A/N: Ok it took awhile, but only because I was stuck on Sasuke's fight trying to make it longer but while trying not to be too brutal on his foe for that fight as well. But I finally finished the chapter so the time has come to post. The results of the vote and pairings notes will be at the end of the chapter. However as a reminder I am not going to grant Lelouch a Geass in this one only because it would be overkill a trade-off for becoming a shinobi and Britannia will be getting an introduction in coming chapters but it doesn't have Knightmare Frames and is a nation that for the most part despise Shinobi being a more technology dominant Empire which its tech is more along the lines of what Republic City in the Legend of Korra had on some levels.
Now on with the chapter…BTW thanks for the reviews so far guys they keep me going.
Chapter 7
To Measure One's Limits
Sasuke Uchiha who had been quietly observing the fights up to this point was very interested to see Lee and Lelouch go head to head as not too many of the other matches really drew his attention with the exception being that matches involving the shinobi from Sunagakure. Seeing Temari and Kankurō in action only made him wonder all the more what Gaara must have been likely considering he was no doubt the leader of their group. Although while he was upset that Sakura had been taken down he was assured by Kakashi that she would recover, but the fight with Neji and his own Kekkei Genkai coupled with his unique fighting style was something else Sasuke would need to be ready to fight against if he faced Neji in the third exam.
With those two fighting there is only me, Gaara, Ino, and those two other members of Lelouch's team left. So there will only be two matches left while the last one gets a free pass to the third exam. From what I saw fighting Lee I think he'll take out guy out. He seems to be more bark and no bite…
Also curious was Neji who was still seething in anger at Lelouch's words, but despite his opinion's for Lee's skills he found himself hoping Lee would drive him into the ground. On the other hand Neji felt a chill go down his spine as he recalled as he and Lelouch made eye contact. It was hard to explain, but he was overwhelmed by an intense feeling of murderous intent that seemingly froze him in place. A part of him began thinking.
Does Lee have a chance against him…I guess I'll find out soon.
The last one most curious to see Lelouch's combat skills in action was Temari, because for her it would confirm if what she suspects about him being a real contender and threat to them in the chunin exams would be proven.
I just hope this Lee will be good enough for Lelouch so I can see what he can really do.
And for once C.C. had a genuine interest in this match and would be giving it her full attention as would Guren. Now all eyes were upon them especially those of a jonin from Otogakure who had been quietly watching the other matches up to this point eagerly awaited two matches. Now one of them had finally come at last. No one knew that the infamous Sannin Orochimaru was among them in disguise posing as Team Dosu's sensei.
So it's time to see how good that boy is and see if he might make a better test for Sasuke even.
Lelouch stood on Hayate's right facing Lee who stood a good distance away from Lelouch as the two genin faced one another down. The self-named handsome devil of Konoha wasn't sure what to expect from Lelouch as he knew little about him, but his sensei Guy had advised that he stays on his toes and remains mindful of whatever tricks he might have.
However the match could begin a late arrival enter the arena chamber. It was a woman who appeared to be older than Kakashi and Guy, but she had black hair tied into a top-knot bun with a pair of long needles going through it. She had gold eyes and a fair skin complexion wearing a black cloak with a high collar trimmed with blue while on her forehead was an Amegakure headband.
"Who are you," Hayate asked.
"Please forgive my late arrival I am Team Lamperouge's jonin instructor," The woman spoke. "My name is Naomi."
But Lelouch's eyes narrowed as he recognized the woman despite her disguise which included dying her hair black and assuming a different name to hide her identity.
I see so they picked Konan to meet with me as my jonin instructor, Lelouch thought as he recognized
"Then you are just in time we were about to begin a match with one of your students, but could you please move to the balconies over there." Hayate asked.
"Sure…thank you very much and I apologize once again for being late," Konan or rather Naomi said before joining C.C. and Guren on the right side of the room. Once the floor was cleared Hayate turned to the two contenders before him.
"Alright then if you are both ready the eighth match begins now."
At Hayate's signal the match was underway Lee charged straight at Lelouch who merely stood there not even drawing his sword yet, but as Lee leapt up to unleash a Konoha Senpū. But to the shock of Lee not only did Lelouch easily block the high kick, but he also the low kick that came after the feint. He didn't only dodge it, but he grabbed Lee's leg and threw him to the ground before counterattacking with taijutsu of his own. Lee narrowly dodged the first punch, but a quick roundhouse kick from Lelouch knocked him off his feet.
As fierce exchange of blows took place, but no matter how many punches and kicks Lee threw at him Lelouch kept either evading or parrying them before sneaking in a counter blow. A single punch got pass and hit Lee in the face causing him to stagger backwards, but the young Konoha shinobi recovered quickly. Yet Lelouch was on him planning to deliver another kick, but this time it was aimed at Lee's head. Unfortunate he didn't have enough time to evade such a fast strike and Lee was sent flying to the left.
Naruto, Sasuke and even Neji were stunned. Granted Neji knew that Lee had no talent in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, but his taijutsu skills and the speed he could move at was nothing to laugh at. In fact the Hyuga knew that Lee was no doubt among the fastest genin known in Konoha despite his lack of other talents. Yet before him Lelouch was easily not only outmaneuvering Lee's attacks, but he was also moving at speeds that exceeded Lee's.
I knew Lee was fast, but that guy is scary fast. Naruto thought as his eyes were glued onto the fight.
"I have never seen anyone move so fast," Ino commented before Shikamaru pointed out.
"I think even Chōji would get dizzy from watching to watch these guys, but I really hope I don't have to fight him in the third exam."
"You sound as if you saw him in action Shikamaru," Asuma asked.
"We did actually during the second exam. We were going to go after him and his team, but someone else made a move on him first. All I can say is that I am glad we didn't try to attack him first."
"What happened," Asuma asked intrigued.
"I think two different teams tried to jump him; a total of four guys tried to get them yet the clothing on two of the four was very different. Regardless through Lelouch and his teammates took them down within two minutes. And that Lelouch guy I think his sword works like your trench knives because he cleaved through one of the guys like a knife through tin-foil."
"Is that so, but he hasn't even used his sword yet through. But the speeding he's moving at is well beyond what most genin are capable of."
"I know, but it isn't just that the guy has a number of water jutsu in his arsenal too. I think we might be seeing those soon."
"Water element jutsu," Asuma muttered impressed by Lelouch's skill yet, but at the same time he was worried.
If Shikamaru's analysis of Lelouch's fighting skills is right about the nature of his sword then he might be also a wind element user like that Sunagakure kunoichi…if that is the case then his skills are well beyond the genin level and are close to that of the jonin level.
Back on the battle Lee was getting nowhere he couldn't keep up with Lelouch's high-speed movements as he deflected or evaded every blow while getting behind him and landing a strike. Moving back Lelouch hurled some shurikens at the black-haired boy with a bowl-shaped haircut who responded by dodging them before hurling three of his own which Lelouch also dodged. Retreating Lee did a long back flip roll through the air until he landed upon the top of the fingers of the stone hands.
"Alright Lee take them off," Guy called out from the balcony.
"Huh, but Guy-sensei you said that would only be a last resort when the lives of very important people are at stake," Lee asked.
"That I did," Guy replied giving Lee the thumbs up gesture. "But this is an exception."
"Really," Lee said with a smile mirroring that as a kid who got free and unrestrained access to a candy store. Lee sat down removing his leg warmers revealing that on each of his legs above his feet were leg weights with the words guts written upon them.
"Why didn't you take those off before we started this match," Lelouch asked raising an eyebrow.
"Leg weights how old-fashioned," Shikamaru commented as no one was expecting that removing some weights would change the course of this battle.
"That's basic training equipment right," Temari commented out loud, but she didn't think it would make much of a difference.
Once they were off Lee stood up with each hand holding one set of weights.
"Ah that is so much better now I can move freely."
Lee released them as people weren't expecting that removing some old-fashion training equipment wouldn't make much of a difference. However when those weights hit the ground they hit the force as if something weighting a couple hundred pounds impacted the ground leaving large craters causing just about everyone in the room be shocked. Lelouch was much calmer about it, but even he was taken aback by the estimated weight those things might have been to have left such an impact. C.C. was probably among the calmest next to the Hokage and others who commented.
"Well that is certainly unexpected."
"Now go Lee!" Guy shouted.
"Yes sir!"
Lee leapt back into action, but this time he was moving faster than he was before. So much so that within a second he was behind Lelouch, but despite the dramatic increase in speed the black-haired Amegakure shinobi could match him much to the surprise of both Lee and Guy. Lelouch evaded the punch from behind and using Lee's own momentum against him he managed to throw Lee over his shoulder and send him flying towards the ground. However the green-suit wearing shinobi recovered and spun around trying to use the opportunity to deliver a kick, but Lelouch merely jumped back to avoid.
But his foe wasn't willing to allow Lelouch time to recover and the hand-to-hand combat between them was fierce as Lelouch skillfully evaded all of Lee's strikes before delivering a counterblow which was either a punch to the face or a kick to the stomach. Lee threw another punch, but after it missed Lelouch grabbed him and threw him over his shoulder before driving his fist into his stomach. On his back Lee spun his legs around trying to land a hit, but it forced Lelouch back giving Lee a moment to recover.
Even with a dramatic increase in speed Lee still failed to land a below on him, but after a time the two foes broke away from one another.
"This is more like it…anything less than this wouldn't be a proper challenge," Lelouch commented with a smile.
"Then let's fight with our all," Lee said with a smile.
"Yes…I Lelouch Lamperouge shall respond in kind," Lelouch said as he stood ready to draw his sword, but Lee made the first move going straight for Lelouch head on, but quickly weaving signs the Amegakure shinobi unleashed a jutsu Shikamaru saw before. Lelouch finished his hand seals before Lee could finish closing the distance, but as his hands went to his shinobi pouch on his back waist to reach for something he released the water from his mouth for a Suiton: Suijinheki (Water Release: Water Formation Wall).
The handsome devil of Konoha dodged the water just barely, but before he could get behind him Lelouch dropped a smoke bomb blanketing a good portion of the arena floor with a thick cloud of smoke. Lee went in trying to get him, but unknown to him Lelouch had leapt out of the cloud forming hand seals for Suiton: Suigadan (Water Release: Water Fang Bullet). Lee realized the danger and immediately tried to dodge it. He wasn't hit, but the cuts on his green jumpsuit just showed how close that attack had been to hitting him.
I see the water wall was merely a feint, but the second water jutsu that came following the smoke bombs was the real attack. Kakashi thought calmly observing the fight while he was impressed that Lelouch was capable of such Ninjutsu. Not only was his hand-sign weaving speed faster than most in his age group, but his execution and timing it with his other moves was a sign of the high level of skill he possessed.
The two fighters were seemingly at a stalemate, but Lee kept trying and went for Lelouch again. However this time he drew his kunai and went for him, but Lelouch drew his sword using the side of the blade to deflect it. Yet it didn't end there as Lelouch tried to kick Lee who backed away meeting his kick with his own.
Backing away Lee considered his options as Lelouch readied to finally draw his sword.
He's good, but my speed won't be enough to win against him. He came too close with that water jutsu he used. If this goes on he may defeat me, but I must use that technique.
Looking to his sensei he saw Guy nod in approval bringing a smile to Lee's face. In response he undid some of the bandages wrapped around his arms in preparation for his next move as he held his arms up looking at Lelouch intently.
"Get ready," Lee said before rushing at Lelouch again, but this time he began running around in a circle with his foe in the middle.
"What are you planning," Lelouch asked.
"This," Lee replied before moving in trying to deliver a kick to Lelouch's face, but he blocked it with his sword. However Lee began to deliver a series of kick to compensate and to keep his enemy from weaving hand signs let alone attempt to escape as he literally kept kicking Lelouch higher into the air. Lee had tried to use Kage Buyō (Shadow of the Dancing Leaf) to send Lelouch into the air and then follow behind him to properly restrain him, however having blocked the initial kick Lee was forced to compensate and proceed with kicking Lelouch into the air.
Yet there was concern from those watching him, especially from Guy.
Even an ordinary Omote Renge (Front Lotus) puts an enormous strain on the body. Lee you got to end this right now.
As bandages wrapped themselves around Lelouch restraining him Lee and the captive shinobi began spinning as the bushy-eyebrow kid called out. "Omote Renge (Front Lotus)!"
Spinning into the ground head first Lee delivered a devastating attack that left a deep crater in the ground destroying a good section of the floor around the impact zone. Lee landed near a still Lelouch who laid there trembling with eyes open, although it seemed the fight was over.
"This isn't over," Lelouch said as he began smiling for an odd reason.
"LEE LOOK OUT," Guy called as out six shurikens came flying at Lee, but their speed had been increased by someone using Fūton: Reppūshō (Wind Release: Gale Palm) to increase their speed. Four of the six missed their mark, but it was just barely however one of them got Lee across his left shoulder while the other cut his right cheek.
Looking to where they came from Lee saw Lelouch standing there which caused his eyes to widen in shock.
"But…how…you're," Lee said unable to hide his surprise, but as he looked to the Lelouch on the ground he was still smiling before his eyes went blank and a crow climbed out of his mouth. "What the," The bushy-brow shinobi began, but he stopped mid-sentence as he watched more crows erupt from Lelouch's body until nothing was left but crows that flew away.
"That was a Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu (Crow Clone Technique)," Kakashi said surprised by seeing it being used by a genin.
"How does a kid like that know it," Guy asked. "Wait when did he even perform it?"
"It must have been during that moment when he vanished into that smoke cloud he must have created it then and had it perform the second water jutsu as the real one slipped away while our focus was on the Lelouch we saw emerge from the cloud first." Kakashi explained.
"So he can make clones like me, but how come they were made of crows," Naruto inquired.
"Not exactly…using the crows as a medium a user can apply his own charka to a dozen crows to use them to create a clone of themselves similar to the Bunshin no Jutsu, but since the crows are being used as a medium the charka needed to make one is much less and you don't need to divide your charka."
"Ok, but it was still kinda gross how they came out of him."
Lee was stunned that his foe had pulled such a trick, but Lelouch was fresh and ready for more however Lee was already feeling the effects of his last attack. His whole body was in pain as his muscles were on fire from the strain his last attack had put on them, so he could barely move as a result.
He's checking Lee out, but he likely wants to avoid using the full scope of his abilities before the third exam. That clone must have been meant as a means to wear Lee down and to take the blow for any surprises he might have had. Temari thought who was impressed by Lelouch's performance. He was tactically planning and considering his next moves while the clone fought Lee to better gauge his fighting skills to determine the best course of winning the battle. There no doubt he's someone you don't want to underestimate.
Temari's sensei Baki a jonin from Sunagakure was also watching. He wore the standard flak jacket and uniform of his village, but he had bandages wrapped around his neck while he wore a white cloth cap with one side of his face covered while the other side displayed some facial paint he had.
I see why Temari wanted to keep an eye on that one…to use water and wind like that and pulling off a trick like that all at the same time. He's definitely well beyond the genin level.
Meanwhile Sasuke had gone completely pale at the sight of the crows before his anger inside of him began to grow.
I have seen a similar technique like that before, Sasuke thought remembering his brother Itachi.
Back on the battlefield Lelouch moved in intending to finish the match, but this time he drew his sword ready to use it. Lee hurled more shurikens at his foe, but this time Lelouch sliced through them with his blade cutting the thrown weapons in half. Lee felt like he was being backed into a corner as Lelouch seemed unstoppable, but with his body in terrible pain with little strength to dodge Lee had very few options open to him.
I never thought he was this strong, but my body is already taking a toll...I may have no choice, because I have to win no matter what.
"You put up an excellent fight Lee, but you seem to be out of opinions. Withdraw and get some medical help before you damage your body beyond repair," Lelouch cautioned.
"Thank you for your concern, but I have something I cannot back down from so I must do this," Lee said brining up his arms as Lelouch recognized it as the same stance he took before running around him to use Omote Renge. However Lelouch didn't realize that Lee had something completely different in mind, although Guy knew what it was much to Kakashi's worry.
"Man Bushy-Brows is in trouble, but his body is moving so slowly now."
"It's because he can't." Guy replied.
"Why not, he's going to get creamed if he doesn't move it." Naruto snapped.
"He can't because the Omote Renge is what you could call a double-edged sword."
"What does that mean," The blonde-haired shinobi asked.
"You know the Omote Renge is a forbidden technique. Why do you think that is?" Kakashi asked, but there was no chance of Naruto answering it. "The Omote Renge isn't Ninjutsu or genjutsu. Its taijutsu requiring extreme physical effort with the strain it puts on the body being unimaginable, but no one can maintain it for long. Right now Lee is in so much pain he can barely move."
"Oh man that's crazy his body is already a wreck…then how is he going to win?" Naruto asked as Sasuke knew Lee's chances of winning now were all but zero.
Lelouch readied another attack, but this time he rushed in intending to strike Lee down with his sword. However at the last moment the young man who had been barely able to move moments ago suddenly regained his speed and evaded. Lelouch was surprised as was Naruto and Sasuke who thought Lee's body was spent.
"Huh how is he moving like that again…I thought he was in pain or something?"
"Yes, but now watch Lee as he turns this around and finally proves that he can be a splendid shinobi with only taijutsu," Guy said confident in Lee's success, but Kakashi came to a worrying realization.
"But…no…don't tell me you taught him that jutsu," Kakashi said upon realizing that his old rival had taught his student a forbidden jutsu worse than the Omote Renge.
"Yes I did…"
"So that genin…that BOY…can open the eight inner gates and use the Ura Renge (Reverse Lotus)," Kakashi said while Neji was curious about the technique.
"That is correct," Guy replied angering Kakashi.
"Well of all of the idiotic," Kakashi began before barely managing to restrain himself. "Ok how many of the inner gates can Lee open?"
"Five gates," Guy answered.
"Uh what gates?" Naruto asked.
"The eight gates are eight specific points on a person's Chakra Pathway System. They limit the overall flow of chakra within a person's body…think of them like limiters in the body that must be opened to release the necessary power to use Omote Renge and Ura Renge." Guy answered, but noticing Sasuke wasn't getting it Kakashi began to explain further while he unveiled his sharingan eye to examine Lee more closely.
"The eight specific points on the body are located along the charka pathway system of the body where the charka is most concentrated. Starting at the head they are the Gate of Opening, the Gate of Rest, the Gate of Life, of Pain, of Closing, of Joy, of Shock and the Gate of Death." Kakashi explained before adding. "Those are what they are called the eight inner gates…their purpose is to limit the flow of charka through the body. However the Ura Renge exerts enormous pressure on these points eventually forcing the gates open. The result is that with the limiters on the charka released a person's strength ten-fold or more."
"The Omote Renge only opens the first gate the Gate of Opening, which releases all of the body's restraints on the muscles freeing a person to bring forth a person's strength to its full extent. You have seen the results." Guy added to the explanation.
"And the Ura Renge?" Sasuke asked.
"At the Gate of Rest one's strength is increased further and at the third gate the Gate of Life one can use the Ura Renge then."
"But he barely recovered from using the Omote Renge," Sasuke pointed out considering what the results of what might happen to Lee might be.
"Exactly," Kakashi said confirming what Sasuke knew was going to happen. "By opening all eight gates you could obtain power beyond even the previous Hokages put together, but the only drawback is you die. I don't know what this boy means to you Guy, but I shouldn't have to tell you that we never bring our personal feelings into play. I wouldn't have thought you were capable of this."
"You have no right," Guy said glaring at his rival. "You know nothing about him…NOTHING AT ALL. That boy has something important to prove and he is determined to prove it even at the cost of his life." Guy remembered the first day he met Lee and how much weaker he was back then, but his determination and his drive to improve himself was astonishing to watch. Although he had no talent for taijutsu and genjutsu all he had was worse than average taijutsu. However with Guy's help Lee was set on the path to become the world's first taijutsu specialist. "And I am determined to help him on his path…not for his sake, because that goal is worth reaching."
"I don't know what you are trying to pull, but I am ending this fight now," Lelouch said, but Lee fired back.
"You're right…it's time to end it."
Gate of Life open, Lee thought as he opened the third gate which in turn caused his skin turn red, his eyes white and veins to begin bulging around his forehead as a surge of power was emitting around him as his sweat was even evaporating from the sudden rise in body heat his body was putting out. Lee was about to unleash the one technique his sensei taught him to use only to maintain and protect his own shinobi way.
Shit this could be trouble, Lelouch thought realizing the dangers of his situation as readied his sword uncertain if he could approach Lee or not in his current state or was it even safe to do so. However a smirk appeared on his face as Lee launched into the air seemingly vanishing before finally landing a powerful kick to the chin that sent Lelouch high into the air. It wasn't long before Lee was on him delivering blow after blow literally knocking him around in the air.
It was almost impossible for those watching to keep track of it save for Kakashi who was using his sharingan eye to follow Lee, but he knew there was no way Lelouch would be getting up after such a brutal assault. Surviving it was a completely different story on the other hand which could mean they could have their first fatality. However Kakashi noticed something else as Lee was in obvious pain and even more.
He is tearing his own muscles apart.
Then grabbing Lelouch the green suited shinobi went in for the final blow and delivered a bone breaking kick and punch to Lelouch with such force he was sent crashing into the ground destroying more of the arena floor in the progress.
There was no way anyone could have survived that, but Lee was literally on his last legs as he was unable to stand.
"I guess he won, but what happened to Lelouch?" Naruto asked.
"There is no way anyone could have survived that," Kakashi said, but before Hayate could call the match Lee was suddenly hit by quick blow to the side of the torso knocking him across the ground stunning Hayate and everyone else.
"No…way," Guy began as he was at a complete loss for words as Lelouch stood alive and well by a fallen Lee who the young man couldn't even believe that Lelouch had escaped unharmed.
"But how did he survive that punishment Lee gave him?" Naruto asked looking back at the crater Lee had made with Lelouch, but soon everyone saw the truth as the Lelouch in the center of the crater broke up into a dozen of black crows.
"It wasn't even the real him," Kakashi said out-loud realizing the Lelouch Lee had been fighting was just another Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu. He might have created another one while we all watching the first one and then hid himself.
"I am surprised someone as young as you was taught the Omote Renge, but using two dangerous taijutsu techniques in succession like that was a bad idea. Now you can't fight back and since I had overheard word that you were solely skilled in taijutsu and nothing else I thought it might have been a good idea for me to use my two Karasu Bunshin clones to wear you down so I can avoid displaying the full depths of my abilities before the third stage of the exam." Lelouch calmly explained having been listening as Kabuto told Sasuke about Rock Lee.
"That bastard," Sasuke began seething in anger. "He must have been eavesdropping on us before the chunin exam began."
"Huh what are you talking about?" Guy asked.
"Before the first stage of the exam a few others and I were talking to a guy named Kabuto who had information on a lot of the genin taking part in the exam. I asked him about Lee and he told me all of his data revealed that he developed solely his taijutsu skills." Sasuke answered.
"I see, so knowing that Lee would use only taijutsu he sent out clones to battle Lee and to wear him down, but also I think he was using them to gauge Lee's abilities." Kakashi said, but he knew the fight was over now.
If I hadn't used that second clone to act as a decoy that last attack could have killed me. I could have used that to escape, but…no that is just as much of a death sentence if I use it. Lelouch thought while mentally breathing a sigh of relief at having acting cautiously and trusted his instincts this time. When Lee tried to move Lelouch rushed in and stuck Lee along the side of the head with the blunt side of his head knocking him out after the blow sent him flying a few feet across the ground.
Hayate approached Lee, but when he showed no signs of movement even though he was alive at least.
"Rock Lee is no longer able to battle so the winner is Lelouch Lamperouge."
As he made his way up the steps Lelouch felt his body wanting to drop to the ground for a moment, although he recovered quickly C.C. noticed it and took note of the young man's general shape.
Creating those clones really took their toll on him, but if he didn't there was a high chance that Lee could have killed him.
Despite his attempt to keep up the tough guy act Lelouch was having trouble hiding his exhaustion from having produced three Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu in conjunction with the other jutsu he used. C.C. noticed this as well as Kakashi. However the green-haired woman had another issue she just noticed realizing that someone had eaten some of her ramen, but she knew who the culprit was.
"You," C.C. giving Naruto a glare before her voice dropped to a low and dangerous tone, "You ate my ramen didn't you?"
"Huh what are you talking about lady?"
"I saw you take one of my extra bowls and eat it while I was watching Lelouch," C.C. replied glaring at Naruto with daggers in her eyes before focusing on the noodle on his cheek. "I see the evidence on your face."
Before things could escalate any further Lelouch put a stop to it.
"C.C. leave the boy alone and if this helps go buy yourself a lot of ramen," Lelouch said offering C.C. one thousand ryo in the hopes of placating the green-haired woman.
To his relief the bribe worked.
"You there," Sasuke demanded to Lelouch. "The Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu where…no who did you learn it from?"
"I learned it from the Crow Witch as few have," Lelouch answered, but Sasuke wasn't entirely convinced.
"The crow witch," Sasuke inquired.
"There is a woman…well I don't think calling her human is appropriate, but the fact is no one is sure what the crow witch really is. She is a sage of the crows who lives with the crows that live in the ancient stump of the giant tree called Nordrassil. Those who are brave enough to risk the treacherous climb to where the crows reside and can prove themselves are allowed to make a contract with the crows and taught some of their jutsu like the Karasu Bunshin no Jutsu." Kakashi explained before adding. "However that is if you can survive the traps and illusions on the way up. The Crow Witch is notorious as a trickster."
"That seems unfair," Naruto commented.
"Well it's the reason why not too many have succeeded in reaching the top."
Suddenly after a brief cleanup of the ring below the second to final match was about to be announced and the one who didn't get picked in the upcoming two fights would get a free pass to the final round. A few moments later the results were placed upon the board surprising a few people.
Gaara vs. Guren
Guren's eyes went wide as she wasn't expecting to face Gaara, but this was a very bad situation for her. It wasn't only that Gaara was infamous for killing anyone he encounters in a battle, but her Kekkei Genkai she possessed was something that would have Root and possible other parties after her. Gaara had made his way down to the arena floor eager to fight, but Guren did not make her way down.
"Are coming down?" Hayate asked.
"Regretfully I must withdraw and forfeit I cannot win against him."
Hayate was surprised for a moment before asking again.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I withdraw."
"Very well the winner is Gaara," Hayate announced but Gaara was displeased with the idea he didn't have a chance to spill blood.
"She made a wise decision," Shino muttered quietly.
"Well that was fast, but then who is going to be next?" Naruto asked as the board was selecting what would be the final pair for the tenth match.
Sasuke Uchiha vs. Ino Yamanaka
"Well that is disappointing," C.C. commented with a pout sad she didn't get picked, but it meant she would get a free pass to the final rounds.
"Would the participants for the final round please come down," Hayate asked while Sasuke without a word made his way down while Ino was understandably a little nervous about it.
Sasuke on the other hand wasn't concerned about the upcoming fight with Ino, but was more interested in fighting Lelouch, although he would gladly accept a match with Gaara or Naruto it was the black haired young man who had the young Uchiha's undivided attention right now as something about his style of fighting and his use of crows was familiar to him. Even though there was no concrete evidence to prove he had somehow learned his jutsu from Itachi Uchiha despite it seeming unlikely, but yet Sasuke just couldn't shake the feeling.
After arriving on the damaged arena floor below Sasuke was brought out of his thoughts by Hayate announcing.
"Alright then if you are both ready the tenth and final match begins now."
"Hey Sasuke," Ino began just as Hayate gave the ok for the match to begin, but quicker than she could finish that sentence Sasuke hurled a trio of shurikens at the blonde-haired girl who quickly had to dodge. Sasuke was intent on finishing this match quickly because of his current condition and he didn't want it to drag on to risk problems with the curse mark on his neck.
The black-haired Uchiha rushed head on at his foe intent on taking Ino out, but the Yamanaka girl hurled a kunai knife in response knowing that Sasuke wasn't interested in talking and was focused on winning while she was feeling conflicted at the idea of fighting someone she has a crush on. Sasuke on the other hand-held no such feelings and was more interested in winning the match.
Sasuke deflected the kunai with his own before hurling it forcing Ino to block it with her own, but Sasuke closed the distance quickly and to the surprise of Guy the black-haired Uchiha used Kage Buyō (Shadow of the Dancing Leaf). His version was slower than Lee's due to the difference speed, but the results were the same.
"Ok I might have copied that, but it's all original from here on out."
"Uh what," Ino said as she was just recovering from the kick.
Sasuke spun around to deliver a kick, but Ino blocked it yet Sasuke used it to further his own attacks as he delivered another kick followed by another until Ino impacted into the ground below knocking the wind out of her winning the match.
"Shishi Rendan (Lion Combo)!"
After Sasuke stood up waiting for Hayate to call the match he cast a glare at Lelouch silently challenging the young man.
"The winner is Sasuke Uchiha," Hayate announced ending the preliminary matches. Ino wasn't moving, although she was alive but the impact from Sasuke's Shishi Rendan must have been quite the blow. Moments later two members of the medical corps entered the room and carried Ino away on a stretcher. "Now that the matches are over would the winners please come down to the arena floor…the Hokage would like to address all of you."
Despite feeling exhausted Lelouch willed his body and soon joined Naruto, Neji, Temari, Gaara, Kankurō, Sasuke, C.C., Dosu, Shikamaru and Shino.
"Before turning it over to Hokage-sama I would like to congratulate all of you for advancing to the third and final stage of the Chunin Exam."
The Hokage came down from there he had been observing the match and was impressed by the lineup of shinobi before him. There were five from Konoha, one from Otogakure, three from Sunagakure and two from Amegakure equaling to a total of eleven shinobi for the final stage of the exam.
"I will begin the explanation of the final stage of the exams, but before we do could pull a slip of paper from the box Anko is passing around to each of you.
"Don't move I'll come to you…just take one."
Lelouch saw Anko bring a box before each of the shinobi before coming to him upon which he drew the number three after unfolding the slip of paper he drew.
"Now from right to left tell me the number on your slip of paper," Ibiki asked.
"I got three," Lelouch said before his green-haired teammate answered.
"Nine…"
"Seven," Shikamaru replied.
"Two," Neji answered followed by Temari.
"Eight…"
"Five," The puppet master said before Shino said.
"Six…"
"Four," Sasuke answered before it came to Gaara's turn.
"Ten…"
"One," Naruto said before last and not least Dosu.
"Eleven…"
"Very well now I'll explain how the third and final exam will be conducted, Ibiki you can show them the order in which they will be facing one another." The Hokage said as the Ibiki finished writing down a few names before displaying a tournament style line up with the names of those who drew their associated number right below them. The fights would be Naruto against Neji and then the second match would be Lelouch against Sasuke followed by Kankurō and Shino, Temari and Shikamaru, Gaara and C.C. and finally Dosu would fight an extra round against Gaara or C.C. depending on who wins.
Me and Lelouch huh…that is just perfect, Sasuke thought with a smirk as Naruto was equally pleased with the selection of his opponent.
"Now that the line-ups for the final exam has been decided we will wrap this up because in one month's time you will face one another in the final exam. We'll need time to send out the summons and invitations to those who wish to observe the final exam as well as sending word to the other nations that the preliminaries are completed. I advise you use this time to prepare and train yourselves since those you will be facing have seen you fight so your usual tricks will not work."
"Can I ask one question?" Shikamaru inquired.
"You may?"
"So with this tournament set up I assume that only one of us will become chunin?"
"Actually it's quite the contrary any of you could become chunin. There will be a panel of judges consisting of myself, the Kazekage, and the other shinobi leaders and lords who will be examining your battles to determine if you are qualified to become chunin. Winning your match gives you more opportunities to display your talents to the judges so it's possible all of you could become chunin. Of course it is possible that none of you can become chunin. Now let us adjourn for now and meet again in one month."
After the Hokage had ended the last meeting until the final stage of the exams Sasuke felt a sharp pain coming from his curse mark. Kakashi approached him and quietly told him.
"Come on let's take care of that."
"Hey Kakashi-sensei," Naruto called out, but his sensei knew what Naruto had wanted to ask.
"I know what it is you want to ask Naruto but we'll talk later on it I need to get Sasuke to the medical center." Kakashi said before taking Sasuke and vanishing much to the irritation of the blonde-haired shinobi. Although Naruto didn't know it, but the truth of the matter was that Sasuke was being taken somewhere Kakashi had prepared to seal away the curse mark Orochimaru had branded him with during their encounter in the forest.
Orochimaru who had remained to observe everything from start to finish quietly observed the chosen genin for the final rounds leaving the room. He knew what Kakashi was intending and would pay him a visit, but now his current focus was on Lelouch as he was delighted by the choice of combatants especially in regards to Sasuke.
I couldn't have asked for a better line-up for the finales, but this Lelouch…Sasuke thinks there is something suspicious about him and the jutsu he employed. Not only that his reaction to Guy's clone movements seemed above what should be expected of some shinobi…no it was like he could see the attacks coming and evaded them before they were made.
Orochimaru was suspicious, but first he would attend to the matter regarding Sasuke and Kakashi first and then he would meet with Kabuto to discuss the matter of the Uchiha boy and Lelouch. As much as he wanted the fight between them to happen there was still no doubt many questions revolving around Lelouch the Sannin wanted answered.
And I know just who to send to get those answers.
A/N: Well the chapter is done and Lee lost, but at least this time he isn't crippled which is hopefully a plus. Yet it will be a long time before he recovers. I am a little disappointed in the length of this chapter and I tried to stretch it out a bit. But here are the line ups for the upcoming third exam matches.
Naruto vs. Neji
Lelouch vs. Sasuke
Kankurō vs. Shino
Shikamaru vs. Temari
Gaara vs. C.C.
Dosu…no one right now.
But there is at least a month between now and the final exams and as they pass things are going to change and as warning there will be chapter deaths, but I will only kill those whose deaths will benefit the story. Just as I will only consider the mini-harem option if only it benefits the story, but I would be just comfortable with just one on one pairings. However I am going to not prioritize pairings at this point and wait until late for a decision and I'll see who is compatible with who depending on how much events change. I am trying to avoid overpowering Lelouch or any of the other characters, but it has been no easy task.
Temari won the poll, but I'll leave Tayuya as a possibility/back-up pairing if plans for Temari and Lelouch don't work out. I can't decide on which of them would be the best pairing at this stage.
Any way I look forward to your reviews and input.
