[A/N: I might require an editor soon. It's getting a bit hard writing and editing myself. as my chapter length has increased from 2k to 3k+ in recent chapters. This one included at 3.4k without the extra words and notes.]
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July 4th, Year 70, Near Takigakure
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"We are almost there. The ninjas from Taki will receive us at the agreed meeting point before they escort us inside their village. I hope the three of you are prepared because once you enter the village, your exam will start," Anzo-sensei said with a serious tone, and all three of us nodded in response.
I couldn't help but steal a glance at Kuro, who appeared as nonchalant as ever, but his stance betrayed a different story. Others might not realize it, but we, his team, know when he is on guard.
Kuro was always Kuro, and we understood that he was special. Only very serious scenarios could make him look like that. Did the village give Kuro some other mission on top of the Chunin exams? It seemed plausible since, for us, the Chunin Exams were nothing more than a formality. But something might be up for them to specially consider Kuro for an extra mission.
But I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. If Kuro needed help, Izumi and I would do our best to support him. We had each other's backs, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Kuro noticed my gaze and gave me an inquisitive look, to which I responded with a reassuring smile. We were a team, after all, and we knew how to communicate without saying a word.
As we neared the meeting point, Anzo-sensei spoke again, his tone more solemn than before. "My students, know this, that I am proud of each and every one of you. This Chunin exam might very well be our last mission together as a team. But regardless of the outcome, I will always be a proud teacher. I hope you all reach your full potential and shine in this dire world." His words carried weight, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and nostalgia.
Turning to face us, Sensei smiled softly, his eyes filled with warmth and encouragement. "Go, my students, spread your wings, and show the nations why they should never entertain the thought of messing with Konoha."
Sensei's heartfelt words stirred emotions within me, and for a moment, I felt my composure waver. But I quickly regained my resolve, keeping a straight face. I was grateful to my sensei and to my teammates. We had been through so much together, supporting and pushing each other to grow stronger.
I thought back to the time when I was just an orphan, uncertain of my future. It was Anzo-sensei and my teammates who had lifted me up, showing me a path filled with potential and opportunities. They believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself. And now, after this exam, I was determined to make something out of myself, to fulfill the promise I made to them and to myself.
No matter what challenges lay ahead in the Chunin exam, I knew I had the support of my team. Together, we would face whatever trials awaited us and prove our worth as Konoha shinobi.
…
…
After we arrived at the meeting point, we were greeted by a Taki Jonin and three chunin. They tried to maintain a stoic demeanor, but to our surprise, it was Kuro who cheerfully greeted them with handshakes.
That was... unusual. Kuro didn't usually do things like that without a reason. I made a mental note to ask him about it later. The Taki ninjas seemed a bit startled by Kuro's show of friendliness, but they obliged and exchanged some polite words with us. Perhaps they were being courteous because we were allied with their village.
They then led us to an underground cave system hidden behind a waterfall. The passage led to a lake, and before we knew it, we were in the heart of Takigakure. From there, they guided us to an inn reserved for the participants of the Chunin Exams.
Once inside, the Taki ninjas only said one thing, "This is where you will stay. The exam starts in two days at 10 am. Be there." Their words left us a bit puzzled, as they had failed to mention the location of the exam.
The Leading Jonin then gave Anzo-sensei a not before departing. Anzo sensei read the note in a glance before burning it up.
We were surprised at the action but Kuro only snorted in amusement before giving Anzo-sensei a smirk. While Izumi and I looked confused as what the Jonin said seemed to miss some information.
Izumi cautiously asked Anzo-sensei, "Umm, sensei, they gave us the date and time, but not the location." She tried to read Anzo-sensei's expression, but he was a skilled elite and showed no sign of emotion.
He simply replied, "Well, kids, this is where I leave you three. Apparently, the young village head has requested all Jonin senseis to stay at another inn near the village head's residence. He doesn't want the participants to receive much help from their senseis. So, if things go south… see you all in a few days during the second exam. Enjoy."
And just like that, with a flicker of leaves, Anzo-sensei disappeared, leaving both me and Izumi stunned by his sudden departure. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.
"Well, that was unexpected," I remarked, still trying to process what had just happened.
Izumi nodded, looking a bit lost. "Yeah, I thought he would stay with us until the exam started..."
"I can't believe that man! Leaving us like this without any proper instruction," Izumi said with a frown before turning to Kuro. "You look unperturbed, Kuro-kun... did you already figure out what he was trying to say?"
I gazed at Kuro as well, intrigued by the possibility that Sensei had left us hints within his words. Kuro, always the perceptive one, must have deciphered it by now. I was curious to hear his thoughts on the matter.
Kuro yawned lazily before replying, "Well, isn't it obvious? Anzo-sensei even gave such an easy hint. I guess this is just Chunin level after all. But it doesn't really matter; If it's easy then we won't have to do too much… and I have already figured it out. Let's just go into the inn and take some rest."
Izumi spoke softly, ensuring no one could eavesdrop, as other examinees were scattered around us, also left behind by their Jonin senseis. "So the exam has already started?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
Kuro's smile confirmed Izumi's assumption, and it seemed to please him. He didn't give a direct answer but simply turned and walked inside the inn, signaling for us to follow.
…
…
Once we got our rooms, Kuro ushered us inside his. As soon as we entered, he set up a few dozen seals before exhaling in relief and slumping down on the bed.
"Wew, I can't believe the first task will be this easy," Kuro said, trying to relax.
"You know, Kuro, I haven't completely figured it out yet... From Sensei's wording, the only thing I realized is that the first test has already begun, and we have 2 days to finish it. I believe the end goal is to find the location of the second test. So this is an information gathering task, but we still have to find the location…" I said, contemplating the scenario.
"Bingo was his name-o. You're almost right, my fair-haired friend. But you missed a few details, we actually have a fair idea of the location as well." Kuro said with a lazy smirk, inspecting his Wakizashi.
"What do you mean, Kuro-kun? Was there any other clue?" Izumi asked, looking thoughtful as she tried to find more hints.
"Well, my troublesome Uchiha teammate, there are indeed some clues that Kabuto missed," Kuro said with a smirk, still examining his weapon. "I actually thought you two would want to figure it out yourselves, but no matter. The first exam has already started, as both of you have already guessed. But did you uncover all the clues that led to this discovery? Or are you simply basing it on the fact that sensei said he will meet us at the second test?"
I pondered for a moment before responding, "I just assumed the first exam had started because Sensei said he would see us during the second exam in a few days."
"And is that enough to conclude the first exam has started and know its content?" Kuro asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course not. It's because those Taki ninjas only gave us a date and time but no location," Izumi interjected.
"Indeed, but that only confirms that we need to figure out the location, which can be considered under information gathering, a basic skill that all ninjas must have. So why does that make it important enough to be considered the first exam?" I pondered, trying to make sense of the situation. Izumi fell silent, deep in thought, and I couldn't find any more clues either.
Kuro wiped the blade of his Wakizashi as he continued, "You must have realized that the village is quite small and well hidden, yes?" We both nodded in agreement. "And usually, Chunin exams are held in such a way that they do not disrupt the peace in the village. So why would Taki make such an exam, where they are basically giving us clues... No! Telling us to go ask around the village, bothering its citizens?" he questioned.
I offered a possible answer, "Maybe they expect us to find out from the ninjas instead?"
"Perhaps, but that still isn't the full picture, now, is it? What if the village ordered its ninjas to keep their mouths shut and not disclose any information? What are you to do then? Kidnap them? Torture them for info? Bribe the ninjas?" Kuro's slight smirk made it clear that he was testing us.
Izumi and I remained silent, realizing the tricky situation.
"Don't worry, my friends, because that's exactly what they want us to do. They want us to gather information but be discreet about it, and if we are caught by the Ninjas that are keeping peace or apply the wrong measures that crosses the limit of our allowed actions, we are probably going to be packing our bags to go back home, which I am expecting most of the contestants to do," Kuro said with a knowing smile, as he inspected his blade.
"But you have already figured out the location... You have, haven't you?" Izumi asked with a hopeful smile.
"I was getting there," Kuro chuckled before sheathing his sword. "Look at it this way. I believe you have noticed that all the teams arrived at the inn at almost the same time, even though none of us were escorted here by the same party or from the same location. But you might have also noticed there was only one entrance to the village from the lake's side," he said in a knowing tone.
We both nodded at that. Indeed, we all arrived at the inn at almost the same time, but none of us met the other teams during our travel here. Is he trying to say that all of us came from the same cave system and never met any of the other parties?
Kuro didn't dwell on that information and continued his explanation, "Now there are many ways to find this location. One of them is obviously the way I stated above, by asking around the village or by extorting the Taki ninjas. But of course, we cannot get caught doing so. I am pretty sure there are plants all over the village who will 'let loose the location' during conversations or whatever. Because if not, it might become a super spy mission, way too difficult for mere Genins. But I am pretty sure this is even easier than that. After all, all senseis were given a note, if you recall."
And of course, we remembered. It was what sensei said that got us confused.
Kuro laughed and said, "Sensei said that the Jonin senseis are staying near the village chief's house, and the chief didn't want them to help us much. He also stated that 'if' things go south, then he will see us at the second test. If you still don't understand, his wording literally meant, come near the village chief's house, find me, and ask for the location."
Izumi and I stared at him in disbelief. It can't be that simple.
"It is that simple," Kuro said while shrugging as if he could read our thoughts.
"But Kuro-kun, Sensei said that the village chief didn't want him to help us," Izumi asked a bit concerned.
"No, he said the village chief didn't want them to help much. Not help us at all. But I digress, that's the easiest way to learn the location. But even without it, I have already found the location of the second test. So we can just stay here and nap, well I can nap, you guys can go around and sightsee," Kuro answered with a yawn.
"But… Kuro, how do you know the location already without asking sensei?" I asked curiously.
"Well… easy, I didn't bring up Taki being a small and secure village just to make a point… Well, I did. But the main point is, did you see any place inside the village where an exam like the Chunin exam can be held?" he asked with a lazy grin.
I shook my head, "I haven't surveyed the village yet, but there are mountainous regions on the outskirts… maybe they can arrange something there?" I gave him my thought.
"Indeed. You're thinking in the right direction. But did you already forget the route we took to get inside the village?" Kuro asked with a knowing smirk.
"You mean the cave system? Well, the Taki Jonin did say the cave system was like a maze and if they didn't escort us, we are most likely to get lost. The underwater caves branch in all directions. They said people can get lost for weeks in the caves. You don't think they will make us do something in a cave, do you?" Izumi asked, surprised.
"I know it sounds very simple… But honestly, this exam is for Genins to prove themselves. And no matter what… New Chunins aren't really that accomplished, to be fair. So, the exams need to be straightforward. The second exam is probably a survival test, and will have us do some task while staying alive or something," Kuro shrugged, making Izumi sigh.
"I feel like we are cheating…" Izumi said softly.
I tried to comfort her by saying, "We are of similar age if not younger than most of the examinees. So you don't have to feel like that. But Kuro… Are you sure the exam will be held in the underground cave system? I mean, you didn't really have much basis to confirm that," I said while still thinking about the implications.
"Well, of course, we can just confirm from sensei, or you can just learn it from the examiners themselves," Kuro shrugged but had a devious grin on his face, and I realized what he did.
With a matching grin, I asked, "When did you place them?"
"Remember I insisted on shaking hands with our escorts?" He asked, the grin lingering on his face.
Now I realized why Kuro went out of character trying to act friendly with random people.
Izumi seemed to have understood what we were talking about and asked in horror, "You put listening seals on them? What if they find out?"
"I would never!" Kuro said dramatically before continuing with a grin, "I also put a tracker seal, a Flying Thunder God seal, and a pulse monitoring seal on him." Kuro finished innocently.
I could only give an awkward chuckle at that… Give it to Kuro… for doing something like that…
"And don't worry about them finding out about the seals, you know how Aunt Kushina and I have developed the disappearing seal technique. Now I can use it on most of my seals. No one can see a thing unless I inject my own chakra in it."
Izumi just surrendered her hands and decided not to dwell on it.
"So, shall we go talk to sensei? We can do some sightseeing and shopping after that," Izumi proposed, seemingly having forgotten her earlier concern.
"Do we even need to go to sensei? I already know the location and everything? And sightseeing seems troublesome…" Kuro groaned.
Izumi gave him a small smile and asked, "But, Sensei doesn't know that we know, right?"
"I'm pretty sure that old monkey knows. But if you want, we can go meet sensei. I might get something good to eat and buy some souvenirs for the kids while at it," Kuro said softly before standing from his bed.
I smiled and nodded at the decision.
"Yeah, I better buy some things for the kids at the orphanage as well," I said with a smile.
Well… I didn't think that the first task of the Chunin exam would end just like that… But I guess having a teammate like Kuro, I should have expected that…
I tried to analyze and think about what I would have done if Kuro wasn't here and solve the whole thing in a few minutes, and I dreaded the fact that it would have taken me more than a few hours to even understand the clue of asking Sensei…
I looked forward to Kuro's back as he asked for suggestions from Izumi about his gifts for his siblings… I wish I could always stare at this sight… I really don't want our team to dissolve after we become Chunins…
The three of us have grown much closer during the time we spent together, trained together, and went on missions together. I can proudly say that I see Kuro as my closest friend. My best friend… I may not be his, as that place belongs to one Uchiha Izuna. Though I know Kuro considers me as one of his closest friends.
I am glad that I was put in this team. And want to continue with my friends…
But I knew that it's hardly possible… We all knew. Kuro may act nonchalant all the time, but I know he thinks of us as his close friends. Though he would take cloud watching any day over going on missions or training. And Izumi wants to stay close to him, I am sure she wants the team to stay together as much as me.
But… It won't matter. After all, even if we aren't in the same team, we will stay friends, and I know where to find them if I want to. I smiled at the thought.
Kuro is really important to the village, even Izumi and I, who haven't seen all he can do, know that Kuro is special, way more special than us who are called geniuses…
He has his calling. He will one day bring us to prosperity, that I am sure.
Izumi will probably become one of the elite Jonins of our village and lead the next generation just like Anzo-sensei… And I have my own calling.
I took out a picture from my satchel. A picture of me and Kuro at the orphanage surrounded by all the children and my mother. Kuro looks so annoyed trying to balance three kids on his arms and shoulders. I chuckled softly at the picture. Kuro had quite the disposition that attracted kids to like him… Sensei calls it his big brother aura. And I agree.
I smiled at the thought, even though I was older than Kuro, I noticed his subtle acts that a big brother would do for his siblings. His periodic show of concern, his stern guidance, and even his encouraging smile.
I smiled at the thought as I made sure not to fall too far behind my team. I carefully put away the picture and took out a small scroll. It was the list of requirements from Lady Tsunade herself. These were the things I needed to achieve before I could officially become her disciple. And third on the list was becoming a Chunin before the age of 15.
I held the scroll with determination, my heart set on passing this test and learning from the best medical ninja. I wanted to serve my village alongside my best friend, so I would be able to share some of his burdens…
It was then I heard Kuro's call, "Oi, Kabuto, stop daydreaming. We are going into that store; the old lady said it sells herbs of all kinds. You coming?"
"But of course," I said with enthusiasm and jogged towards my teammates, a smile adorning my face. I won't fall behind Kuro. I promise to work hard and achieve my goals.
One day you will be the leading light guiding all of us, and I shall be by your side, supporting you with my meagre skills.
My resolve to become a Chunin burned brighter than ever before.
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…
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Another Kabuto chapter, and a look into the young boy's mind, who is living a whole different life than his counterpart in canon. He has a family, he has teammates he can depend on, and he has a friend in Kuro, whom he wants to follow and support. It may be his young mind's wishful thinking or a vision of a dreamer, but Kabuto might believe in Kuro's future prosperity more than Kuro himself.
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