21 Chunin Exam - 2

They reached the middle tower, Sasuke was confused as to why they hadn't run into Orochimaru, was it luck?

Whatever it was, he would still be prepared for the worst. He might not be able to beat the Sannin, not as he is now with his strength unrefined. There were still many boons from the gift he was given from the Sage that he needed to explore.

Once they were allowed into the tower by Iruka, were they shown to the medical room to get checked up, they had broken a record by getting here so fast.

While they were getting checked up on, Kakashi walked in reading a book. ''Glad I bet on you kids so heavily, how did it go?"

''Good, we have something to report though.'' It was Sakura who spoke, turning to look towards Karin.

Kakashi raised a brow, his eye wandering the girl's features. ''I feel like this is going to be a hassle, what is it?"

"An Uzumaki." Sasuke came with a quick and sweet answer.

Kakashi released a heavy sigh at that. ''So she is... Alright, I know there is a law which makes it so she has to stay here, but what's the plan?''

It was Naruto who spoke up, his arms crossed. ''Tell no one she's here, have her stay in the Uchiha Clan compound, state she is a servant to Sasuke or something. I'd love to provide for her if she is basically family, but I can't... Not until I get the Uzumaki clan's rights back.''

Sakura nodded a bit. ''There's a rule stating something about pension payments, but I forgot exactly what it was. We'll have to read into it, in the meantime... Karin should be trained in medical ninjutsu to make up for me when I leave.''

Sasuke remained silent, so far what they were talking about easily aligned with what he wanted, and what would be best for everyone.

Kakashi closed his book, putting it away as he rubbed his hand up the back of his head, scratching into his scalp.

''Alright, I'll make the necessary arrangements, along with a few tests that will need to be taken to ensure she's actually and Uzumaki as well as how pure the blood is, due to her red hair and the obvious bite marks, she should be fine. Looks pure enough she might sprout chains any moment at least.''

''Uh... Excuse me?" It was Karin who spoke up, her voice a bit small due to the pressure she felt.

''Yes, Karin?" Sasuke turned to look at her from the corner of his gaze.

''I know I'm from the Uzumaki clan... But I don't know a lot about their history or anything...''

''Oh, that's easy, Naruto?"

''On it!" Naruto pulled a scroll from his jacket, releasing the storage scroll with a puff of smoke as he began to take out books, before sealing it into another scroll and tossing it to Karin who caught it.

''Those are some history scrolls about the Uzumaki and some seal practice materials!''

She caught them, holding them close. ''Why are you being so nice to me?''

''Because why not?" Came Sasuke's response

''Because I see great promise in you!" Was Sakura's the kiss ass.

Naruto's cheeks darkened slightly as he scratched at his head with an awkward smile.

''Maybe because, if we are family... that means I have a sister? I've always wanted a family... I've always wanted to spoil someone like I had wish my parents had spoiled me... I don't know, I just feel it in my chest, something is weary inside me... But another bit of me is excited at the prospect of family.''

Karin's eyes widened a bit, her hold on the scroll tightening a bit. Kakashi put a hand on her shoulder and flickered away as he went to go make the proper arrangements.

For the rest of the time spent they got to watch teams come in, getting to meet everyone with a few jealous glares sent their way for the first few teams.

Other teams looked simply glad to pass the test, to finally get somewhere safe.

It was actually just before they were allowed to come back did Kakashi finally appear again, looking far more tired than he should.

Sasuke noticed that there was tension in the air, as did the rest of his team so they made preparations to fight just in case.

''Kakashi, what's going on? The tension is high.''

A heavy sigh as the teacher sat down. ''Orochimaru was caught attempting to infiltrate the Chunin Exam.''

There was a gasp from Sakura, Naruto's eyes focusing as he realized the weight of those words. Sasuke's eyebrows lifted a bit but he gave nothing else away.

''Apparently, after you knocked out Lee with Genjutsu, Guy went to go retrieve him, it was only after he did so did he noticed the feeling coming off one of the students, deciding it be best to leave it as is... That is until he felt a sudden spike of intent when you entered the forest.''

''Guy originally attempted to take him in for questioning, however, he retaliated... Thankfully it was Guy who found him, Orochimaru is powerful and slippery... But he is weak in a Taijutsu confrontation and he got absolutely thrashed around by Guy. He is now being held deep in the cells under the watch of multiple Anbu... We also took your advice Sasuke, and looked into Yabuto, he is now detained as well.''

''Can you leave his interrogation to me?"

Kakashi raised his showing brow before he seemed to connect the dots before nodding firmly. ''Easily, you've shown great ability in interrogation, they will not argue much."

(Slightly different from the plan I had, but then I realized... Fuck canon?)

(An account called BeaulenSmith2 will be appearing, it's just me.)