In Naruto: With Shanks Template

The rest of the second exam finished without any disturbances. Konoha 12 qualified for the exams but Kabuto and his team didn't and neither did the sound trio they have been filed as missing in the forest and only a few people know about their true fate.

The Sand trio also finished the exam, so only 15 genins finished the second exam.

The preliminaries to the third round still happened and Naruto was given a free ticket. Sasuke fought with Kiba and won easily. Hinata fought with Choji and again the result was obvious. Shino won against Kankuro and Termari won against Ino. Sakura and Tenten had a good fight but in the end, because of training and having constant fights in the forest of death, Sakura won.

Shikamaru and Neji also had a good fight but because of Neji's Byakugan, he wasn't able to sneak attack with his Shadow possession and ultimately lost the battle. The last fight was between Rock Lee and Gara. Naruto wanted to interfere seeing the stupidity of this battle.

Who waits for you to untie your weight in the mid-battle and why do you want to prove to everyone even at the cost of your own life? It's not like someone else will die or the world will end but this was the most glorious moment of Rock Lee's entire anime career. And Tsunade will heal his wounds in the future and butterfly effect be damned.

So Naruto decided to leave it to fate but Butterfly san did play a hand here Gara didn't try any lethal move on Lee. He did fall into his bloodthirsty state but was able to calm down.

' Well, that was a surprise but let's see who will be my opponent in the third stage. If we go by Canon then it should be Neji but my guess is Neji will be taken care of by Hinata.' thought Naruto eagerly anticipating the next matchups for them.

And his guess was absolutely correct.

Hinata vs Neji

Sasuke vs Shino

Sakura vs Temari

Naruto vs Gara

"It seems after the first match, the Hyuga clan will be yours," Naruto said to Hinata not minding to keep his voice down and everyone present heard it loud and clear. Neji had a frown on his face while the rest of the people present had a surprised expression. Only the Jonins, Shikamaru, Neji and Sasuke truly understood Naruto's words.

Neji wanted to retort but Naruto and Hinata had already flickered away after saying that but the rest were left with contemplation regarding the recent events. Naruto's strength, Orochimaru's invasion and Hyuga's inner turmoil.

There was also the matter with the Uzumaki girl but that will be decided by the elders and the Hokage and nothing to do with them.

While others were left with these things, Naruto returned to his home with Hinata but they found a strange woman outside their house.

She has a round beautiful face with blue eyes and sports a sunny smile. Her smile widened when she saw the couple but that wasn't the only strange thing.

A couple of Anbus were also lying on the ground unconscious and from the looks of it, this was the strange woman's work and she did it effortlessly. Among the anbus there was also a Jonin and from the lack of battle signs, it is safe to assume the woman is Kage level.

"Are you Naruto Uzumaki?"

"Yes"

"Great, you don't know how much time I spent asking around the village to get your address and since I saw an Uzumaki girl going in and out of your house I thought I had the right house, it's just these pests were giving me trouble and asking me to move away from your house so I just put them to sleep. I hope you don't mind I didn't want to harm them,.."

"I don't mind it but can you tell me why you are looking for me?"

"Ah, I forgot I am your huge fan, so I came to meet you in person and I hope that you can sign my collection."

"Oh, this is new, never thought Kage-level Kunoichi will infiltrate the village just to get my autograph. And the best part is you are flaunting your strength so openly. It means your work here is finished and this autograph thing might or might not be your ..."

"You sensed my power huh, not that you yourself are bad, I can feel a sense of oppression, not bad for your age. You are right. My main objective in coming to this village was different but since my favourite author also lived in this village I decided to take this opportunity to meet him."

"So tell me, what is a no name S-rank Kunoichi doing in this village?"

Hearing this conversation, Hinata was also a bit surprised. She has never seen this Kunoichi and also never heard about her. She also checked for transformation jutsu but didn't find her using it. But being a Kage level at such a young age is commendable.

"Nothing, I was just looking for my son. During war time I sent my son to Konoha so I came back looking for him."

"What war are you talking about?"

"Great Ninja war"

"Wow! But seeing your age I would doubt you are telling the truth but I see no falsehood from you so you are telling the truth. Maybe there is some technique to keep your appearence young."

"Oye brat! What age are you talking about? I am still 22."

"Another Truth! Holy crap! Are you talking about your blood son and not some adopted child?"

"Yeah"

" But given the date wouldn't you have to be ...." Naruto didn't complete his words and looked at the woman with pity. Hinata also did the same.

"Oye rude brats! Do you want a beating? What's with that look?"

"So did you find him?"

"Yeah. But he is dead. I guess I am truly alone in this world." She spoke with a sad face.

"You know, you can come inside and I will sign your collection for you." replied Naruto with some Sympathy.

"I am fine. Don't give me that look. And again thanks for your invitation."

The three of them moved inside the house and even Sasuke and Karin joined them in the living room and were surprised to find a Kage level Kunoichi asking for an autograph from Naruto.

Truly, the power of a pen is sometimes greater than the sword.

"Oh by the way, whom am I addressing to?" asked Naruto before signing.

"Hisoka"

"To Hi-so-ka" Naruto then looked up as if asking her to give her surname.

Hisoka also understood his intentions and gave her full name.

"Hisoka Namikaze"

*Ptui* Two streams of water were spitted out of Hinata's and Sasuke's mouth and their target was none other than the stunned Naruto.