The Sun now hung in the middle of the sky banishing many shadows that lay in the Forest below. Team 7 and 8 had risen early in the morning and after setting a fast pace had arrived unscathed outside the tower on only the second day of this exam. Leaving the genin plenty of time to recover in the tower as they would await the rest of the teams to arrive.
"You have our thanks" Shino said as he inclined his towards Team 7 before he turned and began to walk towards their indicated door.
"Yeh it's been real guys ...it would have probably sucked had we gone it alone" Kiba said flashing a toothy grin before he turned and followed after Shino.
"Goodluck guys...it was nice seeing you all again. We'll see you on the other side." Sakura said as she offered a simple wave of her hand, before following after her teammates.
Naruto took a deep breath before grinning a megawatt smile. "Alright let's get inside" he said excitedly as he marched towards their door.
Sasuke just rolled his eyes but smirked as he strode forward with his hands in his pockets.
Hinata smiled softly as she ran to catch up with the blonde. She summoned her courage as she took his hand as they walked forward into the tower together.
"Dosu why the hell didn't we attack them ?" Zaku asked as he peered at the tower that lay only a few hundred yards away.
"You can be so reckless Zaku...while I don't doubt our capabilities, it would have been foolish to attack two teams at once, especially when our only objective are the members of team 7. No we will wait for another opportunity" Dosu said as he rose from the bushes and looked back towards the direction they had come.
"He's right now all we need to worry about is getting a scroll." Kin said as she stood and began to follow Dosu.
"What's the plan then ?" Zaku asked as he rose and followed his teammates.
"We wait until another team that has their scrolls arrives...then we ambush them." Dosu stated simply.
Naruto stared at Iruka Sensei for a long moment before looking back down at the unrolled heaven and earth scrolls that now lay open.
"That was a cool technique Sensei how did you do that?!" Naruto exclaimed.
Iruka chuckled to himself. 'He seems like the same boy I knew the academy, but for his team to arrive this early unscathed. How much have you grown Naruto?' he wondered to himself.
"Never mind that for now Naruto. I'm here to greet the three of you and congratulate you for making this far." he stated.
"Thanks Sensei, but what exactly was the point of the scrolls...what did they really represent ?" Sasuke asked as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.
Iruka smiled. "I'm glad you asked the reason why you cannot proceed without both scrolls is they represent what a Ninja needs to know to succeed." he stated.
"A-ano what do you mean Sensei?" Hinata asked.
Iruka pointed behind him at a scroll on the wall. "Listen carefully as I explain..
"If heavenly qualities are your desire acquire wisdom; take your mind higher. If earthly qualities are what you lack, train your body; prepare to attack. When heaven and earth are opened together the perilous path will become righteous forever."
Naruto scratched the back of his head confused. "Ummm come again Sensei?"
Iruka sighed before continuing. "It means if your weakness lies in your lack of wisdom, you should study more and review aspects of a mission before rushing in unprepared."
"On the other hand if you lack physical strength, stamina, or combat prowess you should devote time to developing your body and honing your skills. If you can attain both of these elements of body and mind, heaven and earth together then you will be prepared for the next step and furthermore with both of these qualities you should prepared for any mission." he explained.
All three of the Genin nodded as they processed his words.
"I can't express how proud I am of you three, getting this far on your first Chunin exams isn't easy. No matter how much further you make it, you should all be proud of yourselves" he said smiling.
Each of the genin exchanged a look before Naruto spoke up.
"Oi Sensei we appreciate the pep talk, but we need to tell you something that happened in the Forest." he said.
The entire atmosphere would change as the genin began to recount the events of the prior night.
"Eh I still don't understand how Iruka-Sensei came out of that scroll" Naruto said as he scratched the back of his head sheepishly, as he and his team strolled into the common area, that housed the genin teams that arrived early.
"That doesn't surprise me considering you barely know how to boil water"Sasuke remarked.
"Watch it Teme" Naruto growled.
Hinata giggled at their back and forth banter but stopped suddenly as their team came face to face with the other teams who had already arrived.
Amongst those who had already arrived were Team 8 who had only arrived a few minutes earlier, the Sand Trio, and Team 9. From this main common area there were dozens of separate rooms on the floor above, clearly meant to contain the various teams that arrived during this portion of the test.
Feeling those hateful eyes once again burrowing into her, Hinata's gaze lowered to the floor before she immediately rounded the stairs, approached the first vacant room and stepped inside before shutting the door quickly behind her.
Naruto growled. "I really want to knock Neji's block off" he whispered to Sasuke.
Sasuke seemed fairly irritated too as he crossed his arms.
Neji's eyes still stared unrelentingly in the direction Hinata had gone before looking back at the rest of Team 7.
"You must be gifted Uchiha...to have two dead weights dragging you down and to still make it here this early." Neji remarked as he looked only at Sasuke now.
Sasuke scoffed. "Tell me Neji does your face still sting or have a mark where one of those 'dead weights' slapped the crap out of you the other day ?" he asked.
Neji's gaze remained unwavering as he smirked. "I do hope we get a chance to fight in the finals...I can prove to the world that the survivor of the Uchiha is nothing but a joke...and perhaps should have died with the rest of his pathetic clan." He said.
Several of the other leaf Genin stared horror struck by Neji's statement even his own teammates.
Sasuke's growled as he felt a rage sweep over him and would have sprung forward to attack if not for Naruto holding him back with all his might.
"Sasuke chill...he's trying to egg you on...if you try to kick the crap out of him now you'll be disqualified." Naruto said groaning as he barely could restrain his friend.
Sasuke relaxed greatly as he though he still stared at a smirking Neji.
"You know what Neji...I hope we don't have a chance to fight...because I hope it's your Cousin Hinata, who gets the chance to finally shut you up" Sasuke said as Naruto loosened his hold.
As Sasuke stormed off Naruto sighed as he was torn between following him and checking on Hinata. He decided on the later as he left the remaining genin as he rounded the nearby stairs and find Hinata...
"Jeez what the hell is that guy's problem ?" Kiba whispered to Sakura and Shino, as he shot Neji a look out of the corner of his eyes.
"That is Neji Hyuuga...last year's Rookie of the Year...I believe he and Hinata-san have bad blood within their clan." Shino said quietly.
"That jerk has some nerve for saying what he said...he'd better hope I don't fight him or I'll cave his face in Shannaro!" she exclaimed to which her two team mates paled.
"Sakura...I don't think it would be that simple.."Shino whispered.
"Heh you gotta admit though...it would be priceless to see that." Kiba remarked as Akamaru yipped in agreement.
"Indeed" Shino responded after a moment.
Naruto knocked before entering the room Hinata had entered a short time ago, to find the Hyuuga Heiress lying curled in bed starring at the far wall.
"Hey" he said simply feeling foolish for saying nothing further as he approached the bed before sitting down on the edge as he stared at her soft cherubic face.
Hinata's lavender orbs looked away from the wall momentarily . "A-ano N-naruto-kun...I-I'm s-sorry I h-had my mind on s-something" she stammered as she fiddled with her fingers.
Naruto moved before taking a seat about a foot way from her as he studied her for a moment before speaking. "Heya Hinata-chan is it about Neji-Teme ?" he asked as he leaned closer before he rested his forehead against hers.
The shy Hyuuga blushed madly before she finally found her voice. "Y-yes and N-no...just e-everything...I can't s-stop thinking of Gaara N-neji's hate just made it w-worse I n-needed to get away and t-think." she stammered worse then she had in a while.
"Seeing Gaara like that really shook you up didn't it?"
"H-hai it just made me realize that you and I could have become that...that if something bad enough happened that maybe we could still become that."
"We wont." Naruto said bluntly.
"Gaara doesn't seem to have any bonds. We have each other, our team, and friends. As far as Neji is concerned he just needs a good ass kicking to straighten him out" Naruto said with a contagious grin.
Hinata despite herself giggled as she reached out and hugged Naruto tightly. "A-arigato N-naruto-kun I n-needed that...but I really do just n-need some time to think"
Naruto nodded as he kissed her forehead before pulling away. "Hai whatever you need Hime! I'm going to go find Sasuke and maybe see if this place has any ramen." he said as his eyes sparkled before he stood up and waved at her before he strode out of the door.
What Naruto failed to notice was the figure that awaited his exit.
Hinata now sat cross legged in bed as the door opened once again and someone she recognized all to well stepped inside.
"Hinata-Sama" he said in mocking tone as he stepped into the room.
"Neji-Nii-san ?"Hinata asked as she quickly rose from the bed and felt herself grow weak under his gaze.
"You will fight me...I will end your pointless ambitions to continue any further in this exam...you need to learn your fate" he spat.
"W-what are y-you t-talking about ?" she stammered before she bit her lip.
"Tonight at midnight you will meet me at the arena at the base of the tower and I will demonstrate the true power of the Hyuuga Clan to you." he said in an arrogant manner.
"B-but Nii-san...I-I d-don't want to f-fight you" she stuttered.
"If you possess any shred of honor you will meet me tonight...or are you a complete failure like Uzumaki ? "he said with a calculating gaze knowing all to well what he would have to say to push her over the edge.
Hinata's hand clenched as she said nothing for a moment but simply nodded. "I-I'm not a f-failure...not anymore.. and neither is N-naruto-kun... I will meet you there tonight." she stated softly.
"Hinata-Sama come alone" he said as he turned and strode from the room but not before slamming the door.
Hinata felt her heart racing as she strode through the empty hallways, as she reached the balcony of the Preliminary Arena before she leaped down off of the balcony before landing gracefully some fifty feet away from her Cousin who stood glaring at her.
"So you actually came ? Very well then I will show you why continuing in this Exam is pointless." he stated as he took a Taijutsu Hinata recognized all to well.
"N-nii-san why do we have to do this ?" She asked softly.
"Because people are judged by their true nature. It is the way of the world. That is why we have an elite, and that is why we have outcasts. We can change our physical appearance and prove our skills with training and study, but ultimately, we are judged by what we cannot change. What can't be changed must be endured. We are who we are, and we must live with it. Once a failure, always a failure. You can't change that. " He stated coldly.
"T-then I will have to prove y-you wrong" she stated as she took a deep breath before mirroring his stance.
"You can try anything you like...but the result will always be the same." he stated.
"Byakugan" they called out at the same time before silence settled over the arena as neither of the Hyuuga moved for the first few moments.
Finally Neji took the first initiative as he darted forward and attempted a simple palm strike to test Hinata's guard.
A loud smack could be heard as Hinata batted his hand away with ease. Before she returned with a strike that nearly caught his right shoulder if he hadn't turned at the last second.
Several exchanges passed as Neji assaulted Hinata's defense...however strike for strike she managed to with difficulty repel his attacks.
"You aren't as weak as I first thought...but your attempt to fight me is in vain...your fate is to lose to me...your pressing your limit just to repel my strikes and I have yet to unleash what I'm capable of " he said as he caught her incoming strike by grabbing her wrist before he jabbed several of her chakra points with his other arm.
Hinata flipped back away as she grabbed her arm that was now numb."I-I won't stop...N-naruto-kun would never give up and neither will I" she stated.
Neji smirked . "You harbor strong feelings for the dead last don't you ? You realize it's pointless don't you ? Your fate as pathetic as it is lies in the Hyuuga Clan...you will never be allowed to pursue Uzumaki...it's time you give up your fanciful dreams and accept reality." he stated.
Hinata felt tears spring to her eyes as she wavered just a moment as her stance became unbalanced...it was then Neji lunged forward and struck.
His palm struck her hard in the stomach sending her rolling backwards across the ground before finally coming to a stop. 'Is he right...is nothing I've dreamed of possible...should I just give in' she wondered as she lay there feeling the pain wracking through her system.
"Hinata let me out. I'll destroy this brat." The Vixen seethed as she trashed wildly around in her cage.
The girl didn't respond instead she pictured a certain blonde.
It only took one thought of the blonde she so deeply loved to rally the strength to fight on as Hinata groaned, before rising back to her feet and wiping the blood from her mouth.
"You only delay the inevitable...it is senseless to continue." Neji stated.
"No...I will fight on ...because I will never go back on my word, because that is my nindo, my ninja way!"she exclaimed as she darted forward and began trading blow for blow with Neji for several moments ending the exchange as she struck his left shoulder.
"Very well Hinata-Sama...if you wish to entertain the belief you can win...I will no longer hold back." he said as he darted forward before taking a stance Hinata noticed a second too late.
"Eight Trigram: Sixty-Four Palms" Neji called out as he lunged forward rapidly and began to strike her Tenketsu with pinpoint precision. As he finished the final strike he slammed his hand into her chest sending her sprawling once again across the floor.
"Do you understand now? You have no way of beating me! You never had a chance. "he said as he deactivated his Byakugan and prepared to walk away.
"W-wait..." he heard a small voice behind him.
He turned his eyes widening as he watched in shock as Hinata forced herself back to her feet.
His momentary shock turned into amusement.
"Do you intend to fight me with no Chakra and prolong your suffering ?" he asked quirking a brow.
"You're wrong, Neji… Because I can see that you are suffering more than me...even now… You are the one who is confused and suffering inside the fate of the head and branch families."Hinata breathed before she dropped to one knee as she began coughing up blood.
Neji's eyes narrowed dangerously as his Byakugan flared to life as he lunged forward intending to kill Hinata.
However before he could do so both Naruto and Sasuke landed in front of her taking a defensive stance as he felt a hand on his shoulder now.
"Enough Neji...you promised me you wouldn't let this Clan thing become an issue...now back down or I swear I will pull you from this exam " Guy promised, a hard edge lacing his tone.
"It figures the Main branch always receives special treatment." Neji growled before he deactivated his Byakugan and relaxed.
"Boys get Hinata to the infirmary immediately."Guy ordered .
Naruto knelt down and picked up Hinata into his arms before he cast a dark look at Neji.
"Neji...you'd better pray you and we don't face each other in the finals or I will Kill you rules or not." he said as he injected some killing intent into his voice.
"I second that Hyuuga...you stay away from my teammate or else" Sasuke said as he cast a hateful glare at the Hyuuga prodigy for moment, before he and Naruto turned and without another word made their way from the preliminary arena and towards the Infirmary...
Hinata drifted in and out of awareness as she was being carried.
"Why little one? Why didn't you use my power?.'
'I wanted to prove I had grown even if only a little bit. Neji-Nii-san is wrong. I can change. The next time...if there is a next time I won't hold back anything.' Hinata thought, before finally falling into unconsciousness.
"Did your Ninja hounds managed to find anything?" Sarutobi asked as he looked at Kakashi.
Kakashi frowned. "His scent was all over the forest, but he covered his tracks in such a way that I don't know what direction he veered of into." he admitted.
Sarutobi sighed. "Anko had a very close encounter...she very nearly was killed. Now we don't know if Orochimaru has simply left or is hiding right beneath our noses."
Kakashi nodded. "What concerns me is the fact that Sasuke was targeted. I wonder if this was an isolated incident or if we can expect him to make another move?" Kakashi asked before he folded his arms across his chest.
"I wish I knew Kakashi, all we can do is remain on guard and operate under the assumption that this isn't the last we've seen of him. Other then that I would suggest you keep a particularly close eye on your entire team" he stated before the door opened up and a furious looking Kurenai stormed into the room.
Sarutobi instantly sensing her rage stood up. "Kurenai what is the meaning of this? What's wrong?" he asked.
Kurenai stormed over and grabbed Kakashi by his collar. "This is your fault...my Hinata is in the infirmary now. This wouldn't have happened if I had been her Sensei...the one thing I ask you to do is to look out for her." she growled her red eyes glaring intently at Kakashi who hadn't bothered to resist.
"Kurenai explain what happened" Sarutobi said mildly.
"Neji called Hinata's sense of Honor among her clan into question and challenged her to a duel...she's now lying in the hospital." she said before she finally released Kakashi and stepped backwards.
Kakashi finally spoke in almost defeated voice. "Your right...I did let her down...I should have been there to stop it, but she is my student not yours and I won't let her down again. If you'll excuse me I'd like to check on her." he said as he turned and without another word disappeared amidst a swirl of leaves.
Kurenai relaxed a bit as she bowed her head. "Forgive me Lord Hokage...I'm sorry for making such a scene and interrupting, I didn't mean to eavesdrop either, but I couldn't help but overhearing something strange." she said quietly.
Sarutobi took a deep breath before exhaling. "Take a seat Kurenai this is going to be a long night." he stated.
"What's the deal Kakashi-Sensei? We haven't been able to see Hinata-chan since she was admitted to the infirmary." Naruto said as he studied the Cyclops closely.
Kakashi sighed as he closed his book before tucking it away into his flak jacket.
"Well a normal person would be hospitalized for a couple of weeks after that sort of Trauma...however we know that Hinata is special. I can't really say...the last of the Genin should be arriving soon, there's a slim chance she may pull through in time to compete...however I would put the odds against her I'm afraid." he said before falling silent.
Naruto growled as Sasuke clenched his fist before speaking . "Neji had better hope she pulls through... or I'll do much more than hospitalize him." he swore.
Few even Naruto knew that in many regards Sasuke had slowly begun to treat Hinata like a little sister...the thought of killing someone who caused her pain did not bother him in the least.
"Hey you two calm down...even if Hinata is unable to continue, she wouldn't want the two of you doing something reckless on her behalf. Keep your focus on what lies next and have faith in Hinata...that's all we can do at this point." Kakashi said as he offered an eye smile hoping to calm his two hotheaded students.
Of course his efforts did little to calm the boys...
At his point however all they could do was hope and if the worse came to pass be ready to move on...
The fifth day had arrived and now all the successful teams now stood lined up before the Hokage awaiting him to make an announcement in regards to the next portion of the test.
A total of seven teams had made it through the second phase of the exams.
As silence prevailed over the gathered Genin they awaited attentively for the Sagely Kage to speak. However before he could do so, the door to the Preliminary chambers opened up as Hinata walked in her gaze focusing on the ground as she blushed fiercely from having so many people look in her direction. She shyly took her place next to her team offering each a shy smile.
Naruto nearly burst in excitement as he almost forgot where he was and glomped the girl, he settled instead for a megawatt smile and a thumbs up.
Sasuke gave a relieved smile in return before turning back to face the Hokage.
A few of the other Leaf Ninja glanced at the late comer, but it was Neji who was for a change was baffled. Was it not Hinata that he had beaten thoroughly days before...it seemed incompressible that she was now standing here relatively fine ,merely two and half days later.
However beyond his confusion his anger was sparked further. He couldn't understand why she refused to accept her place...why did she and the Uzumaki fool defy their fate. It mattered little now...he was sure that she and the deadlast would learn there place if not by his hand by someone else before this exam was concluded.
"Ah I believe a congratulations is in order, the twenty-one of you who remain should be extremely proud of yourselves. Never before have we had so many fine young men and women make it this far into the chunin exams. With that I must apologize that we will need to have a preliminary round in order to narrow down those of you who remain.."
"But that is bull-" Ino was muffled by Shikamaru before she could finish her sentence.
Sarutobi chuckled. "I'm sure it feels that way , however the life of a Ninja is anything, but fair. All of you must accept that now in order to be ready for the next step. As I was saying these preliminary matches will consist of a series of one on one fights decided randomly. I will allow Hayate Gecko explain the details" he said before falling silent.
A sickly looking Jonin stepped forward before coughing. "Is there anyone who wishes to forfeit due to fatigue or injury prior to beginning ?" he asked.
There was silence throughout the group...however Kabuto glanced up at the balcony locking eyes with a Sound Jonin. A silent message was relayed between the pair as Kabuto smirked. 'Looks like I'm fighting this time' he mused to himself.
"Very well...then the rules are simple...you win a match if your opponent is unable to continue,forfeits, or is ..killed. I possess the right to end a match if I deem it necessary..so follow my instructions. Any questions?" he asked before coughing again.
"Are their any restrictions in regards to Taijutsu,Genjutsu, or Ninjutsu?" Dosu asked.
"None at all as long as it doesn't endanger anyone else in this room...as you can see around you there is a balcony above this floor...those of you who aren't currently fighting can watch from above." he stated.
"Anything else?" he asked only to be greeted by silence.
"Very well..if you'll look to the screen behind me you'll see the two who will participate in the first match...if your not either of these individuals please move to the balcony." Hayate stated.
The Genin watched intently as the board began to shuffle names...everyone waited with a bated breath to see if they would be the first to fight...
Finally the names on the board came to halt as the first two names were displayed.
Sasuke Uchiha Vs Yoroi Akado
Immediately the other genin began clearing the floor one by one.
"Kick his ass Sasuke " Naruto said offering a grin towards his friend before he began making his way towards the balcony.
"A-ano good luck Sasuke-kun" Hinata offered with a small smile before she followed after the exuberant blonde.
Saskue just smirked as he crossed his arms and studied the masked genin before him.
Naruto was still grinning as he leaned against the railing. "I'm so glad your ok Hinata-chan." he whispered to the petite Hyuuga that stood right beside him.
Hinata blushed softly. "H-hai...I'm glad I could be h-here.." she replied softly before she glanced at her love again and flushed slightly.
On the far side of the Balcony Neji studied his Cousin still utterly confused as to how she was moving much less here not even three days later.
'Why do you defy your role Hinata-Sama' he mused to himself before he as many of the other Genin heard the proctor speak and turned his attention to the ground below...
"The Two of you may began when your ready!" Hayate stated.
Sasuke examined his opponent closely as he crouched into an aggressive fighting stance.
Yoroi however remained standing casually with his arms by his side his expression unreadable due to the mask covering his features.
"Heh if your just going to stand there I'll come to you." Sasuke stated before he shifted slightly before leaping forward and preforming a powerful kick toward Yoroi's midsection.
The older Genin evaded the kick just barely before brushing his hand along Sasuke's leg before leaping backwards.
Sasuke's eyes widened as he felt a surge of fatigue overcome him.
'What the hell was that' he wondered to himself.
Sasuke pulled out a windmill shuriken and unfolded it...
'Let's see if this works' he mused to himself.
"Demon Wind Shuriken: Windmill of Shadows " he called out as he reared his arm back before launching the shuriken at Yoroi.
Yoroi quickly ducked to avoid the incoming weapon and nearly missed the sight of a second Shuriken following in the shadow of the first.
He winced as he just barely managed to side step the second Shuriken taking a nick to his shoulder, however before he could recover he felt a fist collide into his stomach.
He gritted his teeth as he tried to absorb the blow, as he looked down he saw Sasuke crouched low with a smirk on his face.
Yoroi grinned as he reached out before Sasuke could pull away and wrapped both of his hands around the Uchiha's arm.
Sasuke felt himself once again growing weaker...
'Dammit how is he doing this ?' Sasuke wondered as he reached into kunai pouch with his off hand. He quickly pulled the Kunai out and attempted to stab Yoroi in the arm, however the large genin kicked him in the chest and flipped backwards before Sasuke could follow through with his attack.
"I see your finally starting to get it...you can't beat me...because I only need to touch you, to absorb your chakra...and as you can tell even the smallest of touches leaves you drained, you should forfeit now." Yoroi stated
Sasuke laughed. "Forfeit ? I'm just getting started." he said as he closed his eyes before reopening a moment later to reveal a two tomoe sharingan.
"Yosh it seems that Sasuke has grown stronger since our last fight...I will have to request a rematch." Lee stated before pumping his fist into the air earning a sigh from Tenten and an eye roll from Neji.
"You've lost this match now." Sasuke stated as he darted forward before attempting to sweep Yoroi's legs.
The older genin jumped over Sasuke's leg sweep and tried to grab Sasuke by the shoulder however Sasuke now with ease flipped out of his grasp.
"What makes you think that Uchiha?" Yoroi asked.
"Because I can tell by the way you fight...you rely too much on that ability of yours...with my Sharingan I intend to put you down before you can steal anymore of my Chakra." Sasuke stated.
"An interesting idea, but I doubt your capable carrying it out." Yoroi replied
"Then allow me to show you" Sasuke grinned before he formed a series of handsigns.
"Fire Style:Grand Fire-ball Jutsu" He cried before a giant ball of fire formed from his mouth before roaring forward towards Yoroi.
'Not bad...but not good enough' Yoroi thought as he formed a quick handsign.
"Water Clone Jutsu" He whispered.
As the Fireball collided it seemed as if it had hit it's target, however a large amount of smoke and steam bellowed up from where the fireball had hit and in the midst of it the real Yoroi still stood unharmed forming a series of handsigns preparing to counterattack.
However before he could do so he felt a powerful kick to his back before he was thrown airborne.
Those watching would see Yoroi hurled into the air above the steam and smoke, before watching a lightening fast figure leap up after him before kicking him higher into the air.
"Shadow of the Dancing Leaf" Sasuke murmured as he appeared in midair behind Yoroi.
As the Genin attempted to elbow Sasuke, the young Uchiha dodged the attack with ease before spinning around and uppercutting the boy further into the air before disappearing from sight again.
Yoroi's vision blurred as he was now airborne starring at the ceiling that was growing steadily closer. However he found himself still stunned by Sasuke's last attack and before he could react, he watched as Sasuke reappeared above him and delivered a powerful dropkick across his chest.
"Lion's Barrage" Sasuke stated clearly as the large Genin spiraled to the ground before crashing.
Before Sasuke had landed Hayate already approached the prone boy examining him closely.
"The Winner of this Match is Sasuke Uchiha" He announced.
Lee stared unblinking for a few moments.
"But that was my move. How did Sasuke managed to learn it so well in such a short amount of time?"
Gai chuckled. "Lee my boy that is one of the many powers of the Sharingan."
Lee's eyes widened. "Yosh then I certainly hope I get a chance to fight Sasuke again!" he exclaimed.
Sasuke smirked as he landed and deactivated his Sharingan, before he stuck his hands in his pockets and made his way up towards the balcony. He momentarily traded a glance with a certain pink haired Kunoichi who was looking at him, he actually offered her a rare smile as a he rounded the stairs.
Several medical Ninja quickly arrived and placed Yoroi on a stretcher before carrying him away from the room.
"Woo way to kick ass Sasuke" Naruto exclaimed as he patted the Uchiha on the back who in turn gave him an annoyed look.
"T-that was incredible Sasuke-Kun" Hinata said softly with a kind smile on her face.
"Yeah it was no big deal...just make sure the two of you do the same." he said before offering them each a small smile.
"Nice job Sasuke and congratulations." Kakashi said before offering an eye smile. 'He must have just recently unlocked the Sharingan and if I had to guess he was watching some of his competition in the last couple of days train. Very clever ' he thought to himself.
"Thanks...by the way I owe you one Naruto " Sasuke said nodding at the blonde remembering how they had spent their time preparing in the last couple of days, while Hinata was in the infirmary.
Naruto offered Sasuke a lopsided grin. "Oi you don't owe me anything that's what friends do for each other" he said smiling.
Sasuke just shook his head as he looked away a moment. He had never intended to make friends or become this attached to Kakashi,Naruto, and Hinata. He had been set on the path of an avenger. However he had begun to question if solitude would have made him stronger. Even with just a couple of days he and Naruto had managed to improve and every time something had grown difficult on a mission it had been their teamwork that had made the difference. Maybe there was a different way to find the strength he needed to defeat Itachi.
"Yeah I guess you're right." he said as he looked up at blonde offering him a sincere smile.
The Names on the board finally came to a stop revealing the next pair that would face one another.
Dosu Kinuta Vs Choji Akimichi
Dosu wordlessly glanced between his two teammates before leaping off of the balcony and onto the floor below.
Choji on the other hand looked nervous as he looked between Ino and Shikamaru and finally Asuma.
"Maybe I should forfeit that guy looks like he means business." Choji said quietly as he swallowed hard.
"Do what you want Choji just make sure whatever you decide it's not troublesome" Shikamaru murmured as he looked on lazily.
Ino's eye twitched. "Don't listen to lazy ass here get down there and kick his ass Choji! " Ino yelled.
Choji began to sweat as he looked between his two teammates it was then that Asuma spoke up.
"Hey Choji just go down there and do your best...I'll treat you to Barbeque afterwards all you can eat."he said as he smiled at the boy before patting him on the shoulder.
A fire could be seen in Choji's eyes as he nodded before hopping down to the floor below.
"I was beginning to wonder if you intended to fight" Dosu said as his one visible eye studied Choji critically.
"Don't worry about me...worry about yourself" Choji said as his eyes still had fire in them.
'Because when I win I'll have all I can eat...' he thought to himself before he slammed his fists together in anticipation.
"Alright then you two...you may begin when your ready" Hayate said before he flipped backwards away from the pair.
Dosu stood there awaiting Choji to make the first move.
"Wooo Gooo Choji ! Flatten that mummy" Ino yelled.
Shikamaru looked over at Ino and groaned. "Troublesome blonde" he murmured.
Choji formed several slow handsigns before yelling out "Expansion Jutsu"
Immediately Chakra began to swirl around the boy before his body began to expand exponentially till he was several times larger and was shaped more like a ball especially from his midsection.
He then began to tuck his limbs and head inside his clothes as he cried out . "Human Bullet Tank".
Dosu stood and watched lazily as a giant rolling Choji hurled towards him. He didn't bother to move until the last second where he flipped backwards and watched as the expanded Choji crashed into the far wall and seemed to temporarily stuck there.
Dosu simply did a front flip landing right behind Choji before he reared his arm back and slammed his arm and gauntlet into Choji's back.
A sound wave reverberated through the room and more so through Choji's body before the poor genin's expansion jutsu ceased and he collapsed already unconscious.
Dosu began to walk towards the stairs just as Hayate coughed before speaking.
"The Winner of this Match is Dosu Kinuta" he stated just as another set of medical Ninja arrived on scene to tend to Choji.
"Poor Choji" Ino said as she crossed her arms and pouted.
"I think Choji is just happy he gets an all you can eat BBQ, I don't think he ever really cared about the match." Shikamaru said as he leaned lazily against the railing.
Asuma sighed. "Well regardless I'm proud of you all...not many Genin make it this far on their first attempt" he said as he pulled out a cigarette before lighting it and take a long drag.
"That was pathetic...I wonder if all these leaf Genin are just as pitiful."Kankuro said before crossing his arms.
"Heh I think you'll know soon enough " Temari said as she pointed towards the board.
Kankuro quirked a brow as he looked up at the board and grinned.
The other Genin also stared at the next pairing.
Sakura Haruno Vs Kankuro No Sabaku
"This should be entertaining" Kankuro chuckled before he vaulted over the balcony and landed. His puppet on his back was still completely wrapped up, though he wondered how much he would actually need against some weak Kunoichi.
Sakura smiled as she ignored some of the worried looks of her leaf peers as she grabbed the railing before somersaulting and landing gracefully on her feet on the ground below.
Sasuke clenched his fist with one hand as he gripped the rail with another.
"Not one of these guys...if he's anything like Gaara...She should forfeit now" he seethed as he stared concerned at the pink haired Kunoichi he now feared for. She could be annoying at times, but he'd didn't want to imagine what might happen if the fight proceeded.
"Your wrong..." Kiba said he stood several feet away at his team but he turned to face Sasuke.
"Of our entire team Sakura has grown the most since we graduated...I would never say it to her face...but I'd much rather fight Shino than Sakura. " Kiba said with a toothy grin.
"But you saw what Gaara did Kiba...he was in a completely different league then those Rain Genin." Sasuke said.
"Yeh but you haven't seen Sakura at her best either...I think you'll be surprised." Kiba said.
Sasuke actually seemed worried as he looked at the pinkette below.
"Sasuke-san...Sakura has expressed that she wants to be someone you see as a true Kunoichi...she wants to earn your approval I believe. So have faith in her now" Shino stated.
"OI Hinata I think someone is in love" he said snickering to Hinata though he was anything but discreet.
"Idiot...I will hit you" Sasuke growled as he looked down at Sakura.
'Good luck Sakura...be careful' he thought.
Sakura stood facing Kankuro with a calm expression she brushed aside her two pink pigtails as she examined the boy before her carefully.
"MAY THE POWER OF YOUTH BE WITH YOU SAKURA-CHAN ! LET YOUR FIRE BURN BRIGHT" Lee exclaimed from the balcony.
Sakura's eye twitched as she blushed in embarrassment. 'Dammit Lee why do you have to be so weird ?'
"If both of you are ready ...you may begin" Hayate stated as he once again fell back from the combatants.
"Ladies first" Kankuro sneered as he crossed his arms clearly unimpressed from Sakura at a glance.
Sakura offered him a sweet smile before her face hardened. "You might regret that" she stated as she formed several handseals.
"Demonic Illusion: Death Mirage Jutsu"She yelled out.
Kankuro still kept his arms crossed and laughed. "Wow that's an interesting Jutsu...though I fail to see what the point of it was"
Sakura's eyes widened. 'I know Genjutsu's can be dispelled ...however it seemed like it never took hold to begin with...but why'
"Heh tell you what we'll call that strike one...I'll give you two more chances" he offered arrogantly.
Sakura actually smirked. 'This guy is good but he's cocky and doesn't expect much of me...I guess it's time I surprise him' she thought as she bit her finger drawing blood before she lunged forward landing about ten eet away from Kankuro before slamming the ground with her hand.
"Summoning Jutsu : RazorWire Prison" She called out...instantly there was a large puff of smoke that covered the ground floor for a few moments...
As it cleared Kankuro could be seen bound by over a dozen razor wire that bound him tightly...if he moved but an inch the wire would surely slice him to ribbons.
"Forfeit...if you try to escape the wires will slice you to pieces"
'This is Sakura? She's incredible...I figured she had gotten better... and she had finally started taking her training serious, but I had no idea to what degree' Sasuke thought as he watched the Kunoichi closely.
Kankuro still smiled apparently unphased by his predicament.
"Heh I'll pass " He said as he forced his limbs through the razor wire...
Sakura winced as she expected a grisly scene...however she never expected him to force his way through the wires unscathed.
Only his clothes were tattered now...but not a speck of blood could be seen...
'Impossible those wires should have killed him if he tried that...so I need to figure out why they didn't and why my Genjustu isn't working' she thought to herself.
"You've only got one more strike little girl ...maybe you should give up now before you see the true power of Sunagakure's Puppet Master." He stated with a smirk.
'He's hardly a Master yet and he needs to learn when to be silent.' Baki thought as he studied his student critically.
Sakura kept a calm expression. 'It all makes sense now...you just made a costly mistake.' she thought to herself as she clenched her right fist as chakra became visible around her entire right arm.
"What is that crazy jutsu Sakura-chan's using?" Naruto asked as he looked on in amazement.
"It's less of a jutsu and more of a trained ability Sakura has been taught. She has excellent Chakra control however she physically isn't as strong as many of you...however that ceases to matter with this technique...she uses her chakra to bolster her taijutsu to Extraordinary levels. Kurenai said quietly as she looked at the blonde before looking back to Sakura.
Sasuke found himself yet again surprised by the pink haired ninja.
'It's not up to Tsunade-sama's level, but having only studied it theory it's amazing she already grasps the fundamentals of the technique. The question is can you use it in practice Sakura?' Kurenai wondered.
Sakura's fist was now encased by a bright green glowing chakra she took a deep breath as she focused on maintaining the chakra in her fist as she glared at Kankuro.
"Come on little girl...let's see your last move...then I promise to end this quickly" he smirked.
"You've got it Shānnarō!" she cried as she darted forward with her hand cocked back.
Kankuro smirked as in an instance he used his body replacement technique again as he prepared for Sakura to hit his puppet rather than him.
Sakura however at the last second fulled a feint as she crouched low and slid between his legs before turning in one fluid motion with her right arm glowing before delivering a devastating chakra enhanced punch to large object strapped on his back.
A loud groan could be heard as the person everyone assumed was Kankuro poofed from existence and was replaced with a puppet. The puppet fell limp as the wrapped object was sent sprawling across the floor. Sakura carefully approached the linen wrapped object before cutting back the wrappings with a kunai.
She was immediately greeted by Kankuro's weary face. He lay unable to move as he looked up at the pinkette with an exasperated expression.
"H-how did you figure it out ?" He asked.
Sakura relaxed slightly. "Well for starters, The first rule of breaking Genjutsu is to either disrupt the chakra flow, cease chakra flow to your body or use pain to snap yourself out of a genjutsu. Since I didn't see any handsigns or you hurting yourself in any way I could only assume you were disrupting the Genjutsu even before it could take hold...but at first I had no idea how. The second clue came when my wires did nothing to harm your body...It seemed impossible for a normal person to be able force their way through that type of trap... as you did, that had me stumped and I probably wouldn't have figured it out...but you gave me the final piece I needed to solve the mystery." she said smiling.
Kankuro grunted. "And what was that ?" he asked before coughing up blood.
"Simple you told me you were a Puppet Master...then it all made sense to me. Every time I had attempted to attack you... you used some form of a body replacement with your puppet to remain unscathed. The first to avoid my genjutsu, the second to break through my razor wire...once I figured that out I decided I would force you to use the body replacement one more time...but by then I had discovered where the real you would be." she said as she placed her hand on her hip.
"Heh I thought I had deceived you the entire match...and in the end you defeated me through deception...what irony." he said before he coughed again before loosing consciousness.
Hayate nodded before he held his arm out and spoke. "Winner of the Match is Sakura Haruno" he declared.
Sakura smiled pleased with herself as she began to make her way towards the balcony. Several of her comrades could be heard cheering but she looked for one particular person. Her eyes locked with his onyx eyes as she felt her heart skip a beat as he smiled at her. It was then she felt that he had finally truly noticed her. It was then all that hard work felt like it had finally paid off...
Once again the board began to shuffle names as Kankuro was carried out of the room to the Infirmary.
The Remaining Genin turned their attention to the board as they awaited the next pairing...
*Author Note*
I decided to get some of the Canonical pairings finished first. There may be one other that is the same as Canon, but I believe the rest of the pairings are original.
I just wanted to assure everyone that you've not seen the final fight between Hinata and Neji. I wanted to show that Hinata was doing better then in Canon and suggest that if she'd used the Vixen she may have actually won this first fight.
As always thank you for reading and reviewing and I'll see you next time!