A/N: I'm back with another chapter! I, personally, will probably love this chapter since it features one of my favorite fights in the series; Neji vs. Naruto! I hope you like it!
Here are the review responses!
Trenchcoatgirl-Kyo: Whoa, you are really hyper right now, huh? Anyway, Kotetsu and Izumo will be coming into the picture soon. Remember, they're watching the match closely next to Hinata and Kiba. I'm glad you think it was awesome.
Lochar: She should be coming any minute now. Anyway, I have to mention that I update pretty often unless I'm busy with stuff. As for your real review, you were correct when you said the voice was the Yondaime's. If you noticed the difference, Kyuubi is just bold type and Yondaime is bold and italicized. Also, for the pervert, he was getting beat up enough by two weapons masters. The Naruto/Hinata scene when they do that will really be something, but someone will probably be there to laugh at them or something. About the fight, you'll just have to read to find out, huh? Thanks for the review!
BioDragon: Yeah, maybe I should have toned it down a bit. I'll fix it soon enough, though. Personally, I hate super-Naruto fanfictions. They're always boring because super-Naruto could kick the shit out of anyone.
Hybrid thing: I guess it was a bit harsh, but you'd do that to if you were in their position. Anyway, when I really get the NaruHina moving along, you'll see more good scenes, I hope.
Anime-Boy07: Sorry to disappoint you, but I like the fight as it is. I did tweak it a bit, though.
Causeiambetta: What do you mean "mood changes"? Anyway, I'm glad you liked the NaruHina scenes.
Madnarutofan: Oh, his techniques still use hand-seals. It's just that I forgot to mention it's use in the hospital scene.
Light of the Demons: You'll see…
Tellemicus Sundance: Excellent; I don't have to worry about mocking up your story anymore! Also, don't worry; I have a weakness all lined up for him.
Arganaut: The characters actually make an appearance (without names) at the end of the chapter. Let's see if you can guess who they are.
Sadfru: Damn it; stop eating my beef! Also, read the Reviewer's Warning at the end of the review responses in the last chapter.
EvilFuzzy9: I'm glad you think so.
Kakashi-Chanu: Now, now, don't glomp the computer just to get to my story, okay?
VFSNAKE: About Jiraiya, he deserved it! I was surprised Naruto didn't kick his ass in the canon version! Also, I didn't really get that last part.
Chidori vs Rasengan: Hmm, that's a good question.
Dragon Man 180: You reviewed, so you have nothing to worry about. Anyway, I'm glad you left the parts you liked in your review. I had to teach Hinata something somehow and that seemed like the best idea at the time.
Freedomforlove: Is one day later good?
Fionartan: He may be smarter in my story, but he's still clueless when it comes to affectionate gestures. Anyway, I'm glad you like my story.
Era-chan: I'm glad you liked my improvements and additions to the actual story. I'll describe the relationship in Jiraiya's team sooner or later. It may be too serious to put in humorous bits, but I'll add plenty of action. I'll think about your suggestions and I'll write what I feel like. Thanks for the suggestions, though!
TheCurtainFalls: Thanks for your suggestions/critiques. I'll keep them in mind as I write future chapters.
Midnight-angel-of-darkness: Hey, that's my line (concerning the end)! The best friend thing was my own design. I'm glad you liked it.
Demon of Konoha: I love your suggestions! I'll keep them in mind when I write the "Retrieve Sasuke" mission. About the shadow clone learning thing, I'll keep that in mind while trying to not make him a Super-Naruto.
Silver Warrior: I thought it would be. That's why I did it!
WarShadow: You know, I may not get much fluff in the next chapter, but there will be in future chapters.
Clone Daniel: I'm glad you liked it! There's nothing wrong about being a romantic. It takes one to write one, don't you think?
NewSon: Don't worry; they're only going to be pricks in the Chûnin exam. In fact, after the forest of death, I stop making them pricks.
HeWhoWatchesFromTheMist: Don't hurt me…
ShadowBack: Perverts are mainly trampled, but I trample idiots who are to lazy to review as well. I'm glad you like my story.
Korigo starless: She's nervous, what can I say? Anyway, I would stutter too if I was talking to my crush. Anyway, I'm glad you like the plot. It's equally exciting to read than it is to write, I suppose.
Rago Dragovian: I'll try.
Kyuubi-Dono: Calm down; here's the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I will unleash a hamster swarm on anyone who says I own Naruto. I will also unleash them on any lawyers that aren't Benny the zebra.
Disclaimer Part 2: I guarantee that parts of the Naruto vs. Neji fight will be just like the manga/anime. You have been warned.
Here is the 20th installment of "Cheerfulness Incarnate." HOORAY!
(Chapter Begins)
"Before we start, I have something to say about the matches."
Genma pulled out a sheet of paper and showed it to the participants. The people present had a nasty shock when the matches turned out different.
Naruto and Neji was the first match, as expected, but then, it was Temari and Shikamaru's match. After that, in another bracket, there was Shino vs. Kankuro. Next to that match, there was Gaara vs. Sasuke. Each of them had different thoughts.
"Okay, I'm still fine. My match is still first."
"What the hell? Why is Sasuke's match last?"
"Holy shit; this absolutely screws up the plan!"
"I thought I was down for another match. This is really getting troublesome."
"…My match is still the same."
"Why is my match earlier? I hope things don't screw up too badly."
"Good; I still fight Uchiha Sasuke."
Genma spoke as soon as everyone got a good look.
"The first match is Uzumaki Naruto vs. Hyûga Neji. You two stay down here while the rest of you go up to the participant's box."
Naruto stared down his opponent. The crowd roared in anticipation as the proctor, Shiranui Genma announced the beginning of the match. Naruto immediately stuck his fist out and faced Neji.
"Do you have something to say to me?" Neji asked slyly as Naruto spoke.
"I've said it before, I vow to win!" Naruto yelled confidently.
(In the stands)
"Hinata, there's some seats over here!" Kiba yelled as Hinata took a seat next to Hagane Kotetsu and Kamizuki Izumo, who were talking about the upcoming match.
"I didn't think that scamp would last this long. I was positive that he would be eliminated in the preliminaries," Kotetsu said.
"Yeah, he must've really earned his place since the lucky ones are gone by now," Izumo said in response.
"He's really in for it now, though. He drew one heck of an opponent. Neji is the prodigy of the Hyûga clan and he'll wipe the floor with Naruto," Kotetsu said.
Hinata frowned slightly as Kiba grunted in disapproval. Kotetsu and Izumo caught this and turned their attentions to them.
"What do you think?" Kotetsu asked, since he was closer to them.
"I think Naruto at least has a chance. After what Kurenai-sensei told me about his strategy, I think he has more than just a shot," Kiba said.
"Why; what did he do?" Izumo asked with curiosity.
"I was the one he defeated to make it here. His attack plans were simple, yet elaborate at the same time. If you underestimate him, you're in for one hell of a surprise," Kiba said before launching into an explanation of Naruto's strategy, with Hinata filling in the spots where Kiba forgot or didn't know. Kotetsu and Izumo were surprised by the end of it, but they didn't show it much.
"Well, I have to admit, that was clever, but pebbles and Henge no Jutsu won't match wits with a Byakugan wielder," Kotetsu said as he started to pay attention to the match.
Kiba heard Akamaru whine and he looked around for this "suspicious person" that Akamaru was whining about. Kiba then looked at the top of the stadium and saw a masked figure.
"Why is there an ANBU agent here? Did something happen?"
In another corner of the arena, Sakura and Ino were sitting, awaiting the fight that was to come.
"Where's Sasuke?" Sakura thought as she looked around. Ino noticed this and started to speak.
"Hey, Sakura, relax, will you? Sasuke'll be here, but for now, watch Naruto's match."
"You're right. I should pay attention to my mysterious teammate."
"What's so mysterious about him?"
"He never shows his true potential. He may have things in store that no one has seen. I'm actually kind of excited."
Sakura leaned forward to watch, as did Ino.
In another area, a portion of the Hyûga family was sitting. A small, brown-haired girl sat next to a stoic-looking person. The stoic person spoke.
"Hanabi, look closely. He is probably the person that is blessed with the thickest Hyûga blood."
The girl named Hanabi nodded in agreement and leaned forward to watch.
(On the stadium ground)
"His eyes are resolute. He has no doubt whatsoever," Neji thought as he activated the Byakugan.
"This makes it even better. Now, I get to see the pain in your eyes after I allow you to face reality."
"You know," Naruto said as he lowered his fist and closed his eyes, "I thought about holding back on you to show you that you could be beaten by the dropouts you insult…"
Naruto stepped back with his right foot. "…but then…"
Naruto stepped forward with his left foot, bringing his left and right hands in front of him. "…I thought…"
Naruto opened his eyes, showing solid courage and sheer determination as he finished his statement. "…where's the fun in that?"
Neji smirked as Naruto put his hands together for a familiar seal.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," Naruto said as five clones appeared. Each one drew a kunai and spoke in unison.
"Let's start you off easy."
Naruto and the clones charged forward. Neji was able to dodge the initial attack from two of Naruto's clones by jumping over them. In mid-air, Naruto's other 2 clones tried to attack, but they were stopped by Neji's kick. The force of the blow destroyed the two clones and the first duo charged forward to attack from behind. Neji, with his Byakugan, was able to see them and he grabbed both of their wrists when they attacked. Neji then quickly turned to hit them both in the chest, making them puff out of existence.
Naruto watched as puffs of smoke appeared from both sides as the clones disappeared. Naruto then started to speak to Neji.
"So, before I continue, why do you insist that fate is the ruler of everything?"
"Why do you ask?" Neji asked Naruto, "Do you really believe that your dream of Hokage is attainable? I can tell, with these eyes, that talent and abilities are determined at birth. Only select individuals can become Hokage and I can tell you that you're not one of them."
Naruto began to scowl as Neji continued. "Wake up and face reality! The previous Hokage were born into that fate. Each person's life consists only of abiding to your inescapable fate and there is only one thing that we are all destined to do. That is to die."
Naruto continued to scowl as he brought his hands up to his favorite seal. "Well, I guess I'm just a little stubborn!"
Naruto made about a hundred clones and they filled a good portion of the arena. Naruto spoke again.
"You idiot; I've already found your pattern of attack."
"You shouldn't make so many assumptions, Neji," Naruto said as the clones charged forward.
Naruto was telepathically speaking to one of the clones.
"Okay, you're general. You can command the clones while I execute my plan. Stay back and keep alert. I'll attack with the clones in between my preparations."
The clone in question nodded his head slightly as Naruto raced off with his clones. Naruto was able to attack 5 fives while performing 13 hand-seals in between. Naruto was smirking when Neji rushed past him to target the general. The general was struck as a few of the clones disappeared for effect.
"The one who stays back on fear of having his tenketsu hit is the true one. The more the others attack, the more you are apparent. You are the real Naruto."
The general looked up and said one thing.
"You're not so observant after all, are you?"
The general vanished making Naruto smirk after seeing Neji's shocked face. Ten of the remaining clones rushed Neji to strike him from all sides. Neji looked shocked as the ten clones struck him…or so they thought.
Neji began to expel a large amount of chakra and spin counterclockwise as the clones floated in the air and flew off of him. Neji smirked as the clones looked in false shock. Naruto commanded them to attack again and they did. Naruto performed seals out of Neji's view, but everyone else could see them.
"Ushi, Saru, Tatsu, Hitsuji (Ox, Monkey, Dragon, and Ram)…"
Neji reacted the same way as the last attack and started the Kaiten. He was sure that the result would be the same, but…
"FÛTON: TATSUMAKI (Wind Release: Tornado)!" Naruto yelled as a large tornado plowed through the clones surrounding him. Neji, confident that the Hakkeshou Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palm/Strike Rotation) would stop it easily, continued to spin. Imagine his surprise when…
…the tornado didn't stop spinning. Upon closer inspection, the tornado was spinning clockwise, conforming to the spin of the Kaiten and speeding up because of the spin. Also, the Kaiten was drawing to a close since Neji couldn't spin indefinitely. Neji dodged out of the way as soon as the Kaiten finished.
(Meanwhile, in the stands)
"Incredible," Kotetsu said, "he could use Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and that tornado technique. Where did he learn that, anyway?"
"I don't know, but that's probably a mid C-rank ninjutsu, at least!" Izumo said, looking at the attack in awe.
"The tornado's power is one thing, but that technique's ability to counter the Hyûga's Kaiten is incredible! It deserves a high C-rank at least!" Kotetsu said in response to Izumo's statement.
Kiba and Hinata looked down in awe as Naruto's Tornado stood up against the Kaiten. Both were thinking different thoughts.
"Naruto-kun, when did you learn that? Only one other technique has beaten another master Jûken move, and that was Yondaime-sama's Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique)."
"Man, am I glad I'm not on the receiving end of that thing. Wait…those seals, I recognize them; he was going to use that on me!"
In another area, Hiashi was clutching the end of his robes tightly as he was able to utter one word.
"Kaiten…"
(Back in the arena)
Neji tried to catch his breath after his quick escape as Naruto shouted out to him.
"Hey, don't think you're out of the woods yet!"
Neji looked at Naruto, who was thrusting his left hand towards where Neji was standing. The tornado seemed to come from nowhere as the tornado headed towards him. Neji ran as best as he could, away from the path of the tornado.
"Run and hide in the shadow of the tornado and guide it towards Neji. Okay, when he dodges the tornado, go in for the kill. Charge your fist with two shots and hit him hard. Steady, now…"
The tornado was headed near the wall as Neji tried to dodge it. 10 feet from the wall, Neji zipped out of the path of the tornado by dodging to the left side…
…right into the path of Naruto's right fist.
A lightning-charged fist met Neji as he flew into the wall. Naruto jumped back using the force of his own punch and thrust his left hand towards the area where Neji was. Neji, unable to escape, was hit by the tornado dead-on. When the tornado dissipated, a confident Naruto was met with a log.
"Shit; where is he?"
Suddenly, Naruto found Neji's palm on his chest as he was pushed down. Neji said one statement while radiating pure fury.
"You are within the rage of my Hakke (Divination)."
Neji then dropped into a stance; his left foot was in front and his right foot was in the back. His left hand hovered inches over Neji's left foot and his right hand was suspended over his head.
"Jûkenhô: Hakke Rokujûyonshô (Gentle Fist Move: Divination Field: 64 strikes)
Naruto stood as Neji charged forward.
"Hakke Nishô (Divination 2 strikes)"
Naruto was hit twice painfully. Naruto cringed as he looked at Neji.
"Yonshô (4 strikes)"
Naruto was hit two more times, making the grand total four.
"Hachishô (8 strikes)"
Naruto was hit 4 more times as the pain worsened.
"Jûrokushô (16 strikes)"
Naruto was now somewhat suspended in the air as Neji hit 8 more times.
"Sanjûnishô (32 strikes)"
Naruto was struck 16 times making the pain worsen exponentially.
"Rokujûyonshô (64 strikes)"
As Naruto was struck 32 more times, completing the set, Naruto was sent flying to the ground.
(In the stands)
"It can't be…" Hiashi thought as he looked at Neji's stance. "Is it possible? A branch member has surpassed a main member completely. I will have to do something about that."
In another area of the field, Sakura and Ino were staring in awe.
"Sakura, did you know that Naruto could do that?"
Sakura could only shake her head as she continued to watch.
"Was that what you meant by "true potential"?"
Sakura nodded this time.
"Holy shit; I wouldn't stand a chance…"
In another area, Kiba, Hinata, Kotetsu and Izumo looked on in awe. Kiba and Kotetsu spoke.
"He was going to use…that on me?" Kiba gulped.
"That is definitely a B-rank ninjutsu." Kotetsu said in awe.
(On the field)
Naruto groaned in pain as he heard Neji speak.
"I've hit 64 of your tenketsu on your body. You can no longer stand."
Naruto tried to shoot Neji a glare, but he couldn't lift his eyes off of the ground.
"It must be infuriating. You're here on your knees before my superior strength. You should be able to see your powerlessness. You shouldn't believe that your dreams will become reality if you try hard enough. It's a lie."
"Damn it; Damn it; I can't lose here! I won't lose here! I made a vow; I will win!"
The people in the arena and the people in the stands looked in shock as Naruto got up, albeit unsteadily.
"I told you; I'm really stubborn!"
"Just give up, already! If you keep going, it'll be no different. I don't have much of a grudge against you, so…"
"Shut up, will you? I do, okay!"
"What are you talking about?" Neji asked with a stoic expression.
"How is it that you, who is so powerful, even attempt to call other people failures? Hinata is not a failure! If anyone should be a failure, it should be me! But I, the worst student in my class, have given you, the best student in your class, a great injury, in case you haven't noticed!"
Indeed he had. Neji was clutching his side, which was bleeding and Neji's face was bruised on the side that Naruto hit him. Neji had various cuts all over his boy from the tornado attack and he was in a great deal of pain, even if he didn't show it.
"Also," Naruto continued, "I have no idea what the hell is the problem between the Main House and Branch House, but, I'll never forgive a jerk who calls other people failures!"
Neji stood in silence before smirking and speaking.
"Hmm, if you insist, I'll tell you. There is a reason behind the hateful legacy of the Hyûga clan!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes and listened as Neji spoke.
"There is a secret technique in the Hyûga clan that is passed down in the Main Branch. It's a Jûin Jutsu (Curse Seal Technique)."
Naruto kept silent as Neji continued.
"The mark represents a "Caged Bird" and its proof that people are bound by birth by the fate they hold."
Neji then took off his headband, revealing a green mark. Two prongs that looked like hooks extended to the center of his forehead where a Buddhist Manji lay.
"What is that?" Naruto asked in shock. Neji ignored the question as he continued.
"One day, when I was four, this accursed mark was branded onto my forehead using the Jûin Jutsu. On that day, there was a great celebration in Konoha. We were welcoming the shinobi leader of the Land of Clouds to sign a peace treaty to end the war. Every ninja in Konoha attended, except for one family; the Hyûga clan. On that day, coincidentally, the heir of the Main Branch turned three."
Naruto opened his eyes wide as he realized which ceremony he was talking about.
"I remember that day; I was forced to do all the chores in the orphanage because everyone else left to celebrate."
"It was Hinata-sama's third birthday!" Neji said, gaining Naruto's attention. Neji then stopped for a moment and looked up at the area where the Hyûga family sat. Neji spoke while looking up.
"My father and Hinata-sama's father, Hyûga Hizashi and Hyûga Hiashi-sama, were twin brothers. However, Hiashi-sama came into the world first and was made a member of the Main Branch where my father was made a member of the Cadet Branch."
Naruto chose this moment to speak. "Why do they have to separate the Main and Cadet Branches? What's the purpose?"
"The mark on my forehead is not decoration. It is an absolute threat of death imposed upon the Cadet Branch. The destruction of the Cadet Branch is easily accomplished since the mark destroys the brain cells of the person afflicted at the will of the Main Branch. Also, the mark fades only after death, after sealing away the Byakugan!"
Naruto gave a shocked look as Neji spoke again.
"The Hyûga clan possesses on of the most distinguished Bloodlines. Many people have attempted to capture its secrets and many others would do anything to acquire such secrets. So, in response to this, the Jûin Jutsu was created to ensure the safety of the Byakugan and to make the Cadet Branch live for one purpose: to protect the Byakugan at all costs! You see, it's because of that purpose, the incident happened."
"What incident are you talking about?" Naruto asked. Neji chuckled darkly, scaring Naruto slightly.
"My father was murdered by the Main Branch. One night, someone attempted to kidnap Hinata-sama. Hiashi-sama heard the intruder and killed him on sight. The masked bandit was, in fact, the Shinobi Leader of the Clouds that we just signed the treaty with. It was clear that they attempted to steal the Byakugan, but the Land of Clouds accused Konoha due to their dead ninja. The war almost resumed when Konoha made a backroom bargain with Cloud."
Naruto narrowed his eyes as Neji continued to speak.
"They demanded that the body of Hiashi-sama be sent to them. Konoha accepted. War was safely averted at the price of not Hyûga Hiashi's life, but Hyûga Hizashi, his twin brother. They were of equal strength, but the difference of the order of birth sealed their fates. So, in this match, your fate was sealed when I became your opponent."
Naruto scowled as he stood to fight. Naruto immediately got to thinking.
"He's really had it rough. His dad was basically murdered in front of his own eyes. I'd like to feel sorry for him, but I've had it many times worse than he has."
As Neji replaced his forehead protector, Naruto spoke.
"I don't know how you've really had it; having your father killed long ago, but you're wrong if you think that you can use that alone to say that fate rules all."
"You're hopeless," Neji said as he thrust a palm into Naruto's chest. Naruto instantly retaliated with a shot to the shoulder since the Denkô Dangan technique was still active. Naruto flew to the ground as Neji clutched his shoulder. Neji turned away and faced the examiner.
"He won't be getting up anytime soon."
As he walked away, Neji turned his head and said, "You dropout," before continuing. He was interrupted by Naruto's voice, however.
"Don't run away."
Neji turned to see Naruto unsteadily rising as he spoke.
"I'm not running away. I'll never take back my words. That's my way of the ninja!"
"I've heard that before," Neji said with a smirk.
"I won't lose to a coward who tries to blame everything on fate and shit like that!" Naruto said confidently."
Neji narrowed his eyes and activated his Byakugan out of anger.
"You know nothing. Don't try to lecture me. People carry an unchangeable fate. To carry a seal that can never be removed; a fool like you can never understand that!"
Naruto stayed silent. The anger within him rose up to great heights, but Naruto knew just which buttons to push to set Neji over the edge. Naruto remembered the way he was treated his entire life. He remembered the loneliness and pain of complete solitude and he found out how to piss Neji off while saying the absolute truth.
"No, you're wrong," Naruto said calmly, "I understand. What about it?"
Neji's eyes were a portrait of fury as Naruto continued. "Stop acting like you're the only one. You're not the only one who has suffered in their lives."
Neji's fists started to shake as his anger rose.
"Hinata-chan was suffering, just like you. Also, believe it or not, there are people who've had it worse. In fact, I could point a couple of them out right now."
Neji was almost blinded by rage at this point.
"Also, about Hinata-chan, she was trying to gain the acknowledgement of those around her, even if she was from the Main Branch. The determination she had shone bright when she fought you, even after she was injured."
Neji couldn't speak as he was forced to listen to Naruto.
"Also, that goes for you, too; the Cadet Branch is supposed to protect the Main Branch, but you tried to kill Hinata-chan, even if it was just an exam! You were also fighting fate, weren't you?" Naruto asked loudly.
Up in the stands, Hinata smiled.
Naruto ended his little speech and coughed due to his injuries. Neji smirked.
"How are you going to fight? You're injured and you can no longer use chakra for a while. In the end, you'll end up just like Hinata-sama."
"Shut up; don't talk like you know everything with your Byakugan!"
"Then, show me what I don't know." Neji said as Naruto steadied himself. Naruto immediately got to thinking.
"Damn; even as I say that, I feel no chakra within me. It's just like when I was training with Ero-Sennin."
Naruto raised his head as he found the key. Naruto smirked as he thought.
"That's right; I have Kyûbi's chakra at my disposal. I'll use that."
Naruto dove to the depths of his mind and shouted into the darkness.
"Stupid Fox; lend me your power!"
At first, Naruto felt nothing.
(Meanwhile, In Naruto's Mind)
"Give him the damn chakra, you stupid fox!" Yondaime yelled through the bars of the gate.
"Why should I?" Kyûbi said in response, happy to be able to taunt the Yondaime for once instead of the other way around.
"You know, I can go inside that seal at will and kick your puny weakened demon butt." Yondaime said, seething.
"Yeah, I know; but I also know that I can still take you down even in my weakened state. I can't kill you, but I can beat you within an inch of your afterlife," Kyûbi said cockily.
Yondaime growled as he attempted to think up another way to threaten the Kyûbi. Yondaime got an excellent idea after thinking about Naruto's training in the past month. Yondaime used his "chakra" and fashioned a Denkô Dangan technique. Charging all five shots into one finger, Yondaime fired the incredible bolt at the Kyûbi. Kyûbi was hit in the torso and he attempted to claw Yondaime through the gate. Yondaime was about to do it again, but…
"Stupid Fox, lend me your power!"
Impressed at the bravery (or stupidity) of Naruto, Kyûbi allowed a medium (for him, at least) wave of chakra to flood out. Yondaime looked surprised as his eyes followed the red chakra outside of the room. The surprised and dumbfounded looked turned into an angry one as he faced Kyûbi.
"That's it?" he asked, annoyed.
"Yeah, that's it," Kyûbi said simply.
"I had to shoot you with a full power lightning shot! All he had to do was insult you once and you give it to him?" Yondaime yelled.
"Yeah, that's right."
"I did that too! Why didn't you give it to him then?" Yondaime yelled as Kyûbi retained a calm face.
"Because," Kyubi said, smirking, "I like messing with you."
Yondaime now felt like going in there and shoving a Rasengan up his fuzzy, nine-tailed ass.
(Outside)
Naruto felt a pulse within him as Neji spoke.
"The talk stops here. Mr. Examiner, I intend to kill him. Stop me when you see fit."
Naruto chuckled as he placed his hands in a seal. Naruto started to try and wrench the power out as he tried to gather chakra. Naruto noticed that Neji tried to say something, but he wasn't paying attention.
"I can't lose here!"
Naruto felt a slight wave of power go up his spine.
"I won't lose here!"
Naruto felt the wave extend to his limbs.
"I will…"
Naruto felt his arms and legs being released from a hold of some sort.
"I WILL WIN!"
Naruto felt the invisible bindings around him break as Neji spoke.
"Why do you fight against your fate so hard?"
Naruto lifted his head up and answered as he stared with confident eyes.
"It's because…you called me a dropout."
Naruto started to release the chakra around him, forming a red circle for those who could see it. All of Naruto's wounds healed, regardless of it's location inside or outside of his body. Neji looked on in shock as a red flame appeared in Naruto's stomach and spread to all parts of his body. Neji could see the chakra form itself into a beastly figure and Neji stepped back in fear. Around Naruto, everyone could see nine tendrils of chakra. Each of the people that knew Naruto personally thought differently, but they all wondered one thing.
"What the hell is that?"
The people who knew the function of the tenketsu and the Hakke Rokujûyonshô all thought, "That's impossible! He shouldn't be able to do that!"
All of the people that recognized the chakra all thought, "Is that what I think it is?"
Hinata in particular, thought one thing.
"Naruto-kun, what is that mysterious chakra? How can it reopen your tenketsu? Also, why does it feel so…sinister?"
Neji, paralyzed in fear and shock, could only watch as the tendrils of chakra reverted back into Naruto. Naruto then was slowly surrounded in a red aura. Naruto, from the perspective of everyone present, looked as if he was on fire, even if he wasn't burning.
Naruto looked at his hand and thought.
"This feels incredible. I feel even more powerful than when I started. Even if it's powerful powerful, this chakra is unstable though so I'm limited to the techniques that require chakra alone."
Naruto smirked before disappearing before Neji's eyes. Naruto was still wearing his weights, but Naruto felt faster, even with them on. Neji had to dodge Naruto's fist as he barely saw it. Neji and Naruto each then drew a kunai. Jumping back, they threw their respective kunai at each other. The projectiles impacted in mid-air as both Naruto and Neji skidded to a halt. They both charged forward, grabbing a kunai and clanging it against their opponent's kunai.
Naruto landed, using the kunai as a root as Neji landed, holding his shoulder and side in pain due to his injuries. Naruto asked one more thing before continuing.
"You're confident in short-range fighting, huh?"
Neji looked up to see a charging Naruto rushing towards him. Naruto was prepared to punch through him with his lightning charged fist as Naruto placed two shots into the field, surrounding his fist in red lightning. Naruto spoke one last time as he rushed towards Neji.
"If you think it's impossible, then don't do anything!"
Neji widened his eyes as he tried to start the Kaiten. Naruto punched as Neji set up the chakra cocoon. Naruto continued to speak.
"Because, when I become Hokage,"
Naruto's punch connected as Neji started to spin.
"I'll change the Hyûga for you!"
A large explosion came out from within the arena. Most of the viewers were blinded for a moment as a cloud of dust rose. As the dust cleared, all anyone could see were 2 holes in the ground. The crowd watched in anticipation as one of the holes spat up a few rocks. A pale hand shot out of the hole. A few people fell back into their seats in relief as others shot up out of theirs in alarm. Neji heaved himself out of his hole with difficulty and trudged over to Naruto's hole, clutching his injuries. There, in the hole, lay Naruto, unconscious. Neji started to speak.
"I'm sorry, Dropout Boy, but this is reality. I hope you realize…"
Neji then started to hear crackling from below him. Neji looked down and stared just in time to be met with Naruto's fist. Neji was knocked to the ground as Naruto made a surprise entry. Naruto landed as Neji lay on the ground, paralyzed in pain.
The Naruto in the hole puffed away in smoke, revealing a hole underneath it. Naruto's fingers were bleeding from the fingernails. Naruto stood, panting as Neji spoke on the ground.
"You made a Shadow Clone in that situation? It's your favorite technique, huh? I was careless."
After Naruto regained his composure, he began to speak to Neji.
"I've failed the graduating exam 3 times. I was always unlucky because the ninjutsu test was concerning the ninjutsu I hated the most."
Neji widened his eyes in realization as he realized what he was saying.
"Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique) was my worst ninjutsu."
Naruto looked down at Neji as a small breeze passed. Neji scowled slightly as Naruto continued.
"So, stop complaining about fate and how it can't be changed…"
Naruto slightly turned as he finished.
"…because, you're not a loser like me."
Naruto turned completely to walk away, but started to run and scream as soon as he was declared the winner. Neji was still lying on the ground and he heard Naruto's shouts of joy.
"He's still has enough energy to run? What a guy."
(A little later)
Naruto was walking up the stairs to the area where he was supposed to wait and he saw Neji being picked up and moved to the medical wing.
"I've done enough. I could've beaten him within an inch of his life, but I don't think that's necessary. I hope he realizes how wrong he was to hurt Hinata-chan like that."
Naruto continued to walk up the stairs until he heard something.
"Tmp, tmp, tmp, THUMP"
"…ouch"
Naruto looked to the source of the noise to see that a blonde-haired person dressed in blue and white was lying on the ground face down. A red figure about the size of the blonde-haired person with brown hair and a short, blue figure with silver hair were helping her up. He couldn't see any of their faces, but he could tell that the blonde was blushing slightly in embarrassment.
"You know, you really should watch where you're going," the short, blue figure said as he laughed and carried the blonde's left arm.
"I'm sorry," the blonde said as she got up.
"That's enough; seriously, you apologize too much," the red figure said, annoyed as he carried her right arm.
"Oh, I'm sorry," the blonde said.
The red figure groaned while the small figure laughed. The two other figures let go of the blonde as she dusted herself off. The blue figure spoke to the red figure.
"Honestly, your sense of direction sucks! We should have been at our seats before the match started! Now, it's over!"
"S-shut up; we're almost there, anyway! Come on, follow me!"
The red figure started to walk nowhere in particular as the blue figure groaned and followed. The blonde giggled softly before following her friends.
Naruto chuckled before continuing up the stairs.
(End Chapter)
A/N: I know it's shorter than the others, but I wanted the Naruto vs. Neji fight to have a chapter of its own. I like that fight that much. I hope you like it. Now, REVIEW OR I SHALL SEND A FÛTON: TATSUMAKI ATTACK TOWARDS THEE!
Revision Notice: Thank you, Kitsu Maharu and Era-chan for helping me fix my mistakes. I really appreciate your effort.