Chapter 25:::Fights

Nami shifted in her sleep.

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Nami looked down at her feet; she was standing on water. It would have been a normal occurrence if the water wasn't purple. She raised an eyebrow and took a step. As her foot touched the water again the water turned red and the rings of water were every color of the rainbow. Smirking she jumped up and down, watching the water changed colors. She was having fun until she submerged into the water, the thing was she didn't get wet, she was inside a huge air bubble, traveling through the ocean. She smiled and watched the fish go by, waving at them. She was shocked when Naruto swam by, wearing a green spandex suit like Lee and Gai. He was soon followed by the old man, Jiraiya, only Jiraiya's body was that of a frog.

"Okay, things are getting a little too weird." She took out a knife and tried to pop the bubble, but only succeeded in making a small hole. As water started to fill the bubble she panicked and tried to break it, but she only caused more smalls holes to form and more water to come in; by now it was at her knees.

"Damn, what now?...Duh, just plug up the holes." She used her fingers it stop the water, but suddenly more holes formed above her, filling the bubble more. She let her hands fall and she looked around.

"Crap! Okay, stay calm, look on the bright side, you love water...Oh that's stupid, I'm going to drown, damn, this sucks." She calmly watched at the water raised to her chin. "Yeah, this definitely sucks." She took one last breath before it filled the whole bubble. Everything was blurry and her eyes began to burn the slightest from having them open underwater. She looked around and tried to stab the bubble again, but it didn't work.

She swore inside her head and gave up, letting herself drift in the water, he breath slowly leaving her. She gasped as her lungs began to burn; water filled her mouth and her eyes drifted shut. Suddenly light appeared above her and she opened her eyes. She blocked her eyes with her hand and squinted at the dark figure approaching.

"Hey...wake up."

I'm...asleep? She thought, confused.

"Hey, squirt..wake up."

She narrowed her eyes. Squirt...who...

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Nami opened her eyes, and stared into the black eyes of Kankurou. Blinking, she sat up. "Where...Why am I on the floor?"

"You stopped breathing in your sleep." A feminine voice said. Nami looked up to see Temari.

"Really, that's never happened before." Nami muttered, looking at the ground. She suddenly looked at Kankurou and smirked. "You woke me up."

He stood up and gave her a look. "Yeah...you stopped breathing."

Nami snickered and stood. "You're my hero, Kurou-kun."

Temari snorted. "Kurou-kun?"

Kankurou scowled and opened his mouth to retaliate, but was silenced by the noise of the crowd. An unusual look crossed his face and he turned back towards the railing of the waiting room. Nami followed his gaze and cocked her head to the side.

"Sasuke-kun is here...oh, guess I missed Shiki-kun's match, darn." Nami moved to the railing and watched Gaara and Sasuke fight. Actually it was Sasuke standing by a dome of sand that had a eye hovering above it.

Kankurou cursed and Temari looked fearful/

"So he really is a demon?" Nami asked.

Temari and Kankurou looked at her sharply. "Where did you hear that?" Temari asked.

Nami shrugged. "He told me when he was trying to kill me." She talked as if is was no big deal.

"Why aren't you scared?" Kankurou asked.

Nami shrugged again. "Donno...but I think that he's very selfish. Killing others just so he can feel? What about the ones he kills, don't they have a say?" She sighed. "Just goes to show what loneness can do to someone, although, why is he lonely when he has siblings. Surely his own flesh and blood didn't ignore him and let him become what he is." She looked at Temari and Kankurou out of the corner of her eye; they stiffened.

Nami turned to them and smiled. "But that's none of my business." She turned away and watched the rest of the fight. Moving away from the other two to get a better look at Sasuke.

Kankurou glanced at Nami, making sure she was a good hearing distance away. "Damn it...Nothing can be done now that he's like that."

Temari said angrily. "Is he trying to ruin the plan and everything else here? Damn Gaara."

Nami didn't look away from Sasuke as he ran up the stadium wall. Plan? That definitely doesn't sound suspicious, better keep an eye on them.

Nami watched as she could literally see the Chakra forming in Sasuke's hand as he ran down the wall towards Gaara's dome. When spikes sand shot out of the dome he easily avoided them and punched the dome, puncturing it. Gaara's siblings looked shocked.

"You've got to be kidding me" Kankurou breathed. "Gaara's absolute defense was..."

"This can't be true." Temari whispered.

"I'm not surprised." Nami said out loud. "Konoha has some of the strongest clans and teams." She looked at the two of them, eyes blank. "Which is why we can withstand any attack or invasion." She smiled at their shocked looks, and looked down at Sasuke and the dome. "Gaara is about the freak out."

"BLOOD! MY BLOOD!"

Sasuke despetly tried to pull his arm out of the dome as Gaara started to, as Nami put it, freak out. Sasuke ended up using a second Chakra ball to get his arm out. When he pulled it out he found something's hand grasping his arm; it didn't look human.

Nami narrowed her eyes. Proving that there's a demon living inside him...I hope it's not a girl demon or Sasuke-kun is screwed.

"Did he change into the complete possessed form?" Kankurou asked, looking nervous and afraid.

"I don't know." Temari said, sounding just as scared. Nami hoped it was for her brother's well being. Temari looked at Kankurou. "He seems wounded...This has never happened before."

A roar suddenly cut through the air and Nami shivered. Such killing intent.

The dome disintegrated and the small form of Gaara was seen. He was holding his wound and panting heavily. He was looking at Sasuke with a look that made Nami heart pound painfully against her chest.

"His is wounded." Temari said shocked. "His shell was broken prematurely."

Kankurou's eyes widened. Nami stared down at Gaara, eyes also wide. Suddenly a smoke bomb went off with a loud crash soon following. Nami's head immediately turned towards the Hokage's booth.

"Hokage-sama!"

"Gaara!" Temari and Kankurou yelled, jumping down to their brother. Nami looked down at them and then to where the Hokage was sitting.

I knew it! She jumped over the railing, landing next to Sasuke. He looked at her, and then up as the Hokage, in the Kazekage's grasp, was dragged to the top of the tower. The ANBU tried to get to him, but four Sound-nins made a barrier, keeping the Hokage's protectors out.

"What's going on?" Sasuke muttered.

Nami clenched her fists. "The village is being attacked."

Sasuke looked at her. "What, how do you know? Whose attacking?"

Nami looked at the Sand Siblings. "The Sand and Sound."

Sasuke followd her gaze. Temari and Kankurou were trying to stop Gaara from attacking.

"I'll kill him..." Gaara muttered to himself.

Kankurou stood in front of him. "There's no point fighting him any longer!"

"Don't forget our mission." Temari tried to scold.

Gaara pushed his brother away. "Get out of my way!"

Sasuke tensed and held his arm tighter. Before Gaara could attack them, the Sand Sibling's sensei, Baki, appeared in front of his students. "What are you three doing?! The mission has commenced already."

Gaara suddenly grabbed his head and stared at Sasuke and Nami. Genma appeared in front of Nami and Sasuke, glaring at the four people in front of them.

Gaara fell to his knees. Kankurou asked what was wrong and Temari kneeled beside Gaara. "The wound is more serious than we thought. And he used up most of his Chakra."

"Then he can't use "it"...?" Kankurou asked nervously.

Temari shook her head. "He can't use it now."

Baki glared. "Baka. That's what happens for trying to turn into the complete possessed form without waiting for the signal."

"What should we do now?!" Kankurou yelled. "You want us to do this without Gaara?!"

Baki growled and stared at Gaara. "Gaara is the Sand's trump card. We must have Gaara fight no matter what. You three temporarily get away from here and treat Gaara's wounds. Once Gaara's Chakra recovers...we will resume the mission."

Kankurou nodded and helped Gaara stand. "Got it." His eyes met Nami's. She glared at him, shaking her head. Kankurour looked away.

"But what about you, sensei?" Temari asked, also standing.

Baki turned away and faced Genma. "I will stop these guys."

"You think that you're going to have it your way?" Genma asked.

Baki glared. "I will make it happen." All was silent until Baki yelled. "GO!" Temari and Kankurou hesitated before jumping over the stadium wall.

Genma narrowed his eyes further. "Is Orochimaru the promoter of this party?"

Nami looked up sharply. Orochimaru?

Baki smirked. "I don't know. Let's enjoy it for now."

Genma was silent for a moment. "Sasuke...Nami. Sorry, but the Chuunin Exam ends here. You are both at Chuunin level already. If you're a ninja of Konoha, be useful to Konoha."

"So you want us to go after them and finished our unfinished fights?" Nami asked.

"Don't chase them too far." Genma said. "From here on, it's not an exam, it's the real thing."

Sasuke stood. "It's the same thing." He jumped over the stadium wall, Nami running after him.

"This is my fight, you don't need to follow." Sasuke said as they ran through the forest.

Nami smiled. "I don't want to fight Gaara, but I have some unfinished business with his niisan."

Sasuke gave her a questioning look.

"You wouldn't know, you were unconsious..." Sasuke glared, Nami smirked. "But Kankurou owes me a fight for giving up. So I'm coming with you until I get my fight."

Sasuke nodded. "Just don't slow me down." He ran faster.

Nami glared and caught up easily. "As arrogant as ever I see, Sasuke-kun. Don't worry Mr. High and Mighty, you're not the only one whose speed increased over the last month. So make sure you don't slow me down." She ran ahead, following the Sand Sibling's trail.

Sasuke smirked and ran faster.

Both were silent for a while until Nami groaned. "I hate not knowing how far ahead they are."

"Well, how do you suppose we find out?" Sasuke asked, annoyed.

Nami got an idea and form the seal to the summoning jutsu and hit the trunk of a tree as she passed it. A normal sized eagle appeared and took flight after Nami. Sasuke looked at her surprised while Nami looked at the bird.

"You are...Hiko-kun?" She asked.

The eagle nodded happily. "Yes yes yes! I'm so happy you know my name! You are very smart, my friend! Now why do you need my assistance, and most importantly, will the task mess up my beautiful feathers?" He few around a couple of trees and stayed by Nami's running side.

Nami rolled her eyes. I see where Hiyoko get his conceitedness. "No Hiko-kun, it's just a scouting mission. There are three people running ahead of us, a blond girl and wounded red head, and a boy wearing a black jumpsuit and purple war paint. Would you please fly above us and tell me how far they are...please?"

Hiko sighed dramatically. "Welllll, since you asked so nicely, I guess I can help you. Now don't miss me too much while I'm gone, and try not to worry as I go on this dangerous mission."

"I'll try to contain my worry." Nami replied flatly.

Hiko nodded, not noticing the sarcasm. "See that you do." He flew above the treetops. "I shall return."

"Since when can you summon birds?" Sasuke asked.

"Learned earlier this month. It's very hard. Took me a months worth of meditating to build up this much Chakra. Luckily have have a bunch left." Hiko flew back down. "How far?"

"About a mile. Did you two realize they stopped?"

Nami and Sasuke stopped and turned simultaneously. "What?"

Hiko looked down at them sympathetically. "Are you hard of hearing also? How sad. Well if I'm no longer needed, I'll leave."

"Wait." Nami cried. "We may need your help fighting."

Hiko looked nervous. "Ah, yes...that sounds wonderful, but...I really must go...I think I hear my 'kaasan calling. Coming Okaasan!" He was gone in a puff of smoke.

"What a coward." Sasuke muttered.

Nami sighed. "Every family has one, birds are no different."

Both Genins turned and sprinted forward, Nami taking the lead. She turned her head in Sasuke's direction. "I'll stop them so you can catch up." He nodded and Nami went even faster. She soon saw the Sand Siblings, they were on the move. She ran faster and right past them, stopping short. They stopped, surprised, and stared at her.

"Get out of the way," Kankurou said, glaring. "Or you'll get hurt."

Nami smiled and shook her head. "No I don't think I will, because I have someone to back me up, ne, Sasuke-kun?" She looked past the siblings, who turned surprised, staring at Sasuke.

"Damn it." Kankurou cursed.

"Uchiha Sasuke." Temari muttered.

Nami flipped over them and landed next to Sasuke. "Unfair, you fear him, but threaten me? You shouldn't underestimate strong opponents, ne, Sasuke-kun."

"Shut up." Sasuke told her.

Nami continued smiling. "No thanks." She looked at Kankurou. "You're not very good at running away, you should stick to fighting."

Kankurou glared. "Bring it on, then." Before he could attack Temari jumped onto a higher branch, throwing six knives, three aimed at Sasuke and three at Nami. Both just moved their heads to the side a bit, avoiding the knives. Temari looked down at her brother.

"Kankurou, take Gaara and run! Let me deal with them."

Kankurou tried to protest. "But, Temari, you can't handle them alone."

"Don't worry about it!" She answered. "This is an important mission for the Country of Sand. Prioritize Gaara's condition. Go Kankurou!"

Kankurou nodded and continued running. Nami glared and grabbed the knives Temari had thrown at her. "You won't get away!" She threw them, but missed. Both her and Sasuke tried to chase him, but Temari blocked their path, opening and swinging her fan.

"Eat this!"

Nami and Sasuke got caught up in the wind, but quickly moved to the other side of a tree, to block the wind.

"I have a plan." Nami stated. Sasuke listened closely as she talked quickly, and nodded. Both formed hand seals.

Temari waited for them to come out, and didn't have to wait long. Sasuke jumped out and attacked her with numerous fire attacks. Temari was on the ground, surrounded by fire, but Nami knew she wasn't hit. She was proven right when Temari blew the fire away with her fan and used Slicing Wind on them. Nami took off her chain sickle and twirled it in front of her and watched it absorb the wind. When the wind stopped she threw the blade of her chain sickle at Temari, who dodged, but was immediately attacked by Sasuke. Temari's eyes widened and she threw a knife at each of them, surprised when they hit, and Nami and Sasuke fell. She began to walk over to inspect them, but both were surrounded by smoke and replaced by logs with exploding tags attached to them.

Temari's eyes widened and she lifted her arms to lessen the blow, but was still sent flying through the air. She looked into the trees as Nami and Sasuke appeared on a branch above her.

Nami smiled. "Sorry, but we don't want to fight you."

"We don't have time to deal with you." Sasuke added.

Both began to follow Kankurou's trail.

"I could have handled myself without your help." Sasuke said.

Nami shrugged. "Probably, but just because you're strong, handsome, and arrogant, that doesn't mean you can't ask for help. No one should have to deal with things alone. Some burdens are to much to bear, even for you Sasuke." She smiled at him and he looked at her surprised.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Well, being the last Uchiha, one of the strongest clans Konoha had ever seen, can put a lot of pressure on you. You think you have to live up to their expectations. All I heard during the main matches and while walking over was how excited everyone was to see the Uchiha. I actually got booed at the beginning of my match because I was fighting instead of you. I think it's really stupid, because you have a huge advantage with your sharingun, being able to copy any move, while I have to work so hard to get everyone to think I'm strong. You're known because you're an Uchiha, and people will immediately feel pity or the urge to fight you, which is why you work ten times harder than others, to prove your worth, but what you don't realize...is that you don't have to prove anything to anybody Sasuke-kun, because in this village, we love you for who you are, not what you become."

Sasuke stared at her, surprise in his eyes, but it soon disappeared and he looked away. "No, there are some who still judge."

Nami sighed. "Fine, I love you for who you are, happy?"

"You're not going to act like Ino are you?"

Nami made a face. "I don't think I have the willpower to act like that, so no."

Sasuke smirked. "Then I'm happy."

Nami dramatically gasped. "He's actually happy, that's a first."

Sasuke glared and Nami smirked. "Ohhhhhh, scary face, sorry doesn't work on me, now pick up the pace, you slacker!" Nami went faster and Sasuke followed. Soon Kankurou was in their sights and they went even faster to jump over him and land on the branch in front of him, causing him to stop. Sasuke was panting, so was Kankurou, but Nami looked as if she had just ran a slight jog.

She smirked. Wimps. "You shouldn't run if you get this tired, actually you shouldn't run away at all."

Kankurou smirked, panting still. "Bring it on. I'll fight this time, then."

"Wait!" Temari's voice called as she jumped from the treetops, landing beside her brother.

"What? Temari?" Kankurou said surprised. "I thought that he beat you. You were okay?"

Temari was panting also and looked really beat up. "Yeah, somehow, but I could stop them at all."

"No, it was enough time for Gaara to recover. Also, it cause Uchiha to use some of his Chakra." Kankurou said.

Nami sighed and looked at Sasuke. "You here that Sasuke-kun, it seems only you losing Chakra that matters, I'm not considered a threat."

Sasuke smirked widely. "Of course."

Nami raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'm not sure if I like a happy Sasuke-kun, you look kinda scary."

"GO!" Kankurou yelled to his sister, who nodded and picked up Gaara and continued running. Nami noticed Kankurou had taken his puppet of his back and was a little closer to them.

Nami smirked and looked at Sasuke. "Go Sasuke-kun, Kurou-kun owes me a match, and you need to finish yours."

Sasuke nodded and ran after Temari and Gaara. When Kankurou threw a knife at Sasuke's back, Nami threw one of her own at it to stop it. "Your fight is with me, Kurou-kun."

Kankurou glared. "You continue to call me that as if we have a chance to be friends."

Nami smiled. "You are my friend, Kurou-kun, but that won't stop me from fighting you, this time don't hold back now that I know about your plan."

Kankurou narrowed his eyes, looking somewhat confused. "Most would be mad about their village being attacked."

Nami absentmindedly swung he chain sickle. "Yeah, but I'm not like most people, and it's not like you intentionally befriended me just to hurt me, cause that would be mean."

"I never befriended you, we're not friends, we never will be, I don't want to be friends with you!" He yelled, frustrated at her relaxed face.

Nami continued to smile. "Okay, but we'll see what you think after I beat you."

He scoffed. "Do you really think you can beat me?"

Nami stopped spinning her weapon and shrugged. "I'll never know unless I try. What's the point of getting stronger if I only fight people weaker? I think this will be a great challenge, and if I lose I can just try harder next time."

Kankurou smirked. "What you don't seen to get is that, you won't live long enough for there to be a next time."

Nami's face became blank. "I'm sorry, but I'm not going to let that happen. I'm not going to be killed by a guy who wears make-up."

Kankurou growled and placed his palms together. "You're finished." He pulled on the loose bandage and all the bandages wrapped around his puppet unraveled. Nami could see the Charka strands connected to his puppet. That was another little perk that meditating helped her with. She had pictured and formed her own Chakra so much that she could see other's Chakra too when used in jutsus.

Nami grinned and held her weapon tighter. "Let's begin...ladies first."

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