A Possible Future by Jason Corley
Chapter Nineteen
Naruto stood up strait and walked towards Kabuto. Naruto only spared a glance for a better look at what Hinata had done. Naruto stopped about 20 feet away from Kabuto and said "I'm going to enjoy kicking your ass." Kabuto merely smiled knowing there wasn't any point in talking. Once Genma said to begin Naruto started the fight by cloning himself. While the majority of his clones rushed forward he stood back with one and readied the resengan. Kabuto fought off the clones like they were nothing. Comparatively they were slow and he had no trouble landing clean hits. Kabuto saw Naruto charging forward with the resengan. He knew how bad it would hurt to get hit by that but didn't flinch. He stepped forward and grabbed Naruto's arm preventing him from connecting with it. Then slide a kunai into Naruto's abdomen angle up under the rib cage. Kabuto twisted the kunai and pulled it out stepping back away from Naruto.
Naruto thought to himself 'You stupid fox. Why won't you heal me now when I need it most. You do know that if you don't we're going to die?' Unlike most times Naruto had talked to the Kyuubi, this time the Kyuubi did not respond. Naruto opened his eyes and gazed at Genma with fear of dying etched on his face.
"The match is over. Winner Kabuto. Medic-nin, get over here." Genma commanded. The medic-nins ran over and put Naruto on the stretcher and quickly proceeded out of the arena with him. Kabuto smiled and looked up to the waiting area where he saw a horrified Hinata and unconcerned Sasuke. Genma announced that the next fight would be Sasuke vs. Kabuto.
Hinata clutched Sasuke's arm and said "Just forfeit."
Sasuke looked down at her and asked "Why would I do that?"
"I don't want you getting hurt." Replied a worried Hinata.
"If I forfeit you'll have to fight him." Argued Sasuke.
"I'll forfeit too." Hinata said without hesitation.
Sasuke sighed and gently pulled his arm away from Hinata. He jumped down into the arena before she could say or do anything. He walked forward and stopped two paces away from Kabuto. Genma looked at the two of them and when he was sure both were ready to fight he said "Begin."
Sasuke opened his eyes with his Sharingan active and more or less teleported behind Kabuto bringing his leg down for an axe kick to the back of Kabuto's head. It would have been a crippling move had Kabuto not dodged out of the way. Kabuto twisted aiming to plant a kunai into Sasuke like he had Naruto. Sasuke twisted his torso causing the kunai to cut the front of his shirt open and drawing a thin line of blood across his chest. Sasuke grabbed hold of Kabuto's outstretched arm and saw Kabuto bring his other hand down with a kunai in it but Sasuke grabbed that arm also. Now having hold of both of Kabuto's arms Sasuke pulled his legs up and planted a double kick into Kabuto's face. As he did this Sasuke let go with one hand and spun around to deal a spinning hook kick to Kabuto's head. Then let go with his other hand and came around with a roundhouse kick to Kabuto's head. Once his feet touched ground he pushed off, jumping back. He pulled out a handful of shurikens and started performing hand seals. He threw the shurikens to the ground around Kabuto. Kabuto was regaining his wits and saw Sasuke flying backwards away from him. Kabuto's eyes widened but before he could do anything a ball of flame erupted around him.
All the crowd save for the Jounins and a few Chuunins saw a flurry of moment followed by Sasuke jumping back as a fireball erupted around Kabuto. They then watched as Sasuke proceeded to perform a series of hand seals. To most everyone's surprise Kabuto shot from the burning ball of flame strait towards Sasuke. Kabuto landed a strong hit against Sasuke but he should have known something was wrong with Sasuke didn't attempt to dodge. As Kabuto's punch connected Sasuke's body appeared to be molding around it. The figure of Sasuke changed to what looked like clay enveloping Kabuto. The ball of flame dissipated into a thin layered sphere of fire around Sasuke. He performed a few more hand seals which turned the sphere of fire into a spiral directed at Kabuto's clay covered body. Once the spiral connected Sasuke grabbed the ends of the spiral and a blue spark ran the length of the spiral in an instant followed by the clay around Kabuto's body exploding.
This had been the best attack sequence Sasuke could think of to beat Kabuto. Sasuke knew that due to Kabuto's expertise as a medic-nin he could survive some very devastating attacks. Sasuke just wondered if he could survive this. When the smoked cleared he saw that Kabuto was crouched on the ground. His clothes where shredded and blood soaked. When he looked up he said "The only way you will ever beat me is to kill me."
Sasuke traced the cut down his chest with his finger then drew a pattern on his other hand with the blood. He then clutched his hand next to it and drew a sword from his other hand. Once he had the sword out he charged toward Kabuto ready to end his life. Sasuke noticed that Kabuto was purposely staying still so he pulled his attack but it was too late to stop it from hitting. The sword cut open Kabuto's side followed by him disappearing in a puff of smoke. Sasuke stood where he was, looking around the arena while clutching his side. Sasuke's side was slit open identically to the wound he had just inflicted on Kabuto.
Time passed as Sasuke stood there looking for any sign of Kabuto. Blood continued to pour out of the wound. Sasuke shoved the sword back into his hand and concentrated on stopping the bleeding. As the match wore on Sasuke weakened and he couldn't help but close his eyes. When they opened his Sharingan was not active. Sasuke looked to Genma and asked "Are you going to call the match or wait for one of us to pass out."
Genma considered this then had an expression as if he were examining someone no one could see. He then said "I am stopping the fight. Winner Kabuto." There was an uproar from the crowd since no one could see Kabuto. Kabuto came out of hiding and it was then apparent that while his side had been cut open also, he had spent the time repairing the damage. Sasuke started walking towards the medic-nins coming forward. When he meet the medic-nins he let them support him while he walked. Right before exiting the arena he heard Raion's voice clearly but it didn't sound like she was yelling "Where are they taking master?" Sasuke then remember that Hinata would be facing Kabuto. Sasuke motioned a couple times then started speaking. The medic-nins thought he was hallucinating but he was actually talking to Hinata. Hinata had been on the receiving end of this technique before so while still surprised she wasn't confused when she heard Sasuke speaking "You can win. Kabuto is at his limit. If he had had anything left he would have attacked. Believe in yourself." Hinata nodded to Sasuke's continued instructions as she walked down the stairs to the arena. Sasuke stopped talking and Hinata proceeded to the center of the arena with her hands in her pockets. Kabuto and Hinata squared off and Genma told them to begin. Kabuto started taking small steps toward Hinata not wanting to be on the receiving in of another counter. He wanted to take this fight slow. Hinata moved in a wide circle. A few minutes later the crowd was getting restless but Hinata had finally completed her circle. She pulled her hands out of her pockets and formed a few hand seals. A pitch black sphere the size of the circle appeared but faded leaving a sleeping Kabuto inside the circle.
"Winner, Hinata." Genma announced.
Hinata looked around unable to believe that she had just won in the Chuunin exam finals. Granted she probably wouldn't have had it not been for Sasuke telling her what to do. But still, here she was, the last one standing.
"You did very well." Genma quietly said to Hinata.
"Thank you." Replied Hinata. She then looked around then asked "What do I do now?"
Genma continued in the same quiet tone so as not to be heard "Well, normally I would have already been informed whether you'll be promoted or not. But because the fifth is Tsunade the decision comes slower. If you're going to be promoted she will come down her and promote you herself. But if she doesn't decided soon I'll escort you out of the arena. And then later you may or may not be promoted."
Hearing Genma's words didn't help Hinata's nervousness. She looked around for any signs of what to do next. Hinata could tell that the crowd was getting restless. She wanted to run out of the arena as fast as she could. She wanted to find Sasuke. She took one step towards the exit Sasuke left through.
Genma eyed her and wondered what she was thinking. She took another step forward and another which progressed into her walking towards the exit. She heard Genma's voice "Wait." Hinata turned around and saw Tsunade walking towards the center of the arena. Hinata not knowing what to do stood where she was. She then saw Genma motion for her to meet them so she walked to meet Tsunade in the center of the arena.
Tsunade stated in an authoritative tone "Hinata, during these matches you have displayed characteristics of a level above the rank of Genin. I am proud to bestow upon you the rank of Chuunin." Kurenai then stepped forward with a Chuunin Jacket in hand and walked around behind Hinata. Kurenai whispered into Hinata's ear. Hinata stuck her arms out behind her and Kurenai put the Chuunin jacket on her. Kurenai then stepped back behind the Hokage. Hinata then felt the right thing for her to do in this position was bow. When she stood up strait she felt a sense of pride in her. Tsunade turned around and walked away followed by those she entered with. Genma then said "This concludes the Chuunin exam." Genma then turned to Hinata and said "Congratulations. If you'd like me to show you the way out then follow me." Genma walked off and Hinata followed.
The following day Tsunade was reading over a scroll when she heard Sakura say "I still can't believe Hinata was promoted to Chuunin."
Tsunade didn't stop reading and said in an uninterested tone "She beat you, but you were still promoted to Chuunin. Don't be such a sore loser. I don't think anyone expected her to do as well as she did." Hinata didn't respond so Tsunade continued "When Kurenai told me that she had not been training her, I was bit surprised. Hinata must have found a good teacher. I wonder who it was."
Sakura said in a downcast tone "I think it was Sasuke." Tsunade stopped reading and looked up with a slightly annoyed expression at hearing this.
From outside a diner Ino's voice can be heard yelling "Chouji, that was my piece!" Inside the dinner one would see Ino shaking Chouji violently by the collar. Kiba and Shikamaru laughed at the sight. Hinata smiled at everyone's mirth, even Chouji who while was being shaking so forcefully still had a smile on his face. "What are the two of you laughing at." Ino nearly yelled.
"Nothing." Shikamaru said while Kiba answered with "The two of you. It just fits perfectly that you would be arguing over food."
"What are you implying?" Ino said with an icy tone to her voice.
Before Kiba could put his foot in his mouth, Shikamaru said "Lets not fight. This is suppose to be a celebration of Hinata's promotion to Chuunin." Everyone then looked over at Hinata who was wearing Konoha's standard uniform of a blue jump suit and Chuunin jacket. It looked much more professional than Shikamaru wearing his jacket over his normal everyday clothes. Hinata was a little embarrassed at all the attention but was starting to get use to the looks she got as a Chuunin.
"It's too bad she was the only one on your team to make Chuunin." Ino said trying to get back at Kiba and be motivating to Chouji.
"At least we tried which is more than you did." Kiba said in exchange.
Ino not having a good argument replied with "So, how was getting you ass handed to you by Naruto again?"
"Shut up. All he does is clone himself and mass against you." Kiba argued.
"And that is exactly why he's never promoted to Chuunin. But even that was enough to beat you." Ino insulted.
Kiba didn't say anything to this. He just sat there. Ino leaned back with a smug expression. Hinata looked around the table and wondered how they had all been having a good time just a few moments ago.
"Not so tough are you? Kabuto was able to beat you also." Naruto quipped. Sasuke for his part didn't say anything. He knew that arguing with Naruto was pointless. He was so dense. Sasuke thought back to his fight with Kabuto. When he was charging at Kabuto with the sword he had been so focused on winning that he failed to take notice of the hand seals that Kabuto was forming. But now that he remembered it he was able to add it to his arsenal of techniques. Even though he didn't know how the move worked he assumed that it would inflict on the attacker what was done to the defender. He then wondered if you had to take the damage also or if the move just drained a lot of chakra. He didn't think that Kabuto would just let himself be killed. Sasuke decided that the move while it would probably keep you from taking damage would probably deplete you of chakra. "Hey Sasuke! Are you listening?" Naruto questioned. Hearing Naruto's voice brought Sasuke back to his current surroundings.
"What?" Sasuke asked turning his head to look Naruto who was lying in the hospital bed next to his.
"What are you going to do now that you are Chuunin?" Naruto asked again.
Sasuke looked down at the foot of his bed to the Chuunin Jacket that was lying there. He hadn't considered that. He had always been focusing on becoming stronger to defeat his brother. He hadn't considered what he would do with the strength he had gained past that. He answered with "It's just a stepping stone to becoming a member of ANBU."
Naruto looked at him and asked "Why do you want to become an ANBU member? Why don't you just say you're going to become the Hokage? You never will of course because I'm going to be the Hokage."
Sasuke didn't feel like explaining it to Naruto, so he rolled over and closed his eyes. He was glad that the wound was on his right side instead of his left. That way he could rollover onto his left. Naruto stopped talking and wondered when he was going to be released. The wound in his abdomen was almost completely healed. He assumed it was thanks not only to the Kyuubi but also to Shizune's skill as a medic-nin. Naruto considered the wound that Sasuke had. It was much worse than his own.
"Hey Sasuke." Naruto said but when Sasuke didn't answer he said "If you are so much better? Then why are you always getting hurt so bad? I get hurt too but I'm always out in just a few days. But you are always in here at least a week if not longer." Naruto was surprised when Sasuke still didn't say anything.
"Master's been here two days. Why can't we see him?" Raion questioned the receptionist.
The receptionist answered "Doctor's orders." Raion started pouting and turned to her sister. Tora embraced her sister before she broke down in tears. She remember how upset Raion was when Sasuke was wounded. Tora lead Raion out of the hospital and back home.
In the middle of the night Raion was prowling around the kitchen in search of a midnight snack. When her appetite was sated she proceeded back down the hall towards her and her sister's room but as she was reaching for the door she heard crying coming from down the hall. She pattered down the hall on all fours and put her head to the door to Sasuke's room. She heard crying coming from within. From the sound of it, it was Hinata. Raion slid the door open silently and closed it the same way once she was in followed by her creeping over to Hinata. Raion peeked up over the edge of the bed and in the dark saw that Hinata was holding one of Sasuke's shirts as she wept. Raion thought that Hinata didn't care about Sasuke because she had not seemed at all bothered by the fact of Sasuke's injury. Raion was now seeing that her original views of how Hinata felt about Sasuke were confirmed, that she did in fact care deeply for him. Raion crawled into the bed with Hinata and embraced her. Hinata was surprised at first and nearly cut off her sobs but something about Raion made her feel safe. This allowed Hinata to open up once more and pour her feelings into her tears. Raion couldn't hold back her own feeling and started crying herself.
"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked of Sakura.
"I'm here to check up on you?" Sakura said with a smile.
"How'd you get let in here?" Sasuke questioned.
Sakura smiled and said "I'm your doctor today." Sasuke looked to her with surprise but didn't say anything. Sakura put down her clip board and lead forward grabbing the bottom of Sasuke's shirt "Now lets get your shirt off and have a look at the wound."
Sasuke kept Sakura from being able to lift it and said "Can't someone else look at it?"
Sakura looked Sasuke strait in the eyes and said "Come on Sasuke. Don't give me a hard time. Just cooperate since I'm being graded today."
Sasuke considered this and lifted his shirt off.
Sakura smiled and said "I didn't mean you had to take off your shirt. I just needed to lift it to see the wound. You're so forward."
Sasuke turned a little red and looked away then said "It would have just gotten in the way. This was easier."
Sakura started removing the bandages from around Sasuke's waist. When she came to the last layer she slowly pealed it off the scabbed over skin. She ran her hands over the wound gently. Sasuke asked "Do you know what you're doing?"
Sakura replied "You are quite different from a fish but I think I can manage."
Sasuke didn't look reassured.
"Another bowl of ramen!" Naruto ordered.
Iruka looked at his once student and said "Just because you didn't make Chuunin this time doesn't mean you have to get upset."
Naruto stopped eating just long enough to say "If the pervert hermit had not made me promise not to use my full power I would have won."
Iruka sighed then said "If you learn from this time and start using your head a little more you'll make Chuunin."
Naruto put down the empty bowl and said "Even if I never make it Chuunin I will still become the Hokage using my way of the Ninja." Naruto then started in on the bowl of ramen that was placed in front of him.
Neji was once again helping Hanabi train. Even though he had thought Hinata couldn't possibly do anything now that her Byakugan was gone. He saw that she could be very formidable. But even with as strong as she was now she would never be what Hanabi will be. He would see to that himself.
"It really is nice here." Stated Temari as the wind blew through her hair while she and Shikamaru stood watch on the parapets around the village. She didn't hear Shikamaru say anything or even look back at him but she could just picture him nodding in agreement. At least that is the feeling she got. Even though they hadn't been together long she felt that they were able to communicate to some extent just by sensing the atmosphere. She looked down at the forest and watched as Kiba took his dog for what he called a walk.
Author's Notes
Well, I got that one out somewhat quicker than I thought. I wouldn't expect them to continue to come this fast but they might. I know that many of you hate the twins but now that they are here I don't see a way to get rid of them. Now, I'm just trying to minimize there part in the story. That doesn't mean it will happen but I am at least taking into consideration that people don't like them. And if anyone suggests that I kill them off, I may happen to make it a point to include them more.