Chapter 20: Naruto vs. Neji

Authors Notes: Okay, so we're back in business with this one as well. My other Narusaku story has been completed so I'm once again back to writing just 4 stories. I expect this will be the next one to be completed but it will likely take a few months. So later this year. We're currently at the latter part of the Chunin Exams arc and will be going to the Sasuke (or in this case, Naruto) Retrieval Mission. Though maybe I'll make a little change. If Naruto does go to find Tsunade with Jiraiya it could give Orochimaru the opportunity to get him then. If that's the case it might be a good idea for Sakura and maybe Sasuke to come along as well.

I've had Sasuke have a bit of a change in attitude. Maybe that could have changed even more in the past month? Maybe I could have Kakashi try and temper his desire for vengeance early on and taught him to value friendship over revenge? Maybe even pursue a relationship with Ino or Hinata. Though I personally think Ino is more likely. I made him get together with Hinata in my other story. For some reason I don't understand quite a few people don't like the idea of Hinata with Kiba but if I'm being honest I consider Kiba the second most likely person for her after Naruto.

Well, we'll see what happens.

Naruto rested at home, needing his strength for the battle against Nejii tomorrow. After waking up, he got up, ate breakfast, and packed his ninja equipment. Heading to Sakura's house he met her on the way.

"Good morning, Sakura," he greeted her in his usual manner.

"Good morning, Naruto," she replied in the same manner.

They kissed and then began walking hand in hand.

"It's been a crazy few months, huh?" Naruto said.

"Yeah," she agreed. "Feels like it's been longer than that. Like a year or something. But its been more exciting than I could have imagined."

He nodded. "At least aside from the lame D-rank missions!"

She giggled then her expression turned thoughtful. "Well, we still got some time before we really need to head to the stadium."

"Yeah," Naruto thought for a moment. "Why don't we go to the training field? Just a trip down memory lane you know?"

She nodded, understanding the sentiment. They walked together to the training field where they'd official become Team 7 but were surprised to see they were not the only ones there. A certain raven haired girl was there. Her back was to them and she wore a light blue jacket instead of her usual tan one but they recognized her nonetheless.

"Hinata?" Naruto asked.

She jumped and looked over her shoulder.

"Oh, Naruto, Sakura," she said in surprise, hiding behind one of the nearby pillars shyly. "So, why are you here?"

"Uh, we came to check out this training field. This is actually the spot we both became genin. So…" Naruto said.

"Oh," Hinata understood. "But the next round of the Chunin Exams are coming and you're first up Naruto! Then you Sakura."

"We still have time," Sakura said. "So why are you here?"

"I'm waiting for Kiba," Hinata said. "My father wasn't too pleased with me losing to you in the preliminaries."

Sakura gave her a guilty expression. "Surely he wouldn't be too hard on you?"

Hinata cringed. "He's always thought of me as a failure. That I'm too kind and weak to be a capable Shinobi and heiress to the clan."

The couple's mouths both fell open.

"Hinata, you're a great ninja!" Sakura said.

"Not as good as Nejii, or even my little sister," Hinata lamented. "I couldn't even beat you Sakura."

Sakura grit her teeth. "You would have if you'd gone close enough! I knew your clan used close combat jutsu so I kept my distance and then blinded you to get an opening. It could have gone either way I'm sure."

Hinata just looked down.

"You are not weak Hinata," Sakura said. "I just outsmarted you."

"Yeah," Naruto said with a smile before he seemed uncertain. "Hey, Neji is your cousin right?"

She nodded and he continued. "So is he really strong?"

She nodded again. "Yes, but you could still win."

"Yeah," he chuckled. "I'm strong too after all."

"Are you having second thoughts?" Sakura asked. "What is up with you? The Naruto I know would never run away!"

"I'm scared okay!" Naruto said.

Sakura sighed. Even Naruto got scared.

"Well we all get scared sooner or later. No matter how strong we are there is always someone that can be stronger. You just have to try your best. You made a vow to beat Neji for his insult to Hinata."

There wasn't any jealousy in her as she knew that had only been done because Naruto cared for Hinata. She hoped it would snap him out of it.

It did.

"Thanks Sakura," he said. "I feel better now. Let's do this."

She nodded and took his hand again then looked back behind her at a rustling sound.

"Here comes Kiba!" Sakura said.

The canine user soon joined them looking at Hinata with a toothy grin. "I'm here Hinata!"

"Hello Kiba," she said.

Kiba then noticed their other companions. "Oh, Naruto, Sakura! Good luck out there! But I'll beat you next time Naruto!"

Naruto smirked. "Not if I can help it!"

They all walked to the stadium, Naruto and Sakura joined the combatants in the arena. Kiba and Hinata both headed up into the stands for the spectators sitting next to each other. Naruto and Sakura looked around, seeing their opponents Neji and Oboro as well as Shino, Kankuro, Temari and Shikamaru. Gaara was there as well, his cold eyes showing as much malice as before. But someone was missing.

"Hey where's Sasuke?" Naruto wondered.

"I don't know," Sakura said. "Its not like him to be late! Don't tell me Kakashi Sensei is teaching him to be bad at being in time!"

They couldn't do anything about it as the proctor, who they noticed was different from the one that had been present the last time. Had something happened to the last proctor?

The new one addressed them. "All combatants besides the first two please make your way up to the stands until your match begins. Naruto Uzumaki, Neji Hyuga, you two are first up so you stay down here."

Naruto and Neji followed him to the center. Sakura ran up behind him and grabbed his hand.

"Good luck Naruto," she said as he looked at her before kissing him on the cheek.

"Thanks Sakura," Naruto said.

She ran off to join the others in the stands as Naruto followed and turned to face his opponent. Neji smirked at him.

Then the proctor, whose name was Genma, spoke.

"The rules are simple. They are… well… there are no rules. A ninja is allowed to use whatever tools and jutsu they have at their disposal. The match will continue until one or both Shinobi are either unable to continue fighting… or die."

The words hung in the air for a moment. Naruto knew the risks that came with being a ninja. He'd seen Haku and Zabuza fall in the Land of Waves, and both of them had been very strong. He'd had some close calls as well going up against several dangerous enemies himself by now. He'd even nearly killed some of the Sound Ninja that had attacked his squad. But now that he looked back on that he felt regret over how he'd almost done it. He didn't want to kill Neji, but at least knock him down a peg and off his high horse.

The older Hyuga boy looked at him. "Well, you got anything to say to me?"

Naruto glared at him. "Just that I'm gonna beat you and prove that I'm not a failure!"

Neji scoffed.

"Begin!" Genma said.

Naruto charged in, not resorting to his sword yet.

…

Up in the stands, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, watched as the first match between Naruto and Neji was about to begin. Then the Kazekage, the leader of the Village Hidden in the Sand, and father of the three Sand Ninja genin that were participating in the matches today, arrived.

"Welcome Lord Kazekage," Hiruzen greeted.

"Thank you Lord Hokage," the Kazekage said.

Like the Hokage, the Kazekage wore a robe. But his was blue rather then red in coloration and bore the symbol of his village on the hat. He also only showed his eyes rather then face. Hiruzen didn't think of it.

But little did he know that this was not the Kazekage, but Orochimaru in disguise. He'd killed the real Kazekage and was now wearing his robes. For now he would watch Naruto as the boy fought. Then when Sasuke's match came he would make his move with Gaara and the other sound ninja as his pawns.

…

Naruto's fist aimed at Neji's chest but the Hyuga easily blocked it. He then sent a palm strike to Naruto's chest, but Naruto leapt back out of range. He knew that one jab was enough to weaken him and tip the scales greatly in Neji's favor.

I can help you beat him. A familiar voice said in Naruto's head.

Naruto gritted his teeth, knowing the voice belonged to the Fox.

No. He thought. I don't need your help. I'm not gonna hurt someone like I did Sakura.

Come on, you want to show these people your power. I do as well. Let us show them together.

Naruto cast a glance back up at the stands. He saw many of the villagers looking down at him with disdain, which had seemed to increase recently. He remembered the attack on his house as well. A feeling of hatred filled him and he glared up at them before turning his attention back to Neji.

"What's the matter?" the other boy asked. "Looking up at someone you hate?"

Naruto turned his glare at him. "What is your deal anyway? Why are you so bad to Hinata?"

Neji glared now and dropped his fighting stance, telling Naruto his story. "She is a failure, and she tries futilely to change that. A person's limitations are set. You think you can become Hokage by hard work and training? Its absurd! Of the hundreds of Shinobi that live in this village, think how few ever become Hokage. They were born, destined, from the moment they entered this world. Blessed with immense gifts like my clan was with our Byakugan. Hinata was born into the main family, the first born. I was born a year before, my father was the twin of Lady Hinata's father, Lord Hiashi. As per our clans custom, those that are born second of the patriarch are known as the branch family. When the lawful heir turns the age of three, we of the branch family are branded with a mark. A curse mark."

He removed his headband, showing Naruto a green image on his forehead.

"I shall bear this curse mark till the day I die. When that happens, my byakugan will be sealed. Its our job as the branch family to protect the main family. My father was ordered to die for Lady Hinata's father. When she was young, not long after I was branded, a ninja ambassador visiting from the village in the Clouds attempted to abduct her while discussing peace making with the Hokage. Lord Hiashi discovered this and killed the kidnapper. But the Hidden Cloud demanded his life, so they could have what they had tried to abduct her for. The eyes of our clan, the Byakugan. Knowing this, my uncle ordered my father to go and die in his stead! She is part of the branch family so I hate her for that! But I also despise her for being a failure of a proud clan."

Naruto gritted his teeth.

"That's not a good reason to hate her!"

"If she weren't such a failure, but a prodigy like myself she might have been able to defend herself then my father might still be alive!" Neji snapped. "It makes me sick that she keeps trying to be something she can't. She should just give up being a Shinobi, and should you. How you managed to become a genin I'll never know!"

"You want to know?" Naruto shouted. "I was dead last in the academy! There was always a jutsu on the test I just couldn't get! You know what it was? Shadow Clones!"

Neji's eyes widened. "But… that's…"

"Yeah, my best jutsu now!" Naruto said.

Neji let out a surprised grunt.

"So you can improve yourself if you try hard enough!" Naruto said.

"Hey! Are you guys gonna talk all day? We came here for a fight!" someone up in the stands shouted.

"Kill him!" someone else said.

It was ambigious as to whether or not that was meant for Naruto or Neji but Naruto had a feeling it was directed at him. He growled as a bit and glared back at Neji.

"I think we've kept them waiting long enough."

Neji hesitated, his thoughts and beliefs were shaken by Naruto's own story. Still, he agreed with him and nodded.

"Let us end this!" Neji said.

Naruto performed the usual hand seal.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Dozens of clones appeared around him. Naruto distributed his chakra evenly, preventing his opponent from being able to see which one was the real him. All the shadow clones then drew the sword on their backs. They charged at him. Neji dodged and flipped to avoid the attacks. Then once many clones were close he spun, unleashing his secret technique that he'd been working on. Chakra appeared in the form of a bright orb that spun and hit the clones, causing them to disappear.

"Rotation!" Neji said.

His technique was one usually used by the main family, but he'd managed to learn it. It could deflect almost any attack. As he continued to rotate, more and more of Naruto's clones fell. But the real Naruto leapt out of range as the last clone disappeared.

"Wind Slice!"

A slash of wind flew from his blade. Neji spotted Naruto and focused his chakra his arms to protect himself from the slash. But the force of Naruto's attack still pushed him back as his kneels dug into the ground. With a struggle, he managed to divert the force of the blow so that it went off to the side and didn't injure him too badly. He still felt a sting on his wrists though and looked down, seeing blood on both of them.

Naruto raised his sword again and Neji was forced to dodge and flip away from the next set of strikes. He closed the gap between him and Naruto then caught the younger genin with the set of blows that would be sure to end this.

"Eight Trigrams: 64 Palms!" Neji said then began attacking with speed that doubled with every set of strikes. "Two palms! Four palms! Eight palms! Sixteen palms! Thirty-two palms! Sixty four palms!"

In a flurry of motion he finished his massive shower of palm strikes and knocked Naruto to the ground, his sword clattering as it too hit. The blonde knocked out a little blood. Sakura, Hinata, and many others looked down in concern.

Neji managed a smirk. The confusion he'd felt earlier disappearing somewhat.

"You may have managed to somehow succeed in the jutsu you had the most difficulty with. But you are still a failure. Those with talent will always succeed over those without."

Naruto grunted and pushed himself to his feet, picking up his sword. He panted.

"You're lucky to still be standing," Neji said. "But its over. You can't win. I've blocked off all your chakra points. You can't use any jutsu, and I've trained to block swords as well. Give up."

"Never," Naruto said. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, and I don't give up or run away! I will defeat you!"

Naruto knew it was easier said then done without his chakra. But he could still hear the voice.

Use my power. The fox said in his head. Its your only chance.

Naruto would have liked an alternative, but knew he was out of options. He closed his eyes and went into his subconcious.

Alright. He said. But don't make me hurt anyone else!

You are in no position to bargain here. The fox replied menacingly as red chakra glowed.

Naruto put his hands together to call up on the chakra.

…

"Its useless!" Neji said, thinking he'd won before turning to Gema. "Procter, call the match! Its over!"

Genma stepped forward to do so but soon Naruto let out a shout as the chakra slowly but surely came out. The dirt around his feet began to swirl and Neji's eyes widened again.

"What?" he exclaimed.

The power was incredible, so intense that caused the air to become heavy with wind out of nowhere.

Incredible, twisting energy! Neji thought. What kind of chakra is that? Or, is it even chakra at all?

There was no time to get an answer as Naruto moved. Neji spotted him up above and threw his shuriken but Naruto dodged them in midair. He was faster then before. Neji was incredibly confused by this unexpected turn of events.

Naruto was then on him, his sword slashing, it was also imbued with the strange red chakra or whatever it was. Neji got some distance in before hearing Naruto.

"What's the matter? Running from a failure?" the boy asked, a feral looking grin on his face, his teeth had turned to fangs.

"I don't know what you are! But this is not a normal ability!" Neji said.

He called upon his rotation again and surrounded himself in a layer of chakra. He even drew his kunai, no more fists. Things had gotten bad so he couldn't afford to play around.

"Lets end this once and for all!"

Naruto lunged at him and they clashed a few times. Orange chakra against blue chakra. They appeared all over the arena until finally clashing in the center. For a moment it was unclear who would come out on top. Then something happened that no one noticed. The curse mark on the back of Naruto's neck glowed. He'd inadvertently started drawing on its power along with the Nine Tails as the fight progressed. As per the agreement between Orochimaru and the Nine Tails, one chakra drew upon the other. Currently the Nine Tails power was dominant, but Orochimaru intended to assert his will in time. Even if his plan merely allowed the Nine Tails to escape once the seal was weakened enough it would still work. He could find the way to seal the demon inside himself. Or perhaps Sasuke Uchiha, he was still tempted by the allure of having the sharingan, but Naruto held what would likely be the strongest possible vessel since he carried the nine tails.

The small spark of power from the curse mark combined with the power of the Nine Tails chakra was enough to completely overwhelm Neji as a dust cloud popped up. When it emerged, Naruto was revealed to be standing over him. The chakra cloak receded and Naruto looked down at Neji, he brought his sword down to his opponents throat and Neji was helpless as his eyes widened again, but for the first time in genuine fear.

"You will treat Hinata with kindness from now on," Naruto said. "And I know you're wrong about your view on destiny."

Neji didn't have the strength to debate. Naruto slowly sheathed his sword and walked away. Then the unexpected happened.

"Naruto! Naruto! Naruto!"

Naruto looked up and heard his name being called by the villagers. Not all but quite a few at least. He was winning them over.

From his seat, Orochimaru was not pleased by this development. He closed his eyes and focused on his mark that allowed him to speak to the Nine Tails.

This could endanger our operation. Say something to the boy to ensure he hates them.

Fine, Snake Sannin, but only for the chance to escape. The fox said.

He then spoke to Naruto. They are just sucking up to you, you know. They saw you use that power and are afraid of you.

Naruto's grin faded, his prisoners words succeeding in casting some doubt on the matter.

"Naruto! That was great!" Sakura said as she leapt down and hugged her boyfriend.

Naruto smiled as he returned the hug. He knew she was genuine at least. He'd maybe taken a first step with the rest of the villagers. But he was still probably a long ways away.

Is it worth it though? Becoming the leader of this village that hated and abused you? The fox asked.

Naruto didn't answer that. He wasn't so sure anymore.

Okay. Another chapter down. Changed up quite a few things but it was fun. Hope you guys liked it. So I checked how Neji's name is spelled and it is with just one I, so I made the mistake a few times in earlier chapters of have two ii's. I'll have to go back and check on that. Also I think I've put off editing the first fight scene with Zabuza to have more of a fight long enough so maybe in two weeks time I will do some editing rather then include a new chapter. Be back sooner or later. Hope you enjoyed this one.