A Hero's Journey

by mugiwara-no-lucy

Boruto has always wanted to know more about his father, especially his past when he was younger. Thanks to a forbidden jutsu in a scroll found in the Hokage's office, Boruto and his teammates find themselves traveling through Naruto's memories. However, not all things are meant to be seen. How will Boruto react to seeing his father's various triumphs, pains, successes and failures?

15. Prelim Drama

Chapter 15 is here guys with my way of opening up the new year of 2021 and it's gonna be a SUPER LONG ONE so I know you guys are gonna love that and personally I'm excited since I remember watching the Preliminary Chunin Exam episodes back on Toonami and back then I wasn't familiar with the Subs or watching ahead so it was on a week to week basis just wondering who was gonna win and who was gonna die so it was really exciting and I really miss those times….

Even if I buy all the DVDs and Blu-Rays it's not gonna have that same raw, natural feeling elementary school me had back in 2006…

(Sighs Sadly) But either way before this gets too sentimental, let the Chunin Exam goodness begin before you all get too bored! XD

---

"Iruka-Sensei?" Sarada asked.

"What was he doing in those scrolls?" Boruto cocked an eyebrow.

"Guess he wanted to do his best imitation as a genie." Mitsuki joked as everyone in the memory shared the shock of Team Konohamaru while Iruka seemed unfazed by their surprise.

"Looks like you've gone through a lot in this test." Iruka mused as Team Seven's shock didn't dissipate in the slightest.

"Hey wait! What's the deal with the surprise entrance? Why're you appearing with a summoning?" Naruto asked.

"Dad asking the important questions." Boruto snorted as Iruka decided to reward the energetic blonde with an answer.

"At the end of the second exam, we Chunin are supposed to welcome the test takers back. And well, it was just good luck that I got to be the one given the important task of being the messenger for you guys." Iruka explained to the trio of Genin.

"A messenger?" Sakura cocked her head to the side.

"It makes sense given how close they are to all of them, especially Lord Seventh." Mitsuki agreed with Iruka who pulled out a stop watch before he smirked.

"And you made it just in time, too. And now congratulations, you passed the second test!" Iruka smiled as Team Seven's eyes widened in a combination of relief and surprise.

"Leave it to dad to finish at the skin of his teeth." Boruto snickered as Iruka turned to the side smiling.

"To celebrate your passing, I would love to treat you to some Ichiraku Ramen but-"Iruka was about to suggest as that was enough to set off a certain knuckle-headed ninja.

"Ramen!? Seriously!? That's so awesome!" Naruto happily hugged his former teacher.

"Hey! I'm not done yet, let go!" Iruka tried prying off Naruto.

"Oh boy, way to set him off." Sarada chuckled with the boys on her team as Naruto jumped off the scarred Chunin.

"Ramen would be awesome! Especially after all the bugs and plants we've had to eat for the past two days! I'm going to eat every noodle ever made!" Naruto cheered with Sasuke and Sakura slumping to the ground in exhaustion. Though whether it was from being overwhelmed by either what they've had to endure over the past five days or Naruto's energy was anyone's guess.

"Where does he get all of his energy?" Sasuke muttered as Iruka smiled in amusement at Naruto's energy.

"Alright, well I can see you're as hyperactive as ever, Naruto." Iruka chuckled as Sasuke smirked slightly.

"Now I see. So then if we had looked at the scrolls in the middle of the exams, what would you have done to us, Iruka-Sensei?" Sasuke asked with Naruto and Sakura tensing at the question.

"Yeah that's what I'm wondering." Boruto said.

"As usual Sasuke, you're as sharp as a tack. You have figured out the secret. Part of this exam was to test how well you could see a difficult mission all the way through. Simply put, you knew that opening the scrolls was against the rules of your mission. And if you had tried to open one, we were ordered to knock out whoever had opened it. Some ninja found that out the hard way." Iruka smirked as Naruto and Sakura paled, almost as if he had an idea of what they had tried doing.

"Guess we should be grateful to that Kabuto guy in more ways than one." Sarada mused.

"Yeah, the exams would be infinitely more boring without dad and the others." Boruto smirked.

"Not to mention Master Sasuke would definitely not be happy if he was barred from the exams because of a stupid mistake from his teammate." Mitsuki was quick to point out.

"It's a good thing you didn't open up yours, huh Naruto?" Sasuke teased Naruto as Naruto and Sakura tensed in embarrassment.

"I really owe you one, thanks a million Kabuto!" Naruto thanked whatever god was listening.

"Oh yeah, Sensei?" Sakura wiped her brow before asking something else on her mind, "What does that writing on the wall mean? The parchment the letters are written on is kind of eaten away so it's kind of difficult to read it. We can't understand it."

"Oh who cares? Look we passed didn't we? That stuff doesn't matter now!" Naruto shrugged off the question much to Sakura's irritation.

"Well actually, explaining that is another one of the duties that I've been sent here to take care of." Iruka laughed.

"Wait, seriously?" Naruto asked.

"That's right. It's serious business so give it a good read. They're instructions Lord Hokage recorded as principles that Chunin should follow. They're instructions." Iruka explained much to the genin's confusion.

"Instructions?" Naruto's eyes narrowed.

"Instructions for what?" Boruto seemed as confused as his father.

"Yes. Heaven stands for your mind and Earth for your body. If qualities of heaven are your desire, acquire wisdom to take your mind higher. Get it?" Iruka asked Naruto who was just as clueless as ever.

"Alright, I'll explain. In other words if your weakness lies in your intellect, Naruto, then you have to doubly make sure that you work hard to learn all the information and skills that you need to prepare for your missions." Iruka put his thumb to his forehead protector as Naruto finally pieced together what Iruka had meant.

"Basically he's calling dad a dumbbell." Boruto snickered with Naruto not too appreciative with Iruka's advice.

"Okay I get your point…" Naruto muttered, offended with crossed arms as Sakura had a giggle at Naruto's misfortune.

"And you." Iruka turned his attention to Sakura, "If earthly qualities you lack, train your body and prepare to attack. So if your weakness lies in your physical strength, Sakura, then you have to make sure that you work on your physical conditioning every single day so it improves all the time."

Sakura blushed as Naruto had some nice revenge on her.

"What goes around comes around." Mitsuki chuckled.

"He's not wrong I guess…" Sarada sighed.

"When Heaven and Earth are opened together, the perilous path will become righteous forever. Meaning if your mind and body are working together as one, then even a dangerous mission can become a very easy one." Iruka finished his explanation.

"Leave it to Old Man Hokage to be so wise." Boruto mused as Sakura decided to ask something else.

"So what about that spot with the missing letter?" Sakura asked.

"Well that part is meant for all of you to fill in. Do you see that symbol on the scroll? It's the character for person, a reference to you Chunin. You see, these five days of survival were to test your abilities as Chunin and to see if you would be any good at it. And I've got to say, you guys really did magnificently. A Chunin is a leader, a guide. It's a Chunin's responsibility to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of those serving under them and to know what skills in training those ninja are going to need in order to succeed on the mission. You did an excellent job on this mission and I want you to remember these instructions on your next one." Iruka smiled in pride at the team.

"They sure have come a long way…" Sarada smiled in nostalgia.

"I can't wait to see what's to come!" Boruto grinned in excitement.

"Well that's it. That was everything I was supposed to say to you." Iruka said as Naruto beamed.

"Got it." Naruto gave Iruka a salute before his smile dropped as he noticed Iruka look at the team somewhat sadly.

"One more thing. For the third exam, don't push it too far. Especially you, Naruto." Iruka said in concern to the team as Naruto huffed before grinning.

"Iruka-Sensei, when I got this headband I stopped being a student so you don't need to worry about me at all! Not anymore. I mean this headband does prove that I am a full-fledged ninja, right? You gave it to me and I may be hyper but I'm not a kid. Like you just said, I got through the second exam and you watch, I'm gonna pass the third exam for sure! Right now, I'm a ninja!" Naruto proclaimed while gesturing to his headband.

"Well said Lord Seventh." Mitsuki smiled.

"Becoming more and more like the man we know today." Sarada also smiled as Iruka looked deep in thought as if he were remembering something important before smiling at the team.

"You have all changed plenty from those kids I taught all those years ago…You all have no idea the amount of pride I have in you all." Iruka gave a small smile to Team Seven.

"In a way I feel bad….he's like a nurturing bird to them…." Sarada gave a sympathetic look to Iruka.

"Yeah….and they left the nest to go their own ways in life….And knowing how some of them would end up…" Boruto's thoughts went to his late uncle. He wondered how Iruka dealt with the news of Neji dying.

"Hehe, well you all helped us plenty, sensei!" Naruto threw his hands behind his head as Team Konohamaru saw a flash of Iruka giving Naruto his headband before the memory returned to the present.

"And I know you will all do well." Iruka said with the utmost sincerity as Team Seven smiled in appreciation for everything Iruka did for him.

"Now if you will all go through this door, you will all get the details of the next exam." Iruka gestured his hand to the door behind him.

"Right, thanks for everything!" Naruto grinned as the Team walked by him. Sakura whispered her thanks while Sasuke sent the Chunin a small, grateful smile before they found themselves in a room designed like a martial arts stadium with a huge pair of arms built in that resembled a hand sign.

"Where is this?" Boruto asked.

"Must be where the second exam is gonna take place." Mitsuki answered.

"Now!? After all of that?" Sarada couldn't believe that after all they had went through in the forest of death, the kids weren't given some sort of reprieve.

"Guess they believe they're ready for anything." Boruto yawned, grateful he didn't have to go through two exams at the same time.

As Team Seven entered the room, they noticed the left over ninja before making her way over to where there was an available space.

"Huh, Shikadai, Inojin, Metal and Chocho's parents all made the cut." Boruto stated, not surprised.

"And so did Master Gaara and those Sand Ninja." Sarada added and it was at that point that Anko decided to speak.

"First of all, congratulations on finishing the second exam." Anko praised everyone.

"There was nearly eighty bfore the second exam…." Boruto observed.

"And now there's twenty one from what it looks like." Mitsuki added.

"Man I'm really hungry…" Choji slapped his hand on his stomach.

"What a drag, there's so many left. This is such a pain." Shikamaru grunted, not really paying attention to Choji's "plight".

"Sasuke and his team passed too!" Ino happily gasped as Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

"Well of course they did. After all the trouble we went through to keep them safe, they'd better have passed." Shikamaru scoffed with Team Konohamaru remembering the brutal beatdown Sasuke enacted onto Dosu not too long ago.

"That….was all too much…" Sarada shuddered.

"I can't imagine it…..just losing control against your will…." Boruto gulped.

"And it looks like they're happy to see Master Sasuke." Mitsuki mused as he pointed to Team Dosu with Zaku's arm in a sling who was glaring daggers at Sasuke.

"Makes me wonder if they're gonna fight again." Sarada wondered.

"Guess we'll see soon." Boruto said as Sakura noticed who was all left.

"Hey look, all of the Leaf Village rookies are here, too." Sakura pointed out.

"Whoa, everyone's here! Old Man Hokage, Iruka-Sensei and even Bushy Brows! It looks like absolutely nobody got left out this team." Naruto whispered to his friends as Sasuke grimaced, clasping his shoulder.

"I don't have a good feeling about this." Sasuke grunted as Anko decided to speak up.

"Alright, now pay attention, Lord Hokage is going to explain the third exam to you. You better listen carefully maggots!" Anko ordered the Genin before turning to Hiruzen, "Lord Hokage, they're all yours."

"Time to go." Boruto smiled as Hiruzen cleared his throat.

"First before I tell you what the third exam entails, I want to explain something about the test itself. Listen closely now since it's something that all of you need to understand. I'm going to tell you all the true purpose of these exams." Hiruzen began getting everyone's attention as they gave the veteran ninja their undivided attention with varying levels of intrigue.

"This should be good." Sarada said.

"I wonder what it is…" Boruto wondered, interested in what Hiruzen was about to say.

"Why do you suppose our country holds these exams in conjunction with our allies?" Hiruzen asked everyone but was met with silence before he continued, "To raise the ability levels of the Shinobi and increase friendships between allied nations, to be sure. But it's important that you understand its true meaning. The exams are, so to speak, a representation of the battle between allied nations." Hiruzen explained, getting the pipe out of his mouth much to the astonishment of everyone.

"Even though it explains why we fought against people from different village, it's still kinda freaky." Boruto said.

"Yeah I mean I know it's for peace but still…" Sarada agreed.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Tenten tilted her head.

"Now if we look at our history, all the countries that we're currently allied with were once neighboring nations that continuously fought with each other for power. In order to avoid destroying each other's military strength meaninglessly, those nations picked champions to do battle on behalf of their countries at a mutually selected location. That was how the Chunin selection exams originally began." Hiruzen explained much to the surprise of everyone listening.

"Geez to think such a seemingly fun competition has such a…." Sarada began.

"A dark backstory?" Mitsuki suggested.

"Well that's great but why do we have to go through these exams, then? I mean it's not like we're doing this to pick Chunin to go fight." Naruto said.

"Well actually, there is no question that part of the point of these exams is to select Shinobi worthy of Chunin but that's just not the whole story. These exams also allow for a place where Shinobi can carry the pride of their nation on their backs and fight against other ninja for their very lives." Hiruzen followed.

"The pride of their nation?" Sakura asked.

"Many leaders and people of prominence from various countries are invited to attend this exam as guests and also possibly to seek Shinobi to work for them. This exam will determine the course of your ninja work from here on out and more importantly, those rulers will watch your battles and take note of the strengths that each ninja and each nation is developing. If there is a gap in power between the countries that the strong nations are inundated with job requests for their ninja. And conversely the request to countries that are deemed weak are declined. Therefore, the stronger our nation is, the better our position when it comes to negotiating with neighboring countries. So it's important to show how much military strength our village has." Hiruzen continued his explanation.

"So in a nutshell, the countries that win get everything while the countries that lose get left behind." Boruto bluntly stated.

"Essentially." Mitsuki laughed.

"Okay but even so why is it necessary for us to risk our lives?" Kiba asked.

"The country's strength is the village's strength. The village's strength is the Shinobi's strength. And the true strength of the Shinobi is only achieved when it's pushed to its limits such as in a life or death battle. This exam is a chance for each nation to display the strength of its Shinobi and hence the strength of the nation itself. It's because this is an exam where your life is on the line that it has meaning. And it's for this very reason and for the strength of the nation that your forerunners fought in this exam. It's truly a dream worth striving for." Hiruzen stated.

"But then why did you use the expression "friendship" before?" Tenten asked.

"But you've only remembered half of what I've said. You also mustn't have the wrong idea of the exam's meaning. This is a custom in which balance is preserved by fighting and dying. In the world of Shinobi, that is friendship. The third exam is a fight for life with the pride of the village and your own dreams at stake." Hiruzen finished his explanation.

"Huh…if that's friendship I wonder what enemies are…" Sarada muttered.

"Heh, well you sure convinced me!" Naruto smirked with his arms crossed.

"Any test is fine. Just tell me the details of the exam already. I can handle anything you throw at me." Gaara glared at Hiruzen.

"Very well then, now listen closely. I'm going to tell you exactly what you will all be doing on the third exam." Hiruzen said before a ninja body-flickered in front of him.

"Who's that?" Boruto asked.

"Lord Hokage before you do, please allow me, Hayate Gekko appointed as proctor of the third exam to speak first." Hayate requested.

"Very well." Hiruzen agreed to Hayate's request.

"It's nice to meet you all. There's something I would like all of you…to do….before the third…exam…" Hayate said through coughs before going through a violent coughing spell, unnerving anyone.

"Uh…has this guy heard of cough drops?" Boruto grimaced.

"And he looks so sickly….is this guy really a Chunin?" Sarada winced at how harshly Hayate was coughing.

"Looks can be deceiving." Mitsuki stated matter of factly before Hayate was finally able to catch his breath.

"We have to have a preliminary exam before we can move onto the real one." Hayate announced much to the shock of most of those in the room and much to dread of a good number in the room.

"Just like we had to." Boruto said.

"Though it doesn't look like those in the room are happy about that." Mitsuki said as there were those who look outraged after what they had just endured.

"Preliminary? Just what do you mean by that?" Shikamaru couldn't believe they had another exam on top of that they had to endure over the last five days. What about some wiggle room?

"Sensei, excuse me but I really don't see the point. What's this preliminary all about? Why can't we just move onto the third exam?" Sakura asked Hayate.

"Well you see, the first and second exams might have been too easy. The fact is we never expected so many of you to still be here. According to the rules of the Chunin Exams, a preliminary round can be held at any stage in order to reduce the number of candidates remaining." Hayate explained.

"Fair? Right." Boruto snorted.

"Yeah like most people would consider spending five days with every team at your throat with large snakes, centipedes and other animals as 'easy'." Sarada sighed, not believing what she was hearing.

"But is that fair?" Sakura wasn't a fan of not really having any down time to recover.

"It's just that at this stage, we have to speed things up a bit. As Lord Hokage said, a lot of important guests will be watching. We can't afford to waste their time since they've come to see only the best. So if there are any of you who feel you're not in top physical condition now's your chance to…" Hayate was cut off for a small while with a harsh coughing fit as those in the room grimaced with concern before he was able to pick himself up, "Sorry about that. As I was saying, any of you who don't feel up to this, now's the time for you to bow out. The preliminaries will be starting immediately."

"Right? If we're not in physical condition but look at yourself, bro." Boruto couldn't believe how this guy was still alive and allowed to be a ninja with how sickly he appeared.

"Come on, you mean right now!?" Kiba spat in disbelief.

"We just finished barely surviving the last exam. Don't we get a break?" Ino's face showed just how much she couldn't believe it.

"Man what a drag." Shikamaru groaned.

"When do we eat?" Choji asked.

"I can't say I blame them not being enthusiastic. Thank god we had our tests spread out." Sarada couldn't imagine fighting Shinki on top of having another exam to deal with.

Despite the fact that no one was happy of having to deal with another exam so soon, no one seemed willing to give up, especially Naruto.

"One more thing, the winners will be determined by one-on-one combat, sudden death. So like I said, if there's anyone who doesn't feel up to it, now's the time to raise your hand." Hayate said before Sasuke grimaced as he clutched his shoulder.

"It's that curse mark again…." Boruto frowned.

"He doesn't seem to have it anymore so I wonder how he got rid of it…." Sarada put her hand to her chin in thought.

"Sasuke…." Sakura gasped as she noticed her friend in pain, getting the attention of Naruto.

"Sasuke, listen to me. You've got to quit!" Sakura suggested, to the surprise of her two teammates.

"That would be wise…if he lost control again…." Sarada shook her head, remembering Sasuke's horrific assault on the sound ninja. Yes they deserved it but that would be an image that would give Sarada nightmares for at least half a decade.

"But knowing Master Sasuke's personality as a kid….that's not gonna go over well…." Mitsuki stated.

"You've been like this ever since you tangled with Orochimaru and it's gotten worse…." Sakura frowned as Sasuke scowled as he turned to the side, not feeling grateful for her concern over him.

"It's that mark he put on you, isn't it? You can't deny it, Sasuke…." Sakura felt tears coming to her eyes as Naruto looked surprised at the mention of the word "mark".

"Please Sasuke….quit now before…I don't know what…I'm scared…" Sakura wiped her eyes as some of the other contestants in the room were starting to look on at Sakura's conversation with Sasuke.

"Come on you know as well as I do, you're in no condition to keep on fighting." Sakura tried reasoning with Sasuke.

"Shut up, Sakura!" Sasuke spat, much to the surprise of Team Konohamaru.

"Okay that's going too far!" Boruto said.

"Yeah I know he doesn't wanna quit but that was uncalled for!" Sarada agreed.

"You think I'm blind or something?" Sakura argued through her tears.

"Will you please be quiet?" Sasuke glared at the pinkette.

"You think I don't see the suffering you're going through!?" Sakura nearly yelled as Sasuke's eyes softened, not wanting to deal with this right now. He didn't want to go through something like this with one of his precious people.

"That's enough, Sakura…." Sasuke was trying to keep his patience with his teammate.

"I'm sorry but I can't let you do this to yourself. I'm going to tell them about this mark then maybe you'll…" Sakura was about to raise her hand before Kabuto surprisingly beat her to it by raising his own hand.

"What's he doing?" Boruto raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, you got me. I'm out." Kabuto smiled apologetically much to the surprise of everyone in the room.

"But Kabuto…" Naruto frowned, not wanting to see the person who was instrumental in him and his friends even surviving dropping out and losing his chance to be a Chunin for the eighth time.

Hayate merely stared at Kabuto before going through his clipboard, "Kabuto Yakushi of the Hidden Leaf, right? Okay you can go and stand back."

"Gotcha." Kabuto smiled before making his leave but not before Naruto had something to say about it.

"Kabuto, hold on a second! You can't quit, I don't get this! What's going on?" Naruto couldn't believe his ears while the more shady ones in the room had obvious thoughts on how pathetic Kabuto was or rather how he appeared to be.

"Oh Naruto, I'm sorry but my body's just too beat up, I can't hack it. The fact is ever since orientation and that dust up with the sound village team, I've had no hearing at all in my left ear. And now to have to put my life on the line to fight again right away without a break? I can't do it." Kabuto shrugged before waving goodbye to his "friends".

"Can't hack it? Right." Boruto snorted.

"I guess maybe Orochimaru needed him back or he outlived his purpose." Sarada looked to her teammates as Hayate cleared his throat after crossing off Kabuto off the list.

"Now then, does anybody else want to quit?" Hayate asked as Sakura was about to use this opportunity to report Sasuke's condition but a harsh grip on her wrist stopped her short.

"Don't you even think about telling them about this mark." Sasuke warned Sakura in a low voice, moving her to tears.

"Okay but he's gripping her really hard…" Sarada was taken aback at how rough Sasuke was being with Sakura.

"I know he wants this exam to achieve his goal but this is too much…" Boruto agreed with his bespectacled friend.

"He wants to be an avenger and he sees this exam as a way to further himself to his goal…" Mitsuki tried reasoning with his friends.

"I don't get what you're trying to prove! Am I supposed to just stand by and watch you tear yourself apart? I can't watch it…." Sakura looked down.

"Then don't watch and stay out of it. This has nothing to do with you." Sasuke said to Sakura as Team Konohamaru could see regret in his eyes before letting go of Sakura.

"I told you before, what I am is an avenger. For me, this is something far more than just an exam. Whether I become a Chunin or not means less than nothing to me. Am I as strong as I can be? All I want is the answer to that. I can only find out by fighting the strongest, the best…." Sasuke's eyes softened no doubt thinking of the toughest competitors he met so far in the exams before his eyes hardened again, "And the best of the best are all here. This is the path I walk and not you or anybody else can change that." Sasuke finished, a bit more harshly than he intended.

"Even so, that's still harsh…he's shutting out everyone…" Boruto could hardly believe this cool child was the same mentor he studied under.

"I'm glad he lost that mindset…" Sarada agreed as Naruto had enough of Sasuke's nonsense.

"Man, you just don't know when to quit! What're you biting her head off for, you idiot!? It's just because she cares about you and-"Naruto yelled at Sasuke before he abruptly cut him off.

"Naruto." Sasuke began before looking at Naruto, a sharp look in his eyes.

"You're one of the ones I want to fight the most." Sasuke stated much to the shock of everyone as Naruto was silent for one of the few times in his lifetime as Team Konohamaru saw sudden flashes of different memories.

One of which was the first time Naruto and Sasuke encountered each other at the Ninja Academy.

"Whatever loser. But I'll make it quick if that's what you want." A seven year old Sasuke scoffed at the notion of having the class clown picked as his sparring opponent.

The memory then shifted to several weeks ago as Naruto was tired of Sasuke always looking down on him.

"That's right! Our teamwork's all messed up and it's all because of you Sasuke! You think you're better than everyone else!?" Naruto spat, thinking Sasuke's smug attitude was the reason as to why Team Seven's teamwork was so dysfunctional.

"Not everyone, just you. Face it, I'm better and stronger than you are. It's a fact….Unless you think you have what it takes to prove me wrong." Sasuke gave Naruto a challenging glare over his shoulder before the memory returned to the present.

"Huh…this must be when dad finally acknowledges Lord Seventh as a worthy opponent…" Sarada noted.

"I think that's definitely the case because look how happy dad looks." Boruto smiled as he noticed how happy Naruto looked.

"Not just him but dad too." Sarada smiled as she realized Sasuke wasn't giving Naruto one of his arrogant smirks but a cool, serene smile.

However, the moment didn't last long before Hayate decided to speak up.

"Alright then, we will not begin the preliminary round. This round will consist of one-on-one individual combat at full battle intensity. This is not an exercise and there are twenty of you remaining so that means we will need ten matches. The surviving candidates from these ten matches will advance to the third exam." Hayate started to explain the rules of the third exam to the remaining candidates.

"Sounds simple enough." Boruto said.

"Just like what we went through." Mitsuki agreed.

"As for the rules, there are none. You will fight until one dies or concedes defeat or is rendered physically incapable of continuing the contest. Naturally those who are losing are urged to concede defeat promptly to avoid a fatal outcome. Furthermore as proctor, I'm given a certain amount of leeway in judging the matches and I might occasionally intervene if a match seems hopeless to save as many lives as possible. Now it's time to reveal what fate has been chosen for you." Hayate finished his explanation before turning to Anko.

"Open the panel." Anko spoke into her radio piece as a huge panel opened through the wall above everyone.

"Man it's insane how ancient things are compared to our time." Boruto laughed.

"The names of each pairs of opponents are chosen completely at random. Before each match, these names will appear on the display behind me. As there's nothing more to say, let's begin. In a moment, the names of the first two opponents will appear." Hayate said as several names flashed through the screen before the names of the first two fighters appeared, "Yoroi Akado versus Sasuke Uchiha."

"Dad's first!?" Sarada remarked in surprise.

"But can he hack it? That curse mark…" Boruto frowned as he looked at Sasuke grin though grimaced as he held his shoulder.

"Alright now, those whose names have been drawn, come forward." Hayate ordered Sasuke and Yoroi as both boys did just that.

"You have been chosen for the first match, Yoroi Akado and Sasuke Uchiha. Any objections?" Hayate asked the two boys.

"None here." Sasuke said.

"No." Yoroi said as both boys glared at each other before Sasuke grimaced.

"That curse mark is definitely going to be a problem…" Mitsuki said.

"That curse mark giving you trouble?" Yoroi mocked as Sasuke chose not to answer.

"How does he know about it?" Boruto asked.

"It's obvious he's one of that Orochimaru guy's lackeys. I saw Kabuto talk to him before he left…." Sarada said.

"Alright then, let's begin the first match. Everyone other than the two opposing candidates will now clear the area and move to the upper level." Hayate said as everyone did just that before Naruto and Sakura noticed their sensei making his way over to where they were.

"Hey! Kakashi-Sensei!" Naruto jumped up and down while Kakashi hardly acknowledged Naruto before making his way to where Sasuke was.

"Hey Sasuke, don't use your Sharingan." Kakashi warned Sasuke whose eyes widened in slight surprise before he smirked slightly.

"So you know about it, huh?" Sasuke asked.

"If that mark on your neck gets out of control, your life could be in danger." Kakashi added as Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he lost his smirk.

"I'm aware of that." Sasuke said, completely aware of the risks if he lost control again.

"Just to let you know, if it gets to that point, I'll have to step in and stop the fight." Kakashi said, making Sasuke's eyes widen in surprise.

"Good luck." Kakashi said in mock-cheerfulness.

"Hopefully we won't see a repeat of the Forest of Death." Sarada shuddered.

"I know…I can't imagine losing control and hurting those you care about…" Boruto hoped nothing like that would happen to him.

As Sasuke gave Kakashi a surprised expression at his threat, he shook those thoughts out of his head as he stared down his opponent, not willing to concede defeat after he got so far.

Everyone on the bleachers ahead waited expectantly with varying levels of excitement, interest and concern.

"Alright then, if you're ready, let the match begin." Hayate said to the two.

"Oh I'm ready." Yoroi said, making a handsign.

"So am I." Sasuke gazed at Yoroi as chakra surged through his hands as he threw a handful of Shuriken at Sasuke who countered with his own only to sway and fall down due to the pain of his curse mark. He barely had time to breath before Yoroi appeared right above him before Sasuke tried tripping Yoroi and bringing him down with a kunai, seemingly restraining him.

"Alright!" Sarada cheered.

"Hey got him!" Boruto and Naruto simultaneously cheered.

"No…" Mitsuki's eyes narrowed as Yoroi suddenly grabbed Sasuke's chest as chakra surged through his palm as he suddenly lost his grip on him.

"Hey! What the hell just happened?" Boruto asked, noting how drained Sasuke suddenly looked in his arms.

"That chakra…it must be siphoning his energy!" Sarada theorized.

"That's exactly what's happening!" Mitsuki said.

"How the hell is he supposed to fight him if he's still recovering from that curse mark!?" Boruto asked in frustration before Yoroi took advantage of Sasuke's open defenses before pinning him to the ground with his hand on his hand, clearly zapping Sasuke of his chakra.

"That cowardly bastard! Getting him when his guard's down!" Sarada growled.

"What the…my chakra-what're you doing!?" Sasuke dreaded, having an idea of what was happening to him.

"You're just noticing it now?" Yoroi jeered as Sasuke's pained filled grunts filled the arena as some people were starting to see Sasuke as an overrated weakling rather than the skilled prodigy they heard the last Uchiha was.

"My chakra! You're stealing it from me…" Sasuke grunted through his pain and exhaustion.

"You finally caught on, huh?" Yoroi snickered.

"But what's the point!?" Sarada growled as Boruto was just as upset.

"It's intentional. Yoroi is deliberating draining Sasuke's chakra so he has no choice but to rely on the curse mark." Mitsuki shook his head.

"Bastard…" Boruto clenched his fist.

"Get off!" Thankfully Sasuke had at least some strength to kick off the sound ninja.

"Thank you!" Boruto said.

"That's my dad." Sarada smiled in relief, not at all happy at the thought of Sasuke losing to this goon.

"So you've still got some strength, huh? Impressive for a guinea pig but don't worry little man. I'll make it short and sweet." Yoroi's hands glowered with chakra as he tried pinning down Sasuke again only for Sasuke to thankfully have the strength to vade him.

"What's wrong? Is that really the best you can do?" Yoroi taunted Sasuke who panted in pain and exhaustion.

"This guy just loves hearing himself talk." Boruto rolled his eyes.

"Ugh has he ever been told the words 'shut up'?" Sarada was full on annoyed by this jerk as those in the room who were not of the "good" allegiance were wondering if this was indeed the famed "Sasuke Uchiha" who was touted as the "Number One Rookie" of the current year.

Naruto couldn't believe how much trouble Sasuke appeared to be in which was seemingly reinforced by Sakura turning her head away, not willing to see the boy she admired and loved in such a pitiable state.

"Hey, Sasuke! C'mon man, what was that!? And you call yourself an Uchiha!? You're gonna let this goon walk all over you! C'mon, stop messing around and get it in gear!" Naruto spat to his teammate hoping he would have a turn around, though he did his best to hide his concern as Sasuke turned to Sakura and Naruto before his eyes widened as they focused on Rock Lee.

"What's that look in his eyes?" Boruto asked.

"An idea?" Sarada presumed although Sasuke didn't have much time for planning as Yoroi charged his chakra in his palm for a third time.

"I'll teach you to turn your back on me! Big mistake and your last!" Yoroi growled as he tried swiping at Sasuke with his chakra filled palms before he was suddenly kicked to the air above, stunning everyone.

"Holy crap!" Boruto remarked, not expecting that.

"Looks like it's dad's major turnaround!" Sarada grinned as Sasuke flickered right behind him.

"Okay I admit it, I kind of borrowed that move but from here on, it's all original." Sasuke smirked as Yoroi's eyes widened.

"A dancing leaf shadow!?" Yoroi couldn't believe what was happening.

"That's it!" Sarada remarked, her loudness surprising her teammates, well Boruto anyways.

"What's it?" Boruto blinked.

"That's Lee-Sensei's move! He's trying to imitate his move!" Sarada stated as Boruto's eyes widened in realization.

"It is!" Boruto spat in surprise.

"He must've copied it when he used his Sharingan." Mitsuki said as Sasuke readied his move.

"Now take this!" Sasuke was about to start his counterattack before he spat blood.

"Uncle!" Boruto yelled in concern.

"It's that curse mark again!" Sarada growled in frustration as the orange flames started to erupt from his neck.

"All because of that bastard…." Boruto growled feeling a degree of hatred for the Snake Sannin. All of his master's current suffering was because of him.

As Sasuke closed his eyes seemingly giving into the power of the curse mark, his eyes suddenly opened again as the curse mark started to recede.

"Hey what's happening!?" Boruto noticed the curse markings going back into the curse seal area.

"Who cares!? Dad's not gonna lose control again!" Sarada smiled wide as Sasuke smirked.

"Here we go!" Sasuke smirked as he tried flipping over Yoroi with a kick which Yoroi blocked with his arm.

"Hmph! You're no match for me!" Yoroi smugly smirked under his mark before Sasuke went to Yoroi's right side before giving him a hard hit to the face.

"That's the way to do it!" Boruto pumped his fist as Sasuke knocked Yoroi closer to him.

"Come back here! I'm not done yet!" Sasuke said before delivering a hard kick to Yoroi's torso.

"Lions Barrage!" Sasuke finished his attack before falling off of Yoroi who spat blood, before his head fell back, signifying his loss of conscience.

"Did he do it!?" Sarada beamed, surprisingly acting as excited as her mother or Boruto.

"Uncle Sasuke's down….c'mon…" Boruto pleaded for his "uncle" to get up as the silence in the room was deafening. Thankfully, Sasuke managed to pull himself up much to Team 7 and Konohamaru's happiness.

Hayate at that moment walked to Yoroi's body, feeling for any sign of consciousness before feeling none while noticing Sasuke up.

"I hereby declare this match over. As the winner of this preliminary round, Sasuke Uchiha advances to the finals." Hayate announced.

"WAY TO GO!" Naruto could barely contain his happiness.

"Yes! He did it!" Boruto and Sarada held each other for a grand total of five seconds before realizing what they were doing before shoving each other off.

"Why don't you quit hugging me you weirdo!?" Boruto spat.

"Hug you!? More like strangle you!" Sarada spat back as Sasuke caught a breath before Kakashi caught him with his leg before Sasuke could fall back on the sound.

"Not bad. Funny, before the lions barrage, your technique was reminiscent of Guy's Taijutsu. You must've used your Sharingan to copy it when you fought with Rock Lee that time." Kakashi mused as Sasuke actually smiled.

"How did he even find out about that fight, anyways?" Boruto asked.

"Well Kakashi and Guy are tight so…" Sarada rolled her eyes.

"You okay!? Hey Sasuke, you won but in such an uncool way! You came out looking like you're the one who got beat up!" Naruto snickered.

"Can't they give it a rest?" Sarada sighed.

"You're one to talk." Mitsuki chuckled.

"Huh!? What's that supposed to mean!?" Sarada yelled offended as Sasuke huffed in irritation at Naruto's banter.

"Idiot….give me a break you little…oh well…" Sasuke actually smiled rather than rebuffing Naruto's comment for once as he turned to Rock Lee looking grateful for their fight as a medic hoisted Yuroi off in a stretcher before another walked to where Sasuke and Kakashi were.

"Sasuke Uchiha, maybe you should come along to the infirmary too and let us treat your injuries." A medic suggested to Sasuke and Kakashi as Kakashi actually looked up from his book to address the medic.

"I think you're out of your league with this one. I'll look after him." Kakashi said, surprising both the medic and Sasuke.

"Okay, up you go. I'm going to seal that curse mark." Kakashi whispered to Sasuke, making his eyes widen in alarm.

"Right now? I want to see who gets to go onto the finals." Sasuke argued though Kakashi would hear none of it.

"Forget it and don't even think about arguing. If we leave it any longer, who know? It may be too late and I've already cut you enough slack as it is. Come on, let's go." Kakashi said as Sasuke huffed before reluctantly going after Sasuke.

"That does make sense because if he loses control again…" Sarada trailed on as Naruto noticed Sasuke walking by with his hand covering his neck.

"Hey Sakura…maybe I'm crazy but did you see any weird marks on Sasuke's neck during the fight?" Naruto asked as Sakura looked deep in thought as if she was remembering something vital before shaking her head.

"What mark? I didn't see anything." Sakura answered trying to sound as truthful as possible.

"Oh…okay." Naruto seemed satisfied with that answer.

"Maybe it was for the best….who knows how Lord Seventh would react if he found out what Orochimaru did?" Sarada said as Boruto shook his head.

"Maybe but it still isn't good to lie to dad like that…" Boruto sighed as Hayate decided to make his presence known.

"Okay then, let's move onto the second match." Hayate said as everyone's attention was drawn to the announcement board as names filed through it with everyone watching and waiting expectantly.

The selected names read "Zaku Abumi vs Shino Aburame".

"Oh, we get to see Shino-Sensei in action?" Boruto raised an eyebrow, curious to see how a younger Shino around his and his teammates' age fought.

"It should be interesting." Mitsuki agreed as Zaku huffed in amusement, happy that it was his turn.

"Which sucker is that?" Zaku smugly asked as Shino remained silent as he silently strolled onto the arena floor with Zaku's arm in a sling.

"Huh, guess he hasn't recovered yet." Sarada shrugged in indifference, not feeling too much sympathy for someone assigned to kidnap her father and nearly killed her mother.

"After the asskicking Uncle Sasuke gave him, anybody would be out." Boruto shuddered remembering how gruesome Sasuke's rampage was.

"Please step forward….Very good. Now if you're ready, then we'll begin." Hayate said.

"I wonder how he's gonna fight with only one arm though…" Boruto cocked an eyebrow as Hinata frowned.

"Do you think Shino will be alright?" Hinata asked Kiba who smiled at her.

"He's okay, don't you worry. He's the last person I'd ever want to take on." Kiba reassured her as Hayate stepped back.

"Candidates ready?" Hayate asked the two boys.

"Begin." Hayate said as Shino decided to speak up.

"If you fight me, you won't be able to recover. Forfeit and withdraw." Shino said in a voice that sent shivers up the spines of Boruto and Sarada.

"Whoa…..is this kid the same goofy sensei we have now?" Sarada blinked, wondering if the two were the same.

"You're telling me…." Boruto blinked, remembering how cuddly Shino was with his Kurama doll.

Zaku on the otherhand was unfazed and unimpressed by Zaku's threat.

"But what do you know, I've got a little movement in one arm." Zaku smirked, flexing his remaining arm.

"One good arm is more than enough to beat you!" Zaku roared as he charged Shino, attempting to backhand Shino though Shino caught it with his right arm with relative ease.

"Whoa, nice!" Boruto smiled, impressed.

"You couldn't beat me using both your arms." Shino said, not a shred of hesitation in his voice, this seemed to enrage Zaku.

"Yeah!? Well I've got news for you!" Zaku then used his "Striking Sound Wave" on Shino, sending him skidding several inches away.

"Shino-Sensei!" Boruto yelled as several other Leaf genin had eyes widen open in shock as Shino lied down, seemingly defeated.

"No, it's not over yet." Mitsuki informed Boruto as Zaku arrogantly as Shino's defeated body.

"Alright fool, had enough?" Zaku smirked, his victory all but assured, right?

Well….a shadow stirred in the dust cloud caused from his attack, much to everyone in the memory's shock.

"Knew that wouldn't be enough for him!" Boruto grinned alongside his teammate though it was at that moment that the sound of chattering started ringing in the ears of everyone as a good deal of the spectators were no doubt disgusted at the thought of bugs and insects being in the room, especially Zaku.

"Wait is that…bugs?" Boruto asked. Although he was familiar with the Aburame Clan, to see his sensei in action with them just started a whole new level in the feeling of awkward.

"That is so gross…." Sarada grimaced, never liking bugs, even as a child in her mother's garden, she always hated bugs.

"Great, now that you've all creeped us out, what happens next?" Zaku glared at Shino before he turned around at the sound of the clattering before seeing the floor literally sprinkled with bugs.

"Gross!" Sarada groaned with a tight cringe as Shino decided to answer the question no doubt buzzing in Zaku's disgusted head.

"They're a rare species of parasitic beetle that attack their prey in a swarm, eating its chakra. An army of this size will suck you dry in less than a minute. Your only intelligent option is to forfeit the match. You can't fight two matches at once. If you use your good arm against me, my friends will swarm you from behind. Conversely, if you use your good arm to keep them at bay, then you'll have me on your blind side. Either way, your defeat will be certain…and unpleasant. It's wise to always have an ace in the hole." Shino gave his opponent the ultimatum of seemingly Zaku's lifetime as he made a hand sign.

"Man, Shino-Sensei was such a badass!" Boruto grinned, sparkles in his eyes.

"Geesh, what the heck happened?" Sarada asked, a bit blunter than she probably intended.

"Maybe negative author intent like someone above just wanted to sabotage him." Mitsuki joked, once again getting bizarre looks from his teammates.

"What is he on?" Sarada deadpanned as Zaku looked down, almost remembering something important before roaring in anger, surprising several people both in and out of the memory.

"He's mad." Sarada blinked, not expecting the sudden shift in personality before Zaku raised his good arm in Shino's direction.

"Now you've done it! Now you've made me mad!" Zaku roared as he pointed his injured arm in the direction of the bugs.

"Wait I thought it was broken!" Boruto remarked in surprise.

"It may've been just for show." Mitsuki said as Zaku smirked.

"Like you said, always have an ace in the hole. Right!?" Zaku spat as he prepared to use his soundwave attack but to everyone's shock this attempt actually backfired as his "injured" arm was suddenly blown off, much to the astonishment of everyone watching.

"Holy shit!" Boruto nearly flew back as this wasn't what he was expecting.

"H-his arm! He blew it off!" Sarada adjusted her glasses as she noticed the broken limb on the ground just mere feet from him.

"M-my arm! What's wrong with it!?" Zaku tried to nurse his wound before noticing something in the severed off limb not too far from him.

"Ew! That's so gross!" Sarada grimaced.

"For once I agree with you." Boruto cringed as Shino vanished behind Zaku.

"While I was distracting you with my helpful advice I was also sending some of my little friends to plug up those bothersome wind holes in your hands. Both hands you see, while an ace in the hole is good, two aces are better." Shino says in a neutral tone, as it was obvious to everyone both in and out of the memory who the winner of the match would be.

"Set match." Mitsuki said as Zaku tried to get one last hit in before Shino caught the fist with relative ease before firing back with a punch on his own, backhanding Zaku into the ground before he was out cold. Hayate then took that moment as a chance to judge whether Zaku was still eligible to fight or not.

"I'd say this one has had it." Hayate noted, finishing his observation before clearing his throat.

"The winner is Shino Aburame." Hayate said though there was no applause or cheers for Shino's victory. Rather everyone stared at Shino rather…disturbed.

"I can't blame no one for not being celebratory…" Sarada shook her head.

"What happened to Shino-Sensei….? He used to be so….pugnacious…." Boruto could not believe these two Shinos were the same person.

"Geez! Man that Shino is so good! Who'd have thunk it with him being so quiet!?" Naruto asked to no one in particular as Sakura shuddered.

"Whoa…and I thought Shino was weird before…." Sakura shook her head as Sarada nodded in agreement as Hayate decided to move things along.

"Alright everyone, moving right onto the third match." Hayate announced as Naruto and Sakura turned to the sound of a "Poof" sound as it was none other than Kakashi.

"Hey he's back!" Boruto smiled.

"But why does he look so freaked?" Sarada raised an eyebrow.

"Kakashi-Sensei!" Naruto remarked.

"Hi." Kakashi simply said though it was obvious he went through something rather….frightening.

"What do you mean 'hi'? Is that all you can say? What about Sasuke? How is he?" Sakura asked as Kakashi straightened himself up.

"Oh he's fine. Sleeping soundly in the infirmary." Kakashi said with a neutral expression which seemed to calm Naruto and Sakura down.

"Why do I feel it's not that simple?" Sarada sighed.

"Yeah, I can smell Orochimaru around." Boruto agreed as the names flickered across the screen before they stopped revealing the next match, "Kankuro vs Misumi Tsurugi".

"Uncle Kankuro's next?" Boruto asked.

"I don't think I've ever seen him fight!" Sarada said in interest as Boruto remembered how he fought against Urashiki as the two combatants met each other on the arena floor before he could say anything.

"I'm not like Yoroi. I don't get careless, not even with kids." Misumi threatened.

"Oh this guy seems like a real charmer." Sarada scoffed as Kankuro wasn't fazed at all by Misumi's threat but rather seemed amused.

"Heh, a piece of advice. Once I go into my jutsu, give up quick. If you do, I promise to make it short and painless." Misumi arrogantly continued though Kankuro decided to finally speak up.

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing though I can't promise it'll be painless." Kankuro gestured to the puppet on his back before throwing it off as the two glared at each other as Hayate looked at the two.

"Alright, if you're ready than let the third match begin." Hayate said stepping back to get enough room.

"Let me do you a favor and end this battle quickly." Kankuro proclaimed as a warning which seemed to set off his opponent.

"You can't end it if I end it first." Misumi spat before charging to the puppet user.

"First strike!" Misumi threw a punch at Kankuro which he easily blocked with his fore arm but much to everyone's shock, he suddenly wrapped himself around Kankuro, like rubber.

"Okay that guy must have some freaky Kekkai Genkai!" Boruto remarked slightly amazed.

"I can't imagine fighting that." Sarada shuddered as Naruto was just as amazed.

"Whoa! What's up with that guy's body? I wish I could do that!" Naruto grinned in excitement.

"Of course he would." Sarada sighed as Misumi decided to explain the mechanics behind his jutsu.

"I dislocate every one of my joints, softening my body and then with my chakra, I can control it perfectly." Misumi explained.

"With just his chakra?" Sakura asked as Kankuro grunted through the tight hold he was in.

"The more you struggle, the tighter I'll squeeze. I don't know what you're carrying but as long as I have a hold of you, it makes no difference. I could break your neck right now if I wanted and I will unless you give up." Misumi threatened Kankuro.

"Given how he's still around today, that obviously didn't happen." Boruto yawned as Kankuro smirked, not feeling threatened despite the pickle he was in.

"You wanna bet?" Kankuro smirked before Misumi wrapped himself tighter around Kankuro.

"You wanna die?" Misumi threatened as Kankuro turned his head back further.

"You fool, you're the one who's gonna die?" Kankuro scoffed before a hard snap was heard, signifying that he was "dead".

"If I wasn't from the future, I'd think he was actually dead." Sarada gulped, the snap of Kankuro's neck breaking was definitely not pleasant on her ears.

"Yeah that was kinda too much." Boruto shuddered as everyone watching had surprised expressions, believing that he was actually gone. Well….everyone except for Team Gaara.

"….I….think he broke his neck…" Lee said in a voice full of surprise and fear, much to Naruto and Sakura's shock.

"And here I told him to surrender. Oh well." Misumi sighed before noticing something hit the ground, something like papier-mâché.

Before anyone could say anything, Kankuro turned back to Misumi, showing he was in fact definitely still kicking.

"Now it's my turn, so say goodbye." "Kankuro'" smirked through his broken "face".

"Wait what the hell?" Sarada took a step back before Kankuro was revealed to be Kankuro's puppet Crow.

"Oh that's freaky and I kinda feel for that dude." Boruto cringed as Misumi felt himself being wrapped tightly by the arms of Crow. As this happened, the real Kankuro appeared from the bandages previous on his back as he controlled Crow through strings lit up with chakra.

"He's controlling it with chakra from his hand." Sakura observed as Misumi screamed in agony as the Crow puppet held its grip tighter around the ally of Kabuto.

"E-enough! I give!" Misumi tried surrendering as Kankuro snickered at the panic in his voice.

"Heh if all of your bones are broken, just think about how much more flexible you'll be." Kankuro tried wagering with Misumi in a mock pity voice before he fell back, in defeat, his bones practically pebbles.

"Because his opponent is unable to continue, the winner is Kankuro." Hayate said though like with Shino's match, there was no applause or clapping.

"Two against one is hitting below the belt, isn't it? I mean that's not really fair is it, Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto asked.

"That's something I'm wondering too. Like I know it was me and Boruto against Shinki but in that case, it was a battle royale." Sarada wondered.

"It's not really two against one. It's a puppet not another ninia." Kakashi said.

"Yeah, it's just a puppet master jutsu. He's controlling the puppet with chakra and it's like a ninja tool, like a Shuriken." Sakura said before looking down.

"I….have to go to the bathroom." Sakura announced to her teammates.

"Oh okay. Be back soon. Don't wanna miss your match if it's next." Kakashi said.

"R-right." Sakura said before slightly darting away.

"What's with her?" Boruto asked.

"She's probably realizing just how out of place she is in comparison to others here." Mitsuki said.

"Poor mom…" Sarada frowned as everyone waited around for the next match to start before Sakura returned at that moment though there was a fire in her eyes.

"She looks pumped." Sarada smiled as Hayate cleared his throat.

"Now let's continue. It's time to begin the fourth battle." Hayate announced as the names flickered on the screen above.

"Well no matter who's picked, it's gonna be two weirdos. This whole contest is chock full of them." Naruto bluntly stated.

"Oh you're one to talk." Boruto rolled his eyes as Kakashi seemed to agree with him.

"Well, you're one to talk." Kakashi smirked her his mask.

"Yeah totally." Sakura agreed with a teasing smile as Naruto felt himself getting ganged up on.

"Hey, gimme a break!" Naruto whined as Sakura chuckled, not realizing the next match was selected, which Kakashi decided to inform her.

"Ahem, this isn't time for laughter." Kakashi got Sakura's attention before pointing at the screen, the names for the next match selected, "Sakura Haruno versus Ino Yamanaka".

"Oh hell." Boruto gulped realizing how their relationship has been portrayed so far in these memories.

"This should be interesting." Mitsuki said.

"I remember! Mom told me that she and Aunt Ino fought back then…this fight must be how they became close again!" Sarada said as she was definitely the most interested in this match as both Sakura and Ino stared at each other as there was a mix of emotions going through their eyes before they made their way to the arena floor.

"I never thought I'd fight you…or at least I didn't think it'd be so soon. Don't expect me to go easy on you." Ino threatened Sakura who stared at her silently.

"Go, Sakura! You can do it!" Naruto cheered on his teammate before Hayate held a hand up.

"Begin." Hayate said before jumping back as both girls charged at each other as the two went to a small hand to hand scuffle, them both seeming evenly matched.

"They both look equal." Boruto noted.

"I wonder who'd be stronger between them nowadays." Mitsuki pondered.

"Yeah…I should probably ask when these memories are done." Sarada smiled as Naruto seemed confident in Sakura.

"Sakura's totally blowing Ino out of the water!" Naruto grinned, having nothing but the utmost pride and confidence in the girl he loved.

"What a fool." Shikamaru scoffed, much to Naruto's anger.

"What'd you say to me?" Naruto growled as Shikamaru scoffed again.

"You wanna make something out of it? Then go ahead, you'll lose." Shikamaru bluntly said as this only seemed to set off Naruto further.

"Who do you think you are!?" Naruto growled, ready to shove his foot up Shikamaru's ass.

"Uh, there's more important stuff boys!" Sarada wished she could get in between the two before remembering this was a memory.

"That's it? That's as good as Kunoichi can get at hand to hand combat?" The voice of Neji asked as Naruto turned to Neji who wasn't too impressed with Sakura and Ino's skirmish.

"Well isn't he just a sexist asshole?" Sarada glared at Neji. Thankfully Tenten decided to nip that negativity in the bud.

It's not because they're girls, you know, Neji. It's just that those two are using kid's gloves. It doesn't matter if you're a man or woman in battle." Tenten glared at her teammate.

"Thank you, Tenten-Sensei." Sarada smiled.

"She's right but….I wonder who she fought against." Boruto put a hand to his chin in thought.

Sakura and Ino continued their scuffle before Ino caught Sakura with a punch to the gut, making her spit spittle.

"Mom!" Sarada remarked in concern as Ino raised her hand up for a fist before her eyes widened as her fist of a punch reduced to a small slap across the face, much to the surprise of everyone watching.

"What just happened?" Boruto asked as Ino's eyes softened before looking at her hand.

"They're probably remembering happier times with each other…." Sarada said as Sakura's eyes also softened as the two seemed lost in each other's gazes before Sakura's eyes hardened.

"Alright listen up, Ino. I'm not going to fight with you over Sasuke." Sakura announced much to Ino's anger.

"We all know how that's gonna end up anyways." Mitsuki chuckled.

"What'd you say?" Ino growled.

"I'm not the weak, needy girl I used to be. You're not even on my radar and you're not Sasuke's type, Ino-Pig!" Sakura spat as that seemed to set off the Yamanaka.

"Sakura, you'd better watch your step! Do you have any idea who you're mouthing off to!? Don't push your luck, little billboard brow!" Ino spat as the two girls glared at each other.

"Oh she's pissed…" Boruto gulped.

"D-did you hear that? Sakura was so mean…That's out of line isn't it….She sure made Ino mad, I've never seen her look so scary!" Naruto gulped as Boruto blinked.

"You of all people have never seen her look that scary?" Boruto asked as a flashback of all the times Sakura was mean to him ran through his head.

"Well maybe he means against other people?" Sarada offered.

"Yes but there's more to it than that. Sakura isn't the kind of person to do things like needlessly flaunt her own power, callously hurt people. But she also doesn't like having Ino take pity on her." Kakashi explained.

"….Like me and dad." Boruto admitted as Sakura's gaze hardened at Ino.

"So I'm a bud that hasn't flowered, huh?" Sakura asked as their eyes hardened before they took their headbands off before wrapping around their heads like every other ninja.

Before anyone knew anything, they clashed their fists with each other.

"Whoa! Looks like the fight is now a real fight!" Boruto smiled.

"Go mom!" Sarada cheered as Sakura dashed to Ino summoning three clones by her side.

"Do you really think you can beat me with a basic ninja art like that?" Ino asked, believing the clones by her side were just tangible illusions as Sakura sent chakra to her feet for a speed boost, being able to knock Ino away.

"Way to go!" Sarada pumped her fist with a cheer.

"I'm not some crybaby anymore. You play with fire and you're gonna get burned! Let's see what you got, Ino." Sakura said to her opponent as Ino smirked, raising herself off the ground.

"It's not like I needed your invitation, you know. I'll give you my best but you're not gonna like it." Ino's eyes narrowed, meeting Sakura's.

"You're going awesome, Sakura! Believe it!" Naruto cheered on his teammate.

"Powerful strikes using chakra, top notch considering she's a rookie. I've never seen Sakura this good." Kakashi observed, getting Naruto's attention.

"Hold on, you're not saying she's better than me?" Naruto asked, slightly surprised.

"No, Naruto…you're the greatest, nobody can beat you." Kakashi didn't even bother to hide the sarcasm in his voice, making Team Konohamaru snicker.

"Sending chakra all throughout her body and using it in conjunction with a well-timed jutsu? I don't even think Sasuke could have done it better. Well…even from the beginning, she was extremely good at chakra control so this is no surprise." Kakashi finished his statement.

"Well she is my mother!" Sarada beamed.

"Even through my voyage through the past she was instrumental in healing Uncle Sasuke." Boruto smiled alongside Mitsuki as the battle continued on for the next ten minutes with Sakura and Ino matching each other through fists and ninja weapons, which was starting to get to both of the combatants.

"This wasn't supposed to go like this! How can you be evenly matched with me?" Ino growled in frustration as Sakura merely chuckled.

"I guess you're right, Ino. Your obsession with your looks and hair can't be surpassed. I've been training too hard to worry about that stuff." Sakura smirked.

"Uh….she was just the same not too long ago…" Boruto deadpanned before getting clonked in the head by Sarada.

"Shut up!" Sarada growled as that was enough to set Ino off who pulled a kunai in response.

"That's it…I've had enough of you making fun of me." Ino gave Sakura a death glare.

"What's she gonna do with that kunai?" Boruto could only cringe as the other occupants watching looked just as interested.

"What an idiot. Ino's falling for her trap. She's so riled up by Sakura there's no telling what she'll do." Shikamaru said.

"Oh man, I hate it when she's like this." Choji nodded in agreement.

"And my mom hasn't mellowed with age." Sarada laughed before Ino sliced her off her own hair, much to the surprise of everyone watching.

"Wait what the hell is she doing!?" Boruto asked.

"I….uh…..I'm lost." Sarada couldn't answer her friend.

"It's definitely not for a fashion statement." Mitsuki said.

"You know she's up to something?" Sarada asked as Sakura huffed in amusement.

"Heh, you think that's gonna work?" Sakura smirked as Ino growled.

"That's it! I don't need this!" Ino yelled in anger before flinging her blonde strands forward, splattering the ground before Sakura.

"And I thought she looked scary before…." Naruto muttered as Ino made a hand sign.

"I'll end this right now. Get ready to tell everyone you lost to me, Billboard Brow!" Ino declared as everyone's eyes widened as they realized what she was gonna do.

"Wait, is she gonna try her Mind Control Jutsu?" Boruto asked in surprise.

"Yeah that's how it looks!" Sarada answered.

"Don't tell me she's gonna-"Shikamaru couldn't believe what his friend was going to do.

"Oh man, that fool…" Asuma rubbed his forehead.

"But if that jutsu misses, it leaves the user open for an attack, right?" Boruto asked.

"That's right." Mitsuki answers.

"So why isn't Asuma-Sensei doing anything?" Sarada asked.

"Maybe…he thinks she's bluffing?" Boruto suggested as Sakura didn't look too scared.

"Look I know you're frustrated but that won't work on me." Sakura confidently stated.

"Oh yeah? We'll just see about that!" Ino challenged Sakura who decided to give exposition about the Mind Transfer Jutsu itself.

"Ninja Art: Mind Transfer Jutsu. It's a jutsu that allows the user to take over their opponent's spirit and wrest control of their body away from them for a few minutes by discharging all of their own spiritual energy and striking their enemy with it. But despite its power, there are major flaws to this formidable jutsu that makes it extremely dangerous. First the user's discharged spiritual energy can only fly straight and it moves at a very slow speed. Second, even if the spiritual energy misses the enemy, it can't return to the user's own body for several minutes and this in battles are often measured in seconds. I should add that while the spiritual energy is gone, the user's body or your body Ino, can't move at all. It'll be no more than a doll." Sakura explained the mechanics behind the jutsu.

"Man Sarada, your mother is basically the encyclopedia of ninjutsu." Boruto blinked, impressed as Sarada smirked.

"You're welcome." Sarada grinned as Ino shook her head.

"So what? I don't care, I won't know unless I try." Ino scoffed as Sakura smiled, leaning to the side about to dodge her attack.

"If you miss, it's all over. You know that, right?" Sakura smiled before dashing off.

"Ninja Art-Mind Transfer Jutsu!" Ino fired her jutsu before it went silent….the seconds turning into practically hours with Ino's head and Sakura's head simultaneously hanging down.

"Wait….did it work?" Boruto turned to his friends.

However, he got his answer with a small chuckle and a head raise from Sakura Haruno herself.

"What an unfortunate accident, Ino. You're done." Sakura smiled.

"Whoa! She actually failed!" Boruto remarked.

"She's got this in the bag." Sarada smiled, ready to see her mother win.

However before Sakura could claim her victory, she found herself unable to move.

"N-no way!" Sakura could hardly believe what was happening.

"Wait, what's wrong?" Sarada asked before noticing the chakra filled hair covering Sakura's ankle.

"Wait look! It's the hair! It's glowing!" Boruto pointed at the ground.

"You fell for it, Sakura. Ha! I finally caught you." Ino smirked confidently.

"I-it can't be!" Sakura couldn't believe how the tides of battle were shifting away from her.

"Heh, I'm afraid it can. All those hand signs earlier were just an act to fool you to trick you into running right into the trap I laid for you and it worked. You can't move can you? You're being held by a special rope that's made from my hair with my chakra poured into it." Ino smiled, taking delight in Sakura's frightened expression.

"It was ingenious….taking advantage of Master Sakura's over confidence, getting her to lower her guard…." Mitsuki said.

"When you put it like that…" Boruto muttered.

"Now that you're trapped, I can take over your body and make you say you're giving up this match. There's no way I'll miss this time!" Ino said, raising her hands.

"No!" Boruto and Sarada yelled.

"Now I see…" Kakashi's visible eye widened.

"Sakura! You gotta get out of there!" Naruto tried yelling in an attempt to save his friend as Ino readied her jutsu.

"Now! Mind Control Jutsu!" Ino yelled, this time seemingly hitting Sakura as there was another long air of silence.

"Hehehe…..how very unfortunate…." Sakura's eyes were shadowed.

"Wait, she missed again?" Boruto asked.

"Sakura has been…" Lee's eyes narrowed.

"Nice one Saku-"Naruto was about to cheer as Mitsuki's eyes also narrowed.

"No…" Mitsuki said as Sakura finally revealed her face,t hough it was clear Sakura was no longer Sakura.

"Not quite." Ino in possession of Sakura's body.

"Oh damn…" Boruto cursed.

"Damn it! She actually hit her?" Sarada gapsed in horror as Naruto and Lee were just as horrified.

"Wait, I don't get it, what's with Ino and what's with Sakura?" Naruto asked, clearly not understanding what was going on.

"I mean Sakura's acting really strange, isn't she?" Naruto asked before deciding to cheer on his "teammate", "Do it already, Sakura! Attack!" as Kakashi decided to explain things to his student.

"The Mind Transfer Jutsu worked." Kakashi explained, shocking both Naruto and Lee.

"The Mind Transfer? Does that mean…that it?" Lee could barely form words.

"Yes. Sakura's spirit has been completely taken over by Ino. Her spirit is inside of Sakura now." Kakashi explained much to Naruto's horror.

"What!?" Naruto asked as Ino as Sakura decided to raise Sakura's right arm.

"Oh no, don't tell me!" Sarada stared in shock and horror.

"Yeah….she's gonna forfeit as Master Sakura…" Mitsuki said as Ino decided to speak.

"Now I, Sakura Haruno, would like to say that I with-"Ino was about to withdraw before a loud voice cut her off.

"No! Sakura, don't!" Naruto yelled at the top of his lungs, stopping Ino short of making Sakura lose the match.

"Thank you." Sarada breathed in relief.

"Tsk! Man that kid's just so annoying…" Ino growled in frustration as Naruto decided to continue.

"You worked so hard to get here, Sakura! Don't disgrace yourself now by losing to that lame Ino girl!" Naruto yelled in an attempt to wake up his teammate.

"Well said, dad." Boruto smiled though this didn't seem to work as Ino answered with a smirk.

"Yell all you want. Sakura's done for." Ino smirked before something seemed to vibrate and burst through her as she held her head in pain.

"Wait what's wrong?" Boruto asked as Mitsuki seemed to ascertain what was wrong.

"It looks like Master Sakura is waking up…" Mitsuki said with a small smile.

"And it's because of Lord Seventh…." Sarada beamed as Hayate was just lost at what was happening.

"What's wrong? Are you forfeiting?" Hayate asked as Sakura continued to scream in agony before she stopped completely.

"No, I won't be withdrawing! Not today or any other day!" Sakura yelled, signifying she was definitely "back".

"And she's back!" Sarada cheered.

"We missed her." Mitsuki chuckled with Boruto as Hayate wasn't amused but looked just lost.

"….Well which is it?" Hayate asked, ready for the match to be over with as Ino finally relinquished control of Sakura's body back to her.

"Well nice to have Auntie Sakura back." Boruto laughed.

"Although it looks like these two are on their last leg…" Mitsuki observed Ino and Sakura huffing heavily.

"How can you have two spirits in you?" Ino asked as Boruto turned to his teammate in surprise.

"Wait what?" Boruto asked.

"Hehe…." Sarada nervously laughed as she wasn't sure how to explain to her teammates about how she had her own "Inner Sakura".

"Heh, someone who's as strong as she is beautiful. I mean a girl's gotta be tough if she's gonna survive something like this." Sakura laughed through her exhaustion.

"True that, mom." Sarada snickered as both rivals readied one last punch as they put everything in this last bout.

"Here it is…." Sarada readied herself.

"One of them…." Boruto continued.

"Is going to lose." Mitsuki finished.

But much to everyone's shock, Ino and Sakura nailed each other in the face, sending blood flying from their mouths as well as their headbands flying off their heads and hitting the ground hard.

"What….just…." Sarada couldn't believe her eyes as the two girls hit the ground hard.

"Did they just….." Boruto watched as the two tried raising themselves up only to fall back hard.

"No…." Sarada covered her mouth as Hayate looked at the two before passing judgement.

"Since neither combatant is able to continue, by double knockout, no one gets through the fourth battle of this preliminary." Hayate announced much to the outrage of Team 10 and Team 7 alongside Boruto and Sarada.

"What!?" Boruto and Sarada spat simultaneously.

"They did put everything into this fight…" Mitsuki sighed as Kakashi and Asuma were quick to pick up Ino and Sakura before bringing them back up to the bleachers much to the concern of their teammates.

"Hey, Ino!" Shikamaru ran to Ino's side with Choji soon after.

"Sakura, no!" Lee ran to Sakura's side alongside Naruto.

"Sakura, wake up! Are you okay!?" Naruto was panicked beyond all belief though Kakashi was quick to silence the boisterous blonde.

"I don't think treatment will be necessary. They'll probably just wake up after a little while." Asuma said as everyone smiled at the rivals.

"When I think about it, they're a lot like Lord Seventh and Master Sasuke." Mitsuki spoke up.

"Oh yeah?" Boruto asked.

"Yeah….they act like they hate each other and try to one up each other but under all that crap….is a deep seeded love and admiration…." Sarada smiled as Boruto also smiled at that analogy.

"Huh….you're right…." Boruto said remembering Sasuke's sacrifice for Naruto against Haku.

"Yeah….despite her success with Naruto and Sasuke, I didn't think Sakura had what it takes to win here but she's grown a lot. She may not have done as well as she would have liked but still a lot of good happened here. I really feel it was the fight choice to send her to these Chunin Exams." Kakashi said.

"He's right about that…" Sarada's eyes softened at her sleeping mother before the names flickered on the Chunin Exams Match Selection Screen.

The next match read, "Tenten versus Temari".

"Oh we get to see, Auntie Tenten versus Auntie Temari." Boruto said, looking slightly forward to this match.

"I can only wonder how ferocious Shikadai's mom was as a kid…" Sarada said, wiping her eyes as both women stepped down to meet each other at the arena floor.

Tenten looked pumped though it was obviously given the look in Temari's eyes that she didn't see Tenten as an actual threat.

"For the fifth match; Temari, Tenten, get ready." Hayate said, looking at the two combatants.

"Begin." Hayate said before stepping back.

"Go for it, Tenten! You've got the power of youth!" Might Guy cheered for his weapons protégé.

"C'mon, Tenten! Send that girl back to her village on a stretcher! We're right behind you all the way, Tenten!" Lee also cheered as Guy decided to add onto the cheers his student was giving.

"Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate!?" Guy yelled to the Heavens.

"Tenten!" Lee added as the two green spandex wearers cheered their hearts for Tenten.

"They sure are supportive." Mitsuki chuckled.

"But they're loud." Sarada groaned as Naruto seemed to agree with the daughter of Sasuke as he covered his ears.

"Ugh, how'd I get stuck with the cheering section?" Naruto muttered as Team Konohamaru had a laugh at his expense.

"I did say to begin…" Hayate said, a bit surprised that no one has made the first move.

"Ha, guess she's waiting for me to make a move. Big mistake because the first move that I make will be the last one you see." Temari smirked as she stepped forward, making Tenten take a step back.

"C'mon, I don't want this match to be over too quickly so why don't you come on? Show me what you've got." Temari proclaimed, gesturing to herself.

"She sure is confident." Sarada said.

"Given who her siblings are, can ya blame her?" Boruto asked as Tenten decided to oblige Temari's request.

"Well okay, if you insist. Remember, you asked for it." Tenten smiled as she jumped to the air, throwing a flurry of Shuriken at Temari who dodged with relative ease.

"I-I missed!? There's no way!" Tenten asked in complete shock as Temari huffed.

"What was that? A warm up exercise? Or maybe you're a little nervous and it's affected your aim?" Temari arrogantly boasted before deciding to add more fuel to the fire, "Rats, I was hoping I'd work up at least a sweat. But forget that idea if this is the best you got."

"What is going on? How could she have missed? It is incredible!" Lee couldn't believe that the weapons mistress of his team could have faulty aim? That just didn't make sense.

"It's impossible. Tenten's aim is perfect. She always hits her mark." Guy added as Neji decided to speak against his team.

"Not this time she didn't." Neji said.

"She never misses. There must have been something that made her miss." Guy's eyes narrowed as Shikamaru yawned.

"Man this is embarrassing. The Sand Village wins again." Shikamaru sleepily said.

"Wow, thanks for the blind faith in your home village." Boruto deadpanned.

"What're you talking about? The match just started!" Naruto pointed out as Shikamaru decided to actually turn to Naruto.

"It's over." Shikamaru sighed as Naruto shook his head.

"What're you talking about? What makes you so smart? Why don't you explain it to me so I can understand it?" Naruto demanded as Shikamaru shook his own head.

"Uh, skip it. If you can't see it, I'm not gonna waste my breath." Shikamaru scoffed as Choji decided to add onto Shikamaru's assessment.

"It's as he said, it's over." Choji added as Naruto's eyes just narrowed in confusion.

"Uh…I really don't understand these guys at all." Naruto muttered as Team Konohamaru chuckled.

"And these two are running the Leaf Village now." Sarada shook her head in good nature as Tenten decided to use this time to measure and scan her surroundings trying to find an opening as Temari's hand went to her fan as Tenten decided now was the perfect time to strike.

Tenten ran around her opponent before jumping to the air.

"Try this on for size!" Tenten yelled as she pulled out a scroll before spinning and twirling around with it like a gymnast before hordes of ninja weapons rained down from the scrolls.

"They're heading for Auntie Temari!" Boruto yelled.

"I don't think she's all that worried!" Sarada said as Temari didn't show the slightest edge of fear before all the weapons were blown back by a gust of wind.

"Wait, her fan opened! And it has a moon on it?" Sarada asked.

"No way! She stopped everything I threw…." Tenten could hardly process what happened, "What has she got in that fan of hers?"

"Haha, take a look. This is the first moon." Temari smiled, openly gesturing to the purple exposed crescent moon on her fan.

"There are two more. When you see all three moons, you'll know you lost the match." Temari put a hand to her hips.

"So basically it's a race against time? Stop her before the moons come out." Boruto surmised.

"Why do I feel it's not gonna be that easy?" Sarada shook her head.

"Tenten! Do not play your opponent's game! Maintain focus!" Lee yelled in support of his teammate as Tenten looked down, seemingly racking her brain for an idea before pulling out two scrolls.

"What's that?" Boruto asked.

"Her trump card?" Mitsuki assumed.

"She's gonna use that already?" Guy raised an eyebrow.

"That?" Sarada wondered.

"What's with the two scrolls? What's she planning on doing with them?" Naruto wondered as Tenten put the two scrolls on the ground, making Temari scoff in amusement.

"Heh, it won't work, whatever it is." Temari smugly said as Tenten crouched down.

"Rising Twin Dragons!" Tenten said before a cloud of smoke enveloped both Tenten and Temari before two dragons made of purified smoke arose to the air.

"Whoa….kinda like Uncle Kakashi and Uncle Zabuza's dragon clash!" Boruto marveled as Tenten ran up to meet the dragons which began scrolls loaded with weapons as Tenten hurled weapon after weapon at the Sand Kunoichi.

"Hmph, it doesn't matter how many you throw at me. It's all the same…." Temari said before handing her fan.

"Moon number two!" Temari yelled, sending an even stronger gust of wind toward Tenten's direction, scattering the ninja weapon projectiles.

"Wait, did she say moon number two?" Sarada asked her friends.

"Oh hell…and there's only one left…." Boruto grit his teeth as Tenten huffed, touching down on the ground.

"I'm not done!" Tenten said as she jumped to the air before using wires to pick all of the discarded and blown off ninja weapons before levitating them in the air thanks to the thread of wire.

"Okay how can you escape that!?" Boruto asked in amazement.

"With that…." Sarada sighed as she blew all the weapons and Tenten away with relative ease sending Tenten crashing to the ground hard.

"Oh hell! All three moons are showing!" Boruto pointed at Temari's fan which was revealed to have all three moons exposed.

"Moon number three." Temari grinned before using her fan to vanish away.

"Whoa what happened? Where did she go?" Sarada asked before Mitsuki was quick to notice Temari in the air.

"Up there!" Mitsuki pointed as Tenten and everyone else all noticed Temari gliding in the air, courtesy of her fan before touching down on the ground giving Tenten a smile that sent hairs up the necks of Boruto, Sarada and those in the memory watching.

"I don't like that smile…" Boruto cringed as that was a smile not one of comforting or happiness but a smile that a cat gave before it ate a mouse.

"Now it's my turn, Wind Scythe Jutsu!" Temari roared before sending the most powerful gust of wind towards Tenten's way sending her into the air as various different lacerations opened all on her.

"Tenten!" Lee yelled in concern while Neji's eyes narrowed.

"Temari's chakra is controlling the vortex. Tenten fought well but she'll never escape from that whirlwind….it's over." Neji closed his eyes as the wind finally died down with Tenten landing on the back of Temari's fan so hard to the point where she spat blood.

"Oh damn!" Boruto cringed at how limp Tenten hang at the butt of Temari's blade.

"I knew Shikadai's mom was vicious but that takes it to a whole other level…" Sarada cringed as those in the audience were also taken aback by Temari's viciousness.

"Whoa….that girl is really ruthless…" Naruto gulped, happy he didn't have to deal with her.

"Tenten….." Lee frowned as Temari scoffed.

"To be able to stop every one of Tenten's attacks like that." Guy couldn't believe the weapons specialist of his team was taken out so easily.

"Yep, it's another win for the Sand Village, just like you said." Choji said to his best friend.

"Of course, that's why I said it." Shikamaru scoffed much to Sarada's irritation.

"Okay can we just quit being so negative to the Leaf already?" Sarada sighed as Temari huffed.

"Wasn't much of a match. Kind of boring." Temari scoffed to the point of nearly yawning as Hayate got close to the two to look over the condition of Tenten to verify she couldn't continue before making his decision.

"Winner of the fifth match; Temari." Hayate declared though like with the matches of Shino and Kankuro, no one cheered.

But before anyone knew anything, Temari flung Tenten's unconscious body over the pool of weapons.

"What the hell is she doing!?" Boruto yelled, noticing that it could be deadly if Tenten's body hit any one of the weapons.

"Someone catch her!" Sarada yelled before Lee came in the nick of time and caught Tenten, making Boruto and Sarada sigh in relief.

"Hey nice catch." Temari gave a sly smirk to Lee who glared at her.

"What is wrong with you!? She may have lost but that is no way to treat an opponent who has done her best!" Lee yelled at Temari as he couldn't believe how inconsiderate and cold anyone could be with someone else.

"Oh beat it and take that pile of garbage with you." Temari coolly spat.

"Garbage!?" Boruto clenched his fist in anger.

"What happned to her!?" Sarada also couldn't believe how ferocious Temari was as that seemed to set Lee off.

"Leaf Hurricane!" Lee yelled as he attempted to kick away Temari in an attempt to avenge his teammate, ignoring the screams of his teammates only to be blocked with Temari's fan.

"Not even close. You know what? You're as dumb as you look." Temari practically laughed at Lee, only inciting his rage further.

"What did you say!?" Lee growled.

"She blocked his kick with no problem!" Boruto remarked but before a potential fight could break out, Guy decided to step in.

"Lee, stop!" Guy touched down as Lee turned to face his sensei.

"But Guy-Sensei…" Lee tried to argue.

"Temari, forget them! The match is over so get up here. You won so why're you wasting your time with that pathetic loser and his ridiculous mentor?" Gaara chided his sister as he scoffed at Guy and Lee, much to Lee's anger as he scowled at Gaara who looked as he didn't perceive him as even a 10th of a threat.

"Just calm down, Lee." Guy out a hand on Lee's shoulder before deciding to address the sand ninja and especially Gaara in particular.

"A word of warning. You sand villagers have no idea what Lee is capable of. Remember, he still hasn't fought yet. So I'd be careful if I were you." Guy said as a word of caution of the ninja who looked relatively unfazed as Naruto also glared at the Sand Ninja.

"Don't worry, Naruto. I'm sure you can take them." The voice of the now conscious Sakura Haruno helped to reassure Naruto.

"Hey, she's up!" Boruto smiled.

"But when did she?" Sarada blinked as Mitsuki chuckled.

"I guess we got so invested in the next match that we kinda forgot her." Mitsuki chuckled as Naruto was just as surprised as Team Konohamaru.

"Sakura? What? You're alright? I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Naruto asked while Sakura shook her head.

"I'm fine but never mind me. It's you who you should be thinking about." Sakura pointed out as Naruto looked lost.

"Me? But I don't have any injuries yet." Naruto said as Sakura huffed.

"What I meant was that you don't want to disgrace yourself after you worked so hard to get here. Just think of what Sasuke would say. So stay sharp." Sakura reminded her teammate in a matter of fact voice.

"Oh…uh…right…" Naruto blinked, realizing that Sakura was right. He still hadn't gone yet and two of his potential opponents, Neji and Gaara, could be real hell for Naruto.

"Oh and thanks by the way." Sakura gave Naruto a small smile.

"Huh? What for?" Naruto looked lost as Sakura's smile widened.

"If you hadn't called out when you did, who knows what would have happened? If it hadn't been for you, I might not even be here right now." Sakura smiled.

"Yep, Dad is a miracle worker." Boruto grinned as Sarada and Mitsuki also smiled.

"Well you're right about that." Naruto bluntly said much to Sakura's anger.

"Oh you little." Sakura clenched her fists.

"Hey, shouldn't she be smacking him?" Boruto teased.

"I think this is the beginning of mom seeing the real side of Lord Seventh." Sarada smiled as various names flickered through the screen as those for the six matches were shown, "Shikamaru Nara versus Kin Tsuchi."

"Huh, Shikadai's dad is up!" Boruto grinned.

"And against that bitch who beat my mom up." Sarada clenched her fist in anger as she hoped she would see her get her just desserts.

Naruto and Lee groaned in annoyance at now getting selected as Shikamaru yawned.

"Guess it's me." Shikamaru yawned as he made his way down to the arena floor.

"Shikamaru, you got this!" Choji cheered.

"All you gotta do is tell yourself you can't lose!" A revived Ino cheered for her teammate as Kin made her way down to the floor though she received no such cheers from her remaining teammate.

"Oh man this is such a drag. I mean give me a break, I've got to fight a girl?" Shikamaru groaned.

"And what's wrong with that?" Sarada growled.

"I don't think he means it in a sexist way." Mitsuki reassured Sarada who huffed.

"Yeah you just keep thinking that way little man." Kin scowled at Shikamaru as Hayate looked at the two.

"The sixth match, Shikamaru and Kin, begin." Hayate said before jumping back.

"It's all I've got." Shikamaru took a stance for his Shadow Possession Jutsu, making Kin scoff.

"You're not trying that stupid shadow thing again, are you?" Kin smirked, much to Shikamaru's irritance.

"Shut your mouth!" Shikamaru snapped.

"Ha! She deserved that." Sarada laughed.

"Take her down!" Boruto cheered as Shikamaru's eyes narrowed.

"Ninja Art-Shadow Possession Jutsu!" Shikamaru said as Kin rolled her eyes.

"Is that all you know? If that's the only trick you've got, this is gonna be easier than I thought." Kin smirked, throwing a handful of senbon at Shikamaru which he was able to dodge. But it wasn't without Shikamaru noticing something on the senbon needles.

"Bells? Oh please, not that old trick." Shikamaru stood up before smirking at his opponent, "Lemme guess, next you'll throw senbon with bells and senbon without bells at the same time? I'll react to the bells and while I'm focused on dodging them, I won't notice the silent needles coming at me. Am I right? Good luck." Shikamaru finished his thesis with a confident smile, assured he wouldn't take any serious damage.

"You sure talk a lot don't you?" Kin returned Shikamaru's smile before throwing more senbon needles at Shikamaru who took the initiative to dodge.

"Now I know to be careful to dodge all the senbon, not just the ones with the bells." Shikamaru smirked before hearing the sound of bells jingling.

"Wait, what happened?" Boruto asked as Shikamaru's head turned to the senbon needles imbedded in the wall behind him with bells jingling.

"Wait, where the?" Shikamaru's head turned before noticing something on the Bells.

"Threads? Wait-" Shikamaru asked and before he knew anything, two sendon needles were hurled his way.

"Look out!" Boruto yelled before Shikamaru was nailed in the arm with two needles.

"Shikamaru!" Ino yelled in concern.

"Well that didn't take long." Naruto muttered.

"How can he just count him out like that?" Sarada asked.

"Hold on, don't be too sure." Sakura reminded her teammate as Shikamaru pulled himself to his feet.

"One inch higher and that would've been a fatal hit…" Shikamaru muttered before ripping the needles from his arm, "Okay, now I get a turn." Shikamaru readied his counterattack.

"Sorry but that was your turn." Kin smiled at Shikamaru's confused expression before he started to slowly sway from left to right.

"W-what the? What's going on!?" Shikamaru grunted before falling to his knee.

"What happened!?" Boruto demanded as Mitsuki's eyes narrowed.

"She must've lured him into a trap." Mitsuki surmised as Kin smirked as she looked down on Shikamaru.

"You see, you don't ever ask for whom the bell tolls because it tolls for thee. The bell sends off a peculiar sound vibration that travels to the inner and outer ear then directly to the brain. First comes paralysis and soon you'll start hallucinating." Kin looked down on Shikamaru in amusement as he tried covering his ears.

"It won't work. You can't block the sound out once it's inside your head. It's useless." Kin smirked as Shikamaru's head nearly turned.

"I-I can't tell which one of them is the real one…." Shikamaru muttered in agony as it was apparent he was starting to hallucinate.

"Oh damn, talk about a sticky situation…." Sarada frowned as Boruto smiled.

"Nah…if he's anything like Shikadai, he'll get out of this. He has to!" Boruto smiled in confidence.

"I agree." Mitsuki smiled as Sarada found herself smiling before Shikamaru was suddenly hit in the shoulder with two senbon.

"How horrible….taking advantage of his senses…." Sarada growled as Shikamaru glared at Kin through his pain.

"Quit playing around why don't you? If you're so tough, get it over with." Shikamaru said as Kin looked ready to end things before she suddenly found herself stuck.

"W-what!? I can't move my arm!" Kin's eyes widened as Shikamaru smirked.

"It looks like my 'lame shadow jutsu' was a success after all." Shikamaru got to his feet much to Kin's confusion.

"Time for his counterattack!" Boruto smiled.

"Can't wait to see her get her just desserts." Sarada also smiled as Kin stared at him like he was crazy.

"But you haven't thrown any shadows! No way, I made sure of it!" Kin looked around much to Shikamaru's amusement.

"Heh, you really don't see it?" Shikamaru asked as Mitsuki smiled.

"Oh I see." Mitsuki noticed what Shikamaru was referring to.

"What do you mean?" Kin practically demanded more than asked as Shikamaru finally decided to explain himself.

"Look at that thread you're holding. Don't you find it strange that it would even cast a shadow at this height?" Shikamaru asked as Kin looked down before her eyes widened in dread.

"Of course you didn't notice because you were concentrating on other things like killing me." Shikamaru explained much to Kin's chagrin.

"The shadow spreading out around me and I didn't see it…." Kin mentally smacked herself for making such a folly.

"Right, I stretched my shadow out along the line of that thread and followed it all the way back so I'm stuck to you." Shikamaru said as he held his arm up which Kin mirrored.

"Got her!" Sarada pumped her arm.

"And now so we mirror each other's movements. So what, it's a cute trick but what do you gain by it?" Kin smirked, not willing to show her opponent how worried she was.

"Man, you're annoying. Shut up and watch." Shikamaru said before pulling a hand in his weapons pouch and digging out a Shuriken.

"Wait, what is he doing?" Boruto asked.

"Just watch." Mitsuki said already knowing what Shikamaru was up to.

"You must be insane! If you throw that Shuriken at me, you'll only be attacking yourself!" Kin yelled as she found herself holding a Shuriken alongside Shikamaru as she assumed he was going to be a martyr.

"Makes it kinda interesting, doesn't it?" Shikamaru held his arm back.

"You wouldn't!" Kin couldn't believe how crazy Shikamaru was.

"Yeah, like a game of chicken, let's see who ducks first!" Shikamaru grinned before throwing his Shuriken, making Kin mirror his movement.

"You're crazy!" Kin yelled.

"What is he doing?" Sarada asked with Shikamaru ducking in the nick of time. Kin smiled as she attempted to do the same only to hit her head on the wall.

"Okay that was too funny!" Boruto laughed.

"For once I agree with you!" Sarada also laughed as Shikamaru smirked, pulling himself up.

"And that's what I call 'using your head'. The wise Shinobi carefully scouts the physical layout of the battlefield and never loses sight of his position over it. That was her problem, I made sure she was so busy focused on me, she didn't notice the wall inches from her head so we when both dodged backwards, kabong! Now who's hearing Bells?" Shikamaru explained.

"Ingenious! He took advantage of her overconfidence and she lost in a very embarrassing way. Which is what she deserved." Sarada smiled as she wiped her eyes as Hayate cleared his throat.

"Winner of the sixth match, Shikamaru Nara." Hayate announced as Shikamaru got a handful of applause unlike end of prior matches as both Naruto and Lee looked ready to rip their hairs out of pure impatience this time.

"C'mon me next, c'mon!" Lee pleaded to the Shinobi God above.

"Even that lazy good for nothing bum won his match…when am I gonna get my turn?" Naruto muttered.

"Alright…and for the next match." Hayate said as the names flickered on the selection screen before the names for the next match were selected, "Naruto Uzumaki versus Kiba Inuzuka."

"Alright, it's dad's turn!" Boruto grinned, pumping his fist.

"This should be a very interesting match." Mitsuki also smiled.

"I can't wait to see how Lord Seventh will do." Sarada grinned though no one was happier than Naruto.

"Yeah! It's here, at last! The moment I've been waiting for! Finally I get a chance to show what I've got!" Naruto cheered though Lee didn't look too happy.

"When am I gonna get my turn….?" Lee sighed in sadness as Kiba also looked happy.

"Look at that! It's us against the kid! Hey Akamaru, I think you and I just won the lottery!" Kiba beamed with Akamaru barking.

"Guess he's confident." Mitsuki laughed as Boruto and Sarada rolled their eyes.

"Won't he get the surprise of a lifetime?" Boruto snorted.

"It's your moment Naruto….Show us….show us how much you've grown." Kakashi smiled under his mask as Naruto pumped his fist.

"It's my time to shine!" Naruto grinnd with the utmost confidence that he would indeed win.

Soon, Naruto and Kiba met each other down on the arena floor.

"Now the seventh match, Naruto Uzumaki and Kiba Inuzuka." Hayate nodded in the direction of the two as Naruto could barely keep the smile brimming his features.

"I've been waiting forever for this! Sorry Kiba but don't take it personally if I blow you away!" Naruto grinned much to Kiba's chagrin.

"That's just what I was gonna say! Only not so politely….right Akamaru?" Kiba asked with Akamaru yipping in agreement.

"Oh yeah? Well talking is easy! Let's see what you've got to say at the end of the match!" Kiba spat before setting Akamaru at his feet much to Naruto's confusion.

"Wait a second, are you kidding me? What's the puppy here? He's just gonna get in the way!" Naruto said as Kiba snickered.

"Deal with it. I never go into battle without Akamaru with Naruto turning to Hayate for some help. Come on, isn't that against the rules?" Naruto complained to Hayate.

"No. Like Shino's bugs, they are a plot of him so he is within the rules." Hayate said as Naruto was left speechless.

"Reminds me of Yurui and that annoying gum…" Boruto muttered.

"It does seem like these rules are a bit too convenient…" Sarada muttered as Naruto shook his head.

"Well whatever, I can fight better with a handicap." Naruto smirked as Kiba returned his smirk.

"We'll just see about that." Kiba said before turning to Akamaru, "Akamaru, you stay right there and let me handle this." Kiba snorted much to Sakura's irritation.

"Go on, Naruto! You can't lose to this jerk!" Sakura yelled.

"Oh mom…." Sarada mused, remembering how her mother cheered for her during her exams.

"But at least it shows she's changing." Mitsuki smiled as Kiba looked up at Naruto.

"Look, I feel sorry for you so I'm gonna finish you off with one blow, kay?" Kiba raised a fist much to Naruto's amusement.

"Oh yeah? You're even dumber than you look if you think you can beat me." Naruto proclaimed as that seemed to be it for Kiba.

"You sure talk tough for a little squirt." Kiba said as Hayate slowly looked at the two.

"When you're ready you can begin." Hayate said before jumping back as Kiba crouched down and made a hand sign before looking more animal-like.

"Wait what's that?" Boruto asked.

"That must be the Inuzuka style of fighting…." Mitsuki surmised.

"Style of fighting?" Boruto asked.

"Right….from what I read, they fight more animal-like than other clans…." Sarada explained much to Boruto's surprise.

"Man…" Was all Boruto could muster as chakra gathered around Kiba.

"Here I come!" Kiba said and before anyone could say anything, Kiba dealt Naruto a harsh hit to Naruto's sternum, sending him nearly flying into the wall behind him.

"Dad!"/Lord Seventh!" Boruto and Sarada yelled respectively as Naruto spat up blood before he hit the ground hard, seemingly unconscious.

Those watching were just as surprised at how quick the match was, given Naruto's bravado.

"Heh, this little guy's gonna be out for a little while." Kiba gloated, thinking the match was already gone.

"Naruto….that was embarrassing…" Lee frowned in disappointment as those in the audience voiced similar sentiments.

Once getting over their shock, Boruto and Sarada looked at each other before smiling.

"No way that's enough to put dad down." Boruto smiled.

"No way!" Sarada grinned before the memory shifted.

"Naruto….you're one of the ones I want to fight the most." Sasuke smirked at Naruto before the memory shifted again to Naruto being in the forest of chakra with Haku.

"You will get strong…" Haku assured Naruto upon their meeting.

And as if that was a motivational scene in an anime, Naruto slowly stood to his feet.

"Heh, that's it? Don't ever underestimate me!" Naruto declared, trying to look badass despite the blood trailing down his lip as Sakura and Lee went wild in their cheering as Kakashi smiled under his mask.

"That's the way to tell him!" Boruto grinned.

Kiba however scoffed at Naruto's attitude.

"Yeah, yeah more tough talk. Just look at you, you're a mess!" Kiba snorted as Naruto wiped his lip.

"I just wanted to see what you've got. Frankly you hit like an old lady and you've got a better chance of winning if you send in that puppy to fight for you!" Naruto smirked much to Team Konohamaru's amusement.

"Always talking smack." Mitsuki chuckled though Kiba wasn't too amused.

"You're going to pay for that…" Kiba growled before looking down at his best friend.

"C'mon, Akamaru!" Kiba said, getting the attention of his ninja mound before throwing smoke bombs at Naruto.

"Smoke grenades!?" Naruto lamented as he was hit by the projectiles.

"Oh great, now he can't see!" Boruto complained.

"And he's getting wailed on!" Sarada yelled as pained grunts were heard from inside the smoke before Naruto managed to free himself from the smoke.

"Heh, he fell for it!" Kiba laughed as Akamaru bit Naruto's hand, making him fall into the smoke cloud as more ruffling and fighting were heard.

As soon as the smoke cloud cleared, Naruto was lying down with Akamaru wagging his tail happily.

"Bark!" Akamaru barked.

"No freaking way!" Boruto yelled as Kiba crouched down to Akamaru's height.

"Heh, this fight is over! Good doggy!" Kiba opened his arms expecting a hug from Akamaru before he was suddenly bitten by Akamaru on his wrist much to the surprise of the onlookers.

"Oh, now I see…" Mitsuki suddenly smiled as Kiba could only stare at his long time best friend in surprise and slight betrayal.

"W-what're you doing?" Kiba couldn't believe his friend was seemingly turning on him?

It was then that "Akamaru" suddenly snickered.

"Surprise! Gotcha!" The voice of Naruto laughed as Akamaru was revealed to be none other than Naruto.

"Clever bastard!" Boruto laughed.

"I can only imagine how he tastes." Sarada grimaced as while everyone was surprised at the sudden change of events, none were more so than Kiba.

"Wait, you used a transformation jutsu!? Get off!" Kiba roughly shoved Naruto off as he lost his amused look which was replaced with a look of utter disgust, emphasized by him spitting.

"Pfft! You taste look a dog!" Naruto spat much to Sarada's disgust and Boruto and Mitsuki's amusement much to their laughter and before Kiba could make a fiery comeback, he noticed something or someone missing.

"Wait, where is he?" Kiba noticed his furry canine companion was indeed missing.

"He's right here." Naruto or rather his clone proudly held up Akamaru who whimpered in shame as he held his head down.

"H-how did you!?" Kiba's teeth fared in anger as the onlookers were nothing short of impressed.

"That was amazing, Naruto!" Sakura cheered though Boruto could notice his mother wanted to cheer just as loud as Sakura if not louder but her shyness held her back.

"Oh mom…" Boruto frowned in sympathy as Kiba lost his anger as even he looked impressed.

"Well whaddaya know? Gotten a little stronger, I see but not strong enough because now I'm getting serious!" Kiba pointed at Naruto who snickered.

"Oh? Well good, I was hoping you would because I wanna seriously knock you out!" Naruto grinned, clenching his fist though rather than a witty, snarky remark Kiba merely exhaled.

"What's with him?" Sarada asked, not really liking what's happening.

"Whatever it is, it can't be anything good…." Boruto muttered as Kiba started laughing much to Naruto's surprise.

"Naruto, if I were you, I'd let Akamaru go." Kiba smirked before throwing a small pill into Akamaru's mouth, making him grow in size as well as turn crimson red in color.

"What the hell just happened!?" Boruto yelled in surprise as Naruto's Shadow Clone was easily disposed of as the newly transformed Akamaru jumped to his master's size.

"Wait, what the heck happened? Why'd his fur turn all red?" Naruto asked much to Kiba's amusement.

"Are you sure you want to stick around to find out?" Kiba smiled before popping the same pill in his mouth that he just gave Akamaru.

"So that's it….A food pill." Mitsuki said.

"A what?" Sarada asked as Kiba made a hand sign.

"Let's go Akamaru! Beast Mimicry!" Kiba yelled as he and Akamaru were covered in a tuft of smoke before there was another Kiba on the back of the real Kiba with both of them looking both feral and deadly.

"Man Beast Clone!" Kiba and his clone yelled, baring their teeth.

"Wait, so what happened to Akamaru?" Boruto asked.

"Where is Akamaru?" Sarada asked.

"Isn't it obvious? That clone on top of Kiba is Akamaru using that soldier pill." Mitsuki deduced.

"What!?" Boruto and Sarada asked.

"Akamaru has basically become a Shadow Clone of Kiba." Mitsuki explained as Boruto and Sarada seemed to catch onto what Mitsuki was saying.

"And that means he'd have all of his abilities…" Boruto grit his teeth as Naruto was nothing short of freaked at this sudden change of events.

"He's got a crazy look in his eyes all of a sudden…." Naruto blinked before realizing something, "Hey wait a minute, he took something! No fair that's cheating, he ought to be disqualified!" Naruto turned to Hayate thinking this was unfair.

"They're just another tool so they're allowed." Hayate explained before coughing much to Naruto's chagrin.

"Ugh! You're no help at all!" Naruto spat.

"I still wonder how he's a ninja with that sickly body…" Sarada grimaced at how sickly Hayate looked.

"Who cares about that right now!?" Boruto pointed to Naruto who didn't have enough time to be surprised.

"Let's finish this! On all fours!" Kiba yelled as he and Akamaru lunged at Naruto who barely had enough time to advance.

The game of cat and mouse with Naruto and the double Kibas only seemed to get worse for Naruto as he had no time to counter attack or dodge which Naruto realized as he managed to jump in the air, narrowly avoiding a claw to the face.

"Heh, now I've got you!" Kiba grinned.

"Oh no!" Sarada's eyes widened as she realized what Kiba was gonna do.

"Man Beast Ultimate Jutsu!" Kiba yelled as he and Akamaru spun around so fast that both of their spinning forms resembled that of miniature twisters.

They were so fast, Naruto only noticed them only when it was too late….

"FANG OVER FANG!" Kiba and Akamaru yelled before Naruto was abruptly hit by the powerful twister technique, before he could even react.

"DAD!" Boruto yelled as Naruto hit the ground, coughing up a mouthful of blood before his head hit the ground hard.

"Is he okay!?" Sarada covered her mouth as Kiba laughed as he canceled out his jutsu.

"Told you it was gonna get serious." Kiba jeered at Naruto whose fingers clenched at the ground below.

"I….I will…..be Hokage…." Naruto muttered through his pain.

"Dad…..You will…" Boruto's heart went out to his father.

"Yeah….you will…." Sarada smiled before Kiba's harsh laughter cut her off.

"And how are you gonna do that? By lying flat on your face? I got news for you, I'm the one who's gonna be the Hokage!" Kiba proclaimed before cruelly laughing at Naruto's dream as Boruto and Sarada glared at Kiba while Mitsuki didn't look too pleased.

"Oh shut up! He's gonna get up and kick your ass!" Boruto spat, sick and tired of Kiba's smug attitude.

"Yeah….if he wasn't good friends with our parents…." Sarada clenched her fist as the memory started to slowly shift.

"Wait this is…." Boruto noticed as this was a three year old Naruto who jumped off the Hokage monument after meeting and conversing with Hiruzen Sarutobi in the woods.

"I'M GONNA BE THE HOKAGE ONE DAY!" A three year old Naruto proclaimed before he jumped off the faces of the Hokage.

The scene then shifted to a humiliated Naruto who clenched his fists in rage as the entire class was laughing at him messing up a transformation jutsu.

"You just wait! Someday I'm gonna be the Hokage and then you'll all see!" Naruto yelled though the class only seemed to find this even more humorous than his goof up as they laughed harder.

"You can become Hokage ten times over and you'll still be a nobody. A loser." Tazuna scoffed much to Naruto's rage.

"Ugh shut up! I'm willing to do anything to become Hokage no matter what it takes! And when I do, everyone will have to admit I'm the top ninja, including you!" Naruto spat back as the memory then shifted to the Great Naruto Bridge with Naruto and Sasuke facing off against Haku with both boys injured against the crystal ice mirrors user.

"I'm not giving up and I'm not gonna lose here cause I have a dream and no one's gonna take it from me! Someday, I'll be respected in my village! That's my dream, to be the greatest Hokage!" Naruto proclaimed to the disciple of Haku before the memory shifted again to the classroom where Naruto and Co. took their first exam of the Chunin Exams.

"Don't underestimate me! I don't quit and I don't run! You can act tough all you want but you guys aren't gonna scare me off! No way, I don't care if I do get stuck as a genin for the rest of my life! I'll still be Hokage someday!" Naruto declared with the utmost certainty and confidence in his voice to Ibiki before the memory returned to real time.

"All of that….he won't lose." Mitsuki smiled.

"He can't lose!" Boruto smirked as Sakura clenched the bars holding her back,

"On your feet, Naruto!" Sakura yelled.

"Thanks. Mom." Sarada smiled as that also seemed to make Naruto slowly get up before a voice echoed in Naruto's ear.

"You're one of the ones I wanna fight the most!" Sasuke's voice rang through Naruto's ears before he was fully back on his feet again.

"That's the way, dad!" Boruto grinned as Kiba's eyes narrowed in frustration with his resilient Naruto was. Just what would it take to put this kid down for the count?

"Sorry but you can forget about being Hokage. Because I'm the top dog around here!" Naruto smirked.

"Way to tell him!" Sarada cheered.

"Now just get that blood off your face!" Boruto teased as Kiba lost his anger before smirking at Naruto.

"You're a real glutton for punishment, huh?" Kiba smirked, pointing an accusing finger at Naruto who merely smirked.

"Okay, have it your way. I'm gonna make sure you don't get up again. Let's go, Akamaru!" Kiba ordered his transformed hound as the two rounded on Naruto who huffed.

"How many times are you gonna use that move?" Naruto smiled at how predictable Kiba was being as the two rotated into their "Fang over Fang" technique as Naruto managed to narrowly avoid the fast jutsu before landing on the ground. Before Naruto had the foresight to look around, Kiba suddenly pelted him with a handful of smoke bombs.

"Oh come on, how many times is he gonna use that?" Boruto groaned, getting a little sick of Kiba using the same tricks.

"Well…it is a way to dull Lord Seventh's senses…." Mitsuki mused.

"But it's like he's in a dark house without any light!" Sarada was quick to point out as Naruto smirked as the jutsu ended despite the state he was in.

"Heh, looks like you're out of gas, kid." Kiba snickered as Naruto smiled back.

"Oh yeah? Bring it on dog breath because no matter how many of your clones that you make, I'll still have enough gas to beat you!" Naruto spat with Kiba chuckling.

"You always have a snappy comeback. Let's see you come back from this!" Kiba smirked as he turned to Akamaru who snarled in excitement before the two railroaded Naruto again.

"Can they do something else for a change?" Sarada nearly yawned getting a little tired of Kiba doing the same dog and pony show with smoke bombs and fangs over fangs.

"But…he can use the smoke to his advantage…" Mitsuki said.

"What do you mean?" Boruto asked.

"Just wait for it…" Mitsuki said before the smoke died down, revealing three different Kibas.

"Amazing! He transformed into Uncle Kiba to throw off the real one! And he used the smoke!" Boruto grinned, impressed at Naruto's quick thinking.

"Didn't I tell you?" Mitsuki smiled with Boruto blushing.

"Brilliant! Nice one Naruto!" Sakura cheered.

"Yes! Brilliant! Whoo!" Lee cheered with flames in his eyes.

"He's got him completely stymied!" Sakura smiled.

"Okay, so I see you've gotten better at the transformation jutsu but you forgot one thing. I admit, you look like me and that threw me off for a minute but I still know which one is you, you can't fool me! Wanna know why?" Kiba smirked before decking one of the Kiba clones in the face.

"I can smell you, kid. There's no getting past our sense of smell." Kiba grinned, rubbing his nose.

"Oh hell." Boruto cursed as he grit his teeth as the smoke died down only to reveal not Naruto but….Akamaru?

"Wait what?" Boruto asked.

"But Uncle Kiba's nose!" Sarada pointed out as those watching in the memory were just as perplexed, but none were more surprised that Kiba.

"Wait!" Kiba's eyes widened that his nose could fail before turning to the Kiba clone behind him.

"So it's you!" Kiba clonked the remaining clone in the face, thinking he finally outed the real Naruto only for it to be revealed to be none other than…another Akamaru?

"Wait what's going on!?" Sarada nearly felt a headache from confusion coming.

But before anyone could say anything, the first "Akamaru" poofed away revealing that Naruto was in actuality the Akamaru that Kiba punched initially.

Before anyone could say anything, Naruto cut Kiba's shock off with a sharp kick to the jaw.

"Attaboy!" Sakura cheered with the others watching just as impressed, none more than Team Konohamaru.

"I see it now! When Uncle Kiba smacked dad, he transformed into Akamaru before the transformation jutsu let up, fooling him, thinking he had the fight in the bag and letting him drop his guard!" Boruto pumped his fist.

"Ingenious! Then again it's Lord Seventh so I shouldn't be surprised!" Sarada beamed.

"Little squirt…." Kiba grunted, pushing him back to his feet.

"The smart shinobi is careful at how he uses his jutsu. Otherwise it's liable to come back and bite him in the butt, dummy!" Naruto snorted, giving his opponent the thumbs down gesture.

"Wait didn't Master Kakashi say a similar line?" Mitsuki chuckled.

"I think so!" Sarada laughed as Kiba bit his palm to get his scent back before he got a handful of Shuriken out which Naruto happily welcome.

"So are you finally getting serious, Kiba? Good. That means it's time to unveil something special I've been saving! My super-secret killer move!" Naruto declared, making a handsign.

"Oh? Now this I can't wait to see!" Boruto smiled.

"Yeah same!" Sarada agreed with Mitsuki nodding with fervor.

"Ha! Super-Secret killer move? Get outta here, it's a bluff!" Kiba scoffed, thinking Naruto was blowing smoke with Naruto scoffing himself.

"Oh yeah? Try and find out!" Naruto grinned, hoping Kiba's overconfidence would cloud his judgement.

"You ready!?" Naruto thrust his arms forward in a challenging gesture with Kiba running to Naruto, hurling the Shuriken he had in hand as he flung them at the orange clad ninja who made sure to dodge the ninja projectiles.

"Beast Mimicry! All Fours Jutsu!" Kiba yelled, pushing Naruto several inches back on the floor, nearly knocking him off his feet.

"What're you waiting for!?" Kiba growled at Naruto before backhanding him across his face, knocking him to the ground.

"Naruto!" Sakura and Hinata yelled in worry.

"Hmph, I knew this kid couldn't hack it." Kankuro grinned as Kiba smirked, already feeling assured of his victory.

"On your feet, Naruto!" Sakura yelled as Naruto managed to stagger to his feet, but barely.

"Ugh…he's coming at me so fast I don't have a chance to build up my chakra!" Naruto grunted as Kiba was on Naruto.

"Hey, what's wrong? Just gonna stand there!?" Kiba grinned before knocking Naruto down again before he could even conjure up a hand-sign.

"That jerk isn't letting up on him!" Boruto growled in frustration.

"Yeah, how's he supposed to hit him?" Sarada asked just as frustration as Kiba jumped in the air, ready to pounce on Naruto.

"Take this!" Kiba yelled as he was about to nearly claw Naruto's face off before using his wrist to break Kiba's fall before throwing him away.

Naruto huffed and grinned despite the pain he was in with his clawed hand.

"I will be Hokage….I will never lose to you or anyone here!" Naruto made a hand sign much to Kiba's amusement.

"Oh dream on, kid! How can you hit me when you can't keep up with me?" Kiba pounced on Naruto on all fours which Naruto managed to barely dodge.

"Hey kid, heads up!" Kiba send Naruto sprawling across the floor.

"Naruto!" Sakura yelled.

"Damn it!" Boruto growled as Naruto shook his head despite his injured state as he got on his feet again with some difficulty.

"That's right….get on up…" Sarada smiled at her idol.

"And shut him up for good." Boruto teased as Naruto turned to Kiba, smirking despite the blood on his face.

"I absolutely will not lose…..so I guess that means you're out of luck!" Naruto smirked as Kiba nearly felt an aneurysm coming.

"You're a scrappy little squirt, I'll give you that." Kiba grinned, ready to make one final move to put Naruto down for the count.

"Guess it's time to unveil my new technique!" Naruto made a hand-sign which was more than enough to set off Kiba.

"Go for it!" Kiba yelled as he darted and ran right to Naruto intent on knocking him down for the final time.

"He's at his backside!" Sarada yelled.

"Dad!" Boruto knew there were ways Kiba could immobilize Naruto attacking him on his backside.

But before Kiba could get close to Naruto, Naruto…released wind on Kiba's nose much to Kiba's disgust as he clenched his nose.

"….Huh?" Sarada was just silent as she stared blankly with Boruto falling on his backside, doubling over in laughter.

"Way to crop dust him, dad!" Boruto laughed, nearly in tears with Mitsuki chuckled.

"Well who said he was out of gas?" Mitsuki joked as Sarada could not believe how her teammates found amusement in such a disgusting moment.

"Do not tell me this was the super-secret technique he hyped up?" Sarada sighed with those in the stands being just as disgusted as the daughter of Sasuke before Sakura shook her head.

"W-whatever works Naruto! You slowed him down at least!" Sakura tried to find the positivity in Naruto's surprise move.

"At least she seems to be supportive of it." Mitsuki laughed as Boruto stood himself back to his feet, wiping his eyes.

"No way that was dad's super-secret move." Boruto said as Naruto grinned at Sakura's support of him.

"I wish I could say I planned it but anyways the time has come to unleash my new technique!" Naruto grinned summoning four more shadow clones around himself, surrounding Kiba who was recovering from the surprise of Naruto's gas.

Naruto took advantage of this by decking Kiba in the face before kicking Kiba up in the chin sending him flying upwards.

"Yes!" Sarada cheered.

"Don't get too excited yet!" Boruto smiled as the real Naruto was thrown up above Kiba and before Kiba knew anything…

"Na-"

"Ru-"

"To-"

"Uzumaki Barrage!" Naruto finished his move with Naruto kicking Kiba dead in the head, sending him to the ground knocking him out cold.

"Yes!" Boruto and Sarada held their fingers together unsubconsciously as they hoped this was no clone or illusion.

Hayate took this time to walk forward and examine the unconscious Kiba before declaring the winner of the match.

"The winner is Naruto Uzumaki!" Hayate announced much to the happiness of those closer to Naruto.

"Woohoo!" Lee cheered.

"Yes! That's my teammate!" Sakura cheesed with Team Ten even seeing Naruto in a new light.

"Yes!" Boruto and Sarada hugged each other before realizing what the other person did.

"Quit hugging me you weirdo!" Both teammates glared at each other with Mitsuki shaking his head.

"I wonder…if he took inspiration from Master Sasuke and Lee…" Mitsuki surmised with Naruto happily running up the stairs.

"Haha it was nothing! Piece of cake!" Naruto cheered, not even realizing he was walking past Hinata who decided to use this time to her advantage.

"….N…Naruto…." Hinata actually managed to get Naruto's attention.

"Huh? You say something?" Naruto turned to the heiress in confusion who was blushing up a storm much to Boruto's eternal embarrassment.

"I….thought….maybe…." Hinata stammered before holding a box of medical cream up to Naruto.

"Hey, wasn't that what she offered dad before they all went in the Forest of Death?" Boruto could've sworn that looked familiar.

"I think it is!" Sarada noted as Naruto looked just lost.

"I…uh…what's this?" Naruto asked as Boruto and Sarada rolled their eyes while Kurenai looked amused.

"It's a healing ointment. Take it, Naruto." Kurenai smiled at the two as Naruto blinked before smling an accepting the medicine.

"Thanks, Hinata, that's uh real nice of you!" Naruto grinned as he smiled at her in thanks before finally making his way back to his teammates.

"You were great Naruto!" Sakura smiled at her teammate.

"Yes, your flames of youth were very invigorating!" Lee congratulated his youthful friend as Kakashi smiled at Naruto, feeling no words needed to be said in how proud he was of Naruto.

"Heh, thanks guys!" Naruto grinned as he pulled out the ointment that he received from Hinata.

"What's that?" Lee asked.

"Some healing ointment thing that Hinata gave me." Naruto smiled as Boruto also smiled.

"That's my mom. Always taking care of dad." Boruto smiled.

"Looks like mom is a fan." Sarada joking noticing the knowing smile Sakura gave Naruto who took no time in applying the ointment to the scratches that Kiba gave him.

"Man that works fast!" Sarada noted in amazement as the wounds inflected upon Naruto were slowly healing.

"Is it cause of the Nine Tails?" Boruto turned to Mitsuki as he remembered something similar happening when Naruto's wounds healed during the Wave Mission.

"Definitely." Mitsuki confirmed.

Lee and Sakura looked just as amazed as Naruto's wounds were healing.

"Whoa, that stuff Hinata gave me sure works fast!" Naruto grinned.

"Some fancy cream that must be that the Hyuga has…." Sarada rubbed her chin in thought.

"I think I remember seeing Auntie Hanabi have that cream around the Hyuga compound!" Boruto blinked in realization.

"Talk about haxed." Sarada shook her head as Hayate took this time to begin the process of the next round.

"Alright, we'll now pick the names for the next match." Hayate announced.

"I wonder who it's gonna be…" Boruto leaned on the rails. Well…as much as he could anyways.

"It's definitely gonna be interesting…" Mitsuki said before the names of the next match were selected, "Hinata Hyuga vs Neji Hyuga".

"….Looks like you were right about things getting interesting…." Sarada blinked in disbelief before noticing how frightened Hinata looked.

"What's with her?" Sarada noticed in concern at how fearful Hinata looked.

"And what's with Uncle Neji? He looks….so….bloodthirsty…" Boruto gulped remembering how friendly and open the Neji he met when he went into the past was….

This Neji….from what he's seen in these memories he's arrogant, haughty and aloof….

Hinata nervously gulped as she met Neji on the arena floor as she grimaced at Neji's scowl directed at her.

"I never thought you and I would have to face each other, Hinata." Neji glared at Hinata who tried looking away but managed to look Neji in the eye. Albeit barely.

"Nor I….brother…." Hinata frowned as Naruto and Sakura were stunned at this sudden revelation.

"Wait brother!?" Sakura's eyes widened in surprise.

"Those two are brother and sister!?" Naruto nearly fell off the railing in surprise as Kakashi decided to speak up.

"They're both descended from the Hyuga Clan, one of the most ancient and honorable families of the Hidden Leaf Village, not actually brother and sister." Kakashi cleared up Naruto and Sakura's misconceptions.

"Okay but they're related somehow, right?" Sakura asked with Kakashi nodding in confirmation.

"Yes. In the way a branch of the great tree is related to its trunk so technically, they're more like cousins." Kakashi said as Naruto's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"The trunk of a tree?" Naruto was lost as Lee decided to help his friend out.

"Yes. Hinata belongs to the family's main household, directly descended from the head of the clan. Meanwhile, Neji's family is just a side branch of the clan." Lee explained as that seemed to help Naruto understand even if it was just a little.

"But they're still family and now they have to fight each other…" Sakura noted, frowning a little at the end as that seemed just….cruel.

"Yes but….it may not be as hard as it seems…" Lee said much to Naruto and Sakura's surprise.

"Yeah….from what Uncle Neji and even mom told me….there was some bad blood the main and side branches…." Boruto said much to Sarada's surprise.

"Why? What for?" Sarada asked as Boruto shook his head.

"I'm not sure…they didn't go into the specifics…" Boruto sighed with Lee voicing the same sentiments.

"Bad blood?" Naruto asked.

"I do not know the specifics but you know about the bloodline traits to the great ninja clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga? Special techniques and abilities unique to those families? The first generation of the Hyuga Clan made all sorts of rules and decrees that favor the main branch of the family. It seems some branches of the family broke these rules. Anyway, it is said that because of that, there has been friction between the branches of the clan." Lee explained as Sakura turned to Lee.

"So it's like this match is a family feud…" Sakura muttered.

"Family fued? That's the understatement of the century…" Sarada muttered as Kakashi spoke up.

"Look, they're about to start." Kakashi got Naruto, Sakura and Lee's attention.

"Here we go…" Boruto gulped as he had a gut feeling that this match may not go as smoothly as the last one…

"Alright, when you're ready you may begin." Hayate said to the two combatants as Neji decided to give a rather controversial piece of advice.

"Before we do this, a piece of advice. Hinata, listen to me, withdraw now, you know you were never meant to be a ninja." Neji said much to Hinata's surprise and much to the anger of Boruto and Sarada.

"What!?" Sarada balled her fist.

"Who the hell does he think he is to say he was never meant to be a ninja!?" Boruto growled, thinking to all the times his mother trained with him.

"You're too kind and gentle. You seek harmony and avoid conflict. You allow yourself to be swayed by others so just admit it, you have no confidence. You feel inferior to everyone here so it would've been better for you to simply remain a Genin but to register for the Chunin Exams, you need a team of three people. You didn't even want to take the Chunin Exams but you couldn't bear to let your teammates down, could you?" Neji practically demanded as Hinata tried arguing.

"No, you're wrong! I wanted to see….if I had changed…" Hinata meekly argued as Boruto and Sarada were very displeased with what they were hearing.

"What the hell is his problem!? There's nothing wrong with having a good morale high ground!" Boruto glared at Neji.

"He does have a point….in this world….those soft-hearted do end up killed…" Mitsuki shook his head, not liking Neji's attitude too.

"Just what could have happened that made him so…..cynical?" Sarada found herself wondering as Neji decided to continue his harsh deduction of Hinata.

"Hinata, you are the pampered offspring of the Hyuga's main branch. People can't change no matter how hard they try." Neji said much to Hinata's surprise.

"Wait, what the hell is he talking about!? You can change with enough hard work!" Boruto growled with Neji continuing.

"They can't run away from their true nature. A failure will always be a failure." Neji added as this time it was Naruto's turn to be irate as Neji continued, "People are judged by their true nature. It is the way of the world and that is why we have elites and those that are outcasts. We can change our physical appearance, improve our skills with training and study but ultimately we are judged by what we cannot change. What can't be changed must be endured. We are who we are Hinata and we must live with it just as I must live with the fact that you were born into the elite of our clan while I am from a lesser branch. I understand these things because I see the world clearly with my Byakugan. Despite your brave words, what you're really thinking is that you'd like to run, run as far away from here as you can." Neji finished as Hinata shook her head.

"No you're wrong! You're wrong about me…" Hinata looked down as Sakura turned to Kakashi along with Naruto and Lee.

"Byakugan?" Sakura asked.

"It's the Kekkai Genkai or bloodline trait of the Hyuga, a visual jutsu just like Sharingan. In fact they say that the Uchiha's clan Sharingan was derived from the Byakugan long ago. But for sheer power of insight, they say the Byakugan is the stronger of the two." Kakashi said.

"Stronger than Uncle Sasuke's Sharingan?" Boruto blinked, temporarily forgetting his anger to Neji as he processed this information.

"Wow…..I never knew that…" Sarada remembered all the times she read in the library about how overpowered the Sharingan was.

"It looks like they're starting again." Mitsuki pointed as Neji activated his Byakugan.

"Whoa…I can literally feel the power radiating from them…" Sarada noted in amazement as Boruto's jaw clenched in anger.

"It looks like he's torturing her…" Boruto clenched his fist as Hinata looked away with her hand on her mouth.

"My eyes cannot be deceived. Just one moment ago, in the slightest of movements, your gaze drifted to the upper-left corner of the room. I saw at that moment that you were thinking of your past, your bitter past. And then almost immediately, your gaze drifted to the lower right. It was a mere flicker of your eyes but to me it revealed all of your mental and physical suffering. You're seeing your old self and you're wondering if your life has predicted the outcome of this battle. You see yourself losing." Neji's eyes narrowed as Hinata looked as if her heart leapt from her chest in both anguish and embarrassment as Boruto felt himself lose his patience.

"That bastard….he's tormenting her!" Boruto growled ready to step up and whack this bastard before Mitsuki put a hand on his shoulder.

"Boruto, remember…" Mitsuki reminded Boruto who grunted.

"To me he was like a kind older brother." The voice of Hinata rang through Boruto's head.

"Not even close…" Boruto said as Sarada was just as disgusted.

"It's like he's enjoying it….yeah she's from a different branch but that's not her fault!" Sarada spat, remembering how hospitable Hinata was to Sarada, treating her as one of her own.

"And the way you're holding your arms in front of your body like that? It tells me that you're trying to build a wall between us, to keep me at bay. You want to keep me from raiding the deepest recesses of your mind. Why? Because everything I've said is true. Need I go on?" Neji tilted his head as a vein built on Boruto's head.

"If this asshole doesn't shut up in the next five seconds…." Boruto clenched his fist remembering all the love and comfort Hinata had given him from the time he could remember, how she was there to reassure him when he thought his dad didn't care about him or Himawari, how she was there to welcome and wake him up for school when he still went to the ninja Academy, all the wisdom she gave him and just being a damn good mom in general as Neji continued.

"And that gesture of putting your finger to your lips? I know it's a desperate attempt to suppress your rising panic, made all the more desperate because you know it's futile. It's all futile, Hinata. You are what you are." Neji almost sighed as he finished his complete failure breakdown as that was enough for Boruto.

"Okay I've had it with this-"Boruto was about to yell out, not about to let this asshole mentally take down his mother down but before Boruto could yell, not caring if this was a memory or not, a near doppleganger of him beat him to the punch.

"That does it!" Naruto yelled, getting Neji's attention making him deactivate his Byakugan.

"Thank goodness for Lord Seventh. I don't think I could take him tearing down Auntie Hinata anymore." Sarada sighed in relief.

"Who gave you the right to tell her what she can and can't be!? Go on Hinata, show this guy he's wrong!" Naruto yelled, nearly knocking Lee and Sakura off their feet with how loud Naruto was being but none were more surprised than Hinata. Not even caring if other people in the room were staring at him, Naruto continued his rant.

"Hinata, you just gonna stand there and take that!? Go on and do something already, you're driving me crazy!" Naruto took a deep breath after his rant.

"Thank you!" Boruto smiled as he felt himself going crazy too listening to Neji's nonsense.

"And it looks like it's having an effect on her." Mitsuki smiled, noticing Hinata's eyes covered by the bangs in her hair.

"But what kind?" Sarada asked as Hinata made a hand sign.

"Byakugan!" Hinata activated her Byakugan.

"Alright, about time!" Sarada pumped her arm as Hinata assumed a fighting stance.

"C'mon, mom, make him take his words back!" Boruto grinned.

"Defend yourself, my brother." Hinata said as Neji couldn't believe how Hinata had caught her second wind.

"Very well, then." Neji activated his Byakugan as the two were now in fighting stances, waiting for both to make the first move.

"Of course, it is the Hyuga style. That is why their poses are the same." Lee said, getting the attention of Naruto and Sakura.

"Yep." Boruto said remembering all the times he and Himawari trained with Hanabi.

"The Hyuga style?" Sakura asked her furry eye-browed friend.

"It is the most effective type of Taijutsu found in our village. I have said it before but I have on my team the man who is the strongest Genin ever to come out of the Hidden Leaf Village, Neji Hyuga…" Lee's eyes narrowed.

"That's right! I think Uncle Lee said earlier in these memories that Master Neji was the rookie of the previous year!" Sarada noted in remembrance.

"Makes me wonder who'd win between him and Uncle Sasuke…" Boruto put a hand to his chin in thought.

At this, it was a battle of the Hyuga Clan Taijutsu with Hinata and Neji trying to get the upper hand on each other.

"Whoa! Look at them go!" Sarada had to adjust her glasses.

"Who's winning?" Boruto asked as Team Seven looked just as amazed.

"Is she getting him?" Sakura asked.

"No way, she hardly touched him!" Naruto had to lean closer to get a better look.

"Even so a glancing blow is enough. That is what makes the Hyuga Clan the most formidable of fighters." Lee's eyes narrowed.

"What is? What're you talking about?" Sakura asked Lee as Guy decided to step in.

"Their Taijutsu is a unique one that's been passed down for generations. It's not the kind of Taijutsu that Lee and I employ. We tend to concentrate of inflicting external damage and we use crushing blows to raise contusions and break limbs, pounding our enemy. The Hyuga way is to attack their opponent's internal organs and the chakra network through which the chakra flows. Their way is more subtle. Perhaps not as thrilling to watch but it gradually takes effect with devastating results." Guy explained with Kakashi deciding to add on.

You see, you can't build up your internal organs no matter how hard you train. Even the toughest ninja is vulnerable to this kind of attack." Kakashi finished as Hinata and Neji decided to go at it again.

"Who knew the Hyuga were more powerful…" Sarada looked at the two trading blows with each other.

"Hinata, way to go!" Naruto cheered on his friend as Sakura could hardly wrap her head around what she just learned.

"They attack the chakra network? These people are amazing…." Sakura shook her head with Naruto looking just lost.

"You could say that again…so what's the chakra network, anyways?" Naruto bluntly asked with Sakura sighed.

"Don't you know anything?" Sakura deadpanned as Lee decided to help his friend out.

"Here, I will explain it. It is the complex system of circulatory canals that distribute chakra throughout the body, similar to a person's vascular system, the veins and arteries that carry blood." Lee explained as Naruto crossed his arms and nodded his head.

"I get it…only that these veins carry chakra not blood?" Naruto asked as Lee blinked, somewhat amazed at how Naruto dumbed down his explanation of the chakra network.

"Uh….basically. Furthermore the chakra network is so closely interwoven with all the most vital internal organs that they are virtually one and the same. Therefore, when the network is attacked, these organs suffer damage as well." Lee finished his explanation.

"The human body is very fragile after all." Mitsuki said as he tapped his chest where Urashiki stabbed him with his fishing pole.

"I never really used the Hyuga fighting techniques before…maybe I should?" Boruto surmised.

"As if you weren't already strong enough." Sarada grumbled, mostly to herself.

"Wow Lee, how'd you get so smart?" Naruto grinned, impressed as this seemed to irritate Sakura.

"Idiot!? How'd you ever get to be a Genin!?" Sakura snapped before whacking Naruto's skull before turning to Kakashi.

"But sensei, how do they know where to strike their opponent? I mean the chakra network is invisible to the eye, right? So how do they know where to land their blows?" Sakura turned to Kakashi.

"You're forgetting their Byakugan. There are few things invisible to their eyes." Kakashi said with Boruto sweat at those words.

"….That's putting it mildly…" Boruto gulped remembering how he accidentally ripped Himawari's bear and how she found him in his hiding place upon activating her Byakugan.

"When they strike a blow, it's a little different from a normal attack. A small but intense burst of their own chakra is released from their hands. It drills into the opponent's body, directly attacking their chakra network." Kakashi said as Hinata and Neji's gentle fist clash seemed to finally come to a head before a harsh collision of chakra, radiated through the arena.

"Yeah, get him!" Naruto cheered.

"Did she do it?" Boruto asked as the room seemed to die down as the memory went practically mute. Time seemed to slow down and even stop in the memory before Hinata spat up a mouthful of blood.

"What the hell!?" Boruto yelled as all of Hinata's friends were just as surprised.

"So that's it, huh? That's all there is to the main branch's power?" Neji scoffed as Hinata's blood coated his bandage wraps.

"Whoa! What is going on!? I mean I saw Hinata hit Neji perfectly!" Naruto blinked as Boruto looked at his friends in disbelief.

"Yeah! She hit him, I'm sure of it!" Boruto yelled as Sarada frowned at Boruto.

"It looks she wasn't fast enough…" Sarada looked regretfully as Hinata seemed unwilling to give up as she smacked Neji's arm away and tried to swipe at his face only for Neji to thrust two fingers into Hinata's arm, stopping her arm, mid-attack.

Neji wasted no time, rolling up Hinata's sleeve, revealing various red spots along her arm.

"What the hell are those?" Boruto asked.

"Those're pressure points…." Mitsuki explained.

"How creepy…" Sarada grimaced as Hinata looked at the spots in horror.

"Y-you mean all this time you were?" Hinata's eyes widened in dread.

"That's right, I could see your chakra points, the entire time." Neji stated much to Naruto's confusion.

"Huh? What's he talking about?" Naruto asked with Kakashi deciding to step in.

"On the chakra network, there are 316 energy centers or chakra points and each are about the size of the head of a pin. Hitting one directly can affect chakra flow and can either alter or disturb it depending on how the attacker strikes the chakra points. Theoretically, doing so allows a ninja to gain complete control over an opponent's chakra flow." Kakashi explained to his students who looked like the following information was a lot to take in.

"Man…and I thought I was familiar with the human anatomy before…" Boruto muttered.

"But these chakra point…they're undetectable even to my chakra eye and even beyond his ability to see the chakra points, he can target them accurately, even during intense battle…." Kakashi finished his explanation as Naruto and Sakura processed what they heard.

"But the Byakugan can see them?" Sarada asked.

"That's right." Mitsuki confirmed.

"Wow….And I thought the Sharingan was pure hax…" Sarada blinked as Neji took his time to attack Hinata again.

"MOM!" Boruto yelled in alarm as Neji walked up to Hinata who was struggling to stand as she turned around to try to look Neji in the eye.

"Look Hinata, I'm completely out of your league and that won't change. This is what separates the elites from the failures. You may not like it but it's a fact. From the instant you said you wouldn't fight anymore, your fate was sealed. You were destined for failure and now you're consumed with hopelessness." Neji tried reasoning with Hinata although if one could look closely, Neji was in reality just patronizing Hinata as Boruto felt himself build with rage.

"Oh screw you, how's that working for you!? Your cousin is scared of you and no one can stand you here!" Boruto yelled, his face red with rage.

"Boruto, hey! Calm down!" Sarada tried calming Boruto who grit his teeth.

"No! Who does this asshole think he is with all this destiny bullshit! I hope someone knocks that shit out of him!" Boruto spat as Neji continued.

"Now this is your last warning, Hinata. Forfeit this match." Neji almost sighed as he deactivated his Byakugan.

However….Hinata said nothing as blood dripped from her mouth.

"I….I…..never go back….on my word….that's my ninja…my ninja way…." Hinata said much to the surprise of Naruto and Team Konohamaru.

"Wait…." Naruto's eyes widened as his mind flashed back to the writing exams….

"Don't underestimate me! I don't run away!"

"Mom…." Boruto's eyes teared as Hinata's eyes met Naruto's ahead in the bleachers before smiling at him as she stared down her opponent.

"I…I had no idea Hinata was as tough as she was…." Naruto murmured as Lee turned to Naruto with a smile.

"She is a lot like you." Lee smiled at his friend with Sakura agreeing.

"Yeah you know come to think about it, she used to always watch you." Sakura added with Naruto staring at his friends in silence before turning back down below as Team Konohamaru saw an image of a younger Naruto and Hinata meeting in the snow as toddlers alongside a younger Naruto walking Hinata home.

"Bring it on." Neji challenged before Hinata suddenly coughed up blood.

"Mom!" Boruto yelled, running to her side only to pass through her.

"This is getting too much for her…she's nearing her last leg!" Sarada cupped her hands together as Naruto grit his teeth before doing what he does best…..verbally support the people he cares about.

"Go, Hinata! You can do it!" Naruto yelled as various people stared at him like he was crazy.

"He can't be serious! She's leaking blood like water on a faucet!" Sarada yelled in alarm.

"Dad! I hope you know what you're thinking!" Boruto clenched his fist as he and everyone watched Hinata try to overcome Neji as they actually matched blow for blow before she literally ran into Neji before she fell to the ground.

"Mom….please….just stay down…" Boruto growled with tears in his eyes as Neji scoffed at Hinata's downed form.

"You just don't get it, do you? Your strikes were ineffective from the start. You're finished." Neji gave Hinata a look of utter disdain before deactivating his Byakugan and walking off, believing the match was over.

Hayate then took this time to exam Hinata's fallen form before making his decision.

"Since she isn't able to collect the match…" Hayate started before a familiar voice cut him off.

"NO! Don't stop this match!" Naruto yelled, much to the surprise of everyone.

"Is he insane!?" Sarada yelled.

"Yeah! I love mom but what can she do in her state?" Boruto asked, wishing he could shake his dad.

"Oh that's it…" Mitsuki cocked an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" Sarada asked as Sakura turned to her teammate in disbelief.

"Naruto! What on earth are you doing? You can see she's unconscious, can't you?" Sakura asked Naruto who actually disregarded her for once.

However it was then that everyone noticed what was happening.

"No way…." Sarada blinked as Boruto couldn't help but smile in pride for his mom.

"Mom…" Boruto smiled, feeling proud of his mother and as those in the audience watched in amazement, no one was more proud than Naruto.

Neji however was unimpressed as he glared at her.

"What do you think you're doing? If you keep on fighting, you're going to die." Neji coolly reminded Hinata who merely smiled at him. This seemed to set off Neji as he activated his Byakugan.

"Give up the tough guy act. I can tell you're barely standing. You've been carrying a heavy burden, having been born into the main branch of the Hyuga Clan. And you're cursed and blaming yourself for being weak. But look, people can't change the way they are, that's just how it is. Just accept defeat and you won't have to suffer anymore." Neji spat.

"How about you get that stick outta your ass and you won't suffer anymore?" Boruto suggested with Sarada chuckling as Hinata shook her head out of defiance.

"No…you're wrong brother. You've got it backwards….You see, I can tell that you're the one suffering much more than I." Hinata said as Neji glared at her.

"I'm what?" Neji demanded as Hinata remained undeterred in the threat in his voice.

"You're the one who's…all torn up….about the fate of the main and side branches of the Hyuga Clan." Hinata finished with Boruto and Sarada cheering.

"Yes!" Sarada beamed.

"You tell him mom!" Boruto grinned.

Although that was the last straw for Neji as he ran to Hinata, fully intent on shutting her up for good.

"Auntie Hinata!" Sarada jumped to Hinata's side.

"You stay away from her, asshole!" Boruto snapped, making a Rasengan in hand, ready to protect his precious mother from this jerk.

However, thankfully he was stopped at the last second by Hayate, Kakashi, Guy and Kurenai who restrained him.

"Thank god…" Sarada sighed.

"I still can't believe this…is the same Neji I met…" Boruto sighed sadly with Neji glaring at all the restraining him.

"Neji, get a hold of yourself! You promised me you wouldn't let this head family stuff get you riled up." Guy reminded his protégé who growled at him.

"Why are you and the other Jonin butting in? The head family gets special treatment huh!?" Neji grit his teeth as Hinata coughed up a mouthful of blood before falling back onto the floor.

"Mom!" Boruto yelled, only to pass through her. Thankfully, Naruto, Sakura and Lee touched down as Naruto wasted no time running to her side.

"Hinata! You okay!? Hey!" Naruto said as Hinata merely blinked at Naruto as her eyes slowly closed. But before she did, Hinata had one simple question.

"Naruto…do you think….I changed….even a little?"

"Oh mom…" Boruto sadly sighed with Sarada putting a hand on his shoulder as Naruto looked guilty in his eyes as regret was no doubt filling his being.

However, Neji cut off the train of thought in Naruto's mind.

"Hey you, loser! I have two pieces of advice for you. First of all, if you intend to call yourself a Shinobi, stop that stupid cheering of yours, it's disgraceful. And second, once a failure, always a failure. You can't change that!" Neji said as Naruto, Boruto and Sarada scowled at him.

"I can't wait for this guy to get his!" Sarada glared as Naruto actually smirking while standing up.

"Heh, we'll see about that!" Naruto growled, ready to knock the smug look off of Neji's face before Lee blocked Naruto's way.

"Lee, what're you doing?" Naruto demanded with Lee staying as cool as a cucumber.

"Naruto, I get where you're coming from, believe me. But the rules say all fighting must be done officially in a match. The loser beating the gifted genius through sheer willpower….now would that not make for an exciting match? Even though I am going to be the one to fight Neji? Although, if you end up fighting him, that is fine too." Lee wagered.

"Who cares about all that?" Sarada growled.

"Yeah he really needs a reality check!" Boruto agreed with Naruto scoffing and turning his head already.

"Alright, I got it…" Naruto grumbled though Hinata coughed yet again with Kurenai lying her down and getting a feel of her heart beat. She then glared at Neji for his near death experience.

"I wouldn't waste your time glaring at me when you should be dealing with her." Neji smirked as Boruto growled.

As angry as Kurenai was, the safety of her student came first.

"Get a stretcher! And hurry!" Kurenai ignored Neji.

Hinata was then hoisted onto a stretcher with Naruto staring at her as Team Konohamaru saw a flash of them meeting as children before the memory returned to the presnt.

Naruto then knelt by Hinata's blood as he got a handful of Hinata's blood.

"Hinata….I give you my word….I VOW TO WIN!" Naruto proclaimed to Hinata, clenchding the fist of blood he got from Hinata.

"I hope he hands him his ass…" Sarada muttered.

"He will…" Boruto assured Sarada, remembering the talk he and his uncle had all that time ago….

As Naruto went back up to the bleachers, to wait for the next match, an unexpected person made his way to where Naruto was.

"Why aren't you hanging with your buddies?" Kankuro asked, casually strolling to where Naruto was.

"What's he doing there?" Boruto asked.

"Nothing kind I bet." Sarada sighed as Naruto didn't look too pleased to see the puppet master.

"What's it to you?" Naruto scoffed though Kankuro wasn't too offended with Naruto's rudeness.

"So tell me about this Neji guy? I get the feeling we didn't see the full extent of his powers in that last match. So what's his story?" Kankuro asked as that seemed to set Naruto off.

"I'm gonna pulverize him!" Naruto declared with fire in his eyes.

"….Okay…that's not what I meant…" Kankuro deadpanned.

"That's what's gonna happen." Boruto smiled in excitement, excited to see Neji get his comeuppance.

"He certainly deserves it." Sarada muttered as everyone watched as names flashed on the projector screen again before the names for the penultimate match were selected, "Rock Lee vs Gaara".

This seemed to set off Choji for one particular reason.

"SAFE!" Choji yelled though this earned him a smack from both of his teammates.

"Stop that!" Ino snapped.

"You want everyone to know you're a chicken?" Shikamaru scowled much to Mitsuki's amusement.

"They're sure lively aren't they?" Mitsuki chuckled as Boruto sighed.

"Like father like daughter." Boruto sighed, remembering the problems with Chocho's stomach that time they all looked for Mitsuki.

"But it's Master Lee versus Master Gaara…." Sarada noted as Boruto turned to Sarada.

"This is sure to be interesting…" Boruto said as Lee pumped his leg as he kicked it forward.

"Worked like a charm! I knew if I said I wanted to be last, I'd be next! It is a form of reverse psychology!" Lee grinned as Sarada shook her head.

"More like, like father like son." Sarada sighed with Boruto sighing remembering how Metal Lee actually broke his handhold console that one time.

"Yes! However, a piece of advice before you begin. Look….you see that gourd Gaara's wearing? There's something weird about it!" Guy stated like he discovered the truth of chakra.

"Good advice sir!" Lee said before writing Guy's wise words down on his bandages.

"Don't write it down! You won't have time to read during the match, right?" Guy chastised Lee for his asinine gesture.

"Tell that to Kakashi." Boruto snorted.

"But are we absolutely sure they aren't related?" Sarada deadpanned.

"Now rock and roll!" Guy encouraged his protégé who happily jumped to the floor down below.

"I knew sooner or later we would meet so I am glad it is sooner." Lee smiled at his opponent while donning his fighting stance as Gaara just regarded the Taijutsu user with silence.

"I don't know what kind of moves that guy with the dumb haircut's got but he'll never take down Gaara in this lifetime." Kankuro arrogantly boasted as Naruto shook his head.

"Uncle Lee's no pushover." Boruto defended Lee with his dad adding on.

"Wrong. Lee's stronger than you think." Naruto argued much to Kankuro's surprise before Lee caught the cork that ejected from Gaara's gourd.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Lee asked his opponent, surprised at how impatient Gaara was coming off.

"Alright, if you are both ready, begin." Hayate said before jumping a safe distance back.

At this, Lee ran towards his opponent as he ejected his leg back.

"Leaf Hurricane!" Lee said only for his leg to be deflected with the sand in Gaara's gourd.

"Like his son…" Sarada observed.

"But instead of black, it's regular sand…" Boruto said.

"Look out!" Boruto yelled as Lee was nearly drowned by Gaara's sand which he managed to avoid narrowly.

Gritting his teeth, Lee tried getting close to Gaara but was having no effect, even with the use of a kunai, he had no luck.

"Even as fast as he is, Lee can't get anywhere close to him!" Sakura noted in amazement.

"The sand! He's using it as a shield!" Naruto also pointed out as Kankuro watched the match in amusement.

"He's not doing anything, the sand is protecting him on its own accord. It's almost like a living thing and it'll come to Gaara's defense without him doing anything. That's why Gaara's never been injured since no one can get at him. No one's ever been able to touch him." Kankuro smirked at Naruto's surprised expression.

"That's because of Shukaku, right?" Boruto asked, remembering hearing about how Gaara was once the carrier of a Tailed Beast that time he brought Shukaku home.

"That's exactly right." Mitsuki confirmed with Lee looking more frustrated as Gaara actually decided to speak up.

"Well? Is that all? I hope you haven't finished entertaining me. We have had enough…BLOOD!" Gaara's eyes widened at the last one before using his sand to fling Lee into the wall behind him like a rag doll which Lee was narrowly able to avoid the sea of sand from rushing at him.

"Yeah….Master Gaara was definitely different back then…" Sarada cringed at how…bloodthirsty Gaara in the past was.

"I don't get it. He's only using Taijutsu but why don't he gain some distance and use some Taijutsu?" Sakura asked with Guy chuckling.

"Yes that would be a good idea…that is if he had any…Lee has no Genjutsu or Ninjutsu." Guy grinned much to Sakura's surprise.

"You're kidding!" Sakura gasped remembering how easily Lee bodied Sasuke all those days ago.

"You should have seen how hopeless he was when I first met him. No talent whatsoever." Guy chuckled as Lee managed to gain some distance by jumping to the hand-sign manakin below the screen displaying the opponents' names.

"What's he doing?" Sarada asked as Guy gave his protégé a thumbs up.

"Alright, Lee! Take em off!" Guy said.

"Wait what?" Boruto asked as Lee was just as surprised.

"Oh but Guy-Sensei, you said that was only a last resort where the lives of the innocent are at risk?" Lee turned to his superior in confusion as Guy only grinned.

"That's right I did but this is an exception." Guy rewarded his student a thumbs up, reassuring Lee that he wouldn't be in trouble if he took the breaks off.

Lee then slid up his leg warmers revealing weights.

"Weights? How much do they weigh?" Boruto asked but before his question could resonate, the pure impact of the weights as they hit the ground below caused a huge vibration almost akin to that of an earthquake.

"….So I'm guessing they weigh a lot?" Sarada sarcastically asked.

"Geez, that whole tree really are monsters!" Boruto exclaimed with wide blank eyes.

"How much does Metal wear?" Sarada muttered before Lee was gone in the blink of an eye.

"What the!? Where'd he go!?" Boruto asked, darting his head from left to right.

"Over there!" Mitsuki pointed as Lee was practically jumping around and vanishing around Gaara as he seemed to be keeping up with Gaara's sand.

"He's so fast! Almost like a blue hedgehog!" Boruto yelled as Sarada couldn't even correct or berate her teammate for once as she was too amazed with what she was watching.

"Look at him go!" Sarada cheered as Guy grinned and smiled.

"I could tell from the moment I met him that Lee had no aptitude for Ninjutsu and Genjutsu so we skipped all that and focused all his time and energy into developing his Taijutsu and we turned his disadvantage into a blessing." Guy explained.

"And they really turned that into a blessing!" Sarada remarked in amazement as Lee jumped up and nailed Gaara with a harsh kick to his jaw, leaving him with a gash, much to the surprise and amazement of everyone watching.

"Whoa that's scary! And I thought he was strong before! He's been that fast this whole time?" Naruto asked with Lee jumping back, getting a safe space of distance.

"He got him!" Boruto gasped with a smile.

"Can he do it?" Sarada asked.

"You think it would really be that easy?" Mitsuki asked his teammates as Guy decided to egg on his student.

"Yes, Lee! Let the power of youth explode!" Guy pumped his fist which lit a fire in Lee.

"Right!" Lee asked as he jumped around again before managing to get close enough to the sand where he was able to get a direct hit in.

"He nailed him!" Boruto cheered.

"That sandstorm can't keep up! You nailed him, Lee!" Sakura happily cheered with a fist pump.

"Uh-oh…." Kankuro grimaced as Gaara slowly stood up.

"Yeah! 'Uh-Oh' is right! Your friend with the eye makeup is getting the stuffing beating out of him!" Naruto grinned at Kankuro, confident his friend had this fight in the bag.

"That's not what I was talking about, kid." Kankuro stated as Gaara got up with slow, ragged breathing as his face appeared to be falling off as he slowly stood back up.

But what made the hairs on Boruto and Sarada's necks stand was the look on Gaara's face, especially his eyes. He looked absolutely crazed.

"What the h-"Boruto took a step back as he was honestly freaked.

"That look….he looks….blood thirsty…" Sarada gulped as those in the stands were just as freaked.

"His face…it's falling off?" Naruto could barely believe what he was seeing.

"Geez….that power is freaky yet cool at the same time…" Boruto grimaced as Gaara's face was practically back to being back intact.

"I don't get it….Is he made of sand or what? All those blows and kicks Lee hit him with…..did any of them get through?" Naruto could hardly believe his eyes.

"No, it's like he's wearing a suit of armor. Ordinarily, those shifting clouds of sand are enough to shield him but in the event the shield is penetrated, Gaara can also wear the sand like armor, as a last line of defense." Kankuro explained to Naruto who looked even more lost.

"He's got armor now? Does he have any weak spots?" Naruto asked.

"Ugh….and I thought our fight against Shinki was hard…" Sarada gulped as Boruto grunted, remembering how hard it was for Shinki to be defeated with the tag teaming efforts of Boruto and Sarada and how it took that damn ninja tool from Katasuke to defeat him.

However, everyone was snapped from their inner stupors as Gaara began speaking again.

"Well? Is that all?" Gaara asked as Lee grit his teeth.

"What's next?" Boruto asked as Lee began unwrapping his bandages.

"He's gonna try the Hidden Lotus again?" Sarada asked.

"But will it be enough?" Boruto asked before Lee suddenly bagan dashing and combated Gaara's sand before he was finally able to get a good kick in on the sand user.

"Got him!" Boruto pumped his fist.

However, Lee didn't stop as he kicked him again and again before wrapping his arms around him tightly before the two combatants began spinning downwards to the arena floor.

However, Mitsuki's eyes widened as he noticed a gesture that Guy did.

"Primary Lotus!" Lee yelled before the two combatants collided with the floor below, sending up a huge smoke cloud and a huge crater where Gaara lay, seemingly defeated.

"Did he do it?" Boruto asked.

However….his answer came in the form of Gaara's face, crumbling away again.

"Another dud!?" Sarada asked, starting to get a little frustrated with all these fake outs.

"But how!? That was so powerful!" Boruto spat as Mitsuki decided to speak up.

"It was when Master Guy prayed….because from what I've heard the Inner Gates cause pain while offering amazing strength." Mitsuki explained as Boruto and Sarada couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"Damn! And at the right time too…" Boruto growled as Gaara sent wave after wave of sand at Lee who managed to get away from Gaara though he didn't let up as he sent wave after literal wave after the Taijutsu user.

"Damn…..he's not letting up either…" Sarada grunted as this whole scenario seemed to amuse Gaara.

"What good do you think all of that will good?" Gaara chuckled as Kankuro smirked.

"I pity the kid. Gaara will just torture him until he begs for mercy." Kankuro shook his head much to Boruto's annoyance.

"Speak for yourself!" Boruto spat as Guy shook his own head.

"Well then, Gaara's in for a long match. Lee doesn't know how to give up…." Guy's eyes softened as he watched Lee jumped around and continue to dodge the sand from Gaara.

"I wonder what their story is…." Sarada looked at the two with a frown before Lee smiling.

"This is going too far….make him quit before he gets hurt!" Sakura said to Guy before Guy merely smiled down at Lee who looked at him with a smile of his own.

And before anyone could say anything, Lee suddenly avoided Gaara's sand with the same speed he had when the match begin much to everyone's shock.

"Wait I'm lost. He's moving around like nothing happened?" Sarada turned to her teammates in confusion.

"How is that possible? He was barely standing not even five seconds ago!" Boruto noted in amazement.

"Could it be because-"Mitsuki tried surmising before the upcoming conversation but him off.

"I don't get it, he's running for his life but he's smiling now?" Sakura asked as Guy was also smiling.

"Yes but now it's Gaara's turn to run now. The Leaf's Hidden Lotsus always blooms twice." Guy assured Sakura whose eyes widened, remembering when Lee said the same thing back in the Forest of Death.

"Didn't Master Lee say that?" Sarada asked.

"Uh…I think so." Boruto confirmed as Guy turned to his collague in question.

"But Guy….you didn't?" Kakashi asked as Guy chuckled.

"Yes, Kakashi, I did." Guy laughed.

"So that boy is able to open the Eight Inner Gates and use the Hidden Lotus?" Kakashi asked Guy.

"That's correct." Guy confirmed as Kakashi looked like he was about to have an aneurysm.

"If that isn't the most….okay then how many of the Inner Gates is he able to open now?" Kakashi asked of Guy.

"Five Gates." Kakashi answered.

"Okay, what exactly are these inner gates and the hidden lotus you're talking about?" Sakura nearly demanded to know so she wouldn't be left out of the loop.

"The Eight Gates are like valves or chakra limiters that must be opened if one is to release the Hidden Lotus." Guy started his explanation.

"I'm…still not following…" Sakura blinked as Kakashi uncovered his Sharingan.

"There are gats along the chakra network located at the points in the body where the chakra is the most heavily coordinated. Starting at the head, they are the Gate of Opening, the Gate of Rest, of Life, of Pain, of Closing, of Joy, of Shock and the Gate of Death. These are what are called the Eight Inner Gates. Their purpose is to limit the flow of chakra through the body but the lotus exerts tremendous pressure on these limiters, eventually forcing the Gates open. This releases the restrains on the person's chakra and the result being that a person's strength can be increased tenfold or more." Kakashi explained with Guy adding on with what Kakashi said.

"The Primary Lotus opens only the first gate, the Gate of Opening, releasing the brain's restraints on the muscles, freeing a person to bring forth its body strength to its fullest extent. You'll see devastating results." Guy added onto Kakashi's addendum.

"At the second Gate, the Gate of Rest, one's strength is released further. And at the third gate, the Gate of Life, one enters the Hidden Lotus." Guy said as Sakura looked even more puzzled.

"But wait, just the Primary Lotus almost destroyed him! He could barely stand so what's gonna happen to him if he goes further?" Sakura challenged Guy as Kakashi decided to speak up again.

"Exactly….by opening all eight gates, you could attain power beyond even the Kages….the only downside is….you die…" Kakashi finished his explanation much to Sakura, Boruto and Sarada's surprises.

"…I guess….we see why the last gate of called….the Gate of Death…" Boruto gulped.

"That's crazy! Those gates really are like a double edged sword!" Sarada spat as Kakashi turned to his childhood friend.

"Guy, I don't know what this boy means to you but I shouldn't have to tell you, we never bring our personal feelings into play…" Kakashi reminded as Guy gave him a stern glare.

"You have no right, you have no idea at all. That boy has something important to prove. And he's willing to prove it at the cost of his life….And that is…" Guy said as Lee cupped his arms together before the air around him started to slowly stir and rise around him.

"Whoa, what's happening?" Sarada could only watch as Lee's hair started to rise as veins built on his head.

"The influence of the Gates…" Mitsuki marveled as this was his first time seeing the power of the Gates.

"You are right….it is over one way or another….Neji…Sasuke…and Naruto….I….am not…going to be the only one….who loses here!" Lee said before his hair stood up with his skin turning crab red.

"Whoa look at him! I literally see the power radiating from him!" Sarada's eyes could only widen in silence.

"It is now or never! To maintain and protect one's own Ninja way!" Lee declared as he was now enveloped in the power of five of the Inner Gates.

"He reminds me of that person in that one manga where their hair turns blonde and their eyes turn green!" Boruto noted like a geek in excitement.

Lee continued charging all of his chakra before finally making his move and giving Gaara a devastating kick to the jaw, sending him flying upwards.

"So fast!" Mitsuki marveled at the strength of the Gates.

"That's Master Gaara but where's Master Lee?" Sarada asked trying to locate Lee as Boruto noticed a blur of green.

"Up there!" Boruto pointed as Gaara looked dazed at the devastating blow he suffered.

"Hiding behind that sand armor again, huh? Well we will see about that!" Lee yelled as he sent Gaara flying away with one hit before following with another and another and then another….

"Whoa! Just look at them go! I can't see!" Boruto said as Sarada activated her Sharingan as she could follow but only barely…

"Master Lee is just devastating him!" Sarada remarked with sweat dripping down her face as Lee's onslaught against Gaara continued as Lee sent a fleeting look to Neji, as if to give the Hyuga prodigy a warning of what to extent if Lee is the victor of this match.

Lee gave several punches to Gaara's sternum before using the cloth on Gaara's outfit to get a tight grip as he readied one final hit on Gaara.

"HIDDEN LOTUS!" Lee yelled, slamming his palm into Gaara's chest sending the two colliding into the floor below, sending a huge smoke cloud obscuring the view from everyone.

"D-did he do it?" Boruto asked.

"I think so!" Sarada commented as Mitsuki was silent, catching the sight of sand at the last second.

"Wow, he really did it!" Naruto beamed, his respect for Lee growing tenfold after the power he displayed.

"Is it over?" Sakura gulped, having a slight gut feeling.

However, much to everyone's dread, Gaara was still conscious, the sand below him being used as a sandy cushion of sorts.

"I don't get it! How'd he be able to take all of that!?" Sarada couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"It's Shukaku…it's power is awesome…" Mitsuki explained.

"Oh no, what's he gonna go?" Boruto dreaded, turning to Lee who looked at Gaara with an expression full of fatigue.

"Now sand coffin…." Gaara muttered as the sand started to slowly crawl to Lee like a mountain of lava.

"Wait, sand coffin?" Sarada looked disturbed at the latter part of the name.

"It's coming straight for him!" Boruto yelled as Lee tried getting away but his left arm and leg were encased with Gaara's sand.

"Sand Burial!" Gaara yelled as Lee's arm and leg were caught in Gaara's jutsu.

"UNCLE LEE!" Boruto yelled as Lee was sent flying several yards back.

"What did he do!?" Sarada asked.

"It looks as if he crushed his arm and leg with his sand…" Mitsuki surmised.

"He what?!" Sarada yelled.

"And it's still coming for Uncle Lee!" Boruto pointed to Lee in panic.

Just as the sand was going to crush Lee completely, Guy stepped in and saved Lee from a very sandy death.

"Guy-Sensei?" Sarada asked.

"He saved him…." Mitsuki said as this simple notion seemed to stir something inside of Gaara as he held his head before grunting.

"Why save him?" Gaara stated more than asked as Guy simply stared at Gaara in the eyes.

"Because he's my student and he's precious to me." Guy answered Gaara who stared blankly at him.

"Guy…." Boruto's eyes softened, remembering how Naruto protected Boruto during Momoshiki's attack.

Gaara said nothing as he started reforming and looking "back to normal" as it was obvious to everyone who had won the match.

But everyone had gotten the shock of a lifetime as they heard the sound of stirring feet on the arena floor.

"…How?" Sarada's glasses nearly fell.

"No way…" Boruto said as Lee was trying his best to assume his combat stance despite the blood falling from his now crushed arm and leg.

"It can't be…." Guy gasped in pure amazement.

"But after all that he shouldn't be able to move so how?" Sarada covered her mouth.

"It's his pure will…." Boruto clenched his fist as Guy put a hand on Lee's shoulder.

"No Lee it's alright….you're in no condition to…" Guy tried snapping Lee out of wanting to finish the match before noticing the glazed look in Lee's eyes.

"….He lost consciousness…." Mitsuki pointed out with a sorrowful frown.

"It's good…..more so for his sake than anything…" Sarada's fist went to her chest as her heart went out to the two.

"Lee…look at you….not even conscious and still determined to show the world what you can do…" Guy's eyes filled with tears, not just of sadness but of pride. He was full of nothing but pride for his favorite student.

"This…is too much…." Boruto turned his head away with his own eyes filled with tears although he wasn't alone….

"Lee, you've already done it….you are a splendid ninja." Guy silently sobbed as he held Lee tight.

Gaara merely stared at the two, feeling neither victory nor relief. He just felt…..numb.

"The winner is Gaara." Hayate announced as this was enough to set off Boruto.

"Who cares about that now!?" Boruto spat, feeling irritancy that someone would even care about something like that.

"I know, it's pretty obvious he can't do anything." Sarada shook her head feeling just as annoyed as Boruto did.

"And even if he could, he lost the match the moment Master Guy stepped into the arena." Mitsuki added as no one gave Gaara any applause which was good given the type of person Gaara was.

This was too much for Naruto as he jumped down and ran to Lee's side who was sat down gingerly thanks to Guy.

But not without meeting eyes with Gaara who gave him a challenging glare which Naruto would have gladly accepted but at the moment, Lee was of bigger prevalence right now.

"I don't believe it…Lee lost to him!?" Naruto growled before finally reaching Lee as he cringed at the state of Lee's arm and leg.

"Bushy brows…." Naruto gulped in sadness and disbelief.

"What'd he do to him?" Boruto asked as Sarada found her voice as she diagnosed his injury.

"From what I can tell, his left leg and arm were completely crushed by Gaara's sand….In fact…" Sarada activated her Sharingan before gasping at what she saw as her Dojutsu gave her X-Ray like vision.

"….What?" Boruto asked, though he had an idea he wouldn't like her answer.

"….His arm and leg were torn to slivers….crushed completely to nearly dust…" Sarada explained much to Boruto's disbelief.

"What!? But how can he be a ninja!?" Boruto asked as Mitsuki was about to answer before two medics came to where Lee was, hoisting a stretcher. As the medics examined Lee's condition to properly gauge the extent of his injury, one of them gasped in horror before turning to Guy with a solemn expression.

"You are his teacher, aren't you?" One of the medics asked Guy.

"I am. What is it?" Guy confirmed as the medic turned to the side.

"Will you come with me?" The medic requested Guy who begrudgingly followed the medic as he didn't have a not so good gut feeling about what the medic was going to say.

"The boy's breathing is faint but steady. There are bone fractures and muscle tears throughout his body. He's facing a long and difficult rehabilitation. But I'm afraid that's not the worst of it. His left arm and leg in particular have suffered massive damage…..I'm sorry…I know how much it means to you both but he'll never fight again….his days as a Shinobi are over…I'm sorry…" The medic bowed.

"What!?" Boruto and Sarada yelled.

"Are you kidding!? But how could he move again?" Boruto asked.

"I wonder…." Mitsuki surmised a theory as Naruto and Guy had no such theory.

"No….no way….it can't be true…." Naruto looked at Lee's form in horror before clenching his fist as he watched Lee be carried off.

"I-it's not true…it can't…it isn't!" Naruto then got over his sadness as that emotion was replaced with one just as powerful if not more powerful….anger.

"Easy for you to say it's over! What about Bushy Brows!? What's he supposed to do now!?" Naruto demanded of the medics as he received no answer though Naruto seemed to expect this. Naruto's eyes then fell on Lee's retreating form.

"Failure!? I thought you said we were gonna win! That you were gonna show how a failure can-"Naruto's eyes filled with tears as his mind flashed to the Forest of Death.

"The Lotus of the Hidden Leaf will always bloom twice!"

Thankfully, Naruto was stopped by Kakashi.

"That's enough Naruto." Kakashi put an arm around Naruto while cupping his mouth shut which Naruto hastily smacked away.

"But sensei, it isn't fair! All he ever wanted to do was to prove himself against Sasuke and Neji!" Naruto argued as Kakashi remaining unwavering in his stance.

"And maybe that's what led to his downfall. He was so fixated on that goal that he sacrificed his body…his future to obtain it….but you're wrong about one thing Naruto…it wasn't just Sasuke and Neji he was thinking of….it was you too…" Kakashi confessed as the shock was nothing short of obvious on Naruto's face.

"That's right…he risked everything just for the hope of meeting you in combat…." Kakashi softly said as Naruto's eyes filled with tears as the memory flashed for a second to their first meeting in the Chunin Exams.

"I get him first…this weirdo is mine!" Naruto spat to Lee, sick and tired of Lee having the spot light.

"No thank you. Right now the only one I want to fight is Uchiha!" Lee said, readying himself for combat.

As the memory flashed back to present time, Naruto looked down.

"Oh dad…" Boruto sighed as Kakashi placed a comforting hand on his forehead.

"Be worthy of his sacrifice…" Kakashi reminded his protégé.

"All of that…." Sarada began.

"Was just too much…." Boruto finished as Mitsuki sighed.

"Well then…there's only two more left…" Mitsuki said.

"Right! Uncle Choji….and that weird mummy guy…" Boruto said as the names on the board flickered until they revealed, "Dosu Kinuta vs Choji Akimichi."

"To think this is the last match…." Boruto said.

"Yeah feels like weve seen over ten episodes worth of matches…" Mitsuki joked as Hatate looked to the two boys in particular.

"Now will the last two participants please come forward?" Hayate said as Dosu and Choji did just that.

"Now then, the tenth and final match will now begin…" Hayate said as Dosu and Choji readied themselves.

"After all that, it's hard to believe that it's nearly over…" Sarada sighed.

"You're telling me….feels like we've been here forever…" Boruto muttered.

"You can do it!" Shikamaru cheered on his longtime best friend as Ino decided to add flame to the fires.

"Fatso!" Ino grinned.

"Is she trying to piss him off?" Boruto slapped his forehead.

"I think she's just trying to motivate him." Mitsuki chuckled.

"And it looks like it's worked." Sarada sighed as a vein appeared on Choji's forehead.

"Okay…this is only gonna take two seconds and then I'm coming after you, Ino!" Choji growled as Dosu wasn't threatened in the slightest.

"Hmph, fine fatso. If you want this match to end quickly, I'll just end this quickly." Dosu scoffed as this only seemed to enrage the Akimichi further.

"You're gonna go down hard!" Choji spat before making a certain hand sign.

"Ninja Arts-Expansion Jutsu!" Choji said before blowing up as big as a balloon.

"Now the Hidden Leaf Style Taijutsu, Human Boulder! Chubbies Rule!" Choji yelled as he tried to bulldoze the disciple of Orochimaru who managed to jump away and evade with little to no effort before finding himself bulged in the wall behind him.

"Now to end this!" Dosu said, hoisting out his amplifier before ramming it into Choji's backside.

"Haha, I can't hear you, my ears are covered!" Choji gloated as Dosu shook his head.

"And that's where you're wrong." Dosu merely tinked his amplifier before Choji rumbled and vibrated before he shrunk down and ended up in a beaten up, swirly-eyed and drooled out.

"And that's the final round." Sarada shook her head.

"Well that sucks. I wanted those sound jerks to get their just desserts!" Boruto spat in disappointment.

"I know…this is so unfair." Sarada grumbled.

"Well at least one of the three are gone?" Mitsuki offered.

"You see, the human body is seventy percent water and water can transmit sound waves. In other words, when it comes to my attacks, your whole body is basically one big ear." Dosu gloated before leaving Choji as he walked off.

"The winner is Dosu Kinuta." Hayate announced though no one gave him any applause.

"And with that match, the third exam preliminaries are now finished." Hayate said.

"Finally!" Boruto exhaled.

"But…all of that was a lot…" Sarada sighed.

"And there's still gonna be more to come." Mitsuki reminded his friends as Hiruzen cleared his throat.

"I congratulate everyone who won their matches. Now will the victors come to the arena floor, please?" Hiruzen said as the winners did just that. As the winners made their way to the floor below, Hayate decided to speak up.

"I commend all those who have advanced to the finals for the level of the Chunin Exams. Well…there's still one person missing but congratulations." Hayate stated to everyone as Hiruzen cocked his hat.

"And now I will begin the explanation of the final rounds. In the final rounds, each of you will put your battle skills on display. You'll demonstrate the power and control that you've achieved in your respective disciples. Accordingly, the final battles will commence one month from now." Hiruzen began his explanation.

"A month? Well that makes sense." Mitsuki said.

"Yeah after everything they've gone for five days back to back, it would be beneficial for them to have some R&R." Boruto said.

"Why didn't we get that?" Sarada crossed her arms with a grumble.

"Times change." Mitsuki chuckled as those in the memories looked confused with Hiruzen's time decision.

"Wait, we're not gonna do it here and now?" Naruto asked.

"This is to provide a suitable period of preparation." Hiruzen answered.

"What do you mean by that?" Neji questioned.

"Simply this-in addition to announcing the conclusion of the preliminary matches to each country's leaders, we must also have some time to prepare and distribute the summons for the final selection. Not to mention that you examinees are going to need the time to prepare for something this important." Hiruzen added as Kankuro scowled at Hiruzen.

"Look, I don't really get what you're trying to say. What's the point of this?" Kankuro demanded more than asked.

"I mean that you're adversaries and you need time to prepare. Even though up to this point, all the battles have been real battles as I'm sure you can all attest-they were conducted on the premise that you were fighting an unknown enemy. But that's no longer the case now that you've battled each other. So in order to make the finals fair and just, we're giving you this month. Each of you must embrace the opportunity to practice hard and learn some new tricks because by now everyone here knows all your tricks so using your old, tired tricks is a sure way to lose in the finals. And remember to get some rest as well." Hiruzen stated to the winners.

"They all deserve a vacation." Boruto snorted.

"Some…more than others…" Sarada's eyes narrowed as Naruto looked at Neji and Gaara before shaking his head and donning a determined expression.

"Now with all of that behind us, I'd like to begin winding things up. But before he can bring this to an end, there is one more important matter to take care of for the final rounds." Hiruzen said with a smile.

"Let's get on with it! How long do we have to wait before we start training!?" Naruto demanded as Hiruzen chuckled.

"In a calm orderly fashion, all of you are going to take one slip of paper from the box that Anko is holding." Hiruzen said, gesturing to Anko.

"All of you, stay where you are. I'll come you." Anko said as everyone got their respective slips of paper before they read their numbers off before they were all given their brackets for who they were paired with.

"Huh…Master Shikamaru is paired is Master Temari." Mitsuki pointed out, "As that Dosu guy as well…"

"Dad goes against that jerk…" Boruto clenched his fist.

"And my dad goes against Master Gaara…." Sarada gulped.

"And Master Shino is going against Master Kankuro." Mitsuki added though Boruto and Sarada didn't seem too interested on that.

"How is dad gonna combat that Neji jerk?" Boruto asked.

"And how is my dad gonna combat Master Gaara?" Sarada was also curious as Shikamaru decided to raise his hand.

"May I ask a question?" Shikamaru asked.

"You may." Hiruzen obliged Shikamaru's request.

"Alright, if this is a tournament, does this mean only one of us is going to be a Chunin?" Shikamaru asked.

"Actually, it's quite the contrary. There are going to be several judges for the final rounds including myself, the Shinobi leaders and the Kazekage, the lords from the various countries that will ultimately be assigning your missions to you. Through this tournament, these judges will be able to make a thorough evaluation of your abilities. They will then decide whether any or all of you possess the qualities of a Chunin. Even if someone loses the first round, they could still become a Chunin." Hiruzen explained.

"Basically the weakest ninja can be a Chunin if they have the right attributes that Master Ibiki told everyone." Mitsuki said.

"From that interview, we know dad ain't become a Chunin." Boruto snickered.

"I wonder if my dad did…" Sarada thought.

"So there's a chance that every one of us who competes in the final round could be a Chunin?" Temari surmised.

"Correct but conversely there's a chance that none of you could become Chunin. The advantage in fighting more rounds in the tournament is in getting more chances to display your talents in front of the judges who will judge your skills. Now does that answer your question, Shikamaru?" Hiruzen asked the young Nara who seemed satisfied.

"I thank you all for your patience. Now let us adjourn for next month." Hiruzen said as mist started to slowly surround and envelop the memory before the memory slowly darkened and eroded away.

---

30K words later and this chapter is FINALLY DONE! XD

I know I pushed this chapter back like THREE times (although I didn't make a special chapter but just changed the ending of the last chapter's date of when THIS chapter would be published XD) but I realized I bit off more than I could chew BUT next chapter onwards WILL be accurate on when they will come out!

Which reminds me, next chapter will mark the debut of everyone's favorite Pervy Sage! ;D

On that note, please tell me your thoughts on this EXTREMELY long chapter and I will see you all in Chapter 16 coming Wednesday March 3rd! ^_^