Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto manga and/or series

Rated M for violence, language, and minor sexuality

Enjoy


The Tower, Forty-Fourth Training Ground, July 6...

I don't fucking believe it. Not only did Toga lose...but that kid stole that move from that Uchiha kid. Who does that?! Misa frowned in annoyance.

"Way to go, Naruto!" Sakura shouted.

Amaya got up and returned to her spot, "Alright, we'll now-"

"W...wait!"

Everyone turned their attention to Toga as she got up on her elbows. "I can...I can still...fight!"

Amaya watched her unblinkingly. "Naruto Uzumaki has already been declared the winner. The match is over."

Toga gritted her teeth and her eyes shifted back into Sage Mode. Amaya motioned to step-in, but Karina appeared in front of Toga. "That's enough, Toga. The match is over. You lost. What else can you do? You're out of chakra and you can't use Sage Mode again. Accept your loss and stand down."

Toga said nothing, simply glaring at Naruto. Damn it!

"Toga!" Misa shouted, taking everyone's attention. "Stop. You've done enough."

Toga's eyes returned to normal as she lowered her gaze. She gasped as her whole body shuddered in pain. She fell to her knees, empty of strength. Karina caught her before she hit the ground. Medic-nin came running in with a stretcher. Misa watched, silently relieved. Don't be ashamed, Toga. You did your best. And...you've impressed me. She shifted her gaze to Naruto who came bounding up the steps in excitement. As she watched him, she thought back...

Memorial Stone, Third Training Ground, 1 year ago..

"Alright, from this day on...you three are now members of Team Karina. Why don't you tell me about yourselves?" Karina suggested with a smile. "Like your dreams. Anything."

"Uh," Kain blinked. "I...don't really have anything to say. No real...big dreams."

"I'm gonna prove myself to be the greatest kunoichi ever! Even greater than Princess Tsunade or the Blue Guardian!" Toga shouted.

"That's a pretty good dream," Karina noted. "And what about you?"

"Right. Me," Misa said, crossing her legs as she leaned back against the stone. "I have a simple dream. A goal, more like. I will slay the men responsible for my mother's name being on this memorial."

She pointed to a particular name on the stone. "I will get stronger. Strong enough to overcome those men and sate the hatred inside me. Like I said, a simple dream."

She must be talking about the incident three years ago. The one mission Kakashi Hatake failed to complete. This is her child? Karina studied Misa, realizing the girl's sincerity.

"Jeez. Could you be more ominous?" Kain grumbled. "Who are these men you supposedly plan to kill, anyways?"

"The first...is the man who actually killed my mother," Misa informed rather bluntly. "The second is the one who let her die...Kakashi Hatake."

I was right, Karina narrowed her eyes.

"What the hell?" Toga barked. "The Kakashi Hatake? The Copy Ninja? Are you insane?"

Misa frowned at her in annoyance. "Shut up. You don't know anything."

"I don't care! How the hell are you gonna take on a guy like that, huh?" Toga's face was mere inches from Misa's. "Go on. Tell me. What can you, a Genin graduate, do against a Jonin with a international reputation?"

"I never said I could do it now," she replied calmly. "I will get stronger. Stronger than him. You'll see."

"Ha!" Toga leaned back. "That'll be the day. The day you kill Kakashi Hatake will be the day I become Hokage! Ha!"

Karina stared at her new students, watching Misa glare in annoyance while Toga laughed and Kain covered his ears. Aw, man. I got my work cut out for me.

The Tower, Forty-Fourth Training Ground, present day...

Misa blinked and looked away as Naruto walked by behind her. She watched him join Sakura and Kakashi. The moment her eyes fell on him, her body exploded with rage. She gripped the guardrail tightly. Not here. Not yet. I'm not...strong enough yet. Control. Control.

"We're moving on to the next match," Amaya announced. The black screen revealed the new opponents: HINATA HYUGA VS. NEJI HYUGA.

Hinata and Neji walked down to the battle floor, and faced each other. Neji clenched his fists, "I never thought it would come to this...Lady Hinata."

"Brother...," Hinata mumbled.

"Wha?! They're siblings?" Naruto shouted.

"No," Misa said, gaining his attention. "The Hyuga Clan is one of the oldest clans in the Leaf Village. They aren't siblings...but cousins."

"Cousins?" Sakura frowned.

"Yes!" Lee replied. "The Hyuga Clan is broken into different branches. The Main House and the Branches. Hinata is from the Main House while Neji is from the Branch."

"Wow, that definitely makes fighting difficult," Sakura noted.

"I suppose, but...there's a lot of turmoil within the Clan," Misa added.

"Why?" Naruto asked.

"Don't know."

"It's not really our place to know," Lee added.

"Begin!" Amaya announced.

"Before we begin, I have to say something, Lady Hinata," Neji admitted. "You're not cut out for this. Forfeit, now. You're too kind. You avoid conflict and always agree with others...you have no self-confidence. Your best bet was to remain a Genin. However, the Chunin Exams can only be taken by teams of three. You applied only to please your teammates, didn't you?"

"N-no," Hinata said, shaking her head. "I want to change...myself."

"Just as I thought, you're a spoiled brat. People cannot change."

And here we go, Misa sighed.

"Losers will always be losers," Neji continued. "Everyone is born different. Either elite or a loser. Everyone...looks, abilities, talent...it's all determined at birth. No one can change themselves. No one can change their destiny...just like the fact that you're from the Main House and I'm from a Branch. I've seen many things with the Byakugan. And I can see...you may be acting tough, but deep down you want to run."

"No! I really...!"

Byakugan! Neji said nothing as he simply glared at her. "I can see, Lady Hinata. Just now, you looked to the upper left...indicating you're remembering painful memories. Then you looked to the lower right which means you're imagining physical and mental pain. The fact that you did all this...just proves that you're going to lose. You've raised her arms to guard yourself against me and you're touching your lip means you're disturbed. You're worried and full of fear. You already know, don't you? You cannot change-"

"YES, YOU CAN!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs. "Stop deciding things, you asshole! Kick his ass, Hinata! Come on! Stand up for yourself! You can do it!"

Misa removed her hands from her ears. He's so fucking loud.

Neji raised an eyebrow at Hinata. "So, you won't forfeit? I'm not responsible for the outcome."

"I won't run!" Byakugan! Hinata raised her hands and got into a defensive stance. "Brother...we will fight."

"Fine." Neji mimicked her pose.

Figures she uses the same style as Neji...I wonder, how strong is she really? Misa stood up straight, not wanting to miss anything.

Neji and Hinata engaged each other. They blocked each other's strikes, but Hinata managed to tap Neji's side. "She got him!" Sakura gasped.

"No! Not good enough," Naruto noted.

"A simple touch is enough," Misa said. "The Hyuga Clan's taijutsu is extremely unique."

"Exactly!" Might Guy said, diverting the attention to him. "Lee and I use a kind of...'Iron Fist' type taijutsu that focuses on outward injuries. The Hyuga Clan uses 'Gentle Fist' and focuses on internal injuries."

"Internal injuries?" Naruto frowned.

"Yes," Lee said. "Our body is made up of a network of chakra. It runs all throughout our internal systems. They surround many vital organs. The Hyuga Clan use their chakra to inflict damage to the inner network."

"Wow, you're actually smart," Naruto complimented.

Misa ignored his comment and added, "With the Byakugan, they can see the inner network and locate 'openings' from which chakra pours out. By attacking those 'openings', you cause damage to the inner network and suffer serious aftereffects. That's what makes them so deadly."

Hinata surged forward and slammed her palm into Neji's chest. "YES!" Naruto exclaimed.

Hinata gasped as blood spewed from her mouth. Neji smirked, "Is this the extent of the Main House?"

Hinata pulled her hand back and aimed for Neji's face. He grabbed her wrist and poked a spot next to her elbow. He grabbed the edge of her sleeve and shoved it up, revealing polka dot bruises on Hinata's arms. "No way," Hinata gasped. "So...from the beginning...?"

Misa narrowed her eyes at Neji, that sly dog.

Neji shoved Hinata away. "Lady Hinata, the difference in our abilities cannot change. You should've known you set yourself up for failure. Forfeit!"

"I...don't go back...on my word." Hinata struggled to her feet, panting. "That's also...my ninja way."

She glanced up at Naruto and smiled. Suddenly, her whole body shuddered and she coughed into her hand, soaking it with blood. Misa stared apathetically as Neji got into his fighting stance. She sighed, "It's over."

Naruto whipped his head to glare at her, "What'd you say?!"

"Don't yell at me. I'm merely stating fact," she said calmly. "Neji has closed off her chakra points. She can't attack. It's over."

Naruto gritted his teeth then shouted, "You can do it, Hinata!"

Hinata smiled and lunged, meeting Neji head-on. Neji slipped through her guard and slammed his palm against her face. She stumbled back, coughing and wheezing. She took a moment to catch her breath then lunged again. Neji brushed her hand aside and slammed his palm into her chest. Hinata froze then fell face-first onto the floor. Neji stepped away from her in disgust, "You don't get it...from the beginning, your attacks have been useless."

The Gentle Fist is the reason why Neji and I are tied as the top rookies. Even I have to admit it, he's a pure genius when it comes to the Hyuga Clan's unique taijutsu. Then again..., Misa's eyes darkened slightly, the Gentle Fist isn't completely effective.

Amaya waved her hand, "Continuing is impossible. Therefore, Neji-"

"Don't stop!" Naruto shouted.

"What're you saying?" Sakura scolded. "She's done, Naruto! She's unconscious!"

"...no...!"

Everyone turned their attention to the floor as Hinata forced herself to feet. Neji frowned in frustration, "Why? If you push yourself, you're going to die."

"It's not...it's not over," she insisted.

"Please," Neji scoffed. "You can barely stand. From the time of your birth, the responsibility of the Hyuga Main House has been forced upon you...you have always hated your own weakness...but people cannot change their destiny. There's no need to suffer. Give up!"

"That's not...true...Neji," Hinata wheezed, hugging her side. "Because I can see...the person suffering the most...is you."

Neji activated his Byakugan and charged. Amaya gasped and ran, "Neji! The match is over!"

"Gah!"

Amaya stepped in-between the cousins, holding her palm an inch in front of Neji's face. Kakashi held onto Neji's outstretched arm, while Kurenai held onto the other. Karina had her arm wrapped around Neji's waist, pulling him back, while Guy had Neji in a headlock. Neji stared at Amaya's palm in confusion. A wooden spike protruded from her open palm, barely touching the space between his eyes. "Neji Hyuga, the match is over. You have won," Amaya stated sternly. "Stand down, or you will be disqualified and dropped from the exams indefinitely."

"Stop this, Neji," Guy scolded. "You promised you wouldn't let the clan stuff get to you."

"Why did you Jonin step in?" Neji asked bitterly. "More special treatment for the Main House?"

Hinata fell to her knees in a coughing fit. Kurenai let go of Neji and went to her student, "Hinata!"

Amaya stepped away from Neji and the other Jonin let him go. She knealt down next to Hinata and placed her hand on the girl's chest. He's practically torn the networks around her heart to shreds. Thank God I stepped in when I did. He would've killed her. She noticed the medic-nin rushing in with a stretcher while Lee and Naruto hopped down to check on Hinata.

"Hey, you," Neji said, gaining Naruto's attention. "I wanna tell you two things. First, if you plan on being a shinobi, then quit cheering. And second, a loser will always be a loser. You can't change that."

"Oh, my God. Just shut up, Neji."

Neji whipped his head around to the balcony, shocked to hear Misa. She stared down at him, frowning in annoyance. She ignored his angry glare. "Stop preaching. It's giving me a headache."

Lee glanced at Naruto, she managed to diffuse the tension a little. Being tied with Neji as number 1...I suppose he respects her enough. Naruto walked over to the blood on the floor as the medic-nin rushed out with Hinata. He dipped his hand in her blood and clenched his fist, holding it out to Neji. "You..are going down."

On the road to Konoha...

Naomi finished her snack and turned to grab her tea. Before she could touch it, the cup cracked a little. She picked it up and studied the crack. I'm tired of buying new cups. They always crack. She drank from it anyways. Still...I hope Sasuke is alright...and I hope he is, too.

The Tower, Forty-Fourth Training Ground...

"Let's move on," Amaya stated.

Only four left. Out of the three...I'd rather fight Lee. I don't know what that last Sand Genin is capable of and the last rookie doesn't seem all that powerful. Yeah, Lee will probably be the only one to put up a good fight. Misa sighed and tapped her fingers on the guard rail.

"It might be your turn," Guy encouraged. "Get excited, Lee!"

"No!" Lee turned away from him and crossed his arms over his chest, pouting. "It's taken so long, I might as well go last!"

Ugh. Brat. Misa watched the black screen. The last Sand Genin teleported to the battle floor. The remaining rookie Leaf Genin suddenly began shouting, "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH! SAFE!"

GARRA VS. ROCK LEE.

What?! Misa stared at the black screen in disbelief. I'm...last?!

"Ha! It worked!" Lee said as he kicked the air. "If you say you wanna go last, the reverse will actually happen. I never wanted to go last."

"Alright, Lee! Good luck!" Guy cheered.

Lee hopped down to face his opponent. He smiled enthusiastically, "To face you so early...I couldn't be happier."

Gaara snorted, keeping his arms crossed over his chest. Lee got into a fighting stance. He blinked and caught something before it hit him the face. He held the cork to Gaara's gourd. "There's no need to get antsy."

"Alright. Begin!" Amaya said.

Lee charged. Leaf Hurricane! Sand sprouted around Gaara's right side, blocking Lee's kick. Lee flipped back to avoid the sand looming over him. He charged again, choosing an opening slightly behind Gaara. He punched and kicked, but each attack was blocked by the sand. Lee attacked again, only to be met by sand. "Why is he only using taijutsu?" Sakura frowned, shaking her head. "He needs steer clear and use some ninjutsu or genjutsu."

"He can't," Misa said.

Guy raised an eyebrow at Misa. "Oh ho! Been keeping an eye on Lee, now, have you? He's on your radar?"

"Of course he is. Next to Neji and Toga, he's got the strongest taijutsu style I've ever seen," Misa said, slightly frowning. "Lee isn't weak."

"But...what did you mean by 'he can't'?" Sakura asked.

"Lee cannot use genjutsu or ninjutsu," Guy explained. "He has no affinity for them. He's made it this far strictly on taijutsu."

Lee jumped back as the sand came tumbling towards him. He flipped back all the way to the top of the statue to escape the sand. Guy raised his hand, showing a thumb's up. "Lee! Take them off!"

"But...Master Guy, you said I should only do that to protect those precious to me!" Lee argued.

"It's alright! I'll allow it!"

Lee laughed excitedly. He sat down and took off his leg warmers, revealing ankle weights. He took them off then put his leg warmers back on. "Alright! Now I can move easier!"

Misa watched as he dropped the weights. What the hell can 10 lbs of extra weight do? The weights hit the ground and it crumbled under the intense weight. Misa widened her eyes in shock. No...fucking...way...! Lee practically vanished from atop the statue, reappearing behind Gaara. He threw his fist and the sand just made it to protect him. Lee circled Gaara, punching and kicking and lightning speed. Gaara began to follow him, but was unable to catch up. Lee appeared above him and brought his foot down hard on Gaara's face.

Gaara recoiled, a long scar now stretched across his face. Lee slid to a stop and smirked. "We're just getting started."

"Lee! Explode!" Guy ordered.

Lee diverted Gaara's attention behind him then reappeared in front, slamming his fist into Gaara's face. Misa stared in shock, I had no idea...Lee was this fast. She flicked her attention to Gaara as he stood. He turned to face Lee. Misa gasped in surprise. Sand crumbled and broke off of Gaara's face, revealing a deadly, blood-hungry sneer underneath. The sand converged around Gaara, covering his maniac face and returning to a stoic expression. What the hell...is he?

Gaara blinked. "Is that all you got?"

Lee glanced up at Guy who smiled and nodded. Lee smiled in return. He unwrapped his arm bandages until they hung near his feet. He charged and circled Gaara, creating smoke as he did. Gaara remained unfazed. "Hurry up."

"As you wish!" Lee slid down under the sand, kicking Gaara's chin and sending him flying into the air. Lee jumped up after him, kicking him higher and higher. He cringed for a moment then wrapped Gaara in his bandages. Lee flipped them upside down and began spinning towards the ground. Forward Lotus! The hit floor at full force, nearly destroying the entire battle floor. Misa blinked in shock, he...I can't believe he managed to escape that!

Lee stood just outside the destruction. Gaara laid unconsciously with his sand armor cracked. Suddenly, his whole ear fell off. The rest of him cracked and fell to pieces, revealing a hollow shell. Gaara reappeared behind Lee. The sand surged forward, shoving Lee against the wall. It charged, slamming into him. Lee stood inside the wall dome with his hands up. Misa watched Lee, noticing his strained movements. "It's a double-edged sword."

"You're right," Guy admitted.

Lee endured the barrage of sand attacks. Another attack came, but he managed to dodge it. Misa frowned in confusion, "How did he? He couldn't move a moment ago."

"Now, the tables will turn," Guy said. "The lotus leaf blooms twice."

"You're finished," Gaara said.

"We'll see," Lee replied, smirking.

Kakashi gasped in realization, "No...Guy, you didn't!"

"Yes."

"He's gonna open the Eight Inner Gates?!" Kakashi glared at him in disbelief. "The Extreme Lotus is a forbidden technique! I don't care what your reasons are, but to teach him that? I have lost respect for you."

Misa suddenly released her grip on the guardrail and began walking towards Kakashi. Guy clapped his hand on her shoulder. Neji stared at her in confusion. "Relax, Misa."

Misa clenched her fists as she glared at the confused Kakashi. "Your prejudice...makes me sick."

She looks...familiar. Kakashi frowned slightly. "It's not prejudice. The Extreme Lotus is forbidden for a reason. It could kill-"

"Lee isn't weak!" she snapped.

Outside the Ninja Academy, 1 year ago...

"Hey," Misa said as she stood over Lee who was leaning against the fence. "What're you doing? Someone's gonna mistake you for a bum and haul you away to a shelter."

"Don't be mean, Misa," Lee grumbled.

"Now, you're sensitive all of a sudden?" She sat down next to him. "I take it you're not entering the Chunin Exams?"

"No. You?"

"Nope. Master Karina says none of us are ready. And quite frankly, I believe her." Misa shrugged and leaned against the fence. "Did Master Guy hold you back, too?"

Lee shook his head. "No, I did."

"What?"

"I...I think if I entered the exams now...I'd end up failing miserably." He sighed and glanced up at the sky. "Master Guy just started training me in his style of taijutsu...I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger..."

"But, right now, it's not enough," Misa said. She glanced down at her fidgeting fingers. "I get it. You and I have very different dreams, but we have dreams nonetheless. The person I plan to defeat...plan to destroy...in my current state, he'd slaughter me. I'm not strong enough. But, I will be soon."

Lee blinked at her in surprise. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Since the Academy, I kind of stereotyped you like Neji. Stuck-up and...pure genius. So...I'm sorry."

Misa scratched the back of her neck and shrugged. "It's no big deal. I get why you thought that. I only wanted to be on the top because to me...it was an acknowledgement that I was strong. But...Neji and I are only tied. Don't get me wrong, he's arrogant as hell. But he is strong. So are you."

Lee stared at her in awe. Misa smiled then got up. "Well, not getting any stronger just sitting here. You should keep training. Tenten told me how much you've grown. I hope...one day, we can test our strengths."

Lee flashed her a big smile, "Yes. I do hope so, too!"

The Tower, Forty-Fourth Training Ground...

Misa turned away from Kakashi and pulled her shoulder free from Guy's grasp. She went back on the other side of Neji. "Since when have you cared so much?"

Misa leaned against the guardrail. "I suppose...I have a high respect for those that seek to make themselves strong. And...I dislike hearing others discredit them for whatever reason."

Neji blinked at her. Is she still on her ridiculous vendetta?

On the battle floor, Lee stood with his arms crossed in front of his face as he summoned his inner power. His skin began to turn red as power surged around him. He threw his fists down. "THIRD GATE! GATE OF LIFE...OPEN!"

He crouched down and shouted as he opened another inner chakra gate. Misa narrowed her eyes, noticing a trickle of blood seeping out of one of Lee's nostrils. Lee surged forward and the ground crumbled in his wake. He kicked Gaara into the air, the impact sending a powerful shockwave over the whole arena. Misa shielded her face. He's even faster than before!

Gaara appeared out of the smoke and the sand surged upwards to protect him. Lee reappeared in front of him and hit him hard in the chest. Lee kept Gaara in the air, knocking him around like a pinball. Misa blinked in shock, remembering Tenten's words. She said he could keep up with Neji...that he was worth something. But this...? This is incredible!

"THIS IS THE END! Lee warned. He slammed his elbow into Gaara's gut. As he began to fall, Lee grabbed Gaara's sash and pulled him back, slamming his fist and foot harder into his gut. Extreme Lotus! Gaara hit the ground at full force. Smoke and dust from the floor enveloped him. Lee landed roughly just outside the crater. Some of the smoke cleared and Gaara appeared, laying on a pile of sand.

"His gourd!" Misa gasped.

"It...turned to sand...?" Neji said in disbelief.

Gaara slowly raised his hand and the sand inched forward, grabbing onto Lee's left arm and leg. He tried to run, but Gaara clenched his fist. Sand Coffin! The sand squeezed and Lee cried out in pain as the sand crushed his limbs. He fell to the ground, unconscious. Gaara growled and relaxed his fist. The sand reared up over Lee. Amaya motioned to step-in, but Guy appeared, swatting the sand away. Gaara sat up and stared in shock. He suddenly cringed and clutched his head, "Why...did you save...?"

What? Misa frowned.

"He is my beloved student," Guy answered.

Gaara stared in confusion then pushed himself to his feet. His gourd reformed and he headed for the stairs. "Whatever. I'm done."

"The winner of the ninth match...Gaara!" Amaya declared.

Oh, my God! Misa gasped. "Lee!"

Everyone turned their attention behind Guy. Lee stood, shaking, with his good arm raised. His left arm hung uselessly against his thigh. Guy gently grabbed Lee's shoulders, "Enough. It's over. You don't have to...!"

Guy lowered his head, his shoulders shaking. Neji's eyes relaxed, "He's...unconscious."

Misa glanced at Neji in shock. Unconscious? And he's still standing...? My God...Lee... Guy pulled Lee into a hug and he slumped against his Master. Amaya walked over to them as Guy set him down. She knelt down beside him and raised her hand. A small bar of wood protruded from her palm. She snapped it off and pressed it to Lee's leg. She grabbed a roll of bandages from her pouch and quickly wrapped the splint and Lee's leg. "Medical team! Hurry!"

They arrived with a stretcher as she wrapped a splint against his left arm. Misa looked away. I don't want to admit it, but...that white-haired prick was right. Still, I wholeheartedly believed he could defeat Gaara.

"What're you saying?!" Naruto shouted at the medic-nin. "What's Bushybrows supposed to do?! He wants to fight Sasuke and Neji...can't you do something?! Hey-mmph!"

Kakashi appeared behind him and covered the boy's mouth. Neji closed his eyes and stepped back to lean against the wall. Kakashi, Guy, and Naruto headed back onto the balcony. Amaya cleared her throat. "For the tenth and final match...combatants, please step forward."

Misa exhaled sharply and hopped over the guardrail, landing gracefully on the battle floor. Choji walked down to face her with a look of forced determination. "Alright," Amaya said. "Let the final match...begin!"

"You can do it!" Shikamaru cheered.

"Yeah, fatass!" Ino added.

Choji's eyebrow twitched in anger, "Those guys...I'm gonna end this quickly and go tear them to pieces!"

Oh? Misa smirked. "Go ahead and try, fatty."

Choji growled and weaved a sign. Ninja Art: Expanison!His entire body expanded into a large round shape. He tucked his arms, legs, and head in. "I'm not fat! I'm pleasantly plump!"

He rolled forward at an incredible speed. Human Juggernaut! Misa stared unblinkingly as he closed the gap. She hopped to the side at the last second and Choji rolled right past her. He stopped and changed direction. Misa moved to dodge him again. Interesting. He has some control over it...still, that amount of built up momentum won't make it easy. I wonder...

She stopped, no longer dodging as Choji headed straight for her. "Yeah!" Ino shouted. "Get her, Choji!"

Misa raised her hands as Choji slammed into her. Dust and smoke spiraled over them and Choji halted to a stop. Neji narrowed his eyes then smirked, "I knew it."

"Yeah, Choji!" Shikamaru smiled.

Kakashi blinked, huh?

The smoke cleared. Misa stood, unharmed with her legs braced, holding Choji at bay. Her hands were dark like mountain rock. What the...?! She stopped me?! Choji tried to roll some more, but Misa wouldn't budge. She adjusted her stance and reared her fist back. She slammed her fist into Choji and he bounded across the room, slamming into the wall. He screamed until he collided with the wall. Ino froze, blinking in disbelief. "What?"

"Wha...what's with her hands?" Naruto gasped.

Kakashi stared at Misa's dark hands. It...can't be.

Choji released his jutsu and rolled out of the crater in the wall. "Ah! Ow!"

Misa appeared above him. She hooked her arm around his thick neck and held him in a headlock. Her skin was back to normal color. Choji fought against her, "Hey! Let go!"

Misa grabbed his head in a certain way and forced his neck to turn. Snap! Choji fell out of her grip and landed on the ground in a heap. Ino gasped and Shikamaru stared in utter shock. "Did she...kill him?"

Misa rolled Choji over onto his back and his mouth hung open as he began to snore loudly. Amaya raised an eyebrow and said, "The winner...is Misa Kuran."

Kuran! Kakashi blinked in surprise. This is the daughter of the famous Oshiro Kuran? But...Oshiro was known as the Great Flame of Konoha, so why does she have that kind of ability?

Amaya sighed, finally. It's over. "With the end of this match, the preliminaries for the Third Exam are now finished."


end of chapter

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