Chapter 24: A Cherry Snow Vs Black Lava and Desert Laziness
Declaimer: I don't own Naruto and Bleach
Naruto belongs to Kishimoto Masahi & Bleach belongs to Tite Kudo
Some OC Characters & Summons
Strong / Smart Naruto / NaruSaku Pairing / Neglected Story / Less Namikaze Bashing / Space/Time Dimensional
The Avalanche Cherry, The Black Lava, and the clashes of Nature
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY REVIEWS FOR THIS STORY
AN: I decided to adopted one of the lines from the different stories
~Author's Message~
Bankai777: This is the story what you wanted, right? Please PM or Review me for subscribe.
Tensa-Zangetsu102: It better be? Since it took two or three years to regained their forgiveness.
(Previously - Recap)
As Haku and Shizuka still hugging. "Haku-kun?" Shizuka called.
"Hm?" Haku respond.
"Can I be your girlfriend or lover?" Shizuka asked while blushing.
With few minutes, as they broke their hug then nodded and replied. "Sure, I would love too." That made Shizuka smiled. "Come on, we better head back head back with the finalist and you better watch me in the match?" With Shizuka nodded, then with a final whispered. 'Be prepared?' That made wince of what he meant? Since Naruto told her to be prepared, then she called her kunoichi comrades for prepared.
As Haku and Shizuka left the arena, Genma had glance at them with their hands togerther, and called out, "Alright everyone, we shall now continue onward into the next round. Will Sakura Haruno, and Kurotsuchi of Iwa please come down to the arena?"
(Story Starts)
==At the Finalist Booth==
"Well, it looks like it's my turn, Naruto-kun." Naruto stated.
"Yes well as tough as that was it is now your turn to fight against some feminine fury." He said as they looked over to see Kurotsuchi move on to the field.
"Looks like you better get in there Sakura-chan. Show to all those worthy." Naruto said as Sakura cracked her shoulders and followed after. Before she took out her gloves. With Sakura replied. "Yeah, wish me luck!" As she shupo'd to the arena.
==At the Audience==
Hitomi just got into the audience? Since she need to seat with the crowd. With many people turn their attention, as they decide to look away and Hitomi sighed of how many villagers or shinobi refuse to look at her. As Someone called her. "You can sit with us, Hitomi." Which Hitomi responded and saw the Hyuga Elders next to Hinata. The person who called her is Hinode, as Hitomi went to the Elder and said. "Hyuga-sama, you sure?"
Hinode nodded as Hitomi went to the seat and then sit down to watch the match. As the Hyuga elder spoke. "I know it's harsh for you when Naruto did defeated you. I shouldn't not ignored my granddaughter Hinata for her acknowledge? We were wrong for selecting Hanabi as the next Head of the clan."
Hitomi slowly nodded. Since her parents did made a terrible mess for Naruto leave the family. After all they done making more messier then they thought. They shouldn't trained both of the kids instead of one. And now it is a completely downfall hill.
==At the Arena==
In the waiting area while the rain still pouring still they use the rain as a battle arena for Suiton users to capable off, so they. When they both walked onto the field the Konoha and the Iwa side all erupted into cheers no doubt having been waiting to see this match happen for some time. It was essentially the family of Iwa vs. the civilian-born turned Kurosaki Clan Matriarch of Konoha. And it was time to see which one was better.
Sakura and Kurotsuchi stood apart from one another as the two looked across from one another. With Sakura tighten her gloves since she had the Celestial Glove on her left hand.
Kurotsuchi raised an eyebrow at her calm demeanor and noticed she was not listening to the shouting of the crowds.
"You're different from unlike those weak kunoichis in Konoha." She said as Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Different? How?"
"For starters you are not for at least a fan-girl the rumors I've heard. I know those sissies is always having diets, makeups and perfume in stuff, and also you didn't not insulting me because of who I'm related to. But be honest that your fiancee is an hotshot at times, but you don't need to take it out on me. Expectantly your Yondaime can be an ass at times," She said as many in the crowd snickered at her words.
In the Crowd many kunoichi that were the fan-club of both Naruto and Sasuke at the time; hey never thought about to continue their carrier instead obsessed Naruto nor Sasuke? Since they haven't have time to get trained their skills, with Minato in the Hokage box coughed and looked a little uncomfortable as the other kages laughed in their seats along with the crowd, with Kushina was little nervous about her husband's comment, no doubt finding it funny that the kunoichi called him what they all thought he was. With Onoki agreed of his granddaughter's comment.
"Not that it's any of your business, but I don't hold that petty grudge that others in Iwa carry. While I don't really like you all the same, I don't hold a grudge over what happened in the third war. It was war and casualties and deaths were bound to happen. Even though I agree, my fiancee is an hotshot."
Now Minato just wanted to crawl away as the kages laughed even harder as did Sakura-yuki, Shizune and others in their section. Since Shizuka seating in with the audience. With Kitsune shook his head admitted.
"What about those times where you just looked at me? Like you hated Iwa?"
"Maybe." Sakura shrugged.
"Just observing you; wanting to see what your strengths were, any weak points, what made you tick?"
"And did you get any answers?" Sakura asked as Kurotsuchi smirked at him.
"Well I guess you will just have to find out." She said making Sakura back in return before tighten her gloves.
"Okay you two if you two are done conversation with each other." Genma said as Sakura and Kurotsuchi agreed. "Then we can begin this match..."
They both nodded and got in their respective stances with Sakura grab her zanpakuto, and while Kurotsuchi the same to prepared prepared her jutsu or drawn her kodachi.
"HAJIME!"
(Grand Chase OST - Dungeon: Outer Walls of Serdin - Extended - Starts)
"‡Doton: Daichi no Supaiku!‡ (Earth Style: Earth Spike)" Kurotsuchi called as a massive spike of earth shot out of the ground towards the lavender-rosette. Sakura jumped back ten meters and missed the spike as she unsheathed the Sode no Shirayuki.
Kurotsuchi went forward with a kodaichi drawn with kunai in each hand and began swiping at Sakura who easily defended with the her sword.
Sparks flew from the kunai and blades when they connected with one another. Kurotsuchi used her slim body and used her flexibility to perform a couple of very well agile and well-balanced moves as she tried to hit her in some of her vital spots.
One of her Kunai's went for the jugular showing Sakura just how serious she was being. He moved his head back and just felt the graze of the tip of the kunai hit his throat. In response he swept her legs with a vicious kick but Kurotsuchi quickly jumped in the air before she unleashed a kick of her own.
He caught the kick and threw her over his shoulder but she easily rolled with the throw.
"‡Doton: Doro no Gazō!‡ (Earth Style: Mud Shot)" She said as glomps on mud shot out of her mouth and rocketing towards Sakura.
"‡Futon: Daitoppa!‡ (Great Breakthrough)" She said as he took a deep breath and forced a large swirl of wind out of her mouth. The wind rushed forward and knocked into the mud shots, sweeping them away or destroying the others.
'Last time, he said Sakura had Futon, Doton and Suiton jutsu?' Kushina thought as she watched Sakura fighting the Iwa kunoichi in the kage's booth. 'Naruto said Sakura have three elements? She had dual Kekkai Genkai after all.'
==Back on the Arena==
Sakura defended from a few quick strikes from Kurotsuchi though she was too fast and managed to block each strike and counter with her own though she would block and do the same.
Eventually her Kodachi and Naruto sword locked onto each other and began fighting for dominance. When they entered a stalemate Sakura used her superior physical strength and pushed her back and sent her flying back a couple of meters.
'So she is not all show. She has physical strength too.' She thought.
Kurotsuchi easily back flipped and landed on her feet. "‡Kage Bushin no Jutsu!‡" Sakura called as three shadow clones shot forward and began attacking Kurotsuchi as Sakura placed blade on the upside down aiming at Iwa kunoichi.
"She's going for it again." Rukia said as Sakura-yuki nodded.
"It's early for her to be going for it again during the preliminary."
When she watched the clones get her in the right spot charged while holding her Zanpakutō upside down, the blade glows. "‡Some no mai," She said as she suddenly shot forward and she went Kurotsuchi behind. "Tsukishiro!‡"
However when Kurotsuchi saw what she was doing and noticed her ready to charge, she already knew the general dynamics of the attack. She jumped onto the before pushing herself into the far distance in the air before using one of the Sakura clones and jumped onto its shoulder before pushing herself into the air.
In the air she successfully dodged the attack as Sakura went slashing motion, The circle not only freezes the ground, creating an extending pillar of light which freezes everything within the circle, above it up in the air, having missed her target. Up in the Kage box Onoki grinned at his granddaughters display.
"She dodged it." Sakura said surprised before she saw Kurotsuchi performing hand seals again.
"That trick won't work with me. You need the opponent to be staying in a spot to let it trap with a icicle pillar. It's a direct hit move so if their moving then you won't be able to hit them." She said as Sakura grinned.
"You are not like the rest. You're a real kunoichi, give me the best you got!" Sakura said before she raise her arm in the air, Kurotsuchi smirked in response. "The only real competition I get back home that is in our age range is against Naruto-kun and Haku-san."
"Well I should impress since I have a reputation to uphold. I have Iwa blood running through me and I aim to make my family proud. Is that not what you are doing?"
"Something like that though mine is only to certain members of my family. There are a few that I am showing them what they missed out on, what they did not help." He said bitterly as he glanced up at his father who sat there watching the battle with calculating eyes.
They stared towards each before they both began to make a set of hand seals, both at similar speeds and similar actions and motions.
"‡Katon: Hi Baretto no Jutsu!‡ (Fire Release: Comet Fire)"
Sakura reciprocated with her own. "‡Mizu no Ryuu!‡ (Water Dragon)" Swing her hand in front.
Water Dragon and fire balls rushed towards their targets at great speed but collided with one another creating a small veil of steam to begin to appear and engulf the lower field making it a little difficult for some to see what was happening.
Neither stopped their attack as fire and water rained down through the field, trying to bypass the other but neither having any success.
'She really is pretty good.' Sakura thought.
'It's to be expected that the fiancee of the Moon Slayer would be this skilled.' Kurotsuchi thought in return.
Deciding to take it up a notch Kurotsuchi smiled to herself before she jumped onto the high walls looking down at Naruto who stared up at her as did the others in the crowds and who was watching.
She made a few had seals before shout "‡Yoton: Yōgan no Ame!‡ (Lava Release: Lava Rain)" she called out as she took a deep breath and shot out large glomps of lava from her mouth high into the air and watched as it began to separate from large glomps and into small and smaller pieces until it was just like bits of hail.
One bit fell onto Sakura's shirt sleeve and quickly burnt a hole into it. Sakura quickly use her icy wind and freezed it, not wanting to get those kind of burns touch her skin. Since with her clothes can fixed by chakra.
==At the Audience==
"She knows Yoton (Lava Release)? I did not even know Iwa had any shinobi who could use that bloodline." Shizune asked as Hooded Sakura and Kakashi narrowed their eyes as did Mikoto from her seat.
"There was a clan that specialized and could use the Yoton bloodline long ago, but they got spit and separated throughout the year and got spread throughout the years similar to that of the Uzumaki does. My guess is that someone from that girls family carried the Yoton bloodline and it was passed down to her."
On the field Sakura looked at her surprise. 'Yoton huh? This takes things to a new level. I have to be more careful around her and I can't let that lava touch me of it will be lights out for me.' She thought.
"You look a little out of it. I hope that little treat I just gave you did not burn you too badly." She said as she grinned at him as he looked up at her.
"Not at all though I was a little surprised; this does not change the fact I will still kick your ass!" She said making her glare down at him.
"We will see who will be the one to get their ass kicked!" She said as she went through another lot of hand seals.
"‡Yoton: Yōgan Kyūryū no Jutsu!‡ (Lava Style: Lava Torrent Jutsu)" This time a large stream of lava shot out from her mouth and rushed towards him.
Sakura quickly saw the danger and immediately jumped as far away as she could from harms way. However he noticed that when the lava hit the ground, it began to spread across the floor and slowly begin to cover the ground.
'Lava is basically molten rock that had been super heated up and had taken a kind of middle ground between liquid and solid. Kept hot it stays as a liquid but when super cooled it will harden and become rock.' She thought before a thought came to his mind.
"Which means ice should be effective against it to cool it down." She muttered to herself as she drew her zanpakuto pointed at the lava and generates the blast through the tip of her zanpakuto.
"‡Hyōga Seiran!‡ (Glacier Vapor Storm)" She said as a massive wave of ice shot forward and covered over the lava and quickly showed to have already stopped it from moving forward. The wave of ice was station just a bit into the air so the water could evenly spread over the lava and harden it to freeze the surroundings, with the crowd were stunning of Sakura fires a ice on the tip of her sword?
After a few moments the wave of ice stopped as steam was emitted from the lava and showed the lava had rapidly cooled down to formed a layer of rock on top of the surface of the field begun frozen.
"‡Doton:Daichi no Supaiku Seki!‡ (Earth Release: Earth Spike)" Kurotsuchi called as Sakura saw that the earth layer that had been created from the lava getting cooled down suddenly shot up before the ice is crack open.
"The great thing about lava is once it has cooled down it just turns to earth, enabling me to use my arsenal of earth jutsu's." Kurotsuchi called as Sakura dodged each of the spikes though at the end the last one managed to leave a slash across her left shoulder but making her wince a little and making those watching from Iwa cheer.
Sakura shunpo'd back away from the earth as much as she could before she gripped her right fist tightly. She looked up towards Hooded Sakura who looked back at her before she gave him a nod.
"Now the tables are about to be turned." Sakura said as Kurotsuchi listened to his words and narrowed her eyes.
"Since you seem to like the flat earth so much, let's get ready to 'crumble'...before 'Rumble!'" She before she threw her hand up, tighten harder and struck a similar pose to Tsunade's chakra pumped into her fist. With Sakura lower her head.
==At the Kage's Booth/Audience==
When those from Konoha saw that stance many paled while Minato, Kushina, and Tsunade's eyes went as wide as saucers. with Hitomi that she recognized that stance.
'She didn't teach her that move surely! But how? She never went to Tsunade for requested to be apprentice, and how did she learned THAT!' Jiraiya thought as he watched what Sakura was about to do.
==At the Arena==
In the stadium everyone waited with baited breaths before Sakura swung her chakra enhanced fist down onto the ground.
"SHANNARO!" He cried out as her fist impacted the ground. As soon as it hit the earth beneath him shook uncontrollably and gigantic cracks began to form all over the field.
Kurotsuchi looked around in a panic as she saw the cracks were forming around where she was standing. She began to wobble on her spot as the ground suddenly began bursting all around her and huge pieces of earth began shooting out of the ground as the field began tearing itself apart. As she saw Sakura raised her head and saw something on her forehead...it was purple diamond shape forehead? She knew that was one of the seals that developed by Tsunade Senju herself, how could this possible.
With the Audience. Many population impressed Sakura's strength? She is now like the 2nd Tsunade. With TenTen since she admired Tsunade to be like herself? But turns out Sakura did the first person to learned Chakra Enhance strength. With the Yuki-on'na (Sakura-yuki), she was proud of how her student did a good job to preformed her strength. She was her good disciple or future daughter-in-law. Mebuki and Kizashi was smiled of how their daughter is way talent kunoichi, and Noriko was cheer her mother for she did a one hell of a mess. Ino was shocked of how she wondered when she can punch like that, like Naruto did a one hell of a mess for breaking things. Sayuri was surprised of how she will be like Tsunade. Samui, to her credit, kept her cool, but she looked several shades paler seeing such a show of strength from such a young and inexperienced Genin, effectively making her have fear from the lore of the legendary Slug Princess, Tsunade. Omoi was now starting to think that Sakura be more dangerous than his teammates.
With the Finalist, Temari and Kankuro were disbelief of how she had a massive strength? They could tell she been holding back. Gaara was flinch of how her display of power. Sasuke was smirk at Sakura of how she did a beat a crap on Kurotsuchi for mocking himself and Sayuri. Shikamaru muttered. 'troublesome' of how Sakura did a colliding damage in the arena. now first Naruto, then Ulquiorra and now Sakura as well. Haku was wondering if her ice mirror will hold up against such a destructive punch while Zabuza was thinking the same thing with the audience.
"Man, this is so~ troublesome." Shikamaru muttered whined of how he lazy he was. Since Shikamaru always avoid his mother's frying pan of DOOM! He was forcefully by his mother for enter the chunin exams finalist.
==At the Kage's Booth==
Raikage's bodyguards were flinch of how the civilian-born into matriarch of Kurosaki that preforms Tsunade's famous chakra enhanced strength? Since how did she pull it off. Onoki eyes widen like a fish since how could Sakura was the most talent kunoichi in Konoha, sicne he had a bad feeling if his granddaughter is defeated. Sayaki was impressed of how Sakura got a amusing skills since they found a new idol to all the kunoichi, as Kushina's and Minato's eyes nearly popped out of their skull they went so wide, as Sandaime groaned pale of how Sakura will had to become? Since He did meet the older Sakura, the alternate Sakura; she was also the disciple of Tsunade, but not just two...but THREE who had the same strength? Since Sakura-yuki (Alternate Sakura) trained by Tsunade in their past life, then Sakura-yuki trained Sakura, then that makes three after all.
'PLEASE! Not another one!' Hiruzen groaned.
Orochimaru looked thoughtful as he tilted his head while in his Kazekage disguise. 'While a crude variation, it is close to what Tsunade can do. Not something I'd expect from a civilian-born. Hmm…'
Tsuande quickly step forward smack the stone railed and demanded. "What is going on here? How did a civilian-born learned the possession of the Chakra Enhance Strength and the Byakugō no In (Strength of a Hundred Seal) like I was? That's impossible!"
"I don't know, Tsunade?" Jiraiya shook his head wondered. "Did she find you for teaching her to do THAT?"
Tsunade shook her head. "I don't know? I didn't see Sakura came to me before she became a genin?"
"You think sure about that?" Kitsune stated. "It was my wife did a good work for being an disciple of her skills." Which made the sannins plus Minato and Kushina turn to Kitsune that turns out his wife did teach Sakura like Tsunade does.
"It was your wife?" Tsunade exclaimed.
"Oh yes, since my is also a Medical-nin like you." Kitsune stated, which made Tsunade winched.
"She taught her THAT?!" Kushina exclaimed.
"Yup," Kitsune (Naruto Sr) replied with a smug smile through his mask.
"Then WHERE IS SHE?!" Kushina fuirous.
Kitsune turn his head to Kushina. "You sure about that? What will happen if she used that much power when she'll punched you in the Audience. You probably would have be stuck in the wall or gone right through it or maybe send you to the moon... It's your death wish, otherwise you'll be dead." He reminded, which made Kushina flinch if she'll threaten her for she'll crushed her in her death as Kitsune (Naruto Sr) turn his head saw the crater that the punch was his future daughter in-law Sakura made.
==At the Arena==
'This is not good!' She thought as she jumped back and tried to stick to one of the walls but when she did she saw Sakura appeared in front of her in a great burst of speed.
'I'm ending this!' Sakura thought to himself before she used a chakra enhanced kick to her stomach making her lose her breath and get the wind knocked out of her and sent her into the air.
She then appeared above her in great speed again and threw her to the ground before appearing on the ground just as she was about to meet the ground.
She then raised her right leg as high as she could and just as she went past him towards the ground he swung his right leg into her back and smashed her into the ground making a small crater form from underneath her.
"‡Tsuutenkyaku!‡ (Heavenly Foot of Pain)" She said as she did the move before it was over.
She looked down towards Kurotsuchi and saw that she was still conscious but was pretty battered and would not be getting up any time soon. She sighed and swept a hand through her hair and dropped down next to her on her butt. Though her control with the super strength was good, it was still not quite enough to not leave her a little fatigued.
"You beat me..." She said sadly as she tried to raise her head but couldn't.
"I guess I did; though if it helps you gave me one hell of a fight. You did not make it easy." She said as she nodded.
"I guess that's okay then." She said as Naruto looked over towards Genma who nodded and gave the signal. "The winner of the match is Sakura Haruno!"
Once she did many in the audience cheered while the audience members from Iwa groaned a little and looked away, not happy their shinobi lost to her.
Sakura walked back to the box to find her fiancee standing there looking towards him.
==Kage Booth==
"So it's another Konoha filled finals. There is a surprise." 'A' said as he leaned back and put his head in his hand as he lounged lazily. Before They saw the medics taking Onoki's granddaughter to the medical ward.
"Yes though my granddaughter put up a good fight it, I guess it just was not enough. We will have to up her training." Onoki said to the big man next to him who nodded silently as he looked down towards the field. Before he grumbled of how Sakura got a put on a fight with his granddaughter.
The Kazekage turned to Minato. "I did not know Tsunade had taken on an apprentice let alone taught someone the secret to her super strength. You looked just as surprised as everyone else did. I take it you did not know?"
With Tsudade spoke in to join the conversation. "I didn't! But Shizune never told me about it. It was Kitsune's wife so sure?" As mentally thought disbelieved. 'Who taught my secrets? But it wasn't Shizune before that. That Kitsune said it was his wife taught her.'
Inwardly Minato was more surprised at what Sakura had managed to do and knew that once they were training in one month training before the distraction begun he needed to speak with the wife of Kitsune about this with Tsunade demanded Kitune's wife taught her secrets, outwardly though he was playing it cool.
"Can we move on the next match?" Kitusne stated, which made Minato and the rest nodded for the statement of the match, so they move their attention to the arena.
(Grand Chase OST - Dungeon: Outer Walls of Serdin - Extended - Ended)
==At the Arena==
Genma announced. "Everyone may I had your attention please? We will had the arena fixed up for the damage, AGAIN? We will having in the short break til 2 hours everything fixed up." As that many finalist went for the break with the awkward went to W.R. for washing their faces or awkward part and buying another snacks. As the finalist went to the Audience booth for spending time with their friends, mentors and family minus Gaara and Koumori.
==At the Finalist==
Gaara was impatient for the next match against Sasuke til he'll get both Naruto and Sakura? But his 'mother' determent that his biju somehow he recognized this presence. As Gaara thought back to something that happened a few weeks ago.
==Flashback Starts==
Gaara was hiding behind a large rock as he used his third-eye to spy on Kakashi, Itachi and Sasuke who were training.
"Once more, Sasuke… Here I come!" Kakashi said as Gaara's hand slowly clenched itself.
"You sure if you didn't mind for teaching THAT?" Itachi stated.
"I'm sure of it, Itachi? Since he did learned to use 3 swords, and a bow since Naruto taught him." Kakashi stated. "Since I heard everyone from the Uchiha Clan that your little brother somehow dating the Hyuuga heiress, correct?"
Itachi nodded. "Yes, it seem my otouto is growing up of having a girlfriend if I want a sister-in-law as well." As then suddenly a thud, that cause them saw Sasuke collapse still like a statue broke down to pieces with a red face that he was eavesdropping about those comments. They not help with a chuckle.
==Flashback Ended==
As Gaara will made his move for his 'existence' that he will made a another blood lust.
After he went to Naruto and Sakura's training regiment, then he went to followed Sasuke to his training with his sensei and his brother.
==Flashback Started==
"Just keep it up, otouto." Itachi comforted his little brother.
"Thanks Niisan? After that, we better head to Kusagakure." Sasuke stated before he got recovered by his embarrassment.
"Why?" Kakashi wondered.
"To obtained a sword is similar then the original 'Kusanagi' of course. I heard there is a quality of the blade so, I better need to get my hands on." Sasuke answered. "For be added one of the Santoryu." Itachi and Kakashi was amusing of Sasuke wants to obtained something interesting about an high-quality sword so since Itachi saw Naruto trained his little brother with Santoryu, by begin with Itouryu, then be begun to trained him with Nitouryu then lastly Santoryu? Since when the rumors of Sasuke's new kenjutsu-ryu at their clan's training grounds. Since He and their mother were concerned of Sasuke's hurt badly within his jaws? Since he was exercised? As since Itachi followed his brother since he witnessed his move that it cut the tree into pieces, but the result of Sasuke's skills amazing.
"I see, very well, we will move the next location to Kusa by travel for training. Alright! Once more, Sasuke…" Kakashi said before he and Itachi noticed something.
"…What is it?" Sasuke asked and Kakashi with Itachi looked towards the large rock that Gaara was hiding behind.
"I know you're there…the bloodlust is radiating off you. Why don't you come on out…?" Kakashi said and Gaara came out from behind the rock. "It's you…?" As Sasuke quickly manifest his Genrei Kojaku aim at Gaara.
"...Why are you followed us?" Sasuke added.
==Flashback Ended==
Gaara clenches his bicep while his arms crossed with Koumori with a brood look. As Naruto and Sakura arrived back with Shunpo, followed by Sasuke's Hirenkyaku, then Haku appeared with ice-version of Shunshin. Then Shikamaru arrived with a bored look, then his siblings arrive then before they reported to their sensei? Since with Temari, she secretly for to keep her cool for make sure for make suspicious.
==At the Arena==
After the clean-up is done, with many crowd brought their snacks, as Genma arrived the arena and declared. "Alright, sorry to keep you Now the third match…will Sabaku no Kankuro and Shino Aburame please come down to the arena?"
==At the Finalist Booth==
Kankuro thought to himself, 'Ugh…this match is utterly trivial and I can't risk the secrets of Karasu (Crow) before the invasion starts or Kamakiri (Mantis) as well.' He then nodded to his sister and shouted, "Proctor, I withdraw."
"Well, that's not my problem. Alright then, the next fight will be between Nara Shikamaru and Temari." Genma called.
That statement surprised the crowd as well as Shino himself and like all Aburame, he sought to know why and discreetly sent a bug over to Kankuro's shoulder just as Temari then got her fan off her back, unfolded it and waved it, creating a gust of wind. She then jumped on top of the fan and sailed down towards the ground.
==At the Finalist==
Temari smirked and then got on her fan and landed on the battle arena.
"Well, you're in a hurry to fight. Alright, final candidate, get down here." Genma said.
'Maybe I should withdraw too...' Shikamaru thought.
"Shikamaru! Don't even think about withdraw this match." Naruto stated.
"And get your ass down there and fight, damn it!" Sasuke added as he and Naruto kicked Shikamaru off the railing and into the arena floor.
'That's gotta hurt.' Temari thought.
'Damn that troublesome Sasuke and Naruto.' Shikamaru thought.
The crowd was booing and throwing garbage at the boy.
Temari said, "C'mon, get up! Are you going to just lie down all day?"
Shikamaru looked at Temari and thought, ''Oh for kami's sake. I got stuck with a girl again?'
==At the Audiance==
'Then again, he never had any interest in doing anything from the moment I met him.' Asuma thought.
'His is more lazier then Captain Shunsui/Starrk.' The Ichigo Group and Shinigami thought the same thing that Shikamaru is more lazier then the Shinigami Captain of Squad 8 and Former Espada 1.
With Shunsui hiding in the Kyokkou Bakudo with a smile. 'Well I kinda like this kid before I'll meet him.'
With Starrk? Since before he did met him before Chouji drag his friend in Urahara Shop since it open into business. 'Well, It looks like Naruto-san told me that he always like watching the clouds.'
"That damn Shikamaru better do something or else I'm going to beat the crap out of him!" Ino growled as her hair started to move.
"I don't think that's the right way to motivate someone." Sayuri said with a sweatdrop.
Which made Lilynette flinch as she turn her glance at Ino sitting next to Sayuri what she heard. "Hey!"
That made Ino turn her attention. "What?"
"You know I started to like you when you had the same statement like I was when having Starrk for his lazy problems." Lilynette stated.
"Really?" Ino exclaimed, with Lilynette nodded.
"Names Lilynette by the way." Lilynette introduce.
"Ino." Ino said.
As Lilynette stood and move in to Ino, as she went to sit besides Ino and said. "Let's see if he is more lazier then Starrk." While watching the match.
"You mean the tall brown haired man sitting next to you?" Ino describe, with the mint-haired Arrancar nodded.
==At the Finalist Booth==
"Look Shikamaru, I don't care if you kick her ass or she kicks your ass, just fight already! I'm bored!" Sasuke roared.
"Just get on with it, you lazy bum!" Sakura exclaimed, with Naruto shook his head admitted as he look glance at Sasuke. Naruto eyed the new chokuto on his hip next to a normal katana and looked into Sasuke's eyes to smirk, "How was your training?"
"Brutal, but I will survive." Sasuke commented. "Since I been rested in last week for the finals, so I had time to spend with my parents. After we went to Kusa."
"That's good to hear, so any regards?"
"Yes, I did…Nii-san said; now don't go showing off too much. Remember, eyes see everything and snakes tend to love high places. And Kaa-san said to be careful." Which made Naruto nodded understanded.
As they went back their attention on Shikamaru's match.
==At the Arena==
"If you're not going to attack then I will!" Temari said and then grabbed her fan and ran toward Shikamaru.
Genma said, "Hey, the match hasn't started!"
Temari didn't hear him and crashed the iron fan on Shikamaru, but the lazy boy quickly took out two kunai and embedded into the wall behind him.
"You know…" she looked up to see Shikamaru standing on top of the kunai with his hands in his pockets, "I hate to fight and I don't care about being Chunin, but I can't stand losing to a woman. So I'll guess I will take you on." He said with a grin.
'This guy's quick at running away.' Temari smirked as she opened her fan and blew a wind strike at him. Smoke billowed and Temari looked in the corner of her eye. "Well, he's great at running."
==At the Finalist==
Naruto shook his head while smirking, "No, Shikamaru may be lazy, but he hides his potential. He is able to think ahead at every possible situation and makes strategical moves against his opponents…but most likely he is going to win, but quit."
==At the Arena==
'But I can't really hit a girl too.' Shikamaru thought as he hid behind the tree.
Temari thought, 'Okay, he is a ninja that uses shadows and probably trying to lure me into the trees….Like I will fall for that.'
'Damn it, why am always the one who has to fight a girl. Makes me look sexist.' Shikamaru thought.
==At the Audience==
"That's the way Shikamaru! Now beat the crap out of her with your 16-hit combo!" Ino said as she cheered for her teammate. Which made Lilynette laughed.
'Since when did Shikamaru have a 16-hit combo?' Sayuri and Rukia thought.
"Can't believe your friend is lazier then Captain Kyouraku." Marichiyo stated.
"You said it? Since Naruto told us you guys were similarity then us. But I would never think Shikamaru would be fighting in the finals. He is lazy after all." Chouji said as he ate another chip.
"Don't say that. Shikamaru is very good at devising strategies and it was thanks to him that we survived all the way to the preliminaries. Besides, before you came Shikamaru actually jumped down into the arena. I've never seen him this motivated before. BEAT HER UP, SHIKAMARU!" Ino yelled.
==At the Finalist==
"Man this is so boring, I'm going to sleep." Sasuke said and went to sleep.
Naruto and Sakura face-palmed heavily groaned.
Kuromori/Ulquiorra still brood emotionless, since this boy is similar then his former Espada comrade. Since before he sensed his presence of his comrades were being here.
==At the Arena==
'Oh man, the clouds are so nice, all peaceful and free. To be honest, I have no motivation to begin with, all I wanted was to be an average ninja and then marry an average wife, have children who become successful and retire.' Shikamaru thought lazily as he looked at the clouds. 'But I guess things don't always go your (troublesome).'Shikamaru thought as he stood up and grinned.
Temari thought, 'What the hell? Is he mocking me with that smile of his?'
She shouted, swinging her fan, "‡Ninpou: Kamaitachi no Jutsu!‡ (Ninja Art: Sickling Winds)" She swung her fan and unleashed the flurry of sharp winds toward Shikamaru and even the crowd felt it in the arena.
With Tenten in the audience and thought, 'Now I see how she deflected my weapons. That move was the one that knocked me out cold. Shikamaru has his hands full. Next time, it won't be the same!'
Temari smirked but then saw Shikamaru's shadow technique head for her and she did a couple of flips to get farther away from it. When the shadow reached its limit and retreated, she then traced a line on the ground with her fan.
'Kagemane No Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique). Heh, I've figured out its nature. Looks like there's a limit to how you can stretch, shrink, and transform your shadow. No matter how you much you want to stretch or transform it, you can only stretch it as much as its surface area. Isn't that right?" Temari asked as she finished her explanation.
"That's right." Shikamaru replied with a smirk.
'Even if I assume that he used the stage wall's shadow to increase his shadow's range, this is as far as his shadow stretches; 15 meters and 32 centimeters. He can use other shadows, but he can't control them, so he is using the shaded area to increase his length. But unfortunately no matter if he goes to the edge, the length will be the same.' Temari thought as he put her fan on the line.
==At the Finalist==
'She used her fan to measure the shadow's range and on top of that Temari is better with long-range combat than close combat. She's practically got this in the bag.' Kankurou thought before he said, "Temari is better at long-range fighting, this match is over."
Naruto smiled, "Nope, not yet!"
Shikamaru leaned against the wall and then looked at the girl before then closing his eyes and put his hands together in the form of a seal.
==At the Audience==
"What kind of seal is this?" Kurenai asked as she was sitting next to Asuma.
"That's no seal." Asuma said as he recognized it.
"Then what is it?" Kurenai asked.
"That's a habit of is, he does it every time he needs to think of a plan. You see, Shikamaru thinks like an old man and likes to play shougi and board games against me. Every time I had him cornered, he assumed that position to come up with a counter-attack and I've never beaten him." Asuma said.
"But this isn't a shougi game, this is real-life combat." Kurenai countered.
"But I've heard that the pieces used for devising war games eventually ended up in games like that. So in layman's terms, Shikamaru is like a clever strategist." Asuma said.
"But when I looked at his grades during the Academy, he was dead last." Kurenai said. (AN: Shikamaru maybe a Dead Last like Chouji or Kiba? Since he always lay at the time.)
"Hmm. That's because he said it was too troublesome to move his pencil in the academy written test and as a result, he always slept during the test. But because he was so good at strategy games, it didn't make sense to me so I decided to give him a test in terms of a game to test his intelligence." Asuma said. "Ever since Naruto was around? He always had a best grade and spending time with his friends like Shikamaru and his girlfriend or 'fiancee' Sakura at the time."
"And how did he do?" Kurenai asked.
"He's clever all right, he possess an I.Q of over 200." Asuma said.
"200?" Kurenai repeated, stunned.
==At the Finalist - Before Shikamaru made a thinking pose==
Naruto explained, "Even though his grades were as bad as Kiba or Chouji, he often said that he was too lazy to pick up his pencil to write, but he loves to play shogi a lot. Whenever he gets in a tight spot, he assumes that pose…his sensei Asuma gave him an IQ test in shogi form and found out that his IQ…is over 200, he is a freaking genius less equal then mine."
Kankuro said. "So he might win, not quit."
Naruto answered, "We will see, he is out of his pose now."
==At the Arena==
Shikamaru then opened his eyes, ending his pose.
"He's now going to begin!" Asuma and Naruto said at the audience and finalist booth.
"Hmm, it looks like you are a bit motivated." Temari smirked and then fired off another attack and Shikamaru took out a kunai and ran off, "Oh no you don't!" Temari said and made her attack follow Shikamaru, who then had to take off his vest.
"Are you sure he has a plan?" Kurenai asked and Asuma didn't know how to answer at the .
"It is no use trying to hide! Stop running or give up!" Temari yelled and fired her attack once more.
Suddenly, two kunais came at her one over the other but she was able to dodge them as one below struck the ground close to her while the other one above flew further away. Then another from a different direction flew at her and she also blocked it but then Shikamaru's shadow technique headed straight for her.
Then Shikamaru's shadow sprang in action. Temari thought, 'Nice try, but your shadow can't pass this line….wait, hold on….aw, shit!' The shadow, sure enough, passes over the line, making the wind user sprang backwards yet she then realized that the shadow was going to reach her and thus she backed away a bit more to be out of its range.
"So you figured out, huh?" Shikamaru asked.
"So you were killing time to wait for the sun to set in order to extend the range of your shadow. When the sun sets down, shadows grow, correct?" Temari said.
==At the Audience==
"Damn, he was so close!" Ino complained.
"Tell me about it." Rukia agreed.
"But how can he use his shadow?" Chouji asked.
"As long as there is light, there will always be a shadow inside a shadow. You really don't know a thing about Shikamaru." Ino said, reprimanding the boy.
"Man this kid is good." Marechiryo admitted while eating one of Chouji's chips.
==Back at the Arena==
"I see…" She stated, "You used those kunai as distractions to keep me occupied while the sun moves, giving me more leverage. This should be your limit now. Before Temari thought. 'Calculating the sun's height and his current attack range, he cannot go further than this.'
Shikamaru said nothing, staring at her and with Kankuro yelled out, "Temari! Look above you!"
"Huh?" Temari said as she looked above to see a makeshift parachute made out of Shikamaru's shirt and a kunai attached to the bottom of it.
'Brilliant.' Shino thought.
"What the?" Temari said as she looked up while at the same time a shadow was starting to form right next to her. 'Shit! Son of a...' Temari cursed mentally as she finally noticed the forming and shadow and then started to back away.
"I won't let you get away!" Shikamaru yelled.
'I'd never guessed he would use his vest as a parachute to give himself more shadows to work with. This guy is really something with his shadow attacks. He forced me to keep my attention on the ground so I wouldn't be able to focus on his parachute and now...if I focus on the parachute, I'll be distracted from his ground attacks. What a nasty tactic...but now it's crystal clear what the Kagemane No Jutsu is truly about. The technique is like a flexible glue-trap where you can change the shape of your shadow as long you maintain its natural surface area. Plus you can use any other shadows in the path of your shadow in the path of your shadow to extend its length.' Temari thought. She finally was able to outrun the shadow attack as it stopped and she looked at Shikamaru with a sneer on her face.
"You managed to dodge me again, huh." Shikamaru said.
==At the Audience==
Many judges about the performance of Shikamaru's dis[play? Since during the previous matches? Since both Naruto and Sakur a were an excellent shinobi; first Naruto overpowered the Hitomi the Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi, the Koumori the same against Yugito, Haku defeat the Nadeshiko Kunoichi for marriage match, then Sakura became the 2nd Tsunade against the 3rd Tsuchikage's granddaughter, and lastly Shikamaru's excellent strategist.
"It doesn't look like his plans are working that well." Kurenai said.
"The problem is that his opponent is also a good strategist." Asuma said.
"I'd say, he is better then I was. with comes with strategy." Uryu stated. While Kisuke and Yoruichi were impressed of Shikamaru's knowledge. Since Kisuke is also the Master Strategist. As the Shop-owner comment. "Well, what a surprised? This kid is pretty good smart." Before he took out his fan.
==At the Arena==
'If i don't get this over with his advantage will keep growing. I need to finished this quickly, his shadow will move farther as the sun moves,' Temari thought and she then put her fan to the ground. 'So I'll use the bunshin no jutsu (Clone Technique) to create a clone and make him jump at it. Then while he's doing that, I'll build up my chakra to the maximum level and then hit him with a full force Kamaitachi to rip him apart.' Temari thought, then saw his shadow retreating and before she look around for there's a shadow. 'Now where is his shadow…good, it's nowhere near me.'
As then started to go for the bunshin technique and muttered. "Bunshin no…" Whensuddenly she froze with her eyes widened and thought, "W-What? It can't move! My body. I-I'm frozen?"
"‡Kagemane Mokushi No Jutsu‡ (Shadow Imitation Spot Technique) success." Shikamaru said.
"Kagemane Mokushi No Jutsu?" Everyone asked. With Shikaku was serious that his son that he learned that jutsu from one of the clan's arts.
"The Kagemane Mokushi No Jutsu is a jutsu that is used in conjunction with the Kageten (Shadow spot), a creature created out of the shadows. My family over the years became so good with shadows that it enabled them to even create weapons or creatures out of them and the Kageten is one. You see, it is a sort of symbiote that can capture others by gluing itself into their shadows." Shikamaru explained.
"But that doesn't explain how you were able to capture me?" Temari asked.
"You remember that time when I threw three kunais at you? Well, there were two that I threw first and one landed next to you while the other landed further ahead and guess where you are?" Shikamaru smirked, and turned his head and so did she and when she did, she saw a huge spot over her shadow, "That's the spot where the kunai landed and that kunai was actually the Kageten in the form of a kunai that I threw over the other kunai so I can miss you so that you would think I overthrew you when in reality, it was because I was actually throwing it at a spot to trap your shadow with, hence the parachute diversion." Shikamaru said.
"Wait, you mean to tell me that the parachute was a diversion?" Temari asked in disbelief.
"Yep. The parachute was a way to keep on moving you until you were close enough for the kageten to do its trick. Just like in shogi, you win or lose with the first move." Shikamaru said.
Temari gritted her teeth while Shikamaru said, "However, Checkmate!"
==At the Audience/Finalist Booth==
'Before they knew it, the whole crowd got wrapped up in the match…' Kotetsu thought.
'This kid who hadn't made an impression on anyone ends up being a total dark horse…' Izumo thought.
Naruto said while smirking, "Wait for it!"
Ino shouted. "Go!"
Choji munched ferociously as Shikamaru and Temari walked towards each other on the arena, then they both raised their hands as the shadow wielder said, "And that's it…I quit this one."
"NANI?" Everyone yelled while Ichigo group anime-style collapsed with a loud thud.
"Huh? What the heck did you say?" Ino said surprised.
"I told you he was gonna quit…you really don't know anything about Shikamaru, do you?" Choji said as he continued to eat his chips.
Both Lilynette and Ino eye brows twitching as they stood and exclaimed. "DAMN THAT LAZYBONES!"
==At the Arena==
"Wh-what?" Temari asked. "What did you say?"
"Listen, all of these moves I did used all of my chakra so I can only hold you for ten seconds, and after going through 200 moves, this is the only viable option. Besides, one match is enough for me, having to do another would be way too troublesome." Shikamaru said.
'What a weird kid.' Genma thought, "The winner is Sabaku no Temari." He announced.
"So Shino, Haku, Naruto, Sakura, what happened?" Sasuke asked as he woke up.
"Nothing, except that Shikamaru forfeited due to lack of chakra despite having the strategic advantage." Shino replied.
"I agreed with Shino-san." Haku stated.
"He maybe didn't have enough chakra? He is still a one lazy ass." Naruto said admitted.
"I see, typical Shikamaru." Sasuke smirked.
Naruto looked around and mused to himself, 'Well, that was a long fight. Oh, well, better congratulate them.' The Kurosaki Head shunpo into the arena and walked toward Shikamaru and Temari, "That was a good match, Shikamaru."
"Thanks, but I still hate you and Sasuke."
==At the Audience==
"I can't believe he actually gave up!" Ino yelled whining. "Argh! THAT BAKA! What a waste. Why…? He could have become a Chunin!"
"I told you he would give up, guess you don't him well enough." Chouji said as he was munching on his chips. "But come on, it's Shikamaru's Shikamaru."
"Yeah, unlike the captains they were good at strategy." Marechiyo said.
"Even despite giving up, he definitely has the make-up of a chunnin. His intellect and strategy-making are beyond that of a genin and if this was a real mission, he would have succeeded." Kurenai said.
"Sheesh… does he have any will to fight…?" Kurenai asked.
"And on top of that, his lack of motivation actually allows him to be extremely calm and composed in missions, thus making him even more successful." Asuma added. "But I really don't know… It's a mystery."
'And yet, that kid's knowledge and strategy are already definitely beyond Genin level… if this had been an actual mission with him as a member of a basic 4-man platoon, Shikamaru's victory would have been assured when he captured Temari. It's a case of winning the battle, but losing the match.' Kurenai thought.
'It's disappointing that he doesn't seem eager to fight, but… you could say that it's because he has the ability to coolly analyze any and all situations. Because he is thoroughly aware of his own knowledge and skills, he doesn't panic or become hot-headed in the midst of battle. And that is how – even if he finds himself in the worst fix – he can clearly retreat. I suspect – in terms of the psychological profiles deemed essential in Chunin – Shikamaru's got the most important one… the disposition of a natural leader!' Asuma thought.
"That Shikamaru kid is unlike the others. He definitely could have won if he didn't give up sooner though but unlike Sasuke or Neji, he thinks like a chunnin would, not a genin." Izumo said. "If we assess him as a platoon leader, the ability to protect and safely get one's soldiers out of danger is even more important than carrying out one's mission…"
"Definitely." Kotetsu said. "In the case of intelligence gathering, completing the mission, but getting wiped out is not a viable option… Unless you can balance risks and sacrifices against the mission and proceed with survival as your foremost concern… you don't have what it takes to be a Chunin…"
"Along those lines, neither our little brother Naruto nor Sasuke are qualified, although they make perfectly good Genin! Well, I still think Shikamaru gave up too early too, but… what do you think?" Izumo said.
"What do I think…? I think he definitely more promise than Naruto…to become a Chunin…" Kotetsu said.
==At the Finalist Booth==
"Geez Shikamaru, did you really have to give up?" Sasuke asked. Before Naruto brought Shikamaru in the booth. Til Naruto went to his Sakura.
"Like I said, one match is enough and besides that, it would be too troublesome to fight either you or Naruto." Shikamaru replied with a sigh.
"Come on, lighten up!" Naruto stated, as he glance at Sasuke. "I guess it's your turn, Sasuke."
"Hm, and this time. I will show the whole Elemental Nations for being the first Ninja Quincy." Sasuke declared.
"Good, now get in there." Naruto said.
"And Good luck." Sakura added.
"Hm." Sasuke replied then flying screen step to the arena.
'Heh… acting all high and mighty… even though he's inconvenienced everyone!' Shikamaru thought.
==At the Audience==
"Hey…I think it's…" Ino started.
"It's Sasuke's match, all right!" Lee said as he and Guy joined up along with Yakumo.
"Lee-san! Yakumo-san!" Sayuri exclaimed.
"Hi everyone." Yakumo greeted.
"Yo, Gai! And you too, Lee… Are you all right now?" Kakashi said.
"Kakashi!" Gai said.
With Ichigo group saw Lee's expression of how he look depressed. As the rest of the Shinigami saw the young taijutsu expert.
"How are you doing, kid?" Ichigo asked.
"Fine, Ichigo-san? Since I've heard that you were Naruto-kun's uncle." Lee stated, which made Ichigo nodded for understand.
"Hey, Sayuri! Your team's kinda pretty awesome along with Naruto-kun's team…! I mean… I never imagined Naruto would beat Namikaze…and your brother's the Uchiha's first Quincy in your clan…with everyone itching to watch his match!" Ino said.
'Sasuke is fighting that Suna ninja Gaara, whom I was powerless against…and Naruto-kun won against Hitomi-san whom I have always wanted to defeat… Why…why am I so…jealous?' Lee thought as he looked down on the floor.
'Lee…' Gai thought.
==At the Finalist==
Temari jumped up to where the applicants were and Kankuro said "H-hey, it's almost time…well I think the Uchiha's next, right?"
"Yeah. I guess." Temari said, as her eyes glance at Gaara. 'Gaara...since you had your first friend before what happen.' She thought with concerned. Since she was concern her little brother's first friend.
'Well, I've gotta admit, I've kinda been looking forward to this match too…' Shikamaru thought.
==At the Arena==
With Sasuke arrived the arena, ass the Uchiha Quincy glance at Genma with a nodded, with the protor nodded for respond, sine he knew the invasion for preparation.
Genma looked up at Gaara, "Gaara, you can come down for your fight now." Gaara turned to walk down the stairs to the center of the arena.
==At the Finalist/Applicant==
'Sh-shoot… I haven't seen Gaara this bad in a while…' Temari thought.
"…H-hey Gaara… don't forget about the plan, all ri…" Kankuro was stooped from saying more when Temari put her hand over his mouth.
"Don't talk to him right now…he'll kill you!" She whispered before Gaara began walking down the stairs.
==At the Audience==
With Kakashi looked around and noticed that there were only eight ANBU in the entire stadium. As Kakashi saw Itachi and Yugao were on the duty? Since I had a feeling that they're curious of Naruto's or Sakura's match. They were impressed their little brother-figured.
"Only eight ANBU for this huge stadium…? Two platoons aren't enough… What is sensei's thinking…?" He said quietly. But...he saw numerous hooded figures all over the stadium same as the ANBU. 'Hmmm? Who are these guys?'
"Well…not knowing how the enemy is going to act…the ANBU have probably also been dispersed and stationed around key parts of the village." Gai said.
"And what about those guys with wearing hoods?" Kakashi wondered.
Ichigo joined their conversation. "It was Naruto's idea."
"It's Naruto's idea, Ichigo-san?" Kakashi said. "Then why are they're here like the Kido Corp?"
"Like what Gai-san said." Ichigo answered.
"I see, where are the rest?" Kakashi asked.
"Scattered around the village for patrol." Ichigo answer, before mentally adding. 'In prepared.'
Kakashi nodded for understand. But without notice there's a seal on Ichigo's neck on his shihakusho.
==At the Finalist/Applicant==
Naruto had listened in on his uncle, Kakashi and Gai's conversation thanks to the mind-link communication seal he modified it during their one month training; since it also to listen the conversation like a transmitter and reciever.
'Enemy? So are they talking about that Orochimaru, huh? Good thing we prepared to mobilized like tou-san said.' Naruto thought before he decided to go and talk to Kakashi or his uncle, hoping to find out what's going on and also tell him about what Gaara is. Before he glance at Sakura. 'Sakura, be ready, and informed Temari?'
'Hai, koi.' Sakura replied as Naruto lefted.
"Hey, Naruto! Where are you going?" Shikamaru asked before he decided to follow the blond.
==At the Kage's Booth==
The Kazekage chuckled, "Well, well. It seems that the main event will go on after all."
Hiruzen chuckled, "It seems so. It looks like you're excited to see the Fugaku's son in action."
The Kazekage looked into the stadium, "Only the best opponent will do for our Gaara-kun. Who better than an Uchiha to fight him?"
The Sandaime Hokage gave him a cold stare, "So…Fugaku's youngest son interests you, eh Orochimaru?" Letting the kages and 2 sannin attention of Sandaime's conversation.
The Kazekage's eyes almost bulged out of his head, "H-how, I mean what are you talking about?"
Hiruzen smirked, "Well I didn't actually know. But your reaction kind of gave you away. Besides, if I was actually wrong then I could've chalked it up to senility and carried on."
The 'Kazekage' growled softly, "So now what do we do old man?"
Hiruzen's smirk never left, "Why watch the proceedings of course. After all, it has been such a long time since I've spent any time with you my student." He took out his pipe, smirk firmly in place, "We should take this time to… catch up."
'What was Hiruzen talking about?' Minato suspicious, but before realized it. 'Wait a minute! Ryuusa-dono never said anything about his daughter nor his youngest son?' As Minato felt strange with the Kagekage before the comment about their skills.
Orochimaru had no clue on what to do at this point. He was absolutely sure that Konoha would have no idea of his attack, he racked his brain trying to come up with a reason for his failed planning. The only question left was if he should still give the signal to attack, or if he was completely compromised. As the medic came in to the booth, with Raikage 'A' stated. "How is Yugito?"
"She's fine, Raikage-sama, most of his wounds were just superficial, right now he's just tired from using so much Chakra."
After hearing this, the Raikage nodded, pleased that Yugito would recover without incident. But even so it did not settle his concerns about Iwa's Koumori and his unlike demonic powers from Resurrección of what Sandaime or Kitsune called it.
==At the Hallway==
Naruto went to the corners as he leding aginst the wall before Shikamaru appeared and said. "Naruto, where you goi-"
"Shh!" Naruto interrupted to silent before he point is thump on the corner. As Shikamaru approaches then take his glance. Before Naruto whispered. "‡Bakudo #26. Kyokkō.‡ (Bent Light)" As the reiatsu engulfed Naruto and Shikamaru to conceal their presence like a genjutsu in the bending light. Naruto whispered. "Shikamaru, don't even say a word?" With the shadow user nodded.
They saw two men with a symbol of Taki confront Gaara with kunai drawn, "Our boss has lost enough money today with his betting, the green-eyed demon from Iwa couldn't beat the Kumo-bitch. We can't let you win your fight as well."
The other man walked towards Gaara, "You punks think that the chunin exams are all about you. They're actually about the men investing in you, so let's give you an idea of what you're getting into."
As the men approached Gaara his sand came sprawling out of his gourd and covered the two men. As the sand dragged them into the shadows the screams of the men were silenced by a crunching noise. Gaara simply came walking out and proceeded past Naruto and Shikamaru down the stairs while they been conceal.
As his footsteps vanished from sound, Naruto dispelled the bakudo Shikamaru shook until vomiting over the railing, Naruto just shook until he grabbed his hands to settle himself. Shikamaru stopped heaving to talk, "That… That could have been us… If we were just a few seconds sooner then he would have crushed us instead."
Naruto looked at the hallway, blood began seeping from the shadows. Naruto shook his head to snap himself out of his thoughts, "Sasuke is going to fight Gaara, right?"
Shikamaru looked at Naruto, "Naruto… We have to stop this fight."
"No need." Naruto replied.
Shikamaru exclaimed. "Why now?!"
"Let's head to back to the finalist booth to find out for prepared to mobilized." Naruto stated.
"What did you mean...'prepared to mobilized'?" Shikamaru asked in curious.
"Oh don't worry? My uncle and his 'friends' were starting to get ready in no time." Naruto said, as turn his head to the corner, then turn his head to Shikamaru. "*sighed*Shikamaru...there is you should know..."
==At the Arena==
Gaara arrive the arena as he glance at Sasuke with his swords on his hips, as they stared each other while walking until Gaara is on the area stand facing with Sasuke, while they ignored the crowds cheering, since Sasuke tighten his gloves, as Gaara remove the cork on the gourd.
"Okay you two, I'll keep it short. You win by either defeating, killing or making your opponent forfeit, and if I see fit, I will step in to stop match. With that said, BEGIN!" Genma said and then backed away from the two youths.
Chapter 23 Ended
==Sakura's Techniques==
Byakugō no In (Purple), Tsuutenkyaku (Heavenly Foot of Pain), Fuuton: Daitoppa,
==Kurotsuchi's Techniques==
Doton: Daichi no Supaiku(Earth Style: Earth Spike), Doton: Doro no Gazō (Earth Style: Mud Shot), Katon: Hi Baretto no Jutsu (Fire Release: Comet Fire), Yoton: Yōgan no Ame(Lava Release: Lava Rain), Yoton:Yōgan Kyūryū no Jutsu (Lava Style: Lava Torrent Jutsu), Doton:Daichi no Supaiku Seki (Earth Release: Earth Spike),
==Shikamaru's Techniques==
Kagemane Mokushi No Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Spot Technique),
==Temari's Techniques==
Kamatachi, Bunshin,
Chapter 23 Complete
Date: 8/23/2014/5:06pm - 8/24/2014/3:32am
Edit: 4/8/2015/2015/7:35am
It had seems Sakura beat Kurotsuchi with a hard luck. So that was a explosion match. Since I don't had a choice. Since I made a better chapter then the rest of them? So I will keep going for at least. Please leave a Review, but not the same crappy one as well, Peace out and Later!