Disclaimer: The only new character I own is Mr. Monhiro. The others, except the ones I mentioned, do not belong to me.
A/N: Here is chapter 19, and I've changed my mind to only 2 more chapters after this. They will also be a double shot, so I'll be posting two chapters up at once, so get ready for it. Well, here is the long awaited chapter 19. Hope you enjoy, read on.
Chapter 19
The Final Blow! End of the Tournament!
Tenten slowly lowered her hands, and tried to focus on the arena. The explosion of chakra earlier still evident as it made it hard to see. She glanced around the arena, but she didn't see Naruto or Michael. "Where are they?" she asked no one in particular.
"I don't know," Sasuke answered as he walked up to the right side of her, Neji walking to her left. "Neji?"
"I can't make out any chakra signatures down there," Neji replied.
"N-No, they both can't be dead. Especially my Naruto-kun," Tenten whimpered.
"Michael-kun," Shizune whispered as she lifted up her hands to her chest and stated to pray to Kami, hoping they were still alive.
"This can't be the end of both of them," Tsunade said.
"I agree, they have to still be alive. At least I hope," Jiraiya said. Tsunade glared at Jiraiya with fire in her eyes.
"Don't say things like that," Tsunade whispered. "Especially with Tenten standing right next to you. Have faith in your old student, okay Jiraiya."
"Whatever," Jiraiya said. He glanced down at the arena, and notices two holes, each at a different end of the stadium, and across from the other. There were a pile of rocks covering the holes, and Jiraiya wondered if that was where Naruto and Michael were. After a while, the rocks started to move and everyone in the stands could see a person with blond hair rising out of the hole which he was in.
"Naruto-kun!" Tenten called to the blond. They noticed that he was no longer in that transformed state, he was back to the Naruto they all know and love. Shizune gulped as she glanced to the other hole.
"Is Michael-kun in the other one?" Shizune questioned. Before anyone could reply, they heard the sound of moving rocks and turned to see Michael rising out of the other hole. And just like Naruto, he was back to normal. Shizune sighed as she smiled at Michael. "He's alive. I'm glad."
"Are they going to still fight?" Kiba questioned.
"I don't know," Hinata replied.
"I don't think they should, I mean, look at them," Ino said. Neji nodded as he stared at the blood pouring down both of the ninja's faces. They also had blood dripping off their hands, and he could also tell that they were exhausted, they were both breathing hard.
"So, it's going to be a draw then?" Sakura asked.
"Most likely," Tsunade answered. "We'll just have to wait and see." So they all shut up after that, and stared intently at the two ninjas, who have proved themselves to be the most determined and strongest of all of them so far. They were ready to see the outcome.
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Naruto was breathing heavily as he stared down his sensei. "Man, I feel like I could drop any second," Naruto said.
"I feel the same way," Michael smiled slightly. "But, I won't let this exhaustion keep me from winning."
"I can't even use anymore jutsu, I'm sunk," Naruto commented.
"I hate to say it, but I can't use jutsu either, so I guess were at a stand still," Michael said with a sigh.
"We still have our fists, and that's good enough for me," Naruto smirked.
"So, you want to lay everything down with one last attack?" Michael asked. "Because I'm afraid that if either of us gets punched, it'll be over."
"Ya, make's it exciting doesn't it," Naruto grinned.
"Ya," Michael nodded in agreement. He moved his right hand through his bloody hair, his eyes back to their normal brown color. "Ready to end this?"
"I'm always ready," Naruto said with a small smile. Michael got ready by taking his right fist back, and prepared to run at Naruto with all the speed he had left. Naruto noticed this and got into the same position. A small leaf was floating down from a tree, and mentally they both agreed to charge at each other once the leaf touched the ground. The crowd held their breath as they waited for the fight to continue. As soon as the leaf touched the ground, the two ninja pushed off the ground and charged at each other with all the speed they had left.
Once Naruto and Michael reached each other, they punched the other at the exact same time. Naruto's right fist smashing Michael's face, while said ninja's fist punched Naruto's face as well. Blood sprayed out of the two fighters mouth, and at the same speed, they flew backwards, skidding across the ground. Everyone was shocked at what they saw. The ninjas in the stands, which was a lot of them, could tell that the punch was the last move; it was only a matter of time before it was either called a draw, or one of the fighters showed a strong determination to win, and stood up. Gandisin glanced at both fighters as they lay still on the ground.
"They have 10 minutes to stand up and declare themselves the winner!" Gandisin called to the crowd. "The first one to stand and announce their victory will be declared the winner!" The crowd held their breath as they waited for the final outcome. They saw Naruto slowly began to rise, and thought that he might actually win. As Naruto got into a hunched position, almost standing up, he fell back to his knees.
"D-Damn," Naruto muttered to himself as he tried to stand back up, but kept falling back to his knees. Blood poured down his body, his breathing becoming extremely heavy. "I…can't lose. I just…can't. I came…so far." He glanced up and saw Michael try to move, but he couldn't.
"Don't worry kit," Kyuubi assured his container. "After Michael used that dimensional jutsu, his chakra levels have become a lot smaller than yours. He won't be able to stand for a while."
"You sure?" Naruto asked the fox.
"Yes, I'll give you enough chakra to stand up, but after you are announced the winner, you will lose consciousness," Kyuubi told Naruto.
"Sure, whatever," Naruto mentally nodded. "As long as I win." Kyuubi obliged and sent some of his chakra into Naruto's system, enough so he could stand, which he did. Naruto breathed heavily as he glanced up to the ground, his eyes darting to Gandisin briefly. "I win!" he shouted into the arena. Despite what people thought of him, they all cheered for the winner of the Grand Ninja Tournament. Naruto smiled to himself as he took in the glory. He had fought and proven himself that he was the strongest ninja. "Hope obaa-chan makes me hokage." That was Naruto's last thought as he fell back to the ground, darkness slowly claiming him. His last sight was that of a girl with her hair worn into two buns. "Tenten…" Naruto whispered as the darkness finally claimed him.
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Naruto opened his eyes slightly, glancing to the sides to see that he was in the hospital yet again. His eyes glanced down to see Tenten sleeping, her head using his arm as a pillow. Naruto smiled at her and moved his head down slowly. Planting a soft kiss in between the girl's two buns. The kunoichi stirred slightly, her eyes opening slowly. She lifted her head and started to rub the sleep out of her eyes. "Hey Tenten-chan," Naruto said softly. Her eyes widened as she turned to see that Naruto was awake.
"Naruto-kun!" Tenten cried in delight as she lunged on him, hugging him tightly to herself. "I'm so glad you're alive."
"Don't worry Tenten-chan, it'll take more than that fight to keep me down," Naruto grinned at the kunoichi.
"You've been out for two days baka," Tenten scowled. "You had a serious case of chakra depletion."
"I'm fine," Naruto reassured his girlfriend. "How is Michael-sensei by the way?"
"He's doing fine, Shizune is with him at the moment," Tenten replied.
"That's good, I was afraid I kicked his ass a little too hard," Naruto chuckled. "So, where are the others?"
"They are hanging out for a little bit, we are having a celebration party for you in an hour," Tenten answered the question.
"Cool, should we go?" Naruto asked.
"What, you need to stay in bed a little while longer," Tenten scowled angrily.
"But Tenten-chan, I'm fine," Naruto said with a pout. Tenten sighed, unable to resist the pout that Naruto was showing.
"Fine, get ready and I'll take you to the restaurant for which the party will be held. It has been reserved just for Konoha ninja, so we don't have to worry about others," Tenten told the blond.
"Great! I'll get dressed immediately!" Naruto cheered as he jumped out of bed and ran to get his clothes. "Mind waiting outside?"
"Uh…s-sure," Tenten stammered, realizing that since there was not really a bathroom in the small room, he was going to change near his bed. She turned and left the room, her face extremely red. After a few minutes of waiting, Naruto finally came out of his room.
"Ready to go Tenten-chan?" Naruto asked.
"Yep, let's get going," Tenten said. The duo jumped onto the rooftops, and starting running towards the restaurant, ready for some relaxation after the tiring tournament was finally completed.
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While Naruto and Tenten were having their conversation in Naruto's hospital room, Michael was finally waking up. His eyes glanced down to his stomach to see Shizune laying her head down. "Comfy down there?" he asked the girl. She opened her eyes and lifted her head, glancing at her boyfriend.
"You're awake," Shizune said with a sigh of relief.
"Ya, I feel a lot better now, especially after seeing your beautiful face," Michael grinned.
"Thanks Michael-kun," Shizune smiled as she lend in and kissed him on the lips.
"What are the others doing?" Michael asked. "And how is Naruto?"
"Naruto is fine, he is probably awake all ready, and talking with Tenten," Shizune answered. "And as for the others, they are getting ready for an ending celebration for Naruto in an hour."
"And celebrate my losing," Michael joked.
"Don't worry about the outcome, you're still the winner in my book," Shizune said as she kissed him on the lips.
"I realized something," Michael said as they pulled away from each other.
"What?" Shizune questioned.
"During the fight, we didn't use the strength of our transformations, we only used our own strength, just had a few different jutsus," Michael mused.
"So you're saying that Naruto has truly gotten a lot stronger?" Shizune asked. "Because, you are still strong even without the added strength from your fused form."
"You're right," Michael nodded. He smiled thoughtfully, "So even if Naruto gets rid of this power, which in turn will get rid of his ability to use his spirit techniques, he'll still be the strongest ninja out of all of us. Incredible!"
"Ya, it is," Shizune said. "Want to head to the party now?"
"Sure," Michael nodded. He got dressed, not minding if Shizune saw him naked or whatnot. They all ready slept naked together, making love and such, so it was no problem. After Michael was finished getting dressed out of his messed up clothing, the duo walked out of the hospital room and towards where the party was. It was going to be a night to remember.
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Naruto lend against the wall of the restaurant that the party was being held. He was waiting for Gaara and Michael outside the building. Tenten had already gone in, and he was getting bored, even though the party wasn't starting for 10 minutes. After a while, he saw Gaara walking towards the building with Kankuro, Temari already arriving with Shikamaru earlier. Gaara stopped in front of Naruto, motioning for Kankuro to go ahead, which he did. "Michael on his way?" the red head asked Naruto.
"He should be, I doubt he would miss a party," Naruto laughed. "He loves to dance and drink sake."
"Talking about me?" a voice questioned from behind the blond. Naruto glanced back to see Michael standing there, a huge smile on his face.
"Hey Michael-sensei. Shizune with you?" Naruto questioned.
"She's already in," Michael replied. "I should also tell you I don't drink sake all the time. Just, most of the time."
"Same think in my book," Naruto sighed.
"Whatever," Michael scoffed. "Anyway, you ready to begin?"
"Yes," Naruto answered. He walked over to the middle of the street, the other two following him. He then did a few hand seals after they were all in position.
"You do know you will lose your knowledge of your spirit jutsu. Right?" Michael asked before Naruto began.
"Ya, I do," Naruto nodded in understanding. "Spirit Style! Spirit Sealing Jutsu!" The white chakra that was inside Naruto's body began to leak out and surround the three ninja. They then felt a sudden pain as the chakra began to extract the ability to transform from their bodies. Only their demons remained after the sealing, which meant they didn't lose any abilities that came with that certain demon. The only thing lost was their first and third transformations, as well as Naruto's spirit type jutsu. They began to breathe heavily as the white chakra dispersed into the air.
"Well, that's that," Michael sighed.
"Ya, should we enter the party then?" Gaara asked.
"Yep," Naruto nodded. The three ninja turned and entered the building they were near. When they entered, they saw the Konoha ninja that came to watch Naruto sitting at a long table, drinking sake and eating food. Gaara sat down next to Kankuro, while Naruto sat next to Tenten, and Michael sat down beside Shizune. They each order food and something to drink, Michael being the only one to get sake. He was just as addicted to it as Tsunade, some people who met the two wondered if they were related in someway. Shino was conversing with Kiba, Hinata, while Choji simply ate his food at lightning speed, talking to Ino and Neji occasionally. Temari was discussing some things with Shikamaru, who was muttering how troublesome it all way. Sakura and Lee were on the dance floor, dancing to some kind of slow song. The same was said about Anko and Kakashi. Kurenai and Asuma were making out, which was unnerving to some people, while the two sand brothers, along with Sasuke, talked about some knew jutsu, as well as things related to the villages. Iruka sat with Naruto, Tenten, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Michael, and Shizune.
"This sake rocks!" Michael was shouting, his face showing signs that he was on the edge of being drunk.
"You said it!" Tsunade agreed in the same kind of voice as she slammed her sake bottle on the table and sighed happily.
"You two are too much alike," Shizune muttered. "I sometimes wonder why I agreed to go out with you Michael."
"Because you love me," Michael said with a smile.
"Whatever," Shizune sighed. Jiraiya got up and walked over to Tsunade.
"Can we dance for a while?" the white haired pervert asked.
"Sure, why not," Tsunade replied. She got up and followed him to the dance floor and they began to dance together, making out occasionally. The others who saw this laughed at some of the ways they danced. It was funny to watch drunk people dance, it really was. Naruto asked Tenten to dance, while Michael asked Shizune. The party lasted long into the night, and everyone began to leave. Michael and Naruto had to carry Tsunade and Jiraiya back to their room since they were to drunk to walk. Tenten and Shizune followed them to the room. Naruto and Michael dropped the two sannin off and headed to their own rooms with Tenten and Shizune still behind them. Tonight was the best night they all had in a long time.
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Michael stood quietly on the roof of the village's hotel. His eyes glancing at the many stars that littered the night sky. "It's beautiful," he whispered under his breath. "I love the night time. So many sparkling lights, it's just so wonderful."
"I didn't know you could act like this," a soft voice said from the door that led to the roof. Michael glanced behind him to see Shizune walking towards him.
"What's so weird about that?" Michael asked. "I just love the night, that's all."
"Ya, I could tell," Shizune chuckled. She stopped beside Michael, her eyes staring up into the night sky as well. "You are right, it is beautiful at this time."
"Told you," Michael chuckled. "I was also thinking about everything that's happened to me up to this point."
"Like what?" Shizune asked.
"The day that my friends betrayed me, pledging themselves to Orochimaru. The day I left Konoha, the day I returned, the day I heard that Tenra was killed in the sand/sound invasion. The next few days when I found Tenten and Naruto again, as well as meeting you and Tsunade for the first time," Michael mused. "I remember when I left with Naruto to train, and the very day we came to the Grand Ninja Tournament. I remember everything, and most of the things I remember, I wish I didn't."
"I understand," Shizune nodded. "I'm sorry that your friends betrayed you all those years ago."
"It's okay, the one I was really sad about, was Josette," Michael admitted.
"Did you love her?" Shizune asked.
"At that time I did, but she still betrayed me. She said that what she chose was right, and that I should follow," Michael replied. "I wish I told her how I felt before then. Because, I loved her for a long time, I just never admitted it to myself until it was too late. After I returned to Konoha, I ended up in love with Tenra, even though we were young. I miss her, as well as Josette. But, there is nothing left to do."
"Let's go inside," Shizune said. "We need to get to bed." Michael nodded, slipping his arm around Shizune's waist and pulling her close.
"I love you, more than I ever loved them. It's funny how things work out," Michael chuckled.
"I'm glad that I have you. I love you just as much," Shizune smiled. Together, the duo entered the hotel building, and headed to their room for a long night sleep.
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Naruto stood at his window, his eyes glancing around the village. "I can't wait to head back to Konoha tomorrow," he said to himself. He heard the rustle of sheets from behind him. He glanced back to see Tenten sitting up in her bed. She was wearing a simple nightgown as she glanced sleepily at Naruto.
"Why are you up Naruto-kun?" Tenten asked.
"I can't sleep, I'm just excited to be going back home," Naruto answered.
"Well, we are all excited, but you should still rest," Tenten advised her fiancé.
"It's hard, been thinking about our wedding and stuff," Naruto told the girl.
"Well, don't think about it. Don't want to get nervous before the big day," Tenten laughed.
"Ya, I guess you're right," Naruto smiled. He walked back over to the bed and got under the covers. He lay down beside Tenten, a smile on his lips as he kissed her passionately on the lips. His arm draped around her body as they broke apart. "Night Tenten-chan."
"Night Naruto-kun," Tenten said. They kissed again before falling asleep in each others embrace. Tomorrow was the official end of the tournament, and all the Konoha ninja were happy to finally be going home.
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The next day went by with out much of anything happening. People just hung around the village, minding their own business. In a blink of an eye, the ceremony for the end of the tournament was beginning. Those that participated in the tournament stood in the middle of the arena in rows, signaling how they did in the tournament. Some who participated weren't there, do to the simple fact that they had died in their match. At the front stood the finalist: Naruto and Michael, while behind them stood the semifinalist, which was just Gaara since Kyle wasn't there. Gandisin was at the front as well, his eyes gazing over the assembled fighters. He glanced up briefly to catch the eyes of the audience who was there to see the crowning of the new champion of the Grand Ninja Tournament. "Welcome to the end of the tournament ceremony!" Gandisin called up to the crowd. "I would like to introduce the one in charge of this tournament, Mr. Monhiro!" A short second later, and a short and chubby man walked out onto the arena floor. He wore short rimed glasses, and was almost completely bald, a few pieces of hair were on the side of his head, but nothing covering the top portion.
"Welcome all!" Mr. Monhiro announced. "And first of all too all those that managed to survive their matches, I would like to salute you on all the splendid fights! I've never seen so many excellent fights in a tournament in a long time! You should all be proud!" The audience cheered at that, signaling that they too thought they all did a great job. "And now, I would like to have Naruto Uzumaki come forward!" Naruto nodded and walked forward to stand in front of Mr. Monhiro. "Congratulations on your win in this tournament!"
"Thank you," Naruto said. Mr. Monhiro smiled as he brought out a necklace and placed it around Naruto's neck.
"This symbolizes your victory here," Mr. Monhiro explained. Gandisin then walked up and gave Naruto a medallion.
"As champion, you are also awarded this Chakra Medallion, which helps with chakra control, as well as this trophy," Gandisin explained as he gave Naruto the merchandise.
"And now, I pronounce you the strongest ninja!" Mr. Monhiro announced. Naruto gave a wide smile as he started to jump in the air.
"I did it! I did it!" the seventeen year old blond chanted as he jumped in the air. Most of the crowd cheered at his achievement, while most grumbled about evil demons.
"I now pronounce this the official end of the Grand Ninja Tournament!" Mr. Monhiro called out to everyone present. "You can all head back to your villages now, and thank you all for attending this tournament, and showing your support for the fighters! I wish you all a good trip home!" With that said the crowd dispersed as well as the ninja on the ground. Michael, Gaara, and Michael headed over to the others and began to converse.
"I guess we should return to Konoha," Tsunade commented.
"Ya, Tenten and I are getting married in two days," Naruto told the group.
"Congratulations you two," they all said in unison.
"I guess we're going to Konoha," Gaara said. "I'm sure Suna will be fine for at least 5 more days."
"I agree," Temari nodded. "I get to spend more time with Shikamaru-kun." Shikamaru shook his head at this and started mumbling about troublesome woman.
"All right then, let's get going!" Kankuro shouted. Temari took her fan back and smashed it on Kankuro's head, knocking the pour man into the ground.
"Do us all a favor, and shut the hell up! You're not in charge anyway!" Temari ranted at her brother.
"Calm down Temari, let's just go," Naruto said. The group nodded, and together, they headed back to Konoha, ready for the wedding that was about to happen.
To be continued…
A/N: That was chapter 19. And in the first chapter of my double shot next time, the wedding of Naruto and Tenten is held, as well as the reception. Tenten tells Michael what happend to Tenra that day of the sound/sand invasion. And Michael tells Shizune some sad news, for his friends at least. Find out what happens in the first chapter of the double shot, "Naruto's Wedding". The second and final chapter of the story, which will be up at the same time, is about Michael saying goodbye, as he must leave, you must continue to read to find out what all happens, its going to be sad for them, mostly Shizune though. So get ready for the second and final chapter of my double shot, "Farewell for Now. Michael's Departure" I wonder where he is going, you have to read to find out. Well, I hope you can't wait for the final two chapters. So, please review, and I'll get them both done and posted as soon as I can. Thanks again for reading, its almost done, finally. So, bye for now.