«13» LET THE CHUNIN EXAMS BEGIN!

@Masashi Kishimoto

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"IT'S BEEN MONTHS KONOHA..." She smiled as she hugged the welcoming air from her own Village, stepping out of the train. She was already free from her School duties after the "Incident" in the Mist Village.

Naruto decided to give her another mission, that would distract her from her own students. He knew that she wouldn't be happy about it.

"Naruto-Sama, are you sure you'll be sending me to the Sand Village?" Inomi asked the Blonde Man Infront of her. He gave the Yamanaka a cheeky smile before nodding in approval.

"You've been great with your own tasks lately, your old Mission might be too hard to handle.. I deeply apologize for letting Kakashi-San send you away when you were young." He stated in worry, wearing an apologetic face.

"No, I think you've got the wrong idea... It's just, a great opportunity to serve other villages! But... I think you've got the wrong person?" She hesitantly respond, making her deadpan. "I worded that wrong again.."

"Nonsense! I understand you Inomi, I want to see what you got and... Show Gaara-Sama what you're capable of, y'know?" They both laughed. Gaara was rarely a hard person to satisfy, much for Naruto's experience.

"Settling that aside, I wish you the best Dear Shinobi. May your Journey ahead will go smoothly!" The Uzumaki gave her a thumbs up while she giggled and bowed at him.

"I won't let you down, Hokage-Sama!"

~

"Are we... Just going to stand here?" The masked guy awkwardly asked the Yamanaka, who immediately blushed from embarrassment.

"Ah Sorry! Please, enter the Gates!" She politely replied. The blonde girl chewed the gum on her mouth while observing the scenery.

"Trees, Clear Skies everything is green, not bad for a first visit." She commented while Inomi scratched her neck. "Well it is called The Hidden Leaf, Yodo-San!"

"Noted." Yodo nodded as she went back to singing songs. Inomi hummed in amusement, taking off her cloak and feeling the breeze of Nature.

"Chunin Exams... It's been so long since I've participated!" She stated in excitement. "Time flies by so fast... I didn't even get to see my brother graduate..."

"It's interesting to hear you talk about your brother again, Inomi-San." Shinji stated, he was the adoptive Son of Gaara. Yes, adoptive.

He didn't cared much about that though, he was grateful to meet the Kazekage, and taking him in as his own child.

Inomi laughed and continued to walk. "I couldn't resist talking about him, he's too precious to forget."

"I'll be going to the Hokage's Summit for now, Yamanaka-San please watch out for the kids." The Red head, Gaara suddenly appeared with bold dark eyes. Inomi nodded, giving him a thumbs up. "I won't let you down!"

"Ha?... You're still guarding us?" Araya stated unknowingly raising his eyebrows.

"Duty calls, Araya-kun. I work for the Kazekage and Hokage, I do not dare to disobey an order." She smiled at him as Shinki smirked.

"Konoha is becoming Modern, due to Hokage's efforts. He still wants to keep it the way it is.." She remembered his words when she was still a child. Naruto still wanted to remain all of his memories when he was still young.

"Anyways, would you like to eat? Explore?" She suddenly asked the three behind her. Shinki nodded in approval. "Sure, lead us the way."

~

"This might be awkward, but here we are!" Inomi panted, they stopped in front of the Thunder Burger restaurant.

"Honestly, this was the first restaurant I've ever been when I went back home. They have the best selling burgers, might try it out!" She explained which made Yodo and Araya smile. They were both hungry and convinced with Inomi's explanation.

"We'll eat here, you can visit your Brother and his friends." Shinki calmly stated which made her blink in shock. "Huh? Really?"

"Mhm. I'm sure you miss him and you're free to go, just make sure you'll be back after the exams." He gave her a pouch before heading towards the restaurant.

Inomi turned pink and held the pouch in her hands. She was grateful to meet Shinki and got his trust in the first day.

She took a big breathe, walking away to find her own twin.

"Let's head to the First Test already.." Shinki instructed as he received two shocked eyes.

"Did you just made her leave?" Yodo asked with furrowed brows. Shinki shook his head and kept his blank face. "She's one of the Proctors of the Chunin Exams, I knew she would prepare before we settled in the area."

"She's a smart Jonin. It's best that we watch out whenever she's in the Venue." He explained in one go. Araya yawned and nodded lazily.

"But can't we eat first? We've travelled for so long.." the Masked guy whined. Shinki kept his lips in a thin line before sighing in defeat.

"Looks like the other participants are also eating inside. I guess we could try their food." He Shrugged before heading inside the restaurant.

~

"Papa!" She immediately hugged the Black-haired guy beside her. Sai chuckled as he carried his beloved daughter in his own arms.

"You're back, how was your mission?" He asked the girl. She laughed before hanging her arms on his shoulders. "It was fine, I get to meet alot of friends and Shinobis! I've learnt a lot of Wind Jutsus when I'm the Captain of a Mission."

"She sure is clingy with you, Sai-San." The Hokage's Adviser budged in their conversation. Inomi pouted at him before sticking her tongue out. Shikamaru chuckled at her attitude. "And childish as ever."

"That's my girl.." Sai smiled while he held Inomi's head as he rubbed his own forehead to hers.

The Yamanaka jumped off his arms. She observed the stage she was standing on, seeing two covered platforms with a thick black cloth.

"I've never expected we could use a whole supply for just a trick question, Papa." She squinted her eyes at her father. He cleared his throat and laughed lightly. "Well... We will see if your former students learned a lot from your lessons. I've heard rumors that you're quite a clever shinobi, even the other classes were amazed by how strategic your class was."

"You have a point..How's your Genin team? Did you recommend them for the Chunin Exams Papa?"

"Of course, I wouldn't waste their potential." He hastily answered her question. She smirked as she crossed her arms.

"They're coming." Inomi announced. On cue, all of the Participants in the Chunin Exam appeared in the Area. She smiled to see Inojin, Shikadai, and ChoCho coming out of the forest.

Right after the last minute, Team 7; Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki appeared on time. Everyone lined up in rows. Inomi didn't even noticed the sight of The Sunagakure kids..

Shinki caught a glimpse of Inomi staring from above. He was right, she is a proctor. "This is going to be a hastle..."

Yodo raised her eyebrows. "I'm sure we could pull it off, this is just the First round right?"

Shinki nodded in agreement. "It is. Like I said, watch out for her."

"We will now begin...."

"The Chunin Exam Selection!"

~"I remind you all to freely demonstrate the fruits of your abilities!" Shikamaru announced, which earned a few murmurs from everyone.

"For round one!"

Flutter flutter

The black cloth fell to the ground, revealing two platforms with a white cloth hovering around the areas.

The Yamanaka smirked while staring at the trap. This was going to be interesting once the question is revealed.

"You will answer a True-or-False Question! You are to move as a team, onto the side you believe is correct." Sai instructed the students as the screen from above switched on and revealed the Question.

"The Shinobi passwords that appear in the volume of... The Shinobi Strategist Detective story are.. 'Moon is day, Mountain is river, and Flower is Nectar.'"

"True or False?"

"Do you know, Sarada?" Boruto suddenly asked the Uchiha who rubbed her chin. "I have no idea."

"So we just give up then?" Mitsuki smiled which made the Uzumaki deadpanned. "No! Let's give it some thought!"

"Team 7... Smart as ever.." Inomi silently chuckled while quietly listening to their conversation. Using one of her butterflies, of course.

Inomi thought that they would rely on Sarada more, she hasn't seen her in action but she knew that the Uchiha was the brain of the Team. Just like her.... Nevermind.

Everyone was already on each side for the circle, making Sai clear his throat and signal Inomi to step in.

She looked at them from below. "May I remind you all that those of you who are incorrect will...

Turn black and may not be advance to the next test!" She happily announced. It made Inojin's cheeks red. "How could she be so calm at this?"

The Yamanaka raised her right hand to the air and placing her other hand on her hip. She took a big breathe before speaking. "The answer is...."

The board showed the X mark inside of the Circle, which made all of the participants flabbergasted and confused.

"Oopsies!" Inomi grinned as she saw everyone fall on the pit of ink. Her eyes shined when she saw Shinki carrying his team with his Iron cloak.

"You do now realize it's a trick question right? Analyze the question very quickly! Everyone who turns black fails the exam!" She warned them and clapped her hands, happy to see a lot of people fall ridiculously.

Shikadai used his own special Shadow technique that made them stick on the wall.

Sarada used a rope whole Mitsuki was using his long arms to hang himself from falling. Boruto barely touched the ink and he looked rather, dissapointed.

~

Each of the students were reunited from the ground. Everyone who fell on the pool of ink were sitting on the dirt, completely sad about their loss.

The ones who survived were standing Infront of Sai and the others. Inomi smiled when she saw her students survived.

"Those who lacked courage...simply accepted the impending pool of ink. You made the wrong choice, and allowed yourselves to fall in. You are not qualified to become Chunin!" Sai announced as everyone on the back sighed in defeat.

"I'm impressed on how you figured that.. it was a trick question, dear future Chunins. Thinking outside of the box could be the Answer?" Inomi clasped her hands together. "You gave all of your potentials by thinking of a great strategy in times of trial. Just like when you were half a second, falling into a deep pool of ink!"

"The real question in this test was, Do you give up or not?" She lowered her hand, closing her eyes while taking a big breathe yet again.

"To those who had not surrendered and gave their full strength as a team.. are qualified to become Chunin!" She finally announced as she heard cheers from below.

"We may see each other in the next round! Goodluck to all of you!"

~

It was already night time when Inomi was patrolling the Village. Quietly humming a beautiful melody, she got to see people waving at her and calling her a good Shinobi. She was glad to see the smiles on their faces as she bowed to them.

As soon as she walked near the forest, The Yamanaka saw a dark shadow from the tree which made her smile.

She approached the tree and placed her hand on the trunk. Just on cue, she felt a big figure at her back. She grinned when she turned around to see the man.

"Greetings, Sensei." She bowed at him out of respect. He calmly hummed while gently patting her head. "Hello, Inomi. I've heard that.. Sarada passed the first test?"

"You're quite updated about your daughter lately Sasuke-San, you missed her right?" She teased him further which made him scoff. Inomi pouted and huffed in annoyance. "You haven't change at all!"

"So are you, but quite less aggressive." He retorted which formed an irk mark from her own student. They started walking in the middle of the forest and sat down on a small log near Sasuke's tiny camp.

"Hm? What's this all about? I thought you're going to stay with Sakura and Sarada for a while?"

"I have other plans... And yes, I still am staying with them in the meantime. I have another student to teach." He replied with a blank face. Inomi chuckled while rubbing her chin.

"Ah Boruto, he wants to surpass his father.. I suppose?" She asked the Uchiha with a curt smile.

"Hn"

"I'm cutting your tongue off if you won't answer my question." She pouted again which made Sasuke smirk. He nodded his head, answering Inomi's question.

"But that's not the reason why I want to find you." He plainly stated, the Yamanaka furrowed her brows. "Hm? What do you mean?"

.

.

.

"He's dead."

".... He's dead?..."

"Yes. I saw his body completely... Transformed into hard stone. That's why I'm here." He explained further. The Uchiha told his whole journey while the Yamanaka departed, she was shock about his own exploration. How could she miss alot of things?

Sasuke touched the seal on her forehead and closed his eyes.

"Communicate with him now." He instructed the Yamanaka, she widen her eyes while slightly pushing his arm away.

"Are you sure? What if I don't wake up?" She asked him, completely nervous. He sighed with a worried look. "It's the only way, we need the information... There was another Otsutsuki lurking around. He might be scheming something..."

"I promise you, I'll take care of you when you're unconscious."

"I'm... Well..." She slowly placed his palm on her seal. "If I fall, please catch me Sensei.. it's the only way you can get intel."

She closed her eyes, drifting away from reality.

.

.

.

"Toneri-Sama?" She asked as she felt the surface of water coating her legs. It's unusual to see... The place flooding.

"Toneri-Sama? Are you there?" She asked once again. She walked further just to get stuck on the wet floor. "What are you doing here... Inomi."

"Toneri! Finally you responded! So... I'm about to ask you something about how you... Became stone?" She awkwardly started and cleared her throat once again. "There was another Otsutsuki around, perhaps he could be the one to solve your problem?"

"I apologize Inomi but... I can't." He muttered. The Yamanaka turned her head from above. That's quite impossible for an Otsutsuki, and for her as well. He would answer her questions that quickly in a nick of time. "What d-do you mean? I'm sure you can right? You're still talking?"

"Of course, my body has decayed but my soul didn't. I swore to not say anything... Or I'm dead for sure." He explained to her. Inomi's eye twitch in anger.

"What kind of shit is this?! Those devils... Cursed you?!" She asked in frustration, which made him hum. "Don't hum at me! Answer me you dimwit!"

"I betrayed them first by attacking the Shinobi World... It's now my time to get punished."

"But.."

"Fear not dear Pawn.. My consequences doesn't affect you but... I won't be here for long." Inomi felt a palm resting on her head, she looked from above seeing Toneri's afterimage.

"Toneri-Sama... Don't leave me!" She cried out, holding his arm tightly. He grunted and gently took her hands away from him.

"You need to wake up Inomi, you've been asleep for long." He told her. She furrowed her eyebrows while standing up from the ground.

"You'll leave me if I leave you!"

"It's an order, Yamanaka-San--"

"Why does everyone important to me leaves me behind?!" She yelled at him, her eyes completely sore as tears fell down in her eyes. He was stunned to hear that from her.

She was lonely.... Ever since that incident at the forest. In fact, he witnessed her uncontrollably killing each of her classmates without mercy. He blamed himself for not stopping her further. Why?

He was entertained, as his bloodlust came out from then. Toneri snapped and grabbed her head tightly.

"Wake up already!"

The Otsutsuki forced a power to come out from his hand,dropping the Yamanaka in the pool of water.

~"Toneri...Toneri...."

.

.

"Inomi?"

"Toneri?..."

She woke up at a quiet room, as she slowly opened her eyes to see the bright light. Inomi squinted her eyes. "Where am I?..."

"Ah, Inomi-San You're awake!" A voice called out. The Yamanaka turned to see a familiar pink haired-lady.

"Sasuke-kun sent you here, you've passed out for pretty long.." She informed her with concern lacing her voice. Inomi didn't dare to move or blink.

She was still devastated.

"How long was I.... Asleep?" She quietly asked the Doctor. Sakura cleared her throat and frowned.

"You were sleeping for A day and a half.. you were murmuring in your sleep.. is something wrong dear?" She asked her sweetly which made Inomi turned light pink. She was grateful to see Sakura right beside her already.

"Nothing... I'm just thinking about something. How was the Chunin Exams? I think I've missed the Second day right?" She chuckled while the Pink-haired woman patted her head.

"I heard that Sarada and her team passed, and I'm proud to say that your brother's team also passed the exam quickly!" She elaborated the events to the clueless Yamanaka. Sakura was a type of person who shares a wave of positivity.

"That's great to hear.. when is the last exam? The Hokage hasn't informed me yet."

"Oh right, your visitors are right outside!" Sakura immediately opened the door revealing...

Naruto, Shikamaru, and Ino on the door. Her mother rushed to her side and hugged her tight.

"Inomi! I'm so glad you're awake!" She cried while mushing her cheeks with her daughter's puffy ones. Inomi laughed while hugging her mom back.

"I'm fine mama, just tired from work. No need to get so clingy." She murmured as her cheeks were already turning red.

"I'm still happy to see you again! I couldn't stand being away from you for a long time!" She childishly pouted which made her deadpanned. Although, she was happy to see her mom worried about her.

"Glad to see you well, Inomi." Naruto greeted while Shikamaru waved at her with a smirk. "Hehe, Didn't expect that Sasuke brought you here-- OW!"

"Hey! He was concerned about her health and made sure he would save her from anything! Atleast expect something great from Sasuke!" Sakura scolded the Hokage while slapping his back.

"Sorry sorry, I'm just here to check on you." He scratched the nape of his neck with a grin on his face.

Inomi grinned at him back, shaking her head before heading straight to the point. "Hokage-Sama, when is the last Chunin Exam scheduled?"

"Oh, that?..." He thought while rubbing his chin. "Well in the next two days, are you sure you can handle it?"

"Of course, I'm not a Shinobi for nothing. A simple match couldn't be quite a problem." She smirked at him. Naruto chuckled while sweating. "Why am I even asking you this question..."

"Well I'm sure you're just concerned Naruto." The Nara snickered while everyone laughed at the Hokage. "Hey hey! No need to go against me yknow!" He defended himself.

Knock knock.

"Another visitor?" Sakura thought. She signalled them to come in. There, Shikadai and Inojin entered the Hospital room.

"Ji-Nii!" Inomi waved at him. Inojin furrowed his eyes before slightly punching her on the shoulder.

"Don't scare me like that next time, Imouto... I don't want to lose you again.." He mumbled with quivering lips. Inomi pressed her lips into a thin line before bringing him into a hug.

The adults slowly left the scene leaving Inomi, Inojin and Shikadai alone.

"I'm sorry Inojin, I promise I won't do that again.." She comforted him with her weak arms. Shikadai warmly smiled at them.

They are such great siblings...

Shikadai was right.

"I heard that your team passed the second exam quickly as possible. Congratulations.." She stated while cupping his cheeks. He blushed from embarrassment.

"H-hey! Don't do that Infront of my friend!" He pouted while tears fell from his eyes, his nose completely red. The Nara whistled while smirking at them.

"Aw, is my sweet Nii-Chan trying to be cute again? Don't worry, you're already cute for me Ji-Nii!" She kissed his cheeks while cuddling him.

After a long time, Inojin pulled away from her and looked at his bored friend at a chair, swinging his kunai with his finger.

"You're here to talk to her, right?" Inojin asked him with a smirk. The Nara cocked an eyebrow while standing up from his seat.

"I thought I'm here to keep you company--"

"Well too bad, I can't hear anything. I love you Inomi-Chan!" He bid them goodbye, leaving Shikadai and Inomi alone. The female Yamanaka chuckled silently. "I love you too Inojin.."

Silence between them... Once again.

"Hello Shikadai, long time no see.." Inomi started an awkward conversation. He coughed and smiled at her with flustered cheeks.

"I'm sure it's been so long... how was your visit in Sunagakure?" He asked her back. She rubbed her chin before telling him a whole story.

~

"Kankuro-San was rather interesting, he might be an expert at Puppetry... But he's really making me think that he uses it for fun. Although overall, he's a cool uncle... You can say that as well." She crossed her arms with a bright smile on her face. Shikadai laughed at her.

"I haven't seen him in a while but you are correct with him being a cool uncle." He sat on her bed with a smirk on his face. "Hey, Sensei?"

"Just call me Inomi, you're already a Genin Shikadai." She said to remind the Nara who nodded at her.

"Ah Inomi, it might be late to ask you about this... but If you were to chose between two options, Would you still continue to pursue what you're doing right now or choose another path?"

She rubbed her chin, thinking of an answer. "Well, I would say my past was entirely full of Bad memories, but I cannot leave something I've been working for years, yet I couldn't let go the memories I've received.." She stated as Shikadai chuckled at her answer.

"Just like Inojin said, you are considerate and wise.. I like you." He blurted out. Inomi blinked once again, was this another fever dream. The Nara waved his hands in embarassment. "I mean! I like that from you, What a drag.."

They stared at each other before blushing furiously. Inomi covered her face with a pillow. "What time is it?" She asked him, subconsciously clenching the pillow tightly.

"It's 5 in the afternoon..." They widened their eyes in shock. "We've talked for... 3 hours?"

"Well that's a record." She muttered. Shikadai stretched his arms but he felt someone tugging on his sleeve.

He saw Inomi's teal orbs shining and looking straight at him. He really wanted to admit that... she was the prettiest girl he has ever seen.

Too bad, he was afraid of commitment.

"I'm glad that you kept me company Shikadai, and I'm thankful that you stayed by Ji-Nii's side..." She quietly murmured. She tugged on his sleeve once again which made him trip.

He fell right between Inomi. His face was bright red. "I could say the same thing for you, you were really fun to talk to and..."

Creak.

"Oh, I see what's going on here." Sakura barged in the room with a smirk on her face. Both of them slowly turned their heads towards the Haruno's direction before realizing the awkward position they are in.

"Sorry Sakura-San! Please it won't happen again!" Inomi immediately apologized while clutching Shikadai's sleeve yet again. He laughed and murmured a sorry to her as well.

"It's fine, well visiting hours are now over. You may now leave Shikadai-San." Sakura informed the Nara which made him sigh. He stood up and slowly walked towards the door.

He took one more glimpse at the Yamanaka before heading towards who knows where.

"Hm, lovebirds I see?" Sakura teased her. Inomi covered herself with a blanket and frowned. "I can't like him... He's my student!..."

"A former student in fact, he's already a Shinobi. Go give him a chance! It's not that hard unless you try right? On top of that, you have the same age as him!" She wiggled her eyebrows. The Half-and-half haired girl wasn't convinced at her statement.

"Neh neh, don't you worry! It took me alot of years to realize Sasuke-kun loves me back!" Sakura giggled, trying to push Inomi's buttons. The Yamanaka brightened up when she heard that.

"Well, I guess I'll give it a try?"

"Go for it~ Now you know it won't be that hard to confess!" Sakura said before patting her head. "I'll be going now, have a good evening."

She smiled cheekily at her, as she watched the Haruno-Uchiha leave the room.

"What a day.. Now I feel tired." Inomi muttered, laying down on her bed slowly before covering her eyes with a pillow. "Toneri is gone... But I'll be fine..."

"Mama and Papa is here, Inojin is here... The Hokage is here..." She mumbled, staring at the pillow with dull eyes. "Shikadai is a great friend, as well as Sarada..."

"I'll be good without him." She smiled to herself, closing her eyes as darkness greeted her.

"Good night, Toneri."~

So many scenarios happening in one chapter, but atleast my brain function really well this time :)

I hope you all have a great day! Don't forget to eat and drink water!

And thank you so much for 1k reads, I appreciate the support as well as the votes.