Outside the Fusion Clan Home: Day of the Competition…

Daichi walked out only to find Naruto and Sasuke waiting for him.

"About time." Sasuke commented.

"Come on Daichi, we got an exam to get to." Naruto smiled. "There's a Hyuga in need of a beating."

Daichi chuckled as he walked over to his teammates. "I'm surprised you two showed up. Even more surprised that you haven't torn each other apart by now."

Sasuke started walking. "The Dobe insisted we walk to the arena together."

"You're the one that came to me first Teme!" Naruto declared.

"I came to get you because you'd probably turn up late to the arena." Sasuke commented. "In the end, it'd delay the whole exam."

This proceeded into the usual bickering but Daichi wouldn't have it any other way.

Above the Arena

Kazamae sat above the stands where he'd get a good view of the fights to come. It's not that he couldn't find a seat. It's more that he just liked to watch things from up there. Kazamae heard someone behind him, so he turned spotting Jiraiya.

Kazamae smiled. "I didn't think you'd ever show up to one of these."

Jiraiya rubbed his head. "I spent some time training a kid. Figured I might as well see if it was worth it."

Kazamae gave a hardy laugh. "Of course, Naruto Uzumaki. I got so caught up in training Daichi that I forgot all about him. Well, this day just got more interesting. Maybe they'll face off."

Jiraiya said, "This may prove interesting."

Kazamae raised an eyebrow. "More interesting than your 'research'?"

"Come on, why do you always have to put so much emphasis on that word. It's genuine research, and to answer your question, nothing compares to my research." Jiraiya stated indignantly. "If anything did, then I wouldn't be a super pervert."

Kazamae chuckled, "You take many beatings, yet you never change."

"Beatings are just the hazard on the road to research." Jiraiya replied.

Arena

Daichi, Naruto, and Sasuke walked into the arena and came to stand in the line with their fell participants.

Stands

Kakashi sat with Zabuza and Hinata.

"There they are." Hinata stated relieved. "I was getting worried they'd be late."

"It's time to see just how far they've come." Kakashi thought.

Zabuza thought. "Alright Kid, let's see you put all that training to use."

Arena

Shikamaru looked at them. "Hayate Gekko was to be our Proctor for this exam. On top of that, Kuma Valumi and Dosu Kinuta are gone. What's going on here?"

Kanja had noticed the three new arrivals, but her mind was on Kuma. "How could Kuma do this to his own village? I knew he was unhappy, but I didn't think he'd go this far. Abandoning the village, killing several Shinobi of the Leaf, and freeing a prisoner.

Why did he do it?" Kanja shook her head. "Come on Kanja, you have to focus. Kuma's gone, but the Mist Village is counting on you to give a good showing. The Mizukage will be watching and my opponent is smart. You can't risk distractions."

Gaara observed the gathered Shinobi.

Neji glanced at the male Genin of Team Seven. "You may not know your destinies today, but I show you one day."

"I know why I'm here. It's not because my mother ordered it. I'm here because I want to prove myself as a Shinobi and gain Chunin." Sakura looked at Daichi. "For that reason, I will fight to get as far as possible."

With the Kage

Sarutobi noticed the Kazekage and Mizukage approach him with their respective guards. The Kazekage wore a full on, white robe with the Kazekage hat and mask covering his face save for the eyes. He had two Sand Shinobi with him.

The Mizukage was a tall, slender woman with fair skin. She has green eyes, and ankle-length auburn hair. Her attire consists of a long-sleeved, dark blue dress that falls below the knees. The dress and a skirt in the same color with two scrolls strapped to her waist.

She had one guard with her. A middle-aged man with blue hair styled in a moussed-up manner. His left eye was blue, and his right eye was covered with an eye-patch. He wore a talisman in each ear as well as a green haori.

"Ah, you've both made it. Welcome Lord Kazekage Rasa and Lady Mizukage Mei. It is an honor that you two could attend the exams." Sarutobi stated.

"No, Lord Hokage." Mei shook her head. "I should be the one thanking you as well as formally apologizing for the actions of my Genin. Rest assured that Kuma Valumi has been labeled a Rouge Shinobi for his actions."

"Yes, I've seen the latest Bingo Book you've sent." Sarutobi stated as the Kage took their seats. "Given your Shinobi's compliance in this matter, I would not be opposed to discussing positive trade agreements once the exam is over."

"That is wonderful to hear." The Mizukage stated.

The Kazekage decided to jump in. "I'm glad the finals were here in the Leaf. I fear someone of your age may not have been able to make the journey to any of the other villages."

Sarutobi laughed. "You act as if I am an old man. I still have plenty of life left in me." He stood up and moved forward. "No, I plan on sticking around for some time to come." The Hokage spoke into a microphone addressing the crowd.

"Welcome all. You have our deepest thanks for coming to The Village Hidden in the Leaves for this year's Chunin Selection Tournament. We ask that no spectator leaves until all the matches have been completed. Now, let us enjoy today's matches."

The crowd cheered.

Arena

Their new proctor of the exam removed a sheet of paper and showed it to the remaining participants. This proctor had brown, shoulder-length hair and matching eyes. He wears his forehead protector like a bandanna, the standard Jonin outfit, and had a senbon in his mouth.

"Before we begin, there's been a slight change to things." The proctor explained. "Nothing to major but take a good look. I won't tolerate confusion."

"Hm, so Dosu and Kuma dropped out." Daichi thought. "That's strange. Neither of them strikes me as the type to give up."

"Alright, listen up." The proctor put the paper away. "The terrain is different, but the rules are same as before. Match continues until a candidate is defeated or dies. If I determine a match is over, I can step in at any time. No arguments permitted. The opponents for the first match are Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyuga. The rest of you can go to the waiting area."

Naruto glared at Neji while the others began to move up to the waiting room.

At this moment, Neji put his arm up. "Proctor, I withdraw." The crowd, participants, and proctor were all in shock. "Move onto the next match."

The proctor nodded, but before he could speak, Naruto got in Neji's face. "You can't just forfeit. I haven't kicked your ass for what you did to Hinata."

Neji closed his eyes. "You wish me to fight, so you can attempt to feel better about yourself? What incentive does that give me to rescind my surrender? Especially since destiny would only decree you lose."

"You don't know that that until we fight Hyuga." Naruto declared firmly. "The outcome of the fight is not in stone like you think."

"If this is your attempt at getting a fight out of me, you've failed." Neji walked off.

"That jerk." Naruto grit his teeth. "Come back and fight me Hyuga!"

Daichi and Sasuke each grabbed one of his arms holding him back.

"Stand down Dobe." Sasuke commanded.

Daichi said, "You attack him now, and that's an offense against a Konoha Shinobi."

Naruto clenched is fist and looked at the ground.

The proctor spoke up. "Due to Neji Hyuga's withdrawal, Naruto Uzumaki wins by default. As such, we will now move onto the next battle. Daichi Ryu and Sakura Haruno, come over here."

Stands: With Hiashi and Hanabi

Hanabi Hyuga sat with her father Hiashi. She is a young woman with long, black hair that reaches down to the middle of her back and large, white eyes like most of her Clan. Her attire consists of a sleeveless, blue v-neck shirt with mesh armor underneath, blue shorts and sandals.

She glared at this. "Father, I thought you said Neji had stronger eyes than Hinata or I?"

Hiashi was in shock. "He does."

"Then why would someone strong shy away from a fight?" Hanabi smiled. "I get it. He's proving the cowardice of the…"

"Damn Hyuga Council." Hiashi stopped his daughter. "Hanabi, the Branch Family is still family. Do not talk about them like that." He stood and motioned to a Hyuga member who ran over. "Stay will Hanabi."

The member nodded. "As you wish sir."

He ran off.

With Team Guy and Karin

The entire team was in shock.

"Did Neji really just quit?" Tenten asked.

"This is most peculiar." Lee stated. "What has happened to you Neji."

Guy looked at Karin. "Uzumaki, can you feel Neji out for me?"

Karin nodded as she felt Neji's chakra. "It's dark and cold sir."

"You three stay here." Guy stood up. "I will confront Neji."

With the Kage

"How peculiar." Mei stated.

"Indeed." The Kazekage stated. "Neji Hyuga must have his reasons though."

"Hopefully, the next match gives us something to judge." Mei stated.

Sarutobi was at a loss when it came to this match ending prematurely, but he answered the thoughts of his fellow Kage. "As I understand it, this next match has a bit of history. It should not disappoint."

Outside the Arena

Neji had left the arena because he felt as though this event Shun spoke of would kick off there. In addition, being away from the more powerful Shinobi would provide a better chance at getting away as he planned.

He was stopped by Guy. "Neji!" Neji turned to face him with a serious expression. "Why did you give up? You, Tenten, and Lee never gave up when you faced me. You kept fight until the very end and earned the right to be Genin. So, why quit here?"

Neji turned away from him. "My goals have changed Sensei because I have found my freedom from the shackles of destiny that bound me. Now, a new destiny lies before me. Fighting Uzumaki now is not fated to happen. Our match has simply been rescheduled."

Guy sighed. "If you feel that strong about this, who am I to get in the way of such youthful desire. Are you on your way to train?"

Neji didn't look back at him. "Something like that."

Guy looked back and noticed Hiashi walking out. "Then I shall return to the others, but it seems as though another would like to speak with you."

Guy left while Neji turned to face Hiashi.

Inside the prodigy was furious with the Clan Head, but outside he seemed as stoic as ever. "What do you want?"

Hiashi stood before him. "Neji, I don't know why you've forfeited your match, but that is unimportant." He removed a scroll. "I've come to tell you the truth of the Hyuga Affair."

Neji smacked the scroll out of his hand. "I'm already aware of the truth. My father died to save your life. A life that didn't need to be lost. You killed that Cloud Shinobi when he could have been captured. For what? Anger over Hinata's kidnapping?

You got momentary revenge against the man when you could have subdued him. That's not even the worst offense. The Leaf Village was spared, but we could have easily acted against the Cloud Village for their actions. They signed the treaty, but no threats were made.

Even then, the Main Branch feeds the clan quite the lie. The Caged Bird Seal is meant to protect the Byakugan. If it were true, the Main Family would have it as well instead of subjecting the Branch. Either that or the Main Branch would never be allowed to be Shinobi."

"You speak the truth." Hiashi was on his hands and knees. "I am sorry."

"Words are meaningless." Neji walked away. "Inaction is worse. Farewell, Hiashi Hyuga."

Daichi vs Sakura

Sakura and Daichi now faced one another.

"Well, this is quite the pressure put on us." The Fusion member chuckled. "I bet Shikamaru is overjoyed that we're here to set the stage for him."

"No doubt." Sakura stared at him. "Don't use that as an excuse not to go all out."

"Trust me, I'm not holding back." Daichi stated.

"Let this match, begin!" The proctor declared.

Daichi instantly wove hand signs. "Sensory Shut Down Jutsu."

He could no longer see as his mind conjured up the blackness filled with Chakra everywhere, but one was close to his own. It was behind him. He whirled around slamming his arm into Sakura's gut completely shocking her.

"I-Impossible. Kurenai Sensei said Daichi would be ineffectual against Genjutsu like his father and grandfather were." Sakura thought.

Daichi then punched her in the face sending the Kunochi tumbling along the ground.

e

Stands

Kurnai, sat next to Asuma, was shocked. "No…"

Asuma looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"The Lion Yonnin." Kurenai stated. "He's been teaching that boy."

"Lion Yonnin? Are you telling me Sakura tried a Genjutsu just now?" Asuma looked at the field. "This just got complicated for her."

Arena

Sakura got to her feet and looked at Daichi. "Whatever's going on here, it seems Genjutsu won't work." The Fusion member ran at her. "What about Ninjutsu." She wove hand signs. "Earth Style: Earth Wave Jutsu."

She slammed her hands on the ground causing Daichi to sense the Chakra moving towards him. The Fusion member wove hand signs of his own and vanished into the ground just before it began to shake. Sakura looked around, but she couldn't spot him.

Daichi's arms came up next to her feet, but Sakura immediately wove move hand signs while looking down. "Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu."

Just as Daichi started to pull her down, she shot a large amount of water down on top of him crumbling the very ground around him.

She followed it up with another Jutsu weaving the signs and slamming her hands on the ground. "Earth Style: Earth Shore Return!"

Earth shot up under Daichi as he tried to climb out of the hole hitting him up. Sakura drew shuriken and threw them at his body only for it to suddenly vanish revealing that it had been a shadow clone.

"What!?" Sakura exclaimed.

The earth behind her broke as Daichi jumped from it with his arm glowing with wild Chakra. "Lion's Devastation!"

He socked Sakura hard in the gut knocking the Kunochi flat on her back before landing on the ground.

With Jiraiya and Kazamae

"The kid's good." Jiraiya stated. "He flawlessly combining your teachings with Kakashi's.

"He's performing well." Kazamae nodded. "That's not all that shocking. Combos come naturally to someone capable of utilizing many, varied techniques."

With Ino

"Sakura's been doing a lot better this time around, but Daichi is insane." Ino thought. "I never knew he could be this powerful."

Arena

Sakura got to one knee feeling the pain of those hard hits. "His strength and speed have gone through the roof. I knew they wouldn't be the same as back in the academy, but this is crazy. Damn it, I realized my mistake to late. Is it possible that I can never catch up to him now?"

Daichi was waiting for Sakura to make the next move. "I have to be careful when using this Sensory Shutdown Jutsu. Act to rashly, and I could seriously hurt Sakura. Though no one's called the match. Maybe I should make a move?"

Sakura punched the ground. "No, I can't think like this." She got to her feet. "I'm far from beat." She started running. "I refused to let things end like this."

Suddenly, the chakra signature was getting closer. Daichi started deflecting fist as they came at him. The Fusion member swept Sakura's legs before axe kicking her stomach knocking her into the ground.

Sakura jumped and flipped in midair where she threw several kunai, with explosive notes attached, at Daichi's feet. She then activated them with the correct hand sign. The Fusion member heard the familiar sound.

Daichi wove hand signs. "Substitution Jutsu!"

He traded places with a log, which exploded in his place, before running at Sakura. He was charging lighting to his right arm only for Sakura to whirl around weaving hand signs.

The Team 8 member held out her left palm. "Water Style: Tearing Torrent!"

"Shit!" Daichi thought

He immediately stopped the lightning and wove a set of hand signs as Sakura threw out the water at him. She was so drained that the Kunochi was forced to her knees.

"Lion's will: 25%!" Daichi called.

Through Zabuza and Kazamae pushing him, that had become his seal's highest percentage. Daichi jumped to the right with all his might just barely avoiding the water as it ripped past him. He managed to touch the ground with his hand and cartwheeled to his feet.

With Asuma and Kurenai

"Seems as though it's over." Asuma stated. "I should have expected the Lion Yonnin to train him, but it's still a shock seeing it in action.

Kurenai looked at the scene before her and wanted badly to say it wasn't. Unfortunately, she couldn't. Sakura had a larger pool of Chakra to draw from than most Kunochi she'd seen, but even those with large Chakra pools had their limits.

Her student had reached hers with that last move. "You did well Sakura. If you don't realize that, I will help you see it."

Arena

Sakura was wide eyed. "That was my last-ditch attack, yet he dodged it. Damn it, I had plenty of time to make use of my larger Chakra pool, yet I squandered it. Come on, I have to have a little more left in me."

She tried to get to her feet as Daichi advanced on her. "That attack was powerful, but it's going to take more than that to beat me. I'm here to become a Chunin, so I can take on the role of Clan Head. For that to happen, I must get as many chances as possible to prove myself."

"Come on, just one more Jutsu." She began funneling Chakra into her arm to attempt the same Jutsu once more. "I must try." Daichi noticed the Chakra building. "I didn't try all throughout the academy but was granted this chance to be a Shinobi. I don't want it to go to waste."

She was almost to her feet only to slip on the damp grass. Her palm was pointed at Daichi as she fell at which point something truly unbelievable happened. A beam of wood shot forth from Sakura's opened palm heading straight for the Fusion member. Everyone was shocked.

With the Kage

Mei looked at Sarutobi. "I was under the impression that all the Senju, save Tsunade, were long dead."

"They are." The Third Hokage had just recovered from his own shock. "In addition, the Wood Style only belonged to the First Hokage." Suddenly it dawned on him. "Wait a minute, Kai Haruno's own mother never knew who her father was. This would explain their Chakra."

The Kazekage was staring intently at the scene before him.

With Ino

Choji had stopped eating.

Ino's jaw had dropped. "Sakura is a Senju?"

With Kurenai and Asuma

Asuma's cigarette dropped to the ground. "That girl has Wood Style." He looked at Kurenai. "Did you…"

Kurenai shook her head. "I didn't know."

With the Competitors

Naruto looked around confused. "Uh, why is everyone silent and why is wood shooting out of Sakura's palm?"

Sasuke did what Kakashi would have and punched Naruto on the head. "Dobe you really didn't pay attention during the academy. That right there is Wood Style. As in, the style only the First Hokage had. This means Sakura is a Senju and somehow related to him."

Naruto was shocked, but that was overridden by anger. "You didn't have to punch me Teme!"

Arena

Daichi was confused as to why he couldn't hear any cheering, but he still couldn't see anything. He just knew something fueled by Chakra was coming at him fast. He drew his blades and crossed them in front of himself blocking the attack.

He was pushed back, sent skidding along the ground, but ended up unharmed. Daichi immediately sheathed his blades and returned his eyesight. He was shocked to see the wood before it broke off Sakura's hand and she fell onto her back exhausted.

"Sakura is related to the Senju?" The Fusion member started to think about it. "I mean, that does explain our fights in the Academy. How she was able to keep get up. This also validates the Hyuga Council's thoughts about her Bloodline." Daichi thought.

The proctor recovered and looked at the two Genin before speaking. "Daichi Ryu wins."

That got people cheering, but Daichi was more focused on Sakura.

The Fusion member walked up to her, went down to one knee beside her, and looked at the shocked girl. "Sakura listen to me. Weather you accept it or not, you are related to a Senju. It's the only explanation I can think of.

What matters from here on out isn't what they want you to be. Be whomever you want. Also, be wary around any Hyuga besides Hiashi or Hinata. The Hyuga Council is going to be after you regardless of what you decide.

Remember, it's your life to lead. No one can live it for you nor should they. Decide for yourself the path you want." He stood. "If you ever need help, or are backed into a corner, you can count on me. That's a promise."

Sakura looked at him and could tell Daichi was genuine. "Thank you."