moonlight

Chapter 23

„And, one more rule." Ibiki started. „If you chose to take it and are unable to answer it correctly, then you will lose your right to taking the chunin exam forever."

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Tsuki gasped in shock and stared at Naruto's head. 'Naruto...' she thought."What kind of stupid rule is that?!" Kiba shouted while pointing at the jonin. "Besides, there are plenty of people here who have taken the Chunin Exam many times!" Akamaru barked in approval.

Ibiki laughed darkly. "You're just unlucky. I make the rule this year. But I did give you the option to go back! For those of you who aren't confident, you can choose not to take it and take the exam next year or the year after that."

'Oh! How terrible! If one out of the three chooses not to take the exam, then all three will be failed. If you do choose to take it, but get the wrong answer then that person will be a genin for the rest of their life! No matter what, the odds are against us! It's an impossible choice for anyone with normal nerves!' Sakura thought while a drop of sweat fell down her forehead.

"Then, let's begin... The tenth question... Those who will not be taking it, raise your hands!" Ibiki said. "Once I confirm your number, I'll ask you to leave!"Naruto shook in fear. 'What kind of a question is it going to be...? Darn! If I get it wrong, I'll be a genin for the rest of my life. I don't want that! But if I choose not to take it...! Then I'll fail Ki-chan, Sakura-chan and Sasuke too! I don't want that either!'

'I won't raise my hand! I'm confident that I can answer it correctly. But...' Sakura thought while staring at Naruto's back. 'But Naruto! You're different! You should retreat this time even if it means to ignore us and think of your next chance to take the exam!'

Someone raised their hand and stood up. "I...I... I'm quitting! I'm not going to take it!"The chunins called their numbers out and failed them.Then some more people stood up and gave up.

'Naruto! Why aren't you raising your hand?' Sakura thought nervously. Naruto shook unnoticeable. 'That idiot...'

~~ flashbacks ~~

'I am the super-elite ninja who will be carrying the name of the Hokage! Believe it! My name is Naruto Uzumaki, remember that!''Shut up! I'm prepared to do anything to become a Hokage!''I will surpass the Hokage! And I will make all of the people in the village acknowledge my presence!'

~~

'He's always got such a one-track mind. Always talking about Hokage this and Hokage that like an idiot. But... I'm sorry Naruto, it seems like, I don't want to crush your unachievable dream.' Sakura smiled bitterly and started to raise her hand slowly, but stopped as she saw felt something hit her head from behind.

She turned and saw that Tsuki had thrown it and was staring at her. The bluenette shook her head, indicating that Sakura shouldn't raise her hand and then pointed to Naruto.

Sakura looked at the blond worriedly and then he suddenly slammed his hand down on the table and yelled determined: "Don't underestimate me! I won't run! I'll take it! But even if I'm stuck being a genin forever, I will become a Hokage no matter what it takes!" he stood up, gritting his teeth, "I'm not scared!"