Chapter 24: The Chunin Exams-Intro

I woke up by the sound of Naruto, sakura and Sasuke arguing next to me. They were whisper shouting, but with them it didn't really make a difference. I sighed deeply and sat up. "you know, you whispering like that is not doing anyone any good." I was so annoyed its insane. I love my sleep and I hate anyone who deprives me of it. Sakura stepped closer clearing her throat. "Sorry Elle. We were just waiting for you to wake up so that we can head to the chunin exams together." Oh shit, that's right! It's today! I nodded at them and rushed to the bathroom to get ready. Less than 10 minutes later, I was back out all ready to go. "Ok guys, before we head out lets agree on a couple of things." I was standing up straight, using my I-mean-business voice. "Everyone there is going to be watching our every move since we're the rookies. Don't pick fights with anyone, gain as many allies as you can, and most importantly never let anyone know how strong you are." Just like trained dogs, they all nodded at me, ready to follow my orders. Damn, I got them wrapped around my finger. I relaxed my posture and smiled at my teammates. "I'm sure we'll do great. Don't worry." With that small reassurance, we left the hospital and headed for the chunin exam.

When we walked in the building, I could sense all the different chakras in there. The amount of people we're going up against seemed to finally set in for the first time. Come on Elle, hold it together. You are prepared for this. I looked at the genin hoping they didn't notice my hesitation but each of them seemed to be in their own world. Sakura was a nervous wreck, Naruto was trying his best to not fight anyone and Sasuke was well…Sasuke. We went up the stairs till we saw everyone gathered in a hall way. We headed towards the crowd and made our way to the front. Poor Tenten was letting herself get kicked around by Izumo and Kotetsu. When team 7 saw this scene of course, all my warnings flew out the window. Sasuke made a scene, Naruto started whining and sakura gained a new fan. I naturally, once the attention became on my team, disappeared in the middle of the crowd. I only moved from there to follow them when they finally left to where Sasuke and lee were going to fight. I stayed hidden and watching all the way till Guy showed up. This is my chance to place the chakra shield on Lee. It will take all of my chakra to last till the fight but I won't get another chance. I jumped out from my hiding spot and landed in the middle of the clearing next to Guy. "Elle, there you are! I was starting to get worried." Sakura squealed from next to Sasuke. "I thought you were used to my disappearing by now. Anyways, Guy I need a word with you ." he raised his overly expressive eyebrow at me questioningly. Oh god I can't believe I'm about to say this. "It's for the sake of maintaining youth." I said in an unenthusiastic tone. That apparently was enough to convince him though since he screamed something about youth and followed me to a far away corner. Once I made sure no one can hear us I stood straight. " I am Elle Candel, one of Kakashi's students." All hints of playfulness were gone from my voice. "For the safety of your student, please allow me to cast a jutsu on him. It won't impair him in any way, in fact it might enhance his performance." He also seemed to get serious as he heard my request. "What jutsu and on which student?" "Rock Lee. I want to cast a shield jutsu on him." Apparently, my answer seemed to confuse him more. "Why would you cast a shield on a member of an opposing team?" I sighed, hoping to be done with the Q&A soon. "I can't tell you everything but what I can tell you is it will save him from a long ass hospital visit." That made him even more suspicious. He opened his mouth about to ask another question when I exploded in his face. "CAN I CAST THE FUCKING JUTSU OR NOT?! IT'S NOT THAT DEEP." Thankfully, that shut him up and he just nodded. I sighed happy to finally have an answer and left him. damn, I hate people who ask too many questions! Now I'm fucking pissed because of him. ufff! "LEE GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE NOW!" I screamed in his general direction. He jumped slightly surprised by my sudden outburst and made his way towards me. He was about to talk to me, but I honestly, at that point, didn't want to hear it. "nope, no talking." I pushed him down so that we would both be sitting and started casting the shield on him. All the genin seemed confused but they knew better than to talk to me when I am like this. I sat there for the next 15 minutes or so pouring every ounce of chakra that I had in that shield until I was about ready to pass out. Once I was done, I walked away stumbling to where I sensed Kakashi's chakra. Once he saw me, he was obviously concerned but I just waved him off. I pointed behind me at the genin who were following a safe distance away and walked into the test room.