-A/N-

ding ding ding! It's Friday Fight Night! You're in for more fights this time around (total of 31). However, some of these fights will not last long. We're going to jump right into it, ending with a touch of plot progression.

Chapter 2: So It Begins

A large crowd cheered as the combatants comfortably sat in the terrace that had plenty of room to spare. They glanced around once more, seeing camera's zip around and project their images all over various screens. Over head, a deep voice came over the arena. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered around this beautiful scenic area today not to catch a wave or get a tan, but to watch some of the best ninja around display their skills in combat!" The crowd roared, rumbling over the area. He continued. "This is a rare opportunity folks! In all my years, I've never seen the competition level so high! For those few of you who aren't savvy in ninja combat, we'll do our best to help break down the fights. However, with the competition the way it is, I'd say there will be some things best left to the imagination!"

The thunderous clap of the crowd grew as Asumaru and Zente met in the middle. Zente grinned, crossing his arms. "I haven't seen you fight, but if you're anything like your sister, this'll be a handful. Let's not get carried away, right?"

Asumaru lifted out a cigarette and lit it up with a smile. "You're my kind of opponent. Not too lax, not too eager. We'll see what you can do."

The commentator looked nervously between the two before lifting his hand from a safe zone. "Alright, without further ado, let the match begin!"

-Round One: Easy now-

Both Asumaru and Zente closed in, letting loose with a taijutsu match. Zente focused on straight jabs and ducking to get in close, but the Nara was well versed himself. Asumaru checked his advance using his elbows. Zente smirked, ducking a right hook in and forcing the Nara to roll to the left of Zente. With a clean spin, Zente managed to catch Asumaru in the gut with an elbow. Before Zente knew it, both his body and Asumaru's flipped back to gain distance before he regained control.

Asumaru stretched, equipping his trench knives. "You fight well up close. I'd say I could beat you in that regard, but I'm not gonna get one-deminsional here." Asumaru clacked his weapons together with a smirk. "Let's see how you perform."

Zente shook his head. "You could gauge my skills that quickly, huh?" Zente swiveled his brass knuckles onto his left hand and drew his large hunting knife reversed in his right hand. "I guess I shouldn't get cocky with a lucky hit."

The two of them stared, analyzing each other. So, he keeps his blade-length on the shorter side. Likely uses some ninjutsu as a surprise tactic. The shadow bind technique won't help me with much unless it's forcing a gain in distance. Asumaru dipped slightly, keeping his blades at the ready. He's probably more skilled than me at kenjutsu.

Zente closed the gap swiftly. To surprise Asumaru, he used a wild crossing uppercut with his left hand. The Nara dipped back, moving his arms to the right. On cue, a ting of his trench blades indicated a collision with metal. However, the spinning attack from Zente was a kunai. Asumaru calmed himself, jumping back. Zente's knife fell from above. Asumaru parried the incoming kunai as Zente caught and tossed his weapons subtly. "Suiton: Teppoudama!"

The Nara leaped in the air, finishing his own jutsu. "Hibarishi!" A dense flame began to spew, flying around in complicated patterns Zente hadn't seen before. He switched his weapon hands, dancing around the attack carefully. This jutsu is usually a ring shape for entrapment. He's trying to make me move more so he can close in safely. Zente smirked. "Not today!" The man pushed himself through the flames, shocking Asumaru as he took a strong blast from the brass knuckles to the cheek. As the Nara went to the ground, Zente's body froze. He looked around. "Damn, this again, huh?"

Asumaru rose, laughing heartily. "Thanks for holding back on that one. Tell you what, that coulda broke my jaw." The Nara raised his hand with a smirk. "We're pretty much an even match, but I'd rather not fight for thirty minutes. I give."

Zente pulled back in shock as his body relaxed. "Seriously? I'm sure you'd end up winning..."

Asumaru shrugged his shoulders with a smirk. "Truth is, I had fun. The only time I'm really into fighting is when it's do or die."

The announcer fiddled with his glasses in shock, pulling the mic up to his face. "T-That's it for Asumaru folks!" A small applause let out, not quite to thrilled with the result. The man walked over to the judges desk, where Shikamaru had been seated. "Here's a rare treat for you. The losing party's father is here as one of our analyst. What is your assessment of your son's performance?"

Shikamaru smirked, stroking his chin. "Asumaru's unoffical rank in this tournament was seventeenth. He's quite strong overall, but he surmised that his opponent and him were the same type of fighter at about the same skill level. Rather than both of them fight forever and make it harder to win the next round, he opted to concede to Zente."

The commentator opened his mouth in awe. "Ohhh? I see. What keen perception on his part, if not a little lazy." Zente and Asumaru chatted the whole way back as the TV's lit up with randomized names. The man fixed his glasses, pointing up to the monitors. "Well, you heard it there folks! Asumaru's stats ranked up as seventeenth overall. Ranks of the losing party are revealed upon defeat in this tournament. But enough about that..." The cheeky man pointed up once more. The names stopped, catching the attention of the fighters. "That's it! The next fight is Uzumaki Tsumi Vs. Ryoku! Come on down!"

OoOoOoOo

Yuuki glanced over as the three Phoenix members came out. "Oiii, good luck out there Ryoku. You'll need it."

The boy jolted, rubbing his head. "Uzumaki...I didn't figure on you having a sister, Akiko."

Yuuki raised a hand, waving him off. "I told you to call me Yuuki now, you know?"

Takeshi stared at them as Tsumi and the mysterious boy entered the ring. "Hey, who are they anyway?"

Yuuki tapped her fingers, still awaiting her turn. "They're members of Hell's Phoenix."

Takeshi pulled back. "Are you kidding me? Hell's Phoenix is here?"

Yuuki flicked his face. "Why would I make small talk if they were bad people?"

Takeshi crossed his arms. "Can't I be a little shocked? Are they like Luna and the others?"

Kobi casually listened, watching Tsumi reach the center. He turned in. "Maybe I'm taking it for granted, but they don't quite have the level of experience as our groups, huh?"

Yuuki sized up Kobi with a smirk. "You're too relaxed to have not already understood that. They've probably improved, but not nearly enough."

Kobi laughed casually. "Shoot, guess you got me there."

OoOo

The crowd gave the two fighters a warm welcome, making Ryoku look around in excitement. He pumped his fist intently before thrusting it up. "Now this is an atmosphere! I'll return the energy with force!"

Tsumi snickered. "You're pretty upbeat, huh? Force, the meaning of your name. Let's give it a good effort, alright?"

The man nodded as the announcer lifted his mic. "Our opponents look eager as ever! Tsumi is well versed in most areas of combat, making a good show in the Chuunin exams. She's one of the several Chuunin in these exams, but that's not to be underestimated, as she is the daughter of the legendary Sixth Hokage, and sister of two siblings highly praised throughout." He adjusted his glasses as the crowd roared. "On the other hand! We have a few unknowns in this tournament, and Ryoku is one of them. His confidence and excitement are in the right place, so let's see what they can do!" The man looked between the combatants before swinging his hand down. "Round two. Let the battle begin!"

-Round Two: Pressing the Issue-

Tsumi narrowed her eyes, quickly evading a few blast of earth that had been thrust towards her. "Nicely done! No hand seals or call outs!" The girl now let out a hissing lightning aura, making the man pull back. "Hope you're ready!"

Ryoku grunted. She somehow already has the momentum. "Don't get cocky!" Ryoku pulled out a kunai, attempting to engage Tsumi in taijutsu.

OoOo

Yuuki leaned in. "Oh? Tsumi's not going to hold back this time?"

Kokuten groaned. "Why?"

She looked over to him with a sigh. "You three really improved, but you're not quite up to par yet."

Yuuhi and Kokuten sweat nervously, looking back to their leader.

OoOo

"Shit!" Ryoku watched his kunai flail out of his hand as Tsumi stepped in close. She zipped back in forth at an overwhelming speed to him, forcing him to attempt a retreat.

"Kage bunshin no jutsu!" Tsumi shouted as she used an empty palm thrust to launch Ryoku back. As he did, a clone blasted him left, directly into another clone who then blasted him back to Tsumi. She thrust a small ball of chakra forward. "Rasengan!" As the force sent him flying upwards, he was met with yet another clone. "Rasengan!"

"Gyahh!" Ryoku shouted out in excruciating pain as the crowd roared. The clones vanished as Tsumi caught Ryoku and laid him down.

She clapped her hands off, looking over to the announcer, who was stunned at her combination. "Hey, you should call it. He's out cold, but he'll be alright."

Shikamaru took the initiative. "Ryoku cannot continue fighting. Uzumaki Tsumi is the winner of this round."

The man shook it off. "R-right. What an impressive step forward from the last time we saw Tsumi!" The crowd roared in agreement, despite the short match. "Ryoku may have been a master of Earth-jutsu, but at this level, you must have a way to counter your weaknesses. Tsumi simply did not underestimate her opponent and dealt a swift victory." Naruto took a seat next to Shikamaru, getting a gasp from the crowd. The commentator panicked. "O-oh my...It's...It's the Sixth Hokage himself! He's come to assist Shikamaru in the assessments! What an honor!"

Naruto raised a hand, silencing the crowd as Tsumi helped Ryoku out of the area. "Don't get too worked up over it. Besides, three of my kids are here after all."

The man extended his hand. "How do you feel about the way your daughter fought this time as opposed to the Chunin exams?"

He nodded his head. "She's grown into a fine ninja. We may see a few Chunin get promoted after this tournament is said and done." Naruto raised his hand to add. "Tsumi's combination was brutal, but controlled. She knew exactly how much damage to inflict to keep the opponent down without injury." Naruto let out a sweat. "At least I hope so..."

The commentator nodded. "So that's how it is!" The TV made an alarm noise making him jump. "Oh, sorry! Ryoku's stats ranked up to be thirtieth out of thirty-two. That's okay! This competition is very close at all levels, don't let that stop you!" The crowd roared in excitement as an unexpected name appeared on the screen. "How about that!"

OoOo

Yuuki, Isami, and Tsumi just about fell out of their chairs as the combatant ran out with excitement in her eyes. Yuuki rose to meet her. "Kumi! You've really grown, haven't you?"

Kumi snickered, shaking her cousins hand. "That's my line. We're only a year apart. You look good, ex-boss!"

Yuuki assessed her with excitement. Her black hair dropped just passed her shoulders and her attire was battle ready, if not revealing in some parts to accent her feminine assets. Overall, she was quickly becoming a stunning beauty. "I can't believe it, though it shouldn't surprise me. You look like a whole new fighter."

Karui jumped up as her name appeared. "Alright! My turn already!"

Yuuki and Kumi watched as the woman took off without warning. Kumi rubbed her head. "I'm not sure how I'll stack up to you, but I've done a whole lot of 'training in the mountains', so to speak. Just watch me!"

Yuuki crossed her arms with a smile. "Don't lose until you fight me, got it!?"

Tsumi crossed her arms as well. "She won her Chunin exams pretty easily. However, she wasn't really showing anything too special if you ask me. I wonder what she's got up her sleeve."

Isami nodded his head, invading the conversation. "Looks like we've got another prospect on our side."

OoOo

Karui squirmed around eagerly, itching to fight. Kumi smiled, checking over herself before dipping into a Hyuuga -style stance. The announcer settled the crowd quickly. "Karui is a prominent member of the Hidden Rivers village. Her combat style is as of yet unknown to me, but fighting her is someone many of us are excited about!" The crowd grew in energy. "Kumi shocked us in the last Chunin exams, fighting almost as if she was her cousin, Yuuki! However, is she ready to fight at this level after being Chunin for only a year? Let's find out! Let the battle, begin!"

-Round Three: A Love for Combat-

Karui quickly pulled out her staff, charging straight in against Kumi. The Sarutobi didn't budge until the last moment, parrying every stroke coming in from the weapon. Karui grew excited, fully unleashing her skill with the weapon. "Byakugan!" Kumi smirked, perfectly dancing around and lightly redirecting the weapon. Karui planted her staff in the ground, quickly wrapping her leg around Kumi's neck. The young lady spun, punishing her for it. "Raiton: Heavenly spin!"

Thanks to Karui's grip, the staff grounded out the lightning, but she was launched back to mid-range. Kumi took this chance to plant her hand on the ground. "Summoning jutsu!"

King Emma appeared before her eyes, looking around. "Another tournament, huh? You've been busy young lady."

Kumi extended her hand. "This one's not so patient. Give me a hand, will ya?" The King of apes nodded, transforming into a diamond staff.

Karui lifted to her feet. "So that's how you were able to counter the staff so easily. What are the odds of another staff user in the ninja world?"

Kumi smiled as she planted the staff briefly. "This isn't just any staff, and I'm not done yet." She crossed her hands. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!"

Karui glanced around, counting five clones. The eager woman grinned in excitement. "Now we're talking! I'll give it my all!"

The woman attempted to press forward, but the clones swooped in, letting out a barrage of combinations. Three of them pressed into consecutive low, mid and high attacks as the other two prepared jutsu. Karui utilized her staff and keen sense of battle prowess to avoid the onslaught of gentle fist while rising up the staff. A fire and wind jutsu combination closed in. She began to spin like a top on her staff while finishing her hand seals. "Raiton: Rairyu no Tatsumaki!"

Kumi dipped as a massive spiraling whirl of lightning and wind prevented the jutsu combination and ended her shadow clones. However, as Karui prepared to stop the technique and go on the offensive, she was caught completely by an attack. "Futon: Heavenly Auger!" The technique sliced clean through her jutsu. Karui was gashed up and blasted far away, tumbling around.

Kumi landed as the crowd exploded. "Well done! You didn't need my help, huh?" Her staff spoke to her, but before she could respond, Karui was sweeping in close with an almost excited smile.

"This is the best fight I've had in a bit!" Her staff combinations were even greater, coming from every angle. However, just as she landed a good hit to Kumi's side, hands came out from under the ground, gripping her ankles. The momentary shock left her wide open to take a powerful blow from Kumi's staff. "Kyaa!"

The audience grimaced as the woman was sent flying back at an impressive speed. Kumi let go of Emma, running forward. "You can go back now. She's not going to quit."

The ape nodded his head. "Don't overdo anything, you here?" he scratched his head. "I really ought to retire soon..."

As she expected, Karui began to rise. Kumi swiveled in. "Eight Trigrams: Sixty four palms!" Within a flash, an overwhelming barrage of blows attacked the stubborn woman and effectively disabled her movement. The crowd remained silent in anticipation. The announcer took his cue after noting her immobility. "This match is over by a long shot!"

Isami and Zente were both swift to appear on scene as the crowd roared in excitement. This thunderous rumble had been louder than the others before it, making Kumi step back. She looked back to Karui as Isami healed. He looked up to her with a smirk. "You did well not to use all of your strength to strike her. She's not the toughest here, but she definitely doesn't know when to call it quits. Well done Kumi!"

Karui felt her movement return and she laughed. "Oops, looks like I tried too hard again, didn't I?"

Zente knocked her on the head. "You idiot! You've got to learn when to give up already!"

Shikamaru clapped himself. "That was well executed! Karui was ranked twenty-sixth overall, but she would have likely won had it not been Kumi's heads up counter."

Kumi turned over to the booth seeing Naruto and Shikamaru congratulating her. She looked up, seeing a standing ovation from the fighters box as well. The young lady rubbed her nose, throwing up a victory sign.

OoOo

As Kumi approached, Yuuki greeted her along with Datsu, Inora, and Lili. "Hell of a match, Kumi. Looks like you might really be my rival, huh?"

Lili flicked her hair. "Seems like yesterday you couldn't manage the Rasengan fully. You've earned my respect."

Kumi crossed her arms. "Oh yeah, only just now? I wouldn't mind fighting both of you in this tournament."

Datsu laughed heartily. "That'd be a great fight for sure! Honestly, Yuuki and Lili get pretty heated up when they're in fights."

Inora put her hand on Yuuki's shoulder. "That's an understatement." She put her finger on her lips. "Now, I wonder if you could even beat me…?"

Kobi about flipped out of his chair before pointing to the screen. "Yo! Now this should be good!" He turned to see their expression. "Don't give us a bad impression, you hear?"

Lili's eyes twitched as she saw her name. She looked at the opponents name a few times to ensure it's accuracy. "I have to fight you, huh?"

Yuuki snickered, punching her fist. "Yuuki Vs. Lili. This'll be just like practice, huh?"

Lili deflated, heading towards the middle. Everyone in the combatants box, stands, and judges box stood, watching as the two women entered the arena. The commentator shook his head with a laugh of excitement. "I-I can't believe the day's finally here! Uzumaki Yuuki has been training in secret for a long time. According to the information I'm allowed to have, she's been working under the nickname 'Akiko' in the Lightning Village." He fiddled with his glasses, getting a good look at her. "Say, she's really changed over these two years. Her and Lili look kind of alike, don't they?"

Lili stared at Yuuki in concern. "We haven't fought seriously since that day in the forest of death, yet I can tell I still won't be able to beat you."

Yuuki crossed her arms with a scowl. "Don't give me that. A Teruya's pride doesn't forgive those that count themselves out. Don't allow anyone to beat you, not even yourself."

Lili cracked a smile, placing her hand under her chin. "That's just a fancy way of saying never give up, right?"

Yuuki smirked back, eying the commentator. He lifted his hand. "It's the Raikage's daughter vs. the Hokage's daughter! No matter how you slice it, one of these fighters is going to leave hurting pretty bad. Lili's seen her fair share of fights, including one against Yuuki in the Chunin exams. Will that be enough to put the crowd's second favorite down?" He lowered his hand swiftly. "Time to find out! Let the battle begin!"

-Round Four: Teruyas Never Lose-

Lili and Yuuki both made several hand seals, using the same attack. "Storm release: Pulse lightning!" A brilliant barraged of high density lightning attacks collided with each other as the two prepared their next jutsu. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!"

The pulses cleared, revealing two clones each. Yuuki smirked. "Seems right so far, huh?" both groups charged in, weaving in and out and meeting in the middle with an almost identical taijutsu style. Everyone in the stands awed at the impressive display between the two.

The announcer piped in. "This is clearly not their second time meeting in combat!"

Lili took a low heel strike, but spun around, striking Yuuki as well. The clones all suffered similar fates, each defeating each other simultaneously. Lili made her hand seals. "Not a chance!" Just as Yuuki had finished a genjutsu, Lili had canceled it and closed in, summoning a short blade from her arm.

Yuuki rolled around it to her surprise, kicking her in the back before summoning a katana herself. Lili spun around in anger. "Why is it always something different at that part!"

Yuuki pointed her blade. "Are you seriously complaining about that when you're the one who switched the standard positioning of your clones? Give me a break!"

Lili pushed out her hair. "Going for a genjutsu attack after losing the taijutsu match was cheap to."

Yuuki swung her blade. "I didn't lose the taijutsu match! I let you make contact to gain distance!"

The entire stadium sweat at the awkwardness. The man coughed, speaking into the mic. "This is a surprise. It would appear they've fought so much that they're childishly nitpicking each others attacks."

Lili channeled her storm release into the blade as Yuuki did. "It's not like I can vary things as much as you, so don't you dare hold back in this phase!"

Yuuki swung her blade reverse, dipping down. "Like I'd do that." Lili pushed forward, tossing a few kunai to try and throw Yuuki off balance. With a single sweep of her hand, she used chakra to blast them away. Lili closed in, forming a Rasengan in the free hand. Yuuki dipped under the attack, parrying Lili's chakra infused heel that kicked up. As she did so, another Rasengan came from a clone that tagged behind Lili. Yuuki stepped into it, passed the rasengan and headbutting the clone away. Finally, Lili swung violently at Yuuki, who blocked behind her back. Sparks lit the area as the two pressed into each other. Yuuki turned her head with a smirk. "Nice try with the new heels there."

Lili smirked. "Thought you'd like that." The two of them pushed off, leaving a mid range between them. Lili shook her head. "Even after all this time and all the variance I could do, we still can't decide who the strongest Teruya is."

Yuuki swung her arm around, grinning. "Well, what do you say move on to who the better fighter is?"

Lili shook her head with a smile. "As if I'd let us end this in a tie!" Lili expertly charged forward with three clones, each coming in with several rasengans and blades at impossible to avoid angles. "You were careless! This is my victory!"

Yuuki smirked, closing her eyes as he hair began to blow around. She opened her eyes before contact with a shout. "Solar radiation!"

Yuuki glowed incredibly bright, confusing Lili. "What?" Within an instant, a powerful blast of storm release exploded out, channeling a rain of light pulses every where and lasting for five seconds. As the technique dropped and everyone's sight returned, Lili could be seen struggling to rise as Yuuki let out a peace sign.

"I haven't just been learning from Hyouzan, you know? I've been practicing to beat you as a Teruya to!"

Lili rose to a knee with a smirk over her face. "You've got to be kidding me..." Lili looked away. "Beaten by my younger sister in a Teruya fight. Have I no shame?"

Yuuki laughed stretching her arms. "So, you wanna do Yuuki vs. Lili now?"

Lili raised her hand. "I could tell already when we practiced, you've gotten stronger. Even the off chance I manage to get a few hits in, there's no way I could beat you. Save the trump cards. I give up."

Yuuki pulled back. "That's unexpected!" The crowd showed their excitement as the commentator stuttered.

"This, but…how..." He shook his head. "Simply amazing! The Yuuki we've just witnessed operated completely different than the one from the Chunin exams! Other than the Rasengan and shadow clones, I didn't see a single move I recognized. Lili must have been down this road before and has thrown in the towel after that amazing attack from Yuuki. Yuuki is the victor of round four!"

Naruto couldn't sit still, seeing all the flash and overall ninja class she displayed. Naruto cleared his throat. "Cut Lili some credit, she was ranked fifteenth overall in this tournament where ranks are being decided by the tenths. However, I'm proud of both of my daughters today!"

The crowd never let go of their joy as the two fighters shook hands and waved. Shikamaru attempted to hush them down a little. "Alright, try to save your voices. We've still got twelve more matches to go in this first round. There are still many great fights to be discovered."

The commenter nodded his head. "Of course! Let's look and see who will fight in the second bracket group!"

OoOo

Yuuki healed Lili as a crowd gathered around them. Yuuki shook her head. "You got hit harder than I thought by that attack. Were you that caught off guard?"

Lili grunted. "Don't get cocky! It was just a matter of luck."

Yuuki's eyes drifted over, noticing Kobi was the only one kicked back and drinking. There's something about him…Datsu pumped his fist. "Hey, what's the big idea not using all of your techniques?" Yuuki's attention returned.

Inora rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I was really looking forward to seeing some of your new moves!"

Hitomi knocked both of them upside the head. "You idiots, she's not going to just hand you her trump cards! Besides, she did use a new move."

Hotaru rubbed her chin. "Did I really fall behind all of you?"

Takeshi nudged Tegun. "What'd you think? Pretty awesome fight, huh?"

Tegun nodded in excitement. "They've both become a great deal stronger than I remember. Hell, I'm shocked that Lili even gave up in a fight between prides."

Isami snuck in the conversation. "However, it's true that we've only scratched the surface of Yuuki's abilities. Just what is her limit?"

Nia put a hand on her hip, looking up. "As much as I'd like to speculate, looks like I've got a fight to tend to."

Vin's eyes bolted. "You serious?"

Kankiri grabbed his arm. Getting his eye-contact. "Careful."

Nezero put a hand on his shoulder. "You're a lot stronger Vinney. Don't let her go easy on you."

He nodded, making his way to the center stage.

OoOo

"This might be a difficult match for Vin. Although I have yet to see Nia fight, she is one of the four high jonin! You might not remember, but I sure do. Vin put up an amazing fight against Uchiha Takeshi two years ago. He failed to get off what seemed like a powerful jutsu then, but will he manage to take down apparently one of the most prolific ninjas of this era?"

"Hey, Nia." The woman looked to him, somewhat dulled out. "Could you do me a favor and not hold back anything? I want to properly gauge myself and become better."

The woman raised an eyebrow, finally smiling. "I won't underestimate you then."

"Both fighters are ready. Let the battle begin!"

-Round Five: A New Obstacle-

Nia waited, seeing Vin dip around back in forth before closing in. She let out a smirk as he closed in. "Flash." In an instant, her infamous amber aura cackled out and tanned her over. Now, Nia pressed Vin, unleashing a barrage of attacks that burned and shocked and blinding speed. Vin took attack after attack, unable to find the right chance to get away from it. He was easily overpowered and sent to the ground. Nia paused. "What's wrong? This is what you wanted."

Vin clinched his fist, getting on a knee facing away from her. Lightning combined with fire. Only an ultra dense wind chakra barrier will counter that. I can't do that much...Vin swiftly began making dozens of hand signs. I swore I'd never panic enough to use this attack again. But this time...

Nia tilted her head before smirking. "Oh, I see. That's the mysterious move everyone was talking about." She charged forward. "I won't let you!" Before she knew it, a clone popped out of the ground pushing his hand forward. "Suiton: Hahonryuu!" Nia was blasted back just far enough for Vin to stop his signals.

He turned to her as his eyes emitted a bright light and a black aura grew around him. Without warning, he bolted forward. Several arms came out almost instantaneously, managing to sweep Nia up in it. The extensions flailed around violently slamming her in the ground, punching her around, smashing her between each other, and about anything you could do to damage a body. After around ten seconds straight of the barrage, Vin collapsed to one knee, gasping for breath. He glanced towards the crater he created. "Shit...I might have over done it..." Vin had become visibly weakened by the jutsu.

The crowd was stunned silent as the dust settled. However, to Vin's shock, Nia jumped out of the crater with her aura still up and unharmed. Before he could speak, she put her finger to her mouth to silence him. "If I had reacted a split second later, that would have almost killed me. However, the steel skin jutsu can be activated under my amber aura. Since I didn't need to move, I just let the storm pass, if you will."

Vin's head lowered as he lifted his hand. "This is a complete mismatch. I give."

Speaking over the crowd's noise, the commentator lifted his hand. "Nia has outclassed her opponent even after his amazing jutsu successfully landed! It's no wonder why she's a high-jonin! Vin himself was ranked at eighteenth overall, and I'd suspect he's got a better chance of making Jonin now! What a match!"

Naruto and Shikamaru covered their mic. The Hokage nodded his head. "That's a hell of a jutsu. He was in a complete mismatch, yet still almost won."

Shikamaru nodded. "Imagine if he'd managed to get that off in the Chunin exams. Definitely an interesting guy to keep an eye on."

OoOo

Nezero rubbed his head, rubbing it excessively. "No no no! It's all wrong!" Vin scratched his head as the arena team finished repairing the stage. The red-head pointed his finger. "There's no way you were supposed to lose in the first round!"

Kankiri shook her head. "Inevitable."

Vin nodded his head. "I gave it my all, but she's clearly in a different league. Maybe you two will end up in a more favorable match up."

Nezero glanced at the screen, pointing his thumb down. "Wrong again, Vinney boy." Kankiri's name appeared, along side Kaito.

The woman tilted her head down with a feint smile. "We're just not up to par yet."

Vin crossed his arms. "Don't say that like it's a fact, even if it is kind of true." He turned his head to Nezero. "And you know I hate that nickname." He turned his attention back to Kankiri. "Kaito looks a great deal more powerful, as if that was possible. Don't take too many risk."

She nodded. "I'll try my best, but I don't think I'll be able to do much."

OoOo

"Alright!" The crowd grew restless seeing Kaito's name. The announcer pumped his fist. "Kaito may not realize it, but he's been a crowd favorite since his fight with Yuuki in the Chunnin exams. Has he continued his quest to become the greatest swordsman?" He touched his glasses, eying Kaito's swords. "What's this? He's doubled on the massive swords! Will Kankiri be able to stand up to the pressure?"

Kaito drew both weapons, shooting open his eyes. Kankiri sweat slightly. "I don't intend on holding anything back."

Kankiri prepared to reach in her pockets. "Yeah."

The commentator lifted his hand. "Second round of group two is set. Let the battle, begin!"

-Round Six: Cutting the Chord-

Kankiri began her summoning just as Kaito came close. Before he reached, a steel ape form halted his approach as her salamander summon prepared it's attack. Kaito smirked. "You're quick." He took a sure grip of his blades, letting loose an onslaught of slashes. The steel re-enforced ape was minced to pieces just as paralysis gas swallowed the area. Within a flash, however, the salamander to was also completely destroyed. The man charged forward to halt her next moves. "But I've become even faster."

Kankiri flicked her fingers meticulously. Kaito raised an eyebrow, dodging the mass amounts of shrapnel that came for him. She gritted her teeth. "I won't take it laying down!" She carefully continued to throw shrapnel just enough so she could detach her strings and move to another piece. This created a storm of jagged metal like a locust swarm. She let out a sweat. "It'd be easier to just take a few hits and charge me."

Kaito smirked before growing serious. He stood still, beginning to parry away the pieces. With a grunt, his swings began to blur into a dome shape around him. "Man Yaiba Kabe!"

She gasped, seeing the dome move quickly towards her. Her fingers grew tired and her eyes strained to keep the shrapnel up. Just before he got to her, she quickly backed up while raising her hand. "I give!" Just as she finished, a sharp blade gently rested on her neck. Her body froze in fear.

Kaito held the same gleeful smirk that gave everyone chills. "A wise choice."

The commentator waved his hands. "That's it ladies and gentlemen! Kaito has once again proven just how skilled his swordsmanship has grown. Kankiri put in a great effort, but being ranked at twenty-ninth, you can be sure every fighter you face is going to be extremely difficult to beat. Let's get the next fighters ready, shall we?"

In the judges box, Sasuke showed himself and seated next to Naruto. He nodded his head. "Kaito's kenjutsu is already at a different level."

Naruto glanced over with a less than enthused face. "Showing up late as usual. Go figure it'd take a sword match to get you out here."

The Uchiha glanced back. "Says the man who only showed up when his daughter fought."

Shikamaru sighed. "Man, can't you two just keep it down already?"

Names flashed over and over before one stopped. Hitomi's name remained steady and the crowd grew in excitement. Sasuke scoffed. "Some timing."

OoOo

Everyone in the combatant's box sweat nervously in anticipation. As the name finally came to a stop, the two women that already stood next to each other locked eyes. Hitomi grinned slyly. "Oh? Are you sure you don't want to just quit now?"

Kochi laughed, shaking her head. "Not a chance! We haven't had a square fight since the Chunin exams!"

Hitomi crossed her arms. "Square, huh? You're seem awfully confident for someone who's never beaten me."

Kochi rubbed her head. "You might be right, but I'm still gonna give it a good showing. I have less responsibility if I lose anyways."

Kobi let out a laugh, still looking out to the crowd. "That sounds about right, huh?" He tilted his head back. "Knock her dead, sis! Don't forget, dad's out there watching to."

Tsumi chuckled with Kobi as Yuuki put her hand on her hips once again. Again, what is up with these two? They have that slacker, carefree attitude that reminds me of someone...Yuuki glanced over, seeing Isami whispering something in Hitomi's ear. Her head shook as he busted out in laughter. Yuuki's face deadpanned. I hope I'm wrong.

OoOo

The commentator laughed, crossing his arms. "How about this match up, huh? Talk about history, Hitomi's first match in the Chunin exams was against none other than Inuzuka Kochi." He pointed his finger up. "However, Kochi was no where near Hitomi's level at that time. Even now, Hitomi is one of the four high jonin. How will she be able to compete in this match?" The man shot his fist up. "Let's not wait to find out! Here comes the third round of group two! Fighter's...Begin!"

-Round Seven: Unlike Old Times-

Hitomi lit up her sharingan, awaiting Kochi's move. The said girl laughed. "Not going to give me an inch, are you?" Kochi breathed in, pulling her short hair back with a serious face. "I can tell you're still better, but I'm not here to play around either."

Hitomi pulled back at the serious demeanor, just off-guard enough to let Kochi in close with a taijutsu assault. She began with her standard form of claw-like swipes that held a great deal of power to them. However, in a brief moment, her form switched to a vaguely familiar attack pattern. The taijutsu was very fluent and allowed her to easily switch in and out of combinations. Hitomi smirked, still not taking a single attack. "Is that master Lee's taijutsu I see?"

Kochi smirked. "Maybe." In between a kicking combo, Kochi summoned a shadow clone, also catching Hitomi by surprise. Now, the two combined to summon a sword each and used each other as obstacles to maintain a constant assault. "Looks like you really haven't been slacking at all..." Kochi let out a chuckle as Hitomi pushed off with kunai.

The Uchiha observed her old friend with a serious face. "I can't say I've ever seen you actually care about combat to this level." Hitomi tucked her kunai away, clinching her fist. "But don't forget who both of my parents are!" With a fast punch to the floor, a twenty-foot radius was reduced to rubble, defeating a few clones that had been underground. Kochi laughed nervously, backing up. Hitomi breathed in casually, charging forward while summoning her sword.

Kochi waved her hand in a fake panic before rolling to the side. Hitomi's eyes jolted, seeing a clone behind her already releasing a jutsu. "Fuuton: Goukuuhou!" As the wind blast struck, the Uchiha exploded in a burst of smoke. The true Hitomi rose from the ground beneath Kochi's clone and struck her through with the blade. As she did, she'd already prepared her jutsu. Kochi grinned. "Guess it's not so easy."

"Katon: Gouryuuka!" A massive fireball shaped like a dragon came flying in towards her.

"H-hahonryuu!" The B-ranked water jutsu clashed with the fire, but the dragon head still punched through, blasting Kochi back. In an instant, Hitomi had closed the gap and began to attack with both her fist and her blade. After around twenty blows, she kicked her old friend to the ground and stood. Although cut up and battered, Kochi rose to her feet with a smile. "You really weren't holding back, huh?"

Hitomi smirked, sheathing her blades. "As if. You know I could have minced you up just now."

Kochi raised her hand. "Oh well. And I had so much more to show you. Looks like I lose this one."

The commentator waved his hands. "That's it folks! A truly grand display of sportsmanship between the two has resulted in Kochi's defeat; and color me shocked, Kochi was ranked number twelve among the fighters. She certainly looked like it, didn't she?"

The crowd rang out as Kiba pushed his way to the judge booth next to Shikamaru with a fold seat. "Buncha crazy fans out there, you know?"

Shikamaru let sweat drip. "You know, there were only four seats up here for a reason..."

Another voice entered the scene as Konohamaru pulled a seat out as well. "Well, if Kiba is joining you, why not me?"

Shikamaru rubbed his eyes. "You two...honestly. You're making it crowded!"

Sasuke glanced over before scoffing. "Who cares. At least the match was more entertaining than I expected."

The announcer inched over to Naruto, coughing nervously. "Umm...Hokage-san. It would appear as though your shadow clone technique is becoming fairly common. Care to elaborate just what they did in that fight?"

Naruto laughed nervously. "You're right." He crossed his arms. "Kochi was pretty clever during her combination against Hitomi. There were loose pockets in the ground where the stage was freshly repaired, so she attempted to spawn some help from underground. However, the sharingan picked up on it and Hitomi was able to use the rubble to leave a clone herself while traveling underground. You can't pull a fast one on an Uchiha that easily, after all."

The announcer nodded in understanding. "I see. That is most definitely the case." He turned back to the audience. "Just a minute while we repair the stage once more folks!"

OoOo

Isami was quick to greet the two, focusing on Kochi. "Hey, that was something else Kochi! Here I was sure that you'd have slipped into another party phase while we were gone!"

Kochi rubbed her head. "See? I'm not strictly there for the party life." She let her arms stretch. "Anyyyways, I could use a good party soon." She turned her head to Kobi. "What do you think?"

He looked at Tsumi, nodding his head. "Maybe later tonight. I'm still curious enough to see how it all plays out. It wouldn't look too well on me to get all messed up for my fights." Kochi nodded, moving on.

Yuuki sat down next to him now, crossing her legs. "So Kobi...fights with an 'S' huh?"

Tsumi laughed as the man dipped his head. "Busted." He looked up with a wink and a smile. "It's true, I don't want to lose in the first round, but having a good time and enjoying the atmosphere is important to, you know?"

Yuuki smiled, putting her elbow on the table. "You'd do well to focus on preparing for who you're going to fight instead. Just hope you don't get a rematch with Datsu. He puts his old self to shame."

Kobi rubbed his head. "You don't say? Guess I better hope that's not the case then."

OoOo

The next two fighters had been announced and they met in the center. Nagi locked eyes with Shitto with a smile. "I look forward to seeing your progress."

Shitto chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "I give up."

Everyone in the arena stunned. Nagi picked up his jaw. "A-are you really sure? I mean, even if it is a mismatch, It wouldn't kill you to try."

Shitto shook his head. "I have nothing to prove to anyone. I am satisfied with my ability, but I understand that I will not win this match. Besides, you're going to need to be well rested for you're fight with Hitomi."

The commentator scooted over to Shikamaru, who prepared his explanation in advanced. "Shitto knew his opponent. The byakugan's gentle fist and Nagi's prowess with ninja tools would effectively counter pretty much anything he threw at him. Shitto was rated at twenty-seventh overall."

OoOo

Chojiko clinched his fist, nodding at his friends decision. "That takes courage to. If it had been someone else, I'm sure Shitto could have really done something."

An announcement came overhead, catching everyone's attention. "This marks the mid-point in the first round. We will be taking a short intermission."

The groups of friends broke off discussing the matches they had seen already. Yuuki remained with Kobi and Tsumi, but Takeshi plopped down to join them. The Uchiha sighed. "Well, I wonder who's going to get stuck fighting Isami."

Tsumi rested her hand on her cheek. "I know he's for real, but seriously...do you think he's going to waltz to the finals?"

Yuuki nodded subtly. "Even if he hasn't improved much, he was able to stand his ground against Takeshi's dad. It's going to take some serious fighting to actually drop him."

Kobi smirked. "I just hope I get a good match up. It'd be pretty lame to go down in the first round to me." Kobi crossed his arms behind his head. "Besides, it's Isami. You never actually know what he's going to do."

Takeshi nodded his head. "That's right. I don't plan on losing any matches, so I have to be prepared to face him and everyone else."

Yuuki grinned, looking over to him. "Are we aiming to make it a Chunin exam repeat then? One of the victors in this first bracket will be in the final afterall."

Kobi leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Seriously? Do you think you'll be able to beat Hitomi then?"

Tsumi waved her hand. "No, I mean Kaito and Nia are still in the bracket." She crossed her arms. "And don't forget that you have to go through me if you beat Kumi next match! We will have the match we were supposed to have two years ago!"

Yuuki rubbed her head. "Good point. I also don't technically know how far Kumi's gone. We've got a rough patch in our group, huh?"

Takeshi looked over to Kobi, who shrugged to him. "We still have a couple mystery fighters to come ourselves. It'll be pretty interesting, that's for sure."

-Arena Outskirts-

A certain white-haired woman looked out the window before turning back. "I don't think you'll have anything to worry about here."

Isami pulled Hitomi over and pointed to her. "Hey, this is the woman I was talking about. She's pretty good, huh?"

Both Hitomi and Luna blushed. The Hell's phoenix member looked away. "Don't get casual all the sudden. What's wrong with you?"

Hitomi laughed nervously. "Sorry about him." She coughed, getting to the conversation. "So, why is it that you wanted to see him again?"

Luna looked between the two before nodding. "As I'm sure you've been told, I am the One for All's daughter." Hitomi nodded and Isami gasped, making her tick in annoyance. "I told you about the deadline and his original philosophy."

Isami interrupted immediately. "What do you mean original? What's wrong now?"

She looked away. "I don't know. Fumio knows something is off. Typically, he splits his paperwork with him and wants to know about what's happening with everyone, but apparently he's been doing nothing but focusing on the Leaf."

Hitomi crossed her arms. "It was a premonition after all. He's probably extremely nervous about what's in the immediate future."

Luna shook her head. "Not like this. He's always been juggling a million things at once, but he's never forgotten to have a good conversation." The woman looked down. "Or ignore his own blood."

Isami crossed his arms. "If he becomes a problem, you have to be able to stop him from doing something stupid."

Luna nodded. "I know that, but I'm just here to tell you he's dangerous. I can recall him telling those close to watch out for his anger ticks when I was young. He has always appointed those who are the best at what they do in high positions. Even if a few are opposed to it, the others are loyal and will follow him blindly."

Isami rubbed his head. "So, the One for Words is named Fumio, eh?"

Luna blushed, palming her face. "Dammit! How could I have let my guard down again?"

Isami laughed as Hitomi remained unsure of how to react. Hitomi finally interrupted them. "Why are you so willing to feed us this information?"

Luna's eyes widened as Isami simmered down. She looked out the window once more. "It's about the premonition. The minute I met Yuuki and Isami, and even Noriko, I was aware that it couldn't be accurate. The issue that my father has forgotten was that there was another figure she couldn't describe there."

Isami crossed his arms and sat tall. "So, you don't doubt the accuracy, but the concerned parties may differ."

Luna looked like she wanted to say something, but shook it off. "The thing about my mother's premonitions is that they were heavily symbolic." She lifted her hands to aid the explanation. "She could see the constellations, so she knew the season and year." She swept her hands across. "She could see a torrent of fire and chaos, giving rise to the oblivion to come." Luna stopped, making eye-contact with them. "And finally, she could make out someone who she presumed was your father and a shady figure. That usually means the culprits."

Isami nodded his head, looking over to Hitomi. "This is why I asked you to come. I'm certain there's going to be a misunderstanding that leads to the premonition. We need to keep an eye on it."

Luna clenched her arms, closing her eyes. "I trust you leaf ninja. There is turmoil within our nation that I feel happens under the radar. Noriko is out there trying to uncover what she can to clear it up. Osamu also doesn't listen to anyone but me." She shook her head. "And Fumio isn't stupid either. He's my father's right hand because he believes my father is truly a great man."

Isami clenched his fist. "We're going to do our part to. My father wouldn't ever consider causing the end of days. No matter what, it all points to Guden. I can guarantee he's the shady figure."

Hitomi looked to her as Luna nodded. "I'm sure you had another concern that you held back, but this is more than what I expected already."

Luna turned away once more. "I will tell you what was bothering me if I become certain of it. I'll be in touch."

Hitomi stopped her once more. "Hey, Luna. You kind of look similar to Tsumi, you know that?"

Luna closed her eyes, slightly irked. "Isami said that two years ago. You're seeing things, rest assured."

Isami stretched. "Alrighty, we've taken enough of your time. If anything goes south…" Isami grinned with a wink. "We'll take care of you and everyone else. Uzumaki's look after other Uzumaki's after all."

Luna blushed looking out the window. "Just get out of here already, you idiot!"

-END-

-A/N-

Whew, 8 rounds down, 23 to go. If you are unaware of my methodology on selecting who fights who, I leave it up to Excel random numbers. There were only two fights I switched around and I got lucky with some of the match-ups. If fighting isn't your thing (or you hate my fights), don't worry. There will not be strictly fighting taking place in my chapters.

Hmm...Luna seems to be operating under the One-For-Alls nose. I wonder what Noriko has been doing all of this time...And where is-

shhhh...answers will come. Take some advice from Kobi and just relax, ok ;)