Ch 13 Sudden Death Elimination
Now we get to the fun parts, or at least the first fun part, I hope you all like the way I've changed up some of the battles and eventually how I've changed the 3rd Exam/Crush part. Though sadly your boy still doesn't own Naruto cause Kishimoto won't sell it to a random guy from the States.*some matches will follow canon I won't cover those but I will cover those that don't*
-2nd Exam Day 5-
As the various teams gathered within the Tower's central hall they all were standing before their respective sensei, the Hokage, & the Exam proctors. "First I would like to congratulate you all on completing the 2nd test." After Itachi says this the various genin look around at those surrounding them while their sensei smile at them for doing so well. "Kakashi I see your brats passed too." Looking to Anko Kakashi nods while tuning out Guy's speech about how his team's "luck" has run out now. "Did you say something Guy?" As Guy internally monologues about how "cool and hip" his rival is the other sensei the various other sensei simply ignore his exaggerated actions.
Looking back at Anko Iruka grows a bit nervous at how confident his former students appear despite the situation. "Hey! Hey! With Iruka, Kaito-nii, & the Old Man here it feels like everyone's assembled here." Sighing at Naruto's exuberance Sasuke lightly grabs at his left shoulder while looking around. "I have a bad feeling about this." "To think so many are left...And that most of them are rookies as well..." "Now then we will have an explanation of the 3rd Test by the Hokage himself. Listen, carefully!" As Itachi bows and backs up the 3rd Hokage steps forward. "Before the explanation of the 3rd Exam that we will start from now, I have just one thing I want to tell you all from the outset of the true purpose of these exams. Why do the 5 Great Nations conduct the tests in a conjoint basis? Raising the level of the Shinobi and friendship amongst the nations. It won't do to have the wrong idea of the true meaning of that statement. These tests are so to speak..", as the Hokage says this some genin look amongst themselves wondering at his last few words, "A microcosm of the battles between each nation."
"What does that mean?" Taking a slow draw of his pipe the Hokage looks at Tenten before answering. "If we look back at history, the nations today be they allies or enemies, once all fought each other vying for power, land, and influence. In order to avoid further pointless bloodshed amongst their forces, the 5 Great Nations mutually selected a place for battle. And that is how the Chunin Exam originally began." Stunned at the Hokage's word Naruto looks at Kaito who's nodding. "Why...Why do we have to do this then? Aren't we doing this to select those who will become Chunin?" "There is no question that these tests are to select Shinobi worthy of being Chunin. But on the other hand, these tests serve as a venue for shinobi who carry their nation's pride on their backs to fight for their lives."
For most the Genin the concepts Hiruzen is speaking of are simply too vague for them to grasp fully though two present understand relatively well. "Nation's pride?" Nodding Hiruzen makes a motion with his pipe encompassing the whole room and those present. "Many nobles & others of prominence of the Elemental Nations who request the services of Shinobi for missions are invited to the 3rd Exam as guests. Alongside them the Daimyo and Kage or head shinobi of each village will watch your battles. If the gap in power becomes too large, the strongest nations will be inundated in requests. The requests of nations deemed weak, on the other hand, will decline. Therefore we could exert pressure upon the neighboring nations. That is to say, just how strong a Village's shinobi are and how they're developing." Realizing what Hiruzen is saying Sakura's eyes narrow as she looks up. "Even so, why is it necessary for us to fight for our lives?"
"A nation's strength is the village's strength. The village's strength is the shinobi's strength. And the true strength of a Shinobi can only be shown in a fight for one's life! This test is a venue to see the strength of a Village's shinobi, and a place to display this as well. It is because this is a test where your life is on the line that this has any meaning. It's for this very reason that your predecessors fought in this test, a dream worth striving for." As Hiruzen takes a draw from his pipe the blonde Suna kunoichi looks up at him "Then..why use an expression like friendship!?"
Breathing out a cloud of smoke Hiruzen smiles down at the Genin before answering. "I said it at the start, didn't I? That it wouldn't do for you to have the wrong meaning of this test. It's a custom were balance is preserved by fighting and taking life. This is the friendship of the Shinobi world. This is a fight for life with the pride of your Villages and one's own dream on the line." Shrugging his shoulders Sasuke looks out the corner of his eyes at his friends beside him. "Hmm I'm convinced." Waving his hand dismissively Gaara looks up at the Kage. "Whatever. Just tell us the content of this fight-for-life test." "Alright. Now I will explain the 3rd Exam. But actually.." Much to the genin's shock a older shinobi suddenly appears before the Hokage while kneeling.
"Lord Hokage, please allow me, Hayate Gekkō, who was given the task of judge, to speak first." Nodding Hiruzen taps out his pipe before answering. "Alright I will leave it to you.." As the older shinobi stands the various sensei and proctors jump back to balcony above them. "Nice to meet you, everyone..." Before the older shinobi can say more he coughs a bit as he turns to face them revealing eyes with sickly bags beneath them. "But first there is something I'd like you all to do..," coughing some more the man breathes in before continuing, "before the 3rd Exam. And that is the preliminary to the 3rd Exam, with participation in the main battle on the line."
Looking amongst themselves the genin whisper before Ino looks at Hayate. "Preliminary?" Joining her the others soon begin to shout out their own questions at the sickly Jonin. "What the hell!? Didn't we just survive that forest for 5 days to earn a spot in the 3rd Exam?!" "I don't understand the point of a preliminary. Why aren't we doing the final test with the ones remaining?" As the genin make their displeasure known Hayate simply stares them down till they quiet down. "This time around, perhaps because the 1st and 2nd Exams were too easy,", at this Itachi and Ibiki take offense glaring at the sickly proctor, "there are too many people left. In accordance with the decision of the various Kage made before this Exam began, a preliminary will be held to reduce the number advancing." "N-No way!"
"As the Lord Hokage said before, many Feudal Lords and others of importance are invited to watch the final exam. So we can't have long, pointless matches due to our limited time. Therefore, those of you not in the condition", as Hayate says this he begins to cough again causing many genin to wonder at his own condition, "Excuse me..Those of you wishing to drop out, please speak up now. Our preliminary will begin immediately, so.." Nearly taking a step forward Ino seems particularly angry at the news. "Immediately!?" Sighing and looking up at the ceiling Shikamaru briefly considers just forfeiting his match. "What a drag..."
Motioning for silence Hayate takes a deep breath before speaking again. "Oh and, I forgot to say this, but it will be individual matches from now on. If you wish to drop out, please raise your hand now." "Who's going to drop out.." As Sasuke looks around the mark upon his shoulder suddenly flares up causing him to grab it much to Sakura's worry. "Sasuke...you should quit the preliminaries. That mark.." As Sasuke looks back at Sakura his eyes say he will not drop out. "I knew it..That bruise it's still hurting. Ever since you got beaten by Orochimaru and he gave you that bruise you've been acting different."
Slightly turning his head towards Team 7 Naruto wonders at what Sakura means when she says bruise before looking forward again. "Please...Please withdraw. I'm scared you'll.." As Sakura continues to push Sasuke to quit the Hokage, Itachi, & Anko watch him from the balcony. "So he's the one." "Little brother..." "Lord Hokage & Itachi he needs to be taken out of the exam & isolate him with Anbu guards till that thing can be removed." Shaking his head Itachi has a small smile on his face as he considers Anko's words. "He won't obey that. He's not the kind to just back down like that afterall for good or bad he's a Uchiha through and through." As Anko hears this she turns to see Kakashi standing just behind them starring at her.
"Why are you saying such nonsense? I'll force him to listen even if I have to use force to do it. That curse mark reacts even when you just build up your chakra. If he's actively using it in a fight it'll activate whether he wants it to or not! There is a reason it's a forbidden technique because it eats it's way into the victim's body! It's a wonder he can even endure it at his age. Lord Hokage!" As Hiruzen looks between Sasuke and Anko he continues to smoke his pipe as he considers his jonin's words. "Please Sasuke! You're in no condition to fight." "Be quiet." "I understand.." "I said be quiet!" "But you've been enduring that the whole time, right!?" "Please be quiet." "No matter what you say, Sasuke..I'm going to tell the sensei about that bruise. If I do that..." " Just before Sakura can raise her hand so she can tell the Hokage and others of Sasuke's mark he grabs her hand and holds it down. "Stay quiet about it."
"Why are you acting so tough? I don't want to watch you continue to suffer through it. You're too.." Annoyed at Sakura's word Sasuke's grip on her wrist tightens a bit. "This has nothing to do with you! It's none of your business." As Sasuke turns back to face the Hokage Sakura looks down but her hands remain at her side. As the Hokage watches this he exhales out a small amount of smoke before looking at Itachi and Anko. "What Orochimaru said is at the top of my mind. I will allow Sasuke to compete in the rest..", as Hiruzen says this Anko looks shocked before attempting to interrupt him, "..and see how it goes. However, if that mark activates and he loses control even for just a moment. I expect you all to quickly stop him and immediately take him to Emiko to seal it away.
" As the various jonin and proctors nod Itachi's eyes briefly activate as he looks at his brother. "Now then, we will begin the preliminaries. The battles to come will be individual battles from now on. In other words, how battles actually work. There are 29 people so we will conduct 14 battles with 1 genin receiving a by. The winners alongside that genin will move on to the 3rd Exam while the others will be removed. There are no rules at all. You fight until someone dies, collapses,...or admits defeat. And...please admit defeat immediately if you don't want to die. However, if I judge a match to be over..", coughing again Hayate looks up at the remaining genin, "I don't want there to be more death than necessary, so I will stop the fight then & there. What holds the key to your destinies is.." Turning a bit Hayate looks at the wall while Itachi speaks into his mic for a second. "This. The names of two random genin will be selected and displayed electronically on the signboard. Now then, let's get right down to it."
The board quickly begins randomly going through the list of genin before settling on Sasuke Uchiha & Yoroi Akadō. After a long match made harder by his inability to use his Sharingan Sasuke manages to win by copying part of a move he'd seen Lee preform. As he stumbles up the stairs to his team he see's Kaito Uzumaki standing beside Kakashi. "Alright Sasuke we're going to go with Kaito right now. Wish your teammates good luck cause I don't know if you'll be back in time to see their matches." Quickly grabbing Sasuke's shoulders the two Shunshin away after Kaito leaves a clone to watch Naruto's own match.
As the other's watch the board two new names appear
Karin Uzumaki vs Zaku Abumi
As the various foreign jonin watch Karin walk down she leaves her kusarigama with Naruto before jumping down to stand before Zaku. "Tch..A woman. Tell me can you actually fight or do you rely on seducing your enemies to let you go? I'm su.." Before Zaku can say another word Karin throws a single kunai that goes right between his legs at knee height. "One more word and the next one will higher up when it hits." Looking between the two genin Hayate coughs into his fist before calling the match to begin. "If you fight me you'll never be able to recover. I advise you quit now." Immediately after speaking Karin jumps back before placing a single tag on the ground while Zaku slowly draws one arm out of it's sling. "I can still use this one. Somehow & one arm is enough to deal with you!" Rushing forward Zaku attempts to strike at Karin only to slide to a stop as a barrier springs up between them.
"Idiot..." Seeing shadows develop around him Zaku looks up to see 3 Karins dropping down towards him with her chakra chains out. "Oh crap..." Jumping back he narrowly avoids getting slashed with the chains and lifts his arm at the 3 as they sprint his way. "Decapitating Airwaves!" As Zaku's jutsu slams into the three Karins they all burst into smoke revealing them to be shadow clones while behind her barrier Karin remains still. "Is that all you got Uzumaki?! If all you can do is send clones at me while you hide behind the barrier you don't deserve to call yourself a kunoichi! You sh.." From behind Zaku hears something that makes his blood run cold for just a second.
"Who said that's all I can do idiot?" Before he can react he's wrapped up by golden chains as he turns to see Karin standing behind him just as the one that was before him bursts into smoke. "What...How?" Shrugging her shoulders and keeping the Oto boy wrapped up Karin moves a bit closer. "I used the clone's distraction to substitute behind you leaving a clone in my place." Pushing her glasses up Karin only smirks at the boy before a kanji begin spreading on him. "What is this!? What are you doing to me!?" Frantically trying to break free Zaku begins to pale when he realizes his chakra seems to be receding. "I'm sealing off your chakra, temporarily, I know your arms work by channeling chakra through those holes to control the air. I'd rather not get hit with them so this is my way."
As the genin and jonin watch Karin's seal spread across Zaku's body he suddenly yells and they see blasts of air shatter the chains around him. "Don't underestimate me!" Holding up both arms Zaku aims them at Karin who simply pulls her remaining chains back so they're around and before her. "Ultimate Air Slicer!" Instead of massive blasts of wind though all that occurs is Zaku's chakra suddenly erupts from his elbows causing his arms to fall limp. "I guess I should've warned you with my chains I can easily apply seals. What just happened is the result of you trying to send a large amount of chakra past my restraint seals. They activated and blocked the chakra causing that pressure to be your undoing."
Without warning Zaku attempts to charge Karin but before he's even halfway there her chains ensnare him and slam him against the ground until he's unconscious. Walking forward Hayate notices Karin's seals have yet to fade while Zaku's elbows have a multitude of small holes in them. "He's done. Winner, Karin Uzumaki." As Karin walks back to her team they & the others cheer for her even as some stare at her silently. "So that's the power of the Uzumaki...Gramps was right to have us come here and judge them." After retrieving her kusarigama from Naruto Karin quickly leans against the wall by her team staring back at the Kumo and Iwa teams as they watch her.
Staring back at the boards each genin awaits to see who it'll stop on just as it flashes the names
Hinata Hyūga vs Omoi of Kumo
Staring at each other across the room both genin slowly start walking towards the stairs to the encouragement of their teams. "You can do it Hinata-chan! Kick his butt!" "Show that Hyūga who's boss Omoi!" "Smooth one Karui..." As the two stare at each other on the ground floor Omoi moves his lollipop to the other side of his mouth while putting a hand on his sword's handle. "A Hyūga...With my luck she'll be one that's angry over what occurred a few years back. She'll likely take her time sealing off my chakra and likely leaving my crippled for life." Falling into their respective stances both look at Hayate and launch themselves at each other when he starts the match. As Omoj attempts to slash at Hinata but his blow is deflected by a kunai. Seeing an opening Hinata attempts to end the fight early by aiming to close the young Kumo boy's tenketsu within his torso only to jump back as lightning suddenly arcs out of his body. Lightly shocked by the boy's move Hinata backflips back before falling into a guarded stance as he twirls his blade in one hand. "Sorry about that. But I can't let you seal off my chakra. If I lose the Raikage will be mad at me. And he'll probably punish me with a year of D-ranks. Especially if they involve catching that stupid hawk. And because of that my skills will deteriorate..." "OMOI SHUT UP AND FIGHT!"
Flinching at his comrade's words Omoi shakes his head a bit before falling into his own guarded stance. Noticing that the boys chakra dropped noticeably as he used his close in defense Hinata decided to take a page out of Naruto's book to constantly attack and keep the pressure up. Noticing the shift in Hinata's stance Neji smiles at his cousin from the stands. "Good luck Hinata-san." Closing the distance rapidly Hinata begins striking at the boy with a mix of Jūken and Rapizzu strikes forcing him to remain on the defensive as he tries to avoid being struck. After a moment the Omoi quickly forms a half ram deal with one hand while pulsing his chakra. Seeing the chakra coming Hinata almost manages to back away fast enough but is still affected as lightning chakra arcs from Omoi's sword into her left arm. As both combatants jump back they take stock of their injuries with Hinata noticing her left arm being rendered completely numb while Omoi notices his chakra seems to be flowing slower in his right arm. "I see you managed to partially avoid my Thunder Armor. Even if I'm stilling perfecting it that's impressive given it's speed." For the first time in the match both smile before rushing forward again.
"I...I need to end this soon. I can't take another hit like that." "She's using moves outside of the Hyūga' down style. I knew this girl was better than she seemed. I bet her nervous behaviors earlier were just an act and she's going to go full force soon." Again both genin charged forward but this time Omoi managed to throw Hinata off when he stopped short and put his blade away to use a jutsu. "Raiton: Thunderbolt!" Unable to get away in time Hinata is blasted back by the lightning into a pillar. As she tries and fails to stand Omoi rushes forward with his katana drawn once again. Realizing she can't get away in time Hinata raises her hands as he holds the blade near her throat and surrenders.
Much to his team's shock Omoi puts his blade away before helping her stand up. As he turns around to head back to them he sees Naruto dropping down before him with a smile on his face. "I'm surprised you did that but thanks." "Uhhh you're welcome I guess." As Naruto tries to help Hinata while Omoi looks on before shrugging his shoulders and jumping up once he's near his team. Seeing their faces he again shrugs his shoulders. "What she was a good opponent. Just cause she's a Hyūga doesn't mean I can't be nice at the end of a fight."
As Omoi continues to talk his replacement sensei, a tall blonde women wearing , stares over his shoulder at Naruto and Hinata. "Hey Matabi do you sense that?" "I do. I think that boy inherited the power his mother watch him closely Yugito." As the medical nin declare Hinata fine to stay the various genin all watch the screen once again begin changing names until it settles on two more.
Kankurō of Suna vs Misumi Tsurugi
While the others watch Kankurō and Misumi battle Kakashi and Kaito have placed Sasuke within a extremely intricate sealing formula. "Sasuke this is going to hurt. But bear with it and we'll seal that abomination up so it won't be able to trouble you while Emiko-sama prepares the material needed to remove it. Kakashi keep an eye out I can't afford for anything to disrupt this formula if we want to keep this thing from warping Sasuke's mind." Quickly Kaito forms 3 shadow clones that take up positions around Sasuke before they all begin the same set of handsigns. "*Dual Evil Sealing Method!"
As lines of kanji written in both Kaito and Sasuke's blood begin to glow and retract towards Sasuke he screams as the Cursed Seal attempts to fight before it's encased in a intricate dual layered seal with the Uzumaki swirl forming over Orochimaru's seal. As Kaito stops he collapses onto his butt as his clones dispel due to using all their chakra while Sasuke falls unconscious. While Kaito slowly stands he and Kakashi freeze as they hear a sinister laugh from the shadows. "Ahh so here you are with my future follower."
Both Jonin quickly stare out into the darkness as Orochimaru walks out of it towards them while staring at the unconscious boy behind them. "Orochimaru..." Activating a seal on his right wrist Kaito's network is recharged while he draws a tanto from his back. "Kaito how good to see you again. I knew there was something special about you. Who would've thought you were a Uzumaki though. But regardless I have no business with either of you, so move." Stepping between the two Kakashi's eyes both are focused solely on the traitor. "Why are you after Sasuke?" Smirking Orochimaru stares at Kakashi's face. "For what you gained. The Sharingan. I want the Uchiha's power and he's inherited it."
As Orochimaru stares at them Kaito's chains emerge from his back as he prepares for a fight. "What's your purpose Snake?" Looking at Kakashi Orochimaru's smile grows especially vicious looking as his intent flows out. "You already know it." Tightening his grip on his kunai Kakashi glares back. "Humph. That ridiculous ambition still?" Narrowing his eyes slightly at Kakashi's words the snake briefly considers tearing his eyes out. "In order to do it though I need pieces that obey my every whim." Stepping forward to stand beside Kakashi Kaito's chains begin to come out and wave behind him. "And Sasuke is one?" Cackling in a way that unnerves both Jonin Orochimaru shakes his head. "Oh no he's a exceptional piece. The ones in your exam though are simple throwaway pieces." Slowly walking forward again Orochimaru seems to be daring them to attack. "Stop right there!" "You won't take Sasuke!"
As Kaito and Kakashi prepare to fight both prepare to use their strongest jutsu the Chidori and *Kraken. "Even if you're one of the Sannin. The least we can do is kill you as you kill us!" Seeing their jutsus Orochimaru stops and begins to laugh loudly causing both men's eyes to narrow. "What's so funny." Pointing at the unconscious boy behind the two Orochimaru's smirk grows. "His heart will drive him to seek out power, no matter it's source or danger. He's an avenger..." Keeping his eyes on Orochimaru Kaito seallesly creates a clone that lofts Sasuke up.
"So you'll use that to your advantage right?" To their surprise Orochimaru turns and begins walking into the shadows before stopping. "One day he will seek me out. And you two, kill me? Why don't you try now?" When Orochimaru says this he lets loose his full killing intent paralyzing both men and causing their jutsus to sputter and die. "Kill you and you kill us...What kind of idiot am I?" Staring at each other both quickly grab Sasuke and Shunshin out of the area to leave him under Anbu guard before returning to the preliminaries.
-Preliminary Room-
As they enter the room they see Kabuto's other teammate being carried off on a stretcher as the older Suna boy uses chakra threads to retie the wrapping around his puppet. Standing slightly behind their cousins & team the two smile down at them before looking at the board as two more names are shown.
Kiba Inuzuka vs Neji Hyūga
Staring at each other through the smoke the two boys hop over the rails before walking to stand beside Hayate. "And here I was hoping to fight Naruto..." Showing a rare half smile Neji nods at Kiba before jumping back as Hayate begins the match. "I've fought Naruto multiple times. Believe me Inuzuka-san you're not missing much." "OI WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN NEJI!" Seeing Naruto angry both competitors laugh a bit before they simultaneously rush forward with Kiba leading with his hand claws out. With typical Hyūga attitude Neji deflects Kiba's frenzied swipes before countering with a strike to his left elbow that leaves his arm numb.
Jumping back Kiba massages his arm before grinning at Neji as he tosses Akamaru a soldier pill causing his fur to become red and stand. "I doubt I can afford to not use this technique. All Fours Jutsu!" When Kiba's appearance grows more feral Akamaru jumps onto his back as he calls out another jutsu. "Man Beast Clone!" Suddenly two feral looking Kibas rush forward far faster than Kiba did before though Neji is able to keep up with the two. "I imagine to those who haven't trained with Guy sensei this must be rather hard to avoid."
Deciding to humor the two Neji remains on the defense blocking or deflecting their attacks with chakra covered hands. To those who don't know the boy's skill it seems like the match is truly equal before Neji decides to end it by using his own jutsu. "Kaiten!" Blasted away by Neji's defensive move Akamaru's transformation seems to flicker as he lands prompting Kiba to move next to him. "Looks like we really can't hold back right Akamaru?" Yipping back at Kiba A-Kiba shakes his head and rushes forward with Kiba again.
As he closes with the Hyūga A-Kiba suddenly jumps up and reverts to his normal form before spinning as Kiba yells out two words that make his sensei and remaining teammate laugh quietly. "Dynamic Marking!" As Akamaru marks Neji the older boy is completely silent for a moment as he realizes what just happened. Realizing he might have made a mistake using such a move against the genin Akamaru quickly runs back to Kiba before using the man beast jutsu again. Looking up at both Kibas Neji seems to be twitching before he blitzes forward. Shocked by the sudden attack they're unable to dodge as Neji screams out his jutsu. "Kaiten!"
Sending the two flying as his rage causes him to use more chakra into his jutsu Neji continues to glare at both Kibas as they counterattack. "Fang over Fang!" Still angry over being marked by Akamaru Neji decides to end the fight quickly falling into a wide stance as the background fades around him replaced by the Eight Trigrams and a near invisible dome around it through which he can see both Kibas coming at him. The moment they cross into his area Neji seems to disappear from other's sight while Kiba and Akamaru suddenly feel blows all across their bodies.
"Eight Trigrams 64 Palms!" As soon as it's begun Neji's attack ends with both Kiba and Akamaru, now back to his original form with white fur, fly away from him into the concrete. Unable to move Kiba can only watch in horror as Neji stalks up to him as the proctor calls the round over just as Neji lifts him by the front of his jacket. "Kiba Inuzuka, I swear if you EVER use that disgusting technique on me again! I've already had to deal with Naruto's stink bombs, glitter traps, dyes, paint traps, water balloon barrages, & other idiotic pranks so do not test me or I will persuade him to use them all on you. Do you understand me?!" Nodding as quickly as he can Kiba nearly cries in relief as he realizes Neji isn't going to kill him while Naruto laughs at him. Instead of walking back to his team though Neji asks the proctor where he can change before stalking off as the board begins cycling again.
Yama Fūma vs Samui of Kumo
Staring at each other from across the room the two kunoichi shrug before walking down the stairs and towards where Hayate stands in the center of the room. "She's armed with a sword the same way her teammate is...Let's see how good she truly is." Drawing her blade Samui assumes a guarded stance causing Yama to smirk at her. "I gotta ask does every Kumo shinobi use katanas?" As Yama says this she unseals a Fūma shuriken holding the furled up projectile almost like a sword. "I could ask the same about your clan and using Fūma shuriken." As Hayate calls the round to start the two girls quickly rush forward and attempt to slash each other. Suddenly Yama's shuriken opens up as she pours her chakra into it. Taken by surprise at the sudden movement Samui is forced to drop her blade as she jumps back.
"Now that you've been disarmed let's see how well you can fight." Running forward while spinning her shuriken like a buzzsaw Yama doesn't notice it when Samui smirks as she holds her hand over her blade's sheathe before a puff of smoke appears and is dispersed as she draws her sword causing Naruto and Karin to stare at the girl. "Hey Nee-chan did you notice the seal that appeared as she summoned her sword?" Nodding Karin's grip on her kusarigama tightens in anger. "Oh I did that's our clan's summoning seal. Or at least a partial copy of it! YOU BETTER BEAT HER YAMA!"
Forced on the defensive by Samui having her blade Yama throws her Fūma Shuriken as she jumps back and draws out multiple smaller shuriken before launching them at her as well. Forced to dodge and deflect the weapons being thrown her way Samui almost misses what Yama says. "Katon: Exploding Flame Shot Jutsu!" Striking her armored forearms together Yama creates sparks that subsequently expand into small fireballs that fly at the Kumo girl. "Raiton: Lightning Fang Jutsu!" As Samui swings her sword at the incoming fireballs her blade releases a arc of lightning that causes them to explode before they get near her.
As the area is covered in smoke Yama draws more shuriken and the wire threaded through them before she begins throwing them through the smoke around the arena. As the first few fly only 1 strikes Samui before the smoke clears enough for her to see them coming causing her to jump up and stick to the nearest pillar. Seeing Samui standing above her wires Yama sighs before she draws her tanto from her back scabbard and begins running towards the Kumo girl throwing more shuriken as she advances. Deflecting the strikes Samui rushes forward to fight Yama but before she can close with her Yama suddenly pulls on wires connected to her tanto's sheathe.
Without warning the wires around both girls suddenly tighten up ensnaring Samui while Yama is left free to move. As Samui attempts to get out Yama slowly stalks forward while smiling. "I'm so glad I learned that move. Don't bother trying to get out those wires are stronger than the standard kind & nothing short of a truly exceptional blade can cut them." Grinning up at Yama in a way that says she's found what she's looking for Samui winks.
"Who said I was trying to escape?" Noticing Samui's grip on the wires Yama realizes what's about to happen just before raw lightning chakra is sent into the wires from Samui's hand. As both girls are shocked they scream and Yama's grip on the wires loosens as she falls. For a moment neither moves before Samui slowly stands as lightning arcs off of her as she stumbles towards Yama while drawing a kunai. As Yama comes to she notices Samui's blade to her neck and surrenders as she still can't get up. "I really should've seen that coming stupid me..."
While Yama struggles to sit up Kurenai comes down to help her seal up the shuriken and wires before steadying her as she walks back up to her team. Seeing Karin she grins sheepishly at her friend. "Sorry I couldn't beat her for yah Karin.." Rolling her eyes as she smiles Karin manifests one of her chains and has it stop just before her hand. "Grab it. I can help you recover from that shocking experience." Laughing at Karin's stupid pun Yama does as she's asked before she feels relief as green chakra flows into her from the chain. While the Konoha genin already know of Karin's healing abilities the foreign teams stare in shock as she heals Yama effortlessly. Staring back at the Kumo and Iwa teams Karin & Naruto not so subtly keep their chains out till the next set of names are shown.
Shikamaru Nara vs Kin Tsuchi
While most of the teams watch the fight between Shikamaru and Kin for the Iwa and Kumo teams their focus remains solely upon Naruto, Karin, & Kaito behind them. Looking at her teammates Kurotsuchi can't help but realize how right her grandfather is. "It's been years since the attack on Uzushio and these guys still hate that clan. I may need to tell him that we should keep our distance from these Leaf brats till everyone calms down." "Kurotsuchi how strong do you think that Uzumaki boy is?" Turning to Katsuo she looks between him & Naruto.
"Judging by the other one's abilities he's probably just as strong with fuinjutsu but I feel like he's got more tricks up his sleeves. From what we know he and she are viewed as the Clan's future heads and received quite a bit of extra training as a result. Plus he's under the instruction of Anko Mitarashi so expect him to be at Chunin level in most areas already." Snorting derisively the boy rolls his eyes in response to Kurotsuchi's words. "He doesn't look so tough. If I fight him I'll crush him for what his clan did to my clan." Barely keeping herself from facepalming Kurotsuchi briefly wonders why so many men in her village are idiots. "Rockheads all of them..."
Noticing their attention Naruto glares right back at the Iwa team before tilting his head back to look at Kaito. "What are the odds they're talking about us?" Looking at the Iwa team Kaito briefly has a chain rise behind his back and wave at them. "The way that boy is looking at you Naruto I'd say 100%. Judging by his appearance he's probably part of the *Tetsujin Clan. They were once a major part of Iwa's forces till they were decimated in the attack of Uzushio. He probably blames our clan for their deaths so if you face him be smart cause he'll be especially brutal if given the chance."
"Do you think he's inherited his clan's bloodline?" Nodding Kaito looks over the Iwa team mentally going over their names & family's. "If he's in the same team as the Sandaime Tsuchikage's granddaughter I wouldn't bet against it. And it looks like your friend has just beaten that Oto girl. I'm surprised it took him that long." Laughing at Kaito's comment the two look down to see Shikamaru slowly walking towards the stairs as the Oto girl is taken due away on a stretcher. Seeing the board once again going through names Naruto watches praying he gets to go soon before loudly yelling as it shows other names.
Sakura Haruno vs Ino Yamanka
"Ahh come on I want to fight already!" Knocking Naruto on the back of the head Kaito laughs before putting a hand on his shoulder. "Patience otōto you'll get to fight soon enough I'm sure." While Naruto and Kaito continue to talk as the two girls begin to fight Karin notices the Kumo team not so subtly watching her. Pointedly ignoring them she watches the fight cheering on both her friends. "I would be surprised if they don't try to kidnap one of our's someday soon. I better warn Kaa-san and Emiko-sama to alert the rest of the clan." Looking amongst themselves the Kumo team wonders just what the Raikage will do when they submit reports after the Exams are over.
Noticing their attention Naruto unknowingly copies Kaito and waves derisively to the Kumo team with his chains. "Matabi did you see the shape of his chains?" Watching from within Yugito another entiry nods. "I did Yugito-chan. And I felt his chakra as they came out he's certainly inherited his mother's unique abilities. You must tell the Raikage when this is all over." "This isn't good their village is growing stronger and if their clan is even half of what it was before we'll have issues if war were to break out again." Sensing the one she carry's nod before slipping away Yugito vows to keep her team away from not just the Hyūga but also the Uzumaki.
"Listen up you three", as Omoi, Samui, & Karui look back at her Yugito looks towards the Uzumaki, "whatever happens avoid their clan just as much as the Hyūga. If the Hyūga despise us for what occurred a few years back their clan will surely hate us. Do you understand?" While Omoi and Samui quickly nod in agreement Karui shakes her head. "But sensei! What about our mission from the Raikage? We can't let those Uzu freaks scare us into not seeing how strong they are!" Staring down at the red headed girl Yugito shakes her head. "Karui their clan was strong enough to decimate the forces not just of our village but also those of Kiri, Iwa, Hoshi, & many others. Restrict yourself to gathering information here and passively in the Village if you win your match. I'm sure the others in Konoha will talk about that clan if you pay attention."
Slowly nodding Karui realizes her sensei is right before looking back at the match. "Just how strong do you think they are sensei?" Looking at Kaito before her eyes move on to Naruto and Karin she sighs. "I believe they likely have likely recovered at least three quarters of their strength by now. While they only came back into the light a few years ago we heard rumors before that of unknown shinobi who stole a variety of scrolls, weapons, & artifacts that we and others had looted from Uzushio. I bet they've been slowly working to retrieve all that was stolen from them likely since they got here. If I was you three I would not let your blade out of sight while here. I believe they noticed the seal on Samui's is based off the one their clan uses. They could likely shatter that seal if they fight you so be careful."
Realizing how serious their sensei is all three look back at the match only to see the two Konoha kunoichi knock each other unconscious. "Well that was a let down. And here I thought they were showing some promise with the pinkette having a rather unique set of seals & the blonde using jutsu based off medical jutsu as well as her clan's. I wonder whose next." As Karui says this the board stops on two names causing three jonin to all wince at who is fighting. "Well Blondie have fun I guess."
Naruto Uzumaki vs Katsuo Tetsujin
As the two boys stare at each other they jump over the rails before walking up to Hayate who can already tell this battle will be especially hard. Coughing into his hand Hayate immediately jumps back as he calls for the start of the match. Without missing a beat Naruto forms the cross seal before as his chains keep the Iwa genin away. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" All around the arena smoke comes into existence as nearly 100 Shadow Clones appear around Katsuo. "Kōton: Steel Barrage Jutsu!" Much to Naruto's surprise from the ground around Katsuo steel rises up before forming into spheres and being launched at him and his army of clones. While many clones are able to dodge it becomes clear the small projectiles back a tremendous force when Naruto sees one go through multiple clones before slamming into and cracking one of the supports around them. "Is running all you can do Uzumaki!? I guess your clan truly has fallen if YOU are their future leader!" "*Suiton: Turtle Shell Jutsu!" Expelling a large amount of water from his mouth forming a large shell around himself before the remaining steel balls can slam into him.
Much to Katsuo's surprise his remaining projectiles are all stopped within the shell while Naruto grins at him. "Fuin: Release!" As Katsuo and the others watch water seems to pour from two scrolls in Naruto's hands and quickly forms a puddle 3 inches deep across the entire field. "My turn. *Suiton: Water Dragon Barrage Jutsu!" All around Naruto the water forms into 8 large dragons much to the others shock before they all attack Katsuo from a multitude of angles. Just before they impact his team seems him slam his hands down but his voice is lost in the sound of the dragons impact. Thinking he'd won Naruto smiles before to his, and the other's, shock he sees a dented but still standing curved shield in front of where Katsuo stood. "Kōton: Needle Barrage Jutsu!" Much like before steel seems to rise up around Katsuo before it suddenly shoots forward at Naruto forcing him to dodge though a few manage to strike his legs causing him to wince upon landing. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!", as 3 Narutos form around the original they all form the same handsigns before calling out another jutsu, "Futon: Gale Palm Jutsu!"
Blown back by Naruto's jutsu Katsuo slams into one of the pillars and remains there for a moment before pulling himself from it. As he does so Naruto and the others can see a black material sink into his skin. "I hate that move. *Ironskin is such a pain to use..." "If he's using that move he must be taking this seriously." Drawing his tanto and letting his chains out Naruto rushes forward while Katsuo sighs as his hands and arms take on a black color as they're coated with iron. Fighting Naruto to a near standstill both boys are breathing heavily as they break apart. "For a Uzumaki you're no slouch in taijutsu."
"Hehe just cause our clan has lots of chakra and likes sealing doesn't mean we don't have other skills." As both boys attack again Kaito and Anko notice Naruto seems to be planning something based on how every now & then his chains mark the ground while looking like they missed the Iwa genin. "What's he planning? Those aren't his clan's explosive seals...You better not destroy my tower." As other Konoha Jonin look to Kaito they grow increasingly worried as his smile grows larger and larger the longer the fight goes on. "This is soo gonna hurt. Fuin: Release! *Sea Barrier! Fuin: Tempest Breath!" All around the two boys light green barriers suddenly spring up before multiple blasts of wind are unleashed forcing them towards the barriers.
The moment Naruto's trap begins his chains shot out and dig into the floor around him leaving him relatively still while Katsuo is forced back into one of the barriers by the wild winds. Barely able to move Katsuo struggles to form a handsign before seeing Naruto form his own and use his chains to aim himself at him. "This is going to hurt..." "Fūton: Air Dragon Bullet Jutsu!" Overcharged by Naruto the jutsu not only blasts through his unstable sealed ones but takes their strength before slamming into Katsuo just as iron begins to cover his vitals. Unable to take the strain the barrier behind Katsuo shatters sending the boy flying back across the room and into a wall.
The entire time the only other sound is Kaito laughing so hard he's fallen onto his back while praising how insane his otōto is. "I think they may made a mistake letting Kaito train Naruto. Maybe the Elders were right..." "SUCH YOUTH!" "Even Kushina-san was never that crazy..." "So Shikamaru wasn't exaggerating.." "GO BLONDIE!" "Of course Anko would cheer for him...Then again his cousin isn't much better." While the dust slowly settles the various genin look amongst themselves for the most part glad they're not fighting Naruto.
When the dust finishes settling Naruto keeps his guard up before seeing the Iwa genin still lying on his back after sliding down the wall. Slowly advancing with his chains out Naruto grows increasingly worried he killed the boy before he slowly stirs and looks up at him. "Did you have to use that last jutsu? I feel like I just took a hurricane to the face." Looking behind Naruto at the proctor who's coughing quite a bit due to the lingering dust he raises his hands. "I submit. I know when I'm beaten." "Winner..Ahem. Winner Naruto Uzumaki." As the medical nin rush to help Katsuo onto a stretcher he's surprised when Naruto looks back and says he wants to fight again one day. "Heh sure but next time you won't win." Smirking as he turns and waves goodbye Naruto makes his way back to his team grinning the entire time. It's only when he's near Kaito that he breathes out and sits against the wall that shows how tired he is. "Good job Blondie."
Smiling up at Anko for a second before returning to sitting with his back against the wall and head down the rest of Team 8 look between him and Kaito for an explanation. "Even for one of us Naruto just used alot of chakra. I'm sure if Hinata looked right now with her Byakugan she'd see how much he used and the stress it put his system under. Using that number of Tempest jutsus, the barriers, & his chains were like turning most his chakra into gas & accelerant before throwing a lit match into it. Sure it generated alot of power but it burned away fast & has left his system low. Right Naruto?" As Kaito pokes Naruto he channels a bit of chakra into while Naruto he groans in response. "Kaito-nii remind me to never do that again.." Laughing Kaito nods before handing Naruto the clan's version of a soldier pill. "Sure but knowing you otōto you'll still do it." As the others laugh they turn back to look at the board as it reveals two more names.
Yakumo Kurama vs Kurotsuchi of Iwa
Staring at each other the two slowly make their way to the nearest steps though Yakumo is stopped for a moment as Lee wishes her good luck in her match. "Kurama Clan...I think gramps said their genjutsu specialists that can make the Uchiha look like genin. So I just gotta get close and beat her down with my more widespread jutsu. Too bad gramps hasn't trained me in his style yet. That would be a shock for these Leaf punks to see." As the two stand on either side of Hayate looks at both before calling for the match to begin. Quickly rushing forward Yakumo draws two curved blades and begins slashing at Kurotsuchi who is barely able to dodge each strike which seems to be moving faster and faster which each miss. "I gotta break her rhythm somehow.." "Doton: Rock Armor Jutsu!" As Kurotsuchi's skin takes on a darker tone Yakumo notices it seems to also be reflective before being surprised when her blades don't even leave a scratch when she manages to cut at Kurotsuchi's arms.
Using Yakumo's surprise against her Kurotsuchi kicks the girl away the moment her blade is away from her with surprising force sending the kunoichi flying back. "What was that...It feels like I was hit by a boulder." Seeing Yakumo struggle to get back up Kurotsuchi attacks and nearly manages to strike her with blows that crack the ground below her. "Hiden: Earthen Manacles Jutsu!" Before Kurotsuchi can strike Yakumo again she's stopped in her tracks as the stone beneath her suddenly rises up and ensnares her ankles before solidifying. "Genjutsu: Blooming Sakura Trees!"
All around Kurotsuchi suddenly she see's is Sakura tress in full bloom with Yakumo nowhere to be seen. "This is definitely genjutsu...But why so obvious?" Pulsing her chakra Kurotsuchi is back in the real world but realizes Yakumo is still nowhere to be seen. "Come out Leaf girl...I know your clan specializes in genjutsu." From all around she hears Yakumo's voice but fail to pinpoint it's source. "Why don't you try to find me instead Stonehead."
As Kurotsuchi slowly looks around the the area those watching from above do as well since Yakumo has hidden from their sight too. "Hey Karin-nee", looking over at Naruto she and her team notice he's leaning on the rails, "can you sense her?" Nodding Karin says she can but that she's using her clan's abilities not standard genjutsu to hide herself. "Cool..." Looking back down they notice Kurotsuchi dodging a volley of kunai that appeared from nowhere to her left as Yakumo continued to strike at random times from all around. "Doton: Earth Wave Jutsu!"
With Kurotsuchi at it's center the entirety of the floor begins moving causing many genin to grab at the rails to avoid falling over. Suddenly the arena floor warps again as Yakumo reappears behind Kurotsuchi to her left with a few shuriken around her. "There you are! Doton: Stone Pistol Jutsu!" Quickly rolling to the side Yakumo launches shuriken at Kurotsuchi preventing her from firing more stones as she blocks the incoming projectiles with her armored arms. "That was a creative way to discover me. Katon: Fox Fire Jutsu!" In front of Yakumo 10 small fireballs are formed that she quickly begins launching at Kurotsuchi lightly singeing her left leg slightly.
While both girls take a breathe Kurotsuchi decides to up the fight by using the techniques her father and grandfather had taught her. "Yōton: Quicklime Jutsu!" Stunned at Kurotsuchi's jutsu Yakumo stays still for just a moment too long giving it time to strike her and knock her back. Quickly working to get the burning quicklime off of her Yakumo doesn't notice Kurotsuchi jump up and preform signs for another jutsu. "Suiton: Water Trumpet Jutsu!" The moment the water strikes her Yakumo is left unable to move as the quicklime dries and hardens like cement.
Sighing that she had to show some of her bloodline Kurotsuchi draws out a kunai as she walks towards Yakumo. "Are you gonna give up? Or do I have to cut you a bit?" Channeling chakra into her arms Yakumo tries to break out only for the concrete like substance to resist her strikes & her supplies remain covered as well. "Crap. Proctor I surrender. Now can someone get this off of me." Before either Hayate or Kurotsuchi can move Lee appears beside Yakumo.
"If you do not mind Yakumo-chan I would gladly help you remove this concrete." With the tiniest bit of red on her cheeks Yakumo nods to Lee who proceeds to pull out a metal rod. "Yakumo-chan, please close your eyes real quick." As Hayate calls a end to the match Lee proceeds to quickly break apart the concrete like substance on Yakumo. "Hey Karin-nee, since when did those two know each other? Wasn't Lee from the class before us?" Nodding Karin smiles as the two talk while Lee works on freeing Yakumo.
"He is. But they met before that. Apparently she was struggling with some of the physical exercises after her 2nd year before Lee decided to help her out one day. Since then he helped her get into shape while she helped him learn how to counter genjutsu despite his condition." As soon as the last bit is gone Lee and Yakumo walk back up to their teams talking to each other the whole time. As they clear the field the board once again begins going through the remaining names while everyone else watches.
Tenten Higurashi vs Temari of Suna
While the others watch the two girls battle Karin and Naruto are busy watching the rest of the Suna team. "Hey Naruto does that red head give off bad vibes to you?" Looking at the boy Naruto notices he seems to be gazing at them as well with a scowl. "Yeah I don't know why but he feels off to me. Why?" Looking back down at Tenten Naruto nods while Karin keeps her attention on the redhead. "His chakra seems foul. It's like it's tainted...It just feels wrong to me."
Thinking back to the Kyūbbi's reaction to the boy's presence Naruto nods again as the fight intensifies. "Same and I usually can't sense stuff like that." Looking between the two Kaito considers telling them why the boy feel so off but decides against it for now. "Focus on your friend's fight you two. Afterall she's using seals learned from yours truly. Though I fear this is a bad match up for her." Looking between Tenten with her various weapons and Temari her war fan Karin realizes just how much Kaito is understating it as she nods. "She could still win but it'd take a miracle honestly."
While the two resume watching the match & cheering their friend on Gaara watches them and Kaito. "Mother...you want their blood? Should I prove my existence here and now to them? " Within Gaara a presence seems to awaken and look out at the world through him. "Yes Gaara but wait..They shall prove it in time." "As you wish Mother.." While Kankuro grows increasingly worried as Gaara mutters to himself he breathes out in relief when his episode seems to end without violence. "This can't be good. He views that blonde kid as someone to prove his existence with. How are we going to keep him from going berserk before the proper time?" As Kankuro and his sensei continue to worry themselves over Gaara's actions they smile as Temari defeats her opponent. After the girl is carrier away they turn to look up at the board wondering if Gaara will be fighting next.
Shino Aburame vs *Kabuto Yakushi
While the two boys stared at each other as they walked down the stairs to the ground floor Shino notices that Kabuto seems to be slightly unstable. "He must still be affected by the injury he received in the 1st Test...Though that makes no sense any of the med-nin within the tower should've healed him. He must be faking it for some reason." Staring at each other neither makes a move as Hayate calls a start to the match though Kabuto's right hand does open his kunai holster. "Kabuto-san I advise you to quit. You do not have the skills or chakra to beat me."
Pushing his glasses up a bit Kabuto smiles at Shino before responding. "I can't do that Shino-san. It would look bad on my sensei if me and my teammates all lost today." Before most genin can even reach Kabuto manages to draw and throw a kunai at Shino who blocks it with his own. "Then so be it." Jumping back Shino releases his kikaichū that proceed to swarm around the young Aburame obstructing everyone's vision. When the insects fall back 3 Shinos stand before Kabuto who smirks at them all. "Ahh the famed Insect Clone Jutsu. Let's see how it handles this!"
Drawing out more kunai Kabuto rapidly begins throwing them at the 3 with a few having tags wrapped around their handles. "I was right..." Drawing his short tantos each Shino begins blocking and dodging the kunai until one takes a kunai to the chest before exploding as the tag on the handle detonates. Blown back by the explosion both remaining Shino's begin to fall apart into more kikaichū much to the other's shock. "So their bugs can even imitate weapons interesting.." From behind Kabuto Shino rises out of the ground before more of his insects move to attack Kabuto.
Surprised at his sudden appearance Kabuto is unable to force them off of him for a moment. "Was that Doton: Hidden Mole Jutsu? First a Hyūga who uses another style of taijutsu and now a Aburame who uses ninjutsu. Your team is quite unique Shino-san." With a small smile Shino nods even as he presses his attack on Kankuro. "That is to be expected when you are teamed up with a Uzumaki. They can be quite persuasive in their own way.." Hearing this Anko laughs as she remembers how persistent Naruto was on getting Shino to learn moves outside of his clan's.
While Shino ignores Anko's laugh & Naruto yelling at her he can't help but agree their team is unique in some ways. "Kikaichū: Ironbettle Armor Jutsu." As Shino takes a more aggressive stance numerous beetles climb over his sleeves before forming into a chitinous armor with covering from his arms from the elbows to the tips of his fingers. Drawing one of his tantos from his back Shino quickly forces Kabuto back with surprisingly aggressive strikes at his joints. Unable to get room Kabuto is nearly forced into one of the pillars before he's able to kick Shino away though his left leg receives a shallow cut in exchange. While Shino is down Kabuto completes a set of handsigns for his own jutsu. "Suiton: Water Bullet Jutsu!"
Still getting up Shino can only take the incoming shots with his armored forearms before Kabuto suddenly seizes up and stops firing. Looking down he notices his chest and legs are coated in Shino's insects. "When...When did they reach me?" Slowly rising as some of his chitin armor falls off Shino holds out his sword which has a slight divot on it's back filled with kikaichū coming from Shino's hand. "Every strike that landed more crawled on onto you but they waited for my signal to begin devouring your chakra. This is my final offer for you to submit Kabuto-san. If my kikaichū continue devouring your chakra you may become too injured to continue as a shinobi." With no way to beat Shino, without revealing his true abilities, Kabuto raises his hands and submits. "Winner Shino Aburame!"
While the two visibly show no reactions internally both are pleased with the results. "That should be enough to cover my participation in these exams. And I now have plenty of data to hand over to Lord Orochimaru." Looking down at his returning kikaichū one of Shino's eyebrows momentarily raises before he shrugs slightly. "Strange my hive says he had far more chakra than he let on. He could've continued fighting but chose to end it prematurely.." As Shino ponders the strange decisions Kabuto made he briefly acknowledges the complements of his teammates as the board lights up again.
Gaara of the Desert vs Rock Lee
While Gaara seems to not care he quickly shunshins down to the floor while glaring up at Rock Lee who seems excited to fight him. As Lee jumps over the railing Naruto and Karin watch nervously at Gaara. Worried about his friend Naruto looks at Kaito who seems to he totally focused on Gaara as the match begins. "This isn't good...There is only one thing that could give that boy a defense like that." "Kaito-nii can Lee win this?" Shaking his head Kaito looks down at Naruto before responding. "Your friend likely can't this is probably the worst matchup he could have received. His abilities will likely struggle to get past that boys defenses." As Kaito says this he looks towards Guy who seems to be just as worried as the others.
"Guy did you give him those tools we crafted for you?" Nodding Guy points towards the slight bulges below Lee's leg warmers & wrists. "He's a natural at taijutsu so the weights have grown to the point most Genin would struggle to lift them. And I've begun training him with various weapons & he seems partial to the half staff." Watching Lee very closely Kaito looks quickly at Guy before motioning to Lee's legs and arms. "You've let him train without the weights on right? Those seals aren't meant to be on forever. Even if he can handle the weight it could harm him later in life."
Nodding Guy gives Kaito one of his signature good guy poses that Naruto swears he hears a ping from. "Don't worry Kaito-san I have him train without the seals active every other day while also making him remove them after training and during missions." Nodding Kaito is glad Guy followed his clan's advice as they knew his reputation and were worried he might overuse the seals they made for him and his apprentice. Though he still remains worried about the fight as Gaara's chakra grows increasingly bloodthirsty as it drags on.
After seeing Lee move without his gravity seal assisted weights his opinion of Maito Guy begins to change as he starts to see how attentive he really is. "Hmm maybe his reputation as a training fanatic has been overinflated. Afterall it's not like he taught Lee any kinjutsu..." Before Kaito can finish that thought he see's Lee opening the first 3 Gates causing his smile to disappear as he looks back at Guy. "Guy...What exactly were you thinking? Were you even thinking?!...Why did you train him in opening the Inner Gates? You know the risks!" While Kaito continues berating Guy his attention suddenly shifts back to Gaara and Lee as Lee finishes his Reverse Lotus. "Oh no..."
Unable to react in time the crowd is forced to watch as Gaara shatters Lee's left arm and leg before Guy can intervene and save his apprentice. While Lee is carried away on a stretcher Kaito looks between Gaara and the other genin. "I will need to speak with Kaida-sama and Tsunade-sama after this. They might be the only ones who can save that boy's career as a shinobi." Staring up at the board as it displays the second to last match Kaito is silent alongside all the others as the two walk down the steps to the ground floor. While most the Genin remain to watch Yakumo runs after the stretcher carrying Lee as the board once more lights up.
Karui of Kumo vs Yamahachi Kamizuru
Immediately jumping back as Hayate begins the round Karui draws her katana and begins circling the Iwa boy who simply watches her. "Well are you going to just stand there?! Do something!" Staring at the girl his gaze changes from neutral to disdainful as he keeps an eye on her. "You are not the one I wanted to fight so just quit. You aren't worth my time." Angered at the man's insult Karui channels lightning chakra into her blade. "Too bad for you then. Cause I ain't quitting!" Running forward with her blade up Kauri attempts to end the fight quickly only for Yamahachi draws two kunai and blocks her strike.
"If you won't submit I'll force you to!" Knocking the girl back he summons a swarm of hornets before calling out his jutsu. "Thousand Stingers Jutsu!" Forced to dodge constantly to avoid being poisoned Karui is driven back across the floor before she can use her own jutsu. "Raiton: Lightning Strike Jutsu!" From her outstretched hand a bolt of lightning arcs through the air vaporizing the wasp's incoming stingers and much of the swarm though Yamahachi is able to get away.
"I hate bugs." With his eyes narrowing the Kamizuru summons more wasps before having them begin circling around him. "Bee Bomb Jutsu!" Suddenly dozens of wasps with explosive tags upon them begin flying towards the lone Kumo girl who quickly jumps back as the first detonate where she once was. "Crap I gotta get rid of these bugs somehow or I'm gonna lose!" "Raiton: Lightning Senbon Jutsu!" As the senbon form and begin striking the remaining wasps & tags detonating them prematurely between her and the Kamizuru. "Smart move but it's too late. Bee Honey Jutsu!" Before Karui can react a swarm of wasps suddenly swarm around her before bursting. As the various insects begin to burst around her Karui is increasingly held down by the honey they release.
In only a few minutes she's left completely immobile while Yamahachi slowly walks closer to her with a kunai out. "Proctor I advise you call the match as I have no intention of letting one who speaks ill of my clan's abilities walk away unscathed." Struggling to break free Karui rapidly pulses lightning chakra around herself but the honey remains mostly intact even as she channels it into her katana and attempts to cut her way out. Coughing Hayate jumps between the two signaling Yamahachi to stop. "Genin Karui...ahem...If you can not free yourself in the next 10 seconds.", pausing for a second to cover his mouth Hayate holds up a hand to silence her, "I will call the match." Frantically struggling Karui channels more of her chakra into both her blade & out of her body but the honey remains stuck around her. Sighing she admits defeat before Hayate calls the match.
As Hayate helps Karui remove the honey Yamahachi walks away after glaring at Shino who stares back with the same indifferent expression his clan is known for. "Hey Shino how come he's staring at you like that?" Looking to his side Shino raises one hand allowing a few of his kikaichū to walk out onto his palm. "These are why. Like my Clan his clan are a clan of insect users though they specialize in the use of wasps, bees, & hornets while we utilize many kinds of insects. During the last war our clans constantly battled each other & ultimately we were victorious while they were decimated." When Shino stops talking he notices the others staring at him before Anko laughs and says that's the most he's ever spoken. Before he can respond though the board shows the last two names for the preliminaries.
Chōji Akimichi vs Dosu Kinuta
While Chōji is initially nervous about fighting he is quickly convinced by Asuma leading to him pulling his bō from his back before Hayate starts the fight. While Naruto is initially interested in the fight he quickly tunes out as he considers the various people he might fight. "I can't wait! Hopefully Kaito-nii can help me train more cause I really want to fight Neji-nii, Sasuke, Gaara, & that Kumo kid who hurt Hinata-chan...I wonder who I'll fight first?" While Naruto continues to consider what he could learn from Kaito his friends each warily look at Gaara who still seems angry after his match with Lee. But even they eventually watch as Chōji nearly beats the boy he's fighting by expanding his arms & staff before it's shattered by his strikes. Ultimately that proves his undoing as when he's forced to use his clan's more traditional jutsu he's easily defeated.
While Chōji slowly walks up to his sensei the various winners are all called down, aside from Sasuke, and congratulated on passing the Preliminaries before the Hokage steps forward. "Once again I must congratulate you all on reaching this far. For those of you who won your matches I ask that you step forward when Hayate-san", as he says this Hayate steps forward and holds out a open bag to each winner, "steps before you & draw out a single piece of paper. Once all have their number we will show the initial matches for the final exam. Before any of you ask winning does not guarantee you will be promoted it only gives one more chances. It is possible to earn your promotion in a single match even if you do not win. Now please read out your numbers." For a moment Hiruzen is silent as each number is called before looking back as the board reveals the initial matches.
1st Branch
Naruto vs Omoi - Shino vs Yamahachi
Neji vs Samui - Shikamaru vs Temari
2nd Branch
Karin vs Kurotsuchi - Kankurō vs Dosu
Sasuke Uchiha - Gaara
While the various future opponents stare each other down the Hokage claps his hands to draw everyone's attention again. "You all have 1 month to rest and train for the Final exam.", seeing Naruto about to interrupt he holds up his hand, "The reasons are simple each of you now has at least a broad under standing of the others abilities. This month will give each of you time to train and learn new skills or develop the ones you already have. It will also allow us to send word to the various Kage, Village Leaders, Feudal Lords, & other who wish to watch your fights. For those from other villages you can leave if you wish but be sure to be back no later than the day before the Final Exam so as to not risk disqualification. Those who wish to stay are free to use Training Grounds 14-26 just have your sensei alert us so we can ensure there are no issues with you & any other team. You are all dismissed!"
As the various teams are escorted out of the tower and Training Ground under escort from their sensei and the various proctors of the 1st & 2nd Exams. By day's end the various teams who had one or more members competing in the final exam were told to meet the next day by their sensei at their usual spots. To Naruto the excitement of the last few days, plus the terror he'd felt at various points, meant that when he finally made it to his own bed he immediately passed out and began dreaming of the various ways he'd best all the others and obviously be promoted to Chunin.
*-exactly what it sounds like a stronger version of the seal Kakashi used that uses the will of both the one it's on & the seal's maker to restrain the curse seal
*-user forms tentacles out of water either around themselves or in the water that can attack enemies or shield the user/allies
*-OC Iwa clan think of them as Iwa's Akimichi minus the whole love of food & allied clans they have a bloodline but not every member will show it
*-forms a turtle out of water that's incredibly dense typically used for defense
*-offensive jutsu based off the standard Water Dragon Bullet that forms multiple, slightly smaller, dragons that are used to overwhelm an enemy
*-coats the user either totally or partially in iron that protects their body from most attacks
*-lowest Uzumaki barrier at barely C-rank in strength
If you're wondering why I had Kabuto stay only to lose the answer is simple information. Due to the presence of the Uzumaki, and knowing their talent with seals, Orochimaru decided to not watch the fights. Instead he watched Kakashi & Kaito in order to see if they were attempting to remove his seal on Sasuke so instead of him being disguised as the Oto sensei another Oto follower took his place. So Kabuto stayed but lost to keep his cover of being a mediocre genin intact.
I can't believe how quickly I typed this all out. Hope y'all liked it & come back when the next chapter is done. See yah later!
Rewrite-3/10-3/12/2021