It was a statement that had the potential to seriously complicate their amended mission and made Samui's team instantly think about the major political repercussions of taking Naruto. If what everyone seems to be in denial of is true, then taking the son of the Fourth Hokage would certainly lead to a diplomatic incident, and if enough authority heads wanted it, war between Kumo and Konoha. This dilemma instantly made Samui believe their simplest and best course of action was for Naruto to voluntary desert Konoha, which meant they had to truly make a concerted effort to seduce him. Samui follows up with, "was he hidden from the public?"
Saucer-sized eyes zeroed in on Samui's terrifically large and ample chest and the heftier man not-so-silently whispers to his friend, "fuck me, will ya look at the rack on this one?"
Ignoring Atsui's angry growl, Samui apathetically returns, "I also have the most amazing boyfriend who exceeds satisfying me in every way." Atsui looked as if he wanted to throw up as Samui demands of them, "answer my question."
The hefty blond man grumbles to his friend, "why are the hottest ones always loyal," before glumly answering, "yeah, the Yondaime doesn't have kids… or at least, that's the story, but…"
"But maybe it ain't so true," the spiky one debates.
"But it can't be," the fat one returns.
"But he's the spittin' image of the Fourth!"
"It's just another one of his pranks," the hefty one protests. "It's gotta be!"
Looking around the chaotic stadium, the spiky one asks, "then why aren't the Jōnin saying anything?"
The two continue arguing amongst themselves, as do the majority of people around them while the Kumo-nin observe the behavior of Konoha's shinobi. To Mabui and Samui, it appears as if the crowd can't accept the sight of Naruto as the son of the Fourth. There's unease and whispers of, 'it can't be,' or, 'he should be court-martialed,', or 'to do something so disgraceful.' In the section next to theirs, a disagreement about Naruto's appearance breaks out into a fight, and in that moment, Samui and Mabui nod to each other. They realize the crowd's hostile reaction is likely indicative of the village's attitude as a whole and should aid them in convincing Naruto to defect. They also know they must be extremely careful as it's only obvious Konoha's leadership will not appreciate losing the son of a fallen Hokage to Kumogakure. It's too much of an international slap in the face to allow.
THE KAGES
Patches of boos around the gossiping masses can be heard. They don't last longer than a few moments before opposing voices holler for them to shut up, creating a bit of pandemonium. Scratching his head, Naruto simply chuckles at the mixed reaction all around him, thankful it isn't all booing and heckling. Naruto looks up to the Kages, to Rasa specifically, who's glaring at him and simply returns a broad smile.
Irritated by Uzumaki's aloof attitude, Rasa asks Hiruzen, "is he the son of the Yondaime Hokage?"
"He is an orphan, Kazekage-dono," Hiruzen leisurely replies. "One without inheritance or wealth to foster him. Like many orphans in our village, he must rely on his own wit and strength if he ever wishes to make a name for himself."
With thoughts of Iwa in his calculating mind, Rasa rhetorically asks, "I imagine concealing his existence was for his own safety?"
"At one point, certainly," Hiruzen confirms, stroking his chin-beard with a lazy hand.
"Uzumaki seems an ill-suited family name," Rasa coldly denotes. In a calculated manner, Rasa probes the Hokage by saying, "I imagine he will adopt his father's name after today."
"Hoh hoh hoh," Hiruzen laughs his slow elderly laugh, adding, "I highly doubt that." Rasa turns his curious gaze on Hiruzen, who only returns a lazy glance before answering, "while it's fairly evident Naruto has his father's appearance, he's his mother's son through and through. He's the type of young man who believes the name you call him doesn't matter as he is the one who chooses what he answers to." Returning a proud sight on the blond in the wide arena below, Hiruzen proclaims, "and Adversity knows him intimately as Uzumaki Naruto."
Rasa didn't sense any deception or hidden awareness in Hiruzen's responses, forcing the Kazekage to truly consider that Jiraiya and Uzumaki are being truthful and hadn't informed their Hokage of the attack on their village. Rasa stares down at the son of the Fourth who is getting admonished by the proctor for not standing next to his Uchiha teammate.
TEMARI
"Alright guys, this is the final test," Genma calls to the ten Chūnin candidates before him. Genma's voice is still projected throughout the spectating crowd, silencing the grumbling chatter as he explains, "the arena is different but the rules are the same; there aren't any." The crowd cheered to hear that through the PA system, then Genma eyes Sasuke a moment before adding, "you fight until one of you dies or concedes but if I determine the fight is over, I'll step in and stop it. Got it?"
In the spacious arena under the warm sun, Temari glances at the other candidates to catalog their response but her eyes immediately latch onto Naruto. Her mind is a jumble of impatient curiosity and she just stares at him, wondering more and more about him; his clothes, his entrance, his power, his doom. Her heart felt torn by the excitement of seeing him again and the terror of his demise today.
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