I DO NOT OWN NARUTO/ NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, Edited
~ The Tower, Four Days Later ~
The crop of Genin who had remained successful so far were assembled in a large open room. Similar to the room they entered in, it had two observation decks, and opposite of the entrance it had a large statue. This statue was of two hands; together they formed the ram hand-sign, the universal renowned seal.
Surveying the room, Naruto looked through his fellow contestants. Squad '7' looked seriously shaken up, Sasuke was in visible pain, clutching at his neck. Naruto could feel the vile chakra emanating from that region, something that he'd only felt from Anko's curse mark and Orochimaru himself. But something else was different; he had this prideful air about him, deciding that it didn't matter now, he continued to look through the others.
Sakura's hair was poorly trimmed, lacking its usual lustre and glistening strands. It was clear that she had been in quite the scuffle. Sai too appeared to be quite injured, holding the right side of his rib cage. The squad were all quite dirty, likely they had just come from the forest.
The recreation of Ino-Shika-Cho was in no better position. Ino was covered in bruises, similar to Choji, Shikamaru had significantly less external damage. Naruto recognised that as a distance fighter he would engage less in hand to hand combat, though he was more drained than his teammates, his chakra levels were dangerously low.
The Sand trio looked bored. Temari and Kankuro were eyes forward, ready to listen to what was going to happen. Gaara was quite uncomfortable, arms crossed in front of his chest, he irritably set his gaze upon the inside of his eyelids.
The Sound team were in a significantly damaged state. Dosu, in the only patch of his face that was visible, was black and blue. A theme that his teammates Zaku and Kin had attempted to follow. Zaku's arms were in slings, crossed over. Kin stood on weakened knees, heavy and pained breathing was heard.
An older set of Leaf Genin stood together; Kabuto was covered in scuffs, cuts and bruising. His teammates, on the other hand, were untouched, suspicious.
Team Guy only looked moderately tired, Neji and Lee, though dirty and mildly beaten seemed to be more than ready to fight. Tenten didn't have the same aura.
Chojuro's Mist team had come through unscathed, Shio and Shiroi were slightly fatigued, but their more meek squad member was unscathed.
The team from the Hidden Cloud were alongside squad '7' as the worst looking squad. Omoi and Karui were bruised, head to toe, Kakui was in a much worse state, his head was wrapped in bandages, he had a crutch to help him walk with his also bandage, right leg.
In front of the assembled Genin were all of the Sentinels, Jonin-sensei and the Hokage himself. Anko, who many noticed seemed to be radiating a slightly more positive feel. Instead of the cruel smirk, a warm smile, her brows weren't furrowed in thought; her entire being seemed more relaxed.
Kurenai couldn't quite place it; the perkier look, emitting warmth was not something that the Anko Mitarashi she knew ever did. It had elements of when Yugao had finally had a date with Hayate. Her eyes widened slightly; disbelief clogged her mind.
The snake whore was in love, and with the evident happiness, one would imagine that the feelings were returned. Being the ever analytical Jonin, she disregarded that possibility; There was not a chance any of the people here today could be the one.
Anko couldn't have met someone out of the exams as she had to perform her role as proctor. In fact, the only other person in the room who seemed to be in a similar state of being was the blond Uzumaki. Though he was perpetually happy, the boy seemed to be allergic to negative feelings.
Kurenai had immensely enjoyed her extra training with the separated Genin. He was eager to learn, and through that drive, she had begun pushing herself even further. The boy, without his knowledge, drew people to him, silently demanding that they keep up and walk beside him.
While she had initially been reserved about him, especially after not returning Hinata's feelings, she had come to quite like him. He would cry out about being Hokage as much as he used to, but it was still his main point of call.
His drive for success hinged upon him becoming Hokage, and with some realisation, she believed he could actually do it. Sparring with her team, his level at his age was immense. That, with his knowledge and proficiency of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, he could only improve.
Returning to her original line of thought, she inwardly chuckled at the ridiculousness of that possibility. Sure, they were alike, scarily to some degree, but Kurenai couldn't see it coming to fruition. That and the boy was half the other's age.
Turning her attention back to the cheery proctor to listen in as she spoke. "First of all, congratulations on finishing the second exam!" Anko called out to the group through the microphone headset.
Her thoughts varied from her speech. 'Huh, there were seventy-eight ninja who took that exam; frankly, I'm astounded that twenty-eight passed. Naruto-kun's trick with squad '8' was hilarious, none of those idiot sentinels knew what to do. I mean, twenty minutes!'
Squad '10' looked on in disappointment, recognising the still large size of their competition. All heard comments about how much of a drag it all was.
The Jonin's mumbled between each other, one of the more exciting conversations was between the 'eternal rivals'. "I see your team and younger brother didn't do too bad Kakashi; they must have gotten real lucky."
"I'm not sure about that, Naruto-kun and his team completed the test in twenty minutes. My team came across problems that even I couldn't handle, so maybe they were lucky." Kakashi returned, Just like recently, the tone was not of a competitive nature but gentle and warm.
"Well! In that case, you should return to training diligently! I can help you with that!" Guy gave his best smile. "Of course, with my team still around, your team is doomed to failure. After all, what matters on the next test is ability, and we've got you far out-classed. Well, I guess a part of growing up is learning to deal with heartbreak, huh Kakashi?"
"We'll see Guy, we'll see..." He jokingly taunted.
The two chuckled. Guy couldn't get enough of his time with Kakashi, while he dubbed the pair as eternal rivals they were close friends. For many years Guy believed that he had lost Kakashi, though, one day he'd invited him for food, and they'd become closer than ever.
It was like a switch clicked and suddenly Kakashi was a different person. Guy didn't want to ruin anything by questioning the sudden change, though he guessed, with the man being given a Genin squad, the two were related.
"Alright, now pay attention. Hokage-sama is going to explain the third exam to you; you better listen carefully, guys!" Anko's words cut through the mass of ninja. Those close to Anko were further surprised, at the start of the exam she referred to the Genin as 'maggots', now they were 'guys'?.
Hiruzen went on to detail the history and true purpose of the Chunin exams. referring to them as 'representations of wars between allied nations.' Many ' quite grasp this, to maintain peace, Genin, just like them, were thrown in, ignorant to the fact that they are competing to express their strength to allied countries.
Being told that the exams were a means to publicise strength and draw in potential customers seemed to many as an unnecessary risk. While many were collecting their thoughts on the finer points of the exam, Gaara had become impatient. "Any test is fine, just tell me what the details of the exam are already. I can handle anything you throw at me." He demanded, clearly having little respect for those in higher positions than him.
"Very well then, now listen closely, I'm going to tell you exactly what you'll all be doing on the third exam." He began to clear his throat when a familiar Tokubetsu Jonin landed in front of his leader, down on his left knee.
'Hayate-sensei!' Naruto mentally recognised.
"Hokage-sama, before you do, please allow me, Hayate Gekko, appointed as proctor of the third exam to speak first." He spoke, his voice rough, the cough had done severe damage to him.
"So be it." Came the steady voice of the aged Sarutobi between puffs of his pipe.
Hayate stood up, still not facing them, spoke. "It's nice to meet you all and see others again." A round of harsh coughs halted his speech; this raised a few eyebrows amongst the Genin.
"There is something... I would like all of you... to do before the third exam." By now his coughing was seriously worrying the candidates, many thought that he might not even survive the day.
"Uhhh... We have to have a preliminary exam before we can move on to the real one."
Sakura was confused, so she asked the question on everyone's tongues. "I'm sorry, sensei, excuse me, but I really don't see the point. What's this preliminary all about? Can't we just move onto the third exam?"
The young all leaned in; they too could understand the need for an additional exam. "Uh, well, you see, The first and second exams might have been too easy. The fact is we never expected so many of you to still be here. According to the rules of the Chunin exams, a preliminary round can be held at any stage."
"In order to reduce the amount of candidates remaining."
"But is that fair?" Sakura once again called out.
"It's just that at this stage we have to speed things up a bit. As Hokage-sama said, a lot of important guests will be watching; we can't afford to waste their time. They've come to see only the best, so if there are any of you who feel they are not in top physical condition, now is your chance to..."
Hayate couldn't finish due to more coarse coughing. This led to many in the room to question his physical condition.
"Sorry 'bout that, as I was saying any of you who don't feel up to this now is the tie for you to bow out. Preliminaries will be starting immediately."
"We just barely finished surviving the last exam, don't we get a break?" Ino commented. "Man, what a drag." Shikamaru might have been more diligent in his preparation and training, but that didn't mean that he enjoyed conflict.
Seeing that no one else had something to say, Hayate continued. "Oh yeah... The winners will be determined by one on one combat, sudden death. So, like I said, if there is anyone who doesn't feel up to it, now is the time to raise your hand."
Hayate let the Genin decide on what they would like to do. Meanwhile, Sasuke's body had once again been flooded with waves of pain. All of it was emanating from the curse mark that marred his neck. The proctors of the first two exams, as well as Hiruzen, discussed the best course of action.
"It's just as I feared." Began the elderly leader. "What do we do with him?" Ibiki questioned. "We take him out of the exam, hand him over to black ops and let them keep him locked up," Anko answered, knowing first hand the devastation that mark caused. "We have to keep that seal under control."
"As much as I agree with you, he won't." The three turned to see the origin of the voice which just spoke, what greeted them was the boy's Jonin-sensei, Kakashi. "Your forgetting, he's off the Uchiha clan, he won't let-"
"I don't care what the heck he is! If he stays, he's a danger to everyone! Don't you see? If he gets stronger, so does the curse mark. That thing is feeding off his chakra."
During their argument, they weren't the only ones talking about the mark. Naruto could hear Sakura pleading for the Uchiha heir to withdraw. Anko had told him of the mark's drain, and its' ability to corrupt someone.
Sasuke while he wasn't as strong as the blond jinchuuriki, Naruto couldn't question his will. The boy was driven beyond belief.
The argument between the two Genin had descended into whispered shouting. He could see Sakura's arm was beginning to move; silence reigned, that was until the brush of clothing made it known that someone else had raised their hand.
Kabuto's hand was raised above his head. "Okay, you got me, I'm out."
"Huh?" was the intelligent response of the majority of the Genin.
Hayate saw this and began to flick through the papers he held in his hand. Seemingly coming across what he was looking for, he turned his attention upwards. "Kabuto Yakushi of the Leaf Village, right?"
Getting a nod, he continued. "Okay then, you can go ahead and step back."
"Gotcha." Was all the silver-haired Genin had to say before turning to leave. As the boy walked off, Naruto could feel his chakra; it was the same as it was before the exams, that and the fact that he had no external wounds. Naruto was confused.
Naruto didn't let the thought linger for too long, less competition the better after all.
"Seems to me I've seen that one before. If memory serves, this isn't the first time he's dropped out before a battle." Hiruzen too was cautious of the suspicious Genin. "What kind of game is he playing?"
"Anko?" asked Ibiki.
"Oh, right." She flicked through her own set of papers, once again landing upon those of Kabuto. "Kabuto Yakushi, says here, he's failed six times in a row."
Neither of the two flinched at her words, keeping their reactions to a minimum the old Sarutobi asked. "What do you have on his background?"
"His time at the academy is not what you'd call impressive, average grades, took him a full three tries to pass the graduation exam. As far as the missions he's carried out since then; there's been two c-ranks and fourteen d-ranks. It's not exactly a battle record to write home about, however..."
"Go on." Reassured the aged leader.
"There's something before his time in the academy,"
"Huh?"
"Do you remember the child, the one who was found after the battle of Kikyō Pass? The only survivor." Anko stated, her narrowed eyes were the only indication of her suspicion.
"I remember the story. It was said, a small boy was found among the enemy, dead on the battlefield. He was found barely alive and brought back by a Jonin from the Medical unit. Your saying, this, is that boy?" Hiruzen was sceptical, not only of the boy and his past but of the story itself, it always seemed off.
Kabuto proceeded to leave the hall, leaving many questions unanswered. Once the footsteps of the retreating Genin had died down, Hayate cleared his throat.
"Now then, does anybody else want to quit?"
Sakura attempted to raise her hand, only for it to be grabbed and brought down by the centre of her affection. Sasuke silenced her, stating that he was here to fight the best that he needed to fight the best. As an avenger, he needed to know how strong he could become.
"Me too." Omoi and Karui looked sadly upon their teammate. They had been on the bad end of a confrontation with a Sand team that didn't even pass. Their superior change in nature played a massive role, and Kakui ended up badly injured.
A blond Cloud Jonin also looked on, though there was no determinable emotion to her stare. This Jonin had drawn the eyes of many other Jonin since the beginning of the exams.
She had short blond hair in a bob, she wore the standard uniform for Cloud kunoichi, with a tanto strapped to her back. The main reason that her outfit could be deemed degrading and drew the eyes of most Jonin was her, for lack of a better word, massive chest. Her uniform showed a sizable amount of cleavage which definitely did not go unnoticed.
The Hokage puffed out a small billow of smoke before addressing Anko. "I'm still concerned about what Orochimaru said. Allow the boy to continue the exam for no-"
"-What?!-" Anko couldn't believe it, the mark was a weapon, one that was unpredictable and deadly, how could he allow it?
"-and we'll see what happens."
"But Hokage-sama-"
"-However, the first sign of the curse mark growing or it's power getting out of control you will step in and stop it," Hiruzen stated with finality.
Ibiki nodded in agreement. "Right."
Anko tried to find the words for protest but came up empty-handed. "As you wish." she ground out through gritted teeth.
"Alright then, we'll now begin the preliminary round. This round will consist of one on one individual combat, at full battle intensity. This is not an exercise. There are twenty-six of you remaining, so that means there will be thirteen matches. The surviving candidates from these ten matches will advance to the third exam."
"As for the rules, there are none; you will fight until one dies or concedes defeat or is rendered physically incapable of continuing the contest. Naturally, those who are losing are urged to concede defeat promptly to avoid a fatal outcome."
"Furthermore, I'm given a certain level of leeway on the matches; I might occasionally intervene if a match seems hopeless, to save as many lives as possible. Now it's time to reveal what fate has been chosen for you."
He looked up and gestured to the top left slate behind the statue, it began to rise, uncovering a screen.
"The names of each pair of opponents is chosen completely at random. Before each match, these names will appear on the display behind me, as there's nothing more to say, let's begin."
Naruto couldn't help but be amused at the lack of enthusiasm shown by Hayate. If it wasn't a sword, training or this mystery girlfriend, he had no interest in it what so ever.
"In a moment, the names of the first two opponents will appear."
The screen flashed yellow before beginning to cycle through all of the names of the Genin in the competition. Without notice, it stopped on:
'Sakura Haruno vs Zaku Abumi'
"Ha!" the boy chanted. "Even with two broken arms, I can still win this!" Zaku felt like he'd just won the lottery, he sobered slightly remembering her get the edge over him in the forest, but now, it was different.
She no longer had any hidden tricks, nothing to rely on whereas he had something planned. Sakura gulped, going through the same thought process as the boy without the knowledge of what he was planning.
Remembering the techniques he used in the forest, she determines that he was a distanced fighter, she recognised that she would need to be close to him to inflict damage. But, with his arms in the state they were in, it seemed as if the fight was for the taking.
If that were the case, even someone as proud as Zaku would be somewhat scared, but he looked just as confident as ever.
"Alright now, those whose names have been drawn, come forward." Both left the group, brushing past their competitors in silence, the footsteps of the pair rung heavily in Sakura's ears.
Hayate Held out his arms and looked between the pair. "You have been chosen for the first match, Sakura Haruno and Zaku Abumi. Are there any objections?"
Zaku smirked, "None here." He stated confidently. Sakura only managed a weak nod in agreement. To many, this would be an exciting match, a cripple who was more physically adept against a ninja who was physically inferior.
It appeared at if it would be a close match.
"Uh... alright then, let's begin the first match. Okay, everyone other than the two opposing candidates will now clear the area and move to the upper level."
The other Genin all migrated to the two observation decks, the four junior Leaf Genin teams moving to one and Kabuto's as well as the foreign teams situating themselves on the other.
"Then, if your ready, let the first match begin."
No one moved a muscle, apart from Zaku. His smirk morphed into a sinister grin. "Show me what you got Pinky!" He shouted. This knocked Sakura out of her fear-induced stupor.
In response, Sakura raced through the seals:
Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog
"Clone Jutsu!"
She was flanked by five replications of her, two on one side and three on the other. They ran at Zaku, their lines overlapped, the mesmerising display disorientated the Sound Genin. As Zaku lost the Original in the crowd, the Sakura's went through the second set of seals.
Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, Snake.
"This again?" Zaku cried. "Your just a one-trick pony, huh?"
The five Sakura all leapt into the air, Zaku waited, as the Sakura's closed in he crouched, preparing himself. Once he saw they were in range, he swiped his leg through the clones, as they fazed out of existence, one could see the confusion written on Zaku's face.
"Huh?" Zaku fully expected for his leg to come into contact with the real Sakura.
"Where are-"
The crippled Genin was cut short by a sweeping kick that took out his legs. "What?!"
While he was falling, he tried to gain a grip on the kunoichi. As his hands' came into contact with her wrists, Sakura disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
When the smoke cleared, everyone saw Zaku hugging a log. "What's going on?!" Zaku cried.
Ripping his eyes away from the log in his hands, he looked around. Wherever he looked, he couldn't see the pink-haired girl.
"Up here!"
turning to meet the voice, he saw a smirking Sakura. "Cha!"
~ The Observation Deck ~
"Woohoo! Go, Sakura-chan!" Lee cheered.
"When did Forehead get so good?" Ino asked. Shikamaru tilted his head to look at his teammate. "You did see her fight in the forest?"
Ino at least had the decency to look a little sheepish. "Ah, right. But, she was never like this!"
"Indeed," Kurenai spoke. "Though she is the kunoichi of the year. Is it not expected?" Kurenai did not like female ninja who paraded about and chased after boys. On top of already risking their comrades due to their lack of skill, they were degrading to all kunoichi.
"Relax Kurenai-chan." Asuma breathed out. "They're still only rookies you know?"
"I was at this level when I was nine; I was above most Chunnin level ninja by their age."
"But this isn't wartime; they don't need to be at your level." Asuma tried to reason. "That is why people get killed, making excuses gets people killed. Look at Kiba, he isn't the strongest, but he definitely isn't weak, he is someone you can rely on."
Asuma tried to argue, but he was beaten to the punch. "Kurenai-sensei is right; Sakura is putting on an impressive display with her knowledge of the academy Jutsu."
They looked over at the person who just spoke.
"You're contradicting yourself," Asuma stated. "You didn't let me finish; they are academy Jutsu, the substitution Jutsu is likely the only one of the three with proper applications."
"True, she is resourceful, but I can hazard a guess that both of you knew much more devastating techniques at her age. Both of you would have mopped the floor with her at her age, am I correct?"
Holding his finger up, the gruff Jonin attempted to combat it, finding that he was correct he dropped his head in resignation.
"Furthermore, take Ino, her clan's techniques do not lend themselves to do combat; we all know of their ability in T&I. So Ino, on top of clan training has trained to a level in which combat wise she outshines Sakura. I believe that Kurenai-sensei is just disappointed in the current state of graduating female ninja."
Kurenai gave a thankful look towards Naruto as she nodded. "Otherwise, it does seem that Sakura has really changed, she looks like she has realised what is expected of her."
Kakashi smiled at the interaction; Naruto was becoming more and more like his father every day. Not today he wasn't like his mother, he was the perfect mix of the pair, the knowledge and skill of his father and the drive of his mother.
Sakura was another topic that gave him a reason to smile. He had forced her to train as it was clear that she wouldn't outside of team training. Now, it seemed that she might have the drive to further her own practice.
~ Sakura vs Zaku ~
Just before she could make contact with Zaku, he tore his left hand free from the sling. Exposing his palm, he screamed.
"Slicing Sound Waves!"
A torrent of wind impacted Sakura, launching the back into the air. Spinning like a top, she began to fall back down to earth. Unable to steady herself, she fell.
Zaku, who was underneath her, brought his clenched left fist up, the uppercut connected with Sakura's stomach. Droplets of blood escaped her mouth as the wind was knocked out of her.
Opening his palm as he gripped her qipao dress, he launched her away. Rolling to a halt Zaku smirked. "I actually needed my arm to fight you, now that I have, it's over."
"No. I won't be weak again!"
"Don't kid yourself! You'll always be weak!" Sakura ran at Zaku, drawing back her fist to strike him. Zaku seemed to watch her attack in slow-motion, sliding to her side, countering her move by driving his fist into the side of Sakura's head.
Everyone winced as Sakura was knocked off her feet. "Proctor, call the match, she can't win."
Sakura barely managed to drag herself to her feet. "No! I'm not beaten yet."
Zaku couldn't believe it; this girl seemed to want to be beaten up. He growled. "Fine, I'll make sure that you don't get up."
Running towards his opponent, he crashed the ball of his foot into her ribs. The unmistakable sound of her ribs cracking made a lot of the Leaf Genin became worried.
Sakura though wore the pain like a medal, refusing to give in as Zaku ran around her and drove his knee into her back. More sounds of bones breaking echoed around the room.
Hayate had seen enough; there was no way that Sakura was in any state to continue. "I'm concluding this match, the winner, Zaku Abumi."
Zaku, who was inches from taking out her ankles stopped. Smirking as he stood up, he looked up to meet Sakura's empty gaze, lost in the pain she just stood there. Reaching up to her forehead, he poked the centre of it.
Like a domino, she toppled. Falling in an undignified heap. "Medic!" Hayate called out. "Zaku Abumi, please make your way upstairs."
Without acknowledgement, the boy trudged off.
~ Observation Decks ~
"I'm going to kill him." Ino's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.
"Then you better win your fight." Came the reply, Naruto voice seemed amused even with the outcome. Internally,e only holding the pair up Naruto too was aggravated, Zaku appeared to want to severely injure Sakura, not just for the battle but for personal satisfaction.
Ino nodded in response.
"I'm going to go check on my Sakura-chan," Kakashi stated worryingly. "I need to make sure that she is okay." No one would restrict that luxury, Kakashi indeed seemed scared that she might not be okay.
"Sakura was really good!" Bellowed Choji. "Indeed, Ugly, fought quite well, considering." To those who had spent time with Sai, they recognised it as a compliment. The idea of speaking, let alone positive feedback was alien to the pale boy.
"What was that?!" Ino screamed. "Sure, you might be cute, but that doesn't give you the right to talk about her like that!"
Sai looked scared for a second, then remorseful as he reached into his back pocket. "Sorry," He spoke, looking at Ino before turning to the notebook he had plucked from his pouch. "I read that to appear nice and 'friendly', to make friends and meaningful bonds, one should compliment others."
"That wasn't a compliment!"
Sai hung his head. "Sorry, I'm new to this." He admitted sorrowfully. Ino's anger mildly subsided, changing to confusion. She looked to the two people still there who had spent time with the inept boy.
The boys had their heads in their hand, picking up on the cue's she realised that it was a common occurrence. "Look, if you spent less time reading your book, you might know what a compliment was." Ino huffed as she turned to look down at the empty arena.
On the other deck, the Sound Genin were conversing. "So it was a ploy, you actually had movement in one arm." Dosu stated knowingly."
"Almost," Zaku responded, his right arm began to tense as it pulled itself out of the sling. "I have movement in both my arms; she never stood a chance."
Kin smirked. "You're so cruel, how I envy you."
"Moving on to the second contest," Hayate looked up at the panel. "The names for the nest two contestants will now be chosen."
The monotonous 'beep' as the names cycled drew everyone's attention.
'Sasuke Uchiha vs Shio Kawahashi'
Sasuke smirked. 'They sure don't mess around, do they?' He thought, initially surprised by how quickly he'd been given his match. Neither opponent knew anything about each other.
Chojuro looked at his female teammate, while they had guided to pursue the boy who wielded the Executioner's blade, they were told of the Uchiha boy and his clan's ruthlessness.
"Please be careful." He said meekly. "Of course, I've got to be there to cheer you on after all." Smiling warmly, Chojuro ducked his head, attempting to hide behind his teammate to, his cheeks once more taking on a warmth.
Said teammate looked at Shio. "You got it, pound him into the ground, show him what it's like to fight a Ninja of the Hidden Mist." He said confidently.
"Will do." She replied cheerfully.
Sasuke pushed himself off the rail heard a clearing of a throat, looking over his shoulder, he saw the familiar ponytail of gold locks. "You better win out there Sasuke-chan." He said jokingly, Sasuke scowled at the suffix. "But seriously, I want to fight you in the finals so don't lose it here."
Sasuke smirked. "Don't worry loser, I'm looking forward to embarrassing you in front of everyone, the crowd isn't big enough here." He replied challengingly.
Naruto nodded.
Both competitors found themselves facing each other in the arena. Hayate switched his gaze between them; this also had the makings for a good fight.
Sasuke rubbed the crook of his neck nervously, as his hand brushed the curse seal an unexpected wave of pain crashed through his body. He noted that the rushes of pain were becoming more and more frequently.
Seeing his discomfort, Shio smirked. "You okay there, you wouldn't be injured, would you? It wouldn't beat as satisfying to be the 'Uchiha Genius' when he's not at a hundred per cent." She joked.
"Whatever, let's just fight." He grunted, he had to keep up the confident act, any chance of winning weighed on it. "My, how impatient of you. Do you not want to spend time with me?" Her voice was thick with a flirtatious tone.
Shio was a naturally playful and outgoing girl that transferred to her fighting as well. She took after the Mizukage in that respect, both were aware of how attractive they were, and with growing up in the Hidden Mist, they would use anything to help them win.
In truth, she would never chase a boy like Sasuke. Too broody. No, she preferred the more upfront and happy boys, though there was a level to that, if they were too extreme, she knew she couldn't keep up.
Hayate coughed into his closed fist, neither of the competitor's eye's left the other's. "Second match, Sasuke Uchiha vs Shio Kawahashi, when you're ready, begin!"
Sasuke lowered himself into a more prepared stance, Shio, by contrast, raced through handseals.
Dragon, Tiger, Rabbit.
"Water Style: Water Trumpet!"
Taking a massive inhalation of air, her chest swelled, pursing her lips as she spat out a cascade of water that flew at Sasuke. Hie eyes widened, crouching to leap away, yet another pulse of pain racked his body which forced his eyes shut.
Clutching at his shoulder, he managed to pry his eyes open just in time to see himself be hit by the mass of water. Thrashing to stay afloat in the water as he was carried until he slammed into the wall.
Unable to move as the water continued to press him against the wall, he grunted in pain. "You know what? Maybe you and I won't work, I'll need a strong man, not one I can push around. Where's your spine Uchiha-san?" She mocked, turning her head to look at her teammates, she threw Chojuro a wink.
~ Observation Deck ~
"What's happening? What's wrong with Sasuke-san, why isn't he doing anything?." Hinata stated meekly.
"It's that mark, isn't it?" Naruto asked no one in particular.
"You are right, Naruto-kun." Stripping his eyes from the one-sided fight, Naruto saw the silver-haired Jonin. "Kakashi-nii-san!" He cheerfully called out before taking on a sombre look. "I'm not sure what you'll want to do, but I expect me or Pervy-sage will be asked to seal it after this exam."
"I believe I can do that; since when were you so adept in seals?"
Asuma, without missing a beat, lightly elbowed his fellow Jonin in the ribs. "What's that seal on your forearm?" He spoke in deadpan.
Blinking in surprise, he raised his sleeve to look at the Flying Raijin marker that was tattooed just above his wrist. Looking like hit just been hit in the head he came to the realisation.
'To recreate and use this seal, one must be incredible at Fuinjutsu.' He mentally lamented. To everyone looking, most did not know of the seal, or it's purpose they were unsure of what the conversation.
Kurenai looked to Asuma for an answer, usually, the man told her everything, he seemed to relent whenever she was involved. But, this time he shook his head sternly, this was clearly a need to know the topic, and she didn't need to know.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his head as he gave a sheepish eye-smile. "Ah yeah, sorry about that Naruto-kun."
Naruto face faulted at the older man. "Y'know nii-san? I thought I would be more memorable." He pouted.
~ Sasuke vs Shio ~
Sasuke was on he knees trying to evacuate the water that had forced itself down his throat. He knew that he would be at a disadvantage; the curse mark would flare up whenever he attempted to mould chakra.
Being unable to use anything but Taijutsu would always hinder someone, but this was ridiculous. The match had barely started before his opponent hounded him.
Hand on knee, he pushed himself up, he was pressed against the wall, breathing heavily. "Is that all you've got?" He cockily choked out.
Shio frowned. "You're not in the best position to speak like that." she dryly commented.
Sasuke smirked, Shio had stopped her attack to speak; that had given him the opportunity he needed. Shio saw his victorious grin and froze, what was he planning? It happened faster than she was able to react.
Sasuke blurred to the right in a burst of speed, preparing for an attack she whipped around to look behind her. Shio found that side of the arena to be empty, turning back to where the Uchiha originally was, she was met with a stiff knee to her stomach.
While Sasuke was weakened without Ninjutsu, he had trained to a level in Taijutsu where he couldn't be considered weak. Using the speed he'd developed from his training, he back up the knee with a volley of punches.
Shio, who had little time to react was doing her best to avoid the brunt of Sasuke's attack. Ducking beneath a left hook, she inadvertently set herself up to be slammed by a devastating uppercut.
Being knocked into the air, she lost all control of what happened to her. Before she could land Sasuke threw a high kick which made her bent uncomfortably at the small of her back.
~ Observation Deck ~
People watched on; most were quite impressed that Sasuke had managed to turn around the fight with pure Taijutsu. However, the fact that he hadn't used Ninjutsu was a confusing thought.
"Sasuke's in a tight spot, he might be in control now, but, I don't think it will stay that way," Shikamaru said absently.
"Why do you say that Shikamaru?" Kakashi asked.
"He isn't using Ninjutsu for a reason, that might be because he can't. If that is the case, his chances are slim."
Kakashi sighed; it was the same result that he came to when going over the fight in his head. "Sasuke-kun seems to have quite some skill in Taijutsu, is that from you Kakashi?"
The masked Hatake looked towards the spandex-clad Jonin. "We have been refining what he knew; he was already quite adept. We will work on speed to match his style."
"I see, he seems to hold the talent that made his clan so revered."
"He does, Sasuke is quite special." Kakashi agreed.
~ Sasuke vs Shio ~
The kick had propped her up, as she lay there, short of breath and in immense pain, Sasuke swung his opposite leg. Shio caught sight of the foot and gripped it at the ankle, as Sasuke recoiled, she used the momentum to return to her feet.
Both were heavily bruised and panting, even though she had been recently turned into a ragdoll, she had a confident grin on her features. "Weren't the Uchiha known for their Nin and Genjutsu; you don't seem to have any. It's a shame the last survivor is the black sheep."
Sasuke once again tried to vanish, but because he had tired Shio had seen it. Taking to the opportunity, she went through another set of seals.
Rat, Dog, Ox
"Water Style: Water Whip!"
Once again spitting a volume of liquid, this liquid was a lighter colour than the water before. It was also more viscous; it slowly formed into a rope. With an almost imperceptible flick of the wrist, the twine of water shot towards her opponent.
Sasuke, who was trying to make his way around Shio suddenly tripped up. Looking down at his feet, he saw that her whip had wrapped itself around his left ankle. "Do you even have your Sharingan?" she asked mockingly.
Before he could react, he was hung upside down. "What are you gonna do now? Hang me like this till I faint?"
"I'm so glad you asked."
It was uncommon for Genin to utilise multiple changes in chakra nature, let alone the opposite natures, so when Shio suddenly channelled lightning chakra into her whip, it was a shock to all.
Sasuke screamed in agony as the electrical discharge tore through his body. Unfortunately for both parties the curse seal acted as a conductor and drew a portion of chakra from the attack into itself.
Now, on top of the lightning, the curse seal was emitting its own pain. The seal activated, the black tomoe glowing red and started to spread over his body. Covering his left shoulder, Sasuke felt the rush of power.
"No, not again! It keeps getting stronger and stronger!" He screamed.
A Sound Jonin watched with a vested interest.
"C'mon Sasuke, do you want to lose?!" Naruto screamed. Sasuke looked like he would lose if he kept this up, anything to get him back in the fight.
That seemed to jog Sasuke's fighting spark; it gave him a moment of clarity to fight the mark. Growling in pain as the patterns receded into the original mark.
The sound Jonin was almost drooling at the boy, 'To fight off the mark, yes, you will be perfect.' The eyes of the Jonin were revealed to have slitted pupils, reminiscent of a snake.
Letting his control slip, for a moment, the Sound Jonin's chakra signature exposed itself. Feeling the murderous intent that laced itself in that chakra, Naruto and Hiruzen swung their heads. They saw the features and quickly realised who it was.
Hiruzen, as a man who had seen many battles did not react, after a few seconds, he took another puff from his pipe before letting out a deep sigh. Naruto, who didn't have the experience flinched as his eyes widened.
The Jonin noticed this but didn't comment.
Back with Sasuke, he had been dropped to the floor. The curse marks vile chakra had forced Shio to relent, it felt like a slow-release poison, leaking into her body.
Sasuke collapsed, as did Shio, her whip fell apart, forming a puddle on the floor. They were both at the end of their rope, the pair up was pure will power.
Sasuke was the first to react, using what little strength he had left to hunt down his opponent. Shio hadn't stood up, still lying down. Blinking she saw her opponent standing above her, he brought his foot down on Shio's knee.
A disgusting crack was heard as her knee-cap and femur were snapped like a twig. Shio's bloodcurdling scream froze everyone watching, ringing in their eardrums. Hayate saw this as the best time to step in.
"The match is ov-"
Before he could finish, Sasuke had brought his other foot down on her other leg, this time he mangled her lower leg, Shio's shorter scream was only shortened due to her passing out due to the pain. Refusing to listen, Sasuke prepared himself to stomp once more.
While his foot was in the air, just before he could bring it back down a sharp pain rang through his head before it all faded to black. Naruto had flashed to the seal he had placed on Sasuke; he then stood over the unconscious Uchiha in disgust.
Naruto heard a scuffling of feet; he could feel the hatred coming towards him. Creating two clones, they picked up the fighters and ran in the direction of the med bay.
"Bring him back here! I'm going to kill him! I'm going to turn him into dust and make him watch!"
Naruto looked over, preparing to fight the voice. He was met with a Mist Genin, the boy with the two-handle sword on his back. He tried to sprint past the original Naruto, as he did his collar was caught.
"Let me go Leaf scum! I don't care about the exams I'm going to kill him!"
"You'll regret it." Was the calm response from Naruto.
"I don't care! If you keep in my way, I'll kill you too!" Chojuro was fighting with every fibre of his being, doing whatever he could to get out of the boy's grasp.
Then suddenly the boy stopped.
Dead still.
Naruto knew how Chojuro felt right now; it was similar to the way he felt when Haku had died. So, seeing how still the boy had become, he loosened his grip and let the boy go. However, he didn't let his guard down.
A few more moments of silence passed before it happened.
As quick as possible Chojuro drew his blade, attempting to cleave Naruto in half. Luckily Naruto was still prepared, the Executioner's Blade met the Twinsword as sparks flew.
"I told you to listen; you will regret this." Naruto tried to reason.
"And I told you, if you keep in my way, I'd kill you too," Chojuro responded, his voice appeared calm but threatening. Naruto sighed, the sound of his exhale was masked by the 'poof' of the creation of another clone.
Before he could react, Chojuro felt the cold, hard metal of a kunai up against his throat. "You misinterpret what I'm saying." Naruto began, his words emotionless. "You would regret it because I would put you in the same ward as your teammate," Naruto growled, his anger rose throughout the words.
Even a few Jonin felt a chill run down their spine at the tone.
"Are you threatening me, Leaf scum?"
"Yes," Naruto replied, his face did not shift at all.
Naruto felt the moulding of chakra from several locations around the room. He stabbed his blade into the floor as he knocked the Twinsword out of Chojuro's grasp.
His clone kicked the back of his knee, forcing him onto the ground before dispelling itself. Naruto had guessed right, the moulding of chakra was for body-flickers as he and Chojuro were suddenly surrounded by multiple Leaf Jonin and one Mist Jonin.
"That's enough!" Hiruzen barked. Chojuro flinched under the deathly stare of the village leader; Naruto remained stoic.
The mist Jonin was holding Chojuro down with his knee. "Chojuro! What do you think you are doing?!" He demanded.
"But Ao-sens-"
"No, what you did was inexcusable, what Uchiha-san might have wrong, but that does n-"
"Chojuro is it?" Naruto interrupted calmly.
"What's it to you?"
"I am sorry for what Sasuke did; I will train with him personally until he realises the mistakes he has made. I can only apologise, but, if you threaten one of our Ninja again, as I said before the exams, you'll regret it."
Naruto spoke without looking back.
Chojuro growled, he was livid, how could someone do something like that to someone like Shio and everyone just brush it off? He fully understood Naruto's threat to Sasuke, but that wasn't good enough.
Naruto walked back to the platform, as he left everyone in the room let out a breath that they didn't know they were holding. As Naruto walked up the steps, everyone could see the unbridled rage plastered on his face.
"Well, now that is over..." Hayate breathed out. "Onto the third match!"
~ Observation Deck ~
You could hear the footsteps as Naruto tracked up the stairs. Naruto's features were set in a low scowl; he was trying to school his anger. Doing his best to calm down, he was met with Kakashi.
"I know what you were doing was right, but you shouldn't let them rile you up," Kakashi stated. "That's not it; I'm angry at Sasuke."
That caught the Jonin off-guard before he took on a look of realisation. "I mean, she was beat, Hayate-sensei called the match. But he had to go and do it again!"
"Indeed, I will definitely be talking to him about that; as a ninja of the Hidden Leaf, we do not condone what he did." Naruto's shoulders loosened slightly. "But there is also no grounds for punishment; what he did was entirely fair, while not reasonable, it was fair."
That did not help Naruto's mindset, so he grudgingly agreed. "Of course, Kakashi-sensei." The man sighed. He knew that Naruto wasn't not calling him 'nii-san' since he couldn't 'rightfully' punish Sasuke. Not because he'd done anything wrong personally, he would let the blond stew.
Remembering that Naruto had knocked his Genin out, there was no point trying to talk to him now.
The names flicked through once more; they finally settled on the third match.
'Neji Hyuga vs Karui no Pīku'
Quite brutal, I know. Please give feedback on the fight scenes, I'm new to them, and I'm not sure how detailed I should make them. The next few chapters will be the fights, none of them are canon original. Shio is based on 'Asure Fang' (Translation: Tide of the River's edge). She is based off, not is. Shiroi Rapiddu is a completely original character, (Translation: White Rapids, I know, how original)