Is Ino like that, or does she actually focus on being a Kunoichi?"

"Ino? She's usually bossy and orders us around, but when we're with Asuma Sensei, she actually trains. Her father is also teaching her about Yamanaka Clan techniques. She's a troublesome woman, but yeah, Ino focuses on being a Kunoichi," Shikamaru informs me.

"Hmm, that's good," I comment as I continue to watch the blonde girl. "At least you have someone on your team who's driven. I mean, Sakura's driven, but all for the wrong reasons. Anyways, nice chat, Shika, but it's time I put a stop to their pathetic argument."

Throwing him a nonchalant wave, he turns to start a conversation with Choji, who's busy eating chips. Walking towards the bickering girls, I stop next to Ino and sling my arm over her shoulders.

"Hey, Ino! Did I mention that you look nice today, because you do," I smile, throwing her a wink. My compliment was successful at stopping their little spat, but the said girl blushes at hearing my words.

"T-thank you," she squeaks, which causes her to blush even more.

"You're welcome," I smirk before grabbing a strand of her platinum hair, twirling it in my fingers. "Now, why is someone so beautiful arguing with Sakura," I question, throwing a glance at my teammate.

About Sakura, she's frozen in place, staring wide eyed at my affectionate actions towards Ino. I smirk even more, not nice to see me with someone else, is it Sakura? Turning back to Ino and seeing that she's still too flustered, I take a guess for her answer.

"Was it something to do with, Sasuke? Awe, Ino, don't worry. Sakura may be spending time with him, but Sasuke will be too focused on this exam rather than anything else. So, don't take what she says to heart," I reassure, knowing that she's fed up with Sakura's gloating.

Dropping my arm from Ino's shoulders, I then turn to Sakura, who still hasn't said a word. Giving her an over-sweet smile, I look into her emerald gaze.

"And Sakura, rather than gloating about spending time with Sasuke, you should worry about what to do during the exams. Sasuke's going to be busy on trying to steal a scroll, and watching out for any incoming enemies. He's not going to waste time by holding your hand," I chastise.

Taking heed of my words, I ignore her hurt look and walk forward. She may be my teammate, and I may have realized my infatuation towards her, but that doesn't mean I have to tolerate her lack of skills. This is an exam to become Chunin, and she still can't get her priorities right! How was I so blindly in 'love' with her, when she only has eyes for Sasuke?! Stupid, teenage hormones!

Shaking my head, I look over my shoulder and smirk. "Good luck, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji! I hope to see you at the tower! You too, Sakura," I give a slight wave.

Even if I'm annoyed with Sakura, I still wish her the best.

######

Standing at my personal gate door, I read the number that's painted on the metal plate. 43. Sighing, I bite on my bottom lip and chew it as nerves overwhelm my body. Waving my arms at the side of my body, I jump up and down to rid myself of my jitters with attempts to calm down. Being aware of my scattered emotions, I instantly push them away and steel myself to feel nothing.

If I'm going to survive this portion of the exams, I need to think clearly! I can't have emotions clouding my judgement because if I do, I'll act rashly and that'll lead to my early death. And I can't have that, now can I?

"Alright!" I suddenly hear Anko's voice boom from wherever she is. "Listen up, everyone! The second part of the Chunin Exams, begins now!"

And with that said, the proctor at my gate unlocks my gate.

Crashing through the entrance with a run, I glare at the forestry in front of me. Void of any emotion, and clear headed, I give a small smirk. Knowing that my Earth Scroll is secure, I venture into the forest, ready to start the exam.

This is it! No, backing out now, I muse, running past trees.

But when realization of my words hit me, I make an abrupt stop. Looking around me, I spot nothing, but big ass trees surrounding me. I know that I'm still in Konoha, but this area is unknown, and completely foreign. I know nothing of this geographic landscape. Nothing of the wildlife, or their behavior. For all I know, the animals here can be hunting us as well. To add the weight on my shoulders, I'm completely alone. In a forest. Filled with with all kinds of predators.

Man, I'm screwe- NOPE! Don't be so pessimistic! Don't let my over-imagination psych you out, I scold myself.

Inhaling a large supply of oxygen, I puff out my chest with a sense of bravado before bringing up my fists as a sign of confidence. "You got this, Riko! Don't let your fears get the best of you! You're a strong, intelligent, and independent women who doesn't need a team to survive this exam! Prove to everyone just how strong Riko Kiyomi is! Exceed their expectations," I whisper-shout to myself as I give myself the needed motivation. Dropping my act, I drop my left hand while tightening my right fist. With fresh confidence, I give a dark smirk. "I'm a one man army, people should be afraid!"

That's all I say before silencing myself. Looking around once more, I take the time to evaluate my surrounds. Taking in all the details, the scene, and the potential. Allowing the gears to twist in my head, I let my mind get to work.

The area is mostly made out of trees, large, dense trees. Their leaves will cast a sufficient amount of cover. And remember, a shinobi's purpose is to eradicate their presence. Succumb to the natural camouflage that is given to you, use it to your advantage. Plus, seeing as you're by yourself, you can hide your presence more efficiently. And if that's not enough, lower your chakra level to nonexistent and you'll become the definition of a ghost, my mind tells me, giving me all information to build a strategy.

Oh, the perks of having a high IQ, I smirk.

Using the basics of chakra control, I run up the side of a large tree before stopping at a high branch. With the information that subconsciously gathered, I built a strategy to use the trees and their heavy cover to my advantage. Though, what will make my plan even greater is to wait until nightfall, because by then, the area will be a complete blackout. Which makes it better for me seeing as I'll lower my chakra to zero, basically erasing my presence. Anyways, without my chakra to alert my enemies and them having no visibility of my whereabouts, I can sneak up on them. Which I can then choose to either attack or kill them. But I'm pretty sure that whomever I do come across, will eventually end with their deaths.

Oh, what fun, I muse sadistically.

Lowering myself to sit down, my legs hanging off the sides of the branch, I unstrap my utility belt and place it in between my legs. Opening the largest pouch, I peer in and take inventory of my belonging.

One Earth Scroll. Obviously.

Five kunai.

Ten shuriken.

Ten explosive tags.

One large roll of stringed wire.

Twenty senbon needles.

One roll of bandages.

My book, The Fundamentals of Basic Medical Ninjutsu. Wow, I haven't read this imma long time.

And my black journal that's filled with the Kiyomi Clan techniques. I should have left this at home, it could get lost. Or worse, fall into the wrong hands.

That's all the necessities of the large pouch, but the two small ones at the front only carry medical aid. One carries a container of disinfectant salve, I only used this when Naruto cut himself on the mission to the Wave Country. It also carries a roll of gauze, in case to stop any heavy bleeding wounds. And the other pouch carries antidotes for basic poisonings. Though, if the poison is created, and personally handcrafted, by a specialist, my antidote is useless.

Anyways...

Sitting here for a few hours, and reading the medical book to pass time, my surroundings are already dark. So, hearing some owls hoot in the distance, I know that it's time to initiate my plan.

Standing up from my seated position, I put away my medical book, that I was reading to pass time, and stretch. Popping the locked joints of my body, I straighten my posture before erasing my chakra, becoming a shadow in the dark. I immediately feel the tension in the dark, forest air.

Acknowledging the blackout of my surrounding, I go back to the first exams. "Art of Nature: Whispering Winds," I mutter to myself as I create the hand signs.

Like before, the noise amplifies in my ears, but now that I'm in the dark, my eyes become keener. My crimson eyes can suddenly see every speck of detail as the dark doesn't affect my vision anymore.

Narrowing my eyes, I smirk. It's time.

Stealthily, I run across the branches and leap across into the other trees. Silently jumping from tree to tree, I strain my ears for any noises coming from potential teams below me.

After a while of not finding anyone, I go to turn towards the right, but a whisper from the left catches my attention. Halting in my actions, I stand still and tilt my head to listen closely. Though, seeing as I only hear whispers, I stealthily make my way towards the talking.

Using the trees and darkness to my advantage, I stick close towards the trunk and slowly, but gracefully move closer to the ignorant team. Stopping on a higher tree branch above them, I listen closely to their conversations.

"It's already night of day one, and we still haven't seen any teams," the Kunoichi of their team announces in a low voice. With my sort of night vision, I can see that she has bright orange hair that's tied in two braids. She has pale skin, though as she talked, I noticed that she has sharp teeth. On her headband that's tied backwards, the Hitai-ate shows a Kirigakure symbol. On her back, she has a set of twin katanas.

Huh, a swordman, or swords...woman? Idk, but all I know that she has skill with swords.

"Akano, it's because it's day one that we haven't seen anyone. I mean, everybody has their guards up, they're expecting to be attacked. Only fools rush in," one of the males explains. He has stark white hair and electric blue eye. His skin is tan, a bit darker than Naruto's sun kissed skin. His headband is tied around his neck. Then, in his back as a large sword, one as wide as the Kirikurobocho, but not as long.

"Hmph! Doesn't mean we shouldn't try," Akano frowns, crossing her arms. "The more fight they put up, the more exciting it should be! Don't you think? But you know who I really want to find? That solo participant. I wonder how strong she is if they allowed her to take the exams alone. And you know what caught my attention even more, it's the fact that she looks very similar to the first proctor."

She point out to her teammates, giving a sadistic smirk.

Shit! I picked the wrong team to walk right into, I state, feeling a bit nervous.

"So, you're saying that the solo participant is related to the first proctor? Interesting. It makes thinking about killing her much more exciting," the last member states, spinning a senbon in between his fingers. He has dark blue hair, along with green eyes. His skin is pale, but not as pale as the female's. His headband is tied around his forehead and he has bandages covering the lower half of his face.

So, two swordsmen, and a senbon user. Plus, they're from Kirigakure and I can only guess that they use Water Ninjutsu. But if they're as bloodthirsty as they seem, then that means trouble. They're like three copies of Zabuza, not as skilled, but three of them versus one of me? Crap! I assess, but only frown with my results. Not to mention, that they really have a sort of sick amusement by wanting me dead. The odds are definitely NOT in my favor.

"See, Karasu, even Shinkai agrees with me," Akano muses. "I bet that little girl is quivering in fear right now." She laughs.

I glare, not quite. So, Akano is the girl, she's obviously the voice of the team, basically like a sadistic girl version of Naruto. Karasu is the one with the large sword in his back, the silent leader of their team. And, finally, Shinkai, he's the senbon user. I don't know what part he plays, but he's equally as bloodthirsty as the female.

"Boo," a male voice says in my ear. Immediately, my whole body freezes as my blood runs cold. My eyes widen with alarm.

Turning my head, I notice Shinkai, or at least a clone of him, standing next to me with a sadistic grin.

Shit!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Well, that's Chapter 14! 7,686 words! Whoo, did you love the cliff hanger, because I sure did!

I know not a lot happened, but did you enjoy the chapter?

Is her new jutsu helpful?

What did you think of Riko complimenting Ino?

I know a lot of people write their characters suspecting Orochimaru (the Grass Nin) but he didn't do anything suspicious so I made Riko not suspect him. Was that okay?

What do you think of the Kirigakure team? I wanted to make them like Zabuza and develop his bloodthirsty, sadistic, nature, was that okay?

What will happen to Riko???(DUN DUN DUUUNN!!!)

Anyways, don't forget to

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FAN!!!

CIAO, My beautiful friends~!

?¿ If you were able to turn into any animal, what would it be ?¿

I would turn into a cat, idk what type of cat, but a cat nonetheless! They're just so awesome!