Chapter 13: Strongest Genin in the Village
After Sakura hobbled out of the arena to receive treatment, Tora went to address the crowd. He knew that what he was about to say would get a bad reaction from the crowd, as it always had done. In a way it had become tradition for the Third Exam and was the duty of the Proctor.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" he shouted as the audience quieted down, "There will now be a two hour break as both fighters are healed ahead of the final match. The match will be between Neji Hyuga of the Leaf Village and Gaara of the Sand Village. We ask for your patience as we prepare for this battle. Thank you."
Predictably, the explanation was met with jeers from the crowd and the odd projectile was thrown. Tora simply turned around and let the other staff on hand deal with the outcry.
I best get some rest as well he thought; I have a feeling that this fight is going to be one to remember.
Tsunade was deep in thought as members the Sand Village's Head Council joined her on the platform.
"Lady Tsunade" Baki said, "Can we get you anything?"
"No thank you" she replied hastily.
"That was quite the impressive match," Baki said, trying to force a conversation. "Your student performed brilliantly, catching Gaara in a genjutsu is not easy. In any case, the next match should be very interesting as well."
Tsunade smiled at this, appreciating the effort.
"Yes, I am very proud of all of the students from the Leaf Village. Sakura even surpassed my expectation truth be told. Although, I know I can't promote everyone to the rank of Chunnin. Have you decided who is getting promoted from your village?"
Baki nodded. "Yes we already know who's becoming Chunnin, although the outcome of the next fight might determine if there's a higher status to be given."
Tsunade looked skeptical at this, but decided against pursuing it any further. What the Sand Village wanted to do was there own business, so it was best for her to stay out of it.
"I think I'm going to pay a visit to the Genin from my village that are still with the medics" Tsunade said.
Tsunade excused herself and left the balcony, heading to the medical room.
So, Tsunade thought, Are the Sand really considering that boy for the role of Kazekage? Or am I just jumping to conclusions there? Either way, they need to appoint a leader soon. Even though we don't plan to attack, I can't say the same about the other villages.
Neji sighed as the medical ninja continued to heal his wounds. He couldn't believe the amount of damage he took in his last match and was surprised by how long it was taking to heal.
At least I'm not as bad as Lee, he thought as he heard his teammate cry out again. He also glanced over at Sakura, who hadn't stopped smiling since she had walked in. He had learned she had lost her match, but she wasn't down about it at all. He guessed she was like Naruto in that respect; always finding positives even in defeat.
"Neji!" TenTen yelled as she walked through the door. She ran over to hug her teammate, who was a little unsure how to respond. He figured a simple pat on the back would do. The other Leaf Shinobi who weren't injured followed TenTen through the door. They gathered around to congratulate Neji and to keep Sakura's spirit up, although they soon found out that the latter wasn't necessary.
"So Neji" Shikamaru said, smirking, "Think you have what it takes to take on Gaara? Sakura's the only one who's been able to lay a hand on him all day and that didn't do much good."
Neji smiled at the small taunt. "I guess we'll have to wait and see" he said, teasing the group who wanted to know more about his strategy."
Shortly afterwards, Tsunade walked in alongside Kakashi and Gai. The arrival of the senior members of the village saw the Genin quite down a little, but spirits remained high as they continued to excitedly discuss the upcoming match. Gai took Neji aside to discuss tactics, but it mostly involved Gai telling Neji how important youth was to victory.
Tora later walked into the room and all eyes turned towards him.
"Alright Neji" he said, "It's time. If everyone else could please make their way back to the stands, we are ready to begin."
Everyone else walked out slowly, shouting several "Good Lucks" as they went. Just as she walked out the door, Hinata turned around to face Neji.
"Neji" she began, "I just want you to know that I never could of got to where I am today without you. You really are a great person and you deserve your praise as the pride of the Hyuga Clan. Also, remember that, whatever happens out there, were all behind you. Good luck, brother."
Hinata walked out before Neji could respond. He couldn't help but smile and he could feel the resolve in him strengthening.
All right, Neji thought, it's time to show why they call me a genius.
Neji walked out into the arena alongside Gaara. Neither of them was very talkative and preferred to walk out in complete silence. Once they reached the middle of the arena, they separated and stood opposite each other. Both stared intently, realizing that this fight would be different from the rest.
"Okay" Tora said, "The rules for this match are the same as any other. I expect you both to obey the rules and respect my position as Proctor. Alright, then you may begin!"
Surprisingly, Gaara quickly went on the attack. The sand flew out of his gourd towards Neji, who quickly dodged. The sand was relentless and Neji was struggling to keep away from it.
I'm not going to get anywhere at this rate, Neji thought, I'm going to have to force him to defend if I'm to have a chance.
As soon as Neji saw an opening, he thrust his palm back and yelled:
"Eight Trigrams: Air Palm"
Neji fired two jutsu at Gaara, whose face turned to one of shock. He quickly put up his guard, as if expecting the attack to connect. Luckily for him, his sand was able to reach him in time.
That jutsu Gaara thought, it appears a lot faster than before. Was he holding back every other time he used it? Either way, I can't be careless with my sand now I know he has a long-range attack that can move at that speed.
Gaara sent his sand after Neji again who stood his ground.
Enough running he said to himself and he adopted his stance.
"Rotation!" he yelled, executing his jutsu. The whirl of chakra was much more powerful than Hinata's and was able to push the sand away. Neji then ended his rotation and fired his Air Palm once again. This time, the sand couldn't move fast enough and it reached its target. The air was able to push Gaara back and dealt him significant damage. However, Neji wasn't done. He raced towards Gaara ready to land an attack. Yet, before he got there the sand was able to guard Gaara.
Seems I'm still not fast enough to get around that stand Neji thought, I'm going to have to think of another way. If it comes down to it, I'll have to use that technique.
Kakashi and Gai stood above the arena, fixated.
"He did well to get past that sand" Kakashi said, "But the jutsu he uses isn't going to land a knockout blow. A taijutsu user is always going to struggle to beat someone like Gaara. I don't see what Neji is going to do here."
Gai nodded his head, but smiled afterwards.
"Don't underestimate Neji" he said, "Yes, for someone he uses mainly taijutsu, Gaara isn't an ideal opponent. However, he has overcome the odds before and I know he can do it again. Lets just wait to see what he has up his sleeve."
Neji tried many different combinations of attack in order to break Gaara's defense. Although, it soon became obvious that his attacks weren't going to work.
Then, Neji was caught. He spent too much time trying to break Gaara's defense that he didn't think about his own. As soon as he stopped moving, a dome of sand rose up out of the ground. Neji was caught off guard and was buried by the sand.
"Sand Coffin" Gaara said, encasing Neji. The crowd gasped, stunned that Gaara had been able to capture Neji. It was especially a surprise given that Gaara's last two opponents had fallen the same way. Just as it looked like the match had ended, Neji screamed out "This isn't over". Then, the sand began to crack as Neji continued to pound it with his Gentle Fist. Eventually, it gave way and Neji was freed.
"He broke my Sand Coffin" Gaara moaned, "No one has done that before. Your very impressive."
All right, I have no choice Neji thought; I'm going to have to do it. This really isn't a technique that suits me very well and I don't know how well my body will hold up. This is my only choice.
Neji crossed his arms and adopted a familiar pose.
"Sorry Lee" Neji whispered, feeling slightly guilty that he had stolen this technique.
"Eight Inner Gates: Fourth Gate; Gate of Pain; Open!"
Neji's skin turned red and his eyes completely white. His usually calm face was now appeared full of anger and energy. The ominous green aura flowed from him as he prepared to strike.
However, Gaara had not wasted his time waiting for Neji to open the Gates. He remembered the technique and as soon as he saw the stance, he had sent his sand powering towards Neji. By the time Neji was ready he was surrounded.
"Rotation!" he cried, and once again there was a dome of chakra. This time, though, the colour was a mixture of green and blue and the force was much greater. The sand was flung much further than last time and Neji had a clean run with increased speed. He ran towards Gaara, faster than could be seen.
He must be using that armor of his. I'll have to use 128 palms this time. The first 64 will disable that armor, and the other 64 will shut off his chakra. Even with this speed, it's a lot to ask. It's going to be tight with the speed of that sand.
Neji reached Gaara and started his attack. He continued to pound away as the sand flew back to it's master. Gaara took a beating and his armor was broken in no time. Finally, the sand reached its target and stopped Neji's assault as he was forced backwards.
"Damn" Neji said, under his breath. "I could only close 60 of them. 4 chakra points remain open. However, his reduced chakra flow should slow the speed of his sand, so with the Gates I should be able to get past his defense. Yet, I can't stay like this for much longer. I have to move now!"
Neji ran at Gaara, who was struggling to stand. He watched Neji approach.
My sand can't block this he thought, I have to stop him before he gets here. I have to use the sand on the floor. I don't know if I can time this right with the speed he's moving at. Just have to hope I can do this.
Neji got closer to Gaara, who continued to stare at his feet. Finally, he was able to use the sand to grab Neji's leg, but the hold wasn't as strong as he'd hoped. Neji continued to move, stumbling as he did.
I must not fall Neji thought, not now that I'm so close.
He has to fall soon or it's over Gaara thought, trying his best to tighten his grip. Finally, Neji reached Gaara, but as he did he fell. His fall was towards Gaara and Neji pulled his arm back ready to strike.
If I can just fall far enough, I've done it.
If I can just keep him far enough away, I've won.
The crowed gasped, as the battle came to its stunning conclusion.
Tora stared at the two boys and knew the match was over.
"This match has finished" he said, "And the winner is"