hello my lovelies, how are ya? i hope everyone who was along the east coast for hannah are ok, and those of you who suffered through ike are also doing well. i'm in n.c. so we got a butt load of rain from hannah.
this is the next installment of my little kibaxsakura story. no lemon in this one, but i promise some action next chapter. ;) i know it's been implied, but i'm still getting use to writing that. i also didn't want it to be the focus of the story. hey no worries though, they'll be back at it again next chapter.
i must say i am so grateful to everyone who has been reading/alerting/favoriting/reviewing not only this story, but my others. it is really nice to have people enjoy what i've written. thank you so much to those who have been with me from the start, to those who have picked up the story and read it in a matter of days. thanks again.
i also have to say that inspiration has struck me again, and i have a new kibaxsakura idea. i'm so excited about it too. i think it will be my next story after this one. so yay! well, i guess i should stop talking now and let you read the actual story. it's weird how so many of my first chapters were four and five thousand words and i was worried about them being too long...the last few have been over ten thousand! i hope you don't mind the long chapters. if you do let me know, afterall this is for your enjoyment.
CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT Three Outta Four.
Fourth period had ended, and Kiba walked down the senior hallway looking for Sakura. She didn't meet him at the double doors like every other day. As he approached Kurenai sensei's classroom, he saw Asuma standing outside the door.
"She's still in there. I imagine she's getting a pep talk from Kurenai." Asuma offered.
"Sakura did really well on her practical." Kiba said leaning on the lockers. "I was there, at the end. Her transformation jutsu was almost undetectable."
"Kurenai mentioned you could still smell her though," the jounin instructor commented. "She has been bragging about the both of you all weekend."
Kiba nodded. "Her scent was there, but I just didn't put two and two together to figure out it was her in that room. It was like something was off."
"It just takes time and training. Your sense of smell helps with things like that and genjutsu." Asuma spoke. "I do believe Kurenai will be helping Sakura more over the summer session. None of your team are genjutsu types, so working with Sakura has be fun for her. Not too mention giving her some advice for other techniques."
Kiba slid down the lockers to sit on the floor. "I guess this means Sakura will have a lot of undercover work."
The dog trainer frowned and elbowed the locker in slight frustration.
"Probably. Sakura is an attractive young woman. She's smart, strong, and has medical training. She's a perfect candidate. This girl even has Shikamaru motivated, to keep his number one rank academically." Asuma laughed at his favorite student. "He was complaining about having to buy her chocolate. I know it's not what you want to hear, but if I were assigning missions, she or Ino would be who I chose."
Asuma watched the disgust continue to grow over Kiba's face. He felt bad for the young man. Kiba was a good kid. He was smart, but a little lazy in the classroom. The heir did make up for that laziness in his training.
Asuma knew what he was feeling. There were plenty of times he watched Kurenai leave for missions that might include her flirting or being a little too intimate with another man. The arguments they had. The fate of their relationship was unsure until his dad pulled him to the side and had a talk with him. Asuma also knew Kiba was close to Shino's father, since his own was killed. He wasn't sure if Shibi had spoken to him about this subject, but felt it was time.
"Nope, it's not really anything I want to hear." Kiba spat out. "Not too many guys want to think of their girl rubbing up on another guy. Thinking of Saturday still bothers me."
"I'm not going to lie Kiba, it's hard. By nature we men are possessive. You as an Inuzuka are probably more so. You just have to learn how to separate work from relationship." Asuma started. His eyes connected with the younger man.
"You are going to make a great shinobi one day. Kiba, you have to have faith in your girl and your relationship. There isn't a magic answer." Asuma was leaning on the wall. "We had arguments, bad ones. But I had to remember we loved each other. You have an advantage and can feel that from her in more ways than I could."
Kiba thought about what he said.
"Don't worry it will work out. I can tell you this, I don't know which is worse, watching her leave on a mission like that, or having to watch her on a mission like that." Asuma scoffed.
"Ah damn it, I never thought of that," Kiba whined as his eyes grew wider.
Asuma laughed. After that moment the two ladies exited the classroom.
Moments earlier, Kurenai asked Sakura to stay behind a few minutes after dismissing the science class.
"I wanted to tell you again how impressed I was with your performance on the practical." The physics professor began. She was placing homework in a folder.
"Thank you sensei." Sakura replied. "It means a lot to have you say that."
"It's praise well deserved." Kurenai looked at the younger student. Sakura's lip was currently in between her teeth. "What is bothering you?"
Kurenai was not the type to beat around the bush, and Sakura knew this from being in her class as well as working with the jounin on her genjutsu.
"It's just, I'm dating Kiba." Sakura began. "And what if I would have actually had to, you know."
A blush covered her face.
"You would have completed your mission and then dealt with the other stuff. That's what every kunoichi, not just those in this village do." Kurenai smiled at her innocence, "Sit down Sakura. Kiba isn't stupid. He knows what's expected of you."
The jounin sat in the desk beside Sakura.
"I know Kiba pretty well. I think he is going to be a great ninja. With that said, any male shinobi dating a kunoichi has to accept those type of missions are unavoidable. It will be hard for him and you at first, but you will get use to it."
"You're lucky that it is Kiba." Kurenai continued. "He can read you better than anyone. He knows your intentions, and that you love him. Knowing that boy's reputation with girls, he wouldn't be with you unless he could trust you. He loves you, I can see it. It's quite cute."
"Ok," the junior, returning the elder's smile, with another small blush.
"Asuma and I had the same problems for a long time. I was so worried about him getting mad or jealous. He was, but did his best to keep it form interfering with our relationship. He was proud that his girlfriend could take care of herself, but I reassured him that he was the man that I loved. You just have to remember to separate your work from your love life." Kurenai instructed. "Plus once you are married those type of missions become less and less. I haven't had one in well over two years."
"Really," the pink haired girl asked.
"No, had to flirt a few times or turn a few heads, but nothing passed that." Kurenai chuckled. "It's touching to see you two together. It would be worse if you were dating a civilian. Those men just don't get it, trust me. And if you ever do date one, never let them find out about that part of your job."
Sakura chuckled, "Hai."
"This summer though, we will work on a few more techniques for both your genjutsu and undercover. There are different types for guys, and a few escape tactics. You and Ino are naturals at this, but the more you know the better." Kurenai stood. "Now if you don't mind I need to meet my sexy hubby for lunch. He gets grouchy. I can already feel them outside like a pair of puppies."
Sakura stood also, picking up her books. The junior opened the classroom door, finding Asuma and Kiba pacing back and forth. Both women laughed at the expense of the two.
With the practical finished, Sakura felt a little relieved. She wasn't sure when the next part would take place, but she knew she had to get stronger. Her mother was training her as much as she could, but the hospital was swamped with medical students from the university preparing for their exams. Tsunade was also left with the task of over seeing the construction of their new home, planning a wedding, and the Hokage sent her on several small missions for the village. All of this without Jiraiya's help since he was busy preparing for the high school and university students taking the genin exams, and his own missions.
She needed a kunoichi, that much she had figured out. There was a different understanding between the female shinobi. She walked through the village to her destination. The pink haired girl took a deep breath before knocking.
"Sakura chan, shouldn't you be in school?"
Sakura bowed before the older kunoichi.
"Tsume san, would you please help to train me for the upcoming exam?" Sakura asked.
Tsume looked at the girl humbled in front of her. She knew Sakura was strong, but her confidence wavered at times. That much she had seen when she was visiting the ninja arts class at school. The clan leader also knew one day this would be the mother of her grandkids. She could tell by the scent Kiba emitted. Subconsciously he had already chosen her as his mate. Tsume wasn't the only one, Kuromaru and Akamaru felt it too. Tsume could gage be the way Akamaru also acted toward the girl.
So why not help her? 'This girl is going to be great with guidance,' she thought.
"Of course Sakura. But I won't go easy on you." Tsume answered. An evil smile on her face.
"I don't expect you to." Sakura replied and became worried at the look on Tsume's face.
For the next week and a half, she was beaten into the ground daily by her team, mother, then Tsume. The pair decided to keep it a secret. Kiba had good intentions, but would cause a distraction. Their luck ran out when Shibi and the boys came home early from training.
"What the hell?" Kiba asked as him mother slammed Sakura into the ground. The backyard had several new craters from Sakura's punches.
"Up Sakura, we've been found out." Tsume patted her leg and pulled her up. "Good afternoon gentlemen."
"That's why you've smelled like her?" Kiba asked Sakura. He had barely seen her the past two weeks, and when he did, he noticed she smelled a lot like his mother. He kissed her cheek.
"Yup, she's been helping me with my taijutsu." Sakura pulled a twig from her hair.
"What's that on your arm?" Kiba pointed to a large bite mark. His eyes scanning for other injuries.
"Oh that, Kuromaru is a sore loser." Sakura licked her tongue out at the elder canine. He wolfed loudly at her as if to disagree.
"I could have told you that." Kiba joked. The older dog barked at the clan heir.
"She is doing very well. That damn genjutsu of hers is a bitch though. It's getting better and better." Tsume told Shibi.
Shibi's interest was peaked. He and Tsume very rarely fell into a genjutsu trap, so for Tsume to say that must mean something.
"That sounds interesting. Sakura chan, let's see." Shibi asked. The older man moved his glasses down just a bit to stare at the pink hair girl in front of him.
Sakura's stomach jumped at his request.
'That man is crazy if he thinks we are going to spar with him.' Inner Sakura shouted, stomping her imaginary foot for emphasis.
"Uh no," she declined. Shibi Aburame leaked confidence, and he intimidated her in a different way than Tsume.
"You and Tsume san against Kiba kun and me." Shibi challenged. Shibi could tell by Sakura's stance she was nervous. Tsume and Kiba could tell by her scent.
"Uh, Shibi ojisan," Kiba began. He hated sparring Sakura. The idea of hitting his girlfriend didn't set well with him. Yes she was naturally stronger, but he was naturally a better fighter. He didn't want to hurt her.
"She'll be fine Kiba." Tsume teased, "She might even kick your sorry ass."
Sakura gave a quick smirk at that comment, and Kiba totally took that as a challenge. Shino made his way to the back porch to sit down. This he had to see.
The first few rounds Kiba went easy on her. He couldn't help it. Shibi pulled him to the side.
"Kiba kun, let me ask you something," the older man began. "If I were facing Sakura as an opponent, what do you think I would do in a life or death situation?"
"Probably," Kiba answered, not liking his response. "Kill her."
"You're right, but I would show mercy by doing it as quickly and painless as possible," the clan leader answered.
Kiba looked at his uncle confused.
"Not every shinobi is merciful that way. There are some cruel and sick bastards out there, some are even in our village. They will hurt her just for the fun of it." Shibi's expression was as serious as Kiba had seen it in a long time. "They will rape, torture, or do things you can't even imagine to her, then kill her. Or worse let her live, haunted by the memories."
Kiba felt a knot form in his stomach. This was the part where he wanted to keep her away from the life of a shinobi.
"I've seen it happen too. Kunoichi destroyed, physically and mentally. That Kiba is why it is so important to train full on with her. You can't hold back. She has to learn how to handle herself without anyone backing her up. Sakura needs to learn how to take a hit and get back up fighting. Help her become stronger, not just her but Hinata too. Their lives and sanity depend on it."
Shibi placed his hand on Kiba's shoulder.
"Listen son, her size is both a disadvantage and advantage. People won't take her seriously, but once she learns to control that strength she will be a force. You are still a more natural fighter, but you have to make her ready." Shibi finished the lecture.
"Hai Shibi ojisan," the young man answered. "I understand."
"Hell, her mom's the head medic at the hospital. Aside from death, there's nothing you can do to her that can't be fixed," the bug master laughed.
Kiba digested the words Shibi said to him. He had a different perspective of how she needed to train. His Godfather was right. If he were facing Sakura in battle, he would kill her. The alternative was unbearable to think of. A new resolve in his mind, he stood in front of his girlfriend ready to fight.
Naruto and Sakura moaned as they walked to the restaurant to meet their parents. Kakashi was a little harsher with them the past few days. In her mind, Sakura knew something was up. Sakura felt disgusting in the her PE uniform, but her cousin would not give them the chance to go home and shower. The hostess gave the two students a disapproving look, but started to lead the three to the table their parents were sitting at.
That is after she made it known to the copy nin that she was a single woman. Sakura and Naruto rolled their eyes. The hostess turned four shades of pink when Naruto stated anyone wanting to date his cousin would have to be willing and able to pull off each and every position mention in the Icha Icha Paradise books Kakashi was so found of. Sakura nearly wet her shorts trying to hold back laughter, while Kakashi smacked his cousin's head with said novel.
"Kids, you two smell pretty bad." Tsunade mentioned as they sat down.
"Thanks, but someone wouldn't let us grab a shower before we came here." Sakura nodded toward the copy nin. The waitress came over and handed the three menus, and took their drink orders. Sakura had practically cut out tea and soft drinks for the past month due to the training. In fact she had cut out most sugars or snacks from her diet. The pink haired girl had always had a healthy appetite, but recently with all the extra training she was hungry all the time.
The parents gave the others a chance to order, and Tsunade looked over at her husband.
"Your mother and I need to talk to you about something important," he began. He made sure the two were looking at him with full attention.
"We have been planning on renewing our vows, and when that is done an announcement will be made of our family's reunion." Jiraiya said. "Your mother has been taking a few small missions with me for the Third, and I'm sure as you both may know these are not considered D ranked missions."
The two nodded to their parents. Sakura and Naruto were trying to follow what he was saying. Kakashi merely sat back and listened.
"There is no beating around the bush about how we can say this. We are trying to have you each prepared for the chance that your mother or I or both could be killed in action." The toad sage spoke. "There are accounts that you need to be aware of and paperwork, life insurance and things of that nature you should know about."
Sakura's face deadpanned, and Naruto's mouth dropped. The twins looked at one another, then Kakashi who simply motioned for them to listen.
"What are you talking about old man?" Naruto practically shouted. "Why are you talking about this?"
"Because this is important Naruto." Tsunade interjected. "We want you to know that you'll be ok, both financially and eventually emotionally. We've had this paperwork prepared since the day we found out we were pregnant with you two. It's gone through some revisions since my brother, your uncle, the Fourth died, and our move to Suna, but the pair of you are taken care of. You have to know that."
"Our lifestyle isn't a safe one, but we are smart enough to prepare for something like that. Do you understand? The first thing is, that if anything happens to us before you turn eighteen, Kakashi kun is your legal guardian." Tsunade continued. "He also knows about the information we are going to give you."
For the rest of the dinner, the sannin went over instructions and financial accounts with the pair.
As they left the restaurant, Jiraiya and Tsunade left to speak with the hokage. Kakashi wanted to stopped by the hospital to walk Shizune home.
Naruto looked at Sakura, "You've been quiet all night, what's up?"
He wrapped his hand in hers. The lights of the village were bright. Noise of people enjoying the evening filled the air.
"I don't know. I've just got a weird feeling." Sakura answered looking up at her big brother. "Kakashi niisan has be almost brutal with us. I know it's for the exam, but it makes me wonder if there's not something else. Then they spring this stuff on us. I just feel like they know a little more than we do."
Naruto thought about what she was saying.
"You think so?" The pair approached their dad's apartment.
"Maybe I'm just over thinking it." Sakura mumbled. The two began to go up the stairs. "I just wonder what if he's back. I'm not strong enough, I need more time."
"I think they would tell us if he were." Naruto told her, opening the door. "Dad would want us to be ready or at least have someone guarding us."
"I suppose you're right about that." Sakura took her shoes off by the door. "It will be nice to be open about our family."
"True." Naruto followed her into the living room. "Chouji asked about your stuff being over here. I had to tell him it was because we were spending so much time together training it was easier. He bought it, but Shikamaru I'm not too sure about."
"I know he's been dropping little hints around me too." Sakura plopped on the couch. "It'll be over soon. I guess one of us should make it to the shower."
"You go first, I can barely move." Naruto poked her. Sakura grunted.
The Thursday after her dinner with parents, Sakura changed into a pair of black shorts and a sleeveless pink top with a white circle on the back with black boots completing her look. She tied the white medic apron her mother gave her and tied it around her waist. The young women then began to put on her weapons pack and holster. Shino, Shikamaru, Neji, and Sakura had orientation at the university that morning, and were excused from the morning classes at the high school. Walking down to meet the boys, Sakura saw the boys had taken advantage of the opportunity to dress down.
The foursome made their way to the university and settled into the auditorium with the other upcoming freshmen. A poof sounded causing all four to jump back.
On the back of the seat in front of them, an ANBU member was perched.
"Haruno Sakura, Hyuuga Neji, you are both to report to the Hokage's office immediately," the masked shinobi ordered.
The two nodded, and the ANBU member who sounded a lot like Itachi, disappeared. The pair stood, saying goodbye, and left for the Hokage tower. Shino and Shikamaru picked up the orientation information for them. The two juniors caught the train back to the school, meeting up with the others.
Kiba looked at the pair that returned, "She's gone?"
Naruto and Tenten were summoned during their math class.
"Yup," Shikamaru answered. He offered Kiba a doughnut.
"She's going to do fine." Shino tried to reassure the two.
The room was crowded with students, examiners, and senseis. Sakura scanned the room, noticing Toku and his companion in the chairs on the wall. The dark black dog's fur looked soft and smooth. Toku gave Sakura a wink and a nod of encouragement. She returned his gesture with a smile. It felt good to have some connection to Kiba there with her.
Tenten was seated beside her. The two were chatting nervously.
Two other senior boys, Shisho and Irni, were talking loudly. "I can't believe they are actually letting junior girls take this exam." Shisho said with a smirk.
"I know, I just hope I don't have to hurt one of them. You know how delicate they are. Then I'd have to hurt those boyfriends of theirs." Irni commented.
Toku chuckled at the anger that radiated off Tenten and Sakura.
"You two better shut it," he said leaning over their desk. "Ibiki sensei is about to speak."
Toku shot Sakura a look that told her to calm down. The pink haired girl took his advice. Something in that Inuzuka smile, made her relax.
"Students, welcome to the second portion of your exam." Ibiki stated. He smiled at the group of students before them.
There were several Aburames and other Inuzuka there to help the examiners. Sakura noticed that Tsume and Shibi came into the room with the Hokage.
"This portion of the exam will test your classroom skills." Ibiki continued. Many students groaned at that comment, including Sakura's older brother. "Trust me as math sensei for many of you, I'd be worried too."
Few students, as well as the exam committee and Sakura, laughed at his remark. "There will be three parts to the exam. Two written and one will be a performance test, a simple jutsu."
Sakura could see the look of worry on Tenten's face for Lee. Neji was hard to read, but Sakura knew him well enough to know he was concerned for his teammate. This was Lee's time to shine, and Neji felt a need for his entire team to succeed.
The examiners mixed the students up and passed out the exams. Sakura read the instructions, 'Read each question before beginning.'
'Simple enough,' she thought.
She read over the first, then second problem. The pencils of the other students began to work. She looked at Naruto, then Zaku, neither of which had begun. They like her were staring at their papers. With good reason too, the problems were hard. Sakura wasn't sure what Naruto would do, there was no way he'd have the math skills to answer any of the first twelve problems. It wasn't because her brother was stupid, it was because these were math concepts they had just studied in her class.
The clock slowly filled the room with it's ticking. The sound of pencils and sighing were the only other noises in the room. By the twentieth problem, Sakura felt like she would be sick. She wondered how so many other students were answering these questions. Naruto and Zaku were still staring at their papers, so was Neji. Tenten and Lee had begun to work.
Sakura got to the very last problem and read it. 'Do not answer any of these problems. Simply place your jounin sensei, teammates, and name at the top. Then turn in to the examiner. If you have answered questions on this paper do not erase them.'
It was as if all three read the last problem at the same time. Their eyes locked and smiles crossed their faces. They did as the problem instructed and turned in their papers.
They sat back and listened as other students groaned when they reached the last problem. Neji shook his head when he realized his teammates had answered the questions instead of reading the questions first.
The last paper was turned in, and Ibiki stood, "As genin you are still in the process of learning. You must be able to follow instructions. In this case the exam instructed you to read all the problems before beginning."
With that boost of confidence, team Kakashi were psyched to take the other two portions of the exam.
The second and third portions of the exam were completed without any trick questions. The students were more cautious about each task that was to be performed.
Anko sensei stood with an evil looking smirk on her face, "You have forty five minutes to meet at shinobi training ground seven with full gear and ready to go. Your forty five minutes stared fifteen minutes ago."
The classroom cleared as students scrambled out the doors and windows.
Kakashi's students met together at the entrance to the training ground as instructed. Naruto had rushed to change from his school uniform and grabbed the first item he could find. Clad in a bright orange jumpsuit, he and Sakura approached Zaku. The training ground was fenced in and the trees stood tall into the sky. The forest was dense and dark. Other teams were milling around plotting a strategy for the next portion of the exam.
Amazingly the reality of the exam had just hit Sakura. A nervousness had settled into Sakura's stomach. Her hand started shaking just a little.
"Sakura, calm down." Zaku instructed. He felt confident their team would do better than any other. "We've got this in the bag."
He gave her a smiled that relaxed her slightly.
"Zaku's right, we can handle anything." Naruto added. "Don't worry."
"I know, but I don't want to mess up Zaku's chance." Sakura bit her lip. She kicked the dust on the ground around her feet. The young woman was worried about her performance. There were so many people who had helped her prepare for this. Letting down so many people frightened her. Not to mention Zaku's future depended on this.
"Hey, don't even think like that," the senior poked her shoulder. "I told you, we are going to kick ass. I promise."
Zaku put his hand on Sakura's shoulder rubbing it. Naruto smiled and winked at her.
"Sakura chan, trust us." Naruto reassured.
The students became quiet when Anko appeared in front of them.
"Listen up losers, we are about to start. Each team will be given one of two assignments." Anko began. "One is to protect a scroll from the beginning of the exam until you reach the tower inside. The other teams will need to take a scroll from a team that has one and deliver it to the tower inside."
She looked out among the students. An evil smile covered her face.
"You have until six am Saturday morning to complete this assignment in order to move on to the fourth part of the exam," the instructor continued. "Do you understand?"
"Hai Sensei," the class responded.
"Now each team to one of the stations on the side to receive your assignment." Anko barked at the group.
The school day ended and Kiba and his friends made their way to Kototaru to hang out for a while. Hinata was a little anxious about Naruto being gone. Kiba was also kinda quiet when they took their seats in a booth.
"She'll be fine." Shino looked at Kiba. The restaurant was crowded with students and started to get loud.
"Hn." Kiba answered. Their server approached and took their orders.
"If anything those four are going to come out on top." Chouji spoke up. "Come on, Neji's like the genius of our class, and Naruto has no idea what the words 'give up' even mean."
"True, and Sakura and Tenten aren't just some random push over girls." Ino added to her boyfriend's comment.
A group of five or six genin walked through the doorway. Toku was among them, with his teammate Hyuuga Dorius. Also included with them were Kamizuki Taro, Izumo's older brother. The group guys made their way over to the booths were everyone was waiting for their food. Ino and Hinata excused themselves to go catch up with a few of the senior girls. Neither girl wanted to stick around during the testosterone fest that was about to take place.
"What's up fellas?" Taro spoke to the guys. The fellas went through shaking each others' hands. The guys pulled chairs up at the tables around the booths. "So Izumo kun and Kotetsu kun are taking the genin exam. I hear Neji kun and Naruto kun are also out there."
"Yeah, so are Tenten and Sakura," the shadow wielder added. He leaned on to the back of the booth.
"Tenten, man she's filled out. Sakura chan?" Taro's smile broadened as he realized who she was. "The pink haired girl, yeah I remember her. Hot."
Kiba grumbled a little looking at Taro. He never really cared for Izumo's older brother. Taro was in the graduating class with Toku. He was too cocky to back it up and basically an asshole. Even though Kiba and his friends dated a lot of different girls, they were up front with them. Taro on the other hand, liked to lead girls on and had no problem with trying to hook up with one of his friends exs.
"Watch your mouth, Taro." Toku spoke. He nodded toward Kiba.
"What Inuzuka, have you got your eye on her?" Taro smirked. "I heard about her practical exam, and I don't think you can handle it. That kinda girl needs special attention."
"And I suppose you can give my girlfriend that kinda attention," the Inuzuka heir spoke up. His eyes locked with Taro's and his posture straighten in the chair. He needed to nip this in the bud. Taro was famous for flirting with any girl taken or not.
"She's your girl?" Taro grinned. "Shit, since when did Inuzuka Kiba find himself placed on a leash?"
"Didn't you see who was holding onto that leash?" Kiba bragged. Shino and the others began to relax as the tension started to subside.
"Yeah, I'd followed that lead anywhere." Taro replied. "Anyway, I'm throwing a party for the testing class Saturday after the fourth part of the exam. Of course you all are invited."
"Where?" Shikamaru asked. The waitress came over and placed food on the table, winking at Shino.
"My parents' house. My apartment has neighbors, so that's out of the question." Taro answered. The server took orders from the genin.
"Booze?" Chouji questioned. He squirted ketchup on his fries.
"Of course. My parents have decided that it would be a good time to spend the night at an inn." Taro said. "My little bro is going to dominate this exam, so hell yeah he gets a party."
Izumo had given Taro a similar party last year when Taro took the exam.
"We'll be there." Shino told him. The group of boys continued to eat and hang out. Kiba made his way home with Shino.
Sakura, Naruto, and Zaku were camping in the forest. Naruto munched on the food they had for dinner. The scroll they were given was placed closed to Sakura's chest. Zaku decided Sakura would be the one less targeted out of the three, so she should carry the scroll. During their trek through the forest, they had encountered two other teams. Each of which the threesome had defeated easily.
"Ok, Sakura take the first watch," the senior started. "Naruto you take second, and I'll do the last."
"Fine," the jinchuuriki said as he tossed a handful of nuts into his mouth. He sat on a log beside his sister. "I wonder how far from the tower we are?"
"If we don't run into too much trouble, we should be there soon." Sakura responded. "We've been moving at a pretty steady pace."
The moon, luckily, was bright enough for their campsite. They did not want to start a fire, for fear it would give away their location. Another hour of sitting around, and Zaku and Naruto decided to turn in for the evening to rest before their shifts.
Kakashi's students pushed themselves in the forest on that Friday to reach the tower. They encountered another three teams, and managed to escape them. At two am they arrived at the check in tower with their scroll. They were the second team to return. Neji's team arrived fourth. The returning teams were each ushered into their own waiting rooms. The room was small with a couch and chair. There was a tiny window toward the top of the back wall. Sakura sat in the chair, Naruto rested on the floor, and Zaku reclined on the couch.
They each decided to take the time to rest and fell asleep. When nine am arrived the door slid open, and Anko and Iruka entered the room.
"Wake up," she shouted. The three jumped into a ready stance, weapons drawn. "Calm down, calm down. This team has passed the third portion of the exam. You are now going to be escorted to the arena for the individual matches."
Naruto sat down on the couch beside Zaku. Iruka smiled at the team.
"The next part of the exam is where you can so off any type of special skills you have." Iruka spoke. "This is another step for your team. Remember to fight as hard as you can, but you need to conserve your energy to the next match."
The students nodded. "Hai sensei," they replied.
"Be ready to leave in fifteen minutes," Anko announced as they leaved. The door slid close.
"Ok, this is what we have been working for," the senior said to the others. He stood, jumping up and down a little. "Let's get out there and do this."
"Hell yeah," Naruto's grin grew wider. The older of the twins clenched his fist. "The whole village is going to see what I can do."
Sakura shook her head in agreement. Sweat began to form on her forehead.
"Sakura, no cold feet. You are fuckin awesome and a threat to any one of those people." Zaku said. He gripped Sakura's shoulders and looked into her eyes. "I don't know what is wrong with you lately. You can totally do this, and I don't know why you aren't more confident."
There wasn't a way that she could tell him about the dreams she was having lately. She was worried about the mark on her side, and she was scared that something was going to happen during the exam. There was a feeling of fear that she couldn't place.
"You know you can do this Sakura chan, please get your head in the game." Naruto looked at her. "Come on snap out of whatever this is."
Taking a deep breath, she relaxed a little. The pink haired girl looked up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and tried to focus like her mother taught her.
The energy was off the chart in the room once the escorts came to take them to the stadium. All the other teams were walking with them. No one knew which teams had passed the third part of the exam, having been told by Anko to not speak while on their way over. Once they were in the arena, each group was shown into another waiting room that looked out into the stadium. The teams could hear the noise of the crowd that had started to gather in the stands.
"Kiba let's go!" Shino shouted from his room at Kiba's house. Shikamaru was relaxed on Shino's bed looking out the window. Shino was organizing a few notes at his desk.
"Alright, keep your panties on for Pete's sake," Kiba called back. He took a towel and rubbed it through his hair trying to dry it. The Inuzuka heir walked back into his bedroom and pulled a black t shirt over his undershirt.
The chunin exams were a time for each of the clans to show their clan pride. Older members of the clans would wear kimonos in the clan fabrics or colors associated with them. Most younger clan members wore shirts with clan symbols or slogans. The heirs were no different.
Shino was sporting a gray shirt with a giant destruction bug on the back, and the front had a trail of smaller bugs across his chest and up his shoulder. The slogan across the front in black read, 'Destruction from the inside out.'
Shikamaru had a white shirt that had a deer on the back with a shadow that went around the front of the shirt connecting to the clan name Nara.
Kiba's black t shirt had a set of canine eyes and fangs on the front, with the catch phrase, 'You will submit, bitch.' on the back. Two burgundy Inuzuka birthmarks framed the slogan.
"Let's go." Kiba said as he left the bedroom.
A twenty minute ride later, and they were walking into the stadium. The noise was loud and jubilant. The three saw their friends sitting in a section mixed with their parents and other classmates. Kiba went over to speak to his mom and Shino's parents. Shino carried on a little longer conversation with his parents. Shikamaru's parents waved to the boys, and Kiba moved over to talk to Tsunade and Jiraiya. Akamaru yipped at seeing Tsunade. For a few minutes the group spoke about which teams they thought made it past the third part of the exam. No one would know which team made it this far until the team's were introduced.
They walked up the steps and sat in a row behind Chouji and Ino. Hinata had already taken her seat. Hinata and Ino wore kimonos in fabric representing the Hyuuga and Yamanaka clans. Chouji had an Akimichi t shirt boasting bigger was better. The next row back sat Toku and his companion, Thunder, a grandson of Tsume's companion Kuromaru. His teammate and other genin were there also. Taro and Dorius were talking about the party that night.
Shino thought how nice it was to be part of a community that he could sit with his friends and still have his parents a few rows over. There wasn't any feeling of self consciousness like a lot of other people in his school had around their families.
Music played over the speakers as the crowd continued to fill the stadium. The anxiety level was rising higher and higher. The villagers began to chant and as if on cue the announcers for the matches greeted them.
"Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen," a familiar voice came over the speaker. "Welcome to Konoha Academy's Spring Genin Exam."
The crowd roared with loud cheers. The juniors were getting edgy sitting there waiting for the passing teams to be announced.
"I am your host Umino Iruka and with me today is my lovely co host Mitarashi Anko," the sensei said to the crowed.
"Yes people, welcome this afternoon. Now entering the stadium is the Exam Committee." Anko spoke.
"Who the hell let Anko sensei behind a microphone." Shikamaru asked. "She cusses more than we do."
The guys all nodded. Anko had the mouth of a sailor and didn't have a leash on it. The exam committee took their seats.
"This year's committee has the honorable Hokage and our Village Elders, as well as head of the Uchiha and Akamichi clans." Iruka introduced. Each member waved to the crowd. Chouji and his friends went wild cheering for his dad. "This selection is important for the continuation of strong genin to represent our village. The students have trained hard and are ready to show off their skills."
Drowning Pool's, 'Bodies,' was playing in the background pumping the crowd up.
"Anko could you please turn that down just a little," Iruka whispered, the crowd could still hear him.
"Iruka, no it sets the mood." Anko answered back. "Now get on with introducing the teams."
"But I can't hear," Iruka snapped. His hand reached for the button. Anko pressed a pressure point on the man's hand. "Ouch!"
"Then put the damn headphones on," she answered. "Keep you damn hands off my buttons, and stay on your side!"
Kiba looked at his friends with a small amount of shock. "This is going to be interesting."
The song changed to one Kiba recognized Naruto listened to called, 'Hero's Comeback.'
"Without any further ado here are today's competitors." Iruka grumbled.
The group laughed as Iruka introduced the first team.
"Our next team is led by jounin advisor, Uchiha Itachi, Kamizuki Izumo, Hagane Kotetsu, and," the sensei continued.
Taro and the others cheered as Kotetsu and Izumo entered. The next group came into the stadium, walking into the center of the field below joining the first two teams, and Shiranui Genma.
"This next team contains two juniors taking the exam." Iruka began. The group of friends held their breath waiting for the names, "Under jounin examiner Maito Gai, senior Rock Lee, junior Hyuuga Neji, and junior," The crowd went into cheers among hearing the Hyuuga name.
The group were off their feet cheering. Kiba was a little anxious about the last team. His heart fell when Iruka didn't say the names of the team he was waiting for. Shikamaru was busy writing down the names of the competitors. Tenten looked tired and wore out. Neji on the opposite end of that looked calm and under control.
Naruto and Zaku bounced up and down full of nervous energy. Sakura bit her lip and cracked her knuckles.
"The last group, under the guidance of Hatake Kakashi, another team with two juniors, Abumi Zaku, junior Uzumaki Naruto, and junior Haruno Sakura." Iruka spoke.
Kiba let out a large yell when his girlfriend entered. Tsunade and Jiraiya also jumped to their feet seeing their children enter. Sakura was dirty and grimy as she smiled up at the crowd. Not just Kiba, their friends, and the Uzumakis were cheering either. The parents of their friends were also clapping loudly. Naruto and this group of friends had been together since second grade. Their parents had watched them grow up and felt a sense of pride in seeing Neji, Tenten, and Naruto make it this far. Within the last year Sakura had also found a place in each of the parents' hearts too. Jiraiya had two fingers in his mouth whistling to cheer on his kids.
"Your proctor today is Shiranui Genma," Anko shouted into the microphone. "As a reminder, recording any of the techniques or jutsus used today is prohibited, whether by recording device or bloodline traits. Yeah, Uchihas I'm talking to you. We're watching you!"
The jounin advisors jumped into the stands, sitting behind the examination committee and the other proctors. The students that did not pass the third exam began to fill in the empty rows beside the senseis and exam committee. Genma began to go over the rules for the competition. Each competitor wore a bracelet on their arm that read their chakra. The bracelets also acted as a monitor into any type of genjutsus used or special skills.
"The first match, Uzumaki Naruto versus Rei Akeno." Iruka announced. The other competitors moved toward the waiting areas for each team.
"Naruto is going to destroy that boy," Chouji joked. He was as always munching on something. This time nachos and cheese.
"I hope Naruto kun does well," the Hyuuga heiress spoke. Her index fingers tapping together as she normally did when nervous.
The music was changing again, this time Anko selected a song from an anime about soul reapers.
"Uzumaki is more of a taijutsu fighter," Anko informed the crowd. "Rei is also a close range fighter. This should be an interesting match between the pair."
"Anko chan what are you doing with this music?" Iruka shouted. Two different songs played as Anko went over the pair's fighting styles.
"What it's their theme music? Just worry about your job and let me do mine," she yelled.
The two fought, as did Anko and Irula, and Naruto came out the victor. Anko let out a big cheer for the young fox demon. Neji, then Izumo, Kotetsu, and Zaku each had their first matches. Lee got a by for his first match. Shikamaru was keeping notes in order to match them up to the next rounds.
Tenten's match was next, and she faced Shisho.
"Looks like the weapons expert, Tenten, will face off against another weapons user." Anko said with a mouth full of food. "How do you think she'll fair Iruka san?"
"What are you eating? You're suppose to be paying attention!" Iruka shouted again. "Get rid of those hot dogs!"
"I believe the junior will have a great chance to win this match if she keeps her head together." Anko continued with her assessment. "Hey, get your hands off my wiener!"
"It's inappropriate Anko chan. Ow, did you just bite me!" Iruka cried out in pain.
"Who's idea was this again?" Ino mumbled. "Chouji sit back down, wait until after Tenten's match for your hot dog."
She pulled the Akamichi back down in his seat.
"If Shisho not careful, Tenten's going to kill him after those comments he made about kunoichi." Toku spoke.
The match was a challenge because both were skilled at weapons, but Tenten defeated Shisho. Anko again cheered at the first female to make it to the second round.
"Sakura's next," the Aburame heir pointed out.
"Our last of the first round matches places Kaemon Irni against junior Haruno Sakura." Iruka provided the names for the crowd.
The friends cheered as Sakura left the area her team was waiting in. Naruto and Zaku gave her a confident nod. Sakura swallowed, confidence taking over her attitude. She couldn't just let Irni get away with saying kunoichi were weak. She was going to make him pay.
"I know Sakura won't forget anything those two said." Kiba added. He watched his girlfriend head toward Genma. Genma shook his hand as Sakura approached, remembering the girl's strength.
"Yeah, he's screwed." Shikamaru laughed. "The idiot."
"Haruno is a strong genjutsu user, with a great amount of strength. Kaemon likes to use his environment to fight for him." Iruka gave their stats to the audience. "Who do you like in this match?"
"Oh Haruno is going to hand him his ass." Anko answered, biting into the blue ice pop.
Kakashi watched his young cousin and willed her to end this match quickly to conserve her energy.
The music altered to another song that everyone recognized from Mortal Kombat.
"So sorry little girl, but your boyfriend can't help you now." Irni teased. "I told you and Tenten this is out of your league, but I'll end it quickly in order to save you and the other kunoichi some embarrassment. Maybe he saved you a seat beside him in the stands."
"I don't need my boyfriend to beat an arrogant pussy like you," the pink hair girl spat out. Inner Sakura was cracking her knuckles, fuming.
Tsume and Tsunade chuckled at Sakura's comment. Not the most lady like, but each of the kunoichi wanted her to whoop his sexist ass.
"Oh yeah, he's fucked." Shino said as the others laughed. As petite as the girl was, when angered she stood well over seven feet tall.
"Settle down you two." Genma instructed. "Do you both understand the rules?"
The pair nodded.
"Then begin," Genma said backing up as the pair eyed each other up and down.
Irni decided to make the first move, using his chakra to send a pile of rocks toward the girl. Sakura crushed each one with her fist, as she sped toward him. A determined look on her face when she got within range and she drew back her fist connecting with his nose.
"SHIT!" Shikamaru shouted. "She just moved his nose to the other side of his face!"
A collective gasp was heard through the crowd, when blood spouted from his nose. Each of the guys winced at the strength and damage of such a small girl. The kunoichi in training followed it up with a left hook to his cheek.
"Damn it Sakura, that's going to take forever to fix." Tsunade spoke. A small part of her cheered though, for Sakura knocking the piss out of that bastard.
"How so Haruno san?" Hinata asked.
"The place she just broke, you can't use chakra to fix, it cuts off breathing if you do. It has to be reset, or basically broken again, the bones rearranged, then he'll have to wear a mask for at least eight weeks." Tsunade answered. "Plus she's gone and broken his jaw and the bone under his eye. Each one she knows has to be heal without using chakra, and hurts like hell."
Shibi looked at his boys, "It sucks fighting a medic nin. They know exactly what they are doing to your body with each punch and are almost masters at dodging any attack thrown at them."
Shibi laughed at the looks of pride that were plastered on Kiba's, Shino's, and Shikamaru's faces.
"Looks like Kaemon bit off more than he can chew," laughed Anko into the microphone.
The senior stood, making a few hand signals. The branch of a tree extended swatting Sakura to the ground. As she fell, the young woman did her own set of signals and got back up, kneeling with one knee on the ground.
The audience looked at the monitor above the stadium. Sakura had implemented a genjutsu on her opponent. Well placed genjutsus filtered out the stadium, including the noise. Irni looked around seeing himself in a forest. A large snake moved on the ground toward him. He ran to get away. The snake followed him closely and the tongue came out licking his back. Irni let out a scream as he tripped. The blond spoke the word, 'release' softly and the forest faded.
"Too simple, Haruno," he smirked. "I thought you were suppose to be the expert in genjutsu."
"Idiot," the toad sage spoke. Sakura was still kneeling on one knee, facing him. All eyes in the crowd were on the screen above.
Irni confidently moved toward Sakura, seeing an opportunity. Suddenly there were small snakes moving quickly toward him.
"What the fuck?" Irni shouted. From behind Sakura the giant snake reappeared.
Kakashi, Tsunade, and Jiraiya sat on the edge of their seats. The third looked back at Kakashi and motioned for him to wait.
"Jiraiya, should we?" Tsunade whispered.
"Not yet, she may be able to control it," he answered.
"I've never seen her use that," the Inuzuka leader spoke to Shibi. Her eyes wide open.
"Impressive." Shibi replied looking at her. "A genjutsu within another genjutsu."
He was not the only one impressed, several members of the committee nodded their head at this ability.
Irni began to retreat as the smaller snakes moved quickly toward him. He felt cuts on his arms and legs as they struck his body. The senior's eyes however were glued to the larger snake that was moving fairly quickly toward him. Genma's eyes widened, wondering if he should call the match.
A smaller snake, still as long as Irni's body, tripped him. He landed on his back as the smaller snakes attacked his arms, legs, and chest. The largest snake lunged at Irni's throat, and when it's mouth opened a gigantic sword plunged into his throat. The boy screamed in agony, trying to remove the weapon from himself.
The crowd let out a sound of shock, as the genjutsu was dispelled to reveal Irni on the ground with shuriken and kunai covering his body.
Sakura stood, and Genma declared Irni unable to fight, making Sakura the winner.
"What the hell?" Shino spoke in disbelief. He slowly turned his head to Kiba. Mouths of each of the boys, were opened in shock.
"I didn't know she could do that." Kiba answered. He was as surprised as his friends.
"That dear boys, wasn't even her best one." Tsunade said. She was relieved that Sakura could control it. Kakashi also let out a sigh of relief. The committee began to whisper to each other, making notes on her paperwork.
"That chick is scary as hell." Shikamaru said. "But she did whoop his ass, look at him."
Irni was still screaming that the snakes were attacking him. The medics were taking him away on a stretcher.
"That's my girl." Kiba's smile broadened on his face. The crowd began cheering for the little pink hair girl.
Sakura walked back over to her teammates. Shikamaru looked at his slip of paper with the names written on them.
"She's got Tenten next. Naruto is up against Zaku, hn that should be good," the Nara heir said. "Neji has Kotetsu, and Lee is up against Izumo."
The three looked over his notes for the next match up.
"Wait whoever wins between Sakura and Tenten will face Neji next?" Shino asked. He raised an eyebrow.
"Looks like." Shikamaru said. "There's no way either of the girls can beat him one on one."
"As much as I love Sakura, he's not going to be as easy for her as Irni." Kiba added. He was worried about Sakura. The Hyuuga child was considered not just the genius in their grade, but for the senior class also.
Zaku and Naruto's match ended. Naruto patted his teammate on the back as he helped him up. Shikamaru marked through his chart Naruto would face the winner of the Lee and Izumo fight. Neji easily defeated Kotetsu and waited to see who he would face next. He had mix feelings about the next match up. On one hand he wanted Tenten to do well, but that would mean he had to fight her next. Sakura on the other hand was also a friend, but he felt better about facing her rather than his girlfriend.
"Guess it's Neji versus Sakura or Tenten," Shikamaru marked on his paper.
Anko and Iruka were arguing once again over the outcome of the last matches.
"Anko chan, this isn't your own personal video game!" Iruka screamed. "Quit playing that damn Super Mario Brothers game over music when the losers leave the stadium!"
"Sakura don't be soft on her cause she's your friend." Zaku advised. He looked into her eyes.
"Yeah, Sakura chan he's right." Naruto took a drink of water from his water bottle. "We didn't let being teammates get in the way of what we needed to do."
"Hai." Sakura answered. Her mind was already trying to formulate a way to defeat her. The only two girls to make pass the first round were facing off. The two announcers were in a heated debate over which female would come out the victor.
"You ladies know the rules by now," the proctor stated.
"No holding back?" Sakura asked. She looked her friend in the eye.
"None what so ever." Tenten answered. She put her hand out for Sakura to shake. Sakura took the hand, and the agreement was made.
"Then let's fight." Genma ordered, moving back from the pair.
Tenten moved back giving herself from distance from Sakura. The brunette then surveyed the area. After a moment she removed the scroll for her weapons.
"Sakura what are you doing?" Kiba whispered. His eyes narrowed at the two girls.
"Come on Sakura, think." Shikamaru said. Sure he had known Tenten longer, but Sakura had worked her way into being his best friend.
Sakura dodged the attacks of the weapons being thrown at her. The last sword caused a long, deep, cut on her arm. She quickly pooled chakra and began to heal herself. The weapons mistress was forced to pull out her second scroll.
'Here's our chance.' Inner Sakura spoke. 'Leave the cut, we healed it well enough.'
'Yeah, let's go.' Sakura replied.
She moved from behind the tree she was hiding, and charged at Tenten. With her fists clenched, she added chakra to them. Sakura struck the ground causing a huge crack, knocking Tenten off her balance. There was a large boulder headed directly toward Tenten's face. Tenten focused on destroying the boulder. Sakura wiggled her fingers extending the chakra strings Kankuro had taught her. The two weapons scrolls that Tenten carried were now in Sakura's possession.
"Shit!" Tenten shouted. She pulled kunai from her weapons pouch tossing it at Sakura. Sakura moved quickly toward Tenten. She knew Tenten trained a lot with Lee, but her taijutsu wasn't as strong as Sakura had been trained in.
"Sakura now has the advantage," the bug heir said. "Her taijutsu is a lot stronger than Tenten's."
The two girls fought each other using taijutsu skills. The pink hair girl forced more chakra into her feet and delivered a strong kick to Tenten's head. The power behind the kick caused Tenten to collapse. Unable to stand again, Genma called Sakura as the winner.
Sakura jumped up and down as the crowd cheered for her. She offered to help Tenten up and the pair embraced. Sakura smiled brightly as she went to join her teammates. Jiraiya squeezed Tsunade's hand with delight as his daughter went over to her team. Lee and Izumo's fight lasted less than five minutes as Lee easily defeated the other senior.
"Good job Sakura." Zaku patted her on the back as she entered their waiting area.
"That's my girl," her brother embraced her.
"Thanks, I so need a bath though," she laughed. She sat down and healed the smaller cuts on her arm.
"Ladies and Gentlemen our semi-finals will begin shortly. We have Hyuuga Neji versus Haruno Sakura and Rock Lee versus Uzumaki Naruto." Iruka announced. "We will take a thirty minute intermission before the start of the next fight."
Kiba stood to stretch. Chouji and Ino left for one of the vendors. Hinata went over to speak with her father. Kiba and Toku walked down the stairs to give the dogs a little walk. Shino and Shikamaru made their way over to talk to a pair of girls.
Akamaru barked for a hot dog, and Toku's companion, Thunder, agreed with him.
"Alright boy, let's go." Kiba spoke to Akamaru. Thunder padded along side the white pup. Kiba stopped to ask Tsunade and Jiraiya if they wanted anything from the snack vendors. He also introduced Toku to Sakura's mom.
Kiba had found himself hanging out with Toku more often than just family functions. He could never take Shino's place as Kiba best friend, but he was really cool. It was nice, in Kiba's opinion, to have another male Inuzuka his age that understood where he was coming from. Most of the Inuzukas his age were complete asses and way more full of themselves than Kiba or Toku. Toku didn't let status cloud his judgment. From what Kiba had witnessed he was also a pretty good shinobi too. Kiba knew that once he became clan leader, he would need another Inuzuka that he could completely trust as his right hand when it came to clan business. Toku fit that build.
"Why doesn't Sakura use weapons?" Toku asked while walking through the crowd. "She was trained in Suna, and every Suna nin I've encountered used a weapon."
Several clan members passed, acknowledging Kiba and Toku.
"Her mom wouldn't let her." Kiba answered. The moved into the line for the hot dogs. "She said that just because they lived in Suna, Sakura was still born in Konoha and would have to learn to fight like one without entirely depending on a weapon."
The two stepped forward to order.
"Was her mom a kunoichi?" Toku continued after placing his order.
"Not that I know of," the other answered in a hurry. Kiba knew that Toku could read him pretty well. He hoped that if Toku could tell he was lying, he would at least not press the subject any further.
"She's hot man," the elder of the two chuckled. He'd let Kiba keep his secret. He figured there had to be a reason why. "Imagine that's what Sakura's going to look like when she's older. A rack like that, man I'd be set."
"Dude, that's my girlfriend's mom. I can't think of her like that." Kiba blushed as he answered. The vendor gave them their orders after they paid.
Once back into the stadium area, Kiba gave Jiraiya and Tsunade the drinks they wanted. Akamaru bounced into Tsunade's lap and refused to leave.
"Akamaru, you know better!" Kiba corrected.
"Just leave him and his food Kiba, I'll take good care of him." Tsunade laughed. Akamaru let out a growl of pleasure when Tsunade rubbed behind his ears.
"Fine. But you better behave." Kiba pointed a finger at the small pup. "He's getting a little spoiled."
Akamaru whined and snuggled closer to the now blond woman holding him. Tsunade's brown coloring had grown out, leaving her with her natural blond color. A fact Shikamaru found most attractive, despite the number of death threats Sakura gave him.
"She's doing quite well isn't she?" Tsunade asked. She took a sip of her drink.
"I'm proud of her." Kiba smiled. "She's fighting smart. I know she's tired."
"I remember that feeling." Toku added. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Yes, and Toku kun did an excellent job last year. Did his clan proud, came in first place." Jiraiya spoke. Toku felt a little blush cover his face at the praise given to him.
"Thank you Jiraiya sama," he took the compliment.
"Off to your seats boys. It's time to start again." Tsunade shooed them toward their seats three rows behind them. Shikamaru waved away the girl in Kiba's seat much to her dismay.
The auditorium became quiet as the music changed, and Iruka and Anko took back over the microphones. Lee and Naruto fought first. After a forty minute match, Lee knocked Naruto unconscious long enough for Genma to declare him the winner. Naruto was revived and not happy that he lost the match, but was pleased that it was a good fight between the two.
"Our next match will feature, Hyuuga Neji versus Haruno Sakura." Anko halfway cheered, halfway yelled.
Shikamaru's leg was shaking nervously. Zaku and Naruto hugged Sakura. Tenten gave Neji a kiss on the cheek.
The two opponents made their way from their respective areas. It wasn't enough, having to sense Shikamaru's nerves, but Shino had them as well. Kiba thought he would explode with anxiety, combining their own nerves with his.
Shibi turned around and motioned for them to calm down. Tsume also looked back giving her son a wink. It was odd that just a look from either of them, had the ability to calm him.
He stood up just as the music was changing, cupping his hands to his mouth and screamed, "FUCK YEAH SAKURA BABY YOU CAN DO THIS!! KICK HIS HYUUGA ASS!"
A grin covered Neji's mouth hearing Kiba cheer for his girlfriend. Of course there were no hard feelings, had the roles been reverse he'd cheer for Tenten. Sakura smiled at hearing her boyfriend's voice. She nodded her head in acknowledgment.
Jiraiya, Zaku, and Naruto almost immediately joined by each screaming to the pink haired girl.
"Sakura chan, this is all you! You can do this," the jinchuuriki shouted.
"That's it little one, you can do it," her father screamed. Soon Shikamaru and Shino were cheering for her. Akamaru and the other Inuzuka dogs were barking up a storm, as Tsume and Toku also cheered her on.
Tsunade couldn't cheer. Tears were welling up inside her. She was so proud at seeing her daughter make it this far. Jiraiya gave her arm a squeeze. Kakashi also put on a dignified face considering he was sitting two rows behind the exam committee.
The two faced each other and bowed.
"Sakura you wouldn't consider saving some time and agree to a forfeit?" Neji smirked.
"If you want to give up now than it's fine by me," a determined look set in her green eyes. "I'm not scared of Lee."
"You know exactly what I mean." Neji said as he laughed at her remark. She was gutsy he gave her that. "We both know this match is mine."
"I'm afraid, I'm not that easy of a win, Hyuuga," a flash of anger passing her face. "Ask your girlfriend."
Sakura ended the statement with a smirk. She knew Tenten would not take it personally, since she was only trying to rattle Neji's cage. It must have worked too, because he struck out at her before Genma said begin.
Sakura jumped back quickly. For a brief moment Kiba thought he saw fear in her eyes. He knew if he could see it, so could Neji.
Sakura moved her hand trying to manipulate a chakra string. Neji chuckled at the attempt and dispelled it, moving in closer to her. Just as Neji got close enough, Sakura bent over grabbing a handful of dirt and tossed it into his eyes.
The Hyuuga was blinded for a brief moment, and let a curse slip out. Tears started to run down his face, and Sakura took her chance.
She reached for his right hand and once she had it, she crushed the wrist. Neji screamed in shock and pain. The junior moved her hand down quickly to his index and middle finger as well as his thumb. Those appendages were also crushed under her grip. Genma's face whitened a little at the memory of her strength.
"Smart move." Shikamaru commented. "She's trying to keep Neji from using his hands to close off her chakra points."
"Thata girl," Tsume cheered pumping her fist.
Neji managed to get the dirt from his eye and punched Sakura causing her to release him. His right hand hung loose and useless at his side. The Hyuuga had to admit he underestimated her just a little.
Sakura forced herself to move faster than the Hyuuga. Neji's eyes grew wide as her fist grazed his cheek. The strength of chakra behind that punch took him off guard.
'How the hell does she have that much chakra left,' he thought. The prodigy jumped back and reevaluated the girl before him.
"That punch could have taken him out," the bug heir spoke. He ate a little of the popcorn the girls got he and Shikamaru.
"I'm sure he knows that too," Chouji said over his shoulder.
Neji moved in to start his next attack. Sakura knew in her heart there was no way she was going to beat Neji, but she wasn't going down until the end. The crowd continued to cheer for both of them. Anko constantly yelled into the microphone words of encouragement to Sakura.
The taijutsu continued for another twenty minutes, and strain became apparent on Sakura's face. She started to slow down, and instead of landing blows on Neji, the chakra enhanced punches were cracking the ground. Neji was forcing her back.
"It's okay Sakura chan," Naruto whispered to her. He was smiling at his sister.
"Yeah, Sakura come on just one more punch, we're proud of you." Zaku added. The pair had not sat down during the entire match.
"C'mon baby, you've done great," Kiba smiled at his girlfriend. "You can lose and be proud."
"That's right Sakura, you have made us all proud." Shikamaru spoke. Shino agreed with the two. Neji was the genius of their year. He mastered skills of the main clan that Hinata had not attempted.
The shield of chakra that Sakura used to keep Neji's attacks from her arm had faded, as her chakra became lessened. He admired her though. The same determined look from the beginning of the match was on her face, and she wouldn't quit. It is what he expected from her.
"Sakura chan, you have amazed me today." Kakashi nodded his head.
"She truly is an exceptional girl Kakashi." Gai complemented.
Neji advanced a little faster, and Sakura gave the ground several more punches.
"It looks like Hyuuga has Haruno on the run." Iruka spoke to the crowd.
Kiba winced as Neji landed another blow to Sakura's chest. Her appearance at the beginning of the matches was already dirty, but now she was covered in more blood and sweat. Kiba squinted and adjusted his sight to see bruises up and down her arms and legs. She was bloody, sweaty, dirty, and very bruised, but Kiba though she looked beautiful. Never had his heart felt such pride in someone.
Neji leaned in just a little more to deliver the final blow. Not before Sakura managed to do two things. One last punch to the ground. Followed by a solid punch to Neji's head, that threw him off balance and caused little flashes of light to appear before his eyes.
Genma called the match as Sakura fell to the ground. The cheers were the loudest of the day a mixture, for the winner, but also for the loser having put up such a good fight.
"Looks like Hyuuga Neji will move on to the finals." Anko pouted to the crowd. The Hyuugas cheered as loud as their dignity would allow for their family member. There wasn't a face in the crowd where Kiba sat that wasn't beaming with pride at what Sakura had accomplished.
"She did well, real well." Shibi spoke. The clan leader looked back with pride at his Godson, while patting Jiraiya on the shoulder. Tsume also tapping the shoulder of Tsunade.
As Neji turned to leave the fighting area, the ground shook and collapsed around him. The earth pinned him down, only leaving his head exposed with a jagged rock placed at the base of his neck in manner to snap his neck in two if he so much as flinched. Genma looked back a Sakura, who had a smirk that rivaled an Uchiha's across her face.
Neji was pinned facing Sakura, and she sent him a wink when he realized her shots to the ground were intentional misses. He returned the smirk to her.
"HELL YES! THAT'S WHAT A LEAF KUNOICHI IS ALL ABOUT!!" Anko was on her feet, along with every other kunoichi in the stands.
"FUCK YES, SAKURA!" Tsume placed her fingers in her mouth, whistling loudly.
Tsunade, Ino, and Kurenai were cheering loudly too. The tears flowed freely down Tsunade's face. Jiraiya was on his feet, and barely able to keep from running down there to his little girl. The boys were too much in shock to move.
"In an unexpected turn of events, the Hyuuga has been taken down." Iruka was trying to speak over Anko's cheers. "What appeared to be missed blows on her opponent were actually calculated ground shots to collapse the ground around her opponent trapping him."
"That's right, Sakura took out her enemy even in defeat!" Anko jubilantly shouted into the pa system. "That's why Leaf Kunoichi are THE FUCKING BEST, we leave no enemy alive!!"
"Fuck yeah that's my girl!" Kiba finally got to his feet. Shino and Shikamaru were whistling loudly, along with Toku and Chouji.
Naruto and Zaku were going crazy on the sidelines, and Kakashi was finding it hard to maintain his composure.
Sakura tried to stand. A medic ran over to her. Genma and two other genin removed Neji from the rubble. Neji gave Sakura a very honest smile, as she made her way over to embrace him.
He hugged her back, "Very good match Sakura."
"Same to you, I'm just glad it's over," she gave a tired smile.
"You were right, you weren't just an easy win. Thanks for making me work for it." Neji motioned toward his swollen hand.
"Oh it's not that badly broken. I did as little damage as possible. You still have to use it for the next match." Sakura smiled. "It'll be an easy fix for Shizune, but if you were facing Naruto next, I would have snap it in two."
Neji appreciated her honesty, but was somewhat surprised at her ferocity.
"I can't fix anything, if you two don't let me work." Shizune ordered and separated them in order to fix Neji before his next match. Gai was beside himself with joy that the last two competitors were his students. Kakashi could have sworn the man was crying.
Kakashi looked at his team. He was so proud of each of them. They had surpassed his expectations, and his chest swelled with affection for them.
The medic tried to mend the bruises on Sakura's arms and legs, but she refused.
"You can't heal them! My Hyuuga bruises stay until they fade! Do you know how hard I worked to get these?" Sakura snapped at the medic. He gave Shizune a look to help him, but Shizune merely shrugged her shoulders. "I'm proud of these. I fought the genius of our class and didn't lose in the first five minutes, hell yeah I'm keeping them!"
Neji blushed at the compliments Sakura gave him. He shook his head at her enthusiasm, but found it touching. She truly was a formidable opponent.
"At least Sakura chan, let me heal the one on your face," the medic pleaded. He worried what her mother would do to him if he left her in this condition. Sakura nodded it was ok, and he was satisfied to be able to do that much. The cuts that were on her arms and legs, he cleaned. Sakura allowed those to be bandaged. The arms and legs of the young girl were becoming a darker shade of purple, from Neji's attacks.
Kakashi was now able to join his team on the field. He shook hands with Zaku and praised a job well done in getting the team this far. He hugged Naruto and went over to Sakura hugging her also.
She was helped back over to their area and sat down to watch the next match. Kiba was on edge trying to wait for Lee and Neji to start. Sakura looked up to the stands, wishing she could pick out her friends and family. Just at that moment a thick cloud of destruction bugs were hovering above a row of seats. A large smile covered her face as she waved to the area she knew her boyfriend was seated in with her other friends.
"We are going to have a fuckin ball tonight," the fox demon proclaimed. "There has to be at least one six pack with my name on it."
"Agreed. I can't wait for Kotetsu's party to jump off," Zaku sat down on the ground beside him.
"I think I could out drink both of you, but first I have to wash my hair." Sakura ran her hand through her grimy hair.
"The three of you should be resting, not partying." Kakashi pointed out. "But at least be careful. Now be quiet, Neji and Lee are about to start."
Team Kakashi settled down and waited for the last match to begin, not knowing an enemy sat among the crowd in the stands.
you wouldn't consider that a cliff hanger would you? i mean, it's not like kiba and sakura were in the middle of making out and i ended it there?
anyways, review if you want...thanks
terri.