Changing the River of Time

Chunin Exams!!! ....Again?

Karin had failed two days into the exam, meaning Aki had three to show her around Uzushio. Well, three for a clone to do so, as Aki needed to take care of a few behind-the-scenes things back in Konoha.

But her reaction to Uzushio's shore was much the same as Aki's own. Instant relaxation, plus curiosity, awe, and wonder.

And a bone-deep longing for something that was on its way to returning.

Aki smiled, glad to have brought one more Uzumaki home.

"Ready to see the city?"

The look she gave him filled Aki with the determination to make her an Uzu citizen, no matter how hard Kumo fought for her.

.

.

.

Aki stood proud in the Hokage's office, his Uzushio headband around his forehead and Konoha's around his throat. "Uzushio is in a state to accept citizens," he started, determination in his eyes. "As the only legal adult over 20 in the clan at this time, I have been put in a temporary position of power."

Hiruzen nodded. "I see."

Aki nodded. "Though that title holds little power now, as our clan is still quite small. However, it has come to my attention that Kumo has been abusing an Uzumaki, and worked one to death by chakra exhaustion from abusing their kekkei genkai."

His rage was barely subdued, and Hiruzen could see it. See the way it coiled around the Uzumaki like a cloak, threatening to lash out at anyone who came close. He'd have to tread lightly. "That is unfortunate. However, there isn't much we can do without causing an international incident. Something on the same scale as the Hyuga affair, if not larger."

Aki, a gleam of determination and wisdom beyond his years in his eye, smiled- the smile of a hunter who knew he already won. A smile more teeth than emotion- more danger than comfort. "I have a plan for that."

.

.

.

The plan, in reality, was quite simple. Aki, as head of the reviving Uzumaki clan, had the backing of Konoha, the Uzumaki, and quite a few ancient clan laws. All three of which made it very illegal for Kumo to keep Karin without starting up a full-on war with all those involved. And while, under normal circumstances, Kumogakure wouldn't be averse to war, Aki was able to change their minds.

How?

A quick and easy 'talk' with the Kumo representative behind closed doors. Only Aki went into the room from Konoha's side, and only Aki was aware of what really went down. And he'd keep it that way until the end of time. And if anyone tried to pry it from his memories?

... Well, he had a giant, fiercely protective, 9-tailed fox who wasn't afraid to kill or mentally scar a few humans for his kit protecting the Uzumaki's mind.

.

.

.

The preliminary round quickly passed, Team 7 easily taking down their opponents while Kakashi and Aki explained tactics, jutsu, and abilities to those who would listen. Kabuto still dropped out, so the competitors moving on ended up including:

Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, Shino, Shikamaru, Neji, and Dosu.

Like Aki's exam, except Sakura made it.

The match-ups were Naruto and Neji, Gaara and Sasuke, Sakura and Dosu, Shino and Kankuro, and Temari against Shikamaru.

For the month, Kakashi took Sasuke for training while Ebisu took Naruto and Aki took Sakura and Karin. He trained Sakura's taijutsu more than anything, tripling her speed with Gai's help. He started teaching the two of them the basics in sealing- just enough for explosion and barrier seals. He taught them specialized jutsu for their respective natures and let Sakura test some of her poisons and medical ninjutsu on him.