Torn Between Two (Naruto Fanfiction) *REWRITING*

Chapter 15 *EDITED*

As the chunin exams came closer, our team spent weeks training hard. I was trying my best to perfect many of my already-known skills, but I wanted to learn something new. Uncle Minato insisted that he teach me something new after the pre-elimination rounds, which I found annoying because I wanted the new jutsu now.

As Uncle Minato passed by the bathroom, I stopped him.

"Can you at least tell me what the new jutsu is?" I ask.

He chuckled. I've been hounding him all week about this new jutsu.

"Not yet, Hana. Remember, I told you that you must pass the first part of the exam before learning," He shook his head.

"Come on!" I groaned a bit. "I at least want to know what I need to work on before learning it,"

"No, Hana," He smiled and then walked away, causing me to huff. 

I was already up early and getting ready. I brushed out my tangled mess of curls with water and lots of hair products to easily put it in my signature ponytail. 

Once I had finished getting ready, I saw that Aunt Kushina had breakfast ready. She set my plate down and looked at me with a warm smile.

"Good luck with your exams, Hana," She said. "I made this more protein-rich so you don't get hungry later. Wish the others good luck for me, too,"

"Thank you," I said before digging in. "I will, we're all nervous. I was hoping Uncle Minato would teach me a new jutsu already so I have a better chance of passing, but he insists he show me after this part of the exams,"

"He just wants to see what areas need more improvement before he shows you. It won't be easy," She replied, sipping her tea. 

"I know, I understand, but still. What if I don't pass?" I sighed.

"You will," She smiled. "I believe in you,"

"You're just saying that because I'm your niece," I snorted with a smile. 

"Hey, that's not true. Minato tells me about your guys' teamwork, and it sounds like you four are doing great," Aunt Kushina denied. "Just try to stay as positive as possible,"

We continued chatting until it was time for me to leave. Uncle Minato had already left early for the training grounds, where we were supposed to meet him. I was going to help Aunt Kushina wash my plate, but she insisted that I go and that she would handle it.

I slipped my boots on and took a deep breath before heading out. This was it. I had to pass this, or I would be a laughingstock.

As I walked to the training ground, the light breeze threatened to move my curtain bangs out of place, so I had to pin them back again with my hair clips. I couldn't stop thinking about today and how I would do it.

Rin, Obito, and Kakashi were all there already. Thank god I wasn't late this time and managed my time better this morning. 

"Now that we're all here," Uncle Minato said, "It's time for you four to sign up and start the first part of the exams. I won't be able to go with you from here, but I'll support you during the final exams and preliminary rounds. Do you have any questions before you go?"

The four of us shook our heads, and he dismissed us.

Obito was beaming with excitement, "I'm so excited for this! I can't wait to be a chunin,"

I nodded in agreement with him. "Me too, I can't wait to see how this goes,"

We entered the academy, and it was weird to be back here after a while. There were signs that pointed out where to sign up, so we followed them. I was surprised to see how many different people were here and what villages they were from.