Azrael: (listening to Memories of You (Play Persona 3) with ATM-E7GM)
Naruko: What the hell you're doing?
Azrael: Original story.
Naruko: You're working on something like that and not mine?
Azrael: I got the next chapter so don't worry.
Jin: Let him do his thing.
Naruko: Who the hell are you?
Azrael: Do the thing.
Naruko: Fine.
A/N: Yeah I'm working on something original…blame Geass and 00 for inspiration. Anyways read on!
A/A/N: To SweetSnow01: Yeah look forward to Naruko and Itachi's first meeting. It will be…very Naruko-like.
A/A/N: About D&R, it's being very very slow. But I will finish it. Even if I die and have to possess someone to finish it!
Update 8/28/08: Fixed a few things and a plot hole.
Naruko: Done, where's sacrifice.
Azrael: Done already. Karin sure likes it for some reason
Outside is the sound of Karin…doing her thing.
--
Disclaimer: Own jack. Wouldn't mind having Jack Frost though.
"…normal…"
"…thoughts…"
"…Kyuubi, Inner Voices talks/Jutsu…"
"…Kyuubi thinks…"
Chapter 11: Third Exam Finals: Naruko is Well…Nowhere
The day of the Third Exam. Here the Chunin hopefuls prove to themselves in front of judges, rulers, spectators, and betting parlors that they have the right to be promoted. Most of the combatants are in the arena but if you paid attention to the other story you know whose missing.
"Hey, where's Sasuke-kun?" asked Ino.
"Yeah and Naruko's not here either. Of all the people here she's the last person I expect not to show up. Heck she'd be behind us playing her sitar with some quick-rich scheme." said Sakura.
Meanwhile…
"Has anyone seen Akari and Konohamaru?" Iruka asked.
"Naruko-neesan said she needed them." said Moegi.
"She said something about them helping her with a betting parlor or something. Plus both of them wanted to see her fight." said Udon.
Iruka ignored the last sentence because at the moment he built up steam for the super loud: "NARUKO, STOP CORRUPTING THE YOUTH OF THESE CHILDREN FOR YOUR PERSONAL GAIN!!" Followed by exaggerated mushroom cloud.
Back at the stadium…
"I hear Iruka-sensei yell out her name so she probably pissed him off." said Sakura.
"Obviously. I can see the mushroom cloud from here." said Ino.
"Naruko, where are you?" asked Hinata.
On the field…
"Yo, I'm Shiranui Genma and for the Third Exam I'll be your acting proctor."
"What happen to the other guy?"
"Due to…unforeseen circumstances he's unable to continue. Now then due to more unforeseen circumstances there's a slight change in the current lineup." Genma holds up the paper for the current Third Exam lineup. It shows:
Uzumaki Naruko v. Hyuuga Neji
Sabaku no Temari v. Mojin Sara
Sabaku no Kankuro v. Aburame Shino
Shiso Nero v. Uchiha Sasuke
Yokujin Mayu v. Nara Shikamaru
Gaara v. Winner of previous fight (in Semi-Finals)
"So whoever wins my fight has to against him? That's a bit unbalanced don't you think?" said Mayu.
"Don't look at me I didn't rearrange them." shrugged Genma.
Back at the stands…
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN GAMBLING IS ILLEGAL!" yelled Konohamaru in a cheap yet impossibly believable disguise.
"YEAH, I'M GETTING PAID 25 PERCENT FROM JUN-NEECHAN FOR THIS!" yelled Akari in a more plausible but still impossibly believable disguise.
"Due to crime rates, recklessness, and Tsunade Syndrome the council declared gambling as waste to society and therefore banned."
"You're a waste to society!" Konohamaru lamefully countered.
"Er what he means is…JUN-NEECHAN GONNA SKIN US ALIVE IF SHE'S NOT ABLE TO PROFIT FROM THIS!"
"No one is allowed to gamble. That's final."
Both Konohamaru and Akari despondently went to the stands to where Sakura and Ino were.
"Geez, are those ninjas idiots or something?" said Ino with disbelief.
"Geez Naruko, don't you have any shame?" said Sakura.
If she was here, "No, there wasn't anything about shame in Teach's Manipulation Training."
"Err…should I feel…uh what's the word?" said Hinata.
"If you're asking about Naruko and how you should feel then yeah don't expect much from her."
"Don't blame her, I mean Te-Ane-ue is a master manipulator and Naruko said she admired her despite Sis's personality and apparent training regimen." said Tenten who sat behind them.
"You know her teacher?" said Sakura.
"She's my sister that I rarely see nowadays."
"Rarely?"
"Ane-ue's a hermit and extremely well-known. Her name alone tends to instill fear so I never say it out loud. I can tell Naruko told you about her."
"Only that she's irresponsible."
"Yeah…" sighed Tenten.
Anyways on the field Neji is up and ready except Naruko still hasn't appeared. 10 minutes later she still hasn't arrived. The officials would have decided to disqualify her for no-showing if it wasn't for a certain pigeon carrying a certain letter, stalling for time.
One of the officials read the letter out loud and it said:
Yo idiots,
Disqualify my baka deshi will not only piss off the audience for depriving them of good matches but I'll personally come and show you why they call me the S&M Pharmaceutical Witch.
Signed T--
Immediately the (male) officials and Sarutobi immediately fled to the corner in direct fear.
"That Kyuubi-gaki is HER student?!"
"Pff. Men."
"Shut up, she can (insert exaggerated claims by HER)."
Follow up are arguments from both genders. Sarutobi sighed and stopped them from going blitzkrieg on each other.
"ENOUGH! We'll postpone the match until the end of the Quarter-Finals. If Naruko's not here by then we'll have to disqualify her." Sarutobi announced.
So postponing Naruko v. Neji they went straight ahead to Temari v. Sara. Temari floats down with her oversized fan while Sara slid down the walls despite her blindness. Both approached each other, Temari focused while Sara calm.
"Hm, you have the capabilities to become a strategist but other than that it's nothing compared to me." said Sara.
"You think so huh? Well let's see if you can still say that after I beat you." said Temari.
"Alright ladies the Proxy First Match of the Third Exam. I want a good clean match and LET'S GET IT ON!"
Temari starts off with Kamaitachi and swings it towards Sara. Sara remained calm and heard the shifts in the wind. Immediately she dodged just before it can hit her. Temari then controls the path of the whirlwind to redirect it backwards towards Sara. Sara, instead of dodging, jumped on top the whirlwind and jumped towards Temari. In a swift move she pointed her blade towards Temari's neck.
"You use that fan as a medium to unleash wind-based techniques for both offense and defense. Not only that but it's also a potent strike weapon. The thing is against me I can sense when you swing the fan as well as the trajectory of the wind strike."
"But how?"
"When one loses a sense their other senses becomes keen. In the Old Faction a person's worth is measured by their skill. I honed my skills and showed my worth to them. Now then since you're a female I may let you go if you give up. However if you made it my worth and fight like you mean it I will find it enjoyable enough to slice your head off for a trophy."
Temari weighed and analyzed her options. Obviously, "There's no point in my life if I choose the option to continue. As a person once said, Live to fight another day. Yo proctor I concede."
"Smart move Suna girl."
"Because Sabaku no Temari has decided to forfeit the winner of the match is Mojin Sara!" Genma declared.
The spectators were a little peeved on how short the match turned out so there wasn't even cheering. While Temari and Sara head upwards Kankuro was having a dilemma.
"Damn it, it's too early for me to unleash Karasu's hidden abilities before the operation .Proctor I forfeit!" Kankuro yelled out.
"What?!" were on everyone's minds. It quickly faded when they realized that Sasuke's match was next.
"Finally." Nero jumped down from the stands. However Sasuke is nowhere to be found. "Oh yay, another delay (sarcasm)."
And as before the spectators became extremely restless after each passing minutes. Just as they were going into unnecessary angry mob mode Sarutobi once again delayed the match until his appearance and went straight forward to Shikamaru's.
While Nero's a bit peeved about the delays Mayu was more than eager to fight and so with a rope attached to the rails she shot an arrow and slid down the ropes. Shikamaru on the other hand…
"There's no way I want to be in this match. It's just…too much work. Well if that guy can forfeit so can I. Proctor I…" Before he can say forfeit Mayu shot another arrow with rope attached at his shirt and pulled him down hard. Immediately a crunch can be heard.
"There is no way in hell are you getting out of this Nara. You either fight or I'm feeding you to an angry mob."
"Troublesome woman."
"What was that?" Pissed Mayu shot 5 arrows at Shikamaru. The arrow themselves though have explosive tag attached. Immediately they exploded.
"Jeez, can't I officially start the match?" groaned Genma.
"Letting emotions get the better of you will cloud your judgment and cause you to make stupid mistakes woman." Shikamaru said, unscathed and on top of kunai. "I hate fighting and I absolutely despise any form of work. However a man shouldn't lose to a woman so I have no choice to fight."
"Got you pumped up." Mayu smiled and backed off and shot arrows. Shikamaru dodges and hid in the trees. "A hider huh? No matter, I will find you as soon as you make a move."
"The clouds look so free today. Lucky them." Shikamaru sighed. "Might as well try this." Shikamaru used Kagemane to try and capture Mayu's shadow. Immediately she jumped backwards until the tech thinned out. She immediately made a mark.
"Found ya!" She shot more arrows at him. He dodges and appears to be in a corner. "No matter what you do any slight change in your movement and I can snipe you down like that."
Shikamaru on the other hand appears to be concentrating in his usual pose. As everyone ponders what he's doing…
"His technique's limit depends on the amount of shadows casted in the area. Unlike mine his need light and the angle of the light shining. More surface area means more area to cover. If he thinks he can wait it out for the sun to change angles he's got another thing coming. Mayu will strike him down before that." thought Nero.
"Strike him down before he can get more shadow. But before that I need higher ground." Mayu ran backwards and took a high spot on the wall. Shikamaru finished concentrating and went for his plan. He immediately charged straight on.
"Idiot! I can see where you going!" Mayu shot more arrows at Shikamaru. He dodges left and right as he closed in. When he got close he threw kunais at Mayu though oddly enough he misses. Immediately he backed off and back in the shadows.
"Got ya." Shikamaru smiled.
"What do you mean?"
"You're out of arrows."
Mayu then noticed that as he said she ran out of arrows. "Crap."
"You impulsively shoot arrows like nothing and forgot to realize you're running low. If you're a sniper then not only should you shoot with impulse but also to find a good spot to snipe from."
"You're right about one thing. I am out of arrows. However how the hell can I snipe when I'm barred from leaving the arena?"
"Exactly. And with that check." Shikamaru declared. However a blue arrow can rush forward at him, surprising him. He dodges but got caught in the blast when it connected with solid earth.
"Even if I'm out of arrows as long as I have chakra I can shoot as many arrows as I can." She shoots chakra arrows at his surroundings, cutting off his means of hiding and stalling for time.
"Kagemane no Jutsu." Shikamaru shot forward his shadow technique. Mayu smiled, thinking that she has it in the bag.
"Mayu, stop thinking about victory and look at the ground!"
"Wha?" She looks and failed to realize about the arrows in the ground and the shadows they're projecting. "Damn it, I forgot about the arrows. That guy made me forget about them." Mayu immediately runs along the wall to avoid the increase in shadows but she saw them splitting apart. She made every effort to avoid them all and manages a spot in the far corner where they can't reach. "I avoided them but unless I'll end this…no I can still win if I use that." Mayu focused chakra but immediately her body stiffed up.
"Checkmate." Shikamaru emerged from the wall and casted his shadow onto hers.
"Ho-how?"
"I borrowed a tactic Naruko loves to use. The Art of Deception."
"Deception?"
"All warfare is based on deception. Used properly and battles can be won." Shikamaru begain to describe his strategy and Mayu in detail. Building dramatic tension Shikamaru raised his arm. The spectators are at the edge of their seats and Chouji wolfing down chips like nothing. In one swift move, "I forfeit."
The tension broke and dispersed as everyone was stunned by this except Chouji.
"Told ya he give up." He popped his bag.
"What?"
"I only have enough chakra to hold you down for 20 seconds. I have numerous strategies and this is the only one plausible enough to work. I know the difference between an unwinnable battle and a losing victory. Besides one fight is enough for me, even though it's an interesting one."
"A weirdo but a smart one. The winner of this match: Yokujin Mayu."
No cheers can be heard nor jeers from the crowd either. Shikamaru simply sighed. The council analyzed Shikamaru and unanimously declared that Shikamaru has the capabilities to become a Chunin.
Mayu on the other hand, "Damn, I really got too carried away. Some sniper I am."
As both of them left the field leaves swirled in the arena furiously. When they died down Kakashi and Sasuke made their appearance.
"Yo, are we late?"
"Yeah Kakashi, but somehow earlier than usual."
"A new record then."
"I take it Uchiha Sasuke is here."
"That's right."
Anyways in the stands…
"Yosh, The Green Beast of Konoha has arrived!" yelled Lee.
"Lee can you tone it down I'm losing hearing in the left ear."
"Yosh, Konoha's Prideful Green Beast Has arrived!" yelled Gai.
"You may want to tone it done Gai." said Kakashi.
"Kakashi, you finally appeared." said Gai.
"Kakashi." glared Sakura.
"Oh sorry I…um where's Naruko?"
"The brat was still sleeping when I got out." said Zabuza as he approached them.
"You serious? This is the most important match yet and she sleeps in?"
"Sounds like her alright."
"I hope Naruko-chan's alright."
"Naruko-neechan was watching a movie marathon to calm her nerves. So other than that she's fine." said Akari.
"So you're the Demon of the Hidden Mist." said Gai.
"And you're…uh…" Zabuza took a look at Gai and immediately said nothing. "Christ, whose mother bore him?"
"You're stunned because of my flaming youth, am I right?" Gai flared up as usual.
"Dammit Zabuza, any more 'mishap' and more probation. More probation means less good booze." thought Zabuza.
"WHATEVER YOU DO NOT GET MORE PROBATION!!" yelled Inner Zabuza.
"Where's Haku?"
"On a mission. Too bad, he would kill to see this."
"Yeah, that why I declined." said Haku as he appeared out of nowhere.
"That a first kid, you never deny a mission."
"For this, I cannot refuse. I want to see Naruko fight. Oh and BUY A NEW BATHTUB!" said and yelled Haku.
"I will." Zabuza then took a long draught from his own moonshine.
"The whole apartment smells of cheap ale now." sighed Haku.
Anyways…
"Finally." Nero jumped down as before. "So you're the so-called last Uchiha."
"And you must be a nobody."
"Smart mouth. Unlike Mayu I won't lose my cool."
"If you guys won't mind save the chatter for after the match." Both combatants faced each other. "Now then, the match between Uchiha Sasuke and Shiso Nero. Keep it clean both of you and LET'S GET IT ON!"
Nero immediately jumped in the shadows and performed his version of the Kagemane. Sasuke jumps backwards to avoid the attack. Unlike Shikamaru though his has more reach. Anyways once he got far enough Sasuke performed hand seals and shot a Goukakyu at Nero. Nero dodges and attempts more shadow binding but Sasuke performs a sweeping variation of the Goukakyu to drag Nero out of the shadows. Once he's out of the shadows Sasuke rushes in and delivers a punch but since he didn't see Nero's match his punch goes through him.
"Physical attacks won't work on me. Kuroton: Kagegosunkugi." From Nero's shadow he shot up spikes that attempted to pierce Sasuke. Sasuke pulls back and tries something new.
"Lightning Blast." Sasuke took something of Naruko's and shot a blast of lightning at Nero. Nero retaliates with Kuroton: Kageheki to split himself in two to avoid the lightning blast. He merged back to one immediately.
"Immune to physical attacks and able to avoid ninjutsu like that. Interesting but," Sasuke throws two kunais on each of Nero and performs Lightning Blast again.
"That won't work!" Nero confidently said. Sasuke smirked as his lightning split in two and charged the kunais. The kunais then shot lightning at Nero, binding him. "What the hell is this?"
"Something to hold you down long enough for me to do this." Sasuke jumped backwards to the wall and began to concentrate.
"What's he doing?" asked Sakura.
"Watch and learn." said Kakashi.
Sasuke concentrates his chakra into his arms as he keeps his focus on Nero. Immediately the sounds of chirping birds filled the air and as soon as he ready he charged forward. Sasuke connects with the Chidori as he got into range. The binds weakened allowing Nero to move a bit while the Chidori pierces Nero's left shoulder. Nero though stood his ground.
"That really hurt you know. It's been a while since I felt that kind of pain. Last time I felt that was when those doors close and training began." smiled Nero.
"I got enough chakra to perform another Chidori so unless you want a swift death give up." smirked Sasuke.
"I never thought I get to use this early on but I got no choice if I want to win." Smiling Nero took off his sunglasses. He opened his eyes and revealed his eye ability. "Ever heard of the Sakasagan?" The color of Nero's eyes is inverted; his pupils are white and the outside pitch black.
"What is that?"
"I don't take these glasses off since it freaks people out. I prefer them on since it limits their abilities. And to answer your question." Nero performed one unique hand seal and began to merge with the ground. As soon as he completely gone except for his shadow "he" charged in. Sasuke tries dodging but even with Sharingan Nero's too fast and immediately merged with Sasuke's shadow. He immediately rises from his shadow as himself darkened but no one except Sasuke sees him.
"I'm not allowed to kill in this match, orders and all. But it does not mean I can force you to lose this match. Kuroton: Kageankyo." Nero forcibly drains chakra from Sasuke's shadow at a quick rate. When finished Sasuke was on his knees drained of energy while Nero stepped out and put his glasses on, full of energy and his wounds healed. "Nice."
"D-damn you."
"Better concede kid. Like the Nara said, know the difference between an unwinnable battle and a losing victory."
"Ch-do whatever you want." Sasuke said.
"In that case, the winner of the match: Shiso Nero." Genma declared.
Before some sort of backlash can occur a loud yelling was heard.
"SORRY I'M LATE!"A blue and blonde blur came zooming through the stadium and into the audience. Said blur jumped from the railings and landed on Nero. A crash can be heard.
"Goddamn it that hurt." said Nero, who momentarily shut off his eyes.
"Damn I missed." said that blur.
"And you are?"
"Uzumaki Naruko proctor. I overslept so that's the reason why I was late." Naruko honestly said.
--
A/N: And here you go. Next up is Naruko's fights. Expect her to go Qiao on Neji and find an awaome fight against Sara. Until then later cowboys…
Jutsu list:
Kamaitachi no Jutsu (Cutting Whirlwind Technique)
Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique)
Goukakyu no Jutsu (Great Fireball Technique)
Kuroton: Kagegosunkugi (Black Technique: Shadow Spikes) – Nero uses his shadow to shoot spikes that impales the enemy
Lightning Blast – Shoot a blast of lightning
Kuroton: Kageheki (Black Technique: Shadow Split) – Nero splits himself in two to avoid attacks
Chidori (One Thousand Birds)
Sakasagan (Inverted Eye) - The colors of Nero's eyes invert. Anyways Sakasagan allows Nero to merge with his shadow and run along the ground without harm. In this state he able to merge with the opponent's shadow. The eyes are the reason why he can nullify physical attacks and his pale complexion.
Kuroton: Kageankyo (Black Technique: Shadow Drain) – Once merged with the shadow Nero can drain their chakra and use it for himself. Though a technique like this obviously has limitations.
