His Gift to Her (Mary Sue Series)

Chapter 24

Sasuke and Naruto made it past the preliminaries and were each paired off with someone else to fight. Sakura didn't pass the preliminaries against her opponent Ino, sat in the bleachers with former classmates.

Qui barely passed the preliminaries, as her actions for nearly leaving her opponent defenseless were bordering on one of the unsaid rules. Although she didn't break any written rules, the judging committee needed to take a vote to decide on her passing. Although she was given the vote to pass, once the Chunin Exams were over, as a penalty, she would be put on probation and required to complete several weeks of volunteer service. 

The only reason other people passed easily, like Gaara, because they were given a "representative pass." If people were not native village participants, whoever their sponsor was could use the "representative pass" to help them overcome any difficulties. Consequences were delegated appropriately from home villages. 

For applicants from specific clans, like Neji, were exempt through clan name but would be facing their own sort of consequences that were deemed appropriate. 

Sasuke was supposed to fight Gaara, but for some reason, didn't show up. Out of mercy, the Kage Box requested the match be delayed. So instead, they moved to Naruto's match against Neji. Surprisingly, Naruto won with quick thinking and underestimation from Neji.

Sasuke's match with Gaara was continually pushed back, and more matches were shown. Shikamaru went up against one of the Sand Siblings. At the last minute, the Nara boy looked ready to claim victory, only to say, "I give up." Then nonchalantly left the arena, much to the crowd's disappointment.

Qui was paired up against Shino, Shino's original partner quickly stepping out. So the bug user and puzzle-solver stepped into the arena and faced each other. With her Uncle Kabuto's teachings, Qui fought with Chakra Dissection Blades. With bugs that could get into tiny spaces, puzzles and devices with meticulous workings became a less practical option. Shino in response fought with swarms of bugs.

As an amateur using her uncle's technique, bugs were harder to slice properly. Therefore, she used the fireball jutsu to distract the bugs before attempting to fight Shino head on. However, this battle didn't long and Qui decidedly gave up, knowing she wasn't apt enough to defeat Shino.

Besides, she would have another opportunity to become Chunin. She cared little about rank, only that it would be another basic requirement to become a historian. She inwardly grimaced, knowing she would also have to pass the Jounin exams and earn a score high enough in physical combat in order to even be considered as a historian-in-training.

"Well done," Shino said, shaking hands with her out of respect. "I didn't notice your needle and thread until the last moments. You could have taken me down with stealth."

"Your bugs are terrifying enough," she admitted, releasing his hand.

"I look forward to our next battle."

"I don't." She muttered, not unkindly.

Shino, who seemed to understand her words, only inclined his head politely, choosing to stay silent. They headed back to the alcove where the rest of the participants remained.

"Nice job!" Naruto exclaimed, exchanging a high-five. "Here is your bag!" He had been holding onto her waist bag while she fought Shino.

"Thanks," Qui said, relieved to have the familiar weight on her hip. While the other crowded around the railing to see the next match, Qui tucked herself in a comfortable spot to read Uncle Igo's newest letter.

To my dearest (and only) niece Q:

Congratulations! I'm super glad you passed the preliminaries! On your first try too! Not many people can do that. I sure couldn't! I got kick around the first couple times and it took forever to pass the first exam. Even both my teammates passed the first time around before I ever did.

I heard you got some special training with Uncle Kabuto, yeah? I am jealous~ I want to see you again and train with you! Do you still remember that fireball jutsu I sort of, kinda, maybe, possibly, perhaps, very likely taught you?

Qui did. He technically wasn't physically there at the time, but instead left detailed instructions on a sheet of paper with plenty of commentary on the margins and animated drawings. Ah, Uncle Igo drew lots of pictures. He was good at drawing hand signs. In the ned, Qui's mother monitored and guided, while Qui learned the fireball jutsu.

I hope that jutsu helped a lot! Make sure to stay healthy too! I remember getting sick during mission season and had to take a few days off. I thought it would be fun and relaxing, but boy was I wrong. When you're sick, you're all tired and miserable and too sick to even enjoy your day off. Plus, you can't hang out with your friends because you are sick, and it's socially acceptable to stay away from the healthy people during your time of trial and misery. Boo!

Qui smiled, reading the letter feeling warmth wash over her. She remembered keeping all those good luck charms Uncle Igo sent for health and wellbeing.

She continued reading happily down when suddenly a vibration shook the alcove she was in with the rest of the participants.

"What's going on?!" someone screamed in terror. Qui leaped to her feet, stuffing the letter into her bag, glancing down to make sure it was tucked inside safely.

"A monster!"

"Run!"

However, it was strange. No one seemed to notice or actually--

"Everyone's asleep! This is an attack!"

The audience was under a strong genjutsu. Only a few were awake. Naruto reached out and seized Qui's arm.

"Let's go! We need to make sure Sakura-chan is alright!"

"Right!"