Disclamier: I only own the characters of Kyle, Gandisin, Michael, and Chris. The others don't belong to me.
A/N: Here is chapter 14, and the longest chapter yet that I have written for this story. I hope you guys enjoy it. So, read on.
Chapter 14
Countdown to the final fight!
Naruto woke up and saw Tenten in the chair beside his bed. His eyes drifted to look out the window, it was still dark out. He slowly got out from under the blanket and put on his orange jumpsuit. He then tied his forehead protecter to his head, and he exited the room. He jumped onto the roof of the hospital, and he saw Gaara sitting on the ground, his eyes looking out at a distance. "Looks like your better," Naruto said. Gaara shifted his gaze to his friend.
"Yeah, amazing that Shukaku didn't try to take over my body while I slept," Gaara said.
"Yep, and now I bet you won't sleep as long as you can help it," Naruto smiled.
"You're right, I can't risk going to sleep again, that was the first time in my entire life I have ever slept," Gaara told the blonde kid.
"Why are you up here, I thought you always came up to stare at a full moon," Naruto said.
"Yeah, I do. But, I like coming up here just to think about my existance," Gaara said. "I bet its the same with you."
"Yep, everyone in Konoha, minus my only good friends, hate me with a passion," Naruto told the demon container.
"Same with me and my viliage," Gaara said. Naruto walked over and sat down beside his friend.
"In a few days it will be a full moon, the day of the competition," Naruto began to talk. "It will be then that the Kyuubi is strong."
"Yes, the day that all demons enjoy, the full moon is the best time," Gaara nodded. His eyes shifted to gaze at Naruto. "I hope you win against your sensei."
"Yeah me too," Naruto said. "Michael will be tough though."
"I agree, and I bet that on the same day, his demon will be strong too," Gaara told him.
"Yeah, but I will win," Naruto said. The two continued to talk into the night as they waited for morning, and when the others would finally be up.
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Michael lay in the bed beside Shizune's sleeping form. He thought about everything that has happened up to now. The fights Naruto had won, and the ones he had won also. And his most recent bout with Kyle. "In three days the final fight will begin. I wonder if I can even beat Naruto now." His eyes shifted down to Shizune and he smiled. "I'm so lucky." He kissed Shizune's head, and watched as she moved closer to his body for warmth. "I love you so much Shizune-chan." His eyes shifted to the window, and he could barley see the sight of Gaara and Naruto on the roof. He smiled to himself as he finally went to sleep, his arm snaking under Shizune, and holding her closer to him. Then he entered the land of dreams.
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The next day found the Konoha ninja waiting for the arrival of some friends who have come to see the final matches. Kurenai and Asuma were the first to arrive.
"Hey Kurenai-sensei," the members of team 8 said, which consisted of Hinata, Shino, and Kiba.
"Hey kids," Kurenai said as she walked up and began to strike conversation with them. Asuma smiled at her as he walked over to his team, Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru.
"You guys seem to be doing well," Asuma said.
"Yep, we are," Choji nodded.
"Yeah, this entire tournament has been fun," Ino said.
"You mean troublesome," Shikamaru mumbled. Temari poked Shikamaru slightly.
"What do you mean troublesome?" Temari asked. "I thought you were enjoying yourself."
"Whatever," Shikamaru said. He gave her a quick kiss before turning back to Asuma.
"Ah, I see you and Temari have hooked up," Asuma smiled.
"Yeah, and it seems you and Kurenai are getting things on," Shikamaru said with a yawn.
"I guess your right," Asuma laughed. The next to arrive were Gai, Iruka, and Jiraiya. Gai quick walked over to Lee and gave him and Sakura the thumbs up.
"How is my favorite student?" Gai asked.
"I'm doing good sensei!" Lee called with much enthusiasm. "I have been spreading the flames of youth to all!"
"Lee!" Gai called.
"Gai-sensei!" Lee called back. The two then embraced each other, tears streaming down their faces. Sakura sweatdropped, as did everyone else, as she backed up from the two.
"I thought they got over that," she muttered. "Guess I was wrong."
"As long as those two are together, they will always do that," Tenten said.
"You got that right," Neji nodded in agreement.
"Where is Naruto?" Iruka asked.
"Yeah, I don't see him anywhere," Jiraiya spoke up.
"He is with Gaara at the moment," Michael spoke. He walked up so that he could see Naruto's old sensei. "Do you need something?"
"Nah, just wanted to see how the brat was doing," Jiraiya smiled.
"Yeah, I hope he is fine. And I wanted to tell him congratulations," Iruka added.
"Oh, I think he will be here later," Michael told them. At that moment Kakashi and the sadistic Anko woman arrived. And what was worse was Anko and Kakashi holding hands.
"What is up with you two?" Sakura asked.
"Anko and I are dating," Kakashi replied.
"Okay, now that is weird," Sasuke said. "I mean, she is the sadistic woman after all."
"Hey, I'm not all that bad!" Anko said in her defense.
"Of course your not," Kakashi said. He turned his one eye to stare at Sasuke. "How did you return anyway?"
"Long story. To put it simply, a man named Kyle brought me back," Sasuke replied.
"I see," Kakashi nodded. "I think I'm going to go check in at the hotel, and hopefully run into Naruto. I'll see you guys later."
"All right, cya," Sasuke and Sakura said to the retreating forms of Kakashi and Anko. They then turned to the others and began to talk with the other senseis as they waited for the arrival of Gaara and Naruto.
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"Damn brother!" Kyle screeched in his home. Thanks to his demon, his wounds healed really fast. He picked up another chair and tossed into a wall, making wood splinters litter the ground. Kyle lifted his fist back and smashed the wall with all the anger he could muster. "I hate you!"
"Kyle-sama," came a voice from the entrance to the living area. Kyle's eyes shifted to the door to see Chris standing there. He was hunched over and was wearing a baggy blue shirt, with long sleeves that covered his hands (think of Dosu from the exams). He had dark pants on, and a red bandana tied around his head. Like Kyle, he was a missing ninja. He walked slowly up to Kyle and just stared at him.
"What do you want Chris," Kyle snapped at his guest.
"To see how you are friend," Chris replied in a low, dark tone.
"As you can see, I'm fine," Kyle said sarcasticlly.
"Yes, I can see that," Chris chuckled. He walked closer to Kyle, until he stood a few inches away. "I'm also here to watch the match. I mean, if we are to begin our plan, we need to know how strong Michael and his student are."
"I guess your right," Kyle sighed. "Why didn't the others come?"
"Joel is busy on a mission with Justine, which could end up as a date also," Chris began. "Zack is training and drilling our academy students, like always."
"Sounds like him," Kyle laughed. "And, what of Josette?"
"She is still in depression," Chris said softly.
"It has only been eight years since that moment at the mountain," Kyle contemplated. "And she is still sad for what she had to do to Michael?"
"Yes Kyle-sama," Chris nodded. "She still hasn't slacked off with missions and training, she still is one of the strongest ninja we have at our little viliage."
"But still, she is in love with Michael," Kyle sighed. "I wish I could make her forget him."
"You know as well as I do, that she would never forget him," Chris said.
"Yes, I suppose your right," Kyle sighed again. He walked to the window and just looked at the sky. His eyes searching for something interesting. "Another few years. Then we can begin the war that will tear apart the ninja world." Chris laughed as he walked towards Kyle.
"I can't wait," Chris chuckled.
"Neither can I," Kyle smiled. He turned to look at his hunchback looking friend. "Let's go train a little bit." Chris nodded as he followed Kyle out of the house and towards the closest training grounds.
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Naruto and Gaara exited the hospital and headed down the street. They ran into Kakashi and Anko a few minutes later. "Hey there Naruto," Kakashi greeted.
"Kakashi-sensei! You came to watch me win the tournament?" Naruto asked with exitment.
"Of course Naruto, why else would I be here," Kakashi chuckled at the boys enthusiasm. Naruto's eyes then turned to see Anko standing there.
"It's the sadistic woman," Naruto breathed.
"Hey, why is everyone calling me sadistic!" Anko yelled.
"Calm down Anko," Kakashi pleaded. "Um...anyway Naruto, see you around."
"Sure, we are going to have dinner tonight with everyone, hope to see you there," Naruto said.
"I'll be there," Kakashi said. He then turned to look at Gaara. "See you around also." With that, Kakashi and Anko continued there walk to the hotel, while Naruto and Gaara headed the other way. It was a few minutes before the two shinobi caught sight of the others standing near each other.
"Hi all!" Naruto called with enthusiasm.
"Hey Naruto," the others greeted. Tenten ran up to him, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"You feeling better?" she asked.
"I'm doing really good," Naruto replied, giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
"You better?" Temari asked Gaara.
"I'm fine," Gaara said.
"That's good," Kankuro nodded.
"Oh yeah," Naruto said quickly. "I was going to tell you guys that we are going to all eat together tonight. I hope you guys can make it."
"Sure, where is it?" Shikamaru asked.
"It's the barbecue house near the stadium," Naruto answered.
"Okay," Neji said. "I'll see you guys there. Ready Ino?"
"Yes," Ino answered. The two then headed somewhere down the street.
"Hinata, you want to go do something?" Kiba asked the Hyuuga standing beside him.
"Yes," Hinata said. They then headed off into a different direction. Lee, Sakura, Sasuke, and Choji bid farewell as they went off to do their thing. Gaara went with Temari, Shikamaru, and Kankuro to a shopping place that selled all kinds of ninja supplies. Michael, Shizune, Tsunade, and Jiraiya went off towards a place so they can eat lunch, and then head off to a place so they can gamble, or in Tsunade's case, go bankrupt. Jiraiya was the entire time, wondering if he should atempt to ask Tsunade to go out with him again. He thought for a while and then smiled, 'I'll tell her at the tournament tomorrow,' he told himself as he followed the others. Iruka went with Asuma, and Kurenai who were heading towards the carnevial for some relaxation. Naruto turned to Tenten with a smile.
"Ready to go?" he asked with a big fox grin.
"Yeah," Tenten nodded. The two then headed off to do whatever they wanted to do.
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Later that night, the entire group of Kohoha, and Suna shinobi sat at a table, enjoying their food. They talked for a while and people were out on the dance floor. Jiraiya even risked asking Tsunade to dance. "Do you want to dance?" he asked with a hint of nervousnes. Tsunade looked at his hand then up into his eyes, and she could see the red touching his cheeks.
"Sure," she said. She slowly got up and followed him to the dance floor.
"I wonder if they are going to start dating," Naruto wondered. He was the only one at the table, along with Tenten, Shizune and Michael.
"Yeah, would be weird though," Michael nodded.
"Just picture it, the great Tsunade-sama and the legendary seal mast Jiraiya-sensei," Tenten said.
"Hmph," Naruto snorted. "Jiraiya isn't legendary, he is just a big pervert."
"Naruto-kun, watch your mouth about Jiraiya," Tenten snapped at her boyfriend.
"Sorry Tenten-chan," Naruto sighed.
"I know for a fact that Jiraiya likes Tsunade-sama, but it's her I'm not sure about," Shizune said.
"I know what you mean," Michael nodded. His eyes turned to the side, and he saw a familiar person standing in the crowd next to...his brother. "Chris," he muttered.
"Hm...what was that Michael-kun?" Shizune asked. Michael quickly turned his head back to face Shizune.
"Oh, u-um, nothing," Michael stated. His eyes checking the sight one more time before turing back to look at Shizune. "I'm just tired."
"Maybe we should go," Shizune said.
"I-I'm fine," Michael said.
"You don't look it," Shizune pressed. "Come on, let's get you to bed."
"Fine," Michael breathed in defeat. He stood up with Shizune and prepared to leave. "See you guys later."
"Farewell," Tenten said.
"Bye Michael-sensei, and Shizune-nee-chan," Naruto said.
"Bye," Shizune said as she followed Michael out of the restaruant. The others slowly began to leave, and the last ones remaining were Naruto and Tenten.
"Well, ready to go?" Naruto asked.
"Let's," Tenten nodded. They stood up and headed out the door, and began their long walk back to their hotel room. In about ten minutes, they stood in front of their hotel room. They walked in and headed for their room, and quickly entered. Naruto pulled Tenten towards him, after they put their gear down, and began to kiss her passionatly on the lips.
"I love you," Naruto breathed as he departed from her lips.
"I love you too," Tenten whispered as she kissed him again. The two moved to the bed and lay down, their souls joining together as the night carried on. They just wished that this moment could last forever.
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In the morning, mostly everyone went down to breakfast, except for Michael, who headed towards one of the training grounds. "Time to get some training in," he whispered to himself as he entered the area. His eyes turned to the side to see Chris and Kyle enter the same training ground.
"Hey brother," Kyle laughed. "Did you miss me?"
"Shut up!" Michael snapped.
"You don't talk to Kyle-sama like that, I don't care if we used to be friends," Chris said with venom in his words. He lifted up his sleeve and flicked the gauntlet he was wearing. "Sound quake jutsu!" He slammed his fist into the ground and created and earthquake that was generated by sound. Michael gritted his teeth as he jumped to the side to dodge the attack. Chris then moved at high speed, which made Michael nervous. He pulled out a kunai, and began to survey the area. He quickly turned to meet the kunai of Chris with his own. He pushed the ninja back and charged towards the fighter. Chris smiled as he used his speed to dodge the attack. Michael did some quick hand seals before turning back around.
"Fire style! Flame storm jutsu!" Michael commanded. He took his mouth back and began to spew out a storm of fireballs at Chris. He smiled as he pulled back both sleeves and flicked the two gauntlets.
"Sound barrier jutsu!" Chris said. He clapped his hands together, and a barrier of sound emerged and knocked the attack away.
"Damn," Michael muttered. He quickly ran forward and threw a pucn at Chris, which the ninja caught.
"Come on, I thought you would be tougher than that," Chris mocked.
"I know for a fact you aren't stronger than my brother," Michael said. "But, you are able to match me in battle, and I'm even with Kyle."
"Because I held back in our fight," Kyle spoke up.
"What!" Michael shouted in disbelief. Chris smiled as he threw Michael back onto the ground. He then flicked bother gauntlets again. He then put his arms out and began to twist and make a mini tornado around him. And just not any torando, a tornado of sound.
"Sound tornado jutsu!" he commanded. He began to head towards Michael at lightning speed. He quickly did hand seals as he jumped into the air.
"Fire style! Meteor shower jutsu!" he commanded. He shot a storm of fire attacks into the eye of the tornado, which exploded and sent Chris spiraling into the ground. He coughed up blood as he slowly got up.
"Damn," he muttered through gasps of air.
"I guess I'm still better," Michael laughed.
"I let my guard down just once, I can still beat you!" Chris yelled.
"That will be enough!" Kyle shouted. He walked forward and stood between Chris and Michael. "This fight is over," he breathed. "You need to leave Michael, go see your girlfriend or something."
"Fine," Michael spat. "I'll see you guys again sometime. And next time, I won't let you guys walk away." Michael quickly turned and began to walk back towards town.
"Why did you interupt the match Kyle-sama?" Chris asked.
"Because, I can't afford to lose you," Kyle answered. He turned on his heels and began to leave the training ground. "Come on, we got work to do." Chris nodded simply as he began to follow his friend towards the outskirts of the viliage. Behind them stood the ruined remains of the battle that had taken place, making sure no one could train there for a long while.
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Naruto sat in his room, looking at the ring in his hand. "I hope she says yes," he muttered. He put the ring into its box and then got up and got himself ready. He sighed to himself in nervousness as he walked out the room and towards where Tenten was at. He walked through the busy streets of Grandohaika, thinking to himself.
"Calm down kit," the voice of the Kyuubi rang in his mind.
"I know," Naruto simply stated. "I'm just really nervous."
"That's understandable kit," Kyuubi said. "Just be yourself."
"Thanks for the advise," Naruto mumbled. He reached Tenten's room, and knocked silently on the door. After last night, she decided to come back here today, had to get some stuff ready. The door slowly opened, and Naruto could tell the two buns on the head of his girlfriend.
"Hey Tenten-chan," Naruto said.
"Hey Naruto-kun," Tenten smiled. "Just a second." She quickly ran into the room and grabbed her purse and then headed out with Naruto towards their destination. It was about 7:00 p.m. at the moment. They headed down the streets and arrived a little bit later at the fanciest restaruant in town.
"Well, here we are," Naruto said with a grin. He held the door for Tenten, and she walked in and waited for Naruto to come up beside her. "Table for two," Naruto said.
"Do you have a reservation?" the greeter said.
"Yes, for Uzumaki Naruto at 7:00," Naruto answered. The greeter scanned the list and found his name and nodded to himself.
"Right this way sir," the greeter said as he guided them to the table. 'I wonder why some of these people don't glare at me,' Naruto thought to himself as they reached the table and sat down. When the waiter arrived they placed their orders for drinks and their food.
"So, how've you been today?" Tenten asked.
"Good, just a little bit nervous for the match tomorrow," Naruto sighed.
"Don't sweat it Naruto-kun, I'm sure you will win," Tenten said with a grin.
"Thanks Tenten-chan, I needed your confidence," Naruto chuckled.
"No problem," Tenten smiled widely. They continued to talk until their food arrived. They ate quickly, and talked to each other, and laughed together. After a while, Naruto got up and walked over to Tenten.
"I got to ask you something," Naruto simply stated.
"W-What is it?" Tenten asked with a little hint of nervousness. Naruto sighed as he put his left hand on Tentens and got down on one knee.
"You are the greatest person I have ever met. You make my life seem worth it, and I have loved being with you," Naruto began. "I want to continue this bond, I want to continue to be with you for as long as we can. I love you Tenten. Will you marry me?" Tenten was taken aback as she watched Naruto open the small black box, and a beautiful ring was sitting in there.
"Y-Yes," Tenten said in happiness as Naruto came up and kissed her lips. 'I never thought I would be doing this,' Naruto thought to himself. There was clapping from around them, and the two just blushed crimsion at the applause.
"Well, let's go back to the hotel," Naruto said.
"Yes, let's," Tenten smiled. Naruto paid the bill and the two headed of towards the hotel. When they got there, they entered Naruto's room, and began to kiss passionatlly. They enjoyed this day more than anything, and they lay in bed together, their lives becoming one in this one instance.
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Michael stood on the balcony of his hotel room, his arms draped over the railing. He stared into the sky, his eyes focusing on the full moon. "So, tomorrow is a day of the full moon." He glanced backwards to see if Shizune was still asleep, she wasn't. She was up and placing a robe around her body as she walked over and put her arms around Michael and kissed his lips. "Hey Shizune-chan."
"Hey yourself," Shizune said. She followed his gaze as he turned back to the sky, and she saw the full moon. "It sure is pretty."
"Yes, yes it is," Michael said with happiness in his voice.
"Are you nervous?" Shizune asked her love.
"I guess I am," Michael chuckled. He turned his head and kissed Shizune's lips. "Let's go back to bed." Shizuen nodded as she walked over and removed her bed before laying down. Michael smiled as he walked over, and lay down beside her. Shizune's arms circled around Michael, as did his own circle around her. They pulled closer to each other and kissed one more time before drifting off to sleep.
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Naruto got up around 1:00 in the morning and jumped out of bed. He brushed Tenten's cheek briefly before heading out the door, and jumping onto the roof. He saw Gaara already there, watching as the full moon moved through the sky. "Hey Gaara." Gaara shifted his gaze to see his friend with a big fox like grin walking towards him.
"Hey Naruto," Gaara said. He turned back to watching the moon as Naruto sat down beside him.
"The moon sure is pretty tonight," Naruto commented.
"It is," Gaara nodded in agreement. "About 11 hours before the final match begins. You ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Naruto replied. He turned to look at Gaara. "I hope I win."
"Don't worry, I'm sure you can beat your sensei," Gaara said.
"Truth is," Naruto began. "I fought him in sparring, and I didn't even come close to beating him."
"Maybe this time will be different," Gaara said.
"Yeah, your right, I can't be scared for losing only about a month ago," Naruto smiled. "I have been training, and It's about time I really kick him to the curve."
"That's the spirit Naruto," Gaara said. "I'm sure you will do fine." Naruto smiled as he turned back to stare at the moon.
"My dream could be realized later," Naruto said. "I can become next in line for Hokage."
"Then me and you will be in a lot of meetings together," Gaara laughed. "I can't wait."
"Neither can I," Naruto said. The two continued to talk into the night, waiting for the start of the final match that was closing in. Later, Naruto walked into his room and lay back onto the bed. He closed his eyes as he drifted off to sleep beside Tenten's beautiful body.
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"Wake up Naruto-kun," Tenten said, shaking the ninja with her hand.
"Just a few more minutes," Naruto mumbled.
"Wake up now!" Tenten shouted, ignoring that they were in a hotel. Naruto's eyes widened as he jumped out of bed.
"What time is it?" Naruto asked shakily.
"It's 11:00, you got one hour to get to the arena," Tenten answered.
"Damnit," Naruto breathed. He quickly ran around the hotel room and got everything together. In 30 minutes he stood in front of Tenten. "Let's go," he quickly stated. Tenten nodded, and together they bounded off to the arena. When they arrived, it was 11:55.
"I thought you would never show," Michael chuckled.
"Why wouldn't I Michael-sensei, I know I'm going to beat you," Naruto said.
"Is that so, then let's see it," Michael smiled. Five minutes later, they heard their names being called.
"Good luck," everyone said. Shizune walked up and kissed Michael.
"Be careful," she whispered. Michael nodded as he jumped down into the arena.
"You too," Tenten said as she kissed Naruto. Naruto smiled as he joined his sensei in the arena. The two shook hands briefly before taking the prober positions.
"Naruto! Michael! You ready!" Gandisin called to the two fighters. The two simply nodded. "Then let the final match...Begin!" Michael and Naruto pushed off the ground and charged at full speed towards the other. They both took their fists back and punched at each other. The two fists connected, and a jolt of chakra was sent through the stadium as their chakra levels combined. The ultimate battle of the tournament had finally begun.
To be continued...
End of chapter.
A/N: That was chapter 14. In the next chapter, the fight goes into full swing. There will be some cool moves, so be prepared for the beginning of the long fight. It's all in the next chapter, "Ultimate Clash! Naruto vs. Michael!" I hope you guys can't wait like I can. So, read and review, and I'll talk to you guys later.