Disclaimer: I do not own any wrights to Naruto or Shadow Skill. I merely use their characters and themes for entertainment purposes.
After the first day back Naruto spent most of his time training in secret. No one was able to see what the blond was doing because no matter who would try and spy on him he would be seen simply sitting under a tree. Many suspected that he was able to sense anyone that approached. This alone gave rise to the ever-growing stories of the dead gennin/kyuubi vessel returning to life and the village.
A day before the evaluation of Naruto's skills the rumors had come to a fever pitch. Many were speaking about their anticipation some for and some against. Those that knew about Kyuubi were scared that of the idea of the it coming out, because they were not told it was gone. Those that were told, a select number of Anbu and Jounin, were curious as to see how much stronger the teenager had become without the Demon Fox. Those around Naruto's age and thus did not know about Kyuubi in the first place wanted to see just what had changed about him, especially Shikamaru and Chouji once they learned it was Naruto they escorted to the Hokage. Many of those that knew Naruto were still somewhat guilty that they decided to train or were too lazy to attend his funeral, more so, after they found out so few people actually attended. But the ones that were in the most anticipation were: Kakashi, Iruka, Hinata Sasuke, Sakura and the Hokage. The Hokage the most, he was still bothered by the name of Naruto's teacher while he was away.
Naruto had decided to take the day off before the evaluation to rest. Although he was confident in his skill, the only person he knew he would be facing was Sasuke. He did not know what it would entice nor would he know for how long. So rather than taking chances, he decided to skip his training and not run the risk of being to tired tomorrow. Naruto had thought that he would spend time with his friends on the last day. They were rather eager to join him because, although, he would not divulge any of his style it was kind of fun to for them to try to get some information; kind of like a running joke for them.
"So you think your training actually helped you, Dobe," Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Better believe it, Bastard," Naruto returned the smirk. The two had reverted to the old nicknames they had when they were still on the same team. Only this time they were not meant as insults, just a kind of brotherly teasing. "And no I'm not going to tell you anything about it."
"Ah, come on Naruto," Sakura complained, "Just a hint."
"Please Naruto-kun," Hinata joined in, "We are all curious about what you've been doing."
Naruto sighed, if it had been anyone else, or even just one of them, Naruto would have just denied the request. Because it was Sakura and Hinata he could not refuse. His old feelings for Sakura and his growing affection for Hinata made it impossible for him to resist their combined probing. "Fine but only if you give me a little heads up on the evaluation."
"Deal," Sasuke said, "Although I can only tell you about my part."
"Fine," Naruto agreed, "But you first!"
"My part with involve a showing of combat skills," Sasuke told, "And there will be at least two other opponents besides me and I won't tell you who they are. Don't want to give you too much warning."
"Alright," Naruto said, "I'll tell you this, I use my feet and none of my skills can be copied. So you won't be able to counter my style, Sasuke."
This had everyone intrigued. His statement about using his feet implied that he was now based in Taijutsu where as before he showed an affinity to high-level Ninjutsu, his ability to use Kage Bushin as a gennin was the prime example. And the statement of his skills not being able to be copied intrigued them as well. So far the only jutsus that the Sharingen could not copy were bloodline limits. But what really got Sasuke's attention was Naruto's claim that he could not counter it. Sasuke had developed a name for himself by using the Sharingen to copy and counter another's jutsus. Unlike Kakashi however, he would not copy and use the same technique, he would use a jutsu that would completely neutralized the other, thus earning him the name the 'Counter Ninja.' "Don't be so sure of that Dobe," Sasuke said, "I didn't get my name for nothing."
"We'll see Bastard," Naruto responded, then muttered, "And I didn't get mine for nothing either."
"What was that last part Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked being the only one close enough to hear the mutter.
"What? Oh nothing Hinata-chan," Naruto answered, "I just said it's getting late and I should get some rest."
"Well see you tomorrow then," Sakura said for the group. After Naruto left Sakura asked, "Do you think what Naruto said was true?"
"Well the old Naruto was boastful and had a huge tendency to exaggerate," Sasuke answered. "But the Naruto we've gotten to know over the last couple of days doesn't seem to exaggerate. The fact that no one has been able to sneak up on him is a clear indication of his improvement."
"So you're saying you believe him Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked.
"What I'm saying is that I and his other opponents should be on out toes when we fight him," Sasuke said.
"So are his other opponents?" Hinata asked.
"The one's I know for sure will be Rock Lee and Kurenai," Sasuke said.
"So they're going to test all aspects, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, then," Sakura concluded. "But Lee-san never mentioned anything about taking place in the evaluation."
"The others were decided yesterday," Sasuke said. "I was the only one to volunteer. Although Kakashi did say that if I had not done so he would have."
"You said that there would be at least two others," Hinata said, "Does that mean that others may come in?"
"That is actually up to the Hokage," Sasuke said. "I was in on the meeting about the combat test and the Hokage said that it may take more than just the three of us to get a real idea about how strong Naruto has become." After a pause he added, "I think he knows more than he is letting on, or at least suspects more."
Naruto sat on his bed in his new apartment. He had been going over what he had found out from Sasuke just a couple of hours ago. "From what Sasuke told me he will be in the combat part," he thought. "That would mean that they will probably be testing different skills. And that would mean they would test Genjutsu, Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. None of them should be a problem, especially Taijutsu and Genjutsu. I doubt there will be anyone with illusions stronger than the ones Darkness was able to make. Still I should not underestimate any of them." Naruto got up from his bed and looked out his window and gazed at the forest outside. His apartment was on the side of a building that faced away from the Hokage Monument, and although he missed seeing their faces he was just as glad he could see the forest, he always liked being in the forests of Konoha when he was a child. "Still that's not what worries me," Naruto continued thinking, "They will also probably test my knowledge as well. And though Darkness forced me to use my head more, I don't really know much about information. I guess I should have gone to the library and studied as well as trained. Oh well to late now, might as well get some sleep." With that thought Naruto returned to his bed to get some sleep, still eager about the next day.
The next day Naruto made his way to the Homage's office. He had been told to go there first for the first series of tests. He assumed that they would test his knowledge first. And when he entered the room and when he saw a group of Jounin instructors as well as the Hokage and Iruka, he figured he assumed correctly. The Hokage gestured for Naruto to take the seat in front of the jounins and sat down. As soon as he sat, manacles immediately slapped onto his wrists, ankles and even around his throat. "Hey! What's going on?" Naruto demanded.
"Shut up!" a heavily scarred Jounin ordered, "You really think the Hokage and the rest of us were fooled by you Demon!"
"What are you…" Naruto was silenced by punch to the face by the scared Jounin.
"Now you will tell us what really happened!" the scared one demanded.
Naruto glanced around the room and noticed the placid looks of their faces. As he came to Iruka and the Hokage he saw neutral looks on their faces but their eyes held a covered, but still noticeable to him, look of sympathy and compassion. "They're testing my resistance to interrogation," he thought. "Well then," he then took a deep breath and spoke out loud, "You won't get anything from me." The calmness of his voice shocked many of the instructors in the room. But the one in front of him with the scars just smiled.
"Then I guess it's the fun way," he said. Several in the room internally cringed for they knew what was about to happen. The scared interrogator began a series of hand seals and soon after he was finished Naruto could feel an assault on his mind.
Naruto knew he was under an illusion that was made to break him will within moments of its beginning. Inwardly Naruto was struggling to maintain his focus, "Danm, this guy could make Darkness sweat. If that's even possible that is." Outwardly Naruto kept his neutral face, and the only indication that he was exerting anything was the sweat forming on his head. This alone impressed many in the room, including the interrogator.
"It's been ten minutes and he's only sweating," The scarred one thought. "Either he really is the demon or his mental strength is extraordinary."
The Hokage had similar thoughts to the interrogator and after fifteen minutes he had seen enough, "That's enough Ibiki." The Jounin turned to the Hokage, "If he can last this long then he has proven enough for me." The others agreed, they knew that there were few in this room that could last as long as Naruto did.
The manacles released and Naruto rubbed his wrists and neck. "So what's next?" he asked.
"A test of knowledge Naruto," Iruka answered. As he brought out a test sheet and handed it to him. "You'll have two hours to complete the test."
Naruto looked down at the test and glanced around the room, "Damn, can't even cheat to get the answers. I'm the only one here taking the test and none of the instructors have anything or are saying anything." Naruto then began to answer the questions as best he could.
After the two hours were up his test was collected. The instructors looked over his test and some began to snicker at some of his answers. Naruto even heard the Hokage say, "His knowledge is only a little bit higher than when her was at the Academy."
This got Naruto angry for a minute and muttered, "It's not like I could study out in the middle of no-where." The Hokage caught this and smirked at the comment.
"Now we'll test you planning ability," the Hokage announced. He looked around the room, "Where is he?" The others looked around and shrugged indicating they didn't know. "Someone go get Shikamaru!" the Hokage ordered.
Five minutes latter the chunin in question arrived, "Why do I have to do this?"
"Because you were ordered too!" the one that went to retrieve him said.
"Fine lets get this over with," Shikamaru said. He walked over to Naruto and asked, "Do you know how to shoji?"
"Actually, yes," Naruto said. That was one of the games Darkness had him play to learn strategy.
Shikamaru placed a shoji board on the desk and the two began to play. For the first few moves Shikamaru had a bored look on his face. But after about the sixth move he looked at the board then at Naruto. He then became interested, "You're no too bad." That was when the game became more active. Each player moving and taking pieces quickly, each having to readjust their moves to counter the other.
Finally after about ten minutes Naruto stopped, "Danm I can't win, you'll get me in seven moves."
Shikamaru smiled, "Actually six, but you're pretty good I'd like to play you again."
"Sure why not," Naruto agreed smiling as well.
"Well that concludes this part of the exam," the Hokage said. He was impressed at Naruto's skill in strategy and tactics. Even he would have trouble against Shikamaru, "We will now proceed to the stadium for the test in combat skills."
Naruto smiled in anticipation, "Good cause this is what I've been waiting for."
Once everyone had gathered at the stadium Naruto was surprised to see the amount of people there. Although this was not open to the civilians, it was open to any shinobi that could attend. And by the looks of things, it appeared that nearly half the shinobi of all ranks in the village showed to watch the matches. "Guess their expecting a show, and they're about to get one."
The referee for the matches turned out to be Hinata's cousin Neji. Naruto had met him the third night after Naruto walked her home. Neji approached Naruto and said, "Now we'll see if you're worthy of Hinata-sama." Naruto just gave him a confident grin in response. "The first match will be between Yuuhi Kurenai and Uzumaki Naruto." As Neji announced this a red eyed mid-twenty year old woman entered the stadium.
In the stands Sakura was watching with her Hinata, Sasuke and Rock Lee, "This will be a good indication of how well Naruto does against illusions in combat."
"Be should do well," Sasuke said, "I heard some of the Jounins saying he lasted fifteen minutes against Ibuki."
"Yosh! I'm looking forward to facing him!" Rock Lee said pumping his fist.
Back at the stadium Naruto went into a defensive stance. He was not aware of the kind of jutsus Kurenia was capable of, so he decided to play it safe for now. The two fighters gazed at each other until Kurenai started to do a fast series of hand-seals. Naruto prepared for anything, he then noticed an assault on his mind, "Genjutsu." Next thing Naruto knew he was somehow incased in huge boulder with Kurenai sticking out above him. Naruto quickly analyzed the illusion, "I can feel the stone and see it, but I can't hear her moving against it nor can I smell the rock. That means it assaults the sense of touch and sight. Can't do much about the sense of touch but I can at least take care of the sight." Naruto closed his eyes and take away one sense being assaulted, "Now that's out of the way it'll be easier to break the illusion." Naruto then began to perform what Darkness had taught him in order to break illusions.
Kurenia watched as Naruto closed his eyes, "So he knows that it assaults his eyes, but does he know about touch too. And will he be able to break the illusion without hand seals?" Her question was answered as Naruto's body slowly began to glow green. The next thing anyone knew, the illusion was broken and Naruto was freed.
"Not bad," Naruto commented, "But I've got to end this now." Naruto then disappeared from sight and reappeared behind Kurenia, jumped and kicked her in the head knocking her out instantly.
"His speed is impressive," Sasuke commented.
"Yes," Rock agreed, "He will be fun to fight." With that the thick browed Chunin jumped down to the just after the medics carried off Kurenia.
Naruto gazed at his next opponent. He met him on the forth day after he arrived when he met up with Sakura. He had heard the stories of the Chunin that could not use Genjutsu or Ninjutsu and relied entirely on Taijutsu. Naruto knew that although he had yet to take the Jounin exam Rock Lee is probably at Jounin level. "If it was any other Chunin besides you I would feel insulted Lee."
"Thank you for the complement Naruto-kun," Lee said getting in to his stance. Naruto only responded by dropped into his stance as well. His stance was unfamiliar to Lee and that disturbed him because he thought he knew nearly all Taijutsu stances.
Up in the stands two people were just as disturbed but for the opposite reason. Gai thought that stance seemed familiar, he remembered reading about a stance that was similar in a book he once read. What Gai could not place was the name of the Taijutsu style or where it came from, but what he did remember was the book said that this was one of the strongest Taijutsu styles there was.
The other person that recognized the stance was the Hokage, "No," he whispered, "He couldn't know it. This has to be some variation, not the actual style."
"Did you want something Hokage-sama?" one of his attendants asked.
"What? Oh no I'm fine," the Hokage responded then thought, "If it is that style then Naruto has progressed farther than I first thought."
Back in the center of the stadium Neji announced the match, "Rock Lee vs. Uzumaki Naruto."
Lee wasted no time in charging in. His speed still amazed everyone in the stadium. But what amazed them more was the fact that Naruto was able to keep up. After a few exchanged blows, where Lee would used combinations of hands and feet Naruto would almost entirely use his feet to hit back. Lee jumped back and thought, "He's just as fast as I am."
Across from him Naruto was thinking, "He's fast, too fast I can barely keep up."
"Well Naruto-kun," Lee spoke up, "I guess I'll have to go all out." With that he jumped a safe distance a way and began to remove his weights. After tossing them aside and creating two good-sized craters, he began to jump up and down to get used to the change in weight.
Naruto stood watching and smiled, "Then I guess I'll have to do the same Lee." His statement confused everyone until Naruto take off his clothing only to reveal a second set underneath. Naruto took his clothes and threw them behind him making a crater that rivaled the ones Lee made. "Are you ready?"
Around the stadium those with Byakugan and Sharingans activated their eyes in anticipation of a high-speed match. Next to two of those people Sakura asked, "Do you think Lee-san will use Lotus against Naruto?"
"In all reality I doubt it," Sasuke answered, "Lotus requires the user to move fast enough to get through the opponent's guard. And if they have a similar amount of weight then their speed should be too close for it to be useful. The only way Lee could use Lotus were to use Extreme Lotus and the Hokage specifically told him not to use it." Sakura nodded and turned back to watch the match. With her training under Gai she would be one of the few people to be able to keep up without a Byakugan or Sharingan.
The two fighters charged each other at blinding speeds and met in the center. Those that could follow saw Naruto dive forward and sprung off his hands and kicked Lee in the gut. Lee flew back but was able to recover by performing a back flip and then punched Naruto as he came in close to score another kick. The punch connected and Naruto shot back but he did a backhand spring and caught Lee under the chin with his foot. Lee quickly recovered and threw his own leg out and caught Naruto in the stomach. The two flew back and landed now both with bruises on various parts of their body. After a brief moment to catch his breath Lee charged in once again, this time he jumped in the air and called, "Konoha Senpuu!" Making his body begin to rotate causing wind to from around his body.
"If you want to play it like that then take this!" Naruto said and dove to his hands and called "Chainsaw!" Naruto's body began to spin like Lee's only it was faster creating more force and knocking Lee back. Naruto came out of his technique and did not waist anytime for Lee to recover. He called out "Sword!" while performing a jump kick sending Lee into the wall.
Deactivating his Byakugan Neji said, "Winner Uzumaki Naruto." Several around the stadium were wondering where he had learned such a powerful Taijutsu style. Two others were wondering why they could not copy the techniques he used to finish off Lee.
"So he was telling the truth," Sasuke grinned, "I can't copy them. And from what I saw he didn't even need hand seals to perform them. What ever that is, it is very impressive."
After Lee was carried off everyone was eagerly anticipating the final match. Sasuke was considered one of the strongest in the village and Naruto had just shown he was as well. Sasuke made his way down to the center. When he got there he said, "Feel free to take a breather. I want you at your best."
Naruto smiled, "Thanks Lee was better than I thought. I didn't think I would need to use any of my techniques until you." Everyone waited about five minutes until Naruto said, "Ok I'm ready."
Neji did not even have a chance to announce the start of the match before Sasuke performed his hand seals and called out, "Katon: Karyuu Endan." A large dragon made of fire sped towards Naruto.
Naruto brought his leg up and called out, "Boomerang!" a wave of chakra came off his foot and dispersed the flame dragon. As soon as his foot landed Naruto thrust both hands out calling, "Haken!" a fist of wind came out and sped towards Susake.
With his Sharingan activated Sasuke was fast enough to anticipate the attack and performed, "Doton Doryuukehi!" Mud came out of his mouth just in time to form a wall and block the attack.
Unfortunately because of that Sasuke lost track of Naruto. Who charge in, jumped and called, "Sword!"
Luckily Sasuke was again quick enough to perform, "Kawarimi no Jutsu." Naruto only hit a log that Sasuke was able to replace his body with.
After Naruto destroyed the log he searched the area for Sasuke. Sensing him in a tree to his right Naruto pulled his leg back and unleashed, "Boomerang!" the wave of chakra moved toward the tree and cut it in half but not before Sasuke escaped.
"These techniques are unbelievable," Sasuke thought. "I guess I have no choice but to use it." Just as he landed Sasuke said, "This has been fun Naruto but now I'll end it with a jutsu Kakashi taught me." Sasuke began the seals and called out, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" A large cloud of smoke formed and when it cleared there was large pure white dog larger than a good-sized building with Sasuke standing on it was revealed.
Naruto was taken back by the sight, "What the hell happened?" he asked.
"Kakashi taught me how to summon," Sasuke answered. "You've improved a lot Naruto but you can't win."
"We'll see!" Naruto dropped into another stance this time he was leaning forward slightly one hand at his waist the other bent at elbow in front of him. He began to speak in a low voice that sounded like mumbling to even the two closest people to him. As he was speaking a large amount of chakra began to explode from his body.
Up next to the Hokage one of his attendants asked, "Is he opening the gates!"
"No," the Hokage answered, "He is doing something entirely different." His gaze never left the fight. He saw Naruto's muscles begin to flex and expand as the amount of chakra released continued to increase.
On top of his summon Sasuke was watching as Naruto increased in power wondering if he knew how to open the Eight Celestial Gates as well. Soon the increase in chakra stopped and Naruto charged the summon. "Get out of the way!" he ordered to the dog. The dog complied and jumped into the air.
Naruto jumped as the dog did and knew he would miss with his attack, but because he knew he would be at a disadvantage if he pulled out now so he continued the attack. Shouting, "Rapier!" Naruto's body seemed to become surrounded by rotating flames that center at his extended foot. Although he missed the summon with the brunt of the attack he was able to clip and cause injury.
When Sasuke and the summon landed the dog said, "Sorry but that guy got my leg I can't fight any more." The summon disappeared leaving Sasuke alone.
Naruto landed soon after breathing heavily. He turned and saw Sasuke about to attack once again so he prepared to continue also. The two fighters where stopped however when the Third appeared in between them saying, "This match is over. To continue would be a danger to both parties. I hereby call it a draw." The crowd was stunned by the display of the two fighters and the sudden end. After a brief period of silence cheers went up for both participants. During the cheering both dropped to the ground still conscious but incredibly worn out. "Once you two recover come to my office and we will discuss what happened." The Hokage did not wait for an answer and disappeared. Soon after he left medics came and took both teenagers away.
A few hours later a group of several Jounins and Chunins gathered in the Hokage's office. When the last ones, Naruto and Sasuke, arrived the Hokage spoke. "First I would like to say congratulations on the evaluation Naruto. You have proven to have the skills needed to be at Jounin level."
"Thank you Hokage-sama," Naruto responded. He felt that he should be formal because of the nature of the meeting.
"Now tell me the name of your fighting style," the Hokage ordered.
"Judging by your expression you already know," Naruto replied. "But for clarification it's called, Karuda Killing Style: Shadow Skill."
"I thought as much," the Hokage leaned back in his chair.
"What's so special about this 'Shadow Skill'?" a Jounin asked.
Naruto was about to answer but the Hokage beat him to it, "Shadow Skill was a lost form of fighting from a civilization to the west of the Shinobi Countries." The Hokage explained. "It was used by very few fighters in a city called Karuda. In this city fighters competed for a title known as a Savaar. With their Savaars, Karuda had over two thousand years of being undefeated in battle." The Hokage paused to let the information sink in.
During the silence a Chunin asked, "If they were so strong what happened to them?"
"I'll answer that," Naruto said. "My teacher Darkness told me that a natural disaster destroying Karuda forcing all its citizens to leave. He also told me that many of the jutsu principles the shinobi use can trace their origin to Karuda and its neighboring kingdoms."
"And who is Darkness?" another Jounin asked.
"Darkness is a being from another world that has been alive since before the fall of Karuda," the Hokage answered. "He would be the only person that could have taught Naruto Shadow Skill."
"How did you know that?" Naruto asks.
"The First Hokage once told me he met a being named Darkness," the Hokage answered. "Darkness told him about his history and the First told me. Now Naruto I have a question, have you mastered Shadow Skill?"
"I know all the techniques, but I haven't been able to master all them yet."
"Then what name does Darkness call you?" the Hokage asked.
"Ever since I performed the last technique he has been calling me, Shadow Claw," Naruto answered.
Author's note.
A few of the reviews have questioned Naruto's training meathod. I have planed to have his explain his traing in Chapter 4.
And to anyone who asks why is the third not dead. Well the entire attack on Konoha by Sound and Sand was put togther by Orichimaru. And he attacked for two purposes, one to get Sasuke with his curse seal and to kill the Third. He was unable to do this because Sasuke had not particpated in the exam and Orichimaru losy his chance for the curse seal and to kill the Third. Orichimaru will come into play later as well as the Akatsuki and Itachi.
