Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Kitsune memories Chapter 11: The tournament starts

Naruto was glad to be back in Konoha. He was very confident that he was far stronger then anyone else in the tournament. Thus, he decided on another training method. Study past tapes. Particularly the ones of his dad, when he did his many years ago, and one of Karyu's, one she did only about 7 years ago.

Also, he was now able to summon both toads and Foxes. On his first attempt, he managed to summon the boss frog, and that made Jiraya proud.

But the most important thing about this part of the tournament, that he learned, was keeping it together. The ones who were calmer, and more strategic, and powerful, became Chuunins.

Right now, one day before the tournament, he was talking with the Hokage's grandson, Konohomaru. Konohomaru was only 7 years old.

"So, what do you have in mind for the Hyuuga?" Konohomaru asked. They were at Naruto's favourite Ramen stand. Konohomaru was almost like a little brother to Naruto.

"Learn why he hates the main house so much, study Gentle fist, at the same time, avoid it" Naruto said. Konohomaru smiled.

"If anyone can win this tournament, it's you. After all, a future Hokage must be better then the rest. No offence to the others though. They're good, but not Hokage material. Not like us, at least" Konohomaru said. Naruto smirked.. The two finished up their Ramen.

Next day, Naruto found himself heading towards the arena, when he saw Hinata.

"Hey Hinata" He said. Hinata blushed, and waved hello. Naruto came up.

"How are you feeling?" Naruto asked. Hinata nodded.

"Good. Mom's healing did the trick. I couldn't bear to what would happen if it didn't" Naruto said. Hinata was surprised.

"W-what that s-s-s-supposed to mean?" Hinata asked. Naruto smiled a foxy smile. Sonjay was at his feet.

"To put it bluntly, He likes you" Sonjay said. Naruto picked him up, before whipping him into a tree.

"Idiot. I was supposed to tell her that. Yeash" Naruto said. Hinata blushed even more.

"Wow. I...never knew. I also...like you" Hinata said. But she looked down.

"Sweet. Oh, and the relationship with Ino...it's false. We just did that, to make people jealous. Though I don't really see you as the jealous type" Naruto said. His watch beeped. He had to run off, to start his match.

"Wait" Hinata said. Naruto turned around, and was surprised, when Hinata kissed him.

"For good luck. Kick Neji's ass" Hinata confidently said. She had some more confidence in herself now.

Naruto did make it to the grounds in time. He was face to face with Neji.

"Be lucky that Hinata is alive. And I'll bet you weren't even scared by my words. Rest assured, I'm no pushover. You won't defeat me Neji. And by the end of the match, hopefully, I will have gained why you hate Hinata so much" Naruto said. Neji smirked.

"It was because of her, my father was dead. On her third birthday, Konoha had a celebration, to mark a treaty it had made with Cloud Village. I was cursed with this" Neji said, revealing the caged bird seal on his forehead.

"A few days later, the rep tried to kidnap Hinata. But my damn uncle killed the rep. Cloud asked for my uncle dead, and brought to them, but instead, they got my father. Because of her, I grew up fatherless, despising something I'm sworn to protect. If it weren't for this damn seal, I would have pulled off an Itachi. Now you know" Neji said. The match had begun. Neji tried to strike Naruto with the gentle fist, but Naruto dodged each one, before landing a powerful kick to his gut.

"Over the month, I'm the one who's probably changed the most. You see this sword. It's keeping my demon blood at bay. And I'm sure you know about me being a half demon" Naruto said Neji got up. He tried to strike Naruto again, but was instead was struck in the neck by Naruto.

"You hit...a chakra Coil. How?" Neji said. he looked up once he recovered, and gasped. He couldn't believe it.

We all knew Naruto had it, but Neji didn't. He saw, that Naruto, was using, the Byakugan.