NeoKenshin: Here's the second chapter in my redone Chuunin Finals series! Also Naruto isn't owned by me and Akemi is used with permission from Dragon Man 180
Chapter 16: Prelude to Destruction Part 1
As Genma jumped back, Temari looked at Kasumi without making a move. She was sizing up her competition, making sure she didn't make a mistake.
"Temari, you've obviously seen my abilities, and I know you aren't the one to make mistakes." Kasumi said. "I have to warn you, that you have only seen two separate parts of my total power. There is still an ability yet to be revealed to your eyes."
"Do you really think that combining your Illumina Power and your Chakra will make a difference?" Temari said.
"I see you still underestimate me." Kasumi said. "Let me warn you…anyone that has ever underestimated my ability, has tasted defeat."
"Whatever! I'd like to see you try anything!" Temari said.
"Well then Temari…prepare for a royal beat down!" Kasumi said, channeling foxfire. "Get ready to get burned!" She then charged at Temari ready to land a harsh flaming strike.
"What the…when did you…" Temari said.
"Did you forget? I'm the First Princess of the Kitsune clan! Meaning my mother is the one and only Kyuubi no Kitsune!" Kasumi said, throwing a hard right hook. Temari easily blocked with her fan, but didn't see the second punch coming. "That means I'm not human!" With the second punch, she easily connected on Temari's arm, creating a small burn. She also released her disguise genjutsu and let her four silver tails flow in the wind.
"You're a Kitsune hanyou! But just two months ago, you were a normal human!" Temari said.
"That's because my Kitsune chakra and abilities were sealed." Kasumi said. "I got them back now, and I'm more powerful than ever!"
"I see. Then this fight won't be easy." Temari said, rubbing her arm.
The lone kunoichi struggled to keep her genjutsu up as long as possible. Her injures had cost her much of her chakra and she knew if she was to prevent a terrible destruction, she had to find one person…Sasuke Uchiha. With the Chuunin finals going on, she knew he had to be at the stadium, since it was she who lost to him in the preliminaries.
"I have…to find him! If I don't…then he, along with this village will be destroyed!" said the kunoichi.
She slowly made her way through the village. Even though she walked as thought she was slightly injured, she was never questioned. Upon reaching the gates of the stadium, she hoped to get the information she needed. Summoning all of her strength….
"Hi, is this where the Chuunin Finals are being held?" she asked.
"Yes. The first match has started." Said one of the guards.
"Do you know if Sasuke Uchiha is competing today?" she asked.
"Hmm? Oh yeah, he's supposed to be taking on that Gaara kid." Said the guard. "He has the fourth match of the first round."
"That must mean he's waiting somewhere." She thought.
"You know, if you hurry, you may be able to get a good seat. Kasumi Uzumaki's fighting right now, and I hear she's one of the best genin kunoichi in the village!" said the guard.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to get a good seat." Said the girl.
She walked into the entrance and tried to find the waiting area in the hopes of finding Sasuke. Unfortunately her chakra ran out and her genjutsu fell. She tried to continue, but was too tired to go any further. She leaned up against the wall and sat down to catch her breath, but soon drifted of into a sleep. Her final words before she fell unconscious…
"Sasuke…if you can hear me…Orochimaru…is here." She said, as her scratched Sound hitai-ate fell to her side.
Kasumi and Temari were locked in a flurry of taijutsu as they tried to get the upper hand in the match. Temari seemed to be getting frustrated that she couldn't land any significant damage against Kasumi. She knew someone had to take the match up a notch…and she was going to be the one to do it!
"You just won't quit will you?" Temari said, sliding away from one of Kasumi's Kage Bunshins.
"You got that right!" Kasumi said, ready to rush in for another attack.
"Looks like I have to get serious!" Temari said, opening her fan. "Try to stop this! WIND SCYTHE JUTSU!" She swung her fan with enormous force, creating a gale force wind that headed directly at Kasumi.
"That might have worked on Tenten, but not me!" Kasumi said, ready to move out of the way. What shocked her was Temari's next move. She saw Temari spin in a circle, planting her fan behind her. Temari then followed up with a series of hand signs before unleashing,
"FUUTON: KAZE RYUUDAN NO JUTSU! (Wind Release: Wind Dragon Blast)" Temari said, sending a giant dragon made of spiraling wind at her, dispelling her Kage Bunshins.
"What the…where did she…" Kasumi said, blocking the oncoming dragon.
"That's not all! KAZE RYUU KENSEI! (Wind Dragon Restraint)" Temari said. The wind dragon soon encircled Kasumi and bound her. As much as she struggled, Kasumi couldn't break free from Temari's attack.
"Let me go!" Kasumi said, struggling to break free from the dragon.
"No chance! Now it's time to end this!" Temari said, forming one more set of seals. "KAZE RYUU KUJIKU! (Wind Dragon Crush)" Temari's wind dragon began to constrict even more, placing more of a strain on Kasumi. She knew Kasumi couldn't get out of this unless she surrendered or was killed in the process.
"This is bad! Kasumi's in real trouble!" Haku said.
"Yeah, if she can't break free of that dragon, she's gone for!" Hinata said.
"If only she had my wind powers, she could easily stop that thing!" Naruto said.
"Doubting her again? Didn't we do this once before about two months ago?" Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, what do you mean?" Naruto said.
"Remember what happened at the prelims? Kasumi was in over her head, and she still pulled out a stunning performance." Sasuke said. "Besides, Temari hasn't even seen my girlfriend at full power yet!"
"Wow Sasuke. You've really changed. Just what happened to you while you were training?" Hinata asked.
"Well I sort of had one of those 'moments' or something." Sasuke said. "It's actually all Naruto's fault."
"My fault! Where did you get that from?" Naruto said.
"Easy. If you hadn't been the idiot that told me part of my own strength comes from Kasumi, and that keeping my feelings for her bottled up would make things worse…then I might have made the worst possible mistake of my life." Sasuke said, extending his hand. "Thanks brother…I owe you one big time!"
"Maybe this means you're gonna be a tougher challenge for me." Naruto said, taking Sasuke's hand.
"You never know! Now let's see what new tricks Kasumi has next!" Sasuke said.
"Unbelievable! I have never seen this much intensity from Kasumi." Kakashi said.
"Well it's pretty easy to know where she gets part of it." Sakura said.
"Yeah, I'd say about 80 of her ability is her own inner power, and the last 20 is a combination of the strength she draws from her friends, family, and now from Sasuke." Tenten said.
"I still can't believe he officially admitted it! That means Sasuke is no longer on the market!" Ino said.
"And what's so bad about the rest of us?" Chouji said.
"N-nothing! All you guys are perfectly fine!" Ino said, hastily.
"Oh brother! Why don't we just watch the match?" Shikamaru said.
"Hmm…hard to believe all these genin have had some amazing changes…all because of that girl from another world." Kakashi thought to himself. "Now what really puzzles me…is why all these ANBU are here? Why would Hokage-sama have them here?"
"So are you ready to give up, or do I have to kill you to win?" Temari said, forcing more chakra into her jutsu to strengthen it.
"The day…I give up…is the day…the underworld freezes over!" Kasumi said, slowly moving her arms together. She knew if she could get her wrists together, she could easily turn the tables in this match. "Don't think…I'm gonna go so…easily!"
"Oh please! You say I haven't even seen your full power, and this is all you have? You're pathetic!"
"That's where…you're wrong Temari! I have more…power than you…can ever imagine!" Kasumi said. She had managed to get her arms together, and was ready to finish the match. "LIGHT…ILLUMINA…"
"I don't think so!" Temari said, sending a huge surge of chakra into her jutsu. She had hoped to crush Kasumi and end the match…but Kasumi had other plans!
"ACTIVATION!" Kasumi said, activating her Illumina power. In a huge surge of light, Kasumi broke free of Temari's dragon, and landed on the ground.
"No! I was too late!" Temari said.
"You sure were!" Kasumi said. "You know Temari, I think I'll let you be the first to witness something."
"And what would that be?" Temari said.
"You get to be the first one to see how I fight when I'm at maximum power!" Kasumi said. She placed her hands together and began to summon all of her normal chakra. Once she finished, she then began to summon all of her Kitsune chakra. A swirl of red energy began to engulf her as a violent wind began to pick up. Kasumi thought to herself, "Hehe. She fell for it! She thinks I'm gonna unleash my full power, but if I really did that, then I could end up destroying half of the arena with my Starburst Cannon alone!"
"What are you doing!" Temari said. Temari had never seen this much chakra with the exception of Gaara, and started getting worried.
"About to kick your butt!!" Kasumi said, as she finished gathering her Kitsune chakra. She soon pulsed in a brilliant red aura as her chakra surrounded her. "And now…I add the finishing touch!" Kasumi crossed her arms in front of her and began to pull a small amount of her Illumina energy out of her gem, making Temari think she was summoning her full Illumina power. However she noticed that even though she was pulling a very small amount, her power gem began to react with her combined chakra. The silver gemstone on her wrist began to glow with an intense light, causing everyone else's power gems to light up as well. Kasumi didn't know it…but her combination of chakra, Kitsune chakra, and even the small amount of Illumina power was the first key to unlocking everyone else's final sealed Illumina power, including her own. She soon finished channeling her power and stood before Temari, her red aura changing to white.
"So are you ready to fight me now, Temari!" Kasumi said.
"You think that will help you! I don't think so!" Temari said, swinging her fan. "WIND SCYTHE JUTSU!"
"Not this time!" Kasumi said, raising her hand. "STARBURST BEAM!" Kasumi fired a shot of light that screamed through Temari's wind, instantly dispelling it. Temari saw the blast coming and jumped out of the way, only to see the blast hit the wall, exploding! She then looked to see a small crater in the wake. "Wow! I guess it was a good thing I didn't use my full power. That would have probably made an even bigger crater!" Kasumi thought. "I guess I'll lay off the projectiles and just wear her down normally, then give her a big scare to try to make her forfeit."
"HOLY COW!" Naruto said. "When did she learn to do that?"
"Actually Naruto, she's always known how to do that. Hinata and I can also do the same thing…and so can you." Haku said.
"What do you mean? I've never had that much power in my Illumina form." Naruto said.
"Naruto-kun, all Kasumi-chan did was combine both of her chakras with her Illumina Power." Hinata said. "Even though Sasuke doesn't have Kitsune chakra, he can still combine all his regular chakra with his Fire Energy and increase his power as well."
"I never thought of that." Naruto said.
Overhearing Naruto's group, Kankuro was speechless. He knew that there was no way he could even come close to matching Hinata, let alone if she did the same thing Kasumi just did.
Kasumi was going full force at Temari, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks. Temari did her best to avoid the assault, but she just couldn't keep up with Kasumi's improved speed.
"When did she get this strong? Is it her combined chakra that's dong this?" Temari thought.
"Come on Temari, I thought you were supposed to be the "Mistress of the Winds"? Kasumi said. "Seems to me that all you can do is just push around air!"
"Oh you think you're so funny fox girl!" Temari said, blocking with her fan. "Maybe after I blow you down you'll think twice!" Temari jumped out of the way to open her fan to strike Kasumi with another wind attack, but Kasumi anticipated her move.
"Not this time! STARBURST BEAM!" Kasumi said, firing an energy blast at Temari's feet, causing her to be thrown back.
"Your power…that's just unreal! How could you anticipate my move like that?" Temari said, trying to dust herself off.
"I told you…what you saw two months ago was nothing to what I can do now." Kasumi said. "And you know something, we do need to end this match now. And I'm going to end it!" Kasumi began to perform a multitude of back handsprings until she was at the other end of the stadium. She then placed her hands in front of her and started gathering energy. A small ball started to form and began to glow with intensity.
"What is that supposed to be, a new form of nightlight?" Temari said.
"Not really. If you thought the shots I fired before ware intense, well I can tell you…that was the weakest attack I have. You're about to witness the strongest attack in my whole arsenal!" Kasumi said, staring at Temari with a solid stare.
"No way! But…if what you did earlier caused that big of a crater…then…" Temari said.
"This will probably blow out a solid portion of the entire wall and take you with it!!" Kasumi said, gathering even more energy. The ball in her hands grew even larger and shone even brighter. She then pulled her hands back, ready to release her most powerful attack. "Get ready Temari…I have a one way pass to the afterlife for you…FIRST CLASS!"
"I gotta stop this!" Temari said, swinging her fan rapidly. No matter what she did, the wind was blown away by the energy surrounding Kasumi. She was just about to surrender when Kasumi interrupted her.
"Surrender? I don't think so! This is what you get for underestimating me, Temari!" Kasumi said, as an insane amount of energy surged into the ball in her hands. Sensing her blast was at full power, Kasumi dashed straight at Temari, preparing to unleash a force that no one had seen since Akane had been under Orochimaru's genjutsu and had been attacking Konoha. "When I get done, there won't even be enough of you to fill a thimble!" Kasumi said, rushing towards Temari. The energy around her continued to surge as a fifth tail began to grow in, increasing Kasumi's power. Kasumi could even see Temari was paralyzed in fear.
"No! I can't die like this! But it's just…her power! I though only Gaara had this kind of power!" Temari thought to herself. She fell to her knees, filled with the fear of her own death. For once it seemed that a small amount of humanity was showing in her icy ninja interior. She wanted to surrender, but her mouth couldn't move as she awaited her executioner.
"GOODBYE TEMARI!" Kasumi said, nearing her target. "STARBURST…" Kasumi was mere seconds from Temari, when she heard the wind kunoichi scream.
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!! I SURRENDER!!!!" Temari said, putting her hands over her head, shaking in fear.
Kasumi stopped within inches of Temari's face, her hands looking as if she just fired her Starburst Cannon. The only words that came from her mouth after hearing Temari's surrender was…"Fake Out!"
Temari looked up to see Kasumi with a huge smile on her face, and realized what had just happened. In the waiting area, Gaara said nothing, while Kankuro had an embarrassing look on his face.
"I guess that's what happens when you're a girl." Kankuro thought.
"Gotcha, Temari!" Kasumi said, lowering her hands. "And I mean I gotcha big time!"
"Unbelievable! Such power and control! And she's only a genin!" said the Kazekage.
"Trust me, she's more than a genin. She's the combination of three different forces at once! And there's three, possibly four more just like her!" Arashi said.
"I see." Said the Kazekage.
"Ka…kasumi! Where…" Sakura said.
"Sakura…this time…it's better to not even ask!" Ino said.
"Oh yeah…she is definitely one of the most powerful kunoichi in the village!" Tenten said.
"Don't you mean kunoichi genin?" Kiba said.
"No…I mean kunoichi! That type of control and power is easily on par with something Tsunade herself would do!" Tenten said. "And I have a feeling Haku and Hinata are the same way!" Little did Tenten know…in her future, she would soon be joining that list of kunoichi, along with Ino.
"You didn't kill me?" Temari said, standing.
"Nope. Just faked you out. And it worked. I never charged any attack energy. All I did was make a big nightlight, just like you said." Kasumi said. "But boy, did you ever cry like a little girl!"
"I DID NOT!" Temari said, walking and getting her fan and secretly wiping some tears from her eyes. "It was just the heat of battle."
"Trust me, you were straight up scared!" Kasumi said. "But you are a great fighter, and a skilled ninja."
"Yeah, whatever." Temari said, walking back to the waiting area.
"Then this match is over! Winner is Kasumi Uzumaki!" Genma said.
The entire crowd was in an uproar at the spectacle they just saw. Kasumi had easily taken everyone's breath away with that one move, and the people of Konoha could only cheer as they had someone of such power and control defending under their name. Sasuke decided he'd go down and personally congratulate her on a job well done.
"That girl is gonna make this mission unbelievably complicated. It's only gonna get worse if her friends are just like that." Temari thought, returning to the waiting area. "I thought seeing Gaara in his demon form was bad…he's nothing compared to that! And she did not make me cry. I just had something in my eyes."
"Sasuke-kun…how'd I do?" Kasumi said, catching her breath.
"I think you did wonderful! You even got another tail too!" Sasuke said, putting his arms around her. "I'd expect nothing less from the First Princess of the Kitsune clan."
"I couldn't have done it without you, Sasuke-kun." Kasumi said, looking into his eyes.
"I know. And to seal your victory…" Sasuke said, leaning his head towards hers.
"Hey, what is Sasuke…he isn't!" Hinata said.
"Oh my god…he is! He's really gonna do it!" Haku said.
"No way! When did Sasuke come up with the nerve to do something like that!" Naruto said.
"Sasuke…" Kasumi said. She was interrupted as Sasuke placed his lips upon her own, and she received from him the greatest victory gift ever…her first kiss. She let the wave of emotion flow through her as she felt the heat of love surge from the one she now called her boyfriend. The kiss only did one thing…it caused the crowd to erupt in a bigger uproar as they cheered for both of the genin. The entire village had waited for this sight…and they got it!
"Oh my god! He did not just…" Tenten said.
"HE KISSED HER! SASUKE ACTUALLY KISSED KASUMI!" Ino and Sakura said.
"Way to go Sasuke!" Kiba, Chouji, and Shikamaru said.
"Looks like Sasuke finally finished the last part of his training. I may have trained him in taijutsu and ninjutsu, but he learned this one all on his own." Kakashi thought.
"Akemi-chan! Look at that!" Hanabi said.
"Kasumi-nee-chan looks so cute!" Akemi said.
"So, Sasuke finally gained the strength he needed." Hiashi thought.
"I knew you two would come together someday. Who would have thought it would have been now. Oh you look so wonderful, my little kit!" Akane thought, watching from the infirmary. "And why do I have this feeling Sasuke will be coming to talk to me about a transformation soon. Guess that trace of Naruto's dormant Kitsune Blood in Sasuke's system will come in handy."
"It looks like Kasumi has now gotten the third and final gift. Sasuke…thank you for giving the Gift of True Love to Kasumi. I know my princess is in wonderful hands." Arashi thought. "And man, did it take you long enough! I thought you would never get the guts to tell her! Enjoy this moment forever, you two."
Sasuke released the kiss, and swept Kasumi off her feet. "Come on, we should let Naruto and Neji have fun now."
"Yeah…we should." Kasumi said, touching her lips.
"You know, after the finals, I think I need to have a conversation with Akane-sama about a certain ritual you guys have. Someone said something about liking me with Kitsune ears and tails." Sasuke said.
Sasuke walked back to the waiting area, carrying the love of his life in his arms. Kasumi could only smile, as she knew she won a great victory today. Even if it wasn't the Chuunin Finals, she won something better, the love of Sasuke Uchiha.
"That is definitely gonna be one hard performance to follow." Genma said. "Now for the second match! Up first…he is last year's No. 1 Rookie. He is the Genius of the Hyuuga, and fast as lightning…Neji Hyuuga!"
"Time to have some fun!" Neji said, jumping to the ground in a flash of lightning.
"His opponent…He is the heir to the Uzumaki Clan, Future Godaime Hokage of Konoha, and Konoha's number one, hyper active ninja! He is Naruto Uzumaki!!" Genma said.
"Cheer real loud for me Hina-chan!" Naruto said, jumping out and descending to the field on a small tornado.
"You bet Naruto-kun!" Hinata said.
"Go Neji-kun!" Hanabi screamed from the stands. Neji saw her and smiled.
"Well well, we have a Hyuuga and an Uzumaki going at it. No matter, make it a good one. Begin!" Genma said.
"Hey Neji, I say we make this one hardcore! Forget the practice sparring. I say we go full power all the way! Though we save the Illumina Power for when things get really fun!" Naruto said.
"You really wanna make the crowd go nuts don't you? Well then bring it on!" Neji said, activating his Byakugan.
Meanwhile…
In the forests outside Konoha, a large group of Sound ninja and Sand ninja were lying in preparation. There were six Sand nin positioned around an extremely large summoning circle. There were various conversations about planning and executing a mission.
"So things are proceeding according to plan?" said one of the Sound nin.
"Yes. The summoning is nearly ready, and all of our teams are ready to strike." Replied a Sand nin.
"Very well. Once we receive the signal from Lord Orochimaru, we can begin the operation." Said the Sound nin.