Twenty two – Climbing to the top

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Naruto stared at Mikio's slumped body and the inside of his mouth got even drier. "Winner: Uzumaki Naruto" the leader annotated and even though it was his first victory, there were no applause or even cheers from the crowd of tigers. Not even Ko could look him in the eyes. His stomach churned at such a thought, before the last of his energy that was keeping him awake, drained from him. Without warning, he fell forward, unconsciousness. Surprisingly though, Takao was the only tiger to catch him before he could hit the ground. The Leader who was rubbing his eyes, sighed.

"Get the medic here now!" he barked and the shock they all felt soon faded as they rushed to the blood soaked Mikio.

He felt like he was floating. To be more specific, he felt like he was floating on water. As he opened his eyes, he searched the place he currently found himself in. "Hello?" he called, as he sat up in the water logged hallway. Darkness seemingly stretched for miles and for one thing, the place seemed like a sewer. Where the hell was he? The last thing he could remember was fighting with...Mikio! He immediately stood up, albeit a little wobbly. With his clothes clinging to his body, he attempted to take a step forward, when he heard it. Whistling.

"In search of new lands I build a new house..."someone sang, and the hairs on his hand stood up. He knew that song...he often heard old man Riku singing that song but never that way... That voice was too deep, too dark, too distorted. "I thatch the house with reed stalks, gathered neatly in bundles..." *the voice got closer and automatically, his body took a step backwards. The coldness surrounding him was getting worse. His hands started to shake and his teeth chattered against each other. Whatever or whoever it was, was getting close to him.

"Stay away" the words came out but that was when he could see eyes staring at him from the shadows. They were as red as Mikio's blood.

"It's too late for that now, Naruto" the person screamed. Arms stretched forward ready to snatch him...

...But thankfully, someone woke him up. Chie was hovering over him with a worried look on her face. "Are you okay, Naruto?" she asked and Ko who was sitting on her head was just as concerned as she was.

"I'm fine" he said as he sat up and he could feel the sweat on his skin. "Just a bad dream" he lied and Takao snorted from his position in the corner. "Shut up" he playfully snapped at the bad tempered tiger.

"Naruto!" Ko shouted and before he knew it, the cub leapt into his lap. Chie smiled while Takao rolled his eyes. "I thought something happened to you" he sniffed as he nuzzled his chest.

"I'm fine" Naruto said, patting the cub's head. "I thought you all were..." he was saying but stopped himself. "Where's Mikio?" he asked looking at Chie and then Takao.

"The medic is attending to him right now" Chie said while Takao studied the blonde who was lying in the bed.

"Is he..?" Naruto asked and Chie paid him a look that translated that she didn't know. "Oh. Then what about you, Chie-san? What did the Leader say?" he said.

"Well, you won so obviously she was saved" Takao said and Naruto nodded his head but he was not his usual cheerful self.

"That's good" Naruto said, as he petted Ko. However with the voices that had spoken to him during the fight and the previous incident, had him on edge.

"Naruto, you don't have to feel guilty for what happened" Chie said, and he looked at her. "You won and that in itself is great. You should be proud" she added with a kind smile on her face.

"Thanks" he whispered but what he really wanted to say was: Even though I did win, why don't I feel good about what I did?

Some days later (Time skip again ~^.^~)

"How is he?" the Sandaime asked as they stood on the edge of the training grounds. Anko was standing beside him as they watched the blonde who blasted off the tree for what seemed like the millionth time. He had already made it three quarters of the way. "Tomorrow is the genin exams" he added as he puffed on his pipe.

"He'll make it" Anko said, as she studied her protégé. "I know he will" she said, turning to him.

"I have to say, you're a better teacher than I thought you would be" the Sandaime said, as Naruto shouted at the tree.

"He's a good kid and I feel like I have to try my best when I'm around him" Anko said, and the Sandaime watched as blood flowed from Naruto's hands. "He spent these last few nights here. Most of the times, I had to carry him back to his apartment" she added.

"Naruto was always a hard worker. When he makes up his mind to do something, he always finds a way" the Sandaime said and Anko nodded. They watched as Naruto sat down and winced as he placed ointment on his hands.

"I wanted to talk to you" Anko said and turned to the Sandaime. "Why the hell are you putting Hatake as his jounin sensei?" she whispered angrily. The Sandaime took out the pipe from his mouth. "Hatake wouldn't be able to teach those brats, you know that. Not when he's always feeling sorry for himself" she added.

"Anko, you need to cut Kakashi some slack. You have to understand, he lost everyone around him. He lost his father, his teacher and his team. No one can understand the personal hell that Kakashi is in" the Sandaime said, as Naruto stood up once more.

"We all lost people close to us, Sandaime" she hissed though they were watching Naruto as he stretched, ready to try again. "But you don't see us wallowing in our sadness" she added, and with a loud 'Yosh!' Naruto was off again.

"I understand that you're worried about Naruto, but you can't knock Kakashi down like that, Anko. I agree, we all have experienced our share of loses, but everyone grieves differently. While you rather torture, I personally like a nice cup of sake and Kakashi? He likes to visit that memorial stone so he can talk to his sensei and his team" the Sandaime said.

"I get what you're saying, but with all due respect Sandaime, with that kind of thinking, Hatake will get those brats killed" she said, and the Sandaime looked at her. "I know for a fact that he was the one who requested both the Uchiha brat and Naruto on his team. You know what he's trying to do, right? He thinks that he can bring those brats together like his sensei did with his own team" she added, and the Sandaime frowned.

"Didn't I tell you when I recognized you as his teacher? Sasuke and Naruto share the same pain and they are the only ones who can understand each other. Naruto has gained a family while Sasuke continues to isolate himself from the village. He refuses anyone's pity and he acknowledges nothing but his goal. He needs this just as much as Naruto does" the Sandaime said.

"I call bullshit" Anko said and the Sandaime sighed. "That might be your words, but that logic is the council's. Why do you think two Sharingan users are on the same team as the Kyuubi Jinchuriki? One, they want Hatake to personally train the brat, and two, they want to make sure that Naruto or more specific the Kyuubi, is contained in case something happens" she added and the Sandaime didn't say anything.

"Why are you pushing this so far, Anko?" the Sandaime asked her and she just turned to Naruto as he fell to the ground on all fours.

"I don't want to see Hatake make Naruto his second priority. That silver haired bastard will hurt Naruto and when he does, I don't want to have to ram a kunai up his perverted ass" Anko said.

"It's great that you care about Naruto so much but you have to accept that he will be on Kakashi's team when he graduates" the Sandaime said and Anko frowned. "But that doesn't change the fact that you're his sensei" he added.

"That doesn't make me feel better but you're right. I'll teach Naruto when that Hatake doesn't" Anko said as Naruto sat on the ground, trying to catch his breath. "He's MY student and no perverted bastard will change that" she stated and the Sandaime chuckled.

With one day away from the genin exams, Naruto was anxious. Like always the Academy was over early so the teachers as well as the instructors could prepare for the exams. In addition, Riku and Ami had given him the day off so he could train. As he was walking out the Academy, he thought about how he still hadn't reached the top of the tree. "Damn it" he whispered as he kicked a pebble.

"Hey" someone said and when he turned, he saw Tenten looking at him. "Are you okay?" she asked and he took off the hood.

"Yeah, I'm fine. What are you doing here?" he asked, as some of the students were staring at her and her forehead protector.

"I just came from another mission. Neji had training to do so he refused my offer at lunch and Lee's off with Gai-sensei so I thought I could catch you for that dango you promised me" she said and studied his face. "Is this a bad time?" she asked.

"No. Let's get that dango" he said and she smiled as they walked off. "So, how was the mission? Was it another one of those that sucked?" he asked.

"Pretty much" she said, glancing at him. "I'm guessing that you're worried about the genin exams tomorrow" she added and he nodded.

"I still can't make three bunshin, only two" he said and she listened to him. "If I don't finish Anko-sensei's training, I won't be able to make the last bushin I need for the exams" he added.

"Tell me what this training is and maybe I can be able to help you" she said and he looked at her.

"The tree walking exercise" he said and her eyes widened. "What?" he asked and she shook him.

"You're doing that exercise already?" she asked him and he nodded. "That's only issued to newly minted genin teams, do you know how lucky you are?" she asked and he arched an eyebrow. "How far have you gotten?" she added.

"Three quarter way" he said and she smiled. "Why are you smiling like that?" he asked her.

"I can help you! Gai-sensei taught me that exercise though I had to do it on my own! Let's go!"She shouted.

"Wait!" he said and she stopped before turning to him. "I have a special training ground we can go to" he added.

"You've got to be kidding me! This is the special training grounds you were talking about?!" Tenten asked as they stood in the Forest of Death. "I've heard rumors of this place, and to be actually standing here, it's awesome" she whispered and he smiled. Tenten was awed by the weirdest things. She turned to him and took off one of the large scrolls that she always had behind her back. She flexed her fingers and stretched her legs.

"So, how do you plan to help me?" he asked, warming up as well. She turned to the tree, and observed the kunai marks running up the tree.

"Impressive" she said and he nearly smiled at the appraisal. She closed her eyes and with a seal, she walked up the tree with ease. When she was at the halfway mark, she stopped. "Gather your chakra and meet me halfway" she said and he quirked an eyebrow. "You'll see how I'm helping you. Just do what I say" she added and he closed his eyes. He placed the kunai in his mouth and with a seal, he ran up the tree. When he met her halfway, his chakra wavered as he was forced to stand on one spot, vertically on the tree. "Give me your hands" she said and he hesitantly did as he was told. When their hands made contact, she smiled. He looked into her eyes and she said "Hold onto your chakra, and follow me". He gulped and nodded as she walked backwards, guiding him up the tree. Sweat ran down his back, and he could feel his control slipping by the minute. "You're the one in control, hold onto it" she said and he gripped her hands tighter as they walked up the tree. Tenten looked at him. His face was set in a grimace, he clamped his mouth down on the handle of the kunai and his eyes were narrowed, as they continued up the tree. They were nearing the top, when he felt his control slipping like a piece of thread lost to the wind. "Listen to me, we're nearly there. Don't lose" she said, and with those words, he bit into the kunai handle even more. He squeezed his eyes shut. His muscles felt like liquid fire as he mentally held on to the energy swishing around his body. He started to wheeze with the next step. "Just two more" he could hear her whisper but she felt so far away from him. He could feel his fingers slipping out of hers but she pulled him towards her. "You're here!" she shouted and his eyes snapped open. She quickly helped him onto the branch and he panted as he sat down. His body ached and he struggled to get air back into his lungs. "Good job!" she said, patting his shoulder and when he looked at her, he flashed a bright smile at her. "How does the view look from here?" she asked, gazing out at the sky. He leaned on the tree and allowed the wind to tussle his hair.

"It's great to be at the top for once" he breathed in and she just chuckled.

DAY OF THE GENIN EXAMS

At the first light of morning, Naruto sat up on his bed. His nerves were on overdrive since last night. This was it, he thought as he stood up. "Today will determine everything" he whispered to himself. Because of Tenten, he knew he had a chance at passing. With a quick shower and change of clothes, he sat down at the table, organizing his gear, when someone knocked on his door. When he opened up, he was met with the anxious faces of Riku and Ami.

"Good morning gaki" Riku said as they pushed their way in the apartment. "Ah, so you're getting ready for today" he added as Ami placed a basket on the table.

"What are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked with confusion in his voice. Ami just took out the side dishes from the basket and patted the chair. "Ami-chan?" he asked and closed the door.

"Do you think we would send you off to such an important exam with an empty stomach?" she asked and he smiled as he sat down. "Besides, we came here to wish you luck" she added as she served him breakfast.

"She's right. We can't just let you go off without a little luck" Riku said, moving to the window. "Today is a big day for you, gaki" he added and Naruto nodded. "So, how do you feel?" he asked as Ami fussed over the blonde.

"I feel like I want to throw up" Naruto confessed and Ami patted his head. He gave thanks and started to dig in, when he noticed that they weren't eating. "What about you two?" he asked, with the chopsticks at his lips.

"We already had breakfast, so don't worry about us" Ami said, pouring him some orange juice. He thanked her and Ami looked around the apartment. "Huh, so you managed to keep it clean this time" she said, and he shot her a sheepish look.

"Naruto-kun!" someone shouted and Naruto nearly choked on his food. He stood up from his chair as Riku moved to open the door. When he did, there stood Lee and Tenten smiling at him. "My youthful friend!" he shouted and Tenten had to hold him back.

"Sorry about that" Tenten said to Riku and Ami who were staring owlishly at the green clad boy. "We're Naruto's friends. I'm Tenten and this is Lee" she introduced and the boy finally noticed Riku as well as Ami. They bowed and then Lee shot them a smile.

"Greetings, Naruto's family!" he shouted and Ami chuckled at the enthusiastic boy. "As my team mate said, my name is Lee and I'm a friend of Naruto's" he added.

"I'm Riku and this is my niece, Ami" Riku said and they bowed. "Don't stand in the doorway, come inside" he added, but Lee shot him an apologetic smile.

"We can't. We're off to another mission so we thought we would just visit Naruto to wish him luck" Tenten said looking at Naruto. "Go and ace that exam!" she said and he smiled at her.

"Thanks" he said rubbing behind his neck. "And thanks for your help yesterday" he added and she waved him off.

"It was no problem, you just owe me some dango" she said and he nodded. "Come on, Lee. Gai-sensei and Neji are probably waiting for us already" she added.

"Good luck with your exams, Naruto-kun. I know for a fact that you will pass, because as I said, you're a genius of hard work. Show them what we can do!" he shouted and Naruto nodded at him.

"See you later, Naruto and it was nice meeting you" Tenten said and with a wave, they disappeared just as they came.

"You have some energetic friends, gaki" Riku said, closing the door. Naruto sat back down and finished his breakfast. "But I can tell that they're good friends" he added and Naruto looked at him.

"You're right about that" Naruto said, swallowing. Ami moved to tidy up his apartment and Riku chuckled at his niece who was more nervous than the blonde himself.

"So, are you ready?" Riku asked and Naruto wiped his mouth with the back of his palm.

"Yeah" he said, and clenched his fists. He would ace the exams this time, because unlike the other attempts, he had people supporting him.

MEANWHILE

"I knew you would confront me" the High Elder said as soon as the Leader walked into the dimly lit room. Though his back was towards the other tiger, he still knew when the Leader entered.

"You knew, didn't you?! You knew what that boy held inside of him and you still chose Mikio to fight him!" the Leader shouted. The High Elder turned to the angry Leader who was seemingly ready to attack him.

"Of course I knew. I wouldn't be the High Elder if I didn't. What of it?" the tiger responded as he walked over to where some incense was burning.

"Why couldn't you just let me handle that situation? I had everything under control!" the Leader shouted as some killing intent leaked into the room.

"Chie was going to be killed, how was that having things under control?" the High Elder asked with a sardonic smile on his face.

"Don't you dare!" the Leader snapped at the High Elder who walked towards him. "Chie had to atone for what..." he was going to say when a hand shot out and wrapped itself painfully around his neck. The words got lodged in his throat as that same hand held his wind pipe in a hurtful grip.

"Are you certain that you're judging Chie based on the betrayal regarding the monks or some other personal betrayal?" he asked, watching as the Leader's eyes narrowed at such an accusation. The High Leader released him before pushing him away. "I did what was necessary, end of discussion. After all, I couldn't let my daughter in law die, right?" he chuckled as the Leader choked on air.

"So...you...sacrificed...Mikio?" the Leader managed to ask as he stood up. "You knew the boy would loose control" he added.

"No, I didn't" the High Elder said and the Leader frowned. "And as for sacrificing Mikio, weren't you ready to do the same to Chie? How was what you were willing to do, different to what I did?" he asked, and the Leader's eyes fell to the floor. "You blamed her for having betrayed you. That was why you were ready to have her executed; you were ready to sacrifice her even in front of Takao and Ko. Weren't you, O'Leader?" he asked but the other tiger couldn't say anything. "Don't be such a hypocritical drama queen, Hisao. As the Leader of our clan, it's rather unbecoming" he added. Before Leader Hisao could refute, someone called for them from behind the door. "Enter" High Elder spoke and another tiger bowed as he did as instructed.

"High Elder, Leader. I have news" the tiger said as he knelt. He paused before he could look at them. "Mikio is dead" rang loud throughout the room.

Author's notes: Dum dum dum...Indeed, the tiger known as Mikio has perished for those who wanted to know. Sighs. May he rest in fictional, hypothetical peace.

On a less angsty note: I updated! Yay~ You don't know much paper died for this chapter to come to life.

Anyhoo, I just wanted to say: I hope your Christmas was great as well as fulfilling and kudos goes out to everyone who still supports this fic. Thanks you all.

* Taken from the first two TRANSLATED lines of the song "Obokuri Eeumi" from the anime Samurai Champloo by Ikue Asazaki.