Chapter 12: The Preliminary Rounds


June 6th, 64 AFL

Sasuke Uchiha vs. Choji Akimichi

When Sasuke's name was called the remaining genin of Team 7 looked at the sharingan warrior with concern, "That mark on Sasuke's neck, it scares me Naruto. I'm worried about him and Ino, there are so many things we don't know about them," Sakura said sadly. "I really don't know Sakura-chan I'm worried about them too but all we can do at least for now is have faith in them," Naruto replied while scratching his head with one hand and interlocking his fingers with hers using the other,

"If it gets really bad, I promise I'll do everything in my power to help them and besides sensei sealed that mark right after we finished the second exam it shouldn't bother him as badly anymore," the blonde said with a grin. "Baka!" she replied fondly as she looked at him, "We'll do everything in our power," Sakura said, Naruto smiled at her but eventually both of their eyes turned back to Sasuke with concern.

Across the balcony the Hyuga heiress activated her kekkei genkai and noticed an instability in Sasuke's chakra originating from around his neck, 'What happened to you Sasuke?' she thought as her gaze turned to her Naruto-kun and Sakura. As the last Uchiha descended into the arena he couldn't help but remember what Kakashi informed about the seal that was currently residing on his neck.

"This jutsu seals the curse mark's power but it's only as powerful as you will it. If you ever begin to doubt yourself, the seal will fail and that mark will take over," the jonin had told the young sharingan wielder. Sasuke knew that using that power was a bad idea but that was a moot point at the moment as he stared down the heir of the Akimichi clan,

'Shit, even after a day and a half in bed, I'm still at less than half of my normal chakra. I can't afford to have a prolonged fight against Choji, I hate to admit it but that fat ass has as much destructive power as Naruto or myself. I can't risk getting hit by too many of his attacks,' he thought as Choji finally finished his bag of chips and made his way down. 'Kami why Sasuke, I'm so screwed, I should probably just give up now,' the Akimichi thought with a frown on his face.

Choji remembered how Sasuke always beat everyone including himself in their spars at the academy and if Ino was anything to go by Sasuke had only gotten stronger while he really hadn't been taking his training seriously at all. Honestly the only things on the boy's mind where his next meal and that girl from the Land of Lightning that he would probably never meet due to the bad relations between the Leaf and Cloud Villages.

Sasuke noticed Choji grim expression and sighed himself, 'Damn he still has those confidence issues, he'll never get anywhere if he keeps acting like this," Sasuke thought with some sympathy as he looked around the room at the other contestants and proctors. 'On top of that, it looks like he might just forfeit, what the hell fat ass grow a spine,' he continued and then grinned a little way too Naruto like, 'Or maybe I can grow one for you,' the last Uchiha finalized as he got into his signature stance ready for battle.

Choji walked up but didn't get into a fighting stance causing Sasuke to sigh again but he let Hayate explain the rules before implementing his plan. "Alright then, this first match will begin the preliminary rounds, as I explained before, there are no rules. You may use any and all weapons at your disposal, fight until one of you dies or the other admits defeat. Finally as proctor I have the right to stop any match that seems unwinnable to prevent the fewest number of casualties possible. Now if you two are ready you may begin," the man finished through coughs.

Choji looked at Sasuke worriedly and then to the proctor, "Actually sir I'd like to…" "What's wrong scared of me Choji," Sasuke said while laughing cruelly, "I always knew a fat ass like you could never be a ninja let alone a chunin," he said while grinning and then looked back to the Akimichi. "What did you say Sasuke!" Choji yelled with fire in his eyes and then the pair heard Ino shout, "Shut the fuck up Sasuke, Choji don't take that shit from him kick his ass!" she screeched.

Choji as well as most of the rookie nine turned their heads in shock at the blonde's proclamation but when Choji's eyes met hers Ino just grinned happily, "Just do your best ok, I know you're strong, hell your strongest one on our team," she stated matter a factly. "Ino," was all Choji said with happiness as he looked down and shed a few tears when suddenly the rest of the rookie nine erupted,

"Yea, kick the teme's ass Choji," Naruto said with a grin. "Your strong Choji, what Ino said was true, I would definitely forfeit if I was your opponent," Shikamaru stated honestly. "Do your best we believe in you, believe it, cha!" the cherry blossom from Team 7 added. "Right don't give up until it's over, you know," Hinata said with a smile. Choji gazed at all of his friends before looking to Sasuke who was wearing a cocky grin. Sasuke slowly looked at the Akimichi with an unreadable expression as he asked again,

"So just gonna give up fat ass or are you going to show the Uchiha what an Akimichi is capable of?" Sasuke stated with confidence but not malice in his voice. Choji eyes lit up again, "I am not fat Sasuke, I'm big boned you bastard now get ready because I'm winning this match," Choji said with a new sense of conviction. "If you two are done you may begin," Hayate interrupted them and suddenly the two Leaf genin charged each other kunai at the ready.

Their blades met the others again and again with Sasuke so winded from the suppression of the curse mark Choji could almost match Sasuke's strength but the Uchiha was still slightly faster. Sasuke smirked at the big boned bone genin before jumping into the air, "Not bad fat ass but let's see how you handle this, Fire Style - Fireball Jutsu!" he shouted, sending a good sized ball of flame at his opponent. Choji flew threw several hand signs before being engulfed in the flames,

'Shit, I thought he would dodge, I didn't expect him to eat it,' Sasuke thought but when the flames dispersed all that was on the ground was an empty burned bag of chips. "What the fuck?" Sasuke thought, "Human Boulder!" he heard and suddenly Sasuke Uchiha was sideswiped by the big ball that was Choji and the two slammed hard into the concrete wall.

Choji looked down at his defeated opponent with a smile and pride at the fact that he outsmarted the former rookie of the year but as he started to jump in celebration he saw Sasuke sit up and grin, "Not bad Choji…" he started before disappearing in a puff of smoke leaving nothing but the kunai he was holding behind. Choji turned around frantically but stopped when he felt steel at his throat, "But not good enough," the Uchiha stated calmly.

Choji looked at Sasuke sadly but accepted his defeat as he announced, "I give up," he said in disappointment but that was quickly replaced by shock as the stadium erupted. "That was great Choji!" Ino said happily, "Yea not bad man," Shikamaru said with a smile as Asuma added, "We'll get barbecue after ok you did well," he stated while lighting a cigarette. Hayate looked at the two boys before announcing,

"Winner, Sasuke Uchiha!" Choji slowly made his way back to his team but turned around when he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Your strong Choji, you just need to train a little harder," Sasuke said low enough, for only him to hear and then jumped up to the balcony to return to his team. Choji actually smiled as he returned to his teammates and Team 10 shared a group hug, slightly forced by Ino. Suddenly the bored began flashing names again and the second match was determined,


Fu vs. Kegon

As Fu entered the arena she couldn't help but smile at the idea of what would happen should she manage to defeat the undercover Waterfall jonin that had been chosen as her opponent. "This offer from the Hokage intrigues me Fu-san," her village leader had told her, "But even if you claim to have found real friends who accept you for you, I have to make sure your strong enough to handle yourself before I let you go," the old man told her shocking the young jinchuuriki and nearly bringing her to tears.

"As such you will be going to the chunin exams this year but you will be accompanied by two undercover jonin who will not be assisting you during the first two exams," he said confusing the girl as she inquired, "Why?" The village leader only sighed, "I honestly could care less whether your in the village or not but I don't want you getting hurt or killed over what's inside of you. The truth is your safer in the Leaf and the Waterfall Village is safer without you in it. Even so I want to make sure your skills are at least close to high chunin level so you will be facing the first two exams solo, my undercover nin's orders are only to protect you not aide you in passing. Finally the third exam is always a tournament so I'll request the Hokage to bend the rules a little and ensure you fight one of the two nin I assign you," he explained.

Fu just looked at the man as she said, "So I have to clear two exams by myself and then defeat a jonin if I want to be with the person I care for," Fu asked somewhat irritated. The village leader just replied with a smile and a nod and with that Fu suddenly came back to earth from Kegon asking, "Are you ready Fu-san?" he said to her. Fu just grinned mischievously, "Of course," she replied with a smile. "If you two are ready, you may start," Hayate suddenly announced.

Fu suddenly jumped into the air shouting, "Blue Joro Spider Jutsu!" and with that webs flew from the girls mouth in an attempt to trap him inside of a cage of silk but Kegon flew through several quick hand signs, "Water Style - Water Dragon Jutsu!" he shouted, sending a dragon made of water crashing into Fu's webs and eventually overpowering them as Fu was knocked back to the ground by the dragon's ferocity. Fu tried to get up quickly but Kegon was on her in seconds, she quickly grabbed a kunai and slashed him but he just dissolved into nothing but water,

'Crap water clone!' Fu though as got to her feet and saw she was surrounded by five other Kegon's, "Sorry Fu it's over, Water Style - Water Shuriken Jutsu!" he shouted and suddenly all five clones had at least three sharp shuriken made from water surrounding them. Without warning the shuriken all made their way towards Fu as she jumped into the air to dodge the jutsu but as the shuriken impaled each other she saw the water and an idea came to mind, "Secret Art - Scaled Powder Jutsu!" and suddenly Fu began spewing a fine powder from her mouth that began shining so brightly that everyone in the arena was blinded for a few moments.

Kegon tried to regain his vision but he could sense his water clones falling one after the other, 'I have to make more clones or I'm…' the man's thought process was interrupted by a girl diving from the ceiling and screaming, "Hidden Waterfall Hurricane!" she shouted socking Kegon directly on the top of his head. The jonin walked around in circles for a moment before falling to the ground,

"Winner, Fu," Hayate announced as the blue haired genin began dancing in joy. The girl looked to her other teammate who nodded and then to the Hokage who just smiled and with that she jumped up to the balcony but instead of joining her other comrade from Taki she instead met up with Team 8 who gave the girl a smile as the board began to flash several names again.

Shino Aburame vs. Kankuro

Shino quickly jumped down to the arena and looked at his opponent who he expected to follow in tow but when he didn't Shino wondered why. 'Shit, that bug bastard's a terrible match for me, for all I know he has a horde of termites under that coat. Having my puppet destroyed for no reason is pointless especially when we have the invasion in a month.

It's better to keep my jutsu's hidden until then and my puppets in the best condition possible,' Kankuro finalized and then looked to his sensei who nodded his head in confirmation. Kankuro gazed at Shino before looking to Hayate and announcing innocently, "Sorry I'm really not feeling well, so I'll have to forfeit," he said simply and just layed back against the wall.

No one could tell except Fu, but Shino was livid, how dare this sand prick just forfeit and lie so blatantly about the reason why. That sand bastard would pay for just ignoring him like that. Shino was suddenly snapped out of his aggravation and annoyance by Hayate announcing, "Winner, Shino Aburame," Shino huffed in anger and returned to Team 8 and his soulmate as the board began flashing once again. It finally stopped and an Unchia and an Uzumaki looked at each other with shock for a moment before grinning devilishly at the other,


Sakura Haruno vs. Ino Yamanaka

The two rivals stared at each other from across the arena with determined expressions before Sakura suddenly burst out in laughter causing Ino to screech in anger, "What the hell is so funny Forehead Uzumaki-Dobe!" she yelled out. Sakura stopped laughing and smirked, "So Ino have you learned anything new besides that Mind Transfer trick or should I just have my clones overwhelm you, you know last time we spared our taijutsu was even and that was before I could call in reinforcements," the cherry blossom gloated.

In the stands Naruto smirked at Sasuke, "Sakura's right you know, it's a shame Ino failed so terribly at learning at your Fireball Jutsu," Naruto said with a cocky grin. Sasuke suddenly burst out laughing causing Ino to erupt as well, "What the hell is so funny, teme, pig?!" Naruto and Sakura echoed causing Ino to stop albeit with difficulty, "It's just, you insulted me for only having one trick but aren't you the clan that only has one jutsu to it's name?" she questioned. "Screw you pig at least I can use it to attack and not have my body transformed into a ragdoll for a good few minutes!" the pinkette yelled.

Suddenly Sasuke shouted causing both kunoichi's eyes to turn to him, "No more holding back Ino give Sakura everything you've got, oh and Sakura… I'm sorry," Sasuke said but before Sakura could turn to face Ino again she suddenly heard the girl shout, "Water Style - Water Bomb Jutsu!" Ino said and before Sakura could do a thing she was suddenly hit in the chest by an intense amount of water soaking her from head to toe as well as a decent chunk of the fighting stage that was still damp from Fu and Kegon's battle.

Sakura looked at Ino in shock as she slowly got up off the ground, "How? Where? When?" the cherry blossom questioned annoyed. Ino just chuckled, "Your baka actually answered one of those for you, you see forehead I unfortunately do not possess an affinity for fire style chakra but I did have a slight affinity to water and that's what Sasuke-kun and I have been working on for the last month," the platinum blonde finished proudly. Sakrua huffed in annoyance,

"Even so that jutsu isn't powerful enough to keep me down pig!" she replied. Ino actually looked at Sakura with a serious expression, "That's not what it was for, it was to soak you and get as much water on the arena floor as possible," she finished calmly. "Why?" Sakura questioned. Ino started to snicker, "I'm sorry if this brings back bad memories for you forehead and Fu-san thanks for making your opponent use so many water style jutsu, all this water around the room is really going to help out a lot," Ino stated confidently.

"What the fuck are you saying you pig, pig, piggy?" Sakura yelled out absolutely done with Ino's stalling. Ino looked at Sakura with a smile as she said, "It's over, "Water Style - Hidden Mist Jutsu!" Suddenly the entire arena was covered with a layer of mist, it was nowhere near as thick as Zabuza's but it was thick enough for Sakura's vision to be blurred,

'Shit, Sasuke copied Zabuza's jutsu and taught it to Ino-pig. On top of that her clan is part of the interrogation squad, she's probably been trained in stealth, the only thing I can do now is give her more targets and hope I find the piggy first,' Sakura finalized and finally shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Two clones appeared and Sakura told them to scatter in the mist but Ino caught on to her rival's tactic,

"Making those clones won't help you Sakura, they cost way too much chakra for you to make over and over again and I'll just keep taking them down one by one," Ino explained as she sliced a Sakura clone with a kunai dispelling it. 'What the hell Ino you could of really hurt me,' the pinkette thought in annoyance but something suddenly clicked and she suddenly screamed at a decibel so high it made everyone even Gaara hold his ear's in frustration,

'She dies later,' the boy from the sand thought as the cherry blossom screamed, "You stupid baka of mine! How did you not realize our clan's signature's secret by now, you've made thousands of these things, literally! No ramen for a month!" she screeched while Naruto huddled to his knees and suddenly sobbed, not from Sakura's anger, that would pass but unfortunately her punishment would remain, the reason he knew not for.

"Oww forehead, tone it down a bit, you're crazy you know that right," Ino said to her old friend as she sliced threw Sakura's final clone. Sakura smirked but only replied, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" she said again and once again two solid clones appeared, "You know what to do," was all she said and sure enough the clones quickly moved out to execute Sakura's new strategy.

Ino sliced threw the first one easy enough and the second went soon after but suddenly she sensed something to her right but as she turned all she saw were knuckles, "Cherry Blossom Crush!" Sakura shouted sending Ino flying and slamming into the ground, "You like that Ino the Shadow Clone Jutsu has its own secrets but I'll be damned if I tell you Uchiha," Sakura said but lucky enough no one heard or blatantly ignored her slip up.

Ino go to her feet as she chuckled, "Not bad Uzumaki-forehead but like I said before you can only make so many clones, while this mist will remain for a little while at least. So Sakura, let's try again," she finished and disappeared into the mist once again. "Shadow Clon…" Sakura started but was interrupted by a voice in her head, 'Don't dummy we can't waste chakra, I know what she's planning help get our defenses up," Inner Sakura said with a smile. Sakura nodded, oddly to herself as she began to prepare for Ino's assault,

'Alright forehead you made fun of my mind transfer so that just means it's the perfect weapon to beat you with," Ino thought as she got into position directly behind Sakura who was standing in the center of the arena motionless, "Mind Transfer Jutsu!" Ino shouted but instead of doing battle with Inner Sakura in a black void as she expected she unfortunately appeared inside of a beautiful garden covered in cherry blossoms, sunflowers, and lavender scattered all around the area creating a scene which Ino could only ever picture in a story book.

Ino looked around in worry wondering where the hell she was when suddenly both versions of Sakura appeared in front of the platinum blonde, "So Ino like my garden?" Sakura asked while inner Sakura just giggled, 'Of course she does now lets kick her ass out of here, believe it!' she squealed. Sakura smiled at her counterpart before looking back to Ino who had the most dumbfounded expression on her face that Sakura had ever seen. Sakrura shared a nod with her counterpart before the pair mirrored a devilish grin and charged Ino full force giving her two hard blows to the face sending her out of Sakura's body and back to her own.

As Ino came to her senses she looked around frantically and realized her mist had dispersed and Sakura was standing their smugly, "What the hell are you? Why do you have two personalities inside of you?" the blonde growled out in a mix of curiosity and anger. Sakura continued to smile but it suddenly vanished and Ino saw the cherry blossom sigh,

"She's my suppressed inner perv," Sakura finally admitted causing Ino to look at her in shock. Sakura raised her head again to meet her old friend's gaze with a smile as Ino's expression slowly shifted from small giggles to all out laughter. Sakura's laughter quickly matched her friends but eventually the two girls calmed down, "Wow Sakura, I'm impressed, six months ago you'd of given up by now just because your hair got all messed up," she teased causing Sakura to chuckle. "Your not wrong Ino but weren't you the same way, I can't believe how much you've improved. I'm definitely happy that we were chosen to battle each other, believe it!" she replied with glee.

Ino smiled smugly before asking, "So one final charge?" Sakura nodded with determination and just as quickly the two girl's charged each other putting the last of their strength into this final attack, "Sakura!" "Ino!" they both shouted as both of their fist collided with the other's face.

The two kunoichi fell to the ground oddly enough with smiles on their faces as Hayate quickly announced, "Double Knockout, neither advances," he said simply and within seconds Sasuke and Naruto were on the arena floor. Both boys picked up their respective partners and smiled at them before staring determinedly at the other,

"Our match won't end in a tie, believe it!" the blonde said with confidence causing Sasuke to smirk, "You're right dobe because I'll be defeating you," he replied cockily and just jumped up to the balcony with Naruto following soon after. Hinata rushed over to the two girls and picked up Sakura's medical pouch, she didn't have as much knowledge as Sakura but she could help her two friends a little at least. As Hinata began treating their injuries the board flashed through several names again and the next match was finally revealed,


Tenten vs. Temari

The two kunoichi eagerly jumped down to the arena floor and faced each other ready for combat, Temari had a giant fan strapped to her back while Tenten had a two scrolls in her hands. Suddenly Hayate started the match but neither kunoichi moved a muscle until suddenly Tenten slammed her hands to the ground shouting,

"Unsealing Jutsu!" she screamed and suddenly several sharp and deadly weapons flew towards the kunoichi from the sand causing her to smirk, "That may be troublesome for your average shinobi," she started calmly while opening her fan and rearing it back, "But against a wind user like me, you're totally screwed, Wind Scythe Jutsu!" Temari shouted while waving her fan and just as quickly all of TenTen's weapons were sent back with force a few of them scratching her but she avoided serious harm nonetheless,

'Ugh, she's right, my only hope is to get in close before she can blow me away and land a good enough hit or get her into a situation where she is forced to give up,' the girl in the chinese attire thought and then looked to Lee and Neji who were cheering her on, well more Lee but Tenten knew Neji cared at least a little. Tenten looked back to Temari as she began,

"You're right summoning weapons and just throwing them at you won't work but if I can get in close enough and prevent you from using your fan, well this becomes a whole new game, doesn't it," Temari looked at the girl for a few minutes before chuckling, "If you think that it will, be my guest," Tenten looked at the sand nin with fire in her eyes as she went to her ankles and dropped her weights which fell to the floor with a loud thud.

Suddenly Tenten sprinted Temari full force scrolls in hand, she was impressed by the girl's new speed but Temari knew her strategy and where she would strike. She waited patiently for the right moment and as Tenten appeared behind her Temari turned waving her fan with force as she shouted,

"Wind Scythe Jutsu!" she said again but this time trapping Tenten herself and sending her flying crashing into the ceiling with a loud crunch and then slowly she fell back to the ground, "Taking off those weights made you faster but you're lighter too, what a drag for you," the sand kunoichi stated. Temari quickly closed her fan and spun it around so the blunt end would hit Tenten's back hard.

This finally happened and within seconds Hayate announced, "Winner, Temari," and just as suddenly Lee was on the arena floor. Temari tossed Tenten like a rag-doll over to Lee who caught her before she hit the ground as he scowled at the sand nin, "You didn't have to take it that far, she did everything she could," he said in anger causing Temari to laugh,

"Please, she was weak just like you are, what a drag, I was hoping for a real opponent, such a shame," the sand kunoichi said simply and then quickly returned to join her brothers. Lee continued to scowl at the girl but slowly shifted his attention back to Tenten as he looked around the arena and quickly spotted Neji's cousin apparently treating Sakura and Ino's injuries. He thought about it for only a second before jumping up towards Team 7 and asking Naruto and the Hyuga princess,

"Please can you help?" he asked them in concern. Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other in shock for a moment before the blonde shifted his gaze back to Hinata. When he saw her smile and nod that was all the knucklehead needed, "Sure Lee believe it, you and Tenten are our friends to you know," he said with a goofy grin. Lee laid Tenten down next to Sakura and Ino and turned to face the son of the fourth again. Lee broke he sobbed into Naruto's chest as he swarmed him with gratitude, "Thank you Naruto-san you are too kind," he spit out through anime tears. As this went on the board flashed several different names again before the next pair was finally revealed, "

Shikamaru Nara vs. Yoro

Shikamaru looked at the near grown man from the Waterfall Village and just sighed, 'Way to troublesome,' the Nara thought but the Waterfall jonin had his own concerns. 'It's not fair for me to hold this kid back, our mission was to make sure Fu got to the Leaf safely and that she was strong enough to be able to defeat either Kegon or myself alone which she's already done,' the undercover shinobi thought as he turned his gaze back to the blue haired jinchuuriki who was standing with the Aburame's team laughing and joking happier than he had ever seen her before.

'And she was offered to join the Leaf and accepted so our mission was technically complete having a weapon that a village can't value is a weapon that a village no longer deserves after all,' the leader of their village had told the two jonin.

Meanwhile Shikamaru was attempting to give up but was having his mouth held shut but an obnoxious platinum blonde that had miraculously recovered and had rushed to his side sensing her teammates laziness even unconsciously, "You get the fuck down their right now Shikamaru or so help me Kami I will torture you until the day you die!" she wailed at her comrade. Shikamaru groaned but nodded and once he was released he shared his own opinions causing his literal downfall,

"You already do Ino… pig," Shikamaru snickered and was suddenly ejected from the balcony hearing a large scream, "Screw you Shikamaru!" she yelled as the Nara heir crashed into the arena floor with a loud thud. "Oww," Shikamaru said as he got to his feet and stared at his opponent but then his jaw dropped, "I give up," the undercover nin said with a smile as he jumped back up to the balcony without another word. Shikamaru fell to the floor actually in a fit of laughter but quickly calming down and proceeding to flip off Ino causing her to glare,

"Told you my laziness wasn't too troublesome," he said as he made his way to the optional set of stairs. Ino huffed in annoyance at the fact that she still hadn't passed when she had fought her hardest and the lazy bastard had passed without even trying. Meanwhile a Sand kunochi hated the fact that she had found the boy's antics rather cute but shrugged off the feeling at once remembering their plan that would take place in just a month. Suddenly the board began to flash names once again and the two dead-last students of the academy looked at each other with cockiness evident in their expressions.


Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka

Naruto and Kiba both shared a grin as the pair descended they heard Sakura shout, "Kick his ass Naruto-kun!" she cried as Hinata added, "Do your best Naruto-kun and you too Kiba-kun," she added sweetly. Both boys turned to them and nodded and the pair of shinobi returned to staring the other down, "Like I said before Naruto, I don't care how strong you think you've gotten but your still no match for me and Akamaru here," he said causing his canine companion to join him on the battlefield. Naruto snickered,

"Tell you what Kiba, I'll give you two free hits believe it!" the blonde said cockily. Kiba barked in agitation, "You think this a joke fine I'll just have to show you how serious I am, Man Baeat Taijutsu - Fang Over Fang!" he shouted and suddenly both the boy and his dog were sent flying into Naruto with spiraling force sending the blonde through the air but quickly landing on his feet. Kiba noticed and tried again,

"Man Baeat Taijutsu - Fang Over Fang!"Kiba repeated and again hit Naruto hard in the solar plexus causing him to fly toward the wall and two girls to echo, "Naruto-kun!" Naruto quickly spun around and landed on his feet standing perfectly parallel to the side of the wall as he began to laugh, "The teme's weren't wrong, I do only have one jutsu but it's more than enough to defeat you dog breath and those were your two free hits, believe it!" he replied with a smile as he jumped down to meet his opponent again.

Kiba just stared at him angrily but didn't have the time to ask as the blonde shouted, "Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he screamed and suddenly five hundred Naruto clones were all standing proudly behind the baka while Kiba and a good chunk of the arena sat their stunned. "You like this Kiba, well it's over everyone charge!" he shouted sending his massive wave of clones in one after another as punches, kicks and other brutal blows were inflicted on the Inuzuka. Suddenly Kiba was kicked into the air and he saw another Naruto waiting for him,

"500x Uzumaki Barrage!" he yelled as he slammed Kiba's head in with a good kick sending him to the ground creating a nice carter where Kiba was currently residing. Kiba just laid there motionless for a few moments before finally passing out, "Winner, Naruto Uzumaki," Hayate announced and with that Naruto picked up Kiba and brought him to Team 7 which by know had become the most crowded area in the stands as well as a surrogate medical tent.

"Sakura-chan do you mind?" Naruto asked the cherry blossom who just smiled and replied, "Not at all," as she began treating the injuries Kiba had suffered from is one sided confrontation against her baka. As this went on the board flashed the last four names before finally choosing the stages next victims,

Hinata Hyuga vs. Neji Hyuga

Neji smile almost seemed to big as Gai sensei warned him, "Don't take this personally Neji just defeat her and advance, ok," Gai told the young Hyuga but he failed to reply as he leapt down to the arena his odd smile never leaving his face. Naruto looked to Hinata who had a shocked look at first but quickly shifted it to one of determination as she faced her soulmate,

"I'll be fine Naruto-kun," she said simply as she turned towards Neji and just said, "Besides this is something that would have to be done sooner or later," Hinata finished as she suddenly descended down to battle her cousin. Neji just smirked at her before Hayate announced, "If your ready you may begin," he said but neither Byakugan wielder moved a muscle.

Neji started laughing causing Hinata to scowl a bit before asking, "What's so funny brother?" she questioned. Neji laughing ended slowly as he looked at his cousin with disdain, "It's just funny how your acting like you've changed. The Hinata I knew a few months ago would never have the courage to scowl at me let alone actually fight me," he said with ice in his voice. Hinata smirked, "I'm not the same Hinata I used to be, my friends and Naruto-kun helped come out of my shell and I couldn't be happier to be a part of their lives," she replied.

Neji started a scowl of his own this time, "Is that why you've been wearing that joke of a cloak with that third rate clan symbol on your back, what a disgrace a Hyuga belittled down to one of the Uzumaki's whores, unbelievable," he said with malice. "I'll break your legs you prick, Hinata don't kick this guy's ass for me do it because he's a prick who needs to be put into his place, believe it!" Naruto said from the bleachers while most of the rookie ten held him back from attacking the Hyuga from Team Gai.

Hinata looked up fondly at her friends before gazing back to Neji, "You've always talked about how no one can ever change, that people can never become better no matter what changes they try to implement into their lives," Hinata started causing Neji to reply, "That's right what of it!" he yelled out but Hinata's expression remained unfazed.

"But you were wrong me, Naruto-kun, Sakura, and everyone else her including you," she said while pointing directly at the angry genin, "Are evidence to the contrary," she finished calmly. Neji just continued to gaze at her with disgust until he finally ripped his headband off and showed everyone the cage seal embedded onto his forehead,

"This mark means regardless of what you or anyone else says, I am still a prisoner a slave, being able to be killed by you or the elders anytime you wish as well as never knowing my soulmate because the bird cage seal prevents the Soul Seal Jutsu from activating and I will always hate you and the main house because of it, now get ready Hinata Uzumaki!" Neji said as he suddenly charged Hinata with their signature Hyuga strikes designed specifically for blocking the targets chakra points.

Hinata did her best to counter but she had to put some distance between them, she backed away before Neji could damage her body anymore than he already had as she shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" she said causing two clones to appear. Neji started laughing, "So you have the same trick as the Haruno, you should know that jutsu's a joke compared to our clan's techniques allow me to show you," he said grinning cynically as he began attacking Hinata's clones with over confidence but giving Hinata the opportunity she needed to get in close as she whispered into Neji''s ear,

"I will do everything in my power to help you brother because I am and forever will be Hinata Hyuga," she said calmly as Neji struck what he thought was Hinata's last clone but as it poofed away he quickly looked around the arena to find his cousin gone. Without warning a loud poof behind Neji signaled him to Hinata's position as she tried getting Neji with a kunai attacking from the Byakugan's only weak spot as she finished her last statement in a whisper,

"But I am also Hinata Namikaze," she said but instead of Neji being surprised by this revelation his speed seemed to only increase as he finally caught Hinata in an attack, "Eight Trigrams Sixteen Palms, Thirty-two Palms, Sixty-four Palms!" Neji shouted launching a full frontal assault on the poor Hyuga heiress. Almost all of her Chakra points were blocked and she was bloody and bruised from Neji's attacks causing him to smile.

He went for one more blow but was stopped by several kunai surrounding his throat. He turned around and was about to complain but quickly shut the fuck up as he saw who was threatening him. Team 8, Team 7, and Team 10 were all surrounding the Hyuga ready for the kill as Fu and Naruto leaked out the smallest bits of tailed beast chakra.

Neji just smirked before turning around and jumping to the balcony but as he reached the top he heard a blonde shout, "Neji for what you did to Hinata, I'm going to crush you!" Naruto yelled and as he finished suddenly Hinata collapsed and finally, the jonin arrived as Naruto and Sakura rushed to her side attempting to examine her injuries, "She's pretty beat up but we interfered before it could get to bad, I think," Sakura said as she looked at the girl barely holding back her tears and then scowling at Neji before looking to her baka.

"Naruto-kun!" Sakura shouted causing all eyes to turn to her, "Make sure you win and Neji!" she said now glaring at the person who had harmed the Byakugan princess, "Be ready because Naruto never goes back on his word, so in short you're screwed, believe it!" she said and almost instinctively she helped Hinata onto the stretcher that had been brought in by the medics,

"I'll go with Hinata and you stay and watch the final match, ok Naruto-kun," she kissed his cheek and quickly followed the medics out as the rest of the rookies returned to the balcony Naruto opted for the stairs to reflect on what had just happened and how he was going to defeat Neji. As the container of the nine-tails reached the stairs the final match was determined,


Gaara vs. Rock Lee

The genin in green spandex cheered with fire in his eyes as his name was called quickly jumping down to the arena. His opponent however wasn't so eager and proceed to take the stairs. Lee sighed but just began warming up with a series of squat thrust and push ups as he waited for his opponent. Meanwhile the jinchuuriki of the one-tails and nine-tails were coming face to face for the first time.

They looked at each other for a few moments as fear began to creep down Naruto's spine, 'What's this freaks deal, he's just staring at me,' Naruto thought as he made his way past the boy he heard him speak, "I'm going… to slaughter all of you," he said simply causing Naruto to turn around quickly but the boy was long gone. Naruto scratched his head at this new mystery as he made his way to the balcony and stood next to Sasuke.

"What do you think dobe?" Sasuke asked him as he gazed at the two fighters in the ring. Naruto said almost immediately, "Lee should forfeit," Sasuke turned to Naruto with a look of disgust on his face but saw his friend wasn't joking and just asked him angrily, "Why?" Naruto just focused his gaze at the two fighters in the ring, "I honestly don't know Sasuke but it's just... a feeling," Sasuke smirked,

"Would you?" Naruto turned his head to Sasuke with an anger on his face as he replied, "Hell No!" causing the raven haired boy to laugh, "So how can you expect Lee to," he stated. Naruto smiled but his gaze turned solemn as he watched the beginning of the match. "Alright this will be the final match of the preliminaries when you two are ready you may begin," Hayate said as quickly Lee tried rushing Garra with a series of brutal blows,

"He's only using Taijutsu," Sasuke commented and Naruto nodded in confirmation causing Kakashi to raise his head from his novel, "That boy is Gai's personal protege, he posses no Ninjutsu or Genjutsu from what I've heard," he stated nonchalantly as Sasuke asked him smugly, "Who's your protege sensei?" "You," the jonin said without thinking, causing an intense glare from Naruto, Kakashi sighed and just said,

"I found someone more compatible to you and your skills to train you, meet them at the hot springs tomorrow and you'll see who I mean. I promise Naruto you will not be disappointed," he said handing him three free ramen coupons as an apology. Naruto's glare softened to a scowl as he snatched the coupons out of his hands and just replied,

"Whatever he better not be a total pervert like you sensei," He said in annoyance causing Sasuke to chuckle as he and the blonde returned their attention to the fight. Lee still hadn't landed any blows on Gaara but suddenly the bushy browed genin dropped his training weights and became just fast enough to pierce Gaara's absolute defense. Gaara tried retaliating with his sand but Lee's speed kept increasing as his chakra began to flare uncontrollably. Kakashi actually dropped his book causing Naruto and Sasuke to look at their sensei his expression actually frightening them,

"What were you thinking teaching that boy The Eight Inner gates!" he shouted causing Gai to scowl him, "You don't know a damn thing about Lee, so worry about your own students Kakashi," Gai replied as Naruto asked slightly confused, "The Eight Inner Gates?" Kakashi looked to his students as he explained the risk and dangers of such a jutsu and finally finished with, "I don't know what would possess Gai to teach him that but just watch maybe we'll all come to understand," he said and with that the remaining members of Team 7 returned their gazes back to the match.

Lee was staring down Gaara with a determined expression when he suddenly shouted, "Third Gate, Gate of Life, Open!" Lee suddenly charged Gaara his increased strength and speed actually forcing the sand nin off his feet and into the air using the bandages that Lee had on his arms to trap the sand nin, "Fourth Gate, Gate of Pain, Open," Lee shouted once again as he continued to pummel Gaara into the air with a vicious cycle of kicks that came one right after the other, "Fifth Gate, Gate of Closing, Open!" As Lee opened his final available gate he smashed Gaara's face hard into the ground with his foot, "Yes, I did it!" he said aloud but when his gaze turned back to the ground he was shocked to see Gaara open his eyes having lessened the impact with his vast amounts of sand.

He was injured but managed to turn his gaze as he lay on the ground and move his hand sending vast amounts of sand towards the exhausted and injured leaf genin. Lee was tired but he jumped trying to avoid the encroaching sand unfortunately Lee was too slow as Gaara's attack quickly caught his arm and leg, "Sand Coffin," Gaara said quietly as his sand crushed all of the bones in one of Lee's arms and leg causing him to cry out in pain.

Gaara tried to go for the kill but his sand was quickly wiped away by Gai who was immediately questioned by the confused sand nin, "Why did you save him?" Gai looked at Gaara with disgust as he responded, "Simple because Lee is precious to me," he said as he picked up his apprentice and laid him on the stretcher the medics had quickly provided.

Unfortunately for Team Gai the medics had some very grim news, "I'm sorry but this boy, no Lee will never be a shinobi again," he said simply causing Gai and Tenten to burst out in tears. Naruto and Sasuke looked on in shock at Lee's utter destruction by the hand of Gaara and the fact that he had injured the fiery genin permanently to the point of forced retirement.

Eventually though Gai, Tenten, and Lee made their departure to the hospital while Neji waited to find out who his opponent would be in the next round. In the stands of Team 7, Sasuke looked at Naruto in shock at the truth of the blonde's words but quickly saw that his friend definitely wasn't bragging and just staring at the sand nin oddly who by now had gotten to his feet and rejoined his siblings. Hayate suddenly appeared in the center of the arena and announced, "Alright congratulations to those who passed the preliminaries in exactly one months time we will hold the finals and these are the match ups,"

1st match, Shino Aburame vs Fu

2nd match, Shikamaru Nara vs. Temari

3rd match, Naruto Uzumaki vs. Neji Hyuga

4th match, Sasuke Uchiha vs. Gaara

"I hope you all train hard and prepare well for your matches, good luck," was all the proctor said before disappearing in a poof of smoke. Naruto turned to Kakashi sensei and Sasuke but his jaw dropped when he realized, they were already gone.

"Damn teme and teme sensei," Naruto muttered as he exited the arena and found his way to the Leaf's hospital to check up on his Hinata-chan and maybe Lee. After arriving the baka quickly made his way too Hinata's room and saw Sakura peeling an apple watching over her as she slept peacefully. "Is she ok?" Naruto questioned the cherry blossom, Sakura could only sigh as she enveloped him into a hug and said,

"She'll be here for at least two weeks but yeah she'll be ok but what about you, who's your opponent in the next round?" she wondered. Naruto chuckled a little, "Neji while Sasukes stuck fighting the sand creep, luckily for him sensei decided to take him on a personal training trip and supposedly I'm going to meet someone better suited to hone my skills at the hot springs tomorrow, believe it!" Naruto replied causing Sakura to smile but she did ask, "Who and why the hot springs?" Naruto could only sigh,

"I don't know Sakura-hime but I guess I'll just have to find out for myself," he replied. The two stayed with Hinata the entire night leaving only once for individual visits to check on Lee but it was apparent that Gai and Tenten didn't want any visitors. Eventually the next morning came and the blonde gave Hinata a kiss on the cheek while promising her, "I'll train hard Hinata-hime and I promise I'll prove that everything you said in that arena was true, believe it," he said before hugging Sakura goodbye and rushing to his apartment taking a shower and packing some gear before heading to the Konoha Hot Springs.


June 7th, 64 AFL

The day after the preliminary rounds Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze found himself at the Konoha Hot Springs looking at a man he remembered only as Konohamaru's closet pervert of a sensei Ebisu, "Ebsiu sensei no offense but what exactly do you have to teach me that's going to be of any use," the blonde asked the man causing Ebsiu to chuckle. He formed a quick hand sign and quickly walked into the hot springs, without falling in.

"Wow sensei you can walk on water," Naruto grinned somewhat impressed. Ebisu actually chuckled, "You can to Naruto just try it but don't worry if you don't…" Ebisu was cut off as the blonde easily walked onto the water stumbling at first but after a good five minutes Naruto had mastered the technique. "So what's next sensei?" the blonde grinned at the man causing him to sigh,

"The truth is Naruto I didn't expect you to master that so quickly someone else is supposed to show up here sometime today and take over for me but until then all I have for you is to practice the water walking technique," Ebsiu finished causing the blonde to scowl, "So your just throwing me away too, whatever I'll just work on building and controlling my chakra then, believe it, Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted causing four clones to appear and just like the original they all began practicing the technique. Ebsiu looked at the boy astonished as he asked,

"Naruto where did you get that idea, to implement your clones into your training I mean?" The original Naruto looked to man with a smile as he told him, "Sakura-chan figured it out during her match, we figured if the clones experience the same things we do, then training should work the same way, you know," he finished as he began concentrating at building his chakra and improving his control.

It was nearly nightfall when Naruto saw Ebsiu sensei flying through the sky and the blonde turned his head to see a man with long white hair standing at the edge of the spring eyeing him oddly. "Umm, who are you and why did you send my sensei into orbit?" the blonde asked causing the old man to grin mischievously,

"I am Jiraiya the Toad Sage of Mt. Myoboku!" he nearly yelled causing the blonde to wonder, 'Who the hell is this nutcase?" Naruto thought and as if reading the boy's mind he answered smugly, "I'm your real trainer," was all he said before the blonde baka fell into the hot springs with a look of utter shock and devastation.


AN: Chapter was definitely difficult but eventually got it done lol.

Want to clear up a few things about how this system I've created really works. So everyone knows who their partner is going to be when they reach genin and go through the Soul Seal Jutsu basically after that officially at least they are only like engaged. After that the two must wait until both partners are at least sixteen or they reach chunin status. Then they can have an official ceremony where the girls will officially take on the last names of their spouses. Of course they can hold off on the ceremony until anytime after they reach the acceptable criteria again either both chunin or over sixteen and that's when for example, "Sakura Haruno will become officially Sakura Uzumaki if and when they choose to have an official ceremony. This is why all of the girls only have their maiden names called on the monitor and the reason Kabuto had that extra data because why would you not want to know the closest people to someone you might want to attack. Hope that clears at least a few things up.

Figured I'd mention character ages because why not everyone all of the rookie 9 including Fu are 12 except, Gaara, Shino, Sakura and Choji whom are at 13 only because their birthdays have already passed this year in the story, obviously everyone else is older and I honestly don't see the point in mentioning their exact ages

Notes on the fights, Sasuke vs. Choji: Yes I know Sasuke was totally hospitalized after having the curse mark suppressed but I needed him here and he suffered far less injuries in the forest than he did in canon and on top of that I made sure he was definitely winded and really had to kinda outsmart Choji. Yes Choji and Kauri no real reason to change that but I will tell you that they will kick off a bit quicker but it will still be a very very long time before she enters the story. If your wondering why Ino went crazy against Sasuke she knew what he was doing and was actually helping him get Choji motivated

Fu vs. Kegon: Yes you already probably realized but Fu is with her two jonin from season 19 again still haven't watched but I figured using them worked well here by giving Fu one final test before she says goodbye to the home that's really treated her like crap her whole life. Kegon was stated to be very proficient in water style jutsu which is why he was an easy opponent to put against Fu over Yoro and it helped Ino's use of water later if the arena was already drenched. Also if your wondering why a village would ever agree to let go of jinchuuriki, A) Most of the village hates them and considers them a threat and wants them gone anyway B) Having a rare weapon like the Byju can drawn in powerful enemies who could attack the village and C) From what I could find no one went looking for her after she disappeared in the original timeline anyway

Shino vs. Kankuro: I have plans you will have to wait and see

Sakura vs. Ino: Been planning that one since the very start of the fic hinted at Ino's water and earth releases as well as had Sasuke at least be able to activate the sharingan at will so he could copy Zabuza's jutsu for her. If you're wondering the Hidden Mist Jutsu believe it or not is D-ranked and really anyone could learn it but obviously Ino's mist was nowhere near as dense as Zabuza's who was a master and the Water Bomb Jutsu is also pretty basic so I figured it was believable they could find a scroll or something. Sakura's garden was really all I could do for Sakura's genjutsu, It was made to symbolize the bond between herself Naruto and Hinata which is why there are a mix of pinks, yellows, and purples scattered around and it acts sort of as a mental defense. Sakura's inner is legitimately nothing more than a fun character to play with she has no place in the main plot and is only here for comic relief.

TenTen vs. Temari: Really couldn't do much gave Tenten weights and made her slightly faster really all I could do with them

Shikamaru Nara vs. Yoro: Again didn't really want to use Yoro and Shikamaru's opponent giving up before his lazy ass could made me laugh sorry but thought it was funny and saved me a load of time doing research for just one fight.

Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka: Yeah I am truly sorry Kiba fans but with barely any injures from the forest of death, a goodnight sleep, and a meal on top of no five prong seal. Kiba was screwed no chance sorry and it was time to start introducing the Uzumaki Barrages which he kinda used on Mishito so in a way in this timeline it evolved from his battle with him and Mizuki,

Neji Hyuga vs. Hinata Hyuga: Hinata is different, she's much more confident has really close friends and Naruto wants her to fight for herself and prove herself but not fight a hopeless battle trying to prove something to him or go to an extreme like dying when she doesn't have too. I tried getting Hinata into Neji's blind spot I know the Byakugan is super op and he would have never lost Hinata and it can see through clones but please just accept he was cocky and not paying attention, it's Hinata in Neji eyes and losing her even for a second made him angry enough to show off his sixty-four palms a bit earlier than in canon. Yeah birdcage seal means Neji will never find his soulmate or will he… Ps it may not be what your thinking he has a partner somewhere. Yes the entire rookie 9 came and stopped the fight before Hinata got too injured but she's still pretty banged up but she will definitely be in better shape come the finals then in canon, although not by much and this has effectively distracted both Sakura and Naruto from the Uchiha's situation

Gaara vs. Lee: Again really couldn't do too much and didn't even bother covering it in great detail. This is one of the best fights in the series and really does need to be watched or read in its original context, I do not believe and amateur writer like me could do it true justice and I am sorry for that

Plan on having short soul seal flashbacks for both of the couple fights, "Shika/Tema and Fu/Shino because why not. The first three fights will definitely be unique the only one that really has to go extremely similar is Sasuke vs. Gaara for plot reasons but I will try to spice it up a bit.

Figured I might as well mention that Sakura never cut her hair in the forest of death. From most fics I've read Naruto likes girls with long hair so Sakura will likely never cut it and Hinata has been growing her's out as well it's basically at her part 2 length already and in the original Sasuke was rumored to like long hair as well so Ino and Karin will likely never cut theirs

Yes Orochimaru still snuck his way in somehow to watch the fights considering he sat under the nose of the third hokage at the finals for at least a couple of hours

Yes Sakura figured out the shadow clone secret early but I don't intend to have Naruto go crazy because A) It would break the story B) I'm pretty sure using too many clones draws out the nine-tails chakra which is why Yamato had to be their for his rasenshuriken training, so five clones is probably good, I hope

Figured I'd mention that even if I upload two chapters within days my self imposed rule is two weeks and that will remain the longest expected wait hopefully just wanted to keep everyone in the loop on what the deal is and also sorry if Kakashi seemed kinda jerkish didn't really intend for that but he did hook up Naruto with Pervy Sage and even had Ebsiu teach him water walking at least in this fic, Naruto learned it in minutes after having the five prong seal removed by Pervy Sage so I see no reason why he wouldn't get the technique in the same amount of time.

Thank you to all of you and I hoped you enjoyed!