(Konohagakure Outskirts).
It was the sound of her would-be kidnapper's bodies hitting the ground that told her something had happened. Somebody had seen her red lines of hair. Something that she hated with every fiber of her being. She had always hated her hair because of the way the children would always make fun of her for it. She was the tomato girl. She was always the one being laughed at. Never, not even once was she laughing alongside them. But whoever she would have guessed to be her savior that night she would have never once thought of him. Him, the boy with hair as yellow as the sun. The boy whose eyes were as blue as the sea. The boy who aced all his tests and was the love of every girl in the ninja academy. But as he took her in his strong arms and jumped into the treetops with the light of the moon at his back she couldn't help but feel a need. A deep, unknowable need to be close to him. To be with him for as long as the sage would allow. This night was the night she, Kushina Uzumaki had fallen in love with Minato. She, the princess of the Uzumaki clan. The next in line to the throne of Uzuma. The seat of true power in the village of Uzushiogakure. The kage was a wise old man by the name of Hisao Uzumaki. He was their voice to the wider world. He was their sword and shield in times of war. But with their union with the village of Konohagakure war was unlikely to happen now. Alone Uzushiogakure was a fearsome foe that few nations, even the five great ninja nations would dare face in open battle. Together with their sister village of Konohagakure, they were nearly an unstoppable force of military might that could field a force of nearly 25,000 ninja and 7,500 samurai. What nobody knew nor could know was that forces great and small were moving things into place for a battle that would uproot the world in ways never before seen.
( Konohagakure: Minato's House).
Minato was busy running from one room to the next. This was it, his chance to rise up the ranks and finally wear the green-colored vest. Kushina meanwhile only eyed the boy with the most unpleased expression on her young thirteen-year-old face.
"Oh come on Kushina-chan I really need this...please I'll buy you ramen". Minato said knowing her utter weakness for the stuff. She never could say no to a bowl of ramen. It just had a way of warming her up and making her happy like nothing else could and he knew that and used that fact just as well as he used any of his other ninja skills and tools.
"Fine damn it...I'll do the stupid thing with you". Kushina said crossing her arms looking every bit upset as she had planned to. Minato, however, didn't seem to notice nor care. He was going to enter the Chunin Exams and win that green vest or die trying. With his bag now filled with everything he would need for the exams he kissed her lightly upon the cheek and was out the door in a flash of yellow.
"I have a new nickname for him: The Yellow Flash... Yeah, I like it...I'll tell him later". Kushina said to herself before she too left the house. However, she, unlike the idiot, made sure to lock the door. The last time she forgot she had found three girls stealing his underwear. A fact she never failed to make fun of. She never would have guessed he was into cute little bears. Nor would she have guessed he was a fan of the new hit show: Kitty Momo. A show that had of all things a mess of household pets who were by day your normal run-of-the-mill pets but by night were ninja battling evil and saving the world. She found the show to be a bit too childish for her liking but he loved it, so much so that his living room housed all 156 aired episodes and somehow an unaired one that he had gotten by winning a game of cards.
(Konohagakure: Ninja Academy)
Upon entering the academy she alongside Minato were told to sit inside one of four classrooms. Looking around the classroom she saw three Stone ninja all-girls funny enough to her right and three Cloud ninja this time all boys to her left.
"Oh, will you look at that we have us a tree hugger". A Cloud ninja said walking up looking like he was some big shot ninja. His two teammates eyed her as well. The smallest of the team had eyes that looked to be two sizes too small and a big, flat nose like that of a pig. The tallest had a long face and mismatched eyes. One blue the other red. She guessed it was a bloodline but one she had never seen before. The boy who yelled out, however, seemed to be calling the shots and was the fattest boy she had ever seen. How he could even fit behind a desk she would never know.
"Piss off...you fat pig". Kushina said already done with the exams.
"The fuck you say to me...do you not know who I am"! The boy said eyes filled with rage.
"No, and really don't care now piss the fuck off before I gut you and cook you over a fire like a good little piglet"! Kushina said about to get up and do just that. She, however, never got the chance as the proctor soon entered the classroom and ordered everybody back to their seats. The boy upon taking his seat two desks to her left and one up sent her a hate-filled glare her way, not that she at all cared. The sooner she was done with the exams the better. She was only doing this for the ramen. Yes, that and nothing else, nothing at all. The last thought she had before the test began was of ramen. She was so going to dry him out of money for putting her through this. It was his fault after all...right?
Konohagakure: Classroom).
As soon as the test began Kushina flipped over her paper and started working on answering as many questions as she could. Only thing was that she knew next to nothing being asked on the test. Things such as: What's the capital of the Land Of Sun:
"Land Of Sun? Where the hell is that"? Kushina asked herself seeing as she had never once heard of such a place in her whole life. Pulling at her red locks of hair she eyed the others only to see them all looking just as lost as she herself was.
"Great this is just great, I got the room filled with all the useless idiots". Kushina thought to herself. She would just have to guess her way through this test. How hard could it be?
"This is so unfair...who even came up with this stupid test anyway"? Kushina said feeling like she failed at life in the worst possible way.
"Pssst...psst...hey you...yes you, it's B, B, A, C, C, D, B, B, A, B, C, A, A, C, B, B, A". A Leaf Genin said softly.
"What? I can't hear you. What did you say"? Kushina asked before the sound of footsteps filled her ears and a dark shadow blocked the light overhead.
"Is something the matter miss...Kushina...your not trying to cheat are you"? The proctor asked giving her a look as if he was daring her to say yes.
"No, sir I was just...". Kushina began only for the proctor to cut her off.
"You best hold your mouth shut...another word out of you and I'm kicking you out...am I clear? The proctor said before just as fast turning back and stepping away. Kushina just guessed her way through the rest of the test. The Genin beside her seeming to be unable to utter so much as a sound.
(Konohagakure: Ninja Academy Grounds).
"How the hell did you get a 1% on the test. They give out at least 2% just for putting down your name"? Minato asked upon looking at it. He had, of course, got a 100% because of course he did he was Minato the boy who could do no wrong and it seemed answer impossible test questions without a care. This fact alone made Kushina rage at the unfairness of it all.
"Not another word or else your sleeping outside in the doghouse". Kushina said with an edge to her voice.
"We don't even have a doghouse". Minato replied.
"I'll make one if I have to". Kushina replied darkly before making her way down the small set of stone stairs. The ramen was starting to sound less and less worth the pain in the ass this was being. All she wanted was to just enjoy a nice nap or a nice big family-sized bowl of ramen, you know just to hold her over till dinner time.
"Hold on a minute...hey slow down". Minato yelled before running after the red-haired princess. Pulling up alongside her Minato looked her over. She had tears forming in her eyes.
"Kushina-chan what's the matter"? Minato asked worried for her. Kushina batted away the tears before turning to face the sun-kiss boy.
"I'm useless...I'm just a stupid girl with no skills...I shouldn't even be here". Kushina yelled causing a fair few nearby Genin to eye her while others moved away.
"That's not true...your not stupid or useless". Minato said before pulling her in for a hug. In his arms, she felt happy, she felt at peace with herself and the world as a whole. For just a few seconds she was in utter bliss. That was, of course until he and the rest of his team showed up and picked a fight.
"Hey you, it's high time you learned your place you fucking tree hugger". The boy from before said as his teammates fell into line behind him. Minato stopped him dead daring him to do or say something.
"Move out of the way. This has nothing to do with you". The boy said as he pointed at Kushina who at once lost all the joy her face held in an instant.
"How about you try and make me". Minato replied his hand already moving to his ninja stars and other tools. The boy must have seen this as he sent a kick his way. Minato easily sidestepped the poorly made kick and sent the boy to the ground. The two other boys soon entered and soon it was a three on one. The fight soon forming a crowd who all began yelling and placing bets on who was going to win the fight. Was it going to be the Leaf or the Cloud? Minato was holding his own but it was clear to everybody he was simply outclassed or at the very least outnumbered.
"That is enough"! A deep and powerful voice said. But when the boys didn't stop the man stopped it himself. Soon four sizeable toads appeared in a cloud of smoke and pinned the four boys to the ground. It wasn't long before a tall man with long white hair going to the base of his back walked out of the crowd and picked them up one by one. A most unpleased expression forming on the man's face.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
"By the sage what on earth is going on here"? The man asked looking to them all one by one. The three Cloud ninja said nothing forcing the man to turn to Minato.
"Will, answer me, boy"! The man said clearly losing his cool.
"They started it". Minato began only for the man to click his tongue and walk away.
"Come on, boy. We have to talk". The man said not once looking back. He didn't need to as Minato was doing a fine job acting as his second shadow.
"Do you know who I am"? The man asked his arms crossed.
"No". Minato replied simply making the man sort of deflate at the news.
"Damn school aren't telling them anything anymore". The man said more upset at something that he didn't know. That was fine with him. So long as he was not yelling at him he didn't rightly care what he raged about.
"I'm Jiraiya the Toad Sage, the lover of women and, of course, a fine ninja in my own right". The man now known as Jiraiya said before striking a pose. Minato could only eye the oddball of a man before him like he was stupid. Nobody posed anymore and any who did were not right in the head. At least that was what his father said anytime he said anything odd.
"Right...can I go now? I have an exam to do...you know...kind of a big deal". Minato said pointing at the red-haired princess who stood around 20 or so feet away eyeing the pair and tapping her fingers in a clearly upset mood.
"Oh, I see. The Uzumaki girl nice". Jiraiya said giving him the thumbs up. Why he had no idea.
"So can I go...please"? Minato asked again. The man as if done with him simply waved his hand and walked away.
"What an odd man". Minato thought to himself as he made his way back to Kushina who looked about done with this whole mess. Yet they had come this far why not go all the way...right. What could possibly go wrong?
The anticipation was palpable as Minato and Kushina arrived at the next phase of the Chunin Exams. Before them loomed a vast forest enclosed by a towering metal fence topped with barbed wire, designed to keep intruders out and dangers in. This ominous barrier, however, was not the source of their trepidation. It was the cacophony of hisses and roars emanating from within that sent shivers down Kushina's spine. The Forest of Death, as it was infamously known, lived up to its name with a menacing atmosphere that made her stomach churn.
Minato noticed Kushina's discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll be okay," he murmured, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around them. Together, they walked forward, step by step, the sounds of unseen creatures growing louder with each stride, heightening the sense of impending danger.
A Chunin stood before the gathered Genin, his voice loud and authoritative. "Alright, this is how it's going to work. Each team will draw a lot from this box. Once that's done, you'll be assigned a gate. There are 44 gates in total."
Minato stepped up and drew from the box, revealing a blue slip. "Gate 22," announced the Chunin after a brief examination. The process continued until all teams had their assignments, the randomness of the colors and placements adding to the unpredictability of the challenge ahead.
"Ready... Set... Go!" The Chunin's command was met with the thunderous sound of 44 gates opening simultaneously. The teams sprang into action, leaping from tree to tree, vanishing into the dense foliage. Minato and Kushina moved swiftly, heading towards a small river about five miles into the forest. The initial silence was broken only by the rustling leaves and their own footsteps.
Minato was busy triangulating their position on the map when a sudden noise to the west startled Kushina. She gripped her kunai tightly, her eyes darting around in search of the source.
"What the hell was that, Minato-kun?" Kushina's voice was tinged with fear.
Minato enhanced his hearing with chakra, listening intently. "It sounds like a cat... probably a gold-tipped Lix."
"A what?"
"A large, dangerous cat from the Land of Sand. They're about six feet tall and can take a man's arm off with one bite," Minato explained, returning to the map.
Their attention was abruptly diverted when a kunai whizzed past Minato's head, embedding itself in the ground. Three Cloud ninja appeared, perched on the trees at the riverbank, looking for another fight despite their battered state.
"The hell's your deal? Can't you tell when to fuck off?" Kushina shouted, her temper flaring.
"Attack!" One of the Cloud ninja commanded, and the battle began. Minato pulled out an unusual kunai with three prongs and channeled chakra into his eyes. With precision, he threw the kunai, and it struck one of the Cloud ninja in the chest, dropping him instantly. His teammates' shock was evident as they rushed to his side.
"Oh god no, Hiroshi! Hold on!" one of the Cloud ninja cried, desperation in his voice.
Seeing an opportunity, Kushina lunged, her kunai slashing the enraged Cloud ninja who charged at them. Her swift movement was enough to ensure his end. The remaining Cloud ninja, now alone and terrified, dropped his weapon.
"Stop! I... I surrender. Please, don't kill me," he begged, tears streaming down his face. Minato looked at the boy, a mix of pity and disdain in his eyes.
"Get up and go. I have no need to kill you," Minato said, his voice firm yet merciful. The boy scrambled to his feet and fled, not looking back. Kushina picked up the fallen sword, feeling a strange connection to the weapon.
With the threat neutralized, Minato and Kushina made their way towards the tower at the heart of the forest. Minato paused at the entrance, an uncharacteristic expression of uncertainty on his face.
"Thank you, Kushina. You saved my life back there," he began, his usual confidence wavering.
Kushina laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "We live together, idiot. I'm always with you."
"No, I mean... I want you to be with me. I want us to be together, as a couple. I saw what I could have lost today, and I don't want to lose that. I want a family with you," Minato confessed, his voice earnest.
Kushina's heart raced. "Minato, I... I want that too, but maybe not right now. Let's focus on surviving this first."
Minato nodded, understanding but still hopeful. Together, they entered the tower, ready to face whatever the second phase of the exams had in store.
(Chunin Exams Tower)
As soon as Minato and Kushina entered the towering structure of the Chunin Exams venue, they were greeted by a masked ANBU who materialized out of nowhere. The masked figure, clad in the standard black attire and white mask of the ANBU, spoke with a voice that was both authoritative and impersonal.
"You're the first Leaf group to arrive so far," the ANBU announced. "Your room is the VIP one over there." He gestured towards a richly decorated door at the end of a long hallway. "Once everyone else arrives or 48 hours have passed, you’ll be called for the next part of this year's exams."
Before Minato could respond, the ANBU vanished in a burst of smoke, leaving behind only a faint scent of burning incense. Minato turned to Kushina, who had been quiet since their arrival. With a warm smile, he gently pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her. The gesture was simple but reassuring, and Kushina couldn’t help but smile in gratitude.
"Thanks, Minato," she murmured, her earlier tension melting away. The warmth of his embrace and the promise of their own VIP room brought a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of the Chunin Exams.
The room designated as their VIP quarters was indeed luxurious, a stark contrast to the austere hallways outside. The space was adorned with plush cushions, intricately woven tapestries, and soft, ambient lighting that seemed to soothe the nerves. It was clear that the organizers of the exams knew how to make a good impression.
(VIP Room)
Minato and Kushina settled into the comfortable space, the tension of the exams momentarily forgotten. Minato, ever the optimist, was already strategizing their approach for the upcoming challenges. He paced the room, his mind racing with tactics and strategies, while Kushina sat on one of the cushions, her thoughts turning inward.
"Minato," Kushina said, breaking the silence, "do you ever get nervous about these exams?"
Minato paused and looked at her, a reassuring smile on his face. "Of course I do. But I try to use that nervous energy to stay sharp. It's all about focusing on the task at hand and not letting fear get in the way."
Kushina nodded, appreciating his words. "You’re always so calm and collected. It’s one of the things I admire about you."
Minato chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I have my moments of doubt too. But having someone to share this with makes it easier."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A few more teams from various villages began to arrive, each greeted with a similar brief by the ANBU. The room soon filled with the quiet hum of nervous chatter and the shuffling of feet as participants prepared themselves for the upcoming trials.
(Chunin Exams Tower: Waiting Room)
As the hours passed, the waiting room buzzed with anticipation. Teams from the Stone, Cloud, and Sand villages, among others, gathered in their respective rooms, preparing for the second phase of the exams. The sense of competition was palpable, with each team sizing up their rivals and exchanging wary glances.
Kushina and Minato took the time to observe their fellow competitors. Despite their initial apprehension, they found a sense of camaraderie among themselves. Each competitor, regardless of their village, shared the same goal: to prove their skills and earn their place as a Chunin.
The anticipation built up until the clock struck the 48-hour mark. The air was thick with expectation when a series of announcements echoed through the tower, calling all the teams to the central arena for the next phase of the exams.
(Chunin Exams Tower: Central Arena)
The central arena was a grand and imposing space, designed to test not just the skill but also the spirit of the participants. Massive platforms and obstacle courses were set up, along with various challenges that would test their endurance, intellect, and teamwork.
Minato and Kushina stood at the entrance to the arena, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Minato squeezed Kushina's hand reassuringly. "Ready for this?"
Kushina nodded, her earlier nervousness replaced by determination. "Let's show them what we’re made of."
As they stepped into the arena, the roar of the crowd and the buzz of excitement filled the air. The Chunin Exams were in full swing, and the real test was about to begin.
The third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood on the elevated platform overlooking the Chunin Exams arena, his eyes scanning the speech in his hands for the final time. The arena below was a sprawling expanse of intricate designs and obstacles, prepared meticulously to test the skills and resolve of the participating genin. His brown hair, once thick and dark, now bore the first signs of graying, a testament to the weight of his years and responsibilities. Each silver strand seemed to echo the experience and wisdom accumulated over decades of service to the village.
Beside him, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane stood in readiness, their expressions serious and vigilant. They were both veterans of the village, having witnessed many Chunin Exams and the subtle games of diplomacy and politics that accompanied them. Their presence was a reminder of the importance of these trials, not only as a measure of skill but also as a strategic maneuver in the broader context of inter-village relations.
The Chunin Exams were traditionally a way to ease tensions between the participating villages, a ceremonial gesture meant to foster camaraderie and mutual respect. However, the Hokage and his trusted advisors knew all too well that such events also held the potential for hidden threats. The arena, bustling with excitement and anticipation, was an ideal setting for an attack if any hostile factions wished to exploit the situation. The presence of foreign teams and the convergence of numerous ninja made it a prime target for those who would seek to disrupt the delicate peace.
Homura and Koharu were on high alert, their roles extending beyond mere spectatorship. They were prepared to act swiftly should the need arise, their years of experience allowing them to anticipate and respond to potential threats with precision. Their watchful eyes swept across the arena, ready to detect any signs of danger.
The first of the Chunin hopefuls began to enter the arena, their youthful faces a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the collective energy of competitors, spectators, and the ever-watchful eyes of the village’s leaders. As Hiruzen prepared to deliver his opening speech, he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down upon him. The Chunin Exams were not just a test of skill but a reflection of the village’s strength and unity.