TigrezzTail - Dosu was originally unplanned, but he exists now... So, I'm guessing he'll probably pop up again later. I do have some plans for him. I'm glad to hear that you're enjyoing the twists! I think I've got one or two more up my sleeve for this book.
A hand stuck in the ruff of Takuma's fur, Sasuke tilts his head up to see the Hokage and the other ninjas surrounding him. They'd been called out of the tower a day after arriving, led quickly by a jōnin who'd taken them straight out of Training Ground 44 and to a massive stadium, (wooden walls and a sand ground and a platform so others can look down; he knows what this is; they are ninjas but he doesn't recall signing up for being a public fighter).
On his left, Sakura leans on his shoulder, (reminding him that he isn't alone), and, in response, he rocks his weight back onto his heels, relaxing into Sakura. Next to Sakura, Naruto laughs, (as he always does, because this is his happiness), and grins at his teammates.
A cough from the Hokage has them slipping into a ready position, preparing themselves for whatever orders their superior may have for them, (they are ninjas, soldiers, and it shows). "Congratulations," the Hokage begins, "on passing the trials you've encompassed as part of the chūnin exam thus far. Due to the large number of teams that passed the second trial of the chūnin exam, there will be a preliminary round before the official third trial. Both this preliminary round and the third trial will be one-on-one battle scenarios. If any of you wish to withdraw from the fighting for immediate healing or you feel unable to continue participating, this is your chance."
Somewhere nearby from out of the crowd, Ino steps forward and half-bows to their Hokage. With her makeshift sling still on, (they had done their best), she heads out of the arena, Hinata a half-echo of her actions moments later. "Unsurprising those two withdrew," Sakura murmurs to both Naruto and Sasuke. "Ino would be at a massive disadvantage due to her broken arm and Hinata would be unable to fight with two broken fingers especially due to her taijutsu style."
After waiting for a few moments more, during which a few other ninjas withdrew, the Hokage nods. A jōnin on his right steps forward, "I am Hayate Gekkō and will oversee this preliminary round. To your left, you will see a set of stairs leading up to tier one, where you will be able to view the fights that take place. Matches are random. Sakura Haruno of Konohagakure and Juro Yamamoto of Ishigakure could remain for the first match."
As the other genins file towards the staircase, Sasuke turns to face his teammate. With her pink hair in a bob that frames her face and her determined expression, Sakura looks every bit like the kunoichi she is. "Good luck, Sakura," Sasuke murmurs softly.
Naruto flashes her a grin, "You got this!" He says with a thumbs up. Sakura smiles at the other pair, before turning to face her opponent. Her teammates, knowing that they can do nothing now, jog over to the stairs and quickly make their way up.
Meanwhile, Sakura takes five steps back from her opponent – Juro Yamamoto. The Ishigakure-nin looks to be two or so years older, and confident with his experience in comparison to her, (she may be young, but that doesn't equate to inexperienced – although, in peacetime, many assume such things). He stands easily, lacking any sign of tenseness or apprehension at the upcoming battle. Fortunately for Sakura, he doesn't appear to have any weapon providing him with a longer reach, as such a thing would nullify much of her fighting style, (get in close and cause as much damage as you can).
The Konoha-nin acting as proctor for the match appears in a body flicker between the two ninjas. "The match ends when one or both of you are incapacitated or one of you yields to the other. Start!"
Sakura always knew that in any time she had to fight one-on-one, she would be facing a difficult battle. As a rookie genin and one without any clan training, she's at a disadvantage to many of Konoha's own genins and many of the genins from other villages taking the chūnin exam would have more experience than her. However, knowing that meant that she could plan with such disadvantages known. As a civilian ninja, she's a wildcard and her appearance – pink hair – tends to make people underestimate her, (if she makes people underestimate her and appeals to their stereotypes and expectations, she can win).
Upon Gekkō disappearing out of her immediate sight, Sakura sidesteps, tossing a few kunais half-heartedly at Yamamoto, (the first move is always a test, a check of reflexes and speed). The older genin easily dodges the kunais with a quirk of his lips, and throws a shuriken in response. It's easy for her to flip backwards, channelling chakra to her feet to stick to the wooden wall behind her. Crouching, she pushes off, flinging herself into the air and rapidly approaching her opponent.
Yamamoto flings four kunais at her followed by three shuriken. She quickly substitutes herself with the kunais she had thrown earlier, ending up a step-in front of Yamamoto. They both freeze for a bare moment, caught unprepared, and then Sakura finishes a set of four hand seals, stating, "Chakra Scalpel!" Her hands glow green with chakra that forms a sharp blade.
In response, Yamamoto dodges sideway, almost sprinting away from Sakura's deadly hands. However, Sakura has been training with Sasuke and Naruto and Kakashi and Toru and so many others. She spars with Team Gai on a regular basis, (and knows speed, understands the danger of it, has trained herself to react quickly). Unlike others she knows, she may be unable to keep up a continuous fast pace for some time, but during quick taijutsu fights? This is part of her niche, (without a large chakra pool, she needs something to give her an edge, and this is it).
Turning on her heel, Sakura lunges. A simple slash has Yamamoto twisting away, but with a chakra flare, the blade cuts a thin line on his arm. Not so confident now, the older genin tries to gain space, moving away from Sakura once more, (he has realised she is not some civilian playing as a ninja, but is a kunoichi). However, rather than allowing such a thing to happen, the Konoha genin keeps close, lashing out with a kick that sends Yamamoto buckling. With her elbow – complete with its usual elbow protector – she slams down on his left shoulder, forcing him onto his knees, and slips around behind him, resting her hand – still glowing green – next to his throat, (Konoha is not weak, and she has proven it).
"Yield," Yamamoto says loudly, and the proctor calls it. Sakura steps backwards, and gives Yamamoto a hand up.
"Good fight," she says kindly as the pair head towards the stairs. "Do you want me to heal your arm?"
The Ishigakure-nin pauses at the base of the stairs before nodding and gifting Sakura a smile, (trust between two genins who do not necessarily have to trust one another; this is peace as they know it; this is a new generation). "Good fight," he agrees. "And thank you; that'd be good."
"Shikamaru Nara of Konohgakure versus Osamu Yotsuki of Kumogakure, please enter the arena," Gekkō calls once the first pair of genins have left the arena after what had been a fairly short fight.
As he takes the steps down, Shikamaru considers the multiple outcomes that may occur. Naturally, there's the immediate outcome of he either passes or he fails, but he refuses to restrict himself to such an easy outcome, (refuses to restrict himself when applying limitations can get you killed). Rather, he considers the possible outcomes regarding to his position upon passing or failing – with injury or without, with chakra exhaustion, (again), or not.
The day of rest has been rather helpful, aiding in Shikamaru recovering much of his chakra. However, the effects of suffering low chakra, almost dealing with chakra exhaustion, remain still. He's noticed his lax concentration and wandering attention; with any luck, adrenaline will mitigate the worst of the effects, (one has to train to get to the point of being able to use adrenaline rather than have adrenaline negatively impact them, especially their ability to think clearly). It's important he retains his strategic mind during the fight, especially as he wishes to showcase his tactics here. The preliminary round is still part of the third trial, meaning that their showing here still has some input into whether or not they become chūnins.
The third trial is where Konoha will demonstrate their power and their strength, along with all the other hidden villages, (showcase reasons why one village shouldn't want to go to war against Konoha). After all, it's common knowledge, (common as long as you use your head and your ears), that the chūnin exams are used to discourage wars between hidden villages, and so that will be where Konoha will want a showing of strength. Thus, based on that prediction, it makes sense that he will need to use tactics here so he can have a more 'flashy' fight in the third trial, (and it's incredibly weird to consider the fact that they're expected to fight in a flashy manner; they're ninjas and are meant to be stealthy).
Stepping out onto the arena ground, Shikamaru casts a glance at the Kumogakure-nin – Osamu Yotsuki. He knows that the Yotsuki Clan is one that is part of Kumogakure, and isn't it interesting that Kumogakure sent genins to enter the Konoha hosted chūnin exam after the brief conflict that arose numerous years ago in regards the Hyūga Clan, (isn't it a sign of changes in the relationships between the villages and changes on the horizon). Such a thing had caused the antagonistic relationship between Hinata and Neji. However, that relationship had become increasingly more positive in recent years due to the removal of the original Hyūga seal, which had-
Not the point, though, Shikamaru reminds himself as he stops, turning to face his opponent. His wandering attention hasn't helped him here and has only proved to be a disadvantage and a major problem, (knowing that it is a problem doesn't change the fact that it is a problem, unfortunately). Clearly, he needs a long nap soon. And, more to the point, he needs to end this fight quickly lest his lack of concentration result in disaster.
Yotsuki is a few years older than him and is part of the mismatch Kumogakure team – one that Ino had hypothesised as having come together for the exam only as they didn't work together very well and appeared rather unused to each other, (they are information gatherers, of course they noticed). The fact that Yotsuki is now entering the chūnin exam, even though he's a year or two older than the average new chūnin, means that he's confident in his ability to be promoted to chūnin. It means that he is experienced enough and strong enough, whilst Shikamaru is still a new genin – regardless of his IQ levels and own pre-genin training.
He needs a good plan that circulates around tricks and stealth. Sakura had gone for a quick taijutsu battle and played to her strengths, fighting strategically like he plans to. Her battle being before his means that the Kumogakure-nin may expect Shikamaru to try and close in for a taijutsu fight. He doesn't plan to do such a thing though, but making his opponent assume he plans to do such a thing? That is a good starting place for any plan.
"Start!"
Shikamaru leaps forward, ducking into a roll under a kunai, and coming up with a kunai in his hand that he quickly throws, (plans race through his mind). Yotsuki moves away from him, laying down caltrops as he does so. Coming to a halt and crouching in the middle of the arena, Shikamaru lets his shoulders rise with tension as he sticks his hand in his weapons pouch. Pulling out an empty storage scroll, he makes an expression of disgust and throws it over his shoulder.
Three shuriken force him to move, slipping out of the way. With another kunai in hand, he goes through the three hand seals for the Clone Technique. A second him splits away, and they go opposite directions. Yotsuki flips backwards, avoiding being encircled and surrounded by Shikamaru and his clone, (you can never know if something is real or fake).
Pausing just behind the abandoned scroll from earlier, Shikamaru clicks his fingers, calling a spark of fire-chakra as Asuma-sensei had taught his teammates and him. The jutsu is one that's used to campfires and cigarettes, as it causes a spark of fire. However, rather than calling a single spark of fire, he floods his hand with fire-chakra, and drops it onto the scroll, resulting in the scroll bursting into flames. Leaping over it, he throws the kunai in his hand, the wire attached to the hilt held loosely in his hand.
As expected, Yotsuki sidesteps and the kunai flies past his body – and over his shadow. Placing his hands in the rat seal, Shikamaru quickly says, "Shadow Imitation Technique," freezing Yotsuki. Already, Yotsuki fights him, and his chakra is decreasing with the strain of holding the jutsu, (and he is aware of the exhaustion that rests in him still – a single day of rest would never be enough, but it was all he had and so he will make do). Nevertheless, he had thought ahead and so with his left hand, he forces Yotsuki to grab his own fūma shuriken and lift it, and then place the blade against his own neck. Yotsuki struggles harder now and Shikamaru eases off his jutsu, loosening his hold over Yotsuki's face.
"Yield!" Yotsuki spits out and Shikamaru forces the older genin to drop the shuriken next to him before letting go of the jutsu. He sighs in relief and stretches, noting his dropped chakra levels. He should probably work on that.
"Shikamaru Nara of Konohagakure advances to the next round," Gekkō calls out, over the half-hearted and very tired cheers of the other Konoha rookie genins. "Rokurou Ueda of Kusagakure versus Ayame Kobayashi of Takigakure, please come down to the arena!"
Yawning, Naruto leans against Sasuke's back, mushing his face against the other's shoulder and groans. "I'm so bored," he says, although no one around him understands due to his words being so muffled.
Sasuke jerks sideways causing Naruto flail and complain. "If you're going to speak, make sure someone can hear you," the Uchiha replies with a roll of his eyes. "And stop acting like such a child. You'll probably have your turn soon – or at least some Konoha-nin probably will."
"We'll all be up against random genins," Naruto says. "'Cause if Konoha needs a good showing, they'll try to have as many of us pass this round as possible, meaning we won't be up against a fellow Konoha-nin. I'm so bored though!"
"Rokurou Ueda of Kusagakure proceeds to the next round," the proctor calls.
"Huh, that was quick," Naruto says, jumping onto his feet and bouncing in place. "Do you reckon I'll go soon?"
"You probably just jinxed yourself," Sakura remarks, "and so your match will be last."
Crossing his arms and pouting, Naruto turns his attention to the proctor as they call the next match. "Kiba Inuzuka of Konohagakure versus Keiko Oshiro of Shimogakure."
"Damn it!" Naruto cries as his teammates laugh at him.
Meanwhile, Kiba skips down the stairs, two at a time, Akamaru at his side, (as always). The pair are taijutsu fighters, through and through, and know that Konoha needs them to make it to the next round. Whilst Konoha doesn't deal with notions of pack or similar things, the Inuzuka Clan accepts that Konoha is part of pack, even if those around didn't quite understand, (pack is something that they instinctively understand and don't comprehend how anyone lives without pack; it would be such a lonely existence).
Kiba supposes it makes sense that outsiders didn't understand pack and the meaning of it. How could they understand when their souls had not been split in half? How could they understand without a canine partner beside them? He's aware that some ninjas work alongside canines, but generally, such a thing is left to the Inuzuka Clan members, (their ancestors chose this and they choose it, every single day they live). Even Sasuke, briefly, had admitted he didn't understand what Kiba meant by pack. However, Sasuke had said that it sounded a lot like family to him, just… with different rules.
Akamaru and Kiba had accepted that no one outside of their clan would understand pack bonds and packmates, but he still appreciates his year mates and friends. They aren't pack like the Inuzuka, but they are pack in the way that Konoha is pack, (and maybe slightly closer, but it's almost the same).
More to the point, anyone not belonging to Konoha is not pack, and those who aren't pack don't deserve the same courtesy of being left alive, (the easiest way to face enemies is to separate everything into a you versus them scenario). Whilst many of the Inuzuka Clan currently have dog-like partners, their canine companions are not purely dogs, and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. In that way, the Inuzuka humans are not fully human, claiming instincts that others don't have, even as ninjas. It also means that much regarding human interactions isn't understood by those of the Inuzuka bloodlines. They understand, vaguely, enough to follow most of society's rules and regulations, (but even then, they don't necessarily understand why).
However, all canines know that you don't leave a predator behind you to live, especially one that preys on your own life, (if you are in danger and a predator tracks you down to your den, you tear their throat out with bloodied fangs and leave nothing behind). Nonetheless, Kiba and Akamaru have also been told firmly that this isn't a time for death battles, and that mercy – a human concept – is allowed and strongly desired. If needed, they both know they will do what they must, but if they can avoid such things, it is for the best, (this they can understand, understand in a way that only peace-born ninjas can).
"Start!" The proctor calls, and Akamaru and Kiba bound in opposite directions. They are strong, individually, and more so when together. Against Oshiro, Kiba wishes to end the battle as quickly as possible, especially since ending the battle fast will ensure that not many of his skills are revealed. There will be another fighting round, that much is known. There will be time to train, that much Kiba can safely assume, but not much else, (and so he should keep some skills hidden so that he will be able to have the advantage of surprise at a later date).
Oshiro, though, also appears to be a taijutsu fighter, calluses thick on her hands, and she's self-assured about her stance, ready to fight. Regardless, even taijutsu fighters must fall to superior numbers, although how outnumbered they need to be depends on the individual, (they are genins, though, and so it shouldn't be too difficult).
Kiba's hoping that Oshiro is still roughly at genin or low chūnin level, and thus gives Akamaru and himself a chance to beat her. Hands in a tiger seal, Kiba calls, "Beast Human Clone!" And nearby, Akamaru takes on Kiba's form. It's easy enough to differentiate between the two of them, since the transformation did occur in front of Oshiro – but that's not the point, (there are two of them, there's always been two of them).
Akamaru charges forward and Kiba echoes his partner's movements opposite him. Oshiro counters them both, kicking Kiba in the sternum and exchanging a rapid set of blows with Akamaru, before his partner darts backwards to gain some distance.
The trio circle each other, wary. As they do so, Kiba channels chakra to his claws, (claws, not fingernails), not sharpening them, but strengthening them as the components that made up his claws are based on human fingernail genetics, leaving them to be weak in the face of anything else. In the same moment, Oshiro pulls out two kunais, holding one in each hand.
Darting forward, Kiba's claws screech against one kunai, scratching the blade. Akamaru ducks low, and slashes with his own claws, cutting deeply into Oshiro's left leg. Noticing the weakness, Kiba kicks out, sending Oshiro off-balance, even as he's forced to retreat away from Oshiro's attack. Luckily, Akamaru's attack had led Kiba's partner to be in a prime attacking position behind Oshiro's back. With a perfect three-hundred-and-sixty degree turn, Akamaru comes back around to Oshiro, resting his hand and its dangerously sharp claws, next to her throat, (tearing out her throat with his claws would be so easy, but they are hunters and do not hunt for sport; they are fighters, but they do not have to always kill).
"Yield," Oshiro says lowly, and Akamaru and Kiba take up positions beside one another as the proctor calls the match, Akamaru returning to his ninken form once again. With a cheery whistle, Kiba makes his way back to the other Konoha genins, reaching them just as Shino's name is called.
"Good luck," Kiba says to his teammate as they pass one another. "Fight well."
"Of course," the Aburame replies, hesitating briefly. "You did… well." Kiba grins at his teammate, who often finds it difficult to compliment others without explaining his reasoning – Kiba assumed, correctly, that it's a clan thing. The Aburame deal with insects of all different kinds and often seem closed-off, but Kiba thinks that they often smell lonely and uncertain. He's seen how Shino is occasionally ignored and treated badly by the civilians of Konoha, who are meant to be pack. It's weird and not right, but Kiba can't do anything aside from distract everyone and keep himself between Shino and Konoha, (Hinata always helps him). It seems to work well, and Shino always smells grateful when it happens, even if he's often quiet and shy instead.
Picking a seat next to Chōji, Kiba lets Akamaru jump up onto his lap and steals one of Chōji's chips – which the other genin allows with an amused smile, (and Kiba wonders where the chips even came from). "Do you think Shino will win against the Kusagakure-nin?" Chōji asks curiously, not demeaning Shino's own skills but also knowing his skills didn't equate to a simple win, (there is always, always a chance you will lose, even if it doesn't seem that way).
"I'd like him to," Kiba allows. "But I don't know if it'll happen. Shino's good but he works well in tracking and locating someone, even though he's worked on his direct fighting recently." Leaning across Chōji to speak to Shikamaru, Kiba asks, "Hey, Shika, do you reckon Shino's opponent is a ninjutsu user?"
Sliding his eyes across to Kiba, Shikamaru offers a short nod. "Their weapon pouches aren't full and they lack the build-up of calluses on their hands that comes from taijutsu and-or weapon usage. Moreover, they appear rather fit and Kusagakure isn't known for its genjutsu."
"In that case," Kiba continues, directing his words at Chōji, "I reckon Shino will win. He's got some neat genjutsus and his kikaichū can easily eat up all his opponent's chakra allowing him an easy win. It'll probably be over in a few minutes as long as Shino dodges enough and forces his opponent to keep using his chakra. Hinata would have a better estimation, but she's by the jōnin senseis rather than down here with us – which sucks."
Kiba's prediction held true, as the fight was over fairly quickly, with Shino using three genjutsus and then relying on his kikaichū for the rest of the fight. "Good win," Kiba calls to Shino as the other joins them once again, taking a seat next to Kiba. "You looked sore, though. Still bruised from the other day?"
"We cannot all have the resilience of an Inuzuka," Shino replies, (and it is not an insult, but rather a playful tease wrapped up in an Aburame's personality). "And these bruises are far different to those encountered during training. Still, avoiding engaging my opponent with taijutsu was also a strategic point. Did you not, also, play to your strengths in your fight?"
Slouching back in his chair and pressing his shoulder against Shino's, Kiba yawns. "You know I did," he answers, resting one hand on Akamaru's warm body on his lap. "Who's next to fight again?"
"I believe that it's someone from Sunagakure against a Kusagakure ninja," Shino answers. "No one marked as important or dangerous. It's a tossup who will succeed."
"The Kusagakure ninja," Kiba says, leaning further into his chair. "They're better in this environment than any of the Sunagakure genins."
"A fair point," Shino concedes as Kiba closes his eyes. "You are not going to sleep, are you?"
"Too many eyes," Kiba replies, "resting only."
Kiba feels Shino fidget and his teammate's steady buzzing, and finds himself growing more comfortable. Even though he's unable to sleep in such an open place, it's easy to trust Shino to watch his back and relax slightly, (trust between teammates is so normal that many forget how strange it is – that Konoha ninjas trust their teammates to such a high degree). Roughly five minutes later, he's roughly nudged into alertness by Shino; mumbling, Kiba pushes himself upright, rubbing his eyes.
"Sasuke is about to fight against a Takigakure-nin," Shino reports, directing his attention downwards, where Sasuke stands with Takuma beside him.
The Takigakure ninja in question is a genin around Sasuke's age and clearly rather new to being a genin, hands slightly shaky and face fearful. Still, Sasuke knows a thing or two about masks and façades, and so doesn't immediately assume that the Takigakure ninja has no experience, (assumptions and expectations and presumptions and stereotypes can easily get you killed). Nonetheless, when the match starts, Sasuke begins by throwing a single shuriken, testing the Takigakure's reflexes and speed.
The other genin dodges, but the shuriken cuts a neat slice in their pants. However, Sasuke narrows his eyes at his opponent, (a perfect slice, just avoids skin, one could almost say that the other genin had planned such a thing). As the shuriken had approached, the other's eyes had twitched and he'd almost-flinched, (or maybe not flinched, but almost moved away from the shuriken earlier).
Regardless, Sasuke's planning to fight flashily, clearly revealing his battle prowess and strength. He isn't just wishing to demonstrate his strength, although he's aware that he needs to do it anyway, but this way he can take a more strategic stance in the next round – assuming he makes it through, which others shouldn't be expecting, (often, people assume someone is either strong or strategic, that there is no crossover). Unless he knows them of course, but that's something to consider at another time.
Takuma keeps pace with Sasuke as they dodge and weave around some badly tossed weapons. There's been no clear signs of what his opponent specialises in, leaving him unsure as to what he should do, (and that's another interesting point, that this person is hiding their speciality or doesn't have one yet, which makes them even more dangerous). He can engage in a taijutsu battle, a kenjutsu battle, or a ninjutsu battle, with all three being areas he does well in. The only issue with a ninjutsu battle is that Takuma has to get in and close, regardless of the jutsus going on around the wolf-dog.
Still, if he wants to show off, he's going to end up using ninjutsu. Nothing appears to surprise others than a rookie genin utilising a fire jutsu, whether or not his last name is Uchiha, (and he wonders why it's so simple for others to underestimate him). Slipping through the six hand seals is easy, and he knows the ninjutsu well enough that he doesn't need to actually say the name of the technique. Fire chakra gathers in his lungs and pulls up his throat, hot and warm, uncomfortable, but not harmful. He spits it out, sending a giant fireball at his opponent.
The Takigakure-nin moves rapidly, demonstrating speed that they hadn't previously, and flips backwards before moving sideways to avoid the fire. However, following the fireball are Takuma and Sasuke, chokutō extended.
Takuma's attack is easily dodged, but Sasuke's blade scratches his opponent. It's a light cut, hardly worth mentioning, but it does mean that first blood goes to Sasuke. And he knows enough to understand the importance of such an injury – psychologically, it placed Sasuke in a stronger place and made his opponent properly aware of the danger around them, (but it can also motivate his opponent to do better, which is the only downfall).
It seemed that the Takigakure genin had come to a decision, narrowing their eyes at Sasuke and attacking. A low whistle, and Takuma attacks Sasuke's opponent's legs as Sasuke flips backwards, going through a different set of six hand seals. "Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique," he says as Takuma darts away, taking a long route by the walls of the arena to arrive back beside Sasuke. Balls of fire target the other genin, who avoids the first two but gets singed by the third. The last three hide shuriken, which aren't dodged.
With a snarl, the Takigakure-nin jerks a shuriken from their shoulder, ignoring the other gashes gained in the attack. They quickly close in on Sasuke, who unsheathes his chokutō once more and readies himself for an attack.
He's quickly lost in the rapid exchange of blows, falling into the pattern of attack-defend-attack-parry. With his extended reach, he's in a better position than the Takigakure-nin, who is forced to take a step back, and then another. Sasuke flares his chakra, channelling his chakra into the chokutō a heartbeat later, attempting to disguise the chakra flare as his own wavering control over his chakra – if, that is, the Takigakure genin even felt the chakra flare.
He forces the genin to take another step back, and they do so, stumbling over Takuma who'd slunk in behind the Takigakure-nin and set himself up as an obstacle, (training has Takuma and Sasuke being able to use chakra flares as a method of communication, as well as noise and hand gestures, but in battle such things are easy to miss). Immediately, Sasuke rests his blade above the genin's heart, knowing that a quick and strong strike could easily end the battle, and their life.
"Sasuke Uchiha of Konohagakure passes to the final round," Gekkō calls, and Sasuke sheathes his blade, turning around with Takuma beside him, and returning to the other Konoha genins. He gives a nod to Tenten, one of the members of Team Gai, as he passes her on the stairs.
Upon reaching his friends and teammates, he sits himself beside Naruto, Takuma lying in front of him. "Who is Tenten-chan against?" He asks those around him, but mainly directing his question at his teammates.
"The redhead from Sunagakure who Shika warned us about," Sakura answers gravely. "His name is Gaara, no last name. Looks to be the youngest of his team. Appears to be able to completely control sand. An ability like the current Kazekage, we think, but we can't be certain. There's likely to be a relation there based on that fact alone."
Sasuke leans forward, focussing on the pair in the middle of the arena. As always, the Konoha kunoichi has a weapon in hand, which is unsurprising considering her focus on creating a bukijutsu style for herself, (she is a kunoichi and she is strong). Her blue sleeveless qipao-style style contrasts the Sunagakure clothing that the redhead wears – all dark earth colours complete with a gourd of some kind, (the juxtaposition between Konoha and Sunagakure is apparent once again).
Despite the training Team Kakashi has done with Team Gai, Sasuke doesn't know much about Tenten. She's from a civilian family that came as refugees from Ta no Kuni, now known as Oto no Kuni. Apparently, her family came from the northern coastal area, which has a different culture to Konoha. What it really means, though, is that Tenten can speak another dialect and Sasuke can never say her name the same way she does, unable to copy the accent she has, (and he wonders about the Uchiha Clan, briefly, because did they have their own culture or dialect that he doesn't know; but that is a pain best left alone for now). Still, it's clear that Tenten is a Konoha ninja through and through, despite her slightly strange appearance and clothing, (she wears her hitai-ate proudly, and that's all that's needed really).
"Start!"
Tenten throws a bunch of weapons at Gaara, who doesn't move. However, sand rises as a wall and the metal weapons sink in and don't reappear. Glancing at both ninjas, Sasuke notices that Tenten appears confident, whilst Gaara doesn't appear… anything. He looks emotionless in a way that sits awkwardly on Sasuke's tongue, (his instincts are telling him that something isn't right, but he isn't in tune enough with them yet to know).
As Sasuke watches, he can see a string of sand approach Tenten as she starts to move away from her position, sprinting to her left with weapons in hand. Before the Konoha-nin could avoid it, it slips around her left leg and encases it, (he has never seen someone with this ability before). She goes to fling a kunai at Gaara, but the sand covers her arm. Her chakra flares, her body glowing as she attempts to escape the sand's hold, but it proves futile.
She struggles for a single second more, and then gives in, which Sasuke can understand because there is a point where you have to yield, otherwise you are more likely to injure yourself and cause serious harm. However, the redhead doesn't appear to understand this and his hand forms a fist. Tenten screams, (she screams and screams and screams and the sound will never leave his head as long as he lives because all he can hear is her terrified scream as she's in pain and unable to do anything), as the sand crushes her arm and her leg.
"Enough!" The proctor shouts, putting a stop to the match. "Gaara of Sunagakure passes." The redhead's sand retreats into his gourd and he turns, not even glancing at Tenten. Sasuke's breathe feels caught in his chest, fear clutching his lungs and sinking bony fingers into his skin, (this is terrifying and horrifying and all too real and this is someone he knows).
"How- how could he do that?" Naruto asks, voice quiet, but loud in the silence that grips all of them upon seeing the bloodthirst unleashed before them, (no genin is that bloodthirsty – no one human or normal acts that way). "It's not- You don't do that!"
Shuddering, Sasuke doesn't reply, and it seems like none of the others can, as no one talks until Gekkō calls the next fighters down, after which, they tell Rock Lee good luck. The normally cheerful genin walks slowly down the stairs, and Sasuke doubts that the ensuing fight will be a long one. After all, if his teammate had been badly injured, he'd tried to finish his fight quickly so he could check on his teammate, (and still, he wonders, how does a person cause such injury without caring about it).
Lee fights with quick movements, efficient with each blow, straight away trying to finish the match. It's nothing like the Lee that Sasuke has sparred against with his team, who smiles and laughs and shouts encouragement for everyone. This is the genin who chose to be a shinobi despite the difficulties he would encounter with his inability to externally manipulate chakra. This is the ninja that Lee will grow to be – dangerous and calculated, (this is the danger they all hold within them). Beneath the onslaught of rapid and strong blows, his opponent quickly forfeits.
"I'd not want to go against him in the final," Sakura murmurs. "He's much too fast." Sasuke grunts in agreement. Team Gai have been training for a year longer than Team Kakashi, and he doesn't know how long Lee has been working on his speed, because Lee is fast; Sasuke doubts one can get that much speed in a year and a bit, (and it is difficult to fight someone who you cannot land a blow on, even with ninjutsu). Even augmenting muscles with chakra will only give you so much speed, since one has to work with what muscles they currently have, which means there's no chance of catching up to Lee when he moves at his full speed. And Sasuke doubts he's even seen Lee move at full speed, especially as Kakashi had mentioned weights and Team Gai in the same sentence at one point, (and he hadn't wanted to think further on that because Lee being faster than he already appears to be is something that was astounding and all too dangerous as well).
"Definitely an issue," Naruto agrees. "But one for the future, I think."
"Naruto Uzumaki of Konohagakure versus Izumi Kobayashi of Sunagakure; please come down to the arena," the proctor calls.
Grinning, Naruto bounds over the railing and flips, landing in a crouch on the arena ground. He bounces on his feet, waiting for his opponent to appear, (eager but not overly eager). When the kunoichi does, he considers the best way to win. Sunagakure ninjas are known for poison, puppetry, and their wind ninjutsus. Sasuke fought in a way to demonstrate his strength, whilst Sakura fought to showcase her strategic thinking. For Naruto, it's easy to decide to fight to display his battle prowess. While he knows he can show the ability to plan ahead of time, he also knows his tendency to lean towards using power to beat his opponents and that even if he plans ahead of time, people will notice his power first and his thinking secondly.
Better, he thinks, to highlight his power first so that everyone can see his strategical thinking when he tries to plan ahead of time. Knowing that, it's much easier to figure out a method of attack. At a genin level, solid clones are rare and a major advantage for Naruto, (and Naruto will use all the advantages he has).
"Start!"
Immediately, Naruto throws down a smoke bomb and puts his hands in the hand seal for a jutsu. "Shadow Clone Technique," he whispers. Four clones form beside him, and he switches position with the third one, while the fourth uses a henge to hide themselves in the background, (and being a ninja is being stealthy even if you have to face someone straight on).
Just in time, too, as the Sunagakure-nin uses a wind technique to get rid of the smoke. The three clones and Naruto charge forward, engaging the kunoichi. Kobayashi blocks two punches and ducks under a kick, but takes an uppercut to the chin. She uses the momentum to flip, twisting in the air and sending senbon raining down at the group. One clone pops, but the others manage to avoid popping. Naruto takes a senbon to the hand but pulls it out and drops it aside, (he knows his capabilities for healing, and this is an injury that will easily disappear, whether or not the weapon is poisoned).
The hidden clone drops the technique behind Kobayashi, and slashes with a kunai, catching Kobayashi's shoulder. The kunoichi lashes out with a backwards kick, popping the clone, but her right hand clamps down on the wound – already, Naruto can remember the sensation of slashing with his kunai and the feeling of the blade sinking deep into muscle and knowing the battle is won.
From there, it takes very little time for Naruto knock out Kobayashi who was distracted with their own wound and trying to take on two clones and Naruto, (and so, he has shown his power because solid clones are only a sign of his potential, only a sign of his large chakra pool, a warning to all those who plan to fight him – if they choose to take it that way). "Naruto Uzumaki of Konohagakure passes to the next round," the proctor announces. "Next match is Neji Hyūga of Konohagakure versus Kokoro Fujita of Sungakure."
Ignoring everyone else, Naruto reaches his teammates and slings an arm around Sakura, knocking their heads together. "Didn't jinx myself!" He tells her happily, jerking away when he gets a hard elbow to the ribs. "Sakrua," he whines, rubbing the sore patch, "that was mean."
"You deserved it," Sasuke says, going to say something else but falling silent as Shikamaru hums, (he listens to those around him). "What is it?" He asks instead, turning to the Nara.
"Might not be anything," Shikamaru says, tapping fingers against his leg, (a sign of thought, a sign of interest, a sign that could mean danger, but it will never be danger directed at them). "But I've heard rumours of Neji-san being a genius and it's interesting to see whether or not he actually is."
"How could you tell?" Kiba asks.
"Not easily," Shikamaru responds with a wry tilt to his mouth. "We won't be able to tell from this one match, but we might be able to see whether he's perceptive and the taijutsu prodigy he's rumoured to be."
"What?" Naruto says loudly.
"The Sungakure-nin," Chōji begins, "has an injury on their left leg – something to do with their knee as it's not holding their weight properly. When they move, they forget briefly, and their knee buckles under their weight. It'll be a quick match. Neji-san is bound to notice."
Takuma barks beside Sasuke and he sighs. "Neji-kun is rather good at taijutsu," he says. "He's got a good grasp of the Hyūga Clan techniques and easily matches Hinata, if not outright beats her. He definitely has a great understanding of taijutsu and the fighting styles he uses, which – considering his teacher and his clan – makes sense." A pause, and then, "I hadn't seen him as a genius, though," he adds with a glance at Shikamaru, (and Sasuke knows geniuses like Shikamaru, like Toru – those who hide within plain sight, and he – once – knew Itachi, but maybe he never did).
"If he is a genius, he is not at the level of Shikamaru," Shino announces. "Why? It is clear that Shikamaru surpasses most of the Nara, and Neji-san does not."
Shikamaru nods in agreement, but doesn't say anything more, returning his attention to the battle before them. "He's spotted it," Chōji says, "You can see how he's aiming now and focussing on closing in and ending the battle, where before he was checking his opponent's skills."
"How many fights are left?" Sakura grumbles as the proctor calls Neji's win. "I can't wait to have a proper rest and actual food and recover."
"Six fights and Chōji's," Sasuke says after counting the remaining ninjas. "Chōji is going to fight a Konoha-nin."
"They want someone who won't kill their opponent or injure them so much they have to leave their ninja career behind," Chōji says with a nod of agreement. "Also, too many Konoha-nins have passed already, so they're going to need to drop the numbers slightly."
"Random matches," Kiba says with a snort of laughter. Then, he pauses abruptly, "Do you think they lined up Tenten-chan and the redhead from Sunagakure on purpose?"
Sasuke grimaces. "Politically, it makes sense. No Konoha Clan would take such a thing happening without attacking back and making demands of the Hokage, but Tenten is from a family of refugees and so nothing will come of it."
"And it had to be a Konoha ninja," Shikamaru chimes in, turning his gaze to the other Konoha genins as another match between two unknown genins is called. "If it was another village, the likelihood of wanting reparation is high, not to mention the massive increase in tension it would cause. On top of that, there'd be the question of whether Konoha let such a thing happening and arranged it. Most hidden villages would see it as a slight on them and Konoha's alliance with Sunagakure, whether or not it's rather tense or not, would result in many villages assuming that Konoha and Sunagakure are willing to destroy genins to stop other villages from gaining any power. It'd probably result in a war or, at least, higher tensions and some skirmishes that could lead to a war of some kind."
"It's not right," Naruto growls. "It shouldn't happen! Konoha shouldn't sacrifice one genin to stop some stupid war that doesn't have any reason to happen!"
Shikamaru shrugs. "That's not going to happen when you're Hokage," Sakura points out, "but until then, we have to deal with these things."
"Next match is Chōji Akimichi of Konohagakure versus Arata Kohaku of Konoha!"
Chōji stands up and stretches quickly, flashing a grin at his friends. "This will be over pretty quickly," he says before heading down the stairs, feeling rather positive about the upcoming match.
Kohaku is a relatively small clan within Konoha. However, they have their own village in Hi no Kuni, meaning only those who wish to become ninjas come to Konoha. They have a few strong members, but aren't well known for anything in particular. They have a tendency towards taijutsu, bukijutsu, and kenjutsu. All of which Chōji can easily counter since he's been training, for years, to focus on taijutsu and navigating around weapons.
He reaches the arena quickly, and the proctor starts the match. However, before he can do anything, his opponent shouts, "Yield!"
"Chōji Akimichi of Konohagakure will proceed to the next round," the proctor calls and Chōji turns towards the staircase. He reaches it just as his opponent reaches him.
"There was no point fighting," the Kohaku Clan member says. "I've been focussing on my taijutsu and I'm not about to go against an Akimichi Clan member, the Clan Heir at that, if I'm going to lose easily. Save us all the time and trouble, no?"
Chōji smiles at the Konoha-nin. "Fair enough," he agrees. "I'm sorry you couldn't proceed to the next round."
The Kohaku Clan member laughs, "I was never going to make it to chūnin, so it's not too bad. But thanks, anyway."
"You're welcome."
And so, fast on the end of the second trial of the chūnin exam, the preliminary round begins and the Konoha rookie genins fight with all they have, fight smart, fight strong, fight well – and they win, despite the odds placed on them.
Slightly longer chapter than usual, not the longest one, but fairly long. This was largely because I wrote it without thinking about how it would fit into a chapter and couldn't find an easy place to split it, so I figured I'd stop it at the end of the Konoha fights and ignore the random matches that go on. I don't believe I have too much to say with this chapter, as it was all fairly straightforward, so if you have any questions, just comment and I'll answer.
I'm slowly getting this towards my favourite point in this entire book, one of the best bits of the series, I reckon. This may be because I've been doing some fun stuff around it and so forth, but whatever - we'll get there when we get there. This is the eleventh chapter and there's about... five or so chapters I think? And then we hit the next book. It really depends how much writing and things I get done for the events I've got planned, because sometimes I have an aim and sometimes things don't work out as well as I'd hoped or they go much longer than I expected, which is always great.
Anyway, that's pretty much all I have to say right now, so I'm going to move onto writing the next chapter.