Previously:
The Chunin exams got underway with the first task requiring the Genin to interrogate prisoners to ascertain the correct location to advance. Naruto and his team would be paired during their interrogation with the team from Cloud, before heading off, where Naruto would meet Fu. Many teams were eliminated, and the remaining teams were told of the next task, which would require them to steal an object from one of the other teams. Naruto would also speak with Sasuke's team, where he would learn of Karin's Uzumaki heritage, prompting him to declare that he would steal her for the next task.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Heavily demonic voice'

'Fox talking'

"Fox thinking"

*expression*

Jutsu

Flashback

Chapter 11 – Blood versus water

'Well then, were you serious about taking that girl?' Asked Ameyuri, once Naruto and Kushimaru had made their way back to their temporary dwelling.

'Maybe… I think this is the best chance to properly get some information from her, hopefully without needing to resort to interrogation… but she seems scared of me, oddly.' Commented Naruto.

'Could have been due to that fact that you started at her like a fat kid stares at a lollipop. Looked like you wanted to eat her kekeke.' Laughed Kushimaru.

'Nah, it couldn't have been that. I gave Ameyuri that look heaps of times before.' Said Naruto.

'I don't think the situation was the same.' Commented Ameyuri.

'How so? Both situations I wanted to understand the person I was staring at.' Said Naruto.

'Yes, but at least I had some idea why. For all she knew, you were really going to kidnap her.' Said Ameyuri.

'Who says I won't? I'll give her back for the next part of course, but a little kidnapping isn't so bad.' Said Naruto.

'Are you hoping for a Stockholm type deal?' Asked Ameyuri.

'I'm not sure what Stockholm is… but for some reason I get the feeling that is like what Orochimaru does, so I'm going to say no. Besides, I don't think you can compare our situation to her. I mean, it doesn't get any closer than us.' Said Naruto.

'You don't have to remind me.' Said Ameyuri, rubbing her left wrist.

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Flashback

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Naruto, Ameyuri and Kushimaru had managed to make their way to a small cave a good distance from the Village Hidden in the Mist, finally giving them a chance to assess the situation. Ameyuri was still on Naruto's shoulders, while Kushimaru walked a step or two behind, keeping a watchful eye and ear out. Entering the cave and letting the darkness largely obscure them, Naruto finally set his cargo down, sitting Ameyuri up against the wall. Kushimaru stood against a small pillar, keeping both his two former enemies and the cave entrance in sight. Naruto also kept an eye on the entrance, but had his back facing Kushimaru, suggesting Naruto had already come to trust Kushimaru. Taking the brief reprieve, Naruto quickly examined Ameyuri to the best of his ability. Her face was still pale but had at least some tinges of red along her cheeks and lips. Her chest rose and fell slowly, but steadily, and her breathing was quiet, not laboured at all surprisingly. Her hands were still a little bit cold, but that was to be expected given the weather, and they were much warmer than Naruto had initially been anticipating. Even the puncture wound that Kushimaru had gifted her leg with was healing, only a small red spot over the front and back of her right thigh, indicating the wound was almost completely healed.

"So do you want to explain what you did to save Ameyuri?" Thought Naruto.

'I simply infused her with some of my chakra. All you need to do now is transfer some of your own chakra and she will wake up. Be warned though, doing this means she will have part of our life force. For me, that isn't an issue since my total power is so great, the little bit I used to heal her can be recovered in a few hours. For you on the other hand, unless you can properly channel your Wood chakra, it will take almost a quarter of your considerably large reserves. It will recover in time, but that isn't the real issue.' Explained Kyuubi.

"The real issue?" Questioned Naruto.

'Both of us providing her with life force would essentially make her one with you. Technically I would also be bound, similar to how I am currently bound to you, but with your deaths I would be free either way. You on the other hand are taking a significant risk if harm comes to her. Should she die, it may not kill you, but it will feel as though you are dying, at least until the remnants of the chakra bond fade. So, are you still willing to revive this woman, knowing the risk it would place you at?' Asked Kyuubi.

"Well I was ready to die just a short while ago, as I'm sure you remember, so I don't see any downside here." Thought Naruto, before starting to channel his chakra.

Naruto focused and carefully searched for the traces of his Wood chakra he could still feel floating around his system. There were but a few wisps of it still around, but with careful concentration, Naruto managed to focus it and bring it to his right hand, which he placed on Ameyuri's abdomen, right over the core of her chakra. The Wood chakra almost instinctively started to mould itself into the natural aspects of its energy, bringing with it healing and growth. This energy was quickly sucked into Ameyuri's body, mingling with the Kyuubi's chakra and purifying it, similar to the way Naruto's own seal worked, allowing it to serve the purpose of revitalising the rest of Ameyuri's damaged tissues, without the drawback of Jinchuuriki rapid regeneration. The last few dregs of Naruto's Wood chakra then settled in Ameyuri's core, before seeming to reset Ameyuri's chakra flow, while also giving a jolt to her system, bringing her own innate chakra production back online.

'There, it is done for now. All that remains is to let her rest for a short while as her reserves replenish.' Explained Kyuubi.

"Thanks for the help." Thought Naruto, causing the fox to grunt in acknowledgement, before going about its own business, in particular, trying to find the Sanbi's consciousness in the mess that was Naruto, made even more difficult with the potential for his Wood chakra to suppress Kyuubi and knock the fox into a daze.

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End Flashback

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'I mean, to be fair, I suppose I did technically kidnap you.' Commented Naruto, breaking out of his reflections.

'Yeah, but I doubt she would be as open to something like that.' Said Ameyuri.

'You don't know that, maybe she hates being under Orochimaru. That's the point though, I know nothing, and I need to find out.' Said Naruto firmly.

'What about the rest of those Genin? Your friends or something?' Asked Ameyuri.

'Something like that. I wouldn't worry about them; they'll likely just swap something with each other… although I wonder if Sakura will try to kidnap Sasuke… I might have success kidnapping Karin, but Sakura might be getting into serious trouble if she tries something like that. I'm sure the others will keep them on track though. I wonder what the other teams are going to do. Somehow, I don't think the Cloud or Waterfall team will have any issues and most of the other teams have a pair, except for Sand of course. I wonder though, what the other Mist team must be thinking. I didn't recognise any of them, so I doubt they were in the war, but where did they come from.' Said Naruto, speaking his thoughts aloud.

'That team would be Ganryuu's.' Said Chojuro, as he entered their room silently.

'Some serious guts coming in here without any warning, you've grown, Chojuro.' Commented Ameyuri.

'Guess you kind of had to, being the only official Swordsman of the Mist left, huh?' Added Naruto.

'To think, the kid who got knocked out so early in our fight is now the only one holding up the prestige of our title.' Said Kushimaru, with a hint of amusement.

'Well I would love a rematch, but that isn't what I am here for now. Lady Mizukage wanted me to brief you on the team with the hope that you could help them as well.' Explained Chojuro.

'Hmm, feels like we are cheating almost, I like it.' Commented Naruto.

'Well, actually, it isn't really cheating, as Ganryuu's team was already briefed yesterday, as were the other two teams that entered the exam. Unfortunately, they were not as successful. Ao is on his way to chew out their Jounin now.' Said Chojuro with an uneasy chuckle.

'I was wondering about that, why didn't Mist have a bunch of teams enter? Back in my year, there were tons of Leaf Genin competing.' Asked Naruto.

'Let's just say Mist is a little more selective.' Answered Kushimaru.

'Yeah, even without the old graduation ceremony, our Genin are still low in numbers, just like our overall population. The war didn't help either.' Added Ameyuri.

'And there you have it. We currently only have five teams of official Genin, and two were only formed a few weeks ago. Ganryuu's team is the oldest having been together for a year and a half now, with one of their Genin having previously been on a team with two current Chunin.' Finished Chojuro.

'That must have been the one who did the interrogations, I did find it odd that there were two inexperienced looking Genin paired with another, more experienced Genin.' Commented Naruto.

'Well, they aren't inexperienced, simply less experienced. In any case, here are a copy of their personnel files. Burn them when you are finished. The main points to note are their Kenjutsu skills and mission record, having actually managed to complete over twenty B-rank missions together since forming. They are also in the hotel if you want to go and meet up with them, but I imagine Ganryuu will likely be with them soon to discuss their plan moving forward as well. Good luck.' Said Chojuro, as he handed Naruto a dossier, before disappearing as silently as he arrived.

'Kid's stealth has gotten good. He might even be able to pull off a silent kill like that.' Appraised Kushimaru.

'Well, you'd need a spine to sever someone else's.' Commented Ameyuri.

'Hmm, well, it isn't anything to write home about, but it isn't that bad either.' Said Naruto, giving the paper a quick skim, before passing it to Kushimaru.

'So do you think we should visit them then?' Asked Ameyuri, as Kushimaru threw the scroll to her, which she caught without issue.

'I don't think so. Besides, it may actually hinder them if we go over there, and I make them think I am going to kidnap them. Apparently, I have a look.' Commented Naruto, causing Ameyuri to laugh as she finished reading, before sparks covered the document, quickly turning it to ash.

'In all seriousness, what are we going to get for the next task?' Asked Ameyuri.

'Hmm, decisions, decisions. I'm a little tempted to try and steal the blonde Cloud ninja's bra. Of course, I wouldn't actually mind kidnapping the other Uzumaki, and it would be funny if Sasuke was missing a teammate. Otherwise, I'm curious about the Sand team as well.' Said Naruto.

'We can probably save the bra stealing for later.' Commented Ameyuri with a smirk.

'I doubt we need a parachute right now anyway.' Agreed Naruto.

'Not like Ameyuri could get any use out of it either.' Snickered Kushimaru.

'So kidnapping then?' Asked Naruto hopefully.

'Fine. Although, we could always see the Sand team first, you know, before you kidnap someone.' Suggested Ameyuri.

'Eh, why not, we have a few days after all.' Said Naruto easily, causing Kushimaru to laugh.

'In that case, I'll be waiting until then. I at least want to watch.' Said Kushimaru.

'So, Sand team then?' Asked Naruto.

'Fine, I'm coming. No point in sticking around here with him.' Said Ameyuri, turning her nose up at Kushimaru.

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Mei was sitting in her office, reading over the report Ao had provided on the first stage of their Chunin exams. As expected, a large portion of teams were eliminated. It was also no surprise that Naruto's team had advanced. Mei gave a small frown at seeing only one other team from Mist had passed, but it was to be expected, they were still in the process of rebuilding after all. The team from Sound had also piqued Mei's curiosity, particularly the knowledge that one of them wielded Zabuza's sword. The remaining teams all had a few points of interest, but nothing overtly suspicious like Naruto's team, or the Sound team. Setting the report down, Mei gave a small sigh.

'Well Ao, should we send out letters to the heads of the successful villages?' Asked Mei.

'I wonder about that… should we send one out to all the villages, especially given our issue with spies?' Questioned Ao.

Mei frowned at this, glancing again at the report. Truth be told, she had been hoping that the team from Cloud would fail, purely to avoid sending out an invitation to that particular village, even more so given it seemed this team's leader was the Eight-tails Jinchuuriki.

'I suppose it can't be helped. Perhaps if we can show them our strength, they may hesitate in the future.' Said Mei with a sigh.

'I think that may backfire, especially if it comes to light that Naruto has been the one eradicating their spies.' Said Ao.

'Well, let's hope it stays a secret.' Agreed Mei, preparing to send out word of the exams second round and an invitation to the Kage.

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'What? Bee's team already found out who has been killing our spies… and it is a Genin! Mabui! Prepare for travel to the Mist Village!' Shouted A, furious at the letter he had just received, updating him on the progress of the Chunin exams.

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'Lord Kazekage, our team has proved successful in making it to the second round of the Chunin exams.' Said a Sand Jounin, from across the Kazekage's desk.

'Please send word to Baki and Temari, I would like to leave for Mist today.' Requested Gaara, getting a nod from the Jounin.

'Say Gaara, are you sure about this?' Asked Kankuro, from a corner of the room.

'Yes Kankuro. It is time for Sand to re-establish itself as one of the main villages, our past setbacks aside.' Said Gaara.

'About that, I've heard rumours that Sound has also sent a team to these exams. Apparently the Uchiha is on it.' Said Kankuro.

'What is your source?' Asked Gaara, imperceptibly sharper than before to most, but Kankuro, having grown up to notice the slightest change in Gaara, easily picked up on it.

'Jiraiya of the Sannin.' Replied Kankuro, causing Gaara to frown.

'Kankuro, I want you to increase security within the village. If you should suspect someone of plotting against Sand, I give you free reign to detain or remove them as necessary.' Said Gaara.

'I understand, I'll keep the village safe in your absence. I did hear of one other person attending the exams that you might be interested in as well.' Said Kankuro.

'Who?' Asked Gaara, the barest hints of curiosity in his voice.

'The blond kid from the last exam, Naruto.' Said Kankuro.

Gaara didn't respond, but Kankuro saw the surprise in his face, made evident by his slightly widened eyes.

'I'll go and help find Temari, I'm guessing you're going to want to leave pretty soon.' Said Kankuro, before leaving with a silent Body Flicker.

"Naruto… Uzumaki." Thought Gaara, his mind going back to his memories just a few months after their failed attack on the Leaf, when he found out the boy who understood his suffering had been banished.

The sand around the Kazekage Tower picked up suddenly, a small sandstorm hiding the lower levels from view before clearing, much as Gaara's mind had.

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'Pein, it would seem the two teams we sent to compete in these upcoming Chunin Exams have both been successful. They also report that there are at least two Jinchuuriki in the exam. In addition to this, one of the team leaders of the other teams is also a Jinchuuriki and it would seem there is a good chance of a fourth Jinchuuriki, in the form of the Kazekage, also being present for the next round of exams.' Said Konan, a blue haired member of Akatsuki.

Pein, an orange haired individual with purple eyes that featured a ripple pattern, was sitting on one of the spires in Rain, uncaring of the rain pouring over him.

'It is also known that the Rokubi is also in Mist, or the surrounding area as well.' Added Konan.

'Almost half the Jinchuuriki in one place. A truly golden opportunity to illustrate true pain to all the villages at once.' Said Pein, only for the sound of a vortex behind him to oppose this idea.

'Actually, given how long it takes to extract each tailed beast, it would be unwise to risk such exposure currently, much less against all major villages. However, it may be wise to pick one or two off after the exams. The Kazekage will likely be travelling with only a few guards and the Land of Water will disadvantage all sand manipulation abilities of the Jinchuuriki. The Waterfall team would also be a good choice, given the team will be travelling alone and the easiest to target. I wouldn't advise targeting Mist when there may be four potential beasts all gathered there and Cloud's Jinchuuriki is quite formidable in his own right. Given he will likely return with the Raikage, it would be unwise to provoke them now as well. That being said, the two, four and five tails will also be unprotected during the exams, so they may also be good targets. That's up for you to decide though.' Said the man who had emerged from the vortex, a single Sharingan eye peering out of an orange swirled mask.

'Konan, have a team on standby to apprehend the Nanabi. Have Sasori prepare his sleeper agents, as we will target the Ichibi next.' Said Pein.

Konan gave a small nod to this, while the masked man simply left through another vortex.

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'So, why are we following the Sand Genin?' Asked Ameyuri, following Naruto as he monitored the Sand Genin from a distance.

'I'm just assessing them for now. I don't know why, but I find it a little strange that they only sent one team. Especially considering I don't see anyone that I recognise.' Said Naruto thoughtfully.

'Well, considering they never sent spies here, it's no wonder you haven't kept track of what Sand has been up to.' Said Ameyuri, knowing how focused they had been on Cloud, due to their constant attempts at infiltration.

'I guess, but they've been really quiet, I'm a little suspicious.' Said Naruto.

'You could just ask them.' Said Ameyuri with a grin, before noticing Naruto was seriously considering it.

'Why not?' Questioned Naruto, causing Ameyuri to laugh.

'Even now you still do whatever you want and I'm honestly surprised that it still surprises me.' Commented Ameyuri.

'Well, let's go ask, then we can find the other teams.' Said Naruto, before Ameyuri and Naruto closed the distance between them and the Sand team.

'Hello there.' Said Naruto teasingly, cause the group to flinch.

'Who are you?' Said the only male member of the group.

'Me? I'm Naruto. There, now that I've answered one of your questions, answer one of my own. Why are you the only Genin from Sand?' Answered Naruto.

'We were sent to become Chunin, isn't that obvious?' Replied the black-haired girl of the group, seemingly unable to understand Naruto's question.

'So does that mean Gaara is already a Chunin then, huh, weird?' Said Naruto thoughtfully, grabbing the entire team's attention.

'How do you know the Kazekage?' Asked the brunette of the group.

'Kazekage? Gaara? Wow, I really should have paid him a visit after all.' Said Naruto in surprise.

'I think that would go against keeping a low profile, especially if they are a Kage.' Commented Ameyuri.

'I guess so. Well then, good luck you three. If you make it to the last round, then that means Gaara will be here, right?' Said Naruto, before nodding to himself.

Naruto moulded his Ice chakra and produced a small version of Shukaku, before holding it out to the Sand team.

'Here you go. If anyone asks, you stole this from me.' Said Naruto, flooring the group.

'Why would you just willingly give us a chance to advance?' Asked the male of the group.

'Gaara's my friend. I want to see him. That's all.' Said Naruto simply, before walking closer to the black-haired girl.

'Don't look a gift Shukaku in the mouth, there is nothing there but ice after all.' Said Naruto, handing her the sculpture, which she took with a smile.

'Oh wow, that means we've already passed to the next stage.' Said the girl, causing Naruto to laugh, before he walked away with Ameyuri in tow.

'That was all kinds of strange you know.' Said Ameyuri.

'Really? I didn't think I did anything weird, besides, now we can get back to kidnapping, erm, I mean liberating that other Uzumaki.' Said Naruto.

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'So Karin, how does it feel to be the one stalked for a change?' Asked Suigetsu, as the two sat in a small clearing, waiting for Sasuke to return.

'Shut up!' Growled Karin in irritation.

'Still, this might be the first time a boy your age has shown interest in you, you should be excited, it isn't like Sasuke is going to think about you the way you want.' Continued Suigetsu, irritating the redhead.

'Karin, come with me.' Said Sasuke, entering the clearing, before turning around just as quickly and leaving.

'Have fun by yourself, Suigetsu.' Snorted Karin, before following after Sasuke reluctantly.

Once Karin was out of sight of Suigetsu, she mentally squealed at having an opportunity to be alone with Sasuke. Eventually catching sight of him standing near a small lake, Karin quickened her pace to stand beside him.

'So Sasuke, what do you want?' Asked Karin, batting her eyes at him.

'I want you… to tell me what you think about Orochimaru.' Said Sasuke, initially getting Karin's hopes up, only for them to crash and burn seconds later.

'What about him? For that matter, why do you want to talk about him when we can talk about each other instead?' Asked Karin.

'We can talk about that after, first, Orochimaru.' Said Sasuke curtly, causing Karin to swoon at his assertive tone.

'Well, I mean he is looking out for his own interests, but he does allow us a great deal of free reign. Orochimaru is a very analytical individual, but he does tend to let his guard down when he believes he has the advantage, which he usually does in most cases.' Started Karin.

'That's not what I meant. Are you happy to serve under him?' Asked Sasuke, causing Karin to pause.

'You're not thinking of leaving, are you, Sasuke?' Asked Karin in shock.

'Hm. Perhaps, perhaps not.' Grunted Sasuke.

'Well let me know at least.' Requested Karin.

'You won't tell anyone about this, correct?' Asked Sasuke expectantly.

'Of course not, my lips are sealed.' Said Karin.

'In that case, what do you think about me? Would you follow me?' Asked Sasuke.

'Sasuke… are you really planning on leaving? You know Orochimaru will want to find you.' Asked Karin nervously.

'If you come with me though, wouldn't that be okay?' Asked Sasuke, causing Karin to blink.

'Are you asking me to leave Orochimaru and come with you?' Asked Karin.

'Perhaps.' Replied Sasuke.

Karin took a moment to think about this before replying.

'Then let me come with you.' Requested Karin.

'If you insist. One last person I wanted to ask you about, my former teammate, Naruto Uzumaki, what do you think of him?' Asked Sasuke.

'He creeps me out! I mean, the way he looked at me is like the way Orochimaru looks at his test subjects…' Said Karin nervously.

'You just haven't gotten to know him properly yet. Naruto is an obsessive individual, always chasing after Sasuke's back as a Genin. Even during our Chunin Exams in the past, he was more interested in proving himself to Sasuke, rather than proving his abilities to himself or anyone else. Of course, that's also Naruto, he needs a focus. I'm sure him knowing about you being an Uzumaki must have gotten his interest. All he ever wanted was a family, so knowing you are family to him means he would do anything to get to know you, even do misleading things.' Said Sasuke confusing Karin.

'Sasuke?' Questioned Karin, finding his short monologue somewhat out of character for him.

'Sorry Karin, Sasuke's not here right now, but you'll see him again in a few days.' Said Sasuke, with a grin which looked completely alien on his face.

Karin used her sensing abilities and realised entirely too late, that this wasn't Sasuke at all.

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'Sasuke, you're back already? Where's Karin?' Asked Suigetsu, as Sasuke entered the clearing.

'Why would I know where Karin is, she was with you, Suigetsu?' Asked Sasuke.

'Oh, of course, silly me.' Chuckled Suigetsu.