Hidden chapter basically means a chapter primarily in Naruto and Sasuke's perspective. There may occasionally be other character's point of views, only when I think it's necessary. This won't be written for all chapters, only specific ones which consists of things that will make you understand the characters better. This does not effect the plot, so it isn't necessary for you to read it.

Naruto: 🍥
Sasuke: 🍅

Please comment below on where I should publish these hidden chapters. Should I dedicate an entire 'book' for these hidden chapters, or should I remain it this way?

🍥🍅🍥🍅

🍅 Sakura...

I thought back to the night I saw her with my own two eyes after three years. She finally came back, but as another person, a new identity; but I recognised her the first time I landed my eyes on those pair of miserable and cold eyes. They were golden instead of emerald, but beautiful all the same. The pair of eyes I learned to love over the years because I've missed it so much.

Back when we were kids, I was always intrigued by her odd appearance which contrasted with her clan. Because of that, she was hated and isolated in her clan. I understood how hard she trained to prove herself and earned their recognition. Everyday and every night, she trained as I watched behind the trees. Her hard work motivated me to become stronger as well; I may not be as strong as my brother, but I can be the best I can possibly reach. Because of her, I trained very hard, accompanying her in a training ground right next to the field she uses.

It was admiration, but it turned to an emotion much deeper ever since she left the village. The heartache I felt with her absence was painful and one I could not understand until I consulted my mother about it.

"It's love." She said.

"L-Love?" I stuttered, failing to stop the blush creeping up my cheeks.

The raven-haired housewife smiled and patted my head. "Yes, you love her and you miss her."

I sighed while walking and reminiscing our reunion last night. The emotions stirring within me was so overwhelming, I could not point out what I felt. It was a blunder of emotions that made my heart clench and skin tingle. My body moved to embrace her before I could stop myself, but having her in my arms was such a comfort.

What was her reason for hiding her identity anyway, possibly to avoid getting arrested? It does not seem that way, there was something odd about the whole situation. There was malice in her eyes, no mistaking it. Her teammate, the guy named Toneri, he had a peculiar aura, much different from anyone I have ever met.

I shook my head, ridding all the thoughts in my mind, I have an exam to pass. When I focused on my surroundings again, I realised how similar this place was to where we were in just a moment ago.

My eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Wait."

Hinata and Naruto halted and looked at me. The latter inquired, "What is it, Sasuke?"

I activated my Sharingan and scanned the area only to realise we were caught in a genjutsu. The message was quickly relayed to my team, "We're caught in a genjutsu."

Darn it, time was wasted because I did not focus!

"Release!"

The jutsu broke and we were back to where we started; well, we weren't too far away from our starting point.

Naruto huffed, "Aw man!"

"We have to be careful from now on. It seems some genjutsu traps were made." I warned.

I took the lead with my Sharingan still activated to avoid any traps. We walked for a rather short distance before I stopped and became distracted by my emotions again. I certainly did not expect to meet her in the early stages of the exam. She was not far away from where we stood; with my Sharingan, I could see her. Our kekkei genkai isn't a sensory type, but with the help of capable ninjas in my clan and being a prodigy myself, I was able to develop my Sharingan beyond our natural abilities.

How am I supposed to fight her? I asked myself.

The pain beneath my chest returned as I watched her golden eyes. My body unwillingly trembled, I did not notice it until I felt Hinata's hand on my shoulder. Sakura frowned and looked alarmed when conversing with her teammate. Something was wrong, I scanned the area and saw her legs caught in quicksand. Her entire team was stuck.

My eyes widened in alert, the first thought in my mind was: I need to save her!

I brushed Hinata's hand off my shoulders and rushed towards Sakura's direction, ignoring the calls of my teammates.

"Hey, Sasuke! Wait up!" Naruto yelled. "Tsk." He quickly matched my pace, falling just a little bit behind me because he didn't know where I was headed to. The lavender eyed trailed behind us closely, confused.

As three figures came into view, my heart raced. Everything was non existent as I neared Sakura. I could not even make out the conversation between Naruto and Hinata. The disguised pinkette was all I see and I needed to help her before she sunk deeper into the sand. Half of her legs were buried in the sand and we picked up our pace. We ran on the surface of the quick sand with chakra wrapped around our feet.

Sakura saw me, various emotions crossing her eyes. I brushed it off, prioritising her safety. I swept her into my arms and hopped onto solid land.

She looked up at me with those golden eyes as I stared back, trying to figure out what she was thinking, trying to suppress the force within me that I couldn't understand. She looked away and I snapped out of my trance, hesitantly letting her out of my hold.

🍥 As Sasuke suddenly got worked up and started running to who knows where, I glanced to the back and exchanges glances with Hinata.  She was equally confused as I am. I turned towards my teammate again and looked in worry.

After a few turns, Hinata was in front of me and she said, "Naruto, there's quicksand in front of us and Toneri's team is stuck in it!"

I narrowed my eyes. It's that weird guy.

"Gotcha." I said with a nod.

While Hinata proceeded to pull Toneri out of the sand, there was a smile on his face and it did not look good to me, not at all. Something about him, seriously, feels wrong. As I shifted my gaze to the ravenette, he already had the pigtailed girl in his arms, his face full of emotions I've never seen on him.

Does he know her?

For Sasuke to react like how he did to save a person, she must mean something to him. This Uchiha would never care enough to react this way; he would save a fellow acquaintance, but he wouldn't panic like that. He didn't show it, but I'm pretty sure rushing off and ignoring our calls is his version of hysteria.

I saved the other twin and placed her onto solid ground; she said nothing and did not bother to thank me.

Then, I heard the suspicious guy speaking to the real Hyuga heiress, "Thank you, Hinata."

"It's no problem." She said with the angelic smile of hers.

Toneri than offered his team's scroll to serve as a gift of appreciation for saving them. He called Miku, the girl Sasuke seemed fond of.

She was certainly not pleased, but obeyed nonetheless. She glared so fiercely, I thought flames would shoot out from her eyes. The silverette took the scroll from her pouch and placed it onto Toneri's hand.

He was about to hand it to Hinata, but she refused and I watched carefully at his expressions and every small tiny action. He was way too suspicious and he seems to be targeting Hinata, I must not let him harm Hinata in any way. I will protect her.

"Thanks, but we have the same scroll." She explained when he looked confused when she pushed his hand away.

He looked down, seemingly in dismay. "Oh? That's a shame." Then, he suggested an idea I wasn't sure I was a fan of. "Then let's join forces. It would increase our chances in combat."

Perhaps if I could keep an eye on him, I could act first when something seems out of the ordinary. I ran to Hinata's side and grinned, "Sounds like a great idea!"

"That's a deal then." She laughed at my excitement. Admittedly, I was an idiot three years ago, but after rigorous training with Jiraiya, I matured and earned many useful traits. This can be used as an advantage, to trick my opponent to underestimating me; with that, I can catch them off guard.

Hinata suddenly realised something as she turned to Sasuke, "Hold on, what about you Sasuke? Are you fine with it?"

He moved his gaze to her and clumsily said, "Huh? Oh, yeah." He seemed very disturbed by something, but he has been acting this way ever since that incident that he was not clear of. He was the only one who has yet to know about the truth behind our births.

The midnight blue haired kunoichi turned to Toneri, "We have an alliance."

As we resumed our journey together, Sasuke walked next to Miku, but her composure was stiff and quickly walked to the front of the group. I did not miss the frown on Sasuke's face and it further confirmed my suspicions.

That bastard likes her!

I snickered and elbowed the ravenette, which caused him to attack me with his cold glare.

"Looks like she hates you." I joked, laughing out loud.

Turning to the back, I asked the twin,"Hey, what's your name?"

"Miki."

"Is that your twin sister?" I asked for confirmation, pointing to Miku.

A nod was all she responded with.

"What did he do to make her angry?"

"Nothing. She's not angry." She replied innocently.

As I was about to say something, I was immediately cut off by the girl who suddenly appeared right next to Miki.

"Shut the fuck up." She said which sounded so familiar, just like Sakura always would.

I pouted, "You're so mean."

When my gaze landed on the Uchiha in front of me, he looked so sullen. I decided to walk next to him instead. As much as I would love to tease him or finding out if he really likes Miku, I was occupied by my own thoughts as well.

That weird looking guy walked beside Hinata, striking a conversation with her and she looked quite happy.

What is his intention? I asked myself, glaring at the back of his head.

I looked at Sasuke, wanting to walk next to the Hyuga, but I didn't want to leave him alone. My eyes shifted to the pair in front of me.

Finally, I decided to stay by the ravenette's side, he looked like he needed some mental support. It's enough to watch them from the back, the only thing that matters is Hinata's safety.

🍥🍅🍥🍅

I hope you enjoyed this hidden chapter! I thought of this idea because I wanted to update a chapter for all of you, but I need to find time to rewatch this Chunnin Exams arc to understand the behaviours and fighting styles of their enemies. It would be less time consuming to write a hidden chapter because I used the original chapter as a blueprint.

Also, comment below (again) if you want me to add hidden chapters for some of the previous ones!

Furthermore, I'd like to have a platform where I can discuss about this story with you. You're all welcome to give your ideas and discuss among each other about the story as well! I really want to interact with all of you, but I'm not sure how or where I can do it.

I don't want to publish a chapter every single time I want to state something or whatsoever, I'm trying to avoid chapters without actual updates.

Posting it on my message board is fruitless because I rarely get any response. 😂 I offered to have it on Twitter but nobody seems to respond as well; so I would love to hear about your suggestions!

~Joelle

Published: 10 July 2018