Gathering of Genins (Part 1)

After the first day of his training at the waterfall, Naruro slumped in his bed exhausted. He had spent a total of 8 hours at the waterfall attempting his best to cut the torrent of water. However, one thing he realised was how the whole training was taxing him mentally.

Naruto did not have to worry too much about Chakra drainage considering Kurama was constantly pushing his own Chakra into Naruto's Chakra system. The mental exhaustion came from two places: one, maintaining the 1,000 Shadow Clones. However, this fact alone did not affect Naruto too badly as he had been using an overabundant number of Shadow Clones since a really young age and his mental state had grown considerably to facilitate its demands. This biggest mental exhaustion came from the second reason: from the increased concentration level. Building up sufficient amount of Wind Nature Chakra within his body and instantly pushing it out of his palms gradually exhausted Naruto mentally. Add the mental exuaustion of 1,000 Shadow Clones on top of that, it would leave a normal person on the brink of mental collapse.

One thing had to be noted. Naruto's progress was clearly visible. He was able to clearly sense his mastery over his Wind Chakra had grown considerably and a few days more of such training, he would be able to cut the waterfall with ease.

Without any further prompt, Naruto fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, Naruto woke up completely refreshed. As per his usual routine, he completed his morning workout with ease and had a heartfelt breakfast. Upon finishing eating, Naruto opened his Status Page; something he hadn't done in quite a while now.

Name: Naruto Uzumaki | Age: 13

Level: 70 (0/0)

Rank: Genin | Class: A+

Status: Healthy

Title: Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails Fox

Bloodline: Uzumaki, Uchiha

Attributes:

VIT: 700 | STR: 700 | AGI: 700

DEX: 700 | INT: 680 | WIS: 680

Attribute Points: 80

System Points: 210,000

Chakra Point: 100,000

Abilities:

Healing Factor - Rank: S-

(Able to heal 20x faster than normal.)

Sharingan - Rank: S+ {Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan}

{Allows user to perceive motions better copy the motions perceived and predict motions. Eternal Magekyo Sharingan currently locked.}

Chakra Reserve: S+

Chakra Control: A+

Skills:

Ninjutsu Mastery: A+

Taijutsu Mastery: A+

Kenjutsu Mastery: A+

Fuinjutsu Mastery: A+

Genjutsu Mastery: A+]

"Woah! That's one massive jump!" exclaimed Naruto, witnessing the ridiculous jump on his stats. "System, what happened?"

[Host had been training on his own with no guidance other than training manuals, therefore, Host's progress was steady and normal. Upon Host's interaction during missions with other Ninjas and current training, Host has been able to progress faster. This was due to being exposed to a higher level of pressure than previously!]

"Hmmm ... I see," muttered Naruto, rubbing his chin. "Then explain to me the massive increase of the System Points."

[That is due to completing multiple D-Rank and C-Rank missions as well as the B-Rank Mission. In addition, the after handing out the compiled training manuals, other Ninjas have become considerably stronger in the short period of time, thus sucessfully levelling up multiple times.]

"Wait, when did you tell me I could be rewarded with System Points for such actions?" asked Naruto, baffled.

[Host needs to decide to do things of his own initiatives unless Host wishes to become the System's Slave!]

"What the hell! When did you develop such a tone?" asked Naruto angrily. "Is there something else you should be telling me?"

[Host needs to become stronger quicker!]

"Sigh, never mind," sighed Naruto. "Hmmm? Hold on! Doesn't the Sharingan become Mangekyu Sharingan before becoming Eternal? Why is it showing Eternal Mangekyu Sharingan?"

[Normally, that is the case! However, has the bloodlines of both Indra Õtsutsuki and Ashura Õtsutsuki! As such, Host is not bound with the Curse of Hatred the Uchihas possess! As Host is the descendant of Hagoromo Õtsutsuki through both of his sons, youNg do not need to unlock the Mangekyu Sharingan. Once Host's eyes are strong enough to unlock the next level, Host will directly unlock the final form of Sharingan!]

'The furball did say the Uzumaki's are descendants of Ashura and the Uchiha are the descendants of Indra,' thought Naruto. 'That means that the combination of the two bloodlines cancels out the negative aspects of the Sharingan. If that's really true, then did Indra also go blind from using his Mangekyu? Or was it that his bloodline purity was pure enough to negate that side-effect since he was The Sage of Six Path's son? Oh well, doesn't really matter right now.'

*** Five Days Later Academy ***

During this past few days, Naruto had finally managed to finish his cutting waterfall training. It had taken him a total of 4 days to complete it. Naruto had used the day before to relax a bit, focus on his meditation and prepare for the Chunin Promotion Exam. He had asked around what the first examination entailed, but he had come up with nothing. As a result, he had prepared a week's worth of rations and polished his Ninja tools.

Naruto met up with Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura at the entrance of the Academy and were about to enter. He had noticed that Sasuke and Sakura looked a lot more confident than before.

'Seems like their training has paid off a bit,' thought Naruto as he sized up his two teammates. 'It's a shame they only had limited time.'

"I wish you three the best of lucks," said Kakashi in a serious tone. "Try your best in the examination. Knowing it's you three, you should be able to pass the first exam easily."

"You're still not going to tell us what it is?" whined Sakura.

"You're going to find out soon enough," replied Kakashi. "Don't forget what I told you two, Sasuke, Sakura."

"Yes, we remember," said Sasuke with an annoyed tone.

'Looks like this guy's arrogance has gone up a notch,' thought Naruto internally. 'I just hope he doesn't give me too much of a headache.'

"Alright, off you go then," said Kakashi, waving Team 7 off as he took out his favourite book from his pouch. "I'll see you three once this examination is over."

Kakashi used the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared, leaving Team 7 to enter the Academy on their own.

As soon as they were inside, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura headed over to the 3rd floor and noticed a small gathering of Genins outside a door.

As soon as they arrived, Naruto noticed Hinata standing together with her teammates, Shino and Kiba.

"Hinata, it's been a long time," said Naruto as he approached the Hyuuga Princess. "How have you been?"

"Naruto-kun," said Hinata happily as she approached Naruto. "I've been fine, thank you. How have you been?"

"Top of my game, as usual," replied Naruto, smiling from ear to ear. "How's your training been going lately? We haven't met up since we graduated."

"It's been going great," said Hinata, linking arms with Naruto. "Kurenei-sensei has been wonderful. She's been giving me a more serious training, but they can't compare with the training I've been doing with you. Also, we've been getting more and more missions since our team's been getting stronger and stronger."

"That's great," said Naruto, clearly happy that his girlfriend has been doing great.

Upon seeing Naruto and Hinata acting so intimately, the entire group of Genins were clearly shocked. After recovering slightly from their stupor, they immediately started whispering amongst each other. The young couple noticed this, however, they ignored it completely and focused on their reunion. It had been over a month since they last saw each other. This had been due to the fact both were in different teams and had been taking missions separately.

During the time they had been apart, Naruto noticed that Hinata's confidence had taken a massive leap in the positive direction. Judging by the strong aura she commanded, she was clearly at a high Jonin level. She was definitely at Kurenei's level in terms of overall competence, if not higher.

"Hey, Naruto-baka, why is Hinata clinging onto your arm?" asked Sakura in her banshee voice.

'Seriously, does this girl have something wrong with her head?' thought Naruto as he scowled at Sakura. "Did you forget who was training you not so long ago? You were also pissing your pants when you met those Genins from the other villages a few days ago. How did your confidence take such a massive leap?"

"Hmph! That was then, this is now," snorted Sakura, holding her nose high up in the air. "Sasuke-kun and I have been doing secret training together with Kakashi-sensei and we've gotten plenty strong."

'This girl definitely has a screw lose,' thought Naruto, cringing. "Stop disturbing me and go play with Broody. I've more important things to do. Now, Hinata, where were we?"

"We were ...!"

Just when Hinata started speaking, a gush of wind blew past them and a pair of soft hands grabbed Naruto's free hand, tightly pressing it against a pair of soft small balls.

"Naruto-kun, where have you been?" asked a soft sweet voice in Naruto's ears. "You're so mean! We haven't caught up since we graduated!"

"Hm?" Naruto turned around to see the owner of the voice staring at him intently as she hugged his arm. He blinked a few times in surprise before his brain registered that he's been sandwiched between two beauties. "Umm ... Ino ... you should let go now."

"Hm?" Ino blinked in surprise as she noticed Hinata standing next to Naruto, smiling ever so sweetly as she too was hugging Naruto's other arm. "Oh, Hinata-chan, how have ... you ... been ...?"

Upon seeing Hinata's smile growing ever so sweeter, Ino felt a cold shiver run through her spine. She quickly let go of Naruto's arm and placed a slight distance between him and herself. She sighed internally in relief when she noticed Hinata calming down. 'Danger avoided. I forgot how scary Hinata-chan can get. Note to self: never piss off Hinata EVER again.'

"Wow, first Hinata, now Ino," muttered Sakura to herself. "What's going on here?"

"Is Shhikamara and Chouji here as well?" asked Naruto, changing the topic to diffuse the situation.

"Those two lazy bums are coming slowly," replied Ino, catching onto Naruto's train of thoughts. "I've got to say, we've gotten pretty strong lately. Don't expect to win if you get matched up against us."

"We haven't been slacking either," said Naruto smugly. "Don't count your horses yet. Ah, you two are finally here. Being lazy as always, it seems."

"Hmph, talk about yourself," said Shikamaru in his usual lazy manner. "You were always sleeping in class."

"Like you were any better, hahaha! Chouji, you never stop eating. You're going to pop one day."

"Like you can talk," replied the overweight Chouji. "You're the only guy outside of my family who can out-eat me!"

"Ah, Naruto-kun, you've already arrived," said another female voice. "Seems like we're the last ones to arrive."

Naruto looked up to see Tenten standing slightly further away as she arrived with her teammates.

"Tenten, looking good as always," replied Naruto politely. "I didn't know you were taking the Chunin exam as well."

"We were held back a year to make sure we got strong enough to pass," said Tenten. "We're definitely going to pass this exam!"

'That's the third girl that's approached Naruto," thought Sakura. 'What's going on today? Am I missing something?'

"Neji," whispered Hinata to herself, her eyes wandering behind Tenten.

Following Hinata's line of sight, Natuto noticed two male Genins walking upto the group. One of the Genins had long, black hair that reached the middle of his back that was tied a few inches above the end in a loose ponytail. Two straps were attached to a smaller headband underneath his black forehead protector that he wore over his forehead. He also had bandages wrapped around his right arm, chest and legs. He had the signature Hyuuga Clan's pupil-less eyes. He was Neiji Hyuuga - the proclaimed Hyuuga Prodigy.

The other Genin had the thickest eyebrows Naruto had seen in his life. He also had the roundest eyes to match. His hair was cut in a bowl-style haircut. He was wearing a green jumpsuit with orange leg warmers and his forehead protector as a belt. This was Rock Lee.