The sun had started its descent toward the horizon when Naruto received the message. A small bird, one of Tsunade's messenger summons, landed on his windowsill with a scroll tied to its leg.
Training Ground Seven. Sunset. Everyone. T
Short, direct, and unmistakably Tsunade.
Naruto grabbed his jacket and headed out, curiosity burning in his chest. Tsunade rarely summoned everyone together unless it was urgent, and with the Chunin Exams only days away, this had to be significant.
When he arrived at Training Ground Seven, he found he wasn't the first. Sakura was near the center of the clearing, arms crossed, looking thoughtful. Hinata was sitting on a fallen log, hands folded in her lap, her Byakugan flickering briefly as she sensed his approach. Ino was leaning against a tree, examining her nails with a practiced boredom that didn't quite hide her state of alert.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata smiled as he approached.
"Hey everyone!" Naruto greeted. "Does anyone know what this is about?"
"Tsunade-sama's orders," said Sakura. "She told me to be here at sunset. She insisted it was important."
"Same here," confirmed Ino. "Though she didn't give me any details."
"Kurenai-sensei told me to come," added Hinata quietly.
As if summoned by the mention of her name, Kurenai emerged from the tree line, followed by Anko, who looked fully recovered and vibrating with energy. Behind them, Tsunade walked with her characteristic confidence, hands in her pockets.
"Alright, everyone is here," said Tsunade, scanning the group. "Let's get started."
"Start with what, Granny?" asked Naruto.
"With making sure you idiots don't get yourselves killed in the Chunin Exams," Tsunade replied bluntly.
The casual atmosphere evaporated instantly.
"Killed?" Sakura straightened up. "Tsunade-sama, what exactly do you expect to happen?"
Tsunade's expression turned severe. "The Chunin Exams aren't just a test of skill. They are a demonstration of power between villages. Each participating nation sends its best genin, and those genin are expected to show the strength of their home."
"We know that," said Ino. "It's part of why the exams are so important."
"What you don't know," interrupted Anko, her tone unusually serious, "is that people die in these exams. Every year. It's not common, but it happens."
"Especially in the second phase," added Kurenai. "The Forest of Death has earned its name. It is a survival exercise where teams compete for limited resources while dealing with the natural dangers of the forest and facing each other."
Hinata's hands tightened in her lap. "How many people usually die?"
"It varies," said Tsunade. "Some years, none. Other years, several. It depends on the participants and the circumstances."
"That is why we are here," said Anko, cracking her knuckles. "To make sure you are prepared for what's coming."
"But first," said Tsunade, her golden eyes scanning the group, "we need to discuss the threats you will face."
"Threats?" asked Naruto. "You mean other teams?"
"Specific teams," confirmed Tsunade. "Naruto, you met someone today. A girl from the Sand Village. Blonde, carries a giant fan."
"Temari," said Naruto immediately. "Yeah, I met her at the weapon shop. She seemed okay, actually. Serious, but not hostile."
"She also warned you about her brother," said Tsunade. "Gaara of the Sand."
The name hung in the air.
"She did," confirmed Naruto. "She said he was dangerous. Really dangerous. She seemed afraid of him."
"With good reason," said Kurenai quietly. "We were investigating the contestants from other villages at Tsunade-sama's request, and the intelligence reports regarding Gaara are disturbing. He has a sand spirit inside him. He is someone like you, Naruto."
Naruto's eyes went wide. "Does he have a Tailed Beast?"
"We think so," confirmed Kurenai. "But unlike you, Gaara has a very different relationship with his beast."
"What do you mean?"
"You control the Kyuubi's power through the Falna," explained Tsunade. "It is contained. Gaara doesn't have that control. His beast influences him constantly, and from what we understand, he is deeply unstable."
"How unstable?" asked Sakura.
Anko's expression darkened. "He kills people. For fun. His own people are afraid of him."
The clearing went silent.
"If he has a beast inside him like me," said Naruto slowly, "then maybe he is just lonely. Maybe no one has tried to understand him."
"Naruto-kun," said Hinata softly, "that is very kind of you, but Kurenai-sensei is right. Gaara is dangerous. His sister wouldn't have warned you if there was any doubt."
"I'm not saying we should be friends with him," clarified Naruto. "I'm just saying maybe there is more to the story."
"There probably is," agreed Tsunade. "But that doesn't change the fact that he is a threat during the exams. If you encounter him, you need to be extremely careful."
"What about his team?" asked Ino. "Are the other two dangerous as well?"
"Temari and Kankuro," said Kurenai. "Both are skilled, but they aren't the main concern. They seem more... normal. But they follow Gaara's lead, probably out of fear."
"So we avoid Gaara if possible," said Sakura, processing the information. "What else should we know?"
"The Sound Village," stated Anko. "They are new, participating for the first time. I don't trust them."
"Why not?" asked Naruto.
"Because I know how new villages operate," replied Anko. "They have something to prove. They will be aggressive, willing to take risks that established villages wouldn't take."
"We need everyone to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, someone who seems out of place or behaves strangely, report it immediately."
"This is sounding less like a test and more like a battlefield," observed Sakura.
"Because it is," stated Tsunade. "The Chunin Exams are a battlefield, just one with rules and supervision. But those rules can be bent, and supervision can fail."
"So, what do we do?" asked Naruto. "How do we prepare for something like that?"
"By being smart," said Anko. "By working together. And remembering that surviving is more important than winning."
"Anko is right," said Kurenai. "Your first priority is to stay alive. Your second is to protect your teammates. Advancing to Chunin is a distant third."
"But we want to advance," protested Ino. "That is the whole point!"
"And you can," said Tsunade. "But not at the cost of your lives. Understood?"
The group exchanged glances and nodded.
"Good," said Tsunade. "Now, let's talk strategy. The first phase is a written test."
"Written?" groaned Naruto. "I'm terrible at written tests!"
"That is why you need to listen," scolded Sakura. "Tsunade-sama, what kind of questions should we expect?"
"The test itself is designed to evaluate information gathering under pressure," explained Tsunade. "The questions will be hard, probably beyond genin level. The real test is if you can gather answers without getting caught."
"So it's a cheating test," realized Ino. "You want us to cheat?"
"We want you to acquire information covertly," corrected Kurenai. "Ninja work involves intelligence gathering. This tests that skill."
"What if we get caught?" asked Hinata.
"You will be disqualified," said Tsunade. "Along with your entire team. So if you are going to gather info, do it right."
"What about those of us who can actually answer the questions?" asked Sakura.
"Then answer them," said Tsunade simply. "But be prepared to help your teammates if necessary."
"The Byakugan could be useful," murmured Hinata. "I could see other people's answers."
"And my Mind Transfer," added Ino. "I could literally enter someone's head."
"Both are good strategies," confirmed Kurenai. "But you need to be subtle. The proctors will be watching for cheating. If they catch you, it's over."
"What about the second phase?" asked Naruto. "The Forest of Death?"
"Survival exercise," said Anko with a sharp grin. "I should know, I'm one of the proctors for that phase."
"You are?" asked Naruto, surprised.
"I am," she confirmed. "Which means I can't give you specific details about the test. That would be cheating. But I can tell you this: the forest is dangerous. Really dangerous. There are creatures in there that can kill you, there are traps, and there are other teams that will absolutely try to eliminate you."
"Eliminate," repeated Sakura. "As in kill?"
"As in doing whatever is necessary to get the objective and survive," said Anko. "Some teams will try to avoid conflict. Others will actively hunt competitors. You need to be prepared for both."
"The key to the second phase is resource management," said Kurenai. "Food, water, medical supplies, and chakra. You will be in that forest for days. If you run out early, you won't make it to the end."
"Days?" Ino's eyes went wide. "How many days?"
"That depends on how fast you complete the objective," said Anko. "Could be two. Could be five. The record is seven, and let me tell you, those teams were in bad shape by the end."
"This is crazy," muttered Ino.
"These are the Chunin Exams," said Tsunade. "If you aren't ready for this level of challenge, you can withdraw. There is no shame in that."
"We aren't withdrawing," said Naruto immediately. "Right, guys?"
"Absolutely not," agreed Sakura.
"We've trained too hard to give up now," added Ino.
"I want to prove myself," said Hinata in a quiet but firm voice.
"Good," said Tsunade, approval in her voice. "Then let's make sure you are as prepared as possible."
"Kurenai and I will be monitoring the exams," continued Tsunade. "We can't interfere directly, that is against the rules, but we will be watching. If something goes seriously wrong, we will intervene."
"What counts as seriously wrong?" asked Sakura.
"Life threatening injury," said Kurenai. "Clearly illegal interference. That sort of thing."
"But against the normal dangers of the exam, we are on our own," concluded Naruto.
"Exactly," said Anko. "Welcome to being a real ninja."
"There is one more thing," said Tsunade, and her tone became even more serious. "Your Falna abilities."
Everyone tensed.
"The Falna gives you significant advantages," continued Tsunade. "Strength, speed, special skills. But it also makes you targets."
"Targets how?" asked Ino.
"People will notice you are stronger than you should be," explained Tsunade. "Especially ninjas from other villages. They will wonder how Konoha genin are so capable. They will investigate and report back to their villages."
"So we need to hold back," deduced Sakura.
"Not hold back," corrected Kurenai. "Be strategic. Don't reveal your full capabilities unless absolutely necessary. Don't use your unique skills where they can be easily observed and analyzed."
"What about Hinata's speed?" asked Naruto. "Or Sakura's strength? People will notice that."
"Physical capabilities can be explained by training," said Tsunade. "It is the unique skills that are problematic. Sakura's [Breaking Point], Ino's [Psychic Needle], Hinata's [Lioness Heart]. Those are harder to explain."
"So we use them only when we have to," said Hinata.
"Exactly," confirmed Kurenai. "And preferably when there are no witnesses to report it."
"This is getting complicated," complained Ino.
"Being a ninja is complicated," retorted Anko with a smirk. "Get used to it."
"Alright," said Tsunade, clapping her hands. "Now that we have covered the serious stuff, let's talk about something more practical. Team composition and strategy."
"Team composition?" asked Naruto.
"For the second phase, your teams will be the ones you are registered with," said Tsunade. "Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. Hinata, Kiba, and Shino. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. You need to know your teammates' strengths and weaknesses."
"I know my team," said Naruto confidently.
"Really?" challenged Tsunade. "Sakura, what is Naruto's biggest weakness in combat?"
"His tendency to charge in without thinking," replied Sakura immediately.
"Hey!" protested Naruto.
"She is right," said Tsunade. "Naruto, what is Sakura's biggest weakness?"
"Uh..." Naruto thought about it. "She isn't very good at long range combat?"
"Close enough," said Tsunade. "The point is that you need to know these things instinctively. You need to be able to cover each other's weaknesses without thinking about it."
"What about Sasuke?" asked Sakura. "He is still recovering."
"Sasuke will be cleared for the exams," said Tsunade. "I am monitoring him closely, and his recovery is progressing well. By the time the exams start, he will be at about eighty percent capacity."
"Eighty percent?" Naruto frowned. "That isn't full strength."
"No, it isn't," agreed Tsunade. "Which means you and Sakura need to be prepared to compensate. Sasuke is strong, but he won't be at his peak. Don't put him in situations where he has to push himself beyond his limits."
"We will protect him," said Sakura firmly.
"Good," said Tsunade. "Hinata, what about your team?"
"Kiba and Akamaru are our main scouts," said Hinata. "Shino provides reconnaissance and defensive support with his bugs. I am the close range fighter with the Byakugan for observation."
"And your weaknesses?" pointed out Kurenai.
"Kiba can be impulsive," said Hinata carefully. "He doesn't always think before acting. Shino is very logical, but can be slow to adapt when situations change quickly. And I..." she paused. "Sometimes I have trouble with confidence."
"Not anymore," said Naruto firmly. "You have become much stronger, Hinata-chan. You need to believe it."
Hinata's cheeks colored slightly, but she nodded. "You are right. I have become stronger."
"That is what I like to hear," said Kurenai with a small smile.
"Ino," called Tsunade, "your team?"
"Shikamaru is a genius strategist but incredibly lazy," said Ino. "Choji is strong and loyal but can be insecure about his abilities. And I am excellent at everything."
"And modest too," said Anko dryly.
"Hey, false modesty is still a lie," replied Ino.
"She isn't wrong about Shikamaru's strategic mind," observed Kurenai. "If you can get him to actually apply himself, Team Ten has a real advantage."
"The problem is getting him to care," said Ino. "He thinks everything is too troublesome."
"Then make it worth it," suggested Tsunade. "Show him the stakes. Make him understand that his intelligence could save lives."
"I will try," said Ino, though she didn't sound confident.
"Very well," said Tsunade, looking at each of them. "You have five days before the exams begin. Use that time wisely. Rest, prepare, and stay alert. Do not overtrain: you need to be in top condition, not exhausted."
"What about you?" asked Naruto. "What will you be doing?"
"Preparing contingencies," said Tsunade. "Making sure the medical facilities are ready for casualties. Coordinating with ANBU for security. The boring administrative stuff that keeps you alive."
"Not boring," said Sakura. "Important."
"Both things can be true," answered Tsunade with a slight smile. "Anything else you need to know?"
"Yes," said Naruto. "What happens if we run into Gaara during the second phase?"
The question hung in the air.
"If you run into Gaara," said Kurenai slowly, "evaluate the situation carefully. If you can avoid conflict, do so. If you can't..."
"Survive," finished Anko. "By any means necessary. Gaara won't hold back. Neither should you."
"But don't underestimate him," added Tsunade. "His sand defense is formidable. Physical attacks are difficult. You will need strategy, not just strength."
"Understood," said Naruto seriously.
"Good," said Tsunade. "Now, unless anyone has other questions, you are dismissed. Go home, rest, prepare. The real challenge begins in five days."
As the group began to disperse, Naruto stayed behind, waiting until only he, Tsunade, Kurenai, and Anko remained.
"Granny," he said quietly. "You are really worried about these exams, aren't you?"
Tsunade looked at him, and for a moment her usual confidence slipped, revealing genuine concern.
"Yes," she admitted. "I am. Too many variables. Too many unknowns. Gaara being unstable. Foreign villages with their own agendas. It is a powder keg waiting to explode."
"But we will be ready," said Naruto with conviction. "You have prepared us well."
"I hope so," said Tsunade softly. "I really hope so."
"We will keep them safe," promised Kurenai. "All of them."
"We better," said Anko, her tone light but her eyes serious. "I've grown fond of these idiots."
Naruto grinned. "We are your family now. You are stuck with us."
"Yeah," said Anko, and despite herself, she smiled. "I guess I am."
As Naruto finally headed home, the weight of the conversation settled on his shoulders. The Chunin Exams were going to be dangerous. More dangerous than he had initially thought.
But he wasn't afraid.
He had his team. He had his family. He had trained hard and become stronger.
Whatever came next, they would face it together.
And they would survive.
******
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