Naruto: Paradox

by coronaprimo

Naruto is the prince of a once great empire, who becomes aware of his lineage at an early age. Naruto will use the gifts left to him by his parents and his ancestors, to become stronger. To become a king. To be a Paradox. This is the story of his ascension AU/ OOC Naruto/ OP Naruto First Story

14. Quick

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other works that I use for inspiration.

"Speaking"- Speech

"Thinking" - Thoughts

"Speaking" - Non-Mortal Speech

"Thinking" - Non-Mortal Thoughts

Please read the Author's notes at the end.

Chapter Fourteen: Quick

A small waterfall in misty woods marked the entrance to the dark dungeon.

Beyond the waterfall, rested a grand, dusty room, covered in some mysterious creatures' droppings, evergreen moss and unsightly remains.

Torches lining the interior shined an eerie glow on remnants of a small camp, tattered and ravaged by the eons themselves.

Down the twisted trail were litters of collapsed rooms and pillaged treasuries. One such room expunged the most putrid of odors.

Machinery scattered carelessly about, appearing to be some sort of wicked workshop. If the smell didn't inspire it, the site of such a domicile would make anyone ask just what transpired here?

Deeper into the dungeon's depths, more dastardly doors and unholy scenes replaced the ones before, until it stopped at a mysterious wooden door blocking the path.

Malicious muted tones pierced through the stocky blockade, originating from two sinister souls that should never be allowed to collude.

"To think the infamous Orochimaru would be brought to his knees by a meager child. How the mighty fall. . ."

Gruff tones mocked eagerly at the serpent's expense.

"Spoken like a bitter old fool. . . Tell me, how's life in Hiruzen's shadow?"

"If either of us should know then it would be you, boy. Despite all your efforts, I'm far closer to achieving all you aspire for."

"You're in the same position you've always been. All you've done is capitalize on your luck while continuously feeding your complacency."

The venom practically rolled off his tongue as Orochimaru spat out his counter.

"Such insolence...I should just do away with you right here and now. Save myself the headache."

"Oh please...Like you, some power-hungry fool could do me in. If there was someone that could kill me, then they would've done so by now."

"It seems that we might have found that individual. . . By my assessment, you were on the verge of death after your bout with the boy."

"You're a fool if you truly believe that I could've died from whatever young Naruto managed. I will say, the boy is able to utilize the fox's power immensely well. Why didn't you inform me of that development prior?"

"Are you certain it's the Kyuubi's power he fought you with?"

The manner in which the man asked his question gave Orochimaru a key piece of intel.

Danzo's lack thereof.

The skimpy amount of info provided on the boys was never intentional, it was unavoidable.

"What else would allow someone that young and inexperienced to gain this degree of strength? The only way to describe the power he outputs is overwhelming. Only the beast could grant someone that degree of might."

"I've theorized something similar. I believe Naruto's been able to use the Kyuubi's chakra to strengthen himself, and gain favor with others by presenting as powerful. . . This makes things somewhat easier, but a bit more difficult as well."

The old man's intrigue clouded his judgement, allowing his desires to unintentionally slip out.

It was clear to Orochimaru that he was sent after the blonde with zero belief that he would actually complete the task at hand. If Danzo had an entire separate scheme hatched in the background, it would be in the snake's best interest to try and gain the advantage.

The bandaged man wanted the boys for his own use. Far too tantalized to see the utter threat they presented to his preservation.

If Orochimaru wanted to gain the strength necessary to do with the shinobi world as he wished, the enigmatic abilities these children hid would propel him in the right direction.

Their goals aligned, yet they also clashed. Time would tell which one of these parties would truly come out on top with their ambitions.

"The Jinchūriki are living weapons that are usually trained to be so. Naruto however, with Sarutobi's foolish ideology has become unruly and untamed. What should be the most useful tool available to any major power, is little more than a mouthy brat with some impressive tricks."

There might have been a chance that the developments were in fact rubbing the reptilian the wrong way.

Nevertheless, Danzo completely agreed with his cohort's assessment.

"Then it would be best to stay the course. Our futures and assets will be assured if the plan continues on without incident."

"That would come with the assessment of the children's abilities. The Uzumaki alone is an obstacle I don't believe you've fully taken into consideration, let alone what dear Sasuke could be capable of. And have you been doing your surveillance on that adorable Hyuuga girl following them around?"

Orochimaru inquired.

"That is all being taken care of. What you need to worry about is getting all your people in place, and not getting caught by the idiots of the village. Once everything is done, roaming around this village will no longer be a problem."

"I'm not worried at all. My agents are already on the move. In fact, the most vital pieces are in place as we speak."

He assured gleefully.

"Good. . . For too long we've been deprived of what we've worked so hard for. Now we'll take it."

"That's all well, but do not forget about our agreement."

"Of course. For your assistance, I will allow you the autonomy to further your research. As well as some useful specimens."

Danzo reached into his robe, pulling out a small jar with viscous liquid.

Floating within the concoction, a white orb with a fleshing stem splaying out the bottom. At its center, an infamous red shade pupil indicating the likely source for such a splendid iris.

"To think that you would have one in such pristine condition. As if you plucked it immediately after it bloomed."

The pale man couldn't hide his excitement.

"I was lucky enough to happen upon it. I suppose my complacency is to your advantage as well."

"Words in the wind, dear Danzo. . . Now is the time to finish prepping. There are still several things that still need to be completed within the village."

"Will you have your subordinates handle it, or do you need manpower?"

"Those under me should be able to handle what needs to be done. They are currently on standby outside, awaiting orders."

Orochimaru was aware that there was still much that needed to be done before they could execute their plans, and no one could be better trusted with those tasks than his elite task force.

Outside the horrible hovel the heinous men conducted their business in, lounged five strange individuals, presumably a group, determined by the purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around each of their waists.

The tallest of the group was a large and imposing young man, towering over the rest of his collaborators. He had fair-skin and narrowed, slanted orange eyes, usually depicted with a stern look on his face. On his head were three tufts of orange hair on his head: a mohawk of sorts that ran down the middle and two similar styled tufts of hair at the side.

His attire, mainly a beige-colored, sleeveless tunic. On its hem, the symbol of the yin-yang, though the yin's color (black) was missing, seemingly representing the purposeful prevention of harmony.

He also wore black arm-warmers, and a necklace that consisted of red circular pieces separating long, metallic pieces. Finishing his outfit off, a pair of black, ¾ length pants that stopped just below his knees, along with traditional black shinobi sandals with mid-calf leg warmers covered by bandages.

"Anyone know what the next set of orders are?"

"Idiot! We're waiting here, same as you. Don't open your fat mouth unless you've got something important to say, Jirōbō."

"The fuck's wrong with you?"

The large man looked towards his multi-limbed team member.

Kidōmaru sat on one of the higher ledges, grimacing to the group below. Instead of his former disguise, his outfit was nearly identical to Jirōbō's. The key differences being his tunic color of grey and having shorts instead of pants.

"He's still butt hurt. Some chick dressed up like a fairytale witch whipped his ass."

"Sakon, watch your damn tongue before I rip it out."

"Oh yea? I'd love to see you pull that off."

The spider found himself being constantly antagonized by a bizarre boy sitting on a large rock.

Straight light blue-grey hair, with long bangs that covered his right eye. Sakon had more of an androgynous apperence, sporting a green shade of lipstick and what appeared to be dark eyeliner. What was most strange was what looked like a head, protruding from Sakon's upper back and hanging limply, making his hair cover his face.

The teen was dressed in a black shirt under a brown long sleeve tunic, bearing the same symbol of the chaotic yin-yang on the hem.

Black skin-tight shorts, black arm-warmers, and traditional black shinobi sandals with calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages completed his wardrobe. Sakon also wore a dark-red beaded necklace around his neck and carried a giant scroll behind his back through one of the loops of his rope-like belt.

"Can't go and get mad at Jirōbō cause you fucked up."

Spat the blue haired teen.

"Shut your damn mouth. I got mad cause the idiot asked a dumb question."

"You just look sour to me. What do you think, Jirōbō?"

"You have been pissy for a couple days now."

"It must have been something to see."

Sakon continued berating his teammate.

"I'm going to kill you. . ."

"Again, I'd love to see it."

"Silence!"

A bellowing decree came from the edge for the ledge.

This man's voice sounded different from the others, cutting through the sound of the waterfall with ease.

While his teammates spoke with confidence and cockiness, his voice rang out with maturity and control.

There was no need to have his strength affirmed by those around him. The fact that all fell silent upon his command was a clear showing of the might he possessed.

The man could be characterized by his pale skin, vivid emerald orbs, angular facial features, two scarlet dots on his forehead, and shoulder-length ivory hair, which he wore divided down the middle on his head, with two separate partings on either side of his face.

His attire consisted of a light lavender, loose-fitting, long-sleeved, zip-up shirt, black pants cut off around mid-calf, bandages wrapped around his ankles, and traditional shinobi sandals. He also wore two red, tube-like hair ornaments; one on either side of his head, securing two locks of his silvery-white hair.

"I suggest you all heed the only reasonable thing I've heard any of you utter this entire time. If you don't have anything intelligent to say, keep quiet."

"Good job, Kidōmaru. . . You went and pissed off Kimimaro."

"Fucking ass…"

Kidōmaru chose to ignore the lipsticked smirk of his antagonizing ally, lest they invoke the wrath of the white-haired teen.

The spider boy scanned his surroundings as they continued waiting. He noticed that while the rest of his companions had chimed in at some point, the last of them had remained hushed.

"Hey Tayuya, what are you doing over there?"

On a rock near the entrance of the hidden lair, sat the only female of the group.

She was now dressed in a different outfit, much like Kidōmaru.

Her previous costume was replaced with a black shirt under a tan tunic with elbow-length sleeves and had the symbol the others bore on the hem. She also wore black arm-warmers, traditional black shinobi sandals with calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages, and black skin-tight shorts.

To keep her wild red mane tame, Tayuya also wore a black hat with pipe-like stripes and bandaged sides, keeping her bangs in place while the rest was pushed back behind her ears, trailing down her back.

"Tayuya?"

At first, he assumed that the rushing waters above, but after going unanswered again, Kidōmaru knew it was deliberate.

This fact was perpetuated by the interaction between the giant and the maiden.

Jirōbō approached her and from somewhere in his person, pulled out a bamboo gourd. Tayuya gave him a gentle nod before swigging back its contents and returning it.

"Seems she got a type, and it's not you."

"Alright, Sakon. You've had enough fun."

The larger teen tried to dissuade his teammate from his childish behavior, especially with how prone Tayuya was to negatively responding to such comments.

He was pleasantly surprised when the girl simply ignored the comment and continued on with her reading.

Both of them would consider the other the closest thing they had to a friend. The large man acted as somewhat of an aloof older sibling to her, while the red head took the role of the rude younger sibling with unorthodox methods of praise and affection. They knew of each other's peeves, interests and a bit more.

"I'm just saying. After seeing him get demolished, she'd rather read some book than pay him any mind."

If the blue-haired teen got anything correct, it's that she would have rather dedicated her attention to the tome she was so engrossed in.

The talisman Tayuya received from the young prince was as intriguing as she had thought.

It was one big seal, with a bunch of missing spots to it.

So intricate and complicated, she doubted the snake would be able to decipher it. Though, it wasn't as if she needed anyone's help in this category. Tayuya considered herself a prodigy with seals, whether she knew the reason or not. She had even been able to help Orochimaru with a couple of projects in the past, yet always kept a good deal of what she was able to deduce hidden. Regardless of her position amongst them, the maiden always viewed herself as a prisoner. One that was slowly biding her time and building strength for her eventual breakout and polishing her proficiency with sealing was just one of the methods she was doing so.

After quickly deciphering the seal, Tayuya was gifted a black hardback with red accents. This opus was the tale of the Uzumaki and all they had been. It was a record she immediately resonated with.

The book was several hundred white pages, each gentler to her fingertips than the last.

In her hands was the wisdom of her people. All their feelings channeled through great knowledge and a lifetime of meditative contemplation. In that humble ink was the liveliness of her mind, how her synapses danced with each new tantalizing word she absorbed. That book, it was what her people had accomplished in the time they had. Their beginning and their end. Secrets, strengths, weaknesses, and all else that defined them laid in her grasp.

Tayuya had never truly felt she was a part of anything before, only ever having to truly worry about herself. This tome made her feel different, as if she could no longer settle for what her life was.

She read of all her people's accomplishments; her cousin's included. The methods he used to gain strength and the empire that would soon take the world by storm.

This is what Tayuya yearned for; a life of one's own, to do with as she saw fit.

Naruto was severing the unfortunate strings that puppeteer so many other's fates for so long and providing autonomous movement for those who had never truly known it. He was not only living a life for her to be envious of, but the blonde was also offering her a chance. One to take the reins of her own life, despite how terrifying that might be.

"Tayuya!"

"What do you want. . ?"

The girl's response was as apathetic as one could get.

"Didn't you hear him calling for you? What's got you so preoccupied?"

"I'm busy minding my business. . . You guys should try it one day."

"Awww what's got you bent out of shape? You didn't have to fight so it's not like you broke a nail."

"Haha. . . So funny."

Usually, a comment like that would've merited an onslaught of insults, yet Tayuya felt no need.

Her only concern was properly biding her time until she was free to do as she pleased. When that time would come, she would be sure to circle back and would put these so-called teammates in the dirt.

From their annoying personality traits to their fanatic-like loyalty to the snake man who had taken their lives from them, Tayuya hated them with the exception of Jirōbō. If siding with the blonde gave her a sliver of the strength needed to complete such a task, well she was contemplating her escape as we speak. According to her cousin's instruction left in the book, all she would need is some alone time and a body of water.

"All of you, quiet. Lord Orochimaru is approaching."

All fell in line in front of the exit, except for the young miss, still too preoccupied with her book to care about anything else.

Their master soon swaggered out of the hidden liar to a prostrated audience, eager to execute all his orders.

"Welcome back, my lord. I hope your meeting went according to your expectations."

"As well as could be expected. I'm glad to see you've been able to entertain yourselves."

"We have no need for entertainment, my lord. Our purpose is to serve you. All else will fall into place."

His words were delivered in the likes of a sermon rather than a natural response.

"Well said as always, Kimimaro."

The praise from his lord is all the young man needed.

"It's time to put the next phase of our plan in motion. You'll be accompanying me."

"Of course, my lord. As you wish."

"Sakon, you and Kidōmaru will be securing the areas around the village for our troops. Use any method you feel necessary, as long as it doesn't arouse suspension."

The two shared an unsavory look, but all traces of their animosity left as they confirmed the orders.

"Jirōbō and Tayuya, you'll be traveling to several of the bases to rally our forces. Once completed, you will rendezvous at the agreed upon location."

And in that moment all Tuyaya could have thought of was how there must have been some higher power.

This thought played back and forth along with a myriad of others once she heard her orders. She definitely didn't think such a chance would come so soon, but the maiden knew that this would probably be her one and only chance. Tayuya would meet with her cousin and his people, gain what she needed and finally do with her life as she felt fit.

"Of course, Lord Orochimaru. We will complete this task without fail."

The lass even had some valuable information as a bargaining chip if needed, courtesy of her "all powerful" master.

"Kehehe, excellent. . . Make sure you don't fail me. I'm sure you're all well aware of how I handle disappointment."

"Of course, lord."

The threat received a unanimous answer for the group.

"Good. Kimimaro, it's time to leave."

With that, Orochimaru and his trusted henchman vanish, leaving only a few scattered leaves in their wake.

"We better head out too. You two love birds keep your hands to yourselves."

Sakon quipped before he and Kidōmaru disappeared from sight.

"Fucking asshole. . ."

Jirobo was happy to finally be rid of all the annoyances.

With the idiots away, he and Tayuya could easily complete the mission with no deviations or interruptions.

"Before we head out, I gotta handle something."

"What?"

The large teen asked, surprised by another uncharacteristic act from the red head.

"It's none of your business, but if you must know. . . It's chick shit, fatty."

However, that was classic Tayuya.

Vulgar as the day is short.

"So unladylike. . . Go ahead. Just be quick."

"I'll take as long as I need!"

She ran, and her cold heart raced for what felt like the first time.

There was a different feel to the air and the earth. To the splashes of water that hit her fair skin and to the scattered hues of daylight.

"I don't know if I'm stupid or what, but I gotta do this! I can't live like this anymore! FUCK ALL THE RISKS! One way or another, this will be the end. . ."

Konoha Academy's Training Hall

"This is boring. . ."

Life was lies and deception.

Those that should have provided love, bred hatred and animosity in the heart of the young boy. Those who should have been loved, were little more than their entertainment value. Strength became the only aspect of life that mattered, for everyone responded to it.

"They aren't even trying to kill each other!"

And her voice became the only one that could be trusted.

Virescent eyes saw fear, envy, anger, even hatred from those around their owner. The desperate devices the frightened resorted, all to erase a child before he came into his own. Though, the reason they continued to fail was because of their disgusting weakness, and his superior strength.

"How am I supposed to enjoy any of this?"

She was also to thank.

A blessing in a lovely form. Shoulder-length, sandy-brown hair framed such a kind-looking face, with dense indigo-colored orbs. Rocking behind her, the softest looking appendage. It was immensely bushy, being of the same sandy hue from the base, but turning completely black right towards the tip.

She wore a simple auburn kimono showing much of her fair skin, covered in scattered navy seal markings. Her lovely features being exaggerated by the intense sun continuously blaring in the sky, and the sea of sand reflecting the radiated rays.

Draping her arms over his shoulders, the embrace was one of the only joys life had to offer. Love, affection, happiness; there were those who could use these as tools, to mold others in their image.

"Your brother truly is a disappointment. But not you, my dear Gaara. You always provide your mother with such wonderful entertainment."

"Of course, mother."

The young man would strive eagerly to give the woman what she wanted.

It genuinely brought Gaara joy to snuff out the weakness in the world, and even more to hunt the strong. It proved that he existed for a reason.

Love never saved any of his victims. Love never stopped his sand from grinding them to dust. Love didn't stop all the horrid things the boy had witnessed in such a short time.

Power, on the other hand, had shown Gaara the truths of the world. The nature of man, the way decisions get made, who gets to be in charge and who gets to be ordered around all was determined by strength. So, if one can't have love, why not have strength?

"These pointless displays should end quickly. That way, we can bring carnage to all! Wouldn't that be a wonderful sight, Gaara?"

"Of course, mother."

If carnage is what she craved, then he would do his duty as the diligent son and provide for his mother.

As far as he was concerned, all he had was this woman. She protected him, supported him, encouraged him and soothed him. It didn't matter to Gaara that he had to spend his days and nights awake with her. Whatever the cost for love, for it was a price only the powerful could pay.

"Such a good boy. I can't wait to see you crush that blonde brat!"

Instead of the comforting tones of a robotic response, Gaara broke their embrace and stared at his mother.

"He insulted you, mother. . . Called you a liar."

His palm went for his head, seemingly overcome with a headache.

"It's alright, my boy. Save that anger for when you can slay that bastard and wipe that foxy grin straight off his face."

She tried to comfort him, but to no avail.

It wasn't anger anguishing the red-haired boy, it was conflict. For whatever reason, he couldn't get Naruto out of his head.

The boy had power and displayed it at every chance imaginable. The chain charmer came off as arrogant, right? Or did he understand something more about strength?

Others followed him. They trusted him. They adored him, and he did them.

Regardless of how real it looked, Gaara believed it to be some kind of farce. Those surrounding such a powerful figure had to be using him, and that idiot's conceit simply blinded him to that fact.

He would be doing the blonde a favor by grinding his bones to dust, so what was causing such strife within him? Gaara had been intrigued by a couple of his victims before, but this boy dominated his thoughts.

How did his power differ? Was there a different way to use strength?

"That bastard thinks he's so tough cause he's got something special too! But you're going to show him that he is nothing compared to you, my dear boy."

Despite how vicious she sounded, how angry she expressed herself to be, the peaceful beauty never left that face.

"Of course, mother."

He would do anything to keep that look on her.

"Good boy. For now, I guess we have to sit through this. . . Hopefully that useless dolt finishes this sooner rather than later."

Gaara returned to reality to see the battle between Kankuro and the Inuzuka still in its early stages.

Kiba had undergone a feral transformation and began attacking the sand shinobi with a series of savage swipes and swings.

Unpredictable claws and kicks came from all directions as the beast boy bounced around the arena, though his opponent possessed a fair amount of skill himself. Enough to deflect or avoid a majority of the aggressive assault.

"C'mon kid. I'm barely breaking a sweat here."

Upon another attack attempt, Kiba quickly found himself in a bad way.

Kankuro caught the teen in an iron grip, swiftly switching the tide of battle.

From there, the Inuzuka was on the receiving end of a callous combo.

A series of heavy knees and knuckles collided with the boy before he was tossed towards the edge of the arena. As Kiba came to a screeching halt, Akamaru rushed to his master's side.

"Sonavabitch! That bastard packs a mean punch. . . Though, it's nowhere near as bad as what Hinata put us through."

The week of training for the exams were absolutely gruesome, with Kiba and Shino getting the first real glimpse of the power gap.

The Hyuuga hurled the boys into a hellish regiment of physical, combat, jutsu, and several other categories of practices. Mind you, they were never able to land a finger on her, but Kiba sure felt he was way stronger than he ever could've been without the help.

Hinata equipped them with more options to combat various enemies and situations, and now was the time to put them to use.

"Alright boy, you ready?"

His partner provided a few acknowledging barks.

Kiba then pulled a peculiar looking ball from his back pouch.

The orb had a black finish, with green circles covering its majority. It also had a red band wrapping around its circumference, there being a red button at the center of the band.

"We're about to go wild, Akamaru! Let's go!"

After the boy's declaration, a faint click echoed in the building.

A toss caught everyone's attention; the orb flying through the air for a short time before landing dead center in the arena.

"What's your little toy supposed to do?"

Another click could be heard before a monstrous plum of grey sickly smoke erupted from the ball.

The cloud crawled to the corners of the arena and towered to the ceiling. Its opaqueness was like nothing any of them had ever seen produced by a simple smoke bomb. Once the smoke spread, it was near impossible to make out any of the figures within. The onlookers could somewhat see silhouettes, but they couldn't tell who they belonged to.

"What kinda smoke bombs are you getting your kids, Kurenai!? This is probably the best I've ever come across."

Asuma fawned over the effectiveness of the tool.

"Actually, I didn't give him that. Honestly, I hardly had anything to do with their preparation for the exams. The team asked for the week off and that's as much as I contributed."

"Same here. And if that's the case, we can probably guess who might have provided Kiba with something like that."

Kakashi was quick to point out the usual suspects.

He'd stop those freaks before they could corrupt any more innocent souls.

"Hatake. If you have a question, feel free to ask it. Your emotions are practically spilling out like an academy girl."

Sasuke spoke up, most likely from the tension sweating off the Jōnin.

"Are you actually going to give me an answer?"

"Perhaps."

The audience stood shocked that Sasuke could give off such a malevolent tone.

"Where'd you guys get the smoke bomb?"

"To simply call it a smoke bomb is an offense. That is an innovation ahead of its time, straight from the glorious mind of our lord."

It was Hinata who answered, though it wasn't to Kakashi's delight.

"Conveniently, 'your lord' can't confirm that."

More pointless double talk.

The man couldn't help running his hand through his silver locs in frustration.

The days were growing in which he would prefer the brutality and horror of the ANBU. Back in the day, if Kakashi wanted an answer he got it, one way or another.

"It's your choice to believe, though we have no reason to lie."

Now this.

Having his hands tied by rules and regulations, while children talk down to him like a dog.

"So, the visor Naruto wears, your boots and that weird broom Hinata's been carrying around, was all his doing."

"Of course. They came to be by his desire." Hinata answered practically fawning over the mere mention of her King's greatness.

"Hey! Why'd Kiba get something, and I didn't?"

Sakura barked out from the side.

"Because Lady Hinata is fond of her teammates."

Sasuke truly knew how to cut Sakura down with his vexing words.

"Tell us, what does it do?"

Asuma asked.

"If it works correctly, it should make Kiba and Akamaru virtually undetectable by sight or sensing. The cloud is a special concoction, meant to mess with the senses."

Hinata chose to leave out the portion about needing a tablet to suppress the effects.

Though, she appeared to get the stunned stares she expected to see out of the lot.

"Surprised? Of course you are! This is just a glimpse of what Naruto-sama is capable of. You'll all get to see his majesty for yourselves very soon. For now, let us see if Kiba can make the most of the gift he's been given."

Below, Kankuro surveyed as best he could within the dense smokescreen.

"Cmon mutt, this the best you can do? You might as well forfeit now."

The teen would have continued flapping his gums until his world was rocked.

A heavy blow came from his right, and though he swung in retaliation, Kankuro met nothing.

"Where is that fucking-?"

What should've been a moment of pardon was stolen, replaced with fits of confusion and frustration.

Within the fumes, all the sand shinobi could do was wait for another sporadic strike.

A blow to the back of the head, a knee to the abdominals, and cracks across the face were just a fraction of the assault.

The attacks were unyielding to the point Kankuro could've sworn there had to be multiple assailants.

"Looks like you're breaking a sweat now, asshole!"

Blow after furious blow hit their mark with no end, or anything else for that matter in sight.

"Yea right. . . I can't even feel your weak ass attacks."

"Feel this you piece of shit!"

The pair pounced, earning two distinct thuds that wrapped around the room.

Wanting to keep up the momentum, Kiba and co. went for another series of strikes under the veil of smoke.

He never expected his opponent to avoid his next attack, nor the one following.

In fact, Kankuro began avoiding every kick, punch and claw the two could dole out.

"Aww. . . What's wrong? Your pussy tactics stop working?"

Distress rushed through Kiba's system as his blood pumped wildy.

Every blow he tried to land was dodged or deflected.

After a while, they were being countered, and painfully so.

Though his vision was hindered as well, Kiba could tell that his opponent was still in good health, seemingly unaffected by the earlier onslaught.

Unfortunately, the tables have turned.

The hunters were being battered around. Toyed with by the usurper treating the pair like small game. Instead of rushing in to strike, Kiba and Akamaru were forced on the run.

"You and your mutt can keep running away, but this will end all the same."

A swift session of cat and mouse ended much to the dismay of the prey.

Kankuro's vice grip was not something Kiba wanted to get familiar with, unfortunately it wasn't his choice.

The breath left his lung as his feet left the ground. Kankuro lifted the Inuzuka to the sky with absolute ease.

"Between your annoying swats and your stupid smoke, I'd say you pissed me off plenty. Since I'm such a nice guy, I'll let you choose. Should I snap your neck, or squeeze till all life leaves your body?"

Such a playful and charming tone for such a despicable outcome.

Maybe it was better for Kiba not to be able to make out his foe's face.

"And don't even try relying on your mutt. I know exactly where he is, and I'll deal with it after I'm done with you."

Punch, kicks, scrapes and licks; Kiba struggled as much as he could.

Between Kankuro's apparent invulnerability and the increasing sensation of weakness, rapidly running through his being, the boy knew he only had one hope of making it out of this.

"DO IT, AKAMARU!"

Kiba mustered up one mighty bellow out to his canine companion.

The smoke started shifting strangely. An ominous hum began to circle them, growing more into a rattling snarl of sorts as it closed in.

"I warned you, ya little shit!"

The teen's grip was at its tightest and Kiba could tell, a quick flex would make this his last bout.

Before Kankuro could finish the job, something tore closer. Spinning at high velocities, obstructing the dark fumes, one could make out a flying buzzsaw aiming to rip through the sand shinobi's arm.

The trade wasn't worth it however, with Kankuro tossing his foe aside and avoiding the shredding attack.

Hacks and coughs replaced the roar of the saw as Akamaru approached his master.

"Kaaahhkkk! Kaaahhkkk. . . I'm alright, boy. If it wasn't for you, I'd be a goner."

"You and your mutt got lucky. Next time I get my hand on you will be the last."

"Just my luck. . . After all the shit we had to go through, I got stuck fighting the freak! Guess it's time to bring out all the stops."

Vision began to slowly return as the smoke dissipated, allowing Kiba and Akamaru their mirrored images.

"Alright Akamaru, we got to take this guy down here and now. According to Hinata, this smoke will only last a couple of minutes so it's time we try the new move."

The Akamaru/Kiba clone nodded.

With that, the pair began to sprint forward, pushing off on one another before taking off in a rotating rush.

"Your smoke trick looks about done, so what's the next trick in your-"

The Suna shinobi was swiftly silenced by the sudden force slamming into him.

"I'm really sick of you Konoha assholes and your lack of manners. . ."

He managed to spit out, recovering from the blow.

In the bleachers, the spectators awed at the scene slowly being revealed.

"Sensei, what's going on?"

The pinkette turned to her instructor for answers.

"What you're seeing, Sakura, is the Inuzuka clan's famed technique."

"Many clans have hidden arts taught only to their members. Kiba's clan specializes in techniques meant to mimic animalistic traits, using them to gain advantage while working in tandem with their ninken."

Kurenai's in-depth knowledge of her charges was something she prided herself on as an instructor.

"That technique is referred to as the Fang over Fang. Kiba and Akumaru rotate at crazy high speeds, body slamming into their target over and over, till they're nothing but pulp!"

Added an overly energetic Asuma.

"Weird that you know so much about a genin that's not yours, Asuma."

Kakashi remarked.

"I've sat in on one or two of their sessions."

It was frankly quite sad to see such a renowned individual, blush and play things off like a school child.

"Funny that he would find himself sitting in on more than a handful of our training sessions. Though I'm sure both he and Kurenai are more than grateful that I usually take charge, allowing them to. . . converse."

"HINATA!"

It wasn't so bad though, now that the man had a twin.

The ruby of her cheeks might have surpassed that of her eyes.

"Can't get mad at the girl for the truth, and no need to be embarrassed either. But looks like the kid's really giving it his all."

The cyclops enjoyed a hearty chuckle at the expense of his associates.

Their attention shifted yet again to the stage below to see what Kakashi was referring to. The fumes dispersed, the remnants condensing to a small cloud violently shifting centerstage.

Those witnessing it could see Asuma's description was apt. Grey blurs rapidly gyrated, slamming back and forth into the sand shinobi without mercy.

"Why are they bouncing around like that? Aren't they just wasting their energy?"

This time Ino was the inquisitive one.

"It may look as if their moves are wild and pointless, but it's quite the contrary. The two of them move in sync, more so now than they ever had before, to ensnare their target in a disorienting dance. There are many animals who use similar methods to subdue their prey, such as the alligator and its death roll."

"Wow Hinata, you know way more than I would've given you credit for."

"And you were able to follow along for a lot longer than I would've thought."

The heiress returned a snide comment for one, and her recipient was caught off guard.

Though Hinata wasn't the only one being annoyed by the antics of her village mates.

"I'm sick of watching Kankuro play around. . ."

The red head began summoning forth his grains to do his bidding.

"Please wait, Gaara. I'm sure he'll finish the kid off any minute now."

Baki intercepted however.

Desperately, the man pleaded with the boy in hushed tones, as to not try too much attention. Whether or not it worked, he'd never know, but luckily something made Gaara hold off on his rampage.

"Perfect! Keep him pinned down boy. We're gonna finish this now!"

Onlookers observed as Kiba disengaged, while his partner continued his frenzy.

"What's he about to do now, Hinata?"

Kurenai askered.

As upset as she was with the girl, Hinata was the one who knew of Kiba's abilities. If she wanted to know, she had to ask her.

"Even before our training, I gave Kiba some material to help diversify his arsenal. What you're about to see is one of the things he came up with after improving his repertoire."

"You don't sound so happy about it."

"It isn't the technique I would've liked him to develop, but what else can be expected. He is yet another product of his environment, regardless of any help received."

"Fire Style: Burning Mane!"

The boy screamed out, and the following show was certainly an attention grabber.

Kiba was engulfed in a blazing inferno. The hectic flames leaping off him with primal joy. Sparks pirouetting, giving their all in this brightest of performances.

"Whoa! Who would've thought dog breath could pull off something like that?"

Ino chimed.

"Yea. . . Where could he have learned such a powerful jutsu?"

"Powerful. . ."

Sasuke even let out a short chortle at the Jōnin's inquiry.

"It's hardly an offensive technique. More so a defensive one. It's also wonderful for teaching the basics of chakra control. The 'flames' he's emitting are better described as superheated chakra, so as to not harm the user."

Each interaction, every exchange filled Kurenai with more fear.

She was losing more hope each day that the sweet shy young woman she adored was forever lost. In her place, this discourteous, snarky, rebellious girl who santured around scantily cladded as if the world was hers.

What was Kurenai to do?

Hinata's changes came with skill, knowledge and other qualities she once lacked, now being put to the benefit of all. She couldn't recall if her ruby eyes had ever witnessed an Inuzuka perform an elemental technique, and it was all thanks to the very student she felt so conflicted over.

The way these particular genin conducted themselves with those who should be considered their allies. The remarks, the rumours, the riddles. There was no fighting off this feeling, as if she were living with the enemy.

"TAKE THIS!"

Kiba's overzealous shouts drew his sensei's attention back to its deserved recipient.

The burning silhouette shot forward, morphing violently with a jerk into an tempestuous whirlwind of scorching energy.

"Burning Fang over Fang!"

The flaming twister joined its grey companion in its performance, slamming away at the unfortunate soul without a moment of reprieve.

"You see, even such a wild child like Kiba, and an actual beast like Akamaru, can be trained to execute maneuvers of this caliber with such elegance and effectiveness. His opponent would have to possess quite the skill to avoid the punishment those two can deliver."

Was she singing her teammates praises? Her own? Or was this just another dig at her sensei's ineptitude?

In the moment little else mattered, for Kurenai was far too captivated with her student dazzling display.

Kiba, the more feral of her students, was now pulling off a perfectly coordinated bombardment, while also maintaining this new fiery jutsu. Honestly who should the raven haired instructor be more impressed by?

"UGH!"

Skyhigh, Kankuro let out an agonizing shout.

"Time to end this boy!"

The blazing streak commanded, receiving a growl from the greyish one. They then bounced around until they met, side by side, and began rotating in sync.

"Great Dragon Fang!"

One massive stream danced around briefly, providing all with a glimpse.

The steak then straightened, barreling brilliantly until striking its target with a resounding roar.

The two beastly battlers broke out of their whirl, but their opponent, sears and shredded, was sent spiraling.

"WE DID IT, BOY! TAKE THAT YOU ASSHOLE! WE'RE THE BEST!"

It was a stunning sight truthfully.

Akumaru had reverted back to his original appearance, running around yapping and yelling alongside his master. The two dashed and danced around the stadium, while feet above, imbedded in the bedrock, the smoldering figure of their foulmouthed foe.

"YEA! WAY TO GO KIBA!"

The girl genin were acting as pseudo cheerleaders for their comrade.

"Damn! Kid's got some skills."

Asuma was a little scared. What if one of his got paired against Shino, or worse.

"Yes, that was amazing! He should be proud of himself. Wouldn't you agree, Hinata?"

"YOU SEE THAT, GUYS!? I DID IT, HINATA! I WON!"

"It's unfortunate. . ."

Despite what appeared to be a tremendous victory for her teammate, Hinata's expression told a different tale.

"What is?"

"All that effort was for nothing."

This time, Sasuke provided the response.

"Can you guys cut the cryptic shit for two seconds and just tell us what you mean!?"

All this bizarre behavior was aggravating Asuma more than he liked to admit.

"*Sigh* We won't have to. I doubt his opponent it's going to throw an opportunity as. . . unique as this to slip by. You'll all see what Lord Uchiha and I are referring to momentarily."

And looked they did.

As it all went sour.

"Let this be a lesson to you, ass-"

It was difficult for the ear to catch, especially over the genin's boasting.

A click.

A clack.

A sharp pop of wind, like a balloon had just burst.

A wave of nausea washed over the boy, causing him to stumble back and forth.

"W-wait. . . w-what happened?"

Kiba wasn't the only one confused.

He provided the audience with its first clue; a gleaming needle, lathered in a wine like liquid he had removed from his chest. The second clue, the sudden collapse of the boy. Within a matter of seconds, the genin appeared far worse for wear than his embedded opponent.

Sickly. Greenish in hue. Sweating profusely enough to fill a lake.

The last clue came with further inspection of the Suna shinobi, stuck in the wall with his mouth splayed open.

Kankuro's features cracked.

Tattooed patches of the teen's face fell to the ground below, scattering all over. Trickling down more steadily as the moments passed, were patches of skin and clothing. Much to Kiba's horror, in the place of his advisory now sat a freaky looking figure. It was a true oddity. A three-eyed, four-armed humanoid with jagged teeth and a spiky brown hairstyle protruding from the top of its head and framing the sides. The rest of it's being covered by some dark tattered tarp.

Of course the Inuzuka wanted to question what in the hell was happening, yet he could barely summon the strength to sit up right.

"Aww, looks like the baby can't handle the hard stuff."

Kankruo's taunting voice could be heard, though not from the monstrosity that took his place.

Kiba scanned anxiously for the source of the taunts, catching sight of bandages spraying towards the sky. The wrapping unfurled until the swaddled package Kankuro had brought into the ring with him, revealed the teen himself.

"Damn, kid! Looks like someone did a number on you."

As Kankuro spat his insults, his approach was slow. Leisurely.

"What's with that slow ass look on your face?"

The downed lad struggled to get out the small assortment of words.

"H-how. . . Did you? Was it. . . substitution?"

Whatever he was afflicted with, its effects were worsening.

"Man oh man! You can't be that stupid! There's no need for me to use substitution if I wasn't the one you were fighting. That honor goes to my buddy, Crow."

A few finessed flicks of his fingers, and soon the three eye figure broke out, gliding down to drape itself over his shoulders.

"So he's?"

"A puppeteer."

"And a skilled one at that."

The three konoha Jōnin exchanged looks of mounting concern.

"Feeling weak? Having a hard time breathing?"

Kankuro stopped in front of a haggard Kiba, and a growling Akamaru.

"While you were hooping and hollering, I had Crow here hit you with a needle, laced with my own special concoction."

Another flick caused the marionette on his back to crack open its maw, and reveal a similar needle to the one the boy had been pricked by.

"It's hilarious. You look like a mutt, and you got one. But what? You couldn't sniff me out of whatever." T

he Suna teen surprisingly kicked his foe skyhigh, with a blow to the chin.

And the descent looked far worse.

"When I said I couldn't feel your weakass hits, or that you weren't making me break a sweat, I was being literal. Now here you are, sweating like a pig. All that's left is to see if you feel this."

This was devolving rapidly, from a bout between two warrior representatives, to an ole' fashioned, one-sided beatdown.

Minute after minute ticked on. All that could be heard was yaps, yells, barks and blows.

Kankuro stomped away at the boy while he laid there, unable to lift a finger in his own defense. His trusted companion tried to take on the role of defender, but with a few shift kicks found himself in about the same scenario.

"If this is all your sorry village has to offer, we'll clean up house, nice and easy."

The teen continued on.

Sharp strikes to the spleen and consecutive kicks to the boy's kidneys. Pain erupted from every molecule of his being. The venom he was stricken only intensified the agony of every attack. The fading of consciousness was the only relief from tortue.

It took all of Kurenai to not interfere. She knew Kiba well enough. If she were to intervene, it would do far more damage to the boy then his opponent ever could.

All she could do was pray for his safety.

"Enough. . ."

Kankuro froze.

The cold, familiar voice dictated more of his actions then he would have liked. This instance was no different.

"You're boring me. Get up here before I kill you."

"Tch. . . You can call it. I doubt he's getting back up."

Kankuro got in one more kick before backing away from Kiba.

The boy and his pup laid there, unresponsive. A pair of black and blue, with a decent amount of red spilled between them.

"Winner of the first match: Kankuro."

"You guys might want to get him to a doctor. He won't last long with what's running through him."

Laughing, the teen turned away, making his way back to his teammates.

The medical-nin arrived quickly with a stretcher for both the boy and his dog. They inspected him with hushed and muttered tones. Kiba was then put on a breathing apparatus and hastefully rushed out the building.

It was a humbling revelation for what these exams really were.

A test of whether they were truly ready to call themselves shinobi. If they were prepared to put everything on the line to accomplish the mission.

Despite not being the most savory of results, all Kurenai could do now was comfort the rest of her team. Hinata had to have been affected by all this, whether she changed or not.

"Wonder who's next."

Sasuke spoke with his trademark indifference.

"Indeed. Hopefully, it'll be more interesting."

Hinata matched his uninterested tone.

"How could you say that? Aren't you upset at all that your teammate got hurt!? Don't you care!?"

It was the first time anyone could remember seeing Kurenai so pissed.

Her earlier display of emotion was just a blip compared to this. If they didn't know better, they'd believe her body would burst from the rage swelling deep within.

"Of course I'm upset. . . I put a considerable amount of effort into getting those two ready for this exam, and this is all there is to show for it. I'm sure Shino will provide a far more pleasing presentation."

Witch might have been too kind of a title for whoever this girl was, for it was not Hinata. Not to Kurenai.

This girl was a monster.

"Alright, time to move on to round two."

The Jōnin was far too consumed by her emotions to have checked on Kiba or realize that things were moving forward.

The massive monitor lit up.

Names cycled through at a breakneck speed, until two new victims' fates were splay out on the screen.

"Chōji Akimichi Vs Sai. Make your way to the center."

As Anko called for the next set of combatants, the pale genin began making his way towards the center.

No words, no looks, not even a movement was shared between Sai and his teammates.

"Fuck. . ."

Asuma wasn't surprised by the uncharacteristic language from his genin.

By his and Shikamaru's description, this boy was the leader of his pack. And what a deadly pack they were.

Unknown, yet dressed as allies. Skilled enough to kill seasoned Chūnin.

Yes, there was plenty of talk of Naruto and his cohorts, but to the bearded man, these three creepy wolves in sheep's clothing were the true concern.

"Should I even go down there?"

"Honestly buddy, I don't know. . ."

It was painful for the young Nara.

Chōji was the perfect best friend. Supportive. Reliable. Always there with snacks in hand. Now, when his friend needed those traits from him, all he could utter was an answer of uncertainty.

"Don't worry, Chōji. It looks like you'd eat that stringbean alive. No offense."

Ino chimed.

"I'm sure you'll do great, Chōji. From what I've heard from your sensei, you're much stronger than you realize. Just go out there and give it your best."

Kurenai offered some words of encouragement.

"No way! Those guys are insane. Just look at him!"

Sure enough, the pale boy stood in the center of the ring. He was kind enough to flash the group a smile.

One that while appearing friendly, filled all that witnessed it with a sweat-inducing unease. The group tried their best to encourage him, but with time ticking and the fear set in, it appeared the Akimichi wasn't going to do battle.

"Listen, Chōji. I know you can do this. All you have to do is believe in yourself. Same way me and your teammates do."

Even Asuma's best efforts were pointless. Though, he had one more trick up his sleeve.

"And If you win, all you can eat at Yakiniku Q, on me."

"HELL YEAH!"

A passionate aura enveloped the chubby child.

"I'M GONNA CRUSH THIS GUY! THEN, I'LL EAT LIKE A KING!"

Gone was the fatigue and fear. Replaced with a new wave of vim and vigor that those unfamiliar with the boy were surprised to see out of him.

It seems the old adage is true. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

"RROARR!"

Chōji gave off one last vivified roar, before jumping off the railing to the arena below.

"That-a-boy! Show him what team 10's capable of!"

His blonde teammate bellowed from the stands.

"You two ready?"

"Go Chōji!"

"You got this, fatty!" His mates provided one last bit of reassurance before his battle began.

"I'm gonna finish this match in 2 minutes! Then I'm coming for you, Ino!"

"Now he's even more fired up." Shikamaru couldn't help shaking his head. Who wouldn't after seeing someone make such a dicey decision?

"Time to fight, kiddies. Round 2, begin!" Anko jumped back, giving the two combatants all the room to rumble.

Instead of getting right to the action, the pale boy made an unorthodox play.

"The hell's he doing?"

"Isn't that?"

The boy's opponent was just as taken back by his action. Across from Chōji, stood Sai with his hand out in the Seal of Reconciliation.

"Um, what are you doing?"

"Allies do this to signify that regardless of what happens, they'll still remain allies."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't even know you."

"I'm Sai. A shinobi of Konoha, the same as you. See."

He then signaled to his headband.

"No, I get that. What I meant is I don't know who you are."

"I'm Sai. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Chōji was truly at a loss.

The boy looked over to his supporters in the rafters, yet received shrugs and head shakes. He'd even turned towards the proctors, as if she would have some useful advice for the situation.

"What the hell are you looking at me for!? Fight him!"

"I wish it were that easy. This guy gives me serious creeps!"

Sai just stood there. With a freakish smile stretching from ear to ear. His half of the seal was still outstretched for his opponent to take.

"Where have they been hiding this one?"

"Indeed. He's got potential. Though, It's sad that someone got to him first. Really roughed him up around the edges."

Sasuke and Hinata looked on enthusiastically.

Figures that those two would flaunt interest in the first real freakshow to enter the stage. No matter how plain he looked, something wasn't right with that boy.

"Why won't you accept my sign of friendship? Is it because you're jealous of me?"

The pale child inquired.

"Why would I be jealous of you?"

"Why, because you're so fat."

Unbeknownst to Sai, he had just tossed a light onto a massive powderkeg.

Now it was time to watch the explosion.

"EXPANSION JUTSU!"

Sparks of energy surrounded the Akimichi as his body underwent a transformation of it's own.

The effects of his technique seemed to apply to his torso mainly. The boy's body expanded, clothes and all. Chōji had become extremely round, resembling a ballooned version of himself.

"I'm confused. You made yourself fatter?"

"RUN YOUR MOUTH AFTER I CRUSH YOU! HIDDEN LEAF STYLE TAIJUTSU!"

The transformation was not yet over.

One by one, Chōji's limbs retracted into himself, belching out streams of chakra for his round frame. Streams strong enough to propel the Akimichi high into the air. Those same streams drove the ball boy into a raging rotation, hitting the ground with an ear ringing screech.

"HUMAN BOULDER!"

Now a massive emerald orb, Chōji bulldozed towards his opponent.

"YEA CHŌJI! SQUASH HIM GOOD FOR ME!"

Ino cheered.

"It's kinda like Kiba's jutsu."

"You're right Sakura, in a way. The two have some key differences. For one, the Akimichi actually increase their weight with their expansion jutsu, so there's a lot more power in this technique. The downside is, because of that increased weight and power, they lose some of that mobility you'd find in the Inuzuka taijutsu. Though, if you get hit by an Akimichi attack, prepare to be pulverized."

Asuma was proving to be a sensei worth his salt.

Somehow he just knew the right thing to say, even at the most stressful and unsure of times. Within a basic explanation, Shikamaru and Ino could hear the confidence he had in Chōji. It was only right to follow suit.

"Look at that youthful spirit burn!"

"You're right, Guy-sensei! I can't wait to let loose and give it my all as well."

"Stay still, you bastard!"

Back below, the combatants raged on. Well, one of them raged on. Chōji ripped up and down the stage. Barreling to crush his opponent. Sai, however, was the opposite.

A leaf in the wind.

Swerving out the way once the crusher got to close. Swaying to the sides to avoid all contact.

Maneuvering overhead as if riding the round one's windcurrents. All the while keeping that unsettling smile on his face.

"No need for such language between friends."

Sai quipped after slipping past his opponent.

"I'm not your friend, you freak!"

"I don't mind that you're fat. I think we can be friends despite that."

"This Sai's no joke. He figured out Chōji's weaknesses and has been playing him since the start of this match. If he doesn't get his head right, he's done for."

At that moment, Shikamaru knew exactly how to help his friend.

"Chōji! You've got to calm down and remember our training! I know you can do this!"

"Shikamaru's right! I can beat this asshole. I just need to hit him."

The portly one's pursuit abruptly ended.

"Training?"

Kakashi was certainly intrigued.

From what he could tell, Asuma's team had been unaffected by the mischievous influence of the Uzumaki. Any developments among them would be solely their own. A true show of what Konoha's next generation was capable of.

"I couldn't let my kids fall behind, especially after the developments on your teams. . . So I put them through hell, and they came out on the other side stronger and more skilled than ever."

Spoken like a proud papa bear.

His cubs were growing into their own. It would not be long before they would be his equals, and then his superiors. This moment was plainly a step on that inevitable journey.

"Why don't you give up? I don't want to hurt a potential friend and I don't think you'll be able to catch me."

His foe restarted the bait, refusing to respond.

In place, Chōji turned.

Like a spinning wheel, the kid began to turn for real, kicking up gravel.

"It seems his frustration has gotten the better of him."

Neji spoke out from a ways down the balcony.

"It's actually the opposite. He's more level headed then he's been since the match started. Why else would he be using such a smart tactic? I'm glad to see that Asuma finds the time to properly educate his students with his other engagements."

"It's brilliant. Friction creations traction. He'll be able to move around better."

"Guess I shouldn't be surprised you two were able to notice. There's more to it though. Our training was all about the big questions. How far can we go?"

Those with a fine enough eye could catch the faint veil of aura which encompassed Choji.

"Let's stop this foolishness, friend. You won't be able to defeat me, let alone catch me."

He was wrong about one thing.

The boy could catch him.

He proved that in a blur.

"Why stop at being a Human Boulder? With the proper chakra control, he could easily be a human. . ."

"MISSILE!"

Chōji launched forward, zero warning.

It was a testament to Sai's skill to have been able to dodge such a move, even if just by a few precious centimeters.

"That was close, but he won't be able to recover quick enough to get me."

Wrong again.

The tearing tank turned on a dime.

Then, boom.

"Direct hit!"

Shouted Ino, positively overjoyed with the boy's progress.

"Out of the openings on his body, he usually released runoff chakra without realizing it. We practiced controlling it, turning a waste into a wonder."

"How's that, creep?!"

Choji shouted.

"Great job. You're not as weak as you look."

Sai dusted himself off and brandished his tanto.

Chōji took the initiative and pounced. From that moment, he was on the boy like a bad itch.

All the dodging and ducking was proving little more than useless, with deflecting being all Sai could do to prevent being crushed. It was a lively game between a slippery white mouse and his pulverizing pursuer. One far more interesting than anyone in the gallery would've thought possible.

Unbeknownst to his opponent, the crafty little mouse happened to be up to something.

Sai kept littering small sheets of paper throughout the field from his waist pouch that clung to Chōji as he continued wheeling around. Whenever he and his foe clashed, Sai slapped on however many of the sheets he could.

Chōji was getting in some good hits, but after several exchanges onlookers could notice more and more white covering his speeding frame.

"Chōji! Hurry up and finish this guy off!"

After hearing the shouts of his blonde teammate, the boy was off in a flash to do just that.

He'd never reach his destination.

Sai's movement's in the next few moments were some of the finest examples of fluidity that could be presented.

The boy glided back as his opponent inched closer. Both his arms moved as if imbued with their own sentience.

The left went for the pouch behind his waist. The right threw his tanto hard into the floor, imbedding it at a slant. Enough to act as a ramp for his foe to lift off of.

From Sai's left hand, a cloud of paper was released into the air.

Chōji flew right over head and into the cloud and landed on the other side covered in them. Now the two were yet again in a standoff.

"This has been fun. I didn't expect you to provide me with any sort of challenge."

"Oh yea? Well guess what, pal. This is the end!"

Choji began peeling out.

"You're right. This is the end."

Sai formed a single seal with his right hand.

Then, boom.

This one shook the very foundation of the building.

"CHŌJI!"

This form of exhilaration was exactly why Shikamaru didn't want to have anything to do with this stupid test.

There was no joy or excitement to feel. Just an overwhelming accompaniment of nauseating worry.

"He's even tougher than I thought. . . Though I don't believe he'll be able to continue."

Anko had to agree.

Team 10's tank was left lying and a seething crater. The boy was battered, bruised and burned. His technique having been undone.

"Hmm. The winner for Round two is Sai."

Upon the declaration of his victory, the pale boy walked up to his downed opponent.

He grabbed Chōji's hand, using it to finish the Seal of Reconciliation.

"Maybe you'll do better next time, friend." There was zero compassion shown as he dropped the boy's hand.

Then, with the same uneasy smile he'd come to be known for, Sai made his way back to his team.

They exchanged no words. No looks. Not even a single movement.

As before, the paramedics were quickly on the scene. After checking him over, they were kind enough to signal to Asuma that the boy was fine, and only needed minor treatment.

"No need to worry. He'll be fine. Just needs a little rest."

Suppose that was reassuring news, all things considered.

"This is the true nature of the Chūnin exams. Remember to face it with everything you've got, because youth is fleeting."

Guy's words resonated with a few.

In the world they were working towards, precious allies ended up casualties constantly. If one wasted invaluable time crying over all the lost, they'd end up among the numbers.

Luckily it was the flashing of the board stealing their attention, and not the flash of an enemy's weapon stealing far more.

Quickly, two more names splayed out on the screen.

"Ino Yamanaka Vs Shino Aburame. Make your way to the center."

"Isn't this funny, Asuma? One of your students against one of mine."

"Yep. I'm sure it will be a great match!"

Asuma seemed eager to watch a fight between the two.

His thoughts would tell a different story.

"Why Shino of all people!? Couldn't she have been paired against Sakura!?"

The blonde had to combat a kid who basically bathed in creepy crawlies despite being the same girl who whined and groaned at the slightest speck of dirt on her dress.

"Shall we make our way down, Ino?"

"Y-yea. . .I'll follow behind you."

And follow she did, at a considerable distance. All the way down to the damaged stage

"Asuma, you look a bit nervous."

Kakashi couldn't resist the urge to mess with the man.

"Why would that be?"

Kurenai asked.

"He knows Shino's about to win the match before he even started."

There was no point in chastising the Hyuuga.

It would be pointless, especially with Asuma's expression dismantling any argument Kurenai could've come up with.

"You two ready?"

Anko received a nod from both of them.

"Alright. Round three, begin!"

That was the blonde's signal to hop back, but her opponent stood his ground.

"Ino. It would be best if you forfeit. I have no desire to harm you."

She must've taken his words as an insult, because any nervousness died in her explosive reaction.

"Shove it up your ass! I'm not some weak little girl!"

"I wasn't insinuating-"

"I'll show you what I came up with during our training! Then you'll know not to underestimate me!"

Her confidence was suddenly palpable.

The girl formed a strange hand seal, with the index fingers of her hands touching the thumb of the opposite. Whatever she was preparing, it had Asuma positively giddy. Even Shikamaru looked marginally at ease.

"Take this! Mind Dest-"

The confidence she exuded, along with that her team had vanished at the sudden appearance of a strange creature.

The gallery was stupefied by the specimen stretching out from Shino's sleeve. A wriggling wire of callous segments, with a set of furry femurs moving about on each one. Coated with a glossy mauve finish. The most eye-catching feature being its pair of massive red orbs attached to its head, with shifting antennae in between.

"I'm sorry, Ino. I'm sure you've worked hard, but I've grown as well since our days in the academy."

The girl was far too preoccupied, staving off panic to catch what Shino had said.

"I offer you one more chance. Forfeit now, and no one has to get hurt."

"There's no way I'll give up."

"*Sigh* Maybe after some education, you'll change your mind. . . This is a special and rare breed of insect that I was fortunate to have come across. This lovely lady and I have become quite close in our time. I think you understand the feeling."

"Shino can be funny when he wants to be."

The young Abarame's joke earned a small snicker from the witch.

"Hinata, do you know more about that insect?"

Much like with Kiba, Kurenai had to seek details from the girl.

"It's as he said. A rare type of centipede he had come across. Those two have become thick as thieves. I dare say she's his favorite."

Yes, Shino and the centipede had bonded perfectly.

All according to plan.

The centipede had originated from the heaven breaking mountains of Sora no Kuni. A special breed that used its natural gifts to assert its dominance, regardless of what tried to prey on it. It was dubbed the Dark Cloud Centipede, based on the dense overcast that blanketed its home region.

It was Hinata who had gifted Shino his new favorite companion with several stipulations in toe. He couldn't reveal the truth of how they came to be together. The only other request was information, specifically the archives of Aburame entomology.

Hinata was firm with her offer, allowing no room for questions.

Shino was torn. This creature was one unlike anything they had recorded before. Discovering new species was a thrill like no other for one of his clan members, plus it's not like his teammate could do anything with the information. It was various information about insects, and she hadn't undergone his clan's infusion technique, so it was more or less just knowledge.

Seeing no harm, Shino made the exchange. One he was grateful for everyday, for it gave him a partner he could truly care about. The Aburame's insects had lifespans of hours, but his new beauty lived long with a steady stream of chakra, and some other delicacies.

She seemed to understand the boy, and loved his chakra. She was affectionate, intelligent, and most of all an asset in battle.

"I'm glad they found each other though. She has helped Shino out of his shell, so to speak."

If a burning Kiba was any hint, Kurenai could see how the rest of this scene would play out.

"Mukade has a few tricks up her sleeve. The most interesting being how she feeds. You see, she's got little mouth-like flaps on her undercarriage she can open and close at will."

The centipede was kind enough to provide a demonstration.

"She can use those to latch on to her prey and drain them of something more precious than even blood in this world. Chakra."

Bad enough she had to go against bugs, now they were also vampires!

"If it's too much for her stomach, she can divert it into the air, like sweat. It's one of the ways she can subdue even the biggest of predators while satiating herself. If she's still hungry, Mukade usually helps herself to the leftovers."

The creature was truly a fright.

To date, the only beast Shino could think that could contest with her would be the monstrous arachnid they tangled with in Akagahara.

"Would you like to surrender now?"

Shino intended to extend the option a final time, and none more.

"I said-"

It didn't sound as if it was going in the direction he was hoping, so why wait?

Mukade became alight, illuminated by embers of chakra dancing along her length.

As the light show dazzled on, Ino dimmed.

The glow of her skin. The brightness of her eyes. The sheen of her hair. All fizzled away until both she and the embers faded out.

Ino slumped down. Falling to her knees, with her head down.

"Damn, that was fast. Thankfully it was a nice watch for that one part. Winner of Round three is Shino Aburame."

The centipede ensnaring the girl shined once again. Instead of a torrent of embers, Makude gave off a warm glow.

In moments, Ino's saturation was returned to her, along with her consciousness.

"Ugh. . . My head is killing me. I feel like I'm gonna hurl."

Once the girl came to, Makude retreated back to Shino's side.

"Here. Take my hand, and try not to get up too fast. You're going to feel a bit queasy for a while."

He made his way over to her, offering up a bit of assistance. There was something different about the boy as he loomed over Ino. Was it her imagination, or had the Aburame teen always been this cool?

"T-thanks. . ."

Once she took his hand, the two made their way back to the others.

"Shino, that was amazing!"

The raven haired maiden couldn't help but rave after such a stellar performance.

"Of course. I was right in believing in your potential."

"Thank you Kurenai-sensei. Hinata."

That cool, calm demeanor never bent nor broke. Despite two admittedly beautiful women singing his praises, Shino remained composed.

There was no explaining what it was about those types that peaked her interest, they just did. So much so, she completely tuned out the rest of her team as they called out to her.

"Wait, what?"

Ino eventually noticed.

"I said sorry about how everything shook down, kid. Guess it was bad luck this time around."

For both of them.

If shikamaru didn't win his match, Asuma would surely be the laughingstock of his peers.

"It's ok. . ."

"You're feeling alright, Ino? You still look a bit out of it."

Shikamaru noticed how flushed the young lady appeared.

"Y-yea. . . Probably still feeling the effects of whatever he did."

"Makude rapidly drained you of your chakra, causing you to fall unconscious. She then infused you with enough to restore you. That process is enough to leave you disoriented for a little while longer. Some rest and you should be fine."

Shino sauntered over to check on how she was doing.

"I'll do that. . ."

Ino could barely make eye contact, though the increasing redness of her cheeks was visible to all. Before anyone could comment on this current development, the next two names appeared on the monitor.

The room fell to an absolute lull.

Its occupants sucked at the air like it had suddenly become scarce. In its place, a thick substance almost too difficult to draw in.

Panic, fear and more panic.

The feeling of death's encroachment. Of it snatching at their existence.

They were falling in the deep. It was quiet. Their movements were subtle, if any at all. No one could even utter a sound.

All anyone could perceive was an endless sea.

One they were drowning in.

"Welcome back, my lord."

"Thank you, Sasuke. I truly appreciate you taking care of me during my slumber."

"Think nothing of it, Naruto-sama."

The exchange between the two brought those afflicted back to a most nerve wracking reality.

Chains.

They shot out from the amalgamation of links strapped to the Uchiha's back, piercing countless areas throughout the stadium. But it wasn't their eeriness or their sudden emergence that had people on edge, It was their proximity.

Less than a few centimeters away, the links rattled near almost everyone one in the room.

Some narrowly pierced their skulls. Under the armpits, where the vitals rested. Even between a couple of their legs, careful to avoid anyones virtue.

The lad appeared no different then they had previously seen him.

His hoari's hood draped over his brilliant blonde mane. The gleam of his abdominal armor and the accompaniment of his trusted side arm signified that this was indeed the Uzumaki who terrorized the first part, and subjugated them at the beginning of the last.

That being said, he felt like a different being altogether.

A completely different air circulated around the monarch.

One of maturation.

"Naruto-sama! It is such a joy to have you back with us!"

It took Hinata no time to embrace her king.

Regardless of how uncomfortable of a sight it was to watch, no one dared even breathe without caution. The last couple of minutes were a clear indication that chaos was here to reign.

"How I missed you, Lady Hinata. Hopefully I didn't miss the fun."

He pulled her in ever closer by the waist while growling out his words.

"Not at all. I'd say things are about to get interesting."

She pointed out the results of the last shuffle.

"Ah. I think you're right."

"Naruto. You mind putting these things away?"

"Yes, I do."

The king was on top of the world until Kakashi had to ruin his fun.

Seeing the squamish faces of some of those around was like the finest of wines, but he was holding things up.

With a snap, the chains retracted back into his person.

"If you guys are done with the shit, I'd like to get back to the exams."

"In a moment, Lady Mitarashi. I haven't seen my brethren in a couple of days and I would hate to send my most trusted knight into battle without a proper send off. So please be kind enough to grant us a brief moment."

Naruto removed his hood while addressing Anko.

Even with the distance between them, she could peer deep into his eyes. She saw something deeper in those azure orbs than she had looking into anything.

Something so compelling. Before it, she couldn't help shrinking.

"Just hurry it up. . ."

Flabbergasted was an understatement.

What just transpired caused even Guy's usual cheering and optimistic persona to shift to one of confusion and contemplation.

"You are too kind, and too lovely for this place, my dear Anko. One day I might take you away from it."

The purple haired maiden had to use all her covert ability to have the uncharacteristic smile her face adopted.

To think some adolescent could get her to react this way with a compliment while he had another female clinging to him.

What the hell was wrong with her?

"Naruto-sama. Would you mind explaining what happened?"

Back with the group, Sasuke was looking for answers as to what transpired back in Akagahara.

"I had to sleep for a little. I had an astonishing dream, along with some other changes. . . I'm sure you have a sense of what I'm referring to."

Both Sasuke and Hinata could see some of what their lord was speaking of.

His aura was different, in more ways than one. It resembled the fluctuations they noticed during his fight with the snake.

An opaque cerulean skyscape, with cosmic splendors scattered throughout.

"I've awakened, albeit partially. So have you, my friend. . . From here, our possibilities are truly endless."

What the absolute hell could they be talking about?

The onlookers silently watched, as if waiting for permission to do anything.

"Yes, Naruto-sama. I feel the change as well. I dare say, this will be. . . Fun."

"That's the spirit, Sasuke! Now, go down there and bring back a victory. For the empire. WE'll be sure to go into detail later."

Those eyes.

Sasuke had seen them capture nations with their piercing gaze before their apparent metamorphosis.

Now his crimson admired the cerulean. Staring deep into the spiraling azure quasar resting in his majesty's iris.

"Of course, Naruto-sama. Once I draw my blade, Victory is all but assured."

He had prostrated himself willing many times for his lord, but this time he felt as if he had no choice.

"Perfect. . . My dear Anko, you may proceed."

She once again caught a glimpse of his eyes.

Feeling compelled she did as she was told.

"Round Four of the preliminaries, Sasuke Uchiha Vs Mitsumeru. Make your way to the center."

The Uchiha was frontrow and center at the end of her sentence.

It left heads reeling a bit to see a copy of the boy slowly dissipate from the stands.

Mitsumeru made his way down in an identical fashion as his teammate prior, leaving the two new combatants face to face.

"The infamous Sasuke Uchiha. It is a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance."

Instead of addressing his opponent, Sasuke turned to Anko to ask a very important question.

"Killing is allowed, correct?"

"Sure is! Feel free."

That got Sasuke a massive thumbs up.

"It's a wonder you can do anything with such an ego weighing you down. I wouldn't have expected someone from a vanquished clan to be so full of themselves."

"Lady Mitarashi, would you please start the match?"

That indifference was either genuine or deliberate to hide his ire.

Anko got a feeling that the bangaded boy might have come appropriately prepared.

"Sure thing. . . Round four, begin!"

Anko gave the two the ravage ring.

"I pray for this fool's sake he's got the skills to back up that mouth. Otherwise, he won't be leaving that stadium in anything less than a bodybag."

Hinata had caught the young lord up to speed.

Even without it, it was clear that he had awoken to just a continuation of the exam. One where they could work out some of their frustration towards the village in a more permanent fashion.

"I know you guys are all tough and scary, but Sasuke wouldn't really kill that kid. . . Would he?"

"Honestly Ino, I think the chance to get to kill someone is the only reason he's even participating."

"Now Haruno, that's a ridiculous conclusion to reach. Sasuke is not some cold blooded murderer. He's a predator. . . With zero desire to play with his prey."

The two combatants began to move.

Sasuke unsheathed his magnificent Mugen, having it rest in his hand while his opponent bit on his own.

Flying through a series of hand signs, Mitsumeru slammed his bloody palm on the surface.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

A massive plume of smoke erupted to the ceiling, yet Sasuke remained unfazed.

Even as multiple mini-projectiles sporadically shot out of the fumes.

"You see, I'm your worst enemy, Uchiha. Your fancy little eyes will have no effect on me."

The boy goaded while shrouded safely in smoke.

Sasuke was having no part of this farce, especially after seeing it done a couple of rounds before. A swift swing of his saber scattered the smog, revealing what his bandaged foe had brought to this realm.

Hovering all about the room, were a swarm of winged vermin. Flapping their bony wings and letting out sharp screeches periodically.

"Beautiful, aren't they? They will be the orchestrators of your demise."

"I'm about to start. . . Try not to die too quickly."

Sasuke held his sword before him, pointed towards his mouthy enemy.

"Your ego is truly-"

"Uzumaki Sword Style. . ."

Paying zero attention to his opponent, Sasuke drew his blade back.

"Uzumaki!? Like Naruto?"

Ino asked.

It was certainly a fact that caught everyone's attention, and there was only one man who could satiate their curiosity.

"The very same. . . The Uzumaki were beings ahead of their time and our arts are a testament to that. A style created to honor the very earth that's given so much to its beloved people. A way to show our continuous love for imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

For every peek into the conspiracy, Kakashi paid with his sanity.

He hadn't heard anything about the lost art since seeing miniscule demonstrations of it from Kushina long ago. Now, it was alive and well within the hands of the last Uzumaki and the Uchiha.

The only benefit of all this was the vindication the man felt. All his suspicions were being justified as the days went on. And if they continued down this shady path, they'd get to meet a different 'Hatake'.

"What do you-?"

His attention was stolen however by the loud crack originating from down below.

"Direct Bolt."

A brilliant flash obscured Sasuke's movement, leaving only the end result to be beheld.

A trail of evanescent indigo static lingered behind the lad.

A few sparks flew off him and his blade, which found itself deeply lodged in Mitsumeru's chest.

"He fucking did it. . ."

This stunned the young and old alike, escapilly the blonde maiden.

"Told you."

"All of you calm down. Honestly, you'd think you were all fresh out of the academy. The match has just begun. Also, this Mitsumeru fellow isn't as much of an imbecile as his mouth lets on."

They were clued in on what he was referring to once Sasuke's victim popped with a smokey discharge.

"Decent enough clone."

"As expected. The Sharingan would allow you to see through that ploy quite easily."

One of the bats swooped down before morphing into the bandaged young man.

"I don't need it against you."

"You think I'm that weak?"

His question received no answer.

All Sasuke did was brandish his blade for battle yet again.

"Fine. I'll prove you otherwise."

Mitsumeru formed a single seal, acting as the catalyst for his command.

The bats started to soar about, screeching relentlessly.

"It's time. Sonic Shower!"

"Uzumaki Sword Style: Dense Haze."

From their maws, Mitsumeru's minions unleashed a downpour of soundwaves, concentrated to a needle's point.

Sasuke responded with two hands on his blade. Then, a series of fluid swipes so mesmerizing, they appeared to be in slow motion.

As the name suggested, a thick mist rolled off his sword's length. Wrapping around the knight in a smoky dome, the haze fended off the bat's bombardment.

Regardless, they still raged on.

"Look at the mighty Uchiha. Forced on the defensive so effortlessly."

Mitsumeru bellowed as the barrage carried on.

"There he goes again. Talking more than he should."

"I'm sure he's just having fun, Namekuji. We should all try to, especially in our line of work."

They weren't the only ones with an opinion on the match.

"Looks like he's got Sasuke on the ropes."

"Yea, they're shooting from everywhere."

Neither Asuma or Kakashi could see an easy way out of this. The area of effect spread far with no break in the barrage.

"It matters little. That is a knight of the highest caliber you all have the privilege of watching. One with the ability to destroy each and everyone of you. That peasant down there is no exception."

As if to meet his King's expectations, the knight made his move.

"Uzumaki Sword Style: Evil Squall."

From the shady sphere, arches of violent violet flashed out.

The blinding flashes forced all to shield their eyes, but none were prepared for the thunderous roar that shook them to their cores. The chaos died down as fast as it had arrived.

The rainfall of sonic shrapnel ceased. In its place, a drizzle of small charred remains.

"All of them at once!?"

"And you had no idea he could do that?"

Kurenai turned to her white haired colleague for some clarity.

"It's not Hatake's fault. We weren't eager to share before."

Instead receiving another question provoking response from the newly awakened king.

"What changed?"

"Our tolerance."

Mitsumeru's theatrical claps interrupted before they could inquire further.

"Impressive, Sasuke. After seeing what you are capable of I'll be sure not to underestimate you again."

"You have no idea what I'm capable of."

The knight spoke as the mist separated to reveal him.

"Then show me!"

Another slam led to another swarm, spring forth from the new conjured gas.

"Uzumaki Sword Style: Phantom Fog."

The haze surrounding him began to overlap and caress the raven haired lad.

Fumes morphed into a gaseous robe, enveloping the boy while rolling clouds of fog washed over the stadium floor.

A tidal wave of vapors could be seen overhead, all though approaching at a funeral's pace.

"How is he doing all this?"

It was truly a sight.

A scene of pure mysticism, brought about with nary a hand sign weaved.

"This is the power granted to those with the discipline, the determination to learn such an art. I excel in the more destructive arts, while my knight's expertise lies in speed, precision and misdirection. The arts he's displaying are an area in which he completely trumps me. I can hardly ever get the Haze Series to work right, and the Static Series has always been his favorite."

None of the Jōnin could have, in their wildest imaginations conjured this up.

Their secrets were an abyss hopeless of discovery. Purposely hide away from who they perceived opposition. The only reason one could think of why they were showing anything now was simply: they no longer had to hide.

Kakashi felt all his fears, all his concerns and most of all all his animosity was justified as he watched the match unfold.

The bats dominated the air once again, firing volley after volley of their sound shots at Sasuke.

However, the technique the knight was implementing rendered the effort moot.

The attacks passed by and through Sasuke, as if he were made by the very fumes themselves. His form shifted upon contact, but would quickly revert to its original state.

"Why don't you attack me, Sasuke? Is it because you know you'll be torn to pieces once you drop your strange jutsu?"

Mitsumeru mocked, receiving the silent treatment.

Sasuke marched forward. Slow, steady steps towards his foe.

The rolling white pressed on ahead of him, lining the path for its master.

Before anyone could realize, a sea of ivory swallowed the ground. Swells popped and swayed as the sonic shots scattered the mist about. Smokey waves crashed, obscuring the view of the young knight. It was the sound of a sword severing the air providing any indication of where he might be.

He was the apparition of the reaper. Emerging from the white, hacking away as only a skilled slayer could.

Mitsumeru dodged and deflected the strikes as best he could, pulling two kunai from his thigh pouches.

However, Sasuke seemed to vanish before any counter could be mounted.

"Are you surprised that I can keep up with you so well?"

"I'm surprised you talk this much."

The voice spoke from behind before Mitsumeru rolled out the way of a beheading.

"I'm not tied down like you. A fool who has turned a gift into a curse."

He wasn't even given a chance to get back on his feet before having to cross guard an upward slash.

The strike sent him skidding to the stadium's edge.

"I'm not reliant on my eyes as you and your people were. They were the price I paid for a chance at true strength. In return, I received hearing at superhuman levels. Meaning all your smoke and mirrors will have no effect on me! All I need to do is to hear your approach and respond accordingly."

The boy avoided a downward slash, quickly side stepping out of the way.

"I have been bred to exterminate you, and that's what I'll do!"

The swarm surrounded Sasuke in an instant, forming a hovering dome around the boy. The bats filled the air with their horrid cries before unleashing their shredding soundwaves.

Most in attendance were forced to plug their ears, lest risking them being damaged beyond repair.

The sickening screeches continued for a minute or so before dying down.

In the wake of the attack, nothing was left.

"Finally! I've proven my superiority."

Mitsumeru's celebration was short-lived as his enhanced ears picked up the faintest whisper.

A swift spin on the boy's part prevented the worst, but he was unsuccessful in avoiding any damage at all.

The scene reset with the two players yet again face to face. Sasuke still draped in a sentient haze, while his wounded adversary assessed the situation.

Crimson eyes pierced through the icy veil, matching the small dabs of scarlet dripping from the severed bandages.

Mitsumeru tore away at the wrappings, revealing what they hid. Faint blond coloured hair, slicked back and tapered to a point, though one's attention would immediately shift to the boy's eyes, or lack of.

Instead, Mitsumeru's eyes were sewn completely shut.

These happenings earned a few comments from the gallery.

"He's strong. . ."

Was all Gaara uttered, though his expression revealed all his associates needed to know.

They couldn't fault him. The display the Uchiha was putting on was far too intriguing, for lack of a better word.

He wasn't the only one.

"Wow! I did not expect Sasuke to possess such skill!"

If Lee peered past the balcony any further, he was sure to fall over.

"It must be some kind of trick. Right, Neji?"

The young man was hesitant to answer Tenten's question.

Even with his specialized eyes, Neji could discern nothing more than the obvious.

The mist could be summed up to be nothing more than a feat of unparalleled chakra control, but as to how the Uchiha was performing his disappearing/reappearing act, Neji was at a loss.

"Answer the young lady, Nii-san. She's waiting."

Hinata chimed.

"Obviously this is some kind of ploy. It's what team 7 can be known for."

Neji tried his best not to spit out his animosity while responding.

"Don't speak on what you know nothing of. . . The Uzumaki Styles are separated into a series of specializations. Sasuke is utilizing a set of techniques based on immeasurable speed, dexterity, flexibility, fluidity and misdirection. The Haze Series is one only for the most resolute of souls, for the patience to master it can't be measured. The technique he's utilizing, the Transmigrating Haze, being one of its most challenging."

Naruto's explanation only begged for more investigation.

"What about the other one you talked about? The lightning style he used early."

Kakashi pounced the first chance he got.

"The Static Series is one based on control. Harnessing that which should not be tamed. Being wild and trained at the same time. If one can, the destruction they can bring becomes limitless."

"What about your styles? And what others are there?"

"Calm down, Hatake. I know you must be dying to report back to the old man, but I wouldn't deprive you of your investigation. Watch on, take your little bits and pieces, and splice together a tasty little theory of how we're 'demons' or the 'enemy'. I can't wait to see your forces gathered at our gates."

"I only think what I think because of how you guys act. I can't understand why you would behave this way towards your village, your friends."

"Simple. It's better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven."

The feeling Naurto gave off had indeed changed.

It had made what Kakashi would normally consider an empty threat, and turned it into a hair raising omen.

"It sounds like you've already sold your soul to the devil."

"Stop insulting me. . . Souls are offered to me, not the other way around. Especially with a reaper of his worth by my side."

The integration had to be put aside as the battle started back up.

"Now that you've chosen to rely on those eyes, my victory is assured! I'll use the strongest jutsu in my Arsenal. An unstoppable force to bend you to your knees. Ultrasonic Disruption!"

Wings flapped in formation with bats soon covering all corners of the room.

Without warning, the horrible high-pitched notes rang like sirens.

Try as they might, many failed in their attempts to block drilling sounds from permeating their brains.

"The sound waves scramble the senses so your vision is useless to you, while my hearing will allow me to cut you down."

Mitsumeru, far too engrossed in gloating, failed to make a crucial observation.

His foe pulled the shethe from his back and proceeded to holster his blade.

Sasuke's form shifted. He knelt on his right foot, the other shooting back.

"Annoying pest. . . Begone with a Thunderclap."

Maybe the knight unsheathed his blade. It was difficult to tell due to the flash.

A crack cut through all the ear piercing.

Bats fell dead before bursting into diminishing smokescreens.

New cracks and crevesses littered the entire structure's interior.

Most notably was Mitsumeru, slashed continuously as if trying to match the room, with his own personalized splash of color.

"M-my technique s-should've halted all your m-movements. It should've m-made your eyes useless!"

Struggling as he was, the boy fell into a battle stance.

"This village is shrouded in a darkness far worse than the black the blind are subjected to. No dojutsu could hope to gaze beyond it. The only way to gain vision is to cast out its need. Perceive with the only sense you can trust, for the world around you is untrustworthy."

"Well said, my lord."

Hinata complimented, snuggling up more on the young lord's arm.

"Where do you come up with this stuff, kid?"

"It's something my haha told me."

Whatever retort the bearded man had readied was quickly discarded.

If there was any intel they knew was right about the blonde, it was that he was an orphan. There was no 'mother' to provide profundity such as this. With that in mind, Asuma shared a look with his colleague. Between those three eyes, a conversation of belief and credibility. The questioning of character and corroboration.

Finally, the bitter stare of understanding.

Meanwhile, the fight below continued, if you could even refer to it as such.

The battered boy summoned forth more of his winged minions, who wasted no time unleashing their sonic storm upon Sasuke. The scene played as it did previously.

Shots phased though the phantom. No matter the amount of damage it caused to the stadium, the ivory haze lingered, wisping wildly with the winds.

"WHY!? WHY CAN'T I KILL YOU!? I WAS MADE TO KILL YOU!"

"Those biggoted stereotypes you've been spouting died with the fools that carried them. I would never be hindered by the loss of my sight, much less my Sharigan. All you managed to do was irritate me." And he unleashed said irritation.

Its indigo influence rapidly infected the persistent mist until only it remained. Accompaniment came in the form of crushing pressure crashing down.

Resident, foreigner, genin, Jōnin, gravity didn't discriminate.

It thinned the air, shivered the spine, and put fear into their hearts all the same.

Well, with the way the blinded battler was shaking, maybe not all the same.

"You're my favorite type of prey."

The bats never let up their attack.

It just didn't matter. Mitsumeru was subjected to watch his best efforts continuously fail.

"You prattle on about your superiority and how you can never be bested. That is, until the moment comes."

It just didn't matter. Sasuke was subjugating Mitsumeru to watch his best efforts continuously fail. Reminded not to get lost in the show with stinging pains erupting from all over.

"I didn't hear him!"

Was the thought conjured due to the stabbing pain in his shoulders.

"How's he hiding his sound!?"

Was his opponent's killer intent strong enough to kill his own sound?

Mitsumeru had no intent on waiting for an answer, impatiently engaging any sound he heard.

The combatants fell into a fanciful ballet.

Swift sword swipes emerged sporadically, with only the faintest whistle.

A panicked parry of a side slash. The deflection of a deadly thrust. Skillful steps unraveled into frantic movements. Soon, the blinded boy could no longer keep up with his partner.

The knight's phantasmal waltz sped up.

Spectators swore they could make out vestiges of him within the violet shroud, appearing to strike before dispersing back into the haze.

Mitsumeru could barely manage to repel and retreat.

"You spoke as if you knew me. As if you truly understood what you spoke of. Now, your cowardice speaks for you, silencing your arrogance."

Sparks came to life on Mugen's magnificent edge.

This time around, the energy's brilliance was bewildering, not blinding.

Afterimages and lightning arcs danced around the room, moving in perfect symmetry. Phantoms took to the air and dominated the ground, devastating Mitsumeru and his minions with great prejudice.

The plain boy's appearance was a complete contract from the beginning of the match.

He stood in tattered uniform with several stringed sheets of flesh, flapping with his labored breaths. Gashes across his face, each gap wide enough to accommodate a dime lengthwise. Slashed crevasses with dark walls and bone-white depths, where the Knight's talon had cleaved into.

Out streamed rivers of red, coating the man's formerly wrapped face in a crimson mask as he groaned weakly.

"Naruto, you've got to stop him!"

Kakashi commanded.

"Why must I?"

"He's going to fucking kill that boy! A member of Konoha, same as you!"

"And have you never been forced to take the life of a Konoha resident?"

That wasn't the easiest question to answer.

"Your silence has been acknowledged. Besides, someone must have taught you. . . It would be suicide to step between a predator and its prey."

Especially as the gap between the two drew closer.

Sasuke slowly prowled towards Mitsumeru.

Tenderized and terrorized, the boy turned tail to scurry towards the stadium's edge.

"If you're allowed to live, that ego of yours will once again justify the embarrassment you call a life."

The strength in his legs faded vastly with each step, but he put in all he had left in his attempt to flee.

How disparaging it must have been as Mitsumeru crashed into a firm structure.

"STOP! STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY!"

He shouted, stumbling back.

But again, he collided with something solid. The walls were closing in. There was no more running to do.

"You loom in the shadows, thinking you've mastered the dark. . . In reality, you're lost. Aimlessly mauling about until you and the rest of your kind are devoured."

Nothing good was about to happen.

Off the words only, stomachs turned and hearts palpated vigorously.

"From the moment you became my prey, there was nothing you could've done. I'm not one to play with my food."

Sasuke's encroach slowly came to an end.

He holstered his weapon, which seemed to banish the haze.

"This is the end."

"WAIT! WAIT! I SURRE-"

Mitsumeru's sentence was severed short.

Sasuke had transformed the stage into that of death.

It echoed at everyone in the room. At Anko's feet as she approached the blinded boy's beheaded skull.

"Fuck me. . .Winner of Round four: Sasuke Uchiha."

No words properly described seeing the headless corpse remain standing.

Or when it flopped to the ground, breaking open the flood gates and unleashing the reservoir of crimson sealed within.

This caused a chain reaction, as many didn't possess the grit necessary to bear such a sight.

The sharp stink of copper did little for the twisting of some's innards, and the spewage the couldn't hold back.

All of this forced Anko into a spot. She had no other choice.

"Shit. . . I think we're gonna have to take a little break."

Chapter Fourteen End

Author's Notes: Hello everyone thanks for reading the 14th Chapter of Naruto: Paradox!

I want to start by apologizing for the long wait. I've had more on my plate with work and school, so I've had less time to write than I've liked.

The real issue though is my self-criticism. I've had the chapter done, gone back, and changed everything a handful of times. I'm happy with the finished product though and I hope you all are as well!

Thanks to all the new fans and followers of the story, as well as the old ones for the continued support and even though it looks like things have slowed up, the story is stronger than ever I can assure you!

If you enjoyed it, Please follow and or favorite the story. Please leave a review if you'd like and until next time, have a Paradoxical day!

For visuals:

Kiba's new jutsu are reminiscent of Flame Charge or Flare Blitz of the Pokemon series.

Mukade is based on the Scolopendra di Nuvola from Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Mitsumeru's revealed appearance is based on the Shin Uchiha Clones seen in Baruto with the exception of his eyes being sewn shut.

The Uzumaki Sword Style techniques Sasuke used are based on several moves from Demon Slayer.

Dense Haze is loosely based on Mist breathing Seventh Form: Obscuring Clouds.

Evil Squall is based on Thunder breathing Fourth Form: Distant Thunder, performed by Kaigaku.

Phantom Fog is a hybrid creation of Mist breathing Fifth Form: Sea of Clouds and Haze, and the seventh form. The robe-like effect is based on Caesar Clown, minus the GAS writing.

Thunderclap is based on Thunder breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash.

Towards the end of the chapter, it's described that Sasuke performs a Static Series technique with no name. It's based on Thunder breathing Third Form: Thunder Swarm.

Hatsu List

Naruto Uzumaki- King's Guard: Seemingly sentient onyx chains that Naruto can control and will defend him automatically. They can meld and morph into different forms.

Sasuke Uchiha- Night's Shroud: Sasuke creates an indigo/violet mist he can manipulate and shift to form simple objects. Has a silencing effect.

Shizune- Authority's Assistant: By emitting her chakra through the vibrations in the atmosphere, Shizune forms a link with another person's brain and controls their actions.

Malice Rinha- Godmother: Taking the form of a large woman with puppet-like features, this ability allows malice to make "perfect" clones of those whose chakra she possesses.

Kagura- String Theory:

Bando- Arms Dealer: While dormant, it acts as Bando's left hand. It can transform into one of several forms to fit the needs of the situation.

Zabuza Momochi- Blood Demon:

Haku Momochi- Cold Killer:

Hinata Hyuga- Witch of the Realm:

Emperor's Witch: The power of the ability depends on how close the user is to the "emperor".

Influence of Understanding: The more Hinata "understands" something, such as its make-up and or its functions, the more she can influence it.

Koyuki Kazahana- The Many:

Karin Uzumaki- All Seeing Eyes:

Tayuya Uzumaki- Wrath:

Nagare-?

Hokushin-?

Hōki-?

Hanare- Bio-Lock: