Good luck!

" ah I- I'm Temari, and I'm only fif- 15 years old" Temari didn't know how to respond since it's the first time someone has asked her in such a manner.

"Oi Temari you didn't have to answer him, it's not your responsibility to answer him just because you were asked to" said Gaara in an angered manner

"I'm sorry Gaara" Temari said facing down

"If it's common courtesy to say your name first when asking for someone else's name, then isn't it also common courtesy to respond in kind."

Then he patted Temari's shoulder.

" It wasn't your fault Miss Temari. Don't apologize for it. It's a Big sister's responsibility to be doting to a younger brother but it's also the same responsibility to reprimand them if they are in the wrong. I was simply curious of your name since you look so cute, the age part was my mistake. You don't have to worry since I only like matured and Older women." and with that he turned to look at Gaara

The 2 girls behind him had shown various emotion breakdowns when listening to him speak. From how they couldn't believe the kuro they knew knows how to be charming at times then immediately flips it over when he said it was a mistake to ask Temari's age to complete a complete turn aroun when he repeated the same sentence he told them before. Then everything just turned silent and serious when he turned to look at Gaara.

"So you must be the famous Gaara of the Sand." He looked at gaara directly in the eyes and Gaara could tell. 'this person is strong, that's the only reason for those calm eyes looking at me. I want to kill him so badly' but Gaara was caught off guard by kuro's next words.

"Tell shukaku I said hi and, Tell him also 2-4 years from now. He will be reunited with his siblings once more to fullfil the prophecy" kuro immediately turned around and started walking away.

The trio from the sand were flabbergasted but kankuro was able to utter a question. "Ho- How did you know that?"

Gaara who was frozen at his position was having a talk with shukaku. "What was his name? I heard all of that from here. what is his name?"

"Ito Kuro. He said his name was Ito Kuro. what prophecy is he talking about? and the siblings he mentioned is it the other bijuu?"

"Hmph! Telling you humans my name should have been enough. I will not reveal anything besides that" all of that was happening inside Gaara's consciousness. Meanwhile outside of it.

kuro continued walking away along with Hana and Iori in tow. They still haven't move on from kuro's action towards temari and are just walking beside him in auto pilot mode. When kuro reached a certain distance he looked back and shouted for the 3 to hear.

"Like I said this is morning if you weren't listening. As a shinobi that's for me to know and you to find out." He continued walking and raised his arms. Then he swayed it side ways.

Kuro was finally able to rest and have a good sleep. He didn't even bothered to eat or say anything to his teammates and immediately lay down the bed. A thought came to his mind with a few tears coming out while smiling. 'I can't believe I have changed this much. I could start a conversation with anyone i just met. And I had the nerve to even act cool in front of everyone. Sigh.'

It's true that Kuro was definitely changing. For better or worse, no one knows if he will interfere with all the significant events that will happen in the future.

'I don't remember much of the details that will happen. But I do know some big changes that will happen. Naruto, you have given me a wonderful childhood memories back on earth and am grateful. If I'm unable to help you at certain times even when I know you're in trouble or someone you know. I do hope you can forgive me. I know you'll be facing Orochimaru soon. And I'm certain you'll be fine. Never giving up is your way of being Ninja right? make your sen- nah, 1st friend proud.'

'And to you, my princess. I have loved you ever since I first look at you on a screen. Please move on from Dan because I'll be meeting you soon. I will definitely make you mine Tsu-" And kuro's thought stopped. He fell asleep while talking in his head. His tears dried after some time.

Meanwhile in another room for the females.

" Iori we are almost done helping him. As soon as the next part of the exam starts where individual strength matters I'm giving up. This is not my goal from the start." Hana was discussing some matters with Iori.

"Right, Sensei did mention that we need to go as far as the 2nd part since it can only be passed with teams. I'm glad we brought it up to her while kuro wasn't around. I don't see him forcing us to take the exam with him if we declined it in front of him." Iori and Hana's dream wasn't about being a shinobi from the start.

"Knowing him? He most probably would have declined too. Remember how his face was when we decided to individually face the bandits and decide it by Rock-Paper-Scissors? Man who would have thought that a serious guy like him would show such a face ahahaha." Hana started laughing and was joined by Iori. They kept on talking about kuro and how they plan to give up on the next round since it won't affect kuro according to their sensei.

5 days later

Everyone who passed were gathered inside a some sort of secret facility. It was where the semi finals will happen. Just like in the anime, there's a big statue of a hand doing a sign. But also just like in the anime Naruto and the gang were not doing well. They still have bruises all over and not in a top shape condition. Despite that someone was happy enough to see them alive.

'I knew I could count on you Naruto. You made it, though I should have known you will since you're the main protagonist here I just can't help but still worry about you.' Kuro was looking at Naruto while the proctor who was explaining what's going to happen kept coughing like he's going to die at any moment.

Then they were told that if they find that they can't continue anymore or that they have suffered any injuries they can give up now. They were given this choice because it's going to be a 1 on 1 fight until someone dies, become unconscious or admits defeat.

Hana and Iori came in front of kuro and smiled at him.

"What is it? Did I do something wrong? why are you smiling like that" asked kuro wondering what the 2 girls will do.

"Good luck on next step to becoming stronger. Be sure to invite us to the wedding when you find the one you're going to settle down with alright?" Hana spoke first and kissed his cheek. Kuro blushed.

"Hey what was that all about what do you mean?" kuro was confused at the sudden kiss and words of Hana. But before he could get an answer it was Iori's turn.

"I know you will have many adventures. If in the future you're free come visit our teashop and we will talk about all day long. Good luck on the semifinals. Make us proud as your teammates." Iori also kissed his cheek but on the left side since Hana kissed on the right.

"What is going on why do I feel like your going to leave me?" kuro suddenly outburst and cried silently while clenching his fist.

He was suddenly hugged by someone. It was his captain.

"Silly. They are not going to leave you. They are just following their dreams. In fact they never wanted join this exam in first place."

"Huh? Then why didn't th-" he was cut off by udon hushed him since tears were coming his eyes with a silent and hold sob. He did his best not to show it since everyone would notice. Although everyone already did. Especially Naruto. This is the ninja world not the normal one.

"Shhh. They did that so you can pass the exam until this round. They didn't want to get in the way of you getting stronger. So they kept it from you knowing that you might not enter too" said udon calming him down.

Kuro settled down after awhile by Udon's hug. 'sheesh even though you act cool and mighty about your type of women. You're still a kid through and through.' Then Kuro also hugged Hana and Iori thanking them for sacrificing their safety just so he can proceed. A lot died in the forest of death afterall.

Kabuto was the first to throw the towel and and was sooner followed by Hana and Iori. Then a few more resulting with 20 remaining candidates. How fate played itself to have the same number as the canon even with kuro around.

And everything proceeded as the canon but a few changes occured. On the first round where Sasuke was supposed to fight, the curse mark was nowhere to be seen. Sasuke was able to defeat his opponent smoothly even if the opponent could absorb chakra. it's like Sasuke is in top condition. His sharingan already have the 2nd Tomoe.

'this is getting interesting. Did Naruto being stronger a bit made huge impact? that's my disciple! His making me proud.' Kuro was happy of the sudden changes. Well technically he was the source of it.