Welcome back, this is where the finals start, so strap in. I hope I've lived up to your expectations, after a while I realized that I sort of set my self up for a really hard task with having Zaiaku and Sasuke fight first. I think I did well with the end result, please enjoy!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-Chapter 14: Creed of the Swordsman-

As the sun crested over the Hokage monument the three members of team oni were sitting silently at the empty arena. Naruto was leaning against Kubikiri Houcho, his posture reflected a calm state, but his eyes confirmed he was anything but relaxed. Zaiaku was absentmindedly spinning a kunai on his finger and sitting on the railing, his gaze was locked on the arena floor. Gaara was propped up against a column, arms folded and eyes closed, his gourde at his feet. If anyone in Konoha had come across this sight they would've been in shock, Naruto was not exchanging jibes with Zaiaku and Gaara wasn't breaking them up. As their silence continued they each sensed a calming presence approach, "I've never seen a group of people so young, look so solemn," said Sarutobi as he came into view.

"Hokage-sama," Gaara and Zaiaku chorused

"Oji-san," acknowledged Naruto, even his small jibe at the third Hokage had seemed to have lost it's mirth

"I expect to see some amazing things from you three in the future," he added. Sitting down in one of the seats he removed his hat and lit his pipe, "The Kazekage will be attending, along with myself and the Mizukage."

Immediately Gaara's eyes were on him, "What does that mean for Zabuza and I?" questioned the redhead

"Nothing," replied Sarutobi, "Asylum was given, if you leave it is by your own free will." Looking to each of them he stood and smiled slightly, "I look forward to your matches, good luck."

"Worried about your fight?" questioned Naruto after the sandaime had departed

Zaiaku shook his head, "I'm not underestimating him, but he's the least of my concerns."

"We," said Gaara, "still don't know who will be assisting the sound in the attack, the sand could be putting on a facade. Also Zabuza is on the Hokage's personal guard detail during the finals."

"That's good," replied Naruto, "Those bastards will be hard pressed to keep him down."

Three hours later Sarutobi was seated in the Hokage's booth and looking over the crowd of gathered lords and shinobi. Glancing to his left he noticed the arrival of his two guests of honor, "Kazekage-sama, Mizukage-sama," he addressed them with a smile.

"Hokage-sama," they chorused

"I trust your journies went well?" questioned Sarutobi

"Yes," replied the Kazekage, "I always find the cool, crisp air of Konoha refreshing."

The Mizukage nodded in reply, "It is good that Konoha is hosting the chunnin exams, it would quite stressful for you to travel to another country at your age."

The third chuckled, "I plan on doing this for another five years, Mizukage-sama."

"How is Gaara?" questioned the Kazekage as he looked down at the vessel of Shukaku.

Sarutobi smiled at him, "He is well Kazekage-sama, his companions seem to keep him in good spirits." Then he turned to Zabuza, "Zabuza-san here is their jounin-sensei. I dare say there isn't a stronger team here."

"Ah," interjected the Mizukage, "The demon of the mist seven, Momochi Zabuza. I see you've turned your back on your village and found a comfortable little place for yourself amongst the leaves." Then he turned to the third, "Well, who are his students?"

"Uzumaki Naruto, Zaiaku, and Gaara," replied Sarutobi

"Uzumaki, Uzumaki..." pondered the Kazekage. After a moment he went wide-eyed, "That's-"

"Yes," interjected the third, "it is."

The Kazekage looked back down to the three boys, "Does that mean that this, 'Zaiaku' is?..."

The Sandaime took a puff of his pipe, "He shows signs of 'unusual' abilities, but nothing to confirm nor deny it."

While the conversation between the Kages was occuring, one of the Mizukage's guards was death glaring at Zabuza, "Traitor," he hissed.

"Quiet, Yajuu," soothed his superior, "Zabuza-san has done what he feels is right, even if he did abandon his village and the mist seven."

Casting a hard gaze at them he took in their appearance. The first 'Yajuu' was dressed in a heavy animal fur, his hair a matted mess, and his posture slightly hunched over. Strapped to his left arm was a huge steel gauntlet that started at his shoulder and ended in razor sharp claws, covering his fingers. On his waist was a simple ninja-to secured horizontally for easy retrieval by his non-clawed hand. "The Beast of the Mist, Yajuu," he said as he cast his gaze to the second man. He was more refined, his hair was a dark ebony that cascaded down his back, and he wore an elegant black kimono trimmed in white. His hands were covered by white fingerless gloves that ended slightly above his wrists. In his left hand he carried his sheathed katana, it's handle was painted black and wrapped in a blood red cloth. "and The Phantom of the Mist, Oujou Fantomu. It's odd that the Mizukage brings his two strongest swordsmen of the mist seven to a tournament in which he has no finalists," he stated.

"One," replied Fantomu, his calm voice rolling out like silk, "can never be too careful Zabuza-san, as for why the Mizukage is in attendance, he simply wanted some entertainment. Things are terribly boring in mist country at this time."

"I see you threw away your Kubikiri Houcho," barked Yajuu, "throw away your village, then your sword, disgusting bastard."

"I've given it to someone that can do something good with it," he replied pointing to Naruto, "he has the heart and strength to wield Kubikiri on a level I could never obtain."

"Ah," said Fantomu as he eyed the blonde. After a moment he spotted Zaiaku, "Oh my," he gasped, "who is that?"

"That is Zaiaku," replied Zabuza, "He and Shimotsuki remind me of you and your sword, Keiri (Executioner). Save for the fact that he has a heart, and his sword doesn't scream for carnage."

"Shimotsuki, The Frost Moon, how beautiful," cooed Fantomu ignoring Zabuza's remark, "I hope I get to see his potential, who is his opponent?"

"He," replied Sarutobi as he sat back into his chair, "is fighting against Uchiha Sasuke." Glancing out over the crowd he raised his hands, "THANK YOU ALL FOR ATTENDING THE CHUNNIN EXAM FINALS, PLEASE ENJOY THE MATCHES. NOW, LET US BEGIN!"

"Good luck," said Naruto as he clapped Zaiaku on the back, Gaara only offered a nod.

"Do your best Sasuke-kun," chirped Sakura, "You too Zaiaku-san!"

As the finalists made their way to the balcony Sakura was in turmoil, 'Zaiaku and Sasuke are so much alike, yet so different. They're both strong and handsome. Yet, Zaiaku is kind and looks at me like I'm the only person he sees. While, Sasuke, has never acknowledged me even when I began training with Tsunade-sama.'

As she was sinking deeper into her thoughts Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don't let it bother you too much, Sakura-chan. Things will work themselves out."

Beaming, the pink haired girl nodded, "Arigatou, and Naruto?" she replied, "It's good to have you back."

Nodding he turned to Temari, "Nervous, Temari-chan?" he questioned

"No," she replied glaring, "and what's with the -chan?." Sighing she started up the last flight of stairs, 'but when he doesn't call me -chan, it's like he's not speaking to me.' Turning her head she saw him still smiling at her, she blushed immediately, 'I shouldn't be thinking about this now, I have a fight to prepare mentally for!'

"You know Hinata isn't as well versed in the Jyuuken style as I am," said Neji as he glanced at Gaara, "Fighting me won't be like fighting her."

Gaara nodded, "I've gathered the basic sense of the style," then he turned and offered a smirk to the timid girl, "also I think Hinata-san is a bit more accomplished in your family style than you are currently aware of."

Hinata went wide-eyed and pink cheeked, "Arigatou, G-Gaara-san." When they reached the top of the stairs they saw Genma going over the final rules with the two teens, "I hope y-you both do your best."

'Her studdering is getting better,' thought Neji, 'It seems Gaara's attitude has had a good influence on her.'

"Do you both understand?" questioned Genma, both teens nodded, "Alright, MATCH ONE! ZAIAKU VERSUS UCHIHA SASUKE, HAJIME!"

"I hope you can keep up," jibed Sasuke as he charged forward and launched a kunai.

Drawing Shimotsuki, Zaiaku split the dagger in half horizontally, then with an upward slash he cut it vertically. Without a word he resheathed his sword and began sealing. "Hyouton: Fuyu Shigure no Jutsu!" (Ice Style: Winter Shower Technique) he called out while extending his arms forward, the ice needles sprung to life and began to descend on the Uchiha. As the frozen senbon neared their target Zaiaku ripped three tagged kunai from his leg holster and launched them at Sasuke.

Smirking Sasuke began to nimbly dodge the ice needles, "you should try-" he was cut off as a glint of metal caught the corner of his eye, "WHAT?" he cried. Focusing his chakra on his legs he vanished and reappeared as the tags went off, 'damnit,' he thought, 'I might have to get serious.'

As Sasuke began to scan the arena, someone appeared next to him and clasped their hand with his. "Now," said Zaiaku as he wrapped an exploding tag around their entwined hands, "let's see how fast you can move." With a flick of his thumb the tag began to spark, "better hurry Sasuke," said Zaiaku as he vanished.

On the competitor's balcony a pink haired kunoichi was beside herself. "He's insane!" yelled Sakura, "They could both be killed!"

Gaara nodded, "That looks like something Naruto would pull."

Said blonde was glaring, "Sasuke's not taking him seriously, Zaiaku is showing him that without his sharingan, he doesn't stand a chance."

"Shit," hissed the Uchiha as he ripped the tag off and, again, sprinted away with his chakra assisting heavily. 'He's too fast to see without my sharingan. No choice then,' he thought, "SHARINGAN!"

Zaiaku nodded as he formed the ram seal, 'Let's begin, Shiva-san!'

'Hai, little one,' replied the Ice queen

"Now that you're taking me seriously, I'll do the same for you, Sasuke," said Zaiaku. Channeling his chakra a cold wind washed over the arena and the ground around his feet began to frost, 'this should be more than enough,' he thought. Opening his eyes revealed that they were glowing and shining, like they were cut from the glaciers themselves. Dropping to one knee Zaiaku began sealing, "Now let's do this," as he finished his sequence he slammed his hands to the ground, "Hyouton: Fuyu Kodachi no Jutsu!" (Ice Style: Winter Grove Technique) A small tremble was felt under foot, and quickly, sharp spikes of ice launched out of the ground. As the initial spikes reached their peak, smaller ones sprouted forth from them, quickly creating a small forest of freezing death.

"S-SUGOI!" cried Hinata

In the spectators area Hizash and Hiashi were in shock, "Neji said his jutsu level was above gennin, but this, this is...unreal," said Hiashi

'Ice," added Hizashi, "without water, I've never seen anything like it."

Naruto was grinning at the gasps and proclaimations coming from the spectators, 'They're floored by two jutsu, of course they are his favorite.'

'They do have a certain level of flash,' added Kyuubi

On the arena floor Sasuke barely managed a backflip to avoid a spike coming directly for his head. As he landed, another grazed the side of his hand, "damnit!" After several more displays of acrobatics the forest ceased to move, landing on a branch he began sealing, "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" (Flame Type: Powerful Fireball Technique) The flames engulfed the trees of ice and slowly began to cause them to retreat.

Zaiaku lifted his hands from the ground causing the spikes to retract fully. As he watched the Uchiha land a good distance away he charged and, in a blur, launched a hard roundhouse. The white haired teen felt a hand grip his ankle, 'he can see me,' he thought as a fist colided with his gut. As he vaulted himself into the air he felt a presence to his left, turning his head he nimbly avoided a right cross, 'he's pretty fast,' thought Zaiaku as Sasuke vanished again.

Fantomu huffed, "I'm very disappointed, I was expecting him to be a much more skilled swordsman."

"Idiot teachers only create idiot students," growled Yajuu

In the competitors balcony Gaara was scowling, "What's he doing?"

"It seems," interjected Shino, "That Zaiaku can't keep up with Sasuke's speed."

Sakura shook her head, 'there is no one stronger than Sasuke-kun.' "I hope Zaiaku-san doesn't get hurt too badly."

"With Sasuke's sharingan," added Kakashi, "He can see Zaiaku's attack path, and with his improved speed he can react to it. Zaiaku is out matched."

"You could never beat me," cried Sasuke as he charged again, "In this lifetime or the NEXT!" He aimed a hard punch directly at Zaiaku's head. As he neared his target he heard a small click, his sharingan detected something incoming, but he couldn't decipher what it was. At the last moment he jerked his head back as the blade of Shimotsuki crossed his brow, creating a small incision.

Sasuke watched as Zaiaku reversed his grip on his sword and Vanished. As he began to turn his head he felt cold metal on his neck, "Don't slow down now, Sasuke-kun," whispered Zaiaku into his ear as he disappeared from view again. After several moments the white haired swordsman reappeared a good distance away, with his blade pointed at Sasuke, "I'll recite something for you Sasuke." Sheathing his blade he dropped to one knee and narrowed his eyes at the Uchiha, "If I dodge him... I won't let him cut me."

"If I'm protecting someone..." whispered Naruto as he gripped the railing on the finalists balcony, "I won't let them die."

In the Hokage's booth Zabuza was grinning, "If I'm attacking... I will cut you."

"This..." finished Zaiaku as he unsheathed Shimotsuki, "is my resolve."

"The old creed of the mist seven," said Fantomu, "I haven't heard it in a decade, since you left, Zabuza-san."

"It was before the mist seven turned into bloodthirsty savages," replied Zabuza, "back when we had honor, and pride."

Standing upright Zaiaku began channeling his chakra into his sword, causing a the ground to turn to ice around himself. "Do you see it Sasuke?" he questioned, "can you hear her?"

Sasuke was glaring, "See what? Hear who?"

"Can you see in my eyes? The resolve to beat you," he replied, "Can you hear Shimotsuki's determination?" Concentrating his chakra, the wind around his sword began to swirl violently as well as drop in temperature, "She's screaming...I'M GOING TO CUT YOU IN HALF!" Then he cut his finger on the blade and inverted it, allowing his blood to run down the fuller, "Now..." he said as his eyes began glowing again, "Itsuru, Shimotsuki!" (Freeze, Shimotsuki) As wind calmed the blade of the sword became covered in ice, causing the sword to look more like a jagged nodachi than a katana, "This," he said as he pointed the ice blade at Sasuke, "is Shimotsuki."

In the finalists balcony everyone including Naruto and Gaara were wide-eyed, "What the hell?" cried Naruto, "he's NEVER done that before."

Gaara didn't miss the implications, in this life or their past one, they'd never seen this form of the frost blade, "That must have been what Zabuza was helping him with."

"An awakening?" barked Yajuu in disbelief

Fantomu was beside himself with glee, "A master swordsman," he whispered

"Zabuza-kun," interjected the third, "what did he just do?"

"Shimotsuki is a part of Zaiaku," he replied, "It has a bond with him, when he puts his blood on the blade it doubles the strength of that bond." Zabuza narrowed his eyes on the arena floor, 'he can't control it that well though, at most he can swing it and hope to catch Sasuke off guard.'

"So you've made your sword longer," said Sasuke smirking, "it's still no big dea-" he was cut off as Zaiaku vanished and reappeared overhead, Shimotsuki raised high in the air. Leaping to the side he narrowly dodged the attack, as he landed he looked at the ground in horror, it was ripped apart and frozen solid into the small form of ice spikes 'I have to stay clear of that,' he thought. As he began to stand he felt his leg become numb, "WHAT THE HELL?" he cried

"The ice on shimotsuki isn't normal," replied Zaiaku as he stepped into his kenjutsu stance, "It's chilled to absolute zero, which means even the immediate atmosphere around the blade is a weapon. Just being too close when I swing can't kill you, but it can disable you." Looking over at the ice crater he smiled, "and anything she comes into direct contact with is frozen instantly." Charging again he swung horizontally, missing Sasuke due to a nimble dodge, and hit a tree. It instantly frosted over and spit in half, shattering the top half as it hit the ground.

"HOLY SHIT!" cried Kiba, "How do you fight against that?"

"It's taking all Sasuke-kun has to avoid even being near Zaiaku-san's attacks," added Sakura in awe, 'Sasuke-kun is losing?'

"He's expending too much stamina," stated Gai, "Soon enough Zaiaku-kun will catch him, then Sasuke will be beaten, if not dead."

Kakashi was watching anxiously, 'come on Sasuke, you don't have that much time left.'

"No choice," whispered Sasuke as he released a clasp on his left arm. Pushing as much chakra as he could into his legs he vanished and reappeared on the arena wall. Looking down at Zaiaku's form in the center of the arena he smiled, "Now I'll show you MY best technique," running through several hand seals he focused his chakra into his palm. As the energy collected, it began to crackle and whistle, "Chidori!" (1000 birds)

"Thats!-" cried Asuma

"The Copy Ninja Kakashi's only original technique," interjected Gai, "A simple forward thrust, with the chakra surrounding the arm it turns it into a blade that can cut through anything."

Naruto looked at Gaara, "I hope he isn't going to go blow for blow against that, chidori is unstoppable."

"He might," replied Gaara, "He's nearly as hardheaded as you are."

On the arena floor Zaiaku was looking at the form of Sasuke, 'chidori, any ideas Shiva-san?' he questioned his entity.

'His overconfidence seems to be his fault little one, we should use that,' she replied

'overconfidence...I've got it!' he thought as he pointed shimotsuki at the ground and crouched, prepared to charge, "Alright Sasuke! ONE LAST ATTACK!"

"ZAIAKU WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" cried Naruto.

"it seems Zaiaku-kun is as overconfident as Sasuke-kun," said the third with a scowl, "that is not a good trait."

Sasuke charged forward and Zaiaku immulated him, the chidori leaving a trail of dug up and destroyed earth while Shimotsuki was leaving a trail of frozen ground and frosted condensation. Everyone was on the edge of thier seats as the two collided in a grand explosion of dirt, dust, and ice. As the dust settled the sound of the chidori was still ringing through, two sillouettes could be deciphered, one with a glowing hand that seemed to be protruding through its opponent, "He got him," whispered Kakashi, "an amazing match though."

As the dirt finished settling, sure enough, Sasuke had his arm throught the form of Zaiaku, "I told you that you could never beat me."

"Zaiaku!" cried Naruto as his eyes went slitted

'Let's kill the Uchiha, damn the consequences,' snarled Kyuubi

"Asshole," snarled Temari

Gaara was grinding his teeth as his eyes flashed green to yellow, "I'm going to kill him."

even Shukaku was snarling, 'We'll pull his entrails across the arena floor!'

"Zaiaku-san," whispered Sakura, 'Sasuke-kun killed him...why?'

"The Uchiha," said Neji, "Is heartless."

Hinata had tears filling her eyes, "He killed him, w-why would he do that?"

On the arena floor Sasuke was dispelling his attack and tried to remove his arm from the form of Zaiaku, as he pulled back he realized his appendage wasn't budging. 'What the hell?' he thought as he pulled again, after a moment his arm began to numb and the form of Zaiaku became transparent, "ICE?" cried Sasuke

"Hyou Bushin no Jutsu"(Ice clone technique) came the voice of Zaiaku from the shadows of the nearby trees. He stepped out from behind one with his sword sheathed and his hands in his coat pockets. "It's inferior in everyway to Kage Bushin and even a regular bushin, it can't move or speak." Removing his right hand from his coat he extended it forward, causing the ice from the bushin to begin covering Sasuke's arm. As it reached the Uchiha's shoulder Zaiaku smirked, "It was a simple Kawarimi to get me out of the way at the last moment. Then I simply combined the ice clone with the Hyourou no Jutsu. (Ice Prison Technique) You were right Sasuke," he said as the ice creeped down the Uchiha's body to his feet, "I didn't beat you, you beat yourself." Then he turned to Genma, "The ice will continue to spread, eventually it's going to cover his nose and mouth, suffocating him. Please end the match."

"WINNER OF THE FIRST MATCH, ZAIAKU!" announced the Jounin

"YATTA!" cried Naruto as he reverted back into a calm state, "NICE ONE ZAIAKU!"

"YOSH! Zaiaku-kun's flames of youth have prevailed!" yelled Lee

Neji was doing his best smile, "brilliant," was his only remark

Hinata had a burst of emotions and threw her arms around Gaara's neck and squealed, after a moment she composed herself, "G-GOMEN!" she squeaked

Gaara was no where near recovering from the shock when Naruto started rolling on the ground in laughter, at least till Temari gave the blonde a swift swat on the head, "Stop being a jerk!" she barked as a small grin tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Sarutobi smiled, "An amazing young man."

Zabuza let out a breath that he forgot he was holding, 'Holy crap, I thought he was done for.'

'That,' thought Fantomu as he gazed at the white haired teen, 'is my opponent.'

"Sakura," said Tsunade, "We'll need to go tend to Sasuke's unavoidable frost bite quickly or the idiot will wind up losing limbs." As the pink haired girl followed her, Tsunade looked down and saw a small smile playing on her apprentice's lips, 'Sasuke-kun indeed.'

"I think," said Kakashi lazily as he opened his book, "some humility will be next on our training schedule."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

End Chapter 14: Creed of the Swordsman

Read and Review - Yup there was some bleach in there, such as the creed. It's a great line, I thought it would make an interesting dialogue. I hope you enjoyed, more matches to come!

Preview Chapter 15: Indomitable