Naruto's POV (Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)
"It's unfair and unjust that they're doing this to you. But I'm not truly worried." Neji stated.
"Well, I am! If I mess this up, I may never learn." Naruto muttered.
"Indeed, but you are the type of man who perseveres regardless, " Neji said. "Show the world the Naruto I saw on that day. Learn your truth. And achieve your goal. I believe in you, my friend." Neji said before he, too, jogged off.
Naruto sat for an hour or two, pondering the words given before walking home. His mother had mobbed him, but he hugged her, apologized, and went to bed. He would need sleep for the days ahead. He needed to know the truth. And he would crush anyone who stood in his way.
Hiruzen's POV (Hidden Prison - Hidden Leaf Village)
Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu walked patiently through the prison hall, escorted by several guards. Homura was an old comrade and friend of his. The man had aged as much as he had, the hair on his head and chin now gray. He wore a green pair of glasses and robes, which marked him as an advisor to the Hokage. The most prominent feature of the man was his constant scowl. It was fitting for a serious and withdrawn man such as him. Danzo and he had always gotten along. And doubtless, the man was excited to hear from him again. Koharu, the woman of the two, was an older lady with a matching scowl who had once been beautiful and vibrant. She had gained poise but lost the innocence and optimism she had been known for when young. She now was a pragmatic and focused woman… who also preferred Danzo. Hirzuen needed new friends, he supposed.
There were meetings in this prison for risky personnel to discuss the topic of the Chunin Exams. Though the man was imprisoned for his crimes, Hiruzen knew few could match his knowledge except Danzo. He doubted the man would approve of the situation or offer advice he'd wish to do. The Sarutobi had learned the wisdom of hearing differing perspectives. And as a man who had run his own Anbu core, he likely had information regarding the Land of Iron. So, with secrecy and reservations aplenty, the three elders traversed to the cell containing Danzo. One of the guard's standing posts subjected each to chakra scans before being let in. In front of them lies the restrained man. His body was covered in seals, primarily sealing off his chakra and remaining Sharingan. His arms were restrained by chakra-imbued chains. Even his feet were shackled. There was no expense too great to keep a Kage-level shinobi imprisoned. Danzo's lone available eye met them as they entered.
Despite the man's odd position and indefinite imprisonment to be served, he was calm, not speaking a word, and he stared down his long-time friends. Both Homura and Koharu flinched, seeing him like this. While they had not even attempted to defend the man on the charges. But were uncomfortable seeing their colleague imprisoned. Hiruzen was himself, doubly so, that he had been the one to order the punishment. As a Kage, though, he had no option but to hesitate or allow his feelings to dictate this situation.
"Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu. My dear friends are here to see me at my lowest." Danzo said simply. "Even an emotionally driven man like yourself is above gloating friends. So why are you here? I could only guess the Exams."
"Yes," Hiruzen replied. "Things have taken some turns."
"Indeed. The villages agreed on a new location. Wanting a more neutral area." Koharu added.
"What was the chosen location?" Danzo asked, seemingly already game to discuss business despite his imprisonment.
"Yes, that is what is troubling. They decided on the Land of Iron. A land full of samurai with very different customs and unknown power." Homura said, annoyed. "This fool went against our wishes and agreed to it."
"They are known to be a peaceful nation, Homura." Hiruzen countered tiredly.
"But the other villages are coming as well. This would be a perfect opportunity for enemies of the Leaf to strike at us." Koharu interjected.
"Yes, but-" Hirzuen started but was interrupted by Danzo's dry, snarky laugh.
"Heheh. What a day it is. It was Hijiki day, and I agree with my rival." Danzo said humorously, smiling for one moment. Before it was washed away. "We do need to go. I'm sure Hiruzen reasons to do so for peace between the villages. However, the advantages are not limited to opportunistic ones. It would be good to flex power among the villages. I assume you already arranged for the Sand to stand with us?" The other two elders sneered at the two for this. Both choose to leave.
Hiruzen smiled at his friend. Momentarily setting aside their complicated history as Danzo had. "Indeed. We have strengthened our alliance for the next few years. Should help sell the idea of staying away from us for now."
"Not quite how I would put it. But the idea is the same. We must go, or the villages will take it as a sign of weakness. Numbers were bringing for this?"
"Genin teams Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten are being sent. Obviously, with their Jounin. As well as my own Anbu guards. Under the pretense of defending the Genin, of course. As for my personal guards, I figured Tsunade and Jiraiya."
"Not bringing Obito or Itachi?" Danzo asked simply.
"Not even surprised you know this old friend," Hiruzen said with a smile. "Just how far does your reach go?"
"As far as the Leaf requires it," Danzo answered teasingly.
"You never keep things boring, Danzo. Now, there's something else I'd like to discuss. About a certain Genin in particular."
Ino's POV (Great Gate Entrance - Hidden Leaf Village)
Ino had never felt so nervous in her life. She wanted to take the exam, of course. It was her chance to prove herself to Neji and Naruto. Neji had become a supportive teammate, even offering her various pointers. She had come to enjoy the polite Hyuga. Kakashi was another situation entirely. Often aloof, quirky, and teasing, he seemed like a man-child usually. But in training or missions, he showed fearsome intelligence. And was surprisingly caring and thoughtful. The most complicated was the Uzumaki on their team. She hadn't thought much of the recent reveal of him being a jinchuriki. It was certainly challenging to hear he carried the burden. But she knew he was not looking for pity. It was hard to pity the blonde. He was confident, funny, clever in odd ways, and cute in a more rough way. He was also childish, stubborn, and surprisingly dense. Yet she would be a liar if she claimed she wasn't paying attention. In the academy, she had pursued Sasuke. It was easy to see why. He was handsome, powerful, and intelligent, wrapped in a brooding exterior. In other words, perfect for her. Yet she hadn't thought of Sasuke in a while. Instead, the goofy blonde occupied her mind. Before, she had dismissed him in any unique way due to his... well, goofiness.
But she had grown used to his demeanor. And though she would never openly admit she had grown to like it. It kept her mood up and often seemed endearing in some strange way. She wouldn't say she was crushing on the blonde. But she was keeping an eye on him. She could admit he had his qualities she liked quite a bit. He was kind and earnest; it was simply second nature for the man to be friendly. His humor was similar to her own. Hell, he could even be sarcastic as hell if pushed. He also had a caring side. Reckless making an enemy of the Hyuga was a decision she would label as foolish any other time. But when the blonde did so, she moved with him. She had been surprised by how much she trusted his judgment. She wasn't looking to nail anything down. As great as he was, she didn't think she wanted that… but she would keep an open mind.
"Ino, Blondie, hey! Can you hear me?" Naruto, who had been standing next to her in the crowd of shinobi, was awaiting to be addressed by their Hokage before venturing out to the Land of Iron for the exams. Ino had heard him but was too engrossed in her odd feelings about her fellow blonde.
Neji smiled to himself before whispering to Naruto. The Uzumaki looked back at the Hyuga in disbelief before sighing and attempting to break the Yamanaka's thought process again. "Ino, hey cutie, you there?"
Ino's entire body and soul froze at that word. She felt a blush come on. Not only from the sudden compliment. But the utter embarrassment of the choice of words. She growled as she slammed her fist into the blonde's head. When Neji chuckled, she kicked his shin viciously, dropping the two. "Never say something that awkward again, Blondie," Ino said as she panicked to ensure no one heard. Once she was comfortable, no one did. She noticed the Hokage standing on the stage, flanked by two legendary Sannin. Tsunade Senju is the daughter of Hashirama and a renowned medic. Jiraiya is known for his sage techniques, toad allies, and the controversial books he wrote. The three shinobi stood together and were some of the strongest shinobi in the world. It showed that almost everyone seemed to treat Hiruzen respectfully, even in his advanced age. Ino started to come up with the idea of Naruto becoming Hokage. But seeing one in action made it clear how far Blondie had to go.
"Greeting shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. There is much to discuss, but first, let me state my pride. I am proud of the Genin, who have trained hard and have been recognized for their potential. The Jounin have spent time and effort getting these young men and women to where they are now. I am proud of the Anbu who serve dutifully and diligently daily and night to protect our lovely home. But now it is time to strike out. The Chunin Exams are a time-honored tradition to promote peace. It is a warfare-free way to flex our muscles. As well as build relationships between villages. Keep in mind that the path to Chunin is violent and painful. But in the process, peace is made. Surely, those of you who signed up are after a promotion. A rise in station, a chance to show off. Well, do so proudly. For we are the Hidden Leaf. We do not want violence. But we prepare ourselves for it all the same. So, as we continue to remember the Will of Fire, let it fuel you. I know you all will show the world the true strength of the Leaf!" Hiruzen lectured.
"LEAF! LEAF! LEAF! LEAF!" The crowd roared as they hyped themselves up.
"Now, let's go!" With this command, the Leaf group left their home. Determined to arrive at the destination and have a good showing.