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Summary:

Argies is not gifted with any great power. In fact he was told from a young age that he must never show his talents least he draw attention to himself. He is accused of being a spy, a traitor and a thief... yet he is burdened with the sole responsibility to guide destiny and insure the world is saved. Without the power, without the ability, without the support he is to make his duty a reality.

AN: The following events take place during the first Chunin exams, a fight between Argies and Neji. I switch between their perspectives throughout the battle and between personal and Narratives. Please bare with me on this first chapter, I don't know why but I often battle with writing the first.

Enjoy =)

PS: Please please review, I'm begging you. Please review, even if it's to flip me off, I need to know what you think. I'm desperate!

Neji VS Argies

The Cheering from the crowds died down as the opening of the first match began. "The rules for this match are the same as for the preliminary Chunin exams; meaning no summoning jutsus, no suicide Jutsus and no forbidden jutsus. A match can be ended at any time either by forfeit, by the intervention of your Sensei or the Hokage himself." The ref prompter Genma Shiranui opened the match with the usual rules and formality. His voice echoing up through the crowds, enhanced by an area effect jutsu placed over the battle arena. The chakra humming in the air was not for the benefit of the prompter alone, but for combatants who needed to be heard, for this was more than just a battle, it was a test of tact, skill and of character. A contest that would determine which village would govern the most trade of mission assignments and earn the approval of clients.

Nevertheless to the contestants only one question held true in their minds. "Am I better than my opponent?"

Argies thoughts stirred up great storms within his mind while he stared across the field of battle at his opponent, who stood ready on the ground opposing him. Like winds cast from Tengu (heavenly spirit) the two opponents, Argies and Neji, stood with rolling gusts blowing dust through their path of victory. With only the sound of the winds the two Genin waited for the first to act, watchful for any sign or motion of the battle's beginning, while in their minds and hearts they were fierce in combat already.

'Neji, I've heard so many things about him' Argies mind listed off the qualities of his opponent. '…the recluse, yet they go to him for help and sometimes even training, more of a master of mind although I have heard him to be a talent of ability as well.' He gulped and quoted off philosophy. ''Like minds fair better in battle for they share ambition and strive in defeat'. I will defeat you Neji... you and those Byakugan eyes.'

Three minutes into the battle, with kunai cast off to the test of each ninja's abilities, Argies stood back in thought once again.

'My chakra's burning up trying to defend against his attacks. Normally I would trigger my gentle dance just before an opponent strikes, but then release the ability before it burnt up more of my energy, but this guy, he's moving before I can react. This form wasn't made to be maintained for long periods, but I can't tell when his going to strike. I need a different strategy and I better come up with one quick. I can't just hold him off, I need to do some damage of my own.'

While Argies struggled to adapt to the battle's new conditions, formulating strategies he never needed before against a rival too fast he never before had to face, Neji similarly confronted the challenges of his test.

'I've never encountered this technique before, the moves of my opponent Argies are beyond compare to any I have faced before; his movements are so fluid.' Neji arched a punch at Argies and though his fist met only air he could not help appreciate the art form in his opponents escape. 'His body drifts way from my attacks as if he were a leaf and I the breeze.' Narrowing his vision he spurned his love for his opponent. 'This is beginning to become tedious; none of my attacks are making contact, not even my Kunai…. What is this?! Something has changed.'

Forming his thoughts into word Neji spoke. "Your efforts in avoiding injury struggle to defeat me." Argies paused for a moment, considering, "Have you no problems with attacking me, then, attack me!" Neji throw off his kunai as effortlessly as he throw off insults, delicate yet at the same time accurate, cutting deep.

"Hasn't anyone ever taught you 'defence does nothing to secure victory'." He smirked at Argies refusal to reply to his quote, his verses from the Academy teachings "You're only postponing the inevitable, everyone already knows I have won this match." Neji kept composed and stood as if to affirm his argument.

Yet will Neji speaks Argies formulates further strategies.

I wasn't attacking, giving him plenty of time to talk his mouth off while I thought up a strategy. It helped to have an egotistical opponent, what didn't help was facing an opponent that could overcome your experience in battle. I would have to keep him talking.

"If you're so confident, why bother to talk to me." I rebounded off the wall as I spoke my defence "Or have you realised that your own opinions draw less meaning, that your perspective on battle is wrong. 'For many wars are won from within the home land, and many battles lost in finding yourself attacking when you should be defending'." I quoted my own verse from the book he extrapolated his confidence from, my defence against his wisdom, and slammed his argument with my own attack.

"For have you never been taught, 'when you attack, you leave yourself open to defeat' " I quote from a different book 'sage's of peace' The Ninja in the crowd cheered enthusiastically! They must have loved it, the familiar verses and popular quotes we learnt in the academy, all becoming relevant to the action we played out for their entertainment.

Communicating in code, Argies Guardians discussed what they couldn't say out loud.

'Do you believe we should break the genjutsu over the audience?' Anisue, Argies aunt, an elderly lady who prepared herself for battle with sowing needles, asked of her fellow competitor. They were in the tournament together, the oldest Chunin candidates to make it past the earlier challenges of the Chunin exams. Though of course it wasn't truly a challenge for them.

'For now let time pass as it will, let Argies decide what fate prepares next, and let us enjoy his match.' Reno, Argies Uncle, Sipped from his brew of triturated tea leaf, grasping his cane in the other hand as he mentally prepared. Genjutsu was his weapon of choice but today he would show them what an old man could do with his walking stick alone.

'It is an inevitability, in the end.' Anisue watched the movements of her nephew. A wrinkle of pride curling her lips, then the horrors ahead turning her emotions to the stern wisdom of knowing death. 'Removing the spell of genjutsu would only cause chaos, Kinjo will assist in make sure none know of our true name but what is important is that Argies is protected from making bad choices.' She casted her eyes out to the collection of ninja standing in the booth with them, ninja candidates excitedly waiting to become Chunin. If only they knew what was to come.

'His willingness to talk to his opponent is a weakness I thought we had removed.' Reno tapped his cup with his fingers in though, or so it seemed. They were communicating through subtle gestures which translated into code. In the hands of a ninja many a thing is possible. '…though he has made much progress since the month prior to these exams.'

'That he has and his level of tact shows a talent for strategy we never inspired him to learn.' Anisue watched the crowds, it would be happening soon. Only a few matches from now. 'Seems our young Genin has been keeping his full potential from us. I am glad he developed his own jutsu, this blood technic will serve the purpose of this Chunin exam.'

'We have yet to see this battle's end, too true that we have also yet to see the conclusion of the war to come.' With a sickly bite of his jaw, Reno put down his cup and turned to Anisue. 'We must prepare for our own strife and our part in the invasion.'

Remembering Argies Arrogance and how he displayed it now, Anisue turned back to her nephew in battle. Seeing past her husband, her gestures growing soft with empathy. 'We can only hope that Argies lips do not hang loose to the true clanship of the Ages and the Vanishing Village.'

Summersaulting away from his opponent, Argies throw off a few kunai while struggling to flip from one hand back onto his feet in a near miss attempt at avoiding an attack without a 'gentle dance'; the technique he used to avoid all of Neji's earlier attacks, cancelling his evasive jutsu now realising he could not afford to exhausted that ability or his chakra before the tournament was over.

Argies thought while he acted.

'This is getting dull, ninja composed as philosophers, but I've got to keep on drawing his attentions away from attacking. Maybe I'll get lucky and my speech will actually make a little bit of doubt set in.'

The crowds' cheers simmered to the sounds of kunai and darted attacks. Neji appeared to have the upper hand, never on the defence, yet still not seeming to have lain a single blow to Argies. The constant efforts to avoid conflict would usually dull the crowd's attention yet with the grace and arrogance Argies moved away from attacks, they were unable to strip themselves from the event.

The contestants in the battle saw the struggle from a different front. The ninja's dream realised when battling in stalemate. The constant flow of being victor now broken as each realises they can no longer conform to past experiences. An opportunity to grow as masters of their own ability as limitations are realised. As if awakening from a dream to breath real life once again, full of complications.

Jumping back from me, Neji opened his mouth to attack at my conscious again.

"Are you really so cowardly to dart my attacks and call your strategy defence." Neji struck my kunai aside as he rebuked my argument. "Defence is with the objective in mind to retaliate, you are avoiding conflict as an ally who avoids their friends in times of war."

Cut to the nerve of it, he knew how to keep an opponent talking against their will, and I could not refuse. "Where do you get this ego of superiority from, that you can tell me my character simply by which tools I use. I know my heritage, my people are gentle drifters never staying in place longer then is needed, but they are not cowards." Even with the conflict around me I could not dart but deflect the attacks as I stood bold, "We are a strong people who know that it is right to struggle for a friend. We are wise wonders who gather knowledge before planning an advance. We are proud in defeat and bold in battle for we know we live our lives with purpose." I knew my meaning and choice of words needed to be grounded in my composure, clear to all, before I make my attack.

"Proud Neji, can you say that of your own heritage, or is your arrogance only a fool's pride" Aaagh, I'm messing the whole plan up aren't I. Stalling for time isn't going to work if I'm the one talking my mouth off. Maybe I'm more the fool for being so easily gulled into speech.

Neji stopped in fighting, for a moment I relaxed my guard, I stood waiting for his response.

His fist clutched at the air beside him and a grimace broadened its self across his stern face "I know of honour, I know of pride, I know of hardship for an ally, but I also know of betrayal steeped deep in tradition. A bird clipped of its wings before it knows the joy of flight. A tree cut off from its branches before it can bear its first fruits. Lands ploughed but not watered. These are the things that are pledged to my life, a life vowed to grief and forever stunted perfection. Nothing you could ever understand."

Looking up from my words I caught Argies eyes, he was brought off guard by my confession. He may think he holds the ploy over my actions but now hooked as he is, I have my own opportunity to plot tact.

"Byakugan" Ha! As I assumed, this technique of his spends the little chakra he has left. If I out last his chakra he will be unable to avoid my attacks but, he knows this already and will be expecting me to outlast him. 'What is your plan Argies?'

"If you're trying to make me pity you, it's not going to work." Argies declared shaking his head, confused by the sudden break in Neji's character. "You are going to have to win this fight by beating me, I will not forfeit for your integrity" Just then Neji lashed out at Argies, there would be no trivial talk to postpone the gravity of the fight now renewed.

His Byakugan release! So that's what it looks like, his eyes are able to see my chakra points and energy, so he knows. I'm running out of time, I need to come up with that plan now. Time to do some offensive of my own…

Waiting for the moment just after Neji's attack, when Argies's opponent was close, it gave that opportunity to retaliate. "Blood Mist Jutsu." A simple slap of the hands and red dust lifted and projected to Neji.

A subtle kiss, like the sun light's touch, the red mist often goes unnoticed… but not for Neji, one who possesses the Byakugan eyes

Receiving an ebbed blow instead of Avoiding it, I couldn't help reeling from his attack with a half-smile.

Neji jumped back cautious of the jutsu now found on him. "What is this…" He looked to the colour on his sleeve. "Is this, your blood!" Neji response was startled, but I only smirked, it was as if he thought that I had sustained an injury already.

"It's my jutsu, my own unique ability and yes, my blood." It's amazing he could feel that, those eyes are truly a special gift but not only that. I sense that he is something greater than what he seems, disciplined and well trained, I fear he has more talent then what he has yet revealed "Like your Byakugan eyes, it has many uses, Blood Burn Jutsu!" The blood burnt off my opponent's skin and he stumbled back stung by my strange technique.

"My Chakra…" How is this happening, he seems to have gained hold over the flow of my energy. My chakra is being absorbed into each of the Molecules of blood he sprayed onto me. I can't seem to get it off, however he has forgotten something about me. I am also able to control the flow of chakra, even if it means I have to block some of the paths within my own body.

Neji assaulted his own body with strikes; there was a quality of perfection in the sway of his technique, proficiency and precision. The Chakra and blood mist steamed from his body. Even though it was a very small attack, the siphoning of energy made it accumulate more damage than it possessed, but with Neji's eyes it was no contest.

"No matter, it would have burnt out eventually; even my blood has its limitations to how much Chakra it can hold" Neji's speed comes from Chakra, which means right now his speed will be a little slack because he's blocked off chakra points. His gentle fist style is more of a problem than I thought, even with my gentle dance I feel his chakra inside of me blocking my own. If he hit a vital point he could prevent me from using any jutsu. It was most fortuitous that it was only an ebbed blow, from now on no more getting hit.

Argies stepped into his opponent, assailing blows and kicks in quick succession.

"And I thought you had the upper hand" I played to the favour of the crowd; the role of an underdog "No, actually I knew you would be weaker. You're attacks just gave me the time I needed to measure your abilities. Now it's time to finish this." I knew it wasn't over, Neji was only playing a part. I just wanted him to wake up so we could test the true lengths of our abilities.

While they assaulted each other with darted blows and ebbed strikes; Neji taunted his opposition while Argies bit his lips holding back a bitter reply.

"They often call me arrogant, but it's not arrogance when you know you're going to win." Neji argued "Your attitude is arrogant, for you to believe I was limited to only these few abilities." 'Yes, attack me, get angry, and then realise you have been out matched.'

"Gentle fist art: eight trigrams seal release. Byakugan 1st seal release. Byakugan 2nd seal release. Byakugan 3th seal release…" Argies had advanced into his opponent, the kill zone Byakugan ninja use to finish off their adversaries in close combat. With each seal release Neji's attacks became faster, harder, and though Argies glided back away from the assault, he was unable to escape the siege. Landing blows throughout his body, Neji could only hear the deafening impacts to the pain Argies felt, but the battle wasn't over. Suddenly with the smell of blood bought to the battle scene, Neji broke from the hypnotic spell of rage and skilfully attack.

Knocked near unconscious, a glancing blow cut rather than battered Argies face.

With all the bruising and welts to his body he could do nothing to brace as he collapsed to the dirt floor. The crowds silenced into whispers in wait for the prompters decision while Neji stepped back so that they could properly examine his victory.

Yet! After a shorter period than expected, Argies rolled away into a crouching position. "Calamity… away from me, let my Ninjutsu set you at bay and rob you of your vitality." You could hear it in his voices, he was still injured, but somehow less than what was thought. After receiving over 50 blows in a space of seconds, he appeared still able to battle and was growing stronger still. The gentle fist style seemingly of no effect.

He panted as he gave his explanation "I could finish this battle right now but I won't. You see, I like to explain my... traps after my opponent has already set them off." Neji began to show signs of weakening to Argies growing strength. "Do you remember my Blood Mist Jutsu, how it lifted from my hands when I smacked them together. Now imagine that effect but from my whole body each time you hit me" He chuckled under his breath, still regaining his strength.

Just then, Neji noticed the red shade to his hands and clothes.

"My chakra, you are able to absorb my energies through your blood?" Neji seemed more marvelled than shocked as I stood part of the way up. The blood steamed off Neji's body just as before, but this time there was enough of it from him to be able to see where it went…straight to me.

"Don't worry I just needed to borrow some of your strength" I smirked, bring a knee up to stand, "so we can continue this fight" 'This is going to get ugly, we both seem to be near out of chakra which means the battle will be brutal rather than fast'

Neji could sense the change in battle too, turning off his Byakugan senses to conserve what was left. This wouldn't be a battle won of strategy but one won of fists.

The crowds' enthusiasm became cruel rather than amazed now turned to the blood sport opposed to the sceptical expected of a ninja fight. It was a battle's end brawl, each fighter already strained from the long fight when they were still at full strength. A battle that should have been ended long before it began, but now it almost seemed wrong to end it because it had become something more than a fight for the two contestants. It was wrong indeed, but to end the fight now would be to rob them of their victory.

"As long as the two seem eager to continue, I see no reason to end the conflict." The Leaf village's Hokage wasn't himself, his usually cheerful nature estranged to the nature of the battle or perhaps something more. "I assure you, these are not the usual conditions our battles are fought under." A lighter tone returned to his voice as he seemed to recover some of his typical zest. "I am sure you understand, Kazakage. These 'conditions' are an occurrence in life and I expect each of my ninji to be prepared for them, as am I." The other kage remained mostly motionless as focus returned back to the present battle, while thoughts to the battle ahead visual altered her mood.

"You never really explained what you meant by before… how your life is crippled in some way, made to be something short of what it could be" Both Arjies and Neji needed the short talking break in order to regain some of their efforts, a moment of reconciliation to build up their power and finish the attack. It would give the audience the time they needed to order snacks and prepare for the fight ahead. A minute for the ref prompter to look over the rules as he watched the gruesome match they played out, and a moment for the possible clients in the audience to mark down the Leaf as commission and assignment lead.

Neji broke the pause in his attack with speech "I wasn't sharing, at least it wasn't an attempt to uncover any of my feelings. *sigh, It's a past I have kept to myself for good reason. A crippling truth that perhaps I should begin to realise…" A hurtful truth, yet Neji's voice was proud almost honoured, even though his face remained hardened in a scowl.

"As the skin on my hands burn now, so did they then, training with my father, hours at a time, perfecting ability. Method met with speed, precision met with strength… patience with repetition. My father had taught me all these things, but he had yet to teach me how obedience is sometimes met with force and harsh suspicion. My father was a twin to my uncle, head of our clan, a clan dictated by ruthless rules." Neji rubbed his cheek and spat at the place where Argies had hit him before "My father fell under his brother's rule, only a few seconds separated him from the pinnacle of our clan, but even more unfortunate was the burden he would have to carry and pass to me."

The bold nature I had known in Neji, in this short encounter with him, disappeared as he recounted something that was obviously painful to recall. For a short moment, I turned my head down… forgetting I was in battle, thinking of him as friend. As I raised my head to look back at Neji, I could see he had removed his head band and now a teal X tattoo lay on his forehead.

"My clan is divided by two fronts, the Dominate heir and the slave born like me. With this mark, I am bond to the will of my masters just as my father was forced to live under his brother's will. It is what I have learnt in life, we are beings of limited freedom, ruled by destinies hand. Just as the weak will always be burdened and the strong chosen for greatness." This was why Neji was always of that attitude, never smiling, but he's wrong.

"If you die, in that instant, it is your life lost." I said it defiantly against his heart broken words. "Therefore it is your life, no one can govern your mind and no one can rob you of your choices, they can only limit them. Neji, no master can rule you as long as you control your perspective on life, for life is what you trust it to be. Stop relying on destiny to be a disappointment and realise that you are destinies hand, your fait is your own…"

And then a single tear was shed…

...

"This battle isn't going to last much longer, I've still have a little chakra reserved and I know you're holding back. Let's finish this, with whatever tricks we have left" Argies was already stretching his body to prepare for the attack he had in mind.

Neji smirked and for once he acted not like a ninja but like a friend, realising all my weaknesses. "If that is the only jutsu you have remaining then I can only do the honourable thing and likewise use my only remaining technique." Neji was preparing as well, mentally strengthening his mind. "I have a jutsu prepared, but you will have to attack first!"

"A defence… very well let's see whose technique holds out." Argies raised a hand to his head and wiped the crust that formed around his wound, breaking the hardened blood that sealed the cut on his forehead. An intricate sway and pull of the hands as fresh blood was lifted from his injure, accumulating in the air.

"I would have preferred to surprise you with this attack, but I guess I will just have to improvise." At that Argies swung his hand out, far from Neji, and his blood followed in an arc thrown with the velocity of the attack towards Neji. As the blood flowed through the air, Argies added to its force the lethality of 7 kunai.

"24 trigrams attack: Byakugan 360 degrees defence!" Neji formed a ball of chakra around himself as he spun on the spot in a swirling wind, a force field of energy. The blood and kunai clashed against the defence and for only a moment resisted before being flung from their path.

Argies wasn't going to give Neji any time to recover, even before the Byakugan 360 degrees defence had ended; Argies was running in for an attack.

"Aagh!" he gave a battle cry along the distance between him and his opponent. Not for rage, but to harden his muscles in expectation for the strike.

"Augh…" Argies leaned in passed Neji's shoulder "I knew it..." he collapsed; his opponent anticipated the attack and Argies had predicted the retaliation.

"Don't worry, I'm not getting up. I don't need any more bruises and a concussion to know when I'm defeated." Neji never turned around; he knew Argies was no longer a threat. He put away his fist and returned his stance to normal, no more fighting.

"I thought you said, you would not forfeit for my conscience" A smile ghosted its way across his face and Argies could hear the expression in Neji's voice as he chuckled.

"It's not forfeit, you could have finished me off with your Byakugan seal release, I knew you already won then… besides I enjoyed the fighting." Argies softly chuckled, holding in the grunts of pain that threatened to break his good mood "It was worth prolonging it"

"I know… it was worth it. You as well could have ended the battle, when I was covered with your blood mist… that was your plan with your final move against my defence was it not?" The medical team was moving into the battle arena. Neji also sustained injuries; he like Argies was exhausted, falling to a knee.

"Many battles are lost in finding yourself attacking when you should be defending. Remember that Neji, it's how you defeated me." Argies could feel his muscles strain and go numb. He opened his eyes and watched as the world around him rapidly grew dark.

Argies felt himself slip into the soothing roar of the applause, a champion won.

I woke up, before I realised it, instinctively, I raised my hand and cracked my nose back into position. 'Must have broken during the fight… wait?!'

"What happened to my nose!" Argies started to panic rushing his hands over all the bandages on his face. "Agh, what happened to me" He gave a worried cry and grabbed hold of his walker beads (The braided beads of his village) dangling down his shoulder as he sat up in bed.

"The medical team smashed your head against the wall on bringing you in. They also…dropped you a few times" Argies looked around the room but couldn't find the source of the laughter, mainly on account that he couldn't turn his head; stiff with bandages.

"What! Is that you Neji? I've never been is such a big hospital room before. I'm so happy you're around right now, it means I'm not the only one getting injured." Argies gave a snottiest laugh but paused midway. "Is the competition still on, I wonder if we will get a chance to see it?"

"This section of the hospital has been reserved for contestants of the arena above. It hasn't been long, I believe that the second pair of competitors have entered the ring. As soon as it is over, we can expect one maybe two more people joining us, they may be able to relate the battle to you."

Argies fidgeted with his bandages, trying to loosen them up a bit. "I wish I could see how banged up you are, they couldn't have only dropped me… that just wouldn't be fair, and these bandages are the itch kind. Really itchy!" His focus shifted to scratching rather than loosening the strangling and coarse binding. The binding to the bandages had to be firm in order to protect and heal strained muscles.

"They took care not to injure me after they floundered with you. You struggled in your…sleep, it looked to me like your gentle dance yet only you weren't conscious. You should heal; I still wish to attend the remainder of this event" So he wasn't as injured, simply relaxing, perhaps waiting for me to wake up. I could hear him putting his shoes back on and walking away.

"I'll, see you around" Neji was a strange character, never let me see his injuries and never returned any of my humour.

"Neji, if I survive this hospital treatment, we should hang out some time" I Heard his footsteps further in the distance, he paused. He was already in the door way, I knew this because I could hear the door creak.

"We'll see" The door shut, his foot steeps disappeared down the hallway, and what may have been a potential kinship was lost. There was something in the way he said those words, they weren't friendly, it almost sounded like a threat. 'I wonder if he means I wouldn't survive the treatment or maybe something darker hmm…'

My chakra networks were plugged up with Neji's chakra, in the battle for our final attack… There was a good chance that I wouldn't have been able to use my ninjutsu. I think that means Neji really was holding back, he didn't disable any of my chakra coils… Not like he did to Hinata.

I waited there a while, a bit impatient at first, I thought about a range of things. I really wanted to be friends with someone in this place; the Leaf village is so kind and peaceful. I sometimes forget the violent nature of the world when I walk around and see all the happy faces here. I guess I don't feel like part of this community yet. I keep referring to myself as a member of a different village, when we have already been settled here for such a long time. The Hokage doesn't see our people as a threat, he welcomed us as a clan, rather than an invading branch of another village, but we are 'The Drifting Mist Wondering Winds' village. They often call it the Vanishing Village; it can only be found when it wants to be found, or so the tale goes.

A small gathering of drifters, they don't see us as the part of a greater whole that we are. Our village is hidden too, I guess, shrouded in mist like their village is shielded by trees, with mystic chakra arts. That is why we wear a shroud, some like me something small that only symbolises a shroud, a shrouded pendant. It was given to me by my birth parents, parents I never knew because they drifted away like the mist. It dangled a single crystal shrouded between the petals of a flower, perfectly preserved, picked on the day of my birth. My uncle told me that that flower is meant to represent our people; we are all from the same tree, but drift in the wind like the seeds of a blossom. The crystal sheltered in the petals of the flower, is our home, our village, a reminder that we will all return for we depart only to gain and carry back the blessings we have yet. I guess that's what I'm doing here, secretly trying to gain something from the leaf Village, even if it's just a friend.

The door crashed opened and a medical team rushed in another patient of the conflict up stairs, Naruto. Placing him in the bed on the opposing wall from me.

The only injury I could see was to his hands, no other patients were bought in and I wondered how long I would be alone after he decided to leave too. I don't blame them; but I never intend to abandon my friends, it's not my ninja way...That and not caring about any one. I felt myself mentally rolling my eyes at my own confused mantra, 'care a little less' and my supposed morals and values.

"Argies, I saw your fight." I could hear Naruto change his tone in mock appreciation of our speeches during the match "Great technique, I of course wouldn't have taken so long to win, but not everyone can be as awesome as me." Typical, he even gave that cheesy cat like grin, wasn't even paying attention was he.

"Just trying to annoy me hey, I lost! Why do you think I'm wrapped up like this? For fun! I only wish I wasn't wrapped so tight, so I could give you a real…!"

"But… you didn't lose?" Naruto interrupted. "Neji forfeited the win so he could battle me" Naruto scratched his head with a bandaged hand, doubting himself or maybe just to my confusion.

"I'm pretty sure I should say you're wrong, that that can't be, I just fought with him and he seemed pretty used up after I was done. Are you sure? You don't look like you've sustained any head injuries" Now I was scratching me head, doubting myself.

"Ya he seemed pretty ticked off about something. I don't know what…" Naruto tapered off, I felt he forgot what he was talking about, after all I was talking to a complete moron. "Hey Argies, how come I don't see you around anymore. You always seem to be missing when everyone else is together"

"Man, my wrist hurts… I thought this injury would have recovered by now." I was trying to help Naruto realise how frustrating he can be, always falling away from the information you want to hear, too bad it didn't work.

"You... your very frustrating sometimes Naruto, you know that?!" I sided against teaching him a lesson, after an expression of no registry appeared on his face, "I've been training, that's why you don't see me around, because I train. It's not easy creating and perfecting your own ninjutsu. With no way of knowing if you're doing it right or not, without any studies you could research of what it should be or how to overcome all the problems you encounter" I was getting hungry, my stomach was killing me. I wonder how the hospital food tastes.

"How long do you think we're going to be here?" Naruto asked, "I'm starving!" Yep, that's one of the things you can rely upon with Naruto, his appetite. Just thinking about all the food I remember him eating on one particular day, made my mouth water.

"I'm feeling the same, but I don't think I could get up even if I wanted to. I'm sure you can figure out a way to get us some grub" and hopefully at least try and bring me back some food. Naruto got up, unbound as he was… unlike me.

"Hey, Naruto before you go… could you do me a favour and scratch my foot, that one over there. It's so far away. I just can't reach. It's all I can see and it's right out in front of me, just staring at me. Ergh please?" Naruto just grinned and slowly backed out the room while giggling to himself.

"Come on man, WHY!" Maybe I should work on my people skills a bit more before asking for such personal favours. "Don't take too long ok?!" I shouted after Naruto who had snuck out of my field of vision. I could hear him sigh with relief having escaped me.

Waiting… again, I guess I could have use this time to focus and train my chakra, unfortunately I used all that up during the match. Luckily it wasn't long before Naruto returned.

"The medic's said you should rest, they gave me this to give to you. It's just milk steeped in the juices of a bunch of healing herbs" Naruto handed me the baby drinking bottle before pulling a face and his tongue out at me, what for who knows, teasing me I guess, because I had medicine and he could run off and have food. Standing their next to my bed side, insulting me, he brought on a half-smile to my lips.

"Thanks Naruto, it's nice to have a friend around when you're sick, uh I mean injured." I grabbed hold of his hand. I just don't want to be alone, I know if I let go of his hand now his going to disappear out of that door.

"Uh… I've got to go, they're holding the next match soon. You understand Argies, I'll be sure to visit." bam, gone! I guess I'll just have to wait till the next match is over, but maybe I won't need to wait that long! After all, that trick with Naruto wasn't just holding hands; I was slowly stealing his chakra. No Byakugan eyes, no problem, I don't think he could even sense it but I still need some sleep. Let's see how this milk infusion tastes…

hmm not bad…

That's some powerful stuff! I think I fell asleep with the milk bottle in my mouth because I couldn't find it when I woke up. Someone from the medical team must have taken it, I should really get a copy of the recipe and thank them when I get back, but now it's time for that foot! "Aaagh…"After the rub down, I got up from bed and strapped my ninja gear back on. It's not unusual to be fully armed, prepared, in the Leaf Village. Often it was their down fall and sometimes their saving grace, but it's better to be prepared because if the enemy can't walk in blatantly armed they will find a way to conceal a weapon.

As Argies gathered the last of his things a vibration could be felt, a vibration that grew into a quack. It wasn't anything natural, it disturbed him.

The medical teams rushed by my door way. "We're under attack!" A medic walked in, in preparation to evacuate all the patients. "You should be in bed, what are you doing out" I had the feeling that he really meant, how, he sounded quite angry that I had shirked healing up.

"Under the circumstances I think it's a good thing I'm not crippled. Now what's this about an attack?" The medics probably needed all the help they could get, but I really just wanted to get out of there and see the situation for myself.

"We don't know, all patients are being moved to the underground as per protocol. You have to get out of here, follow the medic aids they will lead you to the shelters" The medic stepped out of the door way and disappeared into all the others who passed by.

'I should do this, I haven't fully recovered my strength yet… I'm sure the others will understand.'

Argies ran down corridor after corridor, keeping his pace low trying not to attract any attention or cause any further panic. 'I'm just another member of the crowd, don't pay any attention to me.' Even though Argies couldn't sense anyone's eyes on him, he kept his speed low and kept on the narrower paths hoping to avoid any of the possible delays. 'I can't afford any 'ugly' situations right now, I need to find a way to regain some chakra before I do anything else. If I play my cards right, I might get my chance at perfecting my ability, studying its true potential.' Running up the stairs, into higher parts of the stadium, Argies goal was to see the extent of the battle, where he could help out.

...

I found the high point, I could hear battles elsewhere with in the stadium but I wasn't ready for any of that just yet.

Argies walked up the remaining stairs to the top and paused in mid stride. It's…it's a full scale war, we're not under attack. We're under siege!

The smoke in the distance, the leviathan snakes, we are in desperate need for help. They need everyone, we need everyone and I needed to find a way to regain some of my strength. A way… The fight below!

"Seal off the rear, we can't allow them to make chase of Naruto and the others. They need the time." Gai managed to say in mid battle, a battle too fast for my trained eyes to see. There was a hole in the wall, I believed that to be where Naruto went but why? Everyone in the stadium was asleep, everyone! I wonder what happened, not anything good I imagine. I looked out across the whole arena and noticed something that was hard to ignore. A giant translucent pink vault that possessed some darker purpose, I was sure of it.

"You shouldn't be here Argies, these aren't the best of times for the injured. Get back to safety or get out of our way" Kakashi sensei was right, what could I do in this condition, but what of Naruto. He also fought in a battle before this disaster began and I sapped him of some of his energies before he left the hospital. Naruto! His on some mission and I robbed him of energy, he needs my help, maybe I could find a way to return some of the strength I stole from him.

"Argies what are you doing! I said get going, we don't need any help!" Kakashi strained holding off the shadows that moved more vigorous as they grew desperate to pursue after Naruto and others. I had a plan brewing as to what to do, I had just come up with the plan and there was very little time to test it out before Kakashi got more than irritated. I reached for the bag strapped to the back of my left leg and pulled out a Kanai. Gliding the blade down my hand fresh blood began to flow.

Argies again used his ability to drain the power from others, this time the power of six nearby unconscious spectators. Streams of blood connected the six directly to Argies as he drained them of stamina and chakra.

I had never really used my ability on a person before Neji, I learnt the basic abilities of the Leaf Village but had to learn my own jutsu as all Drifting Mist Wondering Winds ninja must. I used it on passer-by's, in market places, just to test it, but never on a large scale in the conflicts of battle. The energies of these six will be more than enough; I worry what it might do to take too much, but they have enough left that it won't be missed.

Now to get out of here before I end up getting killed.

Before Argies could made his escape out through the hole in the wall, he was knocked back. The sound Shinobi, clashing with Kakashi and Gai, fled after Naruto escaping the Leaf Senseis' hold. I couldn't risk bumping into them on my mission to reach Naruto, no I would need a team for that.

"Just where do you think you're going?!" Kakashi held his hand tight to my shoulder, the only part of me, beside my left wrist, still bandaged.

"So you're what hit me" I kept my tone firm, even though I knew I was in the wrong.

"If Kakashi hadn't stopped you, those Shinobi would have cut right through you in order to escape." neither of them reprimanded me, my guess was that it was because I was a problem that just became useful to them.

"I understand, what do you need me to do." Their grim faces told me I was right, these were truly desperate time if they needed help from us kids.

"We were going to send a team after Naruto." Kakashi muttered, with his attention not directly on me."…secure the situation he must deal with, but we could only see a team of 3 here in the stadium, too few for the task. Maybe, just maybe with your abilities it will make up the difference" He was discussing the matter more with Gai then me.

"Well we will need Kiba, to track down the scent. Chouji might come in handy, although I'm not too sure if he has the speed for the job but his someone I actually know enough about for him to be of any use to me." They looked to me, considering my other plans to there already thought through tactics.

"Of course your right" Gai bit, his jaw straining as he admitted it. "You will need comrades you know not the ones we assign to you. We don't have much time, make your choices fast we have other obligations." Gai looked to the translucent vault and continued to speak "Rock lee would be great, his got the speed we need, but, with his injuries…" I heard a soft sympathy in his tone, but this wasn't the time for feeling and his composure showed it.

"Shino is not here so I guess I'll just have to rely on someone else that…" I paused in thought only for a brief moment, picking out from the little choice I had "Hinata, even though she is injured we could use her Byakugan eyes. Neji couldn't be of any use, after two fights I don't believe it would be helpful to take him along."

"Very well, it's decided. You will lead Kiba, Chouji and Hinata after Naruto, Shikamaru and Sakura."

"Kiba, Chouji, Hinata and Argies, your orders are to go seek out Naruto and aid in taking down Gaara of the sand. I'm designating Argies as leader. However, if you are given further orders because of the conditions of war you are to abandon your search to any new objectives." My team was awake and I had my orders, before any questions were asked both Sensei disappeared to their duties.

"What's this about Argies" Kiba and his pet friend were both alarmed, the sounds of war perking their ears.

"I have no idea, but we haven't the time to figure it out, we have a mission. Kiba, you will lead the way. With your sense of smell, two sets of eyes, you and Akamaru will have no problem seeking out Naruto and spotting threats. I will follow after, being team leader I will need to be informed of any problems. Hinata, you and your Byakugan eyes will be responsible for any attacks from behind and from the sides. Chouji, you are the slowest and therefore you will be last, if we run into any problems you will be our back up. We haven't got much time, the others are in the lead and the first threat we will encounter are the Sound Shinobi hunting Naruto." I looked at each of them, in their eyes, and offered my rally cry. "This is my first mission as team leader and I have only one condition, no one dies, our unit is a team and must act as one body. Any questions?" I was rushing the orders, there really wasn't any time for any of this but I wouldn't handicap my team by leaving them in the dark.

"Are you ready for this Argies, are you ok?"Hinata's pale voice reminded me of all the events throughout the day, so much had happened.

"Yes, I am ready. As long as my team is willing and my comrades need me, I am always ready to act." I held up a fist in front of my face to emphasise the magnitude of my words, cause I meant it!

"That's all I needed to hear, let's do this." Chouji's gruff voice triggered the encouraged attitude I expected as they all gave an affirming…

"Right!"

"Alright, what do you know about these guys. We've been chasing them for a while now and I can tell they aren't normal" Kiba turned his head back to me before Akamaru gave a questioning whine.

"They're fast, too fast to see" I didn't like my answer, it was a problem. We didn't have much we could do against speed. Hinata was close behind, listening in. Chouji was further off, but maybe he didn't need to hear how bad things were.

"Great, so it's basically a suicide mission." Kiba's response was absolutely correct. We were moving at a progressive speed through the trees to an enemy we might not be able to face.

"That's why I was hoping for Shino." Kiba made a dismissive grunt to my argument, he didn't like me favouring Shino even if it was his team mate. "He can attack an enemy without seeing them, but he was nowhere around, Hinata and I will just have to be enough." I'd been working through the possible solutions, planning some way around getting killed.

"You think you could handle that Hinata?" I wonder if she's even capable, but with her eyes it should still give us the advantage.

"Maybe, I can try." I looked back and she looked away from my eye contact.

"Ya, we've got this handled." Akamaru yelped in agreement to Kiba's sarcasm. "*Sight, why couldn't you just have kept us sleeping, this is far beyond our abilities. Argies you've lead us into a disaster, and we can't break off now because we're under orders." Kiba I actually kind of look up to Kiba, always have, his honest, keeping his mind in what's actually happening and what's actually possible.

"Your right, it does sound crazy and there's a chance we might all die with in the first twenty seconds of battle" I was frowning at him, I was angry, disappointed. "But now have you forgotten. We're under attack! Our Village needs us, and Naruto, he needs us! Our friends need our help." I cast my eyes away from the guilt in Kiba's eyes as we flew increasingly closer to the enemy. "Besides, the Sound Shinobi we're after may have speed but they're not invincible. Gai sensei said that Lee would be perfect for the job, meaning that they aren't that fast. I have a feeling we won't be able to catch up to them till they meet with Naruto, which will give us the element of surprise. We can ambush them!" Hopefully we ambush them before they ambush us.

'Kiba, I'm sorry if I was a little harsh. I am team leader, and I guess I forgot somewhere along the way that I'm also just as worried.' Kiba didn't respond and all I could hear was the whistling of the air.

"You're quiet Argies, is there something wrong?" I looked at Kiba for a while before realising he said anything.

"Egh, what… it's nothing, I was just thinking about the battle ahead" I was thinking ahead, but not about battle. I was thinking about how to apologise to Kiba, but I guess that's one of the burdens as leader, no sympathising. 'Shippuden! What am I doing, I've been leader for what six seconds, I'm letting all this get to my head when I should be focusing on, planning.'

"We will be coming up to the attack soon." Kiba whispered but both Hinata and I could hear him, this was bad.

"Yes now that I've had some time to think about it, I believe our best approach is to come in slowly…" Argies words trailed off as far in the distance Shikamaru was preparing his own battle plans.

"This isn't working, they're catching up with us and we're only postponing their pursuit." Naruto and Sakura need to survive this, find Gaara and end it, and we needed Pakkun to get them there.

"What do you mean, we have no other choice. We have to just keep running." Sukura knew exactly what I meant, she just didn't want to confront the truth, but as leader I have to look at all the possibilities… even if they are ugly.

"One of us has to die. It's the only way to insure the rest of us escape" The cold in my voice shocked me!

Immediately tears formed in Sakura's eyes, "No! It doesn't have to be like that, we can find a way. We shouldn't have to die, none of us should have to sacrifice themselves!" The four of us flew through the air, looking to each other across the trees.

Pakkun remained silent, he knew the way of the ninja the best and he knew what had to be done was simply that… it had to be done. Naruto may be able to make shadow clones but his actual skill as a ninja is poor and besides, I'm the only ninja who specialises in capture. The Ino-Shika-Cho formation was made for this. Even if he sends twenty shadow clones, judging from his match with Neji, they wouldn't last very long against the opposition. The enemy ninja would eventually catch up to us and our earlier attempt would only weaken our ability to interrupt Gaara's transformation. Which means one of us must die.

"His right, I'll do it." Naruto voiced through the strained silence "You and Sakura keep on going, Sasuke needs you… he doesn't need me." Naruto sounded thrown but determined, only faltering when saying those last few words.

"Nice try Naruto, but not today. Everyone knows I'm lazy; I'm the one who will sacrifice his life. I know it's a drag, but you two still like playing Ninja while I couldn't be bothered. I wasn't planning on becoming a legendary ninja anyway and I'm not going to let you waste your lives on a dead beat like me. Let me have this one, my shot at being remembered; envied." There was a dead silence. I had won them over, I would be the sacrifice.

I broke away from them and flew through the trees towards my death.

I wouldn't have been very useful against Gaara anyway and tiring Naruto out would have had a larger impact. Good luck Sakura… sorry Ino... Forgive me Chouji.

"Hey, I was wondering when you guys would show up" Oh ya, that's what I've been doing… just sitting here waiting for deadly kunai spitting ninja to come take me out

The sound Shinobi, who landed just in front of Shikamaru, tried to take a step forward towards him but stumbled in place in their efforts to move.

"Shadow possession complete, you fell right into my trap." I smirked, a kind of repulsive hurt smirk, because I knew it couldn't be this easy. 'How can a Genin take down so many Shinobi, he can't.'

It was in that moment, I heard the spark of death in the air… Kanai! In order to avoid they're attack, I broke my hold over the Shinobi I could see. 'I shouldn't have done that, I dodge the first attack but now… I wonder how long I'm going to survive this.'

All of the Shinobi looked at Shikamaru with a lust rather than zeal for vengeance, since now they knew their time could be spent enjoying making the Genin regret facing them.

I'm out numbered, but that was the idea. It's not about surviving; it's about delaying them as much as I can. I held up my kunai, 'I'm ready let's finish this!'

While the battle ensued, the trees rustled as new combatants entered the encounter. Kiba and Akamaru attacked using their beast human clone technique. Argies and Hinata stood further off in the trees providing an aerial defensive against the torrents of kunai. Chouji stood near Hinata in case anyone chose to attack their only defence against the Shinobi's great speed. 'A brilliant strategy against these Shinobi with only one flaw, killing them.'

The Shinobi wouldn't chance any threat, quickly disappearing into the trees but not escaping. They knew we had the advantage, our understanding of the forests and the surroundings of the Leaf Village. They couldn't escape although that didn't mean they were willing to let us live. 'With these guys around, I might live a little longer, what a drag.'

In Kiba's attack of the first target he and Akamaru both used their Fang over fang ability, ripping bark and shredding the trees sending splinters flying as they tried to make contact, but they couldn't. The Shinobi would throw off kunai before leaping to another tree ahead of the fang over fang attack. 'No, this wasn't good', Argies and Hinata were struggling to keep up the defence. Kiba could even sense it wasn't working, stopping to rest while Akamaru continued the assault. With all the trees felled, there were only a few left, but our enemy was persistent. The Shinobi knew not to fight outside our immediate region they know we are easy prey in the open.

"Kiba!" Hinata's sheepish voice awoke Kiba to the danger of a Kunai veering towards him, but he was too quick for that, ducking out of sight behind a tree.

"Stay alert, we aren't losing anyone, we haven't given up yet!" Argies tone was firm, confident. His ideas of battle were thorough and tactful but that was only helpful in fighting a normal opponent, what we needed to win was an element of chaos.

Akamaru crashed through and yet another tree fell. The Shinobi jumped away, just as always, and shield himself behind a tree, but this time as he landed there was an explosion. Paper-Bombs!

Before any of the Shinobi could react, another tree fell and another paper bomb went off.

"Good job Akamaru, Fang over fang!" The Kiba I saw resting at the tree earlier jumped towards one of the enemy and was quickly dispatched… Substitution jutsu, he was a fake which gave the real Kiba the time he needed to secretly plant paper-bomb tags on the remaining selection of trees. The chaos in the strategy they needed.

I smirked at that, I wish I could have faced off against this Argies in the tournament.

I landed next to Shikamaru, Hinata and I had to take up the last of the space, the only space which was the ground around him, forcing the Shinobi to take up shelter in the trees, some of which were set to explode.

"You're going to force them into igniting the paper bomb fixed trees" Shikamaru said, wonder striking his eyes and for a moment he stood with a hand to his chin, cataloguing the idea.

"That was the plan" I studied their movements too, as they leaped from tree to tree and tried to eliminate Akamaru and Kiba.

"How long do you think we have" Shikamaru cast his shadow possession, ahead of my command, he already knew how serious this was.

"Not long" It was a small area, I was hoping he could handing it. With all the branches on the forest floor the ground would be too uneven for defence, no Shinobi would be willing to land … Only the ground around us was even, open, perfect for attack.

"Got a plan?" Shikamaru watched Kiba's movements like seconds to the remainder of a shortened lifespan; he was getting tired.

"A ninjutsu, one I've never used… not even in training *sigh" Hinata's movements became even more vigorous as more kunai were thrown off at us, her hands were a blur but she remained focused even under all the stress.

"Great! What a drag. Where is Chouji?" Chouji rested a hand on his friend, reassuring him.

When Kiba joins back with our group, it will all be over. Hinata was already spent, Kiba would be too, only Shikamaru, Chouji and I would have the energy left, but we aren't any match for speed.

"We are all right here" Chouji gave his friendly grin before returning his face back to the serious mood of combat, Kiba joined us, Akamaru too. It was time, we all took to a steady stance. All ready for whatever was coming no matter how worn out we were, no matter what was ahead.

"Expansion Jutsu!"

"Shadow Strangle Jutsu!"

"Lifeblood Siphon!"

This is how we would go out. This would be our final victory, a legendary battle, an epic defeat. Brave Genin who fought their lives for their Village in the heat of war!

In those glorious moments, I look out to my comrades. Kiba grinned fiercely as he leapt up with his friend Akamaru to face the enemy. Shikamaru shifted his fingers into various sequences and smirked as he gained the upper hand over his foes. Hinata lightly smiled, gracefully throwing of kunai before saving the last one for close contact. Chouji laughed a loud cheery battle cry, bowling his opponents over. The world seemed frozen in a moment that made history and I couldn't help but smile.

The enemy were slowly falling in on us, swooping in like predators captured by the artwork of a painter. Then suddenly reality returned and the Shinobi fell to the floor; dead.

One slumping over right in front of me, only the curved blade sticking from his chest kept his body standing.

"Asuma!" I looked around, everyone was still alive, I hadn't failed.

"What are you doing here Argies? I had come to Shikamaru's aid, but I did not think others would be sent in to assist." Asuma was Shikamaru's Sensei, he was only here to protect his student.

"Gai and Kus…" Asuma stared around before cutting me off, he was busy, preoccupied with other thoughts, he needed the answers fast.

"What were your orders" he sheathed his blades and stood at a more relaxed slant.

"Our orders were to find Naruto and help in eliminating Gaara of the Sand." I still needed to find a way to make up for draining some of Naruto's energy.

While kneeling down to Akamaru, Kiba spoke out, "You forget Argies… we were also told to follow any orders given to us." He also began to relax, letting Akamaru back into his jacket.

"Naruto may need us still!" I have good reason to believe it, I handicapped him.

"Naruto's fine, his was already at full strength after we left the stadium. He, Sakura and Sasuke can handle it, believe me that guy doesn't need help." Shikamaru turned to his Sensei, both in admiration and in preparation to hear his instruction.

"Our Village is under heavy attack, the battle only becomes even more devastating as more enter through the holes in our wall. That is where we will be most effective, in preventing more of the enemy entering, confronting them from the front"

AN:

About 160 thousand words into my story, it started raking my brain with how few reviews I was receiving, when a friend of mine said something I thought was worth writing down...

'Go away. this isn't for you. it has real character development and back story instead of just changing the names of the people running through the same storyline'

Now at least when I visit my page to read over reviews, I can read over that quote and remember to smile, because friendship is the biggest reward of all no matter how rubbish you are at writing.

Disclaimer:

All The characters created by the Author of Naruto belong solely to Masashi Kishimoto every other character belongs to I and those Authors that have lent me their characters.

Do not replicate or reproduce any of my works or the works of the artists that have lent me their ideas, original characters, writings.

All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without express written consent from the author. Naruto Belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.