My Brother's A Jinchuriki

by Syren7137

Book One: Deep in the Land of Fire, in the Hidden Leaf Village, the hero Naruto Uzumaki lives. But, what if he had a sister? Enter Natsumi Uzumaki. She's your typical twin sister- empathetic, responsible, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her brother... but what happens when she falls for her brother's sensei? (This is a slow burn romance spanning many years)

66. Chapter 64: An Unexpected Match

Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto stood around the trio of posts in the third training grounds waiting for Kakashi to show up.

Naruto scrunched his face and kept his arms crossed as he grumbled to himself. "Why does Kakashi-sensei always tell us to meet and then he's the one late?"

Sakura sighed deeply, keeping her eyes closed. "I wonder why he called us here. We're not supposed to have any missions in preparation of the Chunin Exam..."

Sasuke kept his arms crossed his arms as he leaned against the post.

Finally, Kakashi approached them with his hand raised in greeting. "Good morning!" He stuck his hands into his pocket and smiled. "There was an old woman who needed help crossing the street."

Naruto and Sakura pointed at him simultaneously with a scowl. "Liar!"

Kakashi chuckled and stopped in front of them. "Let's get right to it, then." He looked over the three of him with a hand on his hip. "As you know, there are still a few days left to submit your applications for the Chunin Exam, but today I wanted to put you through one final exercise to prepare you, should you decide to take it."

"Prepare us?" Sakura lowered her arm and tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"

"To put it simply..." Kakashi looked up for a moment and then back to his team. "You'll be competing against your old classmates and friends. Normally, you would hold back against a friend, but in the Chunin Exams, everyone has to compete with one another. You'll have to put your qualms aside if you're going to advance."

"So," He continued as Naruto crossed his arms and listened. "I've enlisted the help of a familiar face."

Kakashi turned to look to the side and Natsumi stepped out of the forest with a smile.

"Natsumi?!" Naruto blinked. "How is she going to help?"

Natsumi met Kakashi's eyes for a moment, her cheeks warming slightly as she stopped beside him and smiled at her brother.

"She'll be your opponent for this exercise."

Naruto and Sakura's eyes widened as they stared at the redhead, who nodded.

"That's right!" Natsumi beamed and looked at them. "It'll be fun."

"Opponent?" Naruto muttered and scratched his cheek. "Say, Kakashi-sensei... what do you mean by that?"

"It's exactly how it sounds. The three of you will be fighting against Natsumi."

Their eyes widened and Sakura froze in place, gulping. "Her?! We have to fight... her?" She glanced sideways at Sasuke and let out a sigh. "Well, considering her speed alone in the classroom that time... I don't think I have much of a chance against her, but there's no way she could defeat Sasuke."

"Wha—?!" Naruto looked at Natsumi. "Kakashi-sensei, what do you mean?! I have to fight my own sister?!"

"Naruto, the other Genin participating are not going to go easy on anyone— not even on their own friends. You'll have a lot of competition and only a few can become Chunin in the end. If you hold yourself back, you'll be held back." Natsumi shrugged. "It's as simple as that."

Kakashi looked down at the girl and then nodded. "Well said."

Natsumi blushed faintly at the praised and clasped her hands behind her back as she waited. Kakashi put one hand on his hip and turned to his team.

"That's right; only a few will be able to earn the title of Chunin. During the Exam, you will have to give it your all. The best way to prepare for that is to give your all during training. If you're lazy in your training, your skills will be low during the exam."

Naruto grumbled and crossed his arms. "I can't fight my own sister. What if I hurt her?"

Natsumi put her own hands on her hips. "I'm not weak, you know! Just think about it like this: proving yourself in the Chunin Exam is the best way to get people to acknowledge you so that they will support you as Hokage someday. If you give up now because you are too chicken to spar your own sister, then you wouldn't make a good Hokage anyway."

Naruto's mouth hung open for a moment and then he clenched his fist as he furrowed his brow. "Y-You're just saying that to rile me up, aren't you?!"

"Is it working?" Natsumi giggled.

"You're darn right it is!" He shouted. " I'm going to show everyone that I'll be the greatest Hokage ever!" He put a hand on his hip, smirking slightly as he rubbed under his nose. "I won't go easy on you, Natsumi, even if you are my sister."

"That's the idea." She giggled again and Kakashi took a step forward.

"Before you begin, I have a few rules to go over."

"Rules?" Naruto groaned. "Let's just get on with it already!"

"What kind of rules?" Sakura asked.

"For one," He held up one finger. "this is not going to be a series of one-on-one fights."

Naruto gaped. "W-Wait, what?! We can't all go at her at once!"

Sakura eyed Natsumi and held her hand in close to herself. "No way... he was serious about that? I thought for sure he was kidding before..."

"Three against one?" Sasuke smirked faintly. "That's too easy."

Natsumi made a face and crossed her arms. "It's dangerous to underestimate your opponent."

"Hmph." Sasuke looked away and closed his eyes briefly. "He might have said it in the Land of Waves as a joke, but there's no way that she could defeat the three of us at once."

"Secondly," Kakashi held up another finger as he continued. "You're to go all-out as if it were an actual mission. Of course, there will be no killing or maiming your opponent, so you'll have to restrain yourself at simply subduing her."

The trio blinked slowly and looked at the Jonin.

"He's... he's really serious?" Sakura pressed her lips together and shuddered. "Does he really expect us to fight her as if we mean to kill her?"

Kakashi eyed Natsumi, who stood quietly as she listened. "That goes for you as well."

Natsumi nodded. "I know."

Sakura shuddered slightly. "She already scares me, but this rule makes her seem even scarier."

Sasuke looked to Natsumi and narrowed his eyes in thought.

Naruto nodded quickly. "Okay, okay! What else?!"

"Thirdly," Kakashi lifted a third finger and his expression darkened. "If she subdues you, that means you're "dead." So, even if you recover, you're unable to join the fight and help your comrades."

Their eyes widened and they glanced between in each other.

"During training exercises, you are able to try again if you fail. However, in the Chunin Exam and on real missions, if you are killed, that's it. Developing as a Ninja and as a team means that you have to become effective and powerful enough to prevent losing your teammates and protecting them if they are prone. So, if you are "killed" in this exercise, you won't be able to jump back in and assist, simulating the real-life consequences."

Sakura gulped once more and bit her lip. "I'm really starting to not like this idea at all. We won't be able to help each other once we're out... I'm not as strong as them, but even so... I could offer some support."

Sasuke eyed Natsumi again. "This is going to be interesting."

Naruto smirked. "I won't lose! Not even to my own sister."

Kakashi lowered his arm. "Lastly, the exercise is over either after you subdue Natsumi, or all of you are eliminated. Either way, this will be excellent practice for the four of you."

"Any questions before we begin?" Kakashi looked over his three students, who remained quiet.

"Um... Kakashi-sensei... is there a time limit for this exercise?" Sakura raised her hand slightly as she asked, lowering it as his attention turned to her.

"Until noon, or until either you win and she is subdued, or she wins and you all are crushed." Kakashi smiled, his eyes crinkling and Sakura and Naruto both scrunched their faces. "Whichever comes first."

"He didn't have to say it like that..." Sakura let out a soft sigh and then straightened. "But I can't give up before I've even started. I can't let my teammates down."

"Darn..." Naruto scratched his cheek. "I don't like the idea of thinking of Natsumi as my enemy... but it can't be helped."

Natsumi raised her hand and Kakashi looked over at her.

"Yes?"

"Do you want me to use any handicaps?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes slightly. "Either she's overconfident, or she underestimates us." He clenched a fist. "Either way, it pisses me off!"

"Considering she's already had several months of ANBU training, there's a good possibility of her having already mastered a few techniques that would be overkill..." Kakashi shrugged after a moment. "Use your best judgement."

"Okay!" Natsumi smiled, tilting her head to the side slightly.

A chill ran down Sakura's spine and she stared at the redhead. "That confirms it... she must be really strong for her to ask something like that... and for sensei to answer that way."

"Any more questions?" Kakashi put a hand into his pocket and looked between his students.

"Come on, come on!" Naruto complained. "Let's just do this already!"

Natsumi separated herself from them at the other end of the field as they lined up in front of the posts and stood readied.

"All of you, do your best." Kakashi narrowed his eyes and raised his arm up. "Begin... now!"

Kakashi leapt quickly out of the way to observe from atop a tree. Before his team could move, Natsumi flickered behind Sakura, touching the back of her head with a single finger while holding up the Ram hand sign with only one hand.

Sakura's body went completely rigid and she cried out in panic. "H-How did she get behind me so fast? What's wrong with my body? What did she do to me?! I can't move!"

"Dead." Natsumi muttered coldly, gently pushing the girl over to fall onto the ground, still immobilized.

Sakura's mouth opened but nothing came out. She looked up at Natsumi as she stood above her, with her lip trembling. "I... I'm not anywhere near her level! I didn't even last five seconds!"

Kakashi's expression changed and he watched the girl carefully. "She took out Sakura so quickly... and with a move like that. It's no wonder that the Hokage recommended her for the ANBU..."

Naruto's eyes widened and he froze in place, staring at Sakura as she struggled to move, but was paralyzed. "H-How..." He gazed at Natsumi and took a defensive stance. "She's so fast! What did she do to Sakura? I've never seen a Jutsu like that before!"

"Naruto, fall back!" Sasuke called out, and they leapt back to two separate locations.

Sasuke hid himself in the brush and narrowed his gaze at the Uzumaki girl. "A paralysis technique, right off the bat. Simple, but effective for taking out targets... and she took out our weakest member first to get her out of the way... that's exactly what I would have done." His eyes fell on Sakura as she lay on the ground. "I won't succumb to that technique so easily now that I've seen it, though."

Naruto leapt away, but Natsumi retrieved a Kunai knife from her pouch and fixed her eyes on him. He gulped and moved continuously around the glade to keep his distance from her. "Yikes! She's after me now!" His eyes narrowed. "But I won't run away! I won't go down so easily!"

As he kept his distance, he formed a hand sign. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

A faint smile tugged on Natsumi's lips and she copied the sign. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu."

Naruto's eyes widened as the area filled with an equal number of their clones and he landed on top of the center post and she landed on the grass below.

"W-When did you learn that?!" Naruto quickly recovered and pulled out his own Kunai, with his clones following suit.

"You're not the only one who can read." Natsumi murmured and he stared at her incredulously.

"You read that Scroll of Sealing, too?! When?!"

"Before you." Natsumi twirled the Kunai around her index and then gripped it tightly with a smile.

"Wha—" Naruto furrowed his brows. "So that's why the seal was already broken when I found it..."

Natsumi nodded. "Sorry, Naruto. I really don't want to fight you, but I also can't take it easy on you just because you're my brother. I know you're going to be a great Shinobi someday, and there aren't any shortcuts for that path. You understand."

Naruto nodded in recognition at his own words and chuckled. "Like I said, I won't go easy on you."

"I don't want you to." Natsumi smiled.

They shared a smirk and their clones clashed in a flurry of Kunai strikes. One of Naruto's clones carefully moved Sakura out of the way of the fighting, though she was still paralyzed.

"Sakura, are you okay?" The clone asked as he sat her up against a smooth tree.

She nodded slowly, her cheeks warming slightly as she looked away from him. "Yes... I'm fine. Thank you, Naruto." Sakura let out a short sigh. "This is so frustrating! I'm completely useless!"

The clone grinned and saluted Sakura before returning to the fight. Naruto blinked in surprise and saw that more than half of his clones had already been defeated and dispelled.

"She's really good!" He dodged her Kunai strike, but only just and managed to move away from her. "She's better at Taijutsu than I am... I need to think of something else." He gritted his teeth. "Where's that Sasuke when you need him?!"

Sasuke watched as the fighting between the clones continued and Natsumi moved toward the target area. The clones grew closer together and he smirked. Shifting his position on the branch, he formed a series of hand signs— Horse, Tiger, Serpent, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger— and drew in a deep breath.

"Fire style! Fireball Jutsu!"

Sasuke released his breath and a powerful ball of fire erupted from his lips at the fighting below. A massive fireball filled the area and dispelled the clones. Natsumi's eyes widened and Naruto quickly escaped.

Natsumi slipped underground as the flames consumed the space she had just been standing. It burned the grass in a wide diameter and the glade filled with sweltering heat until the Jutsu ended, leaving the pungent smell of char and earth in the air.

Sasuke landed on the ground deftly and looked around, finding no sign of Natsumi. "Damn... she escaped!"

"Natsumi?!" Naruto stared at the charred area and paled, staring at Sasuke. "Y-You disintegrated my sister!" He gripped Sasuke's collar with one hand. "You'll pay for that!"

"You moron!" Sasuke swiped Naruto hand away and scowled. "I didn't kill her! She escaped!"

Naruto blinked and then let out a sigh of relief, then laughed. "I-Is that so?"

Natsumi emerged from the ground behind them quickly, slashing at Naruto with her Kunai as she spun and aimed a kick at Sasuke's head. Naruto blocked her Kunai with his own and Sasuke blocked her kick with his forearm and was pushed back by its force.

"She's stronger than I anticipated." Sasuke shoved her back and Natsumi landed on her feet in a catlike stance. Her expression was unusually serious as she watched them. "Not only are her strikes heavy, but that look in her eyes is almost predatory. I underestimated her before; she's definitely on my level, without a doubt."

Naruto grinned and clutched his Kunai tighter. "That was good, Natsumi, but you can't beat us!"

"Oh?"

Natsumi threw Kunai and Shuriken at the boys and as they knocked them away and dodged, she bit her thumb, brought her hands together— Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram— and held her right hand in front of her, aimed directly at Sasuke.

Summoning Jutsu!

The summoning seal appeared in the air before her palm and a pure white Ninja Cat burst seemingly out of her palm, wearing a black kimono and wielding a small Katana. The Ninja Cat launched herself at Sasuke, bearing her sharp ivory teeth in a grin as she gripped her sword and readied a strike.

"Finally! I've been itching for action!"

"Yuki! Disabled, not dead!" Natsumi called to her companion.

Sasuke stepped back and raised his Kunai to block the cat's skillful attack and reacted quickly as its agile attacks kept him busy. "She can summon as well?! What other techniques is she hiding?"

"Aw, Red!" The cat laughed and easily dodged his attacks, lighter on her paws than he was on his feet. "That's no fun!"

"Yuki, I mean it!" Natsumi shot a look at her companion, who cackled.

"You owe me!" The cat swung at Sasuke again, and he blocked, struggling against the attack before pushing it away.

Kakashi's watched carefully as the cat engaged Sasuke and left Natsumi free to target Naruto. "So, she can even summon as well? I hadn't heard about that." He gazed down at Sakura, whose wriggling had increased. "Though it seems her paralysis Jutsu is wearing off. She's kept it up for quite some time, considering her age and its difficulty."

Naruto's eyes grew at the sight of the cat. "When did you learn all this stuff?"

"All those sunrise training sessions really pay off. Maybe you should wake up early with me and find out for yourself." Natsumi giggled and pressed her left hand to the post and a glowing blue symbol appeared.

Space-Time Jutsu! Ninjato Summoning!

Kakashi's eyes widened at the glowing symbol. "That Jutsu!" The hilt of her sword appeared through the symbol and she grasped it, pulling it out from the post. "It's only natural that she learned it somehow... Are you watching this, Minato-sensei? She takes after you."

Natsumi took a deep, catlike stance with the sword raised above her head, breathing slowly in a controlled manner as her eyes captured his every move.

Naruto gritted his teeth. "She's so strong! And where did all these Jutsu come from?!" He took a defensive stance. "I'm going to defeat her and make her tell me!"

Natsumi switched from a defensive stance to offensive and rushed at Naruto, slashing at his belly. He parried and retrieved a second Kunai, using it to block as she struck again. He stepped back each time as she stepped forward, slicing and slashing as he blocked each attack, nearly overpowered.

"Hm?" Kakashi watched Natsumi's form. "She isn't using her full strength?" He chuckled. "If he hasn't realized what she's doing... he's a fool."

"She's strong! And fast!" Naruto parried and lunged his Kunai at her side. Without a moment of hesitation, her leg rose in a crescent kick, forcing him off-balance and knocking the Kunai from his hand. "Gah!"

Natsumi straightened to a stand with a smile and pointed her sword at him. "You're doing well, Naruto, but you still need to take me down."

He furrowed his brows and ran at her. With a simple shift of her feet and distribution of her weight, she evaded and brought her leg up to his stomach. The force sent him flying several meters and he grunted as he rolled to a stop.

"Sorry!" Natsumi called out and smiled sheepishly.

I really don't like being his opponent... but this is for his own good, and Kakashi asked me to do this, after all. I can't let him down.

Naruto stood slowly and glanced at Sakura, who was beginning to gain control over her body again as she watched the fight, and then to Sasuke, who was becoming agitated by the cat's lightning fast strikes and even faster dodges. He turned back to his twin and laughed under his breath and met her eyes.

"I'm glad you're not going easy on me!" He chuckled. "But, now it's time for me to beat you!"

Running at her once more, she stood in place and closed her eyes patiently.

Sakura followed Naruto with her eyes and then turned her attention to Natsumi. "She's... closing her eyes?" Her eyes widened. "Naruto! It's a trap!"

"H-Huh?" Naruto slowed and glanced at Sakura out of the corner of his eye.

"Too late!" A familiar voice shouted from below him, under the earth, and a pair of arms reached up and gripped each of his ankles tightly.

"Gaaaah!" Naruto struggled against the hands.

"Earth Style! Double Suicide Decapitation!" Natsumi's clone pulled Naruto into the ground, leaving only his head free.

Natsumi giggled and high-fived her clone before it vanished in a puff of smoke and knelt in front of Naruto.

"Y-You beat me!" Naruto stammered. "How did you learn to do all this stuff?"

"Sorry." Natsumi shrugged, and then sighed. "We'll talk later, when the exercise is over, okay?"

She stood and then propped the Ninjato against her shoulder and watched Yuki fighting with Sasuke, keeping him frustrated and busy.

Good. The longer she harasses him, the more tired he'll become. Even at his level, his stamina won't last forever.

Sakura looked up and her eyes widened slightly. "She's already taken out Naruto as well?! It hasn't even been very long since the fight first began! How is she so strong? She's only a Genin, the same as us!"

Natsumi looked over her Sakura, narrowing her eyes.

She broke the third rule.

Natsumi held up a Shuriken and took aim, throwing it at Sakura. She froze in place, trembling as it zipped by her head and lodged itself deep into the bark of the tree behind her. A single strand of pink hair fell to the ground and Sakura's eyes widened as it fell.

"Penalty." Natsumi held up three fingers and smiled, despite her cold tone.

"T-That was close!" Sakura turned slowly to see the Shuriken behind her, then gulped and quickly looked back at the redhead. "S-She's... a beast!"

Natsumi slipped off her leather jacket, dropped it to the ground, and then clutched her sword as she approached Sasuke.

"It's all up to him now... He'll take her down for sure." Sakura sat up straighter.

Natsumi observed Yuki engaging with Sasuke and smiled to herself.

Luckily, I've heard enough from Naruto about Sasuke's strengths and skills. He might be strong, but if I can wear him down, I can win pretty easily.

Sasuke looked over to Naruto out of the corner of his eye and his eyes widened slightly. He blocked a strike from the cat and it leapt back, standing on a tree while watching him carefully.

"So, Naruto is down, too? And with that same technique... Of course he succumbed to it, if I was unable to avoid it." He looked between Yuki and Natsumi, who both kept their eyes on him. "She may be good enough to take down Naruto and Sakura, but I'll end this."

Sasuke smirked and blinked. "Let's see her try to beat my Sharingan."

Natsumi smirked as his eyes shifted to red.

There it is. Now things are really interesting. I wonder if I'll be able to beat his Sharingan at all.

She adjusted her stance and her smirk grew.

This is going to be really fun. I've always wanted to take him down a peg for his cocky attitude.

Sakura's eyes widened as the paralysis fully dispelled and she stood. "He's using the Sharingan? Does he really think she's that serious of an opponent?"

"Yuki, huff and puff!" Natsumi called out and rushed at Sasuke, throwing a Kunai at him.

Sasuke smirked and easily dodged the attack and then saw the piece of fluttering paper attached to the weapon. "A paper bomb!"

He jumped up in time to avoid the blast and the two converged on his location, swinging their swords at him. He saw their attacks before they could land and he countered quickly each time, Natsumi matched his speed.

He knocked Yuki back and she flew several meters to land on her feet with an angry hiss and he focused his gaze at Natsumi. "She's faster than I anticipated... even with my Sharingan, her speed is close enough to mine where it's difficult to get on the offensive. How is it possible for her to be so fast?

He brought his leg up to kick her away, and she stood slowly. Natsumi let out a slow breath and focused her Chakra carefully.

I'm not very good at this technique yet, but it's good for killing time.

Sasuke watched both opponents carefully— Natsumi, as she stood in a strange stance and watched him just as intently, and Yuki, who was flicking her tail back and forth in what appeared to be a feline version of Natsumi's stance.

"She's channeling large amounts of her Chakra..." Sasuke narrowed his eyes and focused his Sharingan at her. "Preparing a Jutsu. Hmph. She must be ignorant about my Sharingan, or cocky."

Yuki grabbed a fallen Kunai and threw it at Sasuke and he moved out of its path.

Now! Natsumi infused her Chakra into her Ninjato and swung hard at Sasuke. His eyes widened slightly as his sight revealed Chakra wind slicing through the air toward him.

Sasuke dodged with a back handspring and scowled as the invisible force crashed into the trees behind him. "It must be a new skill for her... the strike was weak and unconcentrated."

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly. "So, she's already learned how to change the nature of her Chakra..." He scratched his cheek. "She's already far more advanced than I had expected. Hopefully they don't become too discouraged."

Come on.

Natsumi launched a series of wind attacks at him and watched him dodge in succession.

How much more do I need to push you? Attack me.

As he dodged her strikes, Yuki continued to throw fallen Kunai and Shuriken whenever he began to neglect defending his sides. "I see now... they know my Sharingan takes up a lot of Chakra, and they're intentionally trying to wear me out... not a bad plan. I need to end this quickly."

"You know..." Natsumi pointed her sword at him. "I'm kind of disappointed. You've always had a lot of fans, and everyone always talks about how strong you are. But, in the end, you still don't pose much of a challenge."

He gritted his teeth. "She's trying to goad me into attacking her and falling into her trap. I won't fall for it!"

"It's kind of sad, really." She shrugged slightly, maintaining eye contact with him. "All that talk I've heard about how formidable the Uchiha were... I guess they were either wrong, or, you're just the weak one of the bunch. If that's the case, it's kind of a shame that you're the only one left."

His eyes flashed in anger and he gripped his Kunai until his knuckles turned white. "You're going to regret saying that."

"Am I?" Natsumi laughed to herself, deepening her stance as she held her sword above her head. "I think you're too weak to be saying things like that."

He rushed at her, slashing her with his Kunai as he blocked her strike with another. They exchanged blows back and forth, metal clanking against metal.

"I should easily be overpowering her with my Sharingan! So how is it that she's able to move so quickly?" Sasuke shifted his weight to kick her and the corner of her mouth twitched in a smirk.

Let's try... that.

Instead of connecting with her side, his kick passed through her body entirely and the momentum shifted his balance. He recovered and his eyes widened.

"She dodged?! No... that's not right..." His eyes rose to look at her and his body stiffened briefly. "Her appearance has changed... and on top of that, her Chakra is fluctuating strangely."

Natsumi took a step back and held up her hands. "What's the matter? Did you miss?"

"Damn it." Sasuke stood and scowled. "What just happened?"

"You know, there's no shame in quitting." Natsumi stuck out her tongue. "With a little more practice, you might be able to beat me in a few years."

"You're really annoying me..." He muttered hotly, then lashed out at her again with his Kunai.

She stood perfectly still and his eyes widened slightly.

"She's not even trying to dodge?! At this rate, I'll actually hit a vital spot! I can't slow down."

His attack passed through her again and he stared at her as her body reformed.

"Smoke?!" Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "I can't hit her at all!"

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly. "That technique... I've only ever seen it once before." His expression darkened for a moment. "I never expected her to be acquainted with that woman. That explains a lot."

Sasuke kept his eyes on Natsumi as she circled him slowly. "Her entire body has become pure Chakra, without solid form... not only that... but its nature has changed."

"That's Yin Release, isn't it?" He narrowed his eyes. "The ability to use that is exceedingly rare."

"It must kill you, not having the answers you want." She rested her sword on her shoulder and controlled her breathing.

He's agitated... and starting to slip up.

"Don't mock me." He slashed at her again, and again, she remained in place as the attack passed through her.

"You can keep at it as long as you want, but you won't be able to touch me as long as I'm like this."

Naruto and Sakura stared at Natsumi, and Sakura covered her mouth.

"N-No way... his attacks are going right through her? How is that even possible? I've never heard of a technique like that before."

"S-So cool...!" Naruto grinned and wriggled, still partially trapped underground. "Natsumi! Kick his butt!"

Sakura crossed her arms and frowned. "Whose side are you on, anyway? If Sasuke loses, we lose as a team."

"Heh." Naruto looked away for a moment. "B-But, she's my sister, and she's so cool and strong!"

Sakura sighed heavily and moved closer to him, beginning to slowly dig him out. "Come on, Sasuke! You can win! I know you can! You'll figure out that technique's weakness in no time."

Sasuke continued to strike, passing through her each time. He moved faster, clenching his jaw and growling under his breath. "Just how long can she keep that technique up for? Something like that is sure to drain her Chakra quickly, but she's not tiring out at all!"

Natsumi spun gracefully out of the way of another kick, then solidified and reached out to tap his back lightly.

"Tag." She muttered, holding up her Ninjato just in time to block his strike.

"Damn it!" Sasuke's eyes burned and his head pounded. "I'm out of time!"

His eyes faded to black and Natsumi smiled to herself.

So, that's his limit? Approximately seven minutes...

He breathed heavily as he held up Kunai in both hands and took a stance. "Damn it! I'm almost out of Chakra. But if I put it all into one last attack... I'm guaranteed to win."

He brought his hands together to form several hand signs and then held his hand in front of his lips. "Fire Style! Giant Fireball Jutsu!"

He fell for it!

The area filled with the massive ball of fire that singed the tips of the leaves on the trees surrounding and Sasuke smirked as the fire blazed, then dispersed after a minute. "Finally..." He looked at the center of the charred earth where an ash-covered form lay motionless. "I got her."

"Boo."

Sasuke's eyes widened as Natsumi appeared behind him. The glowing blue seal on his back faded and his body shook from exhausted.

"Damn! I can't move!"

Natsumi lifted her leg and kicked him, launching him several meters back. He hit the ground hard and rolled to a stop on his back. He coughed and tried to sit up, but his body was stiff and trembled.

"I can't get up..."

Natsumi strode over to him, watching as he tried to sit up.

I beat him.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

I actually beat Sasuke Uchiha.

He scowled as she approached, and she smirked slightly as she straddled his stomach, pinning both of his hands over his head as she held the blade of her sword near his throat.

"You're dead, Uchiha."

Sakura's eyes went wide and she covered her mouth and trembled. "She... She actually beat Sasuke? And, not just beat him... it wasn't even a close match..."

"W-Wow!" Naruto shook the dirt off of him, finally free, and leapt to his feet. "Natsumi, you really did it!"

Kakashi closed his eyes for a moment and exhaled. "I knew she was strong from Hidemi's reports, but it's entirely different seeing her in a real fight. There's no doubt that Lord Third made the right call when he enlisted her for the ANBU." He paused and opened his eyes. "Although, it's worrisome that she knows that woman..."

Kakashi flickered and reappeared beside Sakura and Naruto, who grinned at him.

"Didja see that?! My sister's so cool!" He paused, then made a face and crossed his arms. "Although, I haven't even beaten Sasuke yet in a match... when did she surpass me?"

"I can't believe the Sasuke lost..." Sakura blinked after a moment, then balled her fists. "H-How dare she sit on Sasuke like that! And that kick...! If she hurt him, I'm going to make her regret it!"

The color drained from Sakura face as her eyes fell on Natsumi. Her shirt clung to her body tightly from sweat and Sakura's mouth gaped slightly. "H-Holy crap! W-Why...?! H-How?!" She looked down at her own chest, blushing as she crossed her arms over herself. "She's already so womanly... and I'm..."

"I... lost?" Sasuke blinked and looked at Natsumi as she pinned him down, then blushed immediately at her chest.

Huh? His face is red.

Natsumi blinked and moved her sword, then released her grip on his wrists.

"G-Get off..." He mumbled, keeping his face turned away, though he glanced back at her from the corner of his eye, unable to look away.

Natsumi's eyes widened and she blushed, standing quickly as she crossed over her chest. "Hey!"

H-He was totally checking me out!

Sakura paled again. "S-Sasuke's blushing?! He was looking at... he was staring at..." She gulped and glanced down at herself again.

Sasuke slowly sat up, keeping his face turned away from Natsumi. He wiped dirt smudged on his face away with the back of his hand and steadied his breathing.

"Natsumi!" Naruto raised his hand and waved at her. "That was awesome!"

Natsumi grinned, practically skipping over to him. "Thanks! It was pretty fun."

"Admittedly, it didn't last as long as I thought it would..." Kakashi muttered to himself, touching his chin. "Oh, well. It was still excellent practice for you all."

Natsumi blinked and looked at the Jonin. "Wait... are you implying that you thought I'd be weaker?"

"Hm?" He rubbed the back of his head. "Did I say that?"

Natsumi made a face.

That's definitely what it seemed like... he expected the match to last longer because he didn't think I'd be that much more advanced.

She looked at Kakashi from the corner of her eye.

I kind of feel insulted, now.

"To get the most out of this exercise, I think Natsumi should give you her assessment of your performance."

Natsumi glanced at Kakashi, holding her hand up slightly.

"Hm?"

She lowered her hand. "Um... do you want me to be honest... or nice?"

Sakura blinked and stared at her. "W-What does that mean?!"

"Try... both?" Kakashi crossed his arms. "Constructive criticism couldn't hurt to prepare them for the exams."

Natsumi nodded and turned to the other Genin. "Right, so..." She looked at Naruto. "I'll start with you."

He crossed his arms behind his head. "Heh... I did pretty great, didn't I?"

"You were sloppy."

Naruto nodded for a moment, then stopped and gaped at her. "W-What?!"

Natsumi sighed slightly and pressed her lips together momentarily. "Sorry, but your attacks weren't very well thought out, you were rash, and you got overconfident several times and left yourself open. In terms of Chakra and creating clones... you could very easily overwhelm your opponent, but that only works if their skills are roughly equal to your own. A Jonin with plenty of battle experience could easily take out all of your clones by himself."

"E-Eh...?" Naruto twitched slightly.

"In short... you rely too heavily on that one technique, and you rush into a fight too quickly. You need to use your head more, and take the precaution of not underestimating your opponent. Overconfidence is a killer."

"S-So harsh..." Naruto hung his head and pouted.

Natsumi looked at Sakura, who clasped her hands together nervously.

"You, Sakura."

"Y-Yes?" She looked down for a moment. "I don't need to hear what you're going to say... I'm the weakest one here... I couldn't even last a single minute."

"Your biggest flaw is your lack of confidence."

"Huh?" Sakura looked up and met her eyes.

Natsumi put a hand on her hip. "In terms of intelligence and observation, you're great. But your speed, reaction time, and Jutsu are all very lacking. My Paralysis Jutsu isn't a mainstream technique, so I wouldn't have expected any of you to be able to recognize it beforehand and stop it, but you should have at least been able to make an attempt to move. Instead, you were eliminated right off the bat."

"I-I know..." Sakura gulped and averted her eyes again.

"You need to be more confident in yourself." Natsumi smiled gently. "I didn't say you had no skill or didn't have potential. I just said that you don't have enough confidence in yourself. A lack of confidence can be just as deadly to yourself or your teammates as overconfidence."

"She confirmed what I already knew... I'm definitely not cut out for the Chunin Exams."

"And, you..." Natsumi looked at Sasuke, crossing her arms. "Just like Naruto, you're too overconfident in your abilities. You're also a lot easier to rile than I expected you to be, which is a major problem. You need to be able to keep a level head in a fight, no matter what. Even if insults and personal attacks are used, you have to find a way to block it out." She pointed. "You got sloppy, and what's worse, you got desperate to attack me, just because you were mad at my goading. It's a rookie mistake... one that someone like you shouldn't be making."

He furrowed his brow and turned to look away with a scowl. "To think that Naruto's twin would be on such a completely different level... I expected that she would be good, since Kakashi organized this exercise, but to think that she was this much stronger..." He gritted his teeth. "I'm nowhere near strong enough."

Natsumi sighed and shrugged. "All in all, I was disappointed by your teamwork. After hearing about how in sync you were in the Land of Waves, that was a real letdown. If you guys had put in more effort and worked with each other, you would have probably won."

"Despite seeming hesitant before... it turns out that she doesn't mince words." Kakashi watched the redhead, then looked over at his students. "Their prides have taken a real hit."

"Lighten up; I didn't say you guys were terrible." Natsumi smiled. "Sakura, even though I didn't get to see you in action, I know that your intelligence is vital to the team. So what if you have to work on the technical skills of a Shinobi? No one's perfect, so don't try to hold yourself to impossible standards."

Sakura blinked and looked at her.

"The best way to improve is to recognize your weaknesses. That way, you can work on them. But you also have to acknowledge your strengths, or else you'll always be too meek to actually show off just how much you've improved. You were always at top of your class, I've heard, so I know you'll reach your goals. Don't give up that easily."

"She's... so nice?" Sakura held her hands close. "Do you... really think that I'm not a complete failure?"

Natsumi laughed. "No one is a complete failure. Even if you didn't even have your smarts, you wouldn't be a failure. It just would mean that you have the most opportunity to improve. When you're at the bottom, the only way you can go is up." She tilted her head to the side slightly. "My gut tells me that you're going to be a really impressive Kunoichi someday, so don't let a little doubt stop you."

Sakura smiled faintly and relaxed her shoulders, releasing the breath she'd held in. "I'll do my best."

"Say, say!" Naruto put his hands on his hips and leaned forward to look at his sister. "I did a lot of good stuff, too, right? I've gotten a lot stronger, too!"

Natsumi giggled and nodded. "You have. Your Taijutsu is entirely different than it was even a few months ago, and you've gotten better at thinking analytically. I can really tell that you've been putting your all into training. And your self-confidence is great and gives you an edge in a fight, but you have to be careful to not let it become double-edged." She held up a finger. "Your determination is probably your biggest strength, so my advice is that you should try to not mix your confidence with your ego. It also wouldn't hurt to fine-tune your Taijutsu more and practice being more aware of your surroundings. But overall, I'm really proud with how strong you've become."

"Heh." Naruto rubbed his nose with a great. "Of course! I've been training like crazy so I've made a lot of progress."

"And... back to Sasuke." Natsumi turned to look at him again, and he stuck his hands into his pockets and remained quiet.

"Your Taijutsu is excellent, your observation and reaction time are both good, and your Ninjutsu is advanced... not that you didn't already know that. But you really should work on building up your stamina, too. Your Sharingan won't be much help until you do." She shrugged. "Despite that, there really isn't anything obvious that you need to focus on in your training, to prepare for the exams or otherwise. You really fit the Uchiha mold in terms of talent, from what I've heard."

Even if your personality is lacking.

Natsumi crossed her arms again.

If I hadn't had Yuki or that one technique... and if his Sharingan hadn't been so draining on his Chakra... he probably could have beaten me. I really need to step up my training. It's almost hurtful to be so close to his level, when he's such a cold person.

Natsumi looked at Kakashi after a moment. "Do you have any criticisms for me? I have an idea of where I went wrong already, but if you think I could make some improvements, I'd be happy for any advice."

"Hmm..." Kakashi crossed his arms, then touched his chin. "That swordsman style you used... was that one you came up with on your own?"

Natsumi nodded.

"Not by herself, she didn't." Yuki walked up, sitting beside Natsumi and licked her paw. "That other style was a complete embarrassment. Not fluid enough."

"I could tell it was a new skill right away. Your balance was off." Kakashi smiled. "However, your speed and flexibility were emphasized, so it was highly effective. If you fine-tune it a little, it'll be quite impressive."

Natsumi's cheeks warmed at the praise and looked away. "T-Thanks."

Sasuke glanced at her from the corner of his eye to watch her. "Her speed and style were impressive... but what kind of technique was that before? My attacks were completely useless against her."

"And, if I'm right... you used the Fourth's Hokage's teleportation as well."

Natsumi nodded. "Y-Yes..."

"No way!" Sakura stared at her. "Is she already so strong that she can use one of his techniques?"

"The Fourth Hokage's technique?" Sasuke looked at Natsumi. "...I hate to admit it... but I'm impressed."

"Teleportation?!" Naruto's mouth gaped. "When did you learn that?"

"Huh?" Natsumi scratched her head. "Well, uh... about a year ago, I first found a scroll that had belonged to Lord Fourth... it took me almost a year to be able to actually use it. It really drains my Chakra, so I can't use it nearly to the extent that he could... but I've actually found that it feels pretty natural."

"Amazing!" Naruto grinned.

"'Feels natural,' huh?" Kakashi stuck his hands into his pockets and looked at her. "That's no surprise at all. And for her to already master it to this degree already is impressive."

"Hey." Sasuke turned to look at her directly. "What was that technique you used before?"

"Huh?" Natsumi laughed nervously and averted her eyes. "Uh... it's one that I only picked up recently. It's pretty cool."

"Show me!" Naruto leaned closer to her. "Do it again!"

"O-Okay." Natsumi closed her eyes for a moment, slowly exhaled, and then opened her eyes again. Her skin took on a gray hue and she met her brother's eyes with a smile. "What do you think?"

"W-Wow!" He moved around her, tapping his chin as he looked at her. "Your appearance changed, but you look so solid, though..."

"Try to hit me, then." Natsumi stood straight and pointed at her stomach.

"Alright!" He swung his arm at her, his eyes widening as it passed through her. "Woah! That's really cool!" He continued to poke and prod her stomach, laughing as the smoke reformed each time. "You gotta teach me that!"

Natsumi looked away and shook her head. "It's not something that I can teach, really. I kind of got this ability by... accident."

"Huh?" Naruto blinked and crossed his arms, scratching his cheek. "What's that mean?"

"I mean..." Natsumi sighed quietly and lowered her voice. "I almost died during... training. I got this ability, sure, but... it's not a method I would recommend anyone to do. It was really scary."

"Do you know a woman named Oto?" Kakashi looked over her and she quickly blinked, blushing faintly as she turned to him. After a moment, she nodded.

"Y-Yeah..."

Judging by that, I'm sure he knows enough about her to get an idea of what happened.

"Just as I thought..." Kakashi went quiet. "I'd warn her about associating with Oto, but she already knows that."

"What's with those markings around your eyes?" Sakura pointed at the girl and Natsumi's eyes widened slightly.

"W-What?" She stooped to pick up her jacket, then took the small compact mirror out of the pocket to look at herself. "Markings?"

Oh... Oh no.

She gulped and stared at her pale grayed face and at the orange markings under her eyes. She lifted a hand and traced the mark from the bridge of her nose, across the bottom of her eye, and then upward in a curve.

It's just like... his. But, only on the bottom. This didn't happen to me the last time, though...

She looked down at her hands, where the Hebihime sigils had been.

They're gone? She bit her lip. No... they just moved. Oto definitely didn't say anything about that happening.

Kakashi watched her as she quickly shut the mirror and laughed awkwardly.

"W-Well, that's new..."

"If she's already gone this far training with that woman, then it's more serious than I had thought."

Natsumi solidified and felt Kakashi's eyes on her.

There's no way he didn't recognize those markings... I'm so careless. I should have known better to not show them. I hope he doesn't ask me about Orochimaru... I'd be in so much trouble.

"It's a useful technique, that's for sure." Kakashi smiled slightly and shut his eye, holding up a hand. "Just be careful when training to not go beyond your limits."

You don't need to tell me to avoid Oto. I already know.

She met his eyes and nodded, and saw Sasuke watching her coolly from the corner of his eyes.

He's irritated... Of course, he kind of always is.

"Hey. Sasuke." Natsumi's voice softened and she kept her arms crossed. "What I said before, during our fight... I was only goading you. I'm not heartless enough to actually mean that stuff that I said about your family. I was just testing your reaction, but, even then, it was a little uncalled for... Sorry."

"...Whatever." He looked away and put his hands into his own pockets.

Natsumi's eye twitched and she narrowed her eyes. "Hey! I just gave you a heartfelt apology, and all you have to say is 'whatever'?!"

"There's nothing I have to say to you."

"You—!" Natsumi balled her hands into fists. "I take it all back, then! You're just a jerk, after all!" She pointed to the field with her sword. "Get back over there so I can kick your butt again!"

Kakashi patted her head and chuckled. "I think that's enough for today. What you all should be doing now is getting plenty of rest before the Exams begin."

Natsumi made a face and sighed. She activated the seal on her palm and the Ninjato vanished, then she crossed her arms. "...Fine."

"Are you taking the Chunin Exams, too?" Sakura looked at Natsumi.

"Me?" Natsumi shook her head. "No, not this time around."

"What?! Why not?" Naruto held up his hands. "You're really strong!"

Natsumi winked and smiled faintly. "I don't think the world is ready for the debut of both Uzumaki twins just yet." She shrugged. "Besides, I'd rather sit on the sidelines and cheer my brother on, instead of having to compete with him."

"Natsumi..." Naruto's eyes watered and he hugged her. "You're such a good sister!"

"Hey!" She laughed and pushed him back, wiping her face. "You're getting tears and snot on me!"

"Say, say! Do you want to train some more?" Naruto nudged her side.

"You're supposed to be taking it easy." Natsumi smiled and nudged him back. "Besides, I already have plans with my team later to go to the bathhouse, and then to dinner. Sorry."

He opened his mouth, and she held up her hand.

"And don't even think about using your Sexy Jutsu to try to sneak in. Between Kiri and Rie, you'd be comatose and wouldn't be able to participate in the Chunin Exams at all."

He made a face and crossed his arms. "I wasn't gonna."

Natsumi smiled and waved at the others. "I'll see you around, then!"

"Hey!" Yuki narrowed her eyes and followed Natsumi. "I'm coming, too! You owe me a feast for getting my lovely fur all dirty!"