CHAPTER 44: EVALUATION

It has been five days since the Nina tails had attacked konoha. Three days ago a mass funeral was held for who have lost their lives in the battle to protect their home. The Monkey took back the position of Hokage after the death of his successor instead of finding a new fifth Hokage. Shitty Monkey.

Meanwhile , I have been staying in the Namikaze residence with Naruto. The monkey offered to send a baby sitter for helping me take care of little Naruto but I refused him. I have many females in my shadow army who are adapt in taking care of a new born, some being have been mothers themselves. So yeah, I didn't need his help. 

Anyway, back to the topic at hand, Three days have passed since the funeral and today morning an ANBU came to visit me. Although it was funny seeing an ANBU member being trapped by the protection seals that I have surrounded the house with. The ANBU member was currently levitating midair, upside down with his entire body being secured by ninja wires and his chakra supressed with seals. 

Seeing the state of the poor ANBU I decided to cut him some slack. Deactivating the seals the ANBU dropped on the ground like a sack of potatoes before standing back up in an instant. He tried to not look bothered by the situation he found himself in but I could clearly sense the embarrassment he felt from being trapped like that. Clearing his throat he said, " Hokage-Sama wishes to see you in his office in 10 minutes. He also asked to bring Naruto Uzumaki along with you." after saying his part he sunshined away.

'Well then, let's see what you have got in store for me monkey.'

Going inside the house I picked up naruto who had been fed his breakfast by one of my shadows. Coming out of the house I teleported to a street near the Hokage's Office. From there it was a few minutes of walking and ignoring the worthless civilians staring at me that I reached the Hokage Tower. Reaching to the monkey's secretary I spoke up," The Mon- er.. Hokage asked me to come see him." The woman looked at me and said, " Your name?"

" Ryujin Uzumaki."

" Yes. The Hokage will see you now. Please head right in."

Walking inside the Hokage's office I was met with the sight of the monkey sitting in his chair and two other people in the room. One was the brilliant stragist Shikaku Nara, who was also the current Jonin commander and the other one was the disfigured and multi- eyed mummy.(Guess who)

" Hello Hokage and Nara-san" I said.

The mummy looked quite displeased that I completely ignored him so I continued to do so.

Hiruzen spoke up, " Ah,Yes, Ryujin, I have been expecting you. Today you will have your evaluation test. Are you ready?"

" Yeah. Whatever." I said casually.

The Hokage and Danzo had a few tick marks but Shikaku seemed to be on the same page as me. Everything is a drag.

" Your evaluation will be Judged by the me the current Hokage, the entire Shinobi council and my elders. Usually only I would have participated in evaluation tests but the Shinobi council and the advisors requested to be present and be a part of the evaluation. I hope it will be fine with you." hiruzen added.

" No problem." I replied.

" Very well, Let's head to training grounds Seven. Everyone is waiting there." He said and stood up. 

Following his lead we all went to training ground seven. There I was met with the faces of the shinobi council i.e. clan heads of the various clans and the Hokage's advisors. Also there were a bunch of other people there who I believe would be used to evaluate me. I recognised all of them, Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, Yuhi Kurenai, Mitorashi Anko, Might Guy, and Uzuki Yugao, Shisui Uchiha.

(A/N: Shisui is around 12 here. In the original time line he was around 8 when the nine tails attacked but in this story he is 12)

Walking to the centre of the field and taking everybody's attention Hiruzen spoke up," Today we are gathered here to see the rank evaluation of one Uzumaki Ryujin. The Judges will be me, the Shinobi council and my Advisors. He will be tested in all the aspects of the ninja Art by Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, Yuhi Kurenai, Mitorashi Anko, Might Guy, and Uzuki Yugao, and Shisui Uchiha. I bid you best of luck Ryujin." Saying this he returned to the sidelines. 

Shikaku looked at me and offered, " Do you want me to hold him for you?" 

" No need." I made a single handseal and created a shadow clone. Handing over naruto to my clone I made my way over to the open field.

ANKO POV

Today morning I was peacefully eating Dango when my peace was interrupted by an ANBU at my table. He told me That I was to go to training ground seven according to the Hokage's order. Finishing the Dango I reached the training ground to find the entire shinobi council and the hokages advisors, There were also Kakashi, Shisui, Asuma, Guy , Yugao and Kurenai. Walking up to them I asked," Hello Guys. Any Ideas about what is going on?"

Kurenai said," No, an ANBU showed up and asked me to come here. Said the Hokage ordered it."

" Same" the others confirmed.

It was 10 minutes Later that the Hokage accompanied by Shikaku Nara, Shimura Danzo and a 15 years old kid holding a baby showed up. After the Hokage finished his speech we got to know that we are here to fight and help in the evaluation of that guy. Never saw him before in the village. Anyway, if the genius Kakashi and Shisui both are here then this got to be interesting.

I saw the guy create a Shadow clone and pass the baby to the clone. Can he fight A long drawn chain battle while maintaining a shadow clone? I was pondering about this but the next thing he spoke made all the pondering I was doing come to a halt and a single question went through my head, " Is he serious?"

MC P.O.V.

Walking to the centre of the of the grounds I had my hands in my pocket. With a lazy and unmotivated voice I said out, " So are you guys gonna take turns or you guys wanna come at me together." This seemed to to the effect and make them pissed as each one of them narrowed their eyes at me.

Anko was the first one to take action. Rushing towards me she jumped in the air and threw her hands at me" Hidden Shadow snakes." Five snakes from each of the jacket sleeves came out and attacked towards me bearing their fangs. 

" Is that all?" I said and with a wave of my hand created a wind blast that blasted her midair and threw her back. Guy jumped in the air and caught her before landing on the ground and settling her down.

I spoke up again," If you come at me with anything less than the intention to kill, you will not even be able to scratch me. So come at me and don't hold back." 

All of them took up their guards and Kakashi removed his headband exposing his sharingan. Shisui too activated him three tomoe Sharingan.

" That wind Jutsu earlier, He did not make any hand seals." Said Asuma.

Similar discussions were going on in the sidelines where all the examiners were. 

Hiruzen turned towards the clone holding Naruto, " How did you do it?" He asked in a curious tone.

" A shinobi never gives out his secrets Hokage. I thought you knew that?" The clone questioned back in a sarcastic tone.

Hiruzen looked as if someone has kicked his balls but he had to admit he was impressed. This level of ninjutsu was far beyond what he was expecting. Even he the famed professor himself cannot do ninjutsu without handseals. Even if he did not want to admit it, even Danzo was impressed. Though he showed nothing on his face.

" Ku Ku Ku, that is some magnificent Wind affinity you have there Ryujin-kun. Even I cannot do wind release without handseals." A voice sounded from behind everyone.

" Orochimaru? I did not expect to come out of your lab and meet us here." Hiruzen said surprised.

" Ku Ku Ku, I was not planning to come, but something told me that if I missed this event I will miss a big surprise. Now I see my decision to come was correct." He replied. 

" Let's focus back on the field." Shikaku said.

ON THE FIELD

Kakashi being the most experienced out of all of them took the lead, " Guy, go and engage him in taijutsu. Don't hold back. Kurenai, Look for opportunities and see if you can trap him in a Genjutsu. Shisui, Anko and Asuma, use fire and wind style and bombard him with Ninjutsu. Yugao, you are with me. We will look for opportunities and try to launch surprise attacks." Kakashi said taking out his tanto.

" Yes" x6

Guy took action and rushed towards me aiming to punch my head. I slapped his hand away and tried to hit his face with my own fist but he spun out of the way. he jumped back a bit and then attacked me again with a spinning heel kick." KONOHA-SEMPU". This time I dodged back a bit so that the attack misses me and when he finished his move I moved faster than he could have expected and kicked him in the ribs. he flew back soaring through the air and landed a few meters back. He stood up immediately," WHAT POWER!!! WHAT YOUTH!!!" He shouted in the top of his voice.

Just as I was about to move towards him I found something trying to disturb my senses. But before it could even take effect it broke and the Genjutsu failed. Looking towards a tree I felt the chakra signature of Kurenai behind it. Taking out Six shuriken from my pouch I threw them at an horizontal arc. The shuriken curved in midair and flew straight towards Kurenai at an incredible speed. She cursed and dodged the Shurikens by leaping from her hiding spot and sunshining away to a different location. The shurikens hit the marks with thumps and Kurenai was greatful that she had teleported away in time. 

Focusing back on the energetic Guy I was about to move when I was stopped again by a massive wind enhanced Fireball coming straight towards me at breakneck speed. 

" Got you" were the thoughts of all the fighters but what they saw next made them question their eyes. They saw Ryujin take out a sword and swing it straight down vertically. In the next moment the massive fireball that was in his path was directly split in half and died out.

In The Sidelines

" What!!!" not only the participants but the clan heads too had a difficult time believing what they were seeing. Even the snake Sanin and Hokage were stunned.

" I have never seen such swordsmanship before." Yamanaka Inoichi said out loud.

" I would have never believed that a sword can do that if I was not seeing it myself." Choza commented.

" Amazing." Koharu and Hamura.

" I don't think anyone can just do that, right?" Shikaku said

" I have only seen one other person to be able to come close to this." Orochimaru commented.

" Who?" Fugaku asked

" The White Fang of the Leaf, Hatake Sakumo" It was Hiruzen who said that.

" Does that mean that Ryujin's swordsmanship is on the same level as Sakumo- Sama?" Hiashi asked

" That remains to be seen. But even it is not on the same level, It is definitely powerful than what Sakumo could do at that age." Hiruzen said

Back to the Battle.

All of the contestants were in deep thought and thinking of how a mere sword can cut through a fireball? Kakashi, standing on a tree branch was in deep thought, " I have heard father talk about cutting through ninjutsu but to see it in front of me. It's really amazing. But where did that sword come from? Did he have that from the beginning." He was so deep in his musings that he did not notice the shadow behind him until it was too late 

" It's not a good habit to be distracted during battles." I said from behind Kakashi. His eyes widened and he tried to turn to face me but was too late to do so as I kicked him in his back and sent him flying. " When did he move?" Were Kakashi's thoughts while flying away.

Yugao who was beside Kakashi attacked me using her sword. I simply blocked her sword using my own and pushed her back. Not letting go of her momentum Yugao attacked me again but this time she overdid a downward slash causing her to bend a little bit more. Using this mistake to my advantage, I dodged the swing and let her pass me halfway, before punching her in the ribs with my other hand. She shot out from the branch towards the ground, but was able to adjust her posture while landing.

Jumping Down from the tree branch I appeared in front of every body and said," Is that all?" 

Kakashi and Yugao attacked me again and Shisui joined them. I leaned back a little bit to let Kakahi's blade pass by harmlessly and hit him in the stomach with the hilt of my sword. Kakashi stumbled back a bit from the hit but I could not press on the attack as Shisui and Yugao attacked me at that moment. I had to be on the defensive for a while as Shisui using his sharingan attacked me in all the places that Yugao missed. Their teamwork had me dodging and defending but could not injure me. Finally I blocked Yugao's attack with my blade and kicked her in the stomach. Shisui attacked me and in the time it took me to attack Yugao he slashed at me with his tanto. Surprisingly his blade connected but the joy was short lived as it turned out to be an afterimage.

" What!! An Afterimage. Where is--" Shisui did not have time to ponder as a punch connected to his face and threw him back. Both Yugao and Shisui were down for now and Kakahi retreated back to the others after picking them up. 

" Any more plans in that head of your Kakashi?" Asuma asked.

"Kurenai, Is genjutsu not working?" Kakashi questioned

" Negative, I have tried several times during the kenjutsu matchup but I cannot place him under genjutsu. It's as if he is immune to it. But that should be impossible right?" She replied hopelessly

" Well kenjutsu, genjutsu and taijutsu are out. The only thing left is Ninjutsu." he said

" Wait Kakashi. It's still to early to count out my Taijutsu. Let me have another bout with him. This time I shall give it my all." Guy said stopping Kakashi.

" Guy are you planning on opening the inner gates? Can you handle it?" Kakashi enquired

" Yes I can open up to six gates and endure it, though I am unable to maintain it for long." Guy replied.

" Very well. Do what you can guy. We will support you when we can." Kakashi replied.

Nodding Guy ran towards me and stopped at a distance.

" Oh! So you will come at me again?" I asked

" Yes. This time I will use my 100% strength so please be careful."

Sheathing my sword back I said," Very well, Let's see what you can do"

Crossing his arms in an X shape guy concentrated for a bit before shouting," Eight inner gates technique, First gate, second gate, third gate, fourth gate, fifth gate open". A green aura surrounded guy as chakra burst out of him.

" Interesting. You can use five of the eight inner gates at such young age. Very well. I shall give you my full attention in this battle." I said with a little respect towards Guy. 

Coating my Hands in pitch black Armament Haki I said, " Come at me Guy."

And so he did. Guy came at me with a barrage of punches and kicks each one of which I blocked instead of dodging. He punched straight at me and I used my left palm to block it before punching him with my right hand. He did not block however but dodged the attack and jumped back. He started to charge straight at me and I lifted my fist in the air and punched the ground hard. The earth shook and the training ground burst open from the shockwave. 

IN THE SIDELINES

" What monstrous strength." Hiashi said

" It is close to Tsunade's chakra enhanced punches, but the thing is, he is not using chakra." Orochimaru said licking his lips like a disgusting snake.

" Yes indeed." Hiruzen nodded in agreement.

The punch did it's job as Guy was tipped off balance and I appeared before him in a flash and punched his stomach hard. The boy bent into an U shape and flew back knocking down several trees before finally stopping and laying unconscious.

" That must have hurt." Anko commented with a concerned look on her face. And indeed it was true as a few of Guy's ribs have been broken and there was an imprint of a fist in his stomach with smoke coming out from the area.

" Okay so ninjutsu it is." Kakashi said, still shocked by how easily I took out a five gates Guy. He knows that even he cannot do it so easily.

Folding several hand seals he shouted, " Fire style, phoenixes fire ball jutsu."

Asuma too shouted after completing the handseals, " Wind style, wind bullet jutsu."

The jutsus collided with each other and created several hot fire orbs coming at me in an incredibly high speed. I simply raised my hands and a blob of water appeared on my hand. flicking it towards the oncoming jutsus it enlarged into a massive water ball and split in 10 parts that collided with the fireballs and put them out. 

Inhaling a breath of air I released a huge wall of fire towards them.

Anko did hand seals in a fast pace and shouted," Earth style Earth wall."

Kakashi and Shisui also went through seals and said,"Water Style , Water Wall."

After the firewall passed them they were able to pull a narrow escape with all of them hurdling behind the earth wall and strengthening it. However around the wall was nothing but charred grass that covered the entire ground.

Before I could Attack again Hiruzen spoke up, " That would be enough. The evaluation has been completed." 

I nodded and together with the rest of them returned to the sidelines. Asuma was carrying Guy over his soldiers. Seeing the unconscious chunin I felt a little pity for him and moved to his side.

" Ryujin? What are you doing?" Hiruzen tried to stop me but I ignored him as I sat down beside Guy. A green light enveloped my hands as the wounds on Guy began to heal. In mere seconds all the wounds were gone and Guy regained consciousness..

"Wh-wh-what happened?" He asked

" You were knocked out" Kakashi said

" So you have knowledge of Medical ninjutsu also." Hiashi said 

" Yes" I replied and stood up. 

" The evaluation test has been successful. Ryujin, you have extraordinary strength and I believe you still have room to grow. Me, the Shinobi council and the Advisors have reached a unanimous decision after seeing your performance today. As the Hokage of the Village Hidden in the leaves and the powers vested upon me by the Fire Daimyo, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi grant you the rank of Elite Jonin of Konoha. Come by to my office tomorrow to collect your vest and Shinobi registration."

" Thank you Hokage." I replied and Naruto chose that moment to start crying. " It seems it is time for his lunch." I said looking at Naruto.

" Indeed" said Hiruzen." You are free to go." I nodded and the clone holding Naruto Sunshined away.

Looking at me Hiruzen said," Are you planning on having Lunch as well? I might suggest you to go with your future colleagues to know the village better. " 

" No need. I will have my Lunch with Naruto" I said.

" I didn't knew that a shadow clone can pass on nutrition to the original body. Is this a new Jutsu you have developed?" Orochimaru asked.

" No. A shadow clone does not pass on Nutrition to the main body. And I have not developed any new jutsu." I replied.

" Then how can you have lunch with Naruto when you are still with us?" Tsume asked

" I am not here with you." I replied.

" What are you talking about" Fugaku asked feeling that he was being fooled.

" Simple, I am the clone." I said before popping out of existence.

All gathered Shinobis had their eyes widened in disbelief and a single thought ran in their head, " It was the clone that fought them?" Especially Hiashi who was doubting his proficiency with the Byakugan as he has used it to observe during the battle. 

" That kid is dangerous" Was the thought going through Danzo's head.

" Well it seems Ryujin gave us quite a surprise today. Head back and rest all of you. It has been a long morning." Hiruzen said before everyone left the training grounds.