Chapter 28: The Final Exam part 1
Kira had got little to no sleep, her mind racing. Not only was today the exam day, but last night she heard more about Gaara's life than she had since they first met. Her heart felt like it was broken. He's been alone in this world for twelve years. She was lucky to have Naruto during her childhood but Gaara? She wanted nothing more than to hold him and let him know he wasn't alone. That he didn't have to be alone anymore. She'd be there for him.
Naruto was nice enough to take her to his home to sleep, but as he slept away she only sat by the window hugging her knees forcing herself not to go after Gaara.
As the sun came up Kira shuffled back to her home to get ready for today's events. Barely anyone was awake at this time but soon enough the village would be filled with viewers who wanted to watch the upcoming battles.
"Stupid boys." she grumbled kicking a pebble down the road while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Unaware of the blonde haired girl leaning against the hotel she was passing.
"My brother finally show his true colors huh?" Barely giving the girl a glance Kira rolled her eyes. It was partially her fault. Not showing her brother attention or protecting him when their father attack him.
"He explained himself yes." she snapped glaring at the girl. She couldn't believe her. Acting superior and as if she deserved her sleepless night. "Whats it to you?"
"Nothing, just was wondering when you'd finally figure out he's not the best person to be around." She shrugged examining her nails.
"He isn't a monster." Not after what she heard last night. Gaara wasn't a monster, he was nothing like a monster. Sure he could be scary but he had his reasons.
"You're kidding right? He's crazy. There's no telling what he's thinking or what he's going to do. His blood lust is too high. Being close to him can get you killed." She snapped at the girl thinking she was crazy.
"Who's fault was that though? Standing aside while your father tries to kill your brother whenever he gets the chance. He can't trust anyone! Not to mention he's going to feel like a monster if everyone treats him like one!" Kira's eyes stung but she kept her emotions in check. She was getting over worked again, it was getting harder and harder to control it. Gaara didn't deserve this. "See you at the exam." she snapped walking away from the blonde.
Temari stood shocked. They only spent a few days at most together and now this girl thought she knew Gaara. Ha! If she kept being an idiot she'd end up dead.
Kira really wanted Kakashi home, but he's been gone since Sasuke escaped the hospital. She just needed to talk to her brother, hear what he had to say.
Kira was quick to taking her shower. The warm water helped relax her muscles. 'Kaida what should I do? Gaara he's so alone.' She leaned her head against the tile wall annoyed with no answers.
'Thats up to you, the boy is in a darker place then you or Naruto ever were.' She knew that, Kakashi never tried to kill her and no one in the village tried to hurt Naruto like that. Why would they do that to him? He's a kid!
'Why him? He doesn't deserve this!' Kira hit her head against the wall, only to hiss in pain it was still tender there. After her shower Kira stared at herself in the mirror just looking over the dark ridged bone going towards the back of her head. 'He's a monster huh?' She glared at her reflection, her red eyes starting to glow. He'll know today he isn't alone. She'll make sure of it.
Time Skip:
She saw him, standing with a bored look on his face, even among his family he looked so alone. Her heart ached, she hoped she could have caught him on his way in, but she just missed him.
Now everyone stood in a straight line waiting for the exam to begin. Only problem was Sasuke was still missing, Sasuke and Dosu. Where were they?
'Where's Sasuke?' Kira asked either Naruto or Sakura hoping they might know where their friend was. Naruto was looking back and forth worried.
"Hey! Stop fidgeting, stand still and face forward, toward the guests." The proctor called annoyed.
'Is he still recovering?' Naruto wondered glancing at his friends.
*No, he's been gone for a while now. He ran away from the hospital. Where is he? I'm getting worried.* Sakura sounded worried she was starting to think of the worst case scenarios.
This isn't good. Would Sasuke be disqualified? "Ahem, Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests. Welcome and heartfelt thanks for gathering here in Konohagakure for the Chunin selection examination! We will begin the matches of the final round between the ten candidates who advanced in the preliminaries. Please sit back and enjoy!" The Hokage announced joyfully making the entire crowd cheer excitedly.
Kira stared up at the proctor of this exam waiting for his go. "Before we begin, I have a few announcements, look here." the proctor held out a paper showing off the fighter. Dosu was missing from the exam completely.
First was Naruto and Neji, second was Sasuke and Gaara, then Shino and Kankuro, after Shino it was Shikamaru and Temari, then finally it was Sakura and Kira. "There have been a few last minute changes. Look again and confirm your assigned opponent."
"Hey, hey!" Naruto raised his hand.
"What?"
"Sasuke's not here yet, so whats gonna happen?" Sakura, Naruto, and Kira were worried that he might not be able to take the exam. Sasuke had to hurry up! Why was he still missing?
"If he doesn't arrive by the start of his own match he'll lose by forfeit." Knowing Sasuke he wouldn't just up and quit the match, he would have come here crawling on his hands and knees to fight this battle. Kakashi wasn't here either.
'Kakashi please don't be doing a fashionably late thing. Not today!' Kira really hoped that they weren't doing anything stupid. Today was not a day to be late.
"Listen up, all of you. This is the last exam. The landscape may be different, but just as with the preliminaries, there are no set rules. You fight until one of you dies or admits defeat unless I determine that a clear winner has already been decided, in which case I'll stop the match before anyone's killed. Understand?" Everyone nodded in understanding. "All right then, match one. Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Neji. You two stay down here. The rest of you, proceed to the waiting room outside the arena."
Sakura and Kira slowly made their way away being the last to leave. "Good luck Naruto!" Sakura cheered giving him her best of luck before walking out.
"Kick his ass Naru!" Kira grinned chasing after Sakura.
Naruto grinned to himself having the encouragement he needed from his friends as well as Hinata to defeat Neji.
Naruto and Neji stood a foot away from one another, glaring at one another. "Got something to say?" Neji grinned already thinking that this fight was done and over with.
Naruto threw out his fist in Neji's direction a nasty glare in his eyes. "I've said this once before, I vow to win."
Neji was quick to activate his Byakugan. "Now then, match one begin!" The proctor called jumping out of the way leaving both boys to the fight.
"Ho, ho it's more fun this way anyway. I can't wait to see the despair in your eyes when the truth finally dawns on you." Neji taunted getting into fighting position.
"Quit yapping lets fight!" Naruto yelled grinning to himself. He wouldn't lose to his guy. Naruto created four Shadow Clones making it harder for Neji to figure out which Naruto was the real Naruto. His Chakra was equally and evenly distributed among his Shadow Clones.
"But in the end, there is only one actual body." Neji sounded way to confident in himself.
"Heh, don't be too confident!" One of the Naruto called.
"Then come at me...if you dare."
"Hey!" One of the Naruto called.
"Dont…" Another one started.
"Underestimate…"
"Me, okay?!" All the Naruto's sounded and looked the same. Even the people in the stands were amazed. Shocked that a Genin could master some technique like this.
All five Naruto's shot out, kunai's at the ready attacking Neji all at once. Neji was amazing, flipping and attacking, defending himself on a battle that anyone would think impossible. Five against one? But Neji was able to block off and make some of the clones disappear.
"You want to be Hokage, huh? I don't think thats gonna happen. I can pretty much tell, with these eyes of mine abilities and talent are determined at birth. In other words your entire destiny is set from the time you're born." Neji mocked.
"Why are you so stubborn?! You're always so sure that the future is full of doom and gloom. Why?!" Naruto yelled aggravated. Why did this guy have to be such a jerk?
"Well...are you saying that anyone can become Hokage if they just try hard enough? Only a select few shinobi are even considered for Hokage. Wake up and face reality! Those who will become Hokage are born with that fate. You can't get there by trying you have to be preselected. Each person's life consists only of being swept along in the inescapable current of his destiny. All of us have one thing in common one shared fate. Death."
It looked like Naruto was letting Neji's words sink in. That maybe his dream was just for nothing. But Naruto wowed the crowd by going back to his spunky self. "Well so what?! I guess I'm just a sore loser!"
Naruto created what looked like twenty clones maybe thirty. "I'm not an idiot, you know. I've seen through your pattern of attack already." Neji spoke annoyed. He hated to be thought of as an idiot.
"Hmph! I told you, you shouldn't make assumptions about the future!"
"That fool, if he keeps making so many doppelgangers he'll run out of chakra in no time…" Sakura muttered nervously. She knew Neji was strong and she knew Naruto was giving it his best but if he didn't think straight he'd lose.
"Naruto won't lose. He's got an ace up his sleeve. I just know it." Kira explained watching the fight intently. She knew Naruto would show this punk what he was capable of. Neji was going down.
All the Naruto's attacked Neji but Neji was easily able to dodge all the clones attacks avoiding every hit. Neji seemed to be going after the Naruto hanging out in the back not fighting. Neji's fingers slammed hard into the middle of Naruto's chest. Blood pooled out of Naruto's mouth.
"The one who hands back, afraid to get close fearing any strike on his tenketsu the most the others attack, the more that one stands out. You're the real one." Neji sounded so confident with himself. "I told you it was useless."
Naruto started to laugh hunched over and panting. "A-and I told you...not to make so many assumptions." Poof. It was a clone! Naruto knew Neji would fall for his trick and sent two clones ready to attack the surprised Neji. You could see and hear his surprise. "From the start I came into this match fully prepared to lose!"
Kira and Sakura gasp wide eyed. Thats impossible! How did Neji deflect Naruto? They were positive that Naruto landed that punch but as soon as Naruto's fist collided into Neji's face his whole body spun around and sent Naruto flying backwards!
Sakura's hand flew out grasping onto Kira's in fear. It was impossible. Neji started talking about how Naruto was within the boundaries of his eight trigrams. They watched horrified as Neji continued to repeatedly hit Naruto to the point where he shouldn't be able to stand.
"I've pressed sixty four of the chakra points around your body. You can no longer even stand." Neji mocked while naruto groaned on the ground. "Heh, it must be frustrating here on your knees before my immutable strength you must finally comprehend your own powerlessness. Beliving that your dreams will come true if you just try hard enough it's simply a fantasy."
Every word that came out of Neji's mouth made Kira angrier and angrier. He was such a dick. She felt her body fill with relief when naruto stood up once again.
"What?"
"I told you I'm a sore loser." Naruto huffed trying to regain his breath.
"Listen, just give up alright? If you keep going, it'll only be more of the same. And I don't really have any grudge against you, so…"
"Sh-shut up! I do, alright?!" Naruto yelled glaring at Neji wobbling a bit.
"What are you talking about?"
Naruto was just done with Neji's bullcrap. "I mean, you're so strong, and you...you act like you know everything. And when you were up against Hinata, who was fighting so hard, you played those horrible mind games with her!" Neji only blinked angry by why Naruto was saying.
"Thats none of your business."
"You mocked Hinata calling her a failure and claiming you could see her fate. 'Main branch' 'Cadet branch' I don't know anything about that stuff but I could never forgive a jerk who goes around calling people failures!" Naruto growled hatefully.
"Fine. Alright since you insist I'll tell you about the hateful legacy of the Hyuga clan." Neji seemed like the idea of telling Naruto this was unnerving. He wanted this kid to know why he was the way he was. "There's a secret birthright ninjutsu passed down in the Hyuga main branch. Its a curse mark jutsu."
"A curse mark jutsu?" Naruto's eyes widen another curse mark?
"This curse mark represents a 'caged bird' and it is proof that some people are bound to destinies from which they cannot escape." Naruto watched wide eyed as Neji reached up and untied his headplate. What Naruto saw was a green mark. The mark itself looked like a plus sign with little curves moving to go in a circle as well as one line on either side of the mark.
Neji got into the story of how he got the mark when he was just four years old. Apparently when hinata turned three Neji was supposed to start living with the main branch and got his brand. That his main reason for living was to protect Hinata. How the main branch murdered his father after The shinobi ruler of the land of clouds tried to kidnap Hinata. And in the end to return the peace. His father was murdered as Lord Hiashi double.
"The only way to escape this abominable curse mark is to die." Loads of people were shocked by Neji's story. "Even though they were identical twins with practically equivalent strength the difference between being born first and being born second sealed each others fates forever. And so in this match too, the moment I was selected as your opponent your fate was sealed as well."
That still wasn't a good enough reason. Hinata didn't do it, her father did. Neji's uncle. If Neji has to hate anyone it should be Hiashi. Naruto and Neji spoke some more, Neji was prone to giving long lectures about fate and how stupid you are to try and change it.
Naruto tried reasoning with Neji that he wasn't so different from himself. That Naruto knew what he was going through and how bad it must have felt when he lost his dad but he just couldn't stand there and let Neji know it was okay that he talked down to Hinata.
Everyone and I mean everyone was surprised when Naruto brought forth the chakra from the nine tailed fox the two had hit each other so long that it created an explosion! No one could tell if it was Naruto or Neji who was down for the count. Neji was the first to move. Staring down at a Naruto curled in the ground.
When Neji least expected it Naruto shot out of the ground and knocked Neji to the ground. He was unable to move.
"Ugh, in the middle of all that, you managed to create a shadow doppelganger? Your signature ninjutsu that was careless of me." Naruto huffed for breath glaring down at Neji.
"I failed the academy graduation three times." Neji stared at Naruto confused. "Because unlucky for me, the exam always tested the same ninjutsu my absolute weakest ninjutsu." Kira and Sakura stared wide eyed. He's telling Neji that he's wrong and that its okay. "And my weakest ninjutsu was Bunshin no jutsu. The art of the doppelganger." Neji's eyes widen in surprise "So shut up about 'Destiny and 'Inescapable fate' you shouldn't whine about such trivial stuff. Cause unlike me you're not a 'failure.'"
Kira wanted nothing more than to run down and hug her best friend. She was so proud of him, he worked so hard and in the end he won but he also made Neji learn his lesson.
"The winner is Uzumaki Naruto!"
"WAY TO GO NARUTO!" Kira exclaimed excitedly practically jumping where she stood. The crowd clapped in amazement and enjoyment. Sakura clapped her hands with her excitement. They were just so proud of Naruto, thought Kira could hear that Sakura was a little jealous of Naruto's new strength she was none the less happy for him.
"Wow! He actually won! I can't believe it. I always thought that Naruto was one of the unslick guys just like me." Kira spun staring at the shocked face of Shikamaru.
"'Unslick guys'?" Shino muttered confused.
"You know, the opposite of the cool guys who always have girls going Gaga over them. But now...I think he's got me beat. This is bad...this is depressing."
Naruto made it up the steps and towards the group and Kira all but ran over to the boy hugging him tightly. "You did amazing!" Naruto laughed through his pain hugging her.
"Yeah Naruto! You had us worried for a little bit you should be more careful okay?" Sakura spoke in a warning tone that if he did something like that again he'd have to deal with her.
Naruto laughed to himself rubbing the back of his neck as he explained to the girls his plan for the entire time.
Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro stared at the two. One of them glaring daggers into their skulls. "I'm just glad you're okay." Kira muttered pulling him back into a hug trying to ignore the bad chill running down her spine.
'You know he's glaring at you two.' Kaida called informing the girl of the red heads stare. 'Aren't you supposed to be showing Gaara that he isn't alone.' She reminded her. Kira's eyes widen in her idiocy. She was supposed to be talking to Gaara but she got so caught up in the match that she completely forgot!
'I'm an idiot.'
'No, you just get distracted easily when it comes to Naruto.' Ugh stupid Dragons being right. But she didn't have the time to talk to Gaara now. He was up next and everyone seemed to be excited for Sasuke and Gaara's battle.
Only problem was Sasuke was still missing.
"What could he be doing? Is he not coming at all?" Shikamaru wondered staring down at the battle ground.
"What are you guys talking about? Of course he'll come. No doubt about it." Naruto insisted looking over at Gaara, catching his glare.
"But Sasuke's never late! What if something bad happened?" Sakura muttered pacing back and forth her fears getting the best of her.
"I wouldn't worry too much Sakura, he'll be here. He knows how important this is." Kira called trying to ease her friends worries. "I blame Kakashi, you know how Kakashi's late for everything. There must be a reason why he's not here just yet."
Sakura nodded "Yes but Kakashi knows how important this is." Sakura insisted her pacing getting on Gaara's nerves. His sand started to float with his aggravation.
"Sakura." Kira grabbed the pink haired girls arms. Her green eyes looked up locking on her crimson red eyes. "Sasuke will be okay." She started biting her nails.
"But what if…"
"Sasuke's okay," Gaara rolled his eyes annoyed. A snarl on his lips.
"Everyone! One of the contenders for the match has not arrived yet. So this match will be postponed and we will proceed with the next scheduled match!" The contender's eyes widen in surprise. What? They're just skipping the match for now? Was that even aloud?
It's great that Sasuke won't have to forfeit but weird. Why did they just allow him to skip?
"My match has been moved up?!" Shikamaru screamed nervously. He was hoping it would take a little while longer.
"Well then, the next pairing is Kankuro against Aburame Shino. Please come down." The Proctor called up at our balcony. Kankuro made a face and looked back at his puppet, then made direct eye contact with his sister before coming to a decision.
"I withdraw!"
"What?!" Sakura, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kira yelled flabbergasted why he would even want to go this far in the show only to back out now. Kira tried to think of what he could be doing but when she tried to read his mind it was just blank. He wasn't thinking at all.
"The hell's the matter with you! Don't you want to be Chunin?! What was the point of making it this far if you're just going to throw it all away!" Kira snapped annoyed. What kind of idiot was he?!
"Shut up! You don't know anything." Kankuro snapped glaring at the girl annoyed. She was going to get in his way.
"I know you're an idiot!" Kira yelled back childishly, giving a huff before looking away back to Naruto and Sakura.
"I think he's just scared to face Shino." Sakura muttered she herself would have been nervous to fight Shino herself. Bugs. So gross.
Temari made a tch sound and whipped out her fan floating to the ground using the wind around her to land safely. Naruto accidently knocked Shikamaru to the ground. Shikamaru gave no urge to fight causing Temari to growl and start the fight on her own. She made use of her element sending Shikamaru flying backwards.
Temari knowing she did it by accident or not but Shikamaru was in an advantage point. Clinging to the shadows to help him with his next attack. Shikamaru bought his time well just waiting for the perfect time to strike, taking the blows from Temari's (What seemed to be) short temper.
Shikamaru used everything he could to create more shadows, concentrating and thinking up the next plan of attack.
Temari wasn't only tough, but she was really smart as well. Using her fan to measure out the distance Shikamaru's shadow could reach and easily avoiding any form of attack from Shikamaru. Temari was ready to finish the battle when Shikamaru finally had her trapped.
The hole Naruto burst out of the ground was the same hole that was connected to the one Naruto crash landed in.
Shikamaru and Temari walked till they were face to face. Shikamaru made Temari raise her hand. Temari was shaking. Shikamaru had an annoyed look on his face as he spoke. "Thats it. I'm done." Eyes widen in shock Temari was completely surprised.
"What?!"
"I give up. I used too much chakra doing all those shadow possessions in succession I won't be able to hold you for more than ten seconds. So even though I planned out around two hundred more moves I think I'm out of time." Shikamaru rolled his eyes "And this fighting stuff is getting to be a drag one match is enough for me."
Temari was still surprised when the Proctor announced Temari the winner. Temari walked up the stairs wide eyed. That was not how she thought she would have won.
"Haruno Sakura and Hatake Kira. Please come down now." Both girls glance at one another and walk down the stairs quietly. Sakura clenching her fists as they stood a face to face in front of everyone.
Kira forced herself to relax. 'Ignore the stares Kira. Just focus on the battle.' She told herself taking a few deep breaths to keep herself calm.
"Begin."
They locked eyes staring at one another almost having a silent conversation to the viewers. "Good luck Sakura." Kira held out her hand to shake.
"You too, just know I won't go easy on you." Sakura warned smirking. She didn't just sit there and do nothing that entire month.
"Give it your all." Sakura and Kira shot off toward one another, kunai's at the ready. Sakura tried her best to avoid her attacks. She would jump out of the way or give her own jabs.
She was so happy Kakashi gave her those lessons in Taijutsu. 'You're doing this for Lee. Come on Kira!' Kira forced herself to push harder. Sakura cried out in pain being kicked to the side. Sakura huffed on the ground panting a cringe on her face.
"Agh." She hissed forcing herself to move again. She got up her face scuffed and patches of dirt on her left cheek. "Is that all you got?" She grunted through her pain.
Sakura shot forward kunai out and was sent flying in Kira's direction.
Kira hissed in pain feeling the sharp weapon slice into her arm but it was the perfect chance. Sakura had left herself wide open for attack.
She landed a few hits and kicks knocking Sakura to the ground. She had improved. Sakura was stronger than before but still weak.
"Sorry Sakura," she apologized panting slumping her shoulders forward.
"Me too." Kira's eyes widen in surprise getting a sense of dread. Sakura has created a clone. Kira had been attacking the clone completely oblivious to the real Sakura sneaking up behind her.
Slicing the Kunai a trunk appeared. Sakura tricked her. "Oh you sneak!" Kira cried spinning around deflecting Sakura's latest attack.
Sakura groaned this wasn't good. She was running out of energy and chakra just to keep avoiding her. She really wanted to win but the possibilities weren't great. In a last minute ditch effort Sakura deflected Kira's attack and ran away to another area of the field. Kira right on her heels.
This was it, she's done for. If luck was on her side she'd be able to win but she didn't think that was a possibility.
The two stopped facing one another getting ready to attack. Sakura's weakest line of defense. She tried, lord she tried. She got maybe three hits in before she went down. Kira was just to fast to keep up with.
"Sorry…" Kira huffed. She swore she wouldn't lose to Sakura. She was glad that this was finally over. She and Sakura could be friends again.
Sakura whimpered curling up on the ground in pain.
"Hatake Kira is winner by default!" Kira sighed kneeling beside Sakura and holding the pink haired girls face in her hands. She didn't want Sakura to be hurt because of her. She knew it wouldn't be much but it'll help.
Sakura stared wide eyed, what was she doing?! She won! Was she going to finish her off?!
Blue. A calming blue ocean. It was all she thought of and then she could feel the cool water run through her veins. She felt so at peace now.
"Hey what are you…" the words died on Sakura's lips as she felt her body relax. The pain slowly subsided till it was a dull throb. Sakura watching mouth agape as Kira pulled away. Just how powerful had she become in the month? What kind of story was this where everyone got stronger but her? How was this possible?
"I'll see you after the tournament!" Kira grinned down at Sakura. "We can get some ramen later!" Sakura grinned. At least she wasn't as hurt as the others.
Dashing up the stairs Kira was practically tackled by Naruto. "When did you learn that?! I thought you could only heal scrapes! What else did you learn while we were on our month off! Dude that was awesome!"
She couldn't help laugh at this moment. Naruto was acting like a hyperactive kid who just wanted some candy or was excited and telling you something.
"H-hey, it's almost time is he really going to come?" Kankuro muttered who Kira hoped was talking about Sasuke.
"He'll come. I'm sure of it." Gaara spoke knowingly. Wind picked up at the bottom, leaves spun around in a tornado as two figures appeared. Sasuke and Kakashi. Anger boiled inside Kira's system seeing her stupid brother.
"Ahh, so sorry we're late we got…" A shoe slammed into the side of his head making Kakashi's head tilt to the left.
"Your name?"
"Uchiha Sasuke." Sasuke acted like he was so cool and relaxed.
"Stupid brothers I swear Im gonna kill him." Naruto laughed he wasn't mad at Kakashi or Sasuke. He was glad Sasuke was okay.
"Come on!" Naruto shot down towards the middle where Sasuke and Kakashi were. "You need your shoe don't you?" Kira groaned shooting down over the side and chasing after her friend.
"Yo! Sasuke!" Naruto called grinning the cocky attitude he always wore when it comes to Sasuke. "Finally made it huh? Didn't get cold feet now did you?" He chuckled to himself taunting Sasuke.
"From that loudmouth attitude of yours I take it you won your first battle?"
"Of course."
Kira glared up at her older brother as he extended her shoe. "What took you so long?"
"You see a black cat crossed our path and…"he smirked under his mask, he could see how agitated hse was that they were late.
"You big idiot. Why would you chose today of all days to be late?" Kakashi pointed at Sasuke in a childish manner that smirk still plastered across his face. Kira snatched her shoe back and slipped it back on her foot.
"Well uh, flashy entrance notwithstanding...don't tell me Sasuke lost by forfeit?" Kakashi asked scratching the back of his neck nervously. "See...I told you we'd be late Sasuke."
"Maybe your tardiness is contagious. Sheehs!" The proctor called to Kakashi's lie. Sasuke glared up at Kakashi annoyed.
"So what's the deal?"
"Don't worry, you're safe. Sasuke's match was postponed. His match wasn't forfeited." Kakashi laughed nervously but he himself was relieved.
"Oh, good! Good!"
Kira let out a sigh holding her head "Kashi I need to talk to you." Kakashi nodded in understanding. Naruto told Sasuke not to lose to Gaara because he wanted to battle Sasuke.
Naruto, Kakashi, and Kira walked up the stairs. "I'll meet you up there." She called as Naruto continued up the stairs.
"Whats up?"
Kira was quick to untie her Hitai-ate. "Look!" Kakashi's eyes widen in surprise seeing what looked like long black curved horns. "Look at this! I-I have horns Kakashi! Horns."
Kakashi's hands reached out grasping onto his sisters face pulling her face closer. His eye inspecting the dark ridged horns moving toward the back of her head. "When did they appear?"
"A few days ago. They hurt like crazy just hiding them…"
"Have you noticed anything else? Anything unusual?" Kira started to shake her head but stopped. She smelled something. Fresh blood. "What? What is it?"
Spinning around she saw him. That crazed look in his eyes. Gaara had just killed two people. "Gaara…" His eyes traveled over her form.
"Kira." His eyes traveled over her horns for a brief moment before keep moving. A trail of bloody footprints followed after him.
"Wait Gaara!" Kakashi felt his sister escape his grip and watched her run down to the middle steps. He had stopped for her.
"What?"
She didn't know what to say at first. After everything she learned about him she just drew a blank. "Please be careful." He only gave her a blank look. No longer speaking to her, he left to go to his own battle. Her shoulders slumped. He wouldn't speak to her, not after last night. He didn't trust her anymore.
"Come on…" Kakashi's hand gripped on her shoulder. "Go sit with Naruto and Shikamaru." She nodded walking numbly up the stairs. Naruto and Shikamaru's eyes widen in surprise when they saw her. That was not how they left her. Her hand clutching onto her Hitai-ate.
"Now then at long last…" The proctor called looking between Sasuke and Gaara. Both Sasuke and Gaara had an aggravated look on their faces.
