The bustling atmosphere of the Chunin Exam arena was electrified with excitement and tension. In a special section designated for important figures, Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Raikage A, and Kazekage Rasa took their seats. A meeting of this nature, with multiple Kage, was indeed an uncommon event. Yet, the student exchange program had provided the perfect opportunity for these leaders to visit their respective family members who were participating in the exams.
Hiruzen turned to his counterparts. "It's quite an occasion, isn't it? The exams usually don't bring us all together like this."
Raikage A nodded, his face as stern as ever. "It's a unique circumstance. The student exchange program has certainly added a layer of intrigue to this year's exams."
Rasa adjusted his headpiece, "Indeed, it has allowed our younger generation to witness different aspects of our shinobi world."
Hiruzen glanced towards the arena, where the young genin were preparing for their final stage. "This exam has also brought our young ones back home for a short while."
Ryomaru sat in the audience, anticipation bubbling within him as he waited for the final matches to start. Hanabi was to his left, her eyes sparkling with excitement. On his right sat Temari, who looked intrigued yet composed. Beside Hanabi were Hinata and Naruto, while Gaara and Kankuro flanked Temari. The tension in the air was palpable, but it wasn't the upcoming battles that caught Ryomaru's attention; it was the interactions among his friends and family that captivated him.
"Wow, look at that. They're really going all out, huh?" Hanabi exclaimed, pointing towards the arena where two young shinobi clashed with kunai, sparks flying from the impact.
Ryomaru grinned. "Sure seems like it. It'll be interesting to see how they fare."
Temari leaned in, "So, who are you betting on?"
Ryomaru chuckled, "I'd rather not say. Let's keep the suspense alive."
Across from Ryomaru, Gaara observed the scene silently. "The intensity of the battle is remarkable," he finally said.
Kankuro nodded, "Yeah, but I still think our Sand shinobi can outclass them any day."
Meanwhile, Hinata watched the duel unfolding before them but stole occasional glances at Naruto, who seemed engrossed in the match. Finally, Naruto turned towards her. "Hey Hinata, this is pretty awesome, right?"
Her face flushed, Hinata nodded, "Yes, very intense."
Naruto grinned, "Yeah, but I still think I could take them on!"
Hanabi couldn't help but overhear and chuckled. "Confident, aren't we, Naruto?"
"What can I say?" Naruto shrugged, "I aim to be the Hokage one day!"
The atmosphere was electric as two genin from different villages leapt into the air, clashing mid-flight before landing back into the arena. The audience erupted into cheers and gasps, captivated by every move.
"Whoa, did you see that?" Hanabi's eyes widened, unable to contain her excitement.
"Yeah, that flip was insane!" Naruto agreed, his eyes still on the fighters.
"High-level maneuvers for their age," Gaara observed, equally impressed but more composed in his reaction.
Temari nodded, "The talent pool this year is something else."
Below them, a Leaf Village genin launched a volley of shuriken, which were deftly dodged by his Sand Village opponent, who retaliated with a wind jutsu.
"Wow, that wind jutsu was amazing!" Hinata exclaimed softly, marveling at the technique.
"Yeah, but did you see the way the Leaf shinobi dodged it? That was slick," Naruto countered, clearly enjoying every moment.
Kankuro scoffed, "He dodged because he had to. Our Sand techniques are no joke."
Gaara, who had been quietly observing, added, "True, but it's how one adapts in battle that reveals their true strength."
Before anyone could respond, Naruto grinned widely and said, "You know, Gaara, training with B has really opened my eyes. We've been learning some pretty cool stuff, haven't we?"
Gaara's eyes softened, "Yes, B's teaching methods are... unconventional, but effective."
Ryomaru chuckled, "Ah, Uncle B. Trust him to make any training memorable."
Temari leaned toward Ryomaru, "What was it like for you, training in the Cloud?"
Ryomaru shrugged, "Every day was something new. But mostly legendary rap battles."
Remembering the rap song Ryomaru had performed for them during his time in Konoha, Hinata and Hanabi both blushed. Even though they didn't know Uncle B, it was clear that Ryomaru had a knack for it.
"You really killed it with that rap the other day, Ryomaru," Hanabi said, eyes sparkling.
Ryomaru chuckled, "I've learned from the best. Uncle B knows how to keep things fresh, that's for sure."
Hinata looked at him, admiration in her eyes. "It was very creative. I've never heard anything like it."
Hearing how much Hinata liked the rap, Naruto's eyes lit up. He cleared his throat and looked toward Gaara as if asking for approval. Gaara nodded, a rare, faint smile crossing his face. Naruto grinned. "Alright, listen up! I got a verse I've been working on with B, dattebayo!"
Ryomaru grinned, elbowing Temari slightly. "This should be interesting."
Naruto took a deep breath and began rapping:
"Yo, yo, listen up, don't need no mic,
I'm the ninja destined for that Hokage light!
Trained by B, the raps I spit,
Are fiery hot, believe it, don't quit!"
Everyone was stunned for a moment before they erupted into laughter and applause.
"Haha! You got the spirit, Naruto," Ryomaru laughed, clapping him on the back.
Naruto beamed, pleased with the response. "Thanks, dattebayo! One day, I'll lead the way,
And every citizen will shout 'hip hip hooray!'
Then we'll all gather 'round, what's the next play?
You guessed it right, it's ramen all day!"
Gaara shook his head but couldn't suppress a smile. "Naruto, only you would combine aspirations of leadership with ramen."
Naruto grinned sheepishly, "Well, a Hokage's got to have priorities, right?"
Hinata giggled, "That was very good, Naruto. It was... lively."
Naruto blushed a bit, happy for the compliment. "Ah, it's nothing compared to what B's taught us. Right, Gaara?"
Gaara nodded, "His methods are unique, but they reach you in ways you wouldn't expect."
Ryomaru chimed in, "Who would've thought you'd come out of it a rapper, huh?"
Naruto laughed, "I know, right? But hey, Gaara, when we get back, we've gotta show B how much we've improved."
"Agreed," Gaara replied, his eyes meeting Ryomaru's for a moment. "We all have things to bring back from our time away."
As the young genin in the arena wrapped up their match, a hush fell over the crowd, followed by a roar of cheers and applause.
"That was amazing!" Hanabi exclaimed, visibly excited.
"Wow, this new generation isn't messing around," Temari observed.
Hinata turned to Naruto, her eyes sincere. "Naruto, you're going to be an amazing Hokage one day."
"Thanks, Hinata!" Naruto grinned, "With friends and allies like all of you, how can I go wrong?"
----
Read 45(15 chapters for each novel) advanced chapters in my Patreon!
patreon.com/IWriteFanfic2