The Unusual Uchiha

by makoto x chelia

Aspiring to be a great Ninja like his elder brother Shisui, Ryouta Uchiha embarks on a painful journey of discovery and to hone his skills in order to fight the darkness that plagues his clan and the world.

11. Chapter 11

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Biscione; Yeah...hehe! Lee will certainly show his...youth alright!

HolyKnightX; Thank you! Hehe, so do I~ And I love the reactions as well~

Cloud4012; Hehe, yeah~ It was one of the funnier chapters I've written before~ I'm glad that you liked it~

Hellspam; Hehe, thought that it would give some laughs~

Harem Master123; Thanks, glad that you liked it! Yeah, that's where I got the inspiration from. Yeah, I hope the fight comes off as a good one, I tried my best to keep it interesting. Eeh, I'm not sure to be honest, I have the Uchiha thing to deal with, and I want him to meet Hanabi before canon starts, and some other things, but I don't think it will be that long. yeah, I suppose that Neji did really get the short end of the stick, huh. With the life and dying and all. So, I will consider them.

Linkonpark100; Yeah, things are getting interesting, and I hope that it comes off as a good fight. Erm, I don't think they're out in english yet, and if they are, then I don't know about them, so the answer is currently, no.

Jugar38; Thanks! And he'll get some progress, don't worry~ Yeah, they'll be introduced soon~ As always, thank you!

ShadowUzumaki55; Hehe, I'm glad that it was funny. Yeah, he doesn't forget about it so easily, but he'll eventually get better with time, and some help from certain people.

Naroku; Hehe, well at least one of them~ Yeah, that's what I didn't like either. While I love the series, the girls kinda get side benched most of the time, with only some girls like Sakura (because she is the main female of the series) and even then didn't get many battles herself, but in this fic, the girls, just as much as the guys, will be kicking some ass. Hee, maybe I will add them~ Erm, yeah Satsuki was slightly, but that was because she has the mentality of a six year old dealing with feelings she can't understand, so she took it out on Ino and Sakura, and while not fair, also understandable for the girl.

Neonlight01; Yeah, he's going to be having some troubles, but he'll eventually learn to get better and you're right, who would feel fine after those facts he's been through in his life. Ah, I guess she was, but se's also six and in love, even unknowingly, so seeing others after 'her man' she isn't going to be the most receptive to the idea of them tagging along with her, so scaring them would be the next best thing, to her at least. For now, it's like that, but in the future, it isn't going to be like a fangirl at all. I have parts of the story when they genuinely fall in love with him. Hehe, yeah, it was a mirror image huh~

War sage; Thanks! Hmmm, could be, could be~ You'll have to wait and see about that, it will be touched upon again in the future. Hmm, I suppose that it is quite a good one. And cool yeah!

Anime PJ; No one does by this point, after his history lol. Yeah, Ryou isn't exactly happy with the insult, and that Satsuki is~ Hmmm, they must be tougher than they thought...and yeah...training is going to be...interesting...!

Mr Beaver Buttington; I don't have a clue as to what you're talking about to be honest.

Guest 1; Okay, and yeah, that sounds pretty good. I have some ideas to shake up the war a little, to change it and make it a little more interesting for certain characters.

Lightwave; No worries, you've done it now and that's all that matters. I'm glad that you liked it, and yeah, Ryou will eventually confide about them to someone. Hehe, they'll be getting their time together eventually. Yeah, Fugaku really isn't to be trusted...but what, if anything, is he going to do? Well, that's Satsuki for ya, a six year old in love that doesn't want said love to disappear. Well, he would, if Satsuki lets him, as he might be tough, but he wouldn't want to hurt Satsuki...and wouldn't want to anger her either. Originally, she was going to, but I didnt want the chapter to run on for too long, and the same for this chapter as well. But she'll be showing up soon, very soon.

Parapara; For Kaguya to work, I would have to think of away for her to redeem, or change her ways somehow. If anyone has ideas, I will listen to them.

AlphaOmega; Thanks! Yeah, Itachi and Izumi will be getting more friendly with one another soon~ Yeah...will Fugaku actually keep his word or not, who knows? Hmmm, I can't say much about that yet, but Ryou inherited her...uniqueness, which will be shown as he grows up. Eeh, I guess they'll be nicer than in canon, though not to the extent that they are different characters all together. Yeah, he's going to show them hard work and dedication, which will be a catalyst for them to see that he isn't just a cool popular person, that he puts hard work and effort into things he does. Hehe, Lee will...somewhat redeem himself somehow. Yeah, I've got a good scenario for that character. Yeah, they'll be doing their own thing in the future, and will help one another become stronger. Well, that's one of Naruto's signature Jutsu, can't leave that out. Cool suggestions! I'm thinking about one or two, or maybe more, of those. Well, maybe it could be something like that. Heh, that would be quite humorous to see. Hmmm, yeah it could. I'll have to reread the manga and watch the anime again though, been sometime since I've seen either. Yeah, Koneko could still be like that, just explaining that she trained to be that strong, or her race is naturally that strong or something.

Guest 2; Eeh, I don't know how that would work if I'm honest. A Vampire in Naruto, it would be hard to do.

Guest 3; To be honest, I recently got into this, and while I haven't watched much yeah, I do like it, so when I've watched all there is to see, and learn whatever else I need, I could consider doing something like that.

Hakuno; Thanks! And yeah, I'll consider it! Though Kaguya is going to be a challenge, with the her being the big bad at the end and all.

With those lovely reviews out of the way, it is time to start the next chapter!

---

Lee vs Ryou

Within a certain part of the Konoha's nearing forests, Fugaku was walking quietly, and calmly through the forest. Taking in the sights around him, Fugaku tried to remember where it was he had to go.

"Lets see, if I go through the forest on a 90 degree angle from the gates to the village for exactly one hour and fifteen minutes, and before I hit the river, I turn right...it has been awhile since I've been here, it is hard to forget however."

Fugaku thought to himself, quietly moving through the woodland with small breaths, and occasionally making sure that he wasn't being followed. Thankfully for him, he wasn't being followed at all.

If he was, he wouldn't of bothered coming here. That's why he hasn't been in sometime. Right now though, he couldn't resist. Even if he was being followed, he couldn't stop himself from coming to this certain section of the woods.

"You'd probably call me stupid for coming out here at a time like this?"

Fugaku laughed to himself, frowning at the same time.

He frowned because he knew that she would disapprove of his actions. He knew that she would hate him for thinking the same way as a certain man did. But since she wasn't here anymore, he didn't allow himself to feel guilty...but truth be told, he was feeling guilty for even thinking that harming her son would be anything good.

"I know she's going to hate me for it, but I can't just stop...please, help me. Please, I will do anything to make these feelings stop, to make this bitterness in my mind disappear. I will do anything. I want to love your child...I want to make sure that he's fine, because he's your child. But I just can't stop...I cant ever stop because it's not fair that you had to go...while that man got to live. He got to live and tried to kill your precious son, while you had to disappear. I don't want you to be angry at me...I already know that you're scowling at me from your rightful place in Heaven...I just know it."

He begged in his head, trying to find some clarity when only confusion laid in his mind.

But no clarity came to him.

That was what stung the most. The fact that he never had the chance to grieve, and decide what to feel. He never got the chance to even say goodbye, something that he regrets every single day of his life.

"One day, I will do something for you to forgive me, I promise you. I dont know what I am going to do, but I am going to make sure that I do something worthy of your kindness...your loveliness."

He walked and walked, trying to sort out his mind of the recent events. He thought about how it went down with Ryou, his father, and other details of the coup. He wanted the coup to go ahead, and he knew that Shisui would be instrumental for the plan to succeed, due to his eyes and prowess in battle.

Though he couldn't forget about his hate, he wasn't above ignoring the hate for the good of the Clan. He knew that if he had any chance of succeeding successfully, without any worries, then Shisui, and Itachi would also be needed, and right now, he knew that if he kept on with his hate, he wouldn't have their support.

"It would be easier if he didn't look like you do..."

That's what Fugaku hated more than anything. He didn't really care how Ryouta was. He didn't really care if he was kind or polite. That didn't bother him in the slightest. It was the fact that he was like a certain girl from his past.

Shaking his head of those thoughts, he found what he was looking for.

Within the woods, there was a hatch in the middle, poorly constructed yet still holding up nicely.

"Hmph, so it remains untouched. Not bad for a couple of kids. We didn't do so bad, eh?"

Fugaku laughed to himself, remembering the day that he made this hideout with a certain group of people, that didn't consist of his wife.

Opening the hatch, a stairway was presented to the elder man.

Using them, he walked down into the secret hideout. Taking in the sides of the corridor, he used the lanterns on the wall, igniting them with Fire Release, giving him a feeling of nostalgia.

Walking into the special hideout, Fugaku looked at the 'shrine' that had pictures of Ryouta's mother. Some were with him, some with Mikoto, and some on her own. The shrine had all sorts of pictures of the young female but none of them were without consent. All of them had the young girl looking at the camera with a happy smile on her face.

Walking towards the shrine, Fugaku's mind began to remember all of the times that he had with the young woman, wishing that he had some kind of hope that she was still alive, still wanting to be with everything and everyone, but he knew that she wasn't here anymore, she was gone and nothing is bringing her back.

Fugaku laid his hands on a table that had a symbol on it. Looking at the symbol, Fugaku sighed sadly, remembering who drew the symbol in the first place. He then looked at the pictures, smiling happily when seeing the face of an Angel...at least, to him.

Running a hand over the desk, Fugaku cast his eyes downwards, and looked at the symbol with a ghostly look in his eyes. Seeing numerous things that belonged to her, including simple things like a hairbrush, and a Ninja tool that used to belong to her, he tried his best to not openly sob.

He was said to be on a mission today, but that was a lie to both the Clan, and his own family as well. There was no such thing as a mission today, but there was a reason for why he was here.

And thankfully for a certain child, it wasn't anything to do with hating him. No, this time it didn't have anything to do with Ryouta in the slightest.

Right now, with Fugaku in this hideout thought about the girl that he wished could've still be alive, wished that was with him right now. He knew that if anyone ever found out, it could've changed the dynamics of everything, so that's why he keeps this place to himself.

Then, an image came into Fugaku's line of sight.

It was a picture of a young girl...this young girl being Ryouta's and Shisui's mother. She was bent over, smiling at the picture as her long hair touched the ground, since it was that long. There was also a bear in her arms, her cuddling it for dear life.

That's when Fugaku started to remember the first time he had met this woman...

---

An eight year old Fugaku was sat within a classroom in the Academy. He looked around the place that he was in, his classroom, noting that his friend had sat next to him as per usual.

"Yo, morning Fugaku!"

A slightly hyper looking boy announced his presence to Fugaku who merely rolled his eyes with disinterest.

"Yeah, whatever."

Fugaku replied, causing the young black haired child to stick out his tongue playfully.

"Meeeh, you're such a boring and boorish person, you know?"

Fugaku didn't care if he had been called that, merely rolling his eyes towards the boy next to him, not caring in the slightest if he should even converse with this person longer than he had too.

"If that's what you think, then I don't really care."

"Tch, you give Uchiha's bad names Fugaku. No wonder people think we're stuck up sobs with you spearheading that campaign, huh."

Fugaku cocked up his eyebrows, and looked towards the class.

"It's because they don't understand the power of Uchiha. All of these simpletons really are just wastes of time. None of them are going to amount to anything."

The young boy next to Fugaku shook his head with disappointment and looked away from the scowling Fugaku.

"That's the reason people don't be your friend. You're such a harsh man."

The boy frowned while looking away from Fugaku, but the frown was for Fugaku himself, and he knew it. He knew that his friend was probably right, but he didn't really care much about whoever liked or disliked him.

Fugaku had a bored expression on his face, as most of the class was gossiping.

"Did you hear that we have a new student in class?"

One girl with curls in her hair said to her friends, who all nodded happily.

"Ooh, I hope that it is a girl! We can be her friends!"

Another girl with blonde knee length hair announced as she pumped her arms upwards.

"As long as she isn't a loser, that is."

A snobbish girl sneered at the other girls, who agreeed by nodding their heads.

The boys in the class didn't really say much about it, not really bothered about who the new student was, preferring to talk about Ninja's and what they'd do with their careers when they get to begin their careers.

For Fugaku, he didn't even care either. It was just another day within the Academy for him. Nothing new about it, nothing of interest. He hated the fact that such 'simpletons' were around, flapping their gums about something so trivial.

He doesn't even care if the person was a man or a woman. Instead, he had his nose in a book, reading about various Ninja subjects to try and better himself, as he usually would be doing.

When the Sensei walked in, he came in with a little girl who was around the same age as Fugaku, but she was short for her age. She had long black hair that glimmered at the sun hit it, and with matching black eyes, most of the boys instantly liked her appeal. the girl also had a teddy bear in her arms, clinging to it for dear life as the girl had a nervous look in her eyes.

"Quiet down class. We have a transfer student here today with us all." The Sensei announced, pointing to the girl who shifted uncomfortably. "This girl here is..."

The Sensei looked towards the girl who wore slight fear on her face.

"I-I'm Itsuki, nice to meet you all."

The girl bowed her head respectfully as the boy with black hair cooed from the side of Fugaku.

"Hot damn, is she pretty or what? Look at that hair, and those eyes. And that fine smile she has. All in all, she's really cute and adorable as well. Heheh~ Gotta love the innocent look~"

The boy nudged Fugaku who gave an indifferent stare towards him, briefly glancing at the girl. As soon as he did, he briefly paused, trying to take in the appearance of the girl. Everything about her screamed shy, yet also...there was something within the girls orbs that also showed something more, something hidden from the others.

When the girl looked towards him, Fugaku blushed a little and looked away towards his friend.

"Whatever, she's just another girl. What's so great about her Keiichi?"

The newly named Keiichi gave a huff at the boy, and glanced towards the adorable girl.

"Whatever man, she's too perfect for words. Shy, sweet, and humble. That's my kinda girl. Man I hope that she notices me~! We could then talk and talk and if it goes well, we can date and then get married~"

Fugaku rolled his eyes and looked back at his book.

"How can you even say that when you haven't even talked to her? You're even suggesting marriage when it has been barely a few seconds since you saw her. She could be an idiot for all you know."

"Don't care if she is or not. I dont even care if she rejects me, I'm going to become her man even if it kills me."

The boy naively said, having hearts in his eyes.

Fugaku merely looked at him as if he had two heads or something, before turning to the front of the class, seeing the girl meet his gaze again, and she smiled at him sweetly, something that made Fugaku's heart beat go faster and faster as time went on.

"Eeh, she's eight years old and she carries around in a bear with her? Is she a freaking child? Is she a baby?"

One boy harshly giggled at the girl who recoiled away from him.

"Yeah, such a baby! Such a baby! God I can't believe we have a baby in the class! Does baby want her bottle? Does baby want her milk from the bottle~?"

Another boy sneered as the girls looked at Itsuki with jealous eyes, hatred filling their orbs.

"God, she's too pretty!"

A girl spat out in disdain, Itsuki frowning sadly when she heard that.

"Yeah, but don't forget that she's carrying around a little teddy bear~ Isn't that so childish?"

Another girl sneered at Itsuki, hate in the jealous girls eyes.

"Don't forget that she's acting shy. That's to make the boys all weak in the knees. Everyone knows that shyness makes guys want them, and when they're cute, they gain the boys attention even more. Ugh, using that bear is to make everyone fall for her instantly! She's such a cow!"

A angry girl growled towards Itsuki, who felt more and more saddened as time was going on, unable to see why they were picking on her.

Yes, she was carrying around a bear, but that doesn't mean they have to pick on her. And they didn't even know the reason why she was carrying around a bear, so they didn't have any right to pick on her.

"I really hate her! She should go back to whatever bridge she crawled out of! Stupid ugly tramp!"

Calling her a tramp, Itsuki developed teary eyes, unable to speak due to everyone picking on her for her bear. She hugged the bear even tighter, and looked towards everyone that was picking on her.

"S-Stop...t-this belonged to Kaa-chan...y-you can't say bad things to my bear...y-you'll hurt h-his feelings...y-you can't d-do that..."

The girl was inches away from sobbing, but she held herself together, something Fugaku took note of, and secretly praised her for, though wouldn't ever say it.

"Joke, right girl? Your bear doesn't have feelings! He's just like you, an idiot! Emotionless monster!"

"Hehehehe! She looks like she's about to cry! Awww, poor baby gonna cry because she's got such a small teddy bear and we're hurting its feelings~ Isn't that sweet? She thinks that it is alive~"

"Hehe, good one. No bear has feelings and it isn't alie you idiotic freak, she's just a moron and a loser as well~"

"I thought it would be cool to have a girl in the class, but not this loser crybaby cow that can't even do without her teddy bear~ She's such a loser~ Why did we get this thing into our class anyway?"

As more and more people laughed at the girl who's eyes became more and more teary, unable to defend herself properly because she didn't feel threatened, Keiichi glared at the people who picked on the girl, and sneered at all of them.

"Haha, you're all jealous that she's got a super rocking bear! Look at that fur and those lovely eyes! I bet it has super powers, am I right Itsuki-chan?"

Keiichi joked, attempting to turn the bullies away from her, something that he knows of as well, not wanting this girl to be picked on since she looked really sweet and innocent, something that he really liked.

Itsuki looked towards Keiichi, and her face broke out into a small smile.

"Y-Yes, that's exactly right! My Kaa-chan said that it protects me when I'm alone and scared!"

Keiichi rubbed the bridge of his nose, a proud smirk spreading across his face.

"Thought so! It looks really cute and powerful as well Itsuki-chan!"

The girl flushed with embarrassment, and then smiled towards Keiichi with appreciation

"Hehe...thank you...very much."

The girl gave a shy reply towards the young man.

Keiichi smiled at the young girl who did the same, showing one another kindness smiles.

Fugaku couldn't see why Keiichi defended a girl that was just so...weak willed. She didn't have anything remarkable about her, besides her appearance. She was cute, but that simply wasn't enough for Fugaku to be interested in the girl.

Fugaku shook his head and returned to his book, completely ignorant of the fact that his friend was still staring at Itsuki with love hearts in her eyes.

---

In another memory of the day, Fugaku was outside, walking along and minding his own business, walking across the field, so he could get towards him home without having to deal with anyone else that he didn't want to deal with.

That is, until five Genin came over to Fugaku, and got right in his face.

Fugaku gave an indifferent stare towards them, tilting his head to the side.

"Is there a reason why you idiots have suddenly come near me? I thought Genin had finished the Academy, so why don't you run along now, and do something somewhere else. Perhaps you could do something with your useless Ninja tools?"

The boys scowled at Fugaku's way of speaking, feeling angrier by the second.

"Tch, you Uchiha really are stuck up bastards, aren't you?"

A red haired boy sneered at the young Uchiha who turned up his nose at the Genin.

"Whats it to you? Uchiha are the future of this village, you're the annoyances of the village. Now why don't you run along and play pretend Ninja somewhere else."

The red haired boy didn't like how Fugaku spoke to him, so he withdrew a kunai, and faster than he could think, slashed the young Uchiha across the face, drawing blood from the young man.

"Gonna cry about the cut?"

The boy sneered, his friends laughing behind him.

Fugaku raised a hand to his face, and scowled deeply.

"You really have the audacity to attempt to touch Uchiha with your lousy kunai? Who do you think you are?"

"We think we don't like Uchiha, thats who we think we are you little bastard."

Fugaku's eyes turned dark as the boy didn't respect Uchiha, who he was, and proud to be.

"So, you don't like Uchiha. Fine, because Uchiha doesn't like talentless losers like you either."

All of the boys eyes twitched at the hurtful words Fugaku said, insulting all of them at the same time.

"You say that, yet we're the ones who have friends. And you don't. The closest you have is that other Uchiha brat you hang out with, and he's not someone who can even begin to take me on. Just like you, all Uchiha are cowered's"

Fugaku clicked his tongue, and furrowed his brows.

"You really are such an annoyance. You're beginning to piss me off."

The boy smirked, as his friends gathered around him.

"Then, why don't you do something about it Uchiha? Or, are you a coward?"

"I'm no coward you clanless shit!"

Fugaku growled and went to strike the boy. But said boy bent his neck, and sent a punch right at Fugaku's face, sending the boy to the ground with a hard thump.

"Get his arms and legs!"

The leader screamed, the other boys nodding and moving forward at the same time, sneering at the Uchiha.

"H-Hey, get off me!"

Fugaku roared as his legs, and arms were pinned down. He couldn't even begin to make a hand sign before his arms had been captured. He couldn't kick out, his legs being sat on.

The red haired boy walked to the left of the boy, and retracted his foot.

"Sorry Uchiha, but your kind doesn't deserve to be in this Academy. Cheating with your Sharingan, using your damn talent to skip grades and to manipulate everything to your favour. You're really scum of the highest kind."

Fugaku scoffed, despite the situation he was in, and looked away with an annoyed huff.

"I'm sorry you have to justify your existence by looking at superior people. Seems to be that you've got an inferiority complex because your lives are such worthless crap. Now, I suppose you're going to beat me, and I don't really care. but, when you've done, you'll be so sorry."

Fugaku looked back at the boy, and showed a fearless smile.

Something within the boy snapped, and he kicked Fugaku right in the rips, a bone crunching sound echoing from the Uchiha's body. But Fugaku didn't show any pain on his face, he didn't even show a single emotion towards the boy who kicked him, which only made to infuriate the boy.

"Aren't you going to cry out? Come on! Cry you bastard!"

The redhead kicked him numerous times, but Fugaku didn't whimper. He didn't want these people to get the better of him, and if he was to succeed in that, he wasn't going to show that he was in pain.

When Fugaku didn't answer, the redhead growled and stamped on Fugaku's stomach, a surge of pain running through the Uchiha's body.

"I said cry you son of a bitch! Fucking cry!"

Fugaku looked at him, and just stared emotionlessly at him, not uttering a word.

That was what made the redhead growl, and turned to his friends.

"Come on you guys! Lets teach this Uchiha bitch a lesson in pain!"

[Yeah!]

The boys then proceeded to beat Fugaku.

Fugaku couldn't move as the boys punched and kicked him, standing on his stomach, and other parts of his body. Even with the attacks on his person, Fugaku never once cried or surrendered his dignity and pride. Being an Uchiha, he wasn't allowed to show any pain or suffering.

Five minutes, Fugaku suffered this beating and when the redhead told the others to stop, he looked at the Uchiha, and scowled.

"Why aren't you crying Uchiha!? I demand that you cry out in pain you bastard! Do what I say Uchiha and cry!"

Another kick ended up in the boys stomach but Fugaku didn't cry, and looked directly towards the redhead's face, and grinned.

"Why would I cry when you can't ever hurt me you weakling?"

Something inside the redhead snapped so he kicked him again, this time Fugaku spat out blood because of the force that the boy used. even then, the young Uchiha didnt allow his pain to be showed to these people. To Fugaku, admitting that he was in pain would be more humiliating than actually getting attacked in the first place.

"Hey! What are you people doing?"

As Fugaku was about to give up, the new girl, Itsuki appeared with her bear, rushing towards them with anger evident on her face.

The boys turned to her, Fugaku having a shocked face that the girl appeared so quickly.

"Yeah? What's it to you bear girl?"

Itsuki looked at Fugaku on the ground, frowning as she saw blood that he coughed up, and the cut on his cheek, please the other injuries that he had.

"You've hurt him, for what reason?"

"Because he's an Uchiha dumbass."

The male leader replied as Itsuki continued to frown.

"So, he's an Uchiha, so you decided to beat him? That's not right at all. You're all mean, and nasty. Now I advise you all to stop before I put a stop to it myself."

The girl threatened, showing a face that she didn't do before in the classroom.

Conviction.

That was what was on the young girls face. And right now, she was directing that towards the boys that were hurting Fugaku.

Fugaku himself had a surprised face, and couldn't understand why this girl had come here to defend him. She didn't know him, and she didn't really have a reason for being there. Yet right now, she was just staring at them and showing hostility.

The red haired boy sharpened his gaze, and left Fugaku's side, walking slowly towards the girl.

"You best walk away before I really hurt you. Don't make me...actually, you're pretty cute for a 5 year old." Itsuki frowned, knowing that he was calling her small, which she didn't like in the slightest, when she was really 8 years old, not 5. "So, why don't we go and get some ice cream or something?"

The Genin flirted with the girl who cocked her head to the side then giggled.

"Sorry, but I don't go out with bullies. Actually, being in the presence of bullies makes me feel sick, and I really hate it when people use their power to bully the weak. So, I will ask again. Leave the boy alone, or I will have to make you leave. this is your only chance of leaving. So please take it before I have to get really physical with you."

The redhead tightened his fist, and aimed it at the girls face.

"You've gotten some nerve girl! Now it's time to beat the crap out of you and take that bear from you!"

The boy swung his fist at the girls face, but as it was about to make contact, the girl quickly used her hand to grab his wrist, and with a strong flick of it, she overturned the boys body, and he landed on the ground, crying out in pain when she twisted his wrist.

"No one threatens the bear." Itsuki smirked, and twisted her body around, the boys body following her, Fugaku being impressed with her strength, despite being so small and young as well. "Now, why don't you leave the boy alone or I will have to pick on you instead."

Itsuki stopped swinging, and threw the boy across the field, him landing when he hit a fence, making an audible bang.

Fugaku's eyes widened at how she was able to do that with such ease, not even seemingly breaking a sweat at all. He hasn't ever seen anyone his age that strong, and certainly that skilled, even a girl at that. While he wasn't sexist, he didn't think a girl would be able to do something like that for a girl of her age.

"You little witch, you really think I'm going to be beaten by something like this!? As if you idiot girl! I'm going to get you!"

The boy pulled a kunai, and threw it at the girl. The kunai was caught by the girl who used her lightning fast speed, and held it in her hand, a deranged smile appearing on her face.

"That wasn't very nice. Throwing kunai's at me. It's alright though, my bear doesn't like you, and he's going to teach you a lesson in humility."

Before he could react, the girl held up her teddy, and stroked his paw. As she did that, a thin needle came from the bears paw, and stuck into the boys neck with a precise strike.

"W-What did you..."

BANG!

The redheaded boy fell over, unconscious.

The other boys were shocked at what the girl did and all stood up, unpinning Fugaku. Fugaku sat up, staring between the girl, and the red haired leader that was put to sleep just beforehand, wondering what she did.

"It's just a needle laced with some drugs that puts people to sleep, that's all. He'll be awake within an hour or so. A girl has to be prepared after all, and my bear protects me. So come at me, and you'll see what happens to you."

Itsuki explained, smiling slightly dangerously as she hugged her bear childishly.

Fugaku was amazed that the girl held something within the bear, and the other males were all stunned that such a needle existed within a tiny bear, looking at the girl with a renewed fear.

"You cheeky bitch!"

"You're going to get a beating for that!"

"You're going to die cow!"

"Die bitch!"

All of the boys rushed the girl who sighed.

"Okay, if that's how you want to play it."

The girl threw her bear into the air, as she wove through some hand signs.

Fugaku raised his eyebrow at what she was doing as the boys didn't care, trying to attack her and even pulling weapons like kunai and shuriken's, readying to attack the young girl.

Itsuki finished her hand signs, and took a deep breath.

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

Exhaling from her mouth, a large gust of wind blasted it's way through the field. The ground uprooted and mixed in with the attack.

"What the hell is that!?"

"A Wind Release!?"

"This girl can use Nature Transformations!?"

They all complained and through their weapons at the wind, but all attacks were blown away, embedding into the ground and then were brought up by the powerful gust and sent towards the boys, with the powerful mini tornado heading towards them.

The boys didn't even have time to react as they were smacked by the powerful winds, flinging them backwards through the field, were they met the same fence as their leader hit. Fugaku had the intelligence to grab onto a nearby pipe from the building beside him, so he wasn't swept up in the attack, and his face turned to that of amazement that she was able to do something like that.

"And to make sure they don't cause problems again~"

The girl caught her bear that she threw up before, and ran her fingers across the paws of the bear, aiming them at the boys. Firing thin needles at the boys who were already in a state where they were stunned, they couldn't react to the needles piercing their flesh, knocking them out with the same sleeping agent as what knocked out their leader.

After making sure that they were down for the count, the girl walked over to Fugaku who was still in a state of shock, and offered her hand for him to take.

"Are you alright?"

She asked kindly, displaying a lovely smile that made Fugaku feel warm inside.

"W-Why did you save me?"

Fugaku wondered, unsure how to feel on how a girl saved him from certain hospitalisation if those people had the chance to continue onwards.

The girl bent her neck, before giving a heartwarming smile.

"It's because you were in danger silly. Why wouldn't I do that?"

"Hmph, I didn't need you to save me. And I didn't even ask for it either." Fugaku gave an aloof stare, and folded his arms. "You didn't even protect yourself during your own little bullying situation and you had this kind of power? Why did you not use it for yourself? So, why come for me? I don't need some useless girls protection."

Fugaku stated with coldness, but Itsuki showed her perpetual smile, something Fugaku couldn't understand why she was able to do something like that.

Even though he said it harshly, the girl merely kept on her smile, making sure that he was okay.

"It's because I only use my power to protect others who need my help. I never use it for myself, unless the time comes for it, and that's a rare occurrence."

"Protecting others, and not yourself? I don't get it."

The girl continued to smile, and patted Fugaku's head, something that he had mixed feelings about.

"It's called compassion. I'm sure that you know what that is. I will only protect myself, when my life is in danger, but I don't believe in faulting my power unnecessary, that's not who I am." Itsuki stopped, and then looked at Fugaku's cheek. Seeing the injury, Itsuki took out a plaster and placed it on his cheek. "There, no more worries. I'm sorry that you got a cut on your cheek, and other injuries. Maybe you should visit the infirmary?"

"Hmph, I'm an Uchiha, I do not need anyone to care for me."

Saying that with a mirth smirk, Itsuki rolled her eyes, and giggled softly.

"You're strange person Uchiha-san."

"You're the strange one. You just used Nature Transformation, and a strong one at that. How in the hell did you do something like that?"

Fugaku had to ask, because he couldn't make sense of it all.

Itsuki though gently looked at him.

"It's because my Kaa-chan taught it to me before she had to leave." The girl spoke sadly, trying to hide her feelings, but they were clear to see, even by Fugaku himself. "Never mind that though. It's a good thing that I had it or you could've been in danger, Uchiha-san."

"Tch, I never said that I needed your help. I didn't, I would've handled it fine on my own."

"If you say so Uchiha-san~" Itsuki giggled, then turned towards her teddy bear. "Come on Shisui-kun, time to home and restock your needles~" Itsuki turned around, and was about to walk away when she bent her neck backwards, smiling at Fugaku. "You should really think about being nicer to people, then bad things wouldn't happen. Please think about it because I see goodness in you. I hope that you realize that you have it within yourself as well."

Fugaku turned up his nose, and looked at the bear in her arms.

"You really care about that stuffed animal, huh. Even giving it a name when he...it isn't even alive. Though it is a dangerous weapon, I didnt expect that stuffed animal to have hidden mechanisms inside its paws."

Itsuki nodded at the boy, and continued to smile brightly as she kissed the top of the bears head.

"Yes. He's soft and cuddly but within him, beats the heart of a powerful Dragon. That's what my Kaa-chan said, yet he wouldn't ever hurt anyone because he is so kind, my Shisui-kun. He has a soft lovely appearance, but he is brave and strong like a Dragon. He's also so pure and sweet, that's what I love about my boy, my Shisui-kun. And you saw how tough he was, so be nice or Shisui-kun will teach you a lesson~"

After giving a joke, Itsuki skipped away with a bright smile on her face, while hugging the bear she called 'Shisui-kun' with a fondness for the stuffed animal, something that Fugaku found to be quite strange.

Fugaku watched her walk away, and unknown to himself, his face broke out into a small smile, his cheeks going slightly red.

---

After finishing remembering, Fugaku held a hand to his mouth, trying to control his voice from letting out a little sob. Though he wasn't one for crying, on certain instances like these, Fugaku continued help but do it.

He wiped his eyes, and looked away from the pictures.

"Yeah, she really was a tough girl alright. I bet she could've even become Hokage if she had lived. Certainly, she was stronger than I am. And not just with power either...her heart was stronger than my own. If she was here...I wonder, would the coup be happening? Or would you have convinced me that this is futile? Is it futile? Can't you tell me if I'm doing the right thing?"

Fugaku thought fondly, and honestly.

He looked at the photo's again, smiling sadly as the girl stared back at him with pure eyes. Even through a photo, the man couldn't help but smile at the photo, wishing that she was with him right now.

Though he knew that she was gone, and there wasn't anything he could do about it. Even with all of the Uchiha by his side, he never had enough power to do anything for her, least of all protect her when she needed it the most...when she needed protection from herself, going through something she knew she shouldn't of gone through.

Fugaku's thoughts then turned towards Ryouta Uchiha, and his face had a mixture of anger, and happy, something even Fugaku didn't know that he could do at the same time.

"Ryou...he really is like her...I hate it...but love it at the same time...he's just like her...never lifting a finger against someone...unless someone else is in danger, or his life is in danger or to prove himself like you did Itsuki-chan...maybe, Satsuki sees what I saw back then for Itsuki-chan...kindness that can't ever be beaten...nor can it be learned. Acceptance...of everything regardless of who or what it was and didn't tolerate the strong picking on the weak."

Fugaku...he really didn't like himself for hating Ryouta.

Because to Fugaku, he was an embodiment of her will, her fire and her kindness. Everything about her, was reflected within the child, and that made it so much harder to like him, as opposed to Shisui who reflected their father the most.

Fugaku then remembered the girls kindness, and was almost brought to tears again.

"She never used her power for herself...she always used it for others. She could've annihilated a whole village if she wanted...but she never hurt a single soul, and when she did, she'd be sad and cry about it...she's really...she really was magnificent. I miss her every single day...I wish she could come back to me..."

Fugaku held back his sadness, and looked towards the photos on the wall.

His eyes went towards a photo of Keiichi and Itsuki, and his face turned downwards into anger.

"I wish it could've been me. Why did you pick a emotionally unstable idiot over me, Itsuki-chan? I would've given you everything...I would've given my life for yours...I would do anything to see you smile...just one more time."

After he muttered that, Fugaku sat back on a chair, and remembered about the girl that changed his life for the better, only to make it worse when she had to leave this mortal existence.

---

With Ryou and the others...

"I'm sorry, but what did you say then? Could you please repeat it for me? I don't think that I heard you right."

Ryou asked Lee, to gain confirmation from the strange looking boy, while putting his hands in his pocket.

Lee brushed his face with his hand, Ryou noticing that his hand was slightly injured, and raised an eyebrow at that with confusion written.

"I said please fight against me! Ryouta Uchiha-san, I wish to face you in a fight, and determine who is the stronger Academy Student! If you don't wish to fight me, then I wont be able to progress! So please take up arms for I am challenging you to a fight and as a fellow student, you shouldn't be able to refuse!"

Ryou blinked at Lee's declaration, and felt slightly guilty if he said no to the boy, he would be disheartened, as far as Ryou could tell anyway. Ryou could see the determination that was in the opposing boys eyes, his face full of strength and power, something that he rarely sees in someone around his age. It really was odd to the boy, and he couldn't understand how this boy was able to come out with such a bold declaration without even knowing him.

Satsuki, Ino and Sakura looked on with arduous eyes, unable to conceive why Lee would challenge Ryou when it hasn't been long since the time he got out of the wheelchair. Though Satsuki didn't know if she should step in and stop this or not, wanting to see how far Ryouta had progressed.

Tenten from the side merely face palmed at the antics of Lee, and was ready to step in if things got out of control, like Tenten could see happening if Lee got worked up by 'youth' again, not unlike a certain Jonin Sensei, that isn't Lee's Sensei right now.

"So, you wish to fight me because...I fought a Jonin, and survived, am I right about this Lee-san?"

Ryou questioned, wondering what he was going to do next...but he subconsciously looked towards the young boys eyebrows, wondering how they were that thick, and seemed to be twitching every now and again. Something like that was slightly worrying for the young Uchiha, but he didn't want to say anything, so he wouldn't offend Lee...even if Lee did offend Ryou just before.

"Yes Ma'am...eeh, Sir! Yes Sir! That's what I want!" Ryou frowned when Lee used the girl form of addressing him in a proper manner, but decided to let it go when Lee corrected himself. "Please fight me Ryouta Uchiha-san! I will make sure to give you the best opponent that I can!"

Again Lee made such a bold announcement, catching off guard all of the others that are present besides Tenten that is, who knows Lee quite well, and just put this as his usual behaviour.

Ryou put a hand to his chin, stroking it as he got into deep thought.

"If this Lee-san wants to fight...as long as it doesn't go to far, I don't see why not...but he does kinda freak me out with the hearts before, and thinking I'm a girl, I'm so cutting my hair later on. I don't care what Satsuki-chan wants, this is my body and she can't tell me what do to." As he thought it, he looked towards Satsuki, who raised an eyebrow, making Ryou look away. "Yeah, she's going to kill me if I cut my hair. She's really stingy when it comes to things like that...aah well, I will make sure that she does something for me later on. I will be damned if I don't get anything out of this, Satsuki-chan. Really, you're going to pay for doing this to me Satsuki-chan."

As Ryou was thinking, Tenten was looking on with careful eyes, making sure that Lee isn't pressing someone to fight, knowing how Lee would want to fight anyone that could help him improve, even if that person didn't want to fight, and knowing how Lee would go to great lengths to secure a chance to fight a strong opponent by nearly any means necessary.

"Hold on a second, you can't be seriously thinking about it, right Ryou-kun?" Ino butted in and moved closer, to the ire of Satsuki and Sakura who both scowled when Ino stroked the boys arm to gain his attention. "Don't you think it's a little rash? That guys nuts. He goes after you as if you're a girl, then he wants to cause harm to you. That's a little nutty, isn't it Ryou-kun? You can't seriously think that he can do these things to you, and he can get away with them? He's nuts, you can't go and fight him. You'll seriously get injured with him...he's really mental, Ryou-kun."

Ino showed her concern, trying to make Ryou see 'sense' that Lee really is just a nutcase...at least in her eyes, and some other's as well, namely Satsuki and Sakura, though Satsuki was also cautious about the guy, as he knew who Ryouta was, and still wanted to fight him.

Though Ryou kind of agreed, still sore about the fact that Lee referred to him as a girl a number of times, though Ryou didn't really hold it against him, however to Ryou, it still looked like Lee thinks Ryou is a girl.

"Yeah...I can't say that I disagree with you if I am going to be honest with myself." Ryou confirmed, then seeing Lee so determined, cracked his neck to the side, and tightened his fist. "But, as a man, and a man asking me to fight for the request of growing stronger, I can relate to that. So, I don't see why I wouldn't accept it, as long as Lee-san here doesn't try to kill me or anything like that hehe~"

Ino opened her eyes wide that Ryou actually said that he would fight Lee, if Lee was serious about getting stronger. Satsuki understood it, and didn't say anything, while Sakura was on a similar level to Ino, but didn't say anything, as Lee was ecstatic that he got a semi confirmation, with Tenten still unsure of if she should say anything or not.

Ino moved closer, minding that Satsuki was behind her, so if she did anything she shouldn't (at least by Satsuki standards) then she would sweep in like a hawk, and put a stop to it immediately.

"B-But Ryou-kun. He's really insane! I'm not joking! He's really mental! You can't fight him! He might try those creepy love heart thingy's again! He'll do it, I know that he will Ryou-kun!"

Ryou cringed when he remember the fact that Lee did do something like that beforehand, yet also remembered how he was able to get away from them, so they wouldn't be that much of an issue. Though, that didn't mean that Ryou wanted revenge for what Lee tried to do to him before.

"If he does, then it will give me an excuse to win even more, right?" Ino couldn't refute what he had said, secretly wondering if Ryou could make this guy stop with the accusations. "So don't worry Ino-san. You're kind to worry about me Ino-san, but I will be fine. It will be a safe match, right?" Directing at Lee, the young boy nodded happily. "I see, then that's good. I didn't want to be put into the hospital again, and vise versa."

"I'm glad that he has a sensible head on his shoulders. Cant have either of these two in the hospital for something so minor like this silly fight. Meeh, I'm never going to understand men...well, boys I suppose."

Tenten smiled, appreciating the fact that Ryou wasn't all hardheaded and driven by a single ambition like Lee. While she didn't mind it so much, she did think that he took it slightly too far like how Lee was going to make sure that Ryou was going to fight him, even if he didn't really want to.

"I am glad you've decided to fight me Uchiha-san! I will show you the power of youth and determination to its fullest! Please do not hold back your power against me, as I will also come at you with the flames of my youth and aspiration!"

Ryou smiled weakly as Ino left his side, unsure if he should be fighting Lee, but decided that if Ryou wanted to do, then he is going to support it the best that she possibly could.

"That sounds really good...I think." Ryou sweatdropped as Lee waved his hands around energetically. "Now erm...what's going to happen like? I mean, are we allowed to use Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu? Or only one of the three of them?"

Ryou wasn't sure if he should use his fireball technique, knowing that it might hurt Lee if he fired at full power. Though, he knew of restraint, and knows how to lower his levels of power, but still felt slightly uncomfortable with the idea of using such a strong attack against a person like Lee.

"Any and all is fine! Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Taijutsu! All of them are going to be good if they come from an Uchiha! I will use my pure Taijutsu against you and defeat you with my skills and power alone!"

Ryou was slightly shocked by the fact that Lee wasn't going to use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, though Ryou could understand the Genjutsu since he didn't really know how to use it either if he was honest with himself.

"Pure Taijutsu huh...eeh, what about Ninja tools?"

Ryou wondered, as some of his attacks do use Ninja tools.

Tenten's ears perked at the talk of Ninja tools, something that she was very interested in.

"You can use whatever tricks you have! Even Ninja tools are fine with me Uchiha-san! Please come at me with the intent to...eh, hurt me I guess! That's the only way you'll have a chance of defeating me Ryouta Uchiha-san!"

Speaking with as much honesty as he could, Lee raises his spirits as he got into a Taijutsu form, one that wasn't the typical Academy style which Ryou found slightly odd, but didn't say anything as he got into his own Uchiha style of fighting, that was taught directly from Shisui himself, though he had to admit that Lee's was better, seeing no flaws in the style itself, something Ryou could only praise the boy for having.

"I see...erm, Lee-san. I have to ask, your hands..."

It was slightly niggling at him, the state of the boys hands. He didn't understand why Lee's hands were so damaged, so injured and having dried blood over them, and wrapped up in bandages, poorly.

"My hands? What's wrong with them?"

Lee didn't know what Ryou was referring to, merely smiling as he usually does with bated breath.

"Erm...you know, don't you? Your hands are covered in wounds, shouldn't you get those treated or something?"

Now noticing what he meant, Lee just shook his head without a care in the world.

"No, it doesn't matter! They're always like this! It's because I train and train my body all of the time! Even my hands and feet go through such intense training! If they weren't like this, then they wouldn't show my perseverance to become a Ninja! I have to prove this much Uchiha-san! So come at me when you're ready!"

Ryou was slightly taken back by Lee's declaration, having a new sense of respect for him...even if he was still freaked out by the hearts from before, vowing to never forgive Lee for that part of the day, something that has slightly traumatized him.

Tenten walked to the side, standing near Satsuki and the others, taking a glance at the two males standing against one another.

"Right, since you insist in fighting one another, I might as well be the one who judges the fight, and makes sure nothing too bad occurs? Is that okay with you two?"

Asking for their permission, both boys turned their heads towards the girl with buns for hair.

"Yes Tenten! That's fine!"

"That's okay with me Tenten-san. Thank you for doing this."

Lee answered with anticipating while Ryou answered normally and with a calming smile on his face.

Hearing their agreement, Tenten bowed her head.

"Then, I suppose you can start the match. But when I say stop, you stop understand?" She directly more at Lee than Ryou who gave his consent with a nod regardless. Lee also gave his consent with a single hyper nod. Seeing that, Tenten held up her hand. "Then with that out of the way...start!"

---

Immediately saying that after Tenten threw her hand downwards, Lee rushed towards Ryou who blinked, barely able to see Lee coming at him.

"I've heard you're fast Uchiha-san, lets see if you can keep up with me!"

Lee sounded proud of his speed, and he should be since Ryou's eyes were darting everywhere, trying to keep track of his movements.

"H-He's really fast. I can barely see him...should I use my Sharingan? It would allow me to make sure that I can keep up with his movements...but then again, I don't want to rely on it, since he doesn't have it...if I have to use it, then I am going to use it."

Ryou didn't like the idea of resorting to using his Sharingan, yet thought that he might need it, if Lee becomes any faster than he is moving right now, so that he would be able to at least see Lee coming for him and it would be a trump card for him to use at a later date.

"Here I come Uchiha-san!"

Saying it with such an energy, Ryou felt mentally drained already, but kept his eyes (he didn't activate the Sharingan just yet, keeping it back should he need it) on Lee's swiftly moving form, the best that he possibly could.

However, Lee was speeding away with speeds that even Ryou admits to not possessing. Yet, it wasn't so fast that he had completely disappeared, he could still see the moving form of Lee, but it was a blur at best, though that was enough for Ryou...or so he thought.

"W-What!?"

Making it to Ryou, Lee brought up his leg, and aimed it for Ryou's head with such a vigour, most would wonder how Lee was able to keep such a hyper disposition and energy that most wouldn't possesses.

Ryou barely had time to dodge it as he grimaced, not being prepared for Lee's highly impressive speed, moving his body to the left to get away from Lee's attack range.

"Tch, you dodged me Ryouta Uchiha-san! Good move!"

Lee praised, genuinely surprised that Ryou was able to do something like that.

Jumping back a few paces, Ryou brought up his hands, incase Lee was to attack.

"That's good Ryou, keep out of his range. If you can't win in speed, use your brain...which is your greatest asset and think of a plan to defeat this faster opponent. He might be fast...but he might be weak physically...darn, I can't tell if he's weak or strong...don't lose Ryou."

Satsuki admitted to herself, her eyes on both Lee and Ryou, praying that Ryou would win against this person.

"Heh! Ryou-kun dodged that Lee-san! He's not known for being weak you know?"

Sakura cheered from the sidelines, Ino thumbing up Ryou who couldn't respond due to the battle.

"You're a radiant beauty as well! You're a girl, aren't you?"

Lee looked towards Sakura, and gave a thumbs up, asking Sakura to be sure since he got it wrong with Ryou, something Sakura didn't like in the slightest and got quite offended that Lee suggested that she was anything other than a girl, as she moved behind Ino who smirked and giggled that Lee could take Sakura so she could have Ryou all to herself.

"Of course I'm a girl ya moron! But don't even try it on with me! I'm not interested in you!"

Sakura roared, Inner Sakura behind her, giving her an encouraging inclination of the head.

"Sure about that girl part?"

Satsuki muttered, gaining the evil eyes of the pinkette when she caught the sentence that she muttered and said pinkette folded her arms with an annoyed huff.

"Hmph, at least I am not so desperate to try and ward off other girls away from someone I've got a cr-"

Satsuki covered the girls mouth, silencing her so she couldn't speak about anything that she shouldn't, and got close to the pink haired girls ear, a dangerous smirk washing over her face.

"You best keep your mouth shut girl, or I will have to become serious and shut it for you. Are we understanding one another right now?"

Satsuki whispered dangerously into the ears of Sakura.

Sakura cried and indicated with her head the best that she could do that she understood what the girl said, and silently promised to never do anything like what she did again, in fear that Satsuki would do something to her.

Satsuki smirked, letting go of the girl who ran behind Ino for protection, who looked slightly frightened of Satsuki right now.

Tenten casually raised her eyebrows at the girl, before shrugging her shoulders with a disinterested gaze.

Facing back to Ryou, Lee got into a pose to run.

"It's good movements for you to have Uchiha-san! I was sure that my first attack would've won the match, but you managed to dodge! Your youth is on your side highly! Well done! I am pleased that you're fast enough to dodge me at such a speed! But that doesn't mean I can't go even faster!"

Ryou became slightly unnerved at the idea that Lee would be able to move at a higher rate than he has been until now. Granted, it was the first attack, but Ryou didn't want Lee to move any faster than he was now.

Lee followed him, speeding at him and did a series of punches towards Ryou when making it towards the boy who was caught completely by surprise.

"Tch, damn!"

Lee's fists hit Ryou, while some were able to being dodged. Lee was fast, and Ryou couldn't possibly move out of the way of all of the fists, so he unwillingly allowed the fists to hit him in places that weren't too life threatening. Though, he did his best to block the more serious hits, as to not being taken out of the match too quickly.

"Ryou! Don't lose to him! He's creepy and weird! You can't lose to someone like that! You're Ryouta Uchiha! Get him!"

Satsuki cheered from the side, secretly hoping that this could be the chance to give him a kiss after the match...purely as a congratulation for winning the fight. She hoped that she would be able to do something like that.

"Leave it to me Satsuki-chan! I'll certainly try my best!"

Ryou answered, seeing his chance to get into Lee's guard, so he took it and moved as fast as he could towards Lee's midsection with a well placed punch, pouring most of his power into it to do extra damage.

"I don't think so Uchiha-san!"

Lee, seeing the fist coming, bent his body and bent out of the way of the fist, giving a fist in return that Ryou wasn't ready for, receiving a punch to his chest, sending him back a considerably distance, but was able to regain his stance, and took out a kunai, aiming it at Lee.

"Here we go!"

Chucking the kunai with precision, something even Tenten praised for the accuracy of the attack, the kunai sailed near Lee, only to be dodged at the last second, the kunai cutting the air past Lee's cheek, Lee feeling slightly anxious at the fact that the blade even came that close to his face, when distance of the two was considered and considerable as well.

"That was close." Lee observed as he glanced behind him, seeing the kunai embedded into the ground. "Even I have to admit that the speed of his attack was above my own. I have to be careful with Uchiha-san. If I can help it, I best make sure that he doesn't use kunai's too often, or I could be in danger. I need to keep my wits about me...even if blunt, they could still hurt and slow me down if they stab into me. Plus, I have heard how Uchiha, certain Uchiha, have skills with weapons that are above other peoples skills. If I'm not careful, he could beat me with the weapons alone...but, I still wont lose to Uchiha-san!"

Concluding with himself and considering not going easy on the Uchiha, Lee took off at Ryou, using the same blinding speeds that he was using before, coaxing Ryou into retreat backwards, allowing him time to prepare for the incoming onslaught of the young black haired bushy browed boy.

"Putting distance against Lee is a good move to make. But what's he going to do with that distance?"

Tenten mused aloud, as Sakura and Ino prayed that Ryou wasn't going to get hurt by this person who was like a monster, to them at least since they didn't have a hope of seeing something so fast.

"Indeed, Ryou is a battle genius for someone his age. How do you think he survived an attack of his Otou-sama, a Jonin no less? He might play the fool sometimes, but he's anything but when he's serious like this. Right now, he's fighting better than an Academy student should be capable of doing."

Satsuki confirmed, seeing Ryou's movements and how he was slowly keeping his distance from Lee, despite Lee moving slightly faster than he was before, only concluding that Ryou was using his chakra to help him somehow.

"Hmmmm, I have wondered about it, but how did he survive an attack by a Jonin anyway?"

Tenten inquired from the raven girl, with Sakura and Ino listening in because they wished to know more about Ryou and his skills. Though Satsuki shook her head, not wanting to tell them anything.

"That's between him, and people who are closest to him. If he chooses to reveal it, if he chooses to keep it a secret, that's for him to decide. It was a terrific accident, and it shouldn't of happened in the first place. All that matters is that Ryou is alive and well."

Satsuki bit her lip, and didn't divulge anymore information that that. She knew of course that others would be curious about it, but it wasn't her place to talk about. She didn't want to talk about how Ryou suffered, only looking towards the future with the black haired boy.

"I get it, you're protecting your friend. That's nice of you, Satsuki-san. But I'm still curious."

Tenten wore a displeased face, wanting to know more about it, but knew the reason Satsuki didn't say anything, and respecting her for staying by her friend in his time of need, and refusing to speak about times that were less than stellar.

"Yeah, I guess. It is mind boggling, but still...I cannot, and will not divulge information that hasn't anything to do with you unless I have consent from Ryou himself, and since I don't, I wont be saying anything."

Folding her arms, Satsuki finished the conversation and continued watching the match unfurl.

"I've got you now!"

Lee caught Ryou, and threw a number of attacks at him. But before any could connect, Ryou kicked off the ground, using chakra to enhance his kick and overall speed, launched himself backwards, the chakra aiding him in his swift movements away from Lee, knowing that he couldn't keep up with Lee's speed naturally.

"Missed me Lee-san!"

Ryou chuckled deeply, seeing Lee's frustrated face.

"You're fast on your feet, Uchiha-san. I suspect chakra is being used. But that doesn't matter, I will still beat you with my speed alone!"

Lee went to chase Ryou, but had to abandon that plan straight away when Ryou took out some makibishi and threw them on the ground, blocking the path of Lee.

"Aren't I glad Shi-nii allows me to take these with me now. He's such a lovely Nii-chan, and I'm glad that he's taught me to how to fight as well. It's going to come in handy with Lee-san, who is quite the difficult boy to face. Bar Otou-san, he's the strongest person I've ever fought, even stronger than Satsuki-chan...but like Nii-chan could kick his butt easily."

Ryou thought with a kind smile for his elder brother and then frowned when seeing how Lee wasn't effected by the makibishi, but smiled slightly when seeing that they did their intended job of keeping Lee busy for a few seconds while he makes his way backwards.

"I can't deny it, he's quite a genius at using tools at his disposal. I can tell he isn't as fast as me by the way he moves and keeps his distance and I haven't seen his strength yet so I can't estimate on that, but he's making up for his slower speed with tricks and tools such as these. I can now see why people consider him a genius. He covers his weaknesses and makes up for them with such amazing skills. Now, I can see this guy being someone I would consider rival worthy."

Lee thought as he ran around the makibishi spikes, being far too many to jump over, not confident that Ryou hasn't hidden some somewhere, so Lee was being cautious as he ran, not wanting to injure his feet.

Tenten had a smile on her face, seeing how Ryou used his intellect and use of Ninja tools.

"He's pretty good with tools, isn't he Satsuki-san?"

Satsuki glanced at the bun haired girl, slightly scowling when seeing her blushing face.

"I suppose that he is. But that doesn't concern you."

Tenten scowled for a moment, the shook her head when seeing the intense gaze on Ryou that Satsuki had on, giggling to herself when a realization came over her.

"So...it seems little Uchiha has a little crush on other Uchiha. How scandalous. Who knew of such things? Ryouta-kun and Satsuki-san huh. I can see why they would work together, one is mean and the other is kind, balancing the other out."

She concluded her thoughts by releasing a slight giggle.

Making a little distance from Lee, Ryou cocked his head to the side, seeing some pieces of wood on the ground.

Using the chance to make a difference, he rushed for the wood, Lee following his movements with curious eyes.

"Here!"

Ryou kicked up pieces of wood into the air, and with timed kicks, shot them towards Lee who was surprised that Ryou could do something like that with single pieces of wood, shooting them out so fast that they could hurt, but not fast enough to break them, with praising eyes for the young Uchiha.

"You're quite tactical minded Uchiha-san, but that doesn't mean that you can use tricks like these to beat me. Little pieces of wood aren't nothing compared to what I've been punching this morning alone!"

Rather than dodge them, seeing no threat to his person, Lee used his fists, and punched the sides of the pieces of wood, knocking them off course, and in some cases, breaking them apart.

Though, Ryou didn't stop his assault with the wood pieces, launching them with precise, accurate, strikes.

"He must have a plan to hit all of these at me. There's just no way that he would think that these would do any kind of damage. Even he would be able to knock these away, unless he has underestimated me. Which, if that's the case, then I will show him the power of my resolve to become the Ninja who uses purely Taijutsu!"

Lee continued hitting them away as they were nothing, wondering why Ryou was doing something like this.

Ryou didn't stop with the assault of wood against the young boy, though with each wood coming at Lee, Ryou was losing more and more supply of wood that would be available to him.

"I don't understand, is he trying to force Lee to be stopped with pieces of wood? They aren't going to work though. Lee is too strong for something like that."

Tenten frowned when she didn't see the point of the attack, merely seeing it as Ryou buying time for himself.

"Go Ryou-kun! I know that you can do it!"

Ino cheered from the side, giving it her all to cheer for her crush.

"That's right! Don't allow eyebrows there to beat you!"

Sakura added her opinion, and waved her hands at Ryou who didn't notice, being too engrossed by the battle.

"Even if it isn't obvious to us, Ryou knows what he is doing. He doesn't need to reveal it straight away. That's why he's a good fighter. He has subtle movements, and skills. Right now, he could've launched his real attack, and we wouldn't be the wiser. He's smart, and knows how to use things to his advantage. Even a piece of wood can be dangerous if used correctly."

Satsuki though had confidence in Ryou, and knowing that he doesn't waste movements or actions, so she was going to believe in him that he would know what to do with these pieces of wood, and likewise the battle.

The three girls with Satsuki cocked their heads to the side, but didn't voice their confusion on the matter, believing in Satsuki's judgment since she knows Ryou the most, and knows how he is going to fight.

Lee, still dodging and breaking the wood, cocked an eyebrow up towards Ryou who smiled weakly, seeing the eyebrow as a little creepy looking.

"I do not know what you're doing Uchiha-san, but your efforts are futile. Wouldn't it be better if you quit if this is all that you have? I do not wish to hurt you Ryouta Uchiha-san."

Lee offered the boy, trying to save Ryou the embarrassment of losing.

"If that's what you believe Lee-san. If you think that this is what I have, then you're underestimating me, and that's a fatal mistake, just ask a certain someone...rather, you can't do that anymore."

Sending a daring smirk at the black haired boy while thinking about his father and how he ended up thanks to him personally rather than Shisui, Lee furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"Okay, then I will make you stop! I'll draw you into a hand to hand battle!"

Deciding enough is enough, Lee charged for Ryou in a blazing glory. Ryou didn't bat an eyelid when he picked up a particularly curved piece of wood, and ran his chakra into it, coating it with his dazzling power.

"Take this Lee-san!"

Throwing the chakra enhanced piece of wood, Lee was none the wiser that Ryou ran his chakra into the wood, being unable to see the chakra due to not having a Dojutsu like Ryou.

"This one will be destroyed as well!"

Lee threw his fist to the side, not taking much care and underestimating the piece of wood. Smacking his hand into the wood, he felt pain instead of the usual bark feeling being hit away.

Looking towards it, questioningly, he saw that the wood didn't even have a dent in it, as it stabbed into his shoulder, though not deeply enough to cause much damage. A sharp pain ran into Lee's body, but he didn't admit it openly, keeping his usual calm yet hyper face.

"Ow! Darn it! This wood really is strong and youthful!"

Lee complained and pushed the wood away from his body. Though the wound wasn't deep, since Ryou didn't want to harm Lee, it was enough to make Lee's arm feel slightly numb, due to Ryou hitting a place that would effect the arm the best that it possibly could, and adding chakra into the mix, allowed Ryou to harm Lee slightly.

"That's not all Lee-san!"

Picking up several pieces of wood, Ryou infused his chakra into some of them, throwing them with precise strikes, enough to keep Lee second guessing, and mixing in normal pieces of wood, only to confuse Lee even more when he hits them away if he chooses to do something like that in the first place.

Ryou thought about using chakra in all of them, but decided that it would be a waste, since he has to save his chakra for a later date, should the need arise where he was on the ropes with this opponent.

"Geez, these pieces of wood have become studier, you're really quite smart Uchiha-san! I can't deny that you're really intelligent to use these simple pieces of wood as projectiles that can even become a hindrance to me! Still, I will overcome these adversaries and attack you directly!"

Lee complimented, having a hard time dodging the incoming projectiles. Admittedly, if they were normal pieces of wood, he wouldn't have a hard time parrying them, but since these had chakra in (something Lee figured out for himself though not figured out the fact that Ryou didn't add chakra to all of them) he couldn't take the risk of hitting them, or it would hurt his hand, and since Lee couldn't really manipulate chakra that well, he couldn't use it to enhance his moves right now.

"Good Ryou, you're doing well. You're unique in your way of fighting alight. Not direct, yet direct at the same time and by using this chance, you're studying his movements and style, aren't you? It's a unique style completely your own. It's amazing, see your way of fighting. It inspires me as well, Ryou."

Satsuki's face was that of pride for her...love. Even though she didn't admit it, she did sometimes call Ryou her love, and was bent on making sure that it comes to a conclusion where they were really together.

Tenten's face scrunched up as she watched Lee struggle against the wood pieces that shouldn't of been a problem for the strong young man.

"The only possible way Lee wouldn't of been able to hit it away would be using chakra to enhance the wood...hehe, I get it. He used the first pieces of wood to distract Lee, thinking that he would use wasting attacks like that, only to come at him with a barrage of chakra enhanced wood pieces. Gotta admit, that's quite the genius level intellect that he's got there, that kid. Makes it kind of interesting as well. Lee isn't the most...intelligent, but he's strong and fast. While from what I can see, Ryouta-kun might be fast, but nowhere near the level of Lee...though that could be because Lee is faster than he can see. The question is, can Ryouta-kun use his skills to keep up with Lee's speed...? I am not sure, but it is going to be...fun to see if he can or not."

Tenten continued to look at Ryouta and Lee, smiling to herself, liking the fact that they were going strong against one another, with the clear disadvantages that the other possessed against the another.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaah! Take this!"

Ryou rushed the boy who was fending himself off from the wood pieces. Using chakra at his feet the best he could for a burst of speed, he closed the distance quite quickly, reeling his fist back, aiming for Lee's chest.

"No you don't Uchiha-san!"

Lee was about to defend himself, but Ryou brought out two kunai's by using his fingers to hold them through the hole in the handle, his fingers being small enough to fit through the holes, and by using a single flick of his wrist, he fired the two it at close range for Lee's stomach and right hip. Having no choice but to deflect the two kunai with his hands, Ryou's hand pushed forward for Lee's stomach.

"Shannarooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

BANG!

"Waaaaah!"

Lee suffered a hard punch to his chest, which sent him flying across the field and smacking into a tree at the far end of the field. The tree shook as Lee collided with it, the leaves shaking off as Ryou smiled a victory smile.

"Damn, I've been wanting to say that for awhile now, but never had the chance to say it until now. Aah well, that was a good shannaro in my opinion." Turning towards Sakura, Ryou did the peace sign. "Sakura-san! I did shannaro! Wasn't it cool? I thought that it was amazing to do!"

Sakura blushed in embarrassment, remembering the fact that her inner self says that a lot, and also questioningly on how Ryouta knows of that phrase, as the others looked at her strangely.

"Sakura? Do you say that or something?"

Ino questioned, looking between her and Ryou in a questioning gaze.

Sakura blushed even more than she did before and gently denied it with shaking her head.

"N-No, of course not. Why would I say something like that Ino-chan?" She lied, and continued to wonder on how Ryou knew something like that, when she hasn't ever said it before. "He...He must be able to see the real me then...yeah, I get it. Ryou-kun and I really do understand one another greatly."

Sakura's blush deepened when she saw that Ryou was still gazing at her with such a happiness that she hasn't seen before.

"Well, you won Ryou. Congratulations, I suppose."

Satsuki said with a smile, pleased that Ryou was able to overcome Lee.

"Anyway! Good Ryou-kun! I knew you'd beat that weird guy!"

Ino cheered, throwing her arms around happily.

"Yes, you did it Ryou-kun!"

Sakura also gave a cheer for the boy, who smiled with embarrassment.

"No no, please don't congratulate me or anything. It was a close call, Lee-san really was good at fighting. If I had a close up Taijutsu fight with him, I would've lost instantly."

Ryou stated humbly and honestly. He knew that Lee's skills were above his own, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to beat Lee in a straight up fight, but fortunately, it isn't always about straight up fights. Ninja's use everything at their disposal, and that's what Ryou did.

Tenten smiled at how Ryou was able to win, even if she did feel slightly bad for Lee.

But then, she stopped, and heard a noise coming from the side of them all, directly in front of Ryouta and smirked happily.

"Guess this it isn't over with just yet."

Smiling to herself, Tenten merely put her hands behind her head, seeing the events unfold.

"Do not underestimate the Leaf's future Handsome Devil. I am Rock Lee, and I will not lose to you, Ryouta Uchiha-san."

Ryou's eyes went wide when he saw that Lee had recovered from his hard punch, and didn't seem to be effected by the attack at all. In fact, Lee wore a happy smile that was so bright, it was stunning and making Ryou and the others eyes be blinded for a moment.

"Ooh come on! I just hit you with everything I had! I even did shannaro! Why haven't you stayed down!?"

Ryou stomped his foot on the ground, and wore a frustrated expression.

It wasn't just Ryou that was shocked. Others like Satsuki and Ino also looked on with shocked expressions. Sakura was just freaked out when Lee winked at her again, trying to stop herself from trying to faint.

"Hehe, that's because I wont give up until I've beaten you Ryouta Uchiha-san! Now prepare yourself for my win!"

Lee sped off towards Ryou, faster than he had been going previously.

Ryou blinked, his eyes not being able to see where Lee was, and got on guard, making sure that he is ready to attack or defend at any second should something occur.

"D-Damn!"

Appearing in front of Ryou, he was unprepared when Lee swung his foot at Ryou's midsection, smashing the foot against his torso and sending him flying into the air, going towards a tree very fast.

"This time I am serious!"

Ryou's eyes widened when Lee chased after the airborne Ryou, and made a flurry of punches and kicks at the Uchiha. Said Uchiha barely could do anything, still shocked that Lee had slipped into his guard in the first place, let alone being able to catch him while he was sailing through the air like he was.

"N-No!"

Ryou tried to fight against the attack, but Lee's fists were too fast for his eyes to keep up with, and Lee's fists plus his kicks all nailed into Ryou's body. From the top of his head to the tip of his toes, Lee's punches and kicks all landed on the body of the Uchiha, as the others looked on with shocked eyes that Lee's attacks have increased.

"And take this! My finisher!"

Lee finished his combo of attacks by landing an extra tough punch towards Ryou's stomach, causing the boy to not only be sent back and skidding across the ground, but also to spit out bile from his throat due to the incredulous power that Lee put into his flying fist of fury.

Ryou's body came to a halt on the ground, where he hunched over and spat out some bile that remained in his mouth.

"Ryou! Are you alright!?"

Satsuki cried for the side, unable to see Ryou in pain.

"M-My God, that bushy brows was really something different, wasn't he?"

Ino was stuck in awe, staring at Lee with a renewed sense of worry, worry for this person could hurt Ryou.

"Ryou-kun! A-Are you alright!? Please be okay!"

Sakura was worried like Satsuki, even covering her mouth and prayed that Ryou wasn't injured.

Meanwhile, Tenten was staring, wondering if she should call the match now, seeing that Ryou looked to be in pain.

Ryou raised his head, and waved off their concerns.

"Don't worry about me. I've got fight in me yet. This is nothing compared to the night my Otou-san came at me."

He stood up, to the relief of the others, and grinned at Lee.

Lee focused his eyes, and furrowed his brows.

"I was sure that attack would've done it. I've broken a tree with that punch before...at the very least, it should've knocked him out...but he looks to be fine as well. That's something incredible."

Lee had new respect for the Uchiha's durability, seeing how Ryou might look in pain, but he still stood up, befitting a man that is worthy of being a Ninja in Lee's eyes.

"Lets continue Lee-san!"

Taking out numerous kunai, Ryou threw them with precision, again impressing Tenten, Sakura and Ino. Satsuki already knowing how good he was with the kunai's and shuriken's at his disposal so she didn't bat an eyelid at the display.

"Each kunai is good. They're aimed for points on the body that could cause the most damage, yet without inflicting too much damage, just enough to slow him down, or incapacitate Lee. I have to hand it to Ryouta-kun, he really knows how to use his...tools."

Tenten thought while a small blush crept onto her face, hoping that she could talk Ninja tools with Ryou later on.

"Simple kunai's aren't going to be enough to defeat me Uchiha-san! Just like before, I will not lose to mere kunai's!"

Lee declared as he dodged each kunai that came for him. Coming from low and high didn't matter to Lee, his speed was too impressive for the simple kunai's to hit him, no matter how well placed the kunai's were with Ryou's precise throwing skills.

Ryou didn't bat an eyelid at Lee's amazing ability to dodge something that even his father found to be difficult (even if the situation was he was intoxicated) and breathed out, sighing a little.

"You really are good, Lee-san."

Ryou complimented, something Lee found a nice thing to do, not expecting an Uchiha to actually compliment someone from a different Clan, or compliment anyone really, since he has heard the arrogance of most Uchiha.

"Why thank you Uchiha-san! You are very good as well! But I'm sorry, I have to kick it up a notch now!"

Ryou blinked, as Lee disappeared from view, surprising the likes of Satsuki and the others that Lee was able to move at high speeds like that, that appeared to be even faster than before.

Tenten though put a finger to her lips, deep in thought.

"Lee is fast...but I've got to admit, that Ryouta-kun is quite durable. I've seen stronger, older people being taken down with Lee's punch from before. But he's still stood up, and fighting the best that he possibly can. He's really good."

Tenten continued to watch with hawk like eyes as Lee reappeared right beside Ryou, shocking him greatly as he swung his leg towards Ryou's chest around, around the back of him. Faster than he could think, Ryou received a kick and was forced towards a tree on the opposing side, where Lee had been dodging the kunai recently.

"Ryou-kun!"

Sakura cried in concern, though let out a relieved breath when Ryou flipped in the air, regaining his balance and landing on the ground with a near perfect stance.

"Try these Lee-san!"

Not missing a beat, Ryou pulled the kunai that were on the ground, the ones Lee had dodged previously, throwing all of them at the unsuspecting Lee, yet even with rapid succession, Ryou was able to pinpoint the exact place he should throw them all, even without the aid of his Sharingan, something Satsuki found to be quite interesting, and if she was honest with herself, she found it quite sensual that he is able to did something like that after just recovering from his previous injuries.

"Nice try! But these aren't enough!"

Lee, rushed for Ryou quickly, avoiding all of the kunai's with some difficulty, due to the speed that Ryou was able to throw them, yet was still able to dodge them all without receiving any significant injuries.

Closing the distance in mere seconds, Lee threw an expert (for someone his age) fist right at Ryou's stomach, hoping to knock him off balance. Ryou though pulled his little finger backwards, and within a second, a kunai came from behind Lee, intended straight for between his shoulder blades.

"H-How did he do that?"

Lee had no choice but to move away from Ryou, least of all receive an attack that could've been problematic.

"W-What in the heck was that? Did Ryou-kun just control that kunai with his mind or something?"

Ino couldn't see how Ryou was able to do something like that, Sakura only being able to look on with amazing.

"I have no idea Ino-chan. But that's amazing, isn't it? To be able to do something like that...Ryou-kun is so cool."

Sakura stated with a blush forming on her cheeks.

"It has to be because Ryou-kun is like a prodigy or something. He's really cool. No wonder he's the best in the class." Ino giggled, then looked towards Satsuki and frowned. "And he's more social than certain people that I know."

Satsuki picked up Ino's stare, and smirked to herself, rolling her eyes at the blonde haired girl.

"Fools, they think it's some kind of magic when Ninja's can do this if they train...it helps that Ryou is naturally skilled with weapons, no doubt to Shisui-sans tutoring though. And now he is always equipped with weapons, ever since the time his Otou-san attacked him, he doesn't leave the house without some kind of weapon. Next, he'll be infusing flames into his weapons just like Shisui-san. I can see it happening."

Satsuki knew what happened, even if she didn't see it with her eyes, having already experienced how Ryou is with certain weapons at his disposal.

Tenten focused her eyes, and saw a single piece of wire attached to Ryou's pinky finger when she looked really closely, the sun aiding her sight just enough, and nodded to herself with a bemused smile on her face.

"I see, so he used the wire to change the trajectory of the attack and to pull them to his desired locations. That's quite impressive, it takes hard word to do it with a single finger. Even I just recently learned how to do it with just three fingers. He must've attached the wires the instant he picked up the kunai off the ground, his fingers did linger on the kunai's handles more than I thought they should do...but, did he do the others as well as that one? If that's the case, then five kunai could have wires attached them and if he's skilled enough to manipulate five weapons at once with a mere flick of his fingertips, then Lee is going to have a problem...wait, if he did it with both of his hands, that's ten weapons. That's a lot for an amateur to be able to do, if he did it in the first place that is. Darn, I can't see if that's the case or not though. The sun definitely is Ryouta-kun's friend today, being covered by the clouds mostly."

Ryou caught the kunai that was intended for Lee, throwing it straight at Lee again which Lee knocked away easily, this time able to react in time to the impressive throwing speed of the young Uchiha.

"You've got quick movements with a blade. Tenten will be most pleased with this Uchiha-san."

Throwing a nice guys thumbs up to Tenten, the girl promptly hid her face with her hands, and fought down a blush that was forming on her cheeks rather quickly, though she tried her best to keep her eyes on the match, to see what was happening next.

"Maybe so! But that's doesn't mean there's my only tricks!"

Ryou pulled out another blunt kunai and held it in a reverse grip and rushed towards Lee with using chakra to aid his speed.

Swinging his arm at Lee after gaining the closeness that he wishes to have, Lee's fist met with the side of the kunai, and they bounced off one another, pushing the other back slightly.

Using this chance, Ryou went on the offensive, and slashed at Lee again and again, coming from all sides, attempting to overwhelm Lee the best that he could possibly due.

"Impressive speed Uchiha-san! But I'm faster!"

Boasting about his speed, Lee wove through all of the slashes Ryou gave him, amazing everyone present.

"He's quite fast...and I always praised Ryou on his speed as well."

Satsuki spoke as she looked on with slightly worried eyes, yet held confidence that Ryou should be able to use other skills to make up the difference between Lee and himself.

Flicking three of his fingers, three kunai that Ryou threw before responded, and went for Lee from overhead. Though using wires were difficult, since Ryou was taught how to do it with Shisui's aid, he's able to use these weapons to his advantage.

"Just as I thought. He's really good with the Ninja tools alright."

Tenten nodded to herself happily, seeing how he is using his skills with Ninja tools.

Manipulating the wires expertly, Ryou used the kunai's like missiles, launching them at Lee from above.

Lee noted the kunai's coming, and used his speed to jump backwards. But Ryou was on his trail, and took out some kunai's that he had left, throwing them with timed intervals of two seconds, using four kunai all together.

When Lee was about to dodge, Ryou flicked his wrists, using the wires to follow him, Tenten becoming more impressed that Ryou had such skills with Ninja wire.

Seeing that he had no choice, Lee stopped running away, and put on serious eyes.

"Leaf Whirlwind!"

Lee spun on his heel, and swung his leg around, deflecting all of the kunai's away from his body and simultaneously making sure to apply enough force to get the wires off the kunai's so that Ryou can't manipulate them anymore, Lee having guessed that he was using such a move.

Though, it wasn't enough as a single kunai, the last one Ryou threw at him, was coated in chakra, causing it to be stronger than the average kunai's.

Lee's leg cut slightly from the kunai, but Lee put extra strength into his hand, and smashed the kunai downwards, it being dug into the ground.

Ryou made it to Lee, and retracted his hand, balling it into a fist.

"Hyaa!"

He threw the fist at Lee, but Lee caught sight of it, and blocked the hand, pushing it away, sending a punch of his own at Ryou. Said Uchiha bent his body and avoiding the fist, only to return the favour by sending a sharp kick to Lee's chest area.

Lee blocked the kick and did a combo of punches at Ryou. But Ryou was more intelligent this time, using his chakra to retreat backwards, pouring just enough into his legs to avoid all of the hits Lee was going to land, knowing full well that it could've been damaging for the boy.

"Come here!"

Lee pursued the boy that was running, using his speed to catch Ryou instantly.

"Hah! Don't think so Lee-san!"

Lee went onto the offensive and jabbed Ryou with his foot with lightning speeds.

Ryou moved backwards by jumping, spinning into the air, and then landed in a crouch. He lifted his head, and opened his eyes, revealing his Sharingan.

"So, he's become serious as well then. It's about time that he used his Sharingan. Lets see what he can do with them."

Satsuki smirked as Ryou looked towards Lee, the single tomoe's spinning in each of his eyes.

"Eh? Why are his eyes doing that?"

Ino noted the change in his eyes, not understanding what they were. She hasn't ever seen anything like that before in her life, and could only question the sight of them.

"Wow, they're quite cool though. Is it a Genjutsu or something?"

Sakura took a guess, admiring the light of the Sharingan that was being displayed right now.

Tenten though stared at the eyes, trying to figure out what they were. But then, like a light bulb going off in her head, she figured out what they were and giggled to herself, seeing these eyes for the first time in her life.

"It's the Sharingan, isn't it Satsuki-san?"

Tenten begged for an answer, to which Satsuki was surprised that Tenten knew of the Sharingan.

"I'm surprised that you know of it. Yes, it is indeed the Sharingan."

After gaining confirmation, Tenten looked on with happy eyes, having a chance to see the famed Sharingan, and to see what he can do with these eyes of his.

Lee looked towards the eyes, and then looked downwards, getting into deep thought.

"I didn't know that he had the Sharingan. This is even more perfect, to see these eyes in action. I couldn't of asked for a better opponent. I've heard of these eyes, and I want to see what they can do personally." Lee's spark for battle didn't decrease and actually raised to a point that anyone would be terrified. "This is it Uchiha-san! Please come at me with those magnificent eyes!"

"Yes, I will do just that, Lee-san. I wont hold back anymore. It's time for the big guns now."

Ryou put his hands together, then wove through some hand signs at speeds that the others weren't able to see.

"Whats he doing?"

Lee curiously asked himself, taking in all of the hand signs, the best that he could at least. He was going too fast for even Lee to keep up with.

All of the others pretty much had similar thoughts besides Satsuki who knew what was happening.

When making the last hand sign, he inhaled a lot of oxygen and built up his chakra.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Exhaling from his mouth, Ryou unleashed a fireball that was the size of half of a tree.

"Wow! That's really huge!"

Sakura noted as she covered her face, feeling the heat from the fire, even with their distance from the attack.

"Yay! Go Ryou-kun! Use that fire and take out Lee-san!"

Ino cheered happily as Tenten looked on with wide eyes.

"Wow, that's amazing. I didn't know that he could do something like that. I thought that it was near impossible for a Academy Student to do something like this?"

"Hmph, normally it is. But Ryou is an Uchiha. I'm not saying that they're better, but at certain things like using fire like this, they are grand at it, a notch better than others from other Clans or Clanless Ninja's."

Satsuki nodded to herself, pleased that she was able to see the fireball up close and personal.

"Wow, that's really big. Didn't expect that!"

Lee was surprised by the large fireball, who looked at it with wide eyes, not expecting Ryouta to be able to use nature type of chakra.

He knew that he wouldn't be able to take it so he dodged to the side of it, the flame ball crashing against a tree, it catching fire and burning down a tree instantly.

"T-That was...good Uchiha-san! I couldn't of hit that!"

Lee was impressed and rushed towards Ryou, who's Sharingan was fully on Lee's incoming form, and now his Sharingan has awakened itself, he can see Lee's movements better now, and by using his Sharingan, Ryou inhaled.

"Take these!"

With precise attacks, Ryou breathed out small streams of fire. They weren't as big as the first attack, but they were enough to inflict serious damage. Lee had the intelligence to dodge the streams of fire, not wishing to be burned by the hot flames.

Jumping left, right and upwards and downwards, Lee dodged all of the flames. But a few of them singed his clothing, and slightly burning his skin. But he didn't allow it to slow him down, preferring to charge towards the boy so he could make him stop with the flames.

Traversing the field, Lee made it to Ryou and smirked, throwing an elbow at the boys face with his usual speed.

"Don't think so."

Just as Lee was about to cheer for landing a hit, Ryou used his new eyes to move out of the way, seeing the speed of the attack, and thrusting a kick at Lee's midsection, and because he was caught off guard, he didn't have a choice other than to receive the kick and be blown backwards.

Ryou pursued the boy, rushing with his hands behind him.

"Hah!"

Lee flipped in the air, and got into a Taijutsu style, preparing for the incoming Ryouta. Ryou himself pulled out two kunai, and held them in the reverse grip, and slashed towards Lee, who used his hands to deflect the first slash, using the other hand to push back from the kunai slice.

Lee followed up with a straight kick to the head. However, Ryou moved his head out of the way, and sent a kunai slice for the boys midsection, Lee barely being able to move out of the way.

"Try this!"

When Ryou came at him, Lee jumped overhead, landing behind the Uchiha. Spinning his body, Lee sent a harsh side kick towards Ryou's left hand side. Ryou, looked behind him and saw it coming, so shifted his weight and blocked the kick with his kunai, having a deadlock.

Breaking the deadlock, Ryou turned fully towards Lee, and made a hand sign.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Breathing out a small fireball, Lee couldn't react in time, and was hit in the centre of his body.

"Gwah!"

The ball of flames plummeted him backwards, until he hit a tree and he fell to the ground with a thumping sound.

"Here I come!"

Using this chance, Ryou jumped and spun the kunai so it was in a stabbing position, and aimed for Lee's stomach, so he wouldn't cause any problems for the young boy later on, not wishing to hurt him more than he had too.

"Nice try!"

Lee, having caught Ryou's intentions laid back on the ground, and kicked upwards. Ryou, using his Sharingan, saw the attack coming and quickly blocked with his kunai, pushing Ryou backwards who did a back flip, landing on the ground safely.

Lee jumped from the ground, and rushed Ryou who got put his hands together, in the hand sign for the Fire Release.

Inhaling a lung of air, Ryou breathed out numerous fireballs. Though these lacked the potency of the first ones, so Lee was able to smash his way through the fire, it did burn him slightly, making a mental note to not do it again.

"They're amazing."

Sakura blushed, seeing Ryou's impressive skills, and seeing how Lee was able to keep up with him now.

"Ya got that right. And this is all because of the training he does. Ryou-kun, sign me up to your training. If I could do this with training, then I'm willing to learn if you're willing to teach."

Ino knew that she wouldn't ever have the same eyes that he has, but his physical ability didn't have anything to do with the Sharingan, as far as she could tell. She also wanted to use strikes like he was doing, loving his fighting style very much.

"Gotta admit, Ryouta-kun is amazing for keeping up with Lee. Even with the Sharingan involved, being able to match Lee's speed is impressive. I guess that all he needs is his Sharingan to see Lee's movements to use his body to keep up. So, this is a man from the Uchiha Clan, can't say that it isn't nice."

Tenten's face formed a small blush which Satsuki caught, and held back a growl for the bun haired girl.

"Better make sure that these girls don't try anything with Ryou, especially this Tenten who seems to be above the other two, at least from what I can tell...yeah, I've got to show them that he is mine."

Satsuki's thoughts concluded as she held a hand to her chest, tightening it a little more than was necessary.

Lee neared Ryou, and made a wide swing with his right leg.

"Uchiha-san, you've become slightly faster, is there a reason for it? Is it your Sharingan that's made you faster than before?"

Ryou shook his head, intercepting Lee's kick. Returning his attack right back at him, Ryou answered with bated breath.

"It's because my eyes see everything of your movements. The slightest twitch of your muscles, the breathing you're doing, the slightly flicker of your eyes gives away the way you're going to move. Of course, it would be better if my Sharingan fully matured, but right now, this is enough for me to read your movements, and react. To be honest, if my body wasn't able to keep up with your speed, having the Sharingan would be pointless. I might be able to see your moves and attacks coming, but if my body couldn't keep up, it would be useless. Fortunately, Shi-nii has taught me how to use my body to attack high speed movements like yours, and thanks to my Sharingan, I can finally see your attacks coming and can counter it."

Manoeuvring out of Ryou's way, Lee sent two hard punches at the boy, who used his body to move out of the way and slashed at Lee. Fortunately, Lee was able to dodge out of the way.

"So, you've had these abilities since the beginning yet chose not to use them?"

Lee questioned, not seeing why he wouldn't use them to begin with.

Ryou flicked his hair as a bated breath came from him.

"It's because I didn't want to use it straight away. Having a trump card is also a good way to fight, isn't it? Like you and your speed, I noticed that it's been getting faster than when we started. You were also holding back on me as well weren't you Lee-san?"

Ryou questioned him as he sent a volley of fire for the bushy browed child.

Lee jumped out of the way and answered with a cool smile.

"You saw that as well. Seems like we both have been holding back. But right now, I'm not holding back. I hope you're also using your best abilities right now."

Ryou nodded and charged for Lee.

"Yes, I'm not holding back anymore. You're stronger and faster than I am Lee-san. I can see that without the Sharingan, I wouldn't win against you. But with the Sharingan, it seems that we can fight on a equivalent level. Lee-san, you really are a worthy opponent to fight against. I'm glad you chose to fight against me, as I am learning from an opponent who is superior to me in terms of strength and speed."

Lee smiled, as he charged for Ryou as well.

"I'm glad you've said that Uchiha-san! You as well, are the perfect opponent for me to face like this! Skilled, but not arrogant about it! Well done for having such a personality!"

Ryou didn't understand what Lee was talking about when he thanked him, but a small smirk spread across his face all the same.

"Right... Now, lets end this, Lee-san!"

"Yes! It's time to end this Ryouta Uchiha-san!"

Ryou frowned when how he heard Lee refer to him, and crossed his eyes sternly, yet also playfully.

"Hehe, just call me Ryou."

Ryou offered with a kind smile, having a appreciation for the young opponent.

Lee smiled, and nodded.

"Then I will call you Ryou!"

After saying that, Lee and Ryouta went into a fierce battle.

---

The battle lasted for around five minutes.

Each attack one gave, the other was able to counter it. When Lee would punch, Ryou would block or dodge, and it was the same when Ryou attacked Lee. Though, as time moved on, they were getting slower and slower in their movements.

Lee and Ryou's movements were as one however, and while Lee was above Ryou in terms of power and speed, the Sharingan allowed Ryou to make up the difference, using his ability to predict his movements and by using chakra, Ryou is able to increase his abilities slightly to the point that he can nearly keep up with Lee's abilities.

Though, the chakra that was used by Ryou also made him tired. While it helped, he couldn't help but feel the drain on his chakra and how Lee didn't use chakra from what he witnessed with and without his Sharingan eyes.

At the end, Ryou and Lee were exhausted and standing opposing one another, fists clenched tightly.

"T-This is the e-end Lee-san."

"Y-Yes! Lets u-use the flames of y-youth to burn brightly o-one last time!"

Ryou and Lee rushed at one another, the others looking on in expectation and wonder.

As they neared one another, they retracted their fists and grinned at one another.

""TAKE THIS!""

BANG! BANG!

Hitting one another in their faces, they scrunched their faces and felt pain rush through them as they flung away from one another. Lee skidded and hit a nearby tree, while Ryou came to a stop without hitting anything, but still was on the ground, unable to stand up.

Lee lifted his head, and panted heavily.

"I...I cannot continue." It hurt Lee to admit it, but right now, he was too exhausted from moving onwards. "...Ryou you're..."

Before he could finish, he noticed how Ryou was smiling at him, despite being on the ground.

"S-Seems like th-this is a draw...r-right Lee-san?"

Lee, unable to move his body from exhaustion just continued to smile.

"Y-Yes, this match is over...Tenten..."

Looking towards the girl, she had a bright smile on as she declared "DRAW!" in a loud voice.

At that instant, Satsuki and the other two girls rushed towards Ryou with panic evident in their eyes as Tenten casually strolled over towards Lee, but stopped and looked at Ryou and smiled. She then walked over to Lee, and patted him on the head.

"You've proved that you can keep up with a prodigy, right?"

Tenten asked, as she glanced at Ryou, trying to fight down a forming blush.

"Yes, Tenten. It was a most glorious match. That's why, I have decided to make Ryou my eternal rival. I will make sure that we fight and fight and grow stronger together! Don't you think that's the best Tenten!? I've found my rival! Just what every Ninja wants!"

Tenten looked back at Lee and raised an eyebrow.

"Actually, I don't really think that's how..."

Before she could finish, Lee's eyes sparkled as he looked at Ryou.

"He might have a cute face, but he's anything but cuddly when fighting. He's like a...like a Dragon after his name! I see it now Tenten! That is why he is named after a Dragon! Because Dragon's are cute creatures, but then they turn and become merciless!"

"Well, I don't think that's a good definition of a Dragon. But maybe it is of Ryouta-kun."

Tenten sweatdropped at Lee, and gently looked away towards Ryou, who was surrounded by the girls and lightly rolled her eyes.

"Ryou-kun! You alright? You're not injured are you? Is there anything I can do for you?" Ino worried, asked her crush and took in his appearance. "Damn, something about a man fighting really is hot and then afterwards, when they are recovering, they need a girl to look after them...ooh, maybe even sleeping in the same bed as well...kukuku, I will be Ryou-kun's nurse~"

Ino licked her lips excitedly as Ryou smiled at her, not catching her inner most thoughts.

"Thank you for the concern, but I'm okay thank you."

Ino smiled, and lightly stroked his face.

"Ryou-kun, here. Have this."

Sakura brought out a bottle of water she took beforehand, and put it to his lips. Taking a little bit of water, Ryou gave a thankful smile.

"Thank you Sakura-san, you're really nice."

Sakura smiled and blushed at the same time as Satsuki forced her out of the way slightly, something that made Satsuki frown at.

"Ryou..." Satsuki made it to him, and brought his head into her lap, smiling down at her. "You better not be injured again you moron."

Ryouta smiled up at her, flashing a cheeky grin at the girl.

"I'm all good, just give me about an hour, kay?"

"Sure, idiot." Satsuki leaned down, and within a flash, she pecked Ryou on the cheek, the boys face flushing as Sakura, Ino, and to an extent, Tenten, had their eyes wide with intense jealousy and rage. "There, a reward for coming to a standstill. Gotta admit, that bushy brow guy isn't too bad."

Satsuki said it normally, but she was forcing down her blush.

Ryou didn't have such a luxury, not worrying if anyone saw his blushing face and just looked at the girl with a happy smile.

"Satsuki-chan, you kissed my cheek."

"That's right...it's because I wanted too, rather than anything else. You should be happy that I did such things Ryou."

Ryou, not wanting to argue, gave a little nod as he snuggled into her lap, unknowingly angering the other females present.

"What did you do that for you idiot!? Did you really have to kiss him like that!?"

Ino roared and gave cold, steel like eyes.

Satsuki merely waved a hand at the Yamanaka heiress, and looked towards the boy in her lap.

"Because, I've told you already and yes, I did. Next time it will be something else. Though that's nothing to do with you. Ryou isn't yours to have. Isn't that right, Ryou?"

Ryouta gained confused eyes as he peered into the eyes of the female Uchiha.

"Eh? Why would Ino-san want me? We're friends, aren't we?"

"...If only it was that simple..." Satsuki muttered, then got close and stroked his hair. "Don't worry about it. Ino Yamanaka is merely a funny distraction at best. Eventually, it will go away."

"Don't speak about me like I'm not here!"

Ino yelled at the black haired girl who turned her piercing eyes towards her, and moved closer, Ryou's head moving from the girls lap, only for Sakura to sneakily place his head on her lap, blushing when Ryou looked up at her with a flushing face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you were still here to be honest."

Satsuki flatly replied to the girl who frowned deeply.

"You're pushing your luck with me Satsuki!"

Satsuki smirked and turned her back on Ino, who became more angry at the fact that she was being ignored by Satsuki with the others giggling at the display.

Unbeknownst to the others, a single persons presence was watching the events of the fight, and smirked evilly before disappearing in a swirl of leaves, satisfied with a certain persons progress.

---

End chapter!

So originally, I was going to include the training in this chapter, but I didn't want to rush it, and give the girls more development and personal time with Ryou, so it's going to be next chapter and some timeskip's as well, not huge ones, but some nonetheless, and I promise that a certain Hyuga girl is going to make her debut next chapter.

Anyway, back to this chapter! So, a little insight to what Fugaku is feeling, seeing that he isn't a complete monster, but still pretty bitter. And yay! Ryou's mother's name has been revealed! It's been 11 chapters, but she's finally been named...and I can confirm that Keiichi is the name of Ryou's and Shisui's father! So they've gotten names now! And its shown that Itsuki was somewhat of a prodigy herself back in the day! And a different side to Keiichi as well, showing that he was once a kind man.

Then Lee and Ryou fought a good battle, and came to a draw. Like Ryou admitted in the chapter, if he didn't have the Sharingan, he would've lost to Lee, purely because he wouldn't be able to keep up with the speed of Lee's.

Hmmm, not much to add so, until next chapter!

Ryouta; Satsuki, Haku (fem), Karin, Sakura, Hanabi, Tsunade, Anko, Mikoto, Ino, Gaara (fem), Kurotsuchi, Samui, Fu, Sai (fem). (WIP).