First off, I want to say that I hope that everyone had a happy 4th of July, for those who do celebrate it. Now with that outof the way, it's onto the newest chapter to this story. You may find the title of the chapter strange but you'll likely to understand it as you read it. As for the disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 35:
Alter

"Winner of the match: Naruto Uzumaki." Following that announcement a wave of applause was heard as all those viewing showed their appreciation. Looking about Naruto could hear praise and admiration for what they just saw.

Unable to help himself, Naruto started to go about as he gave thanks which some found surprising since it was thought that he was too exhausted to move around excitedly. "Thank you, thank you. You're too kind." It was during this time that the medics came in and stretcher Neji out who still couldn't get back to his feet.

"Its amazing." thought Sakura as she watched "Naruto continues to get stronger all the time." There wasn't resentment in her thoughts. If anything, it was envy. "Makes me kind of jealous in a way to see how both he and Sasuke seemingly get stronger all the time. I've got to train myself even harder if I want to keep up with them."

"What's the matter Sakura?" Ino asked as she saw the look on her friend's face. "Aren't you happy about Naruto winning?"

"It's nothing, Ino." reassured Sakura. "I was just thinking of something." To the girl's relief that was enough for Ino as dropped the subject.

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"Wow. Naruto actually won." There was genuine surprise to Shizune's words. Regrettably she silently was one of those people who thought that the blond wasn't going to win after having his chakra points blocked. "You could somewhat consider as an upset."

"I'll say." agreed Tsunade. She tried to deny it but she was also surprise by what happened. "It makes me regret for not putting some money on this match. I could've made a fortune." Shizune could only lower her head at her mentor's words.

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"What a great way to start the exams." thought the Third Hokage to himself. "I wonder how Naruto was able to do what he did."Unaware to Sarutobi was that the kage of Suna, the Kazekage seemed very interested look in his eyes but the reason for it was a different reason than his fellow kage.

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"Ha, so the idiot has some skill after all." Kankuro snidely commented. In the area that they were told to go to was five of the sixth remaining genin who still hadn't fought let. "He should count himself lucky that he had assistance or he would've surely have lost."

"Are you that blind?" asked Shikamaru in a somewhat lazy tone. "Naruto didn't use any 'additional support' during the match except to reopen his chakra points. If you opened your eyes you may have realize this." Not that far away the sound of Temari trying to hold in a fit of laughter could be heard.

Before a fight could actually start, Naruto finally arrived to the waiting room and when he did the cheerfulness that he had earlier faded slightly as it was time to be serious again. Walking over he stood next to Shikamaru and leaned against the railing. "Man that was fun." There was a hint of sarcasm in Naruto's words but a touch of humor as well. "Hopefully you guys can follow that up."

"That's bold words." voiced Shino who was standing near the other Konoha genin. "Because it looked as though you were close to losing more than once." The unexpected jab came as such a surprise that it nearly made the spiky haired blond to nearly fall over the railing and some of the others to laugh.

Composing himself, Naruto did a quick once over the entire waiting area and saw that Sasuke was still missing. "What's taking him so long? Whatever reasons that he could have had to be missing from the opening moments but he should've been here by now." Glancing from the corner of his eye he saw that Gaara was very eager for the match. "Wherever Sasuke is he better hurry before it's too late. If not he'll be disqualified."

The anticipation for a match between the sole remaining member of the Uchiha family and the son of the Kazekage seemed to be high as the audience was starting to getting angry about having to wait for the what was next as it clearly seemed to be the match that most of the people there wanted to see.

Frustration would continue to grow for the next couple of minutes and the constant waiting wasn't going well with Gaara who was becoming more irritated by waiting. It wasn't until the proctor spoke up that an explanation was given. "Listen up everyone. One of the contestants for the next scheduled match isn't here. As a result we'll push that match back." That only helped to settle the audience down since it meant that they would have to wait even longer to see the match between Gaara and Sasuke. "Now, let's go ahead with the next match between Shino Aburame and Kankuro."

The announcement of the switching of match positions didn't seem to bother Shino but for some reason Kankuro wasn't in favor of the decision. "You're not thinking about backing out, are you?" Naruto asked in a taunting manner. "Could it because you're afraid of going against Shino?"

"That's probably the reason." Shikamaru added with the taunting. He had an idea what Naruto was doing with the taunting and decided to go along with it. "Also, I won't have my match for a while longer." "The more time is wasted for the next two matches than better the chance for Sasuke to arrive to have his. You wouldn't want to deprive your brother from having a match against someone he really wants to fight, do you?"

Throughout the two pronged taunting, Kankuro became more annoyed by the second. "Damn. I don't know what's worse. That their taunting is getting to me or that they know that it's getting to me." Looking to his siblings/teammates he saw that Temari was like him as a wrench was thrown into their plan. As for Gaara, he could care less about the plans being altered but he was clearly annoyed that he still hadn't had his match with one of the two people that he wanted to fight the most.

"I would prefer to not fight and reveal my puppet Crow's secrets but if I was to forfeit and Sasuke doesn't show up then the plan is ruined and Gaara could go berserk. Talk about a tough choice to make." With a bit of reluctance Kankuro started to make his way to the arena. Not long after Shino would follow him. Neither of them even saw the small smirks that Shikamaru and Naruto had for accomplishing what they had set out to do. Even Temari couldn't help but laugh to herself at how easy her brother was tricked.

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"Both contestants ready?" Getting only nods for confirmation the proctor signaled for the match to start. "Begin!"

Shino would be the first to act as he had his bugs come out and swarm around him. Remembering what happened to Misumi during his preliminary match against the bug user, Kankuro became somewhat cautious. Though he didn't want to do it he had no choice but to remove the wrappings and positioned Crow to attack. "I've got to be careful. Those bugs of his could come at me from any direction. One mistake and that'll be it. Best thing to do is to hit him quick and hard before he has the chance to advantage."

Following with the line of thinking Kankuro sent Crow in while at the same having it avoid much of the bugs as possible. A blade extended from its arm but before it could make contact Shino moved out of harm's way. As he avoided the attempted attacks he noticed something about the blade. "That blade has poison on it. There's probably enough to make me unconscious…or worse." While he thought about it, that same blade shot out and stabbed him in the gut.

Or so it seemed because Shino's body started to come apart and revealed to be a bunch of insects. Kankuro's surprise would be short lived as he had to do some quick evading as the real Shino tried to attack from behind. "Clever. You created a clone with your insects so you could attack me from behind."

"You're jutsu style is suitable for long distance fighting. Therefore, it's expected that you're not that good when it comes to close combat." Shino surmised. "Do to you needing to concentrate on operating your puppet it'll leave you wide open for an attack."

"So you've figured out the weakness of my jutsu style." Kankuro acknowledged his opponent's assessment. "However, I'll show you how a true puppet master fights." What followed next was one of Crow's arms opening up and shooting was some kind of smoke bomb that consumed Shino in a cloud that was more than just smoke.

"This gas is poisonous. I mustn't breathe any of it in." Coming out of the smoke cloud Shino tried to find his opponent couldn't find him or his puppet. "He must be preparing for some kind of attack but what?" He wouldn't have to wait long as the Crow puppet tried to attack from behind. Fortunately for him Shino was able to avoid the majority of the attack but was caught with a glancing blow to his arm. "My movements are slower than they should. I guess that I breathed in some of the poison."

From his hiding spot, Kankuro was pleased to see how things have gone. "Excellent. He's moving slower than before. I'll just take my time and take him down bit by bit." Sending his commands through the chakra strings his puppet continued to attack Shino. To his credit, the bug user was able to avoid the more serious attacks but would still receive some damage here and there.

When it looked as though was close at hand stopped abruptly. No matter what he tried Kankuro couldn't get his puppet to move. "What's the deal? Why doesn't Crow move?" The answer to that would be discovered as a bunch of insects stated to move about on the puppet. "Damn it. He's used those bugs of his to jam up the joints of Crow. At the moment the puppet is just like a statue." Things would only get worse as the insects started to crawl on the chakra strings that connected Crow to Kankuro.

Understanding what that meant the puppet master cut off the chakra strings, thereby keeping his position hidden. When he saw this, Shino thought that the advantage was following on his side. That would be the case however as suddenly as Crow's head detached from the body and made its way towards him. As it did the mouth opened and a large spike that was heavily coated in poison revealed itself.

The move unexpected and quick that Shino didn't have time to move out of the way as the spike pierced him in the heart. It would certainly be the end of the Aburame boy, or so it appeared to be. Slowly the silent bug user's body started to come apart, revealing that it was just another bug clone. Kankuro's surprise wouldn't last long as he felt a strange sensation going up his body. Looking down he saw that it was more insects.

He frantically tried to get the bugs off him but for whatever ones that came off more would replace them. "But how did you find me? I kept myself completely hidden." Kakkuro's attempts of getting rid of the insects were starting to slow down as he started to feel his strength going away.

"That's true." acknowledged Shino who showed himself from behind a tree. "However, the males of those particular insects are able to track down the female of their species." That only caused even more questions so he continued with his explanation. "When I attacked you earlier in the match I managed to place a female insect on you. Soon those my insects will drain you of all of your chakra and won't stop until they do so."

With another attempted to free himself Kankuro tried to get the bugs on him but it were just futile tries as in the end the Suna shinobi was no longer to fight back. Before anything fatal could actually happen, the insects left their 'fest' and returned to their host.

"Be thankful that I prefer to not have your life end here. Nonetheless, you'll be too weak to do anything for a time." Once all of the insects returned to Shino it appeared as though announcement of his victory. Before that could happen though the Aburame boy started to lose his footing. "I guess the poison is having more of an affect than I thought." No longer being able to stand, Shino fell to the ground as well and showed no sign of getting up.

"Both competitors are unable to continue. This match is declared a no contest. Therefore, no one advances." declared the proctor. The announcement got a mixed reaction as some people thought that it was bad way to end what was a good match or that Shino should've been declared the winner. In the end there was nothing that could've been done about it as the decision was final.

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"Man, that's bullshit." Like with some of the people in the audience, Naruto wasn't in favor of previous match's decision. "Shino obviously should've won. A double elimination is a load of shit."

"Technically the right call was made." voiced Shikamaru. "Before the proctor could make the announcement Shino collapsed and wasn't able to continue. Therefore, a double elimination was the only decision that could be made." Although there was logic behind his words, the shadow user wasn't in favor on how the last match ended. "What a drag though. That means if I win my match I'll have to face either you, Sasuke or Gaara in the final match. Maybe I should just forfeit and skip all the hassle."

"Come on. Don't think that way." encouraged Naruto in a roundabout way. "Your match is the last one before the postpone Sasuke vs. Gaara match is suppose to take place. We both know that we need to waste more time so to give that idiot Sasuke the chance to show up. Besides, if you gave up without trying you would get a mouthful from Ino and that would be very…troublesome."

Unable to help himself, Shikamaru let out a chuckle."Yeah, that would be more trouble than it's worth." Pushing off from the railing he turned around and headed for the stairs. "You owe me big time for this Naruto. I think taking it easy on me if we fight each will be sufficient enough compensation." Like with Shikamaru earlier, Naruto chuckled in response.

With the Nara boy gone that left him alone with the two remaining Suna shinobi, Gaara and Temari. Speaking of which, the female wind user was giving him a somewhat odd look. "Oh, why are you looking at me like that?" Naruto couldn't help but be a little uncomfortable by gaze that was being sent his way. "Shouldn't you be heading down for your match?"

"Don't worry. I'll be going?" Temari stated. "Before I go though, I was wondering if you could do me a favor." Despite the silent warning that was going off in his head, Naruto nodded his head. "I want you to wish me good luck."

"Oh, okay." That put Naruto a little at ease. "Good luck. Though, you should know that I'm going to be rooting for my friend. Sorry but that's how it is."

Even after hearing that, Temari didn't seem offended by it. However, she did casually shake her head. "I don't mind that. But I asked you to give me good luck and I meant a proper one." Beforehe had a chance to do anything, Temari leaned over and gave Naruto a quick kiss on the cheek. "It's supposed to be the other way around but what the hell." With a triumphant smile she went ahead and headed for her match.

After getting over the surprise Naruto suddenly realized that the only ones left in the waiting area were him and fellow demon host, Gaara. Hostility was clearly there but it wouldn't do anyone any good if the two of them were to go at each other at that moment. "That kiss on the cheek meant nothing. So you don't have to be protective brother." That didn't get so much as a twitch from Gaara. "Okay. Stand there like a statue if you want. While you're at it, why don't you take some of your sand and stick it up your-" Before Naruto could finish staying the rest the proctor spoke up.

"Are both competitors ready?" Nods of the head were all that was given. "Then let the third match of the Chunin Exam begin."

When the match was signaled to start Temari took out her fan, ready to attack at any time. Shikamaru on the other hand, that was a different story. Currently the Nara boy was looking up toward the sky and gazing at the clouds. "What a drag this is. Why am I doing this again? It's not like I really care about this match."

Apparently Shikamaru's lack of enthusiasm was starting to get to his opponent as Temari was getting more irritated by the second. "That jerk is mocking me. He's going to regret for not taking me seriously." "If that's how you're going to be then I'll take the fight to you." Rushing in Temari brought her fan down on the boy. When she looked at where her fan hit there wasn't anyone there.

"My, aren't you an eager lady, aren't you?" Standing a few feet away was Shikamaru who didn't have the slightest bit of damage on him. "This match isn't that important to me. I could care if I become a chunin or not. However, I'm not going to standby and lost to a girl."

Temari response was not of words but instead she just opened her fan and swung it at him which resulted in a strong wind being side his way. When the wind started to got away the damage was there but there wasn't any sign of Shikamaru. "He's fast when he has to run away." It wasn't hard to figure out where he could've gone as there was only one place that he could hide. Following that line of reason Temari did a Wind Scythe Jutsu with her fan again and like last time a strong wind was created.

From his hiding spot Shikamaru braced himself as the wind sliced the surrounding area. "She must be getting annoyed at how things are going." However, he would use the dust cloud that was created to his advantage he stretched his shadow toward the Suna shinobi. Seeing it coming though, Temari continued to back away until the shadow started to slow down and came to a complete stop.

"So, that's how it is." When the shadow finally stopped stretching she made a line in the ground with her fan. "Due to his chakra capacity and the availability of the shadows that are already around his shadow can only stretch so far. As long as I stay behind this line I'll be save from his technique."

Standing against the wall Shikamaru silently curse when he saw that his attempt failed and recognized what his opponent was doing. "This is just my luck. Not only to I have to face a girl but she seems to be a strategist as well. What a drag. I guess I'll just have to take it as it comes." After doing his usual thinking pose a strategy started to come together. Going into his weapon's pouch Shikamaru started to set it up.

Are you going to fight or are you keep hiding?" demanded Temari who was becoming more annoyed by the moment. "If not then just give up already." She followed her words up by again swinging her at his general direction. When the attack began to settle down four kunais were sent flying at her. Or so it seemed as they all hit the ground around her.

For a moment Temari thought that Shikamaru had thrown them without really aiming but notice something that was attached to the kunais. In succession the paper bombs that had been wrapped around the kunai handles exploded. Though they weren't strong enough to do any real damage they caused a large dust cloud that that it made hard to see anything.

"Here's my chance." Once again, Shikamaru sent his shadow to the center of the dust cloud. There was no telling that he if he actually got her until the dust cloud started to go away. When it did was revealed that his plan was a success. "Something's wrong."

Shikamaru's suspicion would prove to be correct as gliding in the air on her fan was Temari. "Nice try." Temari credited. Slowly she started to glide down to the ground where she grabbed her fan. "Unfortunately it didn't pay off." Before it could be asked what the deal was with her double that had been used as a diversion disappeared, revealing it o be nothing more than a clone.

"No wonder it felt weird when I caught her. My shadow possession only works on actual people and not a clone. She obviously figured out what my plan was and found a way to counter it. Not that bad of a move." By the way that he was thinking it almost sounded like Shikamaru was impressed. "Better be careful or she'll manage to beat me." Not letting that deter him he went ahead with the plan that was already going through his head.

Once again Shikamaru threw four more kunais. Instantly noticing that there was paper bombs on those as well Temari about to use her fan to send them back the shadow user but suddenly decided to roll away. "I used too much chakra to escape from that last attack. I don't have enough to credit a wind to send back his attacks back at him." Preparing for impending blast she shielded herself with her fan but nothing came. Looking over Temari saw none of the paper bombs went off. "Were they duds?"

On impulse she looked over her shoulder and saw a shadow coming her way. Moving quickly Temari was able to keep from being caught. "What's going on? How did he able to get behind me?" Following where the shadow had come from she saw that it had came from the whole that Naruto created during his match. They must've connected underground as the other hole is where Shikamaru's shadow had entered.

Temari continued to avoid the shadow until it stopped coming after her and started to retract. "He's reached his limit. This is my chance to end this before he has the chance to win." She was prepared to use the most powerful Wind Scythe Jutsu that she could do when she caught the amusing smile on Nara boy's face. "What's so funny? Do you realize the predicament that you're in?"

"Oh, I do." Shikamaru replied almost confidently. "But do you?" What he meant by that started to become clear when Temari saw that she was once again standing near the second group of kunai that had been thrown. What caught her eye was that in the loop at the end of each of the kunai was a small round pouch of something. The reason for them would be realized as they exploded in a blinding light.

Closing her eyes, Temari hoped that it would protect her sight but the light still came through. While the flash starting to fade it still cause everyone who saw it to be momentarily blinded. Becoming somewhat worried the girl from Suna had her fan folded and was swinging it about. Temari could've used some chakra infused wind attacks but without knowing where her opponent was it would only be a waste of energy.

Unfortunately she wouldn't have the opportunity to gain the advantage of the match when she felt a strange sensation go through her body. "What's going on? What did that slacker do?" Before Temari could ask her questions out loudher vision started to return she discovered what happen. Shikamaru was standing in front of her and in between them was their connected shadow.

"Finallymy shadow possession was a success." exclaimed the usual laid back Shikamaru but there was a trace of satisfaction could be heard within his words. "You were so focused on the paper bombs that you didn't notice the flash bombs that secretively were added to them. Then all those previous attempts were to make you completely forget about them and put you in position. You know the rest. Now it's time to put an end to this match."

Shikamaru started to the center of the arena. Despite her best efforts to stop herself, Temari couldn'thelp but do the same because of the shadow possession. Throughout the entire crowd watched on in anticipation as they wanted to see how things would come to an end. There were even shouts of encouragement from his friends and teammates who felt that it was just a matter of time for him to win.

"That's all. I give up." Of all the things that could've happened that was something that no one predicted. From what could be heard Shikamaru thought he heard someone that sounded like Ino yelling about what he was doing. "I'll likely be getting a earful from her later."

"Wh-What are you doing?" wondered Temari as she definitely one of the most confuse before in the entire arena. "Are you going easy with me because I'm a girl?"

"Don't be so shortsighted." Shikamaru replied offhanded manner. "Using my shadow jutsus had made me use up most of my chakra. Even if I know a few more ways to beat you it wouldn't matter. I probably only have enough to hold you for the next five minutes. This one match is going enough for me."

"Winner of the match: Temari." declared the proctor. When the announcement was made there was still a bit of confusion from what actually happen and there were some who applauded from what turned out to be an exciting match and the strategy that the boy demonstrated. There was even a few, namely a bleach blonde girl who couldn't help but shake their heads in disbelief for him giving up such an opportunity.

Down with the two competitors, Shikamaru released his shadow hold on Temari who was still stunned at how things ended. "What is this boy's deal? He had me beaten let he gave up as if this mach was no big deal." Unable to help herself she let out a chuckle. "He seems to be more interesting than I originally thought."

"Are you deficient or something Shikamaru?" questioned Naruto who left the waiting area after the match had been concluded. "Why would you give up when you had the match won?"

"Oh, quit with your complaining. Your yelling is giving me a headache." That only seemed to irritate Naruto even more. "Besides, let's just stand back and watch the next match." Luckily that stopped the spiky haired blond from coming up with any retort as he was eager to see the next match that everyone was waiting to see.

You might be wondering why I had Kankuro and Shino have their match during the finals. Mostly it's because for what's to come in the not so distant future. You'll just have to wait and see what I mean by that. Also, I hope that I changed the Shikamaru vs. Temari match enough that it didn't seem like I was completely ripped off how it was done in the actual series.

Likely you readers know what's going to happen next so I'll leave it there. Expect it to be out later this month and hope that the wait for it will be worth it. Anyway, until then, see ya and please take the time to leave a review if you can.