This music is very great. I realy like pokemon specal series.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot.

Naru leaned against the wall, frowning as she stared out at the sparking blue ocean in front of her. It had been a few hours since they left Whale Island and set their course to Dolle Harbor, where they will head to the Kaban City for the Hunter Exams. There she will be a step closer in getting back home. A fact she feels painfully miserable.

She'd never been the depressing one. The role of being depressing was Sasuke's role while hers was just being cheerful one. Smiling and giggling while he would scowl and brood, they were opposites of each other. She always tried to make the best out of everything while he was cynical. She wishes she could usual method of cheering up. Whenever she started to feel sad about the village, all she had to do was think about becoming Hokage and she will be smiling as if she had no care in the world. However those thoughts won't help her now. This is the reason why she can't be optimistic as of yet. How can she be optimistic if she has no way of going home? All the training, hard work, all the heartache, ridicule and bleeding would have been for nothing. Yes, there was no reason to be optimistic.

She sighed and crossed her arms, scanning the ship to look at her future opponents. None of them strike to be fearsome but appearance can be deceiving. She knows that all too well. Itachi was the best proof of appearance being misleading.

Once upon a time, she believed in him and thought of him of being the most peaceful person she ever met. The day of the Uchiha massacre changed the idea. Him killing his family showed her, just how appearance could be misleading. It's his fault for Sasuke being the way he is. She despises him for this.

If he hadn't murdered the clan then maybe she wouldn't be in this mess. Itachi was the damn reason why she was in this place. Sasuke only went to Orochimaru because he believed that Orochimaru could give him the power to murder his brother. She snorted. The damn fool he is to do such a thing. Wasn't Orochimaru trained in Konoha? Wasn't the Yondaime Hokage trained there? Wasn't his own brother trained there? So how can the fool think staying in Konoha will not make him stronger then his brother?

I just wish that everything could go back to the way it is, Naru thought, clenching her hand into a fist. I want Team Seven to go back to the way it is! Hell, I want the village to go back the way it was before the massacre.

Life without the massacre will be so much easier; maybe none of this would have happened.

She exhaled.

Changing the past will be wonderful. It will mean she could stop the massacre. She would have even stopped the Yondaime Hokage from sealing the damn demon in her. She would have gotten to figure out her the parents and get to know them. All the questions she has will be able to be answered.

She chuckled bitterly, knowing just how impossible it is to change the past.

Glancing at the clouds, Naru frowned. The clouds were getting darker and were going in different directions. Was something bad going to happen? She glanced at the sky, grimacing at the lack of birds. This is bad, was there going to be a storm? No, she needs to do another observation before jumping to this conclusion. She pulled out a strand of her hair and held it up high in the air. The strand of hair was blowing east, trying to get out of her gasp but she held tightly to it. She cursed under her breath and made her way towards one of the cabins, intending of not being caught in the bad weather.

She shook her head when she saw the first cabin, finding it unpleasant with the amount of dirt and unruly men in the cabin. Not the best place for her to take a nap so, she went to the next one. The next one was much more cleaner and was practically empty, so with that thought, Naru entered the cabin.

The blue-eyed girl leaned against the cabin's wall, watching as one by one people started entering the cabin. Each of the participants seemed anxious for the exam to start; through they disguise it as aggression. She sniffed. These men should start worrying about their health because she had no doubt that the storm will be horrible.

She concentrated her chakra to her butt as the ship jerked, not wishing to land in anyone's laps. Her eyes shifted to the other participants, giggling as a few men's face started to turn green. Who knew these men were so weak! She closed her eyes, intending to take a nap for the rest of the journey.

Maybe, when she wakes up, she will be in the hospital in Konoha and definitely not in this ship.

When the captain came to check for the passengers, he wasn't shock to see so many of the passengers to be either vomiting, fainting or worse calling for their mothers. He mocked those ambitious passengers; they can't be hunters if they can't survive a storm like this. He soon noticed that four people were unaffected by all the chaos.

The man wearing the business suit was reading a book. A blond-haired boy was napping, while the young boy was helping the people around him. He chuckled when he saw that a blond-haired girl was looking at the rest of the participants with annoyance and weariness. He looked at the girl closely, frowning as a memory hit him of a boy with similar appearance.

Was it possible...?

He shook his head and chuckled. "Well it seems like this year, we have sailors tougher than the others."

The storm went on and Naru was rubbing her head, watching as the boy around her age help the others. It seemed like he had a good idea of what to do when people are sick in the sea. Must be because he lived in that island, because she certainly hasn't been taught these things. She tilted her head. Maybe, she was but didn't pay attention to the lesson. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

"I want to go home!"

Naru rolled her eyes and clasped her hands behind her head, feeling irritated for the man's yell. He wasn't the first person to say this but, the repetition was starting to make her wish that she had just went with the first option of finding a hunter.

The screams of grown men were heard around the cabin but no one winced at their echoing screams. Naru rolled to her stomach in hopes of it being a better sleeping position. She hopped that the storm will start to calm down because the screaming was interrupting her sleeping time.

An hour passed by and the storm officially gotten worse. Naru jumped to her feet and quickly made her way to the deck, intent of getting some fresh air while ridding her nose of the men's horrible stench. She would rather get wet then deal with the smell of vomit, rum and smoke. She shook her head and started to stretch her back before gazing out at the sea. She arched her eyebrows as men run pass her to climb into the lifeboats.

"The captain wishes to see you!" One of the crew yelled out to her.

The blonde nodded and immediately jumped up to the floor above her, surprising the crewmember. She gestured for the man to lead the way, causing him to gulp before leading her towards his boss. As they walk, the blonde took it as her opportunity to observe the ship. It was a great ship if you like ships, but unfortunately for her, she dislikes ships.

She finally stopped walking when she saw three other people standing in front of the captain. The first person that caught her sight was the boy Gon, who caught that big fish. The second was a tall, fairly muscular young man wearing a dark blue business suit. The third person made Naru reminded her of Haku in the sense, she wonder if the person was either a man or a woman. For her sanity sake, she will believe the person was a man.

"You're the last four? Your names?" The captain asked.

"I'm Gon."

"I'm called Leorio."

"My name is Kurapika."

The blonde rubbed her neck uncomfortably when they all stared at her and answered reluctantly. "I'm Naru if you must know."

The captain nodded his head, staring intently at her and this caused the blue-eyed girl to avert her gaze from the man. It felt like the captain was staring to her very soul and the last thing she wanted was to bear her pain and anger to anyone. None of these strangers should know about the rage she felt towards her teammate. Only Sakura, Kakahsi and the other genins are allowed to know about it.

These strangers have got no clue about what it's like to loose a friend to a perverted snake-like man.

"Why do you want to be hunters?" The Captain asked.

The blonde blinked her eyes at the suddenness of the question and pondered over what to do. In one hand, she didn't want to tell anyone about why she wanted to become a hunter while the other hand, there was nothing to loose by not telling him. It'll be embarrassing to admit she was lost but many people have gotten lost before. The captain may use it against her however; she knows he will gain nothing by knowing it. Yes, she had nothing to loose by not telling him.

"I want to know what my father's work is like!" Gon said, snapping Naru out of her thoughts. She frowned, before shaking her head, already making her decision.

The blonde stared at the old captain and answered. "I don't trust you so, I don't see why I should tell you my reasoning."

"Who told you to answer?" Leorio asked, pointing at Gon. "Don't you have any team spirit?"

"I'm giving my reasons, what's wrong with that?" Gon asked, staring innocently at the man.

Naru arched her eyebrows at Leorio and retorted. "There's nothing wrong, Gon. The old man asked so it is only simple that you answer so how's that wrong in anyway? Besides, he will gain nothing by knowing what his reasoning are. Anyways, the only reason why I didn't answer with Gon is because like I said, I don't trust the old man! Why didn't you guys answer him? "

"I'm not answering because it's a matter of honor." Leorio answered.

"I agree with Leorio." Kurapika said quietly.

Leorio didn't appear happy with the lack of honorific because the next minute, he yelled. "How old are you? Weren't you told to respect your elders?"

"I prefer to not answer your unpleasant questions rather than lie to you." Kurapika answered, ignoring Leorio outburst. "I think lying is more shameful than being greedy."

Naru couldn't help but agree with that statement, remembering all the lies she has been told. Everyone lied to her at least once to her, believing she won't understand or too naïve to do anything about them. Well, she wasn't a fool. Just because her grades were bad, it didn't mean she was a fool. If anything, she could be quite intelligent if she wants to be or if there was a reward for her. Of course, nobody in the village will give her a reward so, she will only show them the small signs of brilliance that she has.

"Speaking honestly in front of people, I've just met about the reasons that make me wish to become a hunter are mine, and are personal." Kurapika said. "That is why it's impossible for me to answer you in this place."

The captain narrowed his eyes. "Well I see...in that case, you must get off my ship as soon as possible."

They gawked at him, making the blonde laugh at their expression. The two of them twirled around to stare at her but Naru held her hands up as if to say, she didn't do anything wrong. They shook their heads and stared at the captain, waiting for him to start explaining. Gon, on the other hand, tilt his head in confusion. Naru simply turned her attention to her nails, hiding the curiosity from the captain.

"You still don't understand?" The captain said dryly. "The Hunter Exam has already begun."

All four of them blinked their eyes at him, causing the man to crackle at their expression. "You can't ignore that there are as many applicants to be hunters as there are stars in the sky." He explained to them. "Because of the lack of time and space, it's impossible to judge everyone. So guys like me are used to diminish the number of candidates."

Naru scowled and muttered under her breath. "This feels like the stupid Chunin Exam all over again!"

The others stared at her causing the blonde to blush, before gesturing impatiently for the captain to continue. She didn't want to be reminded of the blasted exam that had led to Sasuke getting marked by Orochimaru. She gritted her teeth, reminding herself that as soon as she get back home that she will train until she was stronger than Sasuke. No stronger than anyone in the world.

"...Even if they can get to the place the exams are held, the doors will stay closed to them." The captain said, snapping Naru from her train of thought. "The decision of whether or not you go to the exams belongs to me. So put away your mistrust and answer my question."

Leorio then began to mumble something; perhaps it was supposed to be loud enough for the group to hear, but they weren't able to hear it.

"I...I'm the only survivor of the Kurata clan." Kurapika said reluctantly. "Four years ago, all of my relatives were killed by thieves. The reason I want to become a hunter is because I want to capture the Genei Ryodan."

"Who the hell are the Genei Ryodan?" Naru asked, casting an apologetic look at the boy.

"The Phantom Troupe has a Class A bounty on them. Even the most experienced Hunters are weary about fighting them," the captain explained. " The best hunters would have difficulty fighing them." He said, directing it to Kurapika. "You're chasing after a sure death."

"I don't fear death." He admitted. "What I fear most is that my anger never leaves."

"In short, you want to avenge yourself, and you need to be a hunter for that?" Leorio said, summarizing everything Kurapika said in one sentence.

"Revenge? You're a fool to chase after revenge." Naru said bitterly, interrupting the two of them from their conversation. The captain raised his eyebrows while Kurapika stared angrily at her.

"Oh, what makes you say that, young lady?" The captain asked.

"I've seen what revenge can do to a person." Naru said darkly. "I can safely say to you it'll cripple you, hinder you from getting stronger. Not only this, you'll loose sight of what's really important! Some people will go as far as to murder their own friends because they think the person is blocking their revenge! You won't think that is possible but, it is!"

Naru took a deep breath and rubbed her forehead before continuing. "It can also harm the people around you, because you'll become reckless when you find the person you wish to harm. Most of the time, it'll change you in ways you can't imagine." She shook her head. "Through I apologize for my words since it isn't any of my business and this is your life and not mine but, just the mere mention of revenge makes me furious!"

They all stared at her, one of them look scared and stepped back from her while Kurapika pursed his lips and nodded his head at her. She couldn't tell if the guy was furious or not from the lack of emotions in his face. She slumped against her seat, trying to rein in her emotions. Memories of the battle in the Valley of the End rushed through her head and for the second time that day, she felt the ache in her chest. If she had been stronger then maybe, she would still have her best friend. No, if his clan hadn't been murdered then she would definitely still have her best friend.

"...Well, what about you Leorio?" The captain asked, taking a huge gulp of rum from his bottle.

"In fact, you've a good head and I'm going to answer. I won't use four different ways, let's speak openly." Leorio said. "Money! With money, we can have everything! A great house, a classy car, the best alcohol!"

Unfortunately, he's right. Naru thought, leaning against the wall. The world runs on money and if you come from the streets like me then you know how important money is.

"Unfortunately, manners can't be bought, Leorio." Kurapika sighed. Leorio was about to say something when the captain interrupted him. "Naru, what's your motive for joining the Hunter Exams?"

"It's simple really. I'm not here for revenge or money or finding out the reason why a father will choose to abandon a child, like you three so, my reasoning isn't as good as yours." Naru admitted. "I want to become a hunter because only hunters know how to get the country I live in."

"Why don't you know how to get back to your own country?" Gon asked, looking at her with curiosity.

The blonde sighed and said darkly. "Well, you see, I got into a fight with my bastard of a teammate, who simply decided that he couldn't get stronger in our village and so like any good friend and a good worker, it was my duty to drag him back. Long story cut short, our jutsus clash and it somehow sent me to this place."

"So how is becoming a hunter going to help you on your way back home? Can't you ask people how to get back home?" Leorio asked.

"Well, this is the hilarious part, it certainly made me laugh with tears." Naru said, smiling widely at him. "No one seems to know about my village or the country I was born in, but I heard that hunters have access to some classified information! It's my hope that maybe my village is one of those classified information and will lead me back home. Then I can continue my training and bring my best-friend home."

"What's the name of your village?" Kurapika asked.

"Konoha." The blue-eyed girl answered, smiling proudly at them. Kurapika eyes seemed to widen and the blonde wonder if the boy knew about her village.

"Is that village supposed to be famous? And isn't there a map for where you're from?" Leorio asked, scratching his head.

"Baka." Kurapika muttered.

"What!" Leorio yelled.

"Konoha, also known as Konohagakure no Sato is one of the villages of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, through not many people know about the Elemental Countries." Kurapika said, staring at the blondie. "From what I had heard and read, I would say that the lands over there are quite dangerous and will be impossible for anyone to go to without a hunter license or someone from the country. It's also known Leorio that the elemental countries can't be found in common books or maps, only being found in ancient books or the most rare books."

The dark-haired man's eyebrows twitch before turning around to look at the blond-haired boy. Curling her lips into a frown, Naru inched away from the two men, feeling a fight was brewing between them. They only needed one more thing before the whole thing will snap.

"Three strikes." Leorio said quietly. "Let's take this outside Kurapika.I'll end the filthy bloodline of the Kurata clan."

Kurapika face darkened. "Take that back, Leorio."

You mean "Leorio-san." The older man said darkly.

The others watched as the two boys run out to the deck. The Captain looked furious. Naru was impassive while Gon simply scratched his head, not looking one bit bother about what is about to happen.

"I'm not finished with this!" The captain called out to the two men. "You don't want to go and pass the exams!"

"Let them fight." Gon said, causing the Captain and Naru to stare at him in shock.

"What the hell makes you say that? I'm alright with a good brawl once in a while but, not in this weather!" Naru said angrily, crossing her arms at him. "They can get seriously hurt or drowned."

"My Aunt Mito always said if you want to know someone, start by finding out what makes him mad." Gon explained. "From my point of view, both have good reasons to be angry. It's better to let them fight."

The blue-eyed girl shook her head and said dryly. "In this weather, talking it out will be better than fighting. Less chance of them getting injured before they reach the exam site and more chance of them becoming a hunter in a good position."

"The two of them are very angry so they can't really talk it out with that much anger, can they?" Gon said.

The blonde opened her mouth to protest before nodding her head in reluctant agreement. She didn't like it but he had a point. The two of them have reasons to be angry with each other. Kurapika because Leorio have obviously reminded him of the night of his clan's murder and Leorio because Kurapika had insulted him with the lack of honorific. Yes, she couldn't really blame them at all.

The positive thing about this is that I'm certain they won't really kill each other like Sasuke and me nearly did in the hospital. Naru thought as she run after Gon and the captain to the deck.

She arrived right on time to see Kurapika dashing towards Leorio with his bokken swords. Naru furrowed her eyebrows and scanned the deck, searching for ways to break the fight for when it get too out of hand. Her eyes widen when she saw that a man was going to fall overboard.

Without even thinking, Naru jumped off the boat to save the crewmember, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and go after the girl. Gon immediately took out his rod and swing it, catching them. The boy tried to pull them up but found that he couldn't. He pulled again, grinning when he saw that the blonde and the crewmember were safe in the ship. He opened his mouth to yell this to the others, but blinked his eyes at the sight of a panting Kurapika and Leorio. The blonde rubbed her head and gazed at the man that she saved before, throwing him to one of his comrades.

The blonde closed her eyes and took several calming breaths. She has no doubt if Sakura was here then her teammate would yell at her for being reckless. Sasuke would have sighed and called her, an idiot while Kakashi would causally ask if she had liked the swim or wanted to die. She already missed her team and going back to Konoha won't bring it back. Maybe, if she gets stronger then maybe it will be back to the way it was before.

"Are you alright, Naru?"

Naru opened her eyes and stared at Gon's large brown eyes before, smiling at him. "You think a little storm like this can hurt me! I've been through much worse!" she boasted, getting onto her feet. "I'm fine, fit as a fiddle really! It wouldn't be the first time I nearly got myself killed."

"How could you be so reckless! It's so vicious in the water, even a mermaid wouldn't survive these conditions!" Kurapika yelled, towering over her.

"If we hadn't caught you, you would've also been swallowed up by the sea, you stupid idiot!" Leorio yelled, pointing his finger at her.

The blonde blinked her eyes before laughing out loud, leading to Gon laughing as well. The two of them didn't seem to understand the fact that the pair of them had been fighting just now. She shook her head and smiled at the three boys. She had never seen such kindness in people before. It felt extremely odd but not unwelcome.

If only the villagers in her village was just the same.

"Thank you." She said softly, staring at the three boys. "If it hadn't been for you guys then maybe, I'll have died and for that I'm in your debt."

"What about the duel between the two of you?" Gon asked.

The blue-eyed girl groaned at the boy, wanting to strangle the boy for reminding them. She had hoped what happened just now would stop them from fighting since they forgot, but Gon had to remind him.

She needs to teach Gon about keeping his mouth shut on certain things.

"Forgive my rudeness, Leorio-san." Kurapika said.

"I don't want something like this between us!" Leorio said, waving his hand at the boy's apology. "Call me Leorio, Kurapika. I'm the one who should have taken back what I'd said."

"You definitely should, insulting clans could give you serious problems." Naru stated, staring at them.

"Serious, how will insulting clans get me into serious trouble?" Leorio asked in curiosity.

"In Konoha, they can make your life like a living hell." Naru sighed. "That's why, most of the civilians in my village bowed down to them and why they long for power like theirs. If all of the clans in the village agree to your death, then you die. Through the Hokage has the final say, so making the Hokage your enemy isn't a wise idea too."

Leorio shivered at this while Gon and Kurapika laughed at his expression. The blue-eyed girl cracked a smile before pursing her lips and returning her attention towards the captain.

"Do we pass, captain?" Naru asked.

The captain chuckled. "Well, the four of you passed the trial!" he told them, gaining the others attention.

"So all we had to do was tell you our reasoning and save someone to pass the test? Damn, it if I had known earlier then I would have conducted it." The blonde joked, grinning at the man.

The man chuckled. "I'm in a good mood today so let's forget about all that!" the man said, taking a big gulp of his rum. "I've decided to take you to the port closest to the testing place!"

"Oji-san, you're one of the kindest people I know! Thank you for taking us there!" The blonde said, grinning at the old man.

The old man blinked his eyes as a memory came to him. Fifteen years ago, a blond-haired boy said the same exact thing. Could it be...? He shook his head at his trail of thought and watched as the two children chased after each other.

This year applicants were unusual at best.

Naru narrowed her eyes as she looked at the map in front of her. The captain had told Gon to take the way over the lone cedar tree, but the map in front of them said the exact opposite. She yawned and sat down on the ground, debating on what course of action she should take. Following the captain's orders will be a smart decision but it wouldn't be the first time someone had deceive people. Then again, what will the captain gain from misleading them? So following his advice is the better idea.

She glanced at the others, trying to see what course of action that the other two will take. Kurapika appeared to be curious about Gon so, maybe the boy will follow him. Leorio, on the other hand, appears to wish to not take the way the captain suggested.

"It's very strange to go to this mountain, in the total opposite direction while we could take a bus that takes us directly there." Leorio said.

The blonde frowned and tilted her head at his words. The man was right in that sense but a small part of her doubts them taking a bus. Exams are never easy and getting to one isn't. The chunins exams are testimony of the idea since, they had chunins tricking people into thinking they were on the right floor.

"It's a shortcut, but if we mess up, we'll walk for nothing." Leorio said.

"Maybe he accidentally pointed this way?" Kurapika suggested.

The blonde shook her head at them and answered. "No, that wouldn't be it. While taking the bus will be easier, it'll be something most people would do and so it might be a trap."

"How can a bus ride be a trap?" Leorio asked angrily.

Sighing, Naru explained. "If I was an examiner and I knew that a lot of people were coming, then I'll try to cut the numbers down by using the common form of transport. Not many people will be willing to walk and will try to take a short-cut so, if I wish to cut down the numbers then I will get rid of the applicants going on bus."

"...That makes sense but, a bus will be much easier and much more faster! Besides, the map said it is in the opposite direction."

"Yes, well maps can be deceiving too." Naru said, staring intently at the map. "Anyone could have replaced the map and make you think that a bus will be the faster route. You have to see underneath the underneath."

"How the hell, do you see underneath the underneath?" Leorio muttered.

The blond-haired girl sighed, not bothering to explain what it means.

"It doesn't matter, I'm going that way." Gon said, interrupting the two of them from getting into an argument. "I'm sure there's a good reason for this."

Naru shook her head at his words. The boy was so gullible that it was frightening. He would believe anything people will say, making him an easy pray to some people. If she hadn't thought it through very carefully, she wouldn't have listen to Gon.

"You know Gon, you should learn to be more suspicious of what people tell you." Leorio said, staring at the boy. "I advise you to go by bus, you too Naru."

The blonde blinked her eyes at the man and said dryly. "I'm going to say this again! Taking the bus will be the most obvious thing to do and the easiest! Exams aren't meant to be that easy. If they were then I'd be able to get straight As in all my exams. Use your head and see why none of us will take the bus."

"Are you saying that I don't use my head!" The man yelled.

The blue-eyed girl smirked and said. "It's as exactly as it sounds!"

Leorio glared at the blonde, causing the girl to sigh before muttering an apology to him. It wasn't like her to insult older people too much but the man was walking into an obvious trap. She just met the guy but already felt like the man deserves to have some chance of becoming a hunter.

He saved her so it's only fair she tries to help him.

"So long! It was a short acquaintance but take care!" Leorio said, waving his hand at them.

Barely thirty minutes since they left, Leorio caught up with them. The blue-eyed girl arched her eyebrows knowingly at the man, who scowled in return. She giggled and shook her head at the man, putting her hands into her pockets as they made their way through the path.

"So, Leorio-san, who's right and who was wrong?" The blonde asked sweetly, staring at the man in front of her.

"You're right, of course!" The man yelled irritably. "The bus was a trap like you said it was!"

"Will you listen to me from now on about these things?" Naru asked.

"...Maybe." The man answered reluctantly.

Naru nodded her head. Her smile disappeared when she saw that they were in front of a gate that led to a small town. It looked deserted but things weren't always as they appear. She gathered chakra to her ears and to nose, searching for any signs of people living here. She glanced at Gon, who stared at the town with thoughtfulness.

"I don't really like this place." Leorio said, looking around the town. "There's nobody out here."

"Not quite true." Naru said wearily. "Gon can you also sense it?"

"There're a lot of people here, right?"

The blue-eyed girl nodded. "Yes, but why are they hiding? It doesn't make any sense."

"Keep your guard up." Kurapika warned, looking around the area. Naru nodded her head in agreement as her hands reaching for her kunai, ready to attack in any given notice. She couldn't tell the strength of these people but knows enough that they aren't going to truly harm them. Still, she can't relax her guard.

"How do you know all these things?" Leorio asked, scanning the area for any signs of life.

"Don't you hear the sound of breathing from everywhere?" Kurapika asked.

"And the sound of cloth scraping too! They're trying to hide!" Gon added. Leorio put his hand to his ear in an attempt to hear, but couldn't hear anything.

"Unfortunately, I'm a normal guy." Leorio said, fixing his glasses. The blonde fixed a glare at the man, who winced but got the message to be quiet. They all watched as clock-covered people started to come out of the buildings. Only one person really stood out and it was the old lady in front of them. She had a cane with a red ball attached to the top of it.

Please don't tell me she is also an examiner. Naru thought, wondering what the woman was planning to do.

"Very interesting." The woman muttered as all the cloaked figures chorused 'doki, doki'. After a couple of seconds, the women spoke. "And now, here's the exciting quiz of two answers!"

Naru scratched her head at this and started giggling at the silliness of the situation while the cloaked figures clapped their hands. This had to be one of the most silliness tests she has ever done in her life but if she wants to go home then she will have to make do with it. She just hopes that the test has nothing to do about the countries or cities in this world, because she didn't have the time to learn about it and analyse it.

"You're heading for the tree on the mountain, aren't you?" The old woman said. "First, you have to succeed in getting out of this town. The other paths that could lead you there are like labyrinths, in which reign terribly bloodthirsty monsters."

"I guess that leaves us no choice but to take her quiz. At least we won't meet bloodthirsty monsters." Naru said lightly. The others nodded their heads at her and stare at the old lady, waiting for her to start her quiz.

"I will ask you one question." The woman stated. "You've only five seconds to consider your answer. If you fail, your mistake will disqualify you from participating in the Hunter Exam this year."

Naru squinted her eyes as she scratched her chin at this remark, wondering what type of question requires five seconds to answer.

"You'll answer with 1 or 2! Any other answer won't be valid." The old woman informed them.

"Obaa-san, are you saying that there is only one question for the four of us?" Naru asked, praying that the woman will say otherwise. The old woman nodded her head and the blue-eyed girl felt like pulling her hair in frustration. She could get the answer wrong and all of them can be disqualify. She hated that old lady.

Leorio also seemed to dislike it as he pointed to Kurapika before saying. "So, if his answer is wrong then I would be eliminated too?"

"Kurapika isn't the one that we have to worry about, it's you. You're more likely to make us fail and the mere idea makes me want to vomit." Naru said under her breath. Only Kurapika heard her, chuckling and nodding his head in agreement with her.

"It also means if one of us know the answer that we're all safe! I'm not good at quizzes."

"That's true but-"

"Come on! Hurry up!" A voice called out, interrupting Leorio from finishing his sentence.

They turned around to find a tall man with black hair with two swords on his back making his ways towards the lady. He had a smirk on his face and the blonde immediately knew that she disliked the man in front of her.

"Well, I'll answer before you." The man declared. "Sorry boy, I heard everything at the port."

"He's not embarrassed." Leorio muttered.

"No, he should sound sincere when he's apologizing." Naru agreed.

"What do you decide?" The old woman asked.

"We accept!" Leorio said.

Naru stared at the old lady and then at the man. It's a good thing that the man was going first since they will know what to expect from her. Still, what if the question is hard? This feels like the first exam in the Chunin Exams where she had been uncertain when Ibiki told them that they had two choices. She clenched her hands and gritted her teeth, waiting for the old woman to start asking her question.

"Your mother and your girlfriend are captives of a demon. You can only save one, your mother (1) and your girlfriend (2), so which one will you save?" The woman asked.

Naru closed her eyes and rubbed her chin. The question had to be hardest questions to answer. Math, cities, countries and even tactics are things most people can ask, but not a question like this. It's a question filled with uncertainly and choices. Both of them are people that you love so deciding to save one is difficult because you simply can't choose. You just can't pick one over the other. The woman was a sadist by asking these questions.

Whatever the answer you choose, you will still loose the person you love. There is no right or wrong answer with this question.

"One." The man said, snapping the blonde back into reality. Naru blinked her eyes at the man's confidence, wondering what was going through his head. There were two people's lives in his hand and he can casually say one! Doesn't he think of the consequence of his choices? No, from what the speed of his answer tells her.

"...There is only one mother but you can always find a new girlfriend." The man answered. Naru crossed her arms and scowled at the man's reasoning. It's still someone's life so it is pretty stupid reason. The girl would be someone's sister, daughter or best friend. She gritted her teeth, that man is truly a bastard.

For a few seconds, the old woman discuss with the clock-figures before turning her attention to the smirking man. "You may go." The old woman spoke, gesturing to the path in front of them. The man waved his goodbyes to them before running through the path.

"That's bullshit! What kind of messed up quiz is this?!" Leorio yelled. "This kind of question can't possibly have a correct answer! The answer will differ according to the person you ask! The judges and the ones who passed are all full of shit! I can't accept this." Leorio turned around, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "I'm going back! I'm gonna take a different route!"

The old lady smirked. "You're already too late. If you choose not to take the quiz, you'll be disqualified immediately." She informed them. "You'll lose the right to become a hunter."

Naru grimaced at this piece of information and started to ponder over what just happen. The man had been told to pass the path in front of them because he had chosen the first choice, yet was it the right path? She curled a strand of her blond hair around her finger, gazing at the old woman in front of her. You may go; those three words keeps echoing through her mind, making her go around in circles.

Why say those three words instead of saying, 'you're correct'? Naru gritted her teeth. The answer was right in front of her! It was shining right in front of her but for the life of hers, she can't think of the reason. She rubbed her forehead and started to think back over what she said.

Think Naru! Why would she say those three words? Naru asked herself. If he's right, why didn't she say he was correct? Iruka-sensei will tell it, Kakashi-sensei too so, why didn't she? The only reason why a teacher wouldn't say those words will be because... Naru slapped her forehead, as she realizes why the old woman didn't say those words.

The man didn't get the right answer so that path may not be the right one, after-all! The question is how does one answer her question!

"Wait!" The woman yelled, bringing Naru out of her musings. The blonde blinked her eyes and stared at the old lady and then to the others, wondering what had just happened.

"I won't allow any unnecessary speech from now on." The old woman said, staring attentively at the four of them. "Now answer 1 if you're going to the quiz or 2 if you aren't going to take the quiz."

"One!" Kurapika responded quickly. The blond-haired boy looked at Leorio, appearing as if he was trying to send him a secret message through his eyes. Naru tilted her head, wondering if the older boy knew how to answer the question. If so, then they were lucky because she certainly had no idea on how to answer it.

"Now here's the question. Your son and daughter have been kidnapped together, but you can only rescue one of them. Will you choose 1: rescue your son or will you choose 2: rescue your daughter."

Naru curled her lips in distaste at the question, deciding best that she kept quiet. The old lady counted down from five to zero but while, the old woman was doing this, Leorio had snatched the closest stick that he could find. As soon as the old woman uttered zero, Leorio jumped to attack the woman.

Leorio wasn't even near the woman when he found himself being flown towards the hard wall. He tried to stand up but found it difficult, feeling aching, gut-wrenching pain in his abdomen. He blinked his eyes as Naru landed on her feet, looking quite relax as if she didn't kick him towards the wall. The blonde floated towards him, hands in her pocket and a small smile playing on her lips. If it weren't for the fact that her eyes were glaring daggers at him, then Leorio would say that the girl was quite relax.

"Are you an idiot? What the hell are you thinking? Hitting an old lady is definitely not the way to pass her quiz! If anything, it's the most reckless, dumbest thing to do!" Naru hissed, tugging the man's tie so that they were in eyelevel. "Hitting a proctor is a sure way of getting yourself disqualify! Do you seriously want to become a hunter! What will you gain from doing this!"

"Well, I'm gonna take this old hag's head to the exam site!" Leorio yelled, wincing as he pulled himself to stand up. "I'm gonna bring them her head and give the judges a piece of my mind!"

"It pisses me off too but, hitting an old lady will do nothing but cause trouble to us!" Naru said calmly. "She's only doing her job and unfortunately, her job requires her to ask such questions! Besides, do you seriously want to give up your chance of becoming a hunter?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Well, hitting the obaa-san here, would be-"

"We answered correctly, Leorio." Kurapika said, interrupting Naru from insulting the older man. "Silence! That's the correct answer. You said it so yourself; there can't be a correct answer. You were right. There's no correct answer to this quiz, but the rule is you can only answer 1 or 2." He paused before continuing. "So you can't say anything at all."

"But that guy just now-" Leorio said pointing in the direction the man had gone.

"The old hag never mentioned him passing or anything about him being right." Naru stated, putting her hands into her pocket. "Saying that he can go implies that he is right however, she is an examiner. In the exams, I've taken examiners will always tell you if you pass. As she hadn't mentioned it, then it can also implies he hadn't passed and therefore suggests that the path he had taken wasn't the right one."

"Not only this, just a moment ago, I heard him scream. He was probably attacked by a demon beast." Kurapika said, turning to look at the three of them. "As Naru had guessed, this isn't the right path."

"That's right." The old woman said, nodding her head to her assistants, who were opening the door beside them. "The true path is this way. It's a straight forward path, so you'll reach the top in two hours."

Leorio looked at the ground, feeling guilty for what he had nearly done to the old woman in front of them.

"Old lady, I'm sorry." Leorio said, bowing his head to the old woman.

"No, there's nothing for you to be sorry about." The old woman said, smiling warmly at Leorio. "I do this job to meet people like you. Work hard. I wish for you to become a good hunter."

"Speaking of apologies, I owe you one Leorio." Naru said, looking down at her feet as she did this. "I shouldn't have kicked you in the abdomen so hard, but I've been told that I don't know my own strength. I thought that I had kicked you hard enough to fall down, not be sent flying through the wall."

Rubbing his throbbing abdomen, Leorio winced at the reminder. It may not look like it but the girl in front of him was scary strong. If it had been anymore stronger, then his ribs would have been broken for certain. He blinked his eyes as he realizes the blonde had basically informed him that she was holding back. If the girl can kick this hard when holding back then, how hard can she actually kick? He gulped. Maybe, it'll be a good idea if he stayed in her good side.

"Since I kicked you so hard, it might be a good idea for me to carry you until you're well enough to walk properly." Naru said swinging the man onto her back, while ignoring the shock looks in Kurapika and the old lady's face at her display of strength. She turned to the old woman and smiled. "Thanks for dealing with us, and I apologize for what I did earlier! It must have shocked you!"

Gon grinned as he waved at the old woman. "Bye-bye, and thank you for everything you have done." He said. Turning around, the kids along with Leorio made their way over towards the doors, while Kurapika followed behind, looking at the girl in amazement.

It was dark as the group walked onwards, the doors haven been closed not too long ago. As they walked, Gon sighed. "It's no good. I can't find the answer." He said, turning to look at the other four.

Everyone looked at him, bewildered by what he said, but then smiled. "You're still thinking about that? You don't have to think about it anymore." Leorio laughed.

"Huh? Why?"

"The quiz is already done with." Leorio replied.

"I know that." Gon said. "But, if there're really comes a situation where we have to choose between two people who are precious to us to rescues, what are you going to do."

"It depends really." Naru said, staring blankly at them. "If I'm smart and cunning enough then there's a possibility that I can save both of them and keep myself alive but, if I had to rescue one then...I'll sacrifice my own life so that both of them can survive. Those who don't follow the rules are trash but those who are abandon their friends are worse than trash."

They all stared blankly at her.

"My teacher told me and my team this when we passed our test." Naru said quietly. Memories of being tied up while Sakura and Sasuke had lunch rushed through her head and for a brief moment, the blonde felt like sobbing again. How long will it be before she sees her friends again? Years, weeks or months? Or will she never see them again?

She shook her head.

She will see them again and she will bring back Sasuke before murdering him for sending her here.

CHAP 2 IS UP. hope you like my story.^~^