{A Week Later ~ At the Senju Estate}

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

Punching the air repeatedly over and over, with the air skimming my fists while doing so. Then soon I change to a sharper uppercut, before striking to the side. Repeating these steps, I try to find ways to make my moves more faster and quick. With big brother Shiro off on a mission, it was hard by myself without having another ninja helping me.

"Good Morning Kimi," I hear a warm mellow voice greet me, making me pause mid way.

Dropping my fists I turn to see Kurenai-Sensei walking through my backyard gate, making me slightly surprised to see her.

"Good Morning Kurenai-Sensei......can I help you with anything, a green tea perhaps?" I offer, even though I wasn't entirely sure why she was here in the first place.

"That would be lovely," She smiles warmly, as I gesture for her to sit on the engawa while I started to prepare some tea.

Why would she be here this early? She never comes over, unless.....it's something besides a small mission.

Shaking myself out of my own thoughts I pour the already boiled water into a cup, mixed with green tea stirring it gently. Once finished I brought the tea down and carefully placed it on the engawa beside Kurenai-Sensei, before sitting down joining her.

"Thank you Kimi," She hums softly, before taking her cup holding the bottom carefully.

Curiosity got the best of me, making me turn to her after fiddling with my fingers nervously.

"So.......what's this occasion you've come over?" I ask her softly, seeing her place her tea against her lap.

Her eyes lift up to the morning sky, "Well.......I wanted to see you personally, just want to know my student better," She replies honestly, hearing the sincerity lacing her mellow voice.

She kinda reminds me of my own mother, but.....I forgot what my own mother's voice sounded.

Looking away swinging my legs on the side, "I see....."

"I can see....so much potential in you," She comments, making me lift my head up.

Blinking a few times, I was confused.

"H-How? I'm not nearly near my brother's level?" I ask her, when she softly sends me a smile.

Gasping softly with her kind gesture.

"Everyone learns at different times, everyone has different IQ's too," She adds, before sipping her tea quietly before pulling away. "Everyone has important skills, not everyone has all types. Such as Sensory, IQ levels, Mind transfers, intelligence, fusing, being tactical, strength, using your mind and body........those things...."

"And our team is sensory, right?" I assume, nodding in response she smiles.

"I've heard Lord Second was a very powerful sensory shinobi," She states, making me smile weakly.

Taking a small cup of warm tea I drank it slowly, "But.....I will never be good like him," I spoke lowly, disappointed in myself.

She turns to me, tilting her head in curiosity.

"What do you mean?"

Sighing deeply I lightly run my fingertip around the rim of my cup, "Well......I was never born with talent straight away like my big brother, I worked day and night......and yet..."

"And yet you are still progressing," She connects with me, as my eyes widen. "If you work hard with your talent, I'm sure you will become naturally talented by learning from scratch.......it's hard but it's worth it in the end."

Words like that lit my heart up, gathering more confidence by her own words.

"Sensei......" I whisper in shock.

It's alright been a week since we've become a team, and already I've grown more connected than ever before. Especially with Kurenai as our sensei, her words is the encouragement I needed.

She places a hand on my shoulder, "I bet you will be Konoha's protector........become a strong kunoichi," She assures me. "That's why you need someone to guide you all the way, to show you what to do and not to do.......but seeing you already has shown a lot of promise......"

Looking away a little bathful not use to praise like this, I scratch my arm nervously.

"Thank you Sensei....."

"No problem," She muses softly, before drinking her tea quietly.

After a while she places her tea down, turning to me.

"By the way who trained you beforehand? Or did you do it yourself?" She asks me, in curiosity.

Turning to her, I stood up.

"Oh......both, Jiraiya trained me for a bit....but not long," I reply softly, as her eyes widen.

"One of the legendary Sannin? Wow, that's impressive....." She exclaims, folding her arms. "So....you want me to help you with some training, or wait for our later training this afternoon?"

Not wanting to feel bad about it, I shook my head.

"I'll let you go.......I'll come to training this afternoon," I reply softly.

She looks at me, furrowing her eyebrows in concern.

"You sure?"

Nodding she finally sighs.

"Alright, well I will see you later," She smiles, before waving to me. "And that green tea......it was very delicious! By far one of the best!"

"T-Thank you, Kurenai-Sensei," I bow politely, while watching her disappear behind the gates leaving me alone again.

Lifting myself up I lift my hands staring at them, feeling motivated to continue more training.

{A Week Later}

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

After a heavy amount of training with Kurenai, all the other three collapsed to the heat of the sun beating down upon us. With my energy still running, I wipe the sweat beading from my forehead while lifting my headband and turned to Kurenai-Sensei.

"I will go get some refreshments," I offer, stretching my aching arms.

Kurenai smiles.

"Thank you, I hope you don't mind," She replies, while I shook my head.

"I still have some energy left, hopefully I won't take long," I wave to the group, making me way into town.

While walking down the large lattice fences, I felt a chill run up my spine rubbing my arms quickly.

"Something doesn't feel right," I mutter beneath my breath, my eyes looking around wondering what this feeling was. Shaking my head I run my fingers through my white locks thoroughly, with a heavy sigh. "Geez, it's warm......"

Turning around the corner my eyes open before seeing little Konohamaru being strangled......by a sand shinobi? He wore a black cloak all over hiding his entire body with the sand's head metal band across his forehead, with a deep purple shade of paint on his face.

"Ahhh it's Kimi!!!!" Naruto exclaims, making me notice that Sakura and Naruto were there with Konohamaru's two other friends. "We're gonna be alright!!!"

The sand ninja turns to me, "Huh? Another little wimpy kid here come to save their wimpy friend?" he mocks me, as my eyes angle at him angrily.

"What you say? You listen here.......you're in our village," I say sternly, my hands resting on my hips. "When you're in our village, you abide by our rules.......so put him down."

He looks at me dumbly.

"Huh? What you say?"

The girl beside him has blonde hair that is placed in four buns, along with purple attire and her band around her neck. She sighs deeply, "Put him down Kankuro, or you will know you'll pay for it later," She scolds him.

Suddenly I saw naruto's face grow angry.

"You better listen to her right now!" Naruto yells angrily, as I glare at Naruto for egging them on without calmly dodging a fight.

Hearing someone scoff, I turn back.

Kankuro which I'm assuming smirks, "We got a few minutes here, let's mess these punks huh?" He suggests to his comrade, when I step forward grabbing his wrist tightly causing his eyes to widen.

I securely tighten my hand around his own that held Konohamaru, glaring daggers at him.

"Listen here......we don't want trouble, release him now," I growl lowly, trying to do this more civilised.

He smirks but when his eyes lock with mine, his smirk falters.

Suddenly out of nowhere I hear Naruto charging towards Kankuro, but within a few seconds he trips over backwards. He sits up in shock, "What the....what was that?!"

"You're a leaf genin too? Look's like your villages is full of wimp--"

I cut him off tightening my grip around his own, causing me to growl lowly.

"D-Dammit, how are you so strong--?"

My eyes darkly look into his eyes once more, "Let.....Him.....Go,"

I could hear Konohamaru whimpering with his hold, as Kankuro smirks.

"All of you are annoying!" he comments, grinning smugly. "I don't like runts, or even scrawny weaklings....so when a wimp like this....I just want to break him in half."

I could hear the blonde girl sigh, "Fine, but I'm not involved in this,"

"First I'll take care of this little squirt an--"

I strike his wrist in a blink of an eye, along with something skimming right past me.

He finally releases Konohamaru as I quickly catch him before he could hit the ground, lowering him down. Slowly standing away I block him from attacking the others, when I notice a small stone rolling to the ground.

Silence falls upon us.

My eyes follows up before landing on Sasuke perched up on a branch in a tree, "You're a long way from home, and you're way out of your league," Sasuke comments, nonchalant while tossing another stone in hand.

Kankuro grips his wounded arm while glaring daggers at the Uchiha, "Oh great, another wimp to tick me off," He grumbles.

Sasuke crumbles some stone in his palm with a glare in his eyes, "Get lost,"

The grained stone drifts down.

Craning my neck I notice a jealous look in Naruto's eyes, making me smirk, "Typical," I mutter, turning back I notice Kankuro turning back to Sasuke.

"Hey punk, get down here," he calls to him, awaiting to take him down. "You're the kind of pesky little snot I hate the most, all attitude and nothing to back it up."

He unfolds something that was strapped to his back, as my eyes widen.

"What are you gonna use the crow for this?" The girl exclaims.

Soon a chill runs through the air.

"Kankuro.....back off," A dry and raspy voice was heard, but I quickly sensed the new voice right beside Sasuke in the tree. My eyes land on a boy with blood red hair, eyes with teal eyes and black like eyeliner around with a kanji symbol upon his forehead.

There he stood upside down on a branch, arms folded.

"You're an embarrassment to our village," The red haired male adds.

Turning to Kankuro he held an uneasy and nervous smile, "Um eh....hey Gaara," he greets.

Soon I felt icy cold eyes fall upon me and then to Sasuke, while I stood cautiously.

"Have you forgotten the reason we came all the way here?" Gaara I'm assuming questions his comrade.

"I-I know....I-I mean t-they challenged us," Kankuro stammers over his words, like this boy was scary or even dangerous. "They started the whole thing really, see here's what happened..."

"Shut up," Gaara coldy mutters, sending chills up my spine only see a scared look flash on Kankuro's face. "Or I'll kill you...."

Kankuro laughs nervously, "R-Right....I was totally out of line, I-I'm so-sorry Gaara," He fumbles over his words again. "I-I was totally out of line..."

Gaara turns to me and Sasuke, "I'm sorry for any trouble he caused," he apologises, his voice raspy like sandpaper. Suddenly he disappears from his spot into sand, before appearing right before me. He turns to the two, "Let's go.....we didn't come here to play games..."

Kankuro nods, "Alright, sure...I get it,"

Turning to them my eyes narrow, "Why have you come to our village? Sand ninja?" I question, as everyone gasps. "Of course the Land of Wind and the Land of fire are allies......but why have you come unauthorised?"

Sakura steps forward, "Yeah, state your purpose....and it better be good," She adds, which was unnecessary.

They turn to us.

"Really? Have you guys been living under a rock? Or what?" The blonde girl questions. "You all don't know what's going on, do you?"

She lifts up her registration.

"We have permission," She replies, with a smirks. "Of course you're correct, we are hidden sand genin.....our home is the land of the wind, and we're here for the chunin exams. Get the picture?"

"The chunin exams?" Naruto questions, as I sigh folding my arms. "What's that? Well I've never heard any chunin exams, believe it..."

She folds her arms.

"Oh I believe alright, that you're totally clueless," She remarks.

Turning to Naruto, "The chunin exams are for genin in order to graduate into a full on chunin," I explain to him. "I myself have heard of them, but I didn't realise they would be here so soon....."

Naruto beams widely.

"Oh why didn't you say so?!" He exclaims. "I am so there!!!"

I hear the sand ninja scoff in response to Naruto, when Sasuke lands near me.

"Hey! You, identify yourselves!" Sasuke demands.

The girl turns around bashfully, "Hmm, you mean me?"

He shook his head.

"No, him.....the guy with the gourd on his back," he points to the boy in front, with red hair.

In response the boy turns around in response, pausing in his tracks.

"My name is Gaara of the desert, I'm curious about you too.....who are you?" he questions, gesturing to Sasuke making me keep a careful eye on him.

"I am Sasuke Uchiha...."

Yet a thick heavy tension grew between Sasuke and Gaara, but I felt someone else's gaze upon me.

Lifting my head I notice kankuro staring at me, before realising I caught him he quickly snaps his head away while scratching the back of his head.

"Hi there, I bet you're dying to know my name!" Naruto grins widely, as Gaara rolls his eyes.

"I couldn't care less,"

With that the three turn around and disappeared from our sight, while I felt this eery feeling around Gaara. Sensing his chakra levels, it was very immense and strong that I could feeling it against my own skin.

Realising the time I must've took some time, but when I turn around Konohamaru raced up to me.

"Wow, thank you very much big sister kimi!" He exclaims, eyes lighting up in amazement. "You were so cool when you saved me!"

Blinking a few times nervously, I scratching my cheek lightly.

"Um.....no problem?"

"Cha!!!!" Sakura growls lowly, before point her finger at me. "How come they are interested in you and not us? It's no fair!!! I mean I have better looks and all, but still!!!"

Rolling my eyes I wave to everyone and disappeared from my spot, continuing to find some water bottles and some snacks. Once I was finally done grabbing the food and all, I make it back to our training grounds only find Kurenai-Sensei not even there.

Walking slowly I look around, "Um.....Kiba, Hinata....Shino....where did Sensei go?" I question, before bending down before them.

Kiba eyes widen, passing him some water.

"Something about a meeting," Hinata replies quietly, making me realise it really was the chunin exams. Must've been a last minute thing or something, but why so soon?

"Thank you for grabbing this for us, by the way," Shino bows his head.

Smiling warmly.

"No it's fine," I assure them.

Kiba exhales deeply after drinks so much water, "Ahh that's the stuff......actually you took a while, was everything alright cub?" He questions, concern lacing his voice.

Shaking my head I look away, not wanting to mention the small scene from before.

"Nothing at all, just......lost in my head,"

{Meanwhile ~ At Hokage's meeting hall}

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

Kurenai's pov:

Standing before lord third, all jonin and teachers for the students were also present as well. Even Shiro Senju was present, who was also taking care of a group himself despite how young he is.

"I have summoned you all for a very important purpose, seeing your fellow jonin here.......I'm sure you realise what this is about," Lord Fourth announces, while we all remain quiet.

Is it about what I think it is?

Asuma glances around, "I take it all the other lands had been notified about the coming event," Asuma assumes, a cigarette in between his lips. "I noticed some of their genin have already arrived here in the village."

"And.....when do we start?" I question, lifting my gaze.

Pipe between his lips, he puffs a small amount of smoke.

"We will begin in one week," he replies.

"That's pretty short notice," Kakashi states.

Lord Third puffs out another whiff of smoke, before resuming.

"Take heed, exactly seven days from today on the first day of July, the genin will be gathered and tested," he informs us all. "Only the best will be selected as chunin......."

Only the best?

He lifts his head up, "Alright, it is time we chose our candidates for the chunin examinations," He announces, as a few more shinobi arrive. "To begin will those in charge of the rookie genin step forward."

Asuma, Kakashi and I step forward obeying his command.

"Kakashi, Kurenai and Asuma.....what do you say?" Lord Third questions us. "Are there any in your squads that you recommend who are ready for the exams, despite their inexperience. As you know....only genin who has carried out eight or more missions are technically eligible for the examinations. Beyond that, only you can decide when they are ready.......Of course most genin require a much longer training period. At least twice that many missions, so......Kakashi, you begin..."

Kakashi nods.

"I lead squad seven, Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno," He informs the Hokage, as instructed. "I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend all three of these genin for the chunin selection exams."

Soon it was my turn.

"My squad is number eight, Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame and Kimi Senju and now...." I began. "I, Kurenai Yuhi, recommend all four."

Asuma soon lifts his gaze up.

"And my squad is number ten, Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi," He begins. "And now I, Asuma Sarutobi recommend all three."

Chattering begins to fill the hall, while I held determination for my team.

Suddenly...."Hold on just a minute!" Iruka objects, very rudely.

"Yes, what is it Iruka?"

"Lord Hokage, with all respect the ten names that were just given were all my students at the academy," He began, probably taken back not realising most students of his was recommended.

"I know their skills and abilities, everyone of them has great promise but it's too soon! They need more experience before they are tested, if they try now...they sure to fail the exam!"

Kakashi turns to him, "When I became chunin, I was six years younger than Naruto is now," Kakashi informs him. "Also my former student of mine, Shiro Senju became chunin at nine years of age, and became jonin at twelve....."

Iruka furrows his eyebrows angrily, appalled at this.

"Well Naruto is nothing like you, are you trying to destroy him?!" Iruka accuses the copy ninja.

Kakashi rolls his eyes, "Well they're always complaining about not being challenged enough," He points out. "Maybe wiping out on the exams will teach them a lesson, a little pain is good."

Iruka hesistates for a moment.

"Wha-- What did you say?!"

Kakashi stood there calmly but was acting rather cocky, "Well nothing fatal of course, but seriously Iruka.....relax," He tries to assure him, placing my hand on my hip while shifting my weight to one side. "Listen....I understand how you feel, it's very personal for you, and it upsets you bu--"

"Alright Kakashi, back off you've said enough," I warn him, cutting him firmly.

"On the contrary Kurenai, Iruka needs to hear this,"