Inheritance

The Chunin Exams II

"No, Kurenai, he doesn't." Kakashi spoke up, his usual idle-sounding voice conspicuously absent. "He expects us to believe that the Uzumaki Naruto who mastered the Kage Bunshin in a few hours without any guidance at all did that. Or maybe it was the Uzumaki Naruto who managed to create and learn the fundamentals of a taijutsu style tailored specifically to him - despite having spent his entire time at the Academy being intentionally tutored in a style specifically designed to ensure that he would be killed by an enemy in combat."

"But then Jiraiya-sama could also have meant the Uzumaki Naruto who relearned the entire Academy syllabus in a few weeks; or the one that in only a few months as a Genin has already successfully completed a solo B-rank infiltration mission, an A-rank solo mission, and quite possibly saved the lives of both of his Genin team-mates on yet another A-rank mission, that I happened to have led."

"I suppose that given your casual dismissal of Naruto's ability that your team's mission record must be at least as impressive as his - though really, I imagine it must be that much better."

Kurenai could do nothing but stand open mouthed as he rebuked her in a tone that only ANBU recruits had heard from Kakashi.

"Anyway, as much as it makes me proud to hear a few of my student's accomplishments listed like that, I believe I was actually in the middle of discussing something with Ibiki." Jiraiya spoke before Kurenai could respond to defend herself, or even apologise, so that Kakashi's words would have even more impact, but also so Kakashi could say anything more. Judging by the contemplative look on her face - and some of the other Jonin for that matter, Kakashi's speech had managed to have the desired effect.

"I take it the second phase is still being held in Training Ground 44, Ibiki?"

"Yes. Mitarashi Anko's proctoring that exam - it should be due to start any minute now." Ibiki replied, still smiling slightly after Kurenai's reprimanding at the hands of Kakashi. He had particularly enjoyed the implied slight on Kurenai's efforts with her own team - it had been a perfect bit of psychology on Kakashi's part.

"He'll likely make his move during this test - it's the easiest place to get his target alone, so we'll make ours too. Mobilise the ANBU. Have Anko lead a squad into the forest after this Kabuto - I have complete faith in my student's observations, he's likely a spy, and a damn good one if you couldn't tell, Ibiki. I'll be going in after the Snake myself though." Jiraiya paused in contemplation briefly, before adding. "Kakashi will back me up, in case he's not alone. A full team is too great a risk while fighting him, he's on a whole other level, and I can't afford to be protecting ANBU while trying to take him down."

Ibiki nodded sharply, before turning on his heel and leaving the room to carry out the Sannin's orders; whilst Kakashi moved next to Jiraiya as they themselves prepared to head out in search of the traitorous Sannin that had most likely infiltrated the Chunin Exams to abduct Kakashi's student, Uchiha Sasuke.

"Wait, Jiraiya-sama, before you leave... What Kakashi - what you said about Naruto... Is it true?" Kurenai asked, just as the pair was leaving the room.

"You still doubt me? You doubt Kakashi's word too now? To be honest, I don't much care whether you believe it or not, but I will say this: Naruto is streets ahead of just about any Genin I've ever seen other than maybe Minato himself." Jiraiya announced loudly enough for the entire room to hear, to a series of widening, disbelieving eyes.

"But unlike Minato who I tutored really pretty closely until he hit Chunin - I had very little to do with it. I just hope none of your Genin get him in the finals, Kurenai. Kakashi already dressed you down well enough - I'm not sure your pride deserves to have Naruto take apart one of your students right in front of you on top of it."