Daichi was looking around and saw Neji, Shikamaru, Kanja, Lee, and Gaara, but Sasuke and Naruto were absent. Though it seemed Lee noticed Daichi as well.
"My eternal rival!" Then he noticed what Daichi was wearing. "How is it possible that you got even cooler since I last saw you?!"
Daichi had continued to scan the area. "I'm sorry Lee, I wasn't paying attention. What did you say?"
Lee gripped his head in frustration. "He still has his Sensei's attitude to boot! He's at least 3 times as cool as before!"
Shikamaru sighed, "There's no mistaking that head band, the gi's style, or that seal on his arm. Daichi's been training with the Lion Yonnin. Troublesome."
"I don't get it. How could Kuma do this to his own village. I knew he was unhappy with the changes the new Kage was making, but I thought he'd still remain loyal to the village." Kanja thought.
Ever since Kuma left, Kanja just couldn't stop thinking about her teammate. Sure he loved killing, but the Mist Village had been filled with people like that. They used to be known as Blood Mist Village. Despite the fact that they didn't exactly get along, Kanja considered him a friend just like Kenjo or their Sensei.
Kanja shook her head. "Come on Kanja, you have to focus. Kuma left the village of his own accord. Stop thinking about it and focus on making Chunin."
Gaara was observing everyone in the room like he had been since he got here.
Neji glanced at Daichi. "One of Hinata's friends has arrived, but where is the other one?"
As if on cue, Naruto ran up the stairs. "I made it!" He then saw Daichi and what he was currently wearing. "What the heck! Daichi, you look completely different then you did yesterday! Where'd you get the new clothes, and that seal, and that head band!"
"For now, let's just say that my Sensei gave them to. I would tell you more, but I got to keep my secrets in case we end up fighting. " Daichi calmly explained.
"I suppose that's fair so long as you tell me about it after this is all over." Naruto conceded.
"Yeah, I tell you after we become a Chunin." Daichi said slinging his arm over his friend's shoulder.
The two friends smiled at the prospect of becoming Chunin.
With the Kage
Sarutobi saw both the Kazekage and the Mizukage approach with their respective guards. "Welcome Lord Kazekage and Lady Mizukage. It is truly an honor that you three could attend the exams this year."
Mei smiled. "No Lord Sarutobi, I should be the one thanking you. I thought it would have taken longer to be allowed in the Leaf after my village's not so great past."
"Please, think nothing of it." Sarutobi said with a smile.
Both Kages took their seats on either side of Sarutobi.
The Kazekage said, "I'm glad the finals were here in the Leaf. I fear someone of your age may not have been able to make the journey to any of the other villages."
Sarutobi laughed. "You act as if I am an old man. I still have plenty of life left in me." He stood up and moved forward. "No, I plan on sticking around for some time to come."
The Hokage spoke into a microphone addressing the crowd. "Welcome all. You have our deepest thanks for coming to The Village Hidden in the Leaves for this year's Chunin Selection Tournament. We ask that no one leaves until all the matches have been completed. Now, Let us enjoy today's matches."
The crowd cheered both for the speech and for 7 of the 8 competitors who now stood within view of everyone.
Naruto Uzumaki v.s Neji Hyuga
The two Genin faced each other in the middle of the arena.
"Begin when ready." Hayate said.
The two Genin immediately got into their stances.
With Ino and Sakura
"Go for it Naruto! Take him down!" Sakura cheered.
"Here I thought you'd be sullen over Sasuke not being here." Ino commented.
"You can't focus on things like that Ino. If Sasuke doesn't show, then he doesn't want to be a Chunin." Sakura commented with no ill will towards her teammate.
With Hiashi and Hanabi
"I want you to watch this battle closely Hanabi. Neji is a fine Hyuga and you can learn just as much from him as you can from your sister." Hiashi said with a smile.
"Yes father." Hanabi said as she was already focusing on the match.
Back to the Arena Floor
"Know that I am different than I was before Naruto. I am not going to let my guard down because I know that you are a worthy opponent that I must be wary of." Neji stated.
"That's good because I wouldn't want my first match to be easy. Now, are we just going to stand around all day or are we going to fight?" Naruto asked with a smile on his face.
Naruto threw three kunai. Neji caught one, used it to catch another, and sent the last one into a tree. Naruto charged forward with punches and kicks that were all deflected. Neji then hit him in the chest causing Naruto to stumble backwards.
Neji came at him again, but Naruto jumped back. "Now that we're warmed up, we can get started. Multi-shadow Clone Jutsu!"
50 Naruto's appeared, and they all charged at Neji. They never even touched the Hyuga as he spun around and surrounded himself with Chakra. All of the clones were sent flying and dispelled. The real Naruto hit the ground.
He began to get to his feet. "What happened?"
Neji replied, "That was my clan's ultimate defense, The Palm Rotation."
Neji charged in and struck Naruto in his chest again causing him to cough up some blood. Naruto jumped back and summoned more clones, but they were dispelled again by the Palm Rotation.
Neji closed the gap and got into a different stance. "8 Trigrams 64 palms."
Neji hit Naruto all all over. At first it started with 2 palms and he continued to double that number until he reached 64 palms. Naruto went flying and hit the ground.
Hayate walked forward to see if he should declare a winner. "Looks like it's over."
"Don't go counting… me out jut yet." Naruto rose to his feet panting.
Neji chuckled. "I expected as much from one of her friends." Neji got into his stance. "Alright Naruto, bring everything if you got if you want yo beat me."
Naruto began to draw on the power of the Nine Tails. It flowed from Naruto's seal and cloaked him in a bright orange chakra.
"I didn't think he'd be able to draw any Chakra after what I did. Naruto really is special. You, are a ninja that can achieve the impossible. Still, I won't lose!" Neji thought.
Naruto finished drawing on the power. "Here I come."
Naruto moved incredibly fast appearing right in front of Neji. He then punched Neji in the center of his chest ten times before sending him flying with one more punch.. Neji flew through the air, but managed to right himself. He landed on the ground and drew a kunai preparing to counter Naruto with Palm Rotation.
Naruto drew his own kunai and charged straight at Neji. Neji spun and they clashed. This clash caused an explosion obscuring both Genin from the spectators view. The Sheer power of it shocked many.
Soon enough the smoke cleared and displayed two craters. No one knew which contestant was in which crater. It wasn't long until Neji emerged from his crater. He slowly made his way over to Naruto's crater and saw that he was down for the count.
Neji said, "You're the first Genin that's ever been able to challenge me Naruto. Now, this match is over."
The Naruto in the crater dispelled revealing it to be a shadow clone. The real Naruto sprang from under the ground punching Neji in the face. The Hyuga was sent flying. He hit the ground and could no longer get up.
Naruto walked forward until he stood before Neji. "I should have guessed you'd use your Shadow Clone Jutsu. It's your specialty after all."
Naruto was panting. " You're a strong opponent Neji Hyuga. Make sure you keep growing and help Hinata achieve her dream."
Hayate smiled. "Naruto Uzumaki is the winner."
The crowd cheered for the fight was amazing.
Stands: Sakura and Ino
"That's the way Naruto! You did it!" Sakura cheered.
"Amazing! I didn't think he could pull it off." Ino stated impressed
With the Other Competitors
Daichi smiled. "Naruto, you've grown so much stronger over this month."
Lee stated, "I know what you're thinking my Eternal Rival, but make no mistake because I am going to be your rival in the finals." He then smiled and gave Daichi a thumbs up.
Daichi, board, said, "I'm sorry Lee, I was to busy watching my teammate to hear you. What did you say?"
"My rival is just so cool!" Lee exclaimed.
Arena Infirmary, Some Time Later…
Neji was laying on a cot after his fight when Hiashi, Hanabi, and Hinata entered the room.
"Lord Hyuga." One of the medics said in surprise.
"Would you two mind stepping outside for a moment. I wish to speak with my Nephew." Hiashi asked.
"Of course." The other medic said.
Hinata ran right by them to stand at Neji's side. "Are you okay brother?"
Neji sat up and reassured her. "I am perfectly fine Lady Hinata. Just a little banged up after the fight."
Now Hanabi joined them. "That was a great fight Cousin Neji. I hope that I can be as strong as you are some day."
Neji gave his little cousin a slight smile. "I've heard that your quite the hard worker that coupled with your already great natural abilities will most likely make you stronger than I am."
Hiashi walked over to the three children. "You know, I was planning on asking you this after Chunin exams, but I suppose now is as good a time as any. Neji, I want you to help train my daughters."
"Sir…" Neji began.
"You don't have to worry about the elders. These are my children and I have the right to say who trains them. Though I expect you to study 10 x harder than either of them to remain there teacher." Hiashi stated with a smile.
Neji nodded his head and smiled. "Understood, Lord Hiashi."
Neji looked out the window and saw a couple of birds fly by. "You know father, it's amazing. The weight I inflicted on myself lessens as the days go by. Someday It'll be light enough to fly like a birds."
With the Kage
"I'm impressed Lord Hokage. You're village has raised some fine Shinobi." Mei commented.
Sarutobi said, "Even if not many of your ninja made it this far, they were still excellent Shinobi in their own rights. Don't sell your Genin short."
"I suppose your right. Though I am interested to see how Kanja does in this next fight. I've heard that her next opponent is a Taijutsu specialist. Is this true?" Mie inquired.
"You are referring to Rock Lee. His Sensei is Might Guy our Green Beast of the Leaf." Sarutobi stated.
Mei raised an eyebrow at that name. "I've heard about him from several sources. Based on what I've heard, I'm thinking Kanja is going to have a real fight on her hands.
Competitor's Area
"So Sasuke still hasn't arrived?!" Naruto asked concerned about the Uchiha.
"Afraid not, but you know Kakashi Sensei. The two of them are just running late." Daichi calmly stated.
"I suppose your right." Naruto conceded.
Hayate spoke up. "It's time for the next bout…"
Rock Lee v.s Kanja Yagumi
Lee immediately removed his weights. "I have seen my opponent in action. Speed will be a very important factor in this fight."
Lee prepared to jump over the railing, but not before he spoke to Naruto and Daichi. "Naruto, you have beaten Neji, so I look forward to facing you. You my eternal rival, I also look forward to fighting you. I will use the power of youth to win this match so that we may fight."
Lee jumped over the railing, landed on the ground, and ran to the middle to await his opponent.
"Not even I get that eager over a fight." Kanja stated as she made her way down the stairs.
She eventually stood before Lee who was already in his signature stance.
With Sakura and Ino
"So, who do you think will win?" Ino asked.
"Lee will win for sure." Sakura stated certain.
"Yeah, but that Mist Ninja is really strong." Ino commented.
Arena Floor
"Begin!" Hayate exclaimed.
Lee charged at Kanja who immediately revealed her Sharingan.
"The Sharingan doesn't work so well against Taijutsu. You can't copy my technique." Lee stated as he jumped into the air. "Leaf Hurricane."
Kanja moved her blade in front of her taking the attack. "It may not be able to copy your techniques, but it certainly makes it so you seem to be moving slower. She then pushed Lee off, embedded her sword in the ground, and made some hand signs. "Hidden Mist Jutsu."
Lee landed and found himself surrounded by the mist. Kanja attempted to hit hm with her sword, but Lee ducked then went for another of his techniques.
"Leaf Whirlwind." Lee said seeping Kanja's legs and causing her to fall. She rolled to the side avoiding the follow up attack Lee made and got to her feet.
"How can you see through the mist?!" Kanja asked impressed.
"Guy Sensei made me fight blind all month long. I have been trained to listen to my surroundings. I may not be able to see you, but I can hear you." Lee said as he went in for another attack.
Kanja jumped back and dispelled the jutsu. She then went about weaving more hand signs as the mist cleared around the field. Lee spotted her just as she finished.
"Water Shark Bullet Jutsu." Kanja declared causing a large shark of water to shoot at Lee.
"Gate of Opening, Open." Lee declared before taking the attack head on.
It managed to push him a good distance before he forced himself out of the attack. He was banged up, but still able to move. He vanished and reappeared below Kanja. He kicked her into the air and had his bands around her tight before they spun to the ground.
"Primary Lotus." Lee declared before jumping to safety.
With Sakura and Ino
"He got her!" Ino happily exclaimed.
Guy suddenly appeared at there side. "I wouldn't count this as a victory just yet ladies. Take a closer look."
Arena
Lee was shocked to find that his attack had destroyed nothing more than a water clone. He quickly searched the field for the real Kanja who appeared from right behind a tree that was close to Lee. Kanja hit him in the gut with the dull edge of her blade sending him flying. He hit the ground, but Lee wouldn't stay down for long.
He slowly rose to his feet."My opponent is far to difficult to beat unless I use my last resort, but even then I think I can still hold back enough to continue fighting in the tournament.
"Man, is this really only Taijutsu? I've never faced someone so skilled in it. I'll…" She stopped thinking as Lee began to shout.
"Gate of Rest, Open! Gate of Life, Open!" Lee's skin turned red and his hair stuck up.
With Ino, Sakura, and Guy
"What is going on?!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Lee is accessing what are known as the 8 gates. Though he can only access a total of 5. Everyone has them and they keep you from over exerting yourself. Not everyone can access the gates though. Lee had to work hard to get to the point he is today." Guy explained
Sakura looked around and found that the audience was in awe of the ability Lee had. She quickly turned her attention back to the battle.
Arena Floor
Lee moved far faster than before cracking the ground a bit as he ran right at Kanja. She couldn't react fast enough as Lee used the Dancing Leaf Shadow sending her into the air.
He then ran and jumped into the air after her.
Lee appeared above a shocked Kanja. "This fight is over!"
He punched her to the ground, appeared behind her, and then hit her back into the air. He repeated this process all over the field until he decided to end it. He landed one more punch letting Kanja hit the ground and creating a new crater.
Lee landed on the ground, immediately closed the gates, and fell to one knee panting. The crowd was silent as Hayate looked at Kanja who was out cold.
"I declare Rock Lee the winner." Hayate stated.
The crowd immediately cheered for the young Taijutsu user.
Lee got to his feet and looked around before crying fake tears. "Guy Sensei! I'm on my way to achieving my dream!"
