Author: *points a finger at Shikamaru* I BLAME YOU!

Shikamaru: *sleeping*

Author: *shrugs* Oh well, it was worth a try...*turns to audience* Since my helper is unavilable *glares at sleeping nin* I'll just do the disclaimer. I don't own Naruto...sorry.

Shikamaru: *mumbles sleepily* Thank Kami sama for that...


Chapter 9

I swaggered up to the group. Everyone there conveyed their congratulations, in their own manner.

"NICE ONE, KIOKO CHAN!" Naruto crushed my ribs. I winced and gasped for air as soon as he released me.

"BAKA!" Sakura smashed her fist into his skull. She turned to me as soon as the blonde hit the floor, moaning in pain. "But, good job."

"Thanks" I smiled.

"Damn it, my turn" Kaida scowled and shuffled towards the stairs. I poked my tongue out at her.

"Hope you get your butt handed to you."

"Thanks" she replied, rolling her eyes.

"No problem." My eyes fell on the computer screen, taking note of her opponent's name-Sato Shigeru. I looked at the guy, himself, and almost face faulted.

A thin, weedy looking boy trotted down the stone steps. His lanky frame looked like it could crumble if a breeze blew past. After having been around people like Kakashi, I could tell that this guy had no muscles-what so ever. He was all skin and bones!

"Looks like a complete push over" I muttered under my breath. "How come she gets the easy guys, while I have to deal with the battering rams?"

"Huh?" Naruto had recovered from his little lesson with Sakura. "Didja say something, dattebayo?"

"Nah" I shrugged, sitting cross-legged on the floor. I peered through the vertical bars.

"Fighters, ready?" Honestly, I was surprised that Hayate hadn't hacked up a lung yet. The guy's probably coughed more during the last couple of hours than me and my five pals have during our entire lives!

"Go!"

Instantly Kaida pulled out her short sword. Until now, I hadn't paid too much attention to her weapons. But now, I was interested to see what she'd got since we got to this dimension.

"You're going down" my girlfriend told the entire stadium.

"Ah yes!" I nodded my head sagely, turning the Konoha nine's Jounin teachers' heads in my direction. "The typical line of the person who, eventually, gets a good kick up his – or her – backside."

"I can hear you" Kaida yelled at me, not turning to look.

"I know" I shot back.

"When I'm done here, you better start sleeping with an eye open!"

I hesitated. Even from our first meeting, I knew that Kaida would do as good as her word.

"Ah, shit…" I mumbled, knowing that now I would, probably, have to start sleeping surrounded by a huge number of blades. "Whatever!" I shouted at her back.

"Oh, shut up!"

I let out an involuntary snort of laughter at the high pitched voice coming straight out of Sato Shigeru's mouth.

"God, you sound like a girl" Kaida said, pure wonderment in her tone and face.

"Hear, hear" I sniggered.

"Wait! That was him?" Naruto had a very confused expression. On his other side, Sakura had tears running down her face, and Ino was clutching the pinkette in an attempt to remain on her feet – although she was obviously in pain, judging by the hand gripping her stomach.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH" the two kunoichi roared in unison.

"And people say I have a feminine side" I heard Neji say, sighing to cover his soft comment.


"LEFT! LEFT" I jumped on the spot and waved my arms in the air.

"I KNOW!" Kaida bellowed back at me…before dodging to her right.

"YOUR OTHER LEFT, DUMBASS!"

Sato crouched, swinging out his arm in a wide arc in a single move. Five kunais glinted in the artificial lights that bathed the arena in a white glow. The blades moved in a straight line. I had to admire the way the guy thought out his moves. He even had Shikamaru muttering to himself, really absorbed in the match.

The semi circle made by the thrown weapons meant that Kaida was left with two options; dodge the five and risk getting few others stuck in her back while she maneuvered around the initial kunais, or take the five kunais.

"He's really thinking his way through things, isn't he?" Sakura flinched in sympathy as my long time friend suppressed a yell of pain. More blood spurted from the new wounds in her body.

"At this rate, she's gonna empty the blood bank" I muttered to Kakashi. The silver haired Jounin replied with a quick nod.

"He's not letting your pal stop long enough to assess the situation" Shikamaru yawned unconvincingly. I whapped the back of his head. "Ow…troublesome woman" he scowled, head drooping.

"Why didn't she dodge those kunais, dattebayo?" Naruto maintained his white-skinned grip on the metal railings in front of him. I grimaced and shrugged.

"There would be no point. It was either take those, or risk getting others in a more fatal point on the body while she dodged those."

Naruto shook his head, whether from confusion or realization, I don't know. But the deep blue eyes narrowed in concentration as they swung back to the fight below.

"She needs to finish this soon" Choji scattered chip crumbles all over the place as he chewed and talked at the same time. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ino scrunch up her face in disgust and edge away from the Akimichi.

"I know that, you know that…" I turned my attention back to my best bud "…dunno if she knows it."

"ARGH!" the scream made me jerk in surprise. Never in all the time I've known Kaida had she looked so pissed off. Ruby red lines streamed down her clothes and bare skin, while crimson droplets flew in the air as she moved. Pain was clear in every one of her movements; agony poured out of her hurt body.

"Still going" Sato smirked, his highly pitched voice invoking a sudden rage in me. "I must say, I'm impressed."

"Well, be impressed with this, girly boy" Kaida snarled, lunging towards him. A wave of ninjutsu and blades hit her, but did nothing to stop her advance. I held my breath as she dodged a final attack, before launching her own assaults on her opponent.

Gone was the pain and rage. This was a new Kaida; calm, collected, focused…and deadly. Arms rose and fell, as her blades danced through the air, landing precisely where she intended. Sato looked to be barely managing to block her attacks, buckling under the heavy strokes.

"She's snapped" I whispered, awed. "I-I've never seen her like this…ever…"

"Wouldn't want to be fighting her" Choji shook slightly, too engrossed in his fear to continue eating.

"Ditto" Naruto muttered, shocked.

The barrage of blows kept falling. Finally, with a ringing clash, one of Kaida's blades fell, straight towards Sato's exposed throat. With a show of incredible strength, she stopped the blade, millimeters from the tender flesh.

"Yield."

Sounds very medieval, I was suddenly caught with the urge to giggle.

"No fricking way" Sato growled. He lunged around the blade, a hidden kunai sliding down his sleeve.

"WATCH OU–" the warning had barely fell out of my mouth when both fighters froze again, pressed up against each other. Then, as though in slow motion, they both crumpled, holding their bloodied blades. The thump of the two bodies hitting the floor echoed throughout the silenced room; every eye was fixated on the sight of the steadily growing scarlet pool around the two on the floor.

"Oh my god" I whispered. "K-kaida chan…"

"MEDICS!"

I barely heard Temari's and Kankuro's frantic, but synchronized, shout. I didn't even feel my own body move of its own accord, fingers wrapping around the railing, hands and arms propelling me forwards, while my legs thrust me into the air. I didn't feel the impact of landing on the stone floor; I didn't feel my legs moving quickly, transporting the rest of my body to my gravely injured friend. I didn't feel my knees hitting the floor, as I fell next to her, hands trying to staunch the freely flowing blood – the red river that was now needed to keep Kaida alive.

I didn't hear the reassurances the medic captain mutter to me as he gently pried my hand away from my long time friend. I didn't hear Kankuro's quiet curses, and Temari's worried questions. I didn't feel Naruto hold me around my shoulders, supporting me, while Sakura clutched my elbow and hand, taking me to my feet. I didn't feel the presence of Kakashi's clone which shadowed me as I stood watching my blood stained friend get carried away on a litter.

All I could hear was my own chant…the one I kept repeating in my head and with my mouth:

"Please…please…"


I could feel Sakura's concerned glance, but I kept looking forward, pretending to be interested in the necklace hanging in the shop's display window. The stone was eye catching, jet black with small veins of dark blue and deep red coursing through it. The flat parts of the stone reflected the sun, appearing like white spots on the inky background.

"So…how's your training going?" the pinkette assumed a casual tone. I blinked and looked at my companion. It was obvious that she was trying to make conversation.

"Good" I shrugged. "I got Ryuu to show me some neat techniques the other day."

"Really? Like what?"

"Water walking."

"Water walking?" there was a tone of genuine curiosity. "How's that done?"

"It's basically like tree climbing, but on water. The only difference is that 'cause water's constantly moving under you, you gotta be able to fluctuate the chakra under your soles, so that it creates enough 'resistance'" I frowned, trying to remember if that was how my trainer had explained it to me. I didn't get it when I read the manga…

Pink eyebrows scrunched together. "I think I get it" Sakura nodded thoughtfully.

"So," I sighed and stretched my arms in the air. We both began to walk towards the setting sun. "How's Naruto and Sasuke?"

The concentrated look was immediately erased. "Naruto's being…well, Naruto" she grinned with a certain fondness. "He's found a teacher, one of the legendary Sanins – Jiraya" she glanced at me sideways to see my reaction to the name.

"You mean the pervert?" I laughed.

"That's the one" Sakura giggled. "Apparently they met while Jiraya sama was peeking into the women's bath house."

"No surprises there" I shook my head in exasperation. "And Sasuke?"

The amusement and smile fell from the Cherry Blossom's face. The emerald eyes lost their cheerful spark and the mouth turned down at the corners. "Sasuke kun's been acting…strange…" she whispered uncertainly.

"How so?" I maintained my casual tone, although inside I was clenching with worry. Is the curse mark starting to affect him sooner that I thought? Shit, and I still don't know what to do about the fight at the rooftop that's about to take place.

"He's gotten all gloomy and…withdrawn so much…"

"Does he say anything about shaping up for the exam?"

Sakura shook her head. "No. I only know that Kakashi sensei's looking after Sasuke kun's training."

I nodded my head. "Oh, ok."

We walked in silence till we reached my apartment. I smiled and turned to the down trodden kunoichi.

"Hey, Sakura" I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Listen, don't worry about those two. If you need to worry about someone, think about me!" I widened my eyes in mock terror. "I'm about to go up against Shino."

Sakura laughed at my shudder. "That is sorta daunting, isn't it?" she teased.

I pouted and gave her a light shove. "Thanks" I made a face. "But seriously, don't worry about Naruto and Sasuke. Knowing them, they'll think up of some scatterbrained idea and end up saving us…even if they don't realize it" I added the last bit as an afterthought.

The pinkette heaved a sigh. The tension in her shoulders relaxed, and there was a genuine smile on her face. "Thanks for that Kioko chan" she gave me a soft hug.

"No problem" I winked. "Hey! I know!" I smacked my forehead with a palm. "Why don't you go do some medic training?"

"What? Me?" honeydew orbs widened.

I nodded emphatically. "Why not? You have great chakra control!" Might as well start her training a bit earlier…seeing as how this timeline's gonna be messed up a bit.

"Hmm…" Sakura chewed her bottom lip as she mulled over the suggestion.

"Think about it" I gently propelled her down the street.

"Okay" she agreed, turning to walk away. "Oh, and…" she turned around "…good luck, Kioko chan. I know you'll kick butt."

"Thanks for having such faith in me" I laughed and rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. Now all I gotta do is have that faith in myself, get all my friends together, stop Orochimaru and make Madara see sense and stop him from genjutsuing this universe into blissful oblivion…wonderful!


Aohai Ryuu is one hell of a trainer. And by that, I meant he gives you hell every god damned training session. Seriously, it's a wonder I'm still alive, I thought glaring at the said man.

We were in training ground thirteen (call me superstitious, but I was kinda worried about being here), working on a few of my ninjutsus. Having started a lot later than everyone else, I was at a very big disadvantage. Not that winning the fight was the primary objective in my mind.

"Attack me" Ryuu wasn't ruffled in the slightest, while I was gasping for breath.

"Oh c'mon" I whined undertone.

"I heard that" those midnight blue eyes didn't flicker. "Now see if you can hit me."

I sighed impatiently. "Can't I take a break? Please? We've been at this for four hours straight!"

"No" Ryuu crossed his arms and shot me an exasperated smile. "Kioko, if you want to even have the remote possibility of beating the Aburame, you need to train your absolute hardest."

"Shino isn't even my main concern" I muttered, eyes downcast.

"What?"

I rubbed a hand across my face. "Nothing, nothing" I sighed. "Okay, here I come."


"Good job today" Ryuu ruffled my hair wearing a proud look. I smiled up at him, finding it impossible to believe that the same guy was the devil in disguise when it came to training.

"Thanks…for not breaking me, that is."

"Oh, don't worry," he replied dryly "I'll do that soon enough."

"Make me get grey hair already, why don't you?" I growled, punching his arm. Ryuu gave a laugh.

"Heh…"

"KIOKO CHAN!"

"Uh oh" I mumbled, dodging neatly to Ryuu's other side, just as a figure hurtled through the space I'd occupied moments earlier, landing in a very loud face-plant.

"Ooooowwww" Naruto moaned, rubbing his sore red face. He staggered to his feet, glaring at the laughing old man who'd just jumped down from a near by building. "Shut it, Ero sennin!"

"I told you not to call me that, you brat" Jiraya snarled, scowling at his new pupil.

"So, you're the infamous Jiraya" I appraised the Sanin. In the manga, the Toad Sage was my absolute favourite comic…bar none. Meeting him in person…the guy looked even more comical.

"Oh, so the young lady knows me" he gave me a cheesy smile, bowing with a flourish of the hands.

"HEY! Keep your perverted hands offa her!" Naruto jumped in between us, holding out a threatening finger.

"Naruto" I gently bopped his head. "He's not a pervert…"

"Huh?"

"…HE'S A SUPER PERVERT!" I screamed, laughing my ass off. I finished off my sentence with a Gai styled wink and thumbs up. For the first time, I saw Jiraya look really unsure of himself.

"You can be my new disciple…" the Sanin offered me.

I made a face and shook my head. "Hey, just 'cause I reckon you're a cool character and all, doesn't mean I want to follow a pervert's footsteps."

"Aw, man…"


"So…" I started, watching Naruto shovel noodles into his mouth like there's no tomorrow. "Watcha been up to?"

"'rainin'" he grunted back, slamming the empty bowl down. "Ojii san, ANOTHER ONE!"

"Hmm" I murmured, busying myself with the food in front of me. Ichiraku passed the blonde another bowl, while whisking away the dirtied one.

"Hn" the well-known grunt made me turn to my right. Sasuke's dark eyes took in me and Naruto, as the boy slid onto the stool next to me. "A chicken ramen" he quietly told Ayami.

"Sure" she smiled.

"Hey" I said casually. "How's it going?"

"Hn" Sasuke shrugged, propping his chin onto his laced fingers and closing his eyes.

"Informative" I replied sarcastically. Although I tried to look unconcerned, I was watching the avenger for signs of the mark affecting his mind. But so far, he still seemed like the arrogant idiot who graduated from the Academy.

"Oh, HEY TEME" Naruto waved enthusiastically, nearly skewering my eyeballs onto the ends of the chopsticks he clutched. I leaned towards Sasuke, going cross-eyed as I watched the eating instruments passed with a millimeter of my nose.

"NARUTO! I STILL NEED MY EYES, BAKA!"

"Heh…gomen…"

"Morons" Sasuke huffed softly. I turned back, just in time to see a quick smile.

"Shut up" I replied, heart lighter at the gesture.

"So…you any stronger, teme? 'Cause I can so kick you ass" Naruto somehow kept bragging while stuffing his mouth. I shook my head.

"That's disgusting!" I pinched the blonde's arm, extracting a squawk. "Swallow before you start talking."

"OOOOWWW…"

"Here you go" Ichiraku placed a steaming bowl in front of Sasuke, distracting Naruto from his complaint. There was silence as the three of us concentrated on our food.

"I heard you're up against Shino" Sasuke said suddenly. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye and shrugged.

"Yeah. And you're against Gaara."

"Huh?" Naruto sounded like he'd never heard that piece of information before. "You mean, the psychotic redhead from the Sand village?"

"Yeah, that's him" I winced internally. Psychotic redhead…the poor guy.

"WHAT? THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

"Why not?"

"I WANTED TO FIGHT TEME, DATTEBAYO! AND NOW, HE'S JUST GONNA DIE AND I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE YET!"

"…you're already proclaiming Sasuke dead?" I laughed, almost falling off my seat.

"Stop sprouting nonsense, dobe" Sasuke growled. Naruto huffed, ignoring Sasuke's comment.

"SO NOT FAIR!"

"Fukui Kioko" a new voice called from the other side of the curtains. I glanced confusedly at the boys and ducked under them. Three ANBU – Tiger, Bear and Rabbit – were standing stock still.

"Yeah?"

"You're required at the Hokage's office" Tiger said shortly. The three nodded to me and flashed off.

"Why would Ojii san want you?" Naruto frowned at me.

"Dunno" I replied, trying to keep my voice as nonchalant as possible. But inside, I had a inkling of what Sarutobi wanted. The finals are two days away, and the Hokage wants to talk to me…this is so a case of one plus one equals two.

"I'll see you later" I waved, placing a few bills on the counter. "Good luck, you two" I suddenly swept both into a hug.

"Uh, you ok, Kioko chan?"

I sighed and let go. "Yep" I smiled.


I eyed the three elders present, alongside the Hokage. Homura and Koharu looked back at me through the tons of wrinkles weighing down around their sharp eyes. Danzo, however, watched me like a hawk sighting a prey. Inwardly, I gave a gulp.

"You…uh…you wanted to see me, Hokage sama?" I decided to ignore the scrutiny.

"Kioko chan" Sarutobi smiled at me. "Sit down. We need to talk" he waved a hand to a cushion on the floor in front of him. I sat across the village leader, placing my hands on my lap. The clenched fists were hidden under the table.

"Is this about the Exams?"

The older personals drew in a breath as one. A quick glance was sent between them.

"What do you mean?" Koharu narrowed her already narrow eyes at me.

"Ojii san," I started quietly, completely disregarding the proper etiquette that was expected "have you seen what will happen in your crystal ball?"

The old man puffed on his pipe, silently view me through the smoke screen. He heaved a sigh and closed his eyes, suddenly becoming just a simple old man who was tired. The creases on his face deepened, and the shoulders slumped.

"Kioko chan, the reason we called you here today is to discuss your position as a shinobi contending in the final part of the exam."

"W-wait, what?" I blinked confused.

"Hiruzen…" Homura began.

"That was the point of this meeting, wasn't it?" there was a rather cool tone in his voice. The Hokage personage was back in place.

"…hai…" his former team mates agreed reluctantly.

"So, Kioko chan?"

"Um…alright, I guess…" I was still coming up to speed with things. I honestly thought he wanted to talk about Orochimaru! "Ryuu sensei's been great. He's helped me improve my ninjutsu, a lot!"

"Good" he gave me a kind smile. "Do you feel you're up to the task of going up against one of the brighter rookies of this year?"

"Yeah…I guess so…" Did I have a choice?

"Hmm…" he blew a long draught of smoke out of his pursed mouth. "Well, we just wanted to wish you good luck."

"Uh…arigato...?"


"That's totally weird" Kaida sat up straighter in her bed, her full attention focused on me. It was later in the afternoon, and I'd run straight up to the hospital to talk to her as soon as I got out of the meeting.

"Tell me about it" I muttered, helping myself to an apple on the bedside table. "I walked in to talk about Orochimaru, and end up talking about my thoughts on my chances of kicking Shino's ass."

"Yeah…"

We sat in contemplative silence, me crunching on the apple and her thoughtfully gazing at the sunset. The ruby red horizon steadily reached across the orange sky, slowly dying the blue hue of the morning scarlet.

"So, how are you?" I waved a hand at her bedridden body.

"Not bad" Kaida shrugged. "Doctor says I should be out tomorrow."

"So, you'll be there to watch?"

"'Course I have to be there" she bopped my head. I moaned a clasped the bump. "I'll have to hitch my butt outta here with the gang" she kept going, changing to English.

"Oh yeah" I smacked my forehead. "I completely forgot that…"I hesitated, unsure how to refer to the person I was talking about "…Mr. Red-hair-teal-eyes goes fully gaga and the desert country starts waving blades at the village."

"I know you did" Kaida smirked. "Hence the reason I spent my time here coming up with a plan."

"Oooohhhh" I clasped my hands together, bouncing in my chair in exaggerated enthusiasm. "Do tell, oh mighty one!"

She shot me a pained look. "No need to be jealous of the fact that I have more brains that you."

"Tell me the damn plan" I snapped back.

"Fine, fine…sheesh! Anyway, since I'll be in the spectator stands, and you'll be in the competitors' boxy thing, we'll each watch those spots."

"O-kay" I dragged out the two syllables.

"But, when the Snake dude pops up…"


I jiggled my leg, willing my stomach to stop with the gymnastics. Not gonna throw up, not gonna throw up…

"Hey, you alright?" Ryuu pushed a glass of warm tea towards me. I gave him a strained smile and gripped the cup, just to stop the trembling.

"Completely…"

"Really?"

"…nope…" I lowered my head and took a deep breath of the steam. The warm moist air somewhat calmed me enough so that I could take a sip without tipping the cup's entire contents down my front.

"Relax" Ryuu waved a hand. "You'll be fine. You've improved so much, in so little time!"

"Arigato" I gave him a small smile.

"Let's just review through everything we've talked about."


"Hey, hey" Genma scolded us as we stood in straight line, like pieces of meat on display.(A/N: Is that his name? The Third Exam proctor?) "Stop looking around and face the customers. In this main tournament, you guys are the stars"

"Way to help people relax" I muttered, scowling up at the huge crowd gathered. The high walls of the arena surrounding us suddenly seemed really restrictive. I closed my eyes and took in a few deep breaths.

I felt Naruto shift next to me. I glanced towards the blonde, and followed his gaze to Gaara. Teal orbs swung to meet mine in an intense glare. I held the look, before smiling slightly and turning to look back at the crowd.

"Where's Sasuke?" Naruto muttered. "Has…he not recovered…yet?"

"He'll be here" I promised the boy, punching his arm lightly.

"…yeah…" there was a shadow of his brilliant smile.

I grinned back and glanced up to the Kage's seats. A figure, clad in white and blue, strolled towards the Hokage, already seated with his guards on either side of him. I felt my lips tighten, and I glared at the intruder. As though he could feel it, Orochimaru looked back at me – through the eyes of the dead Kazekage.

Our gazes broke as the Sanin turned to answer to Hokage's question. A few more words were exchanged, before the old man got his feet.

"THANKS EVERYONE FOR COMING TO KONOHA'S CHUUNIN EXAM SELECTION" his voice reached every corner of the stands. The previously chattering crowd had fallen silent as the leader stood up. "WE WILL NOW START THE MAIN TOURNAMENT MATCHES, BETWEEN THE NINE PARTICIPANTS WHO'VE MADE IT THROUGH THE PRELIMINARIES. PLEASE STAY AND WATCH UNTIL THE END!"

"Nine?" I looked down the line. No Dosu.

"Okay" Genman stood in front of us assembled. "There's something I'd like to tell you before we start the matches. Look at this" he held up a piece of paper with a tree diagram drawn on it.

"What?" Shikamaru scowled at the diagram.

"I've gotta fight the winner out of these two?" Kankuro jerked a thumb towards me and Shino.

"Yeah. Any other questions?"

"Hey! Hey!" Naruto pumped an arm in the air.

"What?" Genma glanced at him blankly.

"Sasuke isn't here yet. What're you gonna do?"

"If he isn't here by the time his match commences…he'll have a default loss" the proctor shrugged.

I looked at Naruto's thoughtful face. Chill Naruto. He'll be here…trust me. A few spots down the line, I saw Temari glance nervously down at her youngest sibling. The red head had a twitchy hand, and his eyes were filled with many conflicting emotions.

"Alright guys. This is the final test" Genma's voice brought me back to reality. "The arena is different, but the rules are the same as in the prelims: there are none. You fight till one of you acknowledges defeat…or dies. But if I think the fight is over, I'll step in and stop the match, understood?" at this he gave Neji a meaningful eyebrow raise.

"Sure" I muttered on behalf of everyone.

"The first fight is between Uzumaki Naruto and Huuyga Neji. You two stay here. The rest of you, go up to the waiting room."

I gathered the blonde in a hug. "Good luck" I waved to him. As I trooped up, my eyes wandered to the stands. A blob of pink next to yellow made my focus in on Sakura and Ino. Moving further down the rows, I saw Kiba and Hinata. Then, my gaze zeroed in on the ANBU stationed near the two team mates.

"So, they're ready."


Shikamaru and I stood shoulder to shoulder, wincing in unison every time Naruto was hit with the Gentle Fist…which was a lot.

"Kage Bunshin isn't helping him" Shikamaru muttered. "This guy…it's like he's got eyes on the back of his head!"

"He does" I pinched the bridge of my nose. "The Byuakugan has a three sixty vision…in all direction."

"Fearing having you points pressed, one body is doing the least amount of work" Neji's comment was loud enough to be heard as he ploughed through the dozens of Narutos surrounding him. "The more you attack, the clearer it becomes."

"Aaaah, that baka" Shikamaru groaned, whether in sympathy or frustration, I couldn't tell.

"You're the real one" the two down on the ground froze. Neji kept his two fingers poked in the position of Naruto's heart, even as the blonde coughed up blood. A few seconds later, the brunette stepped back.

"That's why I told you it was useless."

"Hehe…" the soft laugh wheezed out of the boy. "That's why…I told you…to stop automatically deciding things" Naruto gave a brilliant grin…and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"WHAT?" Neji looked on disbelief. Next to me, Shikamaru almost plummeted over the railing. "NO WAY!"

I laughed and patted the stunned shadow user's back, watching as two other Naruto lunge at Neji from behind.

"YES! GO NARUTO!" I heard Kiba scream from the stands. I looked to see Hinata giggle into her hands, as Kotetsu – who sat beside her – jerk straight up as though he'd been electrocuted.

"I'M COMING AT YOU WITH EVERYTHING I'VE PREPARED" the Kyuubi containers screamed, fist ready to punch the Huuyga. But Neji suddenly spun on his heels, arms held out. A rotating, upside down chakra tornado formed around the boy, knocking the clone and the real body meters away.

"Wha-what was that?" Kankuro appeared on my other side, just as intent on the match as Shikamaru.

"Hakkenshou Kaiten" I answered.

"An absolute defense?"

"I…dunno…" I shrugged, not willing to give the Sand nin any more information. After all, he's the 'enemy', right now…technically…

"It's over" Neji announced calmly. Even from where I was standing, I could see that the older Genin had his eyes closed. "You're within the range of my Hakke."

"Oh, not good" I flinched as Neji suddenly crouched, his arms held out.

"Gentle Fist style, 64 Hands of Hakke" he lunged at Naruto, a blur as he jabbed at the chakra points inside the blonde. "HAKKE TWO HANDS… FOUR HANDS…EIGHT HANDS…SIXTEEN HANDS…THIRTY TWO HANDS…SIXTY FOUR HANDS…"

There was shocked silence as Naruto went flying with the last blow. Neji slowly stood up right, not a hair out of place. I gripped the sleeve of Shikamaru's jacket, as the shadow user choked the railing.

"W-wow" Kankuro whispered.

"I have hit 64 points on your body. You can no longer stand" Neji poked his nose in the air, looking down at the crouching Naruto. "Heh…painful, isn't it?" he gloated as the blonde moaned "Stay on you knees before a power you cannot change and realize your worthlessness."

"That's going too far" I gritted out between my teeth. Damn, I forgot his stupid speech!

"Having your dreams come true with hard work, is an illusion."

I kept my eyes focused on the trembling figure on the ground. In the background I could hear the crowd whispering amongst themselves, no doubt convinced that the match was over. Genma took a breath and started forwards, only to stop in surprise as Naruto slowly climbed to his feet.

"I…told…you…" he panted. "I'm…not good…at giving up…"

Neji regarded the rookie in silence. The pale eyes were blank as they roved up and down the orange clad body. "Quit already…" he started "continuing won't change anything. I have no grudge against you…"

"S-SHUT UP! WELL…I DO!"

"…what do you mean?"

"Why…why, if you're this strong…why, with those eyes that can see everything…did you mentally attack Hinata, who was trying so hard?"

"That's none of your business."

"INSULTING HINATA, AUTOMATICALLY DECIDING SHE'S A LOSER!" Naruto snapped, pointing a finger at his opponent. "Main family…Branch family…I don't know what the hell happened…BUT PIECES OF SHIT LIKE YOU WHO CALL OTHER PEOPLE LOSERS, I'LL NEVER FORGIVE!"

"The boy can still yell…" I smiled fondly down at him. "He's fine."

"Yeah…" Shikamaru sighed, looking thoroughly annoyed. "And to think I was worried…jeez, troublesome."


"When the Huuyga heir grew and turned three, I became into a 'caged bird' through this cursed seal" Neji ran a fingertip across his forehead. The green of the seal shone brightly against his pale skin.

I felt a slight burning behind my eyes. I could hear the pain hidden deep within Neji's blank tone, and judging by Naruto's expression, he could too. By the time he'd recounted his witness of the use of the curse seal on his father, I'd closed my eyes.

"This curse seal is the absolute fear of death given to the Branch family by the Main family" Neji continued in his monotone voice. "With a simple secret hand seal, the Branch members' minds can be easily destroyed…and death is just as simple, too. This curse will only disappear after death, sealing up the Byakugan and its secrets too."

Naruto jerked in surprise. Horrified disgust flashed across his face.

"The Hyuuga house is a clan that holds great advanced blood. Those that go after those secrets are incalculable. So, with this jutsu, the Branch family is only allowed to live for the sole purpose of protecting the Main family. It's an effective system" Neji allowed a bitter smirk to twist his face "created to externally protect the advanced Byakugan blood of the Huuyga."

"T-that's…" Naruto trailed off.

Neji's smile faded. His head bowed, and his shoulders started to shake. A soft laugh floated in the air.

"Huh?"

"And then it happened" the Huuyga glared up at the stands, probably to where Hiashi was seated. "My father was killed by the Main family."

"What?" Shikamaru leaned back.

"One night Hinata sama was taken by someone. Hiashi sama took care of it quickly, and killed him. It was dark and the intruder was wearing a mask." Neji paused, and looked down at the ground. "Who do you think it was?"

Naruto simply stared.

"The Cloud country shinobi leader who'd come to sign the treaty. It became clear he was after the Huuyga secrets from the beginning. But the Cloud country, with one of their leaders killed in the failed plan, made demands of the Leaf for breaking the alliance. Both kept bickering back and forth, and in order to avoid impending war, Konoha made a backdoor deal with the Cloud."

"A deal?"

"The Cloud wanted the Huuyga Main family's advanced blood and the Byakugan. So they demanded the corpse of Hiashi sama…and the Leaf agreed."

"Huh? B-but…"

"And war was avoided" Neji cut through Naruto's confused stutter. "Thanks to my dad…who replaced Hiashi sama's corpse, with his own."

By now, even Gaara was watching the two. Shino's bugs were silent, as though they too were bearing witness to Neji sad story. The thousands of people gathered were frozen, watching the Huuyga prodigy tell his bitter childhood tale.

"Heh…" Neji scoffed. "To escape this horrible curse…there's only one method: death. They were twins, their strength virtually the same…born first, born second…destiny was decided just by that." He turned contemptuous eyes on the blonde. "And this fight…your destiny was decided…the moment I became your opponent."

Naruto shifted on the spot. Gone was the relaxed shoulders; now they were tensed up in anger at the ignorant words.

"You're destiny is to lose to me" Neji stated blandly, reaching up and securing his hitai on his forehead once more.

"We don't know until it's over" Naruto countered. "I-I don't know how much it hurt that your dad was killed a long time ago. But…thinking that destiny is decided all because of that is a huge mistake."

"You're hopeless" Neji sighed. In the blink of an eye, the veins around his eyes bulged, and the older rookie charged forwards, intent on finishing the battle. Naruto started, caught wrong footed by the move. He couldn't do anything, and got the full force of a Jyuuken to the chest.

"Examiner" Neji straightened "this is over…" he turned and started to walk away.

"He's getting up" Shikamaru whispered in excited disbelief. I looked over to where Naruto staggered to his feet.

"I don't go back on my word" the soft words reached my ears.


"YOU COULD NEVER UNDERSTAND" Neji shouted.

Naruto's eyes shadowed as his head titled forward. "Actually…yeah, I can" the Kyuubi container gave a tired grin. "But so what?" He chuckled at Neji's expression.

"Pft. Stop acting all cool. You're not the only one that's special. Hinata too…she's suffering so much…as much as you. A member of the Main family, but unacknowledged, trying her best to change herself…thinking that as she coughed up blood, while fighting you. You're the same! The Branch family is supposed to protect the Main family. Yet doing that to Hinata…in truth, you're trying your hardest to DISOBEY DESTINY" he screamed the last two words.

Neji glared at Naruto. The two stared at each other, before the brunette huffed. "Heh…you 64 openings are closed…you won't be able to use chakra for a while. How can you fight…? In the end, you and Hinata sama are the same."

"SHUT UP! STOP USING THE BYAKUGAN TO DECIDE AND ACT LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYONE'S DESTINY!"

"Then prove to me that what you're saying is correct…"

"YEAH! I'M DEFINITLY GOING TO DEFEAT YOU, AND PROVE THAT!" Naruto frowned. But this time, I could see that he was thinking about what to do next. Sudden realization hit the cerulean orbs, before screwing shut tightly.

"What's he doing?" Shikamaru cocked his head.

I watched as tanned hands clasped into the ram seal. A shout of determination grew in volume.

"It's no use" Neji smirked. "Your points have been pressed."

"What is that baka doing?" the boy next to me hissed. "He's gonna be pulverized."

"Really?" I asked, understanding what was going to happen.

"Why do you go against your destiny so much?" Neji seemed genuinely intrigued. Naruto opened exhausted eyes and grimaced.

"Because…I was called a loser." A sudden wind swirled as light red streaks flashed in a sphere around the orange ninja. The intensity of the chakra grew, and the visible injuries on Naruto's face disappeared.

Neji glared at his opponent, perplexed by the sudden appearance of the chakra he was so sure he'd blocked. He peered more closely at Naruto, before stumbling back in shock. Guess he just saw the Kyuubi.

I saw a jerk from the corner of my eye. My head instinctively swung to the right. I saw shocked understanding in Gaara's eyes as the red head glared down at Naruto. His hands curled into fists, and the black rimmed eyes popped open in confusion.

"HERE I COME!" Naruto's growl made me look back to the match. A slight red hue surrounded his body, causing dust to lift from the ground beneath his feet. I looked more closely at his eyes and sighed with relief, seeing blue.

The crowd gasped as the orange ninja flashed, reappearing several meters in the air behind Neji. The Huuyga barely managed to perform Kaiten, catching few of the shurikens that were aimed for him. He flung them back at Naruto, but the light chakra cloak blocked it. Both drew kunais, and flashed to each other. The blades clanged in midair, dropping as each blocked the other.

"I can't keep up with them" I murmured to myself, eyes straining to see.

"I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS HUUYGA DESTINY OF HATRED OR WHATEVER…BUT IF IT'S TOO MUCH FOR YOU, YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ANYMORE!" Naruto roared, sprinting towards the stationary Neji, all the while charging up with more red chakra. "WHEN I BECOME HOKAGE…I'LL CHANGE THE HUUYGA!" there was a tremendous noise as Kaiten and Kyuubi chakra clashed.

Dust exploded, forcing Genma to retreat several steps. Rocks and other small pieces flew through the air. There was a slight trembling, like an after shock.

"Wow" I breathed, grabbing hold of the closest thing – Kankuro's arm – to steady myself. We all waited in breathless anticipation, watching the two smaller explosions caused by bodies hitting the ground.

Breathless, everyone kept their eyes riveted on the dust columns. Suddenly, a gasp went up; a silhouette staggered out of the dust. I heard Shikamaru give a sigh as Neji slowly crawled out of his crater. The Huuyga shuffled to the other hole, in which Naruto laid curled up.

"Loser…" the prodigy gasped, panting for breath. "Sorry, but this is reality."

"Damn it" Shikamaru hissed, slapping his fist into his open palm.

"Wait for it" I whispered, smiling widely.

There was a slight shift of rocks under Neji's feet, causing the boy to glance down. Naruto shot up out of the ground, eyes screwed close and fist out stretched. He caught the Huuyga at the chin, sending the male at the receiving end flying back, blood spilling out of his mouth.

"W-what the-" Shikamaru almost face faulted. On the otherside, I heard Temari grunt in surprise, while Shino's bugs went AWOL.

"What didja expect?" I shrugged. "He's a knucklehead, remember?"

The spectators broke into whispers, a few ragged cheers emitting from the crowd. But my attention was focused on the three on the ground. Neji laid still; it looked he was struggling even just to move his head. Naruto, on the other hand, was heaving for breath.

"Ugh…to use Kage Bunshin in the situation…you main ninjutsu, eh? How careless of me…" Neji groaned.

Naruto looked down. His figure seemed to slump inwardly. "I…I failed the Academy Graduation three times…" Neji's head fell back to the ground. The ex-top rookie looked questioningly at the blonde.

"That's because, unluckily for me, the ninjutsu test on the final exam was always my weakest ninjutsu…the Bunshin no Jutsu" a depression filled the arena. Everyone present was listening to their unacknowledged hero's thoughts. "Destiny can't be changed, blah blah blah…stop whining about stupid crap like that" he stared down at Neji. "Since…you're not a loser…like me."

At this, Genma stepped forward. Plastering a proud smirk on his face, the proctor announced. "WINNER…UZUMAKI NARUTO!"

There was a moment of silence. Then, the stadium exploded. Cheers and congradulations was roared from every corner. Shouts of "That was incredible", "That was great" and "Great fight, shrimp" tumbled over each other. Naruto looked up in surprise, stunned by the fact that the same village that had shunned and abused him earlier in his life, was now applauding and acknowledging his strength. A slow smile unfurled on the whiskered face, and soon, the idiot was running about like a headless chicked, yelling back at the audience.

"Whoa! He won?" Shikamaru looked dumbfounded. "I thought he was a lame-ass type…like me!"

"You're one of a kinda, Shika" I elbowed the Genin's ribs. Shino gave a silent snort of amusement.

"Lame-ass type?" the bug user asked.

"Everyone's cheering for him. He's totally the kick-ass type" Shikamaru grumbled, slouching even lower that his usual self. "Plus, I probably can't beat him…how depressing…"

"And he's still got the stamina to run around" Kankuro twitched as Naruto did yet another lap of the arena. "What a stamina freak!"

"I should yell at you for insulting my friend…but I agree with you this once" I informed the puppeteer.


I'm sorry for the late update…I don't have any other excuse than I was procrastinating, and also that my creativity decided to ditch me. But, there's still cookies for those who update!