Chapter 9: Prelims

The Sandaime Hokage had rushed to see Team 7 when he became knowledgeable of the events that occurred in the Forest of Death. After a telling of the story from Naruto and Sasuke's perspective, Hiruzen made sure it was all correct.

"So you were found by Orochimaru in the forest?" asked Hiruzen to which Team 7 nodded. "He defeated you all, placed a cursed seal on Sasuke, and just left with orders to his team to kill you both?" after another nod, Hiruzen blew out a sigh.

"Well, at least you all are still alive. Sasuke-kun, Kakashi has a plan to deal with your seal." said Hiruzen as Kakashi walked in with a Yo. "He's going to place a Fuja Hoin (Evil Sealing Method) on you to suppress the influence of the seal. However, due to the power of the cursed seal, it'll take your willpower to control how effective the Fuja Hoin is." finished Hiruzen as he saw Naruto smirk.

"So basically, Sasuke got a hickey from a pedophile. That hickey is imbued with the pedophile's power. Kakashi is going to suppress the hickey's power to keep Sasuke from using said hickey. Got it." said Naruto as Sasuke turned toward him with a glare.

"I'm not gonna use this Curse Seal. But it's nice to have an addition safeguard to keep the influence down. I don't need somebody else's power. I am an Uchiha" said Sasuke, turning toward Kakashi while also showing Naruto the Uchiha Crest on his back.

After Kakashi finished snickering at Naruto's hickey remark, he and Sasuke both exited the room to take care of his cursed seal. Sakura had left Naruto and Sasuke earlier to get some rest from staying up while they were incapacitated. It was just Naruto and Hiruzen left in the room.

"Jiji." said Naruto as he lifted his mesh shirt and channeled some chakra to show off his seal. "Can you remove this seal. I didn't want to bring it up in front of my teammates because they don't know about my status yet, but Orochimaru placed it on me during our fight." finished Naruto as he was struck in the gut sharply by Hiruzen.

"Gogyo Kaiin (Five Elements Unseal)" said Hirzuen as Naruto fell asleep again. "Of course I can Naruto-kun. Now get some rest before the finals, I want to see you impress me my dear boy."

Hiruzen then picked up Naruto and took him to his room. After laying him down in his bed, The Sandaime disappeared back to his office to prep for the third exam.

(Two Days Later)

The two days since Team 7 finished the test were relatively uneventful for Kakashi's genins. Sasuke had his seal suppressed and Naruto finally had control over his chakra again. Nothing else really happened besides that until today. Team 7 had been given instructions to go to an arena, where they were met by 5 other teams. The two other rookie teams from Konoha, Team Guy, the sand siblings, and Kabuto with his team. Seems there were only 18 genin left including them and 15 were from Konoha.

They were all situated in a huge arena with platforms on either side. On the platform directly facing them was the Hokage. Upon all of the genin arriving, Hiruzen addressed them with kindness.

"Congratulations to all the genin who have passed the second exam. Before you can continue to the third exam, I will now inform you on a few things." said Hiruzen. " In years past, the Chunin exams were and still are a contest. A contest that pitted each nation's aspiring Chunin in a duel between each other to show their village's strength outside of wars. This final exam is observed by many people, including potential clients and daimyos all across the elemental nations. One does not have to win the tournament to be promoted to Chunin. Just display skills that may qualify them for promotion."

Hiruzen was about to continue until he was interrupted by a sickly ninja with a prevalent cough.

"Excuse me Hokage-sama, if I may interject, I would like to take over from here." asked the ninja as Hiruzen nodded.

"Hello all, I am Hayate Gekko and I shall be your proctor for the third exam." said Hayate as he coughed a few times. "Due to the number of you all, there will be preliminary matches immediately to dwindle down the numbers." finished Hayate as he was met with a complaint.

One of Kabuto's teammates spoke up, "We just got here two hours ago. Do we not get to rest first?"

"No. It's unfortunate that you will be handicapped but those are the rules."

After answering the Genin's question, Hayate continued with, "We will have one on one duels that will pit you against one another. Too many of you finished this time, so we must do this to weed some of you out. That way we'll finish with less than 10 competitors to begin the finals."

"Now is there anyone who would like to forfeit right now? Quitting now doesn't affect your team as you all are individuals from this point forward." asked Hayate as he only saw Kabuto's hand raise. "You may leave, thank you for coming."

After Kabuto departed, Hayate pointed to a monitor behind him. "Now that that's settled. Each of you have been placed into a randomizer that will display your names on the board in pairs. When your name shows up, whoever's name is on there as well shall be your opponent. You will battle each other until one of you quits, dies, or I rule it over due to a tie or your inability to continue. My word is law and if I say it's over, it's over. Am I clear?" asked Hayate as all the Genin nodded.

After Hayate spoke, the monitor started flying through names until it stopped on Sasuke Uchiha and Yoroi Akado.

"Will Sasuke Uchiha and Yoroi Akado remain here while all the other genin move to the platforms that surround the arena floor."

Following instructions, all the other genin moved up to the platforms as Sasuke, Yoroi, and Hayate were the only ones left on the arena floor.

Hayate coughed a few more times as he looked to each fighter. "Are you both ready...Hajime!" said Hayate as he backed away to give the genin some space.

Yoroi twitched slightly but noticed Sasuke stood motionless besides crossing his arms over his chest. Yoroi moved around a little but Sasuke still stood with his arms crossed and his Sharingan active.

"I thought he wouldn't be able to use that without being affected by the cursed seal? It doesn't matter, he won't be able to stop my technique." thought Yoroi. Yoroi's left hand began to emit a blue aura of chakra as he took off in a sprint towards Sasuke. Sasuke didn't make a move to defend the still approaching Yoroi. So Yoroi just slammed his hand onto Sasuke's forehead and smashed him into the ground with force.

Sasuke's face changed to one of shock as he could feel his chakra leaving him. Yoroi smirked as he realized how easy this victory was.

"Yes, I have the ability to suck out a person's chakra through my jutsu. You never had a chance." said Yoroi as Sasuke started to struggle with less power. Yoroi thought he had it in the bag until he felt several kunai pierce his body.

Yoroi screamed in pain as he looked up to see Sasuke still standing with his arms crossed. He was confused as he looked down to see that Sasuke turn into dust.

"What is going on? I know I hit you with my technique. I felt your chakra leaving you" said Yoroi as he began to lose consciousness from blood loss.

"Seems you don't know about the power of the Uchiha clan. Too bad." said Sasuke as Yoroi collapsed on the floor unconscious.

Hayate looked at Yoroi and then called it. "Shousa, Sasuke Uchiha."

(With the Spectators)

"I need a Sharingan." said Shikamaru. Naruto stood beside Shikamaru as he looked amused at his comment.

"Why's that Shika?" asked Naruto as around them, people were wondering how Sasuke just won.

"All Sasuke did was lock eyes with him and he passed out without neither of them moving a muscle. Yoroi didn't even get touched by Sasuke or even harmed but still got defeated. If I could do that, beating people by staring, I'd be so happy. If only." said Shikamaru as Naruto burst out laughing.

Kakashi decided to quell everyone's questions as he told them about Sasuke's victory. "The Sharingan is a powerful Dojutsu (Eye Techniques) that allows the user many abilities. One being, the ability to cast powerful genjutsu with a mere glance. Sasuke defeated Yoroi in a Genjutsu and Yoroi must have passed out from the mental belief of actually losing. That's why Sasuke won without harming Yoroi... or moving for that matter." said Kakashi with an eye smile as a member of his squad passed.

"Seems his eyes have gotten stronger, did he get his third tomoe?" pondered Kakashi as Sasuke walked up the platform to stand by Naruto. Sasuke smirked at Naruto while walking up with his Sharingan still active.

"I'll be seeing you later on it seems Naruto." said Sasuke flaunting his improved Sharingan as his tomoe began to spin slightly around his pupil.

"Heh, maybe. I haven't went yet, I could lose..." said Naruto with a straight face as he stared at Sasuke's straight face as well. They held their poker faces until he and Sasuke started laughing. "Don't worry Sasuke. I'll be there to kick your ass again for the world to see." said Naruto as he heard a voice in his head. A voice he hadn't heard in a while.

"So the Uchiha boy has a better Sharingan now? Means nothing compared to what I've seen you do." said Kurama in Naruto's head.

"Kurama! You're back...by the way, you were so right about Fuinjutsu. I got hit by five fingers twice, and passed out both times. Fuinjutsu is scary." replied Naruto as he heard Kurama laugh.

"Told you it was. Took that Snake to beat some sense into you for you to get my point."

"I could have kicked his ass I bet, if I used all of my abilities." said Naruto as Kurama agreed, though it was debatable. Naruto was easily one of the strongest in Konoha when using his Chakra and Mokuton abilities. But Orochimaru was Orochimaru, one of the Sannin and definitely not a pushover.

While Naruto and Kurama were conversing, the board landed on two more names. Temari and Tenten.

Naruto paid no attention to this match as soon as he saw Tenten firing weapons.

"It's pointless. Temari-chan is carrying a fan which I'm sure she uses proficiently. She'll just blow all of your projectiles away. Sorry Tenten, she's your worst matchup." thought Naruto as he saw Temari continue to blow away Tenten's projectiles.

Eventually Temari had enough and finished Tenten by catching her in a tornado of wind that tormented the brown haired girl.

Hayate called it once he saw that it was over. "Shousa, Temari"

"You made that fan look so sexy. I need one in my life." said Naruto loudly, getting a smirk from Temari as she walked back up.

After the medics moved Tenten, the names started spinning again. Choji Akimichi vs Shino Aburame.

"Sucks for Choji. He'll be a big target for Shino's bugs and since his only techniques involve chakra induced expansion, he'll lose." thought Naruto.

Naruto was proven right as Choji kept smashing into Shino. Though they were only Mushi Bunshins (Bug Clones) which proceeded to empty Choji's reserves after about 2 minutes.

"Shousa, Shino Aburame."

Naruto perked up slightly at the next match, Neji Hyuga vs Hinata Hyuga. Though Naruto became disappointed at Hinata's lack of fight going against her cousin. Neji didn't have that problem as he dismantled Hinata viciously throughout the fight. Though Naruto got fed up at the end when Neji went for the kill.

Neji was stopped a few feet from Hinata by several people. He was locked in a grip from Guy while Kakashi held his left arm and Kurenai held his right. But everyone was surprised to see Naruto in between Hinata and Neji with a fist held firm, inches from Neji's face.

"Seems the main branch gets special treatment again." said Neji before he got the chills at Naruto's glare.

"Neji, I have nothing against you as a person. But for what you did to Hinata-chan here, knowing Hayate would have called the match regardless of her will to fight, is unbecoming of a Konoha nin. You better hope I don't see you in the finals as I promise to deal out tenfold to you what you gave to Hinata-chan." said Naruto as he clenched his fist that held a bit of Hinata's blood in it.

Neji was taken away shortly afterwards by Guy. Hinata was assisted by medics as everyone else returned to the stands.

The next fight was between Shikamaru Nara and Sakura Haruno. Many people believed Sakura would have an easy victory against the dead last of his class. However, Naruto knew better.

"Shikamaru's the smartest person I know. He is only the dead last due to his unwillingness to do school work. I want Sakura to win as her teammate but Shikamaru's too smart." thought Naruto as Sakura charged Shikamaru and lashed out with punches and kicks.

Shikamaru dodged Sakura's attempts as he eventually backed up far enough to place his hands in the ram seal.

"Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Possesion Technique)" said Shikamaru, once his and Sakura's shadow connected. Shikamaru made Sakura pull out a kunai as he said, "Sakura, forfeit. I placed my kunai holster on my left leg before this match started so as you can see I'm not holding one. You are and I'm not afraid to make you harm yourself, so give up."

Sakura looked dejected as she realized she couldn't stop Shikamaru. So with reluctance, she gave up to keep herself from harm.

"Shousa, Shikamaru Nara." said Hayate as both Shikamaru and Sakura walked back up the platform.

"Good job Sakura, maybe you'll get a better opponent next time. Shikamaru's tough." said Naruto as Sakura smiled slightly. Upon noticing Shikamaru's face, Naruto asked a question. "What's up with the face Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru sighed. "I should have lost. I could have been done with this tournament and slept for the rest of it. Now I'll have to fight again. Troublesome. Hopefully I don't go against another girl...troublesome" said Shikamaru as he likely jinxed himself.

Naruto laughed slightly as he saw the board shift to another pair of names. Kankuro and Misumi Tsurugi.

Naruto found the match hilarious when Misumi realized he had been fighting a puppet the whole time. After receiving a bone-crushing hug from said puppet, Misumi was done.

"Shousa, Kankuro." said Hayate as he looked wary for the next match. Gaara vs Rock Lee.

"Yosh! Now I can show everyone the power of Youth!" claimed Lee excitedly. Lee felt a hand clasp his shoulder and looked up to see a blinding smile.

"Atta boy Lee! Show them that you're in the springtime of Youth!" claimed Guy just as excited as he patted Lee on the shoulder. Lee did a salute as he leaped down to the arena floor.

Gaara arrived in a Suna shunshin, standing with his arms crossed, looking uninterested in Rock Lee or this Tournament for that matter. Hayate looked at both competitors as he started the match.

"Hajime." said Hayate as he backed away. Lee took to the beginning stance of the Goken as Gaara popped the cork off his gourd.

Sand seeped out of the gourd and surrounded Gaara on the ground in a crude circle. Lee, having enough of just standing around, vanished to attack Gaara.

Gaara looked shocked to see his sand blocking Lee's strikes, but not seeing Lee.

"Is he moving that fast?" questioned Gaara as he kept swiveling his head to see sand dispersing after being struck, but no Lee.

(In the stands)

Sasuke handed Naruto 100 ryo as he said, "Damn, thanks for keeping me from getting my ass whipped before the 1st exam. That speed is ridiculous."

Naruto smirked at Sasuke, who was keeping his Sharingan eyes glued on the match.

"Seems he's trying to copy Lee. Smart idea as that's the best taijutsu I've ever seen" thought Naruto watching Lee trying to beat on Gaara.

"Shukaku" said Kurama in Naruto's head.

"Shukaku? As in the Ichibi. He's here? Where is he?" asked Naruto as he kept watching the match. "Gaara?"

"Yes. I can feel Shukaku's chakra seeping out of the boy. Not to mention he's from Suna, and Suna's Bijuu is Shukaku. It's likely he's the jinchuriki. Those black marks around his eyes are bags. Shukaku doesn't allow his host's to sleep so it's even more likely now." finished Kurama as Naruto mentally nodded.

"Why would Sunagakure send it's jinchuriki to a Chunin exams in a foreign village?" said Naruto as he pondered over it.

"I don't know. But be wary of him if you're not using your full power. Jinchuriki, no matter how small the Bijuu, are extremely dangerous when their using their Bijuu's power." said Kurama as Naruto noticed something.

"Are you helping me? Seems you aren't that big, scary beast. You're just a fluf..."

"You finish that sentence, I'll kill you." said Kurama dangerously as he cut off Naruto.

"Okay...I love you too!" said Naruto.

"I'm gonna tear you to shr.." started Kurama before Naruto cut the connection to focus on the fight.

(Arena floor)

Sometime during Naruto's inner conversation with Kurama. Lee had taken off some weights and received a huge boost in speed.

With his weights off, Lee's speed began even more unbelievable. He was now able to land blows on the Suna Jinchuriki.

Despite Lee's powerful blows, Gaara's sand armor proved to be durable as he was still standing and able to fight. Sensing the need for a powerful finisher, Lee resorted to the move designed to beat Neji.

"Seems like I'll have to show my trump card. Even after smashing him with the Front Lotus, it still couldn't defeat him. I wish I could save it but I need to put him down with something more powerful." thought Lee as he crossed his arms in a X.

"Hachimon Tonkou: Seimon Kai (Eight Inner Gates: Gate of Life Release)" said Lee. Lee's skin immediately turned red and a swirl of chakra circled him.

"Shomon Kai (Gate of Pain Release)" said Lee as a green aura surrounded him. Everyone could feel the power emanating from his body. It was incredible.

A few moments after Lee said that, he vanished to appear underneath Gaara. Lee planted a foot into Gaara's chin that sent him sailing in the air. Lee appeared above Gaara and looked hellbent on causing harm. Gaara's sand shield couldn't keep up as Lee proceeded to bash Gaara around multiple times in air.

Eventually, after a dozen or so hits, Lee decided to finish Gaara.

"This will be the end. Tomon Kai (Gate of Closing Release)." said Lee as he vanished again to hit Gaara with a series of quick gut punches.

Before Gaara could hit the ground, Lee pulled Gaara back up by the bandage wrapped around his waist.

"Ura Renge (Reverse Lotus)." said Lee as he hit Gaara with an open-handed palm strike and kick at the same time.

Gaara went crashing to the ground as Lee landed a little ways away.

"There's no way he could get up from that." thought Lee as his right arm and right leg were in pain from using that last move. The same arm and leg were now in more pain as sand crept up his arm and proceeded to squeeze down on them.

"Sabaku Kyuu (Sand Binding Coffin)" said a weak Gaara as his sand crushed Lee's arm and leg. He was trying to move it further around his body but Guy showed up and quelled that movement.

"That's enough" said Guy as he took Lee away to the medics.

"Due to an interference, Shousa Gaara." said Hayate as Gaara was grabbed by his sensei and taken back to the platform. His Bijuu would assist in healing him.

"Since there are 3 competitors left, there will be a three way fight between Ino Yamanaka, Kiba Inuzaka, and Naruto Senju." said Hayate as the three walked down the steps.

"Shit. I got to fight Naruto. I would try to team up with Ino but I know she'll take his side. Looks like it's me and Akamaru. It's no worries, we've gotten better since the Academy, we got this." thought Kiba as he arrived in the destroyed arena floor.

"Oh no, I have to fight my husband. Life isn't fair. If I lose, he'll think I'm too weak to be his wife and he'll never date me. If I win, he'll hate me for embarrassing him. What do I do?!" said Ino in a panic over fighting Naruto, totally forgetting that Kiba was fighting as well.

"Let's see how good my comrades have gotten." said Naruto as he got into his ready stance. Ino and Kiba did the same as Hayate lowered his arm.

"Hajime"

Naruto began with a speedy shunshin and planted a powerful punch into Kiba's jaw, that rocketed the Inuzaka back to the wall. Naruto then turned to Ino and saw her holding a unique seal.

"Shintenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Switch Technique)" said Ino as she fired her jutsu at the surprised Naruto. Ino's body fell to the ground as her jutsu flew at Naruto.

Everyone was then shocked to see Naruto rush over and catch Ino before she fell before eventually setting her down gently.

"That was easier than I thought" came the voice of Naruto as everyone became even more shocked, Naruto was hit by Ino's jutsu.

(With the spectators)

"Wow, Ino got her Jutsu to hit Naruto." said Shikamaru shocked to see the result. "She can make Naruto forfeit. To think Naruto would allow himself to be hit by that jutsu. He knows all about it too?"

Sasuke looked shocked to see Naruto get struck by that jutsu so easily. Sakura was surprised her rival could catch Naruto off guard like that. Naruto was never caught off guard usually.

The Konoha Jonin all looked dreadful as they knew that since Naruto was a jinchuriki. His Bijuu would be in there with Ino. They feared the worst.

Everyone looked hysterical as they saw Naruto tying Ino up with a rope.

(Back at the arena)

"Nice try Ino-chan, gotta be a little faster. You almost had me there." said Naruto as he felt Kiba approaching. Two Kibas.

"Gatsuuga (Double Piercing Fang)" said Kiba. He and Akamaru, who was transformed into Kiba, came flying at Naruto in a spinning display of death.

Naruto managed to toss Ino back up into the stands to her sensei right before spinning out of the way of the first Kiba. Naruto tried to evade the second but received a cut on his hand for his troubles.

"Almost had you Naruto. Let's see how good you do blind." said one of the Kiba's as he dropped a smoke bomb. Both Kiba's barreled into the smoke in another Gatsuuga (Double Piercing Fang) in an effort to catch Naruto full force this time.

Eventually the smoke cleared and you could see three Kibas standing in a triangle.

One of the Kiba's smirked as he decked another Kiba with a punch. "I can smell you Naruto. You can't hide from my nose in a simple Henge (Transformation)." said Kiba before realizing there were two more Narutos.

"I knew that." said Naruto with a kunai held to both Kibas' necks. The Kiba that got punched, converted into Naruto before turning into rocks, signalling an Iwa Bunshin (Rock Clone).

"Dammit, how did I not smell you until it was too late?" asked Kiba.

"It's easy to pinpoint my location with your nose. But if I'm underground, I'm sure it makes it tougher to find me through the earth. So while that cloud of smoke was in the area, I replaced myself with a clone and hid underground. Then popped out to catch you off guard. Give up." said Naruto as he pushed the kunai closer to Kiba's neck.

After a forfeit from Kiba, Hayate called the match. "Shousa, Naruto Senju. Will all the winners please come down to the arena floor. We have a few announcements." said Hayate.

Kiba left the arena floor as Naruto stayed. Sasuke, Temari, Shino, Shikamaru, Neji, Kankuro, and Gaara arrived at the arena floor as Hayate addressed them again.

"Congratulations. You eight genin are the finalists that will compete in the Chunin Exam in one month's time. It will be just like this except we will find out your opponent right now through selection. You will pull a number from the hat and announce what number you received. We will pair you by numbers."

Anko brought the hat toward Naruto as he pulled first.

"1" said Naruto as Anko brushed past him.

"I still remember kid." whispered Anko as her hips brushed up against Naruto's lower regions. "Nice package"

"That lady again. Is this rape? Wait, is it rape if I like it?" thought Naruto freezing up again as he felt his blood flowing.

"How does no one notice this? And you should definitely tap that. Look at that bod.." said Kurama suggestively until Naruto cut off the connection again. Naruto would need a cold shower later.

Sasuke pulled his card next. 6. Temari-8. Shino-5. Shikamaru-7. Neji-2. Kankuro-3. and Gaara received 4 by default.

Match 1: Naruto Senju vs Neji Hyuga

Match 2: Kankuro vs Gaara

Match 3: Shino Aburame vs Sasuke Uchiha

Match 4: Shikamaru Nara vs Temari

Match 5: Winner of Match 1 vs Winner of Match 2

Match 6: Winner of Match 3 vs Winner of Match 4

Match 7: Winner of Match 5 vs Winner of Match 6

"Now that all your opponents have been figured out. Use this month to prepare for the finals. Your village will be represented so fight with that in mind." said Hayate as all the Genin vacated the arena.

(1 day later)

The next day, Naruto was walking around Konoha, headed to find someone. Naruto was wearing a simple grey long sleeved shirt with the Senju Clan Crest on his back and black pants that connected to his black shinobi sandals. He wasn't wearing his forehead protector at the moment so his hair was covering his eyes a little.

Kakashi had taken Sasuke away into the mountains to prepare him for the finals. Naruto had asked Kakashi for help but Kakashi informed him that there was already someone capable down by the Hot Springs, plus they had already called 'dibs' on teaching him.

So that's who Naruto was headed to find/meet. Upon arriving at the Hot Springs front door, Naruto heard a weird noise coming from around the corner. Naruto turned the corner to see a man with white hair giggling. Before Naruto could say anything, Ebisu appeared and began berating the man.

"Excuse me sir, It is improper to peek on the women in the Hot Springs. I'll have to ask you to leave." said Ebisu as the man never moved.

Ebisu noticed the man didn't move so he went to forcefully remove him. Ebisu reached for the man's collar to grab him and drag him away. However, the man jumped into the air causing Ebisu to overreach and stumble underneath him. Ebisu was shocked at the man's swift movement as he was then crushed by the sudden appearance of a toad and rendered unconscious.

"Wow that was so cool mister! Was that a summoning?" asked an excited Naruto as he approached the man.

"Oh ho ho?! So you like what you see huh?" asked the man as he turned to face Naruto. He was a tall man with waist-length, spiky white hair tied back into a pony tail, with two shoulder-length bangs that framed both sides of his face. He had red lines that ran down from his eyes and wore a horned forehead protector with the kanji for 'Oil'. He also had a noticeable wart on the left side of his nose. The man wore a green short shirt kimono and matching pants; under which he wore mesh armour that showed out of the sleeves and legs of his outfit. His outfit was completed with hand guards, a simple black belt, traditional Japanese geta (wooden sandals), a red haori with two simple yellow circles on each side, and a scroll on his back.

Naruto recognized the man immediately. He had his suspicions when he saw the toad, but the oil forehead protector cleared all doubt. "You're...You're.." said Naruto before he was cut off.

"I am Myouboku Mountain's Monk of the Toad Spirits, also known as the Toad Sage. Jiraiya of the Sannin!"claimed Jiraiya as his toad disappeared.

Naruto had stars in his eyes as he looked at the Sage. "You're better than what I've read about. You taught the Yondaime Hokage, who is my hero. But I never pictured you to be a pervert," said Naruto a little perverted.

Jiraiya looked slightly shocked to see Naruto be perverted. Sadly, Naruto didn't know the first rule of peeking, no loud talking.

Inside the baths, one woman said, "Pervert?! There's a pervert outside!."

"Ahh. Geez kid, they figured out I was peeking. But I'm not a pervert," said Jiraiya. "I'm a super pervert!" boasted Jiraiya proudly.

"Right. Well Kakashi-sensei said there was someone here that would oversee my training for the month. Are you that person, if so, could you please train me for the finals," asked a hopeful Naruto.

"Heh, kid looks exactly like Minato does. Except he has his mother's eyes. He even knows how to ask for training. Why not see what he can do. But I need lunch." thought Jiraiya before he said, "Buy me lunch everyday I train you, and I'm in."

Naruto pulled out his toad wallet, affectionately named Gama-chan. After opening it, he proceeded to cry at how much money he'd lose over the month, but it'd be worth it.

(Two Hours Later)

"Hey kid, you should definitely hit that," said Jiraiya to Naruto as he and Naruto exited a Dango restaurant.

Naruto's face turned red as he remembered the incident.

(Flashback : 40 minutes ago)

"So you're telling me pancakes are better than waffles?" asked Jiraiya as he finished giving his order.

"Yes, I could eat pancakes all day. Especially with blueberry syrup," said Naruto as he and Jiraiya were conversing. Naruto and Jiraiya were already talking like good friends after only knowing each other for a hour.

Naruto was about to continue speaking until he paused and twitched a little.

"Your hot chick senses going off too Naruto?" asked Jiraiya as he felt a beautiful woman approaching due to his own sensing abilities.

Naruto went red in the face as he felt Anko arrive, literally. She appeared sitting in his lap with a kunai to his neck.

Anko greeted Jiraiya, "Hello Jiraiya-sama, I see you're hanging out with the gaki (brat)."

"Indeed I am Anko-san. It seems you need a moment, I'll be back." said Jiraiya as Anko thanked him. Naruto was mouthing "Help Me" to Jiraiya as he left Naruto alone. Jiraiya only held both thumbs up as he disappeared around the corner.

"If you needed help Naruto-kun you could have just asked. I'll definitely assist you with anything." said Anko as she looked back toward Naruto. She then looked down. "Anything." said Anko a little suggestive.

It took all of Naruto's willpower to keep himself from reacting to Anko. Naruto and Jiraiya's dango arrived as Anko took a stick from Naruto's plate.

"Seems you're better than I thought. But I'll get you gaki. Just you wait." said Anko. She placed the dango in her mouth seductively as she slowly grinded her way out of Naruto's lap.

"Bye Anko-chan." said Naruto as he sat frozen, "She's still not wearing underwear." thought Naruto as Jiraiya sat back down.

"Have a nice talk Naruto?" asked Jiraiya with a smirk.

Naruto merely nodded as he ate the rest of his dango in silence.

(flashback end)

"I have to learn how to handle those situations better." said Naruto as Jiraiya laughed.

"We'll add that to your training brat." said Jiraiya as Naruto and him arrived at a training ground. "Naruto, before we start, give me a rundown of your abilities."

"Okay well I am pretty good at all the shinobi arts, I've been told ninjutsu's my favorite. Taijutsu, I'm still using the basic academy style but I'm not shabby at it due to my speed. Genjutsu, I know how to dispel them and I can cast a few. Though I rarely use them on any ninjas as they can be broken easily. Ninjutsu comes easy to me as I have three chakra natures. I have a pretty nice arsenal of jutsu but I do need some heavy hitters. I'm a level three Fuinjutsu user and that's pretty much it." said Naruto until he saw Jiraiya laugh slightly.

"Kid, I'm Konoha's spy master. I know all about your abilities, even your untold abilities." said Jiraiya as leaned in to whisper, "Mokuton and the Kyubi. You're quite the special kid."

Naruto had a shocked face as only Kakashi, Tenzo, and Hiruzen knew about both of those. "I should have known you'd know. Yes, I can use Mokuton and about one tail of my Bijuu's chakra."

"Great! Now that that's out of the way, let's get to your training. Since you have ninjutsu down pack and I suck at Genjutsu, we'll focus mainly on Taijutsu and even Fuinjutsu, as I'm a level 8 seal master. That'll only be with your time with me, I'm sure your other sensei will help you with your ninjutsu. Though I may show you a few special jutsu of mine. Since you don't have a taijutsu style, I'm going to teach you Kawazu Kumite (Toad Fist). It's a taijutsu only used by toad summoners." said Jiraiya as he paused for Naruto to catch his drift.

It took Naruto a few seconds to understand Jiraiya, "I'm gonna be a toad summoner! but but why would you choose me?" asked Naruto confused at Jiraiya's intentions. They had just met, what made him so special.

"Well it's been a while since I've had an apprentice. I'm getting old kid and plus I've been watching you. You seem perfect to become a toad summoner." said Jiraiya as he poofed out a scroll.

"All you have to do is draw a little blood and write your name in this space here, place all five fingers here, and you're golden." said Jiraiya as Naruto did all the required steps. Naruto noticed he placed his name next to Minato Namikaze, the Yondaime Hokage.

"I have a new title to add to my name. I am Naruto Senju, Future Hokage, Ramen Connoisseur, and Toad Summoner of Konoha." said Naruto as he puffed his chest out a little bit.

"Not exactly, you first have to summon the toad boss and get his approval. To summon, you need to bite your thumb to draw blood, perform these hand seals (Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram) and slam your palm onto a surface while channeling a huge amount of chakra." said Jiraiya before he continued with, "You may not get it on your fi.."

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique)" said Naruto, cutting off Jiraiya as a huge plume of smoke appeared.

"Why did you summon me? Jiraiya, why did you summon me." asked a huge red toad wearing a blue vest carrying a huge sword. The toad also had a pipe in his mouth.

"Hello, I am Naruto Senju. I was the one who summoned you, would you happen to be the chief toad?" said Naruto as he leaped off the toad's head to land in front of him.

The toad looked down at Naruto and almost had a heart attack. "Is this Minato's kid. He's grown up so big. And he seems like a capable shinobi. Where is Jiraiya? I have a few questions for him." thought the toad before he spoke.

"You summoned me? Heh, well what do you want as I am the toad chief, Gamabunta." said Gamabunta.

Naruto smiled slightly as he said, "Well I was told that I needed your permission to become an official toad summoner. So how do I go about doing that, do I ask or is there a requirement."

"Pfft, this kid. If he's Minato's kid than of course but why not mess with him" thought Gamabunta as he said, "Of course you can be a Toad summoner...if you share a drink with me."

"Heh, he has to be 20 to drink alcohol. He'll probably panic about not being able to drin.." thought Gamabunta until he was cut off by Naruto.

"You supplying?" said Naruto completely willing to go along with it.

Gamabunta looked shocked for a second until he smiled. "Summon me back in 15 minutes." said Gamabunta as he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Jiraiya peeked his head around from a nearby tree as he said, "I heard ya'll were drinking?"

(1 Month Later)

The next month passed quickly as Naruto was headed toward Konoha's stadium, where the Chunin exam finals were being held. Naruto was wearing clothing similiar to an Anbu as it was a gift from Tenzo. Tenzo had given Naruto the outfit when he visited him last week.

Naruto was clad in a black t-shirt, black Anbu style pants with Anbu style sandals on. He also had on a grey flak jacket like Konoha anbu. To complete his outfit were matching grey armguards with black forearm warmers underneath. He wore his Forehead protector around his forehead like normal as he walked into the stadium. He was halted from going farther as he was directed to the area for the finalists.

"Yo! Sup Shino. Ready for today?" said Naruto to the only other person there at the moment.

"Hello Naruto-san. I believe I'm adequately prepared for the fights. Are you ready for the finals." responded Shino in kind.

Naruto smiled slightly. "Of course I am. This day means a lot for me." said Naruto thinking about learning about his parents.

Naruto conversed with Shino a little more until he felt a trio appearing.

"Temari-chan, Kankuro, and Gaara." said Naruto as the trio walked in.

Kankuro grunted in response. Temari smiled a sweet smile at Naruto in return. Gaara looked toward Naruto warily.

Gaara was eyeing Naruto as he was talking to Temari. Gaara eventually interrupted Naruto's flirting with Temari with a statement.

"Mother says to be wary of you. She wants you to die, if possible." said Gaara as Naruto heard Kurama laugh.

"Kid thinks Shukaku is a girl. Ha! That's perfect." said Kurama laughing with Naruto mentally. Kurama had told Naruto about the other Bijuu. Their 'gender' was also brought up and Shukaku was considered a boy.

"Well maybe. But you never know. You could be dangerous as well..Ichibi." said Naruto as the sand trio gasped.

"He knows about Gaara? How much does he know? Does he know about the war? I need to tell sensei." thought Temari as her blush immediately left at hearing Naruto say Ichibi.

Luckily Shikamaru came in and captured Naruto's attention with a greeting. The Sandaime began speaking to the crowd as well since you could hear his voice emanate through the walls.

A few moments later, Sasuke walked in to complete the group of finalists. Naruto took notice of Sasuke's clothing as it was identical to his own.

Sasuke was clad in the same outfit as Naruto except his shirt had a high collar.

Naruto fist bumped Sasuke as he said, "Would have thought you'd make a flashy entrance?"

"Hn. We were going to until Kakashi got a message from the Hokage saying we had to show up on time." said Sasuke.

"Nice clothes." said Naruto. "Seems you got the same thing as me. I'm guessing Kakashi told you about it?"

Sasuke smirked, "Yeah, I got the Anbu invite as well. We get to wear the uniforms to practice fighting in them."

"Yeah they're pretty comfy. You seem rather confident. Good training month?"

Sasuke activated his Sharingan as he said, "More than ready to whip your ass in the finals. If you even make it past Neji and most likely, Gaara."

Naruto smiled slightly, "We'll see, Shino's no pushover. Good luck with that. You better make it to the finals." said Naruto as he heard the stadium scream with a cheer as the Sandaime finished speaking. Seemed it was starting.

"Hello all. Welcome to the Chunin Exams. I am Genma Shiranui and I will be the proctor for today's event." said Genma as the crowd erupted into cheers. "Everybody please keep your cheers to a minimum as we introduce our finalists."

One by one the Genin walked out into the stadium.

"From Sunagakure. Temari." "Kankuro" "And Gaara" said Genma as each genin came out after one another when their name was called.

"Hailing from Konohagakure. Shino Aburame." the cheers got a little louder as Konoha was being introduced. "Shikamaru Nara."

"Neji Hyuga" the crowd erupted as the Hyugas were a prevalent clan in Konoha.

"Sasuke Uchiha." the crowd went even more wild as their golden boy was introduced.

"Naruto Senju." said Genma as it seemed the crowd somehow got louder. Naruto looked astounded at the cheers. His eyes pondered to the Hokage as Hiruzen gave a smile. It seemed Hiruzen had gotten word around town about Naruto.

And indeed he did. Konoha had been informed about Wave, who made Konoha their main trading partners, definitely boosting their economy. The claim of Naruto being the 'Hero of Wave' was prevalent as to why Konoha received such an trade partner and the populace now knew. They were definitely grateful for that.

Even a rumor had spread, also from Hiruzen, that since Naruto's body was that of a Senju's, the Kyubi was perfectly tamed inside him. Naruto being a Senju had the power to tame the Kyubi, so the rumors say. People began to believe that Naruto was indeed a hero, just like the Fourth had wanted. It only took since Naruto became a Senju, three years ago, up until this point for it to spread to the entire populace.

Naruto never noticed the shift in people's views as he was focused on training and missions with Team 7. He was so happy and Naruto made a mental note to thank Hiruzen later. All he ever wanted was the village's admiration and this was exactly how his dreams started.

"Get ready kid, you and the Hyuga are up first." said Genma silently to Naruto. Genma then spoke up loud to address the crowd.

"The first match of this Chunin Exams finals is between Naruto Senju and Neji Hyuga. Will these fighters stay here while the rest wait in the Finalists box."

Listening to instructions. Only Naruto, Neji, and Genma remained on the field as the rest of the group moved to the finalist box.

"Are both fighters ready?" said Genma as both nodded. "First match of the Chunin exams, Hajime!"