Author's Review Response:
To redlox2: Naruto has access to both magic power and chakra. He can consume wind, water, and lightning based ninjutsu and convert it into magic power using the Ethernano running through his body. Honestly, Naruto forgets from time to time that he een has chakra because he views himself to be a wizard more than a shinobi. But as you see, his mindset to be suspicious and threatening to his opponents is very ninja-like due to the lack of love he received as a child.
It's very interesting, huh?
Oh, if it wasn't Naruto x Hinata, it would have been Naruto x Shion because their chemistry, as supposed to Hinata's history with Naruto.
To darkangelflame: That will be a treat you'll get to see in about a week or two. It just depends. And don't quote me on that, I make no promises.
To Haziq Saffari1: The fight between Ruki and Ventos won't be until later on this year. I'm still mapping things out over on Wattpad and revising and posting stuff here. I plan on replacing the Wattpad's chapters with this version after every chapter I've written on there is revised to avoid confusion. Anyway, you just have to be patient.
I'm gonna stop for now. Keep on asking me questions and comment.
Like always, on with the show!
Training Ground 44 Tower, Konohagakure, 91 N.E.
-Participant's Section-
Strutting up to the stairs for all the genin to see was the winner of the last match, Ventos Drakkenborne. The remaining Konoha Rookie 12 watched in fascination as he took his spot next to Hinata and Itachi respectively.
"Congratulations on your victory, Vento-san. You were outstanding out there." Hinata warmly expressed, giving the swordsman a beautiful smile.
If he were to be without a scarf, the genin would have been introduced to a bright red pastel blond. Fortunately for the mage, he hid his lower face in his scarf.
"It was nothing, honestly," He replied with the same energy. "In fact, despite the odd form of Kekkei Genkai and that strategy the Iwa-nin pulled, I'd say I wasn't as engaged as I thought I'd be."
"Whatever do you mean, Vento-san?"
Eyebrows were raised in confusion by the other genin that were paying close attention to the mage's conversation. Itachi, however, caught on to what Ventos was alluding to, so he decided to jump into the topic himself.
"You weren't given the opportunity to show your true power. Or am I wrong, Ranryū-san?" Itachi questioned, entering the conversation.
Ventos smirked at his old friend's deduction skills before answering him.
"Got it in one, Uchiha-san." said Ventos, eyeing Itachi. "You know, I'd been looking forward to meeting you after your recovery. It's an honor."
"The honor should go to you. I have you and your squad to thank for the save, according to my teammates. I also look forward to working with you as an ally." The Uchiha heir stated as he extended his arm for a handshake.
Feeling a wave of nostalgia hitting Ventos with images of sparring sessions and handshakes popped into his mind. Ventos smirked under his scarf as he unconsciously met Itachi halfway in a strong and tight handshake, which seemed all too familiar to Itachi.
'Hn. Well I'll be damned! You sure know how to pull off the impossible, don't you dobe? Welcome back, old friend' Itachi thought as he smiled at Ventos.
Much to the other Konoha genin's surprise, especially Ruki, who looked jealous, Itachi gave out a genuine smile on his face. That made Ventos truly happy, receiving his friend's acknowledgement.
"Ano, Vento-san?" Hinata started, receiving both teens' attention. "If you don't mind me asking, what was that defensive technique you used against Kamizuru-san's attack?"
And like that, Ventos snapped out of his trance-like state. Ventos knew better not to lie to his precious people, and Hinata was definitely no exception.
However, he knew that regardless of past relationships, the ninja world had ears for days, so the exploitation of his mystical energy could endanger not only himself but his new family. This was a hard decision to make, but fortunately for our blond hero, improvisation was one of his specialties.
"Oh, that? That was a barrier technique that I picked up a few years back. It forms a protective and dense coating of ma—chakra to withstand and defend any sort of chakra-infused (or any other energy) attacks." He explained, swiftly protecting its energy source that created the Mahō Shōheki spell.
"I don't recall ever seeing such a technique as that. Nor did I see you weaving through any hand seals to perform it. Why is that?" Itachi questioned, yearning for more insight on his rival's secret.
"Simple, I've used it so often that I mastered its without the usage of hand seals. Though, early on, I struggled with control due to my larger reserves. Think of it like the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu." Ventos replied.
"That's very impressive to have already mastered a useful technique in such a short amount of time. I only asked because it reminded me of one of my clan's techniques." Said Hinata, thinking about the Jūkenhō Ōgi: Hakkeshou Kaiten (Gentle Fist Secret Art: Revolving Heaven).
"That's understandable. But I assure you, Hyūga-san, that wouldn't dare imitate a clan of any kind, arts and all."
"Oh, n-no, no! I didn't mean it like that! Its function was just similar. Honest!" Blanched out the blushing female Hyūga.
Ventos couldn't help but chuckle at his oldest friend and her adorable tendencies.
Oh, how he missed it.
"Do not stress over it, Hyūga-chan. I can understand what you were trying to say. I was only giving you and the other people who are eavesdropping a little reassurance. You know, between allies and such."
'He called me -chan? Vento-San called me -chan! W-Wait, why am I acting strange towards him? I barely know him… and yet…Why do I feel so… familiar with him? Ugh! Stupid hormones!' Hinata squeaked with her heart racing.
Registering the mage's words, the rest of the genin turned their heads to the opposite direction as awkwardness filled the minds of those who were embarrassed. However, a nasty glare surfaced from a certain whiskered faced blonde kunoichi, which was directed towards Ventos.
'Damn him! He's already taking Itachi-kun away from me! I sure, if this asshole truly is Naruto I'm gonna have to remind him not to interfere with true love! That's a promise, dattebano!' Ruki proclaimed in her head with that 'tough love' philosophy embedded in her cognition.
-Rock Lee vs. Sabaku no Gaara-
Gai flickered to his student to wish him luck. The two had a moment that scarred everybody who saw it for life, save for the mages, cause they were busy ignoring it. After that, Lee started his jog towards the battlefield, only to be stopped halfway by Ventos, surprising the people above and around them. When the spandex-wearing ninja questioned him on why he stopped him, Ventos responded accordingly.
"Heed my word of caution, Konoha-nin. Do not, under any circumstances, take your opponent lightly. There's something...ominous about him. His chakra, that is."
That warning scared Rock Lee on the inside. If a veteran that ended a civil war, who is his age mind you, is telling you to watch your opponent, then that just goes to show what you're in for. But remembering what his sensei said, his burning spirit propel himself forward and get downstairs to the battlefield.
Gaara appeared to his side of the arena using Shunshin no Jutsu made of sand. His dead light blue eyes without pupils stared directly at the seriousness onyx orbs of Lee.
When the battle commenced, Lee charged at the blood redhead. The Gai mini-me started off with a Konoha Senpū (Leaf Hurricane) to kick Gaara, only for sand that emerged from Gaara's gourd to block his attack. The sand then lunged at Lee with the intent to inflict damage, but Lee's agility allowed him to evade the attack. Understand this, Lee began his assault against Gaara's sand, trying to penetrate such a powerful defense that Gaara possessed. However, all of Lee's attempts proved ineffective.
Gaara, not satisfied with Lee's display of power, had his sand surge to Lee's leg and clamp onto his leg and toss him to the arena wall. The sand attacks worsened little by little until Lee became fed up with it. So Lee backflipped the arena monument and took off his sealed training weights from his ankles, dropping like boulders.
This increased Rock Lee's already blistering speeds exponentially, allowing Lee to not only outmaneuver the sand's defense but land a serious blow to Gaara's sand armor, cracking his face. And not wasting any time, Lee kicked Gaara up to the air, loosened and used his sports-tape as bindings, and performed the Omote Renge (Primary Lotus), sending Gaara crashing into the shattering floor.
Unfortunately, that didn't bring the sand-user down. Realizing that his foreign ally might be right, Lee decided to go out.
And what better way to end it than to release three of the Hachimon (Eight Gates).
Doing that, Kaimon (Gate of Opening) removed the limitations on his brain on the muscles, allowing 100% of Lee's strength to be used whereas normally, a normal person can only use 20% of their muscles' strength to keep them from disintegrating. The Kyūmon (Gate of Healing) forcibly increased his physical strength and temporarily rejuvenated his body. The Seimon (Gate of Life) located on the spinal cord, increased blood flow turns the skin red.
Taking this to account, Lee managed to deal a lot of damage to Gaara's body, receiving cracks throughout his armor. To finish it off, Lee used that last of his strength to execute the Ura Renge (Hidden Lotus), driving Gaara to the earth.
And yet, the Suna-nin was still conscious.
With nowhere left to go, Lee made a feeble attempt to flee, Gaara's sand grabbed a hold of Lee's ankle and arm and crushed it with Sabaku Kyū (Sand Binding Coffin). Lee's cries of agony pierced the ears of all that heard him, though, this had quelled once Gai came onto the scene, stopping Gaara's sand barrage. After being threatened to be disqualified after already winning the match, the Suna-nin halted his sand and left the arena as Gai took Lee to the medic-nin, who had a stretcher on standby.
-Winner: Sabaku no Gaara-
-Kage Box-
Mei, Ay, and Onoki were left rendered speechless from that match. All of their sights were on 'Rasa', who was casually clapping for his son. Noticing the Konoha native's stares, Rasa knew he had to humor them.
"What's the matter?" Rasa asked. "You all seem rather tense. Were you not impressed with the match?"
"Kazekage-dono, mind, my language. But I've got to ask, what in the actual fuck was that?!" Tsunade shouted, feeling uneasy from the anomaly that was Sabaku no Gaara.
"That, Senju-hime, was Gaara and his Zettai Bogyo (Absolute Defense), the Suna no Tate (Sand Shield). Using that special sand from that gourd of his, Gaara's able to not only distribute long-ranged attacks but provide excellent defense." Answered 'Rasa'.
"That explains why the gaki's freaky sand shell. But what makes that sand any different the sand in your village." Jiraiya asked.
"Oh, that? Well, think of that sand as a memento from his late mother. She's protecting her child, even after death." 'Rasa' said cryptically.
Everybody nodded, besides Minato, who kept his eyes on Gaara while utilizing his sensory abilities.
Upon scanning Gaara, Minato sensed a similar demonic entity in the Kazekage's son. It seemed just like his daughter and his wife when she held the Kyūbi. That meant that there was only one explanation of the unusually deranged behavior and ominous chakra.
Gaara was a jinchūriki. And if memory served the Kīroi Senkō right, the boy was the held Ichibi.
Minato's suspicions of the Kazekage increased tremendously.
'So Kazekage-dono brought his jinchūriki...But why would he bring the boy at his current state of instability? And that seal on his forehead- oh no! He's the trigger! Then that means that...Rasa is collaborating with Orochimaru. Though, I can't be certain for sure until the Suna jinchūriki's seal starts to really loosen.'
The plot thickens as Minato stares at the battlefield as the two names of the next combatants were called out.
-Neji Hyūga vs. Hinata Hyūga-
-Kage Box-
Ay just kept his mouth shut, for he knew better to not say anything when it came to the Hyūga clan. After all, it was his father that caused the scandal to begin with.
"I have got admit, this is an interesting matchup." Onoki said.
"Yes, it's not every day where you get to see two ninja of the same clan go against each other. Rasa acknowledged.
"I'll say, but this isn't going to be a family-friendly sparring session, that's for sure." Jiraiya muttered, knowing the story behind Kumo and the Hyūga clan.
Everyone else stayed quiet, as the match was being held underway.
-Participant Section-
The genin, including Ventos, froze when he heard the names "Neji Hyūga'" and "Hinata Hyūga" being called out in the same sentence. Ever since he met
Hinata as Naruto, Ventos was well aware of the conflicts between Neji and Hinata, having to protect Hinata from Neji's hostility. However, during the clan's usual sparring sessions, Neji would assault his cousin with the intention to kill, but the elders would cease the fight before anything could happen the Hyūga heiress.
Though, since this is the Chunin Exams, there is nobody to hold him down on a leash.
Neji, inwardly yearning for this moment, spent no time and jumped to the battlefield. Meanwhile, Hinata grew nervous, for she didn't want to fight her older cousin, who she once viewed as a brother until he became bitter, spiteful, and obsessed with fate.
With the two both being on their opposite sides, Hayate walked over to start the match, but not before Neji began to spout nonsense to discourage the blue-haired girl.
"Surrender." The branch member commanded. "You are outmatched as you are spineless. From the day you were beaten by your younger sister, you were destined for failure. From your loss at the ceremonial match, to kissing your clan heiress status, to the failure of saving your oh so 'beloved' friend that you held dear. Face it, you're always destined to remain as you are; a disgrace to our clan. So I advise you to take this only chance to salvage whatever's left of your dignity and drop out while you still can, Hinata-sama. I won't be held responsible for what is about to come, otherwise."
Hinata stared at the ground, weighing her options as doubts stirred in her mind. Perhaps Neji had a point, maybe she couldn't win against him. Surely everyone else thought so too.
Well, maybe everybody except for Naruto that is.
As much as she wished for Ventos to be the old friend/love of her life, she had no idea who he was.
Regardless, Hinata knew what he would tell her now.
'Don't ever give up! Even if you think you'll fall one hundred times over, keep moving forward.'
Hayate looked at the Hyūga heir and waited. Would she stay and fight, or submit? Instead of turning and walking away, Hinata took a fighting stance.
Annoyed by his cousin's action, Neji did the same. Didn't matter to him one way or the other. It was her destiny for her to fall by his lethal hands, and no one could stop him from doing so. Seeing both fighters read Hayate began the match.
Both Hyūga members looked at one another waiting for the first strike. Everyone watched in complete silence as the suspense grew. Ventos watched closely feeling his heart beat faster and faster. Even though he told himself Hinata could win, the fear remained.
Could he just sit here and watch her get beaten to death? After all, in these fights, those who refuse to surrender could very well end up dead.
"It's not too late," Neji said with his Byakugan activated. "I am giving you the option to surrender."
"No!" Shouted Hinata. "I refuse to give up! I've spent too much time training to get to this point! I swore to myself...and to Naruto-kun to get stronger as a person and as a kunoichi of Konoha! I will not allow myself to waver, even if it means if I have to stand up to you, Neji Onii-san!
"Fine, I'll make sure that you end up like him!" Neji said, making the first move. "Murdered"
Neji kept thrusting his palms with each step he took, hoping to catch Hinata slipping. But much to his surprise, the female Hyūga was not only blocking and defecting some of his attacks, but she weaved away from his standard clan style strikes by turning her waist.
That caught him off his guard, giving Hinata her first hit on Neji, which was at his stomach.
Neji hacked up a small amount of blood as he continued to go for the offensive.
-Audience Section-
"Woah, talk about an one-eighty turn!" a stupefied Wulf shouted, jumping out of his seat. "That blue-haired chick is throwing down, and she's not stopping!"
"It's not just that, look at how she's moving! She just dipped backwards to dodge! I don't think I can even do something like that!" Said the Phoenix Slayer next to the boy, starting to get excited at her new friend's spirit.
Over where the elder wizards were, Magius watched with his wife and godchildren as he was introduced to as his godson would consider her his most precious person.
'So, this is the young lady that my boy fondly spoke about. Hm… I can see where her weakness lies from her anxiety, but I can also see her hidden potential through her dedication and desire to become something great. Perhaps it is because of the firm and stubborn nature of the Jūken that hinders her growth. ...If only the Hyūga clan was more open minded to developing new things, this child could have had a better chance.' The archmage thought analytically.
Hiashi and the other elders of the Hyūga clan blanched out in awe, shocked at the sudden burst of forwardness and flexibility Hinata displayed as she continued to hit Neji on certain points of his body.
Hitomi, the matriarch, however, just smiled, knowing that all her secret training sessions with her eldest are starting to show positive results.
Hanabi was dumbfounded at first, given that she defeated her elder sister numerous times, only to find her hitting their elder cousin without flinching. Then she grew angry that Hinata held back all this time.
But then she thought of their family's current situation and looked back at Hinata. Maybe there was a chance for Hinata to change the family. But the only to know for sure was to give her sister her full support.
"Go, Onee-chan!"
-Participant's Section-
"Woah!" Choji said as he munched on more chips like always. "Hinata is actually doing some damage."
"Huh, guess the timid little wallflower's got a backbone after all. And from the looks of things, she's not pulling any punches." Ruki said with little to no interest in who she viewed as 'not a threat' to her.
"Yeah..." Shikamaru sighed. "Though, that can be a bad thing."
"Hmm? How come, Shika?" Choji huffed a little confused.
"Neji is strong and very intelligent to say the least, a prodigy—"
"Like yourself?" Ruki interrupted in a sarcastic manner.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes at her comment and continued. "Remember, Hinata may have a different kind of Jūken going on for her, but Neji's natural talent for the traditional style outmatches her own incomplete derivative. All he has to do is wait for the perfect moment for Hinata to leave herself open. Once that happens, he'll just end it then and there."
"So," Choji munched lowly. "It's a lost cause then?"
"Not entirely." The young genius stated. "Any situation can always shift into a different direction and outcome. Maybe Hinata has a technique or two up her sleeve. But knowing her, she will probably not use it. After all, the last thing she would want to do is hurt her cousin. Though, I cannot say for sure. We just have to hope that Neji's hatred doesn't end up getting the best of him to do something incredibly troublesome."
Everyone nodded to that answer, agreeing at the Nara boy's conclusion.
Ventos, focusing on Hinata, began to sweat from the random thoughts in his race that was racing at top speeds.
'Come on, Hinata. You got this! Don't stop fighting until the very end!'
-In The Battlefield-
The taijutsu fight raged on as Neji started to sweat bullets with anger engraved on his face. Whenever he tries to take a step, Hinata took two more to get a closer attack. He tried a barrage of swift arm thrusts, only to either get his hand blocked off or evaded thanks to Hinata's lose mobility. Then she followed up by blows to the chest and liver, causing Neji to cough up blood.
'What is this!? Her movements! She had never moved like this before! It's so loose and nimble! It's nothing like our clan's stance at all! I can barely touch her, let alone distribute proper damage! I need to put an end to this!' Neji internally gritted as he wiped his mouth.
"Neji-nii, I cannot say that you're wrong about my past mistakes. I wasn't strong enough to be next in line for clan heiress, and I did stand there while I saw Naruto-kun run towards his demise. And even to this day, I still regret that." She stated, clenching her fists.
"So I've been training long and hard to better myself, so I may make up for my past mistakes. But what you fail to realize, Neji-nii, is that destiny is not predetermined, it's a path that can be chosen and change at any given time! And I'll provide by defeating you, and then I'll reclaim the favor of the elders in order save our family!" Proclaimed the Hyūga princess, shouting it loud enough for the audience to hear.
Neji just heckled at her with a cold-hearted laugh, devoid of all emotion.
"This coming from a weak and timid little girl that's too afraid to fight her younger sister. You're nothing but a child playing at a fool's idealistic fantasy!" Neji responded as he took his stance once more.
Hinata, however, shook her head to roll off Neji's verbal jab.
"Your words won't make me falter, Onii-san. I'm going to save you and our clan from yourselves. And I'll remove that curse entirely! That is my nindo, my ninja way!" Hinata finished passionately, thinking about Naruto.
"If you think destiny's going to allow you to delude yourself of that farce sense of reality, then you're greatly mistaken!"
Neji blurred towards Hinata's direction, catching her off guard as his heavy charge broken her line of defense. Neji then proceeded to close her tenketsu (pressure points) and damage her further and further, wearing Hinata down. Though, whenever Neji would knock her down, Hinata would get back up and press onward, giving a few hits on Neji, getting him to stagger back as well.
This would become a fight to see which person would give out first.
-Kage Box-
"Wow, I got to hand it to her, that girl is no quitter." Mei said, genuinely impressed with Hinata.
"Uh huh, I recall her mother giving her some lessons on tenaciousness and self-confidence. And I believe they were creating a new form of Jūken along with that training as well. She came a long way since then" Tsunade agreed.
"But is it enough to defeat her prodigal cousin?" Jiraiya asked, unsure if Hinata can pull it off.
"I'd say that she's on her last legs, as it stands." 'Rasa' declared. "Just look at her. The branch member is slowing her down. Her leg movement is beginning to waver as the boy is advancing his leg work with each hit, aiming for the finishing move. It's clear to me who the victor is going to be. As he said, she doesn't stand a-"
"It's not over yet." A blond Kage interrupted abruptly.
"Gaki, look at her! she clearly is-" Jiraiya tried to interject, only for Minato to go over his sensei's voice.
"-trying to prove a point. Okay, Hinata-chan may not be like Neji, and her major drawback is her bashful mannerisms, be as it may, but her heart is in the right place. There inside that girl is a burning conviction to save her family from the poison that plagues the entire clan. And it may sound far fetched, but all it takes is one single step to make and Neji's defeat can be a great start for her. In that girl is the embodiment of the Will of Fire!" Minato spoke with inspiration.
Mei nodded along with the others, (except 'Rasa' and Onoki for obvious reasons), and continued to watch the Hyūga match. Though Mei, similar to the others, had a lingering question in her mind.
'How long will that Will of Fire last?'
-In The Battlefield-
Hinata's movements began to wane on her, with her arms bruised up from Neji's aggressive attacks. Her legs felt like they were beginning to shake. Even breathing was getting more difficult. But Hinata couldn't stop now. She wouldn't stop now! Not when she's gotten so far, not when her dream is within her arm's reach!
However, Neji's analytical mind and eyes caught her slip up. Her midbody was left exposed.
"You're within my range of divination! Fear the wrath of the power a true Hyūga! Jūkenhō: Hakke Rokujūyon Shō (Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms)!" Neji said as a green circle with kanji and the yin-yang symbol on its center appeared below him.
The crowd began to react with various amounts of expressions. Konoha civilians were excited to see some fancy techniques, the mages, genin, and jonin were beginning to worry for their friend, and Ventos started to outright panic.
Hinata didn't even have a chance to get out of the way as Neji's chain of blows started.
"Nii Shō (Two Palms)!"
"Yon Shō (Four Palms)!"
"Jūroku Shō (Sixteen Palms)!"
"Sanjūni Shō (Thirty-Two Palms)!"
"Rokujūyon Shō (Sixty-Four Palms)!"
Every last hit connected to Hinata causing blood to spew from her body, and pain to engulf her frame. The devastating attack knocked the poor girl to the ground. Silence hung over the onlookers. Some were horrified, others just plain shocked, and for a few, they nodded with the understanding that this would be the outcome.
Ventos himself simply growled as he gripped the railing in front of him, feeling the festering rage of Konoha and certain individuals fuel and slowly manifest in the Ryū no Hane leaking out in the form of his eyes (both functioning and blind)dilating and turning slit. He leaned over it looking down into the fighting arena.
Was it all worth it?
Hinata, his very first true friend...his precious person was laying on the ground in her own blood. If she stayed down the match would be over.
To everyone's horror, Hinata's shaking body forced itself up. Despite the beating, and blurry vision she refused to surrender.
Part of the Dragon Slayer was proud, the other was in total anguish. If she had stayed down she wouldn't need to suffer. Surely she had already proven herself. As much as the pastel blond wanted her to win, he knew if Neji landed a few more hits like that...Hinata might not get up again. Even if it cost him a chance to continue in the Chunin Exams, Ventos wouldn't lose her.
"Why do you intend on persisting?" Neji asked as his cousin tried her best to stand. "You are no warrior, you are no kunoichi! Just like that stupid dreamer of a dead companion, you were exiled of the main house! You are a disgrace!"
Neji then hit Hinata with his palm pushing her back. Hinata fell to one knee, but once again rose to meet her opponent. You could call her weak if you wanted, but she was no coward.
"Maybe...you're right." Hinata huffed, spitting out blood. "I've never been called a kunoichi. I've...been called a freak...because of who I am. Only Naruto-kun and my other friends didn't care. They called me...their friend. I owe it to him and the others...to never give up!"
"All you do is speak of the dead." Neji said growing irritated. "The dead can't save you now. They've already met their destiny!"
"What do you...know of destiny," Hinata stumbled as she coughed up blood. "—when your perspective of it is just as blind as your misguided hatred towards me?"
Blinded by rage, Neji raced forward to give the finishing blow. Everybody gasped as they watched. Hinata's life began flashing before her eyes as she thought to herself, 'Naruto-kun. Maybe in the next life, I'll see you again.'
Hinata closed her eyes, waiting for death's embrace...
...But it never came for the blue-haired kunoichi.
Her eyes slowly fluttered open to see a strikingly well-kept scarf-wearing blond-haired boy swat her older cousin to the ground using a unique and foreign greatsword.
The crowd stayed dead silent as the teenage boy's left eye burned with rage as it glowed blue. His body trembled with anger, yellow lightning surged over his body as the pastel blond hatefully glared at the other boy.
Barely finding the strength to sit up, Neji glanced over at the boy who stopped him. Power unlike anything that he had ever felt before radiated off the blond, and it scared Neji.
'What is this!? T-This killing intent. It shouldn't be possible for anyone, let alone a lone genin to possess this kind of monstrous presence. It's inhuman! What the hell is he?' Staggering Neji, fearing for his life.
Nearly succumbing to the wounds that she received from her fight, Hinata almost collapsed onto the ground if it weren't for Ventos picking her up like a newlywed bride. noticing a familiar necklace around the blond's neck, she smiled.
It was a sharded red charm that had half of a spiraling pattern to it, that reflected her own, which the shard was on the opposite side.
The other half of the Promise Charm.
Using the remaining chakra that she had left, she used her necklace to detect the chakra signature that matched her own signature. When she realized that her chakra signature matched Ventos' necklace, she called to him as she faded to unconsciousness.
"I-I knew it. I k-knew you would come back o-one day, N-Naruto-kun..." She whispered.
Ventos told her to sleep well, as she deserved a good rest for a fight well done. Since Neji is still conscious, he was declared the victor.
-Winner: Neji Hyūga-
Kurenai, Asuma, Gai, Hayate, and Kakashi came down to look after Hinata as Ventos gently handed her over to the jonin. As they inspected the girl, Neji's arrogant voice called out to Ventos himself.
"You, Kiri-nin!"
Ventos slowly turned towards the brunette with rage blazing within his cold blue eye.
"Here's a word of advice to you. Regardless if you are Konoha's ally, stay out of this! This is clan matter, so stop sticking your nose in something that has nothing to do with you. And another thing, once a failure, always a failure! There is no change in that! That is her destiny, and she cannot escape it!" Neji said, standing up with that disgusting smirk on his face.
Magius, who was up at the audience section, foresaw what's about to occur. He mentally gathered his other godchildren's attention, who all were still shaken up about Hinata's match, and told them to get ready.
Seeing a vibrant crimson, Ventos, sending his sword back to the pocket dimension, propelled himself forward with his scale patterned marked hand (and arms) outstretched. With sharp claws, the blond aggressively lunged at Neji. The now partially scale-marked blond let out a booming animalistic roar in a blinding fit of rage.
"NEEEJIII!"
To Be Continued...
Author's Note:
Wow, this chapter was short now that I look back on it. But you know what, it's not so cringe. Still, I had to change a couple of lines to make it less corny.
Just to be clear, Hinata is a lot stronger than in canon. Her only problem is that her anxiety can get the best of her sometimes and that her family's traditional taijutsu isn't suited for her. In fact, I dropped a hint that she was holding back something that kept her from utterly destroying Neji in their fight. That will be revealed in a Omake later on.
As for the order of the preliminaries, also remember that this is an alternate universe, things will be altered, changed, delayed, or never happened.
What do you guys think about this chapter? What should I improve on? Let me know by reviewing this.
Have a blessed day! Shadow, out!
-DarkShadowGames451