Disclaimer; What has four legs and is always ready to travel? Not me, I only got two legs, and no ownership to anything in the Naruto-verse. Dang.
Author's Note; I wasn't happy with my last chapter, but apparently most of you were, and that makes me very happy! I just hope you like this chapter as well. This one was a real labor of love.
In addition, the next few chapters are going to be about the Battle for Konoha and Naruto's battle with Gaara (I'm really going to go to town on that one). After that, big changes are going to happen. Keep watching gentle readers!
Tellemicus Sundance; Well, this story is under the Naru/Hina category, so there should be some more interaction coming (maybe this chapter?)
Shinobi's Fire; There is a possibility that Tetsuya might do that later on, but as for something really cool, I'm saving that for the Battle for Konoha arc which starts next chapter. I think you'll like it; I know Tellemicus and Winter-chan are definitely curious.
Dragon Man 180; Hmmm, a Hinata/Kin friendship? Sounds interesting…
Gozen V; No worries my friend, the focus will now be mostly on Naruto and his friends.
Kyubi Rendan; I figured most people would see that coming, but you gotta admit, she would be the perfect jonin for them; they're all cold and methodical, and she's a spitfire! Can we say 'opposites attract', anyone?
Now, the real game begins (Jim Carry, "Batman Forever")…
The Legendary FourChapter Eight
Red Fox and White Eye; Naruto VS Neji!
Jiraiya smirked as he watched the scene from the top of the gorge. After nearly three weeks of trying, Naruto had finally learned how to utilize the Kyuubi's chakra. He laughed to himself as he unhooked the summon contract scroll from its holster on his back and laid it on the ground.
"But it seems he still has to learn limits," the white haired yonnin muttered as he leapt behind some trees as the giant boss toad leapt out of the crevice, carrying a screaming orange bundle on its head, "Of all the ones for him to call, it had to be Gamabunta. Jeeze, even I have trouble dealing with him."
Said toad landed with a loud boom at the edge of the gorge, desperately trying shake the loud gaki atop his head. "OI! GET OFF MY HEAD, GAKI!" Gamabunta growled, "YOU'RE STARTING TO ANNOY ME!"
Naruto straightened himself out, then sat down Indian style on the toad's head. "No way!" he grumbled, "I summoned you, so treat me with some respect! Until you do, I'm not moving a muscle!" He focused his remaining chakra into his legs so he would stick to the giant amphibians head.
Jiraiya grimaced behind his tree. If he inherited nothing else from you, Arashi, he at least got your stubbornness, he thought, Of course, that will probably make Gamabunta like him even more.
Gamabunta meanwhile was glancing down at the ground, looking at the summon contract Jiraiya had left behind. He raised his eyebrow as he read the newest name on the list. He had to keep himself from laughing out-loud at the similarities between the two most recent signatures.
They even have the same bad handwriting, the toad thought, Jiraiya, you didn't even need to bother. I knew this kid was the one who summoned me. He's just like Arashi.
He felt the kid's chakra begin to waiver, and finally give out as the boy lost consciousness. He swept out his tongue, catching Naruto before he could fall to what would most certainly be a painful landing, and leapt away with him towards the hospital. Jiraiya watched as they disappeared around a bend before walking out and retrieving the scroll. He then turned around, pausing as he felt the familiar chakra signature among the trees.
"You saw all that?" he called out, alerting the other observer that he was aware of the presence. He wasn't disappointed as Tetsuya dropped down from one of the trees. "The kid did it. I'm sure you felt the power he used."
The kame-yonnin nodded. "Yes, it was definitely Kyuubi's chakra," he replied, "By teaching him how to harness it, you may have just given Naruto what he needs to defeat Neji, and more." He frowned. "The only question I have is how this will affect the seal."
Jiraiya snorted. "You always did underestimate Yondaime," he countered, "The Fuin Jutsu; Shiki Fuin combined with the Hakke Fuin no Shiki will merge the kitsune's chakra with the boy's over the next few years. All I did was get the process to move smoothly."
"I don't doubt Yondaime's genius when it comes to sealing jutsu," Tetsuya answered, "And I'm certain Naruto would never do anything to damage or disrupt the seal…my concern is the Kyuubi itself."
"Don't concern yourself with it," Jiraiya replied, "Naruto…over the past three weeks I've come to realize that he has the combined strength of both his parents. He has Arashi's stubborn determination, courage, and never say die attitude, and its balanced out with Shizuka's kindess, caring, and empathy. Even if he didn't have the seal, he's still an amazing kid."
Tetsuya smiled. "Yes, I can see that," he replied, "I just hope he's ready for what's to come." He frowned. "Sensei is limiting the ANBU to four at the arena. The rest will be patrolling the outskirts of the village."
Jiraiya frowned. "He has to know Orochimaru will be going after him," he muttered, "As good as he is, Orochimaru will still kill him. What is he planning?"
"I think I know," his brown haired friend replied, "And I can only hope that my presence at the arena will be enough to make it so he doesn't have to."
Naruto awoke to a site he couldn't say was pleasant at all.
"Man, you really are troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, "But its good to see you're awake finally." At Naruto's questioning look, he continued. "You've been unconscious for three days man; the finals for the Chuunin exam are tomorrow."
"NANI!" the blond haired boy shouted, "But then…how…when…who brought me here?"
"Don't know," Shikamaru replied, "All I know is that apparently you were suffering from chakra depletion. I wouldn't have even visited if I wasn't coming to see Chouji." He held up a basket of fruit. "I got this as a get well gift, but apparently he's in for stomach problems so he can't eat." He tossed the basket at Naruto. "Here, get well and all that."
Naruto smirked, "Thanks Shikamaru," he replied. He noticed some movement behind the door to his room, and spotted a head of dark blue hair sticking out. He knew of only two people who had blue hair, so he took a guess at the name of the person standing there. "Oi, is that you Hinata?" he called out.
There was a startled 'eep' from the other side of the door, before the now identified young girl walked in. She was carrying a small bento wrapped in a purple hiroshiki (hankerchief). She held the box in front of her, her head bowed down shyly. Both boys could smell something wonderful coming from the box, and Naruto's mouth started to water.
"A-ano…I-I'm glad t-to see you f-feeling better, Naruto-k-kun," the dark haired girl said quietly.
Naruto grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Heh, nothing can keep me down!" he replied, "There's no way I'd miss my chance to teach that stuck-up jerk cousin of yours a lesson!"
Shikamaru snorted. "Man, you really are nuts," he replied, "I guess you don't know about Neji; he was last years #1 Rookie just like Sasuke was this year's. You aren't going to beat him so easily, so don't get all cocky. You can be so troublesome."
Naruto stuck his tongue out at the lazy boy. "I know that," he replied, "That's why I got special training for this match. I'm going to take him down." He looked over at the quite girl. "I know you probably don't want me to fight him, Hinata, but he's the kind of guy that really pisses me off. He makes the same excuse every time something seems too hard or unfair, and I don't believe that."
Hinata looked up into Naruto's clear blue eyes. She saw the strength and the will to do what was right, as well as genuine kindness and caring that had helped him to capture her heart even if he didn't know he had it. She looked deep into his eyes, and saw the truth.
Naruto really would win.
"I-I…I d-don't want t-to see anyone g-get hurt," she replied, "B-But…I know y-you will win, N-Naruto-kun." She smiled at him, and he felt his cheeks warm up a little. "I…I b-believe in you."
Shikamaru switched his glances between the two of them, watching the interaction with interest. Are these two finally starting to get close? He wondered, smirking. If its true, then Chouji wins the bet. Ino's going to be so shocked, it'll be just as funny as troublesome. He looked at the two of them again. They do look like a good couple.
Naruto didn't understand why he felt like he was blushing; normally this reaction was reserved for Sakura for those rare occasions when she smiled at him. Naruto rarely let anyone see him blush; he was always afraid that those people who always threw him such hurtful looks would find a way to make his blushes seem shameful. He could easily write of the blushes Sakura got from him, since just about everyone knew about his crush on the pink haired girl.
Hinata was different.
He had always thought she was weird, yet in a good way. She kept to herself mostly, like her teammate Shino. Yet she would always greet him kindly in the mornings, and she was one of the few kids in their class who would help him on written assignments that he couldn't figure out. While he had never gotten to know her that well before they passed the genin exam, he had actually respected her.
That fact that she was the one girl in their class who wasn't part of the 'Sasuke Fan Club tm' was a BIG point in her favor as well.
One thing that he had noticed in school, however was that she rarely smiled at anyone. She usually kept her head down, except for when answering Iruka-sensei's questions. Now that he was able to actually look at her smile, he had do admit something.
"Neh, Hinata-chan," he said, not noticing the small 'eep' from the girl due to his use of the familiar suffix, "You really should smile more often." Shikamaru knew what was coming, and he surreptitiously moved around behind the girl in preparation.
Hinata was confused. "A-ano…w-why is that, N-Naruto-k-kun?" she asked.
"Well, I never noticed before, but you have a really pretty smile," he replied, smiling back.
Hinata felt her face go almost completely red, before she fainted dead away.
Naruto shot out of bed as Shikamaru caught the girl, laying her flat on the ground. "EH! Shikamaru, is she alright! Maybe what Kaze-jiji did wasn't enough! She could still be injured!"
Shikamaru shook his head. "I'm sure she's fine, Naruto," he replied, "She's just fainted like usual."
Naruto frowned. "Oh," he said, "Hey, how come she always does that? Does she have some kind of illness?"
Shikamaru stared at the blond boy for a few moments. Man, he really is an idiot, he thought.
Anko stood in front of her new genin team with a smirk on her face that made the three of them nervous. She smiled at the new hitai-ate they sported, each one bearing the swirling Leaf of Konoha. The three former Oto-nin had all chosen the traditional way of wearing the strip of cloth, each band tied securely around the forehead.
The former pupil of Orochimaru was known for many things in the village. She was vicious, even sadistic, in battle. She was obsessed with dango to the point where many questioned how she kept her admittedly spectacular figure. She loved pranking people almost as much as Uzumaki Naruto.
She was also somewhat of a traditionalist; she thought that 'forehead protectors' should be placed on the forehead.
The group stood on top of the Hokage Monument, where they could look out over the entire village. In the distance they could see the coliseum where the finals of the Chuunin exam were going to take place. The wind was gentle that day, and the sounds and smells of the village brought a sense of peace to her that she hadn't felt much of these past weeks.
"Alright you three," she said, "Tetsuya-sama gave you to me to see if I can turn you into some decent shinobi, and that's exactly what I'm going to do." She motioned for them to sit down on the rocks. "So, the first thing I figure we should do is get to know each other a little. I understand that the three of you were just lopped together for this exam, but you're a real team now. A team needs to know each other if their going to truly be successful." She pointed at the only other girl in the group. "Lets start with you."
Kin stood up. "My name is Tsuchi Kin," she began, "I'm fourteen years old, and I come from Bird Country. I like genjutsu best because aside from being good at it, I like messing with people's heads. I like sushi, but I hate sashimi, and I hope to one day become the best genjutsu mistress in the world."
Anko nodded. "I'll see if I can't get you some special tutoring with my friend Kurenai-san," she replied, then pointed at the bandaged wrapped member of the group. "What about you?"
"My name is Kinuta Dosu," he replied, "I'm also fourteen, but I'm from Wave Country. I'm lousy at genjutsu unlike Kin, but I'm good at taijutsu and I can do some Doton ninjutsu as well. I don't really have a favorite food, but I absolutely will not eat mushrooms. As for my dream, its simply to become a strong shinobi and be respected for it. I'm a pretty simple guy."
His new sensei smirked at that. "No favorite foods huh? Man, I have to get you hooked on dango or pocky," she muttered. She looked at the last member of the group. "Abume Zaku, right? Talk to us, what are you all about?"
Zaku smirked. "I like to fight, plain and simple," he replied, "I'm fourteen, but I'll be fifteen next month. I come from Rice Country, and that's also my favorite food. I like rice steamed, fried, in a rice ball; it doesn't matter as long as its cooked right. As for my skills, I'm good at ninjutsu, but I usually use my kaze-tai to do my fighting. I down right suck at taijutsu and genjutsu, but I usually don't need them because of my arms. I am good at using shuriken though."
Anko nodded. "Good to know, I'll work with you on the taijutsu," she offered, "You three are fairly well balanced out. You each have skills that make up for the deficiencies in the others. My former sensei does know how to assign teams at least." Once they learn how to combine their skills effectively, they'll be almost as effective as one of our ANBU squads, she thought. "Now, its only fair that you learn a little bit about me.
"My name is Mitarashi Anko. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I'm a special jonin who specializes in both interrogation and assassination. I love dango, its nature's most perfect food!" The three genin sweat-dropped at that. "I love my village and I'll do anything to protect any member of it, which now includes you three. As for my dreams…well, I only have one really. I want to bring Orochimaru to justice for all the crimes he's committed." She rubbed her shoulder absentmindedly. "You three already know about what Orochimaru did to me and others, so we won't go into that. Now, any questions?"
Kin raised her hand. "Ano, what's to stop Orochimaru from killing us, now that we've defected?" she asked, "He's probably heard about it by now, if he's really as good as Tetsuya-dono says."
Dosu nodded. "He'll find it really insulting if his rivalry with Tetsuya-sama is as deep as Tetsuya-sama says," he spoke up.
Anko smiled. "Well, you needn't worry," she replied, "You'll be at the stadium, and Orochimaru will be too occupied with ANBU and Hokage-sama than to deal with you. Furthermore, Tetsuya-sama himself will be at the exam, and he can help to keep Orochimaru's troops at bay."
Zaku frowned. "So all we get to do is sit there while Dosu goes for Chuunin?" he asked.
Anko grinned. "Ambitious one, aren't you Zaku-kun," she purred, causing the hairs on his neck to stand up, "You might not be able to become Chuunin right now, but I'll get you there." Her smile changed to a look of seriousness. "I can tell you three right now, I'm a tough teacher. If I can break you, you better believe I will. I'm going to push you hard, and when you think you can't take anymore, I'll push you even harder."
Kin's eyes widened. "But, aren't you supposed to help us?"
"I will be, Kin-chan," she replied, "But I'm not going to baby you either. You three have real strength inside, and its my job now to bring that out. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to always be cruel." She grinned. "I'm going to promise you three something; I'm never going to expect more of you three then I expect of myself."
Kin smiled at that.
"But I gotta tell ya, I expect a lot of myself."
If it were possible, the young girl's smile would have gotten wider.
Zaku smirked. "Well then, I'm in," he replied, "If you can really make me strong, then I'll do whatever you say, Anko-sensei." Dosu and Kin nodded as well.
"Anko-sensei," the wild kunoichi repeated, "Y'know, that really does have a nice ring to it."
A sudden chuckling got the group's attention, as Tetsuya walked out from behind a rock outcropping. His arms were crossed over his bandolier, and his ever-present 50 ryo piece was gliding over the knuckles of his right hand as usual. In his left hand was a small bottle of sake, and he paused to take a sip from it. "I knew that would help hook you, Chibi-Hebi-chan," he chuckled.
Anko growled at his casual use of that nickname. "Tetsuya-sama," she greeted, "Isn't it a little early to be getting drunk? I thought you had a job to perform tomorrow."
"Oh relax, Anko-chan," he replied, "This is the weakest stuff in my personal collection. It'd take about eight of these to give me a decent buzz."
"And what number is that one?" she asked.
"Five, but I'm cutting myself off here," he replied, earning a new series of sweat-drops from the genin group. "Anyway, I came to see how things were going. I can tell I was right in choosing you for their new sensei. I'm proud of you." Anko actually blushed at that.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Tetsuya grinned. "You've grown well," he replied, "I know you'll do right by these kids." He smiled at the three former Oto-nin. "Listen well to this lady. She may be wild, unpredictable, and sadistic, but she won't treat you wrong."
Anko opened her mouth to respond to the backhanded compliment when she felt a wave of killing intent. She spun around, looking at a nearby rock face. She noticed Tetsuya also staring at the rock, a set of senbon already in his hands. She motioned to the three genin to get behind her.
A familiar sounding laugh caused shivers to race up her spine, as well as a familiar twinge in her shoulder. The three genin visibly flinched.
Tetsuya's face remained stoic, even as the laughter continued.
"Ku ku ku ku ku ku," the voice laughed, "My, what an interesting development this is." A tall form seemed to seep out of the rock, resolving itself into a pale form with long dark hair. Yellow serpent-like eyes flashed over the group, and a long tongue slithered over black lips. "It seems my former pupil has taken on some of my pawns for her own, and my former teammate is in on the little conspiracy." The pale man turned to Tetsuya. "Ku ku ku ku…its been a long time, Tetsuya-kun."
Tetsuya nodded. "Almost fourteen years," he said, "How have you been, Orochimaru?"
"Oh, very well," the snake-yonnin replied, "How about you? You seem a little…winded, these days? Bloodline limit acting up?"
Tetsuya smirked at the blatant jab. "Oh no, its just these summer months, y'know? Wreaks havoc on my sinuses," he countered, "You're looking a little paler than you used to though. Are you getting enough iron in your diet? Or maybe not enough sunlight? You really should try crawling out from under the rocks more often."
Orochimaru grinned. "Oh, I have missed these little verbal matches of ours," he replied, "I must admit, I was surprised to see you at the preliminary matches. I figured you would still be out in the world looking for me."
"Well, unlike you, I actually do listen when Sarutobi-sensei asks," the other man replied, "I know you want the Uchiha boy, Orochimaru." The pale man smiled. "You have to know your plan won't work. However strong your new village is, it can't hope to stand up to the Konoha/Suna alliance."
Orochimaru smirked. "Oh, I'm confident that my plan will work," he replied, "It seems you're just as over-confident as the rest of this pathetic village."
Tetsuya frowned. "You're a fool, and a sick, twisted monster," he replied, earning some sharp gasps from the three genin, "But you're not an idiot. You've got some kind of ace up your sleeve, and it must be a big one. What's your game?"
"Ku ku ku ku ku," Orochimaru chuckled, his hands coming together into the ram seal, "I'll leave that to your imagination, old friend. As a parting gift, I'll let you keep these three pawns as well." He smiled at Anko. "I do agree with Tetsuya-kun, little Anko…you have grown well."
"SENSHI JASHUU!" Anko screamed, the shadow snakes flying from her sleeve.
"Anko, no!" Tetsuya cried.
Orochimaru sank into the ground, but before he completely disappeared, his hands quickly reformed into the snake seal. Anko stiffened, then cried out as her curse seal started to burn. Tetsuya was by her side instantly, and the genin all knelt by her as well.
It took a long time before the pain faded away.
Hinata stared at the frightening Suna-genin from against the wall. Shikamaru was barely holding on to the boy with the Kagemane, and Naruto was growling at him to explain what he wanted.
They had stumbled upon the boy in Rock Lee's room. They had originally planned on visiting Chouji, who was in for over-eating, but Naruto had wanted to visit his new friend 'Fuzzy-brows'. Shikamaru had suggested taking him the fruit basket instead of his 'big boned' teammate, but the contents of the gift were now scattered on the floor.
The red haired boy, Gaara, was staring at the three of them with no emotion in his pale green eyes. He seemed curious as to why they were trying to stop him from crushing the boy who had inadvertently lead to his first experience with pain.
The blond one, who had impressed his siblings with his antics during the preliminaries, seemed especially upset.
"I asked you what you thought you were doing, teme!" he practically growled, "You won your match! You don't need to kill Fuzzy-brows here!"
Gaara felt the voice in his head growl with rage. Such…insolence, the voice muttered, His blood…it would…be…so delicious. His defiance…it would be like wine.
Shikamaru frowned as beads of sweat roled down his head. "Naruto…I can't hold him much longer," he whispered, "He's…he's too…powerful!"
Naruto frowned, glacing over at Hinata, and then Lee. "Hinata, you grab Lee and get him out of here. Shikamaru and I will hold this guy off!"
Hinata shook her head. "Iye, Naruto-kun!" she argued, "This guy…h-he's t-too strong! I-I won't l-leave you beh-hind!"
Naruto was about to shout at her to leave when the door to the room opened, and Gai walked in. The jonin frowned at the scene in front of him. He stared hard at the Suna boy, who actually backed down.
As he was leaving he paused by Naruto. "You're…strange," he said, "But…I think…mother would like your blood." The blond gaped at those words, even as the red head walked out of the room.
"Naruto-san," Gai spoke up, getting the young boy's attention, "I thank you for coming to Lee-kun's aide."
Naruto chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Well, he may be weird, but Fuzzy-brows is my friend," he replied.
There's a case of pot calling the kettle black, the lazy Nara boy thought.
Would Naruto-kun…would he do that for me? Hinata wondered, a small blush tingeing her cheeks.
Gai nodded. "Still, I owe you a debt of gratitude," he replied, "Perhaps, if you are interested, I can help you with your taijutsu as a repayment. I'm not the best at ninjutsu or genjutsu in the village, but there are very few who can match me in hand to hand combat."
Naruto's eyes got big. "That would be awesome!" he shouted, "Thank you!"
Gai smiled, then stuck his thumb out in a classic 'nice guy' pose, his teeth glinting. "Yosh!"
Shikamaru and Hinata sweat-dropped, even as Naruto wondered how the man with the caterpillar eyebrows made his teeth shine like that…
Neji and Tenten were both breathing hard after finishing the training. Tenten gazed at her teammate in awe. "You've…surpassed…all physical limits," she breathed, "Even if there…was any…doubt before…there wouldn't be any now. You've got this match in the bag!"
Neji neither smiled nor frowned at his teammates enthusiasm. He was thinking back to what Hinata had said, about how Naruto would win the match. He didn't believe her of course, fate had already decreed her to be wrong the moment he and the Uzumaki boy had been matched up.
Yet, the conviction with which the shy girl had used in her reply…it was so true that it made the genius wonder.
Her crush on the Uzumaki boy is well known to all, he thought as Tenten gathered her scattered weapons, His weakness is also well known. He was dead-last, just like Lee. As powerful as Lee has become, he still would have no hope of beating me. However strong this Naruto really is, he can't win. His fate is decided, just as mine was a long time ago.
"We must practice again," he replied, "It must be perfect."
And so they began again.
Naruto walked down the road towards the coliseum, his mind focused on the task ahead. His match with Hyuuga Neji was going to be intense, he knew, and he was looking forward to it.
He thought back to the way Hinata had seemed to cave in on herself as her cousin's cruel words struck at her heart. As he thought about it, he realized that she was a lot like him. He could tell by the way she carried herself; she was lonely.
He wondered how that could be, considering she actually had a family. At least Sasuke could understand his position, since he was also alone. Hinata, however, seemed to be lost amongst a crowd. He remembered how shy she was in class, and how she rarely volunteered to answer Iruka-sensei's questions unless directly asked. She usually got the answers right, not as often as Sakura-chan, but most of the time. It seemed as though she just didn't want to be embarrassed.
Naruto dealt with his loneliness by acting out, playing pranks. He just wanted people to acknowledge him, and deep down, he knew Hinata was the same. He just didn't know who she wanted acknowledgement from.
As he was walking along, he heard a rhythmic thumping sound coming from a nearby training area, and he wandered over to investigate. He found Hinata striking a post with her palms. She was so focused on her strikes that she didn't sense him walking up.
When she paused for a moment to catch her breath, he spoke up. "Ohayo, Hinata!" he said.
The dark haired girl squeaked, then leapt behind a post, blushing. "Oh! O-ohayo, N-Naruto-kun!" she greeted him back, "A-ano, you s-should get m-moving! Y-you're ma-match is first, right?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah," he replied. He looked at the nervous kunoichi. He never realized before, but unlike the pale eyes of her cousin, Hinata's eyes actually had warmth in them. They also had a little bit of lavender in them as well.
It was…cute.
"Neh, Hinata," he said, turing around so she wouldn't see his blush for thinking that way. He didn't want her to think Ero-sennin's ways were rubbing off on him. "Neji is your cousin, right?"
"Hai," she nodded.
"Is he really strong?" he asked.
Hinata swallowed. Was Naruto losing his confidence? She knew her cousin was intimidating. Even Hanabi tended to avoid him. She didn't want to see Naruto back down.
Then she mentally scolded herself for thinking that way. Of course Naruto would never back down. It was his nindo, and he would always stick by it.
"Ano," she replied, "Neji-niisan…he is strong. His father, my uncle…he was said to be the strongest of our clan in three generations."
Naruto nodded. "Good," he replied, surprising her, "I hope he doesn't underestimate me like he did you."
Hinata felt her cheeks flushing. "W-what do you m-mean, Naruto-k-kun?" she asked.
"You're really strong, Hinata!" he answered, turning around to face her, "You were afraid of him, but you still stood up for yourself! I liked that!"
Hinata was sure her face was as red and shiny as a ruby by now.
"Y'know," Naruto said, "When we were in the academy, I always thought you were kind of weird, since you were so quiet all the time." Hinata felt her shoulder's slump at that. "But now that I know you a little better…I like people like you!"
He glanced at his watch, missing the sudden flush that stained Hinata's cheeks like red wine. "I gotta get going," he said, "Hey, come see me kick that cousin of yours' ass, huh? See ya!"
Hinata leaned against the post she had been striking, her mind whirling at Naruto's last statement. He likes…people like…me? She thought, Does…does that mean…he likes me too?
She barely acknowledged the arrival of her teammate Kiba, nor did she answer when he asked if there was something wrong.
She was too busy riding cloud nine.
Nine of the remaining ten chuunin hopefuls stood before Tetsuya as the sun rose high over the arena. Each contestant stared hard at the brown haired yonnin as he once again reiterated the rules.
"If you continue a match after I have called it," he was saying, staring hard at Gaara, "Then I will end your carriers as shinobi. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Hai," the group of genin replied.
"Very good," he smiled, looking up at the Hokage box. He frowned as he saw the Kazekage now sitting next to his sensei. He had met the man several times during his travels, but had never really cared for his company.
The way he treated his children didn't help his image in Tetsuya's mind either.
"Now then, lets have the first to contestants step forward," he continued, motioning for Naruto and Neji to step up, "The rest of you may wait in the observation room over there." He pointed to a small alcove to his left. The remaining genin walked out of the arena.
Tetsuya watched as Neji commented on Naruto's eyes, before Naruto reiterated his vow. "If you both are ready?" he asked, earning affirmatives from both boys. "Very well. HAJIME!"
Neji stared at the boy before him. "You should back down," he said, earning a dark look form the blond, "There is no way you can beat me, and there is no way you can become Hokage."
That certainly got a reaction from the blond, as he pulled out a set of shuriken. He hurled the bladed stars at the Hyuuga prodigy, who simply dodged to the right, even as the boy raced towards him, a kunai in his left hand. "We'll never know unless I try!" the orange clad ninja shouted, his hands joining together in a familiar seal. "KAGE BUSHIN NO JUTSU!"
Nearly two-dozen more Narutos popped into existence, each circling around the Hyuuga prodigy. The dark haired boy smirked as he focused the his chakra through his eyes. "BYAKUGAN!" he muttered, the veins around his pale eyes bulging from the energy surging through them. Whatever these 'Kage Bushin' were, the real Naruto would have no way of hiding from his eyes.
It was with a fair amount of surprise when he saw that all of the bushin possessed chakra coils, and the real Naruto blended in with them perfectly. I see now, he spreads his chakra out evenly amongst the clones! The pale boy thought as he dodged blow after blow. He struck out with his fingers, aiming for the Tenketsu located above the hara of his opponent. Each time he struck one, it would cough up some blood, then vanish. I see your strategy now; you're sending these clones in to try and wear me down, while at the same time keeping yourself from getting struck by my Jyuuken. "You're proving me right by avoiding my attacks!" he called out, noting the one Naruto that was holding back, "A Hokage must never be afraid to face battle. By hiding behind your Kage Bushin, you are showing your true fear!" He leapt up, perfoming a corkscrew kick to knock away several of the clones, before using one as a stepping stone to launch at the one waiting behind. "But even if my eyes can't tell the real you from a fake…YOUR ACTIONS TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE!"
He jabbed his fingers into the chest of the hesitant Naruto. "I told you before, a loser is always a loser," he muttered.
Naruto coughed up some blood, and started to sag to the ground.
Up in the stands several people were watching the fight with interest. On one side of the arena, two other members of the Hyuuga clan watched the battle below.
"Watch him carefully, Hanabi," Hiashi told his youngest child, "You will never see another branch member whose Hyuuga blood is as thick as Neji's."
"Hai, Otou-sama," the small girl acknowledged.
On another side, Ino and Sakura were wincing at the blow Naruto had just taken.
Ino didn't find it at all surprising. "Naruto may have gotten a little bit better," she said, "But Hyuuga Neji was last years number one rookie! It was just bad luck that they got paired together for the first match."
"Don't count Naruto out yet," Sakura countered, "He's…Naruto is at his best when it seems like he's going to lose. He always finds a way to turn it around."
"Maybe," Ino said, "But I get the feeling we're not even close to seeing Neji-san's real power.
A few rows up from them was another girl, who was silently agreeing with Ino's last comment.
Naruto may be good, but Neji is far from showing his real strength, Tenten thought, He isn't called the genius of the Hyuuga clan for nothing!
Finally, on another side of the arena, a group of four people were talking about the match.
"So Naruto can use Kage Bushin no Jutsu? Wow, that's a technique even some of the jonin can't perform!" Izumou muttered.
"Yeah, he definitely has some strength in him," Kotetsu nodded, "But that Hyuuga boy is in a hole other league. Naruto is just outmatched here."
"Heh, don't underestimate him," Kiba muttered to the two chuunin, "I made that same mistake, and that's why I'm up here and he's down there. I used to think that Naruto was just a pathetic goof-off with zero talent, but now I know better." He looked over at Hinata, who was leaning forward, her hands clasped together in silent prayer.
"It wouldn't surprise me at all if he somehow pulls this off."
Neji smiled as Naruto sank to his knees, coughing up dark red blood. "A dead-last should always be at the feet of a genius," he muttered.
It was quite surprising then when 'Naruto' grinned, then vanished in a puff of smoke.
Neji didn't have time to wonder what had happened before an orange suited sledge hammer slammed into his face, sending him flying.
"Don't pretend that you know everything, jerk!" the real Naruto growled as the Hyuuga genius sat up, rubbing his sore cheek. "I never back down, and I don't run away! That is my way of the ninja! Believe it!"
Neji just harrumphed. "I've heard that before," he muttered, "Still, it doesn't matter. Fate decreed you the loser the moment I was named your opponent."
He noticed the proctor Tetsuya shaking his head at him. He thought he heard something about a 'Shikuko', when Naruto's voice penetrated his consciousness once again.
"Stop trying to blame everything on fate, you coward!"
His eyes snapped forward to glare at the blond. "What did you say?" he muttered, his fingers twitching in anger.
"You're the real coward here, Neji!" the boy responded, "You blame everything on fate and destiny. I don't know what the problem is between the main house of the Hyuuga and the branch house, but blaming everything on fate is just an excuse for you not to do anything about it!"
The boy glanced up at the stands and saw Hinata sitting in one of the seats. She was pale and shaking, but her eyes…
They were urging him on.
"Hinata wanted to change herself," Naruto continued, glaring at the taller boy, "She worked hard, and tried her best. She wanted people to see that she's not weak and pathetic like everybody thinks. I admit, I didn't know her that well while we were at the academy, but I can tell you now without any doubt; Hinata is strong!
"Yet in your fight against her, you did everything you could to belittle her, and to knock her down! Tell me why, Neji! What did Hinata ever do to you?"
Tetsuya watched as the normally cheerful boy breathed heavily from his little rant. His anger and confusion were easy to understand; he just hoped the answer wouldn't cause him to back down.
"You really want to know?" Neji muttered, "Fine. I shall tell you the story. I will tell you the truth about the destiny of hatred between the main and branch houses."
He reached behind his head, undoing the knot he used to secure his hitai-ate, before letting it fall away.
There were many gasps throughout the arena as the mark upon the boy's head came into view. As far as symbols went, it was rather unremarkable; two green lines with a stylized 'X' cross between them. It could have been a bad tattoo for all it looked like.
"What is that?" Naruto asked, pointing at the mark.
"This is the secret art of the Hyuuga main house," Neji explained, "In order to protect the secrets of the Byakugan, all members of the branch family have this 'caged bird' seal carved into their heads. If a branch family member betrays the main house, a simple hand seal will activate the curse and destroy the traitor. Upon death, the seal locks away the secrets of our doujutsu, preventing those who would wish to posses its secrets from taking them.
"I received my seal upon the third birthday of the heir of the main family…Hinata-sama."
Naruto gasped, looking up at Hinata, who looked away at his gaze.
"That day was a day of celebration for all of Konoha," Neji continued, "A long standing feud between us and Kumogakure, the Village Hidden in the Clouds, had finally ended with the signing of a new peace treaty. All of the clans of Konoha were out celebrating, along with the visiting Raikage…all but one of the clans; The Hyuuga.
"That was the day Hinata-sama turned three, and I was branded with the curse seal. My father, Hyuuga Hizashi, told me it was my duty to protect the main house, and that the seal was to remind me of that duty. One day, while we were observing a training session between Hinata-sama and Hiashi-sama, my father let some of his resentment show.
"Hiashi-sama felt the killing intent, and activated the curse seal."
Neji looked at the ground, his hands closing so tightly that small drops of blood could be seeing falling from his knuckles. "My father…I had never seen him in so much pain," he whispered. He straightened up before continuing the story. "Later that evening, someone attempted to kidnap Hinata-sama. Hiashi-sama stopped them with one killing blow.
"The kidnapper turned out to be the Raikage. The treaty was just a ruse, so they could come here and attempt to take Hinata away. Of course, Kumogakure denied this, and demanded Hiashi-sama's head in retribution for the death of their leader. The argument lasted for months, nearly coming to war…
"…but then a back door deal was made. My father and Hiashi-sama were identical twins, born only minutes apart. Because my father was born second, he was given the curse seal. He was killed, and his head sent to Kumogakure to appease the new Raikage. They never knew that the secrets of our doujutsu were destroyed because of the seal.
"That is what fate is, Naruto," he finished, "My fate is to live and die so that Hinata-sama can be protected. All things in a person's life are determined by birth. That is also why your ridiculous dream of becoming Hokage will never come to be. Only those who are born to those destinies will achieve them."
"SHUT UP!" Naruto growled, "You really piss me off!"
"A loser will always be just that, a loser!" Neji shouted, rushing at the blond.
"You still don't get it do you!" Naruto cried as he twisted around a blow to launch a kick at Neji's side, which the older boy neatly blocked. "Think about it! You tried to kill Hinata in that fight! You say its your destiny to live and die protecting her? Then what were you doing trying to destroy her?" He backflipped away, landing in a crouch and bringing his hands into the cross seal. "That was you, trying to fight against fate!"
Neji growled, then lauched himself forward, his hands cambered for a palm-strike to the smaller boy's head.
Naruto smirked. "KAGE BUSHIN NO JUTSU!" he shouted, creating nearly thirty new shadow clones. As one unit they leapt at Neji, intending to come crashing down on him like a ton of orange clad bricks.
Neji had other ideas.
The long haired youth began to pivot on his heel, forcing his chakra through the various Tenketsu in his body. As the chakra grew, it seemed as though he was standing in the center of a glowing blue dome.
Up in the stands, all three members of the main house were watching the technique with awe.
The Kaiten, Hiashi thought, A technique reserved only for the main house…to have developed it on his own…Hizashi, perhaps it was you who should have been the heir.
"Ano, otou-sama," Hanabi spoke up, "That move…it is your Kaiten, isn't it?"
"Yes, Hanabi," the elder Hyuuga replied, "Neji is probably the most gifted member of our clan. It is easy to say that he far surpasses your sister, Hinata. In time, he may even surpass me."
Hanabi's eyes were wide as she turned to watch the rest of the match.
When Neji stopped spinning, less than half of Naruto's kage bushin were left standing. The boy stood there gaping at the site, before growling and pulling out more of his shuriken. His clones followed suit, and soon a veritable storm of the bladed stars were streaking for Neji.
"You'll never learn," Tetsuya muttered as Neji peformed the Kaiten once again, deflecting the shuriken away form him. The stars collided with their lauchers, causing the remaining bushin to disappear.
Naruto himself was forced to jump and dodge, landing on the other side of his opponent. When Neji stopped spinning, he was smiling.
"It's over," he said, his body sliding into a strange stance, "You are within my field of Hakke."
Time seemed to slow down, as a yin/yang symbol grid seemd to form on the ground. Naruto didn't have time to react as the Hyuuga genius launched into his technique.
"HAKKE SHO! ROKUJUYON SHO!" (Eight Triagrams Palm, Sixty-four Strikes)
Naruto's world exploded into a bright white field of pain as he felt the piston-like strikes to his torso and limbs. He flew backwards, landing in a rough heap, and skidding along the ground from the force.
Neji stood there, his gaze neither angry nor apologetic. He turned to the proctor. "Call the match, Tetsuya-sama," he spoke up, "There is no way for Naruto to continue."
Tetsuya looked over at the prone boy. He spotted the movement as he tried to force himself to his feet. Many members of the audience were shocked that he could even move after taking so many hard blows, but Tetsuya was surprised about something else.
He's still producing his own chakra! He thought, He shouldn't be able to use his own for at least a few hours after that move, yet he is! Kami-sama…this kid is a juggernaught!
Neji stared at the blond as he rose to his feet. He was shocked, that was certain, but he also felt something else stir in him. He wasn't sure what it was, and that angered him.
"Why do you keep fighting?" he asked, as Naruto brought his hands together in the ram seal, "I've closed your Tenketsu; you won't be able to use chakra for a while. It is futile…you can't win!"
Naruto flashed him a cocky grin. "We'll never…know…" he growled out, "Unless…I…try!" He reached deep within himself, calling on something he had actually hoped to avoid doin.
All right you bastard fox! Lend me your chakra!
What happened next would astound people for months, if not years, to come.
Tetsuya watched as the Kyuubi's chakra undid the damage to his Tenketsu caused by the Rokujuyon Sho. He watched as the two boys pounded away at each other for what seemed like hours, before Naruto finally ended it.
As Neji laid there in the hole, he commented on Naruto's use of Kage Bushin no Jutsu.
"I should…have…known," he whispered, his reserves almost completely drained, "That jutsu…its your favorite one…after all."
Naruto looked down at him, and shook his head. "I failed the academy graduation exam three times," he explained to the prone Hyuuga. At his questioning gaze, he continued. "The proctors always chose the one skill I was never any good at.
"Bushin no Jutsu…I hate that technique the most."
Neji's eyes widened. Here before him was someone who could use the most advanced version of the bushin jutsus…yet he couldn't do the basic one? Moreover, he was a full ninja as well, even though he failed the graduation test?
"I don't believe in fate, Neji-san," the blond shinobi continued, "If it was real, then I never would have been able to become a ninja, or ever have the chance of fighting someone strong like you." He grinned widely. "It was a really fun match! I want to fight you again sometime! You're really strong!"
Neji stared at him, before mirroring his grin.
Tetsuya smiled as he raised his hand. "Winner of the match…Uzumaki Naruto!" he shouted, bringing about a surprisingly large amount of cheers and applause. He smiled as Naruto enjoyed his victory praise, before walking over to Neji. "Your father was my pupil," he said, causing Neji's eyes to widen, "I know the full story behind that day, as does your uncle. I have a feeling Hiashi-san will be wanting to talk to you after this is over. Do yourself a favor; listen to what he has to say."
"Why should I?" he asked, as the medics lifted him on to the stretcher.
"Because Neji, a free bird is always flying through the skies, while a caged bird only looks where it can't go," he replied, "Naruto has shown you that everyone can be a free bird. Don't let his lesson go to waste."
He left Neji to wonder about that as he was carted out.
Next time; A treacherous snake, and a wise old man; A sinister plot, and a valiant counter attack; Four demons that walk amongst men, and the ultimate move of the Mikazeno clan. The Legendary Four, Ch 9, Four Sounds and Four Winds; Tetsuya's Ultimate Technique, Yon Kaze no Mai! The Battle for Konoha begins next chapter, BE THERE!