Light Of A Crystal

10. Pre Chunin Exam period

Why that bastard of a sensei is so late? Naruto thought as he leaned against the railing of the bridge when he saw a spiral forming in front of him.

"Hey Naruto!" Obito said in a cheerful voice as he appeared out of the spiral.

"What brings you here, Obito Sensei?" Naruto asked as Obito came near him and put his hand on Naruto's left shoulder.

"Well, I came here to warn you about the incidents that might take place in Chunin exams." Obito said as his face turned serious.

"Like Orochimaru appearing in the middle of exams?" Naruto asked.

"Indeed, you are right, Naruto. To be frank, I am worried about you." 

"I understand." 

"But no matter what, I cannot and will not interfere the exams and that includes coming to rescue you from Orochimaru or anything like that." Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He was clearly not expecting this.

"Why?" The blond asked.

"This is because you need to grow. If I keep interfering in your fights, tell me, how will you grow?" Obito asked as Naruto slowly looked away. 

"He is right, Naruto. In fact, I was also thinking of doing the same thing. We can only guide you to the right path but you have to get there by yourself or how would you grow, Naruto?" The booming voice of the Kyuubi was heard by Obito and Naruto.

"See. Even Kurama agrees with me." Obito said as Naruto finally gave up arguing.

"Very well, I understand. I WILL FORGE MY OWN PATH WITHOUT RELYING TOO MUCH ON BOTH OF YOU AND BECOME THE HOKAGE... BELIEVE IT!!!"  Naruto shouted in determination.  

"Well, I believe you, Naruto. But who is the other person?" He jumped up as he heard the unmistakable voice of a certain Hatake. 

"K-K-Kakashi sensei! You should not give other people fright!" Naruto said after regaining his composure. 

"Mah Mah! My mistake. I apologize Naruto." Kakashi said, giving Naruto an eye smile. "But seriously, who were you referring to as the other person? I understand that one of them is me but you you mentioned the word 'both'" Kakashi suspiciously asked.

"I-I-I w-was r-referring to...um." Naruto paused, not finding any words.

"Iruka sensei." Naruto heard the voice of Kurama resounding in his mindscape before quickly composing himself.

"Iruka sensei...yeah.... I was referring to Iruka sensei." Naruto said, heaving a sigh of relief on seeing Kakashi's emotions returning back to normal.

"Oh! Is that so? That's great." Kakashi said and an awkward silence reigned in the atmosphere.

"What brings you here, Kakashi sensei?" Naruto asked finally breaking the silence. 

"Well, I decided to nominate you into the upcoming chunin exams." Kakashi said as Naruto hugged him out of great joy, making Kakashi to put back Naruto on the ground before continuing.

"Here is the ticket to  the chunin exams. Whether you want to turn up or not is totally your choice. You are now dismissed for you need to take some rest before the exams." Kakashi said as he shunshined away. 

"So... you have finally got into the Chunin exams. Eh?" Naruto heard Obito, who then appeared out of the ground.

"Did he detect you?"

"Luckily, no. You are a hell of an actor, Naruto. To pretend that you are happy even after knowing that this would happen is no joke." Obito said. 

"Obito sensei. I think we must talk on the Communication link to prevent any incidents like this." Naruto suggested as Obito sighed.

"Yes. I think you are correct. Anyways, that's it. I just came here to warn you about the likely meeting with Orochimaru and wish you luck for the exams. I must go for now. Toodles." Obito said as he threw a mock salute to Naruto before disappearing in a swirl.

A few minute later

"Ow!" Naruto heard a familiar voice of Konohamaru, the boy who looks upon the blond dearly and knew that the latter was in trouble. Quickly running towards the direction where the shout came from, he saw a blonde girl and a hooded boy with the latter holding the little grandson of the Hokage by his collar. 

It seems they are Kankuro and Temari. I can sense the other one on the tree. I have to be cautious. Naruto thought remembering the detailed descriptions given by Obito. 

"HEY! RELEASE ME !" Konohamaru shouted as he struggled.

"Oi. What's going on?" Naruto asked as the boy and the girl whirled to look at Naruto.

"And by the way, are you two fools or what?" Naruto asked with a smirk.

"Why are you saying that?" Temari asked.

"In case if you are not aware, the boy whom you are holding is not just a boy. He is the grandson of the Sandaime Hokage. So, if you don't want any war, dr-" Naruto never got to complete his sentence as Kankuro quickly dropped the poor boy from his grip, resulting Konohamaru to run away from there as he knew that he cannot deal with them. 

"Anyways, who are you and are going to join the Chunin exams or what?" Naruto questioned. 

"My name is Sabaku no Temari and here is my younger brother Kankuro. You are correct regarding our participation in Chunin exams. What's your name?" Temari said as she smiled politely. 

"The introductions on your side is still incomplete. I cannot intrroduce myself until it is complete." Naruto said, earning surprised looks from Temari and Kankuro.

"What do you mean?" Kankuro asked.

"Will the boy sitting on the tree introduce himself or not?" Naruto asked as a swirl of sand was seen appearing on the ground. 

"How did you detect me?" The red head asked as he looked interested in our favorite blond. 

"Because I am an Uzumaki and they are known as sensory type ninjas. Now please introduce yourself."

The red head gave a long stare before opening his mouth and saying "Gaara. Sabaku no Gaara." 

"Well, nice to meet you. My name is Naruto Uzumaki. I have to go now. See you in the exams.... Blondie, Cat eared guy and finally....Mr One." Naruto said as he disappeared in Leaf shunshin. 

"D-D-Did he know?" Temari asked, full of shock. 

Gaara just blinked in shock before hearing the spirit inside him demanding for blood from the blond. 

"Kill him. Give me his blood." The raccoon inside him hissed. 

"Very soon, mother. I will give you his blood in no time." Gaara said, while remaining composed. 

Kakashi: Well, we don't have much to say today, except that the Chunin exam arc is about to begin. 

Obito: I think that's it....like always keep reading and...

Kakashi and Obito (shouting): PEACE OUT!!!