The Cloud Over The Leaf

Hii breathed in deeply as he slowly meditated in his room.

'Today's the day. Hopefully, it won't be too bad.'

The Chuunin exams finally entered the third phase as Hii brought his mental state to the calmest he could manage.

"Haaa."

He exhaled and opened his eyes. He looked at his new tattoos and sighed.

"I will have to analyze these more closely once this is over."

Hii had many questions about his new seals, but he had to be patient.

He put his blade on his back and headed out of the room.

He walked down the hallway and found Team 7 and his own teammates waiting.

"You guys ready?"

"Hehehe! I've been ready!"

"Hmph!"

"Shaaa!! Let's do this!"

Team 7 headed out towards the exam area as Shizuka and Maka came beside Hii.

"You two okay?"

Shizuka stretched her arms and slapped Hii's back!

"I'm more than fine! I'm gonna be a Chuunin soon!"

Maka nodded her head as she silently agreed with Shizuka.

Hii smiled as he rolled his shoulders in anticipation.

"Well? What are we waiting for? Let's become Chuunin!"

The three smiled at each other as they headed to the examination room as well. ready to take on the challenge!

**************

The group came to a large opening filled with other Genin as they stood patiently.

"Wow! A lot of people passed, eh?"

Sakura was surprised as she saw the different squads all around.

Hii saw that all of his friends seemed to pass this part of the test as well.

"No way."

"Hm?"

Hii turned to Maka who had a surprised look on her face as she stared into the crowd.

"My cousin's team actually made it."

"Wait! isn't that the one you "traded" with?! Oh, this is gonna be good!"

Shizuka grew excited as Hii shook his head. 

Kenta heard Shizuka's outburst and turned towards their team. A scowl immediately came across his face as he stared daggers at Maka, who didn't even notice.

Kenta grinded his teeth in frustration while Maka didn't give him the time of day.

*Shuu*

Everyone turned towards a Leaf ninja who suddenly appeared in front of them. He looked very tired as his face looked fatigued.

"Welcome to the third stage of the Chuunin Exam! My name is-"

*Cough Cough*

He suddenly started coughing as all the young ninja watched him with some concern.

"Is he gonna be okay?"

"That doesn't sound too good. Should I check him?"

The ninja finally cleared his throat after a moment.

"...Sorry about that. My name is Hayate Gekko. Let me explain the rules of the third phase, the tournament."

Hayate began to explain the rules of the tournament while Hii paid attention to something else.

'His posture.... I think he uses a blade.'

A smile slowly crept up his face as he started to think of how he could possibly spar with the proctor.

"If anyone doesn't wish to continue the exam, you can take this chance to leave now."

""............""

The group was quiet for a moment before a few candidates raised their hands to leave, including Kabuto.

"Man, I thought he would want to keep fighting. He's so close to the end now."

"It's his decision, Naruto. We have to get ready."

"......"

Naruto was a bit sad to see Kabuto go while Hii eyed him with a hint of doubt.

As Kabuto passed Team 9, all three of the members glanced at Kabuto for a moment before ignoring him.

That was what it looked like on the surface.

'That guy got this far and quits? Seems he had another goal he achieved instead."

Hii couldn't help feeling somethin else was going on with Kabuto. but he knew he couldn't think of the solution now.'

"Since there is more people here than anticipated, we will be conducting a preliminary knockout tournament. those who pass this tournament will participate in the real trial one month from now."

The group grew excited as the end was drawing near!

'I wonder how strong the others have gotten since the last time we fought?'

"Yes! I wonder who I'll get matched with?"

"Hopefully, it's someone worthwhile."

"I wonder how they decide who fights? Is it a lottery?"

"Maybe? We'll have to see."

"Do you think we'll settle a match with Janken?"

""I doubt it.""

Hii and Maka both refuted Shizuka at the same time.

"Wow! Shot down by my best friends! At the same time!"

"Attention, everyone! We will begin with the first match momentarily! Please head over to the viewing areas if you aren't called. The screen behind me will show who is chosen."

The group soon waited for the first pairing to appear on the screen.

The screen turned on as names of everyone flickered back and forth.

"Nee-san! you gotta cheer for me when it's my turn!"

"What if we are fighting each other though?"

"Urk! Then you gotta go easy on me!"

"No way! I'm gonna kick your butt and tell Mom all about it!"

Naruto began to sweat as Shizuka laughed at the face he was making.

The two argued as the names continued to flicker.

"Those two are as carefree as usual."

Maka smiled at Hii's words as she looked over the participants.

Kenta's glare caught her eye, but she merely smiled at him. 

'He's not worth my time yet.'

"The first match has been decided!"

Everyone looked over at the screen and saw the first pair."

[Sasuke Uchiha vs Yama]

"Hmph! I guess I'm up first."

Sasuke jumped over the railing and landed on the ground swiftly.

He was eager to get this over with.

"Shoot! I have to deal with another Uchiha?! Just my luck."

Yama also jumped over the railing with a lot less pep.

Hayate looked at both participants as he held in a cough. 

*Cough*

Or tried to.

"Are you both ready?"

Both nodded their heads and got into their fighting stances.

"Begin!"

*Shuu Shuu Bang*

Both ninja ran towards each other and collided in the air!

Sasuke flipped back from the collision and started throwing shurikens at Yama!

"Woah!"

Yama quickly rolled out of the way and threw kunai at Sasuke!

*Clang Clang Swish Swish*

Sasuke reached for his own and blocked the kunai before kicking them towards Yama once more!

"Ugh"

Yama once again dodged the kunai coming towards him,  not seeing Sasuke rushing to him quickly and kicking him right in his chest!

Yama, however, didn't seem to feel the kick at all!

"?!"

"Haaa!"

*Bang*

"Ugh!"

Sasuke blocked Yama's punch, but was sent flying across the arena!

Sasuke quickly recovered and watched Yama cautiously!

Yama's muscles began to swell as his gaze grew sinister!

"Ninja Art: Berserk Rage!"

Sasuke watched with a shocked expression as Yama's bulky figure grew even bigger.

His skin grew dark while his muscles grew larger!

His clothes grew tight as his transformation completed!

"Uuuuurrrahhh!"

Momo shook her head as she looked at her teammate.

"He had to use that technique after all. He still can't control himself yet. Will he be okay?"

"He has to use it. Sasuke is on a whole other level. He can't miss this chance."

Kenta watched Sasuke with a complicated gaze. 

He respected Sasuke and his prowess, but he wanted to beat him as well.

'I am also a prodigy of the Uchiha!'

His fists clenched tightly as his gaze moved over to Maka.

'I hope I get to fight her! I will get my revenge for the scroll test!'

His hands tightened even more before he focused back on the fight.

Sasuke watched Yama calmly as he started to charge towards Sasuke!

"Ooooh!"

"!!"

*Boom*

Sasuke quickly dodged as Yama's fist crushed the floor tiles into dust!

'I can't get hit by that!'

Sasuke immediately started to form a plan as he gained distance from Yama.

"Get back here and fight!"

Yama rushed towards Sasuke while he formed hand signs!

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!:

*Fwoosh*

Sasuke shot multiple fireballs towards Yama!

Yama grinned as he just ignored the threat and rushed forward!

The flames all converged onto him, engulfing him in flames!

"Ugh!"

Yama winced in pain as he blocked the Jutsu with his arms, but he was confused!

How did the flames injure him?!

'My body is strong! How can that puny technique hurt me?!'

Once Yama got out of the flames, he found his answer.

Embedded in his tighten skin were shurikens!

Yama watched Sasuke with a bit more clarity as he pulled the shurikens out of his arm.

"Checkmate."

Yama's eyes widened as he saw Sasuke weave multiple hand signs quickly as he breathed in deep!

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb!"

*Fwoosh*

Sasuke breathed out a huge amount of flame towards Yama as he also weaved hand signs!

"Earth Style: Rock Wall!"

*Rumble*

The flames Sasuke spewed seemed to wrap around the wall, locking Yama in behind it!

"Nnnngh!!"

The heat started to rise as Yama began to sweat!

He tried to keep the wall up by pouring more Chakra into it, fighting against the flames!

Sasuke's flame grew bigger as Sasuke tried to blast the wall down with more chakra!

Yama clenched his teeth and decided to see if he could outlast the attack!

*Boom*

"Urah!!"

The wall crumbled and Yama was engulfed in flames.

He grit his teeth as he tried to outlast the flames, but time seemed to move so slowly as he felt hit consciousness grow dark.

"I...almost...got him."

Yama didn't notice that the flames started to grow lukewarm as he fell forward from exhaustion.

*************

The participants all watched as Yama fell to the floor while Sasuke tried to catch his breath.

"Winner: Sasuke Uchiha!"

"Phew!"

Sasuke smiled haggardly as he deactivated his Sharingan.

Maka nodded her head at the match.

"That was pretty good. Yama had a decent advantage, but he got caught after Sasuke injured him."

Hii nodded his head as well.

"Once he was caught off guard, Sasuke put him in a Genjutsu."

Shizuka glanced at Maka with pouted lips.

"Did you tell Sasuke that strategy? It screams you."

"Nope. Fugaku-san has been training him recently. It's showing."

Sasuke came back to the viewing area swarmed by his teammates.

"That was awesome!"

"Good job, Sasuke-kun!"

"Thanks."

"The second round will begin soon!"

The crowd grew excited as they waited for the medical ninja to carry Yama out of the arena.

Naruto became excited as he watched the names shuffle on screen.

"Come on! I wanna go next!"

Shizuka shook her head at him.

"Silly brother! Obviously I would go first!"

"Nuh-uh! It's random! I'm sure I'll go first."

Shizuka let out a wicked aura as Naruto shook his head rapidly.

Hii smiled as the two goofed off.

"The second match had been decided!"

Hii looked up to see the match-up and tilted his head.

[Shino Aburame vs. Zaku Abumi]

Hii saw Shino drop down from the viewing platform with an eager step.

"Heh! Looks like this will be easy!"

His opponent, Zaku, jumped down as well towards the opposite side of him

Hii noticed Zaku's headband was from the Sound Ninja.

'Sound Village, huh? Let's see if they're worth the time.'

Hayate looked over both of the combatants before slicing his arm down!

"Begin!"

"Hehehe! You're no match for my- whoa!"

*Swish Swish Bang*

Zaku started the fight with a taunt, but Shino was already determined to beat him without any provocation!

"What's wrong with you?!"

Zaku jumped away from Shino and glared at him.

"This is a match. I won't show my opponent any mercy."

Shino's glasses reflected light black spots started to appear on his face from his collar!

"Huh?!"

*Buzz Buzz Buzz*

Black clouds of beetles flew out of Shino's jacket and started to surround Zaku!

"Bugs?!"

""Bugs?!!""

Zaku and quite a few others were shocked to see the amount of bugs flying out of Shino.

Hii could see Naruto, Sakura, and even Ino shivering at the thought of fighting him.

'Good thing I have Lightning Release...'

Hii wasn't too concerned as he watched the clouds of insects swarm around Zaku.

"Hmph! You're as weak as an insect and you teamed up with them! Too funny!"

Zaku exclaimed as he pointed his hands towards the black cloud!

"Let me show you why you'll lose!"

Zaku began to build up chakra to his hands and prepared his arm cannons.

His body had been modified by Orochimaru and he was going to show how great he was!

"You should always keep a trump card!"

Zaku grinned sarcastically as chakra began to build up in his arms.

Shino looked up at him and stared into his eyes from his black rimmed glasses.

"You're right."

"?!"

That was all Shino said as Zaku felt something very wrong going on!

*Boom*

"Aaaaahhh!!!"

Zaku tried to find the problem, but it was too late! One of his arms exploded with chakra and broke apart!

Even his right arm flipped in the air as chakra spread out from his body!

Zaku landed on the ground as his arm flopped a distance away from him.

""......""

Silence filled the venue as everyone looked at Shino with a newfound fear.

"C-Can those insects make people explode?!"

"No, Naruto. It was just a horrible match-up."

"Eh?!"

"Look."

Shizuka pointed to Zaku's disarmed hand and focused on the tube inside of it.

"His body was modified to have tubes in it for distance attacks. It would've probably shot out wind or something of that nature. Shino's bugs, however, found a way to him before he made the big cloud and blocked them."

Shizuka shook her head as she saw the medical ninja clean up the arena.

"Don't get cocky, brother. You also have a counter type. Make sure you're on your toes. They're truly fighting to win."

*Gulp*

Naruto nodded his head as he gulped in air.

This could be a lot harder to win than he thought.

"Winner:Shino Aburame!"

Shino came back to the viewing platform with newfound respect and fear.

"G-Good job, Shino-kun!"

"Heh! Expected nothing less from you."

"...Hmm."

Shino merely hummed in response as an awkward air fell over the platform.

"....."

"....."

"....."

"The third match has been decided!"

'Thank goodness!'

Everyone became relieved when they finally started the third match.

Everyone looked over at the screen and saw the next match.

[Kenta Uchiha vs. Kankuro]

"Hmph! Let's get this over with!"

"Heh! Cocky, are we?"

The two drop down to the arena and prepare to face each other.

"Ready?"

Both nod their heads as they prepare themselves!

"Begin!"

Kankuro starts the match out by throwing a few smoke bombs towards Kenta!

*Poof Poof*

The smoke covered the arena quickly as everyone could no longer see.

*Shuu Shuu Shuu*

"Eh?! Kakashi-Sensei?!"

"Yo."

Kakashi waved at Naruto as he came behind his team.

Everyone also noticed that the teachers of the teams all appeared behind them at the same time. Only the Sound team had no ninja behind them.

"Where were you, Sensei? Sasuke already won his round!"

"Sorry. The Hokage needed us for something. It took a long time."

Kakashi looked at the smoke for a moment before lifting up his headband.

"Who's fighting?"

"Kenta and a Sand ninja named Kankuro."

Kakashi nodded his head as he stared into the smoke.

"Can you see anything, Senpai?"

Yamato asked Kakashi as he saw him staring into the smoke in silence.

Kakashi shook his head before replying.

"It's looking bad for the Uchiha kid."

Hii could see Neji and Hinata also looking at the match with grim faces.

'Kankuro seems to be pretty strong. I wonder when I'll fight him?'

Hii was eager to challenge Kankuro. He needed more experience with puppeteers after his encounter with Sasori, but Konoha severly lacked those kind of ninja.

In fact, they were nonexistent.

As Hii was pondering in his thoughts, the smoke began to clear on the ground.

Everyone could see Kenta covered in a few cuts and not looking nearly as cocky as before.

Kankuro stood on the other side with a strange three eyed puppet leaning over him.

"You should give up while you can. The poison from this puppet is pretty nasty."

"....Tch!"

Kenta could barely weave hand signs for his technique. Kankuro shook his head and flexed his finger.

"Too slow."

*Swish Swish Swish Swish*

"!!"

Kenta saw Senbon flying towards him and tried to dodge it!

*Tak Tak Tak*

"Ugh!"

He wasn't fast enough, however, as the sharp needles still stabbed into his arm.

"It's over."

Just as Kankuro spoke, Kenta felt his vision going dark as he crashed into the ground like a sack of coin.

Kankuro flexed his fingers, bringing the pieces of his puppet back together again.

*Clack Clack Clack*

The puppet rattled as it draped itself over Kankuro's shoulder as the fight ended.

"Winner: Kankuro of the Sand."

Medic ninja came in to take Kenta away as Kankuro easily made in his way back to the viewing platforms.

The air was tense as the Leaf Genin realized the Sand ninja were pretty strong.

The next match was being selected as the leftover participants grew excited and anxious.

Hii, on the other hand, felt a shiver of delight as he looked over everyone lightly.

'Everyone has been pretty strong so far. I can't wait until I get my turn!'

A smile crept up his face until he grabbed his mouth with his hand. He smoothed his face slowly as he brow furrowed.

'What was that? That felt...different.'

He glanced around him as his gaze slowly came to his arms.

'Maybe this seal is doing a bit more than I thought previously. I better be careful.'

"The fourth match has been decided."

Everyone looked over at the screen and saw the next pair.

[Dosu vs. Choji Akimichi]

"Ahh!"

Naruto's shoulders slumped as Dosu and Choji jumped down to fight.

Choji looked very nervous as Dosu eyed him with a barely visible smile.

"Begin!"

Choji quickly focused and weaved handsigns!

"Human Boulder!"

His body expanded rapidly while his head tucked into his fat.

*Rumble Rumble*

The ground shook as Choji rolled towards Dosu at high speed!

"Let's see what your made of."

He quickly dodged out of the way and revealed the strange gauntlet on his arm.

Choji turned around quickly and came at Dosu once again!

"Resonating Echo Burst!"

Dosu slapped the ground with his hand, sending a wave of sound towards Choji!

"Aaah!"

His body quickly deflated as he rolled out of control!

Dosu watched as Choji rammed into a wall, unconscious from the blast.

"Winner: Dosu from the Sound Village!"

"Heh! Thanks for the easy win."

Dosu covered his arms with his sleeves again before walking out of the arena.

Asuma sighed as he watched the medics take Choji away.

"Unfortunate. His luck was pretty bad this time."

The other teachers nodded their heads as Asuma fought the urge to pull out a cigarette.

"Hmmm. Sound can be pretty useful as well. Better study that more."

Shizuka mumbled to herself while Naruto eagerly watched for the next fight.

"The next battle has been decided!"

All the Genin became tense as they looked at the screen.

[Hinata Hyuuga vs. Momo]

"Ahhh! Again?!"

"Hehehe! Your turn is getting pushed back. I bet you'll be last."

Naruto scratched his head furiously while Shizuka grinned at his antics.

Hinata and Momo dropped down from the upper level and faced each other.

Hinata looked a bit nervous to fight, but she wasn't as nervous as Momo.

Everyone could see her shaking like a leaf.

"Um, are you ready?"

"Y-Y-Yes! Just n-nervous!"

Hinata smiled slightly as she readied her stance. She felt she could get along with his girl.

"Ready? Begin!"

Hinata eyes focused as she slowly circled the girl in her stance.

Momo eyes grew determined as she reached into her pocket and threw out a smokescreen.

"Hmm. That's a mistake."

Kurenai muttered silently as Hinata focused chakra into her eyes.

"Byakugan!"

The veins around her eyes bulged as she dashed into the smoke!

*Swish Swish Swish Bang*

Everyone heard the sounds of combat as the smoke slowly began to disperse.

Once it cleared, everyone was shocked by what they saw!

Momo hadn't been taken out yet!

Hinata continued to find an opening to attack as Momo held one of hder arms in pain.

"Wow. I thought Hinata had it already once the smokescreen was used."

Maka was surprised at the girl's luck as they watched Hinata stride forward.

Momo was surprisingly nimble as she dodged the attacks as best as she could.

"She's pretty fast, but Hinata will catch her eventually."

Maka shook her head in pity.

Momo jumped away from Hinata and tried to think of a solution.

'If I can catch her by surprise, I might have a chance!'

Momo tried to reach into her bag, but Hinata instantly dashed towards her!

'Oh no!'

Momo tried to jump back to gain more distance, but Hinata threw shurikens right where she planned to go!

Momo faltered for a moment as she tried to think of a new plan, but it was too late!

"Haaa!"

*Bang*

"Aah!"

Hinata launched a palm at her core, knocking her back a few feet!

*Cough Cough*

Momo fell to her knees as she coughed for air. She couldn't feel her chakra flowing smoothly anymore as all her chakra felt erratic and halted.

Momo tried to catch her breath, but a shadow loomed over her once she got used to the pain.

"....I give up."

Momo's eyes were shut tightly to stop the tears from flowing, but it only worked for so long.

"Winner: Hinata Hyuuga!"

Hinata sighed in relief as she watched the medics load Momo on the stretcher.

"Y-You were really fast! I hope you will become even stronger."

Momo was surprised to hear Hinata encourage her and smiled shyly.

"I-I'll show you my real skills next time."

Hii smiled watching Hinata possibly make a new friend.

"That girl was pretty interesting. Too bad she was too nervous and couldn't fight well."

Yamato frowned as he thought of the match.

"Hey, Yamato-sensei?! How did she know where Hinata was in all that smoke? I couldn't see her at all."

Yamato looked over at Kakashi.

"Should I answer him, Senpai?"

"I can handle the question. It's because of her hearing ability."

"Eh?!"

Naruto and the others were surprised by the answer!

"Everytime Hinata moved, her ears twitched slightly. You could also see it when she dodged Hinata's close range attacks."

Kakashi lectured Naruto and the others as he revealed the truth.

"Momo lost because of the shurikens. She couldn't keep calm hearing them fly towards her and froze up, giving Hinata enough time to attack."

Kurenai also added her observations, getting nods of approval from the other teachers.

"Where is their teacher, Sensei? I don't see them anywhere."

Shizuka asked Yamato as she looked around.

"I'm pretty sure it's Aoba. I don't think he's done with his briefing yet. You probably won't see him since his squad is in the infirmary now."

Guy jumped in to the conversation with a sparkling smile and a thumbs up!

"He's a cool guy full of Youth!!"

Everyone shook their heads at Guy.

"Anybody with as much youth as you should probably be avoided."

Kakashi remarked, but Guy just laughed it off.

"The fifth match has been decided."

Hayate called out to the remaining participants as the screen showed the next match.

[Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka]

"Aww yeah! It's about time!"

Naruto celebrated while Shizuka frowned.

"Tch! It's not fair. I'm older. I should go first."

Kiba dropped down from the viewing area with Akamaru in his hood.

"Alright! Let's win this, Akamaru!"

"Arf!"

Naruto jumped down to the arena with an excited grin as he popped his knuckles.

Hayate coughed a bit before he raised his hand.

"Are both participants ready?"

The two nodded as sly grins appeared on both of their faces.

"Begin!"