Chapter 7: Finals

This is a pretty heavy chapter.

You'll see Naruto's conflicting thoughts.

I believe I hit the 20k word milestone. Only more to come, possible pairings will start to take place.

Peace.

It had now been 4 weeks since the Chunin eligibles had started their individual training.

Over the past couple of weeks, Naruto had noticed Sakura training by herself near his loaned training ground. Every movement she made, seemed tense and uncoordinated.

Naruto couldn't place his finger on what had her so rowdy. Maybe she was nervous, or that she wanted to impress Sasuke. All theories seemed likely, but paying a visit to her under the help of the receding Sun would be a good alternative.

Naruto planted himself on a tree just outside the open area of the training ground. He wanted to jump down and make his way towards her, but something tugged at the back of his heart. His childhood crush seeing her in person. For a moment the void in his heart didn't exist. The way her pink hair drifted along with her movements. The way her emerald eyes reflected the sun.

'Don't concern yourself with desires anymore. Don't forget why you are here. Love will only make you hate in the end boy.' Kurama growled a tad aggravated by the sudden rush of bitter emotion.

Naruto shook his head loose of past thoughts and feelings. His darkness returned.

He slowly jumped down from the tree , making sure she could see him approaching her in the middle of the clearing.

Sakura's heart stopped. The person that was her putting on edge, all her nightmares of what could be. The black haired, blue eyed figure shuffled toward her frozen position. A boy from her past appeared next to him in a mirage. An orange-coated boy with a foxy grin on his face, and his hands lazily behind his head.

"Hello Sakura, I couldn't help but hear you from afar." The impassive figure stared into her emerald ones and she couldn't help but think of the idiot, Naruto Uzumaki.

"Hi...what are you doing here?" Naruto remained deadpan.

"I was visiting an old friend through this clearing. His name is engraved on that memorial over there." He pointed toward the fallen shinobi memorial. Sakura couldn't help but keep her eyes locked on his chiseled face.

"I see. I don't understand how you would know a Leaf ninja." Sakura raised her eyebrow. A light tremble still had its way with her fingertips.

"We shared a painful past. Now we share nothing." Naruto grit his teeth for a minor moment.

"Who were they?" Sakura tried to get some kind of emotion out of him.

"Someone very opposite of who I am today. My happiness died with him." Sakura observed intently looking for a sign of deception, but she saw none.

"Anyways. I wish you luck in the finals, Sakura-chan. I hope your training was fruitful, otherwise I will beat to an inch of your life." Naruto took one last at her stunned features. Maybe his words were a little too harsh, but they were evident of the truth.

"Is that a...threat?" Sakura teeth clanked together.

"No not at all. It's a promise."

The minutes grew longer as Sakura stayed in the same place shaking. 'How could she have thought of Naruto in that moment? This person was nothing like him.' The mirage of Naruto next to that man, was just that.

Naruto also made another appearance at the abandoned Uchiha training grounds where Sasuke went over the finishing touches of a new jutsu Naruto had never seen before.

Naruto made his presence known when he entered the shallow valley. Sasuke and Kakashi stopped their fiddling, noticing the Cloud ninja approach.

The tall, brawny figure closing in on their position. He wore a dark ANBU style outfit. Black sleeveless shirt tight to his skin, accompanied by loose black pants revealing black and red laced sandals. He had two bandaged arms up to the elbow, and black conduct tape around his biceps. His hitai-ate placed lazily on the side of his head.

Kakashi fell back and stood in front of Sasuke. "A visitor? How nice. What is your reason for interrupting my lesson?"

"I came to say a few things and then I'll be on my way. I ran into Haruno yesterday. It seems the copy-nin Kakashi Hatake has clear favorites on his team." Sasuke glared at Naruto, Kakashi barely able to hold him back.

"Go ahead and say what it is you want him to know." Naruto looked passive, and a tad bored at the tense situation.

"What I have to say is directed at both of you in some aspects." Kakashi raised his eyebrow, confused as to why he was being targeted as well.

"First, Sasuke Uchiha. The Uchiha prodigy second to Itachi Uchiha," Sasuke snarled at the mention of his brother, "It is fortunate I was not placed on your side of the bracket. I'm glad I have the opportunity to severely beat at most three leaf ninja. First Sakura Haruno, then Neji Hyuga potentially. And, after I wipe the floor with another, that will leave me with, perhaps, you." Kakashi knew he wasn't joking. Judging by his preliminary performance, he was heads and shoulders above the competition.

"Everything has been given to you on a silver platter your entire life. Everyone around you has made impossible decisions so you could live the arrogant heir of the Uchiha." Sasuke was fed up. He barreled towards Naruto throwing three kunai aimed at his heart. Hateful growls escaping looking to draw blood.

The kunai hit, and a poof of smoke ensued. Another Naruto appeared next to Kakashi glaring down the back of his old teammate.

"Once again you have proven my point. Where was I? My whole life I have struggled to get to this point. I took advantage of every opportunity I was given. You have no idea the adrenaline that pumps through me every time I imagine the fight I could potentially have with you. I will disgrace you in front of everyone who has ever laid eyes on you." Naruto was on the verge of spilling Kurama's chakra. He quickly calmed himself hearing Kurama's words in the back of his head.

"Kakashi Hatake. When I look in your eyes, I see pain. Pain that only I can understand. Maybe, the loss of a friend, a lover, a parental figure, or a student. Maybe all." Kakashi's eyes fluttered.

"How could you know that? I think you have said enough Cloud ninja. It's time for you to leave."

Sasuke boiled red, hearing this lowly genin bad mouth him, his clan, Kakashi-sensei, and his comrades. "He's right scum, leave or you'll regret it."

Naruto remained unmoved by their passive threats. "As you wish. Before I go...Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke Uchiha, you will find that reality is often unkind to those who ignore it." With a sudden flash, Naruto was gone.

Kakashi and Sasuke scrambled at regaining their composure. The Cloud ninja was truly mysterious, a disgusting truth they couldn't accept.

The weeks dragged, but finally the moment Naruto had been waiting for arrived.

A filled stadium to capacity, not an empty seat in the entire building. 10 competitors composed of 3 nations stood in a row.

Bets were being placed, food dispensed, and finally announcements of the genin.

The Hokage sat on a high point above the crowd. Joining him was the Raikage. The Kazekage backed out of the arrangement, after the Leaf Village had gotten word of his sudden illness.

Sarutobi looked down upon the competitors. He eyed the Cloud ninja who Kakashi had told him, vanquished one of the Leaf's strongest genin in a matter of seconds.

Ino, Tenten, Choji, and Hinata sat a few rows back from the front. Choji was already chowing down. Shino and Kiba joined soon after sitting a row behind them. Sai stood in the back by the ANBU guards. He wasn't quite ready for human interaction yet.

The Leaf Jounin Sensei sat idly by. Most of their students had been eliminated by the foreign competitors. These genin were no joke this year.

Hayate readied his raspy voice and peered towards the massive wave of crowd.

"Welcome everyone to this year's Chunin Exam. I will announce the competitors based upon their original rank before the exams started." He coughed before starting again.

"Our 4th ranked genin, Kankuro of the Sand!" A few yells were heard but not incredibly loud. Typical of being in a foreign village, the fandom was not on their side.

"Our 3rd ranked genin, Gaara of the Sand!" Same occurrence as Kankuro.

"Our 5th ranked genin, Temari of the Sand! The three sand siblings are the first from the Sand to make it to the finals together in 25 years." A massive wave of yelps and woos were blurted from the crowd.

"Our 8th ranked genin, Karui of the Cloud!" The Raikage let out a roar, shaking the stadium with his bellowing. His guards follow suit. Another man to his left blurting WEEE!

"Our 6th ranked genin, Omoi of the Cloud!" Another distant WEEE! was heard.

"Our 10th ranked genin, Narui of the Cloud! This Cloud team was the first in 17 years to all make it to the finals." The Raikage continued his roaring encouragement while smirking at the Hokage.

The Jounin sensei all looked at each other knowing the ranking system had no reflection on his horrifying talent. Kiba was silent before he turned his head to the Leaf genin around him. "10th ranked my ass. Dude's a trained killer, you can tell." Kiba's nonchalant comment sent shivers up the spine of people around him.

Yugito and Samui, peered at one another before returning their gaze to the field. No words had to be spoken to know what the other was insinuating.

"Your ranking underestimates the worst ranked one of all. This is going to be a treat Hiruzen." The Hokage side glanced at the Raikage who showed beaming pride in his students. The Raikage couldn't wait for his face when he discovers Naruto's abilities.

"Our 1st ranked genin, the Hyuga prodigy and former rookie of the year, Neji Hyuga!" The stadium echoed with the screams of the Leaf locals. Tenten followed in suit with a loud yell.

"Our 7th ranked genin, Shikamaru Nara!" Ino and Choji yelled the loudest out of everyone else around them when Shikamaru was called. The only response they got was, "Troublesome."

"Our 9th ranked genin, Sakura Haruno!" Sai smiled slightly. Sakura's parents pointed towards her and blew air kisses towards her. She dodged all the love and still trembled on what was to come. She looked down the row of genin to find the bright blue irises of the demon matching her eyesight. A maniacal grin escaped his passive face.

"And last, our 2nd ranked genin, The Uchiha heir, and current rookie of the year, Sasuke Uchiha!" The outside world could hear the screams of gamblers, fan girls, and shinobi alike. Although Neji's winning odds were the highest, Sasuke was a close second. Considering he was on the easy side of the bracket, a walk in the park tournament run should follow.

"Let's get going with our first fight of the day. Sasuke Uchiha vs Kankuro!"

Everyone sat back in their seats, but still on edge waiting to watch the Uchiha get to work. All the remaining genin took their spots on the opposite balcony view from the crowd.

The puppet master and the Sharingan beholder, eyed each other down.

"Fight!" Hayate flipped back to get out of the trail of the fight.

Sasuke charged forward revealing his crimson eyes with tenacity. 'Crow' appeared off Kankuro's back. He attached chakra strings and sent the clacking of Crow's jaws towards Sasuke. A small taijutsu battle developed.

Sasuke gained the upper hand with improved speed and power mirroring the copied styled Rock Lee. Kankuro exposed his hidden cartridges inside of Crow. Waves of poisoned senbon were released in the direction of Sasuke. Sasuke was able to gain safe maneuver through the senbon through his Sharingan. He charged through evading all attacks from the hidden weapons within Crow.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu," followed the voice of Sasuke as he leapt to the side of the puppet. A massive Fireball was guided towards the puppet incinerating it, and melting it at the hinges.

Kankuro abandoned his chakra strings avoiding the blazing fire. A brief hand to hand combat battle ensued. Kankuro was weak in taijutsu, Sasuke could feel his victory within his grasp. Sasuke delivered a chambered punch on the right side of Kankuro's jaw, sending him to the ground.

An aggressive attempt resulted in Kankuro's grasp of Crow's head. He released the Kunai at Sasuke's back. He couldn't move in time and the bulk, but the attack was avoided with a quick side-step. One kunai struck him in the shoulder drawing blood.

Kankuro took the opportunity to kick Sasuke under the chin, sending him 10 feet back.

The crowd gasped as Sasuke hit the ground with injury prone force. Sakura stood on the balcony, 'Get up Sasuke, you can't lose. You're the best genin here!'

Naruto let out a small chuckle and looked at his teammates who did the same. Karui added, "This guy said he could kick everyone's ass here. What a joke."

Kankuro stood over Sasuke about to deliver the final blow. "Sasuke Uchiha, confident but can't back it up." Kankuro brought his foot down on his head only to meet a lightning clone.

"What?! A clone." Kankuro searched frantically for the real one.

Sasuke appeared above Kankuro and delivered a forceful drop kick to the back of head. This kick dropped Kankuro unconscious.

"Winner: Sasuke Uchiha by KO!" Hayate called for medics to gather the puppet master.

The crowd erupted, some angry others not. The Uchiha prodigy almost lost the first round, and their bets could have made them bankrupt. Sakura and Ino finally released the breaths they were holding in.

Sasuke strolled over to the balcony like it was nothing. Sweat dripped from all over and his clothes ragged. "Good job Sasuke!" Sakura tried to give Sasuke a hug before being pushed aside.

Up in the Kage deck, a man with white hair joined the Hokage. The Hokage stood up to greet him after realizing who it was.

"Jiraiya, it's great to have you back. Glad you made it. The competition is eccentric this year. You never know you might see something you like in one of them." The Hokage motioned to the Uchiha boy.

"Well Sarutobi-sensei, If you are talking about picking an apprentice. The Uchiha would be my last choice." A laugh erupted from the Raikage.

"Very true Jiraiya of the Sannin, arrogant genius students are the least driven and least promising." The Hokage shot a glare at the Raikage but tried to ignore it.

"Glad to hear someone agrees with me." Jiraiya took a seat next to the Hokage and waited for the next match.

The next match was to start soon.

"Match 2 Shikamaru Nara vs Omoi."

Omoi casually walked to the center of the arena. Shikamaru was not too far behind him.

Omoi popped a fresh lollipop in his mouth and unsheathed his katana. Shikamaru stood with his hands in his pockets. He briefly averted his gaze towards the clouds and let out a huge sigh.

"Hey Shikamaru! Don't be a lazy son of a bitch!" Ino screams in the middle of a slight silence.

'Damn woman. Whatever let's just get this over with so I can sleep. What a drag!'

"Fight!" Omoi charged forward closing the distance between the two. Omoi knew the Nara clan was known for their shadow possession jutsu. Getting close would allow him to prevent Shikamaru from creating the necessary hand signs.

The metal of shinobi blades clashed. Shikamaru tiredly clashed defensively evading the ongoing onslaught from the speedy precision of Omoi's slashes.

'Kenjutsu is his specialty. I have to create space to get away from him. I won't last long this way.'

Shikamaru darted for the treeline with Omoi close behind. Shikamaru disappeared amongst the trees making sure he could think of a plan. Eventually Omoi would find where he was hiding so the plan needed to be speedy.

'From where he is standing now, the leaves can shield my shadow for about 3 seconds before he would realize that it was there. That wouldn't work.'

"I don't want to look for you but if I have to..." Omoi made a series of hand signs before he stated, "Cloud Style: Deception Beheading!"

A lightning bolt gathered on his blade before he made a horizontal swipe across his body. The flash cleaning slit the trunks of the trees in front of him in half exposing the Nara boy.

The tip of Shikamaru's hair caught on fire for a temparat moment. Omoi saw his hands together in the hand seal. Before Omoi could move a shadow closed around his feet.

Omoi couldn't move as Shikamaru walked in the direction of the Cloud ninja still holding the hand sign. "Hayate, I forfeit the match."

"What?! Shikamaru, you're winning." Hayate was confused by Nara's words.

"This guy has got me beat in a kenjutsu and taijutsu, I used up too much chakra evading the lightning flash with a kawarimi. If I back out now I won't get injured by surrendering the fight. I can only hold him for another 5 seconds." Omoi was puzzled at the Leaf shinobi, but ultimately accepted the free win.

"Winner: Omoi by Forfeit." Shikamaru got boos and trash thrown at him.

'What a drag. All I wanted was to sleep in and nap today.' Shikamaru sauntered back to the balcony before being hit in the head by a metal can.

"Lazy like that bastard Shikaku. HAHAHA!" Jiraiya couldn't keep his laugh in, even with Sarutobi staring at him unamused.

"Yo bro. I taught him that move. Looks like he can still improve." The man behind the Raikage rapped.

"Shut up Bee. At least he's still advancing." The Raikage nearly threw a punch at his brother writing down something in his notebook.

"Fool, you fool!" Bee crossed his arms before going quiet again.

All the Leaf genin and their sensei were on the edge of their seats for this next match. It wasn't like Sakura had any chance, they just didn't know how severe she would be beaten.

The crowd didn't care for the next fight. These genin were ranked the worst in the entire tournament. The only interesting thing was how built the Cloud ninja was.

Sakura jumped down from the balcony barely keeping her legs from going out from underneath her.

Guy got closer to Kakashi to whisper, "Ka-Kashi, you should watch with much youthfulness. You might have to intervene for her sake." Kakashi silently awaited the beatdown to come with uneasy anticipation.

"You can do it honey! Show him who he's messing with!" Sakura slightly smiled but the terror still filtered through her bones. Her parents had no idea what this guy was capable of.

Kiba got closer to all the Leaf genin who sat quietly afraid, "For Sakura's sake, she should just forfeit now before he wipes the floor with her. I mean he could kill her."

"Shut up Kiba!" Ino turned around pissed at the dog boy, even Akamaru almost whimpered at the scary blonde.

Sakura stood in the middle waiting for the black haired demon. "Narui, come down her-" before he could finish his sentence, an orange and yellow flash appeared across from Sakura.

"Hokage-sama, you have no idea the extent of this boy's power. He took out my best Chunin easily in spars. He even beat out his own sensei." The Raikage knew how naive the Leaf's leader was. They had no idea Minato's 'dead' son was Narui.

Both Jiraiya and the Hokage returned their gaze to the pinkette and the all black dressed genin.

"Kotetsu. That's the kid from the first exam. He's 10th ranked my ass! This Haruno girl has no chance." Izumo laughed, slapping his friends back spilling his sake.

A man with his brown hair and a scar slash across his face sat a row behind the two Chunin idiots. "Sakura can handle her own. I believe, ever since Naruto's death, she really stepped up. She acted like it didn't affect her, but deep down that's what drives her."

"Whatever you say Iruka. I got 10k ryo on Narui. If he wins the entire thing I'll be a rich man." Izumo responded standing up and whooting for Naruto.

Back on the arena floor Sakura contemplated forfeiting. But, no that wouldn't be acceptable. She gained new found confidence seeing theNaruto mirage standing beside Narui across from her.

"I suggest you forfeit Sakura Haruno. I will not hold back if you conti-," Naruto was cut off when Sakura angrily said, "Never, I promised myself my ninja way was to never go back on my word. A momento to a friend."

Naruto was taken aback for a second but then followed up with, "You're going to meet him soon."

"Fight!"

Sakura charged Naruto with a massive charged chakra fist. She was confused as to why he didn't move as she closed the gap.

'She's doing exactly what I predicted. It's too easy.' Naruto maniacally smirked as she closed in and threw a wild swing at his head.

Naruto dodged left and grabbed the back of her head. He lifted his right knee into her rib cage knocking her back with minor rib injuries. She followed with a wide elbow aimed for his kidney, only to miss as he flipped over behind her. He swung in a rotation with syncracy with his legs. A resulting massive back legged kick to her head knocking her back 15 feet back, and 5 feet off the ground. She landed with a thud and a pit made in the ground.

She slowly pulled herself back up to her feet, blood spewing out of her mouth. 'I don't even have to use any jutsu, she can't even handle simple unorthodox taijutsu.'

"Quit now Sakura." She angrily responded with a wild jab. Naruto grabbed her elbow as her hand passed his face. He flung her over his shoulder and back into the pit she came from.

Her cheeks were flushed as blood continued to spew from the sides of her mouth. She raised her head, despertelty getting on to one knee. She received a chakra infused punch to the ribs in response. Naruto could feel the bone break around his hand as he carved it into her chest.

"Kakashi, why is the Cloud ninja prolonging the fight." Kurenai and Asuma both knew the answer to the guy's question.

"The kid...he's enjoying it. He juices all the moments he can get out of it." They watched in horror as Sakura continued to keep standing on her feet receiving the brutal beatdown.

"You have no idea who you're facing, do you Sakura. Look into my eyes." Sakura kept seeing the mirage of the knucklehead ninja Naruto next to him.

"I don't know who you are." Sakura received another flying knee to the head. Hayate was nearing his end, If she didn't start throwing punches soon, he was going to stop the fight.

He grabbed Sakura by her hair and pulled her to his face, "I gave you roses on your eleventh birthday. You threw them back in my face and beat me like a drum." Sakura met with his eyes, the hatred brewing in them. She didn't know who he was still. She couldn't remember, her head was still ringing.

"This will give some time to think about it. Sweet dreams Sakura-chan." Four shadow clones appeared beside him. Naruto threw Sakura into the air and vanished. The clones kicked her higher and higher one by one. She was about 20 feet off the ground when Naruto appeared above her. A driving force shouldered into her back, folding her an awkward way. She then was sent to the ground at the speed of sound. She hit the ground viscously and the whole stand shook.

She wasn't getting up anytime soon. "Winner: Narui by KO"

Kakashi Shunshin to her unconscious body. Naruto had already turned his back and started walking away nonchalant. Kakashi stood in shock, Sakura was barely breathing, getting beaten so severely. 'He wasn't lying when he told Sasuke and I about his plans for us.'

A medic team rushed out from the tunnel adjacent to their position with a stretcher. The medin ninjas on scene already applied life saving treatment on her.

"She has multiple broken ribs, severe contusions in her face, neck, and midsection. Internal bleeding can be seen in multiple places. We need to get to an emergency room right now."

Sakura's parents, friends, and locals all stood silent at the horrific scene in front of them. Ino was crying, Choji stopped eating, and even Shino was uprooted. Kiba looked on at the possibility that, that could've been him.

The Hokage and Jiraiya were disturbed at what just took place. The Cloud ninja severely beat one of their own. Of course it wasn't his fault that she didn't yield. The fight felt too personal, like there was something behind the scenes.

The Raikage broke the silence and said, "He hasn't even shown his arsenal yet. You're in for a bitter treat."

"Lord Raikage, who is this boy? He doesn't even look like a genin." The Hokage turned abruptly.

"He is my soon to be successor if he keeps up this tenacity and feral fighting style!" He laughed rudely at the girl getting dragged away on the stretcher.

The Hokage looked down again at the girl, and then again at the boy. The look in his eye is the cold blue orbs, so familiar, yet so vague as well. There was no remorse on his face. The only visible emotion and twitches he saw was an eerie darkness.

The Hokage grabbed the Toad Sage's shoulder. "I want you to keep tabs on that kid. ANBU presence should be around him 24/7."

Jiraiya nodded and left the booth. The scene he witnessed was like a predator playing with his prey.

Naruto entered the dead-silent booth. No one dared to say a word to him. His own teammates focused on something else beside him. 'I guess the feeling of being isolated never truly goes away, Kurama.' Everyone was thinking the same exact thing, 'This guy is insanely strong, and equally terrifying.'

'Yes...a small price to pay for salvation. Your hatred is far stronger than anyone's love, it will change the world one day. I believe in it.' The Fox sensed a great change within Naruto. Nothing could be attained if he didn't have as strong will. That meant even destroying those he used to care about at a point in time.

The next match was about to begin. The stadium returned to it's previous rowdiness.

"Neji Hyuga vs Temari"

A long range type vs a close range taijutsu specialist.

"Fight!"

Neji fought through the first wind blasts by sheer will. The cuts he was suffering were not pleasant. He decided that he would have to think of an ulterior plan to get close without being blasted into pieces.

Wild wind swings kept coming in at the Hyuga prodigy who pressed forward. Several chakra rotations were used to deflect high capacity Wind releases. The Suna kunoichi was wearing herself out trying to keep their gap as far as her wind attacks could reach. Her chakra was being wasted trying to keep him away.

The Hyuga was also fuming knowing his chakra was being drained with every rotation he used. He decided the next attack that came his way he'd have to muscle through if he wanted to land the Eight Trigrams: 64 Palms technique.

"Wind Style: Air Current Wild Dance!" Temari's fan made a massive funnel towards Neji. Neji never liked taking chances, he tended to be a methodical thinker. But he knew that he had no attacks that could reach her that far.

The wind hit Neji with a devastating thud to his stomach. He held his breath to relieve him of the pain. He still tumbled forward towards the huffing girl. Sweat dripped from both of their foreheads, but the scratches and injuries had only reached Neji.

"Your fate has been decided. Eight Trigrams: 64 Palms!" Neji's attack circumference just reached the Suna kunoichi. She was hit with destructive chakra force. As he kept counting up towards 64, the pain grew worse and worse until she fell limp and paralyzed by the coil outage in her body.

She couldn't move. Neji assumed his victory when Hayate declared the fight over.

"Winner: Neji Hyuga by TKO"

The crowd loved the action. She seriously gave him a run for his money, but in the end, she used too much chakra on useless attacks. It cost her the match, she had every advantage, and Neji played perfectly to her weaknesses.

Tenten cheered for Neji, going pretty fangirlish. Even Hinata and Ino took notice of her sudden obsession with Neji. "What?! I'm just happy for him." Tenten let out a nervous chuckle before sitting back down red-faced and embarrassed.

Ino whispered to Hinata, "What's up with twin buns here?" Hinata quietly answered back, "Isn't the same with you and Sasuke, Ino?" Ino's blood rushed to her head. She fell right into her own trap. Hinata sighed, 'I used to feel the same way about Naruto. There's no reason to judge.'

The next match was set to begin after Temari was cleared from the field.

"Next match is Karui vs Gaara!"

Karui evaporated at the sight of the unsteady Gaara. The bags under his eyes reflected his insanity. She could see the unrest in his head.

Karui readied her kenjutsu stance taught by Killer Bee. Gaara stayed stagnant with his arms crossed. His eyes thristed for bloodshed.

"Do you think she has a chance? Gaara is even tougher than we thought after watching his fight with Rock Lee." Samui glanced at Yugito who readied her reply.

"I'm not positive. Karui has skill. But she doesn't have the speed of Rock Lee." Yugito responded with her hands on her hips.

"Fight!"

Karui readied a jutsu off the bat. Gaara was very tough but not invincible. His san shield' ultimate defense was difficult to penetrate. His sand looked deficient against water and lightning style users. Therefore, she met 50% of the criteria needed to penetrate the defensive capabilities of the sand.

"Lightning Style: Lightning Flash!" The bolt skewered his defense for a second revealing a small gap of sand in his midsection. Even after the attack, he didn't budge. He lifted his hand on his right arm and sent a wave at Karui. The speed was significantly faster then Karui predicted. With a quick dive, she evaded most of the attack before the Sand grabbed her back leg.

Gaara sent sand hail at the girl caught in his sand. Sand pellets beamed the girl, the thud of the hail silenced her movements. She sought for breath after the miniature but heavy strikes at her chest. She laid still, a costly mistake.

Gaara picked her up by her leg and threw her into the nearest tree. Her figure destroyed the front part of the tree. She couldn't move, she was fading towards unconsciousness. Her eyes fluttered in an attempt to keep herself awake.

"Mother will have your blood. Sand Prison!" Before he could encase the girl Hayate ended the fight by rescuing the girl from imminent death by the Sand genin's hand.

Hayate saw the fight ending fast earlier on. Gaara had nearly killed Rock Lee, so he decided he would not allow another fighter to get seriously injured.

"Winner: Gaara by Proctor Stoppage!"

Gaara grabbed his head in anguish. Another person they wouldn't let him kill. His head was telling him to kill, he couldn't ignore it anymore. His rage was spiking.

Baki appeared behind Gaara and placed a suppression seal on him to calm him down. "Let's go Gaara that is quite enough."

Baki grabbed Gaara by the shoulders as his head slumped. Gaara was led back to the balcony where he would prepare for his next fight.

Hayate gave Karui over to medical nin and returned to the middle of the arena.

"Bee, what was that? Your student just embarrassed the Cloud. We are here to show our strength in the new generation of genin." The Raikage clenched his fists, and grit his teeth. Killer Bee stood back expecting a hit from his brother.

"No matter, that child from the and won't make it past the next round once he faces Narui. I can't wait for the tarnage to arise." The Hokage sat bewildered by the Raikage's praise of a genin. The Raikage was never one to be impressed by others' abilities.

"Well my friend. He still has to face Neji Hyuga in the next roun-" The Hokage didn't finish his sentence when the Raikage began laughing hysterically.

"I saw that Hyuga fight. He won off of pure luck. If that is the number 1 genin in the Leaf village, then he stands no chance against my best and most promising shinobi." The Raikage was trying to suppress his ironic laughter. The Leaf village was always gloating about how they were the pinnacle of shinobi life. He says their village is the most civil of them all, yet my best genin is dead unbenounced to them. The irony of them discarding this child only for him to soon blow up in their face. It was satisfying seeing their superiority complex crumble beneath them.

"We will give an hour intermission to allow the fighters to recuperate. The remaining genin are allowed to talk with their Jounin sensei only. The quarter finals matches will be next. The first match will be Sasuke Uchiha vs Omoi of the Cloud." The crowd dispersed as Hayate finished. The genin found their way to their instructors and their teammates followed behind.

Sasuke met up with Kakashi in the viewing balcony. Sai came from the medic tunnel, "Sakura is going to be alright. Congratulations on your victory dickless."

"Ch. Whatever, that was easy pickins. No sweat." Sasuke frowned and shifted his attention back to Kakashi.

Kakashi knew that Sasuke nearly lost. Sasuke was too proud to admit he could've lost. "Sasuke, you have to learn some time. Being too confident in yourself and underestimating your opponent only hurts your chances at winning. That decision making could get you killed in real battle."

Sasuke smugly looked onward like Kakashi had no truth to what he was saying. He didn't want a lecture right now. "Let's strategize, I mean isn't that what this intermission is for. I can beat all of these kids here, just let me know their weaknesses so I can exploit them."

Kakashi sighed before he opened his mouth and said, "Weaknesses hm. Let's start with your next opponent first. Omoi favors his right hand and right leg. He uses his right side of his body to pivot between all of his combo moves with his katana. Attacking his left side will throw off his rhythm. He matches your lightning style, so that is not going to work on him. Favor your fire style against him."

Sasuke nodded his head and continued to listen closely. "If you win against him, you will face Gaara, Neji, or Narui in the finals. Just focus on your next match, We will have another intermission after the winner of the second match fights Gaara."

Elsewhere, Naruto and Omoi faced Yugito and Samui. Naruto and Omoi split off individually to get separate help from their sensei.

"Narui, listen to me. Your next opponent is nothing compared to the first. That girl luckily made it into the finals, she wasn't prepared for someone as tough as you. I'm guessing you already knew that the way you're looking at me." Naruto looked directly into Yugito's blue eyes.

"Yes Yugito-sensei. My next is indeed a different caliber, he favors taijutsu. I will give him what he wishes. I do not intend to bring out my higher jutsu until I need to." Naruto bowed to Yugito before returning to the balcony the genin were placed at. Yugito inspected the boy. She still couldn't crack him, not a single personal emotion since the time they've gotten here. She knew he was capable of Chunin if not Jounin level fighting, but he lacked the conviction of companionship. Hopefully the Raikage knew what he was doing with this boy.

A few sections over, Neji and Tenten listened to Guy get serious for the first time in a while. "Neji my youthful student, your first match was fought, tooth and nail. I'm afraid this next match will be more difficult than the first. That Narui from the Cloud, is not normal by any means. Judging by the way he fought Sakura, the Jounin sensei believes he holds ill-will towards the Leaf village."

"I can handle a minor terrorist like him, even if he holds skill matching my own. His fate was sealed when I was chosen as his opponent." Tenten stayed out of the conversation for now. Her opinion was different from Neji's. Neji considered every opponent he came across unworthy of his presence and time. Treading like that on this kid could be a deadly mistake.

"Neji...I believe in you, my youthful student. Be weary of this foe, that is all I ask. NOW, GET OUT THERE AND SHOW THEM THE HEART OF YOUR YOUTH." As fast as the wise Might Guy arrived, he left just as fast.

Gaara was already on his way back with a brief chat with Baki. Baki told Gaara to expect the Cloud ninja to win. Gaara was thirsty for blood, but he knew only a sacrifice like Narui would satisfy Mother.

After the short hour, the crowd returned to their seats. The spark of excitement never left the crowd. They were ready for the best of the best, and they expected none less from Sasuke Uchiha and Neji Hyuga.

Hayate motioned for the next round to begin, starting with Sasuke and Omoi.

"Sasuke Uchiha will now fight Omoi!"

The boys face each other. Omoi popped a fresh lollipop into his mouth. Sasuke Uchiha was not going to embarrass him in front of the Raikage or his sensei.

"Prepare yourself Cloud ninja, this fight is nothing. You're nothing." Omoi was told by Samui not to fall for any low blows that the Uchiha was certainly going to put up.

"Fight!" Omoi took a defensive stance, unlike in his first battle and waited for the Uchiha to strike. In the first battle he had favored his right to show weakness in his left. But, it was all a farce.

Sasuke wielded the mighty Sharingan as he threw punches and synchronized kicks at fast speeds. He favorably attacked the left side of Omoi's body like Kakashi sensei had said. He couldn't understand why his defensive kenjutsu was so balanced if he favored his right side. Taijutsu should have given him the upperhand early, but Omoi stood strong and unrelenting.

'The Uchiha fel for the trick. What an airhead, ninja should be able to detect deception when they see it. The mighty Uchiha is not so mighty after all.' Omoi smirked, continuing to block the barrage of kicks and punches.

'I guess that leaves me with ninjutsu if he can match my taijutsu.' Sasuke started a series of hand signs as he flipped backwards and a couple feet off of the ground. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" A blaze was exerted from his mouth at high temperature and speed. Omoi evaded the attack with ease. Sasuke had lost sight of him, this allowed Omoi to get behind Sasuke and develop his own hand signs. "Lightning Style: Lightning Flash!"

Even with his Sharingan, Sasuke was too late on the defensive jutsu to block. A pervasive lightning strike hit Sasuke in the middle of the chest launching him back. He skid 30 feet and was driven a few inches into the dirt.

The Raikage silently pumped his fist, and cheered in his head at one of his genin's great maneuvers.

The way the battle was going now, Sasuke would have to pull out the newly developed jutsu from Kakashi if he wanted to win. Sasuke shakily got back on his feet, and a chirping sound was heard in as lightning flashes were guided to his palm.

Omoi though, 'If I get hit by that I'm done, that jutsu looks powerful.' Sasuke charged, narrowing his eyes, and anger erupting from his pores. Omoi couldn't keep track of him, the jutsu was being performed with higher speed then he had before.

Sasuke suddenly appeared in front of Omoi, his hand raised and targeted at his midsection. Out of pure instinct, Omoi raised his katana and channeled lightning into it. Because of this ration, the Jutsu was deflected into Omoi's shoulder instead of going into his chest and possibly killing him.

Omoi grunt and reached for his shoulder in pain. Sasuke spun once and delivered a massive blow to Omoi's groin sending him back with great force. The cheap shot to Omoi left him stationary and unable to move. Blood poured out of his shoulder, and he curled up due to the pain in his lower half. Hayate jumped in front of Omoi as Sasuke started the hand signs for another jutsu.

"It's over. The fighter is down. Winner: Sasuke Uchiha by TKO." The crowd cheered, but also a few boo's were heard after watching Sasuke intentionally kick Omoi's manhood.

"A village is reflected by it's shinobi. It only reinforces my opinion on the Leaf village watching that Uchiha fight. Dirty and dishonorably, I should have expected as much." The Raikage grimaced in sheer anger, almost spewing his hatred for Leaf shinobi after watching that fight.

The Hokage had no response, in some aspects, he agreed with the Raikage. Kakashi should've taught the Uchiha boy better than that. The hit was legal, but still dishonorable measures in it.

Sasuke shouldered the boo's, he didn't care, he wasn't going to lose to a nobody. He had to go to drastic measures to win the fight. These qualities did not reflect a Chunin, there was Honor in brawling, but showing disrespect to a beaten opponent was not honorable.

Naruto's blood boiled, just looking at Sasuke was working him up. His fighting style reflected his personality, what just happened was so befitting of the Uchiha.

"Let's continue. Narui vs Neji Hyuga"

Everyone in the crowd tensed with excitement. The way the Cloud kid fought there was no way that this fight was going to be boring. Plus, he was going up against the top rated fighter in Neji Hyuga. There was no way the prodigy could lose.

"It seems fate has brought us together, Narui of the Cloud. I am grateful to be able to beat you senseless in front of all these people, especially your Raikage." Neji raised his left arm and put his right behind his back.

"My ranking will only prove to you in the end, that fate will not be friendly to you."

Sweat dropped down Hayate's forehead in anticipation, "Fight!"

Neji wanted to keep him close. The thing he didn't know was Naruto wanted to keep it close so he could show everyone he could outmatch the Hyuga. The Hyuga was known for his taijutsu and close range ninjutsu, therefore, Naruto knew embarrassing him at his own game would be detrimental in proving his worth.

Neji lunged out, hands clashed and clapped as chakra energy released from both fighters. Every attempt Neji made to open up his opponent for more strikes was negative. Naruto went on the defensive early to frustrate the Hyuga into making a mistake. So far his plan was working, Neji was starting to throw crazed angled strikes at Naruto. These angles opened up potential hit points on Neji's abdomen, shoulders, and the top of his head.

Naruto took the openings with grace, delivering short concise strikes to each point multiple times. While attacking he weaved through the strikes thrown at him.

Neji felt sudden and intense pain in the areas he had exposed. 'How is this possible, my Gentle Fist has never been able to be countered, let alone deflected and used against me.'

"Surprised? Your attacks are sloppy. My strength far surpasses your own. I suggest you forfeit before you have the same outcome as the Haruno girl."

Neji raged at the words that escaped Naruto's mouth. "It is your destiny to lose to me, you were ranked as such. Now, I will show you how the Hyuga clan is truly superior."

"Eight Trigrams: 64 Palms." Naruto winced at the jutsu. He wasn't going to get caught in this, he had already planned ahead for this exact moment.

Naruto made a clone earlier in the match in between strikes from Neji. The brief moment Neji switched his stance the clone had made its way into the tree and stayed hidden. Neji didn't alleviate his senses like a ninja should, he stayed focused only on the battle and not his surroundings.

Naruto switched places with clones. His clone took the blunt of the attack which would give him an opening from behind to prepare his hand signs for a jutsu.

"4 palms, 8 palms, 16 palms," Naruto's clone stayed intact as the severity of strikes continued, "32 palms, 64 palms." Neji laughed knowing the fight was over.

The clone dispelled, and Neji grew angry knowing he had been deceived. He didn't notice the jutsu coming at him from behind.

"Ninja Art: Mouth of the Dragon!" A giant whirlwind of wind came swirling down on Neji. Infused into the wind was his fire style ninjutsu. The chakra combination would exponentialize the attack damage.

The Hokage stood from his seat, "Chakra weaving? That's impossible, it is a forbidden and lost jutsu of the past. Only Tobirama and the Uzumaki were capable of such a feat."

The Raikage laughed, spectating the attack to come, "The Hyuga has his hands full."

Neji felt the attack coming from just below his blind spot. The fire whirlwind was too fast for him to avoid. "Rotation!" Neji spun extremely fast in a circle, creating a miniature chakra barrier.

The intensity of the jutsu penetrated the chakra barrier just enough to deliver a heavy blow to the Hyuga. Neji's front side was scorched by the attack, and left blistering wind lashes across his arms.

Neji struggled to stay on his feet. The attack was devastating to his abilities. He wasted half of his chakra going for the 64 Palms. 'I was baited into revealing my strongest jutsu, how could I be so naive.'

Naruto appeared in front of Neji to finish the fight. Naruto barraged different combinations of strikes Neji could not read. They had no pattern, an unorthodox style that reflected the training of a self-taught ninja.

Might Guy was next to Kakashi watching the fight happen, "Ka-kashi, how could this happen? Neji has never been hit. This Cloud ninja is something else. Even Lee had struggled with Neji, and Lee is the fastest out of the genin."

Kakashi shot Guy a glance, "Lee was the fastest, now Narui is."

Tenten was on the verge of tears watching Neji get beaten severely to no end. 'Why does he keep getting up. Just stay down Neji.'

Neji was pulverized into the ground again. Gut-wrenching force demoralized his fighting spirit.

"No matter...I-I will...ugh...not lose to a dead last opponent."

Naruto's eyes scrunched with anger. A sudden burst of blue chakra shot from his body as if he was opening the inner gates. "Enough, fate has been decided for you. You're right I am a dead last, but this dead last is going to make sure you don't wake up for a while."

Neji was clutching his ribs, and narrowed his eyes as they continued to blur. His sudden outburst of chakra strengthened him, and the final blow was to be his last moment conscious.

Naruto crossed his fingers and summoned clones. The clones darted forward and grabbed Neji. Neji couldn't fend them off, he had no strength left to fight. The clones held him in place and he awaited the worst.

Naruto walked closer and reared his fist back and thrusted his fists at Neji's face drawing blood.

Hayate called the fight after seeing Neji couldn't protect himself any longer. "Enough, The Hyuga can no longer defend himself. The fight is over. Winner: Narui by KO"

"YEAHHH!" Kotetsu and Izumi got up and hopped around before high-fiving each other. "We're going to be rich Kotetsu!" Everyone around them grunted and slung their heads below their shoulders. Many best for Neji to win the entire thing were placed, and now those gamblers grumbled in shock and disappointment.

Ino, Choji, Tenten, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino had watched as the strongest of their Konoha genin was defeated soundly. "I can't believe it, no one can beat Neji." Tenten was in a state of disbelief.

"Your boyfriend just got his ass kicked, he almost made my defeat look acceptable." Kiba chuckled before a kunai was thrown between his thighs centimeters away from his crotch.

Naruto's clones released Neji, and he fell face first onto the ground in a pit of dirt. Medic nins ran to his side and rolled him over.

Guy quickly found his way to Neji's side. "Is he alright? I can't lose another student. Tell me please!" Tenten rushed from the spectators booth joining Guy at Neji's side.

The medin nins ran heir diagnostic in the position he was stagnant in.

Tenten turned around to alleviate her frustrations on his attacker. Share wound up for a punch as he was walking away. Naruto heard her coming.

He stepped to the side and allowed the punch to narrowly miss his head. He quickly spun and locked his arms around her, preventing her from punching him.

"What are you doing get off of me!" Naruto held her and did not let go. The more she struggled the harder it seemed for her to get out. They locked eyes as she eased up.

"You must understand. I did what I did in order for him to understand."

Tenten looked into his blue orbs seeing no deceit in his words. "Understand? What are you talking about?"

Naruto showed emotion for the first time. He knew what it meant to love, and seeing Tenten here, he knew she loved the man he just beat to a pulp. But his methods in doing so would benefit the Hyuga in the long run.

"It wasn't personal, I did what I did out of spite. He will learn that there are people in this world who have superior ability to his own. He talks about fate like it owns him. He has no idea what fate is. I was born with burdens on my shoulders, it consumed who I was. Now, I have determined my own fate. My purpose is detrimental to my existence. So ask him when he wakes, what does he want, what is his purpose?"

Tenten had no words, the pain this attractive yet terrifying boy could have shouldered. She didn't even want to think about the horrors he had to live through. His eyes never left hers, he was very invested in his words. She felt the grip loosen and they backed away from each other.

"Be careful with your love for him. In the end, all ties are severed with the opposite force of hatred. In the end, ties will only leave you lonely and groveling in a depressive state."

Tenten quickly scurried away hoping he wouldn't follow. She returned to Neji as the medic nins gave their diagnosis.

"Neji Hyuga looks to have minor abrasions on all his limbs, those injuries are not very concerning. He seems to have some head trauma, perhaps a mild or severe concussion. And finally, minor broken ribs. It will take some time to recover, but we deem him fit to return to full functioning activity in a week." The medic nins carefully lifted the unconscious body from the ground onto the stretcher.

Tenten shed a few tears before straightening herself out. She had to be strong for her teammates. Might Guy also looked gloom, 'Maybe they weren't ready for the Chunin exams. Or perhaps, not ready for someone as strong as him.' Guy peered over his shoulder at the black-haired boy returning to the viewer balcony.

In a dark corner of the stadium, a plant-like figure stuck it's head out from the bark of a tree.

"He is certainly very strong. The nine-tails Jinchuriki is coming along nicely. Leader will be pleased to hear the results of his handiwork. Hopefully he holds out for Itachi's brother, though I don't doubt he has already won these rounds of battle. Let's continue to keep our distance until this all over.' The white and black figure sunk back into the tree unnoticeably.

Uh oh Akatsuki!