Naruto: Tornado of Souls Final

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or RWBY

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Now that the Konoha/Oto war is over I can move on to more new material as opposed to recycled old material. This chapter is mainly a training montage and Neji and Naruto have their showdown! Here is chapter 21. Enjoy!

Last time:

Naruto's Apartment

…Blake woke up some time later feeling warm and content. Her amber eyes were bright and she smiled widely as she felt Naruto's arms around her. Gently cupping Naruto's cheek she awoke him with a warm, deep kiss that he reciprocated after a few seconds. "Good morning, Naruto-kun." said Blake as she looked into his blue eyes and smiled again.

Naruto returned her warm smile and said, "Good morning, Blake-hime. He gently traced her cat ears with his index finger and said, "You are so beautiful. Last night was amazing."

She nuzzled him and said, "You were wonderful. I'm very happy." He gave her a toothy grin and she giggled. "Let's lie here and relax a while Naruto-kun. We have no practice today so sleeping in won't hurt."

For now they were in total bliss…

…

Chapter 21

Fire Country, Konoha, Mission Hall

It was late morning and Umino Iruka was in an exceptionally good mood having welcomed his lover Tsubaki home over the last couple of days. 'Tsubaki-chan took the news of Mizuki being, um…barbequed…much better than I expected.' thought the Academy sensei. 'Actually when she found out that he broke into her house I think she kind of thought he deserved it. Note to self: Stay on Tsubaki-chan's good side.' "Ah, Tsubaki-chan…" he thought aloud.

As Iruka mused to himself Naruto came trotting in to visit his favorite former sensei. Seeing no one else was around and Iruka was spacing off Naruto came up and said, "Hey Iruka-sensei! You look really busy!" Iruka nearly jumped out of his seat and then growled when he saw Naruto cracking up while pointing at him. "You should have seen the look on your face sensei!" laughed the blonde prankster.

Iruka sighed and then smiled at his favorite former student. "I see you still can't resist a good prank when the opportunity presents itself Naruto."

Naruto pulled up a chair and said, "You were off in la-la land and didn't even hear me come in the room. Wasn't there a lesson about paying attention in the Academy?" Then Naruto grinned deviously. "By the way, who is Tsubaki-chan?"

The Academy teacher coughed and blushed slightly. "Tsubaki is my girlfriend. She teaches at the Academy as well."

The orange loving ninja chortled. "She must be quite a kunoichi to have you so distracted. Is that who you were dancing with at the festival?"

Iruka chuckled. "You have no room to talk. I saw you dancing with Hinata, your two teammates and Ino among others."

Naruto looked confused. "I danced with Ino? I don't remember dancing with anybody but Hinata-chan, Blake-chan and Pyrrha-chan."

"I think you were just having a good time." said Iruka. "Where did you learn to dance like that anyway?"

"Jiraiya-sensei suggested it and Anko-sensei helped train Team 7 to improve our coordination and so on." explained Naruto. "It makes a good workout too."

Iruka grinned. "Well, you were really sweeping the maidens off of their feet. Who'd have ever thought you'd turn out to be such a ladies' man?"

"Oh come on sensei!" whined Naruto as Iruka laughed. It felt good just to visit and pass the time…

…

Hokage's Office

Sarutobi Hiruzen finished writing his documents to send to each of the leaders in the Elemental Nations regarding the emergence of the Creatures of Grimm. He also sent the expanded version of Team 7's memorandum with several types of Grimm categorized that hadn't been spotted (and hopefully never would be). 'I hope they actually heed this warning. Knowing A and Onoki they'll think it's some sort of elaborate scheme on my part. It's actually hard to fathom creatures that are out to wipe out humanity that feed on negative energy.' He finished putting his seal on each of the scrolls and ordered them sent out via his fastest messenger birds. 'What a disaster…' thought the aged Hokage.

…

Naruto's Apartment

Naruto and the three girls were having lunch together while they were off duty. "I'm afraid that Ino is right in a sense Naruto-kun." said Hinata. You've gone through a growth spurt and are outgrowing your uniforms. There are a lot of options. I think we can find something in orange that you'll like."

The blonde ninja sighed. "I guess you are right Hinata-chan. We should go shopping as much as I hate to."

Pyrrha asked, "Is it because of Kyubi?"

"Shopkeepers often chased me out when I was a kid." explained Naruto. "I'd just as soon not give them my business."

Blake growled, "People are cruel. We'll go with you Naruto-kun."

…

Konoha Market District

Green Leaf Clothiers was a new ninja equipment store and the retired kunoichi running it seemed friendly enough. Her name was Eriko and didn't seem to have any bias against Naruto. "I've got track suit style uniforms but I don't have any bright orange." said Eriko. "Most ninjas prefer darker colors or camouflage colors. Let me look in the back."

"At least we got you all new mesh Naruto-kun." said Pyrrha. "It was reasonably priced too."

Eriko soon came out with something that Naruto liked. She said, "I've got these in black and a burnt orange*①. Will that work?"

It took a couple of hours to get all of Naruto's new gear but he seemed pleased and his girlfriends all approved. Donning a new black headband and black ninja sandals Naruto was set at least until he started growing again…

…

Training Ground 52

It had been three weeks since the war ended and the genin teams and their sensei were working hard…

Jiraiya was standing under the tree watching along with Anko. He was observing Team 7 as they practiced with their weapons. Both Black and Pyrrha handled their blades with practiced ease but for Naruto this would be a real test.

The blonde was testing his snake-sword Viper to see if he was combat ready. He stood with his azure pools closed and his hand on the hilt. There were six straw training dummies in a circle surrounding him. Each had a target upon it which were randomly arranged. He had a chalk circle on the ground he could not step out of. As the wind blew Naruto calmed himself and listened for his teammates to give him the go. Anko had a stopwatch in hand and called; "BEGIN!" and the orange loving ninja drew his blade in a split second and opened his eyes…

Naruto's eyes were full of fire as he extended his snake-sword and channeled wind chakra along it giving it additional cutting power. The first target was the neck of the dummy and he cut the head off his target as soon as the blade was extended to its full length. Naruto partially retracted the blade and went after the second target. It had an X over its heart and the blonde extended the Viper again. The orange loving ninja impaled his target through the heart leaving a gaping hole where the target's 'heart' had been.

A training dummy behind Naruto was equipped with a shuriken launcher and when he heard the whizzing stars coming towards him he pivoted in a flash and rapidly spun his sword to deflect the shuriken with sparks showering in the air. The dummy had three targets on it and Naruto didn't pause for a millisecond as he diced the target to pieces before it could fire more.

The next target said 'capture' on its chest and Naruto turned his snake sword using his wind chakra and wrapped the flat end around the dummy and slammed it to the ground which knocked it "unconscious." As the blonde spun towards the last two targets and saw that his next victim had a sword and was holding a shield in its left hand.

Naruto changed the direction of his sword to arc up and around the shield so he could hit from the side. As the orange loving ninja's blade turned back towards the target he cut the dummy in half into two shredded pieces of debris. The last dummy had a target on its face and stomach areas and Naruto split it from head to groin faster than the eye could follow. Releasing the wind chakra Naruto retracted the blade and sheathed it.

Anko clicked the stopwatch and said, "Nineteen point four seconds Naruto." with a smile on her face.

Pyrrha cheered and said, "You did it Naruto-kun! Less than twenty seconds!"

Blake smiled and said, "You're finally combat ready with the Viper."

Naruto looked down and saw that he finally stayed within the circle he was standing in. 'I can do it against stationary targets. Now on onto moving ones.' thought the blonde...

Jiraiya clapped and said, "Well done kids. Now you get to take on a single opponent as a team. Just remember, this is a shadow clone of me so come at him with the intent to kill…anything goes so don't hold anything back…GO!"

Blake blurred into action first with her Gambol Shroud in its kusarigama form and launched herself at Jiraiya's clone with a flying kick. She accelerated so fast that she actually kicked up some turf in the process. The clone blocked easily but the impact allowed her to go airborne using his crossed arms as a platform. Her Gambol Shroud streaked down in a deadly arc from directly above but the crafty sanin had already dived clear and foot swept Pyrrha sending the redhead flipping back end over end into the dirt past Naruto…

Naruto was ready with the Viper and kept Jiraiya at bay with it while Pyrrha regained her bearings. He knew the sanin was way too fast to impale easily so Naruto mainly used the Viper defensively. Blake attacked Jiraiya from behind only to have her arm caught by the Toad sage and be thrown directly at Naruto. The blonde sheathed Viper in an instant and caught Blake so she wouldn't impact hard on the ground. He then leapt out of the way of the charging shadow clone of Jiraiya with Blake still in his arms by using the toad style to launch himself clear in an explosion of chakra and dirt.

As Jiraiya's clone pivoted to go after the speeding Naruto he was crowned by Pyrrha's shield Akoúo̱ which ricocheted off his head and back to her. Then she charged in with a brutal taijutsu combo that had Jiraiya's clone off balance for a split second. Before he could right himself and recover; Naruto launched Blake who slid into the dirt beneath the clone and kicked the sannin as hard as she could skywards. As the Toad sannin came down Naruto roared in with an oodama rasengan and sent the clone hurtling though the air. He crashed and dispelled after a massive impact with the ground…

When the dust and dirt settled the three genins had already stopped and remained in the guard position until Anko said, "The spar is over. Well done Team 7!"

The three dirty, sweat covered genins cheered at Anko and Jiraiya's applause and then noticed they'd really torn up their sparring grounds. "Wow! We were really burning some energy there." said Pyrrha. "What a mess."

"We're a mess." said Blake looking at their uniforms. "We all look like we've been rolling in the dirt."

Naruto grinned. "But we won girls! Of course, Ero-sennin was taking it easy on us…"

Pyrrha and Blake's eyes got big as saucers. "That was taking it easy?!" they asked as one.

Jiraiya laughed and said, "I had to hold back a bit to gage you three. Naruto here can survive impacts that would kill most people. I didn't want to use that kind of power on you ladies until I saw how sturdy you two are. As it is I'd say both of you kunoichi are tough as nails." He unsealed some water bottles and said, "The three of you were going full steam there. Take a break and cool down a bit."

…

Once the three genins were rested a bit Jiraiya and Anko began working with them individually. Naruto was sitting with Jiraiya working on his meditation and the pair was going over the scrolls together about the Toad Style Naruto was using. Jiraiya said, "The real danger with Sage Mode is quite simply, turning to stone. That's why I'm teaching you meditation. Pa will be the one teaching you Sage Mode proper.

"Really Jiraiya-sensei?" asked Naruto. "I never thought a technique could turn you into a statue."

Seeing the blonde looked alarmed and worried Jiraiya patted his apprentice's shoulder. "Not to worry, I'm going to be teaching you some advanced meditation techniques before we begin to practice the early stages of Sage Mode. One of the major keys to controlling senjustu is a calm mind. Meditation is simple in concept but difficult in execution. Let's start with something basic like clearing your mind of thoughts… It will pay off no matter how boring meditation may seem at first."

…

Pyrrha was practicing her Magnet Release with the help of one of Jiraiya's shadow clones. "You have a really good grasp of using the Magnet Release with great subtlety like deflecting a kunai or shuriken off course but you exhaust yourself when you use it over wide areas." said the white haired sannin. "We're going to practice by you moving objects with metallic properties that are progressively larger to increase your endurance. We also are going to practice smaller things like folding small metal pieces into shapes to increase your acuity with your bloodline. Understand?"

The redhead nodded. "So in essence we're going to build up my 'muscle' and at the same time we will work on my 'small motor skills.' Correct?"

"Exactly!" exclaimed the Toad Sage. 'Sharp girl.' "When you combine the two concepts imagine the possibilities. You could have a large number of projectiles coming at you and rather than deflecting them and being exhausted you could grab them out of the air and launch them back at the source."

Pyrrha got a look of determination on her face and said, "Let's do this!"

…

Blake was sparring with Anko and building up her speed as well as incorporating different types of clones. "You tend to use shadow clones on instinct which is fine but the goal of this exercise is to switch the types of clones on the fly." said Anko. "We'll start with something simple where I call out the type of clone like 'ice' or 'mud' and you'll produce that type of clone. Once we are both satisfied with the results then we'll start incorporating them into actual sparring. Make sense?"

Blake nodded. "I understand Anko nee-chan. What about my speed?"

"That's where these little babies come in." said Anko as she held up small weights with straps. She gave an evil smile. "These are chakra weights. They increase in heaviness the more chakra you add to them. You can also deactivate them at will in an emergency situation. You will no longer be wearing the bulky conventional weights you and your teammates have worn up to this point."

"Shouldn't the others wear these too?" asked the feline faunus girl. "They seem to be a lot more flexible."

Anko nodded and said, "I intend to get them sets eventually as well but for right now we are concentrating on you. Like it or not, Naruto-kun and Pyrrha-chan will never match your raw speed."

The cat eared girl nodded with fire in her amber eyes. "When do we start?"

"That's the spirit!" said the purple haired sensei.

…

Training Ground 8

Yuuhi Kurenai was very pleased with her students' progress. Shino, Kiba and Hinata had all been working hard since the war ended and Kurenai could honestly say that they were stronger than ever. She said to her tired genin, "Taken a break kids. It's time for some lunch and you've worked hard today."

Hinata went over and retrieved a picnic basket and said, "There is plenty of food for everybody sensei."

"Thank the gods!" said Kiba. "I am starving!" Akamaru barked in agreement.

"I too am famished." said Shino. "No doubt Hinata's food will be delicious after working all morning."

'I wonder how my Naruto-kun is doing today…' thought Hinata.

…

Rain Country, Akatsuki Headquarters

Konan was alerted to a message from Konoha's Hokage simply addressed to Lord Pein, Leader of Rain Country. Ordinarily she would have dismissed this because Nagato had ordered all diplomatic contact abolished long ago but something told the blue haired paper wielder to open this. She went into Nagato's chambers and said, "We have a letter from the Hokage Nagato."

Nagato's rinnegan eyes perked up a bit. "Why did you bring this to my attention? You know we broke ties with all outsiders."

"I think we should open it." said Konan. "Something tells me it's important."

"Very well." said the Leader of Rain Country. "See what it says."

Konan read it aloud:

From: Sarutobi Hiruzen, Third Hokage of Konoha

To: Lord Pein, Leader of Ame

Concerning: The Creatures of Grimm

Recently Creatures of Grimm have been spotted in the Elemental Nations. They are from outside the Elemental Lands and are easily identified by their black appearance and boney white armor. They are described as "creatures of destruction" and lack a soul. They are also drawn to feelings of negativity- such as envy, sadness, loneliness, and hatred- often congregating towards the source of these emotions. What exactly they are and how they reproduce is unknown to us as they dissolve upon death leaving behind the bodies of the animals they possess. We have theorized they are some kind of spirits but have no proof.

They have targeted humans for as long as can be remembered outside the Elemental Nations, seeking to destroy humanity and all of their creations. While Creatures of Grimm are initially mindless and heedless of risk during their youths, leading them to simply attack any humans on sight, some Grimm are so powerful that they have survived to live for hundreds of years.

In that time, they have evolved and learned from their experiences fighting humanity. This leads them to exhibit restraint and the patience to avoid taking unnecessary casualties in futile conflicts; instead, they stay close to humanity's borders, waiting for the opportunity to come where they can finally strike. Because of this, mankind is in ever present danger, even in times of apparent peace.

Fire Country is currently not aware of their point of origin but we have determined that they must be exterminated at all costs lest they overrun the Elemental Nations. Attached is an intelligence report compiled by our Teams listing the various types of Creatures of Grimm we have identified and their weaknesses if known. I urge you to destroy these creatures whenever possible whether in concert with Konoha or other nations. The Elemental Nations cannot destroy these creatures individually. We must band together. If nothing else I urge you to read the attached intelligence reports and distribute them among your defenders.

-Sarutobi Hiruzen, Third Hokage of Konoha

Konan and Nagato sat in silence for a few moments. "So the monsters we have been facing are called Creatures of Grimm." said Konan as the pair looked through the intelligence report. "Nevermores, Ursas, Beowolves, Boarbatusks…We have seen many of these. If they feed on negative emotions it's no wonder that one ate Hidan and Zetsu…They were virtually made of negativity." Konan shook her head. "Our land is infested with these creatures. We need to do something about it."

"What is it about Ame in particular that draws these Creatures of Grimm?" wondered Nagato aloud. "From what the Hokage says here it's logical to conclude there in a major source of negative energy here. The question is what…?"

Nagato and Konan had a lot to ponder…

…

Fire Country, Konoha, Training Ground 9

Lee Rock was back in fighting trim and his sensei Maito Gai couldn't have been happier for his student. "Lee-kun, your Flames of Youth have been stoked to new heights!" said Gai as they ran laps around Konoha.

"Gai sensel, Tenten-chan told me about an unyouthful altercation between Neji-kun and my friend Uzumaki Naruto." said Lee. "Was the situation ever resolved?"

"I'm afraid that Neji's anger is still too fresh where young Uzumaki-kun is concerned." replied the jonin. "I feel that Neji-kun owes Naruto a sincere apology for the things he said about the old Team 7's destruction. Naruto was deeply offended by Neji-kun's actions and retaliated violently. I believe that someday they will make amends and support one another as comrades should but for right now, I'm afraid their tempers are running far too hot."

The green wearing pair stopped in at Tenten's Heaven's Blade Weapon Shop*② where her Father Tengoku*③ was manning the counter. "Hello Gai, Lee," said Tengoku to the boisterous par. "Tenten is out back on the practice range with Neji. She said you two would be stopping by for team practice."

"Excellent!" said Gai. "We shall retrieve them posthaste."

Tengoku turned to Lee and asked, "How are you feeling Lee? You look fit as can be."

"I am burning with youthful energy!" said Lee. "I've never felt better!"

The weaponsmith laughed. "Good for you Lee. Tenten and I crafted something for you to celebrate your full recovery." Tengoku pulled a brand new set of nunchaku out from under the counter and said. "Your Master Gai is very proficient with nunchaku and Tenten and I know that he can teach you how to use them well. Tenten is no slouch with nunchaku either."

Lee got anime tears in his eyes and said, "You and Tenten are too kind Tengoku-san! I shall treasure these always!"

Tenten came in and said, "I see Dad gave you the nunchaku we crafted for you. How do you like them Lee?"

"They are beautiful Tenten-chan!" declared Lee.

Gai and Neji came in and the Green Beast let out a booming laugh. "Lee-kun! Someday I see your skill surpassing mine with those. We will endeavor to stoke your Flames of Youth ever higher!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee-kun!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee-kun!"

Cue the man-hug from hell and the sunset genjutsu…

"I think he likes them." said Tengoku as he shielded his eyes.

Tenten was face palming and Neji just groaned…

…

Training Ground 10

Team 10's genins were having a discussion. "…So Pyrrha-chan said Team 7 was going to be tested by Jiraiya-sama today." said Ino.

"That's quite an achievement." said Choji as he munched on some potato chips.

Shikamaru sighed as he laid on his back watching at the clouds drifting overhead. "We are falling behind. Team 7 in particular has become amazingly strong. I hate to say it but we're going to have to ask Asuma-sensei to work us harder."

Ino and Choji looked at the Nara heir in shock as if he'd grown an extra head. "D-did you just say you wanted to work Shikamaru?" asked the pleasingly plump Akimichi.

The blonde kunoichi of the team looked up and said, "Well, the sky isn't falling. Are you sick Shikamaru? You asking to work is like the Earth crashing into the sun."

Asuma was quietly listening to his genins from the tree above them. 'It seems the kids are getting the right idea at last. Guess I'll make my presence known.' The Sarutobi jonin appeared in a swirl of leaves in front of his charges. "Good afternoon kids; are you ready for practice?"

Choji gulped and said, "Actually Asuma-sensei; we were hoping to up our training a bit. We're falling behind the other teams."

The jonin grinned. "What do you think Shikamaru; Ino?"

"It's troublesome but we have to work harder." said Shikamaru. "Team 7 and Team 8 are leaving us in the dust. Team 7 in particular is unbelievable."

Ino nodded, "Yeah, Naruto-kun really has grown. "It wouldn't hurt to practice a bit harder."

"As long as you kids know what you are getting into." said Asuma. 'Finally they are getting serious. I'll really have to put them through the meat grinder to catch up with the other teams…'

…

Later, Shikamaru laid down on the grass and said, "I must be insane wanting to work like this."

"Yes, we are totally out of our minds." said an exhausted Choji from the ground.

Ino was leaning against a tree gasping. "This is almost as bad as when I trained with Anko-sensei and Kurenai-sensei."

Asuma was smiling obnoxiously. "You kids are doing great! Meet up here a 7 AM tomorrow morning. I'll see you then." He disappeared in a body flicker.

"Sadist…" muttered Shikamaru.

Ino groaned. "I'll second that description. I can't believe Asuma-sensei is such a slave driver."

"I believe we asked for it." said Choji as he tried to get up and failed utterly.

Team 10 eventually hobbled back to their homes dreading tomorrow's training…

…

Ichiraku's Ramen

Naruto, Blake and Pyrrha were walking out of Ichiraku's Ramen after dinner when they saw Hyūga Neji headed their way with a furious look on his face. Tenten and Lee were trailing behind their teammate looking concerned. Neji marched up to Naruto angrily and said, "I owe you a beating for that sucker punch Uzumaki. I challenge you to a duel to knockout."

The orange loving blonde glared at Neji for a moment and then he said, "Fine; I'm game. Your reckoning has been a long time coming. We'll meet up with Hinata-chan so she can watch as I stomp a mudhole in your ass and walk it dry."

"I'm challenging you now." growled Neji.

"Only in an officiated match." said Naruto. "I think Gai-sensei would be a good proctor since he always fights fair."

Lee said, "Naruto-san is right Neji. Let's get Gai-sensei so you can have a proper, Youthful match."

Tenten said, "A sanctioned match would be better Neji. A street fight could get you both brought up on charges."

Pyrrha frowned and said, "You should both let this go. We are all comrades."

Naruto wanted to growl about the oath he'd sworn on Hinata's blood back in the Chunin Exams. But then he remembered Hinata said it was okay and that she was fine now. He took a deep breath to calm himself and said. "I'll let this go if Neji will."

The redhead smiled softly and put her hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"You're just a coward Uzumaki." said Neji.

Naruto tensed and growled, "Hiashi-sama can be the proctor then. We'll fight in the Hyūga Compound right in front of your whole family." He blasted Neji with enough focused killing intent to make the Hyūga shiver. The branch house prodigy looked shocked and Naruto added salt to the wound by saying, "Or did your sporting blood turn to pigeon potty?"

Neji had steam coming out of his ears by this point and started trying to push back Naruto's overwhelming killing intent with his own.

Luckily for all concerned, Maito Gai came around the corner sensing the masses of killing intent coming off of both younger ninja. He quickly slipped in between Naruto and Neji and said, "What is the trouble genin?" Gai was addressing them as their superior officer rather than their sensei.

Naruto let off his killing intent and said, "Neji wants a fight and I refused unless it was an officiated match."

"Is this true Neji?" asked Gai.

Neji tensed slightly but said, "Uzumaki and I have unfinished business from the Chunin Exams."

Gai sighed slightly. 'I'd hoped Neji-kun and Naruto-kun would have let this go by now but it seems that their fires of anger still burn hot. I suppose it can't be helped. It's a symptom of their youth to hold such grudges. The Green Beast said, "We will settle this once and for in the morning as it is obvious that both of you are tired from training all day. Meet at Training Ground 52 at 8 AM."

…

Training Ground 52

The next morning Genin Teams 7, 8, 9 and 10 and their sensei were all gathered at Training Ground 52 to see Hyūga Neji and Uzumaki Naruto duel each other to knockout. They were both out for blood and Jiraiya was there to officiate the match. The Toad Sanin said, "This match is until one of you is knockout or unable to continue, If I say it is over then it is over. Understand?"

"I understand Jiraiya-sama." said Naruto.

"I also understand." said Neji.

Jiraiya said, "Take your stances." Seeing Neji assume the traditional Juken stance and Naruto take the Toad stance, the Toad sanin said, "Alright, BEGIN!" …And the two young men exploded into action.

Neji's hands were coated with chakra as he opened up with an open palm strike that Naruto dodged. "Fate has declared you the loser Uzumaki!" roared Neji. "You cannot change fate any more than you can change that you are a loser!"

Naruto's fists and feet were glowing with razor sharp wind chakra much to Neji's shock. The blonde growled, Fuck fate and fuck you Neji! Their going to carry you out of here on a stretcher!" The orange loving ninja landed a brutal toad style mid kick on Neji that gashed the Hyūga prodigy with with chakra and sent him tumbling.

Neji got back up and barraged Naruto with an Eight Trigrams: Thirty-two palms that tore up the prankster badly before Naruto's wind enhanced fist the long haired young man in the temple and drew blood.

The blonde fell back and created a dozen shadow clones which surrounded Neji and forced him to use a Kaiten to destroy them. Then the original Naruto slid in with a foot sweep Neji couldn't avoid and knocked the prodigy to the ground.

Naruto pounced on the downed Neji and started pummeling the brunette brutally until the Hyūga was able to kick him off.

The battered prodigy got up and said, "You are within the range of my divination! Eight Trigrams: Sixty-four palms!" Unfortunately for Neji Naruto was charging him with a rasengan at the same time he unleashed his attack and the spiraling sphere of chakra hit the Hyūga dead on with the impact of a speeding rhino.

Neji spun end over end; tearing up the turf as he finally rolled to a stop beaten and fading into unconsciousness. "H-how can you defy…fate?" was the last thing Neji said before he passed out completely.

The last thing he heard was Naruto saying, "Fate is only what you make it to be Neji…"

Jiraiya said, "This match is over by knockout. Winner, Uzumaki Naruto!"

…

The Green Beast came over to Naruto and said, "I hope that you will both forgive each other and forget about this whole unyouthful debacle Naruto-kun."

Naruto nodded at the Green Beast and said, "I'm very sorry about all of this Gai-sensei."

"Some fights can't be avoided." said Gai. "It appears this was one of them."

"Let's get Neji-kun to the hospital Gai." said Jiraiya. "I don't think it's anything life threatening but he's going to wake up hurting like hell."

"Right you are Jiraiya-sama." said the Green Beast. The two men vanished with Neji in a body flicker.

…

The other genin were gathered around Naruto talking. "That was really brutal man." said Kiba. "I didn't expect you two to go at it like a pair of junkyard dogs."

Hinata wanted to kiss Naruto passionately but said, "Thank you for avenging me Naruto-kun." She gave him a gentle hug and whispered in his ear, "I'll reward you properly later."

"I'm just glad that's over." said Pyrrha. "Such grudges shouldn't be held between comrades."

Blake said, "Well, Neji got what was coming to him regardless."

Ino smiled brilliantly at Naruto, "Congratulations on your victory Naruto-kun. You took him out hard."

Naruto said, "Thanks everybody."

Lee came over and said seriously, "Naruto-kun; I really hope you take Gai-sensei's advice to heart. Thank you for holding back." Naruto nodded.

"Maybe this will break Neji out of his blind belief in fate." said Tenten. "We'll see you later Naruto. Come on Lee-kun. We should be there when Neji-kun wakes up."

"Of course, Tenten-chan; let's go." said Lee. The pair waved to everyone and went to the hospital to see their teammate.

Kurenai said, "Thank you for Hinata-chan's sake Naruto. I really don't approve of these things but you did swear a blood oath on her behalf."

…

Konoha Hospital, Neji's room

Neji was staring in disbelief at the letter his Father Hizashi had left him about his own fate and how he chose to die because he loved his brother Hiashi. The Branch House prodigy asked in a shaken voice, "Why did you not show this to me before Hiashi-sama?"

"You were so fixated on fate that you would never have believed me Neji." said Hiashi. "I could have gotten down on my hands and knees and you wouldn't have accepted the truth. What are you going to do with this knowledge Neji?"

Neji thought to himself, 'Father, perhaps I can carve my own fate like you did…' He shed a single tear and said, "I think I need to be alone for a little while Hiashi-sama."

Hiashi nodded and said, "Once you are well, I will begin training you personally in the Main Branch techniques of the juken. You are my nephew after all."

…

Hiashi stepped out of Neji's room and saw Maito Gai there along with Neji's teammates sitting in the waiting room. The Clan Head looked tired but said, "Thank you for waiting. I think Neji needs a little time to reflect. I believe that he has finally realized that fate isn't everything."

Gai smiled and said, "That is wonderful news. Perhaps his fight with Uzumaki Naruto-kun was worth it after all."

"Yes; perhaps the shock was worth it." agreed Hiashi.

Tenten asked, "Hiashi-sama, how is Neji physically?"

"He will recover in time." said Hiashi. "I was arrogant like Neji as a young teenager until a very fiery kunoichi named Uzumaki Kushina put me in my place…" Hiashi added wistfully, "It was a lesson well learned." The Hyūga Clan head bid them farewell and went on his way.

"Uzumaki Kushina?" asked Tenten. "Is she…?"

Gai winked and said, "Uzumaki Kushina was known as 'the Red Hot Habanero' for her temper…and her temper was only surpassed by her beauty. She was a kage level kunoichi that I held in the greatest respect. Sadly she died in the Kyubi attack alongside the Fourth Hokage so many years ago. Let's leave it at that."

…

Hokage's Office

The message the Third Hokage sent out to the various nations was met with mixed results. Countries that didn't have the manpower to deal with Creatures of Grimm such as Grass Country, River country and Tea Country not only welcomed the information but also welcomed the idea of help from others. Suna and Konoha were in the midst of diplomatic overtures, so it was simply another item added to the negotiations. Earth Country and Lightning sent curt thank you notices for the information but apparently dismissed the idea.

And Ame and Kiri were silent….

Sarutobi Hiruzen had a good idea of what was going on in Ame because he had Uchiha Itachi there. Itachi was currently undercover in Ame but the fact that the Hokage had Pein's name alone assured that the message at least got to Pein's attention (or so Hiruzen hoped) …As for Kiri; with it being a separate island nation no one knew if Creatures of Grimm were even there. The Hokage sent his letter to the Mizukage Yagura but given how disrupted the lines of communications were there was no telling if the message reached Yagura or not.

All in all, the Elemental Nations were very vulnerable and the Hokage feared that time was running out…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: This is Naruto's Shippuden outfit in a burnt orange color.

*②: "Heaven's Blade Weapons Shop" -I had to name the place. I was sick of calling it "Tenten's Weapon's shop" generically when her Dad actually owns the place.

*③: Tenten's Dad deserved a name too. Tengoku means 'Heaven' –Hence the shop's name "Heaven's Blade."

See you next time. Blue out. 4/23/22