Naruto vs Sasuke: The Aftermath

by Kingkakashi

At the Valley of the End, Sasuke nearly kills Naruto and it affects everyone in many ways. See a vastly different direction after this battle to the Naruto story, than what the Canon did. There will be action, surprises, & romance NarxHin KakxKur JirxTsu & many more. Warning be prepared for the most Evil Sadistic Sasuke ever, and Sakura takes a beating in the early chapters. Enjoy!

55. Ino vs Sakura: The Rematch

Summary: Over two years have passed since the siege of Konoha by Orochimaru failed and the Leaf village has come back stronger from it. Also, three Leaf shinobi who have carved out a heroic reputation in their travels have embarked on their ultimate and final training. Meanwhile, the land they call home, Konohagakure the Village Hidden in the Leaves is reeling from news that Naruto Uzumaki is actually Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, the living son of their beloved Fourth Hokage. The current Hokage Tsunade Senju laid bare all of the sins of the villager towards Naruto causing Konoha to fall into a state of deep depression and despair. However, hope and pride is being restored to the crestfallen Leaf village in the form of a shinobi tournament showing how the younger generation has surpassed the old.

Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath

Chapter 55: "Ino vs. Sakura: The Rematch."

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The mood of the remaining members of the Konoha 10 was very somber, as they stared down into the arena at their fellow comrades. Shikamaru, Neji, Tenten, Lee, Kiba, Shino, and even Hinata had forgiven Sakura's sins and betrayals long ago after the young girl had selflessly saved Hinata from Sasuke, as well as her growing relationship with Lee. Sakura had shown to them in the past few years that she was no longer the vain, selfish, and obsessed Sasuke fan girl she used to be. The pink-haired kunoichi had strived to regain the trust and friendship of her former classmates and comrades just as Naruto had asked her to do. And one by one Sakura had succeeded in mending her friendships with everyone, save for one person…Ino.

Sakura turned to look at her former best friend who wouldn't even acknowledge Sakura's presence. It brought a tear to Sakura's eye, as she recalled the memory of the last time she had seen Ino. It had been at the hospital after a team led by Might Gai along with Anko and several members of the Konoha 10 had returned with injuries from protecting a merchant caravan of civilians from one of Sasuke's bandit raids near the Fire Country border. Sasuke had been raiding and pillaging along the borders for many months, as the Uchiha took pleasure in raping, robbing, and killing as many people as he could. Gai and the others had managed to drive off Sasuke and his forces, but there were so many that a heavy price was paid, as upon their return to the village many of the civilians and shinobi were wounded.

(Flashback 8 Months)

"I can't believe we let that Uchiha prick getaway!" Kiba complained, as a Medic-nin attempted suture a nasty gash on his arm."

"We had no choice, as our first priority was the safe escort of the civilians to the Leaf village. After the Oto ambush, our priority then became getting the wounded back to the village. Do you think that Gai-Sensei was happy about letting that Uchiha scum escape?"

"I know he's not happy about it Neji, it just pisses me off that's all!"

"None of us are pleased about what transpired Kiba." Shino remarked, while limping over and placing a hand on his teammate's shoulder.

"Yosh, I too share your anger my friend at not being able to extinguish the Uchiha's flames of youth, but had we tried to follow him seeking revenge, it would have been a stain on our honor leaving the civilians vulnerable and unprotected." Lee angrily declared, while Sakura struggled to keep him still while she set a splint on his left arm.

"I wish I could have been there to help you guys." Sakura openly grumbled.

"I'm not my cherry-blossom." Lee softly replied, as he brushed a strand of pink hair away from Sakura's blushing face.

"Yeah, Lee's right Sakura, there's a reason why Lady Tsunade has restricted missions around the Fire Country borders for you, Tenten, Ino, Kurenai-Sensei, and especially Hinata. Since we already know that asshole Uchiha has targeted all of you for capture."

"I know Kiba, but if that's the case how did Ino end up on this mission?"

"She was a last-minute replacement for Shikamaru who had been ordered to Suna for some reason by the Kazekage himself. The Hokage was not pleased about sending Ino, but Anko assured her that Ino was up to the task and Lady Tsunade had no other shinobi available who were as skilled as Ino."

"Skilled as Ino, man that's an understatement Neji. I almost felt sorry for all those Oto scumbags at the way they were butchered by Ino and Anko-Sensei fighting together side-by-side." Kiba remarked in appreciation.

"That's true, but the reason Ino and Anko-Sensei had to kill so many of them was due to the fact that Sasuke specifically targeted them when he spotted Ino. And even though he failed to capture her, both Ino and Anko were more severely injured then we are." Shino stoically commented.

"You should go check on Ino and her injuries Sakura-chan, we'll be fine here."

"I, I don't think she would want to see me Lee-kun." Sakura hesitantly stammered.

"All you can do is try, I know you still miss her."

"O, ok Lee-kun, I'll try."

As Sakura left the room and began walking down the corridor, she heard shouting coming from Ino's room, as she approached the door.

"Just fix the damn shoulder already!"

"I can't Yamanaka-san, your shoulder is severely dislocated and all of the doctors who our skilled enough to reset and heal such a wound are busy dealing with the civilian casualties." A hospital nurse anxiously replied.

"Then get me my friend Hinata Hyuga to fix it!"

"I'm sorry; she is one of the several Medic-nins helping the civilians."

At that moment is when Sakura chose to enter the room and the nurse who saw her gratefully exclaimed.

"Oh Haruno-sama, thank goodness you're here. She can reset and heal your shoulder Yamanaka-san!"

"Not her, get me someone else!" Ino angrily spat through clenched teeth."

Sakura's face dropped a bit when she saw the rage-filled glare Ino was giving her.

"I told you, there is no one else available."

"FINE!" Ino snapped before walking over to the door Sakura had just entered from, bumping the pink-haired kunoichi as she passed by.

Ino then looked up and down the inner door-jam and centered her misaligned shoulder to it, before taking out a kunai and biting down on the handle. Then before anyone could stop her, Ino slammed her injured shoulder into the door frame with tremendous force and one could hear a sickening pop sound, as the blonde kunoichi realigned her shoulder back into its socket. The Yamanaka heiress shot Sakura another angry glance before turning her attention back towards the stunned nurse and spitting out the kunai ordered in labored breath.

"You, tell my friend Hinata that as soon as she done with the civilians, I'll be out in the courtyard and she can heal the rest of my injuries then!"

Then without bothering to give Sakura a glance, Ino limped away down the hallway.

(End of Flashback)

A tear rolled down Sakura's cheek remembering that day. She knew how painful it was to a person to reset a dislocated shoulder like that. So it hurt Sakura even more that Ino was willing to subject herself to such agony rather than let her help.

Meanwhile, as both combatants were making their way to the center of the arena, the betting action on who would win was fast and furious. Tsunade herself was bankrolling this match and most of the foreign dignitaries wagered heavily that the Hokage's pink-haired apprentice would be victorious. It was when the odds were at 5x1 against Ino that Anko with Iruka in tow holding their two young daughters marched up to Tsunade and Anko flopped down $60,000 ryo's on her student to win.

"Anko-chan, that's our entire life savings!" Iruka exclaimed in alarm, while trying not to drop his children.

"I'd listen to your husband Anko, I've trained Sakura myself, so I'll allow you to pull back this bet." Tsunade stated with confidence.

"And I've trained Ino myself Hokage-sama and have every bit of confidence in my protégé as you do in yours!" Anko fired back in equal conviction and bravado before adding.

"Besides, you've been doing very well on your wagers so far, so I'm counting on the infamous luck of the legendary sucker to finally show up."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed at Anko's barb and grabbed the money before smirking and then stating in a lofty tone of voice.

"Easiest $60,000 I've ever made! Does anyone else want to follow this foolish kunoichi?"

"It's troublesome, but I also bet $20,000 on Ino to win Lady Tsuande." Shikamaru answered, while walking up to the buxom blonde Hokage and throwing a stack of ryo's onto the table. The Nara heir was then grabbed from behind by the collar and forcibly yanked backwards to stare into the glaring eyes of his girlfriend Temari who furiously asked.

"Are you an idiot? All I asked you to do this tournament is try and make a good impression on Gaara-kun while he is here and you pissing away $20,000 ryo's is not going to accomplish that!"

"What a drag, will you please have a little faith in me and my friend!" Shikamaru snapped, before taking Temari's hand and making their way to their seats under the hard gaze of the Kazekage of Suna.

"We of the Akimichi, Nara, and the Yamanaka clans each wager $30,000 ryo's on Ino to be victorious." Chouza bellowed to the buxom blonde Hokage, as he, Shikaku, and Inoichi threw down their money in support of the young blonde kunoichi.

"Kurenai-Sensei and I would also like to wager $5,000 ryo's each Hokage-sama." Hinata softly announced before placing their money onto the table and giving a respectful bow.

Tsunade took all of their wagers and then immediately dropped the odds from 5x1 to 3x2, as she was growing concerned that if Ino did pull off the upset it might bankrupt her if anymore wagers were made at those odds. Fortunately, only a few more small bets were made at 3x2 odds from the Aburame and Inuzuka clans, before Tsunade closed the book on the match. After everyone got settled in and the introductions of the combatants was given, both of the young kunoichi's turned to face one another in the center of the arena, as a forboding silence seemed to grip the stadium. As the excited audience watched with bated breath for the match to begin, it was Sakura who broke the silence, as she extended her hand and said.

"Good luck in the match Ino."

Ino then leveled such a fierce, harsh, and unforgiving glare at Sakura that it caused the pink-haired kunoichi to stop her approach. Sakura was even more hurt when she heard her former best friend say with vitriol and hatred.

"Bitch, I'd pull that hand back right now unless you want to pull back a bloody stump instead! This isn't going to be a repeat of our Chunin exam battle. I intend on winning and if I have to beat you to a bloody pulp to do it, so much the better."

Sakura looked to the floor of the arena, saddened and hurt by how much Ino seems to hate and despise her. The pink-haired kunoichi reached into her pocket and pulled out a red ribbon and stared intently at it. She remembered the first day Ino gave her that ribbon when they were young classmates picking flowers. Sakura remembered how weak and fragile she was back then forever sensitive about her forehead and how Ino came to be her friend.

The young kunoichi then remembered that day in the hospital when she had confessed her sins to her friends and comrades and how Ino finally gave up on their friendship because of it. More than anyone else save perhaps Naruto, Sakura had wanted regain her friendship, trust, and love of her former best friend. And while she was able to succeed in doing just that over the past few years with her other friends and comrades, Ino still refused to forgive her and openly loathed the young girl. So in a voice filled with sad resignation Sakura spoke dejectedly.

"I remember the day we first became friends, we were picking flowers for class and you defended me from Ami and her goons. You also told me the reason you gave me this ribbon, you helped me to believe in myself, and I've hung on to that ever since, thinking how cool it would be if all the nice things you said were true. I wanted to be just like you. I wanted….."

Sakura was interrupted when Ino suddenly blurred in front of her and delivered a vicious right-cross to Sakura's face knocking the girl down. As Ino stood over Sakura glaring daggers at her former friend, she then spat out with malice.

"You should really pay more attention to the present Sakura instead of wandering off down memory lane. The proctor has started this match and we've already had this conversation."

Sakura stared up at the furious visage Ino bore upon her face and heard the bile in her voice as she spoke. Sakura could only shake her head in disbelief and stammering asked.

"You, you really hate me this much Ino, why, we were best friends once, why can't you forgive me like everyone else has?"

Ino's answer to Sakura's plea was a brutal uppercut to her chin, as the pink-haired kunoichi attempted to rise to her feet. The force of the blow sent Sakura reeling backwards before she regained her balance and looked to see Ino glaring even more hatefully at her before the blonde kunoichi exclaimed with fury.

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to? I'll be damned if I'm going to let you cop a woe is me attitude with me like you have with everyone else, you little crybaby. They may have bought into your bullshit, but I know you're still the same vain, self-absorbed, and selfish bitch you always were! If you want to reminisce, why don't remember how you got back that ribbon in the first place."

Sakura thought back to that day in the hospital when she had warned her friends about Sasuke and they learned of her betrayal.

"Is this about Sasuke?" Sakura questioned in confusion.

Ino halted her advance towards Sakura and looked genuinely surprised before she started to giggle. Soon that giggle became roaring laughter and the blonde kunoichi laughed like she never had in her entire life.

'What's so funny?" Sakura yelled, clearly upset and pissed off at Ino's reaction.

"You seriously think this is about Sasuke? That this has ever been about that traitorous stuck-up bastard!" Ino asked her former best friend in a tone of voice demanding the truth, as Sakura gaped at her in bewilderment.

"This has never been about him Sakura…only you! Ino declared with disgusted indignation before leaping high into the air.

As Sakura looked up she saw Ino unfurling a sealing scroll. The pink-haired kunoichi recognized the scroll and immediately called out.

"Tetsu Suji Furekkusu no Jutsu!" (Iron Muscle Flex Technique)

Instantly Sakura sent a wave of chakra surging throughout her entire body, while shielding her face with her arms. The chakra expanded and flexed all of her muscles to incredible strength and density, as amoment later dozens of kunai, shuriken, needles, and various other sharp or bladed weapons exploded from Ino's scroll to rain down upon Sakura with deadly intent.

As Ino landed deftly on the ground she looked up to see all of the weapons she had unleashed bouncing harmlessly off of Sakura's expanded muscles. And while everyone's focus was on the amazing defensive jutsu Sakura had utilized, Ino threw down a smoke grenade obscuring her from everyone's view. Unseen by all, Ino quickly drew a small seal into the dirt and bit her thumb to smear some blood on it, while softly saying.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" (Summoning Technique)

There was a brief flash of light and a minute puff of smoke that appeared under Ino's hand, but when the blonde kunoichi lifted her hand away nothing was there, yet she grinned and rose to her feet, as the last kunai bounced away from Sakura and the smoke dissipated in the wind.

"Impressive jutsu billow-board brow, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised considering you got all of your training from a Sannin." Ino spat with a hint of resentment in her voice.

"What's the matter pig, jealous?" Sakura fired back, as she deactivated her jutsu.

"Of you, hardly, it's just another shining example of how the pampered pink princess has been rewarded these past few years. Yet the truth is Sakura, you're completely undeserving and unworthy of any of those gifts you've gotten!"

"Shut up Ino, you have no idea how much I have suffered the past few years!" Sakura screamed in a rage.

Then charging some chakra into her fist, the pink-haired kunoichi punched the arena floor with earth-shattering force breaking the stone around her and sending a shockwave heading directly at Ino in the hopes of dislodging her off of her feet. As the shockwave raced towards Ino, Sakura knew the blonde would dodge either to the left or right to escape being hit. The pink-haired kunoichi guessed to the right and hoped she was correct, as she shunshin'd to that position to end this fight with one chakra enhanced punch.

As Ino leapt to her right to dodge Sakura's attack, she was surprised when the pink-haired girl suddenly appeared in front of her with a fist heading towards her head. Immediately, Ino dropped to the ground in a perfect leg split making Sakura's strike miss completely. This display of Ino's lithe flexibility caused several nose bleeds with many of the male audience members, before Inoichi and Keko Yamanaka sent a sizable wave of killing intent throughout the stadium.

Meanwhile, Ino took the opportunity to land several Taijutsu blows onto Sakura's legs and knee joints before her opponent jumped away in obvious distress. As Ino watched Sakura land several yards away from her, she spoke again in a derisive voice.

"Suffered my ass, you haven't suffered for shit! Go look somewhere else for your pity-party Sakura, because you won't find it here with me!"

"How can you say something like that? You know what happened to me!" Sakura screamed as she knelt down and starting hurtling heavy chunks of the arena floor like missiles at Ino using her chakra enhanced strength.

Once again Ino's lissome agility was put on display, as she nimbly swerved around and dodged every stone in an almost serpentine like manner. After Sakura had thrown her last makeshift boulder missile missing Ino once more, both kunoichi's stared at one another before Ino spoke once again.

"Yeah, I know what happened and yes you did suffer terribly in that forest, but you brought that pain on yourself, but you haven't suffered since you were brought back to the village. In fact it's been the opposite; you've had the dream life since your return. So don't insult me by moaning about how you've suffered these past few years, it's all bullshit and you know it!"

The Yamanaka heiress then shunshin'd in front of Sakura and began unleashing a series of lightning fast strikes all over Sakura's body reminiscent the Gentle Fist Jyuuken style of the Hyuga clan. The entire stadium was roaring with approval and Sakura was doing her best to try and block as many of the strikes as she could and counterattack when she asked.

"Hinata taught you the Gentle Fist style!"

"No forehead, it's a serpentine style of Taijutsu that Anko-Sensei has been teaching me. You're right, it is very similar to the Hyuga style, but I can't focus chakra to my finger tips to shutdown the tenketsu points of my opponent's body like they can. However, as you're aware there are still biological pressure points on the body that I can target to cause physical damage instead of chakra damage." Ino replied, before Sakura finally landed a chakra enhanced reverse side-kick to her ribs, breaking several of them and sending the blonde kunoichi flying across the arena.

Sakura moved to press her attack, but found that Ino indeed had done some damage to some of the pressure points on her body. Fortunately, Sakura being trained in the medical arts knew how to heal that damage, as her hand began to glow green and she moved it over the injured areas while looking up and saying.

"It's a pretty good Taijutsu technique pig, but it's not really that effective if the opponent knows how to heal the injuries like Shishou Tsunade taught me!"

Unfortunately, when Sakura looked up she was greeted to the sight of Ino grinning at her, while the blonde girl's right hand was also glowing green and mending her broken ribs and spat back in sarcastic derision.

"You're right forehead, not everyone is lucky enough to have a teacher like your precious shishou! But I am lucky enough to have a best-friend in Hinata who happens to be Konoha's #1 Medic nin kunoichi, as this tournament already proved to teach me some healing techniques."

"Do not mock Shishou Tsunade and Hinata and I were tied in that division!"

"Maybe so, but if a patient had a choice who do you think they would want taking care of them? Someone as kind, sweet, and beautiful as Hinata or a spoiled, billow-board browed, flat-chested gorilla like yourself! And I will mock anyone I want too, even your shishou, as she is one of the main reasons you are such a pampered pink princess!"

"That's enough Ino-pig,... Doryuu Katsu no Jutsu!" (Earth Style Split Technique)

Ino knew Sakura was furious by the sound of the jutsu she had shouted out and saw the pink-haired girl slam her hands onto the ground, which caused the earth to rise up and split apart, as a chasm raced towards her position. When Ino made no attempt to dodge or escape, but instead dove into the chasm concealing her position Sakura became even more infuriated.

"You can't win by hiding pig!"

Suddenly, the ground erupted behind Sakura and Ino shot up into the air and delivered a flying kick to the back of her former best friend's head and sent the girl tumbling forward several feet. As Ino landed deftly onto one foot behind Sakura, she pirouetted for amusement and stated with ridicule to the fallen girl.

"I'm not hiding forehead, just taking advantage of the opening you so graciously provided so I could attack your blindside. A shinobi's most optimal advantage in a successful attack is on an opponent blindside or didn't your beloved shishou teach you that!"

"Ino-pig, you can make fun of and ridicule me all you want, I don't care! But if you say one more hurtful or mocking remark about Shishou Tsunade, I will make you pay dearly for it. Lady Tsunade is a wonderful teacher and role-model and I say with pride she has helped me to become the person I am today!"

"Oh don't we all know it forehead, which is why she is most to blame for her coddling of you these past few years, especially when you damn sure didn't do anything to deserve the blatant favoritism she's shown you. And why does Lady Tsunade favor you so highly Sakura? I'll tell you why, because you remind her of herself back at our age. A spoiled, self-absorbed, and selfish princess, who fawned over the soon to be village traitor, while abusing in every sense of the word the one boy who loved her with all of his heart. Tell me Sakura, sound familiar?"

"Ino…..!" Sakura spat angrily through gritted teeth.

The stadium crowd had been deathly silent for several minutes, as they had been riveted to their seats watching the action on the arena floor and straining their ears to listen to the dialogue between the two young kunoichi's. Yet, while most civilians could only hear bits and pieces of what was being said between the two young women. Many shinobi enhancing their hearing with chakra could hear every word and they gulped nervously and shifted around in their seats, while stealing glances towards their Hokage, wondering what she was going to do? However, for her part Tsunade remained seated and motionless bearing a very nondescript and stoic visage upon her face, while staring intently at both Ino at Sakura. Meanwhile, in the stands several members of the Konoha 10 are keenly watching the match with growing concern for their two comrades in the arena below.

"We should stop this match my friends, Ino is saying some most un-youthful things and I fear if she makes Sakura-chan any angrier she might get hurt."

"It's troublesome Lee, but this fight has been brewing for a longtime between those two. If we don't let them work out their problems with one another right now, they may never get things resolved. I know it sounds harsh, but the best thing we can do to help them is to do nothing."

"Shikamaru is correct and we don't have the right to interfere in their match only the Hokage does. And if Lady Tsunade has made no effort to halt this battle, then one can only conclude that she also realizes that Ino and Sakura must settle their differences themselves. Neji calmly stated to his anxious teammate.

"Yeah, and if the old lady hasn't made a move after hearing some of the stuff Ino has said about her. Then she must want this fight to go on for whatever reason."

"Either that Kiba or Lady Tsunade is just trying to decide the way she is going to kill Ino after the match."

"Oh Tenten, please tell me you're joking about that!"

"I hope so Hinata, I hope so."

As Hinata gazed at her best friend down on the arena floor with worry, she heard Ino announce for all to hear, but especially for Tsunade and Sakura's ears.

"You know, it's a pity Master Jiraiya didn't have a Hinata around back then to save him like she did for Naruto in our time. If he did, it could have spared him of all the pain, heartache, and mistreatment he's endured over the last 40 years. Thank Kami Hinata was around to spare Naruto from following that same path of loving someone whose only thought of them was of how to use them."

"I'm warning you Ino shut up, milady is nothing like that! And I never used Naruto for anything!"

"Ha, ha, ha, are you serious bitch?" Ino questioned in derision before bringing her hands up to her chest and in a biting mockful tone of voice spoke.

"Naruto I beg you! Please….Please bring Sasuke back!"

"I couldn't do it….I couldn't stop him!

"The only person….who can probably save Sasuke-kun now is you Naruto….only you!"

"Ring any bells Sakura. You used Naruto like a fucking tool that day just like you always did, because you knew how much he cared about you and would do anything in the world for you. I can only imagine his pain in hearing the girl he loved begging him to bring back his rival and the boy who held your heart. I've always wondered all these years if Naruto had died, which he nearly did trying to bring your precious Sasuke-kun back to you would you have even cared or just been pissed off that he failed?"

Sakura stood in the arena trembling, as Ino's words tore at her without mercy, while the young blonde kunoichi continued on.

"What's the matter forehead, cat got your tongue?"

Sakura finally found the strength and resolve to speak and in a quivering voice answered.

"I already know about the sins of my past pig! I don't need you to stand there and list them all out for me! I know I've got a lot to make-up for with Naruto to regain his trust and friendship and he at least is willing to give me the chance just as all of our friends have done and I'm grateful to them for that, but you won't even give me a chance. I've struggled these past three years to show everyone I'm not the same person I was back then. And no matter what you say Ino, I've paid the price for my transgressions!"

Ino's eyes grew wide in appearance and she shook her head several times in disbelief at what Sakura had just said, before asking in an incredulous tone of voice.

"What, what did you say? You've struggled, you've paid the price, are you fucking kidding me? There's been no struggle or price paid! You've had everything handed to you on a silver-platter the last three years you self-centered bitch and you don't even recognize it! Kami, you're so spoiled, self-absorbed, undeserving and stupid it makes me sick!"

"Everything handed to me on a silver-platter…. spoiled, self-absorbed, undeserving, and stupid,…. what the hell are you talking about?"

"Oh gee I don't know Sakura, let me think? Oh yeah, how about this example of being spoiled!

"You desert the village and betray all of your friends to go chase after a traitor and were willing to turn traitor yourself just to be with him. And aside from what Sasuke did to you, what was your punishment upon your return? Death, exile, prison-time, what was it? Oh that's right; you become the Hokage newest apprentice because you remind her of herself. Tell me Sakura, do you think your shishou even bothered to think about any other kunoichi in the village for that lofty position. Tenten has only worshipped Tsunade since she was old enough to crawl and has dedicated her entire shinobi career to try and be as prestigious, but was she even considered?"

Tsunade slightly winced, as the truth of Ino's accusation stung deeply, before she heard the young kunoichi continue on.

"Hell, you didn't even know who a Sannin was until Naruto brought Tsunade back to the village to become Hokage and heal your precious Sasuke-kun. By the way, did you ever thank Naruto for that, knowing you Sakura probably not."

"Here's another one forehead, how about the unbelievable fortune of having a boy in your life so utterly devoted and in love with you like Naruto. Thankfully, as I said earlier Hinata was able to rescue him from your grasp after you pissed his love away, but hey no problem. I'm Sakura; I may have lost out on abusing Naruto for the next 40 years and following in my role-models footsteps, but no worries. Come on up Rock Lee, I'll just abuse you for the next 40 years!"

"Shut-up Ino, I would never do anything to hurt Lee-kun…..EVER!"

"Hmph, that's just a perfect example of how self-absorbed you are Sakura. You've hurt Lee every fucking day for the last two years."

"What?" Sakura exclaimed in total confusion.

"Kami, are you really that fucking blind forehead or just dense?"

"What are you talking about? I've never laid a finger or abused Lee-kun!"

"I didn't say your abuse of him was physical. No, your abuse is much more sinister and hurtful, as the abuse you level onto Lee is emotional."

Sakura could only stare dumbfounded at her former best friend in bewilderment, which caused Ino to shake her head in disgust and she said.

Kami, it's amazing I have to spell it out for you considering the size of that cranium, but I guess I do. Lee is in love with you idiot and has been for a longtime, but you won't even give him a chance. Oh sure, he's a good tool just like Naruto was when you need him to escort you to government or village social events. I mean all you need to do is snap your fingers and Lee falls into line just like a good little lapdog willing to do anything you want. But to actually return his love and really have a relationship with him other than friendship. Oh no, you can't do that! What is it Sakura? Are you still hung-up on his bushy eyebrows or is he just not enough of a pretty boy for you like Sasuke was?"

"Shut-up, you don't know a damn thing about Lee-kun and I!"

"I only know what I see forehead, but let's get to why you are so undeserving of all the blessings you've been granted these past three years. Tell me what did you do to become the apprentice of Lady Tsunade? I'll tell you what,…Nothing! Yet Kami still blessed you with that gift that most kunoichi's would have killed for just to have the opportunity. Or how about the mind-boggling good luck of having not one, but two boys in your life so totally dedicated and in love with you that they would do anything just to make you happy. Tell me, what did you do to deserve their love and affection? Once again the answer is nothing. You want to know why I never gave you a chance to redeem yourself to me. It's because you've been handed nothing but chances from your shishou, to all of our friends, to even Naruto himself and I'll be damned if I'm going to hand you another gift like all of them have considering your past transgressions don't warrant it!"

Sakura could only stand trembling, as the credence of Ino's words was like a kunai to her very soul. With tears streaming down her face, the pink-haired kunoichi looked up to see that Ino wouldn't even look at her and masking her pain as best she could spoke.

"You're right Ino; I didn't deserve any of those blessings I received. Why milady chose me to become her second apprentice or the love of those two wonderful boys."

Ino turned around and crossed her arms under her ample chest, as she kept her eyes on Sakura, while her former best friend continued on.

"I can't explain why Shishou Tsunade granted the privilege of being her protégé, but I'm eternally grateful for it. You accuse me of being unworthy of it and perhaps you're right, but that's milady's decision not yours, so I won't apologize for it. As for being undeserving of Naruto's and Lee-kun's love you're right I am. I was a fool not to recognize having someone as good and kind and loving as Naruto to care about me all those years. All I could see was that unfeeling Uchiha bastard. I'm glad that Naruto found Hinata, he deserves a girl who wasn't stupid enough to throw his love away over some traitor who never gave a damn about me."

Sakura then looked up into the stands and spotted Lee gazing upon her with a mixture of anxiety, concern, and more importantly love and gave a small sad smile to the boy before turning her attention back to Ino.

As I said, I didn't deserve Naruto's love back then and if what you say is true about Lee-kun loving me more than just as a friend. Then I already know I don't deserve that kind of love from him. I'm not worthy to be with Lee-kun in such a way. In the past, I had trampled on his feelings for me almost as badly as I did to Naruto. What Sasuke did me I deserved, it's Kami's punishment for my past sins against the people I should have cared about like Lee and Naruto, but didn't because I was so fixated on Sasuke. Lee-kun deserves a girl who is pure of heart, mind, and of body, not one who is used and dirty like me."

A single tear rolled down Lee's face, as he listened to Sakura.

"So you're wrong Ino when you said I was using Lee-kun like a tool. I was just thankful that Kami had taken pity on me and blessed me by having Lee-kun still in my life, even if it was as a friend and nothing more. Lee -kun is a wonderful person and is deserving of having a girl to love who isn't a broken wreck like I am." Sakura replied in a calm voice, but with a sad smile on her face.

Ino just stood staring at Sakura for what seemed like forever to the pink-haired girl before she heard her former best friend say with disgust.

"And finally we get to the part where you are so incredibly stupid. You've admitted that you don't deserve Lee's love, but it's still there for you. Kami gives you this blessing of having someone who loves you unconditionally as you are and you spit on his gift every day. Unlike some of us who will never receive such a blessing from Kami, you could have someone in your life that would make you happy. However, you willingly choose to stay miserable and in doing so make the person who loves you equally as miserable and to me that's just pathetic and stupid!"

Ino exhaled a deep breath in disappointment, before saying.

"But maybe that's what you want Sakura. To always know for the rest of your life that there's someone out there who truly loves you, yet you will always deny to that person any return of love. And you justify that behavior with some bullshit rationalization that by denying your love, you're actually saving that person and not in reality hurting them. I'm sure it helps you sleep at night, as you gallantly think what a good thing you're doing for Lee. I have to apologize to you Sakura when I said you didn't deserve to become Lady Tsunade's apprentice, I was wrong. You've patterned your life so flawlessly after hers; you are the perfect protégé to Hokage Tsunade. The only difference between you two being you still have 37 more years to crap all over Lee."

"That's enough pig! I told you before you can insult me all you want, but I will not allow you to disrespect Shishou Tsunade any further! Who the Hell are you to cast judgments? You didn't treat Chouji the boy who loved you any better!" Sakura screamed in enraged fury, before instantly regretting what she had just accusingly declared.

Ino let loose a heart-wrenching shriek before she shunshin'd in front of Sakura and delivered a vicious front kick to her pink-haired opponent's stomach sending the girl stumbling backwards. The Yamanaka heiress then leapt forwards and launched a barrage of kicks and punches, while shouting at Sakura in sorrowful fury.

"You think I don't know that! You think I don't know that I was the same selfish, vain, and abusive bitch to Chouji-kun as you were to Naruto! You don't think that the guilt of all the pain, heartache, and mistreatment he endured from me all those years doesn't eat away at me like a disease every single day! The countless nights I've cried myself to sleep imagining what might have been. That if I had just opened my eyes and seen the amazing boy standing right next to me sooner, I could have had a wonderful life with him."

Sakura had been blocking and dodging virtually all of Ino's punches and kicks, as Ino was carelessly flailing away at her was bore out of anger and regret rather than as a precise assault. Eventually, Ino began to grow weary and her berserker attack was lessening when Sakura saw an opening and unleashed a brutal chakra enhanced punch to Ino's gut knocking the wind out of the blonde kunoichi. Ino fell to her hands and knees on the arena gasping, wheezing, and coughing heavily as she tried to regain her breath when Sakura yelled.

"You hate me for you not having a life with Chouji! How is it my fault that didn't happen? If you want to blame someone for that, go look in a mirror pig!"

"(Cough, Cough) Kami, you really are stupid Sakura, you really want to know why I hate you, I'll tell you.

"I hate you because you became my first and best friend."

"Wh-what?" Sakura asked stammering, unable to believe what she was hearing.

"I hate you because I thought you were someone I could depend on, someone who understood me, someone who honestly liked me. Then you abandoned me your first friend and your best friend, and why did you do that, because we both had a silly crush on the same boy. A boy Sakura, you abandoned me for a boy, just how pathetic are you. I thought we were friends, but you decided we both couldn't like the same guy and still be friends.

"In-Ino I didn't mean….." Sakura stuttered, before she was interrupted.

"Remember when you said as kids you wanted to be just like me, well congratulations you did. You became every bit the same shallow, selfish, and self-centered bitch I was."

Sakura didn't know what to say, as she silently stood listening to Ino.

"I hate you because then you started that stupid rivalry over Sasuke."

"I hate you because that stupid rivalry blinded me to the truly wonderful things I had around me."

"I hate you because no matter how badly you screw-up, you still get rewarded. You have such a charmed life that it's beyond belief."

"What do you mean?" Sakura queried in confusion

"Oh Kami, do I really need to cite examples for you?...fine!"

"You lose a Sensei only to gain a legendary Sannin as a replacement."

"You lose a guy who honestly loved you only to have another one waiting in the wings."

"You lose a mother and father only to regain another…..mine."

Both Inoichi and Keko gasped upon hearing that. The truth is both Yamanaka's were Konoha's foremost experts on the human psyche and had been spending a great deal of time with Sakura over the past three years. Knowing what Sakura had experienced, her rape, the loss of Naruto, the abandonment of her mother, the death of her father, and the loss of all of her friends for a time, they both had attentively strived to help the girl regain her humanity through therapy, counseling, and their support. They knew that Ino and Sakura had issues that they needed to work out amongst themselves. However, it never occurred to them that the time they spent in helping Sakura was driving the wedge between the two young kunoichi's even further or even worse a wedge between themselves and their own daughter.

Sakura was at a loss for words, as Ino lamented on.

"I lose a Sensei and they put his name on the memorial stone."

"I lose a guy who loved me and his name is put on that very same stone and there are no Rock Lee's waiting in background for me."

"I lose my parents to very person I hate."

"It's, it's not like that, your parents have only been trying to help me and…"

Ino rose from the ground and held up her hand silencing Sakura, as she brushed herself off before saying in a morose tone of voice.

"Besides all of that Sakura, the truth is every-time I look at you it reminds me that the only person I hate worse than you is myself. This fight is all I have left, because win or lose you'll still walk away to have a wonderful life ahead of you, while I know I'll walk away and have nothing. So let's finish this forehead and then we both can go down the paths Kami has chosen for us."

"I don't want to fight you anymore Ino, I never did."

"Too bad, because I told you I'm not settling for a draw this time."

Ino then focused a massive amount of chakra to her legs and sped all around Sakura at astonishing speed landing punch after punch. Ino was moving so quickly that at times all anyone could see was a blur of purple appear Sakura before it would flash away a moment later. For her part, Sakura was swinging wildly and knew if she could just land one chakra enhanced punch this match would be over. Unfortunately, the blonde kunoichi was moving around so fast that Sakura was constantly missing and punching at nothing but air.

The pink-haired kunoichi was able to withstand Ino's multitude of punches thanks to utilizing her Iron muscle flex technique to expand and flex all of her muscles to incredible strength and density. Nevertheless, this technique required a lot of chakra to maintain for extended periods of time. Sakura realized if she didn't find a way to slow down Ino the cumulative effect of her punches would eventually wear down the pink-haired kunoichi. After a moment, Sakura struck upon a plan. It would require her utilizing the chakra she was currently using for her Iron muscle flex technique, but this new technique should stop Ino. Dropping to her knees and performing the necessary hand seals before slamming her hands onto the ground, Sakura cried out.

"Doryuu Taiga no Jutsu!" (Earth Flow River Technique)

Instantly, the ground around the pink-haired kunoichi transformed into a river of mud, which surrounded her in a 25ft circumference. The mud had the desired affect Sakura was planning on, as the moment Ino stepped on it sent her careening across the arena before finally skidding to a stop. Unfortunately, before Ino could pick herself up and regain her bearings Sakura appeared behind her with a chakra scalpel in her hand. The pink-haired girl swung the scalpel downwards towards the prone blonde girl slicing through her hamstrings and causing Ino to cry out in pain. .

"I'm sorry Ino, for a lot of things. I know you wanted to win this match, but I've trained too hard and cannot dishonor Shishou Tsunade by losing. I've cut through the tendons of your Semitendinosus, the Semimembranosus, and the Biceps Femoris muscles of your leg. You can't defend yourself anymore Ino, just yield and this match will be over."

Ino flipped over and glared at Sakura, while trying to move her now useless legs and spat in defiance.

"I'll never concede to you forehead, you'll have kill me first to win this match."

Sakura merely shook her head in sorrow and pity of former best friend's defiant attitude. It was then Sakura felt a small prick around her ankle, but paid it no mind, as her focus was solely on Ino, as she said with remorse

"I don't need to kill you pig, I just need to signal the proctor that you can no longer defend yourself and continue on."

Sakura then raised her hand to signal the proctor to come over and confirm Ino's present condition and award the victory to her when she suddenly staggered backwards and clutched at her chest wincing in pain. Ino rose up onto her elbows to watch Sakura stumble around before falling backwards onto the stadium floor clutching at her chest.

"What, what did you do to me Ino, I, I can't move?" Sakura stammered in labored breath.

"I didn't do anything, but my little friend did…reveal yourself Cleopatra."

Camouflaged perfectly in color and rising from the arena floor was a small 10inch brown snake with light mottling and tear-drop marks below its eyes. The reptile seemed unassuming until it flared out its hood showing it was a serpent not to be taken lightly despite its size.

"It's about time Cleo, I've been waiting for the last 20 minutes for billow-board brow to fall. What took you so long?" Ino scolded at her serpentine summons.

"Forgive me Misstresssssssssss Ino, but with the two of you jumping about all over the arena and then having to ccccccccccccircumnavigate a river of mud, I could never get close enough to ssssssssssstrike."

"What, what is that?" Sakura gasped.

"That forehead is a snake summons from a faraway land called Egypt. As I'm sure you've guessed, it's a poisonous species of serpent called a cobra. Its venom is a neurotoxin, which stops signals from the nervous system from reaching muscles, lungs, and heart hence why you are now paralyzed. Death is caused by complete respiratory failure in about 15 minutes for a human. In a single bite, a full grown species of this snake is capable of delivering 175 to 200 mg of neurotoxin. However, little Cleo here is just a baby and I ordered her not to give you nearly that amount, so you've got an hour maybe two before you die unless you get the antivenin."

"Did I do well Misstresssssssssss?" The little snake hissed.

"Yes Cleo, you did very well, I'm proud of you, you may go now."

"As you wish Mistresssssssss." The little serpent replied, before disappearing in a flash of light and smoke.

"You can't defend yourself anymore forehead, just yield and this match will be over and you'll get the antivenin."

"I won't do that pig, I can't! I won't dishonor milady by yielding." Sakura gasped out in a arduous voice.

Genma the proctor of the matches chewing on his trademark long toothpick appeared between the two fallen kunoichi's and rubbed his chin, as he examined them. After a minute he looked up towards the audience and began to announce.

"Due to both combatants being physically unable to continue, I hereby call this match a dra..."

"NO, this will not end in a draw, not this time!"

Genma and everyone else present were shocked when Ino shouted out and then bewildered when she rolled over onto her stomach and pulled out two kunai. The crowd's curiosity then became awe, as they watched the young kunoichi impale one kunai after another into the ground and drag herself towards Sakura. Upon reaching the paralyzed girl, Ino held a kunai to her throat and proclaimed.

"It's over, yield now Sakura!"

"I, I won't Ino!"

"So be it!"

Ino then lifted the kunai and hesitated for a moment before bringing the bladed weapon downwards. However, before the kunai could strike its target, Genma's hand caught Ino's wrist on the downward arc stopping the strike before he announced to all.

"Due to her opponent being physically unable to defend herself any longer, I declare the winner of this match Ino Yamanaka!"

The entire crowd sat silent, unsure of what to do, as they looked towards the Kage box. After a moment, Tsunade rose from her chair and began clapping and soon everyone in the entire stadium was giving a standing ovation not only for Ino but for Sakura as well. The audience recognized that they had witnessed something truly remarkable, as both young kunoichi's had given all they had in their battle. Tsunade then announced that there would be a three hour dinner break to repair the stadium. The final Ninjutsu match in the kunoichi division between Hinata Hyuga and Ino Yamanaka would be held later that evening.

As the audience began to filter out of the stadium and into the village, they couldn't help but admire how strong and dedicated the young shinobi were in the Leaf village. Many of the foreign dignitaries after watching Ino and Sakura's match were impressed at how determined and even ruthless the Leaf shinobi could be when they wanted, showing that they were willing go to the very end, never giving up and never surrendering. Many of the foreign ambassadors made a mental note to definitely consider using ninja from the Hidden Leaf village in the future for their more important missions abroad.

As for the Konoha 10, they had jumped down into the arena to help the Medic-nin's prep and take care of their comrades. As Tsunade made her way down to the stadium floor followed by Gaara, she was stopped by a very penitent Inoichi and Keko Yamanaka who bowed contritely before Inoichi profusely apologized.

"Hokage-sama, both Keko and I wish to deeply apologize and ask your forgiveness for the things our daughter said, which showed disrespect to you. We cannot express enough regret to you for her actions and I promise you she will be severely punished for her misdeeds."

Tsunade stood silent for a moment as she gazed at both Yamanaka's with their heads bowed low in shame. Clearing her throat, the buxom blonde Hokage acknowledged with assurance to both of them.

"There is nothing you need to apologize for, what your daughter said was true. She was brutally harsh with reference to it, but Ino didn't say anything that hasn't been gossiped or speculated about in this village for years about Jiraiya or myself. I've made a lot of decisions in my life that I regret. Things I should have seen, things I could have changed, but decided against it for my own stupid and selfish reasons. Inoichi, Keko, don't punish Ino, but instead fix your relationship with her, as I believe it may need some mending."

"Hai Lady Tsunade, I think you're correct on that matter. Thank you for being so kind and benevolent with regards to our little girl." Keko gratefully replied.

As Tsunade and Gaara watched the patriarch and matriarch of the Yamanaka clan walk away to check on the condition of their daughter the Kazekage commented in amusement.

"I see we now share something in common Hokage-Tsunade, both of us have been disrespected by the Yamanaka girl at some point, yet both of us forgave the girl for virtually the same reason."

"Your point being?"

"Only that she is either very lucky to not have suffered any consequences for her actions towards us or she is just a remarkable young woman."

"I believe she is both Kazekage-Gaara." Tsunade commented in admiration.

"I agree."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tsunade downed another cup of sake and grumbled to herself, as she sat in her office tallying her losses from the Ino/Sakura match. The blonde Hokage was quite annoyed, but didn't bear a grudge against her apprentice for the loss. Sakura fought an amazing battle in Tsunade's estimation and probably would have won the fight if the legendary sucker hadn't bet on her and doomed the girl with her own infamous bad luck.

"Let's see, $300,000 to Anko, $100,000 to Shikamaru, $150,000 each to the Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Nara clans, as well as $25,000 each to Hinata and Kurenai."

Tsunade smiled and didn't really mind paying off that gambling loss to those two kunoichi. Knowing that Sasuke and Kabuto had specifically targeted those two, the blonde Hokage had restricted their missions outside of the village to the bare minimum since the Oto invasion over two plus years ago. As far as Tsunade was concerned she was going to make damn sure that Naruto and Kakashi had loved ones to come back to upon their return. Unfortunately, the restriction of missions also meant a severe reduction in their income and two young women raising a child was costly affair, but they were getting by the best they could and this money would certainly help them.

'I know those two can definitely use their winnings.' Tsunade thought to herself before finishing up her tally.

"Alright, where was I? Oh yes, $15,000 each to the Inuzuka and Aburame clans, which makes the final total of my losses come to…. $930,000 ryo's!" Tsunade shrieked, as she nearly fell out of her chair.

Shizune had heard her master's painful wail and rushed into the office to see what was wrong.

"Hokage-Tsunade, are you alright?"

"No I'm not; I lost nearly a million ryo's on Sakura's match today."

"Oh is that all." Shizune replied dismissively.

"It's enough Shizune, how about a little sympathy for me." Tsunade moaned.

"You'll get none from me Lady Tsunade, I think it's shameful you wagering on the matches and you have no one to blame but yourself for any losses. You better than anyone else knows that the talent and skills of Sakura, Hinata, Ino, and Tenten are virtually equal with one another. And besides, even with those losses aren't you still way ahead in your winnings from the first few days of the tournament and wagering with all of the foreign dignitaries."

"I am, but I wanted to be up more." Tsunade sulking in her chair answered.

"Well quit moping around and get up, the final match in the kunoichi division is going to start in 30 minutes and we need to get back to the stadium. It should be an exciting match."

"Who do you think will win?"

"Between Ino and Hinata, I don't know. The two of them have trained together so much since Naruto left that they each know one another's moves precisely. So if you're looking to wager on one of them it's a 50/50 proposition, as either one of them could win."

"Hmmph, I need better odds than that." Tsunade whined to herself, as she followed her assistant out of the office and back to the arena.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As Ino and Hinata stared across the arena floor at one another to the cheers of the crowd waiting for the final match to begin, both of them had smiles upon their faces. This battle would be a far cry from the emotion filled semi-final matches both young kunoichi's had gone through. It was Ino who spoke up first and declared.

"No holding back Hinata just because we're friends."

"I wouldn't think of it Ino, besides if I did I wouldn't be able to beat you."

"Awfully confident there."

"Just stating the truth."

"We'll see, granted you had an easier time than I did in your semi-final match, but you did a great job in healing my injuries to get me ready for our fight."

"Who says I did a good job? Maybe I just healed you enough so you could make it to the start of the match and five minutes in you'll collapse."

"Ha, ha, ha, nice try, but I already know you healed me completely."

"Why do you believe that?"

"Because you're you Hinata and while I might expect something underhanded like what you suggested from any other kunoichi including myself. I know you would never do something like that, it just isn't in you. That's why in so many ways you already are the best of all of us."

"Thank you for that Ino."

Ino nodded her head at her friend before Genma announced the final match to begin. Instantly both kunoichi's shunshin'd from where they were standing only to reappear in the center of the arena unleashing simultaneous Taijutsu attacks on one another to the roar of approval from the crowd. The mood for this match with the remaining members of the Konoha 10 was vastly different from the somber one they had felt during Ino and Sakura's semi-final. As they all stared down into the arena at their fellow comrades each one of them felt a sense of excitement because none of them knew who the winner might be. Hinata and Ino had trained and sparred together for untold hours for nearly three years and each knew the strength, weaknesses, and techniques the other girl possessed or might employ.

So it came as no surprise that after nearly 30 minutes of intense fighting, both kunoichi's stood apart panting in labored breaths, as they were exhausted from their efforts to win the match. Hinata and Ino stared at one another intently, as both of them came to the same conclusion. They each had to use their ace in the hole techniques that neither one had used on the other girl before.

'I've got to draw Hinata in close to use this attack.' Ino thought to herself, while Hinata equally mused.

'I didn't want to show off this technique until Naruto-kun had returned, but Ino's left me no choice.'

Hinata then stood up straight and began going through a series of hand-signs, which caused Shikamaru sitting in the stands observing the fight closely to raise an eyebrow. However, before Hinata could finish, Ino loudly groaned, as her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she collapsed onto the arena floor unmoving. Fearing that she had inadvertently injured her friend severely, Hinata rushed over to where Ino lay. However, before she could kneel down and check on her blonde kunoichi opponent, Ino leapt from the ground and encircled her legs locking them around Hinata's torso and her arms around the lavender-eyed girls chest while shouting.

"Uwabami Shuushuku no Jutsu!" (Python Constriction Technique)

Hinata had to quickly send chakra to her feet to anchor herself to the ground, while supporting Ino's weight on top of her own. The Hyuga girl had never seen this technique before, but realized if she fell to the ground it would be over for her, as she felt Ino's grip around her body tighten even further. It was then Ino said to her friend in a confident yet also concerned tone of voice.

"Please concede the match Hinata, I don't want you to get hurt and there's no escape from this technique Anko-Sensei has taught me."

"I, I won't Ino." Hinata stammered in reply.

"You've got no choice, every time you draw a breath into your lungs, I'm able to send a little bit more chakra into my legs and arms to squeeze you that much tighter. Soon you won't be able to draw a breath and you'll pass out from it. I think the medical term for it is called Compressive Asphyxia, but you would know that better than I would."

Ino had indeed used the correct medical term Hinata thought to herself, as she desperately tried to break free of the crushing grip the blonde kunoichi had on her, but it was to no avail. Hinata could feel herself quickly slipping and realized Ino might be right and that there was no escape, as she couldn't even utilize a jutsu with her arms pinned to her sides. The only part of her body Hinata could move with relative ease was her head. The indigo-colored haired girl considered trying to head-butt her friend to escape, but saw that Ino's hitai-ate was securely fastened and protecting her forehead. If Hinata tried to escape that way, more than likely all she would do is knock herself out and save Ino the trouble of having to do it. It was then Hinata felt something bump her backside and realized that her pony-tail had not been ensnared by Ino's formidable grip.

Ever since Naruto had left, Hinata had been growing her hair out in an effort to surprise him upon his return. Unfortunately, Hinata had found that her long free-flowing hair was not conducive during missions and tended to get in the way at times. So the lavender-eyed kunoichi had taken to wearing it in a long pony-tail with a small two pound piece of decorative jewelry tied at the end of it to keep it in place. Quickly doing some calculations in her head, Hinata began to whip her head around and around, which caused her pony-tail to follow suit. Everyone in the stadium was confused at what the Hyuga girl was doing, before Shikamaru deduced what Hinata was attempting and doing some swift calculations on his own, he grinned and said.

"If she doesn't pass out in the next 10 seconds, Hinata is going to win."

The people around the Nara heir looked at him with confusion before Hinata dropped her head and her pony-tail whipped around and the weighted jewelry struck Ino on the back of her head. Ino's eyes instantly rolled to the back of her head and she fell off of Hinata landing on the ground with a thud unconscious. Hinata immediately gasped for some air and clutched at her chest before dropping to one knee. After a few moments, the Hyuga girl had sufficiently replenished enough oxygen to her lungs to allow her stand-up, as Genma appeared and checked on Ino's condition before raising Hinata's arm in victory and announcing to the audience.

"Due to her opponent being unconscious and physically unable to defend herself any longer, I declare the winner of this match and the overall winner of the Ninjutsu section of the kunoichi division Hinata Hyuga!"

The stadium crowd erupted in applause and gave Hinata a standing ovation, while she knelt down and with her hand glowing green applied a medical jutsu to revive Ino and help heal her injury. After a moment, Ino's eyes began to flutter and they slowly opened to see the concerned look etched on her best friend's face, who stammered in concern and regret.

"I-Ino, are you hurt, can you speak to me?"

"Only my pride is hurt Hinata. I lost didn't I?"

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize; you fought me fair and square. I can't believe you were able to escape that technique, I thought I had you for sure." Ino declared, while rising to her feet with Hinata's help.

"You nearly did, I just got lucky."

"Whether it was luck or an act of desperation, it was still a brilliant move to garner you the win Hinata." Kurenai stated with pride, while holding Minato in her arms, as she along with the rest of the Konoha 10 save for Sakura who was still at the hospital recovering from her cobra poisoning. Anko who was holding her two young daughters Aniko and Anika in her arms had also come down to the arena floor to check on the two kunoichi's

"Yeah, Awnty-Hinata it was bwill, bill, bilts…..what mommy said how you won!" Minato exclaimed in excitement.

"Thank you Minato-kun."

"You were gweat too Anty Ino." Aniko and Anika piped up in unison, as they jumped down from their mother's arms and hugged Ino.

"Thank you girls, I'm sorry I lost Anko-Sensei."

"Pffft, I don't care that you lost, you fought with everything you had and I couldn't be prouder of having you as my student." Anko declared with pride.

"So who all lost money betting on me?" Ino asked in curiosity.

"It was too troublesome to wager on either you or Hinata, because nobody knew who might win, so no one lost any money." Shikamaru lazily answered.

"I lost some money." Anko sheepishly said, as she got out her money pouch and handed a single ryo to Kurenai.

"One ryo, that's all you wagered on me Anko-Sensei!"

"Girl, it's not the amount that matters, it's about being able to brag that their student beat the others student."

"Only for you Anko, which is why I'm very glad that Hinata won because I don't think I could stand you lording Ino's victory over me for the next six months." Kurenai stated in relief.

"Hmph, you're no fun." Anko grumbled under her breath.

"Hey we'd all better get back to our seats; it looks like Lady Tsunade is ready to announce the winners of the tournament!" Tenten exclaimed in excitement.

A few minutes later, the buxom blonde Hokage stood at a podium in the center of the arena and clearing her throat began to proclaim the winners of the tournament.

"Ahem, I will now announce the top three finishers of the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament male division. It was very close finish, as the top three places were only separated by a mere six points. In third place with an average score of 96 in all four categories, we have a three-way tie between Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Rock Lee.

The crowd applauded enthusiastically, as the three young Chunin stood up and acknowledged the audience clapping for them. After the applause died down Tsunade then announced the second place winner.

"In second place of the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament male division with an average score of 96.75 in all four categories,...Shikamaru Nara."

Once more the multitude of people within the stadium stood on their feet clapping for the Nara clan heir who finally stood up to uncomfortably accept their praise after receiving an elbow to the ribs from his Suna girlfriend. Once the ovation died down Tsunade then proclaimed as the winner of the male division of the tournament.

"And the overall winner of the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament male division with an average score of 97.5 in all four categories ... Neji Hyuga!"

Everyone in the stadium save for the embarrassed Hyuga contingent in attendance rose in their seats and gave the longest ovation yet, as Neji made his way down to the podium to accept a medal signifying his victory in the tournament from Tsunade. Then the blonde Hokage began announcing the winners of the kunoichi side of the tournament.

"I will now announce the top three finishers of the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament kunoichi division. It was also a very close race, as the top three places were only separated by eight total points. Finishing in third place with an average score of 96.8 in all five categories,...Tenten Sato.

As with their male counterparts, the crowd stood and applauded each kunoichi winner as Tsunade called them out.

"In second place of the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament kunoichi division with an average score of 97.0 in all five categories, we have a tie between Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka."

As the clapping for both kunoichi's subsided Tsunade declared with zeal.

"Which makes the overall winner of the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament kunoichi division with the highest average score of 98.4 in all categories and in the entire tournament male or female division,... Hinata Hyuga!"

The villager's erupted in the loudest ovation yet, as Hinata bashfully made her way to the podium to receive her medal signifying her victory in the tournament from Tsunade under the thunderous applause she was receiving.

Hinata's stature within Konoha had grown immeasurably since the truth of Naruto's heritage had been revealed to the villager's. The villager's now viewed her as a saint, for she was the girl who saw past what Naruto held inside him and realized that the Kyuubi no Youko and Naruto were not one and the same. She was the girl who recognized that Naruto was not a monster unlike the rest of the village to their shame and was actually a hero for the heavy burden he carried in protecting them. Finally, Hinata was the girl who had captured the heart of their beloved Yondaime's living legacy.

However, there was one group of people who were not applauding either Hinata or Neji for their victory in the tournament and they were Hiashi and the Hyuga elders present at the stadium. They had felt embarrassed only minutes earlier that Neji, a common branch member had emerged as the victor in the male division of the tournament. Now the naming of Hinata as the victor of the kunoichi division had left the Hyuga contingent not feeling pride that they were of Hyuga descent, but mortified that the two now acclaimed Hyuga had been cast out of the clan more than three years ago. As they all sat in their seats stewing about what they considered an affront to their prominence, Tsunade's voice rang out once more.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, honored Daimyo's and Kage's. I know this last match was to mark the end of the tournament and it has, the winners have been recognized. However, as a special show of appreciation to everyone who has graced the Leaf village with your presence, I've decided to extend one more match for tomorrow. Consider it a special treat for all of you to enjoy before you must to return to your various homelands. For at high noon tomorrow, you will be treated to a battle between the two tournament winners Neji Hyuga and Hinata Hyuga. And I have no doubt within my mind that these two fine shinobi will provide a most exciting match for your enjoyment."

Both Neji and Hinata looked at one another pensively, before Neji gave a reassuring smile to his cousin and said.

"The Hokage is right Hinata, it will be an exciting match, so I want you to come at me with everything you have, do not hold back. For I will not be holding back on you, because your skills and powers have grown to such an extent that if I did hold back, I would most assuredly lose, which I do not intend to do."

"Hai Neji-niisan, I promise I will not hold back, but just so you know, I do not intend to lose either."

"Then this will be a battle that people will talk about for years." Neji declared with confidence, as he and Hinata with smiles on their faces turned and waved to the audience still on their feet clapping for them fervently.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As the audience anxiously waited for the match between Neji and Hinata to commence, Tsunade stood and approached a podium set up on a stage in the center of the arena. Seated on the stage next to Tsunade was the entire contingent of the Konoha Council both shinobi and civilian. The crowd began to grow nervous, as the last time their Hokage had addressed them like this was still fresh in their minds. Tsunade adjusted the microphone on the podium and gazed at the people before clearing her throat and announcing.

"Ahem, citizens of the Leaf village, before this final match is to begin I have an announcement to make. I have chosen someone to be my successor-in-waiting to become the next Hokage."

A murmur went through the crowd, as people began to speculate who it might be, before Tsunade continued on.

"The person I have chosen upholds the traditions, values, and the Will of Fire the Leaf village was founded upon by my grandfather the First Hokage Hashirama Senju. This individual has suffered many trials, hardships, and suffering in his life, but throughout it all, his love, loyalty, and respect for those principles and the Leaf village itself has never wavered. And I can think of no one better suited or qualified to take over the mantle of the Rokudaime Hokage to lead the Hidden Leaf village into the future. So it is with extreme pride that I along with the approval of the Konoha Council seated upon this stage before you that I officially name Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze my successor-in-waiting to become the next Hokage."

One could hear a pin drop, as the people attempted to comprehend what they had just heard. However, once they did the entire stadium roared in celebration and approval, as shouts of Naruto's name and cries of the Yondaime's legacy shall lead us echoed throughout the arena. As the blonde Hokage and the Konoha Council listened to joyous shouts of the villagers Tsunade turned to look at Hiashi, as she remembered his declaration at the council meeting when Naruto was approved as her successor.

"Bah, it doesn't matter if we officially name the Kyuubi-brat your successor or not Hokage-Tsunade. The people will never accept him becoming the Rokudaime and will demand that we choose another!"

Tsunade couldn't resist a verbal jab at the Hyuga leader and pointed out to Hiashi in amusement what she had said to him at that meeting.

"It appears I was correct Councilman Hyuga, one never knows what can sway a person from one point of view to another in the blink of an eye."

For his part, all the Hyuga clan leader could do was sit, while silently fuming and wondering if his day could get any worse.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A short time later and just before the start of the special final match, Tsunade had acknowledged the participant's sensei's to the crowd for the exceptional job they had done in training such fine young shinobi. When Might Gai was introduced to the audience, he received a nice round of applause, while making his way over to Neji. However, it paled in comparison to the ovation Kurenai received especially from the men in the crowd, as she stepped out onto the arena floor and walked over to Hinata. As Neji and Hinata stood at opposite ends of the arena to the cheering crowd, both Chunin were getting last-minute instructions from their teachers.

"Alright Hinata just do your best, that's all I ask and win or lose just know how proud I am of you and of how much you've grown as a woman and as a skilled kunoichi since I became your teacher and your guardian."

"Arigato Kurenai-Sensei, I promise I will give my all and will not disappoint you."

Meanwhile at the other-side of the arena.

"Neji, your flames of youth have burned very bright to have won this tournament and I couldn't be prouder than having you as a student. With that being said, I will be extremely disappointed in you if this match against your cousin Hinata is a repeat of the bloodbath you attempted at the Chunin exams over three years ago. I'm not asking you to hold back against Hinata for I think her flames of youth burn as brightly as your own and she deserves your best. So I expect you to fight with honor and I'm trusting that you have resolved your issues with the Main branch of the Hyuga clan."

"It is not my intention to disappoint you Gai-Sensei, but I must be honest with you. My issues with the Main branch of my clan remain as resolute and intractable as they were three years ago. However, those issues are strictly with the Main branch and do not involve Hinata in anyway. I was wrong at the Chunin exams to take my rage of the Main branch out on Hinata as I did. It is my most egregious sin I have ever committed and I will spend the rest of my life trying to atone for it with her. So I can assure that this battle will be an honorable one and in no way resemble the atrocity I committed during the Chunin exams. I give you my word on this Gai-Sensei."

"Thank you for that Neji, now go show the world how bright your flames of youth shine and be the splendid shinobi I know you to already be."

Both Neji and Hinata gave respectful bows to Gai and Kurenai before both elite Jounin left the arena floor and returned to their seats to watch their prized students battle it out.

The entire audience was still abuzz with excitement over the news they had received, as the two young Chunin turned to face one another and then began walking to the center of the arena. All the members of the Konoha 10 save Naruto of course were anxious about the outcome of this match for they remembered what Neji had done to Hinata long ago. They recognized that Neji was a changed man and none of them openly believed that the Hyuga prodigy would be as vicious and merciless in this match as he was back then. However, there was still a small bit of lingering doubt within Hinata's teammate's minds and Kiba and Shino had already decided if it looked as though Neji was going too far they would jump in to stop him. For the both of them had carried a shared guilt within themselves that they should have stepped in and saved Hinata three years ago, but were too slow on the uptake to do so.

In the Kage box, Tsunade next to Gaara with a concerned look etched upon her face. There had been a great deal of betting on this match, but virtually all of the money wagered was being placed on Neji. Consequently, Tsunade had ordered her bookmaker to raise the odds to try to get some action placed on Hinata, but it was to no avail. No one seemed to believe that Hinata could beat her cousin the prodigy no matter how hard she tried. It wasn't until the book had made the odds 10x1 against Hinata winning that the action Tsunade had been seeking arrived in the form of one Shikamaru Nara.

(Flashback)

"I place $100,000 ryo's that Hinata Hyuga won't lose the match." The Nara heir lazily stated to Tsunade's bookmaker.

"That's a large wager Mr. Nara, I'll need to get confirmation from Lady Tsunade as to whether or not she wishes to accept that bet."

A few minutes later, a messenger arrived at the Kage box and informed Tsunade of Shikamaru's wager.

"Hokage Tsunade, the book needs your permission to accept a large wager placed on Hinata Hyuga not to lose this match."

"How much is the wager?"

"$100,000 milady."

Tsunade's eyes lit up with excitement upon hearing that figure and eagerly told the messenger to return and inform the book to accept the wager, as she thought to herself.

'Thank you Kami, a $100,000 will go a long way in making up some my losses from Sakura's match. I know Hinata's skilled and will give Neji a good fight, but from everyone I've spoken too, no one thinks she can defeat Neji. Ah well, if some fool wants to throw away $100,000 ryo's I'll gladly take them.'

It was only a few minutes later that a nagging uneasy feeling began to gnaw at her. Excusing herself momentarily from Gaara, the blonde Hokage quickly made her way to the book and hastily asked.

"Who was it that placed the $100,000 wager on Hinata?"

"It was Shikamaru Nara milady."

"At what odds?"

"At the time of the bet the odds were 10x1 against the Hyuga girl, but since that was such a large wager, we've dropped the odds to 5x1."

The buxom blonde Hokage's face grew ashen in color, as she realized that if Hinata somehow pulled off a miracle win, Tsunade would have to payout one million ryo's on that wager. Even worse was the fact that it was Shikamaru who had made the bet. For everyone who knew the Nara heir recognized that he was very calculating when it came to gambling. For him to make such a wager he must see or know something that everyone else doesn't. Turning her attention back to the bookmaker Tsunade nervously asked.

"Has anymore wagering been placed on Hinata?"

"A few people saw Shikamaru wager on the girl and followed suit milady."

"Shut the book down on this match right now!"

"Shut, shut it down!"

"You heard me, shut it down! There will be no more bets placed on this match!"

"Hai Hokage-sama."

(End of Flashback)

As Tsunade rubbed her forehead in frustration in an attempt to figure out just what it was that Shikamaru knew about the upcoming match to place such a large wager. She looked over to where the Nara youth was sitting and saw his head hanging low, while he was being loudly chastised by Temari for making the very bet Tsunade was currently agonizing over, as she thought to herself.

'Apparently Shikamaru's wager isn't sitting too well with his girlfriend. Temari's nearly as smart as he is and if she's so angry about the bet, maybe I've got nothing to worry about and Shikamaru was just taking a long-shot on Hinata in the hopes of impressing Gaara if she won.'

Tsunade was brought out of her musings when the proctor Genma Shiranui appeared and announced the participants of this final match. Everyone in the stadium was clapping loudly for the two Hyuga youths except for one small group of people who remained seated and glared fiercely at the two combatants. To say Hiashi and the Hyuga elders seated with him were infuriated that a disavowed heiress to the clan and a lowly branch member were now recognized by the village as the very best shinobi under the age of 18 would be a gross understatement. As they continued to glare scornfully, Neji caught sight of them and grinned before turning to Hinata and saying.

"Hinata, I would like to ask a favor of you. I wish to give your father and the elders a demonstration of our skills in the utilization of our clan's Gentle Fist style during this match. I don't want to use any other type of fighting styles or techniques. Will you grant me this request?"

Hinata gaze traveled to where her father and the elders were sitting and she saw the glowering looks they were shooting towards her and Neji. Turning back to her cousin, she smiled, as she understood why Neji wished to do this.

"Hai Neji-niisan, I think that's a splendid idea."

Both Hyuga's dropped down into the very recognizable stance of the Jyuuken fighting style of the Hyuga clan and activated their infamous bloodline technique the Byakugan. When Genma officially declared the match to begin, both Hinata and Neji eagerly leapt at one another and began unleashing a series of blows at one another so quickly their arms were blurred in their movements. Upon seeing the famous Hyuga clan fighting style used at such astonishing speed the audience roared in approval at the action they were witnessing.

However, Hiashi and the Hyuga elders were not joining in the revelry and ovation that the crowd was showing towards Neji and Hinata. They had been feeling embarrassed after Hanabi's crushing loss and then mortified at Hinata and Neji's success in the tournament. Now they were feeling horrified, at the speed, skill, and accuracy both of the exiled Hyuga youths were currently displaying. All of them had their Byakugan activated and were awe struck as they saw both Neji and Hinata were attacking using the Gentle Fist style with hand, while the alternate hand was used for defense, which was how the style was utilized.

However, what left the elders astounded was the staggering speed at which the attacks were being carried out. There wasn't a single elder after a few minutes of watching both Neji and Hinata who now believed they would be able to beat either of the two in a one-on-one Jyuuken fight. Even Hiashi had some private doubts at what he was seeing, but being the ever stoic leader of the clan refused to show any emotion whatsoever during the match. As for the members of the Konoha 10 who were present and watching the battle, they were more than happy to express their feelings, as they were riveted to their seats with excitement.

"Oh man you guys look at those two go! Hinata's giving Neji a serious run for his money! I can't believe Lee chose to stay at the hospital with Sakura instead of watching this!" Kiba exclaimed in eager admiration.

"Love makes you do stupid things Kiba. Give him Hell Hinata!" Ino commented and shouted out in support.

"Easy you guys, I know Hinata is putting up a damn good fight against Neji-kun, but let's not forget they don't call him a prodigy for nothing."

"Says the girl who is currently dating the said prodigy." Shino adroitly commented, causing Tenten to blush furiously.

"Damn Shino, nice comeback!"

"I was merely pointing out a fact that's all Kiba."

"What do you think Shikamaru?"

"Hmmm, it's troublesome Ino, but Hinata is losing."

"What the Hell are you talking about? Hinata's putting up a great fight!" Kiba angrily declared in defense of his teammate.

"What a drag, I'm not saying Hinata isn't putting up a great fight, but if you look closely you'll see that Neji is slowly pushing her back." Shikamaru replied in annoyance.

Everyone turned to look at the match more closely as the Nara heir had suggested and after a few minutes realized he was right. Hinata was slowly but surely giving up ground to Neji.

A few minutes later, Neji was able to land a reverse side kick to Hinata's midsection causing the girl to stumble backwards. Unfortunately Neji was unable to press forward on the attack as Hinata initiated a series of back-flips away from Hyuga prodigy who narrowly avoided getting hit from the first back-flip. As both Hyuga youths stood apart from one another panting heavily in labored breaths during this impromptu break in the action, they smiled brightly at one another during the thunderous ovation the crowd was giving them. Finally Neji broke the silence and complimented Hinata.

"You're skills in the Gentle Fist style are most impressive and have greatly improved over the past three years Hinata."

"Thank you Neji-niisan, I couldn't have improved my skills to the extent I have without your help and training."

"I dare say that we've put on quite a show for your father and the elders considering the looks now adorning their faces."

It was all Hinata could do not to giggle at the comical expressions the Hyuga elders now bore upon their faces. It was mix of astonishment, anger, and stupefaction, as they stared at the two young Hyuga's. Her father's expression to no surprise to Hinata was the same stoic, unyielding, and rigid look he had always had as long as she could remember. Turning her attention back to her cousin, Hinata nodded her head in agreement of Neji's assessment of the elders before he stated out of concern.

"As I said, your skills are indeed impressive and I dare say no Hyuga is more proficient than you in the use of the Gentle Fist style and our Byakugan except for one person...me. So to continue this fight is pointless, as you and I both know that you have not reached my level just yet. We've proven our superiority to your father and the elders as well as to the entire village. I do not wish hurt you Hinata, so I ask that you concede the match before that happens."

Hinata paused a moment and thought about Neji's arrogant yet in his own way well-meaning words and knew he wasn't trying to sound so smug about his abilities, but was genuinely concerned for her. However, Hinata had long ago adopted Naruto's nindo of never giving up, so conceding this match to her cousin was not an option even if what he said might be true.

"I'm sorry Neji-niisan, but I can't do that. Just as Naruto-kun refused to give up during your Chunin match, I will not give up in this match."

"A pity Hinata, for what I said is the truth; I don't wish to hurt you, which I fear might happen if we continue to battle."

"I thank you for your concern, but didn't we promise each other yesterday not to hold back and that both of us were going for nothing less than the win."

"We did and you've fought splendidly, but for the last several minutes of our match you know I've been gaining the upper-hand. It's only a matter of time before you are forced to submit. There's no shame in yielding the victory to me Hinata for you have yet to ever defeat me in a Jyuuken one-on-one battle."

"You to have fought brilliantly and you might be the most skilled practitioner of the Gentle Fist style the Hyuga clan has ever produced. Also, you are indeed correct in stating that I have yet to defeat you in a Jyuuken one-on-one battle, but that doesn't mean I won't stop trying." Hinata declared, before standing up straight and began to flash through a series of hand-seals.

Up in the grandstands Shikamaru grinned when he saw this and he exclaimed to those people around him.

"There it is!"

"There what is Shikamaru, what's Hinata about to do?"

"Just watch Ino."

Down in the arena, when Hinata began flashing through her hand-seals Neji called out.

"Hinata, I thought we promised not use any other type of fighting styles or techniques!"

"We did Neji-niisan and I'm keeping my word, this is not an attack Ninjutsu. You're correct, that you're skills in the use of the Gentle Fist style and our Byakugan in a one-on-one fight are still superior to my own. However, let's see how you do when you face someone with my skill level of the Gentle Fist style and my Byakugan times five!"

"Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" (Shadow Clone Technique)

Instantly, Neji suddenly found himself facing five Hinata's in the arena.

Not giving the Hyuga prodigy a chance to think all five Hinata's with their Byakugans ablaze rushed across the arena floor at Neji. In a bit of a panic and needing time to formulate a strategy, Neji called upon the Hyuga clan's greatest defensive technique.

"Hakkeshou Kaiten!" (Eight Divination Palms of the Hand, Heavenly Spin)

Immediately, Neji began spinning around like a top, while releasing a large of amount of chakra from his tenketsu points, creating a whirling vortex that nullified Hinata's attack, as her shadow clones exploded in a puff of smoke on contact with the protective barrier and she herself was knocked away. Hinata rose to her feet and brushed herself off, before activating the shadow clone technique once again and four more Hinata's appeared around her. Neji ceased his rotation, while dropping his kaiten shield and said.

"Impressive Hinata, you almost had me there. If not for our clan's ultimate defensive technique, you might have succeeded in defeating me with that attack. However, I know it requires a lot of chakra to utilize that jutsu, so I would recommend you deactivate it before you run out. As you've seen, there's no way it can defeat the kaiten shield. For if you continue to attack it with shadow clones, they will be destroyed and you will run out of chakra long before I would run out creating the kaiten shield."

"This is true Neji-niisan." Hinata replied, before sending her clones to surround her cousin in a five-point stance, as she declared with confidence.

"However, I too know the secret strength of the kaiten shield!"

Hinata then began spinning around like a top as did her clones, all of them creating a kaiten shields of their own, as the five Hinata's raced across the arena floor at Neji once more.

Neji's eyes grew wide in a alarm, as he knew what Hinata was talking about and he instantly reactivated his own shield. A moment later Hinata and her four shadow clones with kaiten shields activated slammed into Neji's shield simultaneously at five different points. The crowd could feel the power of the Hyuga clans Hakkeshou Kaiten technique emanating from the arena and saw the vast amount of dust and debris whipping up around the combatants. A second later, a huge explosion rocked the stadium sending both Hyuga's flying to opposite ends of the arena floor. When dust and debris of the explosion finally settled, everyone could see both Neji and Hinata lying on the ground unmoving and silent. The proctor of the match Genma immediately appeared between the two young Hyuga's and checked on the condition of both of them. Raising his hand to gain the spectators attention he announced with conviction.

"Due to both combatants being unconscious and physically unable to continue, I do hereby call this match a draw!"

A pall of silence seemed to grip the stadium for a moment before the crowd jumped to their feet and erupted in thunderous applause for both combatants. As the Medic nin's slowly roused both Hinata and Neji into consciousness Ino, Tenten, Temari, Anko, Kurenai, and a couple of dozen kunoichi's of various rank rushed onto the arena floor and lifted Hinata onto their shoulders in celebration, as they paraded her around the stadium. For even though Hinata had not gained an outright victory over Neji, a draw against the Hyuga prodigy who was someone considered by many to become one of the finest Leaf shinobi in a generation was every bit as good as a win in the kunoichi community.

As Shikamaru, Kiba, and Shino helped Neji to his feet, the proclaimed Hyuga prodigy watched the celebratory proceedings involving his cousin and smiled.

"Damn Neji, I never thought you would actually smile at achieving only a draw with Hinata. I figured you would be your usual pissed off self whenever you lose at something." Kiba commented in surprise.

"Why should I be upset, I'm very proud of the hard work and training Hinata has endured to reach the point where she could attain such an outcome against me. Besides, it's not as though I lost the match, I merely tied with another Hyuga. Now, if I had tied say with an Inuzuka, then I would be upset, as I'm not sure I could live with the shame of that outcome, ha, ha, ha."

Kiba began to growl angrily at Neji's barb before Shino put a hand on his teammates shoulder to quell the fuming youth and said.

"Calm down Kiba, Neji was only joking."

"It's true Kiba, I was only kidding. You've already proved to me in this tournament that you are a worthy shinobi and someone who I am proud to call a comrade and a friend."

"Th-thanks Neji, I appreciate that." Kiba stammered, a bit taken aback by Neji's declaration.

"If you guys are going to hug, I'm out of here."

"No we're not going to hug Shikamaru, but if Neji wants to join in, the two of us can kick your ass right now!" Kiba threatened in annoyance at the Nara heir.

"What a drag, I'll think I'll go collect my troublesome girlfriend and go get my winnings. I'll meet all of you at the club later on; the first round is on me."

As Neji, Kiba, and Shino watched their friend shuffle across the arena to fetch Temari, they all looked at one another and said in unison.

"What winnings?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tsunade exhaled a sigh of relief when the Neji/Hinata match was officially ruled a draw. For it meant all of those long-shot bets led by Shikamaru's on Hinata to win would now be null and void. As she approached the gambling book with Gaara following beside her she suddenly heard Temari's voice filled with irritation ring out from inside the tent.

"Why are we here Shikamaru?"

"Troublesome, we're here Mari so I can collect my winnings."

"What winning's Mr. Nara? Hinata didn't win the match so your wager is null and void." Tsunade declared with authority, as she entered the tent.

"I didn't bet on Hinata to win Hokage-sama, my wager if you recall was that she would not lose and she didn't, so I'm here for my winnings."

"What the Hell are you talking about?"

"Look at the betting slip yourself."

Tsunade turned to the bookmaker who had an sickly green look to his face as he gave the blonde Hokage with a shaking hand the betting slip in question. The Slug Sannin looked over the betting slip carefully and her eyes bulged out before she glared at her bookmaker and growled through gritted teeth.

"This can't be correct; I approved this wager for Hinata winning the match! That is what the messenger brought to me!"

"I'm, I'm sorry Lady Tsunade, but the messenger brought back your approval on the betting slip exactly as I had written it out, Hinata Hyuga not to lose this match." The bookmaker nervously answered.

"He is correct Hokage Tsunade; I was there when the messenger brought the wager to you. He specifically said that the bet was for Hinata Hyuga not to lose the match." Gaara calmly stated for everyone to hear.

"But, but I thought that meant the bettor was wagering that Hinata was going to win."

"That may be, but you never looked at the betting slip and immediately approved the wager before quickly sending the messenger back to the gambling book."

"And since Hinata was able to gain a draw against Neji, technically she did not lose so my wager is still valid and payable." Shikamaru added right after Gaara had finished speaking.

Tsunade looked around the room and realized she was finished and dropping her head in resignation and defeat said in a morose tone of voice.

"Pay it."

The only person in the tent who had a more shocked look upon their face than that of the blonde Hokage, belonged to Temari. It took a few moments for the sand kunoichi to comprehend that through shrewd wording Shikamaru had placed on his wager had netted her boyfriend one million ryo's. Temari actually felt a warm tingling sensation in her nether regions upon realizing this and she jumped up into his arms and shouted, while wrapping her legs around his torso and placing fierce passionate kisses all over his face and mouth.

"OH BABY, YOU'RE THE BEST!"

The distinct sound of sand buzzing about in the air snapped Temari out of her excited debauchery and she jumped down from her embrace with Shikamaru and sheepishly slipped behind him as Gaara approached them. The red-haired Kazekage turned his attention to Shikamaru and stared directly into the eyes of the Leaf Chunin. Shikamaru to his credit didn't flinch or move, as he stared unblinking directly right back into the eyes of Gaara. After a minute of this, it was the Kazekage who broke the silence and said with approval.

"It appears you are smart enough to be able to provide for my sister in a manner for which she is accustomed."

"I like to think I am and that I can."

"That is good, for I warn you she has very expensive tastes."

"Gaara!" Temari cried out in embarrassment.

"Don't I know it, I'm lucky to have two ryo's to rub together after one of our dates."

"Shikamaru!" Temari shouted even louder than before.

"I can believe it."

"It's troublesome Kazekage, but before Temari spends all of my winnings, can I buy you a drink and perhaps you can share with me some more warnings about your sister."

"That sounds like a very good idea."

All Temari could do was stand there sputtering in shock and embarrassment, trying to find her voice to say something to her brother and boyfriend as they left the tent. Upon realizing she had nothing to say or more to the point couldn't think of anything to say. The blonde Suna kunoichi let loose a high-pitched screeching scream in frustration causing both Gaara and Shikamaru to wince, before they picked up the pace to get to the tavern and away from her as quickly as they could.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was just after dinner, as Tsunade sat in her office and tallied up her winnings over the past few days. She was still smarting at the heavy losses she took on Shikamaru's wager and Sakura's match against Ino. However, it still looked as though the buxom blonde Hokage was going to finish up $400,000 ryo's from all of her wagers. Tsunade grinned, as she saw the final total and thought to herself.

'It's not the two+ million I would have had if not for my accursed luck, but it's still not too shabby a take. It's enough to keep me supplied in sake for awhile.'

However, Tsunade's grin soon disappeared and a queasy almost nauseous feeling began developing in the pit of her stomach. The Slug Sannin was no stranger to this feeling, as she had experienced it before, usually after scoring a big gambling win. Tsunade began to grow nervous because this feeling was always an omen to something tragic about to occur in her life. As if I cue, there was a knock on the office door causing Tsunade to jump in her seat. With beads of sweat beginning to form on her forehead the blonde Hokage hesitantly stammered in a tense and worried voice.

"En-Enter!"

Tsunade's eyes widened a bit when Ibiki Morino the Anbu leader of the Interrogation and Torture department walked in carrying a wooden box. Ibiki bore a stern look upon his face, but the man always had that visage.

"Hokage-sama, I bring you news that the Anbu patrol I had scouring the abandoned Uchiha compound the past two weeks has discovered a series of tunnels that led to an exit point into the woods outside of the Leaf village. More than likely that was how the traitor Sasuke Uchiha was able to infiltrate the village the day of the Yondaime's anniversary."

"Why were these tunnels not detected when you searched the Uchiha compound after the Otogakure invasion of the village?"

"The tunnels were very deep and well hidden. We only discovered them by sheer accident as one of the support beams in a tunnel broke and the ground above it collapsed into it."

"I see, what steps have you taken to remedy this problem?"

"My Anbu have collapsed all of the tunnels and just in case there were any other tunnels that we didn't discover, we've set up multiple chakra sensors and alarms throughout the compound, which will alert us immediately if any chakra signatures are detected."

"Very good, now what is it you have there in your hands."

"What I have here is the contents of the package Sasuke Uchiha left behind during his attack with Manda."

"Why did it take so long for you to bring this to me?"

"You were correct in having our Anbu Fuuinjutsu specialist examine the package before opening it. Our lead expert Anbu Taizo discovered several hidden and intricately designed explosive seals on the wrapping. The seals according to him bore the handiwork of your fellow Sannin Orochimaru. Because of the complexity of the seals, it took Taizo this long before he was finally able to remove them."

"I must commend Anbu specialist Taizo for his efforts, see to it that the man is paid for his work as an A-Class mission."

"I, I cannot Hokage-sama, Anbu specialist Taizo is dead."

"What!"

"It's true milady, Taizo had been successful in removing all of the seals on the exterior of the package. However, he didn't realize that Orochimaru had also hidden a explosive seal on the box itself. So when he removed the wrapping paper, it triggered a directed explosion which took off Taizo's head, while not damaging the box or its contents."

"Damn that slithering bastard! When will Kami finally remove that treacherous piece of shit from our lives once and for all?" Tsunade cussed in anger and frustration.

Taking a minute to calm herself down, Tsunade looked towards Ibiki and noticed he was still holding the wooden box and asked.

"What were the contents of Sasuke's package Ibiki?"

Ibiki nervously put the box down onto Tsunade's desk and in a apprehensive voice she had never heard the scarred Jounin use before answered.

It, it's better that I show you Hokage-sama for confirmation."

Hesitantly, the Anbu leader of the Interrogation and Torture department removed the lid, as Tsunade stood up to peer down into the wooden box. A moment later Tsunade's eyes grew wide in horror and terror and she stumbled backwards knocking over her chair, as she clutched the front of her blouse and in a trembling voice exclaimed in panic and disbelief.

"No,...It can't be true,...not them,...please Kami not them!"

Tsunade then staggered away from her desk, as countless images of her two most precious people raced through her mind before she cried out in a heart-wrenching wailing scream and collapsed to the floor unconscious.

"Noooooooooooooooooooo...!"

"Shizune-san, the Hokage has collapsed!" Ibiki shouted out to Tsunade's apprentice who ran into the office and seeing her master laying on the floor rushed over to her prone body and began examining her.

"My God, she's barely breathing! Ibiki-san, help me get Lady Tsunade to the hospital at once!"

As Ibiki scooped up Tsunade into his arms and raced out of the office with Shizune following close behind, the contents of the box sitting upon the desk momentarily forgotten by all. However, if one were to gaze into that box they would see two very recognizable and distinct items, the sight of which caused Tsunade to go to pieces.

One of the items was a customized horned hitai-ate that had been split-in-half with the kanji for "Oil" written on it, which was a symbol for the Toads of Myouboku. The other item was an orange-colored jumpsuit with blue on the upper shoulders area as well as around the waist, a white swirl with a tassel on the left side, a red swirl on the back and a large white collar. However, the most distinguishing feature of this jumpsuit was a charred, frayed-edged, and blood-stained hole about the size of a fist directly over where the heart would be for anyone who had been wearing it.

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Author Note: Quite the cliffhanger isn't it! Am I really that sick and twisted? Could I really have done that? Only I know for sure mwahahahahahahaha! Now, who was the complete idiot who came up with the idea to write a shinobi tournament involving the members of the Konoha 10? Oh yeah, it was me. I have to say it has proven quite brutal, to write, so it's not something I recommend to other writers unless you enjoy pain, lol. The most difficult part I had was writing the dialogue between Ino and Sakura during their fight and finally revealing the core truths behind their broken friendship. I don't want the readers to think that it was just superficial jealousy on Ino's part, but had more deeper meaning to it than just something like that. By the way, give yourself a pat on the back and a gold-star, if you figured out Shikamaru's bet on Hinata before it was revealed.

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'm anxious to see what your reviews will be for it. I do wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter. For those of you who did review, you all had a lot to say about it and I'm pleased that this story has such a strong fan base with readers who actually write out well thought-out reviews. Because of that, I enjoy reading many of your reviews, so please leave lots of them, as they do help a writer get an idea of the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. They also can help lift the spirits of an author as well. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?

Breaking News, Musings, and a Question:

News:

For the past few chapters I've alerted my readers to a couple of polls set up on each of their accounts by the fine authors brown phantom and Zentary asking the question.

Who is the best Naruto fanfic writer on this site?

Zentary's poll has remained open and is still active.

Regrettably, brown phantom has ended his poll on this question. However, he has started a new poll asking,

Which is the best Naruto fan fiction story on this site?

So I humbly ask if you feel I'm worthy of being one of your 10 picks to please place a vote for me in Zentary's poll. And if you feel this story or any of my stories are worthy of nomination in brown phantom's new poll. I thank you in advance for your support and the links to the profile pages for both brown phantom and Zentary are listed below.

brown phantom http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/1634435/

Zentary http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/2022054/

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Congratulations to Blue Baby Blanket who was the first to answer and to all of you who correctly answered the movie and two characters that were fighting each other, as to where I got the inspiration for Hinata and Hanabi's fight last chapter.

Movie: The Matrix

Characters: Neo fighting Agent Smith at the end of the picture.

I also want congratulate the German FC Bayern-Munich for reaching the finals of the 2012 UEFA Champions League where they will face the English FC Chelsea. This is basically the Super Bowl of Soccer in Europe and I give this shoutout because my partner in crime Hefster of the story "Supreme Genetics Creation of a Bloodline"we co-writelives in Germany and is a huge fan of the football club. I say partners in crime because we haven't updated our story in quite some time. We had some issues regarding the last chapter and how it was written and had a bit of a falling out. However, now that I've posted this chapter, I will take a serious look at that story again and try and contact Hefster to see if we can get it going again. So come come May 19th say a little prayer or root with all your might for Bayern-Munich to take home the trophy.

End of News

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Musings

I know in my last update I remarked about how depressing it was that the world might be seeing very soon the ending of both the Naruto and Bleach manga. I'm still very disappointed and saddened about that. However, I'm also very unhappy that this is the final season of the Sci-Fi TV show Eureka. I was just wondering if anyone felt this way about that marvelous show.

Top Comedy Sports Films of All Time in Six Different Sports

Golf - CaddyShack

Hockey - Slapshot

Basketball - BASEketball

Baseball - Major League

Bowling - Kingpin

Football - The Replacements

I don't know why I decided to come up with this list and share it, but I did. And yes they are in order of the best and funniest, in my humble opinion. And the reason Soccer isn't listed is because they haven't made a Soccer comedy that's even remotely funny yet.

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Question?

This question is for other authors who have posted stories. Everytime I load a chapter in ffnet to be posted, after I save it, about 800-1200 phantom words gets added to my overall word count total. I was curious if this happens to any of you as well. Because to all my readers, when you see the word count to one of my chapter updates, just subtract it by 1000 and that's the actual word count and length of the chapter.

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Now, onto everyone's favorite section Kingkakashi's rants on the manga yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

I only have a few negative things to say about the following issues of the Naruto manga!

*Warning I do give away some spoilers in my rants, so read at your own risk.

#574 – This chapter starts off with a look at Sasuk'e team Hebi. We learn Karin is truly obsessed with Sasuke even more so than the pink-banshee. We also learn the Konoha Anbu security really sucks at doing their jobs. You then shift over to Zuigetsu and Juugo who by all accounts are insane and hate one another with a passion. However, they do discover something of vital importance ant one of Orochimaru's abandoned hideouts. And finally we get some Kishimoto love for Sasuke because God know we've needed it. Sasuke takes down a platoon of White Zetsu's with incredible ease and learns of the war and of Tobi's plan to capture Naruto. Sasuke then sets out to find Naruto and kill him after some warped flashback he needed to justify his actions to himself. Basically this was just another see how cool I make Sasuke chapter from Kishimoto, nothing more.

#575 – I'm sure this pained Kishimoto greatly, but this chapter switches from Sasuke back to the five Kage's battling Edo-badass Madara. And of course since Kishimoto loves all things Uchiha Edo-BA Madara is kicking the crap out of the fives Kage's with ease. Now we do get a cool flashback of Oonoki as a young boy learning about the will of the Rock village is within him. Then you cut to a scene where he is a young man and has been fighting Madara when the evil Uchiha was still alive. This memory causes Oonoki to unleash a powerful counter-attack onto the Edo-Madara in which the Uchiha reveals in a disgusting way that he holds the power of the First Hokage Hashirama Senju within him. Then Kishimoto couldn't stand it anymore and he switches back to Sasuke who is still on his trek to find and kill Naruto. Along the way he spots his Edo-Tensei revived brother Itachi making his way towards Kabuto. This was a decent chapter except for the Kishi love moments about the Uchiha.

#576 – The start of this chapter is with Sasuke chasing after Itachi. (On a side-note, can anyone explain how the Edo-Tensei revived Itachi has eyes considering after his death Tobi/Madara harvested them and they now reside in Sasuke's skull?) Anyway, Sasuke get's pissed and attempts to capture Itachi using Susanoo, but the elder Uchiha uses his own Susanoo to save himself. The two Uchiha brothers' then go into a philosophical debate about various things. Then you switch back to the five Kage's battle with Edo-Madara. They're at a momentary standoff as they and Edo-Madara is threatening to kill Tsunade first because she's descendant of the First Hokage Hashirama Senju and telling the rest of the Kage's they all suck and their power is nothing compared to Hashirama whom he fought to a standstill. You know typical arrogant Uchiha bullshit they always spout off about how great they are. Tsunade then goes into a speech about what she did inherit from her grandfather and gets set to launch an attack. Like the preceding chapter, it was alright, but still more Kishi love moments about the Uchiha.

#577 – This chapter starts off with Tsunade about to engage in battle against Edo-Madara and she conveys her four unbreakable rules she set forth for Medical Nin's. We then start getting into some kickass action, as Tsunade nearly breaks through Edo-Madara's Susanoo defense, before the Uchiha attempts to kill her with a Katon jutsu. She's saved by the Mizukage Mei and then all of the Kage's team-up to take down Edo-Madara's Susanoo defense. We then cut to a totally useless scene with Edo-Tensei revived Dan learning about Tsunade being the Hokage. Then Kishimoto switches back to the Kage battle again. The scene switch made no sense and just destroyed the exciting flow he had going on in the chapter. The five Kage's appear to finally gain the upper-hand and seal away Edo-Madara.

But hey, Edo-Madara is an Uchiha and you know about Kishi's overriding love for them. So in the very next freaking panel, a tree root shoots up and impales Tsunade through the gut. Then we switch back to Edo-Dan once again killing the flow of the chapter. He starts bitching that Edo-Madara is unbeatable and the Alliance needs to find Kabuto and stop the Edo-Tensei technique to defeat him. I found this kind of ridiculous as how would Dan know how much of a badass Madara was when he was alive. Madara had been dead and gone long before Dan ever came around if you follow the timeline correctly. I guess it's just another one of the numerous inconsistencies that Kishimoto is famous for. Edo-Dan waxes on about Tsunade staying alive. I really wish they would just seal his deadass up and be done with it. The final scenes of the chapter are of Itachi and Sasuke finding and confronting Kabuto. A pretty good chapter which would have been great if not for the idiotic scene switches to Dan's character.

#578 – This chapter starts off Itachi and Sasuke about to do battle with Kabuto. You then switch back the five Kage battle and Tsunade survives her impalement by using what I can only guess is her special technique called Souzou Saisei to heal herself. I will say the manga translation I read did call it something else. The Kage's try going at Edo-Madara once again, but their attacks are useless. Kishimoto like with all of the Uchiha has made him so strong it's just ridiculous. Anyway, Edo-Madara decides he doesn't want to fight 5 on 1 anymore and creates 25 wood clones, five each to battle the Kage's. You then switch back to the Itachi/Sasuke confrontation with Kabuto. Kabuto tries to talk Sasuke into joining forces and killing Edo-Itachi, but Sasuke attacks him instead only to be halted by his brother. The two of them decide to take down Kabuto together ending the chapter. Overall, a great chapter, but Kishimoto has made Edo-Madara so insanely strong and it's so over the top that it just reinforces my belief that it's beyond the realm of even remote believability that the good guys can win against such overwhelming forces and when they do it will just seem utterly ridiculous to me when it happens.

#579 – This chapter kicks off with a bang as the Itachi/Sasuke vs. Kabuto battle begins. Kabuto has some sick snake powers and this fight is a lot of fun to read. It also appears that Kabuto has gained powers from past experimentation on all of the members of Sasuke's team Hebi. In which, Kishimoto attempts a "shocking revelation" that whack-job Karin is an Uzumaki. This actually doesn't really bother me that much. What did bother me is that now were suppose to believe that there's an ancient Sage land called Ryuchidou for the snakes like Mt. Myouboku is for the toads and Kabuto has been there and trained there to become a Sage. Eventually, we learn that Kabuto has surpassed Orochimaru in power according to him and he's become a Dragon Sage and the chapter ends there. A pretty good chapter, as it primarily was used to set-up what a badass Kabuto has become.

#580 – This chapter begins with Kabuto in full Dragon Sage mode unleashing some wicked attacks onto Itachi and Sasuke. At one point Kabuto unhinges his mouth like a python and is about to devour Sasuke, but It achi makes the save for his little brother. I still can't figure out how Itachi has eyes? After this, Kabuto is verbally trying to weaken the resolve of the Uchiha brothers, but fails as they recall a memory of working together when they were kids to take down a giant boar. Using the same tactics they took down the boar with only on a much larger scale using their Susanoo attacks against Kabuto. They do some damage to the former Orochimaru apprentice. The chapter ends with Kabuto in a stare down with Itachi and Sasuke. Overall, this was also a pretty good chapter with some nice action scenes in it.

#581 – This chapter starts with Kabuto questioning Sasuke about why he is siding with his brother, as Sasuke shares the same goal as Kabuto and that's the destruction of the Leaf village. Kabuto attempts to convince Sasuke to join his side because of that. We then get a flashback of Sasuke with Tobi/Madara and we learn the reasoning of why Kabuto turned out the way he did. Itachi finally speaks up and takes the blame for Sasuke turning out the way he did. Itachi says to Sasuke on pg 11 or 12 depending upon which site you're reading it on.

"Sasuke…..it's my fault if you became what you are now"

"I'm not really in the position for criticizing your decision."

"But now that things turned this way, there is at least one thing I want to say to you."

Then Kishimoto in an effort to piss off every reader he has, when you turn the page to see what Itachi wants to say you get…NOTHING! No, all you get is a shocked look of Sasuke's face, but the reader gets nothing and has no idea what Itachi said. Kabuto apparently didn't like what Itachi said and launches an attack. Itachi reveals that to defeat Kabuto they must pair the two most powerful Uchiha jutsu's Izanagi that bs jutsu Danzo used that changes an opponent's destiny and combine it with Izanami, which decides an opponent's destiny. I won't even try to explain these jutsu's any further; as I find them both ridiculous and just another shining example of how all-powerful Kishimoto loves to make the Uchiha's. This chapter started off great, but Kishi's cheap stunt of not letting the readers know what Itachi said and the two super Uchiha jutsu's pretty much killed it for me.

#582 – This chapter is a continuation of the Uchiha bros. vs Kabuto. It starts off with some good action, but then Kishimoto decides he wants to delve into what makes Kabuto tick. We then start to see through flashbacks how Kabuto's life unfolded. That's really all there is to this chapter. Overall, I'm curious to find out who, what, and where made Kabuto into the man he is so this chapter was decent.

#583 – This entire chapter delves even further into showing the readers how Kabuto came to be who he is. I have to give props to Kishimoto for this. I'm actually feeling some sympathy for Kabuto in the story, because between Danzo and Orochimaru, this poor bastard never stood a chance of having a decent life. So once again a pretty decent chapter as far as I'm concerned.

#584 – This entire chapter once again delves even further into showing the readers Kabuto's past and how he came to be who he is now. I was surprised to learn that Orochimaru was once part of Root. I have a difficult time believing he would be willing to take orders from Danzo. Like I said before, I'm actually feeling some sympathy for Kabuto in the story, because between Danzo and Orochimaru, this poor bastard never stood a chance of having a decent life. I have to say these chapters regarding Kabuto's past are pretty good.

Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with Hinata's confession to Naruto now reaching 147 freaking issues!

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Now I'd like to give a shout out to a couple of stories of quality work that I recommend. I urge all of you to check-out these fine works when you have the time.

Recommendations:

"For the Sake of One" by Notgonnasay09: This is a really interesting and gripping tale involving the members of Team's 7 and 8. A tragic mistake by Kakashi has caused Naruto to almost be killed by Sakura. Subsequently, Naruto is transferred over to become the fourth Genin on Team #8 (Kurenai's team). There he is able to form a bond with all of its members and with his Sensei. The storyline is very original and it has a great mix of angst, drama, and emotions, which makes it fun to read. The author does an excellent job with all the characters personalities and how they interact with one another. Overall, this is an enjoyable story to read and if you're looking for something a little bit different in a Naruto story, then this is one you should checkout.

"To be Wanted" by DeathofME18: This is one-shot tale centered around Naruto as Hokage hooking up with Ino. There some excellent dialogue and emotions in this story, but I have to warn you it also contains a very racy lemon. However, it is also a very well-written lemon as well. So if you don't mind some excellent lemony goodness in a story, then this is a one-shot that is definitely worth checking out.

Now please be kind and leave precious valuable reviews on these stories.

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As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can.

Take it easy and be good!

Kingkakashi

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School Time:

Conducive

Definition: Tending to promote or assist to a particular and often desirable result.

Etymology: Medieval Latin to Middle English 1520-1640a.d.

Part of Speech: Noun

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