Hello! Warhawk talons here bringing you chapter 25. Please continue to support the story.
Disclaimer: As always I don't own any of the material used in the story, and all source material is owned by its respective companies.
The rise of NightFox
Chapter 25: The finals of the chunin exam, part 1
The Hayabusa Village, a week and a half Later
Naruto was standing on a waterfall hill overseeing the Hayabusa Village while also remembering the events of what happened in the project City. The professor called Joe and told them of what happened and Joe reported this back to the third Hokage both were upset of what went down. They both decided to keep this under wraps for now and return Umaru's body to the leaf Village to be buried. However Naruto didn't like this a big part of him felt that it should be known what Umaru did felling he shouldn't be buried as a proud Ninja the people knew him as, but as a dishonorable Thief that he really was. The group eventually went back to the Hayabusa Village to continue the training although Naruto was feeling at odds with himself and went out to think. "I don't feel like talking Ryu." Naruto said hearing someone behind him.
"Ryu did want to come up here, but I decided to come myself." A different voice said. Naruto turned to see that it was actually Joe Hayabusa.
"Joe sama?!" Naruto said surprised to see the head of the Hayabusa Clan.
"There's no need for formalities right now, Joe is fine." Joe said in reassurance. "I see your still unhappy about mine and Hiruzen's decision."
Naruto was a bit silent before speaking. "...Yes I am, the people should know what that bastard did, what he was trying to do. The thought of him being buried with some kind of Honor just seems wrong to me." Naruto said feeling that Umaru was getting more than what he deserve.
"I would be lying if I said I didn't think the same thing, but unfortunately it's not a good time to reveal his crimes to the public." Joe began. "We already have Orochimaru to deal with and this would cause too much of an out roar."
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
"I think you already know what I mean. What do you think would happened if this information about Hamura, and Umaru became public?" Joe countered asked.
Naruto didn't want to admit it but he knew what would happen. If this information became public lots of people will be complaining up a storm for answers. People will question the very character of every leafninja from jonin to genin wondering whether or not if they are all corrupted. And that's not to say how the shinobi not involved we'll handle it, this will no doubt lead to infighting and distrust. "Is that the only reason this is staying under wraps? Is there a way to get him without the Uproar?"
"Perhaps. But there doesn't seem to be one right now." Joe said. "But just know that with us returning the thief's body, sends a message to Hamura. He knows he's been caught and is probably very afraid right now."
Somehow that brought a smile to Naruto's face. "I guess that's something. I just wish I could the look on his face right now...hey Joe, can I ask you something?"
"You may."
"What does it mean to be a ninja from your perspective?" Naruto asked leading to Joe asking why he wanted to know. "I've heard many times and even said myself that ninjas are neither good nor evil but are in the gray. Exactly what is that gray area?"
"...Its difficult to say but I personally believe that a ninja is someone that works within the shadows to serve the light, doing what is necessary for the greater good." Joe explained. "But that's just my preferred way of being a Ninja. What is yours?"
"I never really thought about that?" Naruto said honestly. "I've just been doing what my heart and conscience feels is right."
"Well that's better than nothing. Have you ever heard of sir Anjin the Demon Slayer?" Joe asked.
"Yes, in fact that's one of my favorite story's. A foreign sailor traveled to Japan to fight an evil sorcerer who stole something precious from him, on his journey he learned the ways of the Samurai, the ninja, and the mage making him a force to be reckoned with as he fought humans and Yoki alike. They said he fought on the side of Ieyasu Tokugawa and his retainers and was close friends with Hiattari Hanzo as they fought in the battle of sekigahara. Eventually he found the evil sorcerer and defeated him finally reuniting with the person that the sorcerer stole. The story also says that he once fought alongside Dante Masamune, and battled against Sanada Yukimura." Naruto said remembering one of his favorite stories.
Joe smiled hearing this. "I see, you must really like that story to know it to such a degree."
"Of course! It was the first story I ever heard at the orphanage and has been my favorite ever since. But sadly people speculated if he even existed or was just a plane old Navigator." Naruto said as most people believed that the foreign Samurai never existed and that his exploits were made up.
"Well just to let you know I actually do believe the story, because there was once a story about that same Samurai fighting an ancestor of mine." Joe expressed remembering his ancestor Jin Hayabusa.
"Wow really?! Please don't be pulling my leg on this one!" Naruto said a bit excited as Joe clarified that he wasn't joking. "Then please tell me more!"
"I have nothing important to do right now, so alright."
After a while Joe decided to help Naruto with his Ki control as they were now in front of the waterfall. The goal was to use a sword to cut a upward ref in the water leading up to the top. Naruto however was still having some problems not reaching halfway. "This is allot harder then I originally thought." Naruto complained.
"Ki isn't supposed to be easy, if you were to just master it in one go then it would defeat the purpose of training, you just need to focus more." Joe lectured.
"I know, but can you give me an example?"
"Fine but make sure to pay close attention." Joe said stepping forward. With his hand around his blade. Just when he was about to unshift it to deliver a Swift upward strike until Naruto said something.
"Is it true you used to date my mom?" This question caused Joe to overpower his strike and literally a leash an upward blast of energy from the center of the waterfall making it rain a bit. "What was that about staying focused." Naruto said mischievously.
Joe however gave him an annoyed look. "Did your mother tell you to do that if you had the chance?" Joe said not putting it past Medea to do something like this.
"Yes she did, she said it was payback for something that happened at Janet's welcome home party. What did you do by the way?" Naruto asked while also amazed at the blade strike Joe did and saw there was a blade Scorch mark next to several others before the waterfall came back and covered them.
"Let's just say when it comes to Medea, she didn't like it when I tried to keep our conversations at the party short." Joe explained. The reason for this was because the last time they met was when Naruto first started at the Ninja Academy. Although Medea at the surface seem calm she was actually heartbroken when she had to go home leaving her son there. So Joe decided to pay her a visit, and let's just say one thing led to another. (Look back at chapter 16 for the changes). "Your mother may not say it, but she really does miss having you at home, Naruto." Joe then noticed what Naruto was looking at. "As you can see even I had trouble with this a first."
"Chi and Ki really are amazing." The blond hair Ninja admitted.
"Yes it is. Chi is about harnessing one's life energy to exceed human limitations because theoretically the average human is only capable of using 10% or less of the bodies full potential. Chi is the key to surpassed those boundaries and being able to use more of it. Ki is the next step being able to manipulated as you see fit, that is what it means to truly have control over your own body.
"Having control over your body, huh? one way or another I'm definitely going to master my Ki. Okay! I'm ready to try again!" Naruto said preparing to continue the waterfall training.
Leaf Village, Konoha Cemetery
The clone Naruto was watching from afar as a small funeral for Umaru was going on. A few shinobi were in attendance along with a few civilians some may be family or friends, although some wondered where his daughter Ami was. This surprised Naruto hearing that Ami was the daughter of the man that killed Marisberry. After the service was over and the people left Naruto went over to the grave and just looked at it.
"Why do I feel so empty inside? The man that killed mr. Maris is finally gone, I thought that would give me some kind of peace? But I don't feel peaceful at all, not even close, and why do I feel so guilty too? Is it because he was also someone's father?" Naruto had a dozen questions going on in his head when he heard someone approaching him and saw that it was Hinata with a flower vase. "Oh hey Hinata, how have you've been?"
"I'm doing fine, I just came to visit my uncle's grave." Hinata said motioning towards a grave a few tombstones away. "So why are you here? Was the person buried here someone you knew?"
"I knew who he was but I didn't have any connection with him, at least not a positive one." Naruto answered.
"You didn't like him?"
"I hated him." Naruto said causing a moment of silence as Hinata gasp. "I'm sorry you didn't need to hear that."
"No its fine, I just didn't expect that answer...may I ask why you heated him?" Hinata asked.
Naruto thought about it for a moment before turning to Hinata. "Sure...but you might not like what you hear. You okay with that?"
"Yes so long as its the truth." After putting flowers on her uncle's grave Hinata was told of the events that took place in Twilight City on the month of November. "So Umaru killed Olga's father?" Hinata said in other shock. "And your saying it was Hamura that ordered it?"
"Yes...I understand if you don't believe me, I mean its-"
"I believe you." Hinata said shocking Naruto this time. When asked why she told him of what happened regarding the grass ninjas and koinzell. "And that's what happened."
"Oh my...you kissed Koinzell?" Naruto said getting an embarrassing look from Hinata. "I'm sorry I couldn't help myself with that one. But I'm really sorry that you had to go through that."
"Its alright Naruto. Deep down I've always known that our village had some bad people in it, but to have it confirmed before me and see how bad it really was, was too much of a shock and I felt confusion and denial." Hinata said ensuring Naruto that she's come to terms with what she saw. "Naruto, do you remember our conversation on our second day of the academy?"
"Yes I do. You wanted to know what happened on the night of the fire."
"Well...I would like to hear the real version this time." Hinata said once again shocking Naruto. "I've always had a feeling that you were holding something back. Up until now I just let it pass, but now I would like to know the whole story please."
Naruto was silent before releasing a big sigh. "Hinata, you are the first friend I ever made in this Village. If I can't be honest with you about this, then there's no one I can be." Naruto said as he began to tell her what really happened on that night. He told her about how he ran away from the village intentionally and that it was Leaf Village Ninja that started the fire. "And that's the stuff I left out."
"That's just completely awful. Why do people hate you so much that they would burn down an orphanage?!" Hinata asked now wanting to know the reason why Naruto is the object of people's hatred.
"Its because I have inside me the monster that once destroyed this Village almost 13 years ago." Naruto answered.
"What do you mean-" Hinata I was about to ask until it suddenly clicked. "You mean the nine tail fox? But the 4th Hokage defeated that Beast."
"He did defeat him Hinata but just not the way you and the others figured. In the end he had to seal him to beat him, and unfortunately I was the person that he sealed it in." Naruto explained.
"Why? Why did it have to be you?" Asked Hinata.
"I...I may have a thought as to why, but I may be wrong about it." Naruto said thinking on the reasons the 4th Hokage made him a jinchuuriki. He then turned to look and Hinata who had a sad expression. "Is something the matter Hinata?"
"Its not fair that you have to go through this, its just not...do you hate this Village Naruto?" Hinata asked deep down knowing that if he said yes she couldn't blame him for feeling that way.
"In a way honestly I do...people hated me so naturally I hated them back." Naruto said before laughing sadly. "You know Hinata, there was once a time where I wanted to be Hokage. That one day I would get the respect of all the people of the leaf Village so they will finally acknowledge me."
"Really? Then why did you stop pursuing it?" Hinata asked.
"Because after the fire, when I moved to Twilight City, I got everything that I truly wanted. I realized that I never wanted to be Hokage to be respected by The Village. I just wanted to be acknowledge as a somebody and not be seen as a nobody."
"But you are a somebody here! You're a somebody to me and the rest of our class, and I know for a fact that there are people here that feel the same way." Hinata protested. "Were all connected by the Will of Fire that makes us a family."
"Hinata, I'm not even sure if I even have that Will in me. If anything that will was the part of me that burned up in that fire. I just don't think I have it in me anymore." Naruto said, even now he still doesn't feel the will of fire in him or if it even existed in him in the first place.
"But you do have it." Hinata said smiling at him. "I know you don't see it right now, but I can definitely see it."
"How can you be so sure of that? Because even now I still don't get it!" Naruto said.
"I'm not so sure myself. But I think it's the fact that protecting the village means protecting the people in it that you care about. I believe the will of Fire is something to protect people not enforced loyalty onto them." Hinata said surprising Naruto but what she said after that surprised him even more. "I also think that the hooded figure also has the will of fire in him."
"What makes you say that?"
"He stopped Mizuki from stealing the Forbidden scroll which could have been used against the village, he protected Danki from bad genin who were trying to hurt him, and I heard that he saved one of our ninjas who was badly injured and carried him to the hospital. I'm sure he wouldn't have done that stuff if he didn't care." Hinata finished.
Naruto I would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised at Hinata's statement. "I never really thought of it that way? I just did want my heart felt was right at the time." Just then he heard someone behind them and quickly turned around to see Gaara. This made Hinata turn around as well and was shocked to see the sand Ninja. "How long have you've been standing there?!"
"Since you started your story." Gaara said in his usual stoic voice.
"Why do I feel a dose of deja vu right now?" Naruto said remembering a similar event back in his Academy days.
"Wh..Why are you he..here?" Hinata ask a bit frightened.
"I came to confirm something that's been on my mind since I first saw you." Gaara said looking towards Naruto. "And your story just confirmed it. You really are just like me." When Naruto intimidated kankuro and Temari he saw in his eyes the same cold look that he gave to others and knew for a fact that behind that cheerful facade was someone seeping with Darkness.
"What do you mean?"
"In my body I house the one tail shukaku sand spirit. It was sealed inside of me while I was still in my mother's womb and through that process it ended up taking her life in the process. From that day forward I was saw as nothing but a monster, a figment of the past that people wish would disappear." Gaara explained. "My father the Kazekage taught me Jutsu which I once considered as some sort of Parental love however. He too saw me as a threat and has sent people to kill me which forced me to kill them, each time one failed my hatred for him grew."
"That's awful! What kind of father would do that to his own child?" Hinata said in shock. Her father may be strick but he would never do something to put her life in jeopardy.
"Your father sounds like a paranoid douche. I can't imagine having to live your life with your own parent painting a Target on your back." Naruto said. Thanks to the hokage's influence and a few others, people who probably would have attempted to kill him would never really get the chance, the only real attempt was the fire at the orphanage.
"Save your sympathy, all it proved was I must love only myself and live for only myself, so I fight for only myself. Fighting to kill your opponent to prove your existence is what fighting means to me." Gaara said freaking out the two Leaf Ninja before him.
"You..you can't truly believe that, can you?" Hinata said not believing that someone could be mentally scarred this much.
"I do." Gaara said as he turned to leave but not before giving one last look towards Naruto. "When I kill Uchiha I will fight you and we'll see who's Darkness it's greater. So don't lose to the Hyuga." with that the sand ninja left leaving Naruto speechless and Hinata a bit frightened.
The next day, Leaf Village, Afternoon
The Leaf Village was having a 2 Day Festival in preparation for the finals of the chunin exam. There were people out and about enjoying the festival including team 10 along with Jacqueline, Sakura, Kim, Kiba, and Danki. All of them wearing different kinds of yukatas and kimonos. "Gotta admit, this Festival is really something, ain't it chief?" Dizzy spoke out.
"It really is. A lot of people from various places are here." Danki said noticing lots of different people, some clearly from other nations whether from the elemental Nations or the two Vale Nations. "No doubt a lot of them are anxious to see the finals as we are."
They soon heard throughout the crowd about the finalists. For the first match people were completely convince Neji will win and that Naruto would stand no chance, the second match people were anxious to see Sasuke Uchiha fight Gaara of the desert. They were even talking about Hinata's fight with Kasumi wanting to see if this hyuga can beat the princess of Mugen Tenchi.
"It doesn't look like Naruto has a lot of people rooting for him." Kim pointed out but was thinking mischief. If all these people were betting on Neji and against Naruto then if Naruto pulls off a win while she's betting on him that'll fill up her pockets.
"Well this is Neji hyuga that their talking about, he's been a favorite to win from the geco." Said Shikamaru before turning to Sakura. "By the way, where is Naruto. I haven't seen him since the preliminary rounds."
"I'm not sure." Sakura replied. To be honest she's been too busy worrying about Sasuke that she completely overlooked Naruto and what he was doing during this month break. "What exactly have you've been up to Naruto?" Sakura wondered.
Unknown to her Ino went over to talk to Kim. "That is a good question, where is your boyfriend, Kim?" She whispered.
"He said he meet up with us later. He had something's he wanted to take care of first." Kim Whispered back.
In another location on top of a rooftop patio, Naruto was looking at the first show of fireworks with Ayane holding hands. "Was this really all you wanted to do?" the clone asked.
"Yeah, Kasumi wanted me to enjoy the festival with her and Hayate later. So I thought I do this while I have the chance. Besides your original is coming back, so you'll have to dissipate and give him all the knowledge you gathered." Ayane said leaning on the Clone's shoulder. "Are you sure your able to block out certain memories so your original won't now?"
"Of course, it shouldn't be too hard. Although you know, I don't have to rearrange my memory and just let my original know. This will definitely save you the time to confess to me a second time Ayane." The clone Naruto advised.
"I know, but I'm not ready confront my feelings for you full time. As much as I would like to always be like this, part of me wants to focus on my Shinobi life...and to continue patching up my relationship with my siblings." Ayane said with an embarrassing blush. This past month she was able to express her feelings for Naruto as if they were boyfriend and girlfriend, however all things must come to an end at least in her case she would like to go back to just being close friends for now.
"Your ridiculously stubborn, you know that right?" Naruto voiced his opinion, he then pulled the purple haired girl into an embraced as his hands where at her waist. "But that's one of the things I like about you most." Naruto then whispered something in Ayane's ear before taking her lips for the last time.
After a minute they finally separated with the clone finally dissipating leaving Ayane with a nervous blush remembering his last words to her. "Baka, saying something like that out of the blue."
The real Naruto just made it back to his house when he suddenly got feedback from his clone. There was a lot of information to take in so this caused a bit of a headache. The memories he got back were of his training sessions with Jiraiya, his Mission at the research facility, and finally what he heard about Neji and Hinata's past. "Wow! So much has happened while I was gone! Wait? What's this memory with Jiraiya and the third- Oh my god! My..my father is-" Naruto was brought out of his thoughts when he open the door and heard a familiar voice welcoming him.
"Welcome home Master!" Myusel said doing her usual welcoming gesture this time in a Green kimono.
"Myusel? What are you doing here...again?" Naruto said feeling a sense of deja vu.
"I'm here to watch you in the finals along with ms Medea, Mash, and Lady Olga." The half elf explained. As Naruto enter the house he saw his mother watching TV on the couch he also heard some people upstairs most likely being Mash and Marie.
"Welcome home Naruto. How was your time at the Hayabusa Village?" Medea asked.
"Its was great mom. I even went to that project City that they were working on." Naruto answered.
"That's good." The blue-haired woman said before growing a mischievous look. "Now did you see Joe and did what I asked you to do if you saw him?"
Naruto smiled back. "Yes, and he was definitely caught off guard by it. So considered that mission complete mother." He said walking over to Medea.
"That's my boy, I knew you could do it!" Medea said giving Naruto a congratulatory hug. As they were hugging Medea whispered something to her son."I heard what happened at the project City let me know when you're ready to talk about it."
"Thanks mom." Naruto whispers back. "So when did you guys arrive?"
"Not that long ago, we were waiting for you to come home so we could welcome you back." Medea replied. "But anyway, why don't you rest up and later we can all go out and enjoy the festival."
"Sure thing. I'll be upstairs if you need me." Naruto said going upstairs where he saw Mash also wearing a kimono. "Hey Mash."
"Hey senpai, how do I look?" Mash said sowing off her violet white cloud kimono.
"You look completely adorable Mashy. By the way where is Marie?"
Before Mash could answer Marie came out the bathroom wearing an orange with black flower design kimono wear her hair tied into two ponytails. From where Naruto was standing he couldn't help but stare aimlessly at her which she noticed. "If you leave your mouth open like that flies will fly in." Olga said with a hint of amusement.
"Oh yeah! Sorry, I'll get dressed and we can go!" Naruto said quickly going to a room completely missing the satisfy look on Marie's face.
Soon enough Naruto got dressed in his yakata and him, Olga, Myusel, and Mash went out to join the other to the dismay of Sakura who still didn't like Olga. Shino soon arrived with Suzume who also invited her teammates Araya and Koinzell somewhat creating a tense atmosphere. And lastly Hinata arrived with Sui-Fang who some of the guys were already intimidated by. "For crying out loud! When I sent a text out that we should all hang out at the festival, I did it in the hopes that it would just be us Leaf villagers and Sasuke would probably show as well! Hey Naruto? Have you by any chance seen Sasuke?" Sakura said hoping that her teammate has seen the missing Uchiha.
"Actually I was thinking he would be with you guys. But then again Sasuke has never been one for social gatherings. At least not going willingly." Naruto said which unfortunately caused Sakura and Ino to be slightly disappointed.
"Oh come on girls, a festival isn't for moping! Let's go out and enjoy ourselves!" Suzume shouted.
"Your speaking my language sister!" Dizzy spoke out in agreement.
The group of youths began to enjoy the festival as best as they could. Kiba, Sui-fang, and Choji played a whack-a-mole game but instead of moles it was snakes, slugs, and frogs; surprising enough Sui-feng was the one to win. The next game was a shuriken throwing contest with a challenge to anyone who could beat last year's Champions score who was Tenten. It was Myucel, who stepped up to the challenge with the half elf succeeding, her prize being the least favorite prize a small Fox. When asked why she picked it she said it reminded her of her master to Naruto's embarrassment. Hinata was eyeing a blue stuffed lion as a prize in a ball shifting booth where a person must guess wear the red ball is after being shuffled in three cups, Hinata wasn't allowed to play because of her Byakugan to her dismay. Koinzell seeing the look on her face decided to play, to their amazement he guessed the right cup every time winning the lion and giving it to Hinata to her joy and embarrassment. They also got plenty of snacks and Foods from the food stands then decided to go up on a small hill away from the festival to enjoy the next fireworks show with them sitting on the grass while eating the food that got.
"The fireworks look amazing tonight." Said Ino with some of the others agreeing her.
"Yeah they really are." Said Sakura. "This may not have went the way I hoped it would, but it was actually fun despite the uninvited guests." Sakura looked around to see everyone having a good time. "I hop these happy moments never end, that will always be able to be like this." Sakura hoped from the bottom of her heart, although she wished that Sasuke was here to enjoy this too.
From on top of the hill the Young kids could see some people coming into the leaf Village, most likely the delegates. There was Shiden and his wife Ayame, next was Joe along with Magrette. After that the new Mizukage Mai along with her escort Ao. Next came a man of African descent wearing a black robe with a hood, no doubt this was King Adewale. The next person to show up had a few people gasping; it was a woman wearing a fancy black dress with long hair and yellow eyes with pointed ears, this must have be the new head of the black spider clan.
"Wow! Whose that lady?" Kiba said with the others also wondering.
"That is lady Semiramis, the leader of our village and my Mother." Koinzell said shocking some people.
"Semiramis! As in Lady Semiramis!? The women who helped our village in the third great ninja war after the 4th Hokage recruited her?!" Sakura said shocked. In history class it was known that the 4th Hokage recruited a mage a year or two before the third great ninja war and even stuck around after said war. However, after the nine tails attack and the 4th's death she disappeared. This caught Naruto's attention as well hearing that she was involved with the 4th.
"Yes that's her." Suzume said motioning towards the women. "Our highly intelligent, devious, and beautiful leader. Lady Semiramis!" Suddenly she and her teammates got a telepathic message.
"Well it seems we have to go. I got a feeling Lady Semiramis wants to speak with us." Araya said getting up.
"What a shame. I'll see you later Shino!" Suzume said getting up and bidding farewell.
"See you tomorrow Suzume." Shino replied.
Koinzell was getting up and about too leave when Naruto stopped him to ask him something. "Say Koinzell, if that's your mom right there, then where your father?"
"My father passed away years ago." Koinzell said leading Naruto to apologize for his question. "There's no need to apologize, I was only one years old when he died, so I wouldn't remember him anyway."
"What about the rest of your family?" Myucel asked. "Don't you have any siblings?"
"I...I have a brother and a sister, but I'm not really close with them." Koinzell answered.
"Really? Why?" Hinata asked.
"I said enough. I'll see you all at the chunin exams...and Naruto."
"Yes?" Naruto replied.
"Good luck with your fight against Neji." Koinzell said before leaving.
"I really don't get those guy?" Sakura said in a low voice.
"What do you mean?" Kim asked her cousin.
"I'm still hesitant to trust the black Spider Clan especially with the strange things that's been going on. How can we be sure that they're not a part of it?" Since the forest of death Sakura has been constantly wondering what's been going on with the village. Where is Orochimaru? Is Sasuke okay? Are the black spiders in cahoots with the sound? So many questions left unanswered, and she wishes that someone would tell her what's going on especially if her Sasuke is in danger.
After a while of watching the fireworks Naruto got up. "Well I think its about time I went home. I got a Hyuga to beat up tomorrow and I want to make sure that I don't sleep in." With that Naruto bid them farewell well him and the girls that came with him left.
"I think I'll leave too. My mom wants me to go pick up my dad and come home so I won't be able to sleep in either." Shikamaru said as him and Choji left. Soon enough the others began to leave as well not knowing that tomorrow events will occur that will change their lives forever and that this moment will hold more meaning than they originally thought.
The next day, Chunin exam Stadium
The day everyone has been waiting for has arrived. The finals of the chunin exam. The stadium was filling up with spectators and delicates and upon a balcony the Hokage, Kazekage, and Mizukage, along with Joe, Shiden, Adewale, and Semiramis.
"Well I have to say, I didn't think I see you again like this first poisoner." The fourth Kazekage Rosa said looking towards the long haired woman. "To think that you are the new leader of the black Spider Clan, how'd you pull that off?"
"I'm quite curious about that myself." Mai said also curious.
"Believe it or not, it was easier than you think." Semiramis spoke in an elegant voice. "More then half of them were already debating do to their leaders methods as their Clan was declining, all it would take is for someone to spark the fuse that would lead to the inner conflict."
"So it's safe to say that you're the one who sparked it." Adewale said.
"Not really. I just convinced someone else to spark it and make sure the his side was winning, and when the dust settled they all practically begged me to be their leader." Semiramis chuckled a bit.
"Your just as devious as I remember, Semiramis. But I do admit it is good to see you again, we all wondered what happened to you after the Nine-Tails attack. We all assumed you disappeared after your 'master' died." The third said.
Semiramis looked away and stared at Koinzell who was in the stadium with the other participants. "I had other responsibilities that I needed to take care of."
As the finalists (minus Sasuke) entered the arena as the new propter Genma Shiranui and Namida got their attention. "Welcome finalists too the finals of the chunin exam!" He then took out the roster for them to see.
"So Sasuke is the only one not here yet. Exactly where is that guy, and Kakashi Sensei for that matter?" Naruto wondered before the referee announce that the first match will begin soon. "That'll have to wait for later. I've got my own problems to deal with." Naruto thought looking at Neji who look back at him before smiling arrogantly. "That's right Neji, keep being confident that's exactly what I need you to be."
From the Stadium Sakura, Ino, Choji, Danki, Jacqueline, and Kim were watching as the participants left the stadium leaving only Naruto and Neji. "Looks like the first match is about to begin. I got to say even my software is trembling with anticipation!" Oh! And Dizzy too.
Across from them are Medea, Marie, Myucel, and Mash were watching as well. "I hope Naruto will be alright. His opponent looks pretty intimidating." Mash said concerned.
"He'll be fine Mash, knowing Naruto he's already thinking how to win this." Marie said in confidence. The crowd however did not share her enthusiasm as they were cheering for Neji and booing Naruto. That was until they felt a silent killer intent courtesy of Medea which shut them up.
"Do your best sweetie!" Medea cheered.
"Thanks for the wave of confidence mom, all that yelling was irritating." Naruto said in thought. His attention was then focused on Neji who was staring him down as well. "Hey Neji, let the best ninja win."
"Good, because I intend to." Neji replied game into a gentle fist stance while activating his Byakugan. "Any last words before you lose?"
"Just this...watch your back." Naruto said taking out his bo-staff twirling it around until he held it behind him.
"Let the match begin!" Genma announced.
Naruto started off throwing 3 knives at Neji who easily deflected them, but this was a distraction as Naruto creating 4 Shadow clones each going after Neji from four corners as Naruto kept a distance for air rifle while putting a spell circle around him. The first clone came in with its own bo staff trying to strike at Neji who simply block the strikes and then try to strike at the Clone only for it to use a pole toss sending him over Neji while the two other clones were above him, one throwing shuriken and the other using Shadow clone shuriken Jutsu. Neji however quickly sprinted avoiding the projectiles above him and took the time to take out the two clones before heading for the real Naruto avoiding the air bullets. And went for a gentle Feast strike in his stomach as Naruto grips his hand.
"Naruto/Senpai!" Sakura, Hinata, Myucel, and Mash said in worry while for some reason Marie and Medea remained calm.
"Just as I predicted. You would create Shadow clones to confront me while you stood here to take a sniper position, you're too much of a mid-range and long-range fighter to want to come at me yourself." Neji said only to be surprised when Naruto looked up and smirked.
"Who said I wouldn't come at you myself." Naruto said before turning into a cloud of smoke revealing to be a shadow clone. Before Neji could recover from the shock he was suddenly hit in the back by a shield Bash courtesy of the real Naruto who was mistaken for the Clone that first confronted Neji. "Didn't I tell you to watch your back." The real Naruto said.
Neji was getting back up giving Naruto a dissatisfying look. "That was careless of me! He was beating me on and I took it!"
"Impossible?! He actually got a hit on Neji?!" Tenten said in shock.
"And the first hit goes to the kid with the whiskers!" Dizzy said. As all throughout the stadium people were surprised that the first hit was delivered by Naruto.
"You shouldn't make an a sumption like that Neji, because I'm not that easy to read." Naruto proclaimed before unleashing air cutter aiming straight at Neji who quickly spins around to release a field of chakra that rotated and deflected the attack back in Naruto who used his ballistic shield to block the attack which did the trick only for Neji to take the opportunity to strike at the shield using the momentum to destroy it making it just an ordinary metal bo staff which also pushed Naruto back.
"Well neither am I." Neji said satisfied now knowing that he destroyed his opponents defense. "I'll admit you're one of the few people to ever actually managed to hit me in the beginning of a match. So for that I think I'll stop holding back, and I advise you to do the same." Neji said now taking the series.
Naruto said nothing as he got up in a few seconds took a deep breath before looking at Neji. "Your right. The gloves are coming off!" Naruto said changing his chakra into Mana while turning his bo staff into spear mode.
Neji in response took out a kunai as the two began to Clash with their weapons. Just as Naruto was about to land a blow Neji once again spun around to unleash his rotation which pushed Naruto back. "Its fruitless to keep coming at me with your weapon. My Palm rotation will be able to block and deflect any of your attacks." Neji explained.
"Your right, my spears not going to cut it." Naruto said before changing his spear Spearhead into what looked to be a lance. "Let's see if this works instead." Naruto said as he placed his Lance forward before using his wind Magic through his feet to launch him forward towards Neji.
"Its futile, I'll just block this too!" Neji said as he once again used rotation. When the Lance met with the rotation to everyone's surprise the Lance did not get repelled but instead began to spin eventually The Clash ended with this time Neji being pushed back with great force that he almost hit the wall.
"Whoa!" Suzume said from the balcony. "How did he manage to pierce his rotation With just a lance?"
"It wasn't just a lance. Naruto turned it into a drill lance." Shino explain with the other participants listening in. "Because Neji's rotation spins and reflects a forward moving object, Naruto decided to create a lance that would spin the exact same way once it collided and overtime it would eventually pierce the rotation causing it to burst which would push Neji back."
"That...That's just a coincidence! There's no way someone like Naruto could come up with an idea like that!" Hibachi said in denial.
"Your just jealous because unlike you he actually found a way past an obstacle by actually thinking and improvising." Houki said causing Hibachi to Huff.
"Neji is fighting like The Prodigy that he is, but to be able to keep up with him and to also find a way to counter the rotation is no easy feat. This Uzumaki child is proving to be just as clever as Neji." the head of the hyuga clan Hisashi pointed out observing the fight with his youngest daughter Hanabi. A second later Neji finally got up breathing a bit hard as it's shown that he did take damage.
"Now to finish this!" Naruto said summoning a green spell circle in his face as he cast a wind spell. A blast of green wind energy was going straight for Neji who just stood there and smirked. And from his hand he Unleashed fire which countered the wind spell. "What on-" Naruto couldn't finish his statement because Neji began to blast fire from his fingertips forcing Naruto to dodge. "Your..your a Firebender?!"
"Yes." Neji answered. "I've been practicing this for 3 years. Looking for a way to master a different type of energy without me having to switch out my chakra, eventually I discovered bending which implies someone to use Mental energy to control the elements around. This way I could create my very own style of the gentle fist. So be glad for you are the first person to fight against the Blazing Fist!" Neji proclaimed as his hands glowed Orange with a fiery aura. He soon went on the attack with the eight trigram 64 Palms, forcing Naruto on the defensive as he had to block neji's blazing fist strikes every now and again getting more than one hit in which burned.
From where he was sitting Hisashi was amazed at what he saw. "There's no doubt about it. That is the new gentle fist style that you were developing, Hizashi. Your son truly is a genius for not only mastering the main house technique, but also for perfecting the new style you created!"
"The blazing fist? That kind of looks like your pyrokinesis Jackie." Ino said turning to said girl.
"That definitely is pyrokinesis, but in a smaller aspect considering his dominant energy is chakra. Element bending is using mental energy to manipulate Natural Energy around to control an element, so just as Neji said he can use fire manipulation without having to stop using chakra." Jacqueline explained.
"And to make matters worse fire has an advantage over wind which puts Naruto at a disadvantage." Sakura said now in complete worry. Although on the corner of her eye she can see that Marie wasn't worried. "Hey Olga, what's wrong with you? Can't you see Naruto might lose?"
Marie who was focused on the match decided to humor Sakura for a bit. "There's nothing wrong with me. Naruto still has an advantage if you keep looking." Marie said bringing their attention back to the stadium.
"So, what are you going to do now?" Neji challenged. His answer was Naruto summoning a blue spell circle in each hand which formed 2 swirling vortexes which he fired straight at Neji who countered with fire blasts of his own. When the two moves collide what appeared was steam. "What?" Neji sad scene Naruto get up with blue glowing mist surrounding.
"I never said I only knew wind magic, or did you forget my fight with the sound ninjas?" Naruto said as his Lance began to Glow a misty light blue indicating that its now Enchanted with water magic. "I gotta admit Neji, I've been up against some pretty strong people ever since I become a Ninja. Some I've won, some I've lost, but I have to say that no one has ever challenge me like this before. When it comes to opponents like you I have to plan my next move carefully or else I will lose." Naruto said actually smiling because to be honest he's actually enjoying himself.
"And your smiling about that because?"
"Because fighting someone that can actually push you is way more fun then fighting someone one-sidedly. In my opinion this is what it truly means to have a rival." Naruto proclaimed.
Neji couldn't help but laugh at his statement. "You don't actually believe that your my equal, do you?" Neji questioned. "There is no way someone like you has the intelligence to match that of a hyuga. It's simply not your destiny.
"No I definitely think I'm the smartest one out of the two of us." Naruto joked causing Neji to growl a bit. "But to be honest, if it wasn't for your attitude I would actually like you. The way you constantly talk about people failing and how they can't change as if you have some kind of 'future sight', like you can read people's Destiny just by looking at them. You may have the Byakugan, but your just as blind as you look."
"Ok now I'm really upset! What would someone like you possibly know?!" Neji said obviously angered.
Naruto just took out a pocket watch and began setting a timer. "Believe it or not, a lot Neji." Naruto said before showing Neji the stopwatch. "When this timer goes off the match will be over."
"Okay now your just being cocky. I'll defeat you before that timer runs out." Neji said.
"Then let's do this!" Naruto said as he and Neji charged each other.
The audience couldn't help but feel amazed as this fight now turned into a fire versus water, with Neji's fire strikes, and Naruto's water bullets that he fired from his Lance. "Those two really are amazing! They just can't seem to overlap the other?!" Namida said looking out at the fight.
"There both geniuses in their own right. I say this match can go either way." Genma said before looking at the arena and began to notice something. "But it looks like the Uzumaki kid might be taking the victory. Namida, I think we should stay back for a bit."
"Okay!" The chunin assistant said.
Back with the fight Naruto and Neji were beginning to lose stamina and knew they have to end this quick. Naruto's Lance began to swirl around with water like a drill and jousted straight at Neji who used his blazing fist style what rotation. The clash created a huge smoke of steam as a huge explosion followed after. As it settle down the audience, the delegates, and the rest of the participants waited patiently to see the victor was. When it dissipated completely they saw Naruto on his knees holding himself up by his Lance wall across from him was Neji who was still standing but breathing hard. Before anyone could say anything they heard a timer go off which caused Neji to smirk.
"Well it looks like you were right about one thing. When the timer went off this match would be over, you fought well and did good to push me this far, but by the end of the day it really was your destiny to lose." Neji proclaimed until he saw Naruto smile of bit. "What are you smiling about? Can't you see you lost?"
"Because the timer ran out and I have you right where I want you, which means the match is over, look up." Naruto advised.
Neji looked up to see major storm cloud hanging over him and remembered seeing something similar in the forest of death. "How?! He didn't even cast the spell! I have to be redirect it!" Neji was about to get in position to redirect it when he saw the lightning aiming at 3 kunai's on the ground in a puddle that also had shurikens, and as he looked around he saw he was in the center of that puddle. Neji would have tried to escape but found his shoes were frozen to the puddle and was helpless as the lightning reached him and electrocuted him with paralyzing affect. When the attack subsided Neji was now on the ground injured and paralyzed leaving him and the audience wondering what the heck just happened. As Naruto got up Neji had to ask. "How? You didn't even cast Gale lightning."
Naruto scratched his head to think how he could explain this. "Future sight. it's not really a spell but more like an incantation. You see, you pick a spell that you know and at a later time it will be cast without you needing to cast it, and all you need to do to activate it is just by reciting the name future sight. Are you getting the picture?" Naruto explained.
"But you said that when.." Neji thought back for a moment to when Naruto said future-sight. It was about when he brought out the timer, and as he looked closely those three kunai's were the same ones that he threw at the beginning of the match along with the throwing stars. This could only mean one thing. "You...You had this planned at the very beginning. While we we're fighting you were setting up the field just for this." Neji said figuring it out some of the audience were beginning to see it as well.
"That's right. Its like I said Neji, you may have to Byakugan, but you're just as blind as you look." Naruto reminded. "Just so you know, I had to think really hard on this plan knowing full well that one slip-up could have gave it all away, and the most difficult part was trying to survive long enough for it to work. So don't go spouting about just being destiny because it could have gone either way."
"What makes you say that?" Ask Neji knowing full well that he's lost this.
"Because...your a genius." Naruto said leaving Neji speechless.
Genma hearing enough smiled. "The first match is over, the winner is Naruto Uzumaki!"
"And curtain!" Naruto said bowing before the audience. The area was silent before clapping could be heard and soon the entire audience was clapping and cheering. From Naruto's lowered bowed head had was a look of surprise not really expecting anyone but his family to clap for him. Not wanting to be sore about it Naruto looked up and gave them a V for victory before making his way out of the stadium as the medic Ninja took Neji away. Hisaishi seeing this decided to get up to see Neji to tell him something that should have told to him a long time ago.
"I can't believe it?!" Ino said flabbergasted. "Naruto didn't just manage to win, but he won completely fooling Neji?"
"What was that spell that he used?" Danki asked curious.
"Its called Future-Sight. Just as Naruto explained, you pick a spell and at a later time it will be completely cast without the caster calling it out and it uses no Mana. However until its cast the person cannot use that spell." Medea explained. "Its not something to be used regularly, a person has to really think before using it." The blue-haired woman said while also feeling happy and proud that her son managed to win.
"Wow, when did Naruto learn that spell?" Kim asked.
"It was something my father taught him. It was one of his favorites." Marie answered as she looked at Naruto. "Its like I said. Naruto from the beginning was already thinking of how to win the match, so there was nothing to worry about."
"Your right, everything went according to senpai's design. His idea was nothing short of pure genius!" Mash said in admiration.
"Master truly is amazing!" Myucel said with just as much admiration.
Sakura from where she was sitting although happy to see her teammate win couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. "As much as I hate to admit it, your idea was amazing and as always you managed to do it without anyone figuring it out. You really are an unpredictable strategist."
"My, now that was an interesting first match." Mai said nothing short of impressed.
"This child shows great promise, he is definitely worthy of being a chunin." Adewale commented.
"I was just thinking the same thing. He really is Minato's son." Semiramis spoke out.
"I say your son did a good job training him Joe." Shiden whispered.
"This is just his capabilities with magic. Just wait till you see how far he's gone with Ki." Joe whispered back.
The third Hokage also found himself more impressed than he anticipated. "You have grown more then I ever thought Naruto."
With the Opening match now over people were now waiting for the second match Sasuke vs Gaara. However Sasuke was still nowhere to be found making the Third contemplate whether to disqualify him or not. Just when he was about to get up the Kazekage interrupted. "Now let's not be so hasty Lord third, I say we can wait a bit for Sasuke to show up. I'm actually interested in seeing Sasuke fight our Gaara."
"I disagree. If he's going to be late to something as important as this, then he should be held accountable for it." Joe replied.
"He's right Hiruzen, it wouldn't seem fair to the other participants who actually bothered to show up on time." Adewale advised.
"Too be honest I'm interested in seeing this match as well." Mai said turning to the Hokage. "Its not every day I get to see someone from the Uchiha Clan fight especially since he's the last one."
The third was still contemplating. Both sides had good points and he could see that the audience are waiting patiently for some announcement. Eventually he got up to announce that Sasuke's match would be postponed until the end of the current matches. this at least settled down the crowd who either wanted to see the match or just wanted the chunin exams to continue.
"Well it shouldn't really matter, considering that there are more matches, this crowd won't get bored." Shiden said.
"So long as this doesn't hinder my son's or Suzume's matches I'm alright with it." Semiramis voiced out.
Once confirming this with the proctor Genma look towards the balcony. "With the second match postponed, the next match will be Shino vs Hoki!"
With that said the bug user and lightning user jumped off the balcony and onto the field both anxious to get their fight started.
End
And finally here's chapter 25. Sorry it took so long but I've been having trouble with internet lately. I'll get it settled soon enough. When y'all leave a comment, feel free to tell me what fight you're looking forward to. Also letting you guys know that the rise of Nightfox is reaching its end at least in story title. The story will continue with tales of the elemental Nation. It won't just be a story involving Naruto but others as well but more importantly sharing the main character spot with Naruto will be someone who's potential I felt was wasted in the beginning of the Naruto series. Feel free the guess who it is because I won't be giving any hints this time.
Anyway enjoy the chapter and leave reviews and I'll see you all next time.