The Other Jinchūriki - A Naruto Fanfiction

Chapter 30

"Oh hey, you all made it," Kezuka said with a happy look, watching her and her brother's team walk into the classroom for registrations.

"Yeah, especially the Harunos," Kakashi added. "Glad you two came, for both your sakes and your teams' sake."

"Huh?" Everyone sounded, blinking in confusion.

"Now you can all formally register for the Chunin Exam."

"What do you mean?" Sōma asked.
"You see," Kezuka started. "Only groups of three are able to apply for these exams. It's always been that way."

"So you two were lying before?" Sasuke added his own question. "Since you said this was an individual's decision?"

"Well, that wasn't a lie," Kakashi explained. "It technically is an individual's decision, but it affects the team as a whole. We didn't say anything because we didn't want the others pressuring you."

"Hmph!" Naruto and Rizaki scoffed, crossing their arms.

"At the same time," Kezuka added. "We didn't want you two feeling obligated to participate, just because of your possible feelings for Naruto, Sasuke, Rizaki or Sasumi. You should be able to go on your own free will."

"Wait!" Sakura realized. "So you're telling us that if the others had come here, and Sōma and I decided not to go, then—!"

"It would've been the end of the line," Kakashi cut off. "But that's a moot point. You're all here, and all for the right reasons."

"Team 6," Kezuka started. "Team 7. We're both more than proud of you. We couldn't have had a better combination team then you guys. Good luck!"

"Thanks Kezuka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei!" Rizaki chirped gratefully. "We won't let you down, maji!" Everyone walked through the big doors, and that's when an awkward silence filled the room.

There weren't just people from their academy, but MUCH older people were there than they had expected it to be. Not to mention they were of different villages.

What was also there, was silence.

"...Awkward~" Naruto whispered under his breath, making Rizaki cover her mouth to hold her laugh. The ninjas looked at them for a second, then turned back to what they were doing.

"Man, I had no idea there would be such competition!" Sakura commented, looking around.

"Sasuke?!" A voice called from behind them. "Where have you been?!" Everyone turned around and saw Ino, much to Sakura's displeasure. "Boy, you have no idea how much I was hoping you'd show up here! I've missed those brooding good looks of yours!"

"Hey, you porker!" Sakura exclaimed. "Back off from him! He's mine!"

"Sasuke belongs to no one," Sasumi grumbled. "Stupid fangirls..."

"Miss Forehead?" Ino let out a fake gasp, not noticing Sasumi's comment. "They let you in? Still got those big frown lines as your billboard brow, I see!"

"Leave my forehead and eyebrows out of this!"

"Wait," Rizaki said. "If Ino's here..." she turned and saw Shikamaru and Choji walking towards her and Naruto, and she began to grin and wave. "Hey, Shikamaru! Choji!"

"Hey Rizaki, Naruto," Choji greeted, chewing on his chips.

"Oh, you guys are here," Shikamaru said in his lazy voice.

"Hey Shikamaru, d'you think all those Shogi games I played with you will pay off?" Rizaki questioned with a cheeky smile.

"Not in a million years, Shogi-Loser," Shikamaru chuckled, making the blunette let out a fake gasp. "You've probably forgotten all the strategies anyway. At least Sōma can remember that sort of stuff."