Shunpo chapter 8
NOW ON WITH THE STORY
2 days later from last chapter (This does not count in the two time skips)
For the next two days The gennins just lounged around. They played some card games or did some light sparring, nothing too extraneous. As the day grew closer Naruto could feel the excitement, the lust for fight… it was intoxicating to him.
Naruto looked down at his bandages … his ace in the hole… he had … found a way to concentrate the fire… but when he tested it on of the larger boulders in Training ground 27 it melted a clear tunnel through the rock and the trees behind it…
Naruto would only use it if necessary … he had no doubt it could kill…
Naruto walked down stairs and saw that his team were ready.
He had heard from Kurenai sensei that the first few days would actually be the Team Fighting since it would be shorter in the number of fights. Then they would hold off the finals for 3 weeks giving the teams enough time to make new strategies and prepare and for the Kage's to get here (Once again guys if you know what the name's for the leaders in the smaller villages please tell me).
Some where in the later part of the first week the Single tournament will start. Kurenai said that it would have 6 brackets and multiple arenas. In the end there would be a 1 vs 1 vs 1 fight… Since there were more fights it would only give the fighters one week to do rest and prepare…
The actual rules of the fights would explain during the introduction of the Tournament.
"Hey Kiba" Naruto waved… Naruto was a bit late because he had reapplied his newly improved Shunpo seal.
Kiba yawned back while Akamaru barked happily from Kiba's Jacket.
Shino nodded Towards Naruto who waved back.
"Kurenai-sensei is with the other Jounins and they are all meeting up with the Kusakage (one again if anyone knows what its actually called please tell me)"
Naruto nodded "Alright lets go"
And so the three set off towards the arena which they had found 2 days ago… because of the gigantic sign 'ARENA' on it.
Though today they wouldn't be participating it was necessary for them to watch. Team 8 was not ignorant … they knew that the assassination attempt was like a silent declaration of war… Konoha needed information and this tournament would provide the perfect stage for it.
The reason Team 8 went to search around the village was not just to familiarize themselves with it but to spy. Shino had already planted Kikai on almost all the teams not in the Konoha Allianace. Kiba and Akamaru had memorized every single scent of their allies just in case they were in trouble and needed to be found. The data collection and report would be turned in by Naruto who would compile each of the information and hand it to the Hokage.
OF course they weren't ordered to do this but Kurenai hinted she would do something like it as well so … might as well follow suit.
At the Arena
When they had arrived at the Arena the whole entire floor, hallways, seats, and other areas including the bathrooms were packed… And since it was so full No one could go any where. Naruto , Shino and Kiba looked at the stuck pack and sighed. Luckily for participating shinobi there was a special viewing area for them. Sadly with all these people it would be impossible to get to the other side… Maybe they should've woken up earlier.
Naruto looked at Kiba who looked at Shino who looked at the side of the wall. And so people in the bathrooms, seats, hallways and floor watched as Team 8 walked on the side of the wall to get to their destination.
Half an hour later
As Naruto looked from the Konoha Shinobi lounge, Naruto had to admit he was impressed.
The arena was split into many parts. First there was the arena floor, it was fit were several small but deep pond, some patches of forest, and some stones/boulders here and there. Now spread that across 700 square feet and you get the picture. It was so that all shinobi had even footing. The Kusa nins had worked around the clock to make everything.
Now for the observers. There was the upper deck, this was for civilians or the non essentials, people who came to see the action. Either way each of these people had to be either Foreign or Rich.
The second was the bottom observer… these people were the people Naruto needed to impress. The bottom deck was basically only a little above the arena floor … far enough to see the whole arena but close enough to see the action in detail. It was basically an observation deck and the windows were made from chakra reinforced glass. These people had to be rich, influential, and had to at least own some high class bussiness. Naruto smiled to himself … If he played the strong impression here… he could persuade people to fund Konoha… because business people always wants to go with the winner.
Now finally there was what Naruto called the Pits. These 'Pits' were actually the Shinobi Lounges. They were on the same floor as the Arena though inside. Those watching the match or preparing for a match would stay there. Each pit was separated and had jounins guarding each pit. Not that the Kusa nins were fearing someone would attack the nins but to stop any foul play. The lounges were stocked with water, some snacks. It also had whetstones to sharpen any kunais, paper and ink for any seals, even some gunpowder and other chemicals to make flash bangs. The Nins could use these items to their hearts content but they could not leave the room unless it was their match. The lounge was actually pretty nice. It had 2 couches and a large table in the middle with a map of the Arena on it.
Kiba was currently making a flare for Shikamaru. Suprisingly the Nara's had actually made the designs for one but never got around to making one … Shikamaru had just found out about it and asked Kiba to make a couple. Though they would be an extreme asset to Shikamaru and his team, Kiba would need an hour to complete it, due to its complexity. Naruto didn't understand its use during the day but he had no right to complain
Naruto was at the side making Shock tags. These tags, as their name implies, releases about 10,000,000 (I've checked not enough to kill) of volts in the vicinity and are very dangerous. Though they cannot kill they can seriously injure someone. Naruto had made .10 of them already and handed it (5 to each team).
As of right now Team 10 and Team 9 were waiting in the lounge. IN about 10 minutes they would post up the two brackets for the team battles. Their Jounins were in the observation deck because they could not 'help' their team for the next round.
Shikamaru was in was talking to his team about the strategies he had planned and the code words to go with it… Choji like always was eating while listening. And Ino, surprisingly or at least to others, was actually focusing all of her attention on him.
Neji and tenten were debating on strategies. Lee listened while stretching his legs.
Naruto sighed … though these teams were smart he had to make something clear.
"Hey guys"
Everyone turned to him.
(Naruto looked at every one of them. Though they were all at least the same
age or older than him they did not know the true meaning of this understood the Hokage… h*ll the Hokage had been his friend for all of Naruto's life.
Naruto leaned forward on his seat … his face serious... "This Tournament is being held in the preparation for war…"
Team 7, 9, Ino and Choji blinked and were silent… Shikamaru also understood of course… he was a genius after all.
Sakura was wide eyed "W-wha-what do you mean"
Naruto sighed "We are going to war … its obvious … unavoidable… This
tournament will be a big part in deciding who wins and who doesn't."
Ino who had recovered from shock by processing the information so fast that
her father would be proud "what do you mean?"
Naruto looked at her "A couple months ago Team 8 and a Kumo team had an
attempted assassination by Iwa"
Naruto looked at her "A couple months ago, Iwa tried to assasinate Team 8 and a team from Kumo."
The room gasped… Naruto ignored them and continued
"Also Kurenai-sensei has told us of the new aggression of Kiri's towards
Konoha due to our bloodlines and they have made an alliance with Iwa. Simply
put Konoha will have to fight Iwa and Kiri"
Sakura then, thinking fast, retorted "But they'd be fighting Suna and
Kumo to since we allied with them"
Naruto nodded "But there is a new village that has appeared … Oto… and
our friend (Naruto said also indicating to Shino and Kiba) Anko-sensei (Team 8 shivered slightly) has told us that The Hokage believes Oto has allied with Iwa and Kiri… Though this village may be knew it will put the war on even footing allowing Iwa and Kiri to battle it out… Sandaime-ji ji knew this and held this tournament instead of the Chunnin exams."
Neji looked at Naruto and saw the complete confidence and utter truth he held in his voice and deemed him knowledgeable… Neji understood that this boy knew what he was talking about and was trying to tell them something important. Neji asked "then why did he hold this tournament then"
Naruto nodded at Neji " This tournament is held with all the villages not just ones we are allied with, unlike the Chunnin Exams. We will be fighting our allies as well as our future enemies. Outside there are wealthy business people, people with connections, benefactors, … these people are the people we need to convince we are the stronger side … Why?... because they will sponser us… and if we're lucky we can get Takikagure, the only village that has not yet decided on who to fight for, on our side,"
There was a silence.. The information that they were now going to be the tools to start a war was preassuring
Sasuke, who now was interested in what Naruto was saying, decided to speak up "And the point in acting as lobbyists?"
Naruto turned to Sasuke "My point is that when you're out there you need to remember three things to get people on our side One: follow the rules so we won't look bad and even if you lose don't retaliate we want to show we have honor…, Two: Don't Harm any other nins too severely if they are not Iwa or Kiri… IF they are … butcher them Finally Make a show of your opponents … show them that they are weak and not even worthy of your time."
The room was silent… the gennins were amazed at his speech…
Shikamaru sighed 'Troublesome… meh… maybe sort'ive troublesome.'
Just as Naruto finished there was a knock on the door. Hinata opened it and a Kusa Jounin stood there holding out a paper. Hinata took it and closed the door. Hinata then gave it to Sakura, who laid it out on the table in the middle of the lounge.
The paper laid out the brackets. It also read on the side that the rules, who would be going, and who had won the fight… would be announced through the speakers in the rooms.
Naruto scanned over the bracket with amusement. Konoha would be the only team besides Iwa to actually have more then one team in this division. Kumo had one team, Iwa had 2 teams, Kiri had one, Oto had one, Taki had one and with Konoha it made 8.
Lucky for them Konoha was on the opposite side of the brackets. Naruto looked at the opponents… Team 9's opponent was Taki and Team 10's first opponent… Oto….
'well Fuck' Naruto thought…
But then he saw Shikamaru smiled … and immediately stopped worrying
A smiling Shikamaru is a Shikamaru with a plan.
Naruto looked back at the sheet and wondered how many would be in the single's tournament.
Naruto was snapped out of his thoughts as the speakers came to life and a male voice came through it.
"Hello everyone My name is Remo Kaede I will be the judge for the Team Battles. Now First I would like to explain the rules.
Rule Number 1: The matches will be lasting 3 hours each, if it goes over I will stop the match and decide who has one.
Rule Number 2: I will stop the match when I see fit, NO arguments and no late hits
Rule Number 3: If two of your team is out of the fight you lose.
Rule Number 4: No killing
Rule Number 5: Every item is fair game
NOW WITH THAT LETS START THE MATCHES!"
The Konoha gennins could hear the roar of the crowd.
Then they heard the speakers again "Will Konoha Team 1 and the OTo team come to the Arena Floor"
Naruto looked at Shikamaru and gave him the thumbs up. "You guys got this … just focus on them and nothing else."
Shikaamru nodded, Choji put down his bag. Team 10 walked in unison to the Arena floor.
As Shikamaru , Choji and Ino came out they were suddenly impacted by pressure. The deafening roar of the crowd pushed on them as if their yells moved the air to push down on them.
They looked around in wonder but then Ino said "Guys Focus"
Shikamaru stopped looking around and looked at the Oto team analyzing them for what they were worth. Choji shook himself out of his stupor and looked back at Oto nins.
Shikamaru started thinking of plans to beat them…
'The sun is behind us so my shadow is lengthened so I won't need Fish Hook or Triple o. Oto… sound… Must be ranged then so Plan Raze and smash is out… But what…"
But then his mind drifted back to what Naruto had said … 'hmm make a show out of them… yes that could work'
Shikamaru muttered "Plan Umbrella… Ino use the Shock tag instead since we don't have the flash bang and choji… don't squash them too much…"
Shikamaru and his team walked closer to the center but spread out a little bit farther than normal.
The proctor appeared about 10 feet from them so he wouldn't get caught in the fight.
The Oto nin were pretty close together once they had seen Team 10 spread out… They probably were thinking they were going to do a pincer so they were going back to back… a text book strategy.
Shikamaru mentally smirked this would be easy…
"BEGIN!" the proctor said. Immediately Ino charged to the side pretending she was going for a pincer technique. Shikamaru mentally applauded Ino for her analyzation of the Oto's team pincer assumption.
Choji ran up a tree and jumped off it going very high in the air. He quickly used several jutsu and called out "Baika no Jutsu" Choji's body expanded several times over creating a large shadow over the area.
The Oto nin had first been distracted by Ino and immediately went back to back. But when Choji jumped up and used his technique they immediately turned their attention to him.
One of them was about to lift his arms and do something but found out he couldn't
'What I can't move.'
Then the unwillingly the faced the boy with the Ponytail. He yawned "Did you actually think we would be doing the Pincer technique… You're boring…" As he said that Ino rushed in with a tag and placed it in the middle of the Oto nin's formation then jumped out activating it. As she did, Shikamaru let his Jutsu fall so he wouldn't feel the pain as well. The Oto nins screamed out loud has several million volts coursed through their body. The volts stopped leaving the Oto nins shaking unable to control their bodies. Sadly this wasn't the end. You see when Choji was up there his body mass made him fall down hard So choji had to do something and that was …
"Nikudan Sensha" and A rolling mass of meat landed on the Oto nins crushing them. Choji immediately stopped the technique and jumped back to his team.
The Oto nin were now on the ground .. Their bones broken and mangled. All of them were unconscious.
The crowd was silent… The Konoha team in the first round had beaten the Oto nins in only a minute.
The proctor immediately called it "Winner KONOHA!"
The crowds snapped out of its stupor and roared. Team 10 turned back to the mangled bodies of oto and walked back to their pit.
Naruto
Naurto waited for them to start. And like most tournaments there was commentary. As he heard the commentary he smiled… 'Shikamaru you smart Bastard.'
As he heard Konoha being called the winner he lifted his arms in cheers and the room was filled with "YES's and I-Knew they could do it"
As Team 10 went in they were greeted with congratulations and claps on the back. All the way Team 10 was smiling…
The rest of the matches went a lot slower taking up almost all of the 3 hours. When it was finally Team's 9 turn it was around 7 o'clock at night.
And of course Team 9 fought Taki and they beat them.
But the more important part of the day would happen with Naruto and the Jinchuurikis.
An hour later
It was late and Naruto along with Gaara, and Yugito were going around looking for food. Naruto said no to sushi and Gaara said No to ramen and Yugito said no to Barbaque… So they were walking around in search for food.
Then Naruto saw a small shop that was for some home grown food. Naruto pointed it out to Gaara who shrugged. Then Gaara used his sand to drag Yugito into the shop…
Inside they smelt warm bread and some hot soup with a nice and cozy atmosphere to it.
Naruto looked over and saw a Taki nin sitting all by herself. She had light Teal hair and orange eyes. She had dark skin but a bit lighter than Karui and Omoi. Was waiting for food while reading a small book.
Naruto looked at Yugito and thrust a thumb in the direction of the girl. She shrugged and they walked over Gaara grudgingly came along.
As they approached her she stopped reading and looked up.
Naruto smiled and said "Yo"
The girl nodded "Hi … what do you want…"
Naruto scratched the back of his head "Do you mind if we sit with you"
The girl shrugged, looked away, and muttered "Like anyone would want to sit with me"
When Naruto heard it he immediately looked in her eyes. Naruto was very good at reading people and expressing his emotions with his eyes. He could give a paragraph of emotions with his eyes.
Naruto continued to look into her eyes as he, Gaara, and Yugito sat down.
Naruto held out a hand. She looked at it and stared and then looked at Naruto.
"The name's Uzumaki Naruto, This is Sabakuu no Gaara, and Yugito Nii." Naruto motioned towards them as he told their names.
She chuckled and Naruto raised an eyebrow. She shook his hand "The Name's Fu, and don't worry I'm not laughing at you just coincidence."
"What coincidence" Naruto asked.
Fu threw him the book she was reading. Naruto looked at the title 'Tale of the Gutsy Ninja'
Naruto raised an eyebrow at it. He flipped through it and as Fu said the main Character was named Naruto.
The waitress came and Yugito ordered for them. Naruto was still looking at the book and Fu was taking a couple sips at her soup.
Naruto chuckled "yea coincidence"
Naruto gave back the book and Fu took it. Naruto looked her in the eyes once again. IT wasn't like theirs … not like the Jinchuuriki he had met so far. It didn't hold the pain of being abused or hurt, but it did hold a pain of loneliness, it did hold the pain of knowing that you are not human, that you will never be human.
'So different and similar' Naruto thought
Naruto decided he might as well try to confirm his growing suspicions.
"How do you like your village FU?"
At this Yugito's and Gaara's eyes widened … he had asked the same question to them because they were…
Fu thought about it a bit… "it's a bit cold at times … as expected by living at a waterfall, but it is really peaceful once your by yourself… just listening to Nature not people…"
"Because you are different" Naruto interjected.
Fu's eyes widened and then glared right at Naruto
"What do you mean" She said her hand reaching for her Kunai
Naruto leaned forwards "What if I told you I am different as well"
Fu laughed "You can't be the same different as me... Huma-"
"What If I told you I wasn't human"
Fu stopped laughing and glared at him. "Fine then answer me this what do you hold"
Naruto smiled "Nine"
Fu chocked… she didn't think he would answer the question … she thought he would answer something totally wrong… but then …no it was too good to be true.
Fu recovered her control and motioned towards the other two. "What about them?"
"One" Gaara said clearly
"Two" Yugito said right after.
Fu sighed and put her elbows on the table letting her head fall into her hands.
"You know how hard this is for me to believe?"
Naruto sighed "Yea for the first time you know, you know now that you are not alone in this world… that someone understands but also bear your pain… its an overwhelming joy and sadness as well."
Fu nodded … she had now doubts now … they were telling the truth.
Fu looked up and cleared her throat. "Let me introduce my self I am Fu adopted daughter of Hisen the Takikage. Seven of demons"
Naruto leaned back and smiled… "Its suprising… I feel more at peace at now then I have compared to the rest of my life."
Fu laughed "Ya don't say"
And so the Jinchuuriki talked amongst themselves… like old friends wanting to catch up on the long years. Friends who believed in each other… friends that held each other's dearest secrets…
Time skip 3
The next 2 days Team 10 dominated the team competitions. They had won all the way to the finals. Their combinations and use of items in their possessions was compared to the level of the Original Ino-Shika-Cho formation. It was breath taking.
Sadly Team 9 wasn't so lucky. They fought against Iwa in the Semi-finals and were defeated when Lee was received a gut wound and Tenten was knocked out by a flying tree due to an explosion tag.
Team 9 was now in the Hospital being watched over by Gai while Team 10 and Asuma were out training in one of the provided training grounds.
Today would be the beginning of the Single matches…
Naruto
Naruto was silent. It would be his turn to fight and he would make the most of it. There would be no showing of technique, no fancy flourish of a skill. It would be brute force, crushing raw power.
Naruto was snapped out of his thoughts as the speakers came to life and a male voice came through it.
"Hello everyone. Its yourt host: Remo Kaede And we are about to start the Single matches.. Now First I would like to explain the rules.
Rule Number 1: The matches will be lasting 1 hour each, if it goes over I will stop the match and decide who has one.
Rule Number 2: I will stop the match when I see fit, NO arguments and no late hits
Rule Number 3: If you are injured with a life threatening wound you are out of the fight.
Rule Number 4: If you are threatened with a life threatening blow, you are out of the fight.
Rule Number 4: No killing
Rule Number 5: Every item is fair game
NOW WITH THAT LETS START THE MATCHES!"
The Konoha gennins could hear the roar of the crowd. Naruto sighed. 'Same thing as last time.'
Sure enough, another host came in with the singles bracket for the day. Naruto had to admit, this was a surprise. He was in the second round and no one was in with him. Or at least no one from the allied villages. Naruto nodded to himself. 'This will be good'
"Hey dobe… it looks like you're up I hope you don't lose."
Naruto's eyes flickered up to the Uchiha and rolled his eyes. "I don't need to be told that." Naruto then looked down and focused himself. He wasn't nervous, but he could get distracted and that was bad for anyone.
And so Naruto waited. What was minutes seemed like hours, and Naruto could feel the energy from the crowd as they roared and cheered for the combatants. It was invigorating. He wanted to get out there and destroy something, prove his mettle and show the world who he was.
"AND NOW WILL NARUTO UZUMAKI OF KONOHA COME UP! AND-"
That was all Naruto heard. There was no more sound. It was all blank. Like someone had put mute onto the world. He saw people talk, even his teammates but he didn't hear them. All that mattered was the match. Naruto walked up the steps and let the light from the sun engulf him.
Naruto blinked at the set up. And then looked forward to see his opponent, an Iwa nin. Naruto smirked, oh this would be good.
Naruto walked into the center and so did the other nin. Naruto immediately started analyzing his opponent, ignoring the yelling of the Proctor. 'Scarred hands so probably a tai jutsu user, doesn't seem all the strong in the legs so he uses an upper body style. Unlikely he uses genjutsu so I will …'
"BEGIN"
There was at first a hushed silence as the word was spoken. But then Naruto did something very unexpected.
Naruto took a step forward…. Then another…. Then another.
Naruto was literally walking, not running, but walking to the tai jutsu user nin.
The nin at first was shocked but then smirked. This guy was giving him the win.
The other older, more experienced nins knew what Naruto was doing. Naruto was baiting the guy. He was asking him to attack first, just mocking him. And if Naruto had the skills, Naruto would crush the Iwa nin.
Naruto walked closer.
7 feet.
6 feet
5 feet
4 feet
3 feet
2 feet. And that was when the Iwa nin struck. He lashed out with a right haymaker intended to smash Naruto's jaw.
Naruto bent forward and crouched slightly. He brought up his had and latched onto the Nin's wrist. He pushed against it slowing it down. The Nin was about to throw his other hand, when Naruto suddenly let go of the Nin's right hand and punched the nin straight into the jaw.
The nin stumbled back from the hit. But Naruto wasn't going to let up. Naruto ran forward, raising his right arm. He swiped downwards with a brutal hammer fist on the Iwa nin's head.
The boy was brought to his knees by the force, and he was almost unconscious. Sadly, his heavy training was his demise. His instincts made him crawl back up to his feet and raise his hand into a taijutsu stance.
Naruto took this as a go ahead signal to beat the living shit out of him. Naruto ran forward and grabbed the dazed nin's arm and shoulder. Naruto kneed the nin in the stomach once. Twice. And on the third one he pushed off the floor with a Shunpo and launched the destructive knee into the nin's gullet sending him flying back.
The Iwa boy was now unconscious and blood was dripping from his mouth.
Naruto looked at the nin with no pity. Naruto turned away and walked back to his pit. He was given claps on the back and congratulations. Naruto smiled and thanked them. He was willing to be cool and proud of his achievement. … In the stands, streets, and in the public he was a regular guy.
But in the arena, in the heat of battle, it was all his territory.
The only problem was, he was not the only Jinchuuriki with a taste for battle.
And there we go! Please review