*

There were a few more matches to go, leave with Choji, and a few from Neiji's group. However in the end, the only remaining that made it to the finals was Kankuro, Neji, Naruto, Temari, Gaara, Sasuke, Shino, Dosu Kinuta and I.

What amazed me was Rock Lee's raw strength, when he faced Gaara. He held weights beneath his high orange leg warmers, as they crushed the earth beneath him. Then Gaara's blood lust was sinister, as his aura changed completed when facing Rock Lee.

Guess we have interesting Shinobi out there, as I can't wait to challenge them in the future if that may come to fate.

Seeing how everyone battles, has given me the opportunity to learn to overcome that defense. However my wounds were throbbing painfully, as my hand grips my broken rib. With gentle and shallow breaths, I was able to maintain enough restraint with the air I consume.

We finally finished the preliminaries, standing before the Hokage.

"Now with all of that behind us!" The Hokage announces. "I'd like to begin winding things up....but before we can bring this to an end, first there is one more important matter to care of before the final rounds."

"Let's get on with!" Naruto rolls his eyes. "I mean, come on, how long do we have to wait till we start training?!"

The Hokage closes his eyes for a moment, he stays composed.

"In a calm and orderly fashion, all of you are going to take one slip of paper from the box anko is holding," He continues, before my eyes rest upon the proctor.

She scoffs lightly.

"Everyone, just stay where you are," She instructs sharply, and rather rudely. "I'll come to you.....so just take one."

She walks up to Dosu first and began to walk along the line, as she trails up to me. Slipping my hand in, I take a piece and pull it out wondering what this is about. Another test, perhaps?

"Good, now everyone has one! Going from left to right, tell me the number that's written on your slip!" Ibiki instructs loud, and clearly.

"I've got eight," Dosu replies.

"Number one, of course," Naruto says, with disappointment.

"Ten," I reply.

"Seven," Temari adds.

"Five," Kankuro replies.

"Three," Gaara adds.

"Nine," Shikamaru says.

"Two," Neji replies.

"Six," Shino finishes up, while my eyes linger upon the number I was given, wanting to know why we needed these?

"Good, and that will mean Sasuke number four," Ibiki claims.

The Hokage nods, "Right, very good now I'm going to tell you how the final selection tournament is going to work," He began. "Ibiki, you may reveal which ninja have been paired up."

"Yes sir,"

Our other Proctor turns around the board he was holding, before revealing who we will be versing. It was divided into six separate battles, when I noticed my name already there. It seems I will be Temari's opponent, after she battles with Shikamaru. It seems my level in experience was enough, to battle once than twice. 

I could feel her icy stare upon me, but I remained composed. 

This is just a tournament, which means many people will be watching us. So I will also be surrounded with people, that are from different nations. The anxiety starts to settle in my stomach, feeling suddenly nervous. Why am I nervous though? I shouldn't be.

Shikamaru raises his hand, "May I ask you a question?" he asks the Hokage.

"You may,"

"Alright if this is a tournament, does that means there's only going to be one winner?" Shikamaru asks, which was the very question I was wanting to know. "I mean, only one of us is going to be able to become a chunin then?"

The Hokage nods, "Actually it's quite the contrary, there are going to be several judges for the final rounds. Including myself, the shinobi leaders and the kazekage the lords of the various countries that ultimately be assigning your missions to you...."

As I thought, there's gonna be many people from different nations that are gonna see how matches. Nerve Wracking it sounds, I knew Shiro would be excited to watch.

"............Including myself, the shinobi leaders and the kazekage the lords of the various countries that ultimately be assigning your missions to you......." The Hokage continues on. "........Through this tournament, these judges will be able to make a thorough evaluation of your abilities. They will then decide whether any or all of you, possess the qualities required of a chunin. Even if someone loses the first round, they could still become a chunin."

"So there's actually a chance that every one of us, who competes in the final selecting can becomes chunin," Temari assumes, with slight hope.

"Correct, but conversely there's also a chance that none of you will be chosen," The Hokage implies, which made me fee rather unhopeful for a moment. "The advantage in fighting more rounds in the tournament, is in getting more chances to display your talents in front of the judges, who will decide your fate.......does that answer your question, Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru sighs, remaining quiet.

"I thank you all for your patience, now let us adjourn until next month," He bids us farewell, while I stood there in deep thought. 

So all of this may be for naught, but for some ninja's out there it was hard. Some weren't naturally strong, or capable in surpassing this exam. I'm not saying it to bully them, I'm only saying that some come strong later on. I mean, half of us are only around twelve years old. Our strength alone is what we've learnt, only from the academy or from home. What even took me by surprise, was Naruto, Sakura and Ino's battles. They all managed to last longer, than from what I saw back at the academy.

I'm quite proud of them, even though it's hard to admit to them.

*

AT THE INFIRMARY

"Wow, I'm surprised you've lasted longer," A nurse comments, while she finished using her medical ninjutsu to connect my rib back. With me only wearing my gauzed bind, that wrapped around my chest. It was a painful process, but slowly the pain became numb to the touch. "It will be a little numb, so take it easy for at least a week."

"But......what about my training?" I question, when the door squeaks open. Lifting my head up, my eyes met with crimson red eyes. 

"You're strength is far beyond than what I'm anticipated," Kurenai smiles warmly. "A week of rest, won't hurt at all. Then you can go all out for the next three weeks, sound good?"

I didn't want to waste away a week of training, but then again she was right. I couldn't allow myself to get hurt anymore, if I want to win the tournament. 

The nurse began to gauze my rib slowly and delicately, while I lifted my arms to give her more room to wrap around. Kurenai leans against the edge of the medical bed, arms folded. Even though I was in pain, Kiba and Hinata were in critical conditions. Once the nurse was done, she leaves me to rest up for a moment.

"How is Kiba and Hinata holding up?"

She chuckles softly, "Always caring about others first, don't you?" She rhetorically says, before nodding. "They're both doing alright, Hinata is gonna make it through. Kiba is also doing fine, he may of fractured a few bones....I mean seriously, Naruto caught me off guard too."

I hum in agreement, "Yeah, he's gotten awfully strong," as a smile starts to curl upon my lips. "I mean, I had faith in him from the start.........since he became genin...."

A hand tenderly threads through my silver locks, making me lift to see Kurenai softly gazing down.

"I'm proud to have a student like you," She muses softly, as my eyes slowly widen. "He needs all the support, after what his past has done to him. He needs someone like you there, someone who doesn't discriminate others."

What did she mean by that? Was there more to his story, than I know of?

Brushing past my dwindling thoughts, I share a warm smile.

"Thank you, Sensei.......I will make you proud and become chunin," 

*

THREE DAYS LATER - AT THE SENJU COMPOUND

"Seriously, you're such a dumbass," Shiro flicks my forehead, while I sent him a pout in frustration. He was lucky I wasn't wearing my headband, or his thumb would red by now. "You scared me half to death, when I got the message you were in critical condition I was on a two day mission!!"

Sitting on my knees at the low tea table, which was called a chabudai.

"Well I'm sorry, they abruptly just pulled the preliminary test too soon," I retort with sarcasm dripping from my tone. "Besides, I made it to the finals! Isn't that great news?!"

Soon his scolding expression softens to laughter, running his fingers through his silver locks with a soft snicker following after. He nods in agreement, before bending down on his toes to my level and ruffles my snowy hair.

"I never doubted you for a second," he hums softly, my eyes glowing brightly to his praise.

"Really?"

He nods with more affirmation, as he stood up heading to the bench in the kitchen.

"Apparently we're expecting someone very soon," he spoke up, while resuming making up lunch for us. Furrowing my eyebrows together, I tilt my head to the side in curiosity. "Before you ask, do you want beef or chicken with your rice?"

"Beef!"

He chuckles, "Alright, thanks.......hate being so indecisive," he curses to himself, before diving back into cooking.

Ever since we've lost our family he's been the cook of the home, always making up yumming recipes and always acted like a housewife. Yet, when he fighting, he's a total badass that you don't even think that he can cook or clean. 

"Some woman will be lucky to have you," I tease him, with a hum rising in my voice. "Or you will make a perfect wife instead.....hahaha!!!!"

He coughs harshly, while keeping his back facing me.

"S-Shut it..........it would be nice for a change, to have a wife to cook for me," He clears his throat, while pulling out a pan to cook up the beef. The sizzling and smell left a savoury aroma, which made me realise how hungry I was. After a few days of intense battling, and with survival, I worked an appetite. 

"Well let me cook then, I know how," I fold my arms, while giving him a stern glare.

"No!" he vehemently refuses. "You will sit, and heal up. You've broken a damn rib, dammit! You will rest and eat, and I will make sure you will heal quickly. You're even lucky to have Tobirama's blood running through you, it makes us sturdier and to endure longer battles. So shut up, and eat up when I'm done....okay?"

A grumpy expression weighs across my face, before sighing with defeat.

"Yes.........Mom,"

I could tell he was patiently trying to ignore that remark, when the door slides wide open with a flashy entrance. Both feet clamp down together in a pose, and both hands in the air, one facing the back while the other forward.

"The great Jiraiya, has come before you!" He announces, dramatically.

My eyes widen with surprise, processing his sudden appearance. How long has it been since I last saw him? Three years? No, it was five years ago I last saw him. He was teaching me some hard jutsu, teaching me new things so early. If he hadn't have helped me, I think I wouldn't be as nearly as strong now.

"Jiraiya!!!!" I exclaim about to stand up, when I grimace in pain. 

Gripping my chest, I hear him clapping his hands together.

"Just sit, I will come to you," He laughs, before kneeling down beside and gives me a warm hug. "Heard you were doing the preliminaries, you broken a rib.......that's our girl!" 

Sheepishly I laugh, while pulling away from his hold, as he took his seat beside me.

"Hey gramps!" Shiro calls, greeting the legend himself. "Great to see ya, find anyone yet?"

Jiraiya ruffles my hair playfully, with a deep heartedly laugh.

"Nope, not yet......" he replies, before glancing back to me. ".....but my goodness, haven't you grown my dear? The more you grow, the more I see your mother in your eyes......it must've been about five years ago?"

"I do? Really?"

Shiro nods along with Jiraiya, while he was almost finishing up on making dinner. He begins preparing the meal, setting the table while Jiraiya began telling me stories. His stories were always intriguing, engaging. Despite some of his pervy makeout volumes, he did ways with his writing. Inspiration for how i could be a stronger kunoichi, and how I can become someone that everyone can rely on.

Yet here I am, broken rib and looking awful and rundown.

"Alright, eat up!" Shiro serves us, as we all sat together. It felt more livelier, and it was a big surprise to see Jiraiya sensei. Eating quietly for the moment, Jiraiya swallows a mouthful and turns to me.

"Hey, can I ask......a question?" He asks me, while I place my bowl down.

"Hmm, what's up?"

He seems quite troubled about something, which was unlike him. 

"You know that boy.......Naruto?" he asks me, as my head perks up just mentioning Naruto. Nodding he sighs, "Good........you see, he wants me to train him for the final. He's quite slowly at picking up things, so I was wondering......if you could teach me a little bit of patience......"

Sighing deeply, I raise an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Are you peeping at women, again?" I ask, as he would do this if he was rather impatient. He was once a shinobi that a squad of his own many years ago, but he soon left to go on his travels and find inspiration for his stories. "Cause that's not going to solve anything, and you Jiraiya.......should be old enough to know that he's tried so hard to get to where he is now."

"Wha--"

Shiro snickers in response, letting me tell Jiraiya off.

"Seriously, you're lucky I don't call you old geezer," I sigh deeply. "But seriously, I've seen him train.........he's passionate with his dream. So......."

My thoughts were running wild, wanting nothing more but Naruto to be surrounded by people that respects him.

"Hold on........I understand where this is going," Jiraiya smirks, rubbing his imaginary beard. "You've......got.....a....crush!"

Shaking my head bluntly, I send him a harsh glare.

"It's not like that, it's just.........he's been treated horribly for most of his childhood," I explain softly, while staring at my bowl of warm food. "So, could you please give him a chance? He's got a lot to offer, he just needs someone to be there and some patience........that's all I ask."

It sounded like I was desperate, but I didn't want Naruto been kept behind. He's been too hard on himself, and seeing that i was able to master so young in ninjutsu, taijutsu and so on. I've seen Naruto try his best, and his concern for his teammates. Yet, no one seemed to feel the same way towards him, well except for Hinata of course.

"Request granted," Jiraiya accepts, as my eyes widen slowly. I glance to see a tender smile, "He maybe a pain in my side, but........I will tolerate it. Thank you Kimi, it must mean alot to hear from you if he hears that."

A little embarrassed that I rambled on my concerns, he ruffles my hair again.

"Thank you Jiraiya Sensei!" with a closed eye smile, we continue to eat together. Slowly when I was done, it seemed Jiraiya wanted to discuss some matters with Shiro. So giving them their privacy, I decided to head to Kiba's. Yesterday I visited Hinata, and she was thankfully well and alive. She was indeed not able to walk for a bit, but I promised I will see her when I have the chance.

"Seeya Big Brother! Sensei!"

"Bye!"

"Take care kid!"

*

INUZUKA COMPOUND

"Thank you for coming Kimi," Mrs Inuzuka smiles, with a grin. "Seriously, I can't believe my son didn't pass the preliminaries........he needs to train harder."

Grimacing at her comment, I just give her a soft smile.

"He really did try his best, Aunty," I address her politely. "Guess some people need more training, so please? Don't......be hard on him?"

Her eyes widen, before sighing deeply.

"You're right, he's just......in pain but also stubborn too," She gives in, even though I hated to call out to someone else's mother. Kiba did give it his best, but Naruto had to pull the most awful stunt. Really disgusting. "Anyway, come this way........he's in bed."

Following along she gently opens his door, with a knock after.

"Oi Kiba, Kimi is here," she sternly informs him, seriously switching to be bipolar. She then turns to me, "Take as much time as you need, and take it easy with your rib."

"Yes ma'am," I thank her softly, before walking in to see Kiba looking exhausted. He smiles when his eyes land upon me, before patting the spot beside him. Taking the invitation, I sat down as Akamaru crawls on over to my lap, and nestles down. My hand pats the young pup, with a soft chuckle.

"How are you doing?" He asks softly. "Sorry I wasn't able to see your fight, I've heard you kicked whoever you versed, ass......."

Nodding I pat Akamaru tenderly, "Yep I sure did.......but I did up breaking a rib in the process so--"

"What the hell?!" He snaps, sitting up straight. His body soon comes to a halt, grimacing in pain while my eyes fly open. 

"Take it easy, you idiot," I scold him sternly, placing a tender grip on his arm. "Seriously, you got your ass beat.......just rest."

"Tch, I should be the one to tell you that," He groans, while trying to ease the pain that throbs with his torso. "Seriously, he's crazy strong. I guess I underestimated him......he must've trained more than us...I assume at least."

I hum in agreement, "Yeah, but we all have different strengths," I assure him. "Anyway, how are you feeling? Do you need anything, or do you want me to help apply you fresh gauzes?"

He purses his lips together in a thin line, while gathering some air.

"Just having you here is enough, cause I'm bored as hell," He ensures he's fine, but he's not. Stubborn as he is, I shook my head and rummaged through the medical box nearby. Just before his mother said he hasn't applied any gauze on, so today I have to force him to listen.

"Don't be so cliche, now sit up properly," I sternly say, while he groans like a child not wanting to do chores. Reluctantly he gave in, as I began unravelling his old dirty gauze and threw it away. "Seriously, it won't heal properly if you don't freshen them up. My brother taught me that."

"You're such a mother," he teases me, while I pinch his cheek leaning closer.

"And you're such a dog," I retort back, earning a few 'ow's in response. He held his ear delicately, before I release him. Resuming back with a heavy, exhausted sigh, I finally began to gauze up his torso. The heavy bruising discoloured his tan skin, with multiple cuts that wisped in different directions. 

My eyes linger there, hating to see him this banged up when he talks so big.

"If you're gonna talk big," I spoke up softly, while subconsciously binding his wound slowly. "You gotta train hard, but not too hard........and not boast all the time. It's not gonna get you anywhere if you're just gonna talk your way out of it."

"What are you goi--?"

I firmly tug on his wound with the gauze, to cut him off, earning a whine from him. 

My eyes lift up to meet his, "If you want to become strong, you gotta stop putting others down," I firmly say. "The reason we're team eight, if we're a sensory type. When we go on missions, everyone will rely on each other's strengths. There is tracking such as Shino or Hinata or even you, then there is the brawler who takes on the opponents such as you or Naruto, and then there is the medical nin who