The Remediation Starts - Naruto's True Test
Naruto was even more fired up after the announcement, and smiled with anxiety.
"Kenran Susamajii, you will perform Stage 1 first. All others, do your best to stay out of her way." Announced the Sand Judge, as Naruto wondered what he meant by the last part. The five walked over to a pedestal in the far end of the arena, and took seats next to the oak table that they were sitting on previously.
"This stage involves Taijutsu." Announced the Mist Judge. "The challengers will perform a Taijutsu combination, using any Jutsu necessary for the assault. The more times they attack, the better they will be assessed. Any questions?" Gullably, Naruto raised his hand.
"How are we supposed to do a combo with no one there?" Asked Naruto sheepishly.
"That factor will be dealt with shortly." Announced the Leaf Judge. The five performed a hand seal, and on the ground, rose a hand. Naruto got a fright from it's sudden appearance. Soon the hand crawled out from the ground, to reveal a rocky golem, around the same size as a human. "Earth Release - Soldier Summoning, makes a good substitute for regular humans." He waved a hand for Kenran to perform. She stepped forward from the row of competitors and performed a series of hand seals. Naruto began to get a bad feeling from her.
"Water Release - Great Flood!" She screamed, and she placed her hand on the ground, making water rise from the ground. Naruto and Kiokure were stunned by this Jutsu. Soon the entire field was flooded, with the spectators shielded by the five judges' secondary barrier, but the other four were engulfed by the water. It wasn't after a few seconds of the other four not emerging that made Sakura worry.
"Where is he?" Asked Sakura worriedly. At that point, Naruto emerged, along with Arashi, Tora and Kiokure. They used their Chakra to stand on the water, but was confused when they didn't see Kenran. The Earth Soldier was also on the surface, so there was no reason to be submerged. Then, there came a splash around the soldier, as he was kicked into the air, and Kenran jumping to her target.
"Dolphin Assault!" She yelled, and began spinning and simultaneously kicking the soldier many times. And when the soldier was starting to fall due to gravity, she grabbed the soldier by the foot and held the golem chest-to-chest, as she whirled around and collided with the water, making large waves and shaking the other four.
"Quite the combo." Mummbled Arashi. The water dispersed suddenly, and Kenran was seen standing over a small pile of rubble, unmistakingly the soldier. A vast majority of the audience clapped impressivly.
"Very good, Kenran." Said the Stone Judge. "Why would this technique be your first choice during times of war?"
"I always fight in water. It is a perfect terrain to catch opponents off-guard. My Dolphin Assault is a perfect way to do this."
"And what would happen if you had no water?" Asked the Mist Ninja.
"I simply make some. My Great Flood technique mixes my Chakra with the tiny liquid particles underground, to make tremendous amounts, so no matter what terrain I find myself, I will always have the advantage." The five wrote a few notes on their sheets of paper after that long speech. Kenran walked over to Naruto. "Beat that, Naruto." She said with a smirk. Naruto frowned.
"I don't need no stinking fancy ninja talk to beat you." Naruto countered.
"Next, Naruto Uzumaki. Perform your Taijutsu attack." Announced the Leaf Judge. Sakura looked on expectantly. The same rock golem was summoned. Naruto stepped forward.
"With pleasure." Naruto replied to the expectant Kenran. He formed his hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" He yelled, as over fifty Naruto's appeared.
"What? That's more back in training." Sakura said.
"He must be pulling out all stops." Sai remarked. "That girl, Kenran, must have provoked Naruto somehow. But perhaps, Naruto can overcome Kenran." Sakura kept her eyes on all fifty Naruto's as they all charged for the golem. Two kicked it into the air simultaneously. Just as before, a clone jumped into mid-air and kicked it back up, but was accompanied by a second clone, which kicked simultaneously.
"I get it now!" Sakura said with amazement. "This was the same technique he showed me in training, instead with one Clone at a time. His attack strength has doubled with every kick."
"But it can also be risky." Yamato butted in. "One Shadow Clone has to jump to the target in the original combination, that was hard enough. Now that two is there, their timing must be flawless, or the technique will go haywire." Sakura seen with her keen eyes that the Naruto's were indeed struggling to keep the attack going until the very end. It wasn't until the 47th and 48th clone had kicked the soldier into the air that she knew the technique was near it's climax. As expected, the real Naruto and a Clone jumped to the top, and were ready for it.
"Naruto Uzumaki's Double Tower Pain!!" They yelled simultaneously. They kicked the golem, but instead of letting it land on it's own, the two held their foots under it's jaw, since it was falling head first. The three were falling like a comet back to the ground, making that much of an impact, the ground cracked beneath it's momentum. A thick cloud appeared on impact, and when the dust settled, a lone Naruto was there, with the head of the stone golem torn apart. Naruto was breathing frantically. Then suddenly, the crowd erupted in cheers from that demonstration. Naruto could hear Sakura giving her cheers, while seeing Yamato and Sai clapping honourably. Naruto gave a wave to the audience and faced the judges.
"Excellent display, Naruto." Said the Cloud Judge. "Shadow Clones. Won't that be dangerous for your Chakra storage?"
"No way." Naruto said while breathing hard. "Thing is, I got tonnes of Chakra to go round. I can go as far as two hundred clones." At that, the judges gaped, as well as a gasp from the audience.
"The technique you performed. Naruto Uzumaki's Double Tower Pain. Why would you use it?" Asked the Leaf judge.
"I'm not very fond of it. I only go for it when I feel like showing off my stuff. When it comes down to business, Ninjutsu's kinda my game." Naruto replied. The five raised their eyebrows.
"We look forward to your performance in Stage 4, Naruto Uzumaki." Said the Sand judge. He gave a smile and walked back to the other challengers, giving another smile back to Kenran, who frowned deeply. "Next is Kiokure Sunata!" The timid child from the Sand Village, flinched and looked up.
"Oh, ummm, okay!" The child said frightened slightly. "I don't think I'll be as good as Mr. Naruto, but, I'll try."
"Yeesh, Mr. Naruto?" Thought Naruto. "Let's hope Gaara knows what he's doing when sending out this kid." Kiokure stepped forward. He kneeled down, giving the audience a sense of confusion.
"What's he doing?" Wondered Sakura. Kiokure then poured a handful of sand onto the arena grounds, which he took from a separate ninja tool bag. He performed a series of hand signs slowly, and focussed on one.
"Ninja Art - Sand Katana." He whispered, and soon the handful of sand swirled into his hand, as it formed into a long hardened sand ninja blade. As the third soldier was set up, he charged recklessly towards the golem, and did insane slashes to it. But to everyone's surprise, the golem fell to pieces. He too got a handful of claps.
"Not bad, boy." Remarked the Mist judge. "You're a tad reckless when in Taijutsu. Did the Kazekage go through with this with you?"
"Y-Yes. Master Gaara taught me to use sand in fights. I don't use the amount he does, but I try my best to make him proud." The Sand judge smirked.
"Very good, Kiokure." Said the Leaf Ninja. He stepped back with the challengers. Naruto smiled at Kiokure's loyalty to Gaara. When he came back, Naruto patted his shoulder.
"I'm sure he would be." He whispered. Kiokure gave him a smile.
"Next is Arashi Masamune." Announced the Leaf judge. He stepped forward and cracked his neck.
"Step aside little guys, time for you guys to see the thunder." Arashi said confidently. As the earth soldier was remade, Arashi charged for it, and grabbed the rocky pillar that was it's neck. He focussed for a few seconds and lightning raged around them. Another second later, Arashi's hand made a perfect fist, as he crushed the soldier's neck, making it fall down and crumble. He cracked his neck again. "I don't need fancy speeches or fancy footwork to perform my best. All I gotta do is get my hand on my target's neck, and boop, game over." Everyone in the arena's confounds were shocked by this amazing feat, including Naruto, who was gobsmacked.
"What just happened? He just grabbed the thing's neck and crushed it, like toilet paper." Sakura said also very stunned.
"Advanced form of Taijutsu." Yamato explained. "Using Lightning-Elemental Chakra to boost the user's strength tenfold. The Kage of the Hidden Cloud Village is an expert in such techniques, and must've passed it over to Arashi."
"I can sense he will be a difficult obstacle for Naruto to overcome." Sai said emotionlessly.
"But Naruto's Wind beats Arashi's Lightning, so he's still got a chance." Sakura said.
"Good point." Yamato said. Arashi walked back to the other competitors once being praised by the judges.
"What d'ya think? Told you you're gonna see some thunder." Arashi mocked the other four.
"You're gonna see stars when I'm through with you!" Kenran yelled uncontrollably.
"Yeah! I'm gonna totally destroy you when this is over!" Naruto also yelled along with Kenran.
"Don't get so cocky." Arashi taunted. "Tora, you're up." The enigmatic figure called Tora, walked forward. The judges created another Earth Soldier. To start off he ran at an incredible speed, and jumped as higher than the stadium. Then, like a meteor, he crashed into the soldier and devestating the entire field. Naruto, Kenran, Kiokure and Arashi were blown back by the extreme force, until Kenran conjured a water barrier to protect them from it's power. When the force died down, as well as the thick dust cloud, all that was left was a huge crater, in which Tora was in the middle, and the stone soldier was nowhere to be seen, most likely disintegrated from the full impact of the attack.
"What the heck was that?!" Yelled Naruto completely gobsmacked. Kiokure was stunned the most, with eyes wide open and very shaky. Kenran growled under her breath and Arashi simply grinned.
"I think this competition just got a little more interesting." He remarked. The crater vanished as the judges morphed the field back to normal. Tora was brought back to the surface in front of the judges table.
"Very powerful Taijutsu you possess." The Leaf judge said. Then on closer inspection of his fist, it was severely bruised. "But the pain from your fist must be it's downside."
"I don't believe in pain." Tora said mysteriously. "Pain is just a feeling you encounter. I've learned to live with it." Naruto was spooked by his voice.
"Nonetheless, you will have to be healed." Said the Mist judge. Two Medical-Ninja came, and performed a simple Healing Jutsu to bring Tora's hand back to it's normal skin colour. "You may return to the others." Tora walked to the others, being casted a variety of looks. Naruto and Kenran: anger. Kiokure: fear. And Arashi: anxiety.
"The first stage of the Remediation is over. Everyone has performed their Taijutsu attacks, and will move on to Stage 2: Genjutsu." Announced the Cloud Judge.
"How is Naruto's Genjutsu?" Asked Sai to Sakura.
"I don't know, hopefully good." Sakura said.
"This time it will be different. The five competitors will be split in two teams. One for cancelling and one for casting with their choice. They must work as a team to stop their attacker's Genjutsu skills, or turn the tables on them and make them stop their attacks." Explained the Stone judge. "If they choose to negate them, they will be have to decide which one is illusion, and which is reality." Then, five ninja jumped in front of the judge's table, facing the five competitors. "Now, which will you decide? Naruto Uzumaki?"
"Oh, ummm, cancelling." Naruto said.
"Kenran?"
"Casting." Kenran said confidently with a smile.
"Kiokure?"
"Ummm...cancelling." He said frightened.
"Arashi?"
"Cancelling." Arashi said with a loud voice.
"And Tora?"
"Casting." He said uncaringly.
"Very well." Said the Sand judge. "All those casting, remain at the sides, while the cancelling team, begin!" Three of the five ninja separated and went to the three competitors. Naruto went face-to-face with a ninja from the Hidden Stone Village. He tried to punch him away, but he only punched an illusion. Him, Kiokure and Arashi hudled together back-to-back.
"Try not to get in the way kids." Arashi said confidently.
"Just don't get in the way of ours!" Naruto said. Then around them came darkness. The three were surrounded by a blanket of pitch black.
"I-I don't like this." Kiokure said in fear. From the darkness came hundreds of Kunai. Arashi was first to notice.
"Release!" He yelled and the Kunai vanished.
"They were illusions." Naruto said. Then more Kunai came. "But they aren't!" Yelled Naruto. He threw a Kunai attached with a paper bomb towards the onslaught and exploded causing them to lose momentum and drop to the floor.
"Good call." Arashi said. "I think that's the Kunai part out the road. We should probably stay more alert." The three looked around frantically.
"See anything?" Asked Naruto.
"Nothing yet." Whispered Arashi. Then from the shadows came the three ninja. Arashi tried to punch them away, but it was again an illusion.
"There they are!" Yelled Kiokure as he tried to throw a Kunai at them, but it was again an illusion.
"This is getting us nowhere!" Yelled Naruto in frustration. He formed a hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" He yelled as hundreds of Naruto's appeared.
"Go find 'em!" He yelled. But when the hundreds of Naruto's went to investigate, they were slowly lost in the darkness. Then there came many cries, as all the Shadow Clones were killed one by one.
"That isn't smart." Arashi warned. Then from the shadows came hundreds more of the attacking ninja. "Which one's the real one?!" But they couldn't stop to find out, as the three fired hundreds of tiny thin needles at the three, that pierced the three hundreds at a time, weakening them all.
"Ow, ow, ow!" Screamed Kiokure in pain.
"Wait a minute." Thought Naruto. He focussed his Chakra to stop for a split second, and the pain vanished. "They were tricking us with fake needles." Naruto said.
"What?!" Yelled Arashi. "I thought they were real! But how are we supposed to get out of here?!" Naruto smiled, and the hundreds of ninja returned for more. Then something grabbed the three's feet, and the hundreds of ninja turned to their respective three.
"Use your attacks!" He yelled as he kicked one ninja, Arashi used a punch enhanced by his Lightning on another and Kiokure formed a spear using his sand to stab another on the shoulder.
"What just happened there?!" Yelled Arashi.
"I happened." Naruto said. "Y'know that big Shadow Clone fest I used? I took that chance to bury three underground. Then, when those freakshows charged, I had them come up and force their Chakra into you, and the rest is history.
"Wow, you're smart, Naruto." Said Kiokure amazingly. Naruto grinned, remembering it was Sakura's whispered advice that saved them.
"Seems I underestimated you, Uzumaki." He said encouragingly. "Now those clowns should let us go now. We hit them, so that cancels the Jutsu." They waited a few moments, but the blackness didn't fade. Instead, the three enemy ninja came from the shadows.
"You won't be leaving just yet!" One male voice yelled with anticipation. The three formed a hand seal, and Naruto, Arashi and Kiokure were overwhelmed by hundreds of flailing vines that came from underground, and bound them all.
"Ugh! What the?!" Yelled Naruto.
"We have our orders. To kill those that stand in Master Tora's way" Said a second ninja with a female voice. The Stone ninja laughed heartedly, while the other two, scrubbed something from their forehead protectors, from the Mist and Cloud vilages, to reveal they were all Stone ninja.
"They're traitors!" Arashi yelled, trying to cut himself loose, but to no avail. The three ninja laughed like hyenas to the three's struggling and crushing. After watching Naruto, Kiokure and Arashi's painful torments from the outside, Sakura grew suspicious.
"Something's wrong. The Genjutsu trial should be over by now." She said. Yamato too investigated.
"What?! They're put under a Rank A Genjutsu!" He yelled seriously. "Chuunin or under can't handle Genjutsu of that calibre! If Naruto doesn't escape soon he'll be killed!" Sakura heard enough and took action, she tried to run to the stadium, to force her Chakra in Naruto and save him, but the barrier the Judges cast threw her back.
"There's nothing we can do!" Sai said seriously.
"It's hopeless!" Yelled Kiokure inside the Genjutsu, being crushed. But then, Naruto began conjuring a plan. He seen his left palm was not covered by the immense vines. He began focussing his Wind Chakra to his palm, and released it, making a large gash to it. It may have caused his undeniable pain, but the vines dispersed and Naruto called forth a Shadow Clone as the two focussed their Chakra on each other's palm, creating a large Rasengan. They charged for the trecherous three with it.
"Giant Ball Rasengan!" They yelled as they plunged it in the centre ninja, and with the giant force it conjured, the other two were caught in the blast. The darkness fell and Kiokure and Arashi were free and they were back in the stadium.
"Y-You saved us?" Arashi said with shock
"Well, it's kinda against my nature to let a guy get killed." Naruto replied while gasping for breath. But something befell his mind: The Warrior's Sanctum. If his Giant Ball Rasengan had done it's job, he had killed not one, but three lives, meaning it's curse will be inflicted on him. He approached the three ninja, but before he could begin the analysis, Shizune was there first.
"Don't worry, Naruto. They're still alive. Only just." Shizune informed him, while a number of Medical Ninja, including herself, were performing Healing Jutsu on the three. Naruto sighed in relief. The Leaf judge approached Shizune and the three Stone attackers.
"We'll take a short intermission. Send Medical-Ninja to tend to the target's injuries. And supply Naruto Uzumaki with a Food Pill, his technique was provoked, and therefore the Chakra consuption of the attack must be replenished." He announced. The barrier disabled and Naruto's three comrades ran to his aid.
"Naruto, are you alright?!" Screamed Sakura in worry.
"Ugh...yeah, fine. Just a little exhausted from Giant Ball Rasengan. It still does a number on me." He replied.
"I'll heal your wounds." Sakura offered. And with the giving of a Food Pill to Naruto, she began healing his injuries, particularly the one caused by his Wind Chakra.
"Why didn't the judges foresee this attack happening?" Asked Sai emotionlessly.
"Stone ninja are particularly hard to predict. I think we all got a taste of that with Tora." Yamato said.
"Yeah, they mentioned something about protecting that weirdo." Naruto informed them while Sakura was still healing his injuries.
"Hmmm...They must've been trying to eliminate the competition without Tora raising a finger." Yamato predicted. "You seen his injuries after Stage 1. Whatever he has planned for the next two must take a real toll on his body."
"So those attackers wanted to prevent Tora attacking his body like that?" Sakura asked.
"Sounds possible." Yamato replied.
"Whatever he's got cooked up his sleeve, I'll beat it!" Naruto said boldly.
"You just took a beating from Tora's peers." Sai said. "Not only that, you were accompanied by two other allies. What chance do you have against Tora himself alone?"
"I don't know." Naruto said abruptly. "But if there's a will to beat someone, there's always a way for me!" Sakura smiled with Naruto's enthusiasm, as well as Yamato. Yet Sai was just as confused. But before Sai could ask what he means, they were joined by none other than Arashi.
"Yo, Naruto." He said, grabbing their attention.
"Hey." He replied. "Came here to gloat how you had everything under control?"
"Nope." Arashi said. "Came here to say, thanks. Y'know, for saving my rectum from those Stone guys."
"Heh-he, it's no bigey." Naruto said while scratching his head.
"But know this, Naruto. When this competition ends, I'll have repaid my debt." He said sternly. "'Till then, happy Jutsu-ing." And with that he returned to the other three competitors.
"Right, you're good to go, Naruto." Sakura said while at last sealing his open wounds. "You don't perform till after Tora and Kenran, so take this opportunity to rest."
"Whatever the doctor orders." Naruto replied as he went to the competitors, while the other three raced back to the stands.
"Now that the three assassins have been apprehended and, thankfully, unscathed, the Remediation will continue." Announced the Sand judge.
"The Genjutsu trial is not yet complete, as Tora and Kenran are yet to perform." The Mist judge spoke up. Tora and Kenran stepped forward, with Kenran giving evil glares at Tora. The other two Genjutsu users ran for them. And in a split second, the two vanished.
"Wh-Where'd they go?!" Panicked Kiokure.
"Genjutsu?" Naruto proposed.
"You bet-cha." Arashi said. "Keep your eyes peeled, you might just learn a trick or two." He tried to see, but there was nothing to see, except Tora and Kenran. Then Tora formed a hand seal and the two Genjutsu experts reappeared, writhing on the ground and screaming uncontrollably.
"Whoa." Naruto said while stunned. "That must be one evil Genjutsu."
"Hey! I thought we were supposed to use our Genjutsus together, you jerk!" Scolded Kenran. Tora ignored her and went back to the competitors, while she took the honours in releasing the Genjutsu.
"What did you do to them, Tora?" Asked Naruto seriously.
"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me unless I showed you." Tora said. Naruto was beginning to get more freaked out by the second with Tora.
"Very well. Ms. Susamajii will be moved to the cancelling team, since she never had a proper chance to show her abilities." Said the Cloud judge.
"What?! Come on!" Kenran protested.
"The aim of the test, Ms. Susamajii, is to eliminate both enemies using Genjutsu. Seeing as your partner did that first, you had to cancel it, thus you were moved." Replied the Cloiud judge. Kenran frowned.
"Tora's really starting to get on my nerves!" Kenran thought to herself.
"Now, Stage 3 will commence." Announced the Stone judge. "In this stage, the contestants will perform a Summoning of their choice. They may perform a Ninjutsu of their choice to suit the needs of the Summoning. However, they will have to battle one of our own." With that, they did a series of hand seals, and from the rocky arena ground, came a large behemoth-sized rock demon, with long arms that supported itself to the ground, long legs that crouched on the arena floor, and the size of it towered over the arena. "The first to perform will be Kiokure." The young child flinched.
"What? I'm performing first?" He asked. "A-Against that thing?"
"It's okay, man." Naruto encouraged him. "Just go out there and show them what you're made of." Kiokure smiled and nodded. Stepping forward, he tried desperately to remember the hand signs for it, by imitating them.
"Begin." Announced the Leaf judge. Kiokure took a Kunai from his pocket and cut his thumb using the point. He closed his eyes, trying to mask the pain, then he performed the correct hand seals.
"Summoning Jutsu" He cried. Then came a large cloud of smoke, as the creature Kiokure had summoned was an equal sized red salamander, with a tail the length and thickness of that of a dragon. It stood in the same position as the rock demon, and it towered over the other competitors, while Kiokure sat on it's head. "Oujamander, I summoned you so we can defeat this giant demon."
"Got it!" The large salamander said. "Just leave it to me!" It inhaled a large breathe, and sprayed a large amount of green thick liquid, which poured all over the demon, and all of it stuck to it. It tried moving to counter attack, but couldn't, and soon, steam began leaking from it, and crumbled to the ground. The audience clapped spectacularly, knowing the strength of the lizard.
"Yes! You did great, Oujamander!" Kiokure said with happiness.
"Anytime, kid. Say hi to Gaara for me, 'kay?" It said while placing Kiokure back to the ground, as he waved goodbye.
"Very impressive display." Commented the Mist judge. "Summoning a Salamander is very rare, especially for a Genin such as yourself." Kiokure smiled happily.
"The Kazekage taught me how to summon beasts in battle." He said.
"It seems you have a lot of potential, young one." Spoke out the Cloud judge. Kiokure walked back with an even bigger smile on his face.
"Gaara's taught you good." Naruto added mentally.
"Next is Arashi." Spoke out the Sand judge. Arashi stepped forth.
"Don't worry, kid, you're not the only one that had a Kage teach you a thing or two." He said to Kiokure. The same stone demon was summoned and Arashi didn't spare any time cutting his thumb and summoning his ally. "Summoning Jutsu!" He yelled, and with a cloud of smoke, there came another equally sized grey and black ox, with only one horn, yet on it's forehead. It's large body covered a vast majority of the field, and Arashi stood on it's head.
"Alright, take that thing down."
"Very well!" Bellowed the huge ox. From it's horn came an electric charge focussed into a ball. Then it fired it's charge at the golem, right into it's torso. At first, it didn't do anything, but then, the golem exploded with rocks flying everywhere.
"Good job, dude." Said Arashi while patting it's head, then it vanished in a puff of smoke as Arashi landed on the ground with his feet.
"Excellent display, Arashi." Stated the Leaf judge. "Next is Kenran!" Arashi walked back to the others while Kenran readied herself.
"Great, she's gonna flood the field again." Naruto thought. And just as predicted, Kenran used her Great Flood on the field. The other four knew this would come, and jumped up to the surface and stood on it. The judges them summoned a third rock demon. As expected, Kenran remained in it's depths. Then there came a large air bubble of water that emerged into the surface, popping on impact.
"She must've summoned her creature." Kiokure identified. And as expected, water rose up and from it emerged a giant blue whale, with many markings on it's flesh, and on top of it was Kenran, riding on it's back.
"Alright Kujira, water wave!" Kenran commanded.
"Yes!" Said the whale. From it's mouth came a giant water current that collided with the golem. It tried to fight back the water, but the erosion crumbled it into tiny pieces.
"Oh yeah! Way to go!" Cheered Kenran. The water drained away and so did the whale as it disappeared.
"Very good, Kenran. You're water-based attacks proved useful yet again." The Stone judge announced. Kenran smiled happily and returned to the group. "Now is the time to test the remaining ninja! Naruto and Tora will use their Summonings to battle!"
"What?!" Yelled the Leaf team. Naruto looked over to Tora and gave him a cold stare.
"This can't be happening!" Naruto thought. Him and Tora stepped forward, found a space between themselves and faced each other.
"Begin!" Yelled the five judges. Naruto remembered what Jiraiya taught him on Summoning Jutsu. He began to focus all his Chakra into his palms, and when ready, he cut his thumb with his tooth, performed the hand seals and placed his hand on the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Yelled Naruto. Black circles formed all the way around Naruto, and from it came the giant chief toad Gamabunta, smoking his oversized pipe.
"Wow, he did it." Thought Sakura, who had doubt in his abilities.
"Hey, Naruto!" Yelled the giant toad. "What's the meaning 'a summoning me all the way out here?!" Naruto grew panic.
"It's a long story, but I need you to help me beat that creep down there!" Naruto replied. Gamabunta inspected Tora all the way at the bottom, who performed his Summoning Jutsu. What came forth really bemused Naruto, Gamabunta and even the entire audience: a giant red and black scorpion. It's large pincers sliced with anticipation, while it readied it's giant tail.
"Hmph. I think I'll ask for a price this time." Said Gamabunta crossing his arms. "What will you give me for my services?" Naruto thought hard for something good, and thought of a good one.
"If you fight and win, I'll tell Pervy-Sage not to talk to the human girls while training." Naruto offered with a deep grin. Gamabunta massaged his chin for a moment and raised his palm to Naruto.
"You got yourself a deal, kid!" Gamabunta said. Naruto grinned and slapped his palm, enforcing the deal. The toad readied itself by extracting it's giant sword. "Alright yah giant cockroach, time ter go back to that rock you call a home!" The scorpion hissed and attempted to use it's pincers to attack, but Gamabunta blocked it with his sword. But while his hands were full, the tail made a strike for him.
"Watch out!" Warned Naruto. Gamabunta saw the attack coming, and spat a giant ball of water on the scorpion, pushing it back, releasing it's grip on Gamabunta's sword, and cancelling the attack.
"Good call, kid." Said Gamabunta thankfully.
"Use Earth Shatter!" Tora yelled, as he gathered himself together. The scorpion whacked it's pincers to the ground, creating a wave of earth flowing towards the frog duo. Gamabunta jumped to a high height, evading the attack. As he landed, he prepared his sword for a stab to the back for the scorpion, but it used it's tail to whack Gamabunta away, with Naruto gripping on for his life.
"The thing's got strength." Gamabunta said while massaging his arm the scorpion whacked with. "Time to fight fire with fire, if you get my meaning."
"Yeah, I get you." Naruto said, as he prepared a paper bomb. Gamabunta inhaled and spat forth a large amount of oil towards the scorpion, and at the same time, Naruto threw the explosive at the spray of liquid, igniting it in combustable flames. The scorpion, seeing the attack coming, whacked the ground again, this time creating a wall of earth, blocking out the attack. Naruto knew that was the last straw and decided to take action himself. He formed his hand seal.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" He said and created a clone. That clone then began circling his Chakra into his Rasengan ball.
"What're you doing, kid?!" Gamabunta yelled.
"I don't have time to explain, fire me towards Tora, and hurry." Naruto commanded.
"You sure have a nag for death wishes, kid." Gamabunta remarked. But nonetheless, he used his tongue to wrap around Naruto's torso, and fired him towards the scorpion. Before all of Gamabunta's flames were extinguished, Naruto swung the Rasengan ball into a deep part of the flames, burning his hand maybe, but the Rasengan ball turned into a ball of flames.
"It worked." Thought Naruto as he was heading towards the scorpion. when the earth wall subsided, Tora was amazed to see Naruto emerge through it. "Fire Release - Rasengan!!" And then plunged the fireball into the forehead of the scorpion, creating a large scale explosion. Naruto and Tora were flown back on impact, but the scorpion was too weakened that it disappeared back to it's original Summoning grounds. Gamabunta caught the weakened Naruto and placed him on the ground. "Thanks, Gamabunta, I owe yah one."
"Anytime, kid. Now don't go back on your end a' the deal, Little Jiraiya's not to step ten feet of the toad girls while trainin'." Naruto laughed weakingly and gave Gamabunta the thumbs-up, before he too vanished.
"How did Naruto use a different elemental Rasengan?" Sakura said amusingly.
"That toad's flames must have been the cause." Sai said. "Mostly, if I recall, Naruto uses two Clones to make his Wind Rasengan. Instead of a Clone, Naruto used the toad's flames to mix his Chakra to create a Fire Elemental attack."
"Though it is risky to use." Yamato continued. "Look at his hand, it's burned." Sakura inspected Naruto's hand to have many burn marks. "Nothing the medics can't fix, but if that doesn't kill him, then that explosion he created will. Not to mention until he can control the Fire Element, he'll have to rely on the Chief Toad to use it, which will often be against large opponents, like the scorpion Tora used. Oh, and if I'm correct, that attack was unexplored until now, so if the attack failed, Naruto would've been gravely injured, or worse." Sakura seen that Naruto was injured through that last attack, not just on his hand, but his whole body too, which made her worry.
"We'll take a short intermission for our competitors to recooperate." Announced the Mist judge. At once, Sakura, Sai, Yamato and Shizune came to Naruto's aid.
"What were you thinking, Naruto?!" Screamed Sakura in worry. "You could've been killed doing that attack!"
"Heh, I knew you'd say that." Naruto replied, while Shizune performed her advanced Healing Jutsu on Naruto.
"You mean that was the secret surprise you wanted to show me?" Asked Sakura flattered, Naruto nodded.
"It was still unwise to perform a Jutsu neither me nor the Hokage has seen." Yamato explained. "As Sakura mentioned, the attack could have failed, and you would've been wide open to the scorpion's attack."
"Hmph. No matter what Jutsu I use, people always say it should be forbidden, or it should be used wisely." Mocked Naruto, crossing his arms and frowning. Sakura, sensing where this discussion will eventually lead to, decided to take a light-hearted approach.
"But, the most important thing is, you're safe, and you defeated Tora's summon." Sakura said with a smile. Naruto got out of his mood and smiled back.
"Okay, you're ready." Shizune said. "And good luck with the last round." Shizune said patting Naruto's shoulder.
"You've done well so far, don't ruin it now!" Sakura said inspiringly.
"Not on your life, Sakura!" Naruto replied with an equal tone of voice. The four returned to their positions while Naruto suddenly remembered Tora. He turned to see the Stone ninja sitting on the ground, while being healed by Medical Ninja. He gave an insane look of anger towards Naruto, which spooked him even more. Once Tora was fully healed, the five reunited.
"Good going, Naruto." Kenran said with pride. "You beat Tora."
"Ah, it was nothing." Naruto said modestly.
"Now I see why this kid managed to save the Sand's Kage." Thought Arashi.
"Stage 4, the final and most daring of all will now begin." Announced the Sand judge. "In this round the five will perform Ninjutsu of their choosing. But to prove it's strength, they must face..." But before saying what it was, the five judges performed another series of hand seals and from the ground came around twenty stone soldiers. "Them." The audience were bewildered by what they had to face. "Now, first to perform is Kenran." The Mist girl smiled and stepped forward.
"Just to make it more interesting..." Kenran said with a grin. She formed different hand seals than the one expected. From the ground came balls of water equal to the amount of stone soldiers, that formed into clones of herself. "Water Clones, hold them off." The clones charged and held the warriors in place.
"She isn't using her Great Flood?" Thought Naruto. Then, Kenran started doing many hand seals, of many varieties. Then, focussing on one hand seal, the ground in front of her cracked and from it came a large water-shaped dragon.
"Water Release - Water Dragon Jutsu!" She yelled, when the dragon was fully visible.
"No way, Kakashi's move!" Thought Naruto, remembering Kakashi performing that same Jutsu on himself and Sakura. The same effects happened. The stone soldiers were washed away by the impact, with the Water Clones liquifying once struck. The field was once again flooded because of the Jutsu. The four competitors emerged from the water soaked yet again.
"Come on, Kenran! I just got these dry again!" Naruto yelled angrily. Kenran jumped out the water and stood on it's surface.
"Can't help it. I'm a Water Ninja. I like using Water." She said with a grin. But then the flood was dispersed under her command. "Comes to show, I don't need my Great Flood to take out opponents. All I need is fertile ground, and a handful of opponents."
"Impressive." Remarked the Leaf judge. "Next is Kiokure." The timid child stepped forward, replacing Kenran, who gave him a pat on the head. The stone soldier battalion were replaced and were ready for what Kiokure had up his sleeve.
"This will take all my Chakra. But if it makes me a Chuunin, and makes Master Gaara proud, I'll do all it takes." Kiokure thought. He took a handful of sand from his ninja bag and placed it on the ground. He then performed many hand seals, and from the ground, again, came a massive amount of sand.
"Great Sandstorm Jutsu!" Called Kiokure as the stone soldiers were trapped in a dome of sand that swirlled around them. Kiokure, looked to be suffering to keep the sandstorm stable, but then suddenly collapsed to the ground.
"Kiokure!" Yelled Naruto in worry. Not thinking, he rushed towards the exhausted child to check his condition. At the same time, the sandstorm dispersed to the ground, revealing the stone soldiers. At first it looked as though they were unharmed, but then crumbled to the ground. The sandstorm was a torrent of cutting blades that sliced all in it's path. "You okay?!"
"I think so." Muttered Kiokure. At once, a male Medical Ninja came to his aid. He used his Healing Jutsu to analyze his problems.
"It seems your Jutsu forces your Chakra out to maintain it's stability. Considering your low Chakra level as a Genin, you can only keep it up as long as ten seconds." The Medical Ninja analyzed.
"It's the strongest Jutsu I have." Kiokure said crestfallen.
"Hey, it's okay, man. The judges'll decide if it's good or not." Naruto said encouragingly.
"That will be decided at the end." Said the Cloud judge. "Arashi will perform next." The brute figure of Arashi stepped forward, while Kiokure and Naruto retreated.
"Alright. No holding back this time." Arashi said confidently. The stone soldiers were reformed as Arashi formed a hand seal, and dark clouds formed around him. "Time to show you my penultimate attack!" He yelled. But before he could reveal the Jutsu, the clouds dispersed. "Just kidding."
"What?!" Nearly everyone in the stadium yelled in dismay and confusion.
"Arashi! What is the meaning of this?!" Called the Stone judge.
"Sorry, guys, I forfeit. It's been a nice run, but the Jounin spot's going nowhere for me." Arashi said, without even a hint of remorse. He fell back to the others.
"Arashi! What was that all about?!" Yelled Naruto.
"Me paying yah back." Arashi explained. "I told yah I was gonna pay you back for it, every single penny. The Chuunin's spots yours if you can beat three guys instead of four. 'Sides, I would've made Jounin with that attack, but I knew that's backstabbing you."
"I didn't ask for that! I would've suggested something like buy me ramen, but that's just going over the bar!" Naruto yelled.
"Nah, even if I did do my attack, I'd make a lousy Jounin. I'd be demoted on my first mission." He replied. Naruto in the end, couldn't fight back.
"Thank you, Arashi." Naruto said.
"Pleasure's all mine."
"The fourth to perform is Tora!" Called the Mist judge. Still not out of his maniacal look, he presented himself in front of the stone soldiers Arashi failed to attack.
"Word of warning, you four better make yourself scarce." Tora spoke out to Naruto and the others. "If you don't, the more the merrier." The judges waved their hand and the barrier protecting the audience dispersed, so that Naruto and the others can protect themselves, at whatever Tora has in store. Naruto made his way to his team.
"What's going on?" Asked Sakura.
"No good." Naruto said taking a seat next to Sakura. As expected, a flow of blood red Chakra flowed around Tora, as he gave an insane scream, that shook the audience. He jumped upwards to the sky, using his Chakra to keep him afloat, and raising his hands to the sky, the red Chakra formed a giant blood red ball to his command.
"Earth Release - Dark Meteor!!!" He screamed, and throwing the "dark meteor", the ball exploded on impact with the arena ground. The force of the Jutsu destroyed everything in the arena floor, including the stone soldiers. The judges were forming hand seals at a quick rate to keep the barrier from being destroyed otherwise, it would be a massacre. When the dark meteor finally gave way, a thick cloud of smoke covered the field.
"What, in the Hokage's name, was that?" Asked Naruto fearing for all his worth.
"My guess, a highly condensed Chakra attack, given the proportions of a meteor." Yamato identified. Then the smoke began to subside, and the audience were astonished to see the arena floor, as ten feet deeper.
"What cruel Chakra." Sakura said with equal fear. On closer inspection, Tora was at the bottom of the pit, breathing heavily, and on closer inspection of his hands, there were many wide spaced cuts on it. Then, Tora gave an insane laugh, which made Naruto all the more fearful.
"I can't top that!" Naruto said despairingly. As his fear swelled, so did his ever longing question: "How do I defeat such madness?" When all hope seemed lost, he began to have a deep feeling swelling inside him. And a burning, desirable voice speaking out to him.
"Use my power." It spoke out. Naruto suddenly realised where this deep feeling was coming from. And deep within the recesses of his mind, he found himself before a huge cage, surrounded by darkness. And from that cage, came deep dark glowing eyes: The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.
"What do you want?" Asked Naruto, as his voice echoed through his mind.
"To assist you to come to your deepest dream: Hokage." The beast called out. "You can't defeat this ninja, without my aid."
"I got a news bulletin for you, fox. I'm not using your power, even if I'm desperate." He replied with anger in his voice.
"Don't be a fool, child. Why reject me, when I can deliver you from this nightmare?"
"Your power will only hurt the ones I love. You already did it once before. And to me, that's unforgivable!" He screamed in rage.
"I thought that girl was the enemy. If I'd known you'd end up this way about me, I'd never had lain a claw on her."
"I don't care what you thought! What you did stands against everything I want to become. I want to protect all those I care about, and using your power isn't a way of doing that! And if that means throwing away this one chance to become a Chuunin, I'd take losing to Tora a thousand times over!" Once Naruto had ended his speech, the Demon Fox, retreated into the sanctuary of his cage.
"You'll regret it, boy!" It said as it left Naruto. Naruto closed his eyes for a brief moment. He could hear a voice calling out his name. When he opened his eyes again, he was back at the arena stand. The person calling his name was Sakura.
"Naruto! Are you alright?!" Sakura said in worry.
"Oh, ummmm, yeah, fine, just freaked out by Tora's attack." Naruto lied. On the realisation of his surroundings, Shizune was there too.
"Naruto, I needed to talk to you on an urgent matter." Shizune said.
"I'm all ears." Naruto said in confusion.
"What I'm about to tell you is directly from Lady Tsunade's behalf." She took a moment to collect herself, Then when she was ready: "Naruto, if you find yourself in a troubling situation by Stage 4, I permit you to use Wind Release - Rasenshuriken." The information ran through Naruto's head like a stream.
"Mind running that through me again?" Naruto asked. Shizune took a deep breathe and sighed.
"Lady Tsunade has given me the secondary task of being her messenger. She has asked me to inspect the competition, and if by chance there is a Jutsu more powerful than your lesser Rasengan, she is giving you one chance to perform Wind Release - Rasenshuriken." She explained, as she remembered Tsunade calling her back when Naruto and Sakura went to train the previous day. Naruto still looked in confusion.
"Mostly I should be excited that I'm finally performing my best Jutsu." Naruto said without happiness. "But, it destroys my body, doesn't it?" But unexpectingly, Sakura intervened.
"Not if you use these." She said, presenting her gloves she wears in combat.
"You want me to wear your gloves?" Naruto asked in a stupid way. Sakura punched him in the head.
"They're not just gloves, you moron!" She yelled before calming down. "They're Chakra encoded gloves. Their design is to minimize the damage done by your hands. I use them when punching, since the momentum of my attack will damage my hands." Naruto took the gloves.
"Sakura, you're amazing! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!" Naruto said in joy and happiness. "Can I keep these?"
"No you will not!" Sakura said in a high tone. "I want them back when you're done. That's if you don't destroy them in the process." Naruto had already gotten round to putting the gloves on his hands.
"Don't worry, Sakura. I'll make sure not to completely destroy them. Oh, and Shizune, thank you." Naruto said while smiling happily. Shizune bowed her head while smiling back.
"Good luck." Sai encouraged.
"And remember, perform the technique as quickly as possible, otherwise it will lose stability and disperse, and when the attack is made, fall back immediately." Yamato reminded.
"Got it." Naruto said. He made his way back out to the remade field, with the four waiting for him. Tora still giving him a horrid look. No longer freaked out, he stared back.
"Naruto Uzumaki. The final Jutsu goes to you." Announced the Leaf judge. Naruto took a deep breathe when staring at the twenty soldiers. He formed a hand seal.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" He yelled and called forth three Shadow Clones. "You want to see a Jutsu? I'll give you a Jutsu!" The three huddled into a circle. The real Naruto opened his palm, one Clone used both hands to circle the Chakra into it's form, while the other began mixing the Wind Chakra into the Chakra ball. While this was taking place, a large ringing was being made from the Jutsu, intruguing the other four.
"What is he doing?" Asked Kenran.
"It better be good." Arashi said. Soon Naruto's Jutsu was starting to take form. And after a few more seconds, Naruto held up a large Shuriken shaped ball of Chakra that swirled horizontally.
"Wind Release - Rasenshuriken!!!"
"Incredible!" Thought Kiokure.
"What is that?!" Thought Tora seriously. Knowing how long the Jutsu will last, he took action immediately. Him and the two clones ran towards the centre soldier, as the two clones kicked it into the air, and was wide open to Naruto's attack. He plunged the Shuriken into it. The Rasenshuriken took full effect as all twenty of the stone soldiers were forced backwards and sucked into it's full effects. Naruto jumped back and watched as all twenty were trapped in the giant ball and being cut at incalculable numbers. After a minute or so with the amazing attack, the ball flashed, and all that were left of the stone soldiers was nothing more than rubble, that fell to the bottom of the evenly-sized crater he created. Naruto, puffing for every last breathe, inspected the glove Sakura gave him, and sure enough, a large portion was ripped off from it's effects. But in all honesty, the attack was really minimized, as his hand wasn't even scratched. The audience were just as stunned with the last performance and clapped. They gave a standing ovation to the last performing ninja, as he waved to them. Even Kenran, Kiokure and Arashi clapped admirably.
"I don't know how he did it, but man, that attack was good stuff." Arashi commented. The judges deliberated towards themselves, discussing who is worthy of the crowning champion. During this time, the barrier to the audience stand was lifted, and Naruto's team went to congratulate him.
"That was amazing, Naruto!" Sakura applauded with happiness.
"Truly a remarkable technique." Sai said.
"You did very good, Naruto." Yamato said happily. "How's your hand?"
"Couldn't be better." He said with a smile, showing them Sakura's destroyed glove. She didn't take it well and punched Naruto in the jaw.
"You idiot! It's gonna take me weeks to fix that!" Sakura yelled angrily.
"I-I-I'm sorry, Sakura!" Naruto said, while crawling backwards away from the angry Sakura. "I'll make it up to you, I swear!" But before Sakura could unleash her wrath, the judge's had cleared their throat for everyone's attention. At once, Naruto presented himself, along with the other ninja to the judges.
"After much deliberation, we have reached a decision. One of you will be crowned the champion and be promoted to your next level." Spoke out the Leaf judge.
"Kenran, your powers are worthwhile, and are recognised as one of the best as a Chuunin from the Hidden Mist Village, but not well enough on certain terrains. Mountains, for example." Said the Mist judge. Kenran pouted.
"Kiokure, your good use of Jutsu is good at your level, however, you have difficulty controlling your emotions and therefore your techniques are affected." Said the Sand judge.
"Arashi, you're Lightning abilites are second to one: The Raikage. However, you put your personal matters before Shinobi matters, which cost you your Jounin spot." Said the Cloud judge.
"Tora. Your abilities are senseless and destructive. Such abilities need controlling before it can be called forth in battle, or you endanger those you wish to protect. If you wish to call yourself a Jounin, and teach Genin of your own, you must teach them the ways of the Shinobi, not destruction." The Stone judge said harshly.
"And Naruto. You show impressive display of Shadow Clones and the Fourth Hokage's Jutsu: Rasengan. You show very good use in saving comrades in times of need, and are unafraid of death in the face of battle. Such characteristics is questionable at the level of a Genin." The Leaf judge said. "It is with this, you will be made the Hidden Leaf's newest Chuunin." At the mention of this, Naruto's body went numb with anticipation, but jumped up, punching his fist in the air with success, with the audience cheering away. He shook the hands of his three new companions, but when looking at Tora, he had a look of absolute defeat.
"But...how? My Shinobi tactics are the best in my Village!" Tora said in confusion. Naruto walked up to him.
"A Shinobi's way isn't destruction, Tora. It's about using your power, to protect and benefit those you care about. The last Jutsu I used, was made to protect the bonds that I made." Naruto explained.
"A Shinobi's...bonds?" Said Tora. Naruto smiled, and Tora smiled in ease. "Then as of today, you will be my first bond. Congratulations on your success." He offered him a hand to shake.
"I know in your next Exam, you'll make Jounin easily." Naruto said, and shook his hand. Tora turned away to start his journey home.
"Out of everyone here, I will not forget you, Naruto Uzumaki." Tora said, and looked back at him. "Enjoy being a Chuunin." And with that, Tora departed as Sakura, jumped on Naruto, giving him a celebration hug, and at the same time, punching his chest due to her interrupted rage. He recieved many congratulations from Yamato, Shizune and Sai. Then, Naruto walked forth, as a trophy was presented to Naruto in succession of the Remediation. After a while of more celebrations, Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Yamato and Shizune headed back for the Hidden Leaf Village, it was nearing sunset and their destination wasn't far.
"You know." Yamato spoke out. "I feel like walking."
"Do we have to?!" Naruto whined. "As the new Chuunin, I say we go as fast as we can."
"And as Jounin, we say we walk!" Yamato and Shizune said simultaneously. Naruto sunk his head lower.
"I wish I were a Jounin." Naruto said despressingly. "But, beggers can't be choosers. Let's get this overwith." The five-man team took nearly three hours walking back, journeying across the Fire Country.
"D'yah think I can have one of them cool Chuunin jackets?" Asked Naruto during the last stages of their cross-country, walking across a familiar part of the forest.
"No way! I can't imagine you wearing one of those." Sakura said trying not to imagine that fact.
"Don't Chuunin always wear those?" Asked Sai.
"Only to make yourself look cool." Naruto said justifying himself. It was soon that Naruto came across the gates entering the Hidden Leaf Village, it was now night time, and Naruto was getting tired. But, before Naruto can race back to his house, at the gates was none other than Tsunade.
"Well? How did you do?" She asked sternly.
"Naruto had to use the Rasenshuriken's power, my lady." Shizune said while bowing her head. Tsunade gave a serious look.
"Is Naruto's hand hurt?" She asked even more seriously.
"Thankfully, no. He wore Sakura's glove that absorbed the damage that would have been inflicted." Shizune replied. Tsunade sighed in relief.
"And the outcome. Did Naruto achieve his goal?" She asked. Naruto gave a grim look, but immediately grinned, presenting his victory trophy. The Hokage smiled.
"Very good." She said happily. "Now we celebrate!" And with that she walked back into the village.
"Celebrate?" Asked the three Chuunin. The five followed the Hokage to a courtyard where there stood a long table, stretching from one end of the courtyard to the other, all laid out with food and drinks, a banner that hung across two buildings reading: "Congratulations, Naruto!", and what was better: all of Naruto's friends had gathered, including Shikamaru, Ino, Chouji, Kiba, Shino, Hinata, Lee, Neji, Tenten, Gai, Kurenai (Which was remarkable because Naruto rarely seen her nowadays.), Kakashi, Iruka, Konohamaru and his team, and even all those who rarely knew Naruto as much, such as the former Ino-Shika-Cho squad, Ibiki, Anko, Kotetsu and Izumo. Naruto, Sakura and Sai were astonished.
"Surprise!" Yelled everyone, including Tsunade, Yamato and Shizune.
"You had something to do with this?!" Yelled Naruto and Sakura towards Yamato and Shizune.
"Well, I knew there would be a celebration, so just to be sure, I decided for us to walk." Yamato explained. But despite this, Naruto smiled.
"I can't believe you guys." Said Naruto happily. And soon the celebrations began. With music echoing through the night sky, a bonfire roaring away in the middle of the courtyard, and everyone sitting at the table helping themselves to what they pleased, and listening to Naruto's tale of what happened. "...Well at first I thought I was supposed to do what Kenran, Arashi and Kiokure had to do, Summon my toad and beat up the rock dude, but they had me fight Tora's summon." At that mention, there were many gasps, and a few muttering.
"Did you defeat him?" Asked Rock Lee with amusement.
"Are you kidding? Me and Gamabunta smashed that scorpion's tail so hard, he'll feel it again the next day!" Naruto replied, with everyone laughing and clapping at his victory with Gamabunta.
"Here's to Naruto!" Iruka piped up, raising a sake bottle. "And may his dream of becoming Hokage burn forever. To Naruto!" Everyone else raised an assortment of glasses, ranging from sake to regular fizzy juices.
"To Naruto." Everyone yelled, including Sakura and Sai, and in Naruto's name, they continued celebrating. For Naruto, the bonds he created with his allies couldn't be stronger.