The More Things Change

Chapter Nine

Kakashi stood in the Hokage's office, surrounded by every other Jonin-Sensei that Konoha had to offer. It had been almost two months since his team had returned from the Land of Waves, and the upcoming Chunin Exams had everyone on high alert. Though any overt attacks by the visiting shinobi would be a declaration of war, the fact remained that their guests were still ninja. Subtle information gathering had long been a custom of the Exams, and the Hokage was determined to disrupt any espionage against Konohagakure.
Hosting the Chunin Exams was a double-edged sword. Any Leaf Ninja participating in the Exam would have home-field advantage. In addition, it was a huge boon for the local economy, as dignitaries and noblemen would come from far and wide to see the Exam Finals. Though the First and Second Tests always differed from Exam to Exam, the Finals were always a no-holds-barred one-on-one tournament. While Kakashi didn't see how such a test could prove that a Genin was ready to be promoted, they were always entertaining.
He was in the Hokage's office to render his decision on Team Seven's readiness to participate in the exams, a decision that had him torn. While he had no doubts that his team could be competitive, he wasn't sure if any of them had the required skills to actually get promoted. He was loath to risk their lives for a goal that may well be unattainable at the moment.
Sakura, who was Team Seven's most intelligent member, had come a long way from the Land of Waves. She had found a niche for herself on Team Seven. Utilizing her precise control of chakra, she had proven very adept at Genjutsu. Kakashi had taught her some of the basic Genjutsu that he knew, and the girl had soaked them in like a sponge. He could see that she could make an excellent medic-ninja, but he lacked the qualifications and time to begin her training in that particular area. He had continued to train her Taijutsu, though, and his most exuberant student had shown definite improvement. However, he wasn't confident enough in the kunoichi's combat abilities to say that she'd be able to get promoted.
Satsuki, on the other hand, was well qualified to become a Chunin, at least in terms of ability. However, she lacked the proper leadership skills to coordinate properly and lead a team. He was sure that the Uchiha scion could wipe the floor with any competition in the one-on-one tournaments. However, he doubted that she'd be able to do it in a way that showed her potential as a Chunin. After all, there were Genin who were powerful enough to be Jonin, but lacked the proper temperament for leadership.
That left his final student, Naruto.. If any of his students passed the exams, it would be him. He had already shown flashes of strategy and leadership, especially on the bridge against Zabuza. If the Exam judges had seen that fight, then the blonde would be a Chunin already. He had taken charge of a desperate situation, secured backup, kept his team alive and completed his mission. Also, his sleight of hand against Zabuza would have killed a lesser opponent. Kakashi still didn't know how Zabuza had survived an exploding tag to the chest, but he was unlikely to get answers on the subject. If the masked Jonin had been there, he would have likely been able to divine Zabuza's escape method.
Naruto had only improved since that battle, however. According to Jiraiya, the boy had signed the Toad Contract and was able to summon toads at will. In addition, the blonde had improved enough in the Jutsu that he was able to specify which Toad he wanted to summon. The Sannin had also taught him how to use combat Fuinjutsu. The Sennin had told Kakashi that Naruto had become proficient at the Fuinjutsu: Weight of the Earth seal, as well as creating his exploding tags. Fuinjutsu: Weight of the Earth was a mid-level combat seal that would double gravity's effect on a target. The affected target would find it difficult to move, much less fight. It was a precursor to the much more complex Fuinjutsu: Weight of the Heavens, which was twice as potent.
A sudden hush drew Kakashi from his thoughts. The elderly Hokage had quieted the murmuring Jonin with a raised hand, his eyes surveying those present. Kakashi had always felt a little sad whenever he stood in this office. Memories of its previous inhabitant, the Yondaime, always surfaced every time he was here. Pushing them back, the masked Jonin focused on what the Hokage was saying.
"As all of you know, the Chunin Exams will be coming to Konoha next week. Genin teams from all over Elemental Nations are trickling into our village every day. It is time for all Jonin Sensei present to either nominate or disqualify their teams from participating in the exams."
Kakashi's attention started to waver as Jonin of older Genin teams began designating their students for advancement. His old friend Guy, an eccentric but kind-hearted ninja, was the first to nominate his team. He did so in a very exuberant and most youthful fashion.
"I, Asuma Sarutobi, Jonin Sensei of Team Ten, nominate Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka and Choji Akimichi for participation in the Chunin Exams." Kakashi whirled towards his bearded colleague. If Team Seven wasn't ready, there was no way that Asuma's team was. Kakashi knew for a fact that he had spent more time training his students than any of their graduating class. Asuma had spent the least. Did Sarutobi honestly believe that Ino could match up against the likes of Neji Hyūga and Rock Lee?
The surprises didn't stop there, however. Kurenai stepped forward as soon as Asuma stepped back. "I, Kurenai Yuhi, Jonin Sensei of Team Eight, nominate Kiba Inuzaka, Hinata Hyūga and Shino Aburame for participation in the Chunin Exams." Kakashi Hatake couldn't help but stare at his colleagues, his single visible eye wide in shock. How could they be so irresponsible? The exams weren't a game. Students died during the Chunin Exams more often than anyone liked to admit. Sending in Rookie Teams was like signing their death warrant. Older Genin would focus on them, thinking them easy targets. More often than not they were correct. Kakashi refused to put his Team in any more unnecessary danger. He had already failed them once on the bridge. He wasn't going to let his arrogance cost them their lives.
The rest of the Jonin present looked at Kakashi as if expecting him to speak next. "What?"
Might Guy pushed several other Jonin aside in his rush to reach Kakashi. "Kakashi! Aren't you entering your youthful students into these Exams?" Guy was practically frothing at the mouth, most likely due to excitement.
The masked Jonin just shrugged. "No."
Asuma and Kurenai gaped at him. "Why... Why not?" Asuma asked, his cigarette hanging comically from his bottom lip. "You have the Rookie of the Year on your team."
Kakashi gave the bearded Jonin a hard stare. "It's my responsibility to keep them alive. I'm not so arrogant and irresponsible to pit my inexperienced students against seasoned opponents for the sake of a test that they probably won't pass." Kurenai took a step back, looking as if Kakashi had physically slapped her. Asuma glared at the silver haired Jonin belligerently. "Can either of you honestly say that you expect your students to pass this Exam and get promoted? Kiba couldn't lead a team out of a paper bag. Shikamaru might, but he'd be too busy calling the situation 'troublesome' to do anything." Kakashi lifted a placating hand as he continued. "Don't get me wrong, my Team isn't so much better. The only student I have that even has a chance for promotion is Naruto, but I have serious doubts about my other students' chances of getting promoted."
Asuma looked as if he was about to argue, but Kurenai placed herself between the two Jonin. "Whether or not they pass isn't important, Kakashi. This is a valuable learning experience. Our Genin will be able to see for themselves where their faults lie."
Kakashi was dumbstruck. Did Kurenai honestly believe the nonsense spewing from her mouth? "A valuable learning experience? That's what D and C Rank Missions are there for. If either of you took the time to actually train your students, then they'd already know what their faults are." It was rare for Kakashi to lose his cool, but Asuma and Kurenai were getting under his skin.
"That's enough!" The Hokage's fist slammed on his desk. "I will not have you bickering like school children!" The aging shinobi turned to Kakashi. "I need your official statement, Kakashi."
Kakashi gave his colleagues one final glare before stepping forward. "I, Kakashi Hatake, Jonin Sensei of Team Seven do not nominate Satsuki Uchiha, Sakura Haruno and Naruto Uzumaki for the Chunin Exams." Kakashi knew that his students, Naruto, in particular, would be disappointed by his decision, but it was truly in their best interests.
The Hokage regarded Kakashi for a moment. The silver-haired shinobi calmly returned the elder ninja's gaze, fighting to regain his calm demeanor.
"I'm sorry, Kakashi, but I must overrule your decision." The masked Jonin was stunned. He had never heard of a Hokage nominating a team against their sensei's wishes. "Your team is one of our most talented Genin squads," The Hokage continued. "Displaying our military prowess is one of the key facets of hosting the Chunin Exams. We must give a strong show of force."
Kakashi had a flash of insight. "You mean that the nobles are anxious to see what the 'Last Uchiha' can do." The bitterness in his voice cut across the large office. The masked Jonin snatched three admission forms from the Hokage's desk and turned to leave. He paused at the over-sized door. "Minato-sensei would be disappointed," Kakashi said, not bothering to face the Sandaime Hokage. He knew his parting barb had connected.
Closing the door behind him, Kakashi started down a spiral staircase that would lead him outside. Kakashi still had an ace up his sleeve: Even the Hokage couldn't force a team to compete in the Chunin Exams. His students still had to sign the admittance papers, something that he'd discourage his team from doing. Slightly cheered, Kakashi stepped into the daylight and started for the bridge. At least he'd be able to tell the truth about why he was late...
Naruto and Sakura strode through the village on their way to the bridge. She had shown up at his apartment earlier in the morning than he'd have liked. She'd said she wanted to talk, but so far she hadn't said anything.
"So, Naruto, Ino asked me to set you guys up," Sakura said after a long moment. The blonde was stunned.
That's what she wanted to talk about? She'd woken him up at the crack of dawn to set him up on a date?
"Uh... really?" He wasn't that surprised, to be honest. Sakura had been subtly trying to get him to spend more time with the fellow blonde. He knew a forced double date when he saw one, and he knew what hanging out with Sakura, Kiba, and Ino at the same time really meant.
"So... what do you think? She's a really nice girl, Naruto, once you get to know her." The blonde Genin frowned. That didn't sound at all like the Ino he remembered from the Academy. As far as he knew, Ino Yamanaka was loud, abrasive, bossy, and talked poorly about others behind their backs. Then again, Sakura had been the same way, and she was now one of Naruto's closest friends. He was saved from overthinking the dilemma by sounds of a scuffle down a nearby alleyway.
A teenager a year or two older than Naruto was holding a small boy in the air by a ridiculously long scarf. The boy was kicking and yelling, trying to break free of the much larger boy's grip. A girl was watching the show without enthusiasm. The situation wouldn't be too weird in and of itself, except the teenager was one of the most outlandish people that the ex-Jinrikisha had ever seen, and he dealt with Jiraiya on a daily basis. The older boy was dressed exclusively in black, complete with some strange square hood that made it look as if he had cat ears. He also wore a great deal of makeup. Completing the look was a strangely wrapped bundle strapped to the boy's back. Naruto also noticed a Suna headband on the boy's forehead.
Naruto vaguely recognized the child that the strange teen was holding. Kono-something. The kid was the grandson of the Hokage. Naruto felt a dull rage in the pit of his stomach. Some foreigner was bullying the Hokage's grandson, and Naruto was not going to stand for it. His first instinct was to rush in and start a fight, but the only male member of Team Seven was able to keep himself in check. Instead, the blonde calmly walked toward the still struggling pair, pulling a silver kunai from his hip pouch and twirling it between his fingers. Sakura followed close behind him, automatically following his lead.
"You know, it's probably not a good idea to mess with the youngest relative of the Hokage," Naruto stated casually, forcing a bored expression on his face. "The Anbu already dislike outsiders."
All three ninja turned towards him, and Naruto was able to get a good glance at the kunoichi accompanying the odd teen. She would have been gorgeous if it weren't for her rather strange hairdo. Were four ponytails really necessary?
"You'll stay out of this if you know what's good for you," the cat-eared boy said, his eyes shifting towards the kunai dancing between Naruto's fingers.
Naruto arched an eyebrow. "I think the cat boy is trying to intimidate me," he said, turning to Sakura. "It'd probably be more efficient if he wasn't wearing makeup." Sakura stifled a giggle, hiding her smile behind a dainty hand.
"IT'S WAR PAINT!" The older boy shouted, dropping Kono-whatever-his-name-was. The boy landed roughly on the hard ground but didn't seem any worse for wear. He quickly scrambled on all fours behind Naruto and Sakura, his long scarf dragging behind him.
"Kankuro, settle down," the Suna kunoichi said, her voice bored. She'd given Naruto a hard look, then decided that the whole situation was beneath her.
"Stay out of this, Temari! This loser is mine!" Kankuro had retrieved the strange bundle on his back and slammed one end into the dirt. Naruto noticed what appeared to be hair poking through the bandages at the top of the bundle.
Does he have a person in there? Naruto thought wildly. Despite his best efforts, the situation was rapidly deteriorating.
"Enough, Kankuro. You're embarrassing us." Naruto whirled to see another Suna ninja behind him. Sakura squeaked with surprise. I didn't even hear him!
The newcomer was stranger than Kankuro and Temari put together. He didn't look to be any older than Naruto, but his killing intent was almost tangible. The boy's blood red hair contrasted sharply with his pale complexion. Dark circles ringed his light green eyes and had the Kanji for "Love" tattooed upon his forehead. He also carried a large gourd on his back. The metallic smell of blood surrounded the Sand ninja.
Naruto tightened his grip on his kunai; he didn't care about looking cool anymore. This boy was trouble, not to mention the fact that they had Naruto and Sakura outnumbered. He considered creating a few shadow clones to bring in backup, but that might only start a fight that the blonde was trying to avoid.
"G...Gaara!" Kankuro stuttered, shock and fear written on his face. "I was just..."
"Shut up, or I'll kill you," Gaara's monotone voice made the threat even more disturbing. Just who was this kid? The redhead turned to Naruto. "Who are you?"
The blonde hesitated before answering. "Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki."
Gaara nodded as if he was engraving the name into his very soul. "Very well, Naruto Uzumaki. The next time we meet, you're going to prove my existence." Naruto had no idea what the little sociopath meant by that, but he was sure that it couldn't be good. Am I the only sane ninja in the world? Seriously. The blonde thought, not taking his eyes from Gaara. "Come on, we're leaving." Gaara collected his siblings and walked away without another word.
Naruto sighed in relief. He had no idea what the three Sand ninja were doing in the village, but the blonde made up his mind that he and Gaara would never cross paths again.
"WOW! You're so awesome!" Naruto turned towards the boy he and Sakura had saved. "Can I be your apprentice?" The boy was twitching in excitement and staring up at Naruto with a look of sheer awe.
Meanwhile, Satsuki Uchiha leaned against the bridge's railing, waiting for her team to arrive. She had shown up at her usual time, but Naruto and Sakura were nowhere to be seen. She couldn't help but wonder where they were, and she found herself desperately hoping that they weren't together. Sakura had been trying to set up Naruto and Ino for weeks now. The blonde had yet to agree, but Satsuki knew that eventually the boy would give in. The Uchiha heiress blamed Sakura. Why couldn't the pink-haired bitch just leave well enough alone? Ever since she'd learned some Genjutsu, Sakura had been a lot more confident, especially since it turned out Naruto was hopeless against the techniques.
The whole thing had led to some interesting results in team spars. Sakura's Genjutsu was worthless against Satsuki's Sharingan while almost always guaranteeing a win against the team's strongest member. Naruto, on the other hand, was able to defeat Satsuki regularly in their spars, Sharingan or no. His overwhelming physical strength far surpassed Satsuki's, and his speed nearly matched her own. Combined with his endless supply of clones he made a mighty warrior, indeed. His quick progress from dead last to the strongest rookie Genin had annoyed Satsuki almost as much as Sakura's stupid meddling. Why wasn't she improving at the same rate? The dark haired Uchiha suspected that it was because Naruto was receiving extra training from Jiraiya of the Sannin.
Satsuki was shaken from her thoughts by a very loud voice heading in her direction. To her irritation, she saw Naruto and Sakura walking towards the bridge. Both looked extremely annoyed at their third companion, who seemed to be an Academy student. The boy was the source of the commotion, and his high-pitched voice was grating on Satsuki's nerves.
"And then you were like, put him down or else, cat boy! And he was like, 'No don't hurt me!'" The boy was practically running circles around the two Genin. "And then..."
"That's not how it happened, Konohamaru," Naruto said tiredly, running a hand through his golden hair. "Anyways, we're here. It's time you went to school or something."
"I was going to stay and watch you train!" Konohamaru seemed like he was going to wet his pants from excitement.
"NO!" Naruto and Sakura shouted in unison with matching looks of horror. The blonde knelt down to look Konohamaru in the eyes. "We have a lot to do today," he said kindly. "Now run along and tell Iruka-Sensei I say hi."
Konohamaru bowed his head, crestfallen. "Will you play with me later? My friends and I like to play 'Ninja' after class." Satsuki snorted. A ninja playing 'Ninja?' How stupid was that?
"If I have time," Naruto said, ruffling the boy's spiky hair. "Now go get to class." Konohamaru nodded and ran off, a big smile on his face.
Satsuki had watched the entire scene from the corner of her eye. Why did Naruto put up with such an annoying kid? Then there was Sakura, who had watched Naruto with a small smile on her stupid face. Satsuki shook her head. Naruto should be focused on training, not playing around like a child.
The blonde looked in Satsuki's direction, and she quickly averted her gaze. She hated that he could get under her skin. One look was all it took for her to want to kiss the boy senseless. Satsuki blamed it on hormones. She had long since come to the conclusion that she cared for Naruto far more than she had originally thought, but that just made her want to avoid him more. She couldn't bear hurting him more than she already had. Maybe after she dealt with Itachi...
"Yo!" Kakashi's usual greeting broke Satsuki from her daydreaming. "Sorry I'm late, but there was a Jonin meeting at the Hokage tower. I'm sure you understand."
Satsuki started. That excuse was almost... believable.
Kakashi Hatake was beyond frustrated. His plan to discourage his team from participating in the Chunin Exams had failed spectacularly. The moment he had mentioned the upcoming Exams, Naruto and Satsuki had practically ripped the admission forms from his hands. Both Genin had signed the papers on the spot. Sakura had taken hers as well, with only slightly less enthusiasm. She, too, had signed her form with a flourish.
Now, three days later, Team Seven stood in front of the Academy, where the First Exam was to take place. Kakashi secretly hoped that his team would fail the written test, keeping them safe from the rigors of the Second Exam.
"Alright, you three. Take care of each other and remember: Teamwork first. You can overcome any obstacle if you work as a team. Don't be afraid to fail. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take this Exam, so don't treat it as a one-time deal. If you're given the choice between failure and death, choose failure. There's always next time." All three Genin nodded solemnly. "Good luck."
As he watched his students step through the Academy doors, Kakashi couldn't shake the feeling that the Chunin Exams would change his team forever.