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

15. Excited

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 Fifteen: Excited

Trauma happens rather easily and that's normal.

People are born to love. To feel secure in loving bonds, as part of a family and community. Yet this society encourages the opposite - complete self reliance, full independence and emotional rigidness.

Human nature discourages competition and encourages cooperation. So society funnels in the trauma, allowing it to work its wonders.

The competitions ensue. emotional indifference becomes the norm and cruelty of varying severity simply defines a land. Some would argue this blurred the lines between safe and scary, giving way for fear to fester.

The fear of one's family and loved ones not being safe, happy and loved. Fear of what would become of the natural world if the madness of consumption doesn't stop. Fear of the knowledge that psychopaths run the world and even if they all did their best, many more people were going to die horribly.

For some, this was a devastating reality to swallow, so much so they felt the desperate need to spew their acidic anxiety on the stand's tiles.

A gorish tale of terror had played out before them. A story of souls that had needed rescue, yet suffered to their demise, cold and alone.

The stringent smell coated their senses as a rancid tar, latching on as if it were a ghoulish parasite.

The Uzumaki knight provoked all the thoughts and feelings washing over the room, yet exhibited none of his own. He simply turned, and began his slow march to the top.

"H-how could he!? Why would he go that far!?"

"Lee. . . I understand why you're upset, but there's something you must understand. What happened here is what it means to be a shinobi. Those two entered that fight knowing full well what that intended. They went for eachother with the intent to destroy the other. . . Despite our feelings, we must accept the results for what they are. Two warriors went in, knowing only one of them would walk out."

Guy attempted to quell his pupil's rage.

Lee had a saint's soul. The boy would sooner harm himself than unnecessarily take a life. Unfortunately his ideology hardly had any place in the society they inhabited.

If that boy's dream was to be a splendid shinobi, he would have to come to understand more about that title and the true world it propelled you into. Once Guy witnessed Lee easing up his monstrous grip that was slowly curling the railing, it was a sign in the right direction.

"He tried to surrender, sensei. . ."

The Jōnin expected that more of his students would have their reservations.

"That's his point. . . It's rarely ever an option, even if offered."

It wasn't a matter of principle. Yet instead, a harsh reminder. The battle in general was quite unbelievable, shocking really.

Minds were sent reeling, unable to comprehend or process the images being sent by their eyes.

Experience didn't fight back the reflexes. Flinching, wincing, tensing at the mere thought of brutality. High IQs, well established constitutions, whatever have you. None seemed to be able to truly grasp what this scene was. Or better yet, why it unfolded.

"The guy's a fucking pyscho. . .Wait, does that mean Naruto and Hinata are planning to do the same in their matches?"

Shikamaru wasn't the type to emulate much emotion.

The same bored expression stayed on his face like a uniform, with some alteration on special occasions. Plastered on his face was a new expression. One that would induce teeth grinding and nail biting from a single glance.

"I-I don't. . ."

Words failed Asuma.

He never once imagined that his student's lives were in actual danger. They were skilled, had each other and the exams weren't as bad as when they had taken it. This development threw all that confidence out the window.

Ino also wanted to help comfort her teammate, but how could she? She was in no condition to offer words of consulate, her stomach continuously sloshing around violently after her vomit fit. Despite the feeling of uselessness that washed over her, Ino thanked the powers that be that she had already lost her match.

"Well, this wasn't the outcome I was expecting."

Sai spoke to his remaining teammate with quite the analytic tone.

"It was bound to happen. He was made from the very thing he was born to destroy. Perhaps if he wasn't having 'fun', he would've gotten the job done."

"I doubt it would've mattered in the end. Sasuke's parameters are incredibly hard to determine off that display. It's possible that Mitsumeru's fate was already sealed."

No matter how much reconnaissance their agents have performed, they were unable to get any advantage over the Uzumaki's agents.

"Regardless, a failure is a failure. Nothing more to be expected from a failed experiment."

Different walks of life influenced different opinions on such an absurd act.

"Didn't think the Uchiha would end up cutting down one of their own."

The eldest of the sand siblings spoke out.

"He wasn't one of theirs. . . He was a Konoha shinobi."

"What do you mean, Gaara?"

"They hate this place and its people. That much is obvious."

"Maybe we can use that to our advantage. . .The Uzumaki alone caused considerable damage in the first part of the exam."

The tall man placed his hand to his chin to ponder.

"If you try to take advantage of them, you'll end up dead. . ."

This wasn't like the death threats the red head usually threw around.

There was no malicious intent. No menacing follow up. It was an actual warning for his well being.

"Is that the power these children possess? Enough to make Gaara weary!?"

It was plausible, even more so as Baki watched the knight return to his King's side.

Sasuke's form was exquisite.

His entire ensemble, high collared shirt, hakama pants and immaculate blade remained unstained despite the state the stage and his opponent were left in.

He walked at his leisure. And as he approached the critics, they moved to provide him room.

Where were the questions of his morals? The investigation into his mental state?

The audience had the rare chance to interact with the star of the performance, yet chose to limit all contact to grimacing glares and glances filled with quandary.

Past the seniors.

Past the peers.

Past the teachers.

None uttered a word to the young man, and while uninterrupted, Sasuke reached his destination just as he left it.

All waited on battered breath to hear what the one monster would convey to the other.

"Sasuke. . . That was splendid!"

The boys bumped fist, clasped hands and went on as if it was just a normal victory. As if a team wasn't recovering the separate remains of an adolescent from the demolished stadium floor.

"You're Voltic Waltz was pure perfection. . . I could never hope to perform it with your level of proficiency."

As if they hadn't traumatized some of the others.

"Indeed, Lord Uchiha! You'll certainly be a tough act to follow."

Or hadn't been, at every conceivable turn, a blight on everything this village stood for.

"I can only hope for a worthwhile opponent. There have been many things I'm dying to try out."

And they wouldn't stop. Not unless they were forced to.

"STOP!"

It had pulled itself to the surface, kicking and screaming.

"My word. . ."

Hinata feigned genuine shock over the Silver mained man's sudden outburst.

"What's gotten into you, Hatake?"

"I am a Jōnin. Your superior, Naruto. Watch your tone or there will be consequences."

Such a stern tone. What an imposing posture.

"Oh ho! Where has this Kakashi been all this time?"

"I'm not playing with you, Naruto."

Whoever he was, he meant business.

"Neither am I. . . If you can no longer keep your emotions in check I'm more than happy to help. It seems to be a trend with you Konoha relics."

Or at least tried to look that way.

"I don't care if you think you're strong. I'm sick of your shit. Give me an excuse so I can put you into the fucking ground. . ."

"That's a challenge even your legendary Sannin couldn't meet."

The blonde spat out with vigor.

"A side show brawl with lady Tsunade means nothing."

"It wasn't Tsunade my lord was referring to."

"Think hard, Hatake."

"There's no way in hell you were able to contend with someone the likes of Orochimaru!"

The sheer thought!

"You're right. . ."

Naruto's head sunk down, hiding his eyes away.

It was absolutely silly to believe that the boy felt some semblance of remorse. What Kakashi thought was a moment of reflection quickly devolved into darelect laughing.

"I bested the reptile."

Kakashi's eye got to peer into azure orbs and Naruto looked up.

Absolute power orbited within those eyes. A power so grand in fact, that just the look felt like evidence enough.

"T-there's no way a child took on one of the most dangerous shinobi and beat him back."

The man was a hokage candidate for crying out loud!

None of th These kids thrived off of the fear they had been generating in the village. This bold face lie had to be another piece of their convoluted scheme.

"Actually, sensei. . . Naruto isn't lying."

Kakashi noticed as Saskura interjected that the overall feel about her changed.

Whatever she observed out there, she wasn't happy about it.

"I got to see what he could do. Against someone that strong. . . He's been serious this whole time. . ."

Sakura was no fan of the Uzumaki cohorts, meaning there was no need for her to lie. Her word was the next best thing to seeing it themselves.

It was believed that the only counter to the Sannin deserter had been lost long ago. Now, whether friend or foe, one stood again with the might to slay the serpent.

"I really don't care. Keep up your shit and I'll follow through on that threat."

"There's really no need to wait, Hatake. Please allow me to send you to meet your father in purgatory. I hear that's where the suicidal end up."

That was the last straw.

The same way the boy had no right to speak on such matters, Kakashi would have no self-control. He shot forward, within the same beat removing the seal over his Sharingan. He expected some resistance from the boy, but was more than ready for what may come.

Except the wall of associates laid in his path.

The gallant green beast stood front and center. The two other Jonin acting as support. What was perplexing was the recipient of their attention. Kakashi was what any and all Jonin aspired to be. The fear, skill and notoriety he amassed was the stuff of legend. So even he thought it was excusable that he wanted to add his colleges to his target list.

Especially as he met their rears on his way to assault this upstart.

"Oh. Don't you think it's overkill? All you strong, strapping shinobi against this poor orphan."

Asuma was tense.

Kurenai slowly reached for a weapon.

And as Kakashi watched his old rival's fist clench ever tighter, he had to question which one of them posed the true danger.

"Good. . . You all look like you're starting to get it."

"Earth Style: Reconstruct!"

Several shouts originated from below.

A team of Konoha shinobi appeared, using a tandem jutsu to repair the extensive damage. Like a gust, they blew in, did what they had to, and blew out in a haste.

"Hey! The place just got fixed up. Think you can avoid destroying it till the next match starts?"

"Of course, Lady Mitarashi. I'll be sure to keep the malcontents in line."

"See to it that you do."

Was her delivery too sultry?

"The selection of the next match will now begin."

With a clearing of the throat, and a lowering in tone, she signaled for the roulette to spin once more.

"Kakashi. . ."

Naruto turned to face the beyond irate man. He then proceeded to hushed tones.

"One day soon, you'll get what you're looking for. Then we'll see who ends up in the ground."

Despite the very real threat Kakashi perceived to his very existence, there was only one appropriate response for him.

"I'm looking forward to it."

The board splayed out the next set of combatants.

"Hope you're ready chickies, cause we've got two more for the slaughter. Round 5 will be Kin Tsuchi Vs Neji Hyūga. Make your way down."

"Finally. It was getting annoying waiting around like this."

"You're awfully eager."

Her spikey haired teammate spoke.

"Maybe I'd like to cause some mayhem."

The Oto kunoichi flipped her hair out of her face.

"Stow it. It doesn't matter if everyone's got the Uchiha's taint on their breath. That one's still the best genin this village has. You fuck up, you'll get the same funeral precession as the other guy."

The harshness of his words or delivery didn't diminish the bandaged teen's point.

The opposite side of the room was far more lively.

"Oh Yeah! Looks like it's time to show em what being a member of Team Guy is all about. You go down there and let your youth explode, Neji!"

"Give it your all, Neji! We'll make it so it will only be the members of our team in the finals!"

Master and pupil hopped all over, hoping to fuel their young man with positive energy before his match. It certainly wasn't the send off the stoic Hyūga would've preferred.

Past his childish companions, the young man caught a glimpse of a sinister way in his direction.

"Oh, Nii-san. . . Good luck in your match."

"How foolish. . . Something as idiotic as luck has no factor in the outcomes of matters such as these. Life, death, and all else are all the will of fate."

That girl was the bane of his existence.

Hinata was of higher birth, yet lacked any of the talent necessary for the position life had thrusted her into. Neji was bestowed the opposite, being of lower birth but demonstrating skill surpassing some of the best the clan had to offer.

But we're those facts respected?

That for a useless little girl, Neji would be without his hero. The countless spars, resulting in her humiliating defeat. Her ineptitude to grasp even the most basic of her clan's teachings.

No. Because of fate, he would remain the dutiful servant, serving someone he considered less than.

"You were determined long ago to be a fragile, pathetic little girl. It doesn't matter who you associate yourself with or how far you take this farce you are putting on. That fact will never change."

The girl was sure to break down now.

Default to her sniveling state like many times in the past once the going got tough.

"Neji Hyūga, we're waiting on you."

In a moment.

The boy was far too engrossed in his staring match. Neji practically tapped his heel waiting for Hinata's demeanor to shift.

"Kid! Get your ass down here!"

"What's with her and that damned smile?!"

It was only months ago the Hyūga heiress began flashing the oddest of grins the teen's way.

Each and every time, the only thought it would provoke was one of evil.

"Neji! You really should get down there."

Tenten was close to pushing him off the railing.

"Hmm. . ."

He finally relented.

It didn't take long for Neji to meet his opponent and proctor in the ring's center.

"You got your shit together?"

Anko received a short nod.

"Good. Now let's get this over with. Round 5, begin!"

Anko swiftly slid into her spot, awaiting to see if the new combatants would be christening the repaired stage with fresh scarlet stains.

"You're not gonna try to cut off my head, are you?"

"Please. I have no taste for baseless violence. That being said, I suggest you forfeit before there's any need."

Neji proclaimed, arms fastened tightly against him.

"Dog boy looked down on a foreigner in his match. He ended up getting pulled out of here in a stretcher."

Kankuro was quite a fan of the scathing insult. He even let out a hearty chuckle.

"Then you're as pathetic as him if you think that failure and I are comparable."

"I've had my fair share of cocky guys before. Some of you use destiny, while the others just scream about how they're the strongest there is. Well, I guess we'll see what you're made of in the end."

Kin was determined to allow her skill to speak for her, not some pompous ideology. And to help her achieve that goal, the young miss flourished a bouquet of senbon.

"Those will prove useless."

He wouldn't need to open his eyes to finish this one off.

"Trust me, they won't."

Kin fired off rounds of senbon with mechanical movement and precession.

The Hyūga however, had no plans to be turned into a human pincushion. A turn to the left, and a pivot to the right would remove the need for concern.

Kin's attack continued nevertheless.

She danced from a distance, sending silver skewers soaring towards her foe. Neji's shuffle was a production as well. Every move looked deliberate, as if he saw and was dogning each individual senbon.

Was it a taunt? A flex?

"You think you're hot shit?"

Kin stopped her assault, seemingly to question her foe.

"I think the outcome has already been determined."

"Tough talk from all the way over there."

"Fine. I'll fulfill your request."

Neji shifted his stance, preparing to take off towards his opponent.

*Ding*

His eyes reacted, lurching open to a different sight to when they closed. Kin had multiplied.

"No matter. This isn't my first time dealing with clones."

*Ding*

*Ding*

In the blink of his eyes, the girls duplicated again. Then once more with another blink.

*Ding*

*Ding*

*Ding*

It took no time at all for the Hyūga to be surrounded by delirium and doppelgangers, putting a damper on his plans.

"Problem, dead eyes? Seeing double? Maybe triple?"

More to the tone of double digits.

On top of the girls' ever increasing numbers and that insistent bell, Neji found his moves sluggish. Regardless, he'd never give his opponent the satisfaction of seeing him panic.

"Wow, you really want to look like a badass in front of your little friends. Then some new piercings are just what you need!"

Senbon by the dozens wisped to sting their target.

*Ding*

As they neared their prey, every senbon was caught with a degree of ease.

"7. . ."

The number of skewers scattered as Neji dropped them.

"You can play your little tricks all you want. There is nothing that can hide from these eyes."

"Then you know as well as I did that you missed one cool guy."

Well, not all.

Kin tapped her cheek, signaling for the boy to check his own.

With further inspection, and a good deal of struggle, Neji dabbed his check to reveal a small droplet of blood.

This didn't go unnoticed by the crowd.

"These foreigners have performed some impressive feats. One being able to fool the nose of an Inazuka. The other is fooling the Byakugan."

"To be fair, I believe she's also affecting nii-san's motor skills."

It was sound logic. Someone of Neji's physical prowess should've blitzed his opponent by now.

Instead, he was forced to seat away his opponents projectiles, lest he become their new holder.

"I will say though, you are handling the paralysis better than I thought."

Mocked Kin, prepping her next salvo. Unsurprisingly, Neji didn't bite.

"Oh c'mon! I know you're curious. If you ask nicely, I'll tell you how I'm gonna beat you."

If the Oto kunoichi was so enthusiastic about divulging secrets, might as well indulge her.

"Fine. What is this ability of yours?"

"Thought you'd never ask. . ."

Instead of answers, Kin sent a peppering of senbon Neji's way.

*Ding*

*Ding*

Swift movements led to the needles being swatted out of the air, though like before, not all of them could be avoided. The young man received matching puncture wounds to his shoulders.

Yes, the pain was a nuisance. And the bells were aggravating as all hell. Neji would gladly have both of those

"I'd have to be brain dead to give away my secrets like that."

"That's fine. I figured out it's the bells…"

The Hyūga teen remarked as he dislodged the needles from his person.

"What!?"

"The bells. . . You're using them to mess with my senses."

The overconfident expression on Kin's face was rapidly replaced with worry.

"How'd you figure it out?"

"The guy before you. His sound technique was far more effective. I'm not afraid to admit it affected me even in the stands."

Many of the similar symptoms the young man was suffering felt reminiscent of the bat Jutsu's effects.

After feeling it not that long ago, it was easy enough to tell it was some sound based technique.

"Asshole. . . It doesn't matter. You can hardly move. I don't need much knowledge to know that you rely heavily on taijutsu. As long as I keep my distance, victory is rightfully mine."

"Another misconception on your part. The Gentle fist is far more flexible than you believe."

Neji drew his hands to his side, cupping them together.

"Neji's got it!"

It was new, but the form was still fresh in Tenten's mind from their training.

"Hmmm. It appears nii-san has been a busy boy. Sneaking head branch arts into his arsenal. Old man Haishi would be quite upset."

Hinata was well versed with that technique as well.

Compressed inbetween her cousin's palms was a volatile vacuum shell.

"Try your best. Nothing you do will be able to win you this fight!"

Both combatants took a step forward.

Kin let another volley fly, while Neji's hands thrusted forward.

The silver skewers got off easy, being brushed aside and crashing down on the ground. The girl however, wasn't so lucky.

Kin wasn't given a moment to process what had happened. The extreme pain radiating from her skull really put a damper on any mental workings she planned on doing, but being rocketed into a wall would do that to you.

Kin didn't even have the strength to stay up straight, crashing straight to her face once her feet met the ground again.

"That's it?"

Anko strolled over to the downed girl. A quick once over was all that was necessary.

"She's all good, just out cold. That means the winner of round 5 is Neji Hyūga."

Whether by luck, fate, or an invisible tremendous force, he had won. However, the declaration came with mixed reviews.

"Great job Neji!"

"As expected of a genius!"

Of course, there were mighty praises for the victor.

"Of course Kin lost! What else could we expect from the weakest link."

Then there were the harsh criticisms of the loser, mainly from her spiky haired teammate.

"Relax, Zaku. Does this affect the plan, Sensei?"

The Oto Jōnin adjusted his lenses before addressing his bandaged pupil.

"No. Just be sure to recover her later, Dosu. For now let's observe the remaining matches."

And Lastly.

"Were the other matches this dull?"

The unstimulated look on the king's face.

"I'm afraid so, my lord."

The tired tone of his knight's response.

"I'm particularly disappointed in this one. . . I thought nii-san would show me something worthwhile."

The dissatisfaction with the fizzle of a match they received.

These melded into the analysis of the unimpressed. Though, it would not go uncontended.

"What the hell are you talking about!? He won like he said he would. He didn't even touch his opponent."

Not with Tenten there to defend her teammate tooth and nail.

"Not from a lack of trying. He didn't use the Vacuum palm because it was the most effective option. He was forced to."

"What the hell do you know!?"

"Hopefully enough about my clan's taijutsu and dojutsu to spot it's weaknesses. Neji was lucky this time. If the jutsu was more potent, it would've been his loss."

"Enough Tenten."

Neji had made his way back to the balcony. Just in time to interject in the head to head.

"Luck had nothing to do with my match. . . As I told you before I was fated to be the victor. The same was that you were fated to be a loser. Now, we wait until that board calls you down to prove that fact. When someone fated superiorly shows you your position in life."

"Damn you kids are dramatic! If you've got a problem, resolve it in your match."

Anko had to remind them of their setting. An actual fighting ring.

There was no need petty squabbles or arguments when you could bring down your ideology right on your stupid opponents face.

It was more so true in this situation, as the board presented the next two names.

"Round 6's gonna be Tenten Vs. Hinata Hyūga. So come settle your shit."

A resound clap came as Tenten's knuckle slashed with her palm.

"Glady. It's like Neji said. Someone's gotta put the princess in her place. Might as well be me."

With the mentioned giving a small nod in agreement.

"Insults. Demeaning remarks. That all worked out so well for Sasuke's foe. Let's see how it plays out for you. . . Shall we make our way down?"

Nothing felt right about this.

The look on her face, even overcast by her fantastical headpiece, was that of a mother not a warrior. Her hand gestures displayed how lax the maiden was despite about to enter battle.

If there was a census, the confidence vote was not with Tenten.

"Don't mind if I do."

And she wasn't even aware.

Those damned monsters!

Forcing the spectators into one uncomfortable situation after another. This time watching an unsuspecting victim leap from the stands, and blindly to their doom.

Without regard to Tenten's restless descent, Hinata turned to her prince.

She was sure to capitalize on every moment of their embrace, basking in the warmth he radiated. In return, Hinata allowed a gander at some of the many reasons she was such an asset to the young man.

"Care to see me off, my lord?"

"In front of all these people? Certainly some amongst them partake in voyeurism."

"You know that matters little to me. As long as I'm with you there is nothing else."

"How could I deny such a declaration. . ."

The space between their lips so scarce they most assuredly shared one breath.

"How naughty of you, Naruto-sama. You remember, now's not the time. . . Soon though."

"It's not nice to tease, hime. Luckily, it's worth the wait. Now, there's a victory you have to procure."

Gazing into the depth of a galaxy, the young maiden was overstimulated. Her mind went into a frenzy of the best kind.

She had to ponder on what Sasuke experienced looking into their lord's eyes. There was an inkling that for any and all it would be a different experience, a secret between you and him.

"Naruto-sama, it shall be done in thine name. All I ask for is you undivided attention."

"You needn't ask. That's assured."

What she wouldn't do to stare upon this smile forever.

"Then no need to keep the masses waiting."

Hinata moved akin to a pirouette before performing a grand Jeté clear over the railing.

The Hyūga sailed through the air, carried by unseen updrafts. Her and gravity putting on a show for the VIP in the crowd. Falling down to the earth ever slowly.

What a divine presence.

Finally, she landed on the ground oh so gently, yet managed to produce a loud clack with her tall heels.

Was there any point in questions anymore?

"I don't know how you did that and I don't care. That shit was cool!"

Anko flashed an approving thumbs-up in Hinata's direction.

"It's hard to find women with such refined taste nowadays."

"You said it sister!"

"Ahem. . ."

Hard not to feel like there isn't some nepotism with the proctor flirting with her opponent.

"Yea, yea. . . Round 6, Tenten Vs. Hinata Hyūga. Begin!"

It was combat 101.

Establish distance and assess. Be ready to attack or defend. Tenten followed these rules to a tee.

"Go for it, Tenten! Beat her with all you've got!"

"Believe in yourself, Tenten! We're behind you all the way!"

"Cheer her on with more passion, Lee!"

With might and gusto they cheered on.

"It's nice having all that lively energy. Everyone in this village comes off as so dreary."

Tenten appeared in no mood for small talk.

"Waiting for me to make the first move? Well, if you are going to be nice and hand me the lead, allow me to break down what this match will be."

Someone was cocky.

Tenten would just have to wait and let the Hyūga's hubris be her undoing.

"Up until just a couple of months ago, I was exactly as my cousin described and none were more aware of it than me. . . I hated nearly everything about myself. My cowardice over all. Turning a blind eye to the atrocities that I'd witnessed, and the animosity hurled my way."

Despite the smile she wore, Hinata's words sparked with friction.

"So I made a choice, and took a trip. One that opened my eyes to how much of a role will play in the grand scheme of things. As well as never to underestimate the fickleness of luck."

"You're not making any sense. Just get to the point."

"Very well. . . You will be a tool to teach a valuable lesson."

Hinata reached for the strange broom latched to her back, causing Tenten to take a reactive stance.

"Oh calm down. As much as I'd like to display my Spear Style, this isn't the appropriate setting. You being my opponent and all."

"I think I liked it better when you weren't this chatty."

"Then I'll stop talking and we can proceed."

She placed the broom behind her, right under her rear. Once she let go, it seemingly hovered under the young miss.

How could one encapsulate grace in the art of sitting?

Hinata placed her rear on the wonderous witch's stick. She sat prim, legs crossed and finely manicured figures over one knee.

"Pretty neat jutsu. It must kill at parties."

"It kills, believe you me. But we must move this along. Since you were so impatient, attack or be put on the defensive."

"Fine. No holding back then!"

Tenten launched sky high before unleashing a salvo of shuriken at the witch.

Hinata merely giggled a tad, then closed her eyes. What an odd move with an approaching assault.

Sharpened stars shredding through the air to go and. . . Completely miss their mark. Over a dozen projectiles passing by the hovering heiress with not a concern for her presence.

"No way! Tenten never misses!"

"The girl is a marksman prodigy! Hinata must have done something to throw her attack off."

Coming to the conclusion didn't help Guy surmise the method.

The movement of the stars didn't indicate any tampering. They even kept their momentum as they clashed into the wall behind Hinata.

Guy was at least relieved at the sight of his student's unnerved expression. Locked in thought, but unnerved.

"Did something go wrong? I heard noises, but I seem to be unharmed."

The witch mocked, running her hands up and down her frame.

"Get her out of there. . ."

"What are you talking about, Shikamaru?"

The Nara's comment earned more than Ino's attention.

"She's about to get demolished."

"I wouldn't count her out just yet. Tenten's got way more under her sleeve."

If his student was going to fight with confidence, the Guy would confidently have her back.

Tenten took off in a sprint, circling her opponent.

"With the byakugan, I doubt she won't see any of my attacks coming. Guess that means I'll have to overwhelm her."

From her back pouch, the girl pulled two scrolls.

A violent whip unfurled both parchments, each in one of her hands. Tenten bounced around with conviction. Thrashing about and bringing a slew of projectiles into the world.

Waves of glinting metal took to the air, proceeding as their predecessors had. And like their predecessors, they passed by their target and into the wall behind her. This time, the projectiles curved and weaved before the collision.

Now, engraved in the wall was a portrait.

"Of me!? You shouldn't have."

The hovering broom turned to allow its master to sight of the art piece,

Metal on top of metal embedded in the wall to display Hinata sitting atop her mystical tool, flashing an adorable piece sign.

"I'm surprised you were able to capture Realm Sweeper's likeness so well. You have quite the promising career as an artist!"

It certainly caught the eye.

"If only we could take that back with us, Sasuke. It's a pleasant piece to look at."

"See? They're fucking around. . . This doesn't matter to them. Neji went and pissed her off, and now Tenten's gonna be the one paying the price."

Shikamaru's argument made a lot more sense with this new evidence. This wasn't a fight. If anything, it was bullying of the worse kind.

"I'd make you a chūnin with this precision and accuracy alone."

With said bully relishing in it.

"How is she doing any of this!? Nothing I've thrown at her is working!"

"Tenten! Keep focused! Don't let her get in your head!"

"Easier said than done, Lee. I may have underestimated her coming into this match, but now I'll pull out all the stops!"

Which started by retrieving two more scrolls from her back pouch.

"I suppose she doesn't have much choice."

Guy was fully aware of this technique's nature and intended purpose; the final round.

Though against someone this enigmatic, it very well could be.

"Are you about to pull out some big move? Hopefully it's something that would make nii-san proud. Remember, he's put so much trust in you to. . . 'Put me in my place'. It would be a shame if you failed miserably in front of all these people."

Tenten, in spite of the scathing ridicule, was able to retain composure. She slammed the scrolls on the stadium surface, freeing her hands for weaving.

Tiger → Dragon → Monkey → Hare → Snake.

All in quick succession. And at the end, a crossing of her arms.

"Rising Twin Dragons!"

For the umptenth time, smoke engulfed the tantalizing events.

The gaseous cloud gave birth to two roaring spires spiraling towards the ceiling. Their tops resembled that of dragon heads. They interacted, spiraling in sync yet remaining perpendicular to each other while doing so.

The smoke then dissipated, revealing the two unwrapped scrolls continuing the motions. In an impressive burst of speed, Tenten took to the sky. In between the scrolls, the weapon maiden commenced her raid.

Chains. Kunai. Shuriken. Maces. Blades.

Various and numerous was the assortment. All being hurled towards her opponent. It was far more of an impressive feat than her previous attacks. The sheer volume of cold steel raining down saw to that.

"There's no way Hinata can avoid that!"

Lee was more than sure he was looking at the winning move.

"Hmph."

As the wave of weapons neared, Tenten felt her victory assured, and most importantly her pride still intact.

This was a technique that even the prodigy himself had to resort to a trump card to handle. There was nothing his inferior cousin could do in the face of it.

That line of thought ceased abruptly, along with time and space.

It was as if it had been isolated within a finite bubble. Waiting for no man, yet bending to the twisted whim of the wicked witch.

"Naruto. . ."

The shallow tones of Kurenai caught the young lord's attention.

"Despite you not owing me anything, I ask as Hinata's sensei, how is she capable of this now?"

"Please understand Lady Yūhi, while I hold no ill will towards you, I am not at liberty to say."

"C'mon kid. Just answer the damn question!"

He didn't seem to take kindly to the barking of orders.

"Hinata?"

"Yes, my liege?"

The enchanted seat turned with haste, facing the witch to her king.

"It appears that some of the audience are not as invested into this match as we'd hoped."

"I suppose we should fix that."

While the two were having a side chat, Tenten leaped.

Several fingers flourished to reveal thin wires attached to all her weaponry. A method devised so she could retrieve and fire off the round again in case an enemy deflected or dodged.

It proved fruitless, for her yanking attempt was met with absolute resistance.

"We'll be having none of that. What you can do for us however, is dance."

The snap of those manicured fingers signaled the shift.

The ominous oxygen began filling lungs while the wriggle fear feelers crawled on their skin.

The still weapons twist to face their once master. Each teeming with a new found edge they lacked before. Humming with an unsettling impatience.

A Kunai shot off.

Tenten was sure it wasn't intended for her. Merely a demonstration.

The young girl's head slowly crept to look behind her, the wall the kunai had met. A deep dug crevasse was the result. At the site of impact, shattered remains of the once refined steel.

"And. . . Begin!"

The metal sliced through the distance, crashing into the entire stadium like a series of bombs going off.

It was one at a time, but the speed made it difficult enough for the brunette to avoid. If the fear wasn't taking its toll, breathing in all the blast debris surely was.

She was quickly forced into a pattern of hacking and wheezing while ducking and weaving.

"Why don't we spice things up?"

Tenten was far too preoccupied to entertain more of the cryptic taunts.

It wouldn't have helped anyways. Short of precognition, she was never going to see it in time. Racing out of harm's way, one of the many ivory tiles suddenly stood upright. The new partition plus her already frantic pace summed up to a tragic sounding collision for the poor kunoichi.

"Tenten!"

She could barely make out the obnoxious shouts from Lee.

The explosions within went off without warning. Stinging nettles infesting every extremity. Wasp stings protruding to the deepest regions of her brain, rendering thought assembly a tough task.

"Move!"

By instinct or simply her body succumbing to the newfound pain, Tenten buckled to the ground.

In the next breath, the upper half of the tile was gone. Morphed into an airborne mess as gravel and shrapnel drizzled on her.

The feel of her broken steel, the blurry sight of more careening closer, lazing about wasn't an option.

Back on the balls of her feet, Tenten sprang forward. It was two steps in, that she was thrown three tiles back by one of them catapulting her.

Back and forth, round and round. It was a tortuous circus of chaos the young kunoichi found herself entrapped in. Paranoia of a tiles unforeseen upheaval kept her quick to respond, but narrowly escaping with life one second after the next was wearing fast.

All while her foe sat pretty. The only change to her from the start of the fight had been her facial expressions.

"I guess we're done with that. No more toys to play with."

Tenten came to a stop to check Hinata's claim.

Lo and behold, a devastated stage. Shattered slabs and splintered metal littered almost all corners of the room. The only good to come out of the horrific scene for the weapon's maiden, was the moment of reprieve it allowed.

"Just fucking had the place fixed. . ."

Anko hissed under her breath.

"After all of that, is there something you'd like to say for all of us, Tenten?"

Asked Hinata, resting her hand on her chin as if she were intrigued.

"I'm tired. I'm hurt. And on top of that, I still have no idea what I'm up against. Is she psychic!?"

"Neji, can you tell what Hinata's doing with you Byakugan?"

HIs sensei had a degree of concern in his question.

"Chakra. . ."

"What?"

Spewed from more than a few mouthes.

"That's all he can see because that's all there is to my ability. An above average control over chakra."

Hinata displayed her skills more as shards of steel floated towards her.

In her open hand, shrapnel gathered, reforming one of the shattered kunai. With a puff of bright blue flames, the kunai appeared in pristine condition. She even tossed it towards her opponent for inspection.

Along with Tenten, those from a far distance came to their own conclusion once they saw the witch rebuild the destroyed weapon.

"That can't be true. Chakra can't-"

"You have no idea what it can do. . . Chakra has been bastardized since it's discovery. What was meant to be a source of possibility was converted to a fuel for death. We understand what that power was truly intended for and thus, its usages are far more vast for us."

There are secrets to chakra now!?

Hidden information that allowed people to use it with their minds and make supernatural mist on a whim. Information, like everything else, was available only to their trusted few.

The feeling of sleeping with the enemy evolved in the mind of Konoha citizens present.

The control, the skill, the confidence. The enemy hadn't infiltrated them, they had crossed into enemy territory. No knowledge, no plan, and a budding understanding of how fucked they might be.

"Surrender, Tenten. . . I've already proved you and my igneramous cousin to be arrogant fools too engulfed in your own egos to sense your doom looming over you. Anything further would be me adding insult to injury."

After everything, the brunette felt there was only one correct course of action.

"I will never give up!"

She would let her youth burn bright, until it burned out!

From her lower leg, Tenten grabbed a three-section staff that stood at attention with a whip.

"That's the way, Tenten! Give it your all!"

"Why are you still encouraging this? Hinata's right. She's done way better than Neji did in his fight and proved that Tenten's no match for her. Stop this before it's too late."

"Shikamaru, that's not our choice, nor is it Guy's."

Both sensei could understand the boy's worries, not that it helped.

"Tenten is down there fighting for more than just a chance at chūnin. Her pride is on the line."

This was all he could do. Offer up what fleeting support from his position in hopes his student would prevail.

"Pride is the devil. A conspirator of witches, I hear."

Though, the hope was draining out.

"*Sigh* If you must, come. The Witch of the Realm loves to be seen!"

Tenten's choice was to think of a strategy. Hinata's was to see her opponent sweat.

The weapon's maiden shifted as she felt a slight rumble from beneath her. If she hadn't she would've been splattered between said tile, and those of the ceiling.

"Guess I gotta wing it. . . Maybe if I can land a hit. . ."

It was either that, or surrender. So, full speed ahead!

Barreling towards the smug sorceress was going to be no easy feat though. From the starting gate, stone slabs gain sentience and the sole mission to act as opposition.

They flew from all sides. Some at high speeds to press Tenten against the side walls. Others lifted from the ground as partitions, trapped floors, or flipped over to pancake her with another floor tile.

The circus was back on, yet she wouldn't be the jester being batted around. Each obstacle was met with an acrobat's dexterity and finesse. It was a mad dash towards her goal and Tenten would only break the stride to dodge or leap out of harm.

Three slabs rose, horizontally aligned and bulldozed forward. In response, she pole vaulted over with her staff.

Sheets on both her left and right rose. Tenten backfliped before they sandwiched her between and launched a shuriken volley towards the witch.

The last tiles stood tall in front of their master, shielding her from harm. Hinata threw her own volley with her former shields acting as oversized saws.

Frenzied movements converted to vertical leaps or dirt raising slides to allude her high speed pursuers. No matter how random the movement, the hunters were never fooled and stuck on the trail with a bloodhound's determination.

The tiles moving ever closer forced the girl into a backpedal. Seeing no end to the chase, Tenten resorted to a risky maneuver.

She brandished a thicker scroll than the others, unraveling it in the same motion.

"Dragon Bomb!"

From its confines arose a large flaming dragon, roaring in delight of its freedom.

The beast raged to meet Hinata hounds to extinguish its brief existence, but not without going out with a bang. One mighty enough to rock the room and raise the bomber off her feet and straight back.

Once she came to a stop, Tenten was allowed a chance to take it all in. The sight of the tileless ring. The sounds of crumbling and smoldering debris. The heaviness to her limb and the haggardness to her breathing.

"Color me impressed! You certainly did well out there. I might have to join you on one of your team's training sessions. You know, see how it is you stay in such scrappy shape."

Most disparaging of all, the contrast between her and her opponent.

"AAAAAAAHHHH!"

One more dash.

"Oh my! Look who's still raring to go."

More gestures of ridicule from the witch. It didn't matter. Not with this last sprint.

"She must be suicidal at this point."

"No, Sasuke. . . I think that's the "burning will" that drives so many of their hastier choices. I'm sure Hinata will do away with it."

"Never!"

Lee's shout took the room by surprise.

"That's right! She's got a will like an inferno. There's no blowing that out!"

This was his student putting everything she had into making her last stand.

In no time, the distance became scarce.

The wicked witch was now within range for attack. A turn around victory was all within reach.

"I'm not fond of this much dust and dirt."

Hinata hopped up, landing on her floating broom feet near the bushy base and her hand holding on to its strange tip.

One more step, and it would all be over.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to clean up."

The witch whipped around in a single revolution.

Somehow, that movement gave birth to a herculean whirl and howling winds that snatching the chaotic crumbs spilled about. The shrapnel and shards, hopes and ambitions, all devoured, shredded and disposed of far from its creator.

It was simply harsh sailing from here, until the inevitable crash to the ground ended her suffering.

"TENTEN! DON'T QUIT YET! YOU'VE GOT ONE MORE MOVE!"

What could that green goofball be referring to?

"It's over, Lee. She stops everything I do. I don't have anything strong enough. . . "

That's when the thought hit her.

The one weapon in her arsenal that was the embodiment of power. It would take all the strength she had, but what did the young kunoichi have to lose?

Tenten flipped in the air and unfurled her last scroll, the biggest one thus far. A massive pulm of smoke overtook the air, quickly being done away with as some metal wire slashed the air.

"Look at that fucking thing!"

Commented Kankuro, clearly entertained by the battle's pace.

That 'thing' being the massive spiked iron ball threatening to burst through the building.

"You aren't going to learn this lesson until I get rough, are you?"

"SHUT UP AND TAKE THIS! JIDANDA!"

This was it!

All her strength bringing down the mother of all weapons!

"Fine. . . I'll use a technique from my personal collection. It should put an end to this foolishness."

Daintely, Hinata put up her right arm, forearm facing down.

Her delicate fingers assumed a flicking position, aiming towards the barreling ball.

"IT'S OVER!"

Jidanda responded to it's master's burning passion.

The spikes protruded out, revealing long spires covered in explosive tags. Each one went off in succession.

Some added spin. Some added speed. Every one, a beautiful flaming streak that just made it look. . .

"BADASS!"

As Lee would put it.

Though, it was an agreed upon conclusion.

The massive exploding death ball was more than enough to catch the eyes of the crowd.

"In my opinion, they are missing the true display."

Eyes of azure being the exception.

They focused on none but her intoxicating vision, seeing all the minor details glossed over by the world.

Her divine figure and sculpted features, from her decanter shaped waist to her impeccable silk cream complexion. Sharpened to perfection, her ichor colored fingernails gleamed brilliantly. Spools of lavender plunged around her radiant face and hid orbs of hazy bliss, deep and captivating.

When she broke into a smile, her beguiling lip curl was far too infectious for the prince to fight off.

Before she released her attack, Hinata adopted a grin.

It sent a jolt though the king you like an electric current and in an instant, they were sharing the same megawatt smile.

"I can feel it. You're gaze, my lord. I never want this feeling to end!"

The exploding sphere was upon her. Meaning it was time for the grand finale.

"Point break."

A mere flick of the finger resulted in the last explosion.

The blazing spiked ball shattered with Tenten near it all. Its deadly bits blasting in all directions. Some of the spires were still active, setting off multiple explosions as they landed on the ground. The building rumbled in such a way those inside had to question its structural integrity.

A strange calm fell over the space. The explosions ceased, the quakes stopped and the smoke cleared.

The surroundings, while scared vastly and deep, laid in a natural state. The only active motions were the players.

"That was spectacular!"

Hinata proclaimed from atop her seat.

"W-what the fuck...are you…?"

Tenten rested on a battered knee.

"I told you. I'm a witch."

And all she could do was watch as her foe floated over to her. Now more within and out of reach than ever before.

"Though, if you were referring to how I obliterated your trinket, the credit would go to my late mother. She reinvented the Gentle fist, but was interrupted before she could finish. . . She called the move I used, Point Break. Think of it as a highly concentrated, refined and far more impressive version of what my cousin did in his match."

Although subtle, a noticeable change occurred as she spoke. It might have been the mention of her mother, or perhaps regaling over her clan's art.

"Anyways, you're clearly in no condition to continue. Please surrender. It's best we move on quickly so they can clean this all up."

Hinata was right.

Tenten was more than beat. She was weathered to the point of masculinity. Bruised to different hues. She even had wounds she couldn't explain.

For example, her left eye just wouldn't open. No clue as to why, the stinging didn't seem friendly to interrogation.

It was understandably surprising when all saw the down girl grab on to a pebble and pathetically toss it at her opponent.

Unsurprising was how the rock crumbled into dust inches before touching Hinata.

"I don't care if I lose, but I refuse to give you the satisfaction...Screw you and your weird abilities, you freak!"

Throughout the bout, Hinata kept a positive air about her.

This act however caused a shift, one not as subtle or as tender as previous. Her eyes sharpened to a withering stare.

In Sasuke's match, he called death into the room. A feeling that sent brusque bolts of terror through the audience. Icy injections corrupting their veins with cold concern.

Hinata brought about something different.

Ears began to ring.

Grainy radio waves overtook the senses and wormed deeper into the mind. A dizzying sense of anxiety causing panic to squeeze the air from the lungs. The maw of paranoia slowly devoured all without prejudice.

If her comrade called upon death, Hinata enlisted the help of madness.

"If that's how you feel. . ."

Tenten slammed to the ground without warning. Her face pressed against the dirt by some unknown force.

"Wait! What's going on!?"

Everything from the girl's tone to her futile attempts to break free, reeked of panic.

"Very well. . . This last lesson will be an important one. All about the power of decisions. And of desire."

Feats of wonderment went on in the background while Hinata delivered her dialogue.

Shiny shards emerged from all reaches of the room, quickly gliding to form five metal orbs above the combatants heads. Each amalgamation was set ablaze in azure flames. The metal morphed to form rustic spears.

"As I mentioned earlier in our match, I decided to make a change in my life and much has come of it. It had nothing to do with something as convenient as fate. So I've made another decision that I'm sure will guarantee my victory."

The witch pointed to the spires floating overhead.

An arctic injection ran up and down her spine as Tenten caught a paralyzing glimpse.

"I've decided to win by either elimination, or surrender. But you also get to choose. How you want to lose, of course."

This was utter madness!

A sadistic slap in the face to an already defeated foe.

"And just so this doesn't drag on any longer, let's put five seconds on the clock."

Hinata's right hand went up with five fingers out.

"Hinata, that's enough! It's clear you've already won."

Her sensei tried to talk some sense into her student.

"One."

Her thumb folded inwards.

The first spike penetrated the ground a single centimeter from piercing the pinned girl's arm. The sickening shriek Tenten made was enough to snag at their throats.

"HINATA! STOP!"

"Two."

This time, the pinky.

The next spear made the slightest bit of contact, thinly sliced into her thigh as it penetrated dirt.

Frenzied thoughts couldn't distinguish real pain from imaginary. It had been five seconds fifty times over. Piercings defined her frame and the agonizing thought of the spear that would bring the end brought Tenten to tears.

"TENTEN!"

Lee was only a step away from jumping down there.

He couldn't sit by and watch whatever this was any longer. If it meant death, Lee would greet that fate happily for the safety of his comrades.

"Thr-"

The ring finger wouldn't bend.

"I SURRENDER! I SURRENDER! I SURRENDER! PLEASE STOP! NO MORE! PLEASE!"

Not before the girl would finally break.

Metal shavings appropriately crumbled onto the broken brunette. Her team made a break to comfort the distressed damsel. Skidding in the debris to reach her.

"Aww, how cute. The proctor hasn't even called the match."

Team Guy's expressions devolved to those of resentment as Hinata snickered sinisterly.

Anko would never forget what she witnessed, nor could she ever rid herself of the respect both girls had earned in her. Though her intrigue had been secured by one.

"Winner of Round 6, Hinata Hyūga."

This was certainly a match for the books.

"I know they're the enemy, but I like the Hyūga's style."

Temari was enamored with the performance she watched.

The way the witch absolutely trounced her silly challenger was the stuff of legend. What luck, to find a kindred spirit in such a place.

In such a person.

"Tenten! It's ok. . . It's over."

"You don't have to worry anymore."

Try as they might, no peace came.

Her mind was being bombarded by fear, even now. Locked in a perpetual state of panic, pounding away at her sensei's chest. Worried that even these familiar voices were wolves in wait.

Guy was forced to take the blows.

He couldn't remember a time he had felt weaker than this.

"That's that, then. There's no need to feel bad. One of us was fated to be the loser. Right, nii-san?"

Call it a need for justice, or some strange obligation.

"NEJI!"

It had picked his legs up. Flared his eyes. Prepared him for war.

"STOP THIS RIDICULOUSNESS!"

A swift smack shut all of that down.

His sensei had intercepted, leaving his protege to hold the down damsel.

"Stop acting like a damn idiot. Your comrade is hurt, but alive. You aren't in battle. Tend to their needs before selfishly satisfying your own."

This was a new Guy before them.

Speaking less like a life coach and more like a lieutenant in an army.

The young man was too eager, and his commanding officer wouldn't lose another to these foolish beliefs and fauds.

"Your choices have consequences, Neji. Down to the words you decide to speak. And there will be times you aren't the one that will have to suffer because of it. Try to think about that in the future. Now, get to the stands!"

Guy delivered his insight and command as he walked Tenten over to the newly arrived medics. They performed a sedative jutsu to help calm the girl down before pulling her out in a stretcher.

With all that, Hinata took to the air. She stylishly made her way back to the rest of her conspirators.

"Spectacular job as expected, hime! It was utter beauty!"

As she stopped before her lord, his hand shot forth to assist her down. Her heels touched the ground, to be uplifted immediately by his warm and powerful embrace. In this spin, it was her and her world.

She would've gladly killed ten times over for a fraction of this feeling.

"It was an honor to watch you work, my dear. Truly an honor."

She was a princess, being spun around for the ball to see by her charming prince.

And whether it had been a teen, a clan, a village, a fucking dragon! She'd rip all usunder for this high.

"I'm overjoyed with your review, Naruto-sama! The fact that it entertained you made it all worth it."

"I loved every moment."

"Great… Now we gotta get this place fixed up again."

Anko stood in the middle of the aftermath dreading the complaints she'd have to file through after this repair job. Though before she could call, the prince with Hinata in hold turned to say.

"No need. . ."

His words were met with a wave of confused looks, most notably from the woman he was talking to.

"I'm tired of waiting and I doubt I'll need a stage."

"Oh what? You think you're next?"

"Start the roulette."

"You know what kid? Let's do it! If you can fuck with this then I'll have to recruit you as my new gambling partner!"

"You can't be serious? Even if he goes next, who's gonna fight in this place?"

Sakura asked from the side.

"Someone that understands what our battle will be."

There was no arguing with the boy, that was certain.

"Start it up then."

Might as well see how things play out.

And with that, the screen cycled through name after name. Some focused solely on the monitor, awaiting its final verdict while others kept Naruto in their sights.

The only thing to note was a gleam from his half lidded eyes, but it must've been nothing.

"Fucking A!"

The roulette ceased.

"You can't be serious. . .?"

The names displayed.

"Round 7's gonna be Rock Lee Vs. Naruto Uzumaki."

And while the feelings of one of the combatant's were already known, there was concern for the other.

"Lee. . ."

"I know, sensei. . . But I too was getting tired of waiting!"

Though that concern wasn't a feeling Lee was sharing in. So if the boy wasn't worried, there was no need to.

"That's my Lee! Alrighty then, time to go over a couple of things before you go."

"RIGHT!"

"First, you're gonna have to watch out for those chains. I don't know where he's hiding em', but they are fast and there's a lot."

Yes sensei!"

"Second, you have to keep the right headspace! He's gonna try and get in your head. You have to focus on the task at hand to grasp victory!"

"Of course sensei!"

"And lastly, is to give it everything you've got and more! Let your youth exceed its peak!"

"YES, GUY-SENSEI!"

It was a heartwarming scene after all the dread.

Lee wasn't like the other victims the Uzumaki empire preyed on. Whether she believed them, Sakura believed in their strength. Their brutality.

A kind, innocent soul didn't deserve to be broken for fun.

Sakura decided to vouch on the boy's behalf. The small amount of rapport she had built had to buy her at least one request.

"Naruto?"

Despite not receiving an answer, the girl could tell she wasn't being ignored. Statuesque, the blonde stared off into nothingness.

"Naruto?"

She reached for him, surprised neither the witch or the knight intercepted her advance.

They knew better.

The prince exhaled arctic winds, effectively cutting the temperature in half. The young lady was forced back as a crackling arua overtook him.

An aura that drew her gaze and left onlookers feeling slightly addled.

"Yes. This will be fun."

The brilliance faded as fast as it appeared. At its end, so too did its creator from sight, reappearing before his opponent below.

"So fast!"

Yet those impressed couldn't help but feel that that was just a taste of what's to come.

The boys sized each other up for a few seconds, but it was Naruto who took the initiative.

"Lee...Before we begin, I'd like to ask you a few questions."

There was a brief pause before Lee nodded his approval.

"Thank you. It'd be understandable if you didn't want to humor me after the last match. . . First, would you like the stage taken care of? My request to leave it was a selfish one."

"No. It was the right choice. You wanted to save the repair crew an extra trip."

"You have my thanks again, Lee. Our initial interaction was interruptive, however the manner in which you carry yourself is one I can respect. I'd like for our match to reflect this. Therefore, I'd like to ask you what kind of fight you want?"

The question floored Lee a bit.

"Allow me to explain. I'm looking for a gentlemen's duel. A safe spar where we can both go as far as we would like, fearing nothing more than a respectable defeat. If you sustain any threatening injuries, if requested or needed I swear to provide any and all medical needs."

"What's the catch?"

The boy's skepticism was warranted.

"There is none. I will allow you to set the rules of the match, I only ask for a few concessions."

After what he had witnessed, he had to go in this match cautiously. But on the other hand, he did want to see what the Uzumaki lad was made of.

"If a friendly fight is what you are looking for then that's fine by me. I would actually prefer it. As for the rules, I can't come up with any. . ."

"Is there anything that should be off limits?"

Lee thought on it for a moment, responding with what honestly came to mind.

"Not really… I am a shinobi who specializes in taijutsu, so that will be what I use in our match. I'm not looking for any handicaps."

"Say no more. Ours will be a contest of the body. However, a few of my techniques, while physical in essence, make use of chakra. Is this acceptable?"

Chakra infused attacks? That was high level taijutsu. To see how he fared against that just made this match more tantalizing.

"Of course. These sound like reasonable conditions to me."

"Perfect. . ."

He disrobed much to the embarrassment of some, and the resentment of others.

"Damn…! Is that what Naruto's been hiding?"

His orange jumpsuit was an eyesore, and his new look was certainly an upgrade, but Ino would've certainly opted for this stripped down look, with more than a few hungry eyes peering just like hers.

The adolescent's athletic build was in full view. Each muscle on the boy, defined to the point of sharpening weathered blades. His tailored shirt fit snuggly, spalling out a road map of his chiseled upper body. His corded muscles rippled slightly as he performed the simple task of folding his mantle.

Hinata, would you please?"

He lifted up his hoari, neatly founded with his trusted side arm placed on top.

A fanciful bibbidi bobbidi boo enchanted the article with the ability to float.

All the way up to the stands where the ever gentle garment, the hoari of red and white unraveled to drape itself on the heiress.

The witch appeared uncharacteristically overjoyed to be enveloped in its warm embrace. Undergoing a person's shift before their very eyes as a giddy girl gabed on in the nerdiest of fashions.

"The pocket in the inner left is my favorite. He even let me name it. Though it's really corny. I don't care, I think the wonder pocket is a great name! Do you think so my lord?"

"Yes, my lady. It's a wonderful name indeed."

What an oddly sweet exchange.

"I've kept you waiting for long enough, Lee. Forgive my selfishness."

"No worries. I have one concession of my own. . . I'd like to shake your hand."

As strange as it was, Naruto seemed to understand.

"My pleasure."

They met in the middle. Hands clasped for a brief moment. Lee looked into his opponent's eyes for his chance to gaze into the beyond.

He saw nothing but a sharp looking iris, though he felt something. Something new was blowing in, bringing anticipation for its approach.

They both smiled, seemingly getting what they needed out of the exchange. Breaking away, Nartuto and Lee returned to their starting positions.

"We're ready."

"Perfect. Round 7, Rock Lee Vs. Naruto Uzumaki. Begin!"

Both combatants took their stances.

Lee slid his left leg back as his adjoining arm shifted behind him. His right arm came up with a bend at the elbow and the palm facing him.

Naruto's transition was akin to an oak's sway in a gentle wind.

His left foot front, right foot back-side, right hand forward, left hand down near his waist. The transition to his form was more than fluid, it was natural. Each muscle movement was perfect. Each breath provided the exact amount of energy for the action.

"First Stance: Breeze."

Not intent on waiting around, Lee took the initiative. His path was simple, blitz the boy with a frontal rush and show him just what the Strong Fist was capable of.

The gap began to close quickly, but while there was still a far amount of distance between the two, Lee came to a screeching halt. Frantically, the boy vaulted back multiple times to create more distance than initially.

He stopped, allowing those to observe the startled look on his face.

"Why'd Lee retreat?"

Inquired Sakura, clearly confused.

Naruto remained motionless, therefore nothing warranted his opponent's hasty withdrawal.

"To reassess. . . He just got a taste of his opponent's true strength. "

Anxiously spectating wasn't something Guy was used to.

However, combat was.

He guessed his pupil perceived what he could off the blonde. Undetectable from eyes, gifted or plain.

"How is his defensive range this vast? There's at least a dozen feet between us!"

Those devoted to the art of combat grow a sense for other's combat ability.

Shrouds of semblance. Animalistic intimidation. Disintegrating pressure. Combat class manifested differently for each of its holders.

"Your senses are sharp, Lee."

It was a tad unnerving.

The expanse of the semblance, a deafening dome acting as an island amidst the devastation. The intimidation leaked out past its borders. The boy had a sliver in the bubble, enough to make him rethink his course of action.

And the pressure. The sheer detail forced the beholder to question his mental state.

Tension showered only in the isolated area. Rainfall of shimmering static encompassed the young lord, patiently waiting for his opponent's approach.

Lee looked down to his hand, balling it up to quell the shakes.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? GO, LEE!"

"You're right, sensei. The thrill took me over for a moment."

No need to overthink.

Youth would be his guide, just as it had been since his discovery of the miraculous power. Explosive steps fueled by the same power, the young man bursting forth to pierce through the frightening threshold.

His maddash at its peak took to the air.

"Dynamic Entry!"

The attack appeared inconceivable, so blatant and crude.

Foot outstretched, shredding towards his target like a gaudy spear. Though, a spear is still a spear. This one tore through the pressurized perimeter, inching closer to strike.

Naruto began to act, his movement retaining the quality displayed earlier. The naturalness of it all, there was no indication of thoughts or distraction in his maneuvers. As if his body had experienced them a thousand times over.

As Lee encroached, Naruto's stance underwent minor alteration. His arms went to his side with his elbows bent past his back. Lee's flying kick sailed right into the space created between the blonde's back and arms.

"Brambles."

Once in, the young lord locked his opponent in place. And what a hold it was!

"I can't get free!"

"Lee, if you're that careless again, you will lose."

The pain running the length of his leg was all the warning he needed.

Naruto released the boy who leaped as far back as he could.

Pins and needles absorbed Lee's right leg. There was no doubt in his mind, with that grapple, Naruto could've rendered his limb completely useless.

Speaking of the blonde, it seemed he was taking the initiative this time around.

"Third Stance: Dew"

Crouched down, fingers splayed onto the ground and torso horizontal.

The signature 'runner's start' position, easily recognizable by all in attendance. But why?

"What's he about to do?"

"Whatever it is, I'd be worried."

Shino hadn't realized his question had been airbourne until the Nara provided his perspective.

He was far too ensnared by what would come next.

"Go."

A hushed sonic boom vibrated the atmosphere.

The blonde ramjet slipstreaming to his destination.

"Leaf Hurricane!"

Being faced with a confrontation such as this was proper motivation.

Lee matched the spirited stride of his foe with a shockingly swift backwards kick. He'd put everything into the swing, enough to whip up a gust, and right though Naruto.

"What!?"

"Dew Drop!"

From behind the phantom vestiges, Naruto burst forth with a flying kick of his own.

A contrast to the Dynamic Entry's brutish form, the blonde was a needle weaving through the unseen fabric of reality. Lee finished his revolution just in time to put up a cross guard.

The impact sent a tremendous tremor rickashing up and down the boy's arms. The sensation swiftly became more annoying than manageable; however there was no time to dwell.

Lee pushed back, but Naruto used his arms as a springboard, catapulting high in the sky. Revolving in every direction like an atom before starting his descent.

"Airstream!"

The drop came suddenly, right leg outstretched to deliver another resounding blow.

"Leaf Rising Wind!"

The green cladded boy responded with a strike of his own.

Once within distance, Lee kicked off on the ground with astonishing force. This in turn transferred the strength to his true attack, an overhead kick that made contact with the falling ax kick of his opponent.

The amassed power of both bellowed throughout the air for all to feel brush past their faces.

With that the two disengaged, a fair distance now lying between them.

"What a powerful attack. Who would've thought there was someone of your skill level in this village, Lee."

"I am surprised as well. I thought Neji was the goal to reach, but now I'm not too sure."

"This is merely the warm-up. How about we see what you can handle."

"Glady!"

Lee initiated, invading the prince's personal space with a series of intrusive jabs and boots.

The battle became a contest of contrast. Explosive punches meet precise parries. Strategic slashes were avoided with big dodges. Even something as universal as kicks came out different between the two. One like a cannon shell bursting out, the other a sublime spear severing through its surroundings.

Lee's fist swung strong, while Naruto's style gave off the impression he was armed. Even the most experienced in the way of the fist felt the air he gave off.

That of a blade's edge.

"Even knowing it was going to be crazy, I wasn't expecting this."

"Right!? It's so weird to think that's Naruto. . ."

"The Naruto we knew was never real. . . That last place loser was all an act so he could become this without anyone bothering him."

It still plague the pinkette as to why.

With the power he possessed, there was no need to even participate in this silly little test. So why bother?

"So does Lee even have a chance?"

Eyes turned to the boy's sensei once Ino questioned his chances.

"Of course! Lee's bread and butter is taijutsu, for he has nothing else!"

"Wait, what!?"

Sakura must have heard incorrectly.

"Lee is incapable of using ninjutsu or genjutsu of any kind. Only, taijutsu. . . We've trained his mind, body and soul to be that of a fighter. To turn what most would consider a curse, into the greatest of boons! With it, he'll become a splendid shinobi worth remembering."

His overflowing belief for his student radiated off Guy in such a striking manner.

"You sent him against Naruto with nothing but taijutsu!? Do you know what Naruto can do!?"

Though it didn't matter how much belief he had, not after what she'd seen that blonde bastard do.

"She speaks as if she is the expert. . . My lord won't need anything besides his taijutsu, so there's no need for you to worry."

"Why's that?"

"The empire has many phenomenal combatants within its ranks, with many different specialties. Amongst our entire force, you will not be able to find a better taijutsu practitioner than Emperor Uzumaki!"

"Yea right..."

Surely a bluff, right?

"I have no hope in defeating my lord in strictly hand to hand combat."

Sasuke's words hung over their heads.

"Neither do I, Gentle fist or not."

"Why does the style Naruto uses resemble the Gentle fist in some of it's attacks?"

Hints of animosity seeped out of Neji's inquiry.

"Most if not all martial arts were created through imitation, resulting in multiple styles having many similarities. The connection's usually impossible to make due to how desperate everyone is for recognition, causing the source origin to be hidden."

"The Uzumaki style is different. Instead of hiding it, they fully embrace the imitation. In fact, the style is centered around becoming the weapon. A blade that is not, a person that is more than. Both the weidler and the weapon. A Deviant Blade."

"Capable of the feats you've seen, and also utilizing the other arts they created."

Knight and Witch traded off in the explanation, never taking their enhanced eyes off their emperor.

"Uzumaki Deviant Blade: Seaweed."

From his left, Naruto's hand flashed to strike.

Lee was quick to guard. Unfortunately his foe, the thrust faded, replaced by a vice grip. Naruto crossed his opponent's arms behind his back overhead, restricting Lee's wrists in an incapacitating grasp.

Any hopes of escaping were dashed with an impressive feat of strength from the blonde.

The prince slammed the green cladded boy on his soft underbelly through an overhand throw. Despite the desorenting crash to the ground, Lee counted his blessings. The sponge surface was far more ideal than the alternative.

"Seismic Wave."

The call of the next attack was signal enough for the downed boy to spring back into the fray.

Fortunate as well, for Lee somersaulted out of the way of a monstrous stomp. The result of which was a callus crater on that ever so soft floor.

Surprised or not, thick brows narrowed with a goal in mind. Victory would not be obtained at this momentum. It was time to be the aggressor.

Two big strides covered the distance. Without a thought, Lee dropped low with a tremendous twist.

"Leaf Gale!"

The spinning sweeper missed, its target taking to the air for refuge.

"Deviant Blade: Soak!"

Lee rose to a heaping helping of four solid stampings by the prince's refined soles.

It was a task blocking against the blows, but the finishing ax kick overwhelmed his guard.

This wouldn't deter the boy.

"Lead Whirlwind!"

In fact, as his foe touched the ground, Lee rebounded to deliver a backwards high kick using his left foot.

"Brutal Swell!"

A firm stance of right knee forward and legs together provide the foundation.

Out came a dual palm strike that collided with the soaring strike. Both contributors were then pushed away by the tremor they had created. Neither gave the separation apart, hoping right back into a close quarters bout.

"They're throwing out big moves and thinking after the fact. . . Impressive for those so young."

Despite his Sharingan tracing move after move, Kakashi doubted his ability to mimic their maneuvers.

It must have taken a disgusting type of training regimen for those in their youth to be able to battle with such technique.

"Moving off little thought and instinct alone. Capitalizing on each opening with such efficiency. . ."

Guy observed the blade like swipes zip towards and past his student.

Pride weld up deep in his gut for the battler waging warfare had been but a hopeless tot when they had first met. In most instances, Guy would've let it be known yet there was something restricting him from doing so. A knot formed in his throat, cutting off his cheers. Perhaps it was fear that his precious pupil might know defeat here, or guilt stemming from the man's wonderment.

The prince had stirred feelings of appreciation and admiration from one who has given his life to the art of the body. Naruto's taijutsu, down to its components, were polished with the devil's dedication.

Each move, even the simple palms and swipes came out with purpose powerfully propelling them.

Techniques of reverence, in Guy's opinion, having successfully accomplished what they set out to do. Throughout the match, the Jonin never envisioned the Uzumaki as unarmed.

Four sabers, meticulously honed for maximum lethality, capable of sickening feats flashed around his precious protégée.

"Lee! It's time!"

The boy secured a chance to glance towards his mentor. Thumbs up and bright, pearly smile signaling the all clear.

"Thank you, Guy-sensei! There is no way I'll be able to beat him without being able to move freely."

A gleeful expression quickly erupted on his plain face, though his opponent's was a contrast.

"You've been holding back on me, Lee."

"I'm sorry, but I had to wait for the order, directly from sensei."

Lee cannon balled upwards in a series of backflips, just in time to avoid his foe's raging roundhouse.

While in motion, the boy pulled two white ankle bracelets engorged with weighted slabs. Nearly kissing the ceiling, his opponent straightened out and with a toss, turning training equipment into ammunition head right towards Naruto.

"Are you out of your mind, Guy!? Sending him in this fight with a handicap like that could've gotten him killed."

"It wouldn't matter. Weights are not gonna stop that guy."

Naruto adopted a new stance.

Initiated with his right open hand extending upwards and thumb tucked tightly into the side of the palm, pulled back tightly just under the armpit. The other hand, shaped the same, but with fingers pointing downwards and tucked in at the waist.

Not too rigid, or too loose.

The weights neared, one after the other. The blonde's palms moved in a circular motion simultaneously. His right effortlessly batting away one weight with his left slapping the other. Both bracelets stuck with enough force to send them on a collision course with parallel walls.

"See!? What were dumb weights supposed to-"

*BOOOOOOOM*

"What the hell is wrong with these leaf assholes?!"

Brother and sister grabbed on to the railing as unsuspected bangs jeopardized their footing.

"Now Naruto, try and stop me!"

Lee landed, but was on his opponent before the spectators could clear the dust from their vision.

He unleashed a whirlwind that the blonde successfully ducked under, though Naruto's counter met the air.

Lee appeared at his foe's flank, striking with a strong fist Naruto was forced to block with his forearm. The free arm shot for a grab, meeting nothingness in the process.

Green flashed, stealing a strike to the back of the prince. Robbing him of his standing. Providing just the right catalyst for an all out assault.

"He's so fast now!"

She never thought that someone like Lee would put this big of a smile on her face.

"That's right! That's Lee at his full speed. There's no way Naruto will be able to handle him now."

Never in her wildest dreams would a scene like this fill her being with such satisfaction.

Affixed were emerald eyes as much as able to the viridian blur, pummeling away at her aggravating teammate. Trying her best to stifle her grin at Naruto being stuck at his side. Fighting back her laughs at bandaged fists to the boy's jaw. Knowing that if the two beside her caught wind of her joy, she'd end up far worse than Tenten.

Though something was amiss.

The two were more or less evenly matched about a moment ago. Lee's boost in speed, however significant it was, didn't feel like all he would need to turn the tables to this degree. His opponent seemed to hardly put on a defensive.

Was he overwhelmed? Preparing? Or maybe, preoccupied?

"This one is full of surprises. Wouldn't you agree, Kurama-san?"

The prince looked inward to converse with his confidant, meeting dead air.

Reality was usurped by the familiar chamber. Obsidian and gold littered his sightline. Veins of authority pulsed with the blood of the cosmos, fueling the unthinkable. A canopy of majesty rested overhead. The nebulous flow of it all calmed blight within Naruto he never knew existed. This time however the rosette in the sky was replaced by a violet of rich blues and spectacular textures.

"Of course, Naruto-sama. . . He might prove useful for the next phase."

A harmonious chorus of docile tones responded instead of the single voice he was looking for.

"Please explain. . ."

He felt no need to question it's presence, or existence.

This girl, like his surroundings, were a creation of his. She was his power, so the prince came to the conclusion there was no need to fret. This however, didn't mean these developments weren't bothering him.

Naruto was forced into a slumber and shown images that replayed with picture perfect clarity in his mind. The sovereign ambience his doppelganger commanded, as if the powers of reality were cloaking him. And those piercing red eyes. . . That of an emperor that saw a domain of possibilities past the horizon.

There were still a plethora of skills and abilities he had yet to master, but the thought of him losing control of his own power didn't sit well.

"You needn't worry. . . You have not lost control of us at all. We are you and you are us."

"Then there should be no need to hide things from me."

"We are not. . . That which we do not divulge is a means of assessment. When you are ready, all will be revealed, our name included. . .That is when we will become one!"

"Assessment of?"

"Your metamorphosis. . .Etched deep, in the abyss of your being is a sliver of something passed down through space and time. Your power is molecular. . .Stitched into your genetic code. You will feel every atom, reconfigure them to your will, transform them! It is your power our lord, what we are doing is preparing you to wield it."

Her words once more sounded like those of his Oka-san.

How his soul had matured since their introduction. How he continuously interacted with it, treated it like his dearest friend, awaiting for the day it would reward him handsomely for such affection.

"You've grown to the point of being able to manipulate your own soul. That was the requirement to begin the transformation. . . The first phase was to refine and enhance your essence. You slept so that all your energy could be focused on this task."

Perhaps this change would explain why he felt better than he ever had before.

"With the changes to your soul, the next phase will be necessary for the changes of your body to take effect. . . The vessel must evolve to better accommodate the essence."

"And what would need to be done after that?"

"The last phase will be your rebirth. . . You will ascend to a state unlike any other. You will become that which should not be."

He took the time to reflect on all he had been told, and made a swift decision.

"I trust you. . . Even as we speak, I feel the bond strengthening. . . I feel the world around me expanding."

"And expand it shall, far more than you imagined. . .All that's needed is to follow my instructions. With some luck, this will go swimmingly for us."

Naruto nearly succumbed to her touch.

The feel of her hand caressing her cheek convinced his lids to fold and a soothing hum to escape his lips.

"NARUTO!"

He forced his eyes open to the cosmic shores of his inner beach.

An irate vixen taping her heel against the sands. After a minute or so of trying to get his attention, she was finally about to yank him into this domain.

"Yes, Kurama-san?"

He shrunk down in anticipation of the berating he was about to receive.

"STOP PLAYING AROUND!"

Blosterious waves crashed against the shoreline and he monstrous tails lashed out.

"You look like an absolute fool out there! You are a king, yet some peasant is the star in a bout against you. I've raised you up far too well to see you fall in an embarrassing fashion such as this."

You're right. Forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts. . . Nevertheless, it's about time I show off too."

For all the support she provided, Naruto was quick to forget about the hardass behind the praise.

When he fucked up, Kurama would never let him forget it.

"Does that mean you'll stop holding back and finish this now. The boy is skill, but-"

"Forgive me once again, Haha. I need to see this match out."

Naruto bowed and bowed in hopes of mercy, instead receiving a searing aura blast across his face. A true helping of pain sending him off a short distance.

That pain, transformative in a way.

Pain was a feeling he knew all too well and in it, he had found much of himself. The mental sparring sessions with Kurama. Medically enhanced mallets from Malice. The ever sharpening edge of his trusted Knight. And then, what he came to call the 'true strikes' of Tiamat.

This pain taught him. Transformed him, and it would do so again.

"I'm sure you have your reasons, my lord. It's very upsetting to see you squander your potential. Especially for trivial matters. . . Just assure me that you won't look like an idiot again."

The softness returned to her face.

Sure, the irritation was present in her tone, but Naruto could feel her encouragement seep out in heaps once more.

"Worry not, Haha. . .I promise to show you something to be proud of!"

The prince vanished from the vixen's view with a turn, though not before she caught a glimpse of his expression. The assuredness in his smirk was as if he saw the events play out himself.

An ethereal screen drew her attention back to the match, waiting for this unnecessary display to end.

"YEA! DO IT LEE! BEAT HIM DOWN!"

In the blonde's brief absence, his teammate converted to a one man cheering section for the opposition.

Lee blurred in above his foe in feverious spin.

"Leaf Drop!"

He lashed out to deliver a domineering drop kick.

Then, the blonde moments away from getting his clock thoroughly cleaned, disappeared.

Lee was joined by a sea of heads, frantically bobbing to find the evanescent emperor.

"That's heartbreaking, Haruno. Here I thought we were starting to get along."

His voice could be heard at the end of the stadium, where Naruto leaned against the wall.

Without his opponent's obscuring view, the crowd was allowed to analyze Naruto's current condition.

And of course, the bastard was unscathed.

How? Who knows.

All that was certain was Sakura would have to answer for her actions same as anyone that upset the empire.

"That was quite the barrage, Lee. You are a worthy opponent indeed. . . Since you've revealed some of your abilities, it's only fair that I do the same. . . You've already seen my Abyss Step, so let's try this."

Naruto slid into another solid stance, this time legs bent a bit, shoulder width apart.

Left fist extended outward, right curled by his hip.

"Abyssal Arts: Ripple."

Not a muscle was absent in the explosive movement.

Naruto sent out an astonishing straight punch, but he was nowhere near his opponent.

Perhaps he was warming up?

No matter!

There was no need to lose all that precious momentum he had gained.

Lee prepared for another blitzing. And as his stride began, in that brief second where both of his feet left the ground, his gut was sent into near critical. Nausianting explosion chained off within the belly of the boy.

He wasn't allowed back to the earth, blasting off into the wall at his six. The resulting crash rattled both the structure of the building and Lee's very constitution. The flavor of copper overrunning his senses as the boy unwillingly expelled vital ichor droplets.

"The fuck…?"

"That was a show of our lord's true taijutsu. An art powerful enough to best any technique put in front of it. The Abyssal Arts!"

To send a shockwave through physical strength was a feat in itself, but whatever Naruto produced was beyond his current understanding. What he could understand is what the Witch meant by 'true'.

"Lee, don't tell me that was enough to do you in. If so, I'll feel bad about this next attack. It's called Burst Ripple!"

One hand pointed out as the monarch lined up his shot.

It appears that droplets of moisture were gathering around the blonde's other hand. Then, his water cladded fist blinked out of existence for a brief second.

Through the dizzying spins, the alarms sounded. Stress shocked the composure back into those speedy sticks of his.

Lee spasmed out of the way of his opponent's invisible attack. Though it's impact was very much noticeable.

The strike ate into the wall with a splashy blast, a hydro-bomb if you would. He was about to dismiss the effect being actual water, until the boy felt the cool touch of droplets spatter on his thick brow.

"No fair! What happened to no jutsu!? I knew Naruto had to be bullshitting!" Ino was quick to voice the injustice.

"That was yet another of the Abyssal Arts. A style focused on interfacing with the very essence of all around us. What my lord used was not a jutsu. It wasn't even a nature change. He interacted with the very water droplets around him."

"That's impossible…"

"Is it, Hatake? I heard of you fighting a foe with a similar ability."

Sasuke must have been referring to the battle on the bridge some time ago.

Thinking about the damage his opponent was able to do with their strange attack only increased the concern for Lee's wellbeing.

Hopefully the boy would continue holding his own.

"Naruto… for a moment, I thought I had actually gained the advantage."

Instead of harboring a look of frustration or contempt, young Lee appeared rather joyous. The expression on Naruto's face would've left them mistaken for one another.

"Sorry to disappoint you. If you want the victory, you'll have to push yourself to your absolute limits."

Bandages unfolded, starting with his left arm.

"Understood."

Lee's limbs crossed, obscuring the elated expression that had sprawled across his face.

With a breakneck burst, the boy transformed into a twister, encircling Naruto many times over, whipping up dust with sheer speed.

"That's it, Lee! He'll be no match for the highspeed lotus."

There was something satisfying about watching the match play out.

To see what most once considered a lost cost, capable of such astonishments. As he looked on the shocked and stunned stares, Guy felt the pride mount to a fever pitch.

This would have to be enough to secure the boy his win.

"Interesting. . . Unfortunately, this won't be enough. . ."

Not for his highness's royal ambitions.

In the center of the spin, Lee slid under the blonde's defenses, sending a soaring upward kick his way, just to meet the air once more.

"Where'd he-"

"Deviant Blade-Secret Art. . ."

Somehow, his opponent had ended up far above him.

Now, Naruto descended with his leg posed to execute the unlucky soul in its path. However, Lee refused to be intimidated. He would fend off the deadly blade with his strong fists. When it came, he would break it.

"Final Valley!"

As the executioner's ax came down, thick brows furled in a last moment attempt to dodge.

Lee's pesky instincts decided to play tricks on him. Before the attack hit, he could've sworn he truly saw a horned monstrosity bring down its wicked claymore.

A sight he was compelled to avoid.

A straight wave of destruction originating from such a calamitous crash.

Once his senses returned, the scene remained the same with Naruto substituting the titan. The deep carving running from where his leg dropped down to the stadium wall, spider webbing a bit up its surface.

Something about it all was simply stunning.

"Abyssal Arts. . ."

Without warning Naruto fell upon his opponent with a storm's force.

One foot drilled into the ground, acting as the focal point for his spin. The other tucked in, waiting to extend and execute.

Rapid revolutions occurred, all within the instance it took his foe to put up his guard.

"Eddy!"

A squall of a kick was born.

There was no breaking away from the strike, its force was so great.

The whirl whipped him away before the boy was sent sailing just feet above the dirt towards the nearest wall. All the while, Lee was overcome with only one feeling.

It fueled the jerk to right himself. Numbed the tingles as his feet slammed into the wall. Charged the explosive lunge for his adversary.

"I can feel it, Lee. . ."

The two met in no time.

Bandaged fists meeting knuckles bare. Onyx orbs meeting those of azure swirling splendor. Eyes that compelled something to stir within.

And on their faces, a shared look of glee.

"I'm excited too! But don't let the pressure get to you."

The tension tripled as Naruto tore his elated mask off.

The prince ponced into action without the slightest shred of mercy.

Lee ducked as Naruto whipped out a kick overhead. The form of the attack had been different from those previous. It lacked the structure of his previous attacks.

Lee sent another uplifting kick towards his opponent who swung around, pivoting on one foot while foot two tore into the ground. Wrapped palms acted as feet, backpedaling out the way of the grinding crescent kick.

The boy flipped, but as he righted, had his landing interrupted by the blonde's flying knee to the abdomen.

"How'd he get so much momentum?"

Thoughts confined to his head, for a grunt occupied Lee's airways.

His feet skidded across devastated debris. Not even having come to a stop, Naruto was already charging in on Lee. In response, the lad let fly a brillant straight.

Naruto merely rolled with the punch, having it narrowly avoid him with a couple of pivots on his heel. Then, a sonic swing emerged from the blonde's right. An impressively quick lift of his left forearm guarded against the punch, but its effects would be felt for years to come.

Even with the pain quickly absorbing his limb, Lee pushed off and used said arm for a hook of his own.

"Just go with the flow!"

Naruto spoke in such a joyous tone as he danced on the strike's edge.

He fell right under Lee's strike range, down on his right with the left leg curled in. Within a millisecond, Naruto's legs straightened, shooting out one hell of an upward kick. Lee took a page, bending back out of harm's way. He then flipped to one hand, dropping low to deliver a sweep.

"Don't get bogged down by silly thoughts. Don't let your fears impede you."

Naruto's high leg bent inwards, and with a mere adjustment of his posture, he shot a straight kick down to, stirring up a gust as they collided.

Naruto was fast on the follow up, grinding into the ground with another fluid crescent, opposite the direction of Lee, who reacted near spontaneously. The fibers of his limb roared, sending their master spinning airbourne with a mighty push. Naruto followed suit, shifting from earth to air with a flourished twirl all his own.

"Leaf Hurricane!"

This was truly youth!

A gracious wind was blowing, taking in its gentle breeze all the inhibitions and reservations that weighed down his movements, even if he wasn't aware of the baggage.

Lee tapped into that gust as it coiled around, empowering his hurcelan kick.

"Eddy!"

And then there was his opponent, seemingly bathed in the same blessed breeze.

Yet, a mild nepotism was wafted along the currents. It greeted the boy, carved out paths for his convenience. It was like a profession of love, grand gestures for affection.

In its infatuation, the prince charmed the winds. Tamed them to do his bidding, surrounding his limb to appease its king.

The hurricane collided with the storm, generating a great gale force. It's winds carried up with it, everything the two had invested into its creation. As it crashed against the faces above, even if briefly and if only a faction, they felt the abundance.

It raised temps to fever pitches. Accelerated the heart's hammering away.

"Good, Lee! Allow your instincts to guide you! Don't make any unnecessary moves. Just do what feels right!"

Naruto's words rang in Lee's head as they fell back to the ground.

Lee took to the advice, and like a leaf to wind, he vanished behind the blonde for an attack of opportunity. Jab after jab came from those bandaged fists, yet Naruto dodged them with no need to face his foe.

A swift backband forced Lee to block, from there Naruto took back dominion. Punches emerged at mach speed now. Kicks like shark attacks, sudden and deadly.

A minute or two establishing the rhythm, Lee started his counter only to remain on the defensive as the rapid assault of spontaneous and fluid attacks turned into the meticulous strokes and strikes again. Kicks that were whipping up winds, were now cutting forward without bias.

"This is astonishing. . ."

Was all Kurenai could muster, far too enraptured in the match for much else.

"Naruto's a truly frightening person to face. To have such a firm grasp on two distinct fighting styles, and to be able to switch back and forth without any sign of such. . . No amount of talent would produce results like that."

There were no sides in the appreciation of the craft and Guy had to give credit where it was due.

"The kid's second fighting style is what really concerns me. It's unlike anything I've seen...Every time Lee goes in for an attack, Naruto's got an answer. It's like he knows what Lee's gonna do before he does it."

"That's because it's as absolute as the winds themselves."

Asuma deadpanned at Hinata's response.

"Please don't make us ask."

After a small snicker, Hinata began her explanation.

"The Abyssal Arts were created by one of the most ancient of beings. It was less a means of combat and more so a way of reaching out to the world around her. Through its methods, she slowly became one with existence itself. . . As my lord explains it, everything generates 'flow' or a 'wind' that takes many different forms. The art is about establishing a feel for that flow, becoming one with it, then dominating it."

"At its simplest, it's a martial art that has no structure. Using the opponent's momentum and rhythm against them. Naruto-sama is 'riding the wind' so to speak. Lee's resistance only strengthens his advance." Sasuke subbed in to deliver part of the explanation.

"And at its apex, it's an art truly fit for a king. . . By interfacing with and creating 'surfaces' of air via differential pressure, he could create twisters and snap vacuums into being. Manipulation of friction, understanding how to turn kinetic energy into an electromagnetic field to interact with that of the world, even being able to feel the air lying within the smallest drop of water! My lord is capable of feats far more grand than this!"

"Is that the reason you guys follow him? Because he's that strong?"

Shikamaru was trying to understand a bit of what was happening.

His classmates were suddenly different people, able to move stuff with their minds, make vacuums and cut an entire room to ribbons with one draw.

"No. Nothing as shallow as that."

"Our reason isn't complicated at all. When it felt like no one cared, as if no one would ever, he did."

Could it have been that simple? He was a good friend?

"He puts the wellbeing of others, not just their health, but their nurturing and growth ahead of all else. . . You look into those eyes of his, and you can only see your success. Something in you goes from believing you can do it, to knowing it will be done. . . He's a benevolent king, with the charisma to match."

The glow about the Hyūga heiress was never so radiant as when she raved about her lord.

"I'm sure you've all come across a golden figure such as he in your lifetime. One who if you ever lost, you'd feel it for the rest of your days."

Saskue's glare towards the Jōnin was a clue to whom he might be referring.

"Even with his opponent, our lord will care and nurture them. Guide them to higher possibilities. You've seen it with your student, haven't you?"

Hinata turned to Guy, eyes searing from his intense staring.

In a short amount of time, Guy had observed his student grow at an exponential rate. He followed every order Naruto gave. His punches were losing their flare in exchange for speed and efficiency. Speedy dashes were replaced with swift steps, each providing an opportunity for response. Lee was correcting his own stances by minimal margins, with improving results in all following attacks.

"Once you connect with him, even if for an instant, you'll never be the same again."

In the middle of the exchange, the coaching continued.

"Don't tense too much! Let your body show you how to punch."

Mid punch, Lee absorbed the knowledge and made his adjustments.

The crowd winced once the clap stung their ears. Their emotions toyed with as they watched the scene unfold.

A strike straight to the face sent Naruto skidding back a foot or so.

"There we go! That was much better than that ridiculous attack from the beginning of the match."

Naruto appeared to be alright, minus the small bruise now resting on his cheek.

"Hey! Don't you dare make fun of my sensei's signature move!"

Lee fumed, so much so he didn't notice the first sign he'd dealt significant damage all fight.

"Pardon me, I meant nothing by it. What I was trying to express is that you're finally fighting like the weights are off."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know your backstory, but I can only guess things were hard for you with your inability to perform ninjutsu. . . Most likely, your sensei was the first to believe in you. Helped you become as strong as you are. . . Unfortunately, I believe he's also crippled you in a way."

Fuming had been upgraded to nearly ballistic!

"No need to get upset. . . Answer me this: Have you ever tried a different style than the Strong Fist?"

"Well...no."

"Do you have a difficult time against fast and agile opponents? Those with swift techniques and great reactions."

"At times…"

Especially against Neji's Gentle Fist, but that had to be due to his own inability, not an incapability in style.

Right?

"And with the suggestions I've given you, how do you feel you're fighting now?"

Lee took a few seconds to answer Naruto's question, clearly assessing the change.

"I've never thrown a punch like that. I felt like I could've punched through anything!"

"That is because the principles of your martial art don't exactly fit your body's style. You are a far more agile and flexible fighter than you know, and with the necessity of rigidness in most of the Strong Fist's attacks, you'll never be able to get your true strength out."

In the past fighting, albeit fun, had always felt in some small part, like a chore. As if some part of it was a pain to perform. The aches would feel uneven. The strains, overdone.

The opposite could be said about this one fight. The burdens on his body were few and far between, besides the blows his opponent landed. The stinging sweat dripping from his brow was more than welcome. Instead of fatigue's merciless drain, Lee was finding power he never knew he had.

"Join me, Lee. . . Join my empire."

Any and all thoughts were now hijacked.

Breathing came to a halt, leaving those unable to protest. Movements hindered by the overworking of their minds. Imaginations running rampant as to the possibilities.

"There were only two people here that piqued my interest in any way, but your fists have convinced me otherwise. . . The world of ninja will never be able to appreciate your true talent. They have scorned you for something that you can't control, yet here you stand, stronger because of it. . . Join me, and I'll provide you with power leagues beyond silly ninjutsu. Make you a warrior akin to a god compared to these pathetic little ninja."

Sand. Sound. Shaddy. Straight.

All waited equally for the response. To see what a deal with the devil truly entailed.

"Thank you for the offer, but I must decline."

From the gallery, several exacerbated sighs echoed out. The relief wafting about was pleasantly pungent.

However, the somewhat sinister expression Naruto wore undercutted it all.

"I'd like to know the reasoning behind your decision, Lee."

"This has been the most fun I've had fighting ever. My youth is burning hotter than the sun right now! Though that is just for now, in this fight. . . And there will be more than just a fight joining you. . . The way you guys handle things is not one I will ever agree with. Joining you would be at the cost of who I am, and I can't do that."

The boy spoke with a level of maturity and clarity that frankly left his sensei and peers beyond impressed.

"And if the Strong Fist doesn't suit me, I'll make it! It's the style that's allowed me to be a ninja in the first place. I won't abandon it."

Victory or not, Lee had certainly earned respect.

"A wonderful answer. One I expected from you. . . Very well."

It was now the king's turn.

"I handled this match as if you were a potential ally. Now that I've confirmed your allegiance, we can shift to the next phase."

It was called in.

From death's clutches, there was hope that one might escape to live another day. From insanity's hold, there's faith that clarity will come. There laid the difference between what his constituents brought into the room, and what Naruto had conjured up.

It was something truly unnerving to the core. Flashes of them at their worst played on every other blink. The most cool and collected among them stood precerperating profusely, trying but failing to recompose.

"Dammit! He's even fucking with Gaara!"

It was horrid. Those afflicted were ignored. They were insignificant in this domain. Merely frightened children with no love, no care and no acknowledgement. Questions with no answers, undeserved anxiety, sickness even death wouldn't purge.

"Use what I've taught you, Lee. Make it yours. . . I'll take on your resolve with my most beloved technique."

The blonde's limbs became phantasmic, fading in and out of existence as they circled around him. It might've come off as some silly dance, or the precursor to some attack, but Lee saw it clear as day, as he did earlier.

Pressure rained down, eclipsing the one caught in it's shower.

"Abyssal Art: Deep Sphere."

Naruto had erected a sovereign space where power and strength were embedded in the atmosphere. A planetoid only the mighty could inhabit.

Just the sight was enough to cause a series of shivers.

"You remember the feeling. That's good, although it will do you no good."

Naruto began a slow approach. Simple steps. Unsettling in their calm.

Lee wouldn't repeat his mistake and be intimidated. This match was his to win, and for that he would have to be the aggressor.

He charged the blonde, releasing a flurry of revised strikes. Kicks that came out in pairs and punches galore, quick fast and in a hurry.

"It's better, though not nearly enough to reach me."

Naruto moved in a most minimalist manner.

No big gestures, just small shifts and shrugs to completely avoid damage. All the while the prince continued forward, forcing his opponent to attack and backpedal simultaneously.

Lee released a drilling hook with blinding speed, though his foe moved faster than that, vanishing from sight before he could hit his mark.

Lee did however, hit the ground when his footing was suddenly robbed from him. A glance upwards revealed the blonde standing over him, extending out a helping hand.

"Take my hand."

How could a smile appear sincere and sinister at the same time?

An explosive knock off the ground sent the boy opposite his opponent, while onyx orbs stayed locked on the prince's vision. The accumulation of sweat in the corner of his eye forced them to shut ever so briefly.

Upon opening, their target was gone.

"That was rude of you. Rejecting my help."

Naruto flanked his foe's rear yet again.

The twist Lee managed was astounding!

Trusting his hips could produce the power he needed. The whirlwind he produced rivaled the might of Guy.

The prince merely put up his arm to block.

"Coral Guard."

It was electricity when such a force struck such a tenacious obstacle.

The boy's limb was betraying him, rebelling violently for the terrible torture it had been put through. No tree, training post, or anything was too hard for Lee to kick through, yet any harder and he was sure his leg would've ended up shattered fragments.

He wasn't allowed to wince before his opponent capitalized. An unseen blow struck the green cladded lad at his exposed side.

Naruto sidestepped the momentary drizzle of spewed blood, courtesy Lee as he went tumbling a bit away. A slab of concrete rudely stopped his roll, adding a new area of irritation.

"I know you're capable of far more. If you don't push yourself to the limits, you'll lose before you see any real chance of victory."

Yet again the prince hovered over, hand out with a smile fully deployed. Quick to his feet, Lee went for a blow of his own, just to be parried away with ease.

Fast flying jabs met an open palm as it devoured all its velocity. Ravenous roundhouses were brushed off with little care.

With each attack, the gap between the next was shortening. Their power improved, as did their speed and accuracy. So why were they being treated as if they were practicing motions in a kata?

The shower of wicked sensations grew into a storm as the two continued. Lee's mind only questioned his inability. His instincts demanded he go further, or face a fate worse than defeat.

"Lee. . ."

His student threw an inspirational hook, just to have it smacked away and struck in the head too quickly to tell how.

"Dammit. . ."

Emerald eyes gazed upon the poor boy, trying his best and being toyed with.

Her sympathies and rage mounted as she saw someone wronged by the sadistic tendencies of the so-called 'King' and his toadies. And the worse part, they'd get away with it.

She grit her teeth as he watched Lee's straight absorbed in Naruto's hold. Nearly cracked it as a knee crashed with his unsuspecting chin.

"This is insane. . ."

Asuma would need a carton of the smoothest smokes to sooth his rattled nerves from this fight.

He watched as Lee banked on his speed to provide the advantage needed, but found his opponent's defenses near impervious. And for each failed attempt, an attack with the force of nature behind it.

Regardless of the hits he'd received, giving up wasn't an option.

"Naruto. . ."

The boy's sovereignty could be felt in the rafters.

If there was any question of the control he possessed, the prince's next play would eradicate them.

"Jab. Hook. Hook. Backhand. Straight. Low kick. Shift to the left. Mid kick. Kidney shot. Elbow."

One by one, all of Lee's movements were announced.

And one by one, all of Lee's attacks were trounced.

All of the boy's alarms sounded as he rocketed off opposite his adversary.

"That's new."

"But what an impressive trick! Amazing, my lord!"

"The hell just happened?"

Looking down at Lee, it was no wonder they were concerned.

Sure the boy had some wear and tear, but was really concerning was the unease and spastic shivers.

"Did he make me…? I wasn't thinking about my attacks, so how did he know?"

What truly rattled him was the feeling. The sensation, as slight as it was, that his moves were not truly his own. An otherworldly compulsion took over, leaving him hopelessly to another's whim. All the while, his instincts fought tooth and nail for control.

Now that it was back, he was terrified of losing it again.

"There's no need to be scared. I was simply testing the extent of my power. . .It's taken me a lot of time and hard work to be able to do that."

For some reason, this was comforting to Lee. It couldn't be more than a martial arts skill, albeit a terrifying one.

"You have the power to do things like that too... Listen to your instincts and let them guide you forward. Let your power know you trust it, with all you are."

Those words left a mark in more than just their intended recipient.

"If you desire something, let that desire drive you forward. Let it fuel your possibilities!"

"Let my youth explode!"

Lee crossed his arms before himself.

"You're right, Naruto. . . Thank you!"

The air about him began to change.

Streaks of pressure rose to the heavens as a lively blue aura began to envelop Lee's frame.

"That isn't what I think it is, is it Guy?"

The cause for Kakashi's alarm was a mystery.

"It is. . ."

His further getting upset even more so.

"Dammit Guy! It's our job as instructors to keep our bias out of it. The kid could kill himself!"

"Don't you dare lecture me! Your relationship with your students and mine are not the same! Besides, you don't know Lee. . ."

Hard enough to focus on the match with the weird vibe Naruto brought about, now the senseis were making things awkward for everyone.

"What's the big deal? What's Lee doing?"

"Guy went and taught the boy how to open the Eight Inner Gates. Eight specific points along the chakra circulatory system, starting at the head. Our bodies limiters to prevent severe overexertion. Through tremendous effort, one can learn to 'remove' those limiters. Doing so could grant the user incomparable power, but the price is your life."

Explaining the gravity of such a technique seemed to upset Kakashi further.

"Earlier, Lee opened the first gate, the Gate of Opening, when he tried to use the Primary Lotus. And some moments ago, he opened up the Gate of Rest, further improving his speed and strength… Now, Lee's forcing open more gates to perform a forbidden taijutsu. The Hidden Lotus."

Guy's tone carried a great deal of conflict.

"Why is it forbidden?"

All the students shared Sakura's curiosity as they watched Lee's transformation unfold.

"Our bodies aren't meant to handle all that power, so in exchange for it, we take quite the backlash… The excruciating pain and devastated state one's left in after performing the lotus makes it a true last resort."

"As reckless as it was to have taught him that, I will say this, Lee is an absolute genius. It would take far more than sheer effort to force open the gates like that."

The spotlight belonged to the scrappy underdog, about to give it his all.

"Sorry Guy-sensei. . ."

"Gate of Life, Open!"

The boy's skin burned to a crimson hue and the veins clawed to burst out. His big bold eyes lost the onyx irises.

"This isn't about avenging my friend…"

"Gate of Pain, Open!"

The once shimmering black bowl cut now stood on end, stretching as high as the strands could reach.

"Or beating my rival…"

Lee flexed as the power circulated around him.

"I simply want to see how high I can go!"

The boy cocked back.

In his mind, the teachings he'd received over the years, up until this point played on repeat.

This would be the culmination of them.

This punch would be his first true step.

"To see if I can reach the sun!"

It was hard to keep track of.

A white streak faded in front of the burning battler, sending that pillar of pressure ripping towards his opponent.

A compressed shell with enough force to bypass the prince's defenses, and leave quite the lasting impression.

"Yes, that will do nicely. . ."

The monarch appeared within his mind once more.

"Kurama-san, please withdraw all of your chakra from my system immediately. And under no circumstances are you to help me."

His haste was strange to say the least.

"I've supported you through everything my lord, but that child could seriously harm you without your defenses up."

"That's the plan, Haha"

Before she could protest, Kurama felt a complete lull around her.

Her charge evoked Zetsu, relieving himself of his overall protective shroud. Though he took it a step further, actually as far as one could go.

Naruto suppressed every bit of power he had, meaning it would just be his mere flesh against a superpowered adversary.

Kurama would've disobeyed his request, but felt how adamant the boy was.

"It's woven into my soul…Something that's been clawing to be released…The cage just needs to be rattled a bit, then it will be able to…"

The vixen didn't have time to decipher his cryptic words.

Not as Lee set off an explosion in a single stomp.

Such a violent storm of debris blew past the audience's ears. The gale forced viewers to shield their vision or risk losing it for good.

Though the winds dissipated soon enough.

"Huh? Where'd they go?"

Once allowed, the audience scanned the arena floor for the combatants, but no one was present.

"Up there!"

It was Shikamaru who spotted the blonde spewing out from atop a dust plume. Yet, Lee was still nowhere to be seen.

"It looks like Naruto couldn't defend against Lee's newfound power."

"But where is Lee?"

As if to answer their calls, a green blur flashed upwards. There was the transformed battler, poised on the ceiling to launch at his foe.

A shower of shards resulted from the move. Lee blasted forward to land a thunderous blow on his opponent, sending ripples through the air as Naruto sailed for the floor.

Droplets of precious blood forced to fall in reverse.

The green blur reappeared to intercept the blonde's fall, sending Naruto hurling towards the wall with a roundhouse, ripples and all.

"It doesn't hurt as much as I thought it would."

It was strange.

Was it because of his excitement, or his technique that dulled the pain?

A sickening cracking sound was heard with no clear tell of who its progenitor was, yet both combatants paid it no mind.

Before the crash, Lee appeared again, this time to deliver an uppercut that threatened to tear through his opponent.

A decent splash of red flew from his opponents maw as a result.

This quickly became the pattern. Lee flashed before Naruto, then sent him sailing with blow after blow.

Lee's punches produced bigger spikes of pressure. Causing more damage. Creating hope with each crash.

"GO LEE!"

"You got this!"

"LEE! YOU CAN WIN!"

The ever supportive sensei. Recognition from his peers. The encouragement of a pretty girl.

Even the astonished glare from bulging blank eyes.

"Yes! I can win!"

"Gate of Closing, Open!"

No one thought the kid could go any faster, just for Lee to go and prove them wrong.

"Is that really Lee?"

"Of course it is, Neji!"

"And he's about to finish that bastard off once and for all!"

Guy roared out, while pumping his fist through the air. Sakura, feeding off the enthusiasm, joined in right after.

Of course, while it would've provided no greater pleasure than to tear these fools apart, the Knight and Witch were too concerned with their lord's wellbeing.

"What are you doing, Naruto-sama!?"

Questioning his motives was not Hinata's intent, but Lee's attacks were impressive, even by empire standards.

"He's left himself defenseless on purpose. . .Could this have to do with the changes?"

The strange sensation grew stronger in the pit of Sasuke's being. Contrary to his ever worsening appearance, crimson eyes could only perceive an evolving might.

Though it seemed only he could see it.

Everyone either cheered or waited for the finishing blow, turning the seconds into eons.

The blonde finally came to somewhat of a pause. Suspended in mid air, displaying a face beaten to shit. Mangled and bruised ligaments.

And his opponent, cutting the peace shot with a strike to the solar plexus. Naruto was sent soaring towards the ground, with a binding secured to his waist.

Another successful hit. . .and it felt so wrong. Lee couldn't shake the feeling every time his fists made contact.

"It's probably another trick…I just have to push forward a bit more. I can't get distracted now!"

Resolute, Lee yanked his foe back to him.

"Naruto!?"

This was painful.

"If you take any more damage you could die! Why won't you defend!?"

It was hard to watch this continue, especially with the world around the Vixen slowly dimming.

"I don't know what's going on with you, but I won't let you die here."

No response, no defense, no choice.

Kurama, two seconds from supercharging her vessel full of feral chakra, was suddenly surrounded by miniature breaks in space time.

The swirled, whirlpools made of starstuff.

From them, chains spewed. Instead of an obsidian finish these bonds had animated astral moving on their length.

"No! We are so close to enacting our lord's reawakening!"

The bindings impired emptiness. No matter how far down she reached, none of that immeasurable power would heed Kurama's call.

"This is it!"

This made no sense. Forced to watch her child be tortured. Her world, dimming as they encroached their doom.

"HIDDEN LOTUS!"

Subjected to view as in the final moments, the battered boy at least made a move.

His hands moved over his chest, posed as if he was preparing to catch the attack. That's when Lee felt some sort of pull towards the spot, right above his opponent's heart.

And though he tried to pull his strike back, it was too powerful to break. Too fast for even its creator to catch.

It hit its mark.

The world Kurama had known for so long, fell black.

Chapter Fifteen End

Author's Notes: Hello everyone thanks for reading the 15th Chapter of Naruto: Paradox!

As the title suggests, I was pretty excited to write the chapter and I hope you guys like it and the direction I'm headed.

Now a couple of things.

First, I'll be going back to revamp the first couple chapters and give Naruto a more complete backstory, including what happened with his parents and how Kurama ended up sealed within him.

Second, I'll be going through the story to do some grammar touch ups and better spacing. Try my best and make it an easier, more pleasant read. If you have any suggestions that you think would help please let me know.

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:

Jidanda is a filler weapon Tenten receives. It's a giant, spiked, iron ball that contains explosive tags inside of it. Its handle is able to stretch and can even be used to attack the enemy. The spikes on the ball can also open to reveal the explosive tags for surprise attacks. Because it is so large, explosive tags can be used to maneuver the ball into the air, using the recoil from the explosion.

Hinata's broom, Realm Sweeper, is based on Ursula's Broom from the Little Witch Academia series.

Naruto's Deviant Blade is based on the martial arts of Kyotōryū(flow of the empty sword), belonging to Shichika Yasuri of Katanagatari. For anyone who would like to look it up, I'll put the moves equivalent down below.

First stance: Breeze- Lily of the Valley

Brambles- Chrysanthemum

Third Stance: Dew- Seventh Stance: Iris

Dew Drop- Rose

Airstream- Orchid

Seaweed- Bellflower

Soak- Wild Strawberry

Brutal Swell- Violet

Secret Art: Final Valley- Seventh Hidden Art: Scattered Blossoms

Naruto's Abyssal Arts are primarily based on the combat done by A-T riders in Air Gear. It's one of my favorite series and actually one of the inspirations behind my wanting to make a King Naruto.

There are also elements of other styles from other literature mixed in, but to help establish imagery, the fighting style could also resemble Renewal Taekwondo used by Jin Mori of God of Highschool in its fluidity.

The Abyss Step is based on the Phantom Steps, a stepping technique from the Manhwa, The Breaker.

Seismic Wave is actually an Abyssal art based on the Seismic stomp featured in The Breaker.

Ripple is based on Karakusagawara Seiken, used by Jinbe in One piece.

Burst Ripple is based on Gosenmaigawara Seiken, used by Jinbe.

Eddy is loosely based on Hwechook, used by Jin Mori. With Naruto, there's usually a wind-like effect to this attack.

Deep Sphere is based on the Seikūken, used by Kenichi Shirahama of Kenichi: History's strongest disciple.

Coral Guard is loosely based on armament Haki. It is merely a move for defense and nothing else, nor will it actually work like Haki.

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: Telekinesis via energy(chakra) manipulation. Includes other ESP-like abilities that are dependent on her "Soul restrictions".

Emperor's Witch: The power of the ability depends on how close the user is to the "emperor". The closer in proximity she, the more potent and effient her abilities are.

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: