The Coming of the King

Chapter 21 - The Chuunin Exams (2)

Chapter 21 - The Chuunin Exams (2)

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Chapter 21

Naruto's P.O.V.

Gradually, all of the genin arrive back at the clearing just outside of the Forest of Death where the rules for the second part of the Chuunin Exams had been explained. Gaara seems awfully calm by the time that he comes back after storming off earlier, but I don't let his eery presence get to me.

I know that I need to remain focused, and not for the purpose of succeeding in the Chuunin Exams. That matters very little to me now. What matters most is the plan and defeating a certain asshole. I just hope that Gaara didn't kill somebody. That would be troublesome.

"Naru, is everyone here yet?" Anko asks.

The chuunin had taken her over to Hokage-sama's office, where she was quickly briefed on what's going on. She's not asking if all of the genin are here yet. She's asking if Orochimaru is here yet.

"Yeah. Everyone's here," I answer easily, not betraying the true intentions behind the question, even to Sasuke and Sakura, who glance between us curiously.

"Okay! We're going to get started now!" Anko shouts. "Go to the tent over there to get your scrolls!" Anko orders, pointing a finger over to the hastily made tent that looks about ready to fall down.

"Can I?" Sakura asks, her eyes starry. Sasuke and I share a glance.

"I don't see why not," Sasuke replies, looking back at her with a small smile.

This small act of trust makes Sakura grin like a fool.

"You've got a strong punch. Go ahead," I agree.

Sakura blushes slightly at the praise, but I know that she isn't romantically interested in me. She just likes the thought that someone who she cares about is recognizing her strength. Sakura runs off to the tent to grab our scroll.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened when we were gone?" Sasuke asks.

"How'd you know?" I ask sarcastically.

"Because I know you," Sasuke responds.

"That was cheesy," I laugh.

"I know," Sasuke chuckles.

"Gaara wants my head on a silver platter. Kind of disconcerting since I'm pretty sure that we're friends," I answer, shooting Sasuke an awkward grin.

"Let him try it. I'll fucking kill him," Sasuke growls. His Sharingan activate and his eyes narrow in a glare directed at the redhead who wants me dead.

"Love you too, Sasu-chan," I laugh.

"Fuck off," he mutters.

"Got it!" Sakura chirps, running up to us.

"Good. We should wait for An-nee to give the signal to start," I reply.

"That Gaara guy is gunning for Naru's head," Sasuke mutters darkly.