The two days of downtime you were given after returning to the Hidden Leaf were over and your team went back to performing normal missions. The missions were all inside the village and they were all simple to do. At first you didn't mind, but slowly as you saw Naruto constantly trying to show off, you realized just how unsatisfying the missions were. You weren't hot headed so you didn't care if you didn't have to fight anyone, but what really bothered you was how none of the missions gave you a sense of purpose.

You needed a chance to use your skills otherwise everything seemed boring. It seemed a waste to everything you had learned to simply settle for any mission you were asked to do.

Even relaxing with Naruto felt uncomfortable since you didn't feel as if you had done anything worthy of being allowed to relax.

Naruto: Hey, (Y/n), is everything okay?

He asked, noticing how absent you seemed as you walked down the streets.

(Y/n): ... I just feel uneasy.

You held your arm up as Yang poked her head out of your sleeve and slithered between your fingers and then around your neck.

Naruto: I know what you mean... I hope we get a good mission soon.

As he looked up to the sky a little boy jumped down from a nearby tree as he screamed down to Naruto only to fall flat on his face.

Naruto: Konohamaru?

(Y/n): A friend of yours?

Konohamaru: Heh... I'm Naruto's rival, Konohamaru! How ya been big bro?

The boy jumped up and introduced himself to you before turning to smile at Naruto.

Naruto: I'm fine... So can I help you with something?

Konohamaru: You said you were going to play ninja with me today.

(Y/n): Hrm? Play... ninja?

You tilted your head as you tried to understand what Naruto would do and he started to blush from embarrassment.

Naruto: Hahaha! W-Well you see... I was just... Umm...

(Y/n): Mind if I join?

You asked as it seemed interesting since "playing" wasn't something you were used to. Not that Orochimaru never let you play before when you were younger, but maybe it would help you with the anxiety from the last few days of unfulfilling missions.

Konohamaru: Hey, Naruto, who is this guy?

Naruto: (Y/n) here is one of my teammates. He's from another village so he's the fourth member of my team.

Konohamaru: Have you ever played ninja before?

(Y/n): Well, a few of my dad's friends let me play with them when they came back from missions. One of them showed me how to make exploding paper birds. Another let me help him test his various traps and poisons. One showed me how to find the right person from the Bingo Books and how to count money properly.

You cheerfully told him about some of the interesting things you got to do when you were his age.

However while you looked excited and smiled at the fond memories, Konohamaru and Naruto both seemed to be trembling from your stories.

Konohamaru: H-Hey, big bro, this guy isn't dangerous is he? He's saying a lot of scary things and just laughing about it.

Naruto: Umm... No, don't worry. (Y/n)'s a nice guy, but he was raised differently than us so he's a bit shameless when saying stuff like that.

He blinked as he realized how familiar the situation was from when you went to the Hot Springs and Shikamaru seemed cautious of you.

Naruto: (Y/n), I really think that later I need to have a talk with you about how you should talk about your past.

(Y/n): Hrm?

You looked confused as he walked over to you and whispered in your ear.

Konohamaru was glad to be able to play with Naruto even if he still wasn't sure about you so he was ready to start his game, but just as he ran ahead of you, he bumped into Sakura and she looked over to the two of you as you walked after Konohamaru.

Sakura: Honestly Naruto. You're going to play around instead of training? This is why Sasuke is so much more mature than you. He doesn't waste his time like you do. Instead he dedicates himself to his training.

Naruto: Huh? N-No Sakura, you see I was going to start training, but then Konohamaru showed up and asked us to play with him, then (Y/n) got excited to join us so I felt bad about walking away from them.

Konohamaru: Hey, bro, is this girl your... girlfriend?

The little boy chuckled as he smiled at Naruto.

Naruto: Hehe. Well, you see...

Sakura: Yeah right! Like I'd be the girlfriend of some slacker like him!

(Y/n): Hahaha!

Naruto: (Y/n), don't laugh! What kind of friend are you?

(Y/n): Oh sorry Naruto, I wasn't laughing at you. I was laughing at how ridiculous Sakura is.

You cleared your throat and wiped away a few tears that had formed around your (E/c) eyes.

Sakura: Wha...? How am I ridiculous?!

(Y/n): Sakura how dare you talk down to Naruto. What have you actually done for our team other than drool over Sasuke and pick on Naruto because he isn't like Sasuke? You can handle the calm missions we've been doing these last couple of days, but back in the Land of Waves, against Zabuza and Haku, when the rest of us were all in danger and had to work as team. You simply stood back and protected the old man.

Sakura: I had to! Tazuna was Zabuza's target. If he had gotten past me...

(Y/n): Please stop. You didn't do anything and you know it. Tazuna was never in danger because Kakashi was able to defeat Zabuza while Naruto, Sasuke and I defended against Haku.

You were about to say something else, but Naruto stopped you. After you had stopped your ranting, you saw how hurt Sakura was from what you had said.

You didn't regret defending Naruto from her, but now you had upset him and wanted to fix what you had done.

(Y/n): Sakura... You're a part of our team so stop thinking everything is about Sasuke. Kakashi told you this when I first met you and the lesson still hasn't sunk in yet. We're a team so start pulling your own weight. Believe me... you're the only one in your way.

You walked up to her and patter her shoulder as you tried to comfort her. Of course you avoided trying to meet her eyes since you had never had to motivate someone before.

Naruto: Yeah, Sakura, (Y/n)'s right. We're a team so if you need any help we'll always be there to support you, right, (Y/n)?

(Y/n): ... Sure.

You shrugged as he walked over to join you.

Konohamaru: Alright already! Are guys done yet? Let's go play!

He ran past you, but turned around when you heard him scream and saw him fall over.

???: Hey, kid, you should really watch where you're going.

An older boy dressed completely in black with purple markings on his face was standing over Konohamaru. There was a tall girl standing behind him and they were both wearing headbands from the Hidden Sand.

Konohamaru: I didn't meant to... You didn't have to push me down like that.

???: Oh, now you're going to talk back to me? It looks like this village has some rude brats.

He reached down and picked Konohamaru up by his scarf and held up off the ground.

Naruto: Konohamaru!

(Y/n): Hey now.

You grabbed the boys arm as he held up Konohamaru and started squeezing it.

(Y/n): If you want teach someone manners... Then why don't you start with me?

You squeezed his arm so tight that he winced and dropped Konohamaru into your free hand. You placed the boy down gently and smiled widely with closed eyes at the older boy.

(Y/n): Haha, you see? I'm always doing stuff like this. I'm still new at socializing so I don't want to get into trouble... what do you say to helping me out?

You let go of his arm and saw him massage it.

??? That's enough Kankuro.

The girl called out to him.

Kankuro: What, Tamari? Are kidding me? This kid's asking for it.

(Y/n): Oh, this might be fun! I was just going to play around today, but it looks like I might get a chance to add a new headband to my collection.

You took a step back and pulled out a kunai from your pack and twirled it on your finger.

Kankuro: Heh, I hate nasty kids like you the most.

(Y/n): I don't care.

He reached over his back and grabbed the sash covering the strange mummy-like object strapped to him.

Kankuro: You wanted me to teach you some manners? Fine! Let's start the lesson!

Just before either of you could make the next move, a rock came flying in between you.

You turned to see who was getting in the way of your fight and saw Sasuke sitting on the tree next to you.

Sasuke: You sand ninja are a long way from home and now you're way out of your league.

He taunted Kankuro as he tossed rock in his hand.

Kankuro: First an annoying brat then this nasty kid and now a punk with an attitude. You Leaf brats are really trying me here.

(Y/n): Forget this. If you're intimidated by Sasuke's little entrance... then there's no way you would have been any fun to fight.

Sasuke: Leaving already, (Y/n)? You're not upset that he wants to fight me now are you?

He said with a smirk as he chuckled slightly at seeing you turn away and hide your hand back inside the long sleeves of your Kimono.

(Y/n): I'm only upset that I won't be getting his headband. Other than that, I couldn't care less.

Kankuro: Get back here kid! You nearly break my arm and now you're just going to walk away?

Sasuke: Yeah, (Y/n), stick around. If you want to fight somebody that badly... you can fight me after this guy leaves.

You turned to look up at Sasuke and smiled.

(Y/n): No offense Sasuke, but the other guy on that tree would be a much more interesting match.

Everyone suddenly turned to see who you were talking about and then they saw him. Another boy from the Hidden Sand, with dark red hair and a small red tattoo over one of his eyes was standing upside down on the branch behind Sasuke.

Sasuke: When did he?!

???: Kankuro... knock it off.

He said in a calm voice.

Kankuro: G-Gaara...

(Y/n): So what are Sand ninja doing here anyway?

Tamari: You all really are just beginners, huh? We're here for the Chunin Selection Exams.

Naruto: Huh? Chunin Exams... What's that?

Konohamaru: You don't know bro? It's something that's held twice a year for Genin to promote up to Chunin.

Naruto: All right! That sounds awesome! I have to sign up or that.

Sakura: Naruto, only our teachers can give us permission to take part in the exams so it's up to Kakashi weather or not you can go.

Naruto: What?!

Tamari: Well it seems you're not going to be fighting anymore Kankuro. Let's get going.

Kankuro glared at you one last time before he started walking away and Gaara vanished in a mist of sand.

(Y/n): Things seem to be getting fun, huh?

You smiled at your teammates while they were still thinking over what they thought of the Sand ninja.

The next day, you met with your team as you waited for Kakashi to show up.

It was clear that you were all thinking about the Chunin Exams and how this was the chance you all wanted to fully prove yourselves.

Naruto, who was constantly comparing himself to you and Sasuke.

Sakura, was fidgeting around as she kept looking over to Sasuke and even to you and Naruto a few times.

Sasuke's eyes were focused on you as you kept humming to yourself as you waited, it was bad enough when he only wanted to fight you, but now he looked even more impatient after seeing Gaara.

As for you, you were eager to see what kind of fun would come if you were allowed to be in the exams. You never competed with anyone before so the exams definitely sounded interesting.

Kakashi: Good morning everyone. I'm sorry I'm late, but I got lost on the path of life.

Your teacher appeared on top of one of the wooden gates of the bridge and waved down to you with a lazy tone.

Kakashi: I'm sure that you four must have started noticing some ninjas from different countries walking around and maybe even heard about the Chunin Selection Exams.

Naruto: We sure did! Kakashi, please you have to let us take the exams. You gotta, you gotta!

Kakashi: Settle down Naruto, I nominated all of you for the exams so you can take them as long as you hand these forms in next week to register.

He held out four slips of paper with his seal on them. You each took one and stared at it and all of the possibilities the exam had waiting for you.

Naruto: All right! Kakashi, you're the best!

He cheered and jumped on Kakashi and hugged him.

Kakashi: Well, it's up to each of if you actually want to take the exams or not so if you do, be at the Academy on the signing day.

He set Naruto down and dismissed you all.

You each went your separate ways as you thought on Kakashi's words.

You went off into one of the training zones and played with Yang as you sat on one of the trees and looked at the paper Kakashi had given you.

(Y/n): While competing against others does sound fun, this exam is actually really serious isn't it?

You spoke to Yang as she coiled around one of the branches with her body.

(Y/n): If I were to pass... I'd be a Chunin of the Hidden Leaf. Hehe, aren't things getting a little out of hand now? I wish dad was here to tell me what to do.

Yang stretched her head down to see you and you smiled at her gaze.

(Y/n): I don't even know where he is and even though I've made friends here... I'm still not sure I belong here as a Leaf Shinobi.

You leaned back on the tree and sighed at how annoying the exams were starting to look and what you should do.

As Yang slithered down and wrapped herself around your neck as she usually did, you looked down after hearing someone laughing at you.

It was a masked man with a headband from the Hidden Mist.

Mist Ninja: Now isn't this a sight. Orochimaru's brat is thinking about taking the Chunin Exams. You're not even a real Leaf Shinobi, what reason do you have to take the exam? In fact how about I make your decision easier? If you take the exams I'll kill you.

He smiled under his mask and laughed, but you were not interested in him at all and just sighed at his pathetic attempt to scare you.

You stood up and formed the hand signs to summon a single Blast Clone and then sent him into the trees behind you before jumping down to the ground and walked away from the Mist ninja.

Mist Ninja: Wh-Where are you going? I'm not joking around! I was just going to threaten you, but since you're turning your back to me I think I'll kill you now!

He grabbed the weapon on his back, but then suddenly froze in place as you kept walking in the direction you had sent your Blast Clone.

(Y/n): Threatening me isn't a very smart thing to do... And if you're going to do it, don't use such a pathetic Genjutsu for the job.

You looked behind a tree and saw your Clone pinning a man down to the ground with its arm around his neck in a choke hold.

(Y/n): I know you, you're friends with Naruto... Iruka, right? What are you doing here? Is it really such a bad thing for me to want to take the exams?

You tilted your head and leaned against the tree as you watched him struggling to get out of your Clone's grip.

Iruka: It's not a bad thing. It's just that some people, including myself have some concerns about you because of Orochimaru.

(Y/n): If you have a problem with my dad then threaten him instead of me... You'd die though.

Iruka: Can you let me up please?

You nodded at your Clone and it vanished without causing an explosion.

Iruka: Why do you want to take the exams anyway?

(Y/n): I... I don't know.

You answered him honestly and looked down at the ground.

Iruka: Kakashi already trusts you enough to recommend you. I just came to test you for myself so I'll leave you alone. Oh, before I go, how did you see through my Genjutsu?

(Y/n): Only people in the Hidden Leaf know about my dad so the second you mentioned his name I knew there had to be a Leaf ninja somewhere nearby to see my reaction.

Iruka: You're definitely perceptive aren't you? Good luck on the exam. Oh and one last thing. Be good to Naruto, will you. He didn't have a lot of friends growing up so seeing him with you is nice.

(Y/n): You have it the other around. He's the one who's been good to me.

You corrected him and then started walking away. You still weren't sure about the exam itself, but you wanted to go along with the friends you made even if you couldn't fully understand the reason yourself.

The week before the Chunin Exams passed by quickly and on the day of the exam you met your team at the front of the Academy. They were all ready to take on the exam and so you headed inside and walked towards the registration room. On your way there an energetic boy came running up to your group and bowed in front of Sakura.

???: My name is Rock Lee and Sakura... I am in love with you!

The boy said as he looked up and winked at her.

Sakura: What?! Are you insane, get out of here!

Lee: Am sorry, but confessing my feelings for you is not the only reason I have come here. Sasuke Uchiha, I challenge you to a fight!

He stood up and looked to Sasuke, who just grinned and cocked his head back.

Naruto: Why is it always Sasuke?! I'm way stronger than he is so you should fight me instead!

The blonde shouted as he charged at the strange boy in front of you.

Naruto threw one punch at him, but Lee was able to easily knock his fist down with one hand and then swept his leg under Naruto to drop him off his feet and sent him spinning into the back wall.

(Y/n): That was fast.

Sakura: He just charged in without thinking, what do you expect?

Sasuke: Okay, Rock Lee, I'll take you on.

(Y/n): It doesn't take much to get you started does it?

Sasuke: Did you want to fight him?

(Y/n): No thanks. He's all yours.

Sasuke ran over to Lee and swung his fist to punch him, but the boy had vanished from Sasuke's sight. Lee reappeared in midair and kicked his leg over Sasuke. He was able to duck under Lee's attack to avoid it, but Lee quickly recovered as he touched the ground and spun on his hand for another kick.

To your surprise his attack landed perfectly as he hit Sasuke across the face. From that attack, you started thinking how much stronger this guy was compared to your teammate. Unlike you, Lee followed the same training Sasuke did at the Academy so you weren't expecting there to be such a gap in power since so many people praised Sasuke's talent.

(Y/n): There's no shame in backing down Sasuke. Some fights, you just aren't ready for.

You advised him as you predicted his defeat.

Sakura: (Y/n), you need to show more support to your teammates.

(Y/n): I am. I'm telling him not to get in over his head and ignore his ego.

Sasuke: Hehe, this is fine. I've actually been wanting to try this.

He lifted his head up and you all saw his Sharingan activated in both his eyes. He looked over to you, hoping you would let something else slip like the last time you saw his Sharingan, but you just smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up to cheer him on.

With his Sharingan, Sasuke was hoping to be able to read Lee's movements, but instead was instantly attacked again and sent flying into the air before crashing back down. Now Sasuke was really angry and was desperate to land any attack he could, but Lee avoided and countered all of his attempts.

Lee: Sasuke, you were hoping to use your Sharingan to read my hand signs and Chakra flow, but I do not use such things. I only use Taijutsu, simple martial arts.

Sasuke only seemed to get even angrier at hearing his explanation and tried to attack again. Lee crouched down and kicked Sasuke's chin, knocking him into the air and then followed behind with a small trail of Chakra following behind him.

Lee: Dancing Leaf Shadow!

He called out as he jumped underneath Sasuke.

Lee: Now I shall prove that effort can exceed pure talent.

The tape around his arm came undone, but before he could continue his attack, a kunai pinned it to the wall and stopped the fight.

As Lee and Sasuke both landed you saw a man standing across the room from them.

Lee: Guy sensei!

(Y/n): Is that his teacher?

Sakura: it must be.

You and Sakura walked over to Sasuke to help him up and then Naruto joined you. Lee went running over to the man who had stopped him.

Guy: Lee, you idiot!

He punched the boy as he got close enough and knocked him to his knees. The two then looked at one another and broke down crying as Guy hugged his student.

Lee: I am truly sorry sensei!

Guy: It's okay, Lee! This is what youth is all about.

The scene was unsettling enough to make your entire group tremble.

(Y/n): H-Hey, Sasuke... how could you lose to a guy like that?

You asked nervously as you couldn't believe what you were seeing.

Sasuke: Shut up, I'm in no mood.

Naruto: That sort of tone's kind of nice too though. Don't you guys think so?

Sakura: No way! Those two are completely crazy!

Guy then came over to your group and introduced himself and told you how he was Kakashi's rival and even stronger than him. This only left you even more confused than his bond with Lee from before, but from the way he was able to suddenly appear behind you even though he was just across the room without you even noticing, made you believe his words.

Guy: Well, it was great meeting you kids. Kakashi's expecting great things from you so be sure to try your best!

He said before leaving with Lee.

Naruto: Man Sasuke, that guy was way stronger than you. Did you see his hands? They were completely marked with scars from training.

(Y/n): Effort vs. Talent that was what he was after. He's probably the type who trained until he wasn't able to move anymore.

Sasuke: The Chunin exam is looking even more interesting now. Sakura, Naruto, (Y/n). Let's go.

You all nodded along as he started walking towards the classroom.

Seeing what just one person was capable of made you even more excited for what the actual exam had waiting for you so you followed Sasuke as he walked ahead of you.

You went to the classroom where you would be starting the exam and saw it full of other Genin from multiple villages.

Kiba: Hehe, so you guys were allowed to take the exams too?

You turned and saw the other six Genin from the Hidden Leaf were together near the entrance.

(Y/n): At least you all seem calm. Everyone else looks like they're about to attack anyone who raises their voice.

Shikamaru: Well, I heard that only a few people pass during each exam so it's not surprising everyone is on edge.

Kiba: Here, we're the exception since we're fresh out of the Academy while some of them have waited a year or more to try the exam.

(Y/n): Hahaha! So they're all nervous and that's why they're giving off such dirty looks?! Talk about sad.

Sakura: (Y/n), please don't provoke anyone.

(Y/n): Huh? But they shouldn't be ashamed of being nervous. It a natural reaction. Look at Hinata, she's almost trembling, but she isn't trying to scare anyone, she's waiting for the exam to start to show what she's made of.

Hinata: Umm... I-I just want to try my best.

(Y/n): See? That's the attitude everyone should have instead of trying to look scary.

You happily smiled at her, but then felt a bit guilty when you saw her fidgeting after you had put her on the spot like that.

(Y/n): Sorry Hinata. It's just that compared to the rest of the people in here, seeing your attitude is really refreshing.

Kabuto: I'm guessing all of you are rookies straight out of the academy. Otherwise you wouldn't be making such a scene.

You turned in shock at hearing the familiar voice.

There he was, Kabuto, your dad's right-hand man. You missed your dad so much that even he was a welcomed sight. You were about to say something to him, but he signaled you with a look to keep your distance.

You never blamed him for all of the surgeries he performed on you at Orochimaru's orders, but you couldn't stand his attitude towards you. He always had a smug smile on his face whenever he saw you beaten up or weakened and he even chuckled during the rare moments when Orochimaru was angry with you. For whatever reason he had he loved looking down on you and enjoyed seeing you fail.

You watched as Kabuto gave some helpful information to everyone about the exam and how it worked. You knew he worked as a spy for your dad, but to actually be taking the Chunin Exams like this, wasn't what you expected.

Everyone was starting to feel the pressure after hearing Kabuto's explanation about the other candidates, even Naruto was shaking from how nervous he was... or at least you thought he was nervous until he started yelling at everybody.

Naruto: Man this is getting exciting! My name's Naruto Uzumaki and I'm going to beat every one of you!

Sakura: I thought he was nervous, but apparently he's not smart enough to be scared.

She looked over to you as you covered your mouth from how much your teeth were chattering.

Sakura: Huh? (Y/n) are you actually scared now after hearing what Kabuto said? Hey, don't worry...

(Y/n): Ah! Just look at them all! Leaf, Mist, Sand... There're even some from the Hidden Rain here! This is it... I'm sure that I'll be able to rebuild my collection from all of these weaklings...

You had drifted off into your own fantasy and didn't really care about anything else at the moment. Even Yang poked her head out from around the collar of your kimono as you stretched your arms out to your side.

Shikamaru: These idiots are going to get everyone in here to completely hate us, aren't they?

Sasuke: Hmph... I guess this isn't so bad.

Sakura and Ino: You idiots! How can you just shoot your mouths off like that?!

Sakura grabbed Naruto and Ino grabbed you as they tried to pull you down.

Ino: Honestly (Y/n), I didn't think you were the type to say things like that without thinking.

(Y/n): I'm sorry. I'm just really excited after seeing so many of them.

As you apologized, you saw a few of the Genin in the crowd start dashing towards your group. Maybe you and Naruto really did end up annoying someone enough to start a fight.

Instead however they went straight for Kabuto and attacked him. They were Shinobi of the Hidden Sound, your home. Everyone in the Hidden Sound knew your dad, he was their leader, but Kabuto wasn't as well-known so they didn't even realize who they were attacking.

What broke up the fight was the entrance of the test proctor, Ibiki.

Ibiki: All right let's get the first test started and if any of you so much as thinks of trying to fight now that I'm here, you'll be disqualified. Now everyone come up here and draw a number to determine where your seat will be and then we can begin the written test.

Naruto: Wr-Written test?!

He screamed at the top of his lungs. You and the other rookies plugged your ears from how loud he was.

The room formed a line and by the end you were sitting next to Hinata with Naruto on the other side from her.

Hinata: G-Good luck to you two.

(Y/n): To you too Hinata.

Naruto: Y-Yeah... Luck.

You smiled calmly as you leaned back in your seat. Your dad was too much of genius to simply believe all a Shinobi needed was strength and a wide variety of Jutsus. He had you study the most advanced subjects since you learned to read and even tested you on each of them, with a severe punishment if you couldn't meet his expectations. So you were confident that you could pass this test without any problems.

By the looks of it Naruto had already given up and was crumbled over his seat.

Ibiki: Pass or fail will be determined by the total points of your entire team and if any candidate should get a zero... then the entire team fails.

You froze up in your relaxed pose and even heard Sakura start shouting from behind you only to have Ibiki shut her up.

With all of the rules explained to you, the test began and you started answering the questions with almost complete ease. However as the time began to pass you started noticing some of the people around you cheating. From there you started to slowly piece together the real purpose of this test.

(I see. So this isn't just a written exam, but a test to gather information. Well, I could solve this all on my own, but I'm not about to pass up a chance to play with my partner.) You thought to yourself as you finished analyzing the situation and even confirmed it as you saw a few people being called out by the guards who were watching you and expelled from the test.

(Y/n): Yang, a little help please.

You hummed as you called her up. She looked down at your paper and then slithered up from your Kimono and up to your head.

Yang was incredibly smart. When you first got her, you were afraid your dad wouldn't have let you keep her so you trained her to do all sorts of things to be useful during missions. You spent weeks teaching her to understand how to read and even communicate it to you, thanks to how much time you had trained her. Her tail started moving around your back, spelling out the answers she had spotted. Having her hiss too much would have brought attention to you, but having her just move around wouldn't look at all suspicious, especially since some of her body was hidden inside your clothes.

(Y/n): Good work beautiful. As soon as I can I'll find you a nice big mouse to eat.

You poked her head with your finger and chuckled as she slithered down your face and rested around your neck again.

Now that you were finished with your test, you looked over to see how Naruto was doing, but all you saw was a blank sheet of paper. He hadn't answered a single question.

(Y/n): Hinata...?

You whispered over to her and got her attention. She was actually doing very well on her test and only had a few questions left to finish.

(Y/n): You've been talking to Naruto, right? Does he have any idea how he'll finish the test in time?

Hinata: He said he was going to simply try to give it his all on the final question.

(Y/n): I see... Do you think he'd copy off me if I slipped him my answers?

Hinata: I offered to let him copy off of me, but he refused.

(Y/n): That's surprisingly noble of him.

You sighed and decided to trust your teammate and waited for the last question to be announced.

With the time running out, you heard Ibiki call everyone's attention.

You all waited as he built up the risk of failing the test and never being allowed to become Chunin again. As you looked at Naruto, a part of you was hoping he'd give up. It was too painful seeing your friend and teammate suffering so much just because of a test. You could see how he was beating himself up over being unable to help you, Sakura and Sasuke now of all times. In the end you weren't even surprised when you saw him raise his hand but instead of giving up he raised his voice and stood up on his seat.

Naruto: I won't run away! Even if I'm stuck being a Genin forever, I will become Hokage someday!

You smiled and even snorted before covering your mouth. Both Hinata and you were happy to see Naruto's determination, now you just hoped that it would be enough to help him answer the final question.

After his outburst, the atmosphere in the room became much calmer than before as Ibuki looked around the room one last time.

Ibiki: Well then, there's only one thing left to tell all of you... You all pass the first test!

Sakura: W-Wait... What just happened?! What about the last question?

She asked what you were all thinking, but were too dumbfounded to actually say out loud.

Ibiki: The choice you all just had to make was the tenth question.

The stern and intimidating face Ibiki had until now was gone as he smiled happily at all of you.
Tamari: Does that mean the other nine questions were just a waste of time?

Ibiki: Not at all. The first nine questions were to test your individual ability to gather information.

He went on to explain in greater detail the objective he had set for the first test. How he added more pressure by having you all believe that any mistake might drag your team down with you.

Naruto: Yeah, I knew it had to be something like that?

(Y/n): Then why were you sweating and trembling so much this whole time?

Naruto: Eh?

You asked him as Naruto started acting confidently. You were a bit disappointed that all of Yang's hard work was for nothing, but you were still going to treat her to a nice treat later so it was fine.

Ibiki even explained how his test demanded that you cheat to pass and the value of accurate information.

Ibiki: So with that, you have all passed the first test and I wish you well going forward.

Naruto: Yeah! We did it!

He jumped on you and Hinata from how happy he was and hugged you both as he cheered himself on.

You sighed with relief knowing that he was doing better than before when he looked like he was sick and in pain.

He only let go of you when a large object came crashing in through the window.

Anko: Heads up boys and girls! This is no time to celebrate! I'm Anko and I'll be the proctor for the second exam!

She was energetic as she introduced herself to all of you, but you were all speechless.

(Y/n): Hehe. Hey, Naruto, she reminds of you. I think this next test is going to be really fun!

Your voice was the only one in the silence as you enjoyed seeing her entrance and couldn't wait for the sort of test she would give. You all left the Academy as she dismissed you and announced the next test would start in the morning.