Monster of the Leaf

by Seoras

One night beaten to the point of death Naruto is bought into the hospital only for the doctor on duty and Sarutobi to discover he isnt the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails; Cursed and frighted, escaping in a daring attempt at freedom he gains it by hiding in a certain forest, only to become a legend of terror, until his return nine years later during the Leaf Chunin Exams.

3. Chapter 3

Chapter III: Chunin Exams, Explosive re-entry.

! #$%^&*()

Finding himself in the Centre Tower of the Forest of Death, Naruto was stood across from the Hokage with a dark look on his face and making sure his fangs were on display in this case. "Ah, good you finally arrived. Good I've been waiting to brief you on the current situation."

Allowing a smirk to appear on his face a little while still gazing darkly at the old kage who was staring impassively at him with his hat shadowing his eyes somewhat. "I can't believe you old man, still after all these years. You're still trying to control me. Hmm, but let me make one thing clear. I despise this village, I loathe everything about it. The people I care not, what happens to them. The shinobi even less, I have no attachment, no love for this accursed village. Not even this farce of an adoption you allowed auntie to proceed with is enough for me. I will never come to this villages defence, for all I care this village could burn and I wouldn't lift a finger. I'm not becoming a shinobi for you or this village, no... it's a means to an end for me, a way for me to obtain power. So, I can travel my chosen path. And when the day comes that I cast off the Leaf Village you better make sure you stay the hell out of my way." He said darkly.

Hiruzen just let a plume of smoke out of his mouth and continued looking at the probationary special jonin, the boy cut an imposing figure, not to mention he cleaned up well, right now he was actually wearing some semi-tight black trousers, and red open toed sandals. His top was mesh under armour with a blue kimono top left open and a white sash around his waist to finish off the look. His headband, he had Tsugi sew onto the inner of the Kimono top. He wasn't to thrilled about how the Hokage was manipulating everything from the shadows. He also didn't like the idea of being used as a publicity stunt during the finals to garner more income for the village. But then again, he always lived by the ends justify the means. "Whatever makes you happy Naruto; but remember, fill out the proper paperwork. I'd hate to have to label you as a missing ninja."

Narrowing his eyes at the Hokage, Naruto rested his hands on the hilts of the two bone knives on each hip and continued to level a glare at Hiruzen who returned the stare without flinching away in the slightest. Breaking it off Naruto headed to the door. "Let's get this farce over with shall we." By then he had left the room.

Hiruzen just sat there and sighed. "What have I just unleashed upon the village." Was all he could think as he watched the angry teenage Uzumaki, whose chakra levels were larger than any of the ninja in his village himself included. "God save which ever soul pisses him off."

! #$%^&*()

Getting into the training arena of the Tower, where the Preliminary rounds would be held. Naruto looked around and saw no one was present at the moment. Moving over to the statue at the far end, he walked into the shadows it cast and hid himself lent up against the back wall and waited. He really hoped whoever he was pitted against they would give him some satisfaction and thrill after all prey that fought back made it all the more interesting for him.

He didn't have to wait long, the first team to arrive was one from the Hidden Sand Village, not that he knew that. All he saw was a blonde girl around his age, a strangely dressed boy wearing face paint and lastly a red-haired boy with a gourd on his back. Next to file in was a group of familiar faces, Hinata, Shino, Kiba, Ino, Chōji, and Shikamaru. Seeing the shadow user walking about was rather annoying but because he would have preferred not to see one of the people that was responsible for his unwanted return to the village.

He then grinned a little evilly as he watched the musical note shinobi that he had rampaged through walk into the hall being closely followed by some more Leaf Genin that he didn't recognise, although one of them was dressed identically to the elder shinobi that had been able to see through and name his Nukiashi technique. Waiting a little longer he saw Sakura walk in with a limping Sasuke and some pasty looking black haired kid with a considerable limp which was further accentuated by the splint on his leg and not to mention his right arm was in a sling and splinted as well.

Then there was one last Genin team that had entered the room afterwards which was a group of guys all wearing purple outfits. Dismissing them rather easily although the grey haired one of the group was rather off putting to his sensory jutsu. Staying where he was he waited to see what was about to happen, it had been a while after all since the Chunin exams had been held in the Hidden Leaf, with them having been held in all the other Major Nations and some minor ones in the previous years. To be honest Naruto was rather interested at what was going down. But what he really hoped for was another fight that would get his blood boiling and for more people to catch his interest and at the rate he was going he might start having to write a list out of people he would want to fight.

As he stood hidden in the shadow of the wall by the statue, Naruto didn't so much as bat an eye when all the Sensei appeared and lined up in front of the two clasped stone hands, while the exam proctors stood further in front flanking the Old Hokage.

While he was there he did smirk a little, it seemed Anko looked a little tender and was slightly hunched over, it seemed he had hurt her a little more than he thought, but what did he care. If she was going to aim for his head and neck and other vitals, well he would just go with pulverising her insides, as simple as that. "First of all, congratulations on passing the second round of the Chunin Exams."

'Oh, it seems the man who figured out my jutsu has a son in these exams, I wonder, it would be pretty fun to stomp him into the ground.' Thought Naruto as he watched the assembled Genin, although his attention kept being drawn to the red head with the gourd on his back. He was just radiating with bloodlust it was intoxicating, he hasn't felt bloodlust like his in so long. Not since he was a scared little six-year-old hiding in the forest. He might prove to be interesting. Might even be fun having a little fight with the short round.

"Alright all of you pay attention, Lord Hokage is going to explain the third exam to you. Better listen you maggots." Anko shouted before looking at the Sarutobi.

Stepping forwards the old kage cleared his throat. "First of all, before I tell you what the third exam entails..." he then looked at Sai the boy with a splinted leg and arm. "Sai, while it is admirable you came, I'm afraid the medical ninja who saw you just before entering has made it clear you are in no fit state to fight or compete any further. That being said, I have conferred with the diplomats and heads of each of the villages here being the Hidden Sand and Sound Villages and they have expressed that I am allowed to find a suitable replacement and avatar for yourself in the upcoming third exam, they would hate for mediocrity to be allowed to perform in front of the Daimyo's and shinobi heads that attend the Finals."

At his words, Sai nodded and hobbled out of line before being picked up by a pair of medics and carted off. Hiruzen who allowed the Genin a chance to talk for a second cleared his throat letting them know he would be continuing to talk. "He is to be replaced by Naruto Uzumaki, a Genin of the Leaf Village. For those of you with concerns, I can assure you he was tested rigorously before this current time in events, something multiple Jonin here can attest to."

Naruto annoyed that he was being hyped up by the Kage, allowed his own bloodlust and killer intent to radiate out from his bodies hidden position making many of the Genin uncomfortable and look in the direction of the source. The Red-headed sand ninja allowed a small malicious smile to form as he stared towards the corner where such bloodlust was making his mother stir.

The Hokage and other Jonin present ignoring the fact that a Genin had such a potent bloodlust shifted a little, it was rather disconcerting to have that much bloodlust and killer intent coming from behind them. Hiruzen clearing his throat continued. "Now also one other thing to address before I tell you of the third exam, I want to explain something about the test itself. It's something that you all need to understand, I'm going to tell you about their true purpose..."

'Colour me interested, what is the true purpose old man go on tell us.' Naruto goaded mentally as he continued to stare at the old kage.

"...Why do you suppose our country holds these exams in conjunction with our allies. It is simple really, it's to raise the ability levels of the shinobi and increase friendship between allied nations to be sure. But, it is important that you understand it's true meaning the exams are in its simplest form a representation of the battle between allied nations..."

'Oh, now that is interesting. War sounds like fun. There are more than enough people to hold my interest. And it would get me away from the village, just think of what war brings to the Nations. Hehehmhm, yes I like the sound of these Chunin exams more and more.'

He then heard a small girl with twin hair buns speak up. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"...Well if we look at our history, all the countries we are currently allied with. Were once neighbouring nations that continuously fought with each other for power. In order to stop each other from destroying the other military strength meaninglessly. Those nations picked champions to do battle on behalf of there countries, at a mutually selected location. That was how the Chunin Exams originally came into being..."

Sakura at that point spoke up asking a question, a valid one Naruto had to admit. "Then why are we doing these exams, it's not like we're picking Chunin to send off and fight?"

"...Well actually, there is no question that part of the point of these exams is to select shinobi worthy of becoming Chunin. That's just not the whole story. These exams also allow for a place where shinobi can carry the pride of their nation on their backs, and fight against other ninja for their very lives. Many leaders and people of prominence from various countries are invited to attend this exam as guests and also possibly to seek shinobi to work for them. This exam could determine the course of your ninja career from here on out. And more importantly watch your battles and take note of the strengths that each ninja and each nation is developing. If there is a gap in power between the countries the strong nations are inundated with job requests for their ninja and the opposite for those nations deemed weak. Therefore, the stronger the nation the better chances of negotiation with neighbouring countries. So, it is important to show how much military strength our village has..."

Naruto from his spot called out spooking some people who had forgotten about him. "Even so, why do we have to risk our lives for you and your village. It doesn't make any sense to me, but then again I don't have much attachment to this place."

"...Quite simply the Countries strength is the Villages strength, the Villages strength is the shinobi's strength and the true strength of the shinobi is only achieved when it is pushed to it's limits such as in a life and death situation. This exam is a chance for each nation to display the strength of it's shinobi and by default the strength of the nation itself. It is because this is an exam where your life is on the line that it has meaning, and it is for this very reason and for the strength of the Nation that your forerunners fought in this exam. It is truly a dream worth striving for..."

"Wait why did you use the word friendship before?" TenTen asked.

"...But you have only remembered half of what I said, you also mustn't have the wrong idea about the exams meaning. This is a custom in which balance is preserved by fighting and dying, in the world of the shinobi that is friendship...The third exam is a fight for life, the pride of your village and own dreams at stake...Now to get onto the third exam."

As he said that a man landed in front of the Hokage kneeling. "Lord Hokage before you do please allow me Hayate Gekko to speak first."

"Very well, do as you please."

"It's nice to meet you all. There is something I need you all to do before the third exam..." he then had a slight coughing fit before continuing. "Before we go on, like Lord Hokage alluded to earlier, we're going to have to have a preliminary round before the third exam."

Chuckling to himself Naruto was sorely tempted to jump into the middle of the group of Genin and roll through them just to thin the herd out, seeing as though that was what the Jonin was getting at. Hah it was laughable he would love to get his hands on the sound ninja, he had a bone to pick with them. Why he didn't kill them was beyond him. He hated seeing people he had beaten more than once it just wasn't right.

And as he thought there were certain people who weren't happy with the thought of a preliminary round and also like he thought Shikamaru was very vocal about the whole thing, how lazy could the Nara be.

"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 number of candidates remaining. While it isn't wholly fair on all of you, it's just that we have to speed things up a bit. As Lord Hokage 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 any fit condition to continue on like Sai was earlier, you are free to leave. The winners will be determined by sudden death single combat."

Naruto watched from the shadows still not feeling the need to move although his hand was itching for his bone knife, he could probably pick off a Genin right now and shave the numbers down again, it would be fine, nowhere in the rules did it say he couldn't make a pre-emptive strike did it. Naruto then paused as he saw Sasuke grip his left shoulder. 'oh he has the same thing that I have. Interesting, another curse mark user.'

He then heard Anko reprimanding Kakashi on the curse mark. Chuckling he walked out into the open surprising a few and making the Sound Ninja gulp and look in fear. "You shouldn't worry Anko, nature has its way of determining those who survive. His time will come when his time comes. But until then it would be more interesting to see what happens, yes much more interesting..."

Anko seeing the kid who had managed to slap her around a little bit the day before shot him a dirty look. "Tell me something do you really doubt everyone's ability to handle a Genin, let him have his fun. I can see it in his eyes he has something to prove. Yes, something to prove hmhmhmhhm." He chuckled a little before nicking the side of Anko's neck and using his Nukiashi to appear in front of her holding her arms, while the woman stiffened in surprise, he then went to where the cut was and licked the thin trail of blood. "Oh, your fear makes your blood taste so sour. Hmhmhmhhm."

Stepping away and not once perturbed by how some of the people were looking at him threw his hand up and caught the blade of his bone knife as it was thrown back at him, having been caught by Ibiki who was somewhat amused by the look on Anko's face at someone doing her niche thing to her.

'It was good knowing you Uzumaki.' The scarred man shook his head as he watched Kabuto leave the room.

Naruto getting bored again walked off and sat underneath the hands of the statue and yawned. Ignoring the looks he was receiving from various people.

! #$%^&*()

Having watched the first fight, Naruto decided it would be better to move further up the hand statue and decided to sit on top of the first set of fingers that he came across. It was all rather annoying really, the only reason he moved was purely because some dust and few stone chips had come and clattered across the stone floor towards him.

But other than that, he was quite disappointed with Sasuke's performance, it was all rather childish. Although he had really thought he sensed blood in the water so to speak when he saw the curse mark begin to spread. But his entertainment was ended prematurely when somehow being a virgin user of the curse mark Sasuke managed to suppress the influence it would most likely have on him already.

The second match was rather entertaining only because it was the Sound Ninja that he had stabbed in both arms in the shoulder joints. He was highly amused when the guys arms were blown apart because he hadn't noticed that Shino had clogged the modifications in his arms. But other than that, he was kind of bored, where was the bloodshed? This was supposed to be a simulation for war right and these were only the opening skirmishes. He wanted some blood to be spilt he wanted to see someone die already. Two fights and no fatalities what was this.

After the second match he was really considering going and finding Sasuke, just to goad him about such a lame performance. Possibly challenge Kakashi or something, all these fights were so boring.

Ah who was he kidding the Hokage had Anbu all over the area, including the one that had been shadowing him since he left Tsugi's office the evening before. While their presence wasn't a hinderance it was kind of annoying. That much was certain, and that coupled with the fact word had apparently spread that he was back in the village he had people calling him "Lord" as he walked down the street towards the Uzumaki Compound, which he moved into saying he would rather sleep in an isolated area away from the villagers.

The third fight was rather interesting now that he thought about it, quick and boring he should say but it was interesting in the fact that the Sand Ninja had killed one of the Leaf Genin from that grey-haired freaks team. Snapping his back, it was kinda fun to see really, he rather enjoyed segeing Leaf Shinobi die, after all one little Genin wasn't a big loss and he couldn't really call the Sand Shinobi skilled or not, he was a puppet user it would be rather fun to fight him he guessed.

The fourth fight, had made his blood boil in rage pure and simple. And in the end, it was a double knockout, no real-life battle ended in a draw. Urgh now he was really mad, and he really wanted to punch something, no better yet he needed to kill something otherwise he wasn't sure what might happen. What were they teaching at the academy, gah! Sakura and Ino were, were so pathetic he was willing to go down there and knock them both out himself had they not done it.

The fight following was boring, nothing really happened other than the imitation of Gai the man who had picked apart his jutsu got mad with the Sand Ninja Temari. It was rather funny, but at the same time sickeningly heart-warming. How was it people were given unconditional love and friendship without doing anything other than being themselves while he had suffered under the oppression of the Village along with being vilified for something he was to young to have ever been apart of it made him sick. Oh, if he was paired up with that Rock Lee kid, he was going to pulverise him into the ground. And he couldn't wait for that to happen.

After that boring and quick kunoichi match Naruto had to sit through yet another snooze fest where Shikamaru dodged a few needles nearly succumbed to genjutsu right before catching the female Sound Ninja Kin with his shadow and making her knock herself out on the arena wall. How boring, why wouldn't anyone give him the satisfaction he wanted in a fight he wanted to see some bloodshed, some brutality. Yet no-one was up to the task of giving it to him.

All of a sudden while he was lounging about on the fingers of the statue observing the red-headed Sand Shinobi who was looking like he wanted to kill something Naruto heard his name. "Would Naruto Uzumaki and Rock Lee make their way to the arena please."

Eyes lighting up and getting a grin on his face he looked over towards the stands and saw Rock Lee summersault into the arena. Levelling a dark glare on the green clad shinobi, Naruto dropped off the edge of the statue and landed softly on the ground. "Oh, you can't imagine how long I've waited to fight. All these previous fights have made my blood burn with anger at the pathetically low calibre the villages think is acceptable nowadays. I really hope you can satisfy my hunger Rock Lee. Hmhmhm." He chuckled as he pushed some of his hair out of his face.

Lee who was standing across from him gulped a little, his sensei had briefly warned him to fight smart before he had jumped down, and he wasn't sure what to make of Naruto who was stood so casually opposite him with a hand in one of his pockets. "I'm glad to face you Naruto. I knew sooner or later we would meet in battle and I can say I'm glad it's sooner."

Before anyone could react, a bone knife shot out of Naruto's sleeve. Lee seeing this caught the knife. "Why are you in such a hurry?" As he said that he dropped the knife on the ground ignoring the fact it the tip had been tickling the flesh on his cheek.

Naruto at that began spinning another of his knives in his hand. Hayate seeing that they were both itching to fight put his hand up in the air. "Alright then if your both ready begin."

As he said that Naruto who had been the whole time getting his breathing technique going along with making sure his stance was correct exploded forwards at the same time as Lee had. Lee jumping in the air. "Leaf Hurricane!"

Comfortable that his Nukiashi had taken affect, Naruto jumped as well and appeared right next to Lee and smirked. "Imperial Gut Buster." As he said that Lee who was in mid-kick was collected by Naruto's knee driving into his stomach.

Fortunately, he specialised in Taijutsu and was able to send a back hand towards Naruto's head, who using his enhanced agility that his Shihai kekkei genkai afforded him bent his body out of the way and landed on the ground while Lee himself slid back holding his stomach a little from where he received the knee. Grinning Naruto stretched a little and yawned before slightly jumping on the spot. "Not bad, you managed to get a glancing blow on my hair. I applaud you, other than Kakashi and Anko. You have to be the first person in what four years to actually get a good hit on me. But now it's my turn to start, and I'm going to enjoy pulverising you into the dirt."

"You can try, and I welcome the challenge. Your taijutsu is excellent." Lee said as he was about to spring forth only to have Naruto appear right in front of him with his claws on his fingers extended. "Imperial Slash!" as he said that he bought his claws down in a raking motion, luckily Lee being as fast as he was, was able to block Naruto in the forearm area and kick off backwards. Only to be instantly hounded and surprised again by Naruto appearing this time to his left attempting to get inside his guard.

! #$%^&*()

Gai up in the stands was clenching his teeth and gripping the railing as he watched what was going on while the Genin were somewhat amazed by what they were seeing considering it was at such a high speed. Sakura seeing Gai act the way he was looked at Kakashi who was also watching intently. "Kakashi-sensei, what's going on Gai-sensei looks nervous all of a sudden?"

Sighing Kakashi slouched a little more. "Well Sakura, as he is now. And as great as he is at Taijutsu. Lee, Lee's fighting an uphill battle and is very likely going to lose this fight. Unless he can figure out how to break free of Naruto's technique then I'm afraid it's all over."

"What, you can't be serious. Naruto didn't use any hand signs what sort of technique is he using?" She asked astonished as she looked at her sensei quickly before looking back at the battle.

! #$%^&*()

Naruto hearing where the conversation was going growled he didn't need the whole god dammed world knowing how his technique functioned. Reaching into his pocket and grabbing some of the gravel he had been idly playing with while waiting for his turn to fight threw it in Lee's face making him try and protect his eyes while Naruto planted both his feet into Lee's chest and propelling him backwards. Reaching down to his belt where his bone knife was he spun and threw it to the left of where Kakashi's head was.

Kakashi having already figured the knife wasn't going to hit him simply stood there while Sakura and the other Genin gasped in shock. Including the foreigners and Lee who was getting back to his feet. "My, my someone's a little touchy about me telling my cute little student about your technique Naruto."

Breathing relatively hard which was mirrored by Lee who looked a lot worse than Naruto due to being hit more times and this being the second time he had been dropped onto the ground. "I'm sick of people revealing my technique to others, if they can't figure it out tough. They can die when I fight them for all I care."

Turning around and leaving it at that Naruto stared down Lee who had jumped to the top of the Hand Statue hoping to gain some respite from the constant onslaught of Taijutsu that was relentless and of high calibre. Looking at his Sensei he saw Gai nod. "Take them off Lee!"

Still staring at Lee, he saw the Green clad boy salute his sensei. "But Gai-sensei, you said only to take them off as a last resort or when protecting the lives of very important people."

"That's right I did, but this is an exception." The elder male said while giving a thumb's up.

Gaining a look of joy, Lee smiled happily "Really, really, really..."

Naruto watched as Lee removed his leg warmers and then the leg weights that were underneath. "It's gonna take more than dropping a few pounds to beat me kid, face it you can't defeat me concede and I'll consider being merciful to you."

At that point Lee dropped the weights which Naruto watched before looking a little shocked when they made the stone below explode in a shower of rubble. "This is getting interesting who would've ever thought that a Genin was going to prove to be such amazing entertainment for me. Come on Lee you've garnered my interest."

As he said that Lee disappeared from his sight, seeing the green shinobi appear Naruto jumped backwards away from the punch that was coming his way. 'What amazing speed. I'm going to have to open the first gate.' As he said that he opened the Gate of Opening and immediately feeling the extra boost in chakra and speed allowing him to keep up a little better than before, but it was clear to him that Lee was going to have the upper hand at least for a while, "Yes, show me more Rock Lee, show me more. This is really getting my blood pumping ahahahahaha!"

Cackling like a mad man Naruto reached for the back of his belt and pulled out two short bone knives, well if Lee was going to move at impossible to see speeds that only his enhanced senses were just keeping up with then he was going to block with blades and prevent the pesky yet interesting little Genin from getting close.

Deciding for now to go on the defensive and continuously dodge the green clad shinobi, as it was getting rather hard to keep on countering the taijutsu user who had much more technique and formal training than himself. As he was Naruto frowned as he could feel a wave of fatigue wash over him from having used the first gate for so long. In this instant he lowered his guard slightly.

Realising his mistake as soon as it was made, Naruto tried to find the Leaf Shinobi only for him to appear below him. Well he only found him when a foot hit him on the bottom of his chin making him float up off the ground. Looking down at Lee who was below him Naruto became a victim of a series of upwards kicks throwing his body further and further off the ground. 'Troublesome, this might actually hurt.' Were the original thoughts running through his head at the time of fifth kick hitting him.

Although as he was being hit Naruto smirked a little which went unseen by Lee who closed his eyes in pain. Just as the last kick was delivered and bandages were wrapped around him. Feeling the taijutsu ninja who had pushed him so far and hit him so much, Naruto found himself spinning rapidly towards the arena floor. As Lee let out a yell of victory announcing his jutsu. "Front Lotus!"

Hitting the ground with an explosion of rubble and dust from the rubble, Naruto at the last moment possible had cut some of the bandages wrapped around his body with the knives that were still in his hands and substituted just before the impact. Something Lee didn't notice as his eyes closed again halfway down the descent to the ground.

Appearing underneath the hands of the statue Naruto watched as Lee jumped away from the wreckage and along with the rest of the audience gasp at only seeing a completely shredded log where his body should be. Chuckling darkly Naruto gave away his position to everyone else. "I was right, my interest in you has provided me with ample entertainment hmhmhmhhm. But now I can see your body is wracked with pain, your lotus comes at price. Now it's time to end it, you can hardly move just how I like my prey."

As he said that Naruto tapped into his own curse mark and allowed his body to slowly become covered in the tomoe markings. Grinning sadistically, Naruto appeared in front of Lee. "It's over." As he said that he planted a fist in the side of Lee's head and sent him skittling across the floor.

Watching as Lee tried to stand Naruto grinned and swooped in before kicking the hapless shinobi across the arena, which only happened because whatever defence he made with his arms Naruto blew through effortlessly at the valiant attempt to stave off his onslaught which was about to continue in earnest.

Again, appearing in front of Lee who was sat up against one of the walls Naruto kneed the kid in the gut throwing him up against the reinforced concrete cracking it. Stepping back Naruto grinned at the green clad boy. "Oh, you're still standing, I could've sworn I felt some ribs cracking with that last shot."

Throwing a punch forwards Naruto frowned as the boy he was fighting rolled himself out the way which he did again when avoiding an axe kick from the red-haired Uzumaki. Deciding to be nice Naruto allowed Lee a little respite to catch his breath before sending him skittling again across the ground. Watching as the boy stood up on still shaky legs and cover himself with his arms Naruto chuckled darkly. "What good do you think that'll do?"

Appearing in front of the Gai mini-me Naruto grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the ground before stomping on the boy's stomach making him scream out in pain. Stepping away from the boy and allowing him to stand up.

Staring off with the boy, Naruto noticed some fire come back into the defeated looking gaze that just wouldn't give in to his unrelenting force. Going forwards with another punch this time forgoing the Nukiashi technique he had been employing throughout most of the battle, Naruto looked intrigued as Lee dodged around a series of his punches and kicks. 'Interesting, very interesting.'

Chasing after the boy in annoyance as he dodged his attacks obviously having learnt it was painful to try and block him. 'He's smiling, and where's this energy coming from?'

Stopping his assault on the little leaf Genin, Naruto regarded him carefully as the boy started to be covered in a shroud of chakra. "Oh, you can open the Eight inner Gates like me. Interesting."

"The Third Gate; Gate of Life Open!"

"The Fourth Gate; Gate of Pain Open!" Even more Chakra poured off of Lee. Frowning at the implication of what was about to happen, Naruto decided that he wouldn't open his remaining two gates just yet that and he was yet to fully cover his body in the Tomoe pattern which was only over his right side. He needed an ace in the hole as Shino would say. He was pretty confident that his body could take a beating, but that being said it would be cutting it awfully close and he would need the healing properties of the full body curse mark pattern and if he really needed to open the second gate to get an added chakra boost.

As Naruto finished his line of thoughts he braced himself as Lee rocketed towards him breaking the ground as he ran. Before kicking Naruto with his full force under the chin lifting him off the ground again. Looking around for the green shinobi Naruto started to channel his chakra around his body in an attempt to harden the most likely spots he would be blindsided by the ultra-fast Lee.

Which did happen. Naruto grimaced as he had heavy blow after heavy blow rained down on his body from all directions throwing him about like a pin ball. 'Can't see him! So, this is the power of the fourth gate being opened. My body can't withstand this pounding, but if I'm this bad a shape how badly is, what...!?'

"OK! Fifth Gate Open!"

"What!?"

As he said that Naruto was hit by the hardest punch he's ever been on the receiving end of which sent him spiralling down towards the ground at amazing speed. 'I don't know if I'm going to be able to get up from this.'

Naruto then all of a sudden felt the sash around his waist being pulled and looked up having closed his eyes bracing for the imminent impact on the ground. "Now to finish it Hidden Lotus!"

As he said it Naruto's eyes widened as he was pulled upwards as a foot and fist imbedded in his torso plunging him down into the ground. Hitting the ground with tremendous force, Naruto at the last second was able to angle his body slightly so he would skim along it a little bit before hitting the ground although the initial impact still made him scream in silent agony as he was sure something might have broken but he wasn't entirely sure himself. Bouncing Naruto impacted against the wall of the arena.

Having left a large spider web crack in the wall, Naruto pushed the curse seal to cover more of his body and try and heal as much of the damage as possible. Lying on the ground for a while Naruto lay in absolute agony as the curse mark healed him. 'He's dead, I'm going to kill him. I can't believe I let him hurt me this much, I promised myself I would never lose. There's no way I'm losing here not today, not against him. Never I refuse. A king doesn't simply lose to some Genin trash.'

Seeing Hayate walking over towards him Naruto looked around from his spot on the ground and saw Lee was struggling to move at all. Seeing Hayate stop a short distance away Naruto spoke surprising everyone present who thought he was out cold. "Second Gate; Gate of Healing Open."

As he said that a small shroud of chakra erupted around him along with kicking up more dust and causing the ground to crack and crumble at his power-up. Getting to his feet Naruto lent against the wall with blood coming out of his mouth as well as his blue kimono top being ripped and torn. "Now I'm angry..." this was accentuated by him smashing a portion of wall to rubble with his fist.

Advancing on Lee, Naruto smiled sadistically before appearing in front of the boy and stomping on his left ankle eliciting a scream of pain which was accompanied by the sound of bone snapping. Naruto the lifted his other foot up and stomped on Lee's other leg getting another scream and snapping noise. Stepping over the boy Naruto grabbed him by the front of the shirt and lifted him up a little. "concede this fight..."

"I won't ever give up."

"...Don't be a fool, give up. Both your legs are broken, your muscles ripped to shreds. I admit if your muscles were intact you may be able to stand and fight. You can't do anything in your condition. Give up."

"Never."

"...Just give up. You fought, and you lost, don't make this harder than it already is. Because I can assure you I am far from done. Just give up."

Lee just shook his head. Growling in frustration Naruto shouted as he reared his fist back intent on snapping the boys neck with the next punch "WHY WON'T YOU GIVE UP ALREADY!"

As he was about to deliver the punch he was pulled off him by Gai who then stood in front of Naruto. "Why, what has he ever done to deserve your love? Why, why is it everyone but me gets the love of a family, love of friendship, why, why, why, why!? He lost he's weak, yet you coddle him, why was it that when I was weak and unable to protect myself, all I got was scorn and hate, it's not fair! What have I done to deserve such treatment!" Naruto began yelling at Gai before looking around at all the leaf shinobi present. "Your all doing it again, looking at me with those cold glares, what did I do, I fought like the Old man told me to. So WHY!"

Gai standing calmly looking at the hurt and upset boy before him. "Because he's...because he's my student and also because he is precious to me."

Scowling Naruto turned around and looked at the Hokage. "I'm done, what was I thinking fighting for the likes of you like a circus animal..." At that he reached into his kimono top and ripped the head plate off the inside that had the leaf symbol on it and threw it at the Old Man "...I quit."

After that he stalked out of the arena which was left hushed by what had just happened. Except for when Lee got to his feet. Surprising everyone including Gai who turned around. Naruto at that point waited by the entrance to see what was going on.

Gai going over to Lee and placing a hand on his shoulder looked concerned and sounded concerned as well. "No Lee it's alright, it's all over now. Anyway, you're in no condition to fight..." he then paused as he looked at Lee's face allowing a tear to fall from his eyes. "Lee. Oh Lee, what have I done..." at that he started crying openly. "Look at you not even conscious and still determined to show the world what you can do. Lee you've already proven it. You are a splendid ninja."

Gazing at the duo of taijutsu users in the middle of the arena, Naruto called out. "Hey old man, throw me my head band back." His voice echoing around the arena made people look at him for a moment before he held his hand up and caught the piece of metal flying towards him. He then looked at Gai and spoke up. "For what it's worth, that was one of the hardest fights I've ever been in. He'll always be worthy of the name shinobi. For he has endured a lot to get where he has today. Tell him to train harder, to attain new limits of ability. And then when, he has hovered between the border of life and death, then and only then will I face him as my equal."

With his piece said Naruto walked out of the room.

! #$%^&*()

Walking out of the building he felt himself become surrounded by Anbu and sighed. "Do I really look like I'm in any condition to fight you all." As he said that he continued walking through the forest knowing full well the creatures of the forest knew to stay away.

While he was walking he had Thoki pad up alongside him. With his shoulders reaching Naruto's own shoulders, he was quite the large beast. Patting the wolf on the head, he smiled at the large wolf. "Seems I'll be leaving the forest for a long-time friend. You're always welcome to join me."

All he got in return was the large beast shaking his head and making a few growling noises. "I see, very well then. Perhaps we'll see each other again in the future." As he said that Thoki nudged the boy in the side and bounded off into the forest again.

The walk out was a silent one. But truth be told he was in agony, the curse mark and opening the second gate had taken it out of him and it seemed he had some internal damage from the last attack he had suffered. But if he let the curse mark's influence fade then he knew he would collapse on the ground. Still with the second gate open Naruto, pushed his aching and pain induced body into an all-out sprint. That made him but a blur of speed to everyone and the hospital neared at an ever-quickening degree.

Getting to outside the Hospital, Naruto allowed the curse mark to fade along with feeling the two gates he had opened close. With the last of his strength he pushed the door to the hospital open and right before collapsing on the ground. Anbu Squad War Dog who had stayed tailing Naruto while the other Anbu went to do a village wide sweep of the area. Appeared by his side with the boar masked one of the group shaking Naruto's shoulder. "Lord Uzumaki, Lord Uzumaki."

The commotion had garnered the attention of a nurse who came running over to them. Naruto looking through his hair at the woman with clouded eyes groaned. "Help me."

! #$%^&*()

Stirring and opening his eyes Naruto groaned a little as he heard the sound of beeping and the smell of antiseptic and rubbing alcohol. How he hated the hospital, other than Tsugi's office the place held a lot of bad memories for him. Memories he would prefer to keep buried in the past never to come back and haunt him again.

Brushing some of his hair out of his face Naruto sat up and crossed his legs in the middle of the bed before looking over at Tsugi who looked like she had half a mind to call him an idiot or to simply hug him. Although he wasn't sure if he liked either option to be perfectly honest, the other day when she had hugged him it took all his self-control not to turn around and slug her one.

"How long was I out for Tsugi? And since when do you wear glasses?" He asked as he rubbed his head, man Rock Lee knew how to punch when it counted there was no doubt about that.

Sighing and adjusting her glasses, something of a novelty as she normally wore contact lenses. "About four and half hours Naruto. And if you must know my eyes were feeling irritated today so that's why I have glasses on. Not that it matters..." She said as she walked forwards with her arms crossed and holding a clipboard in one hand. She then sat on the edge of the bed opposite Naruto and pointed her clipboard at a sleeping figure in a chair by the hospital room window. "And who is that little cutie, that burst in here three hours ago and forced you to bite her arm which I might add is the only reason your injuries healed so quickly since whatever she did boosted your Uzumaki vitality."

Looking over a the small red-tressed girl with funny hair style something he didn't notice two days ago when he saved and kidnapped her. Smiling softly at the near complete stranger who was his cousin, and the only person other than possibly Tsugi to show him any form of affection without a price. "Her names Karin, Karin Uzumaki. My cousin."

! #$%^&*()

Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze Wind: this is true it would be rather simplistic to make Naruto and Shizuka the pairing, but I always found her back story a little sappy and a big road block in stopping her from truly moving onto another man. So, I'd possibly have Jiraiya being a massive idiot and thinking that as a way to make up for lying to Naruto for so long that he tries and set him up with Shizuka knowing he is the student of the Shinobi he fought so long ago. It would be rather funny.

HPfan7-8: Cheers man thanks for that.

PkmntrainerCam: I don't see why not, there could be a couple of different scenarios in which they could meet.

Hennessyswagg83: All true when I said mentor I meant because they would be sharing the same rank and the fact, she is still technically his superior in terms of experience he would be paired up with her more often than not. The snake contract was more of a suggestion and me thinking out loud more than anything. I have to agree with the Salamander Contract, it was so wasteful to just rip it up, why not have one of them sign it or break the contract some other way.

Azrael810: true, well he could always steal Zabuza's sword from his grave. After all he wouldn't think any of it stealing from a grave. But that would give him quite a powerful weapon. And I'm not sold on the whole Naruto wielding kubikiribocho, seeing as though the blade regenerates using blood that would mean Naruto while already pretty ruthless would have to give it a certain amount of blood to keep the blade in good condition. And I don't really want Naruto to become a mindless killer like what the seven swordsmen ended up becoming – wow I'm going off on a tangent – anyway yeah, he'll get a sword possibly have a Zanbatou or something random like that forged by his summoning animals clan. But yeah something big, durable and hella badass.