Welcome to the next chapter!
Isao Gin; Not sure yet.
danielsnow; Ah I see~ Yeah, we'll see some cool fights coming up, and some might even be surprising. Thanks very much!
TheRagFromTheCrag; She could be apart of the harem, and yeah, Garaga doing that would be cool.
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Yeah, they managed to come together, and evade for the time being the Sand siblings. They do yeah, they see deep into one another, confusing one and making the other more curious. Hehe, Karin did yeah~ Yeah, we'll see who Orochimaru is talking about rather soon.
Silver crow; Yeah, they're all at the tower now. Yeah, the seals being removed this chapter. Glad you liked it. Orochimaru's smart so he might try and come up with stuff against the powers, if it works we'll see. Ino does yeah. Kakashi did yeah, Anko's quite impressed with her Genin. Snakes can be poisoned too. Yeah, maybe Neji would be, Ryouta's the type to not underestimate his opponents. Yeah, seems that they can detect something's different about Gaara. Ryouta had about an hours rest between when he woke up and when he went towards the tower, before fighting Gaara, Kaguya took nearly all of his chakra. Glad you liked Hinata's part. Haku is quite cute huh. And yeah, Karin got her wish~ He does see something about Gaara, and wishes to know more about her, what's going on inside of her. It's not Guren but we'll see who he's referring too soon enough. I can't say what happened to Kabuto's two teammates, besides that they could appear again. Anko did yeah. Black Clover did yeah. He and Dorothy could have some kind of bond. Sally I've got ideas for, and whatever Black Clover story it is, Secre's gonna have a good sized part. He'd try his best to inspire people. He'll try and help his fellow Black Bulls when he can. It is odd, but that's Yami for you~ I've got plans for the Witch Queen, that's all I can say right now. Charlotte perhaps. He and Nozel will have some kind of relationship. He'd be alright with healing magic, not the worst, and not the best. He might know a few nobles. Vanessa could potentially do that yeah. Noelle could know at least one of them. Mimosa could do as well. I've got some ideas for Solid and Nebra. That's if she fights Kiba, some matches will be shaken up, some wont be. Some might become aware of it. There could be a moment between Ryouta and Neji during that part of the exam. He'd support Lee yeah. Dosu, we'll have to wait and see what happens with that guy. Yeah, it's a cool design, and he could have both snakes yeah. Sakura might have a slug all her own. Thanks for the suggestions! Whoever the woman is, we'll find out soon enough. They could be yeah. The elf could be like that.
Guest 1; Ino could do yeah. Orochimaru's been through quite a bit huh. We'll see how that goes between Neji and Ryouta, yeah Neji's a pretty great character as he goes through his character arc. Garaga's master could have been yeah. Gaara's past is quite terrible, and it's good later on as Gaara's life gets better. Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, it's going to be quite fun to write about~ Thanks for the votes. That kind of magic would be pretty fun to explore, so I'll think about it. Fusing with them would be cool. He could learn more about Ki, and train in it.
Guest 2; Yeah, that would be pretty awesome for that story, those girls would be fun to have in a harem, thanks for the suggestions.
Nameless; Konosuba is a pretty fun anime, and it would be nice one day writing a story for it. I quite like those ideas, thanks for the suggestions.
Jamal rarick; Haha~ Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far.
TheGreatGodzilla; I don't know when they'd appear. He could try and help the clans out the best that he could do. More than likely they will do. I haven't read them all, quite busy between real life and writing. I don't know if they'll be in the harem or not. We'll have to wait and see who Ryouta's going to fight. Yeah, that's for Shippuden so a good while before that.
GuoYaohui; Yeah, it's going to be quite the shock to them. I'm glad you're enjoying her.
Dark Thundercat; Ryouta and Kurama will meet, I can't say how just yet, but they'll definitely meet.
War Sage; Thanks! Glad you liked the cooking scene. Neji's a strong believer, at this point, in destiny and because the Hyuga'a are at this point considered the strongest clan in the village, that's part of the reason, and he might have some more that will be revealed later on. Temari is pretty cool. Dark Naruko very well could do~ Yeah, Gaara's siblings can tell there's something going on. Well, they might end up seeing Naruko perform that at some point. I'm sure Karin would want it to be. Yeah, that plus he didn't have anytime to really rest, only around an hour. Now with the time he has had, he'll be able to use a good deal more of his chakra. Garaga seems to have a little soft spot for Hinata yeah. They're at the tower now~ Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 3; Thanks for the vote.
Lightwave; They have yeah, and now they're gonna be beginning their matches. That's Neji for you~ Ryouta and Neji will have their confrontation, we'll see how it goes between Neji and Hinata quite soon. Garaga did yeah, Orochimaru's not going to be able to interfere.
Andrew123456; Black Clover story, Phenex story, the other Black Clover story, Fairy Tail Devil Slayer, and Fairy Tail Dragon Slayer.
lorenzo macchiavelli230396; I'm sorry the one you wanted didn't win, I'm not sure when the next poll would be since I just did one.
Tirpitz; I'll be doing the story that won the poll.
Dark Kaiser; There's also the actual poll that people voted on that was on the top of my profile, and PM's, along with the reviews and counting them all up, Black Clover won out, hope that cleared it up.
question; That will be shown when the story comes out. Phenex story, and the other Black Clover story.
Hinata fan; No worries, I get that from time to time. Yeah, it was Black Clover, it will be revealed when the story goes up. The exams wont be that long. Lets hope he can. She could be, I just haven't decided on anything yet.
Any of one; Yeah, it was the winner. They'd be pretty cool, thanks for the suggestions.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter.
The preliminaries part one!
After reaching the tower, but before meeting up with the others in the main hall, Ryouta took Naruko towards Hiruzen to go and examine her seal. He didn't want her to be handicapped, nor did he want to do it wrong just in case, so went to the best man for the job to do it.
Hiruzen, stationed in a side room together with the two Genin, examined what Ryouta had said and what he could see as well about the seal.
"I see, so that's how it is. I can see that your research is right Ryouta-kun, this is a Five Elements Seal. And the way to undo it also is correct. If you do the method, then the seal would be released."
Ryouta was relieved to hear that from Hiruzen.
He thought that it could be that, but hearing it from a wise man like Hiruzen made it all the more better and affirmed his thoughts.
"Thank you Hokage-sama. I wasn't entirely sure, but I thought it could be..."
Hiruzen showed a kind elderly gentleman like smile on his face.
"You've always been good with seals. This is a strong seal, it is true, but I believe that you'd be able to release it from Naruko's body."
Upon hearing that, Naruko became excited.
"Yeah! I knew you'd do it! Believe it Ryou!"
Ryouta had to admit the energy that she had was rather fantastic to see, and behold.
Ryouta waved his hands in front of his face.
"I haven't done anything yet Naruko-chan."
Naruko thrusted her thumb up towards him.
"I believe in you! So I know you'll be able to do it!"
Ryouta wads glad that she did believe in him.
Now it was time for him to help her.
Though he did know this next bit would be slightly awkward.
"Then...please lift your shirt, while I begin."
Despite him thinking so Naruko nodded, and did what he asked.
Pulling up her shirt, exposing her stomach, her deep blue eyes went towards his own eyes.
"Is this good?"
"Yeah, just like that. Now I'll get out what I need..."
He then went through the scroll he summoned, and nodded at what he had to do.
Using his chakra, and focusing on her body, the seal on her stomach, he did his best.
While a good level technique, Hiruzen could see that Ryouta was able to mimic what was needed to be done. More than just following the hand signs, he was causing the chakra that he had to resonate with the one that sealed Naruko's chakra.
"He always did have good chakra control. Though it isn't surprising since I know he's able to perform the Mystical Palm Jutsu, which requires a good deal of chakra control, so this is expected. Using seals as well, it will be good for Naruko in case she does need someone around to help with the Nine Tails, and since Ryouta-kun knows about it, it would be good if he could help her out like this."
Hiruzen praised mentally as he watched Ryouta continuing with the chakra control. Allowing it to spread around his fingers, seeing the concentration on his face. All of it told Hiruzen that he was doing a good job.
Soon his fingers began lighting up with blue like flames of chakra, before he murmured "Sorry." while thrusting his fingers against her stomach.
"Gwaaaaaaah!"
She let out a howl as she was knocked down to the ground.
Ryouta grimaced as she rubbed the back of her head, placing a hand to her stomach.
Her eyes shot for his own and she didn't look pleased in the slightest.
"Why did ya hit me?!"
She complained and tried to tap his head, only for him to dodge out of the way.
"Sorry, it was the only way Naruko-chan. Are you alright?"
Naruko groaned as she placed a hand on her stomach.
She looked down as Hiruzen observed what happened.
"Naruko, Ryouta-kun's done it, the seals gone now from your body."
Naruko looked perplexed.
She thought that it would take more than that to undo the seal that had been placed on her body.
"EH? Really? Is that all it was? I only felt your fingers! I didn't even feel the seal going or anything!"
Hiruzen confirmed it with a nod of his head.
"Yes, that's right, that's all it was. Your chakra control will be back to what it was beforehand and you'll have access to the Nine Tails. But remember to be cautious with the power Naruko, okay?"
"Of course Old Man!"
Hiruzen always found it quite the curious thing with how she addressed him.
But it was oddly endearing at the same time so he didn't have much to complain about at all.
Naruko looked at Ryouta, before leaping into his arms, and hugging him tightly as her face came into contact with his own. Her cheeks ran up against his and like a cute cat, she let out a purring sound which Ryouta thought was rather adorable for her to do.
He responded by doing the same back, minus the cheek rubbing part as she had that down already, hugging her while patting the back of her head.
"Thank you! Thank you Ryou! I knew you'd do it!"
He lightly chuckled, nodding a single time.
"Not a problem. Glad that I could help you Naruko-chan."
Hiruzen was pleased with what he could see.
"Naruko, you have about an hour before we all meet in the main hall. Get some food, or rest, or what have you. I have to have a private word with Ryouta-kun here."
Naruko looked perplexed.
But shrugged.
"Alright Old Man! Just wait for me, I'll show you my awesome skills, believe it!"
Naruko turned with her hands behind her head, and walked out of the room.
Once Naruko left, Ryouta looked towards Hiruzen who examined the boy with his eyes.
"The reason why I asked you to do it rather than myself, was to see if you could or not." Hiruzen began, as Ryouta looked questioningly towards him. "Naruko's seal, I might not always be around and if she has someone her age that can help her, in case we adults aren't around..."
"I...I understand Hokage-sama. Though I'm sure you've got a lot of years left in you!"
Hiruzen quite liked that he said something like that.
It showed how kind and caring of a person he was, and wasn't afraid to be casual either, something he remembered Shisui being quite well, as well as the others in his family.
But Hiruzen then turned serious with his face.
Seeing that, Ryouta matched it as the man spoke up.
"Orochimaru, I received the report. Your eyes, they've lost some of their light?"
Ryouta confirmed it with a single nod of his head.
"Yes, my eyes have lost some light. But, it wont hinder me in battle, and is barely noticeable."
"That is the price to pay when using those eyes. Though for this occasion, I can understand wholeheartedly why you decided to use them. I'm sorry, it is my error that you had to do this in the first place."
Ryouta gave a curious look.
"What do you mean Hokage-sama?"
"Orochimaru is a former student of mine, it is my responsibility to take him down. And now that he attacked you all, I feel responsible. I wish that I could have stopped him all those years ago. Many conflicting feelings..."
Ryouta could see Hiruzen did show regret, so Ryouta reassured him the best that he could.
"Please, you don't have to worry about that Hokage-sama. You don't have to explain it to me at all."
"Even then, I am sorry for what he tried to do."
Ryouta continued shaking his head at the elderly man.
He didn't want Hiruzen to apologize to him for the actions of Orochimaru.
Even if he was Orochimaru's Sensei, it wasn't Hiruzen's fault that Orochimaru did what he did.
"No, it is okay Hokage-sama. Orochimaru...he is a monster, but you don't have to take sole responsibility for him. He is responsible for his own actions, no matter what. I wish I could have finished him off though, so he didn't have to worry us. Though Hokage-sama, may I ask about something?"
"Proceed."
Ryouta nodded, and did just that.
"Then, the thing he wished to give us...the Curse Mark, what is it exactly?"
Ryouta had a good idea what it was, or at least that he had seen it before.
Hiruzen studied the boys face, and expressions for a few moments, then understood perfectly what he was getting on about.
"I'm sure you've begun drawing conclusions about Anko, haven't you?"
Hiruzen knew Ryouta didn't want to directly bring her up out of respect.
But he could see through that, and he knew that it would only be right that Ryouta knew about it.
"...Yes, it's the same, isn't it?"
"Indeed, or at least it is the same kind of power. But the seal might have been different if he gave it to you or Satsuki-san. I'm relieved that he wasn't able to do that, for the moment it seems that he has retreated. We've got our best looking for him, so far he hasn't shown his face, and from the reports I've received, he'd be foolish to even attempt to try and attack now. He is in a weakened state, even Orochimaru would be aware of how dangerous it would be if he decided to do an assault this quickly."
Ryouta was relieved in more ways than one about this new development.
Hiruzen then leaned forward.
"Tell me, how much does Orochimaru know about your eyes?"
Ryouta thought about it for a few moments, then began nodding slowly.
"He doesn't know what my right eye can do. He'll know about my left eye, and Susanoo."
"I see, that was a wise move. Your right eye could mean the difference between life and death should he reappear."
Ryouta smiled at the praise, but at the same time he was worried for the others that he could target.
"What is he after Hokage-sama?"
"That, is something I am unsure of. He's always been someone obsessed with life and death, and Jutsu. Learning every kind of Jutsu. I presume with the fact that you have the Sharingan, he'd wish to use that for his own devices."
Ryouta grimaced.
He didn't want Orochimaru doing anything with him.
"Yeah...good thing we drove him off."
"Indeed. Like I said to Naruko, we'll be meeting back up in just under an hour. You'll be called when you do so, so until then you're free to do as you wish." Ryouta stood, and bowed. "One last thing Ryouta-kun."
"Yes?"
Hiruzen showed a grandfatherly like smile.
"Thank you for protecting the others. With your eyes, I know the cost of it was something that shouldn't have to be. But you still managed to fight through such pain and got a desired result."
Ryouta smiled at the praise he received, bowed one last time and exited the room.
Hiruzen watched as the door closed, and was thankful for the time being, everyone seemed okay.
Though with the looming threat of Orochimaru still out there, he didn't know how long this peace was going to last.
Later on, Ryouta's team, Satsuki's team, Ino's team, Hinata's team, Gaara's team, Neji's team, and two members of the Sound team all lined up. The ones from the Sound were Kin and Dosu, it seemed that Zaku was on the sidelines, up atop a balcony, seemingly still recovering from what happened to him during the fight in the forest. Though it was clear that he wasn't happy in the slightest.
Hiruzen stood before them all, while Anko, and the other Sensei's lined up beside the old man. Ryouta even saw Pakura stood there, her eyes on Gaara for reasons that he wasn't entirely aware of himself.
But then she'd glance towards him for only a few brief moments.
As she did, her expression was unreadable.
Gaara herself kept looking towards Ryouta, and her hand would tighten.
But that was soon replaced with a dismissal look as Pakura locked eyes with her, it seemed that she wasn't going to cause trouble with Pakura around.
Ryouta couldn't see Mikoto, and wondered if she was still chasing down Orochimaru. Because she was Hiruzen's personal Anbu, and he knew how strong and capable she was, it would make sense that was what she was doing.
Behind Hiruzen was a large pair of hands that made a hand sign made out of stone.
Ryouta looked around, and could see how many teams had made it.
He also saw that Neji kept staring at him.
"First of all, congratulations on making it this far. I'm surprised by how many have. Usually, the numbers are much lower."
Anko spoke up, eyeing up each and every team that were around.
Her mind thought of Orochimaru and what he possibly could be doing at that time.
But she pushed it to the back of her mind.
"Alright, now pay attention. Hokage-sama is going to explain the third exam to you all!"
The Genin's each nodded.
Ryouta glanced around once more, and thought that Kabuto might have made it.
He felt like he was better than he was letting on.
So he didn't know what to make of the fact that he wasn't there, and neither were his two teammates, he wondered what was going on with them.
Hiruzen then stepped up, coughed into his hand and began explaining the meaning behind the Chunin Exams themselves.
"The Chunin Exams, aren't what they appear to be. Rather, not entirely."
"Eh? What does that mean?"
Naruko yells out, Hiruzen continues on with the same low tone that he started out with.
"Holding the Chunin Exams together, with different nations. Does anyone know why that is?" No one said anything, though some were aware anyway. "It's to not only promote friendship. But to also test the powers of the other villages as they test our own. For the pride of our village as well, and display that through the young Genin that we have here."
As he spoke, each had a different reaction to it.
Each of the Genin were curious about it, and people like Naruko were baffled about it.
Kiba didn't like the fact that they were being used.
Shino seemed to be completely fine with it, and didn't say anything.
Neji didn't seem to care either, and just folded his arms.
Ryouta thought that it made sense, having a battle without causing a war. Fighting between villages, without having to worry about causing problems between them. Showing the other villages the power of the future Ninja's of each village.
Just then, as Hiruzen finished, another young man jumped down and bowed. His name was Hayate, and he looked towards Hiruzen who nodded his head, so he turned and looked towards the Genin that had arrived.
"Welcome to the next stage, my name is Hayate and I will be the next proctor for the next portion of the exams. However, before the third stage of the exams can begin, because of the unusually large number of Genin passed the second stage of the exam, before you can proceed to the final stage, a series of one on one preliminary matches will have to take place so that only the winners of each match can proceed."
As he spoke, he coughed several times between words, making some wonder if he had a cold or something akin to that.
"One on one?"
Naruko mused, Karin grimaced.
"I was worried about this part..."
"Makes sense, they said usually less than half make it, so seeing how many are here..."
Haku murmured, as Ryouta nodded his head.
"Exactly, we'll have to fight someone that's here...it could even be a friend."
Sakura looked between each of the people that were there, wondering if she would be able to fight and win.
Her eyes went to Gaara, and knew deep down she didn't want to have to fight against her at all.
Then a large screen appeared above them, and names flashed on each side of the screen, split down the middle.
Ryouta wondered who he'd be fighting, though he didn't mind. Secretly, he thought that if he fought Lee here it would be a shame as he wished to do it in the last stage of the Chunin Exams.
Satsuki didn't care who she fought, though she did have a thought about fighting against Gaara, and taking her down, due to how she had threatened someone that she cared for, and wished to make sure that he was stopped.
Then two names appeared on the screen.
It was Satsuki vs Karin.
"Ooh no! Not Satsuki!"
Karin gasps while Satsuki glances towards the red head.
Karin let out a small cry seeing that Satsuki looked ready to go.
"Now the first opponents have been decided, everyone else apart from the two that have been chosen, exit the floor."
Doing just as the proctor told them, the groups all left the area, apart from Satsuki and Karin.
Ryouta was standing with Haku and the other Konoha Genin teams besides Lee's as Neji stood a distance away from the other Konoha Genin.
"This match has been decided already."
Shikamaru said lazily, Naruko thrusted her hand forward.
"Who's gonna win then?"
"Satsuki."
Naruko looked perplexed with what Shikamaru said, not getting how he'd know the results right away without them fighting.
"Eh? But what about Karin?"
Naruko wondered, Haku hummed.
"It's true that Satsuki-san is more skilled in the areas of combat, but Karin-san has come along way since then. Ryou-kun, what do you think?"
Ryouta looked between them.
He didn't want either to lose, but he knew one had to.
"We'll have to wait and see. Satsuki-chan is probably stronger, but Karin-san has some tricks that might be able to help her get out of this as the winner."
Haku nodded, Anko looked down at Karin and felt sorry for her that she would have to fight Satsuki first, considering how skilled the young girl was, and how she also had access to the Sharingan, Karin was going to have a very difficult match.
Karin looked towards Satsuki, who stared back at her strongly.
"Sugar..."
Karin murmured as Hayate, looking between them, suddenly raised his hand.
"Now the first match, begins."
Swinging his hand down, the match began.
"Alright, lets do this!"
Karin sprung into action, taking out two kunai, and rushed Satsuki.
Getting in close, the girl swung left, so Satsuki bent back, and kicked her hand, releasing the kunai up into the air.
"Damn..."
Karin wasn't deterred, and came at Satsuki with her other hand, swinging rapidly for the girl, but Satsuki was able to dodge each strike, but did take note of the speed that she was going and it wasn't bad at all.
Then Satsuki saw the kunai she kicked up into the air, so she jumped over Karin and got into the air. Elegantly, she spun around and caught the kunai with her foot, kicking it towards Karin, who jumped, but the kunai cut her right leg.
Karin winced, Satsuki used this chance to get in close, and spin kick Karin from the right hand side.
"Aaah!"
She tried to block, but wasn't fast enough and was sent flying across the arena, as she let out a small cry.
Hitting the ground harshly, Karin grimaced while Ryouta looked towards her.
"Karin-chan is at a disadvantage. Her skills in support are grand, but in a one on one fight, she isn't as good as Haku-chan or myself. And Satsuki-chan can also fight on levels like us, so Karin-chan might not be able to win this. But she is smart...so maybe she has some kind of idea on how to beat Satsuki-chan."
Ryouta thought about it sadly, wishing that Karin did her best.
Even if she didn't win, she could be proud of fighting hard.
Karin pulled herself off the ground, facing Satsuki who stood there with a strong look on her face.
"That's right girl! Come on!"
Anko cheered for her student as Kakashi saw Satsuki simply staring.
He wondered why she was.
But didn't question it, since she knew Karin more than Kakashi did.
Satsuki took a step forward, seeing that Karin was cringing.
"What?"
"Fighting you, is a huge deal you know?!"
"Why?"
Satsuki seemed genuinely confused, Karin merely nodded.
"Because, it is something that is rather scary! You're a damn Uchiha, you scored the highest girl in our year along with Haku! Fighting you, who is also able to use all these impressive kind of attacks! How am I supposed to win against that?!"
Karin seemed to be desperate.
But, it also didn't feel exactly right.
As if she was trying to lead Satsuki into a false sense of security.
At least, that's the impression her teammates got off of her.
Satsuki hummed as she walked forward.
However, as she did, something came out of the corner of her eye, so she looked.
She saw that the kunai Karin had before was being pulled in her direction, with some wire attached to her fingers. While not as good as herself, the fact Karin could do that was something that made her happy.
Twirling up, Satsuki avoided the attack, and then charged for Karin.
"Have this!"
Karin immediately took out some shuriken and tossed them at Satsuki.
Satsuki didn't even blink an eye as she took out her own kunai, twirling it around as she batted away each shurikens before they could even get close.
As she did however, Karin flew through some hand signs, and cupped her hands together.
"Earth Release! Flying Thrown Stones!"
Channelling her chakra into the ground, she caused some of the ground to uproot and turn into tiny projectiles that all shot for Satsuki at a good speed. Even Anko was mildly surprised by the way the young girl was able to use Earth Release despite the little training that she had with it.
"Your projectiles are fast, but I will out speed these rocks!"
However, Satsuki's eyes shined with the Sharingan, and using the predictability of the Sharingan, she dodged each and everyone of the stones that were thrown towards her, but Karin wasn't out of tricks yet, so she rushed forward towards Satsuki.
Satsuki watched her come, and merely readied herself, but was surprised when Karin jumped and did a double kick kind of attack towards the young girl, Satsuki placed her hands out to block the strikes with her arms.
As she did, on the bottom of Karin's shoes, a seal was spreading further and further.
Ryouta also noticed it with his eyes, and lightly smiled.
"So, she's trying to do that kind of attack? Knowing she can't overwhelm Satsuki-chan in a fight, she's going to seal her movements, and then take her down. Though Satsuki-chan will also be aware of that...still, Karin-chan's being smart..."
Ryouta surmised as Sakura thrusted her fist high.
"Come on! You've got this!"
Cheering for both of them, that's all Sakura and the others could do right now.
Satsuki was confused by it, so rather than take the attack, she leapt backwards, going high into the sky, only to see that while in the air, the previously thrown stones came about, and shot right back up towards her.
"Damn..."
Satsuki twirled around, seeing the attacks coming and due to being in mid air wasn't able to avoid them, so she placed her hands together, and weaved through some hand signs, before releasing a Great Fireball Jutsu right down onto the stones, incinerating them out of existence.
However, even with that, Satsuki turned towards Karin…
But she was gone from the area.
"What?"
Her eyes scanned the area, while Anko smirked.
"She can't use it for long, but she's using Hiding Like a Mole Jutsu to bury underneath the area. It's probably to do something that could catch Satsuki off guard, it isn't a bad idea at all."
Anko didn't know how long she'd be able to use this Jutsu to escape Satsuki.
But it was smart from her to do it at least.
Satsuki looked around for her as she landed on the ground, finding some of her chakra, and then weaved through some hand signs.
"Fire Release, Dragon Flame Jutsu!"
Shooting off a stream of fire in a linear line, the flames smashed into the earth, and caused it to erupt in flames.
"Aaaaah!"
Karin cried out as she came flying out of the ground, with some burn marks on her body.
She landed on the ground, and bounced a single time.
"Now's my chance."
Satsuki saw her laying there, so she rushed forward to end the battle.
Karin watched her come about, so she made a single hand sign.
As she did, from under the ground, a paper bomb was set off, erupting under Satsuki's feet, and sent her flying backwards. Even with the added time of the Sharingan, Satsuki wasn't able to dodge and went flying back towards the back wall of the hall.
"Damn! She hid paper bombs underneath the ground! That's my Genin!"
Anko yelled, while Naruko grinned.
"Yeah! That's right! Yahoo!"
Praising the young girl, Naruko's loud cheers caused Haku to smile, glad that Karin was still going.
Satsuki flipped in the air, landing on her feet, and looked all around.
"Though she wasn't underground for long, she could have planted those anywhere. I'll have to attack from a distance, perhaps using my fire to erupt the arena in flames and setting off all of the paper bombs. Yeah, if I risk going after her now, I would be stuck."
Satsuki, knowing what she'd have to do, weaved through some hand signs, before she released a torrent of flames in the style of a whirlwind, a particular favourite of Ryouta's own, which she used to wash across the battlefield.
Karin saw it coming for her, so she weaved through her own hand signs, and thrusted her hands down.
Creating a wall of the earth before her, the flames slammed against it, and she saw that the wall was beginning to be broken down. But thankfully the flames bypassed her, and continued bathing the area in her flames.
The flames did their trick, and caused the paper bombs Karin hid to begin exploding.
"It seems that Karin is able to plan and attack accordingly...simply outstanding."
Hiruzen was surprised Karin was doing this good against the young Uchiha girl.
The explosions continued on for a few moments, before dying down, so Satsuki stopped the flames, and shot through the debris to take down Karin once and for all.
Getting towards her, she kicked the wall and broke it apart, only to see that Karin wasn't there.
"She went underground."
Satsuki murmured, so she looked and found Karin's shape of chakra with her eyes, rushing a few feet away, she took out a kunai, and stabbed into the ground, several times in quick succession, not trying to hurt her, but to dig her out and surprise her, in case she had planted a paper bomb below she didn't want to risk a Fire Release.
But as she did, she realized that she wasn't finding anything.
Perplexity came over her, until she heard a noise behind her.
Turning, she saw that Karin was coming out from behind the shattered wall, and slammed her hand down.
Satsuki saw that as she did, a seal appeared below herself, stopping her from moving out of the confines of that seal.
"String Light Formation, complete."
Satsuki's eyes widened, as did some of the others.
Anko was grinning ear to ear.
"Damn, she caught the Uchiha off guard. That's my Karin."
"But how?!"
Naruko yelled, so Ryouta explained.
"Karin-chan hid under the ground, that part you saw. What she did however was quickly made a clone of herself, then she used her ability to suppress her own chakra, to trick Satsuki-chan. While she was distracted, Karin-chan was able to come out of the ground and surprise her. Also, while placing a clone there for Satsuki-chan to see, she placed a seal also, that she activated when she came out of the ground, effectively capturing Satsuki-chan in place."
Upon hearing that, Kakashi was quite impressed by Karin.
Even Shikamaru who wrote Karin off was surprised, but was glad he was surprised as it made him rethink a few things.
"Yes Karin-san! That is how hard work excels!"
Lee yelled from a different part of the arena.
Karin looked down at her wounds, before she bit herself.
By doing that, she healed all of her wounds at the expenditure of her chakra.
"You...You took advantage of my Sharingan."
"Seeing isn't always believing, Satsuki-san."
Satsuki watched as Karin weaved through some hand signs, and placed her hands on the ground.
Lifting up some rocks, they all came at Satsuki in a barrage.
Because of the seal she was in, she couldn't avoid them as well as she could before, and received a number of the stones pelting her again and again, injuries appeared on her arms, legs, and face areas with Ryouta looking on curiously.
Karin then rushed forward, Satsuki tried to move as Karin came in with a swing of her leg, but thanks to the seal, she couldn't and the kick hit her right arm. Even her movements seemed to be somewhat sealed, she wondered if that was Karin's prowess with seals shining through that she could transfer the effects even further than normal.
"Haaaaaaaaaaah!"
Karin twirled around and sent a sharp kick for Satsuki's torso.
Even with sealed movements for the most part, the young girl managed to move her arm in the way, and take the blow, but the force of the kick wasn't a joke, and pushed Satsuki back, while Karin jumped back, tossing several shurikens towards her.
Gritting her teeth, Satsuki used her eyes to predict each and everyone of them, knowing that she'd not be able to dodge them all as she currently was, so with slow for her movements, she managed to release a kunai which flicked up, and hit one of the shurikens, changing its direction and slammed all of the other shurikens away, each hitting the ground near the young girl.
"Even like that, you managed to stop my attack. That's pretty good, you know?"
Karin praised.
Though inside she was worried that Satsuki could resist this much against her seals.
"I have to admit, that you have surprised me."
Satsuki said with a real strong expression on her face.
Ryouta was happy she could do this much. He knew she was smart, but to out trick Satsuki like this was a genius move, using her limited combat abilities, with her limited Jutsu, she pulled a fast one over Satsuki and was now on the offensive rather than the defensive.
Karin shook her head.
"I might not be the strongest, I might not be able to fight on levels like you. But you shouldn't underestimate someone because of that. Intelligence can make up for the lack of physical power, don't you know that?"
Satsuki growled as Karin took out several kunai's. Attached to them were some weak paper bombs. Karin didn't want to kill Satsuki, but she knew that these aimed around her would be more than enough for Satsuki to suffer some serious wounds.
Satsuki also knew it, and wasn't sure what she'd be able to do.
"This damn seal, if I had a little more time then I could power through it. But she must realize that so she softened me up, and now this is going to be the final blow. Damn...I can't lose here..."
Satsuki knew she'd have to gamble or it would be worth nothing.
So moving her hands as fast as she could, she did a few hand signs.
Karin grimaced, as she had thrown the kunai's by the time she realized what she was doing.
"No!"
Karin tried to retreat as Satsuki finished.
"Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Ryouta thought that was a gamble.
At close range, the explosion could cause her a good deal of damage.
But she couldn't do anything else, so she shot the flames out, which hit the kunai's and caused a good sized explosion. Because of the fires amplifying it, the explosion was bigger than Karin had thought it would be.
Sending her flying backwards, Satsuki was broken out of the seal, while Karin was caught up in the attack, and was also flung through the air.
"D-Damn, she's being reckless..."
Choji murmured, Shikamaru shook his head.
"She didn't have a choice, she would have lost otherwise."
Sakura nodded.
"Yeah...she had to do it...but even then the fact that she did that, shows how determined she is to win as well, even if she is damaged..."
Haku watched on, seeing Ryouta looking on with disheartened eyes, probably because he didn't want either of them to get hurt.
Satsuki, while flying through the air, and bleeding, spun around, landing on the ground, and shot off like a rocket for Karin.
Karin who was still being blown away, couldn't do the same thing as Satsuki due to the wounds she had, and watched as Satsuki got in close, and turned around, kicking Karin up high into the air, sending her flying upwards.
"Time to finish this."
She then jumped up, and got behind her.
Ryouta recognized what she was doing, and remembered her practising it.
"Lions Barrage!"
Ryouta watched as Satsuki kicked Karin from the right, Karin wincing at the feeling before twirling upwards.
Getting above the girl, Satsuki twists her body rapidly as they get near the ground.
"No!"
Karin tries to react.
But it was too late.
Satsuki sent her down into the ground with a heavy kick along with a thrust of her fist into the girls body, slamming the young girl deep into the ground where she spat out blood.
Satsuki rolled onto the ground, as Karin's eyes waver.
Despite best efforts, the attack was too much for Karin who's eyes closed, while Satsuki releases a small breath.
Hayate looked on towards the opponents, seeing Karin's condition, so he called the match.
"With contestant Karin unconscious, the winner is Satsuki."
As soon as it was over, Karin was rushed out with some doctors coming to take her away.
Satsuki had the same treatment, and was taken away.
The arena had taken a good deal of damage, so it had to be fixed, and the others were given time to relax.
Ryouta took this chance to go and visit Satsuki and Karin to make sure that they were fine.
Since Karin was still unconscious, he went towards Satsuki first, who was being healed by some doctors with Medical Ninjutsu.
Upon receiving that, Satsuki looked towards Ryouta.
"Seems like I made it."
Ryouta was relieved that she did win.
He also did feel sad that Karin didn't win.
Though he knew both gave everything they had in the battle, and they couldn't ask for anything more than that.
"Karin-san was tough though."
Ryouta retorted, Satsuki didn't refute it either.
"You're right. Using seals, and her chakra hiding skills as well as the clone to fool my eyes briefly. I knew something was off about that clone, but by the ime I realized, she had already attacked. I didn't know she could be that impressive during a fight."
Replying truthfully, Ryouta could see that Satsuki genuinely was impressed with what was going on.
"Yes, I have to admit that she pulled out tricks that I didn't expect. I knew she knew some Earth Release, but using the limited ones she did know so well shows how intelligent she is Satsuki-chan."
Satsuki watched as the doctors left the room once her wounds were stabilized. As they did, she walked over towards Ryouta, grabbed his shirt, and then pulled him towards the bed.
Blushing lightly at her actions, she stopped short of the bed, and then grabbed a hold of his hands.
"Now that I'm through, I expect you to do the same Ryou. Whatever opponent you're going to get now."
Ryouta nodded.
He wanted to become a Chunin and this was the only way for him to do it.
"Yeah, you're right, it's time for me to do my best in the next part of the exams. Though I have no idea on who I'm going to be fighting."
Ryouta replied, as Satsuki's hand went behind him, and placed it on his lower back.
Pulling him closer and closer to the young girl, she placed her lips on top of his own for a few brief but satisfying moments of love between the two of them.
Once the kiss finished, she pulled away, peering into his eyes.
"You never know who's got what in this damn exam. I thought Karin wouldn't have been able to push me so hard, but, it seems that she has been able to do that. So, be careful, whoever your opponent is. Especially if it is that Gaara, she's got dangerous eyes out for you."
Ryouta knew that to be true.
If they fought now, Ryouta wondered how the match would go.
Remembering back when they brawled briefly in the forest, seeing how she was able to use the sand so well, he knew that the battle wouldn't be an easy one to achieve, however it was one that Ryouta wished to try out, even if it was just a battle like this.
"I know what you mean, as we go on, the exams gonna get tougher."
"Right, so be careful. Whatever you do, and whoever you fight."
Ryouta smiled.
He was happy that she was showing this level of excitement and how she was going to go about providing support. It was clear she also was worried, but didn't want to outwardly show it in a dramatic way, the subtle ways were how Satsuki was going to do things.
Ryouta leaned forward, lightly kissing her once more, before he pulled away.
She placed a hand on his face, stroking his face tenderly.
"By the way Satsuki-chan."
"Hmmm?"
"Even if your Mom wasn't here, I'm sure she'd be immensely proud of you for getting to the next round, and passing the Forest of Death part of the exams."
She did appreciate that.
She knew her Mother was probably busy so she couldn't attend for the moment.
But she knew deep down that she did wish to impress her Mother with the new skills she had learned.
"Yeah, I know. Now, best get back to the others."
Ryouta nodded.
But then he stopped, and knew there was one last place that he needed to go and see.
"I'm gonna go and see Karin-san and make sure that she's okay."
Satsuki nodded, moving to the right hand side of him, lightly kissed his cheek, before walking off by herself.
Ryouta gave an appreciative smile, and then went to go towards Karin.
Getting there, he saw that Anko was giving some encouraging words to her Genin.
"So what that you didn't make it? That Uchiha girls a freak in battle, so you did very well. I like the skill with the chakra hiding and clone trick. Makes it really cool Karin. You don't have to feel like you let anyone down."
Karin nodded.
She knew what Anko was saying to be true.
She did wish that she could have gone further.
But she was able to fight Satsuki, someone that was an Uchiha, and managed to even surprise her enough to cause her damage. That alone was a victory for the young girl, and while not being able to go any further, she didn't hate the results either.
"I don't feel like that Sensei. I am sad that I wasn't able to pass. But, at the same time I'm glad that I was able to fight and be able to win as much as I could do. Even if I lost in the end, I did manage to pressure Satsuki-san, and that alone is enough for me right now."
Anko inclined her head, as she noticed Ryouta's presence.
Smirking, she pulled back, and walked towards the door.
"She's all yours~"
Ryouta blinked at the tone that Anko used.
Shaking her head, he walked inside and sat beside Karin's bedside.
Seeing her having some bandages on as well as some cuts that were yet to be fully healed, Karin's eyes went towards Ryouta who did nothing but smile back at her with a proud look in his eyes and that look almost floored Karin with the levels of cuteness she thought he was exuding at that point in time.
"Hey Karin-chan, how are you feeling?"
"Best as I can do I suppose. The fight was difficult, and while not winning...I'm strangely happy. Today...I fought Satsuki-san and held my own. Hehehe...never thought I'd be able to say that..."
Ryouta agreed with her, showing his proud smile for her.
"Karin-chan, you did amazingly well. What Anko-sensei said was right. Even if you didn't win, you should be proud. Satsuki-chan is a very strong Genin, so to fight her, and bind her like that, even pressuring her so much proves how far you've come from when we first became Genin. I'm really proud of you, as are everyone else. You should be proud of yourself too. For getting this far, and working with us all, it's because of your sensing ability that we even managed to get around dangerous obstacles, that we found Orochimaru attacking in the first place. It's all thanks to you Karin-chan. So thank you."
Karin began to tear up.
How he spoke to her, and the support that she felt, she did feel rather content.
She was happy, and she couldn't express it with words alone.
So she leaned forward, and got right in his face.
Feeling the closeness, he watched as she adopted a large smile.
"Hey Ryou-kun, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"You know when you accomplish something, do you ever think of Shisui-san?"
He was caught by surprise with the question.
But nodded to what she said.
"That's right, I do. Why do you ask?"
Karin adopted a small smirk.
"Because I also think of my Mom. Wishing she was here to see me progress, how far I've become since the time that I was back in Kusa, with Zosui and the rest of them. If Mom could have seen me now, I wonder if she would have been proud?"
Ryouta could see that she was asking herself rather than him, but he tried his best to cause her to feel less worry as a result.
"I'm sure that she would have been. I didn't meet her of course, but the way you speak about her tells me that she really did care about you, she risked her life for yours so I'm sure she'd be immensely proud of you, and you should be too Karin-chan. You did amazing out there."
As he spoke, she felt deeply emotional.
Speaking with true words, speaking with kindness, this was a reason why she liked him in the first place.
How he made her feel.
How he made her think about doing good.
All of it collided together and caused her to feel an overwhelming sensation of happiness.
"And you know Karin-chan? You showed out there today your drive to not give up, even in the face of danger, in the face of overwhelming odds. You said that you were frightened of Zosui, but from what I saw out there, you've got the courage to overcome any pain that you have. And we'll all be beside you, Karin-chan. Whatever you need."
He knew Zosui still played on her mind, so he wanted to let her know that she didn't have to worry anymore.
That she wasn't someone that had to be frightened of Zosui.
That they'd be there, and she herself was strong enough to overcome this.
Karin's happy tears ran down her face.
Always remembering her Mother made her like this, but now hearing this from Ryouta about her Mother caused her to shed a few happy tears.
Ryouta looked on, seeing her crying, and wondered if he said anything wrong.
"Ah...Karin-chan, I didn't mean to make you-"
He was cut off when Karin leaned forward, and kissed him on the lips.
Shock took over as she caressed his lips with her own.
Immense redness came over her form, her eyes brimmed with happiness as she felt his lips against his own.
Kissing Karin was different to how he had kissed Satsuki and Haku, and he did quite enjoy it.
Even when Karin was cup the back of his head to deepen the kiss between them.
When the kiss ended, she pulled back and stared at him with starry eyes.
"The sun and the moon, collided together...and then came to me. I loved it~"
Ryouta blinked at what she said.
He remembered the woman from his dreams saying something similar.
About the sun and the moon.
"The sun and the moon..."
He began, so the young girl nodded and looked over him.
"Because that's how you feel to me, like the sun and like the moon. It is the best kind of feeling to have. Your chakra looks like it, it's weird to explain. But I've never seen any chakra like it. Like the rising sun, strong and power. Yet gentle, and calm like the moon as well. It's a stark contrast, but it is a beautiful one as well."
Upon hearing that, the young boy slowly nodded.
It sounded beautiful to hear that from her.
Though at the same time wondered what the true connection of the sun and moon was.
What that woman meant within his dreams.
Shaking his head, he looked at Karin who was still staring at him.
"S-So, are you well enough to head back to the arena?"
"Yeah...ooh crap!"
She suddenly let out to his surprise.
"What is it?"
She seemed rather terrified all of a sudden and he couldn't work out why that was either.
Karin began laughing nervously, and shaking her head side to side as if denying everything that was going on inside of her head.
"No, it can't be! I'm going to...I'm going to...noooooooooooooooooooo!"
Ryouta was surprised that she suddenly was yelling out loudly.
He didn't understand what was going on.
"What's wrong?"
"I-It's Satsuki! If she finds out I kissed you, she's going to finish me off for real this time!"
Ryouta gave an amused look.
"She wouldn't do that-"
"You don't know!" Karin placed a hand over her heart. "She's wild! She might come after me, and end my existence! You've got to save me Ryou-kun! Please don't let her hurt me! I'm worried about what she truly is capable of! Alright?!"
Ryouta still watched on with amusement.
The fact that she was worried didn't make sense to him as he knew Satsuki wouldn't do anything, since Haku had kissed him as well.
But he didn't want her to be worried so he assured her the best that he could do.
"Don't worry so much, I'm sure that you're going to be alright."
Comforting her, Karin looked on with a heaving chest.
"Y-Yeah, maybe I'm overreacting, I'm just doing that...hehehe..."
Ryouta watched as Karin robotically got out of the bed, and began walking away from the area.
Curious as to what was going through her head, Ryouta followed on after her.
Going back to the arena, Ryouta stood with the other Konoha Genin, minus Lee's group, Karin looked towards Satsuki who gave her a questioning look right back towards her.
"Why do you have a look of worry on your face?"
The colour from Karin's face disappeared.
Only to be replaced with a look of dread from the young girl.
"W-What do you mean?"
Karin tried to deny it.
But Satsuki knew something wasn't right.
"Something's going on with you. Not sure what it is, but I know something is happening."
As they spoke, the screen showed some names.
Flashing between different ones, it stopped on a certain pair of people.
The names being Shino vs Choji.
Shino didn't seem to mind as he made his way slowly towards the arena.
"G-Good luck..."
Hinata said, Shino nodded without a word, and continued on.
Going down he was met with Choji. The boy was shaking, knowing how strong Shino was, and he didn't really wish to fight against him at this time.
Looking between the two of them, the proctor Hayate, coughed as he made his announcement.
"The second match, begins."
"R-Right...okay! I can do this!"
Choji immediately placed his hands together, and looked towards Shino who wasn't moving in the slightest.
Believing that he might be taking Choji too easily, the boy announced "Human Bullet Tank!" allowing his body to grow rounded like a bowling ball, before he shot off towards Shino as fast as he could.
Ryouta watched as Shino looked towards the incoming Choji, and lifted his hand.
On his extended finger, a small bug appeared, with Sakura looking on curiously.
"He's from the Aburame clan, right? He doesn't talk much so I don't know much about him..."
Kakashi from beside her nodded.
"Yes, that's right. They have the power to use insects that live inside of them."
Sakura and Ino grimaced, as did Karin.
"L-Live inside of him?"
Ino murmured, her Sensei Asuma inclined his neck, while Neji from a distance used his Byakugan, seeing the insects living inside of Shino.
Ryouta looked at Shino as a swarm of bugs came flying out of his long sleeves.
Before Choji could reach him, the bugs created a wall, and blocked the large boy.
The speeding boulder like attack stopped in an instant, and a few seconds later, the bugs began pushing Choji back more and more.
"It's a form of symbiosis between him and the insects. They feed off of his chakra, and in turn they do as he commands. I guess you could call him a walking hive or something like that."
Naruko shuddered at Ryouta.
"T-That's..."
"What's wrong? Don't like bugs Naruko?"
Satsuki smirked out, Naruko pulled out her tongue.
"I don't care about it because I'm gonna be Hokage! I just wanted to know about every clans power, that's all!"
Ryouta gave a bemused smile.
But his eyes turned back to Shino who with a wave of his hand sent his bugs out, and blasted Choji away.
The speed, and power behind the attack was something Ryouta knew wasn't normal Genin levels. He'd have to say that Shino displayed power of a Chunin already and with the way that he was staying cool, he also wasn't allowing his worries to take over him either.
As the bugs did that, Ryouta used his eyes to look at the bugs, using the Sharingan to see what was going on.
"It reminds me of Sugaru and how he'd use his bugs to fight. Though I don't think that Shino-san is going to poison anyone with his insects. Still...it's a dangerous kind of attack. I can see that the chakra from Choji-san is going to be absorbed away, and leave him in a weakened state. If he had some kind of Elemental attacks like Fire, or Water, maybe he'd be able to fight off the bugs. But with brute strength that Choji-san has, I can't see a way he'd be able to get rid of all of the bugs off of him, at least with the strength Choji-san has shown, and Choji-sans speed isn't enough to dodge out of the way of Shino-sans bugs either. Seems like Shino-san could be an interesting opponent to fight against in the Chunin Exams."
As Ryouta thought about it, Choji's body went flying into a wall, where he let out a small cry.
"Come on Choji! Don't disappoint!"
Ino yelled, Shikamaru let out a small breath as Shino simply waved his hand out.
Bugs formed and shot for Choji who was on the ground.
Seeing the bugs coming in a large cluster, Choji turned into a large balloon like form and shot around the battlefield, rolling faster and faster.
Shino watched on with a calm attitude, while Shikamaru hummed.
"It seems that Choji is going to try a big attack."
At Shikamaru's words, Satsuki shook her head.
"It wont work."
Ino gained a tick mark by her forehead.
"Eh? Why is that?"
"Because Shino has already secured his victory."
Ino didn't get it, so Ryouta explained.
"In the first attack, Shino-san's large attack was something that distracted Choji-san for the main attack that he gave. He sent a smaller cluster of insects which went into the holes where his legs, and arms, even head was. They've been sucking on his chakra, and the longer they do, the least amount of time Choji-san is going to have and using more chakra is only going to exhaust him."
At Ryouta's explanation, Kakashi began nodding.
"Yes, it's a subtle but deadly fighting style. And because of the big attack, Choji didn't see the smaller kind of attacks that Shino was giving. Because of that, he wont be able to last in a fight for all that long."
Ryouta agreed with what Kakashi said.
He then watched as Choji continued dodging the large bugs. Even with his chakra being sucked away by Shino's attacks, he was still doing his best, and was able to keep up a good speed so he didn't get caught up in the bugs.
After a minute went by, Choji, building up speed, rammed his way towards Shino.
"I see, then this is how you've chosen to fight."
Shino calmly looked on, before bugs shot out, forming a wall before him.
The human boulder like attack smashed into the bugs.
Shino was surprised by the speed and power that he could give, but he still managed to hold him back.
"No! Come on!"
Choji yelled, but Shino looked at him through his sunglasses, his eyes couldn't be seen, but the intense aura around him told the others that he meant business.
"It seems that your passion for not quitting is strong. However, I also wont lose either. And I am sorry, but I'll have to take you down."
Choji, pushing against the bugs, felt the hit to his chakra finally, and he felt as if he wouldn't be able to last much longer.
Shino then reeled his fist began as Choji's larger form dwindled, and he went back to his base form.
Ryouta then saw that Shino simply punched him in the face, hard.
While not a natural Taijutsu specialist, it seemed that Shino was able to land devastating blows.
"Aaaaaah!"
And to the weakened Choji, he wasn't able to get through and ended up being beaten, sending him flying across the battlefield until he landed face first into the ground.
Shino watched as the proctor checked on Choji, and saw that he wasn't passed out, but he wasn't able to truly do anything, so he called the match.
"With the opponent unable to continue, Shino is the winner."
Shino bowed and walked back to his classmates, Kiba smirked.
"Heh! He won his fight, and next it will be my turn! Watch out Uchiha, I'm coming for you!"
Akamaru, his dog companion, began barking happily.
Ryouta glanced at Kiba who pointed at him with a strong animalistic look on his face.
Hinata was happy for her teammate also, while Shikamaru looked downtrodden that he wasn't able to see his friend get through either.
Then after that match wrapped up, they looked to the giant screen in the centre of the area up above, and watched names flashed by. Choji had also been brought off the arena and they were able to carry on immediately.
Tense moments came for all of those that hadn't fought yet, wondering who they'd be able to fight and what they'd do against certain opponents, and how they'd match up against one another.
What was to come next, no one knew, but each were either worried, or excited for the next round to come up.
End chapter!
So the next part of the stage has begun! With some of the matches being shaken up, with Karin vs Satsuki, and though Satsuki was stronger, Karin managed to keep her on her toes and push her a good deal, Shino also fought against Choji and did his best, but Shino showed his intelligence and skills, managing to win the match.
Ryouta also managed to help out Naruko with her seal, so she doesn't have to worry about that, and had a quiet conversation with Hiruzen about the events of the forest.
Karin also took a leap with her relationship Ryouta, ending up kissing him on the lips, then got nervous about Satsuki.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui,