Hello and welcome to the Fourth chapter of this story. I know it took my slightly longer than I said it would, but you guys can blame my sister for that. She let one of her friends 'borrow' my flash-drive without telling me! I actually had this done the day after I posted the new chapter for my other fic! So anyway just a heads up there are going to be some MAJOR plot developments in this chapter so keep a sharp eye out. And I've decided to start taking your thoughts into account so if you've got an idea for this story that you thing would be cool then tell me it in a review or a PM I don't care which, but they have to be placed AFTER the Chunnin Exams. And sorry if this chapter seems a little botched but there was some parts that I went back and redid. Speaking of which just like with Lucario I am going to go back and edit the other 3 chapters.
"Speaking."
'Thoughts.'
"Demon Speech."
'Demon Thoughts.'
Demonic Requiem
Chapter 4: The Forest and Prelims
-The Forest of Death-
It had been about a half-hour since the beginning of the exams and Kabuto and his team had just got done taking care of their third weakling team and were racing off to the next phase of their plan. Kabuto couldn't help but begin to feel paranoid as he took notice of how quite the forest was. Glancing to his left he was about to ask Yoroi Akado a question when he noticed where Yoroi was seconds previous was gone! Glancing to his right he was about to ask Misumi Tsurugi where Yoroi was when he noticed he was gone too!
Coming to a complete stop Kabuto began to search for his missing teammate. He was about to turn around and backtrack when he noticed that his feet wouldn't move. Glancing around he noticed a figure clad in black seemingly materialize out of nowhere right in front of him. "Your teammates are dead." The figure said as Kabuto continued to struggle to move. "And you will soon follow them."
At that Kabuto stopped struggling and chuckled. "Apparently you don't know who you are messing with!" He said smugly before nearly passing out from the amount of killer intent being let of by the figure. The only sound heard by none was Kabuto's blood-curdling scream.
-Deeper in the forest-
Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba were doing as Cerino suggested and high-tailing it straight to the tower hoping that he wasn't far behind. Hinata's Byakugan combined with Naruto's and Kiba's keen senses made sure that they didn't run into anyone and evaded several traps and ambushes that had been set up.
They made it to the halfway point thanks to the traps and ambushes slowing them down after about 45 minutes. As they continued on Hinata took notice of something. "Guys Team 8 is fighting a grass-nin nearby!"
"Yeah and what's the problem?" Kiba asked clearly not caring.
"The grass-nin is on a giant snake and Shino seems to be in bad shape!" Hinata said bringing them all to a halt.
"Aw hell Sasuke an asshole and Sakura's a bitch but Shino is alright so we got to help them. They are our allies anyway." Naruto said.
"Ok ok fine but I am only doing in for Shino!" Kiba said as they changed course towards the fight.
A ways behind them Cerino took notice of their change of course. 'Their path has shifted. Why would that be?' Cerino thought as he stopped and focused more chakra to his eyes. "AW FUCK!"
"Well this was a good idea!" Kiba said as he recovered from a blow the snake dealt him as he tried to get the grass-nin with a 'Tsuuga' only to be swatted away with the tail. Akamaru was unconscious in his jacket having been knocked out by the snake shortly after the fight began. They had gotten here just as the creepy grass-nin BIT Sasuke on the neck apparently incapacitating him.
"Give me a second!" Naruto said focusing his chakra. The snake changed targets and attacked him only to be batted away by a Juuken strike from Hinata. Acting quickly Naruto molded his chakra and soon after swung his sword cleaving the giant serpents head off.
Orochimaru quickly jumped off and jumped off a tree branch above them rocketing towards the group intent on ending this pointless fight. But he didn't expect to be intercepted by a black blur in mid-air. "Hey guys am I late?" Cerino said grinning at them.
"Like hell you are!" Kiba said sarcastically.
"Listen guys get Team 8 out of here I will hold this guy off!" Cerino said turning back to his opponent blade drawn ready for anything.
"Alright but don't wait too long!" Naruto said jumping down and picking up the unconscious Sasuke and leaping off. Kiba supported the staggering Shino. As Hinata was about to drag Sakura off Cerino called out to her. "Hinata take these!" Turning she caught four scrolls. There was the Earth scroll they needed along with a spare and two heaven scrolls. She could only throw him a curios glance before leaping off Sakura in tow.
"And you! You sick pedophilic sorry ass excuse for a shinobi I only have 2 things to say to you! …BURN BABY!" Cerino said before letting loose a stream of golden flames effectively cutting off the grass-nin.
"Sorry I can't stick around to chat but I've gotta go. It's a shame…you would've made a perfect pair of boots for my girl!" Cerino shouted over the roar of the flames before chasing after his team.
-With Naruto and the gang-
Team 7 and Team 8 had just reached the tower and entered and Hinata quickly solved the riddle and opened the scrolls while Shino did the same with one Hinata gave them. Out of the smoke appeared Kushina and Kakashi. Both looked surprised to see each other but quickly got to the bottom of it. At the part about the snake summon they both gasped and began to lead them through the tower.
Leading them into a room that Sarutobi was using as an office they quickly explained that Orochimaru had managed to give Sasuke the curse seal! Acting quickly Sarutobi and Kakashi were able to completely suppress the seal seeing as Sasuke hadn't activated it and it was still battling Sasuke's will.
While this was going on Kushina began to check the others for injury. Shino had a broken arm and she called in some medic-nin who set the bone and healed it slightly before putting his arm in a sling telling him to go easy on it. The others were fine with Kiba being the worst after Shino with a bump on the head though they were all tired.
"Where's Cerino?" Kushina said noticing for the first time that her squad was one man short.
"He stayed behind to stall Orochimaru." Naruto said worriedly now that they knew what was going on.
"What!?!" Kushina yelled glancing out the window.
The others too looked out side to see a pillar of smoke escaping the canopy of the forest meaning that someone had set it on fire. Not a moment later Cerino came barging into the room looking a little winded but fine. Soon after Kushina began to question him on his fight.
"I was able to keep him talking long enough to mold my chakra and I set the forest of fire to separate us." Cerino explained.
"And Orochimaru?" Sarutobi asked.
"He fled as soon as I started the fire." Cerino said as he leaned back against the wall clearly not happy with the outcome.
It seemed that Teams 7 and 8 were the second and third teams to the tower shortly after the sand duo. Sasuke was sent to the medical ward unconscious from the sealing of his curse mark. Shino although advised to go with him stayed. Sakura wanted to go watch over her precious Uchiha but wasn't able to so after much whining and bitching went to her room followed soon later by Shino and Team 7 in need of much rest.
The following 4 days were spent training in certain aspects in one of the many private training areas in the tower. Naruto spent them training in forming his wind blades quicker and working on certain wind jutsu. Hinata worked on perfecting some family moves she had been working on learning. Namely perfecting her Kaiten. Kiba was practicing some advanced maneuvers with Akamaru not wanting a repeat of the fight with Orochimaru during the third half of the exams.
Cerino was practicing on some fire jutsu's he was trying to perfect along with some practice with his chakra bullets, but strangely after the second day he insisted on training only his Taijutsu and kenjutsu.
Shino joined them after explaining that Kakashi wouldn't help train him seeing as he was keeping watch over Sasuke. Kushina welcomed him warmly although silently promising to have a talk with Kakashi after they were done.
As they trained from sun up to sun down new teams were arriving every day. At Kushina's insist they took the fourth day off to rest so they would be in tip-top shape the next day. And soon enough every team who passes stood in front of the Hokage and many of Konoha's jounin and several ANBU of which Cerino was able to identify Yugito and Hana, and as spectators were Zabuza and Haku. But among the jounin and ANBU was all of the shinobi and elder council members! Including Mikoto who was acting as a representative to the Uchiha clan. Sarutobi explained that they were here to spectate the matches. And to the surprise of many to his right was Jiraiya of the Sannin! Jiraiya grinned to Kushina, Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba.
As the Hokage went on to explain the purpose of the chuunin exams. Then the jounin proctor Hayate Gekkou stepped forward and explained that there was too many team to go to the third exam so they needed to hold preliminaries.
Sasuke snorted at the sight of his mother as she waved at him and he just turned away. Mikoto looked sad at that and lost her smile opting to spectate.
Soon after that they were all staring up at a screen as it randomly choose the matches.
First up was Sakura vs. Ino-It was rather entertaining watching Ino mop the floor with Sakura's head.
Then there was Shino vs. Sasuke-Now there was a fight! But even with his arm broken Shino was able to beat Sasuke with a cleverly laid trap with his insects thus draining him of all of his chakra. Sasuke was not at all happy as he stormed back up the stairs with hardly any chakra. Sakura insisted that Shino cheated.
Next was Tenten vs. Temari the female sand-nin-Even though Tenten put up a good fight you can't win if you can't hit your target seeing as Temari kept on blowing her projectiles off course. Very soon Tenten was exhausted and was easy pickings for the skilled wind user…Naruto had fun watching the fight finally getting to see some his newly learned jutsu in action.
After that was Shikimaru vs. the female rock-nin which had been keeping a low profile during the exams-Shikimaru managed to capture her in his 'Shadow Possession Jutsu' making her bang her head off the arena wall effectively knocking her out.
Then after that the first of Team 7 got some action. The screen stopped on 'Neji Hyuuga vs. Hinata Hyuuga' Many people's minds jumped to conclusions and though Neji would win but they were surprised when the matched started.
As Neji charged in expecting his cousin to be a pampered and delicate main branch weakling only to have half of his chakra points in his right arm to be closed in a flurry of movement. Quickly jumping back he stared in amazement as Hinata just stood there waiting for him to strike again.
"Don't think just because I am from the main branch that I am weak cousin, or you could end up getting seriously hurt and I would rather avoid that." Hinata answered honestly still waiting for him to advance.
Taking that as a jab at his ego he rushed forward once more only to have each of his palm strikes to be blocked and some countered. He stumbled back shakily as he coughed up blood and fought the nausea that followed. 'She isn't using the Juuken stance but an altered version of it!' He realized as he charged again only this time more vigilantly.
This time they remained locked for almost a minute as they blocked and strove to strike the other but neither succeeded, as they broke apart again. Indeed Hinata was not using the Juuken stance but an altered version of it created by her mother. It relied more on flexibility and grace making it more suitable for women. Hinata was able to learn it from some scrolls her father gave her, and with some help from Kushina. Apparently her mother intended to teach it to her and Hanabi when they grew up but never got the chance.
Surprising many Hinata charged forward this time and began to give Neji the beating of a life time as she began to close even more of his chakra points. Every time Neji got ready to mount a counter-offensive Hinata struck again. Finally Hinata shouted "Kaiten!" and as the dome of chakra formed around her and threw Neji into the opposite wall she continued her assault.
"Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms!" Many jaws dropped to the floor as Hinata closed every single last one of Neji's chakra points before delivering a devastating palm thrust to his chest knocking the wind out of him.
When Neji didn't make a move to stand up Hayate called the match and to everyone's surprises Hinata picked Neji up and carried him to the medic-nins before making her way back to her team smiling at Gai's and Lee's shouts of her 'flames of youth'.
Next came Naruto vs. a rock-nin named Kento Akane. Apparently one of his relatives were killed by Minato thus he was holding a grudge. When the match began Kento immediately fire a jutsu called 'Earth Style: Rock Burial Jutsu' which sent a miniaturized rockslide at Naruto who easily dodged it by going airborne.
Flipping through hand signs Naruto quickly retaliated with a 'Wind Style: Great Breakthrough Jutsu'
Kento blocked it with a handy little earth jutsu called 'Earth Style Wall'spitting out mud that quickly formed into a wall protecting him from the powerful gust of wind.
Not deterred by this Naruto decided to get serious. Flipping through hand signs faster than anyone's eyes could follow Naruto called his move. "Wind Style: Wind Dragon Jutsu!"
"What! There isn't a wind dragon jutsu!" Kakashi exclaimed only to be silenced along with many as Naruto expelled a giant cyclone of air that quickly took the shape of a dragon. Not even bothering to go around the dragon went right for the wall of mud. Temari was awed as the wall was sliced apart by the many wind blades the dragon was made out of. Barely getting out of there in time Kento was only glanced with one blade leaving a deep gash in his side that immediately began to bleed profusely.
"Kushina were exactly did Naruto learn that jutsu?" Kakashi asked staring in amazement at the destruction the dragon caused.
"Well…" Kushina began glancing at Cerino for the ok. Cerino simply shrugged before turning back to the fight. "…Cerino here gave our team some advanced scrolls on jutsu and apparently there once was a wind dragon, but it has long since been forgotten."
"But a jutsu of that power could easily be done wrong and could seriously harm Naruto if not done correctly!" Kakashi countered.
"Hah don't you think I already know that! But apparently you forgot that Naruto is just like his father! He took to Ninjutsu like a fish to water! So stop being a hypocrite…don't give me that look I know that you began to teach Sasuke the 'Chidori' during our mission in Wave!" Kushina retorted harshly to Kakashi still apparently mad at him for his favorism of which she learned about shortly before Wave when that met Shino on the way to practice. After seeing that he hadn't stopped after she had confronted him. So told Shino and Sakura that if they ever wanted to they could join in on their training sessions. Shino took the offer instantly while Sakura simply snorted and said watching Sasuke train was better than 'hanging out' with losers.
While this was going on Sasuke was fuming at himself for not having enough chakra to activate his Sharingan to copy the jutsu that were being used before him. Now back to the fight. After seeing the destructive power of the dragon Kento got the idea that apparently his opponent was a Ninjutsu user so he was worthless at close range…boy was that a mistake. As he rushed in Naruto met him halfway. They then engaged each other in a fierce Taijutsu fight that quickly turned out to be a bad move on Kento's part. While Naruto took to Kenjutsu pretty quickly obviously getting it from his mother he was also best friend with the son of the patriarch of the best Taijutsu clan in Konoha.
After collecting a few new bruises and a split lip Kento pulled back and moved back to jutsu. "Earth Style: Earth Dragon jutsu!"
"Wind Style: Wind Dragon jutsu!" Naruto retaliated.
The two dragons slammed together and dissipated as the wind dragon shredded to the earth dragon apart. But Naruto wasn't idle while this was going on. The moment the jutsu's canceled out he named his next. "Wind Scythe jutsu!" Kento was caught in the cyclone and was ripped apart and when the jutsu was over he promptly passed out from blood loss.
"Winner Naruto Namikaze!" Hayate shouted. Naruto returned to the balcony greeted by many congratulations and praises from both his team and the other teams and surprisingly Kakashi as well.
The next match was Dosu Kinuta vs. Chouji: It was kind sad to see just how much Dosu relied on his melody arm; however, seeing as Cerino destroyed it Chouji flattened Dosu…literally shouting something like 'Chubbies Rule!' after he made a comment about his size.
Everyone watched as the screen flashed though names until it finally landed on…Kiba Inuzuka vs. Zaku Abumi. "Yahoo! Finally some action!" Kiba said to his companion as they made their way down to the arena ready to prove himself after seeing all those amazing matches.
"You two ready?" Hayate asked just like he did with all the others.
And like always he got a chorus of "Yes!"
"Ok…BEGIN!"
Zaku made the opening move with his signature attack. "Slicing Sound Wave!" Kiba was hit by the strong winds and tossed back and was barely able to regain his footing before Zaku sent another at him.
Leaping to the side Kiba narrowly dodged the attack. It was at this moment that Akamaru decided to make himself known by leaping up and attacking Zaku from his spot on the ground clearly forgotten.
"Tsuuga!" Kiba shouted as charged towards Zaku intending on capitalizing on the opening Akamaru gave him.
Dodging Akamaru Zaku retaliated. "Slicing Sound Wave!" The force of the wave pushed Kiba back and forcing him to cancel his attack.
With a bark Akamaru leapt at Zaku's exposed back only to be pushed back by another 'Sound Wave'.
But in this motion Zaku left his back open. "Tsuuga!" Not being able to react in time Zaku received several angry gouges in his right arm.
Kiba landed near Akamaru just like he hoped. "Ok boy you ready to try out some of those moves we've been practicing?" An eager bark was his reply.
"Alright!" Akamaru hoped onto Kiba's back. "Man Beast Clone!" And Akamaru was the spitting image of the bestial Kiba.
"Gatsuuga!" And the two Kiba's were off.
"Slicing Sound Wave!"
But the two cyclones easily dodged the attack having seeing it several times already, and continued their assault. Within a second after Zaku's feeble defense the cyclones were baring down on his.
After receiving several new slashes Zaku was able to fend them off with a couple 'Sound Waves'.
The two cyclones regained their bearing and tried something completely new. One leapt high into the air coming at Zaku from above while one of the Kiba's canceled their attack and engaged Zaku hand-to-hand.
The cyclone from above slammed down right behind Zaku and soon he was trying and failing to fend off two Kiba's. With a sudden spark of ingenuity Zaku slammed his hands into the ground and sent of a rather strong 'Sound Wave' forcing the duo back.
But before they could recover fully Zaku let loose his strongest attack. "Supersonic Slicing Wave!" The two Kiba's were pushed back even farther and also received several deep gashed from the wind.
After it finally stopped there were two battered and tired Kiba's standing their panting. "Looks like we've got no choice but to try that move eh Akamaru." Panted the Kiba with a deep gouge under his left eye. His reply was a low growl from his counterpart.
Preparing their attack they locked hands and began to spin in a larger than normal 'Tsuuga'.
"Supersonic Sound Wave!" Zaku yelled intent on stopping the giant cyclone.
The wave slammed into the Kiba's and their attack halted but continued to spin. They stayed suspended like that for several seconds before in a burst of strength they broke through to wave and charged straight for Zaku.
Zaku was torn apart and left bleeding profusely from the attack. After several seconds Zaku finally passed out from blood loss. "Winner Kiba Inuzuka!" Hayate called.
Kiba and Akamaru simply laid their exhausted and lightheaded from blood loss. Everyone waited for the medic-nins to carry them both off before the matches continued.
The Next match after that was Kankuro vs. another Rock nin-While no where near as exciting as Kiba's match it was still interesting seeing as Kankuro replaced himself with his own puppet and quickly finishing the match by incapacitating the Rock nin with his puppets.
The next match was easily one of the most exciting seeing as it was Gaara vs. Rock Lee-Everyone marveled at Lee's speed and agility and thought that he might actually win. But sadly he didn't and had to be rushed to the hospital after Gaara crushed his left arm and leg.
Everyone had to wait for fifteen our so minutes as the medic-nins cleaned up the mess and rushed Lee to the hospital. It was during this time that Kiba and Tenten returned from the infirmary. "Would Shinji Ishimura and Cerino Delgada come down for the final match?" Hayate said after they were ready to get under way.
The Cerino and the final sound-nin squared of each having their own thoughts. 'This is bad. I am at a severe disadvantage here.' Cerino thought trying to think of a way out of this predicament.
"You two ready?"
"Yes!"
"Ok…begin!"
(I was actually debating weather or not to cut it off here but I figured you waited long enough for some answers so here you go!)
Shinji made the first move. "Earth Style: Rock Burial Jutsu!" And like with Kento a miniature rockslide charged towards Cerino. Leaping out of the way he attacked by throwing several kunai that seemed to just appear out of his cloak sleeve.
Deflecting these with ease with his own kunai Shinji was forced to leap back and Cerino landed with an axe-kick. Flipping through hand signs once more he announce his attack. "Earth Style: Earth Dragon Jutsu!"
'Son of a Bitch!' Cerino thought as gave a mighty leap dodged it as it tried to crush him and was sailing backwards high above the stands as the dragon began to get ready to pick him off from mid-air. 'He's a Ninjutsu user which puts me at a disadvantage cause he can attack from a range…my fire jutsu take up too much chakra so perhaps…ah to hell with it!'
As the dragon charged at him ready to finish it Cerino raised his right hand as his left hand formed a half ram seal. Everyone stared in awe as a black orb formed and quickly grew to about the size of a beach ball. Cerino choose this time to name his attack. "Shadow Meteor!" The orb shot from his and upon impact with the dragon exploded rocking the arena as the dragon fell apart seeing as his head was blown off.
Everyone started on awe, as many have never seen a shadow style attack. 'How does he now a shadow attack unless…' Kushina thought as many began to piece together what she just had. '…He's from Land of Shadow!'
Cerino had a determined look as he landed on the opposite side of the arena starring down his opponent who looked shocked at the attack. Shinji quickly composed himself and remembered his master's orders. 'He said not to underestimate him.'
"Earth Clone!" Shinji called out as about two-dozen clones made of earth formed and charged at Cerino as the original hanged back hoping to come up with a plan in light of this problem.
Cerino remained calm and drew his blade. As they neared Cerino let loose another shadow attack. "Shadow Bolt!" And what appeared to be a black bolt shot from his hands and hit one of the clone's chests. Everyone watched in fascination as the clone's chest seemed to dissolve revealing its hollowed center before dispersing back to mud.
Then the clones converged on him but he was in his element now! Side stepping an obvious right hook Cerino quickly delivered a kick to the back of it's knees breaking off it's leg before spinning to slice of another head. Another charged from his left and Cerino grabbed it by its face and lifted it off the ground with ease. "Shadow's Grasp!" With a jerk its face was crushed inwards in a blackish purple cloud of energy.
A clone attack Cerino who easily ran it through with his katana. Another clone moved to attack from behind this one armed with a halberd. It looked like the clone was going to actually stab Cerino before it froze in mid stab. In a blur the clone spun and chopped the head off a clone behind it surprising many. This action was repeated with many of the clones standing near or around Cerino some armed and others unarmed.
As the spectators looked closer many jaws hit the floor as they saw that Cerino's shadow was stretched and connected to the clones that just attacked. 'H-how h-he isn't a Nara!' Shikaku thought as he watch in amazement as the clones formed a circle as the clones that weren't being controlled were surprised and confused. 'And further more it appears he's using the 'Shadow Possession Jutsu' on multiple targets but he didn't have to move to control them.' The Nara clan leader calculated.
"Enough." Cerino said as he flashed though hand seals faster than any could follow. "Shadow Style: Ensnaring Darkness!" A thick black looking substance spread from were Cerino was standing until it covered the area around him and the clones. "This is the jutsu Jiraiya of the Sannin modified to create his own 'Swamp of the Underworld´ technique only in that case he uses earth." Cerino explained as Shinji looked thunderstruck. (Think the darkness that swallows Riku in the beginning of Kingdom Hearts 1.)
Many of the clones began to struggle to move but couldn't as the substance seemed to be holding them down. Flipping through a few more hand signs Cerino completed the jutsu. "Shadow Style: Embracing Darkness!" And with that a solid spike of the substance shot out from behind the clone and stabbed each clone where its heart would have been. He then said was a smirk. "Although he couldn't incorporate that part into his jutsu."
Now all the clones were destroyed and it just left him and Shinji as the black substance just seemed to evaporate without a trace. Cerino inwardly grimaced as a burning pain shot through his body. 'Damn…its already begun. Guess I over did it but I had no choice. Hopefully I can play this off and get in close and if not…' At this Cerino did grimace. 'It going to get bad and real fast. Perhaps I can close off his tenkutsu but that's pushing it. Either my chakra will begin to tear apart my coils or I will just be teetering over the edge of that happening. Either way its not good for me.'
Cerino then took a deep breath and began to focus on slowing the flow of his chakra to hopefully buy him some time. Shinji seemed to have taken the bait as he charge at Cerino who ran to meet him. They soon engaged in a fast paced Taijutsu.
Seeing an opening soon after the fight began he seized it. His doujutsu flaring to life he began his attack. "Chakra Break: Heavenly Rain!" He then began to close all of Shinji's tenkutsu much like Hinata only with a different style and movements. After landing what appeared to be the final blow he palmed Shinji in the chest and Shinji went flying back from the wave of chakra that was released.
Shinji quickly picked himself up expecting for Cerino to press his attack. But he was surprised and relieved when it seemed that Cerino was in some kind of pain and he began to focus on the curse seal on his neck.
Cerino was trying to slow his flow of chakra back down but the damage was done. He could feel the burning intensify and he knew what was coming. To the surprise and worry of many Cerino began coughing up large amounts of blood into his gloved hand, and soon after many darkened lines began to appear from underneath Cerino's cloak and began to stretch up his neck and branch out across his face and soon he began shedding tears of blood!
"H-Hinata what's happening to him?!" Kushina asked.
Activating her Byakugan she soon gasped and uttered. "My God…"
"Well what is it?" Naruto said from beside her.
"H-His chakra coils…they seem to be tearing!"
"What!?" Kushina asked shocked.
"His coils are being torn apart!" Hinata said still observing his chakra system to the horror of many.
"Kushina I would advise you to pull out your student! If what Hinata says is true then he could die!" Kakashi said shakily.
Kushina didn't answer but instead brought her attention back to Cerino. Cerino regained his bearing and was able to deactivate his Go-Ruden-Manako. Yanking back the sleeve of his cloak he revealed that similar purple lines were running up his arm. Soon people began to realize that those purple lines were his chakra coils! Ripping off both of his gloves he saw that his hands were the same.
Up in the stands Yugito had to suppress the urge to rush to his aide but she calmed herself. 'He can take care of himself you know that.'
"Yugito isn't that your housemate?" Asked Yugito's friend and squad leader Yugao Uzuki.
"Y-yeah."
Back to the arena Cerino's brain was working a mile a minute. 'Damnit! This is bad. I can't think of a way out of this. I guess I'm going to have to end this quickly!' He though as he got ready to charge at the now chakra less Shinji. But just as he was about to move he paused in mid step as a wave a malicious chakra rippled off of Shinji. And soon enough marking began to spread like fire across his skin and a purple chakra began to form around him. 'No. He's got the curse mark…I don't think I can beat him like this without…no I can't…not yet…' As the Shinji seemed to be preparing to attack Cerino made his decision. 'I guess I'll have too…hopefully my team won't be to angry at me, but my reasons are justified.'
Up in the stands the jounin and ANBU were ready to jump in at the first sight of the curse seal…they were just waiting for the Hokage's signal. Sarutobi was looking to Cerino waiting to see what his decision was. 'Jiraiya and I told you Cerino that it would be best to tell your team about your burden. But I guess even you have your insecurities. Now what will you do?' Cerino looked up at the Hokage and caught his eyes. He gave him and Jiraiya a small sad smile blood still running down his chin. It was his way of saying 'you were right, and I'm sorry it's come to this.'
Sarutobi nodded before giving his ninja the 'stand down' signal. 'Is he crazy! He's going to get Cerino killed!' Kushina was practically screaming until her mind and body went numb as a familiar wave of power swept over her. Turning back to the fight all eyes were on Cerino and even Shinji had paused in mid step at the feeling. Cerino's eyes were closed and a look of concentration was on his face.
Suddenly his eyes snapped open and his blood red eyes seemed to be glowing as a familial red chakra began to form around him. 'H-he's a…' "Jinchuuriki." Kushina thought the last word slipping past her lips falling on deaf ears round her.
Naruto was simply starring in shock. 'H-he's just like me.'
As the red chakra began to seep out of him people noticed Cerino canines began to lengthen even further, his nails began to form into claws, and his facial features took on a more feral look, but he remained standing upright not crouching down like Naruto would. But unlike when Naruto would experiment with Yumi's chakra this chakra didn't feel untamed and unbridled. No this chakra was focused and controlled. While it didn't feel as malicious due to it being under control it made the ninja that much more wary. If he could control it to this degree then there is no telling what he could do. His chakra coils were still visible but not as defined as before and the bleeding had stopped
Beside him Sarutobi saw Danzo starring in amazement and awe and he could practically see the little cogs turning in his head. 'Don't even try it Danzo it'll be your undoing.' Seeing that this was going to get messy Sarutobi and Jiraiya stepped forward and with a signal they along with the ANBU erected a chakra barrier to protect the stands.
As Kushina's mind rebooted and she began to file all this new information away. Things began to make since! 'The secrecy, the preference to work alone it all makes since now! …He thought we would reject him.'
"Ifrit-sensei! No not you too!" Yumi shouted in Naruto's head in realization. (Yes the Ifrit from Final Fantasy. More on that later though.)
"What's wrong Yumi?" Naruto said back thought the link.
"Cerino's the container of my sensei…" Yumi answered back shocking Naruto.
Shinji seemed to have gotten over his shock and continued his charge. Cerino saw this and rushed to meet him. They met in a fierce Taijutsu fight that seemed to be even as they both fought to gain an advantage over the other. Shinji tried a sweep kick only for Cerino to jump over it and with a twist tried to kick him in the head only for Shinji to block it and grabbing his leg tossed Cerino at the wall above the entrance.
Flipping in midair Cerino landed on his feet against the wall and reversing the momentum from his landing he leapt straight at Shinji. Mid flight he began spinning in a cyclone just like Kiba's 'Tsuuga'. Shinji quickly jumped out of the way and Cerino went flying by him. Landing Cerino skidded and span to kill all the momentum and not missing a step rushed at Shinji.
Leaping in the air Cerino spun and gave a powerful kick that was blocked by Shinji, but twisting his body again Cerino delivered a strong punch over Shinji's raised arms right on top of his head. Landing he next brought his left hand up and slashed Shinji across his chest leaving four deep cuts. All this time Cerino had an angry grimace on his face, and that combined with his scars made him look even more feral.
Shinji seeing he was at a disadvantage now leapt back and began flashing through hand signs. "Earth Style: Rock Burial Jutsu!" He said in a deeper voice. This time the rockslide was much stronger and some rather large rocks were tossed into the air as the rockslide roared toward the demonized Cerino.
Cerino didn't seem worried as he ran toward the rockslide head on leaping into the air headfirst he twirled and he sailed between two boulders just before the slammed together. Once on the other side he increased his speed into another 'Tsuuga' that Shinji wasn't able to dodge. Cerino slammed into Shinji and somehow turned skywards pushing Shinji with him.
Shinji's shirt was all but destroyed and his chest was covered in slashes. Once Cerino stopped spinning he brought both his legs up and kicked off Shinji's chest separating them. They both straightened themselves out in mid air and began falling back to the arena floor.
Cerino's face returned back to calm and collected whereas Shinji had a soundless snarl on his face. They both landed and seemed to be examining the other almost like daring the other to make the first move.
To the surprise of everyone Shinji let out a low guttural laugh. "It would seem that we are not so different you and I. We both desired and sought after power! While you achieved it from within I soon after defecting from The Land of Earth sought a stronger and more respectable man to pledge my allegiance to. The means are different but our ends are the same. We both desire total and unquestionable power! Now lets see who is stronger!" He said as even more tainted chakra began to seep out of him.
Cerino gave off what sounded like a laugh but came out a bark. "We are nothing a like!" He said in a deeper more feral tone of voice. "You sought after power but you only got an eternal slavery to a pedophiliac psychopath! But I…" He lifted his clawed hands and stared at them. " I promised myself I would never use this power for personal gain" Cerino finished with a growl.
Shinji seemed amused by Cerino's words. "Ah so you use your power to help others. Others who scorn and hate you because you are different. Fool such power should only be used to destroy or make them kneel before you! Such a waste of power to squander it off for such a feeble cause.
"Keh. Believe what you will but I swear this: Even if it takes my dying breath I will kill you!" Cerino said releasing more demonic chakra.
"Fine! Have it your way! I'd like to see you try!" Shinji said before his body began to contort as he activated Stage 2 of his curse seal. His skin turned red and he shot up to about 8 feet tall. His muscle bulged and contorted and they grew to match his new height. His brown hair seemed to disappear from his scalp as his head grew. The remains of his shirt ripped off along with most of his pants until they resembled a pair of raggedy shorts. The ground next to him seemed to distort as a pillar of earth rose up and he grabbed it and ripped what appeared to be a giant mace from it. "I WILL SHOW YOU MY TRUE POWER!" He shouted brandishing the crude weapon.
Cerino stood there watching the transformation with a look of what resembled disgust on his face. "If you are going to show me your true power than its only fair I show you mine." He said attracting the attention of many.
Cerino's chakra coils slowly began to disappear as light blue patches of chakra started popping up mixed in with the red. Cerino's chakra's seemed to be molding and forming together slowly and the ground itself shook as whatever Cerino seemed to be doing was summoning a lot of power. The two opposing chakra's began to mold and combine slowly and some of the chakra turned purple, and quite suddenly an explosion rocked the stadium and the area around Cerino was engulfed in dust.
Everyone was watching in anticipation for what was going to come out of the smoke. Everyone froze as a wave of power that quite easily dwarfed the one Cerino let off early swept through the stadium. Suddenly as if from an invisible gust of wind the dust was swept away and there stood Cerino in a small crater surrounded by an aura of chakra.
"But wait that chakra's…" Kiba began noticing what everyone else had.
"Golden." Hinata finished.
Cerino was surrounded by an aura of golden chakra the same size as his chakra before to transformation. Then another wave of power swept over the area as his chakra suddenly grew easily match the size of Shinji's tainted chakra.
That's when Kushina felt it…she couldn't quite describe it. 'It feels invigorating…I-I feel like I can do anything!' At that Kushina actually let off a laugh and off to the side Kushina barely heard Gai scream something about Cerino's 'Flames of Youth burning brighter than ever'. 'It feels like…whatever this chakra is. Its actually feels like its empowering me. Making me more confident!' Kushina finally summarized the best she could.
Looking around she could see the others felt the same way. Looking back to the fight she watched as Cerino easily leaped from the middle of the crater, over Shinji, and to solid ground behind him. She then noticed that he had once again changed. He took on a much more human look. He didn't look nearly as feral as before, but he still held several demonic features.
His eyes were still blood red and slitted and he had golden, blue, and red streaks in his hair. His hands didn't have claws any more and his face still didn't look like it used to. It wasn't as animalistic as before but it still held some of the feral features just not a defined. All in all he looked like a mix between his human and demonized forms minus the highlights.
Cerino arched his back and many loud popping sounds could be heard as Cerino let out a groan as he flexed his muscles. "It's been forever since I've felt this…ALIVE!" He shouted at the end flaring his chakra. His voice sounded the same as it did before the prelims.
While the others got a moral boost from the chakra Shinji and a select others felt a coming dread and for the first time Shinji felt doubt, but he quickly squashed that not willing to show weakness.
Popping his neck Cerino once again turned his gaze back to his opponent. "Your move." He said mockingly with a grin.
"Impressive light show but I still won't help you. Now prepare for your death Cerino Delgada! Earth Style: Earth Dragon Jutsu!" Shinji shout as he went through hand signs with his over grown hands and a dragon much bigger than before roared towards Cerino.
As the dragon charged toward him Cerino didn't seem worried at all even as the dragon was bearing right down on top of him. The dragon moved to swallow Cerino whole but just before it reached him Cerino seemed to faze out and appeared beside it sheathing his sword just as its jaws clamped down on the space occupied by him just seconds before. There was a pause before the dragon's head was sliced clean off and it dissipated.
"My turn." Cerino said boredly. Not even bother with hand signs as he called his jutsu. "Fire Style: Dragons Breath Jutsu!" He let loose a jet of golden flames from the palm of his hand right at Shinji.
After some fast hand seals he yelled. "Earth Style Wall!"
The flames slammed right into the wall and continued to do so for a couple more seconds before stopping revealing that the wall along with the floor was glowing cherry red.
Cerino undeterred by the wall rushed right at it and upon reaching it punched right through it not worrying about the flames. Shinji although surprised by the show of strength swung his giant mace at Cerino who simply ducked under it before delivering a vicious uppercut to Shinji's chin.
Landing Shinji flipped though a couple more hand signs. "Earth Style: Rock Burial Jutsu!" He announced his favorite jutsu and an enormous rockslide rolled towards Cerino.
Drawing his sword Cerino pointed his free hand to the ground. His eyes flashed golden and he fired a golden chakra bullet into the ground creating his own rockslide. Just before Shinji lost sight of Cerino he saw him spin in place before slashing at the air towards him.
The two attacks met and Shinji lost sight of him in the dust cloud. But a second later he saw the dust cloud get cut in half and it was only years of training the saved him and he ducked and the wind blade soared right over his slicing into the arms of the giant statue of the man doing the ram seal.
Shinji watched carefully as the dust settled only for Cerino to be nowhere in sight. A rumbling behind him caused him to turn around. Cerino was by the arms of the statue and in a show of brute strength ripped off the rest of the with a grunt tossed them at Shinji who was just barely able to get out of the way as they shattered on the arena floor.
"Such strength…inhuman." Kurenai said in awe.
Cerino once again disappeared and appeared in front of a still free-falling Shinji. His nails grew to claws and he swung them at Shinji who just barely was able to block them with his mace that was cut into five different segments.
"When are you going to realize it you fool? You can't beat me! Now for once be smart and surrender…if you value your life!" Cerino said as they landed.
Shinji was silent for a second staring at the now useless handle before throwing it away. "Ah I see…it makes sense now. There is no way a human could ever be so strong or so fast! You're not even human at all are you! You're just a demon in disguise!"
Cerino was silent for a second silently observing him before he sighed glancing at his hands as his claws retracted. "I said I would never use this power for personal gain…and I never have. But you are only half-right! I am no demon…but…I can't deny…that I am no longer human. I am what you would call a 'Hanyou' or a Half-Demon." This earned many shocked stares from the crowd.
"This…" He said as he raised his hand now clenched in a fist. "…In the words of someone that I met recently and I've had the unique pleasure of getting to know him. This…" As he seemed to swell slightly with pride. "…Is the price I paid to protect MY precious people!"
Naruto blinked in surprise as Cerino used his own nindo as an example. Naruto began listening closely as Cerino continued. "And not a day goes by that I EVER regret my choice. Rain or Shine, Day or Night, through Thick and Thin I have and will continue to use this power to protect my precious people. EVEN IF IT TAKES MY DYING BREATH I WILL USE THIS POWER TO PROTECT MY FAMILY!" He exclaimed flaring his chakra even more at the end.
Kushina and every one else was staring awe struck as his golden chakra once again became tangible and spread growing and growing until it reached the chakra barrier. The ANBU tensed expecting it to push against the barrier but were surprised when it stopped just before it.
"Fool!" Shinji said spitting on the ground. "I grow tired of you now lets finish this once and for all!" He said slamming his fist into the ground as the earth gathered around his entire arm forming a cocoon and black seals spread along it. "Fingers of the Mountain!" Shinji said waiting for Cerino to announce his move.
Holding his right arm aloft Cerino's chakra began to gather there until his vary arm was set ablaze with golden flames. The flames took the shape of a monstrous arm with claws each about a foot in length at the endof each finger. (Think Ifrits arm from Final Fantasy 8) "Pyro Tsume!"
There was a silent wait as the opponents stared each other down. Then as if by some signal they both charged each other there respective attacks cocked back ready to kill the other. Shinji let out a battle cry as Cerino remained silent, cool, and calculative.
They each charged the other neither slowing nor changing course. When they got within range is when Shinji thrust his attack forward. But in a flash Cerino's attack canceled and instead with his left hand he reached forward and shoved Shinji's attack to the side and thrust his now clawed hand forward. What happened next and was hidden as Shinji's earth encased arm glowed before blowing up.
Everyone waited silently waiting for the dust to settle. Soon two silhouettes could be seen and with a final gust they finally saw the out come. Shinji was impaled on Cerino's arm and his right arm appeared to have been blown off from the explosion. 'A self sacrifice technique…he must have been desperate.' Kushina thought as she continued to watch.
Shinji as some point had returned to normal and now had a shocked look on his face. 'Poor fool probably didn't even know what happened.' Kakashi summarized from experience.
Cerino's left hand was charred and blacked but before their vary eyes the skin began to peel off and be replaced by new untouched flesh. Cerino grimace as he placed his left hand on what remained of his opponents should, and with a pull and a twist of the arm he retched his arm from the corpse with a squelch. Making several people almost lose their lunch or did in Sakura's.
Looking at his blood covered arm several people expected him to lick off the blood or something else, but instead he reached into his cloak and pulled out a bottle of water. After screwing off the cap his proceeded to rinse off the blood off of his arm quietly. His chakra completely gone and suppressed.
Sarutobi had long since removed the barrier and glancing at the proctor he audibly cleared his throat. With a start Hayate returned back to from his own little world before announcing the victor. "W-winner Cerino Delgada." There was no shouts or clapping as the audience had been stunned into silence and Cerino simply continued to clean his arm.
Finally getting all the blood off he tossed the empty bottle away before turning to the Hokage. With a nod Sarutobi gave him an obvious gesture meaning 'get out of here I'll take care of this.' With a nod Cerino turned around and began to walk towards the exit.
Sarutobi was about to say something before Danzo at his side shouted "ANBU SEIZE HIM!"
Yugao was about to follow said command before a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Turning she was about to say something until the Hokage shouted. "HALT!" with a nod of thanks Yugao turned to see some of the other ANBU were already in the arena when the Hokage had given the command, and Cerino had stopped in ready for an attack from any direction.
But someone had a better idea. Sasuke who was still charging gave a battle cry Sharingan blazing as he moved to punch Cerino. But the moment he got within range Cerino had grabbed him by his face and lifted him off the ground like a doll. Mikoto moved to help her son but was held back by Jiraiya. "This is a lesson he needs to learn alone." He whispered into her ear to calm her down. It worked as the relaxed and Jiraiya released her.
"LET HIM GO YOU DEMON!" Sakura yelled from her spot in the stands but was quickly silenced not only by the glare he sent her way, but also from the killer intent radiating off of many of the ninja around her.
Sasuke was gripping at Cerino's wrist and was trying to kick him but to no avail. "Sasuke…" Cerino growled getting his attention and he held still. "…You chose the wrong time and place to play hero. I'm in a bad mood and I think I a going to call in a debt you owe me!" Sarutobi looked shocked and the shinobi council watched with interest.
"Cerino think about this. I know your angry but you might regret this later!" Sarutobi tried to reason with the half-demon.
"No I won't." Cerino replied. "Sasuke…you and your clan has long since stained the name of the Delgada clan with your arrogance and your pride. You don't know the meaning of hard work and labor. And not only that but you have forsaken your own mother for the path of an avenger thinking its the right path, but in reality it's the path of a fool. The only Uchiha I find worth of the Sharingan and my clan's power is your brother. Although a missing-nin at least he didn't abuse his bloodline and his lineage. So in penance for this I will take away what you cherish the most!" A burst of blue chakra propelled Sasuke back and he slammed into the wall clutching his face.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?" Sasuke yelled as he began to shed tears of blood as he tried to activate his Sharingan.
"I have sealed away your Sharingan forever. Until a time when I see you fit for it!" Cerino said. "Not only that but you can't pass it on to your children. The Uchiha clan will cease to exist until a time I see fit."
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" Sasuke shouted back furiously.
"The Sharingan originated from my clan that gives me right over your clan and its bloodline, and seeing as this is a clan matter your council can't do anything about. Now I am not without mercy! Should a time come when you prove yourself worth of it I will restore your Bloodline. Until then you will have to live and learn like normal shinobi do."
Cerino finished turned the Sarutobi for orders. "Cerino…go just go. I will take care of everything here. Meet me later and we shall discuss this in length."
Cerino nodded before turning away and with a wave of his hand what appeared to be a portal of darkness appeared before him. (Think of Organization XIII's form of entrance/exit from Kingdom Hearts)
Just as he was about to step into the portal he paused and glanced as Team 7. They stood their staring back at him unsure how to react. Cerino gave a nod before stepping inside the portal. The portal dissipated a second later and there was no trace of Cerino Delgada.
Kushina glanced at Sarutobi only to see him staring at her. Knowing what was coming he simply just gestured to were Cerino once stood and nodding. The message was 'ask him yourself he will answer your questions.'
As the other genin received their opponents for the Finals they left many of the Konoha genin thinking about their newest member.
Kushina was walking with her Team and as one all three of them looked at her with determined looks and Tsume and Hana soon joined them. Yugito had simply disappeared. They walked off knowing they were going to have a long discussion about their next course of action concerning one Cerino Delgada.
-End-
Whew. Sorry that had to be that long but as mention above I was going to cut it in half but decided not to. As mentioned in the authors note in the beginning I am going to be taking your opinions on plot ideas, but they have to be set AFTER the chunnin exams for I already have the plot set that far. But after that is fair game. So tell me…what do you think of Cerino being a half-demon? It was difficult keeping it hidden from you cause I was scarred I would unknowingly let it slip or something. Hope you're satisfied with the outcome and most of your questions or at least some of them will be answered.
So until next time:
Ja Ne from Cerino the Ultimate Ninja!