Zetsu's POV (Hidden Sound Main Base - Land of Fire)

Scientists and shinobi alike both ran in terror at the sound of pained and angry screams. In truth, it was a sound they were familiar with. The sound was often heard from various cruel experiments they performed on criminals or enemies. Usually, it was a sign their powerful masters' will was being acted out. But when they came from the master himself it was time to flee. He is known to be murderous when in a rage after all. As the men retreated from the building. Zetsu stalked through the base, holding a cup containing a cocktail of pills. As Zetsu walked through the now empty stone halls he observed the various chambers. Some were high-tech labs filled with top-of-the-line equipment. Others were grim rooms full of tortuous tools and bloody stains. The rest were cells filled with both living and dead. Zetsu's last master had never been as cruel as Orochimaru. In his way his goal had been noble. His power seemed absolute and yet he had watched as his master was cut down. It had broken him, years of planning thrown to the wind. For years he had merely lived as a beast. Killing any he crossed. Until he had run into Orochimaru. He had recognized his unique skills.

Zetsu had at first accepted out of greed. The Sannin was strong, intelligent, and adaptable. He wasn't on the level of his last master but had potential. He thought he would surely outsmart the snake and manipulate him as he did his last master. But the same reason he had used to select him became the same reason why the Snake had managed to get the upper hand on him. In his broken state, the Snake had manipulated his heart and even convinced him to get the curse mark. By the time the two Zetsu's realized the man's ploy, it had been too late. Orochimaru's curse mark was infused with his very soul. Using the fragment located in Zetsu he had managed to tinge his very reasoning. Deep down he knew the Snake was using him but he lacked the will to free himself. Even if he could, he had little to live for anyway. At least he was a servant now, better than nothing. As he opened the large doors into Orochimaru's room he flinched at the inhuman wails the man let loose. His new version of the serum had been undeniably effective. Turning a close fight for the two targets into a losing battle for them. Orochimaru was sure with his immense durability and healing ability he would've been fine with the drug. But the strain of battle combined with the serum's side effects had put a strain on his current host. It would hold for now the Snake had told him. But until then his life was agony. Only through absurdly strong painkillers could he achieve peace. Zetsu approached the Sannin carefully, flinching when the man grabbed the cup from him violently. Orochimaru threw back the pills and crunched them down as if starving. Zetsu spits in two as the black one stood patiently as the white one hummed and paced around the room. It wouldn't take long for the pills to kick in.

Orochimaru's breaths slowed suddenly. The tension from his sweating and bruised body seemed to seep out as the drugs kicked in. He stretched slowly as if unsure if his body was ready. Once he was pleased he turned to him. "What do you need?!" He asked furiously.

"I heard the news. They managed to survive. Did you go easy on them boss?" The two asked in turns.

"Watch your tongue. I won't hesitate to slay the two of you." Orochimaru warned.

"Oh gosh! We're sorry boss! Forgive us. We do have news, however."

Orochimaru hummed silently as he pondered the two. "Go on then."

"It seems the Chunin Exam location recently changed. After complaints from the Cloud and Mist about the Leaf hosting the special one this year a decision was made. They have decided on a neutral ground. The land of the samurai. The Land of the Iron." Zetsu explained. As he finished Orochimaru's arm punched into the stonewall next to him. Breaking through as if it was made of paper.

"Damn! There goes my chance! And those damn brats slaughtered my picks! Hiruzen you rotting old fool, I will proudly display your head in my home!" Orochimaru raged, before the exhaustion from the painful day he had caught up to him. He panted angrily as his mind raced. Before a smile popped onto his face. "Zetsu, gather the Sound Four."

"An attack would be unwise. We lack the strength for a direct approach. It would be scary." Zetsu countered.

"Kukuku, you would be correct. Luckily my plan is more cunning. The Sound Four are stronger than any Genin. Yet are young enough to pass for it. Especially with older Genin laws now in place. They will join the exam and exact my way in a much more enjoyable fashion. KUKUKU!"

"What do you mean? - What do you mean?" Zetsu asked, confused.

"They will join the exam and crush the others. Bringing plenty of business to my home and increasing the Sound's rep. And as they do so. I will have them slaughter the heirs to the various clans of the Leaf! Hiruzen will know true failure!"

Zetsu at times like this knew he had made the right choice in his new master. Orochimaru simply played the game differently.

----------------------------------------

Naruto's POV (Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)

The only blonde Uzumaki sat on his couch bored. He had always enjoyed training. It was one of the few times he could think freely. He just had always enjoyed being active, he supposed. It was a healthy attitude when you lived the shinobi lifestyle. As such the Genin of Team Seven had taken to a nightly run. Take care of conditioning and have some extra team time. But his mother had asked him to hold back. They were having a "family meeting". She claimed it was tradition but if so it was a new one.

Naruto knew his family was a bit odd. Namely missing a rather crucial element other families had. But it had always been a fairly enjoyable life they had lived. From others' perspective, it was chaotic and odd, but the blonde had been happy. Then he met Iruka, someone he saw as his older brother. Then Shikamaru, his first peer turned friend. Then they came even quicker. Lee, Choji, Neji, and even Ino. Naruto nowadays had a lot that he had wished for back in the day. Perhaps that's why he suddenly had been worrying about what he didn't.

He wouldn't say he missed his father. He couldn't remember him and his mom refused to tell him anything substantial. And he couldn't say he wanted one either. He had never had one so he knew little of what he was missing. Never had truly seen the point.

But despite all that he had come to enjoy his chaotic life. Yet in moments when his mother brought order, he knew to expect change. It became even more obvious when it wasn't one-on-one. Next to his mother stood Kakashi. Both of them had locked their eyes with the blonde.

"Um hi?" Naruto asked, confused.

"Hi there Naruto!" Kakashi waved jovially before Kushina elbowed his side. "We both need to talk to you about the exams." His voice was now more serious.

"More training? I think it's a bit late." Naruto said jokingly from his position on the couch.

"Son, it's about a deal regarding the exams," Kushina explained.

"An unfair one." Kakashi added. His voice sounds oddly emotional. Like he wasn't pleased with the current situation.

"What do you m-" Naruto started before Kushina quietly shushed him.

"Just let us explain sweetie." Kushina interrupted softly. "The Chunin Exams are always a big deal for shinobi. It helps keep the peace and drives business to the villages that do well. But for you son, this exam is a challenge your father wanted for you. See the identity of your father and the truth of that night is a secret your father swore me to. I've hated keeping it and have dragged others in as well. Kakashi here is an example. Kakashi had begged me to allow him to be around you as much as possible. But I couldn't allow it, you might've discovered the truth then."

"Kakashi sensei wanted to be around more? But why would he care about me?"

"Your father and I were quite close. I can't tell how or why yet. But your father was someone I admired quite a bit." Kakashi explained sadly. "But as much as I wanted to be around I couldn't go against his wishes."

"Why would he want me without people? Why the hell is this some secret? I deserve to know who he is! Didn't he think about me at all?" Naruto exclaimed, getting steadily more angry.

"S-" Kakashi coughed into a hand. As he sat next to the blonde. "Your father is hiding it from you because he wanted you to have a regular childhood. Something we managed to some degree. Things weren't perfect, I know you suffered from loneliness and the mystery behind your father must've bothered you. But he truly believed this was for the best. He knew though it would be hard for you to see that. So he made time for you to be told. For the world truly."

"Son, your father's legacy, his identity, your identity. I've wanted to tell you all this time. But your father is… was the man I love. I had to keep the promise given. Luckily it is time for you to learn it. I know you're ready to know the truth, son. The same way I know your father is watching. I know it's not fair, son. But… to learn the truth you must become a Chunin."

Naruto stood up suddenly, his head low to avoid eye contact as he sat up and slowly walked to the front door. Kushina went to stand and grab him but Kakashi stopped her. Shaking his head no as the blonde got to the door. "I get your reasoning." He said simply. "And I don't care about the deal. I'm becoming Hokage so becoming Chunin was always the plan." As he said this he opened the door into the chill night air. "But I would never hide something like this from someone I care about." With the declaration the door slammed violently as the blonde stormed out.

Kushina sighed as she sagged low. Kakashi put a hand on her shoulder. "I wouldn't worry too much. Naruto has shown himself to be forgiving. I know Minato-sensei appreciates you doing this. I think in time Naruto will understand. Perhaps even appreciate it himself."

"I know Kakashi. You're much too young to be giving me advice." Kushina countered her voice, wavering a bit.

"Hm, I forgot you look so young after all." Kakashi said jokingly.

Kushina snorted. "No woman is pretty when they cry." She said as a subtle warning.

"Understood mam. You have my word I'll keep him safe. And with both of our training, I'm confident it's time." Kakashi said as he walked out. "You always were a great mother. Don't let one mistake eat you up." Kakashi offered as he poofed away.

Kushina sniffled slightly as she waited for her son to return. He may not always appreciate what she does. But as a mother, she would do whatever was necessary for her beloved child. She had promised Minato no less.

Naruto sat on the curb of a road a couple of streets down. Normally when he wanted some time to himself he would go to the monument. But that was the first place his mother would check. He had retreated due to his anger. As infuriating as the situation was, he simply could not treat his mother poorly. She had always been there for him. But those reasons could only do so much. Naruto was smart enough to know something odd was going on. But knowing people kept secret that the blonde was so desperate to know felt like a slap to the face.

He had thought some time alone would allow him to process this. But his mind seemingly was determined to wander in various depressing ways. It was in this stupor of negativity that the blonde encountered some familiar faces. Neji, Lee, and Shikamaru all jogged up to the blonde. Lee and Neji both said to the blonde with enthusiasm while Shikamaru panted on the ground pitifully.

"Naruto-san! It is a most youthful night! Would you like to join our jog?" Lee asked the entire time he jogged in place. Naruto chuckled as he looked at Neji and he seemed empty. Perhaps for the sake of his sanity, he had gone to his happy place.

"Um, how'd this happen Neji?" Naruto asked. While he didn't particularly want to talk. But the three were good friends of his, and he wouldn't willingly be an ass to them.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"He saw me doing our run solo. Ino skipped tonight citing "a conversation long overdue" with her father. When he saw me he went on some asinine rant about youth before joining me. I had intended to pick up the pace and lose him but he matched it easily." Neji complained.

"Haha, ya Bushy Brows speed is no joke!" Naruto jokes. Already feeling slightly better from talking to his friends. "How'd they get your lazy ass to join?" Naruto asked with a snark towards the prone Nara.

"Bushy Brows or whatever, saw me lazing on a bench and dragged me into running as well. It was fine at first but those two turned it into some kinda competition." He stood up with a frown. "What are you doing out here anyways Naruto?"

Naruto frowned and considered brushing them off. But the three were good friends and any advice they could give may be of great service to him. Neji and Shikamaru were some of the smartest guys he knew. And Lee was surprisingly wise despite his odd behavior. "Well…" The blonde explained the situation to the three men silently lounging on the sidewalk as they listened.

"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. "This sounds absurd. I can't think of a singular reason for them to hide that from you. Even less for Kakashi to somehow tie into it. Regarding them hiding it, definitely odd but I simply can't see them hiding it for anything short of a good reason. Your mother isn't the type to keep secrets. Kakashi is, but Kushina has always been straightforward."

"I get that. But they do not see how cruel this is. I've wondered for years who he was. Even the story she used to tell about had seemed odd. Yet they know the truth and are now dangling it over my head." Naruto complained.

"Certainly in poor taste, but it doesn't seem to be the biggest concern." Neji interjected. "We were planning to get Chunin either way. This is merely motivation."

"Yes! Gai sensei has always taught us that youth is powerful. Though it can be easily muted by negative mindsets." Lee added.

"Ya, but it's bullshit!"

"I agree with Naruto on this, as much as a drag as that is. It's weird and messed up regardless of how valid it is. I'm gonna look into this for you." Shikamaru said as he stood and stepped away. A trail of smoke followed him on his way home. 'It's a drag, but you've suffered more than enough… Naruto'

Lee smiled and gave the blonde the nice guy pose. "I'm confident you will handle yourself well Naruto-san! Remember the power of youth!" Then he ran off, seemingly allowing the two teammates to have a private word.

"It's unfair and unjust that they're doing this to you. But I'm not truly worried." Neji stated.

"Well, I am! If I mess this up I may never learn." Naruto muttered.

"Indeed, but you are the type of man that perseveres regardless." Neji stated. "Show the world the Naruto I saw on that day. Learn your truth. And achieve your goal. I believe in you, my friend." Neji stated before he too jogged off.

Naruto had sat for an hour or two pondering the words given before walking home. His mother had mobbed him, but he merely hugged her, apologized, and went to bed. He would need sleep. He needed to know the truth. And he would crush anyone who stood in his way.

----------------------------------------

Hiruzen's POV (Leaf Village Maximum Security Prison - Hidden Leaf Village)

Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu walked patiently through the hall of the prison escorted by several guards. Homura was an old comrade and friend of his. The man had aged as much as he has, the hair on his head and chin now gray. He wore a green pair of glasses and robes marking him as an advisor to the Hokage. The most prominent feature of the man was his constant scowl. It was fitting for a serious and withdrawn man such as him. Danzo and he had always gotten along. And doubtless, the man was excited to hear from him again. Koharu, the woman of the two, was an older lady with a matching scowl who had once been beautiful and vibrant. She had gained poise but lost the innocence and optimism she had been known for when young. She now was a pragmatic and focused woman… who also preferred Danzo. Hirzuen needed new friends, he supposed.

There were meetings in this prison for risky personnel to discuss the topic of the Chunin Exams. And though the man was imprisoned for his crimes Hiruzen knew few could match his knowledge except for Danzo. He doubted the man would approve of the situation or offer advice he'd wish to do. The Sarutobi had learned the wisdom of hearing differing perspectives. And as a man who had run his own Anbu core, likely had information regarding the Land of Iron. So with secrecy and reservations aplenty the three elders traversed to the cell containing Danzo. Each was subjected to chakra scans by one of the guard's standing posts before being let in. In front of them lies the restrained man. His body was covered in seals, primarily sealing off his chakra and remaining Sharingan. His arms were restrained by chakra-imbued chains. Even his feet were shackled. There was no expense too great to keep a Kage-level shinobi imprisoned. Danzo's lone available eye met them as they entered.

Despite the man's odd position and indefinite imprisonment to be served, the man was calm not speaking a word as he stared his long-time friends down. Both Homura and Koharu flinched seeing him like this. While they had not even attempted to defend the man on the charges. But were uncomfortable to see their colleague imprisoned. Hiruzen was himself, doubly so, that he had been the one to order the punishment. As a Kage though, he had no option to hesitate or allow his feelings to dictate this situation.

"Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu. All of my dear friends are here to see me at my lowest." Danzo said simply. "Even an emotionally driven man like yourself is above gloating friends. So why are you here? I could only guess the Exams."

"Yes." Hiruzen replied. "Things have taken some turns"

"Indeed. The villages agreed on a new location. Wanting a more neutral area." Koharu added.

"What was the chosen location?" Danzo asked seemingly already game to discuss business despite his imprisonment.

"Yes, that is what is troubling. They decided on the Land of Iron. A land full of samurai with very different customs and unknown power." Homura said, annoyed. "This fool went against our wishes and agreed to it."

"They are known to be a peaceful nation, Homura." Hiruzen countered tiredly.

"But the other villages are coming as well. This would be a perfect opportunity for enemies of the Leaf to strike at us." Koharu interjected.

"Yes but-" Hirzuen started but was interrupted by dry snarky laugh of Danzo.

"Heheh. What a day it is. It was Hijiki day and I find myself agreeing with my rival." Danzo said humorously, smiling for one moment. Before it was washed away. "We do need to go. I'm sure Hiruzen reasons to do so for peace between the villages. But the advantages are not limited to opportunistic ones. It would be good to flex power among the villages. I assume you already arranged for the Sand to stand with us?" The other two elders sneered at the two for this. Both choose to leave.

Hiruzen smiled at his friend. Momentarily setting aside their complicated history as Danzo had. "Indeed. We have strengthened our alliance for the next few years. Should help sell the idea of staying away from us for now."

"Not quite how I would put it. But the idea is the same. We need to go or the villages would take it as a sign of weakness. Numbers were bringing for this?"

"Genin teams six, seven, eight, nine, and ten are being sent. Obviously with their Jounin. As well as my own Anbu guards. Under the pretense of defending the Genin of course. As for my guard, I figured Tsunade and Jiraiya."

"Not bringing Obito or Itachi?" Danzo asked simply.

"Not even surprised you know this old friend." Hiruzen said with a smile.

"Just how far did your reach go?"

"As far as the Leaf required." Danzo answered teasingly.

"You never keep things boring Danzo. Now there's something else I'd like to discuss. About a certain Genin."

----------------------------------------

Ino's POV (Entrance to Hidden Leaf - Land of Fire)

Ino had never felt so nervous in her life. She wanted to take the exam of course. It was her chance to prove herself to Neji and Naruto. Neji had become a good supportive teammate, even offering her various pointers at times. She had come to enjoy the polite Hyuga. Kakashi was another situation entirely. Often aloof, quirky, and teasing he seemed like a man-child often. But in training or missions, he showed fearsome intelligence. And was surprisingly caring and thoughtful. The most complicated was the Uzumaki on their team. She hadn't thought much of the recent reveal of him being a jinchuriki. It was certainly tough to hear he carried the burden. But she knew he was not looking for pity. It was hard to pity the blonde. He was confident, funny, clever in very odd ways, and cute in a more rough way. He was also a bit childish, stubborn, and surprisingly dense. Yet she would be a liar if she claimed she wasn't paying attention. In the academy, she had pursued Sasuke. It was easy to see why. He was handsome, powerful, and intelligent wrapped in a brooding exterior. In other words, perfect for her. Yet she hadn't thought of Sasuke in a while. Instead, the goofy blonde occupied her mind. Before she had dismissed him in any special way due to his... well goofiness.

But she had grown used to his demeanor. And though she would never openly admit had grown to like it. It kept her mood up and it often seemed endearing in some strange way. She wouldn't say she was crushing on the blonde. But she was keeping an eye on him. She could admit he had his qualities she liked quite a bit. He was kind earnestly, it was simply second nature for the man to be friendly. His humor was similar to her own. Hell, he could even be sarcastic as hell if pushed. He also had a caring side. Reckless making an enemy of the Hyuga was a decision she would label as foolish any other time. But when the blonde did so she moved with him. She had been surprised by how much she trusted his judgment. She wasn't looking to nail anything down. As great as he was she didn't think she wanted that… but she would keep an open mind.

"Ino, Blondie, hey! Can you hear me?" Naruto who had been standing next to her in the crowd of shinobi awaiting to be addressed by their Hokage before venturing out to the Land of Iron for the exams. Ino had heard him but simply was too engrossed in her odd feelings about her fellow blonde.

Neji smiled to himself before whispering to Naruto. The Uzumaki looked back at the Hyuga in disbelief before sighing and attempting to break the Yamanaka's thought process again. "Ino, hey cutie you there?"

Ino's entire body and soul froze at that word. She felt a blush come on. Not only from the sudden compliment. But the utter embarrassment of the choice of words. She growled as she slammed her fist into the blonde's head. When Neji chuckled she kicked his shin viciously dropping the two. "Never say something that awkward again Blondie." Ino said as she looked around panicked to ensure no one heard. Once she was comfortable no one did. She noticed the Hokage standing on the stage flanked by two of the legendary Sannin. Tsunade Senju, daughter of Hashirama and renowned medic. Jiraiya is known for his sage techniques, toad allies, and… controversial books he wrote. The three shinobi stood together and were some of the strongest shinobi in the world. It was showing that even in his advanced age almost everyone seemed to treat Hiruzen with respect. Ino had started to come around to the idea of Naruto becoming Hokage. But seeing one in action made it clear how far Blondie had to go.

"Greeting shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. There is much to discuss, but first, allow me to state how proud I am. I am proud of the Genin who have trained hard and been recognized for their potential. The Jounin have spent their time and effort to get these young men and women to where they are now. I am proud of the Anbu who serve dutifully and diligently every day and night to protect our lovely home. But now it is time to strike out. The Chunin Exams are a time-honored tradition to promote peace. It is a warfare-free way to flex our muscles. As well as build relationships between villages. Keep in mind the path to Chunin is a violent and painful one. But in the process, peace is made. Surely those of you who signed up are after a promotion. A rise in station, a chance to show off. Well, do so proudly. For we are the Hidden Leaf. We do not want violence. But we prepare ourselves for it all the same. So as we continue to remember the Will of Fire, let it fuel you. I know you all will show the world the true strength of the Leaf!" Hiruzen lectured.

"LEAF! LEAF! LEAF! LEAF!" The crowd roared as they hyped themselves up.

"Now let's go!" With this command, the Leaf group left their home. Determined to arrive at the destination and have a good showing.

----------------------------------------

Rasa's POV (Land of Wind)

Rasa stood impassively as he flew through the air on a golden platform of moving sand. Below was a battalion of some of their strongest warriors. The first team of Genin was exceptional but unlikely to reach the finals. But the other team? Well, Temari and Kankuro were on another level. And his youngest son was another thing entirely.

"Gaara, you cannot kill on this journey," Rasa warned darkly. Gaara floating on his cloud next to him. In some ways his son had improved, he rarely killed unless provoked and even seemed to finally understand that Shikaku was not the ghost of his mother. Yet he was still undeniably strange.

"I have no interest in killing impulsively anymore Rasa. I merely come in hopes of meeting some like me." Gaara said dryly.

Rasa grunted at this. He didn't doubt his son's words. But admittedly the idea of him looking for other Jinchuriki was also concerning. He would have to remain vigilant or he was sure he was in for an international incident.

----------------------------------------

???'s POV (Land of Lightning)

A large crowd of Cloud shinobi marched down a mountain. For the most part, they seemed like an organized group following their proud Raikage. But at the back sat a more… unique group.

"Going to the Chunin Exam~ They are fearful of the moves I spam~ I am a killer bee~ The champion of the Clouds~ That's me~ Weeeee!" A large buff, dark-skinned, white braided hair, sunglass-bearing man rapped and danced as they marched. He wore the standard uniform the Hidden Cloud. A white scarf and two blue horns tattooed on his left cheek. He was one of two jinchuriki of the Cloud. The man known as B, is half of the AB combo.

"Sensei if you do that the whole way there, I'll kick your ass!" A red-haired dark-skinned, lithe woman responded. She wore the same uniform but her green underjacket was torn at the sleeves. As well as a bandana headband. Karui of Team B.

"But you can't. What if you try and get injured? Then we would have to drop out of the exams…" Omoi theorized worriedly. He was also part of Team B. He was similarly garbed as the other two. With short spiky white hair. He somehow talked easily with a lollipop in his mouth.

"You're all so uncool." A tall fair-skinned woman complained. She wore a simple gray low-cut blouse. Armored with a hard corset. With thigh-high sandals and red wrapping on her wrist.

B ignored his unsupportive students for now. Perhaps when they won this thing they'd listen to the victory rap he had written.

----------------------------------------

Ikam's POV (Land of Iron)

Ikam knew entering the Land of Iron secretly was risky. The samurai were powerful and lawful men. But once had heard the Chunin Exams were to be held here he had to attend. He had originally intended to come alone but Leifazu and Mishio had insisted on coming with him to ensure his safety. Ikam would never have a chance to observe all five villages like this. Besides, he was sure it would find plenty of new targets. Eradicating the Uzumaki was a considerable amount of work.

He emerged from his thoughts as Mishio finished her scan. "It seems clear love." He smiled at the good news.

"Excellent, remember we don't make any problems unless we need to." Ikam lectured. "Today is scouting, but worry not. If we have an easy shot at one of our accursed kin." Leifazu and Mishio both nodded at this. Ikam had always been decent at finding subordinates.