Mikoto, "We are here to talk about a few things concerning Sasuke and Naruto."
Fugaku, "Children for one. The wedding date for another. Will it be after you become Jounin or after you reach a certain age?"
Mikoto nodded, "If you wish to have children talk to us. We know a few trustworthy women who will happily become surrogate for you."
Sasuke nodded, "Thank you but I will think about it after I turn twenty or become a Jounin."
Naruto, "Me too. I want to be able to provide for my kid, the same way that nee - chan provided for me."
Tanna, "You will do just fine Naruto - kun, you are already making plans for it so I know you will be a great father. Both of you."
The two boys smiled at that, having surrogates was nothing new to the clans, as many clansmen who were interested in the same gender would go for surrogacy among the civilians. No one stopped it as it was a more guaranteed way for the children to have at least one living parent if the shinobi died on the field. Plus the civilian would get amenities and privileges that most of the shinobi clan enjoyed which were free security, escort and safety. Tanna received it thanks to being Naruto's adoptive sister and caretaker though being friends with the clan ladies also helped. Sometimes she wonders about this world and it's people, how normal yet fantastical their lives can be.
The talk went on for hours with Mikoto taking out brochures for colours that would be suitable for weddings especially for two men instead of a man and woman. Tanna looked at the many brochures that her friend took out and wondered how long she had been planning this actually. Tanna looked at the beaming expression on Mikoto's face and had no doubt she had been planning for a few years now. Well, she looked happy to plan and Naruto looked just as interested in the proceedings, then again Naruto did have a knack for planning thanks to his previous pranking habits. A few days later Naruto came home with a form in his hand that had Chunnin application written on it.
Naruto, "Nee - chan, Kaka - Sensei wants us to take part in the Chunnin exams."
Tanna, "Aren't you just one year into being a Shinobi? Would you even qualify experience wise?"
Naruto, "Well, according to Sensei we have done more than enough missions to qualify and the other teams barely qualified the least requirements."
Tanna, "Huh! Guess he really is pushing you three a lot then."
Naruto, "Mnn... He is still the really weird Nii - san except for when he is being a Sensei."
Tanna, "He is an ex - ANBU captain for a reason Naru - tan. Also your batch has been the most successful and living batch so far."
Naruto nodded, "That is true. I still remember those days where we had to say goodbye to the Genin who were killed during the mission. I think that drove home the reality for many of us."
Tanna sighed at one of the saddest moments and memories, "It was part of the desensitization process. Shinobi face death no matter they are young or old. Taking part in funerals provided two important things, to realize the reality of danger and to respect those who gave their lives for the future."
Naruto, "Mnn... Nee - chan, what do you think? Should I go for it? To become a Chunnin means more responsibilities and less time spent together."
Tanna hugged him, "Hey now baby bro, if spending time together is what you are worried about then we can come up with a plan for it. Do not fret too much. What is important is do you wish to take part in this exam or not? Remember Chunnin have the right to decline accepting the title unlike Jounin and ANBU."
Naruto, "I just don't want to disappoint anyone."
Tanna, "You are afraid you will disappoint your mom and dad."
Naruto, " .... "
Tanna, "I understand, they are amazing, aren't they? But Naruto do you not realize?"
Naruto, "Realize what nee - chan?"
Tanna squeezed his shoulder, "Your mom and dad, they are your parents and they love you. They love you so much they gave up their lives for you so you can live on. So do not stop yourself from trying your best wondering if they would be proud or not."
Naruto murmured, "Nee - chan... "
Tanna, "This life is your life. They gave you a chance to live and find happiness. Do not waste it on what ifs. It has never helped anyone to wonder about it except provide entertainment."
Naruto leaned on her, "I hear you nee - chan, I will take part. Oh yeah, I saw your new draft earlier, it looks good. Star Wars you call it."
Tanna, "Yes, Star Trek is what I think one of the futures for our world might be. Star Wars is another, both are based on different genres and choices."
Naruto, "Adventure and War are two very drastically different topics nee - chan."
Tanna, "And yet people are interested in it."
Naruto, "Tell me about it."
Tanna, "Sure, I wrote three books for it. Then another three to explain the past of the mentors. After that it with be the third generation which will have another three books. So it will be a total of nine books."
Naruto blinked, "Nee - chan, that's a big task."
Tanna, "Relax I already have the summary of the books ready. I just need to work on novelising it."
The next day Naruto approached Kakashi only to meet Sasuke and Sakura with their own filled up forms. It looks like they had made a decision after talking with their own family and friends. Naruto was happy in a way he would be taking part with his team in this Chunnin exams though he could have done without Iruka Sensei testing them. He was not fooling him with that disguise, as a prankster Naruto had become very apt in seeing through disguises and recognizing people. Sakura and Sasuke had to face him too apparently and Naruto half wondered if it is a thing for the adults, it kinda seemed funny in a way.
Naruto, "Wait, this says the fifth floor of the Academy."
Sasuke, "Huh, we are heading back to the Academy anyway."
Sakura, "Kuroda - kun and his team are participating too. They are excited as they are one of the ones who qualified by the teeth."
Naruto, "Yeah, Hayate - Sensei is another overprotective man, huh?"
Sakura chuckled, "Yup, I am glad in a way though. They are safe at least."
Sasuke, "I think we might have a written exam as part of the Chunnin exams."
Naruto groaned, "Yeah good point. I should start reviewing stuff. Nee - chan has a lot of notes that she collected about economics and shinobi stuff."
Sakura, "How about we have a study sleep over? I collected a lot of notes on medical stuff."
Sasuke, "I can bring my Dad's notes on the law and regulations of the village and the Fire country. He collected a lot of it."
Naruto, "Great, we have a plan. The exam is in three days so we can have a super cram night where we cram the notes. I will talk to nee - chan if we can use the lounge for it."
The plans made the three of them separated for the day and headed to their respective homes to collect the items. Naruto told Tanna their plan to study together and Tanna agreed easily to let them use the lounge to study together. But when Sakura and Sasuke returned they were followed by other teams who wanted to study alongside them as well. Tanna let them inside and they settled in while she took out more blankets and pillows for them to use. Looking around at the young shinobi in her home Tanna had a funny epiphany, she had more shinobi friends then civilian ones. The teachers at the Academy did not count as most of them were married to shinobi.
The next few days were spent with the different teams coming up with ideas and learning everything they could get their hands on literally. The girls would always drift to one of the corners of the lounge to talk about the exam and what they will have to do in order to tackle it. This went on till the Chunnin exam date when they left for their homes to get new outfits for the exam which would be for a few days. Tanna wished them luck and Team seven found themselves outside the Academy ready to take on the exam and met Kakashi - Sensei. The silver haired man was literally beaming at them very proudly and ruffled their hair getting squeaks and indignant shouts.
Kakashi, "I am glad you three decided to take the exam. Whether you get the promotion or not I have no doubt this exam will provide a good experience."
Naruto, "It will be a good experience yeah."
Sasuke, "Yeah, though getting a promotion would be nice on one hand. However on the other hand we will be more busy and have more responsibilities."
Sakura, "The results will be very interesting if you ask me."
Kakashi, "Go on in then. The rest should be here soon."
The three shinobi nodded and headed to the top floor though they were curious about the commotion in the third floor. Naruto wanted to investigate but Sakura reminded him they promised the other teams they would meet them up top. Despite the curiosity Naruto agreed with her, they could investigate later or better yet send their clones to investigate what was happening. Sasuke however said it was unnecessary, his sharingan out and whispered they were already weeding out the weaker ones. Naruto stared at the group from the fourth floor then shook his head, the rules said fifth floor, if they could not even count then, they kinda deserved to be kicked out.
Sakura, "Here we are, this is the room."
Naruto, "Nice, let's go in."
Sasuke, "I wonder if the rest of the class is here."
Naruto, "If would be nice if they were."
Ino, "Sakura - chan!"
Sakura, "That answers the question. Ino - chan, Hinata - chan."
Hinata smiled, "Hello Sakura - chan. Do you remember Tenten - sempai?"
Sakura nodded, "Yes, she was the kunoichi of the year before us. You defeated the boys in shuriken, kunai and jutsu tests. I do remember we interacted a bit before."
Tenten smiled kindly, "Yes, we have and I have heard a lot about you lately, Sakura - chan. You had very interesting C - ranks that turned into higher ranks."
Sakura made a face, "People need to learn to be honest about some things like mission level. We got lucky so far to get out alive but we could do without the trauma."
Ino gave her a side hug, "Come on sit with us, Sakura - chan. We still have time till the exam begins."
Naruto, "Shikamaru - kun, Chouji - kun, Kiba - kun, Shino - kun, ready to tackle the exam?"
Shino nodded, "Yes, my bugs have been buzzing excitedly to show everyone who the Queen hive is."
Shikamaru sighed, "Troublesome. By the way, the Suna team you mentioned is in the dark corner."
Kiba, "They keep staring in your direction, more specifically the red head keeps staring at you."
Chouji, "He looks murderous."
Shino, "My bugs do not like the aura around him."
Naruto sighed remembering the run in they had with the Suna team right after Kakashi had given them the Chunnin forms. Naruto had been heading home to tell his nee - chan when he heard Konohamaru shout at someone. Naruto got curious and went to check what was happening only to find a Suna nin holding the young boy. Sakura had joined him at that moment took one look and promptly ordered the Suna nin to let go of the Sandaime's grandson. The shinobi had tched and let Konohamaru go only for the boy to hide behind the two of them and glare cutely at the Suna nin. Naruto focused back on the situation and Sakura was asking why they were here only for the kunoichi beside the shinobi to answer.
Sasuke joined them at that point and pointed out that attacking a civilian is grounds for failure. At that point another shinobi appeared and Naruto coul have sworn up and down he met the new red head shinobi before. He felt familiar though the blond knew that they have never met, it made him feel very uneasy as he felt his seal getting warm. His nee - chan had over the years encouraged his pranking habits saying it was good training for the future to learn to collect information. On one of these collecting stunts he had learned about the Uzumakis who came to Konoha, Uzumaki Mito and Uzumaki Kushina.
Of course his sweet obaasan also informed him about his mom and her status as the Jinchuriki of Konoha. What they did not say was Jinchurikis could easily sense the presence of other Jinchurikis. It was one of the lesser known facts about them and now Naruto was wary, he was not sure how to act around the red head who looked very hostile towards him. It made the hairs on his neck stand up, he half wondered if the red head was even okay to begin with. He had read about how Jinchurikis are treated a lot of the time and honestly he would not be surprised if he would have been treated in a similar manner if his nee - chan had not found and adopted him.
Sasuke, "That red head is staring at Naruto again."
Kuroda, "The Suna shinobi you mean. Yeah, you told us about him. Tanna - san looked worried though she did not say anything about it."
Shin, "Do not worry we will watch out for him."
Sai, "Your little wife will be safe."
Sasuke twitched, "Husband Sai, we are both males not females. Two females getting married are called wives."
Sai, "Potato potato. Same difference don't you think?"
Sasuke sighed, "Sometimes I really can't with you."
Ibiki walked in, "Alright you maggots. That is enough loitering around."
The shinobi participants scattered to find their assigned seats the moment Ibiki told them about the written exam. Naruto could not help the cold sweat on his neck as he realized he was sitting right in front of the red head Jinchuriki. He could only hope that a fight did not break out in the middle of the exam, that would end up with them all failing and not to forget it would become an international incident. If Naruto could he would change his seat, beside him was Shino who asked if he was alright. Naruto moved his head to motion behind them and Shino understood the reason without going into detail.
Tanna on the other hand was enjoying the day off, "A pork ramen with sliced cucumbers on the side please Teuchi - san."
Teuchi, "Of course Tanna - chan. Coming right up."
Ayame, "Tanna - san, good day."
Tanna smiled, "Good day to you too Ayame - chan. How are you doing?"
Ayame, "It has been great. Your lessons on accounting and ledger really helped balance the cost and profit of our ramen shop."
Tanna, "No problem but I get the feeling you would have figured things out. You are very passionate about your ramen after all."
Ayame, "It would have taken years that way so I am not complaining for learning early."
Tanna, "I heard you were planning on creating a spicy and sweet ramen. How is that coming?"
Ayame drooped, "I am still trying to balance the flavour out. Sometimes the spicy takes over every flavour and other times it is too sweet."
Tanna, "Ah! That sounds like a lot of work to balance the taste. But knowing you, I have no doubt you will come up with the perfect one."
Ayame grinned, "I hope so Sensei."
Teuchi, "One pork ramen coming up for you Tanna - chan. I hear Naruto - kun and the rest are taking part in the Chunnin exams."
Tanna, "They are, they even had a study sleepover the last few days and nights."
Teuchi, "Ooh! Sounds like they prepared well for the exams. Will we get new Chunnin I wonder?"
Tanna, "Hard to say, the kids are reluctant to become Chunnin due to the more responsibilities being added and Genin teams getting dissolved most of the time."
Ayame, "Oh yeah! Most Chunnin are actually teaming up with others. They hardly team up with old Genin members. I wonder why?"
Tanna, "It is to mostly encourage independent growth, relations with other shinobi and increasing the team work of the villa shinobi as one big team. They are still reluctant to do that. It is a big change after all."
Tanna placed the empty bowl down, "Thank you for the ramen Teuchi - san. I will see you around Ayame - chan."
Tanna went out to the streets where the kids who were still in the Academy were running around playing games. Tanna smiled as she walked to the park and took out papers from her bag, she was planning on finishing the Star Wars story. Well at least the one with Anakin as the main hero, she would write the one with Padma as the main heroine at a later date. Tanna had been obssesed with Star Trek and Star Wars as a child and then with Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. She half wondered if she should introduce magic first but decided to make that decision later on, it's not like she was desperate for money anyway.
Himeko, "Tanna - chan, I thought that was you."
Tanna smiled, "Himeko - san, I thought there were more bumblebees around here."
Himeko, "My hive adores you."
Tanna opened a small container, "You mean, they love the fruit jam I make."
Himeko chuckled, "Yes, they adore you. If you were not here then we would not have this sweet jam."
Tanna, "You say the sweetest things Himeko - chan. Sit beside me, the shade is nice."
Himeko, "Thank you dear. Are you writing something right now?"
Tanna, "I have been working on a new storyline for children. Although I am not sure which one to send first. One is based on a magical world and the other is similar to Star Trek."
Himeko, "They both sound absolutely delightful. A magical world? I am very curious about it now."
Tanna, "It's still up for debate which one I want to publish first."
Himeko hummed, "Either way I look forward to it. I do wonder how the kids are doing."
Tanna hummed, "They will not be back till next week. It is going to be really quiet without them around at home."
Himeko chuckled, "Shino - kun really enjoyed the time spent at your place studying together."
Tanna, "I am glad. I was not expecting a big group but it was fun having them around. We ordered food on the first night. The second night I made different types of pizzas and burgers for everyone. Third night they wanted to learn how to make pizza and I showed them how."
Himeko, "They really like you Tanna - Sensei. They, well Shino - kun told us all about it after he returned to the clan compound."
Tanna, "They are sweet and kind kids and I have high hopes for them. Naruto and his team won against an S - rank nin and instead of bragging about it he felt sadness and compassion for the fallen warrior."
Himeko, "Ah! He is like his parents. They hated war and killing too. They never boasted about killing and defeating their opponents though we suspected they cried from the tear tracks on their faces."
Tanna stared at her hands, "I hope he never ever changes who he is for anything or anyone. This world needs more emphatic people."
Naruto, 'Finished with the written exam. I can still feel the stares.'
Naruto looked around and saw the other shinobi get caught and taken out by the invigilators who ignored their protests. The blond sat up ignoring the stares that were boring holes into his head and waited for the timer to hit the end. He noticed Sasuke was still writing while Sakura, Shikamaru and Kuroda had finished the papers. Shino finished next and a few benches ahead of him a silver haired shinobi sat up as well, Naruto recalls him from the time they had missions at the hospital. Ibiki called for their attention as the timer went off and Naruto looked at the man with scars.