Chapter 5: Exam Preliminaries
A/N: Well here I am once again. Don't worry about that OneShot and new story I promised, they're on their and working. The OneShot requires a lot of inspiration to write while the new story requires that I describe a lot of history. While neither is very hard, both are very hard to come by. Inspiration is somewhat lacking and the history must be created bit by bit. So, please be patient. The OneShot is already nearing 10,000 words. This chapter is to help me as much as it is to assuage you.
--Start--
Sakura and Sasuke barely paid any attention to the prone form of their third teammate. Both had deemed him inconsequential. But, they were getting weird vibes from the mark on his neck. Neither one really cared what happened to him. Well, Sasuke wanted him to live purely for the purpose of needing him to advance to the next part of the exam. Sakura, being the devoted loyal follower, was cursing Naruto at this moment for the possibility that he may die. Now, this wasn't a sad, don't die on me now, like one might find if their best friend was dying, oh no. This was pure hatred directed at a dying man. Sakura was cursing him for possibly ruining Sasuke's chances of passing this test and becoming a Chuunin. So, while Naruto was lying there in the hollow of a large tree, with two teammates cursing him, three Sound Genin were discussing them and their predicament.
"Can you believe them? Treating their teammate like that?" Zaku was disgusted by the action of the two ninja as they made no attempt to even help their third fallen teammate. His appearance was that of one who might have been poisoned or suffering serious illness, yet all they cared about was this test.
"We are taught to be ruthless killers Zaku. We are not to have any sentimental attachments to any of our teammates. They are just following their duty as a shinobi." Dosu, the one wearing a large fur covered object on his back, his face covered in bandages told the first boy.
"We are Dosu, we are. But, even at Sound we don't treat our comrades like that! I'm not saying they should date the guy, but, hell, just show him some proper respect! We from Sound would never leave behind an ally, no matter what their state." Dosu sighed.
"You're right Zaku. He doesn't deserve to be treated like that. But what can we do? We are of the Sound and that boy is from Konoha. Besides, our mission is to kill Uchiha Sasuke and anyone who stands in our way. What if the boy attempts to challenge us?"
"He'll be passed out for the entire fight. I can make sure of that. All you have to do is make sure Sasuke dies." Dosu sighed. He couldn't think of any way to keep the boy unconscious for an entire fight with the exception of intense injury. He was about to move to attack the team when their third teammate's arm stopped him.
"Wait!" The two boys looked at the female of their team, Kin. She was staring at the boy on the ground, studying him.
"Oh, don't tell me. Kin has the hots for some guy from Konoha?" Zaku chuckled as Dosu gave a near invisible smile.
"Shut it Zaku. It's not like that at all, look. Look at his neck. What do you see?" Zaku looked over at the boy for a few seconds before answering.
"Nothing. He's perfectly normal."
"Look again dumbass!" Kin grabbed him by the hair and shoved his face forward. Zaku squinted for a few seconds trying to see what it was he was looking for. His eyes widened as the boy turned to the side revealing a large black spot on the back of his neck.
"A-a-a a Curse Seal!? But that means Orochimaru has already been here! And he wants us to kill the Uchiha. What could Orochimaru be thinking?" Zaku was pondering his Kage's intentions. Dosu moved his arm revealing a strange hollow piece of metal attached to his arm with several holes peppering the top of it.
"Orochimaru wants this boy with the Curse Seal to join him obviously. But what better way to make him join the Sound then by destroying their feeble team spirit? With the loss of their Uchiha, Konoha will be too caught up in mourning to notice one Genin, Chuunin hopeful, slip through their defenses." Kin nodded. Dosu's idea made perfect sense. She drew several senbon needles as she and Zaku prepared their first assault.
--Several Minutes Earlier--
(A/N: This is where my Chuunin Exam timeline goes completely AU. So, this is a fair warning.)
A green spandex clad boy sat in several large trees, his teammates nearby. They had noticed the Rookie Team 7 down below them, but none of them thought much of any of them. Neji just plain didn't care, and Tenten had no connection with them.
"But Youthful teammates! They are also our comrades from Konoha and they appear to be in trouble! Would it not be in our youthful interests to go assist them?" Lee however, was another story.
"No Lee. This is an exam to prove who is worthy of the title of Chuunin. If a team cannot make it through an area as easy as this forest they deserve no help from us." Neji's position was firm. Lee's spirit was crushed by Neji's flat out disapproval of helping a comrade. Tenten made no objections to Neji's statement. Lee knew that Tenten had a crush on Neji as often happened with teams, but, he never thought that she might become a liability. When a single vote turned the tide, a blind follower was the worst enemy you could face. Lee sighed as he and his teammates left leaving the other Konoha ninja behind.
--Team 10--
Ino dragged Shikamaru and Chouji behind her as they walked through the forest. They looked into a clearing and noticed Sasuke's team sitting there. Ino, having taken unofficial leadership position of their team, marched forward. Sasuke was in no trouble and therefore they were needed elsewhere.
--Present--
Sasuke was nearly asleep. He couldn't take it. Both he and Sakura had been watching forgetting an essential rule of Shinobi survival. One pair of eyes is good as two if the second pair is resting. It was invaluable to have rested ninja ready for combat. Having not slept, both of them were nearing exhaustion. Sasuke leaned forwards his head bobbing on his chest a gust of wind slicing past where his head had just been. His head shot up, noticing the gouge in the tree behind him. He turned around and was faced with three Genin. Each one wore a hitai-ate emblazoned with a musical note. Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. These were the Sound genin from the First Exam. The ones who injured that Kabuto fellow without so much as touching the guy.
Sasuke was immediately on guard as the one carrying the large fur on his back approached him. (A/N I am actually going to reveal what is under the fur on Dosu's back. At least, what's under it in this Timeline.) Sasuke was prepared for a fist fight before the boy stopped several yards in front as the spiky haired boy approached Sakura, their dark haired teammate hanging back, twirling a senbon in-between her fingers.
"Uchiha Sasuke. By the order of our Lord, and for your crimes committed, today, we become your executioners!" Dosu growled at the boy. Sasuke had no idea what he meant. Crimes? Against Sound? Or them personally? Whatever the case, Sasuke knew that he couldn't win a 3-on-1 fight, no matter how much his Sharingan helped him. His best chance was to try and reason with them.
"What? Is this about that incident in the first exam? Look, I don't know why you think it's my fault but I…" Sasuke never finished as a fist slammed right into his face. His ears began ringing as he began barfing on the forest floor. The bandaged Genin just smirked. He took a second to glance at Zaku, looking just in time to see the pink-haired girl rammed into a tree, effectively knocking her unconscious. He smirked as he aimed at the Uchiha. Sasuke standing, seeing that it was truly him versus these three Genin, knew there was almost no way out. Although he was grudging to admit it, if Naruto had been awake, he probably could have taken the genin on with his help. But now was not such a case. Before Sasuke could make his next move however, he was peppered by a multitude of senbon.
The bells began to ring as Sasuke suddenly began seeing multiples of each of the Sound Genin. There absolutely no way he could fight them now. With that thought in mind, he received a blow to the stomach from the bandaged Nin. In an attempt to put up a fight Sasuke began swinging punches and kicks wildly about him. None of them made contact. He was breathing heavily; the air around him seemed to be indecently thick. Now, Sasuke didn't know this at the time, but he was facing opposition almost no Genin could withstand. He had been taken by surprise and the combination of Zaku's Air Cannon, and Dosu's Melody Arm, plus the Genjutsu of Kin's bells, and Sasuke was doomed. Dosu was about to ram his fist once more into the over confident Uchiha's face, but for some unknown reason let it drop before backing off.
"We know this was not the true extent of your abilities Uchiha. Why did you not even attempt to use your Sharingan on us? Whatever the reason, do not gloat. For we will return at a more opportune moment to finish the job that we started here." Sasuke just sighed as they left. He was in no shape to fight. As Dosu backed off he reached into his cloak and removed a scroll from it. Setting it on the ground he backed away leaving Team Seven alone in the forest. Sasuke glanced around and noticed Naruto starting to move. He groaned and sat up. Sakura started yelling as she had just woken up.
"Naruto! You idiot! Why didn't you help Sasuke and me! We could have DIED! And you were laying there enjoying your fancy little nap! Why I…" Naruto blocked out her voice as another one seemed to take its place.
'Leave these fools…' Naruto glanced around. Sakura was still ranting, but no one else was around. 'What do they care about? Certainly not you… The Haruno only cares about Sasuke… And he only cares for killing his brother. What do they have to offer to YOU?' Naruto gritted his teeth as he laid his head in his hands.
'They're my friends! I could never abandon them!'
'Naruto, I'm afraid that that voice is right.' Naruto looked up.
'Kurotsuki? Is… is that you?'
'Indeed it is boy. Need I remind you of your task? You are to become the Ookami Shitouken! I cannot believe you nearly forgot your duties. But, before you can assume the role, you require much more intensive training.'
'I'll just ask Kakashi-sensei! Maybe he can…'
'I'm sorry boy but, that sensei of yours will do nothing to help you. There is only one way for you to truly to attain the type of training you need. You cannot stay in this pathetic village much longer. You may not realize it right now, but they are only holding you back.'
'They…they wouldn't do that!'
'Wouldn't they boy? What do they care of you? You've always been a demon to them… Now, if you want true acceptance, you must go to where you will be accepted. No matter how many furry friends you have.' Naruto didn't know who to listen to. He didn't want to leave Konoha, did he?
'Seek the wind-armed boy, the fur backed hunchback, and the needle siren. They will be able to guide you on your proper path.' The voice disappeared and Naruto was left feeling along. Was there really someone who would help him master his werewolf powers? He knew he was to become a messenger, but, he needed to work on his werewolf form's control. If he even mentioned it in Konoha he would most surely be executed. He blinked as a fuzzy sound reached his ears.
"-uto! Naruto! Naruto have you even been listening to me!" The banshee shrieked at Naruto.
"No. I wasn't. Now will you PLEASE shut up! God damn Haruno, I have never heard of someone who can talk as much as you can. And a ninja no less. Aren't we supposed to be about stealth? Not about shrieking at our allies…" Sakura shut up after that comment. She knew Naruto had been far less affectionate after his ordeal in Wave but, now referring to her as Haruno? She knew something was wrong with Naruto. But what?
Sasuke stayed silent. His breath came in gasps. He was in a great amount of pain. The weapon on the bandaged Sound Nin's arm had hit him pretty hard. Although he didn't know it at the time, the vibrations had caused mildly serious internal injury to the Uchiha. Sasuke, being as proud as he was, refused to acknowledge that he was in pain or that he need some form of help. With that, the trio pushed forward, heading towards the tower. Naruto's thoughts unfocused on the exam.
--Several Hours Later--
Team Seven arrived at the tower relatively unharmed. They had almost stopped to rest when they met up with the boy Kabuto. But Naruto's perseverance to get to the tower kept them going. He was nearly running them ragged to get there. Neither Sasuke nor Sakura were in any real shape to fight. As they arrived at the tower with several hours to spare Sakura and Sasuke collapsed against a wall. Naruto took both scrolls opening them to reveal a random Chuunin. The Chuunin just waved them in seeing as how he had, "better things to do than welcome idiotic Genin." Naruto swore he saw the man pull out a pocket sized orange book as they left.
"Pervert…" Naruto mumbled under his breath as they entered the main Audience hall. The two teammates of Naruto joined a group gathering in the center of the arena. The Hokage was standing on a platform in front of them flanked by several Chuunin and Jounin. The Hokage stood in front of everyone before making the next announcement.
"I congratulate each and everyone of you on making it past the second exam of this Chuunin Exam. Congratulations to the five teams from Konoha." Naruto's, Kiba's, Shikamaru's, Neji's, and Kabuto's teams all nodded at the Hokage. "The team from Sound." The Sound Team nodded, Dosu glancing at the Konoha teams. "The team from Suna." Gaara's team made no move to recognize his statement. "The team from Rain." The Rain team glanced around, their breathing eerily filtering through masks. "And the team from Grass." Each member of the team wore wide brimmed hats and long coats. They gave off an aura of confidence. "Now, before we move on, I am sorry to say, but due to 27 participants passing the second exam we must hold a preliminary round. Before we begin, is there anyone here who wishes to forfeit their position? Be warned, this is the only time you will be given the option to withdraw without being place in a match. In these matches you will fight until one combatant is either dead, unable to fight, or the match is declared over by the examiner." Kabuto raised his hand stating he was out of chakra. Naruto watched him walk away noticing something strange about the boy. He shook it off as the Hokage announced the decision of the first match.
The large board spun through name after name. Each Genin clenched their fist whether in anticipation or fear none would know. The board slowed down and came to stop on two names.
'Uchiha Sasuke VS Kinuta Dosu'
Sasuke's eyes widened as the bandaged sound Nin with the fur jumped down to the arena staring at him; Uchiha Sasuke. Taunting him. Sasuke was still fairly beat up and knew he wouldn't be able to take much more. His internal injuries had had little time to heal, and he was still quite sore from the last time. However, he knew this time it was one on one, and he had the distinct advantage of his Sharingan. Sasuke walked down the steps and took his place opposite Dosu. The examiner brought his arm down declaring the match's start.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan as the Sound Nin merely looked at him. He charged the Genin intent on defeating him in the first few minutes of the match. Dosu expertly dodged Sasuke's punches and kicks. He never once moved his arms, as he seemingly swayed from side to side dodging everything thrown at him. Sasuke didn't risk a jutsu, not knowing the current state of his internal organs. Dosu was suddenly in Sasuke's face and delivered a stunning head smash right into Sasuke's face. Sasuke stumbled back clutching his face. Dosu took this opportunity to throw a flurry of kicks at the Uchiha. Sasuke took most of them not being able to see very well. He eventually got pissed off delivered a kick to Dosu's mid-section without leaving him time to dodge. Dosu skidded back several feet and was panting as was Sasuke.
Sasuke ran forward predicting Dosu's movement. He delivered a sliding upward kick to Dosu's chin. Dosu was knocked into the air as Sasuke leaped up next to him. He kicked Dosu even higher into the air. He reappeared above Dosu delivering a smash into his stomach knocking him into the floor causing a large boom and a decent sized crater below him. Sasuke began panting as an eerie laugh filled the arena.
"Is that all Uchiha? A couple of punches and a few kicks? Well then. I guess it's time I unleashed my trump card!" Dosu crawled out of the hole and reached behind him, gripping the fur on his back. He pulled it off to reveal a thin black box with a large circular indention in it.
"Sasuke, meet the Sonic Cannon. Sonic Cannon, Sasuke." Sasuke backed away. The thing was large. After witnessing the power of his Melody Arm, he did not want to see the power of the Sonic Cannon. Sasuke backed away as Dosu set the monstrosity down. He turned it towards Sasuke before slamming his fist down behind it. The Sonic Cannon drew in the sound and Dosu charged it with Chakra.
Sasuke was finished. A large blast of supersonic sound emitted from the machine. It was too high pitched to be heard but it blew Sasuke's eardrums to pieces making him deaf. He collapsed screaming, clutching his ears. Dosu smirked merely picking up his Cannon. He set it on his back placing the fur back over it. Sasuke's injuries had made him a far weaker opponent than he normally would have been, but Dosu had taken advantage of that aspect. The Medic Nins would easily be able to repair his eardrums, but he would be sensitive to sounds for a few days. However, most of the crowd was in shock that Sasuke had lost. The examiner, whose name was Hayate, raised his hand.
"The winner of the first match, Kinuta Dosu!"
Naruto watched with delayed interest. He didn't think Sasuke had a chance. His previous injuries combined with the exceptional power behind Dosu's attack made it near impossible for him to win. Even if Dosu's attacks missed they could further injure Sasuke. Plus, the Uchiha's confidence left him open to surprises. He should have learned after the first encounter that Sound Ninja have all sorts surprises. The board began to change once again as the second match's participants were selected.
'Lee Vs Haruno Sakura'
Lee leapt down, saddened by the fact that he was fighting his crush. Sakura trembled as she walked down to the arena. Hayate swung his arm down jumping back. Lee tried to follow a peaceful path.
"Sakura-san, please surrender. I do not wish to unnecessarily injure you!" Sakura merely drew a kunai.
"I'm sorry Lee, but I can't do that. For too long I've been the damsel in distress. It's time I took a stand." Sakura prepared for combat. Lee quickly overtook her with his impressive speed before a single kick to her head took her out of the match. Lee was declared as the winner as he walked back up to the stands, disappointed in his match.
The board once again selected two names as Sakura was carried off by a stretcher.
'Sabaku no Gaara VS Mizuiro Shibafu'
Gaara, one of the three Sand Nins simply walked calmly down the stairs. Mizuiro, a Grass Nin, followed suit. Mizuiro wore a simple blue robe, reflecting his name. (Mizuiro Shibafu translates to Blue Lawn) The two stood opposite each other. As soon as the match started Mizuiro jumped back.
"You will fall before Grass' might! Mizuiro Kusa no Jutsu1!" Blades of grass formed from water began firing towards Gaara. The blades simply broke against his Suna no Tate2. Gaara then extended his hand.
"Sabaku Kyuu3!" A large amount of sand covered the Grass Nin. Many of the audience sighed. The preliminaries appeared like they would be over far too quickly. Many were hoping they could fight last. But it didn't like much of a consolation to go last if the matches only took a few seconds. Gaara lifted his victim into the air with his sand.
"Sabaku Sousou4." The sand imploded, crushing the target within it. His blood spewed forth from the sand as Gaara lowered his hand.
"Yes Mother… His blood was bad Mother? I will get you good blood Mother… Good blood…" Gaara was seemingly muttering to himself as he walked back up the stairs to join the other Suna Nin.
Hayate sighed. He wasn't getting paid enough for this. Well, at least at this rate the matches would end fairly quickly. He started up the board once again for it to select two new names.
'Akado Yoroi VS Samui Oyu'
The two participants made their way down to the floor being Hayate signaled the beginning of the match. Yoroi immediately took the opportunity to lunge forward grasping Oyu's head in his hand. He rammed Oyu's head into the floor before placing his foot on his stomach before pressing down to hold him there.
"Interesting technique. Some form of chakra absorption method I would presume?" Oyu's voice was strangely calm. It came out in bretahs of steam and had a disturbingly cold tone to it.
"So you can feel it can you? Just give it a few more minutes and you'll be helpless." Yoroi chuckled thinking his match was already won.
"A true ninja is never defenseless." Oyu formed several hand seals before calling out his jutsu. "Eien Ni Yuge5!" He opened his mouth and expelled hot steam right into Yoroi's face. Yoroi's cried out in pain as he clutched his face and rolled away from Oyu. Oyu calmly stood up steam still dribbling from the side of his mouth before he made more hand seals. "Eien Ni Kiri6!" A cold mist came from his mouth engulfing Yoroi. Yoroi began screaming in panic. He stumbled through the mist unsure of where he was.
"Surrender Yoroi. There is no chance of you winning this match. It is best to surrender now before your limbs are rendered useless."
Yoroi called out his reply in a frightened voice. "No! I can win this! You're the one who's lost. If only it weren't so cold…" Yoroi's voice died out. Oyu sighed before simply backing away. He held the technique for several minutes before calling out his next move. "Futsuu Kuuki7." The mist dispersed leaving behind the blackened form of Yoroi. His skin cracked before shattering at the sudden change of temperature. Oyu walked over before bowing over Yoroi's corpse.
"You were a worthy opponent Akado-san. If only your foolishness had not overcome your better judgment, I would not have been forced to subject you to a death by frostbite." Oyu bowed once more before walking away as Hayate declared Oyu the winner of the match. Oyu, once he had rejoined his team, bowed down on his knees before muttering and praying to someone. Hayate re-activated the board, wanting to get the next match underway. The names flashed before slowly settling on two names.
'Tsuchi Kin VS Akamichi Chouji'
The Sound Girl, Kin, grinned as she hopped down. A fight against Chouji would be an easy win. Chouji slowly ambled down, still munching his chips. As Hayate swung his arm announcing the start of the match.
"Alright chip-boy. Let's get this match started." Kin started with her staple bells. They had yet to fail her. As Chouji became affected by the bells he began seeing doubles of near everything.
"Ugh… what's, going on? I can't tell where anything is! You'll pay for this when I… uhh…" Chouji vomited on the floor, his vision spinning he seemed like he would be out of the match quite quickly.
"Hehe… I knew a fatass like you wouldn't be a challenge." Kin was outright laughing at Chouji. He lifted his head trying to focus in anger.
"No… one… calls me… FAT! Baika no Justu8!" Chouji's entire body expanded into a large ball like form.
"What the hell…" Kin started backing away. She hadn't seen anything like that before. She threw several more senbon that stuck in the boy's expanded flesh, but they only seemed to enrage the enlarged boy even more.
"I'M JUST BIG-BONED!" Chouji pulled his head, arms, and legs into the protective covering of his fat, before rolling towards Kin. The senbon snapped under the pressure of Chouji's immense girth. Kin attempted to use her other bells, but none seemed to have any effect. She was pushed right up against a wall, before Chouji cancelled his Baika no Jutsu.
"What the… how the hell did my bells not affect you!"
"While I'm in my Baika no Jutsu form, almost no sound can pass through my protective covering." Chouji was ready to finish the girl that had insulted him before she began pulling the strings of several bells Chouji hadn't hit.
"Well now that you're not in your protective form, you're done for!" Chouji began wobbling on his feet the jutsu getting to him once again. He formed several hand seals in a last ditch effort. Kin merely smirked thinking he was trying his Baika no Jutsu again.
"Bubun Baika no Jutsu9!" Kin was surprised by the new technique. Chouji's hand enlarged itself to enormous proportions before he slammed it into Kin, knocking her into the wall, rendering her unconscious and unable to fight. Hayate raised his hand.
"The winner of this match is Akamichi Chouji!" Chouji smiled as he walked back up to join his team.
"Good job Chouji. We'll go get some barbecue to celebrate your advancement to the finals when this is all over." Chouji's sensei, Sarutobi Asuma, smiled at his young charge as he cheered. Their joy was short-lived as the board displayed the next set of combatants.
'Kiniro Aki VS Nara Shikamaru'
The Grass Nin known as Aki walked down to the arena his wide brimmed hat shadowing his face. Shikamaru just leaned backwards as he sighed. "It would just be easier to give up." Naruto smirked as Shikamaru looked at him. "Naruto, what are you… AAAAHHHH!!" Naruto had shoved Shikamaru unceremoniously onto the arena floor.
"Can't let the Prey have no Hunter!" Shikamaru just mumbled to himself.
"When I catch you Naruto… you are SO dead…" Shikamaru grumbled as he stood up facing Aki.
"Nara Shikamaru VS Kiniro Aki, BEGIN!" Hayate jumped backwards as the match started. Aki and Shikamaru just stood there, neither moving. Shikamaru braced himself while Aki just stood there.
"The quiet is pleasant is it not?" Shikamaru blinked at him.
"Excuse me?"
"The quiet. With nothing happening. It is like the gentle forests of Grass at the eve of summer when all is restful in the glorious warmth of a benevolent sun." Shikamaru was starting to get a little annoyed.
"What the hell are you? A damn poet?" Ino and Chouji's mouths were hanging open. Shikamaru never swore. But something about Aki was getting under his skin.
"Have you ever experienced the fury of a forest in the gale of a storm?"
"What?" Shikamaru had no time to react as Aki held out his arms.
"Aki Kaze Haretsu10!" A gale of fall leaves blew from Aki's sleeves. Shikamaru attempted to dodge but the leaves were too plentiful. He crossed his arms over his face in an attempt to block the leaves. However, when they hit him they just floated down like normal leaves.
"That's it? You shot leaves at me?" Shikamaru was confused. Leaves? That's it?
"All leaves must fall sometime or another Nara-san. Suchiiru Happa no Jutsu11!" The leaves all turned stiff and sharp as several cut into Shikamaru's feet.
"What in the…" Aki just chuckled.
"Tobimasu Happa no Justu12." The leaves began to float in mid-air before flying towards Shikamaru. He dove out of the way, just in time to see the leaves slam into the statue and wedge themselves into the thick stone. Aki just simply swung his arms again sending more and more leaves at Shikamaru. Shikamaru dove once against. He continued dodging before he wedged himself behind the statue. Aki just smiled under his hat.
"Take all the time you want Nara-san. The seasons wait when necessary." Shikamaru panted as he hid behind the statue. He was safe for now. From what he had seen the leaves couldn't cut through stone. Shikamaru placed his hands in his circle sign before closing his eyes. He concentrated for several moments before opening them once again.
"I've only got on shot at this…" Shikamaru jumped out from behind the statue forming handseals. As he finished them Aki swung his arm out sending leaves at Shikamaru. Shikamaru finished his hand seals calling out the name of his technique. "Kagemane no Jutsu…Success." Aki tried to move his arm but couldn't. He also noticed his leaves had paused in mid-air. He noticed Shikamaru holding the exact same position as him.
"What is this you have done Nara-san? Changed the flow of a river to that of which it opposes? Truly a force to be reckoned with indeed." Shikamaru just smirked.
"My Kagemane jutsu allows me to take control of your body using the extension of my shadow. I now control your every move."
"Hm, tell me then Nara-san, if you use shadows, how was yours long enough to reach me when the light of our lives covers everything?"
"Your leaves. They cast a shadow that covers nearly the entire floor. It was a simple task to slip my shadow underneath them and entrap you. Now surrender."
"I see your plan was very clever Nara-san, but I am afraid I cannot comply."
"I'm telling you, surrender, or you will die." To prove his point Shikamaru pulled his arm closer to himself, forcing Aki to do the same, pulling his leaves closer to him.
"Just as the mighty mountains yield to no man I cannot surrender to you." Aki was staring at Shikamaru as he spoke.
"I don't really want to kill you."
"You have no choice Nara-san. It is my life or your defeat. Which is more important to you?" Aki just stared ahead as Shikamaru let his arms down.
"I can't do it I can't kill you."
"Then Nara-san, I am afraid that this match goes to you." Shikamaru stared at him in amazement.
"What do you mean? I basically just surrendered to you!"
"It is the flow of time to have all resist it. If everything merely follows, what place does it have? I am honored to have been able to fight against you, but now is my time." Shikamaru attempted a second Kagemane jutsu, but he was too late. Aki had sent his leaves towards body. The leaves had gone through his flesh, severing his heart into two pieces. The blood slowly leaked into the leaves surrounding him. Shikamaru looked at the young man. When he had fallen backwards his hat had fallen off. Beneath was a head of green hair, several twigs stuck in it. His face bore an expression of calm serenity. Shikamaru bowed.
"We are Shinobi. We are not honor bound like Samurai. But I feel no joy in watching my opponent cause his own death." Shikamaru turned and walked up the stairs.
"The winner of the match is Nara Shikamaru!" Ino, Chouji, and Asuma were all saddened by the death of Shikamaru's opponent. They knew it was hard for him. It was mainly his fault his opponent had died; at least to him it appeared that way. Team 10 knew the only thing they could really do was comfort him to the best of their abilities and hope he could pull through.
The board once again began selecting combatants. Many crossed their fingers hoping they wouldn't be picked. The board slowed down and stopped on the next two unlucky genin.
'Yamanaka Ino VS Sabaku no Kankurou'
Kankurou, a Sand Nin carrying a large bandage covered package on his back jumped down. His face-paint giving the illusion of a disturbing clown. Ino slowly walked down the stairs, slightly trembling. She had seen what his teammate had been able to do. He had been ruthless in the killing of his opponent. Was his teammate any different. Ino steeled herself as she walked across the floor.
'I'm a ninja dammit! A NINJA. I'm not supposed to be afraid of ANYTHING. I can take this guy. He can't be that hard now can he?' Ino's thoughts were those of resolve, while Kankurou's were slightly more… distant.
'I can't wait to get back home. Back to my porn. Oh Icha Icha Paradise here I come!' Needless to say Kankurou was a closet pervert. A very intelligent and ruthless fighter of a pervert, but a pervert none the less.
Hayate drew his arm down. "May the match begin!" Leaping back Ino prepared herself for her battle. Kankurou merely stood still waiting to see what technique she would use. Ino formed several hand seals and placed her hands in her family's traditional jutsu sign.
Kankurou stared at Ino. 'Ok. Never seen this jutsu before. Gotta watch out for it. Although, so far these Konoha ninja look like pansies. One guy won cause he was fat, the other beat up a weakling girl. Humph. No tact there. When dealing with women one should always…' Kankurou also had a tendency to go off on tangents in his own mind. While thinking to himself, Kankurou missed Ino's completion of her jutsu.
Ino's spirit separated itself from her body before taking over Kankurou's. Ino, now in Kankurou's body looked around for a moment. She saw her body lying on the ground on the other side of the field. Ino, knowing that if this guy's mind was strong, would only have seconds to complete her tactic.
'…And then you ask the girl out! I mean, it's never worked for me so far, but Jiraiya-sama said it would work so it must! Wait a minute! Why can't I move!' Again, Kankurou was not very observant, and as such had cost himself the match.
"Proctor, I forfeit." Hayate looked at Kankurou before nodding.
"The winner of this match is Yamanaka Ino!" Ino cancelled her jutsu before taking up residence in her own body. She cheered as she took her place with her team while Asuma grinned. He so far was the only one to have two thirds of his team advance to the finals. Kankurou was being beaten over the head by his sister Temari for losing.
"How could you forfeit! She's a weak fan girl from KONOHA! And you LOST to her! Why didn't you use Karasu you could've…"
"Ow! Ow! Sis! I'm telling you I didn't forfeit! One minute I was thinking and the next…"
"YOU WERE DAYDREAMING! THAT'S IT! YOU'RE GOING DOWN!" Kankurou let out a wail as Temari proceeded to beat him mercilessly with her large fan. Baki, their Jounin instructor, cringed as he watched Temari maul Kankurou, but deep down, he knew it was their way of expressing sibling love for each other. He sighed however, knowing he would need to have a serious talk with Kankurou. his daydreaming about porn had cost them too much this time.
The next several fights went down fairly quickly. Temari was facing off against Tenten from Maito Gai's team. Temari, in an effort to redeem the Sand team, tore viciously into Tenten, sparing nothing. Tenten, although a master of many different varieties of weapons, fell due to her fatal weakness of not being able to effectively fight against wind. Zaku and Shino were next. Shino simply blew off Zaku's arm when he attempted to use his Zankuuha. Kabuto's teammate faced off against another member of the Rain village. Both were knocked out in the final seconds, Kabuto's teammate from a large surge of water, the Rain village member from Chakra exhaustion.
The only fight worth any note was the one of Hyuuga Neji versus Hyuuga Hinata. Neji tore Hinata's feeble mental defenses to shreds with his stinging comments. Hinata attempted to fight back, but Neji was pressing the offensive too hard. Hinata was inevitably knocked out. Hinata had at one point, looked towards Naruto for inspiration. She was only met by steely green eyes that held no emotion towards her. Hinata was spared a crippling blow and Neji's anger was seemingly assuaged.
The second to last match was that of a Grass and Rain village members. The fight ended in a draw. Both combatants were killed when the Grass village member unleashed deadly fungus spores. Several spores inadvertently landed on him, and using his wounds as a transport system, implanted themselves in his heart, before bursting it as the Rain village member died under their lethal poison. However, the final match proved to be an interesting one.
The scoreboard lay silent. Hayate made no move to call the combatants. No one moved. Waiting for one of the combatants to move. Kiba, finally fed up with the waiting gave in to the pressure.
"Alright Akamaru! Let's go kick the Dobe's ass!" Kiba leaped over the railing and landed on the ground a feral smirk adorning his visage. Naruto looked down upon him before leaping over the edge in a similar but more graceful fashion. He landed with barely a sound before looking at Kiba.
"You have already revealed your greatest weakness Inuzuka. Forfeit now, before I am forced to create unnecessary bloodshed." Kiba just laughed at him.
"You have no idea what you're talking about! Come on Akamaru let's get this fight started! Juujin Bunshin!" Akamaru transformed into a feral copy of Kiba, as Kiba changed to hold the same look. Both lunged forward towards Naruto in an attempt to defeat him before the match could even truly get underway. Naruto simply sidestepped or bent under every slash or strike directed at him.
"Is this all the famed beast-masters of the Inuzuka clan can do? Perhaps I should take up your mantle Kiba. You're obviously not fit to have anything to do with beasts." Kiba growled.
"You'll pay for that Uzumaki!" Kiba was growing frustrated.
"Then show me Inuzuka! Earn your title! Unleash your fury upon me!" Naruto was practically yelling. Kiba growled before launching himself and Akamaru through the air in a spinning motion.
"Gatsuuga!" Naruto didn't move as the attack slammed into him and he flew backwards into the wall. A large cloud of rubble and dust rose over his prone form. Kiba stood up and smirked.
"Call the match proctor. He won't be getting up anytime soon." Before Kiba's victory could be claimed an eerie laugh rose from the pile of rubble.
"I told you what your biggest weakness was Inuzuka! But you were too brash to listen! What's the use of your ears if they don't work? Perhaps I'll do you a favor by removing them!" Kiba stood a shaky step backwards. Naruto rose seemingly unscathed from the rubble. His shirt was torn in several places, but no other damage seemed apparent. Naruto started walking towards Kiba.
"When you were the first to break the silence in such a manner, you proved your impatience and short temper. One can easily turn that back around on you. As I have. Plus, you severely underestimate me. Allow me to demonstrate the power of a real beast!" The Akamaru-Kiba jumped in the way of Naruto in an attempt to prevent his further progression towards his master.
"A dog protecting its master. How quaint. But you know what they say. A dog doesn't know its place, until it is told!" As he finished Naruto backhanded Akamaru across the Arena. Kiba started backing up. Naruto walked right up to Kiba before grinning.
Naruto gripped Kiba's throat in his iron-like grasp. He lifted him off the ground before staring him in the eyes. Naruto's sleeve ripped into pieces as a swirl of chakra encircled it. It bulged with muscle before becoming covered in black fur, steel like claws coming from his fingertips, threatening to pierce Kiba's throat.
"The best inside can't be contained Kiba. But it can be controlled. Now surrender. I don't want to have to kill you." Kiba nodded before raising his arm and surrendering.
"The winner of the final match of the Chuunin Exam Preliminaries is Uzumaki Naruto!"
--End--
A/N: A decent sized chapter. I cut the ending short to get this posted before I have my Wisdom Teeth removed. If it's poor quality, I apologize. But it soon becomes more interesting. The next chapters involves the Demon World, The Sound Trio, and the Advice of Kyuubi.