Chapter 69 (Nice): Chunin Exams Finals!

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Kakashi's POV (Road to Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

Kakashi and several other interested shinobi leapt from the roofs of various buildings as they rushed towards the Iron Arena. But Kakashi was barely focused on his surroundings or even present company. Many of them had their minds in a similar place themselves. Especially the ecstatic Anko, who raved that Ino was now a killer. The silent Eagle, determined to be quiet, now yelled, countering that Neji would defeat her if they should meet. Showing even the trained Anbu was somewhat invested. Doubtless, both had been charmed by his cute little Genin. But they were also followed by more. Kushina, whose face was best described as agonized. Mikoto who seemed slightly stressed but expertly and calmly dissuaded Kushina's impulsive ideas on ensuring her son won. Asuma and Kurenai were here as well, silently whispering to each other. Kakashi was sure they were sweet nothings, but based on the money both held, it could've been just as easily a bet. Gai was also present, ranting and raving on how his Lee would shine bright today, trying to goad Kakashi into whose Genin would go further. Shisui was also present, playfully gaslighting Kushina's more foolhardy ideas and ducking swipes from Mikoto for the trouble.

But none of that occupied the Cyclops; truthfully, this month had been odd. His only reason for becoming a Jounin sensei and retiring from his position as Anbu Captain had been the chance to be the sensei to Naruto. Allow him to meet and grow close to his own sensei's son. It had worked well, Team Seven, despite its frequent hiccups and despite the current one Ino and Naruto were going through. We were a solid and close-knit team. Kakashi hadn't even been going to the Shrine, a monument left for shinobi who were killed in action; many of such names were ones he knew.

Minato Namikaze, his sensei; Sakumo Hatake, his father; Rin Inuzuka, his friend. Normally, he went daily to grieve, to remember, to beg them to forgive him. He hadn't intended to stop; he hadn't known he could. But with the new responsibility in his life. He felt different from normal. It felt… good… freeing even… But he had known they would need specialized help to grow as brightly as they could. He and Anko were old friends, at one time lovers; she minded little helping him out. And though she would never admit it, she had seemed to enjoy her time as a sensei. Kakashi was sure Ino would flourish in these difficult times with a solid female role model. Someone different from her would make her ask questions. Eagle wasn't quite a friend; he wasn't sure he had such things. Eagle seemed to many to be similar to Root, but he had never been a member nor suffered their training. He was simply a man who cared little for the logical way most lived. Yet when Kakashi had scouted him after banishment and offered him a role in his Anbu team, he had taken it with vigor. From then on the man seemed tied to Kakashi. Between Eagle, Yamato, and Gai, Kakashi felt he needed to pick better friends. Yet it was undeniable that Eagle would be a good teacher; even better, he could relate to the troubled genius. He had originally intended to train Naruto himself, but once Jiraiya had made his intent clear, he had figured it was best to let the Godfather do so; besides, Jiraiya was one of the few shinobi that were not only more powerful than Kakashi but had more wisdom as well.

Kakashi sighed as they leaped forward. He missed his team and knew this may be the end of them. Chunin had no need for a Jounin sensei after their promotions. But he shook such thoughts from his head as the group of shinobi arrived at the Iron Arena.

The large construction before them knocked Kakashi from his internal stupor. Despite the simplistic name that would surely earn a disappointed "tacky" from Ino, the Iron Area was a sight indeed. It is an absurdly large compound with thick concrete walls decorated with ornate panels of bright tan wood. The name must've referred to the roof due to the roof being a standard shingle roof, the difference being the shingles being made of metal. The snow that layered the roof as it did everything else made it shine. A simple yet beautiful structure, fitting for the samurai, he supposed.

The group proceeded toward the entrance of the large structure. Unlike the last time Kakashi had been present, there was an assembly of various less than pleasant samurai, each exuding a thinly held tension. The samurai would much rather run them through than allow entry. It was odd to see but Kakashi knew they often distrusted their more "subtle" neighbors. The large wooden and iron ornate door covered the entrance, and to ensure protection, an absurdly large man wielding a large polearm stood directly in front of the door.

The samurai, despite the unknown tension, offered them no trouble. Instead, they carefully gazed at them as they passed by. Kakashi and Kushina lead the group impatiently, speed-walking to the large man. He eyed them with professional wariness and seemed ready himself.

"Identification, please." The man gruffly asked.

"Don't have time," Kushina said with an icy face, casually stomping past the man. He tensed and prepared to grab her shoulder, but as he came close, the mother whipped her head around and offered a stare-down. The man wisely froze, perhaps sensing the woman before him was rage incarnate. Before he could cry for help, Kakashi stepped between them and showed his and Kushina's ID. Figuring the impulsive woman may cause trouble otherwise, Kakashi had snuck it from her. This earned him his own glare from Kushina. One he was sure was a warning of getting in her way, but Kakashi was used to such. The man got quiet but nodded his head, undoubtedly realizing that if she was identified, he had no requirement to stop her and risk facing her wrath. The others also showed IDs, though Anko had flirted with the large man, and Gai attempted to challenge him to a wrestling match. But with a little (terrifying) encouragement from Kushina, they entered the building.

The structure was odder yet from within. What had seemed to be an entire building was actually a square perimeter of a building surrounding what appeared to be a significant training yard outfitted with sporadic trees on one side, separated by a decent-sized river that flowed with lazy speed. Indeed, it was unnatural, but it looked like it was. An odd series of boulders and crevices was on the other side of the field. Separated from the battlefield were a series of raised wooden platforms. Long benches outfitted with various matching cushions in front of these were another platform slightly raised from the cushioned one, seemingly to serve as a table. With another duo of platforms below, it staggers to allow the users to see the field below them. They were seemingly complex and comfortable stands. It's different from their arena in the Leaf, but perhaps nicer aesthetically speaking. The arrangement was designed to surround the field in its entirety, except for a section that was sectioned off. The front of it was exposed with glass, showing all five Kage as they conversed amongst themselves. Soon, they would speak to them and assure them of the future and the grandeur of the exams. Truthfully, it made Kakashi feel sick and yet hopeful.

He may not have been able to spend as much time with his students as he liked, but he knew they would have significantly grown. Somehow, without a doubt, Kakashi felt pride for them. They may not win, but he was sure they would leave their mark. Even more certain that two in particular would be considered for promotion. Ino had come a long way, but with the importance of this specific exam, the standards would be harsh; it would be a coinflip if she were considered. But Naruto and Neji? The two had power before training that even Jounin would be wary of. In their first mission, the two could easily fend off multiple Genin-level opponents.

One determined and/or desperate to defy fate, to shake the shackles held to his Side House brethren and make the Hyuga clan grander than they already were. The other seemed to aim for the peak of shinobi; he craved the approval of the inhabitants of his home. Yet he was now an outcast, no better than the Kyuubi itself; worse yet, he, in their eyes, was responsible for the demise of their greatest hero, the unknown father of the boy himself, Minato Namikaze. They hated him, yet he longed for their love. With the guidance of a Sanin, he would seek their approval through glory. Or to prove to himself he could.

Yes, Neji and Naruto would rise now; perhaps this day would be discussed in the future. If they did succeed, Team Seven would be all but disbanded. The trio of troubled youth he had taken on had become his life. Once they moved on, it would likely be back to the days of painful regret. Yet he felt no hesitation; he would be happy to see them grow. As the group of Leaf shinobi settled into the stand section for them, more than a few discussed the odds and likely winners. Kakashi continued on. Despite him being a sensei, they needed a strong Jounin to serve as referee. Kakashi had volunteered, of course. He would be sure his cute Genin had a fair chance, and if they fell, he would ensure they could rise again.

Such was the job of a sensei…

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How long had it been since he craved action like this? He had lived a long life, a life unfortunately full of violence, but violence with a cause. Mifune had honorably served his homeland well, with grace befitting a Samurai such as him. Within recent years, relative peace had been established. Mifune, a seasoned warrior, had seen the time for peace and had fought hard outside of battle to develop it. He had hung his sword and raised his pen as all good Samurai did. The struggle was never-ending, but often it came to a lull. The job of a true warrior was to adapt as needed. He had recognized that his time as the General Servant of the Land of Iron had ended. He had become a politician then fighting for his home with words and pens as opposed to his blade. But as he aged it had become clear he would need a successor. While his men were brave and surely skilled none seemed to have the qualities a leader of his home would need. Far and wide, he had searched his homeland. Seeking the truest of warriors seeking a man worthy of the task Mifune would hand them. He had no shortage of candidates, of course. The Way of the Samurai called to those deserving, and Mifune found some. Then he met Reizo; the choice hadn't been apparent at first.

Reizo had attacked them as they searched; he had been adopted into a bandit group from a young age. Somehow, he had discovered how to use his powerful bloodline; the way of the blade seemed to come naturally to him. Even as a petty bandit, his swordsmanship had shamed some of the men Mifune had brought. His bloodline ensured he could slay even skilled men. Mifune, of course, defeated him; no untrained man could hope to slay him. But Mifune spared him and offered him a purpose; serve the land of Iron as Mifune's private or die by his blade. Reizo had accepted. While rough, Reizo had quickly become one with the principles of Samurai, never quite perfect, but no man was. Over the years, Mifune had grown confident that Reizo was the choice. His eventual replacement had brought him peace, knowing he would leave his home with a new warrior to take his place when he died. Then Reizo had been slain, not only him but even their best men killed. A cruel trick from the man Ikam Uzumaki. Mifune felt his rage but held it with iron discipline. He focused back on the Kage before him; he would have time to figure out how to avenge him later.

"My question was simple: give me one reason not to remove your kid head, Yagura? You think we have forgotten the Rain of the Cloud incident?" A asked with only mild contempt, more looking to start an argument than earnestly raising a complaint.

"While that event was certainly villainous, my predecessor ordered it. If you remember, I killed that villain myself." Yagura countered calmly.

"Villain? Peh! You youth forget yourselves. It's never black and white. Life cannot be so definitively defined." Onoki interjected.

"Onoki speaks with wisdom; such titles are meaningless and subjective." Hiruzen agreed with a smile.

Onoki sighed with a frown; having Hiruzen agree with him felt wrong.

Rasa noticed this and allowed a microscopic smirk. "That's why they call you the Fence Sitter, I suppose."

Mifune sighed inwardly; his home often hosted these sorts of meetings. A neutral and powerful ground they could meet and count on to keep the peace. They always seemed to start bickering like children. He supposed Rasa and Hiruzen seemed somewhat better and less likely to seethe about the past. Though both were manipulative and had their own flaws. Rasa tended to snipe at all parties, seemingly content to keep everyone tense. And Hiruzen had a habit of playing devil's advocate. This all amassed into a massive headache for the Samurai.

"Kage, if we may perhaps focus a bit?" Mifune interjected patiently and politely.

Each nodded their head, instantly putting aside their squabbles for the moment. Despite their penitence for violence, there was no doubting the wisdom or power of the Kage. They were prepared to discuss business.

"I will start if no one objects?" Hiruzen began. "Excellent; as always, we should celebrate another successful Chunin Exam. Let it be a testament to the tense peace we have achieved."

"Keep the tree-loving gospel for home." A rudely interrupted.

"He's crass, but it would be nice to stick to the point. There is no need for such formalities between us. We are all familiar with the game of politics you play. Heroes have no need for mincing words." Yagura added. Mifune and several of the Kage gave him odd looks for this, but he seemed unaffected.

Hiruzen, with a weary sigh, continued. "The Exams present an opportunity to increase the bonds between our villages and display our shinobi's unique strengths and talents. This would suggest the villages with shinobi do well, which will surely lead to an increase in business. As such, as the Five Kage or at least the forces present, we meet and discuss the exams ahead of time to address any specific issues that may need addressing. As such, are any such concerns to be raised?"

"I have nothing. I prefer to watch my shinobi show your weak men up." A answered shrewdly.

"Your men will soon meet some of my own; they will be lucky to survive the encounter," Yagura answered with a sneer. "I have no such concerns. Heroes need not be political."

"I don't know if it's politics, but we are doing the standard fine for needless killing?" Onoki asked.

"Of course, I would not be here otherwise. Anyone responsible for slaying my kin will pay dearly." Rasa darkly answered.

"Then I am content for now." Onoki finished with a nod.

"I have nothing to add. Do you Rasa? You've yet to truly answer." Hiruzen asked.

"I, in fact do, I would like to propose an informal wager to you all." Rasa answered. "You, of course, Mifune, would be free of this." Mifune nodded to show his agreement. "But I am rather confident in my son's or other two children being the "victor. "" Rasa said, adding air quotes to the victor. "So much so I offer a friendly wager."

"What did you have in mind, ginger?" A asked with a raised brow. Mifune, Onoki, Yagura, and Hiruzen stayed silent, content to hear them out before interjecting.

"Simple," Rasa said, now smirking openly. Seemingly unphased by A's jab. "Whoever's men in the tournament or finals, however you refer to it. Wins and or performs the best. They earn their village a small trade agreement with the other four villages. The specifics of such, of course, would be decided at a later date, but an agreement toward some sort of deal would be in place."

"A hero never backs down from a challenge." Yagura said defiantly. Seemingly unable to let such provocation stand.

"I'm no hero, but I'm no coward either." A responded in compliance as well.

Mifune watched as the faces of Onoki and Hiruzen tensed. They were wise to think it over, unlike the other two. Doubtless, just as he had gained wisdom from his long life, they had as well. But truthfully, he knew they would accept. Such a deal was undoubtedly risky, but the benefits outweighed the risk. The winner would receive a great deal of profitable trade and a reputation boost. It would be a massive boon enough to have a noticeable effect. Along with the pressure of not having it themselves was the pressure of allowing the others to have it. It was no great shock to Mifune that both eventually offered consent.

"Then I am content as well." Rasa stated, smiling openly. Mifune had the oddest suspicion. Rasa seemed sure of his own victory.

"Then let's begin." Mifune offered. The five leaders nodded and rose; all stood before the vast glass double door that provided access to a large platform hanging slightly over the arena. Made specifically to deliver speeches.

Mifune marched forward slightly ahead before turning gracefully and respectfully, bowing to the five. They each matched one before returning to the crowd of various citizens and shinobi from all over the world. Each watching with rapt attention, the gathering of all Five Kage was a rare thing after all, even more occasional than the combined presence of Samurai. Below in the field, in a straight line, stood the Genin; each looked different from when Mifune had first laid eyes on them. Obviously, each had worked themselves to the bone for this opportunity. Mifune smothered his rage and grief over Reizo and his other men. Instead, he served as he always had.

"Welcome one and all to yet another Chunin Exams!" Mifune hollered, his voice echoing throughout the Arena. He paused as rampant cheering went off. Civilians loved few events like the Chunin Exams. It offered them a relatively safe few of the shinobi world after all. "We will soon begin testing our Chunin hopefuls by combat, but first, a word from the five leaders of the shinobi before us!" With this, Mifune stepped back. A located at the left end of the line of Kage stepped forward first.

"A of the Cloud, the Fourth Raikage. I'm not one for formal speeches. I am a man of action, not empty platitudes. But let me assure you that today, you will witness the strength of the Cloud. We will strike out and show our superiority. For those not one of us, we offer you a welcome for witnessing us." A said simply before stepping back. Rasa, located next to him, walked forward next.

"Rasa of the Sand, Fourth Kazekage. The Sand is a group of diligent and durable people. Today, we will show as such; I thank you for coming today and wish all those who seek glory a successful attempt." Rasa said simply, seemingly pulsating smugness as he spoke before falling back. Next was Yagura, who marched forward with grim determination.

"Yagura Karatachi, Hero of the Mist and Fourth Mizukage. Today, we will discover those who are strong and those who are weak. The strong will trample the weak today, and such is just. Might decides right in this world." Yagura said many of the crowd could be seen confused by this. But his speech continued the man unaffected by the reaction. "Let us know who is mighty and, as such, just!" He stepped back, seemingly pleased with his words.

Onoki floated forward, hovering at the same height as the other Kage. Mifune's supposed image was everything as a leader. "Onoki of the Stone, Third Tsuchikage. Conduct yourselves as expected as with your responsibilities, and you will surely see success."

Finally, Hiruzen stepped forth. "Hiruzen Sarutobi, Third Hokage. I wish all combatants to do well and end these exams well. I hope to see each village grow closer through this peaceful practice. And I know these exams will be quite the spectacle indeed." With all Five Kage haven spoken, they filed into the box for them, settling down to watch the events unfold.

Mifune stepped forth yet again. Addressing the crowd and feeling the tension of the Genin, crowd, and Kage as they awaited for it to begin.

"With that being said, please, all Genin except for Tenten of the Leaf and Naruto Uzumaki, vacate the field! The exam referee shall appear and give a breakdown of the rules!" Mifune then marched into the room and sat. His mind wondered now, he could afford it to. He did not wish to listen to the endless childish bickering that often became a meeting of the Five Kage.