Chapter 35
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Kabuto left to rejoin his team at the tower, leaving Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura at the plaque as Sakura read off the words.
"If you lack heaven seek your ancestors spirits, if you lack earth run through the fields."
Naruto holds up the Earth scroll while Sakura holds up the Heaven. "So which one of us should open which?"
Sasuke sighs. "I'm the medium, Naruto you're the Earth, Sakura you're the Heaven."
Sakura nods. "How did you figure that? How do you know it's not opposites?"
Sasuke shrugs. "I don't, but how do we know it is. For all we know there isn't a pattern. Lets open the scroll we were assigned. Then the Earth."
Sakura nods as she unrolls the heaven scroll followed by Naruto as a large cloud of smoke appears and blurred outline. "Congratulations, you pass." Said Iruka as he stepped out of the smoke.
Naruto raised and eyebrow. "I'm glad it's you and all Iruka-sensei, but why isn't Kakashi-sensei here?"
Iruka grinned. "Well because I didn't think you guys wanted to wait 2 hours after opening the scrolls."
Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke just nod their head with a yep that's Kakashi' look.
Iruka points at the motto. "Do you three understand what that motto means?"
They nod their head as Sakura answers. "If you lack Heavens then seek your Ancestors spirits. It means if you lack knowledge then seek the writings inside scrolls, books and lessons people can give you. If you lack Earth then run through the fields, it means you should train your body through physical exercise i.e. running, sit-ups, pushups, sparring and other means."
Iruka nods. "Yep, that and it sounds cool."
The three genin sweat drop and mumble to themselves. Leave it to Iruka to ruin something.
Iruka claps his hands together, like Kakashi, grabbing their attention. "Well, you have an hour left. Why don't you come inside and rest up." Iruka said opening the door."
"Hai" They respond.
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The old Hokage looks at the crowd of the 10 passing teams. "I congratulate you on passing to the final rounds, but due to the overwhelming amount of successful teams due to the large turn in we shall be holding a preliminary exam."
The Hokage looks over the group. "Those that wish to drop out now, please do so. You will not be called a failure. But many of you need to seek medical attention or rest. So please drop out now if you're not ready to fight again in a one on one match."
Nearly half the groups dropped out leaving only a small handful. After a few moments the Hokage looked to the screen to begin selections.
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(For obvious reasons of not wanting to bore you to death and the fact that only two fights will be changing, you really don't want to read everyone's fight and I don't want to write everyone's fight. To put it plain and simple, if it was boring to watch when it was out for the anime, it's going to be even more boring to read. Anyhow, I will give a brief description for the fight, Sasuke vs Yoroi, due to the curse seal is forced to hold off on ninjutsu and genjutsu and even kenjutsu due to his lack of chakra at the time and the seal he is forced to Tajutsu and the lions combo you know that jutsu he copied from lee,
Everyone else remained the same except for the two that changed, Naruto and Sakura's fights are a little different because Sakura isn't held back by anything, and well Naruto is much smarter and better than he was so he's not going to win by luck and farting.
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Naruto leans against the wall talking without moving his lips to his sensei. "Kakashi, I'm up next."
Kakashi gives a slight nod from behind his book. "Yeah, you're still restricted."
Naruto nods. "Hai, I know, but I have the Fuka Hoin seal on me."
Kakashi sighs. "Use my katana." Kakashi said retrieving his sword from his wrist "It's not like the wind sword. You can't copy or infuse your element into it, but it will be better than just bunshin."
Naruto takes the sword. "Thanks sensei."
"Inuzuka Kiba vs Uzumaki Naruto." Announced the exam proctor.
Naruto leapt down to the area to join a spunky looking Kiba. "So Dobe, you ready to show us what you're made of dead last?"
Naruto cringed at the insult. It was different when Sasuke called him dobe, it was just a friendly gesture. But when other people called him it, it would aggravate him. Naruto's eyes narrowed on Kiba. "Shut it Dog face, or I may not be so nice to you on this beating."
The exam proctor stepped back. "Begin"
Kiba snorted holding his nose up high. "Like a dead last like you could do anything. Even if you disappeared your still a dead last. If you ask me I think you should have stayed missing."
Kiba began walking the thin line of Naruto's temper, the only thing that kept him calm and patient was Sakura calling out. "Naruto, teach him a lesson Kakashi-sensei will be proud of."
Naruto exhaled a long sigh as his right hand gripped the katana sheath, nearly breaking it as the metal began to buckle under his strength. Holding it down at his side he spoke up. "Come on Dog face if you think you can touch me then I dare you. I FUCKING DARE YOU!" He roared out his eyes clenched tightly as he held back the Kyuubi.
Kiba starting move was fairly simple. He bent down on his hands and small beads of chakra could be seen radiating off his body. "Shikyaku no jutsu." (Four Legs Technique) He charged at the motionless Naruto standing with a casual motion, but the moment he neared the range of Naruto's sword, Naruto's hands flew into a blur of motion. Drawing the sword backwards he whipped the blunt side right into Kiba's collarbone, most likely breaking it on impact, sending Kiba flying backwards.
Naruto took a deep breath before opening his foggy blue eyes. "Surprise is a warrior's shadow and underestimating is a warrior's weakness. But stupidity and foolishness will be a warrior's death." He said repeating the line Kenji had told him so many years ago. His eyes met the pissed off looking eyes of Kiba. "Don't underestimate me Kiba, or it will be your last move." He said in a cold fashion holding some of the Orochimaru training attitude he first had when entering the village.
Kiba growled when he handed over a soldier pill to Akamaru. "Here boy, I guess we better start taking the dobe more seriously." He said wincing under the pain of his broken collarbone and fractured shoulder. It was a blow that was seriously crippling him in terms of speed.
Akamaru munched down on the pill as his fur began to change into a deep amber brown color, suddenly there was a puff of smoke and a second Kiba stood next to Kiba. "jujin Bunshin: (Beast Human Clone) Kiba growled out as the two Kibas stood on all fours ready to pounce.
Naruto remained calm as ever, thankful for the breathing exercises he had learned so long ago with Kakashi, as he crossed his fingers. "Taju Kage Bunshin." Naruto whispered out as over 30 clones of Naruto appeared. Fifteen quickly crossed their fingers. "Henge" The said transforming themselves into various types of weapons, each weapon was one Naruto had a good mastery over.
One clone stood, spinning a chained ball attacked to a scythe. He was the first to act, throwing the ball like a cannon ball in hopes he would ether strike or wrap around Kiba, but the dog/human dodged with a flip as another clone acted. Systematically the clones worked with a flawless teamwork that shocked everyone but Team 7.
The greatest benefit Naruto had ever learned for Kage Bunshin was the team work they could pull off. He could keep up a near endless series of attacks. It took him nearly a year in combination training with both Kakashi and Jiraiya to pull of such coordination, however he wasn't expecting Kiba to rebound off the sudden dodge of one of the clones and instead of landing his spin seemed to pick up. "Tsuga" (Piercing Fang) Kiba roared out as he began spinning like a cyclone, twisting and turning he aimed himself at the clones destroying 8 before bouncing off the wall and taking out the last 7.
Naruto had to leap to avoid another Tsuga from the now freed up Akamaru, his plan to beat Kiba with just clones had backfired. He had never seen such a move to expect it but he knew he should have studied up on the Inuzuka clan which was a major flaw for him. He had no idea what Kiba could pull out.
Within a moment there was a flash and a purple cloud of smoke engulfed him and the two Kiba's. Naruto quickly cursed his luck as Kiba began a new stronger version of Tsuga. "Gatsuga" (Double Piercing Fang)
The two began swirling and twisting inside the cloud of smoke, Naruto's visibility was cut down to nothing but his sense of touch with chakra. He cursed himself as he became hard pressed trying to dodge the technique. "Shit, shit! I'm going to have to try. I'm sorry Kakashi sensei." Naruto told himself as he sheathed his sword, using the hollowed sheath as a channeling chamber and stirring the air inside the sheet around the blade with as much concentration as he could pour out. He could feel the chakra trying to form a vortex with the air but it just wouldn't mix. His control was too horrible so he did the last thing he could think of, he flung the sheath like a missile at the direction he thought Kiba or Akamaru was at.
The metal sheath crushed against Akamaru sending him hurling out of his transformation and crashing into the ceiling with a hard thunderous crunch. He knew that the blow could have possibly killed the dog and probably broke his bones.
As Akamaru came crashing down he quickly leapt into the air. "Kage Bunshin no jutsu" (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique) He summoned up 10 clones as one caught Akamaru while the others caught him and the clone with Akamaru.
His clone landed gently on his feet cradling the limp dog who was letting out whines of pain. Naruto eyes focused on the now extremely pissed Kiba. "Kiba, I would suggest we end this match, Akamaru is seriously hurt badly." He said motioning his clone to take the dog safely. Just as he predicted Kiba went stir crazy over the injured Akamaru, blindly charging at the cloned Naruto forcing Naruto to throw himself in the way taking the full brunt of a Tsuga to the gut while forcing as much chakra as he could into himself kicking Kiba into the wall. He fell to his knee from the direct hit his voice filled with anger. "Don't you fucking get it? This is just a fucking exam, your stupid little move would have ended Akamaru's life, he has a shattered spine. He needs a vet NOW not five minutes later when you realize it's too late."
Naruto stood up with his fingers crossed. "Give up and seek help for Akamaru before you regret it. Shouldn't a ninja's number one priority be the health of his own teammates and if I'm correct Akamaru is your teammate. So stop acting like a crybaby by attacking me in a temper because he's hurt, it's only going to make it worse."
Kiba hung his head low raising his hand. "Hai, I Inuzuka Kiba quit."
The proctor nods his head. "Winner, Uzumaki Naruto."
The clone quickly rushed up to Kurenai. "He needs a vet immediately and be very gentle. The slightest bump could permanently paralyze him, if not kill him."
Kurenai took the puppy in her arms like a baby. She could feel how limp the poor thing was as she shushined away.
Kiba hung his head low. "Naruto..."
Naruto just turned his back to Kiba. "Next time, think before you get so hot-headed, you could have killed him."
Kiba just shook his head as Naruto leapt to the side of his team, leaving everyone to just glance back and forth between Kiba and Naruto.
"Yamanaka Ino vs. Haruno Sakura." Was announced as Naruto gave a thumbs up.
"Kick her ass Sakura-chan." Naruto said with a smile and Sakura just nodded her head, leaping down in a graceful step.
"Of course." Sakura said with an innocent smile laced with nothing but pure evil intentions.
Ino glared at Sakura. "Forehead girl." She said getting into Sakura's face.
Sakura smirked. "Ino-pig."
Gekko the proctor let out a cough. "Begin" He said leaping away.
Sakura leapt back immediately, flicking two kunai at Ino who dodged them with ease and countering with her own kunai.
Sakura sprung back, gracefully avoiding the kunai, leaving everyone shocked at how little effort she seemed to put into the fight which only provoked Ino's temper even more.
"Forehead, stop dancing around! I want a serious fight, a real fight between me and you." Ino said shifting her headband.
Sakura nodded her head. "Very well Ino." Sakura said adjusting her headband to her forehead. "A real fight, care to make a wager."
Ino raised and eyebrow. "Over?" She said while adjusting her headband on her forehead.
"Sasuke-kun." Sakura said with a smirk.
Ino nodded, knowing Sakura meant this fight wouldn't just be for rivalry, but also for love. Which one was stronger, which one was better, and which would win their Sasuke.
Sakura dawned the leather gloves Tsunade gave her as she slammed her fists together, the visible clash of chakra echoed through the air as her jade eyes locked with the deep azure eyes of Ino's.
The mere motion of Sakura slamming her fists together sent a striking reminder of just how different Sakura had become. Just what was Ino getting herself into? Ino wondered how much Sakura had changed and if her best friend was still inside that outer shell.
Ino drew her kunai carefully, preparing to test new waters with Sakura. All she could think about was how close she was with Sakura before she left. Sakura would share everything with Ino, even her obsession with Sasuke and the hardships of her family life. To Ino, Sakura was a sister and just like sisters they fought petty fights. In Ino's mind, even if Sasuke was a great guy, losing Sakura was more important. At least that much she had come to know and accept. When Sakura left for the first time she felt like half of her self was taken away with her.
She charged at Sakura, her feelings making it difficult to swing her kunai and seriously injure Sakura, even if it was for Sasuke. She cared for Sakura and her heart was torn. Just a mere glance in Sakura's eyes let her know that Sakura felt the same inside. Even if neither would come out and say it, they were like sisters. Something the distance and time couldn't break.
But something happened the moment she looked into Sakura's eyes. She saw the same feelings, but then she saw a smirk on Sakura's lips. It was not one that was kind, neither was the punch that followed up as Ino flew off her feet and into the wall. The blow left her feeling cold and lonely as she glanced into the almost dead jade orbs of her former friend with a trickle of blood running down her mouth. "You've changed Sakura, is Sasuke really more important than our friendship?"
Almost as if Sakura was reading Ino's mind she lipped out the word "No". Sakura wasn't fighting for Sasuke, she was fighting for herself. If Ino truly took their friendship seriously, she would take a fight seriously. That's the point she wanted to convey. If they were to fight and hurt their friendship, than the fight had to be serious. Just like the fight right now, anything less would mean their friendship wasn't serious.
Somehow Ino caught the point as Sakura dodged two well aimed kunai, she decided any more medical moves other than super strength would be costly to her cover. If there was one thing she might learn from Orochimaru, medical jutsu was not high on the scale.
Instead she resorted to keeping genin tactics which she knew would end up costing her, and indeed it did as she dodged more shuriken. "Shinranshin no jutsu." (Mind Body Disturbance Technique)
Suddenly she felt a blast of something collide with her gut as she felt herself lose control of her body. "Give it up forehead girl, this match is mine." Ino said inside Sakura head, her jutsu connected perfectly on the genin.
Naruto noticed Sakura's struggle as he watched Sakura raise a hand. He knew of the Yamanaka mind jutsu, which he found disturbing that the user could enter the other person's mind, but then again because he had the fuzball in his head the thought of a third mind inside just didn't seem pleasing. "Don't give in Sakura! You're stronger than her." Naruto called out, giving Sakura enough of a boost to wake up her inner self.
"Shannaro! Who the fuck are you bitch!" Inner Sakura screamed at Ino from inside her head.
"Wh-who the fuck are you? You're not Sakura." Ino stuttered out as she looked at the older Sakura with pink hair and glowing eyes.
"OUT!" Inner Sakura shouted, breaking Sakura free from Ino's jutsu. The forced cancel forces Sakura to suffer the same effects as Ino as she falls to her knees, panting for breaths.
"That wasn't very fun. You shouldn't go probing in peoples' minds Ino." Sakura said while trying to catch her breath.
Ino just glared as she moved to her feet. "It's now or never." Ino clenched her fist as Sakura stood up and began running at Ino.
"Damn it, so tired. I didn't recover from my chakra exhaustion in the forest and now her stupid jutsu. Gah, I am not having a good week." Sakura cocked her fist back.
"Shannaro! Bash that bitch's face in for invading our personal space. SHANNARO!!" Inner Sakura screamed her war cry, nearly forcing it out of Sakura's lips as she nears Ino while pumping chakra into her arm.
The two kunoichi clash, the sparks of chakra flying from their fists as they impact with each other and at the same time deal each other a knock out blow.
Kakashi cringes. "OH, that's going to hurt when she wakes up."
Sasuke just nods his head. "Hn, she was still exhausted from the forest."
Naruto nods. "Damn, does this mean they both go to the final, or do they both lose."
Kakashi frown. "Both lose. She did excellent though. I'm proud of all three of you, even if she didn't make it to the final round."
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(AN: Yeah, I'm sure most of you are going… Ino Vs, Sakura… that was weak there should have been more for keeping you waiting so long… However I just couldn't get to desire to fight, Sakura is still pretty exhausted in some ways she's lucky to be standing normally chakra exhaustion takes longer than a day to recover from so she has really low supplies. Ino has no talent and if you had watched the fights before… It wasn't so hot, Just a couple of tricks and two straight knock out punches.
Sorry for the wait but you won't have much more wait anymore I sent 100 pages to my beta and this is the first 9 or 10. Not to mention I'm still typing up more. Because of this reason I'm offering to anyone that's interested in betaing the first 30 or so unbetad chapters the chance to beta them if they feel like it. I would like to get more people reading and sadly yes maybe a few more reviews, Submit your Idea for what happens during the time skips soon time will be running out it is almost upon my writing but lets not spoil what happens next kay.
Well for now I hope you enjoyed enough chapter of Early Team.)