The Fox And The Tiger
Who Are You?
The last class of the day. Weapons training. Atleast within Naruto's schedule, for others it could be the physical training, or the lecture classes respectfully. He was slightly late as his altercation with Yugito made him take longer but he wasn't complaining. She was one entertaining person, probably the most entertaining. Especially since it was so easy to get under her skin. Still though, she hated his guts and that wasn't something that he was entirely happy about but oh well. Entertainment first?
Omoi and everyone else of the class was seated, learning all about kunai and its uses. Everyone went there but he wasn't told that it was mandatory, so rather than go join them, he made his way to the right side of the room where there was a door.
When he went through the door, he saw the other weapons masters seated around conversing. They seemed to notice him and all turned to face him. Ofcourse the Uzumaki would be the only one to enter. They weren't complaining though, except the other masters that weren't of the sword. But knew they'd get their turn at seeing an Uzumaki since the Kenjutsu masters made it known that Naruto wanted to master every weapon.
An ambitious goal, that if it wasn't an Uzumaki making such a proclamation, they would have shook it off and not believed it. Since it was Naruto, such a proclamation only seemed fitting. When the Raikage came to learn of this, he laughed and told them to be ready. And here Naruto was.
"How can we help you?" One of the senseis said.
"I'd like to begin my training with a sword."
The Kenjutsu masters stood up. "Which will you start with?" One of them said.
Naruto looked amongst the different blades. "Let's go with the traditional Katana."
"Good choice. I'm Master Ishinto."
Naruto bowed and everyone seperated to provide the two some room. The room was larger than the class was and it looked more fit for sparring.
Master Ishinto tossed a wooden word shaped like a katana to Naruto. "Make a few swings with it."
Naruto nodded as he caught the fake katana. He looked at it and felt it for a second to get a feel on how it was. After the moment he made a few swings and awaited a response.
"Not bad, you have a good stance and flow of movement. Good transfer of power, you have one issue though, that I'm sure everyone noticed right away." Master Ishinto said as he looked around and getting a nod from his peers. Naruto waited patiently, "Swinging a sword, is not the same as swinging a bat. You must treat the sword as an extension of yourself."
The various masters all unsheathed their sword of choice and went through a few movements to demonstrate the point. Naruto watched Master Ishinto do a few movements and began to mirror what he was watching. First with the footwork and then implementing the wooden sword.
The masters all smiled at Naruto beginning to cope without needing to be told. Unspoken lessons would be a norm with the kid apparently. That was better for them honestly. Spending less time lecturing things, and just getting to work. Ofcourse they'd speak key points but, for the most part, Naruto was clearly a hands on learner. Taught better through experience.
Capture The Flag Game 2
"Ok Naruto, what do you know that we could use to benefit us?" Rin said.
They were in a new stage, this was a rocky and rough terrain. The space was bigger than the one previous but it was more open in a sense. Trees and bushes weren't everywhere, instead massive boulders and jagged out croppings were everywhere.
Naruto looked at Rin and chuckled slightly. "What do you mean? What makes you think I have any knowledge of our area?"
Everyone looked at him with a plain face clearly not buying his bullcrap. "Do I really need to explain?"
"Ok ok, first off, I don't know everything. I just noticed the way the ground was last round. They had elevation and looking ahead it got denser on their side."
"Yet you could have brought up their advantages over us and didn't." Karui said.
Naruto looked at her with a frown. "I didn't want to make the plan in the first place. I didn't think you guys would literally run in blind. Figured Omoi or someone else would come up with something better. That or you'd notice the advantage they had?"
"You also knew we'd be a massive distraction, snuck around and managed to get us the flag and win." Omoi said
Naruto sighed. "I didn't sneak. I walked. Guys, I'm not exactly a strategist. Just took a chance and it worked because you guys ran in like crazy together."
Still they felt there was more to him but there was no point trying to argue on the past match."Do you have anything that could help us out here?" Rin said.
Naruto closed his eyes to think. "Well given how we won last time, I'm sure they won't allow that to happen again."
"Omoi nodded "Yeah, they'll spread out more and not allow there to be wide open paths."
"So if we all mob rush again, we'll surely break through and get a flag." Rin said with a chuckle. "Sounds great!"
Karui sweat dropped. Where they really planning on mob rushing again? All based on Naruto measly saying that they wouldn't allow a simple walk in. That meant so many things though! "Dumb boys!" She thought shaking her head.
Naruto's eyes widened in sudden shock as if remembering something. "Oh! Here. Take one of these." Naruto took off his backpack and opened it up to them. Inside were rubber kunai and a couple jars of paint.
"What's this for?" Karui said.
Naruto smirked. "Namrata-sensei said we'd be implementing all we learned within the games we play right?" Everyone nodded. "Yesterday, you guys began to learn about kunai. So we'll use rubber kunai to take them out of the game!"
"YOU'RE A GENIUS! THIS IS FAR FASTER THAN GOING FOR A FLAG!" Karui said. Naruto nodded with a smile.
"And the paint?" Omoi said.
"Well we need proof that we struck them..."
"They will hate us!" Omoi said
Naruto just laughed. "I'm sure Sensei was going to have us do something like this eventually."
"How do you know the other team won't do the same?" Rin said after getting his kunai and dipping it in the paint.
"Did you see anyone else bring a bag?" Naruto simply said and everyone smiled.
"Where'd you get all these anyways?" Karui said
Naruto smiled again. "They were in a crate within the class when we were taking attendance. Sensei even saw me getting them and when she didn't say anything to stop me aside from smiling, I knew it was ok."
Everyone's jaw dropped. Did they really not notice the crate of kunai? Now that they thought about it, they'd seen it, just didn't think much of it since Sensei Namrata hadn't said anything. Leave it to Naruto to be the one to do what others wouldn't.
"I only have enough to give everyone two, so don't try throwing them. unless you're sure you can hit."
"Naruto, most of us know how to throw them so we're good." Karui said
"Well, not all of us have been trained like that..." Everyone looked at him for a second. "Am I really the only one?" Naruto shook his head "Like, you know, Omoi might be better than Rin...you know?"
Everyone nodded slowly. They all were thinking that Naruto really wasn't trained and didn't know how to throw kunai properly. This was something bizarre to them. Kumogakure was one of the most militaristic villages out there and every family always had atleast one member going into the shinobi arts every generation. Whether it was one kid or 10 kids, generally 1 of them became a ninja. When you look at families, within every single one, several members have been shinobi.
So hearing someone like Naruto not having any training? That sounded insane. But then again, he was an outsider, and from what those five boys said and some being in his homeroom class, he had no parents. There were families in the village with no shinobi lineage but that wasn't many. Most of them were the ones that ran shops, restaurants and whatnot. Even them though, had children that became shinobi too.
Over on Yugito's side, she was pacing back and forth getting ready to destroy Naruto when he would arrive. Her team had backed away from her since she was going off on anyone who crossed her path.
"Calm down, Kitten. You won't be able to think clearly like this."
"I'm fine. Bastard's going to get his!"
"About that..."
"WHAT?"
"I feel something bad's about to happen."
Yugito stopped pacing and was confused. What could possibly happen? Dude showed his hand, he relied entirely on diversionary tactics. In a head on confrontation, she was the stronger of the two. He showed it when he couldn't get away from her until she let him in the hall.
Despite him cleverly stating a fact, she wasn't fooled. That was his only way out. There was nothing stopping her from pummeling him right then aside from the consequence of suspension. When he beat her, it was through smoke and tricking her. Both situations, he went with a non-direct path. Yugito had him figured out, and now she wouldn't lose again.
The countdown began as their time to strategize was ending. She smiled and focused all her attention ahead of her. Straight ahead was Naruto and she would show him just how far apart they were. She was the best, and the apex predator, he was the prey.
Tricks wouldn't save him from her this time. There were no consequences for beating anyone up while in this class. She was going to take full advantage of this.
Sensei Namrata announced the start of the match and Yugito smiled even wider. She began running straight ahead with a few others and soon the other team came into view. They were all in a mob and were holding two weapons...kunai?
She noticed Naruto in the back as he winked at her. Instantly, Yugito understood that he was the one to bring the kunai in to beat them far faster. It was easier to slash someone rather than take a flag. She scowled and got angry that he managed to find and capitalize on another advantage.
With complete disregard of the objectives and of those around her she ran around the mob and was headed towards Naruto at full speed.
Naruto sighed as he watched her coming. "Should have expected that." He stood his ground though and awaited her arrival.
She charged and without saying a word, came up to him and punched him in the jaw with all her strength. His head was turned harshly down and to the right as he stood a slight step back with his left foot. He began working his jaw and looked right at her. Again she hit him, on the otherside forcing the same reaction except towards his left.
Again he looked at her and now she jumped into superman punch and hit him square on the nose. He took two steps back and looked a little groggy as he sort of waved back and forth while standing. Still he just looked up to her and she didn't get it. Why wasn't he fighting? Why wouldn't he defend himself? Why was he just taking it?
A small weak and by far the saddest smile she ever saw came across his face. "You don't understand...guess...I was...wrong...about you..." Naruto began to lose his balance but she caught his collar pulling him to her face.
"WHAT ARE YOU BABBLING ABOUT!"
He chuckled weakly. "It doesn't matter...it doesn't matter anymore..."
"WHAT? What doesn't?"
"Are you happy, Yugito?" She looked confused at him. "You've gotten to beat me up. Is that not...what you wanted?"
Yugito didn't know what to say. It was true, all she wanted to do was eviscerate him and yet...now she only felt conflicted. He never even tried. He just took her beating letting her release all her anger and frustration. He just saved her reputation and image willingly without so much as a complaint or cry of pain.
Just what the hell was up with this kid? Why was he such a mystery? Why couldn't he just be the moron she said he was? Why can't he be just like everyone else and be one dimensional and easy to read? It frustrated her even more and made her hate him for being so unknown. She could read anyone, yet he was an enigma.
She hated the unknown. It was dangerous. Naruto was the biggest unknown she ever came across and just as she thought that she had him figured out, he comes and throws a curve ball. Just what was she supposed to do with that? She hated him so much it was ridiculous.
"I-I-I don't know anymore..."
"Shame...I really thought...that you would be happy." Naruto was losing his balance again but she stabilized him. "Funny isn't it? That even though you beat me...I still won." He smiled that same sad smile she saw and his eyes didn't seem so bright anymore. The blue seemed cold.
There was an announcement saying that Naruto's team won and she still held him. Confused more than ever.
"This poor kid..." Matatabi thought while looking at the boy being held in Yugito's grip. "Kitten, just go."
"I don't get him at all it makes no sense!"
"Pray that you never do."
"What's that supposed to mean."
"That's not for me to tell."
Matatabi could read the boy's soul from just gazing into his eyes. What she saw was something that she hoped Yugito would never have.
Yugito shook her head and let Naruto go. He stumbled a bit but his eyes never left hers. She couldn't help but feel frozen in his gaze. It was like he was entirely disappointed and no longer knew what to do. He was lost. Where did that seemingly cocky and confident kid go?
When others began coming to the two, his eyes changed from the cold, depressed and suppressed blue to his bright blue. He adorned a smile and for the first time, she realized that he was faking. Putting up a front and living a persona that wasn't his own when others were around. She had a glimpse to who he truly was...Who else saw it? And was this the last time she would?
Why did she care? In her mind, she still hated every cell of his being and yet, she can't deny that she felt more curious about him. At every point she thought she knew just who he was, he would flip it entirely on her head and show that she really knew nothing. Nothing but what he let her think she knew.
"Naruto Uzumaki...just who the hell are you?" She thought as he turned away and followed the class back to the Academy.
Yugito trailed behind and couldn't stop thinking about that look in his eyes. The smile that only portrayed a deep sadness. This was how Naruto truly was and although it was only a glimpse, just what has caused this for him? How did he hide that so well?
The rest of the day came and went, while she was heading out, she noticed Naruto walking in the distance. It seemed odd because normally he was never seen, but curiosity took the best of her and she wanted some answers. Yugito decided to start following Naruto to wherever he went. Maybe there would be some explanation of who this kid was.
Naruto by now showed no signs of having been beaten by Yugito earlier on and looked fine. He walked about the streets per usual. He came across a shop a new shop. It wasn't there previously so he figured, why not check it out.
He walked in and noticed it was sort of like a bakery and had sweets. They had other stuff as well but for the most part, it was mainly quick treats. He shrugged and decided why not try something?
"Hey, what you got?"
The owner turned and smiled. She was roughly a 30 year old woman with purple hair and green eyes. "Well, I have a large variety. What would you like?"
Naruto frowned slightly. "I don't exactly know..."
"Here. I have some freshly made sweet dumplings. It is just like a normal dumpling, just sweeter. So it won't be too drastic of a change from what you're used to."
Naruto nodded slowly. "Never had a dumpling..." He thought to himself but took them nonetheless. He tried one and his eyes widened. "MORE! PLEASE MORE! MY GOD, THIS IS GOOD!"
The woman laughed. "Sure thing."
Naruto reached in his pockets and counted out his money that he was saving for a while and gladly paid the woman. As he left with his box with a smile he called out "Thank you Dumpling-san!"
The woman laughed and went back to her oven to take out some more sweets that had been ready.
Naruto walked towards Trey's and was greeted by Kira at the entrance. She saw him carrying a box and was a little surprised but smiled as usual. She gave him a hug and the two started talking.
From a distance, Yugito look on and wondered if this was his family. But didn't he have no parents and family? Well...he could have been adopted but those five kids treated it like he wasn't. So who were they to him? The two went into the shop and she just waited.
"So Naruto, how was your day? He don't seem as you usually do?"
"I don't know Kira. It was fine I guess. Just disappointed."
"Why's that?"
Naruto shook his head. "I was wrong about someone."
Kira raised an eyebrow. "In what way?"
Naruto closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Deciding to just tell her he opened his eyes and looked at her. "I thought someone was like me. We are not."
"How do you know?"
"They couldn't understand. They don't get it. I was a fool to think she could."
"Naruto?"
Naruto looked up to see her shake her head and chuckle slightly. "What?"
"Naruto, no one can just simply understand one another that simply. Even harder with you knowing that you don't outright say anything. No one can read minds. Besides, people might be similar, but it doesn't mean they'll understand one another. You could be wrong."
Naruto nodded. "Perhaps. I just thought that we were the same."
"Who is this girl to you?" She had an amused smile and a glint in her eyes. "Little Naruto getting a crush?"
Naruto just looked at her blankly and shrugged. "She's interesting and very amusing."
"Oh poor girl...she must hate you." Naruto just smiled and she shook her head.
"Well I'm going to get going."
Kira nodded and walked him out of the shop and hugged him goodbye. She noticed someone in the distance and narrowed her eyes slightly. When Naruto began leaving, she noticed the person start to follow as well.
Naruto got to his place at the peak and entered. Yugito saw the massive stone door from her position as he literally entered the mountain peak. He lived in a damn mountain? She thought it was kinda cool but didn't get to think long when a kunai was placed at her throat.
"What are you doing?"
"Uh...I-I"
"You're just a kid...I'm sorry. I noticed you were following Naruto and well...kinda jumped to conclusions."
Yugito turned around to see the girl she saw Naruto greet and didn't know what to do. "I was just curious..."
"What does the Jinchuriki want with Naruto?" Kira just put the kunai away and started walking Yugito down from the peak. "What made you so curious as to follow Naruto around?"
"I don't do this ever. I swear! Just...he's usually coming off as cocky and seems like he just knows everything. He is an annoying and frustrating person that just loves to rub people the wrong way and particularly takes enjoyment out of angering me."
So far Kira was nodding along. Naruto can come off as all of those. Just one of his personas that he will take on. "Then why the sudden interest?"
"I don't really know...Just...Something is off about him. Today...today all that seemed to be torn away, like he changed instantly. It was only for a really short time but it spoke volumes. Made me question him even more."
"What is it?"
"I saw his eyes..." Kira raised an eyebrow and waited for Yugito to gather her thoughts. "Ok, so they're always this bright and deep blue, sort of like the ocean. But for a moment, they dulled and became really cold it seemed. He also gave me a smile but it was so weak and portrayed nothing of happiness...just total sadness. The same with his eyes. I just didn't understand how he's like that. He acts just fine and cocky and aggravating but then does a full 180?"
Kira nodded. "So this is the girl he spoke about..." Kira looked down towards Yugito and smiled "Yeah, he's an interesting one."
"Not even just that. He completely and totally embarrassed me and destroyed me during a match yesterday. He even said it was for his amusement. Then adds to it when I confronted him in anger by just shaking it off as no big deal and being a total jerk. Yet today, he ofcourse one ups my team again but when I come to fight him and try to get payback, he didn't fight back at all. Just took it! And when I looked at him in confusion about what happened and everything, he goes to say he was wrong about me. That I didn't understand. What was I supposed to understand?"
"I don't know. He's very cryptic about these things."
"Weirdest thing was, he actually seemed nice. Said he wanted to make me happy so he let me beat him up without a single complaint. He didn't cry, didn't make a sound, nothing. That's odd..."
"He's a nice kid." Yugito gave her a look of doubt which made her chuckle. "He really is. You just gotta pay attention."
"I just also hate that I can't really read him at all. I can normally read people pretty easily but he...I just don't understand. He came off as an utter retard when we first met. Then he becomes an annoying cocky idiot but always seems a step ahead. Now he seems utterly depressed and lonely. I just don't understand."
"My best advice about him, don't try reading him like that. You'll get nowhere. He'll just show you what he wants you to think. You just have to go by how he treats you or by his actions. Because if you think about it. You'll see what I mean when I say he really is a nice person."
Yugito shook her head and the two separated. "I wonder if those two will ever be friends."
"There was always more he could have done to make things worse for people. For me even...there was more he could have done to beat me rather than just dirty my clothes pretty much. He's still a jerk though."
1 Year Later
"Naruto! Naruto! NARUTO WAKE UP!"
Naruto slowly looked up and his eyes were squinted, trying to adjust to the light. He yawned and finally got adjusted. "Hmm? What's up?"
"What were we talking about?"
"History..."
"On what mister Uzumaki."
Naruto looked at his sensei of the class, still not knowing his name... He looked around the room with his eyes and noticed the board. "Second Great Ninja War?"
Omoi was holding back the laughter to this point. Naruto was at the bottom of this class for his continued sleeping and lack of attention. He had to admit though, the class was really boring. All this was about was history for the past year so it was understandable that anyone would be bored.
"Leave it to an outsider to not care about the village's history."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the man. "Is that supposed to mean something?"
"A lazy and slacker of a person like yourself, add being an outsider on top of that and it's only a matter of time until you fail out. A miracle how you haven't yet already."
Omoi kind of looked away from the teacher and towards Naruto at that point. Although he didn't show it, Naruto was no slacker. He worked harder than anyone he'd ever seen. Naruto already mastered the sword styles that the academy taught. There were still more out there but he mastered the ones that were offered. He was currently working on the Bo. On top of that, he was developing to be one of the top Shurikenjutsu students, it was slow for him at first but he worked at it. So to call Naruto lazy and a slacker were the furthest from the truth.
Now...Naruto wasn't giving a good impression and never did. He never cared or found interest in the class. The funny thing is, he knew what was being taught, he still learned it all, just not from the sensei. Omoi agreed that their sensei kind of sucked but atleast he atleast paid attention. But that was Naruto for you, he enjoyed aggravating people for his amusement.
Naruto just stared at the man and chuckled. "Yeah...miracle huh? Out of curiosity, do the other senseis and you talk?"
"No."
"Ah, makes sense. Well since it's a miracle, that means I'm here to stay right? That is how miracles work...they don't just disappear." Omoi chuckled quietly. He had a point. That is Naruto 500, Sensei 0. Naruto was undefeated in the game.
"No sleeping!"
Just then the bell rang and the class left the room. Omoi turned to Naruto as they were headed to the locker room to change for the next class. "Well Naruto, you're still undefeated in that battle."
"Yeah. I guess so..."
"Ey, why so down my friend?" Naruto shrugged. "Look man, I know you're dredding this but it's going to get better."
"It's so boring. I prefer these next two. Well...it would be better with a different sensei. I like learning, he just sucks at teaching. I don't even know the dude's name."
"Yeah...I know. But that wasn't what I was talking about."
"I know...it's getting increasingly harder to beat Yugito. She has learned how to target me better and now it is not so fun. I miss my never ending amusement."
"Naruto?"
"Yeah?"
"You sure you ain't into her?"
"Dude! No. Listen, its just like with No Name Sensei, I enjoy aggravating others. Her reactions were the most amusing and easiest to cause. Nothing more to it."
"If you say so."
"Have I ever been one to lie?" Omoi just looked at him. "Ok but I don't lie to you."
"Guess you have a point. Any new ideas?"
"Well I did...but I haven't found a way to make it work yet."
"What is it?"
"So I got these from my friend's shop." Naruto showed him a tag with a seal on it. "These are like explosive tags but aren't deadly, they emit blinding light in a flash and stun others. Issue is, it requires chakra to activate for you be able to utilize it...I haven't found a workaround."
Omoi looked at him wide eyed and whispered. "Naruto, you don't know how to channel your chakra?"
Naruto shook his head. "Never been taught."
Omoi nodded and understood. "Naruto, you know something? For all the disadvantages you face with not having any backing of a clan, or family, you always manage to still impress and remain around the top."
"Yeah...but not thee top."
"Man. Yugito is a prodigy and Samui is like her direct rival in that regard. Hell, I'm sure that if you weren't an outsider, they'd give you more respect in the rankings and you'd be up there as well."
"That's what I think is stupid. I've beaten the both of them...and yet I get treated like I am the worst one here."
"Yeah...but in head on 1 on 1 situations where you aren't able to exploit anything, they've won. I guess they don't see you as superior in skill, that you're solely situational...but that's all false. I know you're far more skilled and if you had the tools that they have, you'd be the top no doubt."
Naruto smiled. "I'm not saying that they are where they are just because of name...but I can't help sometimes feeling a bit...I don't know."
"Jealous?" Naruto nodded. "It's normal. Even I'm jealous of those two. Like Yugito is lucky to be able to get training sessions with the Raikage and his brother!"
"She does?"
Omoi nodded "Yeah, Karui was told by Samui. And Samui's family has several high ranking shinobi so she's practically royalty."
Naruto sighed as he threw his previous clothes into his locker after having changed during the conversation. "Well, we'll prove that we don't need royalty to become the best."
Omoi chuckled and the two fist bumped with a smile. The two left the locker room and entered the gym where the class was gathering after changing. When they walked in, Yugito and Samui were already out there. They were the only four in there and Omoi felt as if the temperature dropped.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Uzumaki." Yugito said.
"What's up Naruto? Hey, Omoi." Samui said.
"Sup Samui." Omoi said walking up with Naruto.
Naruto gave a nod to Samui and she smiled. He turned to Yugito and frowned. She wore her usual smirk to him and was excited for today. They had come out on top last match and she had a good feeling.
"I did warn you about tempting that flame."
"Sup, you're back. Been a few months."
"Yeah, sleep's great. You should try it."
"Well it has been amusing, she just is getting harder to push as time goes on."
"Eh, you'll figure it out. I'm serious though, you'll need to start sleeping more. When you do start implementing chakra it will be hard for you."
"Why? How do you know?"
"Not the time. Just know it will help."
"Thanks...I guess. I'll sleep more when I can finally start working on even ground with the others. I have more work to do."
"That'll never happen for us. You'll always need to work harder than everyone around you. But you can't do that effectively without proper rest kit."
"Ok ok ok. I get the point."
Naruto noticed other kids began walking in and soon the sensei even walked in. He turned back to Yugito who still had the smirk and sighed. "You know? I still come out on top more often than not."
"Not anymore, Uzumaki. I have you figured out."
"Do you now? Enlighten me."
"You can't fight. I didn't believe it at first but I figured it out. You can take a beating no doubt, but that's it. That's why everytime you win, it's through distractions. Not anymore."
"So if I win by distractions, how are you supposed to be immune to my tricks as you say?"
She got really close to Naruto surprising him and she looked down on the shorter boy. Mere inches from his face. "Because I'm never going to let you get that chance again. I'll be in your face before you get to activate any strategy."
Naruto smirked as he looked her in the eye. "We'll see, Yugito. Glad you brush your teeth by the way."
Omoi and Samui chuckled slightly while Yugito just scowled. Ofcourse he didn't take her too seriously. All the more reason she despised him. He always shook her off as nothing special, while everyone praised the ground she walked on...then again...it was why she respected him more than others. Respect didn't mean she had to be a fan of him though and she didn't hide that.
"Attention class! Today we won't be playing capture the flag. Today we will start combative training. It's time you begin learning how to handle yourself in Taijutsu. What you learn here will be a good stepping stone to the styles you all eventually will end up taking on. Also, no more flags from here on out. Taijutsu and the practice weapons will be your only way to eliminate players."
Everyone got excited. Now began combative training and they would show who was the strongest. Some had a bit more fear than others but for the most part it was excitement that brewed between them. This would be how they seperate themselves from eachother. Their performance in combatives would highly impact rankings. For the most part, it was highly based on test scores. Now they'd hold sparring tournaments and that would really show the type of shinobi they were.
Omoi looked to Naruto with a little worry for his friend. The kid had no clan, no family. He had no training coming into the academy, and has no backing of anyone. He's alone in this. Everyone here gets tutors and special clan amenities that Naruto wouldn't ever get access to. He's developed far greater than anyone ever expected but even then, he still was technically behind.
Everything taught, he had to learn from scratch. Everyone else had atleast known the basics of everything going into it all. They get training from fellow shinobi that were family and that only pushes that advantage further. The main thing going for Naruto was is great ability of picking things up fast. He learned so much faster than everyone else in whatever he took on. Atleast things within practical use. If it was paper, he wasn't so great but when learning the sword, he had every single one mastered in a year. It took normally more than that to even be a master of one...
Omoi wondered how far that quick learning went. Was it just with the weapons? Or could it go into things like Taijutsu? What about Ninjutsu? Either way, he'd get to see how well Naruto took on Taijutsu very soon.
"Alright, so I'm sure your families have all worked with you in Taijutsu in some way. So to see where you're all at, you'll be fighting in matches."
Omoi noticed Naruto tense slightly. This was probably the worst possible situation for Naruto. He was never one for direct confrontation but now it was forced and contained. There was only one thing that could make it worse.
"Ok, so can we have Yugito Nii..."
"Uh oh..." Omoi thought as she was talking.
"...and Naruto Uzumaki come to the ring."
"Shiiiiiiit. What's the plan Naruto?" Omoi looked at Naruto who sighed. Yugito had an excited smile on her face.
The worse would happen. This would be interesting to say the least. Naruto was creative though and when backed into a corner, he got dangerous. So maybe he can pull something out?
Yugito had quickly went to the ring, it was 10 feet in diameter. She knew she had him where he couldn't do anything. There were no tricks he could do in this situation. She only really ever got to beat him that one time, every other time was more towards the team. But now it was just him.
Naruto sighed as he walked in with his eyes closed. He stepped into the ring and said nothing, did nothing. Not even taking a stance. All he did was just stand lazily with his eyes shut.
"What's the matter Uzumaki? Know you're about to be bested?"
Naruto said nothing. Just waited. Sensei Namrata began a countdown to start the match. The closer she got to the end, the more Yugito smiled and prepared while Naruto just remained standing still straight up with his eyes shut.
The match was called to start and Yugito was confused why Naruto still stood there motionless. She decided to charge and as she did he opened his eyes slowly. Just like that time before the blue wasn't bright and it distracted her. She wondered what he was doing now.
Naruto finally began to move. His eyes half open and took two steps to meet her then lowered himself and dodged the punch and grabbed her collar, while using his other hand to wrap around her and his right foot to block the path of one her legs. When he got in position, he swung her with his arms over the leg making her fall and he got on top of her and started to punch her in the face.
She got completely surprised and didn't know where that came from. He wasn't supposed to know how to fight so what was this? He managed to dodge her punch and take her down before she could react. When she opened her eyes in between punches and noticed something weird with his eyes. They were half open still but the part that was the dull blue now seemed to have a red color. She didn't get to focus too much since a punch came right for her face which she managed to dodge now that she actually got over her initial shock.
She caught his hand before he could pull it back and with all her might punched the center of his wrist. There was a snapping sound and she felt his hand go limp in hers. She watched as his face winced slightly but other than that, he showed no other sign of pain. Again making no cry or sound just like before.
She still held his hand and pulled on it to try to cause him pain but gained no reaction. She punched his face sending him back a bit and gave her room, she punched again and pushed him off her then kicked him to gain separation.
When she stood up his hand hung limp and he just stood there looking at her. The red in his eyes gone and the bright baby blue was back. He smiled at her which made her tilt her head slightly.
"You're far better than I expected and I already had thought highly of you." He said after a few seconds.
"How can you just not be bothered by your broken wrist?"
Naruto smiled "Need to know basis..."
He ran at her and tried to kick her on the side of her gut. She bent her body away slightly but it connected and she caught onto his leg. She could tell he had little to no experience so his movements were slower which made it easier to catch his limbs. She swung her right elbow over and dropped her body to gain more momentum and slammed it into his shin causing a cracking sound.
She charged forward while holding his leg and he managed to keep his balance rather well but eventually she just got too fast and he fell over not being able to keep up with his hops. She sat on his waist and started to punch him in the face as hard as possible. With each hit the back of his head slammed into the ground and he got more and more bloodied. After seven hits, she finally knocked him out and he just laid under her limp and unmoving. That is when she realised what she'd done and looked at her blood covered hands.
She saw the state he was in and although he always angered her and she hated him, did he really deserve this? Maybe she went a little overboard...She knew he didn't have any true training and yet he still managed to do decent up until she began to really get a but serious and try anticipating opportunities.
While she sat on him she leaned over and started tapping his face. "N-Naruto. Naruto you ok?"
Part of her really felt bad. She got caught up in the moment of the fight and lost control. It didn't need to get this bad but it was never stopped at all due to the nature of the militaristic village. This in a sense was allowed and approved even. It wasn't something the senseis looked down on. If anything, this display only made her look like an even better prospect.
"Come on, you stubborn annoying bastard. Wake up...something."
The sensei touched her shoulder and Yugito looked up. Namrata had a smile and congratulated her on her victory. She looked back down to the unconscious Naruto and frowned slightly. When she turned to the crowd, mostly everyone looked at her in awe. Only Omoi was looking down shaking his head.
He knew that Yugito would most likely win but didn't think she would do all this. She didn't have to do this to win. Even she knew it. Looking down at her hands, she felt bad. Part of her mad at herself for losing control. But she just won and she wouldn't show her inner turmoil. Finally she got off of him and stood up and walked away, giving one last look back to Naruto.
She left the gym to clean herself off of his blood and to get away from the sight of Naruto. Needing to be alone, she went. Samui wasn't sure if she should follow but ultimately didn't.
When everyone turned back to the ring, Naruto was no longer laying there. They didn't think much of it, thinking that the Sensei already relocated him. However, they didn't notice that even she was confused. It didn't last long as she regained her composure.
"Ok, Omoi and Samui, to the ring."
"Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit." Omoi thought. "I need to learn Naruto's disappearing act."
Yugito was seated on a bench, hugging her knees to her chest. She didn't feel happy about her victory. Only feeling guilty.
"You know? You don't look so good being down."
"Huh? How'd you get here? How'd you know?" She turned around to see a perfectly fine Naruto standing there looking towards the sun.
"I got here by walking. I know because you don't hide your feelings well at all." He turned to her and frowned. "Again, you beat me and still aren't happy. I don't get it."
"You really had to be a smart ass...What do you mean I don't hide it well." She didn't speak about the part about her apparently looking good when she isn't sad but like didn't know how she was supposed to interpret it, so chose to ignore it.
"Well, you practically wear your emotions."
"What? Am I supposed to hide it?"
"It let's you not be taken advantage of."
"Why are you like that? Just what's happened to you. Who are you? You're constantly changing." Naruto said nothing making her annoyed and frown. "You really don't trust anyone do you?" He just shook his head. "You're such a bastard. You know that?"
Naruto just smiled. "Don't like that you can't figure me out?" She just looked away. "Listen, you're succeeding, lighten up a bit ok? Right now you've set yourself to be placed at the top."
"I didn't have to do all that I did."
Naruto frowned. "Maybe, maybe not. You did what was natural in the moment. If you had a different opponent, it wouldn't have seemed so bad. So stop moping. You're a winner, act like it. You didn't just lose."
She managed to smile slightly. Here was the guy she just broke and yet he was here trying to cheer her up. "Speaking of which, how are you seemingly healed?"
"Well I'm not seemingly, I am. Why that is, I'm not sure...I've just always healed fast. Well, I'm going to my next class. You have a good day."
"Naruto?"
"Hm?"
"You hold back a lot, don't you?" Naruto chuckled and just walked away. "Bastard...could atleast tell the truth." She mumbled to herself.
Back In The Gym
The match was called to start and Omoi sighed. He moved his lollipop to the otherside of his mouth, now being on the left and dodged a punch by stepping to the left.
"Damn. Right out the gate swinging."
Omoi had to step back from a downwards kick and leaned back to dodge her next punch. He grabbed his lollipop and held it in his left hand while sending a punch into her gut with his right. She recoiled slightly in pain but over came it and glared at him. He slowly put his lollipop back into his mouth.
"Sorry?" She smirked and charged him head on. "Shit."
Samui jumped and landed a few kicks into his chest before landing and spinning around to kick him on the side of his head. Omoi fell to the ground and groaned. He went to get up when she came on top of him and began performing a choke on him by bringing her arm around his neck and his chin was at her elbow as she squeezed.
He wasn't expecting this so he didn't get to tuck his chin in. Due to that, she had an open shot and took advantage. Omoi struggled a bit to try to escape but couldn't. She was on his back and there was nothing he could do. With no other choice, he tapped out and Samui was declared the winner.
Omoi got up and groaned. "That sucked. Thought maybe I'd last longer." He stepped down and went to the lockers to change.
"What's up Omoi? How'd it go?"
"Naruto? What are you doing here? How are you fine?"
"Second time I got asked that. I'm relaxing for one. And two its a secret."
"Who was the first?"
"Yugito..."
"That's where you went?"
Naruto nodded and smiled. "Yeah, she was in a pitiful state." He laughed a bit. "Had to correct that. Can't have someone being that way when they just won and showed that they were the student to beat."
Omoi nodded. "You actually care about her." He began to change and noticed that Naruto seemed to be waiting. "What can I do for you?"
Naruto didn't speak at first but Omoi knew him well enough to just be patient. Naruto wasn't that great at expressing his thoughts when it actually mattered. With a sigh he finally spoke. "You free this after the academy?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Come to my place. There's some things I want to tell you." Omoi nodded and when he did, Naruto left.
"Well brat. You got your ass handed to you."
"Yup."
"You were using some of my abilities by accident. If you want to use them better, you'll need train and learn how to use your chakra."
"I did?"
"Yes. I'm telling you because it can be dangerous for you to use my power and abilities if you don't know what you're doing. On top of that, if you ever accidentally use my chakra...well let's hope not many people are around."
"What'll happen?"
"You won't be able to control it. Learn about your chakra. Then we can talk about it."
Naruto nodded and continued walking. He had a Bo to master.
Hey y'all, hope you enjoy.
Yo...homeboy...you best chill with your speculations ok. If you're about to be a fortune teller throughout...man...hahaha