Naruto stood on the second level watching each Kage explain the concept of the final stage. The memories of Gaara's sand began to flood his thoughts. He was grateful that he didn't die that time. His match with Neji was a tough one. If the kitsune hadn't leant him chakra, or paid rent, as he thought of it, he wouldn't have won. That still didn't help him become a Chuunin.

"You all should be aware after signing papers. However, we'll inform you that we aren't responsible for any deaths that may, and most likely will, occur. You're here because you're able to fend for yourself on a mission assigned to your team without outside help. Whom will be fighting whom is still unknown and will remain so until we begin this final stage," spoke Kazekage Gaara.

Hokage Tsunade stepped forward, "We will intervene the match and end it should anything seem too dangerous. Other than that, each match will be fought to the end. Should you see the match unequal you may forfeit. Know that just because you lose your match does not necessarily mean that you won't become a Chuunin. Showing strength, skills, and impressive strategic methods will do you good."

Naruto already knew this piece of information and couldn't help but roll his eyes. He didn't need to have it repeated for him. Kakashi didn't understand what was making his pupil space out, but then saw his attention on a Suna team. Sai said it had been the only team that was really trouble for them while in the forest.

Right away, he knew Naruto had his heart set on fighting at least one of them. Kakashi looked at Konoha's new flower to see her violet eyes fixated on a team of unexpected guests: Ame. And they were just as interested in her as she was them, especially the green-eyed one.

Sakura was smiling from Tsunade's side at her comrades. She was happy to see that Naruto made it once again to the village. Surprisingly enough, Hana had one scratch on her. Her eyes followed to see who the flower was staring at, only to see it was Ame Genin. She glared at the redhead with striking green eyes. He reminded her a little of Gara.

She said a silent prayer that would, hopefully, help Naruto and Hana from fighting them.

Eyes narrowed at Hana, but that didn't stop her from wanting to start her own match then and there with them. She stood there hoping she would have the chance to go against all three of the team members. It would definitely be a fight until the end.

"Listen well," Shizune said in front of the group. "You have finally made it to the third and final stage of the Chuunin Exam. In this stage, you will fight to the end, meaning sudden death or defeating your opponent. Here, jutsu, chakra and weaponry are allowed. You will be judged on your skills and your fighting techniques. Remember that just because you made it here, it does not mean that you will absolutely become a Chuunin."

Konohamaru's eyes widened. "What?! That's not fair! We all worked so hard to get here!"

"At this stage, you'll be judged by other country leaders. Here is where you'll make a name for yourself and show off your techniques that may be needed for a special mission in the future. Do your best and perhaps you will pass this stage. On this display behind me," she motioned to the now visible screen, "a pair's name will be chosen randomly. This display will randomly choose your opponent for you." Shizune turned to another proctor and nodded once.

Quickly, the names began to shuffle on the screen.

"Ami Hayashi versus Daijiro Honda," called out an unidentified voice.

Shizune looked over the group and waited for Ami and Daijiro stepped forward. A tall and attractive young girl stepped onto the platform of the first level. Next, a rather short and plump boy followed suit. Both wore a look of determination.

The brunette proctor directed for everyone but Ami and Daijiro make their way up to the second level of the dojo.

Though both fought hard, only one was able to win the match.

"Get them to the infirmary quick!" yelled a sensei. Four men ran as fast as they could. Two grabbed the unconscious boy that fought so hard that everyone approved. The girl he lost to that was carried along with him for a broken nose and torn ligament.

"Mai Inoue versus Kei Nakano!"

Towards the end it was clear that Kei would be the winner and the next would have a hard time with their fight living up to theirs. Everyone became anxious knowing that their names could be called next. Everyone looked to Moegi with the sound of her name being announced. While Ebisu cheered her on, Moegi jumped down from the railing.

"Kick her ass," Konohamaru fist pumped the air.

The redhead shinobi from before was weak without her fans and Moegi was smart enough to remember that. Her foot swung out, kicking them away, similar to when Hana kicked Iruka in the back. Izumi was shocked at her own forgetfulness. There was no other defense method she knew, only attack. Moegi smirked before landing a punch in her gut then another in the ribs. There was a loud, distinctive crack.

"She's been spending too much time with you," Kakashi said matter of factly to Hana. "Only you make sure to break a bone that loud."

"Hn," she shrugged while Sakura laughed.

During the second day they were in the Forest of Death, many techniques were thrown into her brain. There weren't many jutsu that Moegi was able to perform or knew, forcing her to ask Hana for help. Because of it, everyone was getting anxious for Izumi's well being. With the surprise of her finally defending herself, they calmed a little. Izumi landed a few hits here and there but the rosy cheeked girl was still the one standing. Izumi whimpered as she was carefully taken to the infirmary.

"How did I do," Moegi asked once on the second level again. They gave her every congratulations imaginable and Konohamaru even surprisingly gave her a hug. Ebisu cried dramatically because she only wanted the newbie's opinion - not that her teammate's hug wasn't greatly appreciated.

Conversation was cut short when the names began to shuffle again. The screen showed two names and both opponents walked to the railing as their names were called and onto the platform.

Udon stood up straight before his match began. His opponent was strong but that didn't surprise Ebisu. He knew that his student wasn't too strong but was able to spar. Only, this wasn't sparring. There had to be some way he could convince Udon to forfeit before he hurt his self. Konohamaru watched his friend get hit a few times but kept urging him on.

"Get your ass up, Udon!"

Looking up at the runt, only to see him hanging from the rail and scorning him for not fighting hard enough, Udon gave a big sniff then whipped out his shuriken. The opponent dodged all but one that stuck in his arm. Crying out in anger, he ripped it from his arm. Udon, literally, stopped to think. Then he had an idea.

His opponent was beginning to get agitated and a vein was starting to bulge from his forehead, not just his neck. His eyebrow twitched then he started, "Will you two shut up?!" When he looked up at Hana and Naruto, Udon took his chance.

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," he whispered.

He sent the other behind his opponent to grab him, as he saw Naruto do in the dojo. The real Udon had his opponent bound in wire but it broke after the guy's muscles were bulging out. He sent Udon flying but he was able to throw a senbon that paralyzed the muscle head. He was on the ground until Udon was announced as the winner. Ebisu scorned Udon for not forfeiting the match and the shrimp stood there, taking it all in.

"He won didn't he?" Konohamaru folded his arms.

Ebisu pointed at two Genin. "Just because you won doesn't mean that you can become a Chuunin, Udon. If I don't think you're fit enough, I'll have to make you stay at the academy and I don't want to do that.

"It was all of her fault! She started it, calling me a dobe!" Naruto defended himself. Hana stood by ignoring everyone as she waited for the screen to begin shuffling names again. She would let everyone argue amongst themselves for the time being. The most important thing was that no one realized she started the argument for Udon's sake.

For them to know she actually had a heart would be terrible.

Smiling to herself, Tsunade watched Naruto and Hana make a commotion. Noticing that Hana had picked a fight to help a fellow classmate was a little bit of a surprise. She seemed very emotionless and showed herself as a mature young woman. Until she near Naruto, that is. That was when her nerves were fully gone - he made her lose her cool. Tsunade couldn't help but wonder if it was to distance herself from the Kyuubi or because he was too annoying for her.

Another match began too soon for her liking but she couldn't wait until she was back home. Sakura was tired of standing to only watch the kids be able to fight. She knew Kakashi was to show up any minute. Should have been here earlier, she scoffed. Hinata had to work in the infirmary her being a medical-nin, but promised to make it if she could to see Hana and Naruto fight their match. Before she came, Kakashi appeared with an aloof smile on his face, apologizing for being late yet again.

"When do we actually get to go," Naruto whine from the left.

Hana agreed, "I'm wondering the same thing."

Sai answered, "I don't. I'm in ANBU so I don't need to have a Chuunin ranking. I've just never done the exam before."

"WAIT, what?!" Naruto grew hot-headed again. "So you don't even have to do this? That's so not fair!"

Sai gave him a fake smile, the fakest of the fake, actually. "Good luck to you both though."

Previous match now over, Konohamaru jumped from the railing as Moegi did at his name being called.

"I changed my mind, Hana-sama," he called up to her. "I don't want ramen when I win."

"What then," Hana yawn as she stretched.

"A kiss ~!" He grinned slyly at the blond about to flip.

Sakura, Moegi and Naruto's eyes went wide with shock. Jiraiya laughed loudly from behind Tsuande, and with her permission, he went up to them. Moegi and Naruto yelled at the runt from up top while Jiraiya stood by him. Other shinobi from different villages snickered at his courage. One said he admired his courage, a girl saying she'd give him one if the woman didn't.

The Toad Sage called out, "I don't think these two like that idea, Konohamaru ~"

Moegi glared at the brunette. "You dope! She's not kissing you! Onee-sama doesn't have interest in kids!"

He stuck his tongue out at her which caused her to grip the railing.

A cough emitted him while he stood up. "Why would I give up?!" Konohamaru staggered.

Ima tightened her head protector and for the first time he noticed she was Oto. Her arm was positioned in front of her and she opened the palm, then a sudden gust of wind came hurling at him. The sound of bones crushing in his leg rang through the air as a high pitched noise bounced off the walls.

"AH!" He fell, grabbing his leg. "MY LEG!"

Ebisu hung over the railing, "Omago-sama! Please, get back up now! Fight back!"

Kakashi whispered to him, "Sometimes it's best only to cheer him on encouragingly."

Feeling disgusted with his self for not doing what was right, he began to cheer his pupil as suggested. "Omago-sama, you can do it!"

Sakura cupped her hand around her mouth, "Konohamaru, you need to get up or you can't win! Do you want Naruto to become Hokage before you?!"

He looked up at the cherry blossom, deciding she was right. "I can't do that. I'm the Third's grandson and I-I can't shame him." Back on his feet, Konohamaru stood there panting then got into position. Unfortunately, he fell onto his butt again. His leg was in too much pain. "I've gotta get up!"

"Give up already!" Ima lashed out. "You're going to lose to me. You're just hurting yourself more!"

"Hey, Konohamaru," Hana called out in a bored voice while leaning over the rail. She lazily held her head up by her palm. "Is it true that Naruto has more of a chance becoming Hokage and you won't? Like, at all?"

His eyes slightly widened then he somehow managed to stand. Ima reluctantly opened her palm again, causing more wind to flow towards him. Instead of staying put, Konohamaru jumped, doing a summersault in the air and landed on his other leg. He threw a kunai at her then was struck by a whip of air from Ima. Sure to hit him in the exact place of the wound on his leg. He knew there was no way to win this match and fell to the ground. Udon called out to him but there wasn't any answer other than a whimper.

Hinata ran down there and began to heal his leg while they waited for a stretcher. Ebisu, along with his two other pupils, ran with him to the infirmary. The final stage continued for everyone else but Konoha's shinobi stood with less excitement. The matches weren't too much of a show without the runt there, they all agreed. They could leave now but Hana and Naruto would be disqualified from the exam. Though, it didn't seem as important to as Konohamaru, the two stayed behind.

Unfortunately, when his name was called neither of the other members of the Suna team's names were called. He'd been looking forward to his match and hoping to fight one of them but was only disappointed. He was fighting some kid from Takigakure no Sato. Annoyed that his opponent wasn't Suna he sighed heavily. Naruto hopped over the railing and landed on his feet with a snicker.

"He's not being serious," Kakashi shook his head.

Hinata came out with Konohamaru on crutches and a cast. She promised the doctor that she would stay with him, after he made a scene to watch Naruto's match. There were just enough healers and nurses there that she was able to leave with him. Having caught him before he fell, young Hyuuga heiress was glared at by an infuriated Moegi.

"Let that idiot fall! He should be in bed anyways!"

Attention focused at the doorway, Naruto was attacked by the Taki Genin, Koji. He suffered a strong kick to the chest. Hearing a surprised gasp, Sakura began to worry at the guy's speed - Koji looked like a blur when he ran.

Sakura said to Kakashi, "He's so fast!"

Taking a good look at the opponent wasn't too hard - if you didn't blink. Watch as they take a break and she'd be able to see them moving plain as though they were walking. "Wonder how much Hero Water he drank before stepping onto that platform."

"Possibly. No proof so it'd be useless to say anything," Kakashi was impressed.

They would have to wait until the effects wore off and Naruto was able to fight back without struggle. By that time, though, Naruto could be worn out to the max. Watching, Kakashi witnessed Naruto get up with anger etched on his face. He shifted then ran towards his opponent. Instead of going to the right, as he bluffed, he struck him straight ahead in the chin.

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

A clone appeared where he was while another helped him create a blue ball winding in his hand. Koji threw a kunai tagged with four explosives at a clone to see it cloud up then an explosion after. Confused, he turned around to see Naruto and clone running towards him.

"Rasengan!"

The clone disappeared while Naruto made a direct hit and sent Koji into the wall. He ran back at Naruto, throwing punches and kicks at different angles. All of his attacks were dodged then he began to feel tired from the effects wearing off. The Konoha shinobi was starting to feel a little worn out his self from all the hits he had taken in the beginning. His body was sore and he knew that it wasn't much longer until he would have to give. The kitsune within Naruto began to wake up and whisper thoughts into his head.

You know I can help you win this match, it told him.He's way too fast for you alone so let me out. Or else you'll lose and stay at a low rank. Just let me out for a little bit.

No, I won't let you out, but I will take more payment, its host replied.

The reddish-orange chakra began to flow, mixing with his own. Hana glanced at the Ame team to see them smirking in fascination. His body felt warmer than normal and hoped the kitsune wasn't showing too much. The facial markings on his cheeks felt a bit thicker but his eyes weren't burning at all. He knew that it was safe enough to finish. Few punches landed in the his favor.

When Koji was declared fallen, Naruto fell to the ground in fatigue. He was almost taken to the infirmary except he persuaded them to let him stay. He never thought this Chuunin Exam would be such a piece of cake. It disappointed him. He wanted to show off how much stronger he'd gotten, how much faster he is. Seems like he'll just have to wait a little longer though.

"I'm fine, just worn out. I don't need to go."

Kakashi helped carry Naruto up to the second level where the rest of his team was.

"How's it feel to win this time," Sakura asked.

"I'm tired!" Naruto declared as he fell onto his stomach.

Everyone hushed as they heard the screen on display begin to shuffle the names again. They all saw their name at least once, some twice. Shizune called out from her spot in front of the village leaders, "Tani Hana versus Koizumi Souta!"

Han looked to both Yamato and Kakashi for no specific reason; they stared at the screen in disbelief, looked down at Tsunade. It wasn't as if she could tell them to find her a different opponent. That would be suspicious, ridiculous and raise too many eyebrows. On the other hand, it was sort of a blessing because she knew all of his moves and techniques. However, this would not be easy.

Both gave her a sharp nod.

Yamato added, "Try not to let it get out of hand."

"Hai," she nodded then crouched on the railing ready to swing when Naruto's "good luck" made her hesitate. Not looking back had been smart - she may have smiled at him if she did.

Hana swung to the floor and landed gracefully.

Everyone she left stood to watch her match. All except the Jounin she had just spoken with wondered whether or not she could actually take this Koizumi Souta guy, especially considering the village his headband sported: Ame.

She'd given plenty information on him to Tsunade, but only one fact was given to Kakashi, one he hadn't even told Yamato.

But the same interesting fact had Jiraiya anxious more than ever.

Souta seemed big muscle wise except she's proven that size doesn't matter plenty of times. She'll win for sure, Moegi stated firmly. Hana stood before Souta and he couldn't help but grin at her. She felt tiny under his gaze. He saw that he made her uncomfortable just the slightest.

"Are they just going to stand there," Sai asked.

Neither spoke nor moved when it began. They stared at each other, similar to when she met Naruto for the first time. He was in alliance with Akatsuki, once with her. Once good friends, they were now enemies. And it hurt her more than anything.

"Sup, Hana-chan?"

She said nothing, making him laugh. Her nerves were horrible that day. Body felt light and heavy at the same time with adrenaline rushing through her.

She was getting irritated at him, "Your mouth is annoying me already."

With that said, he threw a shuriken at her that she barely missed.

They began to fight it out but neither was able to land a hit. She would go to strike, but he would end up dodging it. Weakness wasn't shown until later. His words were starting to eat at her but she continued to do her best to ignore them.

Yamato saw that it was starting to get to her whether she would admit it or not.

Moegi and Sakura cheered her on.

Souta knew how to push her buttons and he was pushing further than necessary. He wanted to make her crack, make her feel like nothing, let everyone know who she really is.

But he first wanted to embarrass her. Only problem was that he didn't plan on her getting stronger in strength and determination. He continued to taunt her and decided to bring out the big guns.

When she skidded to a stop, he decided to fire.

"So how is it to be so close with the Kyuubi," he asked.

Everyone was leaning on the railing, waiting for someone to land a blow. They watched and listened to what he would say. All were confused by what he was saying, every last bit of it. Except for the Konoha shinobi that were cheering for her. Unlike the others, they were now silent. Her sensei beginning to regret allowing her to enter this exam.

Her violet eyes slowly looked up, and she stood straight. She had hoped he would only go so far as speak of their childhood. Never did she think he would bring up Naruto so casually. Hana said nothing; she only looked at him. In fact, she only blinked once at him, and that was at his question. She would not let it show that this bothered her or that it annoyed her. That it did anything to her at all. And that's what pissed Souta off so much.

"Come off it! I am well aware he's here right now." His green eyes traveled to the shinobi she arrived with. He grinned while holding a hand up at the blond; Naruto raising a confused brow. He wiggled his fingers in a princess-like wave.

Automatically, Naruto's face grew annoyed, this eyes big and round, his mouth snarling.

Hana readied herself as he ran up to her.

The two were pushing against each other, locking her fists in his palms.

"Oooh," he cooed, and was smacked across the platform. Souta stood up, wiping the blood from his lip. He chuckled, "Are you his bodyguard now? That's pretty sad. Even for the little monster."

This time she punched him across the platform again, but she didn't give him the chance to get up before kicking him back to his previous side. She held him up by his collar, his knees dragging against the floor. Upper-hand clearly belonged to Hana.

Naruto felt happy for some other reason though. At least it could be proven that when it came down to it, she'd really have his back. Just as she promised. But on that same platform, Tsunade was wondering if she should step in or not.

Their masked sensei looked at Captain Yamato sharing the same look. Hana wasn't suppose to go so far as to do that much damage to someone unless they physically and truly wanted to get Naruto.

Breaking an enemy's arm and spraining their ankle when he didn't actually try hurting Naruto wasn't in the deal that Hana made with Tsuande, who mingled with their surprise. And it was clear Souta wasn't that much of an opponent compared to her strength.

Why the hell was she going overboard?

"She is definitely one to watch out for," Gaara stated. "Tani Hana wasn't it?"

Of course she had to give word to the rest of the Kage. Especially Gaara since he shared a connection with Hana. And Suna was a great ally for Konoha. Keeping something this important would've been stupid. Hokage shook her head. "Hana is to do whatever is necessary to keep him safe."

"Interesting," Gaara truly sounded intrigued.

Continuing to watch was like instinct with this battle. No one in the dojo saw someone fight as beautifully as Hana, making violence look enchanting and graceful. None had ever seen a person battle like Souta, either, he was tough and smart at using words. Wherever they learned their techniques, they begged their sensei to take them.

Hana's other elbow swung to hit Souta in the gut. Her leg swung to hit him, but instead missed, and he grabbed it. He threw her over his shoulder into one of many legs holding up the second level. His red hair rustled with the movement against his forehead protector. Green eyes lit up with excitement, he slammed her against the ground by her thigh before jumping out of reaching distance.

Standing up, she threw a kunai at him, which stabbed his arm.

He pulled it out, cringing, before tossing it back at her. He huffed for air for a moment before grinning.

She caught it an inch from her left eye.

"That would be a shame to lose your pretty eyes, wouldn't it," Souta asked loudly.

She ignored him to run up and punch him in the gut. Training with Jiraiya increased Hana's power ten fold and then more sparring against Yamato caused her to appear almost unbeatable. However, Yamato sucked at teaching her to control emotions. Souta began to throw senbon, missing her as she, literally, twirled in escaping them. Some things didn't change - Hana still looked as though she was dancing while fighting at times. Not that it's a bad thing. In fact, it was an extremely good thing.

Quickly, she disappeared from his sight and reappeared behind him, striking him in the back of the head with a swift kick. Souta rolled before flipping backwards to stand up.

Each time he tossed a weapon, it missed, and it made him happy deep down.

Hurt her, and he just may regret it. Friends, they'd been friends during their childhood. Pain, the leader of Akatsuki, thought sending Souta into the Chuunin Exam could somehow persuade her in coming back. She was only so far away, but that damn Uzumaki Naruto was in the way of it all.

"Fighting for Him won't keep him alive," Souta yelled as he ran up the wall and onto the railing, Hana hot on his tail. He felt a kunai jab into his arm and jumped onto the opposite side of the railing. He ran with his arms out at his sides, a grin on his face as he watched Hana chase after him. "That little ghoul's mine for the taking."

Ironically enough, she was right in front of her team, standing on the railing without any trouble.

Souta smiled darkly at this. "You think you're so tough, Hana? May I ask just which one is more fun?" He chuckled, "That idiot," he glanced at Naruto, "or Hibiki?"

Her appearance was calm yet full of seriousness and determination. "Keep this up and I just might use my full strength. Perhaps you should do the same."

"Between you and I, Hana? I'll definitely choose you as the idiot. I've been smart in my choices. I choose comrades over strangers. You can't even make a clear choice between two simpletons right now."

She tilted her head in a bored manner. "Hibiki is a bastard. Let's leave it at that."

Naruto shared a look with Sakura. Sai simply glanced at Hana before returning his attention back to the green-eyed ginger glaring at her for information. Kakashi leaned his back against the rail as he looked over his shoulder at the match while Yamato questioned quietly, "Hibiki? Who could that be?"

She caught both in her hands without moving. She sighed heavily. "This is irritating. You've gotten rusty."

"JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION," he grew flustered, waving his arms like a mad man.

She answered with a sweat-drop, "Naruto is an idiot - and a dobe. But I'd much rather be around someone that has a personality rather than someone who just wears the same facial expression all the time."

Naruto became aware that Sakura was eyeing him; she knew he wanted to blush so badly, even though it was half an insult.

Hana flipped backwards as it was obvious to her Souta was on his way to Naruto. Blinking once then twice, the blond found he was thrown against the wall. Hana stood in front of him and Souta in front of her. She tossed Naruto back a few feet with one single, harsh push. Kunai in hand - three to be exact - she stood waiting for anything. As did Kakashi and Yamato. The cherry blossom quickly led the kids to another spot with Ebisu's help and directed by Hana.

"What's the big idea," Souta asked. "All I wanna do is properly greet the guy. It's not like I'm scheming something. Jeez, I'm not a cunning fox," he grinned, "or anything."

"You come any closer and you die," Hana deadpanned.

Gaara stood in case of need for help. Tsunade stood from her chair with Jiraiya back at her side. Everyone in the building became quiet with anxiety pulsing through their veins. This did not seem good anymore. Danger now took over.

Souta smirked. "Aw, come on, Hana-chan! Don't get so jealous. I won't take him from you or anything. Right now anyways."

"Give up or we'll keep going and these kids will have to wait longer to become a Chuunin. I don't mind putting an end to this."

He appeared saddened by that. "You would kill your best friend over a simple Jinchuuriki?"

From her pouch she got out a shuriken for her left hand. As she fiddled with them between her fingers, Hana continued, "You will die today, Souta, if you come any closer." She stood her ground.

"Why does that not surprise me?"

Hearing him speak helped them remember Naruto was there.

Her arm swung out as Souta flew forward. Small grunts of pain came from him while he asked if the Jinchuuriki also came before Hibiki now, too. Hana continued to run after him in a circle of the railing.

That attractive white haired man meant nothing to her now; Hibiki was no longer in her heart.

"Hibiki is nothing to me."

Something struck her in the leg, but she didn't look to see what.

Later, after she did more damage, she found that it had been a shuriken that struck her leg. Like medical tape, just rip it off, she told herself. Yanking the weapon out didn't hurt a bit, either. Ebisu made a disgusted noise as if he were going to puke. Not even a whimper or whine came from her.

Weapons back in their pouch, Hana began making hand seals. "Katon: Housenka no Jutsu!"

Fireballs were then spat at the red-headed Souta. Unaware of each shuriken hidden within the fire, he received multiple cuts as the fire diminished and each blade slid past his speed, still catching his clothes.

"Damn!"

Now he finally realized she was serious about hurting him.

Tsunade didn't know whether or not it could be handled without her or Gaara's intervention. Out of the blue, Hana caught sight of one teammate Souta made way for. Except it was only an illusion caused by Souta's mist jutsu. She understood as she flew into his kunai, it stuck into her abdomen.

Letting her violet orbs look up, she saw the own shock in his eyes. It wouldn't bother anyone back at the base that he hurt her but Souta himself. Maybe Hibiki, but Souta doubted that. His heart crushed when Hana tried to say something and all that came out was a rough gasp.

A low wine came from her. "Mist…"

Souta tense as she leaned into him, the mist clearing around them, causing gasps.

Naruto's eyes were round with shock. "Hana-chan!"

Her throat sounded raspy as she spoke. "I didn't t-think you could actually hurt me. Good for you. You've learned to keep your emotions hidden. That's real good." She jumped flinched away, aiming for distance between them. A few inches away was as far she could go, even then she was hunched over.

As the blond made to climb over the rail, Kakashi put his hand on his shoulder as Sai grabbed his other elbow. Kakashi gave him a look as Yamato warned, "This is a fight she has to finish on her own."

The raven-haired girl rasped as she pushed herself up off one knee. She stood with her hand over her tummy, her other just hanging there. She wasn't sure exactly what to do next. Her stomach burned and it was tiresome just to breathe. As much as she wanted to just lie down and let sleep take over her, she knew that she had to finish this.

"What?" Rough coughs echoed through the arena from his opponent. "You can't even breath without coughing up blood! You're going to keep fighting me even though you could bleed out and die?! All because of that idiot?! He has the Kyuubi inside and They'll eventually catch him! Why put up such a fight?!" A thought struck him, his eyes widened with astonishment, his mouth hanging open. The thought made him grin. "Hana-chan doesn't usually go so far for guys…Must be special."

The team stood leaning over the railing. Naruto sweat-dropped, "Why do I always get the role of the boyfriend?"

"It's a shinobi's duty to help a comrade, isn't it?" Hana straightened up, "Besides, I promised Tsunade that I would do be part of their team. I don't know about you, but I take being a shinobi pretty damn seriously."

Blood still seeping out, she did several back flips to avoid Souta's swings. Once his fist was caught then, she threw him into a wall. He bounced back and sent a gust of wind at her strong enough it knocked her in the air then he kicked her down. There wasn't a single cry and Konoha shinobi began fearing the worst. Souta walked cautiously towards her knowing something that trivial hadn't the impact to kill.

Not this girl, at least.

Though, it did knock the breath out of her. She laid gasping once he came close enough. He yanked her up from behind by the hair. On her knees, Hana's jaw clenched in pain.

"Should I cut your hair off? I always liked it better short." He laughed. "If I killed you now, there's nothing blaming me. Is that what you want? To die for a guy you've only known a couple of weeks?"

"If I die protecting a comrade, at least I can die with honor. But you," she smirked, "you can't kill me because you don't have the guts. You cried while pulling my pigtails once so I'd have someone to cry with. You care for me too much. It's your downfall. But if you want to attempt to try and be the man you wish you could be, go ahead. Kill me."Meanwhile, her teammates stood there - gasping and clenching on to the rail.

"What is she doing," Sakura chastised.

Sai narrowed his eyes then Naruto couldn't help but ask, "Who is this guy? How does he know Hana-chan so well?"

Hana looked up and her eyes caught Naruto's. She told Souta, "You see though…my team has kind of taken a liking to me. Though I'm not sure why." She took a deep breath and winced at the pain in her stomach. "So if you kill me, I can't promise you won't have a fight on your hands…Akatsuki."

Tsunade's eyes widened as she bolted from her seat. She took three steps towards the platform with Gaara at her side. He flickered his forest-green eyes from the girl to the boy, both looking rough. Before he could take any more steps with Tsunade, Souta's grip faltered. Neither Kage knew if it was because he really couldn't kill her or because she was getting to him. Either way, Hana kicked him into the Kage seating area.

One Kage moved out the way while another merely ducked. The one called "A" raised his brows at the impact Souta made with the wall.

"Impressive," his deep voice muttered.

Out of nowhere she came again. A clone of her kicked the opponent over but he quickly disposed of it. He threw a series of weapons that would've ended the match but she bent backwards. Rapid hand seals formed with her hands for the Great Fireball Jutsu and hurled towards Souta, who had already been wounded multiple places.

Being kicked into a wall made them worse and it only took her jutsu to end the match.

The metal Konoha symbol on her forehead protector, which she wore on her left bicep, clanked against the floor as she fell.

Hayate Gekkou, the other proctor, had not the chance to even declare her as the winner yet. Not that he needed to. Kakashi disappeared from the second level and reappeared at Hana's body to pick her up. Hinata rushed after him to assist in her health.

Team Kakashi followed into the infirmary where they could give her immediate medical attention.

Sat up too quickly and she fell back with her hand clutching her stomach. Rolling to her side, Hana felt her knee budge something.

At her side, a young man was snoring obnoxiously loud. To her right, she noticed Konohamaru was asleep in the bed next to hers. The cherry blossom was sitting at the end of her bed and a rosy-cheeked girl in her lap. Udon was lying at the foot of the bed with his feet on Konohamaru's.

"You shouldn't have gotten up too fast."

Her eyes drifted back to the those around the bed and, finally, Kakashi at the window.

"Right after the match, you collapsed and were rushed here. All of them refused to leave you and that one even made Ebisu-san move his bed by yours." He indicated to Konohamaru.

"Could he snore any louder? I mean really," she glanced at Naruto.

"Actually, he could," Kakashi chuckled.

Yamato informed her that she'd been out for two days. One in the infirmary at the arena then yesterday after being transferred back to Konoha. That was fine, just not what she'd been wondering about. Would be a stupid question to ask how Souta was doing. Not suppose to be worried about someone that was trying to take Naruto.

Body was too sore to persuade herself to ask them anyhow. Her stomach was in such pain, causing a gasp. Her sudden movement caused a domino effect. Udon jumped in his sleep, making Konohamaru sit up screaming. He whacked Udon in the leg with his crutch, which caused him to scream also and wake the others.

"What are you two doing?! You're gonna wake up Onee-sama!" Moegi growled.

"Too late," Udon pointed at her.

"Hana-sama! Are you okay? Is your shoulder okay? What about your head?" Konohamaru poked and lifted her leg then her arm. "Or your stomach?" When he went for her stomach, she caught his hand.

Suddenly she felt a hand lying on hers. She looked to her left and saw Naruto still asleep, and was clutching her hand in his. A squeeze made her snap out of her thoughts. She pinched his hand and he snapped up, waving his hand in the air from pain.

"Ouch!"

"Watch who's hand you hold," she roared with sharpened teeth.

Sakura returned with painkillers, and gave Hana took them gratefully. She slept like a baby. Her pain was gone for a few hours and it felt like she was brand new again. When she woke up, the side effects had worn off, causing the pain to return. Not wanting them to worry, she kept silent. Konohamaru ordered Ebisu around for water and anything else he could think of.