Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the aftermath of Naruto's fight against Neji and his fight against Gaara, along with seeing Jiraiya approaching Kakashi and Sasuke to make the latter is apprentice. So, without further ado.
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Arriving in the Competitors Booth, Naruto saw the other finalists looking at him with varying expressions. Temari and Kankuro were regarding him warily with how much stronger he's become, Gaara's looking at him as if he wanted to kill him, Shino's was hard to tell due his jacket and glasses covering his face, and Shikamaru only sighed tiredly.
"You just had to do it, didn't you? You just had to make a big show of your match and change yourself completely, becoming even more troublesome than you were before. Troublesome blondes, I swear." Shikamaru said while shaking his head, ignoring the annoyed glare from Temari at the "troublesome blondes" remark, while Naruto simply chuckled.
"What can I say, I didn't want to start becoming predictable in how I acted and looked. I still need to keep people on their toes." Naruto stated with a smirk.
"And be careful with what you say about blondes; you never know what may get back to Ino. Not to mention your own opponent, right there." Added Naruto while pointing at Temari, who smiled evilly at the Nara, which only made Shikamaru sigh tiredly.
"I'd get annoyed by that, but I'm already exhausted after everything already." Said Shikamaru, before soon Raven, Magik, and Sakura ran into the booth, with the former two hugging Naruto.
"We knew you could do it! You really showed what you can do, even better that you didn't even need to go all out; showing everyone just how much stronger you've become!" Magik said, smiling at the whiskered blonde, happy that he won his first match.
"You did amazing in getting under his skin and revealing his trump cards, and the ending clash definitely impressed plenty of the audience." Added Raven, having heard the foreign audience members and clients being impressed at not only the match, but that he knew the Yondaime Hokage's signature Jutsu.
"Thanks, I just remembered what I learned and didn't underestimate him. And Neji did make it pretty easy for me to throw him off his game, along with him underestimating me." Naruto replied, smiling at the two girls, knowing he wouldn't have done as good as he did without their help.
"You've really gotten strong this past month, Naruto, you certainly surprised even more people with what you learned and can do now." Said Sakura, smiling at her teammate, happy at how much stronger he's gotten.
Though it also saddened her at seeing just how much stronger Naruto's gotten in just a month, not to mention everything Sasuke would have learned as well. While she hasn't gotten any stronger at all, the pinkette feeling like she's really falling behind her teammates.
"Uh…thanks Sakura. I'm glad I could…impress everyone. And I'm sure that you'll get stronger too, after the finals are over." Said Naruto with his smile becoming slightly strained, while his words made Sakura smile and nod.
"Yeah! Don't think I'm going to let you and Sasuke do all the work, I'll be catching up to both of you in no time!" Sakura said, determined to get stronger and not be a burden to her team, like she was in the Land of Waves and Forest of Death.
"R-right." Naruto muttered awkwardly, seeing that Sakura was trying to be a better teammate and comrade to him, despite their rough start and the times he was overshadowed by Sasuke, especially during the Exams.
Making Naruto feel somewhat guilty that he'll be leaving her, Sasuke, and Kakashi, despite his annoyance with the latter, when they were now starting to actually get close as a team and friends. But he also knew it was for the best that he leaves, since he didn't have the same love and loyalty for the village anymore, not after all the lies told to him and the secrets that were kept from him. Plus, the Uzumaki just didn't feel safe being in Konoha either, not knowing if he's going to be attacked again or possibly kidnapped.
"And you wanna know the best part of your victory? Raven and I made so much money betting on you!" Revealed Magik with a large grin, pleased at how much money they won, knowing it'll definitely come in handy for when they leave.
"You actually placed bets on me?" Naruto asked, amused at hearing this.
"Of course we did, when we already knew you were going to win, so it'd be a fast way to make some money. Someone else actually bet on you too, a woman with purple hair; she was laughing the entire time and talking about all the dango she'll be able to buy." Raven replied, both of them having encountered Anko when they went to collect their winnings, with the Tokubetsu Jōnin having collected her own.
Though they knew they'll be collecting even more winnings from their bet on Naruto winning the entire finals.
While Naruto chuckled at this, since he probably should have expected them to make bets on him winning, given everyone else would be betting against him. But he was surprised to hear that Anko also put a bet on him winning as well.
"Last call for Sasuke Uchiha! If he does not show up within the next minute, he will be disqualified!" Genma announced after calling for both Gaara and Sasuke to begin their match, and while the Suna Ninja entered the arena, the Uchiha was still nowhere to be seen.
The call getting their attention as they saw that Sasuke still hasn't arrived, something that worried Sakura at the chance of Sasuke being disqualified.
"Where is he? It's not like Sasuke to show up late and he knows what day it is, and how important it is for him to be here." Said Sakura, looking around for any sign of Sasuke or Kakashi, but didn't see them anywhere.
"Do you think he's not going to show?" Raven asked quietly to Naruto, with the Jinchūriki shaking his head.
"No, Sasuke wouldn't run away from a fight. My guess is that he's being held up by Kakashi, likely to get some last minute training done, given he can't be too careful against someone like Gaara." Replied Naruto, knowing that was the most likely case.
"Why don't you three head back to your seats, I'll see if I can talk to the old man." Naruto said, looking at Illyana, Raven, and Sakura, with the former two nodding as they left to return to their seats, while the pinkette hung back for a moment before nodding and leaving as well; hoping he could convince the Hokage to let Sasuke compete.
Once they'd left, Naruto headed up to the Kage's Box, where he saw the Hokage and Kazekage with their guards until they took notice of him approaching.
"Ah, Naruto, I'm surprised to see you up here. And might I say, you put on quite the show; I'm sure everyone will be talking about this match for some time now." Sarutobi complimented, with Naruto nodding in response.
"Thanks. But I came up here to see if you'd be willing to let Sasuke still compete in the finals." Said Naruto, surprising the Hokage before he frowned and shook his head.
"I'm sorry Naruto, but I can't allow Sasuke to compete. It was his responsibility to show up on time, knowing when the finals would take place and when they would begin." Replied Sarutobi, knowing he couldn't show favoritism like that, as it'd send a bad message to clients.
That he'd be willing to excuse his Ninja for showing up late to important events or on missions, something that would reflect badly on the village. The only reason he lets Kakashi get away with it is that the Jōnin still shows up on time for missions.
"Maybe, but he can still compete, like in an Exhibition Match against the winner of the finals; along with not getting the chance to be promoted to Chūnin for being late." Naruto said, offering a compromise that'd let Sasuke still compete, while still being punished for being late.
"I believe that sounds like a fair agreement Hokage-dono. After all everyone here is especially eager to see Sasuke Uchiha fight against my son, though I'm sure more than a few now wish to see him go against this Chūnin Exam's Dark Horse as well. That way the nobles and potential clients in the audience still get to see a match they're waiting for." Added the Kazekage, wanting to see how much stronger Sasuke's become against Gaara or the chance to see more of what Naruto can do.
With Hiruzen frowning at the compromise, as it'd still give the audience a chance to see their prize fight, along with ensuring Sasuke's punished for being late.
"Very well, Sasuke will be allowed to compete in an Exhibition Match against the winner of the finals, but will not be promoted to Chūnin. Raido, go inform Genma of the changes." Sarutobi said to bodyguard, with Raido nodding before Shunshining down into the arena.
"Though if you don't mind me asking Naruto, outside of him being your teammate, why are you so determined to see Sasuke still compete?" Questioned Hiruzen, with the Uzumaki shrugging
"It's a matter of pride, since aside from beating Neji for what he did to Hinata, I want to fight Sasuke. I've been overshadowed by him since Team Seven was first formed, with it just getting worse during the Chūnin Exams and the time leading up to it. This is my chance to finally move out of Sasuke's shadow, and I'm not going to lose that chance, just because he's late." Naruto replied, surprising Hiruzen at how he worded it, as if he's sure he's going to be the winner.
But the Sandaime grew worried, when Naruto then looked straight at him with his expression turning cold.
"Besides, I wouldn't want people to start thinking Sasuke's a burden if he makes a habit of showing up late. After all, who'd want the problem of taking care of a burden nobody wants to deal with? Or you know, just something to be used by others when it's convenient for them." Naruto said rhetorically and coldly before taking his leave and returning to the Competitors Booth, leaving the Hokage to look at him with wide eyes.
Given how similar Naruto's words were to when he and Jiraiya were talking in his office, a talk that if Naruto heard it would reveal just how much has been kept from him.
'Could…could he have somehow heard what he said? Could Naruto have managed to hide within my office and listen to everything?' Thought Sarutobi in worry, knowing if Naruto really did somehow hear what they discussed, then it'd be disastrous.
It also showed Hiruzen that Naruto's faith in the village was starting to fade if it hasn't faded away already.
'It would seem that my list of failures just keeps growing, recently.' Hiruzen thought while looking down, since if Naruto did know the truth by overhearing him and Jiraiya, then anything he does in retaliation will be on the Sandaime's head.
'This is proving better than I could have imagined.' Thought Orochimaru with a smirk, pleased at this turn of events, not just Naruto's apparent growing disillusionment with Konoha, but the affect it had on his former teacher.
Knowing the only thing that could have caused this, was if the whiskered blonde had learned the truth of his heritage and that Sarutobi had kept it from him this entire time.
'Now how exactly can I use this?' Orochimaru pondered, looking towards the Competitor's Box as he saw Naruto return there.
*With Sasuke and Kakashi*
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Kakashi were training in the mountains, which they've been doing for the past month, ensuring there'd be no distractions. The Jōnin having done his best to prepare Sasuke to face Gaara, helping him further replicate Lee's fighting style and his speed to get past his sand. Along with even teaching him the Chidori, both to have a source of power to rely on beside the Curse Mark and giving him a Jutsu strong enough to pierce through Gaara's Sand Shield and Sand Armor.
The Uchiha had also gotten a new attire, being a one piece version of his regular clothes and completely black, along with bandages and many small belts adorning his left arm and similar bands around both legs.
But now that a month has passed, Sasuke had thought they would have returned to the village now, since today was the day of the finals. Only for Kakashi to assure him they'd get back in time for his match and it'd be better to be overprepared than underprepared.
"Okay, can we go now?" Sasuke asked, starting to get annoyed, since he didn't want to waste his energy on last minute training and risk being slow against Gaara; having heard what he did to Lee and would prefer not having something similar happen to him.
"Mah, mah Sasuke, just relax. We still have plenty of time to arrive. Besides, it seems like we have a visitor." Replied Kakashi before looking over to a boulder, making Sasuke tense and look, only for them to see Jiraiya step out from behind the boulder.
"I suppose it would be stupid trying to hide from you, Kakashi." Jiraiya said as he walked over to the two.
"Jiraiya, I'm surprised to see you here. I would have thought you'd have left the village by now, or would be watching the finals right now." Kakashi said, wondering why the Toad Sage is here, while Sasuke was surprised to hear who this was.
'Jiraiya? One of the Sannin?' Thought Sasuke, not expecting a Sannin to be here, at least one that isn't trying to kill him.
"I was, but when I saw your student wasn't there, I decided to come looking for you." Replied Jiraiya, making Kakashi raise a brow.
"Naruto isn't there?" Questioned Kakashi, having expected Naruto would have been the first to arrive, given his promise to beat Neji.
Though both Kakashi and Sasuke noticed how Jiraiya's eye twitched slightly at the mention of Naruto before he smiled and shook his head.
"No, the br-kid was there, I meant your other student. It's nice to officially meet you Sasuke, I've heard plenty of great things about you since I came back to the village." Jiraiya said, trying to appeal to his pride to gain his trust.
"…Thanks. You still haven't said why you're here though." Said Sasuke, wanting to know why the Toad Sage came here to speak with them.
"Well like I said, I've heard plenty of great things about you. And given you've spent an entire month with Kakashi here, I'm sure you've gotten even stronger than anyone could predict. Which is why I came here to make you an offer, the chance to become my apprentice." Revealed Jiraiya, much to Sasuke and Kakashi's shock that he'd want to make the Uchiha his apprentice.
But the two were also suspicious, given how out of nowhere the offer came from; along with how Jiraiya could have waited until after the finals to make it. Instead coming to them during the finals, when Sasuke hasn't even competed yet to show what he's learned and how he's improved.
"Why me?" Sasuke asked, narrowing his eyes at the Sannin, given from what he's heard of the Sannin, he and Jiraiya had completely different fighting styles that would clash against each other.
The only thing they had in common was that they both used Fire Style Ninjutsu, and even then, Sasuke now knows he has a Lightning Affinity like Kakashi.
"Why not you? You did graduate at the top of your class in the Academy, you helped defeat Zabuza Momochi and his apprentice, you even stared down my former teammate Orochimaru and walked away alive. I'd say there couldn't be anyone better to take on as my apprentice." Replied Jiraiya while embellishing on certain details, with the Uchiha scowling at his words.
"I didn't do anything to Zabuza and his apprentice could have killed me if she wanted to, and I was left unconscious most of the fight, while Naruto was the one that beat her. And Orochimaru, I only was able to fight him off, after Naruto showed up and saved me from getting killed by a giant snake." Sasuke said, correcting the details, refusing to take credit when he was left helpless against Haku, even with his Sharingan, while being left paralyzed with fear against Orochimaru
While Jiraiya's eye twitch rapidly at the mention of Naruto again, as well as his feats.
"That damn brat…" Jiraiya shouted before catching himself, while Kakashi and Sasuke looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"I mean…your teammate, I'm sure was really lucky and had some help during those times." Said Jiraiya as his mask was put back in place.
"If that's the case, then maybe you should take Naruto on as your apprentice. It'd do him some good to rely less on luck and help, and more on his own skill." Kakashi replied, while watching Jiraiya's reaction, seeing the Toad Sage looked ready to explode at Naruto being brought up again.
"Look, it's not every day you get the offer to be trained by a Sannin, especially the one who trained the Yondaime Hokage. If you become my apprentice, you'll get the chance to learn things that no one else could teach you, things that not even Itachi knows." Said Jiraiya, now pulling out his last trick by bringing up Itachi, knowing Sasuke's desire to surpass and kill him.
With it working as Sasuke tensed and clenched his fists at the mention of his brother, while Kakashi frowned at seeing that the Sannin was manipulating Sasuke into becoming his student. But for what reason? Given Kakashi would have expected Jiraiya to make Naruto his apprentice, only for him to seem angry whenever he's brought up.
The Uchiha then looked at Kakashi, after taking a moment to calm down, wondering what he thought of this offer. Given while he's suspicious of Jiraiya and his reasoning, Sasuke also knew being trained by a Sannin would go a long way in helping him avenge his clan.
"…Jiraiya is regarded as one of the strongest Ninja alive, even Itachi could only hope to enter a stalemate with him, and that's if he had help against Jiraiya." Kakashi said, unable to deny Jiraiya's one of the strongest and most feared Ninja alive.
And despite his suspicions, Kakashi knew if Sasuke became his apprentice, it'd help keep him from accepting Orochimaru's offer of power and from using the Curse Mark.
"Okay. I'll be your apprentice, but only after the finals." Said Sasuke, nodding in acceptance, making Jiraiya smirk mentally before grinning.
"Great, you won't regret it! But you may wanna get moving now, since your match is up next and you don't want to be disqualified." Jiraiya replied, his words making Sasuke give Kakashi a dry glare at learning he's going to be late.
"Plenty of time, huh?" Sasuke asked rhetorically, with the Jōnin laughing sheepishly, before putting a hand on his shoulder as they Shunshined away to the arena.
*Arena*
Kakashi, Sasuke, and Jiraiya reappeared in the arena, getting everyone's attention.
"Sorry we're late, hope we didn't keep everyone waiting." Kakashi said, with Genma giving him an unamused look.
"Yeah, you're late, late enough that you missed Sasuke's match. Lucky for you kid, your teammate and the Kazekage managed to convince the Hokage to give you an Exhibition Match against the winner of the finals. But you also won't be getting the chance to be promoted to Chūnin, due to your tardiness." Revealed Genma, making Sasuke glare at Kakashi and Jiraiya for both of them making him late and miss his match; delaying him in their own ways.
"Who's fighting next?" Sasuke asked, glad he can still at least use the Exhibition Match to show what he can do, and hopefully work his way to a field promotion.
"It was Shino Aburame against Kankuro, but Kankuro forfeited just before you guys showed up. So next is Shikamaru Nara against Temari." Replied Genma, with the Uchiha nodding before he and Kakashi made their to the Competitors Box, while Jiraiya returned to the stands.
Arriving at the Competitors Box, Sasuke walked up and stood beside Naruto, the two teammates glancing at each other.
"Thanks." Sasuke said, grateful he helped convince the Hokage to at least let him fight.
"No problem, I couldn't miss the chance to beat you in front of so many people." Replied Naruto with a smirk, with Sasuke gaining his own.
"Not even in your dreams." Stated Sasuke.
"So Naruto, I take you won your match against Neji. Congratulations." Kakashi said, giving his student an eye smile, only to see Naruto look at him neutrally.
"Thanks, I was just lucky to find some good teachers to help me train." Naruto said neutrally, making the Copy Ninja wince at remembering how he passed him off to Ebisu.
"Uh…right, yeah that's good. But how about after the finals, I show you a new training method and teach you some Elemental Ninjutsu." Offered Kakashi, willing to help Naruto learn what his affinity is and learn some Ninjutsu for which ever one it is.
'Sorry Kakashi, but you won't be get the chance.' Naruto thought solemnly, while mentally sighing before nodding at Kakashi.
"Thanks, but I'll be holding you to that." Naruto replied, with Kakashi nodding before headed up to the stands.
"Now, the fourth match shall now begin! Will Shikamaru Nara and Temari please enter the arena!" Genma called out, with Temari riding down into the arena on her fan, while Shikamaru sighed tiredly.
"After seeing what she could do in the preliminaries, there's no way I'm fighting a troublesome girl like her. Hey Proctor, I forfeit!" Said Shikamaru, much to the annoyance and anger of the audience, as well as Temari.
"Are kidding me?!" Temari shouted in annoyance, having actually been looking forward to competing in the finals before the invasion, with Genma letting out an annoyed sigh at another finalist forfeiting.
"Very well! The winner of the fourth match is Temari! The first round of the Chūnin Exams Finals is now over!" Declared Genma, the Suna Kunoichi grumbling as she headed back up to the Competitors Booth.
"Shikamaru, you lazy bastard! Just wait until I get my hands on you, you'll regret even thinking about forfeiting!" Ino shouted loudly from the stands, while glaring at her lazy teammate.
"I swear to Kami, Shikamaru! When you get home, I'm going to tan your hide so bad, that sitting in ice will feel like lava when I'm done with you, young man!" Shouted Yoshino, while her husband held her back from going after their son for forfeiting.
"You realize they're going to kill you, right?" Naruto asked the Nara in a dry tone.
"And? What else is new with Ino and my Kaa-san?" Shikamaru asked just as dryly, since he didn't even want to be here right now, and would prefer to still be sleeping if his mother didn't make him show up.
"Proctor, I too wish to forfeit. My insects would be useless against Temari's Wind Style Ninjutsu, and even should I win against her, I have no counter against either Naruto's or Gaara's attacks. So forfeiting is the logical conclusion." Said Shino, knowing he wouldn't be able to beat Temari, let alone last against Naruto or Gaara.
"Very well, Shino Aburame forfeits and Temari will be moving onto the final round! Now the second round, as well as the match between Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara will now begin! Both competitors, please enter the arena!" Genma said, with Gaara appearing in a swirl of sand, while Naruto jumped down across from him.
"That kid's dead." Stated Kankuro, with Temari nodding in agreement.
"Even if he's gotten stronger during the month break, he won't stand a chance against Gaara. At best, he'll end up like that green kid or a stain to be cleaned up, at worst." Temari said, knowing no amount of training will have helped Naruto fight Gaara.
Which only made her internally panic, as that means she'll be facing Gaara in the final round and she had no doubt he wouldn't hesitate to kill her, if she didn't forfeit.
Shino was looking down into the arena in worry, remembering what Gaara did to those Ame Ninja in the Forest of Death and then crippling Lee.
"While I believe Naruto has grown stronger in the past month, it would be best if he surrendered." Stated Shino, making Shikamaru and Sasuke look at him.
"What're you talking about? He can't be that dangerous, can he?" Sasuke asked, having only heard about what Gaara's capable of.
"He is and more so. I have never encountered someone like Gaara, and I'm sure you must have heard about what he did to Rock Lee. If it wasn't for Gai-sensei's intervention, he would be dead, but against Naruto and what he's shown, I don't think Gaara will stop until he's dead; along with anyone who gets in his way." Replied Shino, which only concerned them at hearing this.
*Stands*
While in the stands, Kiba and Hinata were also worried about Naruto facing Gaara, with Akamaru whimpering at the bloodlust coming from Gaara.
"Come on you idiot, you already beat Neji! Don't do something stupid and get yourself killed!" Kiba muttered, while sweat dripped down his forehead, knowing this could only end in the whiskered blonde's death.
"N-Naruto-kun." Said Hinata in worry and fear that her crush could be killed in front of her, with the other Genin looking at them in concern and worry.
"Guys come on, sure Gaara was able to beat Lee, but Naruto's gotten pretty strong and is even wearing weight like Lee. He could win." Sakura said, with Ino surprisingly nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, we didn't think he could beat Neji, so maybe he can beat Gaara too." Added Ino, only for Kiba to shake his head.
"Compared to Gaara, Neji might as well have been an Academy Student. He's completely crazy and won't hesitate to kill his opponents. He should just forfeit now, while he has the chance" Said Kiba, which worried the girls even more, while Tenten looked at Magik and Raven.
"You two don't seem concerned that Naruto could potentially die." Tenten said, given how they seemed to be cheering for Naruto.
"Why would we worry?" Questioned Raven, confident that Naruto will win.
"Indeed, there's no need to worry. After all, do you really think Naruto only prepared to face Neji?" Magik said, since Naruto prepared not just for Neji, but every opponent he'd potentially face afterwards.
So, they knew that he already had a plan in mind to face Gaara and defeat him.
*Arena*
Looking at Gaara, Naruto deactivated his Weight Seals, knowing he couldn't afford to hold back against the other Jinchūriki. While the redhead grabbed his head at hearing Shukaku screaming at him to kill Naruto.
"Yes mother, I will kill him, I will feed you his blood. Uzumaki, you different from before, stronger than the last time. And I see it now, you're like me, both of us hold monsters within us; that is why your death will prove my existence. I will kill you, Uzumaki, and give your blood to mother!" Said Gaara with a crazed smile, while Naruto looked at him, already knowing a way to throw Gaara off his game.
"You're right, we are the same. It's because of that, that I know your "mother" is a cry-baby little bitch." Naruto said with a smirk, having gotten some insults from the Kyūbi, that'd definitely get a reaction out of Shukaku, to throw both Gaara and his Bijū off their game.
While everyone from Suna was completely silenced at what Naruto just called Gaara and Shukaku, while said redhead was frozen as he looked at the whiskered blonde with wide eyes.
"What's the matter, fox got the tanuki's tongue? Wouldn't be the first time the bitch was shown who was better. Then again, all it can do is control sand and has Curse Seals, both of which can be replicated. Meaning, what exactly is special about it? You know, besides being the run of the litter and the weakest in the group?" Questioned Naruto as his smirk grew, while Gaara began shaking as Shukaku's screams grew louder, demanding that he killed the Uzumaki as slowly and painfully as he could.
"Oh wait I know; it's cause you got captured long before the others did." Naruto added, with sand immediately bursting out of Gaara's gourd.
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Screamed Gaara, his voice temporarily overlapping with Shukaku's, the tanuki being completely enraged at the insults, enough to force his will through the seal.
With the sand rushing towards Naruto, who quickly jumped back and into the air, while creating a dozen clones to attack Gaara; getting a feel for his offense and defense.
All the clones blitzed around the arena to high speeds, before one rushed Gaara from behind. His Shield of Sand immediately rising to protect him, which the clone managed to punch through, before it was dispelled by being pierced by sand spikes. Two more clones charged Gaara from either side, with one running ahead of the other to try and strike Gaara from the left.
The clone managing to get to Gaara before the sand quickly rose up to defend him, stabbing and dispelling the clone. With the second clone attacking from the right and actually managing to land a punch on Gaara, while the sand was moving to block it. The punch managing to knock Gaara away from his sand, along with cracking his Sand Armor. Only for the clone to then be dispelled when the sand stabbed it and quickly rushed to catch Gaara.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!" Three clones said before unleashing dozens of mini fireballs at Gaara from different directions, with the sand once rushing to block each of them.
Leaving an opening above Gaara, which a clone took advantage of and struck Gaara with an axe kick. Knocking the Suna Jinchūriki's head down, before it was dispelled as well.
Gaara raised his head and glared at Naruto and his clones, seeing he's fast just like Lee was, probably even faster. Something that only angered Gaara even more, that he's able to get through his Sand Shield and was breaking apart his Sand Armor.
Before four clones surrounded Gaara and began striking him repeatedly in different directions, before just quickly vanishing when the sand tried destroying them. Each of the clones repeating this for a few moments, before one of them managed to get past the Sand Shield and kick Gaara into the air. With the clone being dispelled by the sand and the remaining ones kicking Gaara higher into the air, where the sand tried reaching him, but failed.
"Uzumaki Barrage!" Said one of the clones as it leapt above Gaara and spun around before slamming its foot into the Jinchūriki's chest, sending Gaara crashing back to the ground, where he cushioned his fall by turning his gourd into sand.
"Uzumaki…I will kill you!" Gaara shouted, becoming angrier at the attacks managing to get through to him and Shukaku repeatedly ordering him to kill Naruto, launching waves of sand at Naruto, only for it to immediately return to him when the remaining clones moved to attack Gaara.
The sight making those from Suna worried; none of them having seen Gaara pushed this far, let alone be hit and take damage. It made them worried of what would happen if Naruto pushed Gaara too far.
'So the sand really does act automatically to any attack against Gaara, even ones he doesn't see; seemingly acting against his will, while moving back to protect him, even when he uses it to attack. The only way through it, is by out speeding it or being strong enough to punch through it. It also can't sense where an attack will come from, looking to only react when an attack is within a certain range of Gaara. And if you're fast enough, you can attack from the opposite direction of where the sand went.' Thought Naruto, starting to understand how Gaara's sand worked and how he can get through it.
When the last of his clones were dispelled, Naruto pulled out a Storage Scroll and opened it, before throwing it onto the ground. With a massive amount of water soon pouring out of it, forcing the Ninja to seal up the arena to avoid it pouring out. The water continued pouring out until it was up shoulder-level, with Naruto and Gaara being forced to use Water Walking to avoid being slowed down.
"Water Style: Water Trumpet!" Naruto said, going through handsigns before holding his hand up to his mouth, and releasing a large jet of water at Gaara.
The Suna Jinchūriki not looking worried, knowing his sand would block the attack, only to be shocked when the jet of water slammed right into him throwing Gaara across the arena. Crashing into the arena wall, Gaara fell to his hands and knees on top of the water before his eyes widened when clumps of mud began falling off his body.
"Wh-what?" Gaara muttered, seeing his Sand Armor was dissolving into mud, while the rest of his sand had also turned into mud and slowly moving towards him.
"Sand and water don't make a good combination, which is why I made sure to learn plenty of Water Style Ninjutsu just for you Gaara. Water Style: Torrent Bullet!" Said Naruto as the surrounding water began swirling around before rising up as a large vortex, which rushed towards Gaara, with the redhead crying out as he was sucked into the vortex and thrown around as more of his Sand Armor began peeling off and turning into mud.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Flow Jutsu!" Naruto said, jumping up and sticking to the arena wall as all the water began swirling around in a giant whirlpool, with Gaara being dropped into it and thrown around by the spiraling water.
The sight shocking everyone from Suna, none of them having ever thought something like this would happen, only it was and Gaara was actually…losing!
"And you know what else mixes bad with water?! Lightning Style: Electromagnetic Murder!" Said Naruto unleashing a stream of lightning into the water, Gaara screaming out in pain as he was electrocuted.
Naruto making sure the lightning wasn't strong enough to be lethal, not wanting to actually kill Gaara.
Once Naruto stopped the Lightning Jutsu, he jumped back down onto the water. While Gaara pulled himself back onto the surface, panting heavily and glaring murderously at Naruto. Only for the redhead's eyes to widen when he saw something dripping into the water, something red.
"Wh-what…what is this?" Gaara said, looking at the red droplets, recognizing them as blood, and they were dropping from him.
Shakily, Gaara raised his fingers to his forehead, feeling something wet and sticky coming from it before he pulled them back and saw his fingers stained with blood.
"B-blood? This…blood?" Muttered Gaara as his body began shaking at realizing just where the blood was coming from.
Not a moment later, Gaara let out a loud scream of horror that froze the entire arena.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! BLOOD! IT'S MY BLOOD!" Screamed Gaara at seeing his blood for the first time, his horror and panic only growing when he saw the blood wasn't just coming from his forehead.
It was coming from everywhere!
Gaara screamed as he drew on Shukaku's Chakra, causing the ground to start rumbling before waves of sand suddenly shot up into the air, from outside the arena.
"Desert Suspension!" Gaara shouted as the large amount of sand turned into a large platform above the arena, before a tendril of sand shot down and grabbed him; pulling the Suna Jinchūriki up onto the sand.
'Smart, he's keeping his sand up there where he can still be defended by it and attack me, while avoiding it getting wet. And any sand he loses will simply be replaced with more. And I can't go up there, since with the entire platform being made of sand, I'll be dead the moment I set foot on it.' Thought Naruto, before he quickly jumped out of the way, when Gaara sent a wave of sand at him.
"Lightning Style: Lightning Ball!" Naruto shouted, creating multiple balls of lightning, which he launched at Gaara.
"Sand Shuriken!" Said Gaara, waving his arm and unleashing a barrage of Sand Shuriken that collided with the Lightning Balls and stopped them, while the rest rushed towards Naruto.
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!" Said Naruto as a wall of water rose up in front of him, blocking the shuriken and making them dissolve into mud.
"Water Style: Tearing Torrent!" Naruto said as the water wall then turned into a torrential wave that rushed towards Gaara.
"Sand Tsunami!" Gaara said, creating a large wave of sand that crashed into Naruto's wave, canceling each other out, while quickly pulling back the sand before it could all be turned into mud.
"Sand Hail!" Said Gaara, raising his sand platform higher into the air, before raining dozens of clumps of sand down towards Naruto; the Uzumaki quickly jumping out of the way at seeing how hard the sand clumps crashed down.
"Lightning Style: Heavenly Formation Lightning!" Naruto said, surrounding himself with lightning and launching a large bolt straight up at Gaara.
"Desert Wave!" Said Gaara forming a large wall of sand in front of him, only for the lightning to blast through it.
But it did give Gaara enough time to move out of the way, before shooting out several spikes of sand towards Naruto, with the whiskered blonde jumping out of the way to dodge.
'Damnit! Neither of us are getting anywhere, like this! He won't come down and I won't go up, but we can't just keep throwing attacks at each other. Damn, I hoped I wouldn't have to reveal this, this soon.' Thought Naruto, biting his thumb and going through handsigns.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Said Naruto, slamming his hand on the water's surface, just as Gaara sent another wave of sand at him
Only for the sand to dispelled as the smoke cleared, revealing Naruto surrounded by a giant white snake that shielded him from the sand. The sight of the summoned snake shocking everyone, knowing just who else could summon snakes, with Anko and the disguised Orochimaru being the most shocked.
'He's the new Snake Summoner?!' Anko thought, having heard from her own summons that there was a new Snake Summoner, but they had been surprisingly silent about who it was; only that they managed to earn Manda's approval.
'How could he have earned Manda's approval, without giving him any sacrifices?!' Thought Orochimaru, given he had only been allowed to become Manda's summoner due to the Snake Boss being unable to defeat him in battle and offering him sacrifices, every time he summons him.
But when he heard that a new summoner actually managed to get Manda's approval without the need for sacrifices, the Snake Sannin was understandably shocked and wanted to know who this new summoner was.
Though he never would have thought it was Naruto, of all people!
'If this was any other time, I'd probably find this funny.' Thought Naruto, knowing how shocking it'd be for everyone to see he could summon snakes, even more so if they knew how exactly he got permission to sign the Snake Contract.
*Flashback*
"What do you expect will even happen?" Illyana asked as she and Raven looked at Naruto as he prepared to perform the Summoning Jutsu, after seeing it in his father's memories.
"I'm not really sure. I guess that I'll end up summoning a random animal and see if I can sign their Summoning Contract." Replied Naruto, not sure what will happen when he performs it without having signed a Summoning Contract already, but figured it'd randomly summon something for him to forma contract with.
"Just…be careful, alright. We don't know if whatever you summon will be friendly." Warned Raven, given how unpredictable summoning rituals can be, knowing that not everything that was summoned will be friendly.
Nodding at her words, Naruto bit his thumb before going through handsigns.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Naruto said while slamming his hand on the ground; but rather than something appearing in a cloud of smoke, the Jinchūriki instead vanished, much to the shock and worry of Magik and Raven.
*Ryūchi Cave*
When Naruto reappeared, he looked around in surprise, when he saw that he was now in a cave.
"What the hell? How did I get here? Where even am I?" Naruto asked, confused as to how he ended up here and where he even was.
"You're in Ryūchi Cave, human; home of the Snake Clan." Said someone, making Naruto tense before he slowly turned around, only for his eyes to widen when he was greeted to the sight of a gigantic snake.
While not as large as the snake he encountered in the Forest of Death, it was still large enough that it could swallow him whole, if it wanted to.
Though what the snake said then registered for Naruto, with his eyes widening further in shock.
'Why am I here?!' Thought Naruto, wondering how he ended up in the home of the Snake Summons.
"You seem shocked, human. Did you not intend to travel here?" Questioned the snake while tilting its head, as Naruto looked at him warily.
"Uh…no, I was just trying to use the Summoning Jutsu, and then I ended up here." Naruto replied, with the snake hissing in thought.
"Ah, you are a potential new summoner then. Come, I will bring to Manda-sama, he will see if you will be allowed the chance to become our summoner. If I may ask, who are you?" The snake asked, while motioning Naruto to follow him down the cave.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Replied Naruto, still wary of being here, given his last encounter with a Snake Summon, along with who currently held the Snake Contract.
Naruto followed the snake through the cave tunnels, until they finally arrived at an exit. Surprising the Uzumaki, when they were now in a large wetlands/swampish region with a dense fog and tall trees.
"Just ahead, you'll find Manda-sama. You'll need to gain his permission first, before you can officially become a Snake Summoner. Good luck; you may need it." Said the snake before it slithered back into the cave, making Naruto gulp; since if this Manda was the Snake Boss, then he must be even bigger than the one that swallowed him, not to mention more powerful also.
'But I don't really have a choice, do I.' Thought Naruto, given he had no idea where he was in terms of location, or how to get out of here; so he didn't have a choice and had to meet Manda.
He just hoped he didn't end up getting eaten for real, this time.
Entering the wetlands, Naruto kept his eyes and ears open for any sound or movement, not wanting to let any snakes get the drop on him; along with wanting to see where Manda was.
But when Naruto heard something giant slithering across the ground, he immediately tensed before his eyes widened in shock, when he saw a large, scaled body emerge from the mist and began circling around him.
"What's this? A lost little human found their way into Ryūchi Cave." Said a low, hissing voice, making Naruto shiver at the sound, and the feeling it gave.
"A-are you Manda? I was supposed to come find you, to get your permission to become your new summoner." Naruto replied, only to freeze when the voice then laughed lowly.
"Oh, a new summoner? And you don't reek of Orochimaru's scent, nor that of his former apprentice. That means you Reverse Summoned yourself here, how interesting. And now you're here seeking my approval, yet you can't even look me in the eye. Up here, boy." Said Manda, as Naruto slowly raised his head, before his eyes widened in complete shock and a little fear.
'Oh…shit.' Thought Naruto as he looked up at Manda.
Naruto couldn't deny it, but he just knew that Manda had to be the largest snake in the world. Seeing how high his head was, doubting even the Hokage Monument was as big as he was. He was colored purple, and had black rings running down intervals on his body. He had massive fangs, and green eyes, as well as four horn-like protrusions on his head.
It really showed Naruto that if Orochimaru could summon a snake this large, and the other Sannin had similar sized summons, he was really starting to understand why they were so feared and respected.
"So boy, you seek my approval to become our newest summoner?" Manda said, snapping Naruto out of his shock.
"Um, yes and my names Naruto Uzumaki. But would you be able to tell me how I ended up here. Since I performed the Summoning Jutsu without a contract and thought I'd summon a random summoning animal; only to end up here instead." Replied Naruto, hoping to find out how he got here, still confused by that.
"Hmph, fine, I'll tell you. For those that perform the Summoning Jutsu, without first signing a Summoning Contract, they're instead Reverse Summoned to one of the Summoning Realm of whichever Summoning Beasts they have an affinity for. That you ended up in Ryūchi Cave, means you possess an affinity for snakes." Explained Manda, surprising Naruto at this knowledge, before he began pondering how he could have an affinity for snakes.
Before realizing what traits would lead to that, since despite what others may think, he was pretty cunning with the pranks he pulled. He could be patient and lie in wait, waiting for the perfect moment to strike out. He can also be pretty vindictive if he wanted to be; like with some of his earlier, much more cruel pranks, that were a means to get revenge on certain people that were mean to him. And he's spent years wearing a mask of being the happy-go-lucky, prankster, deadlast; to the point that he was able to even fool himself.
'Well…I guess in a way; I do have an affinity for snakes.' Thought Naruto, before looking back up at Manda.
"So, what do I have to do to get your permission?" Naruto asked, with the Snake Boss lowering his head to look more closely at Naruto.
"Simple, you must bring enough human sacrifices to sate my hunger and prove your worth. Do that, and you will have my permission." Said Manda, eager for the chance to get more sacrifices.
"No." Naruto immediately said, making Manda freeze before hissing angrily at him.
"What did you say, boy?!" Manda demanded, angered at being refused.
"I said no! I'm not going to bring you any sacrifices! Give me some other test or send me back!" Naruto said, glaring back up at Manda, refusing to bring him anyone to eat, tempting the Snake Boss to just eat him now.
Though Manda would admit, the boy was brave to glare at him like that, when even Orochimaru feared him and knew he'd devour the Sannin whole, the moment he showed a hint of weakness. So, Manda decided he'd humor the boy's request for a different test.
"Fine! In place of human sacrifices, you will provide me a suitable substitute in a given amount of time. Do this, and not only will you have my permission to become a Snake Summoner, you can do so without the need to provide any further sacrifices. However, if you fail, I will swallow you whole, where you stand!" Manda hissed, knowing either way he'll get something.
"Deal." Replied Naruto, while thinking of what he could give Manda.
'And ideas Kyūbi?' Naruto mentally asked the Bijū, wondering if it had any ideas on what to give the Snake Boss.
"I think I have an idea, one that'll not only gain the snake's permission, but get you in his good graces as well; in the event you ever encounter Orochimaru again." Said Kyūbi, having an idea of what could work and get Manda to side with them over Orochimaru, should the need arise.
'What do you have in mind?' Thought Naruto as he listened to the fox's plan, surprising him slightly at what it was, before nodding in agreement that that should work.
With the plan made, Naruto jumped on top of Manda up to his snout before walking up to his forehead. Then before the snake could demand to know what he's doing, Naruto placed his hand on Manda's forehead, causing his eyes to turn red and suddenly feel his power increase exponentially.
"There's your offering. I just put a seal on you filled with purified Chakra from the Kyūbi, that's now infused with your own Chakra Reserves; increasing your power greater than ever before." Revealed Naruto, much to Manda's shock at hearing this, while Naruto jumped back down to the ground and looked at him.
"So, is that a good enough substitute?" Naruto asked rhetorically, with the Snake Boss throwing his head back, laughing loudly.
"Good enough?! This is worth over a trillion sacrifices!" Said Manda with a wicked smile, since he was even stronger than before, now possessing the same Chakra as the Kyūbi; something he'll gladly show, should he ever encounter that overgrown toad Gamabunta again, and finally kill him.
"You kept your end of the deal, now I shall keep mine. You are now an official Summoner of the Snake Clan, free to summon myself or any of my kind without offering any sacrifices." Manda said, with Naruto bowing to the snake.
"Thank you Manda." Replied Naruto, glad he now had a Summoning Contract with an even more powerful Boss Summon to call on, should he need to.
The Jinchūriki then created a couple Shadow Clones to leave behind to train with the snakes, before he was Reverse Summoned back to the Land of Waves.
*End Flashback*
*Stands*
Though when the shock wore off, the Konoha spectators all began shouting and cursing Naruto.
"The monsters revealing his true colors!"
"He's sided with Orochimaru and is going to kill us all!"
"I bet the snake bitch is working with him to join their master!"
"They're all freaks that are planning to destroy the village!"
The shouts shocked the Konoha Twelve and their teachers, while angering Anko at being mentioned as well. Though they were still shocked at Naruto summoning a giant snake.
"Kakashi, did you know anything about this?" Asuma asked, looking at the Copy Ninja, who shook his head.
"No, I'm just as shocked as all of you. Anko, did you train Naruto for the Month Break and let him sign the Snake Contract?" Questioned Kakashi while looking at the purplette, only for her to shake her head as well.
"Nope. I only heard from my own summons that there was a new summoner, but they wouldn't say who it was; only that they actually earned Manda's permission to summon himself and the snakes without sacrifices. Which is a real shock, since even Orochimaru has to offer sacrifices or risk getting eaten himself." Anko replied, having only met Manda once, when she first signed the Snake Contract, and was still terrified of the colossal serpent.
She also never got Manda's permission as an official Snake Summoner, since she refused to give him sacrifices and didn't have anything to offer in place of them. So, while she could still summon the snakes, she couldn't summon all of them; only ones that were loyal to whoever summons them.
"Naruto also didn't get the contract from Orochimaru, either. He got it by trying the Summoning Jutsu and ended up in Ryūchi Cave." Said Illyana, getting the attention of the Konoha Twelve and their teachers.
"And how would you both know that?" Questioned Kurenai with narrowed eyes, not recognizing either of the girls.
"Because we were the ones that helped train Naruto for the month and prepare for the finals. So we were there when he tried it, and told us what happened." Illyana revealed, surprising them at this news.
"Wait, you two helped train Naruto? What happened to Ebisu?" Kakashi asked, not hearing what happened to Ebisu and his encounter with Jiraiya.
"Naruto told us that he was attacked and knocked out by some guy called Jiraiya, after he was caught peeking in the hot springs. When Naruto tried getting him to take over his training, he said he wasn't going to waste his time training a "spoiled brat" as he called Naruto. After that, we met Naruto and he helped us out; so we offered to help train him for the finals." Raven replied, with the others being angered and annoyed at hearing what Jiraiya did.
With Kakashi seeing his suspicions were confirmed that Jiraiya does have ulterior motives for wanting to train Sasuke, making him wonder if he made the right decision in letting him train the Uchiha.
'I'll make sure to keep an eye on him, just in case. And if anything, I'm sure this would be a major slap to the face for him.' Kakashi thought, given how this means Naruto had an affinity for snakes with how he got the contract.
*With Jiraiya*
'Are you fucking kidding me?!' Jiraiya thought scowling at seeing Naruto somehow actually had the Snake Contract, while wondering how he could have even gotten it.
Though despite his anger, Jiraiya took comfort in the thought that even if the brat had the Snake Contract, there's no way anything he could summon could match Gamabunta. As he doubted the brat would ever have gained Manda's permission to summon him, without being devoured.
The Toad Sage having no idea how wrong he was, or that Manda was now stronger than ever before.
*Arena*
Back with the match, the white snake opened its mouth allowing Naruto to climb in, before it dived underwater and began burrowing underground. Causing the water drain out of the arena until it was completely empty. Seeing this, Gaara slowly lowered his platform until he stepped back onto solid ground, looking around warily.
"What're you planning Uzumaki?" Gaara muttered, waiting for any sign of Naruto or the snake coming back up, before suddenly crying out when the ground beneath him gave out.
Revealing that Naruto had his summon create an underground lake, which Gaara just fell into along with all his sand being turned into mud again. With the snake reemerging on the bit of land above the slope that leads into the lake, with Naruto stepping out of its mouth.
"The first time I get eaten by a snake, it wanted to kill me; second time I get eaten, it's helping me." Muttered Naruto, not missing the irony before looking at the snake.
"Thanks for the help, I can take it from here." Naruto said, with the snake nodding before returning to Ryūchi Cave, before looking down into the lake as Gaara emerged from the water.
"It was a good fight Gaara, but I'm ending it. Lightning Style: Snake Lightning!" Said Naruto, going through some handsigns before creating a snake made of electricity, which he launched at Gaara; making sure the voltage is high enough to knock him out, but low enough to not kill him.
The moment the snake hit the water, Gaara cried out in pain as he was electrocuted; combined with all the water around him. By the time the electricity faded away, the redhead was floating the water, unconscious; with Naruto jumping down and pulling him out, before laying Gaara down on the ground.
"Winner of the fifth match, Naruto Uzumaki!" Genma declared, jumping down and seeing Gaara was unconscious, leading to the audience, aside from those that hate Naruto, to once again cheer at seeing such an amazing match.
While those that were aware of the invasion knew that with Gaara out of commission, the invasion just became a lot harder. Making them thankful that they'll now have Danzō and his ROOT Anbu assisting them.
"Before we move onto the final round and match, there will be a brief intermission to allow the competitors to rest, while we repair the arena!" Genma announced, much to Temari's relief, both at the chance to form a battle plan against Naruto, and that she won't be fighting Gaara.
'At least this match won't be suicide, but it definitely won't be easy.' Thought Temari, while looking at Naruto, knowing it'll be difficult forming a plan to defeat him, with everything he can do; not to mention any other tricks he has up his sleeves.
Not to mention that if Naruto really is a Jinchūriki, he'll have more than enough time to recover from his fights and be back at a hundred percent. So, she'll really need to strategize on how she'll beat him, or end up like his other two opponents.
Though Temari couldn't deny, she's also excited to see how she'll fair against this much stronger Naruto and how far he'll be able to push her. With it helping that she won't have to fear being killed, like if she had been forced to fight Gaara.
'Now I just have to think of how I'm supposed to beat him.' Temari thought, as she left to go work on her battle plans.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto being congratulated by Raven, Magik, and Sakura for winning his match, with the latter making Naruto feel awkward and guilty given his intentions to leave Konoha. Before we see Naruto talk to the Hokage about letting Sasuke compete in an Exhibition Match against the winner of the Chūnin Exams, along with hinting that he knows the truth, much to the Sandaime's worry and Orochimaru's interest. Then we see Jiraiya approaching Kakashi and Sasuke with the offer to make Sasuke his apprentice, making both of them suspicious of his intentions especially when his mask slips when Naruto's brought up. Though they agree in the end for their own reasons before going to the arena where they learn Sasuke will be competing in an Exhibition Match. Then we go onto Naruto's match against Gaara, after both Shikamaru and Shino forfeit, the former due to laziness and the latter due to having nothing to counter Temari, Naruto, or Gaara. While we see Naruto get a feel for Gaara's abilities before moving onto the offensive by flooding the arena, turning Gaara's sand into mud before assaulting him with Water Style and Lightning Style Ninjutsu, even managing to draw blood causing Gaara to freak out and draw on Shukaku's Chakra to summon sand from outside the arena. Leading to the two trading blows, until Naruto reveals another surprise by having a Summoning Contract with the snakes, with a flashback showing how he got it and got Manda's permission, while those that hate Naruto believe he's sided with Orochimaru. Finally we see Naruto and his summon managing to defeat Gaara with his final match being against Temari. Also, despite Gaara being knocked unconscious, that doesn't mean Shukaku will come out, given he was left unconscious by Deidara and Shukaku didn't come out then either. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out