Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.

Chapter 17: Gamabunta and the Big Day

Naruto barely escaped from Zabuza and although he may have given up he knew the jounin would eventually pay him back for his mishap. Meeting up with Jiraiya was strange as the Sannin seemed unusually focused today. It made Naruto a little nervous since a bunch of girls were frolicking in the stream nearby but the pervert was paying them no mind.

Taking him to a more secluded spot Jiraiya said while sitting on a rock while telling Naruto to do the same, "Naruto, I can understand you not wanting to rely on the Kyuubi, but you have to realize that the 4th Hokage gave you this power for a reason."

Naruto's eyes hardened at that statement growling, "So the 4th Hokage did do this to me to turn me into a weapon."

Waving his hands in front of him hoping to calm the boy Jiraiya said, "No not exactly. He had no choice but to seal the Kyuubi into you, however he also did so with the faith that you would use the power responsibly. A faith, which was well founded it seems, seeing how reluctant you are to use it. But, I'm afraid the time for such concerns is over. "

Giving Jiraiya a chance to explain what he meant, Naruto crossed his arms in front of his chest saying, "I'm listening."

"There is an organization called the Akatsuki." Jiraiya began. He then proceeded to tell Naruto all he had learned about the group over the years and while he couldn't be sure, it was possible they would eventually come for him in hopes of claiming the power he held. As Jiraiya began winding to the end of his tale he was glad to see Naruto nodding his head up and down. "…so as you can see that is why it is essential that you begin to master the Kyuubi's Chakra."

"Forget it," Naruto said stunning Jiraiya who had though he did a marvelous job of convincing the boy. "If they come after me they will be facing me using my own power. Not something I'm borrowing from some furball in my gut."

Chuckling internally to himself Jiraiya thought, "He is definitely yours and Kushina's son, Minato. Although I wish a little more of you went into his personality. Oh well I guess we do this the hard way then."

"Look Naruto, someday you'll face a situation where you will need that power," Jiraiya said.

"And I said forget it. I can already draw on it when I need to."

"True," Jiraiya said, "However, your refusal to strengthen your ability to draw on the chakra may come back to haunt you."

"I said forget it," Naruto said making it clear he wasn't going to budge on the matter.

"Then you leave me no choice," Jiraiya replied and moving quicker than Naruto had ever seen anybody move appeared before him and flicked him in the forehead sending him through the bush into the nearby chasm.

As Naruto fell he tried to grab the wall with chakra but due to the slipperiness of the rocks and the speed he was traveling he couldn't grip them. "Fine," Naruto though, after his failed attempt at grabbing the rocks, "You want me to summon a toad to save me, but I'll use my own power."

"Summoning Jutsu"

From out of the smoke Naruto heard, "What you again kid. Face it you just don't have any talent with summoning." Then noticing he was falling Gamakichi looked down and saw a quickly approaching bottom, began screaming, "Call my dad," over and over again.

Naruto was almost tempted not to. He didn't want to rely on the Kyuubi for anything, but he couldn't let Gamakichi get splattered on the chasm's bottom as well due to his pride so channeling the Kyuubi he said, "Summoning jutsu."Naruto knew right away that he had done it as a massive shadow appeared in the smoke.

Landing on the massive toad's head Gamakichi immediately began kissing the top of his dad's head saying, "I'm alive. I'm never been so happy to have been proven wrong. Good job kid."

The massive voice of Gamabunta said, "Eh, is that you Gamakichi? Where the hell am I?"

Jumping so he was in front of his dad's face Gamakichi said, "Yeah it's me pops. You were summoned into this gorge by that blonde kid on your head."

Addressing Naruto the toad boss said, "Come here so I can see you boy." When Naruto did as he was told Gamabunta said, "Hahaha, good one Gamakichi but there's no way this little snot summoned me."

"I did so," Naruto said.

But the boss toad just ignored him saying, "Jiraiya! Where are you Jiraiya? What do you think you are doing giving this little snot the right to sign the toad contract?"

Gamabunta continued ranting until Naruto yelled, "Shut your stupid fat mouth you. I summoned you, so that means I'm your master and you have to do what I say."

"A little snot like you claims to be my master, ha that will be the day," Gamabunta declared. "The only reason I haven't removed you from my persons yet is because you amused me. But keep it up and I'll show you just who is the boss around here."

"Oh yeah, well I bet you can't dislodge me from your back," Naruto declared before running to the boss toad's back and planting himself.

"I'll show you, you little snot," Gamabunta bellowed before launching himself out of the canyon.

Up on the top of the canyon and hiding from the enraged toad Jiraiya smiled as he thought, "Picking a fight with the Boss toad. He's definitely your kid Kushina." Thinking of the fiery red-head, Jiraiya's mood dropped a little as he remembered the frantic few hours before Sarutobi had the old head of the Kurama clan place her in the genjutsu she had spent the last thirteen years in. Something had snapped in her leaving her broken and confused as a result the young woman had begged them to let her kill Naruto, claiming him to be the fox in disguise, after they had prevented her from doing just that. Sometimes, Jiraiya wondered what would happen if he let Naruto into the safe house where she was kept. But he agreed with Sarutobi that it wouldn't be a good idea to let Naruto know of her survival, at least not yet. Knowing what he knew of Naruto's character he was sure the boy would have stayed by her side until she was cured. And what kind of life would that be for the boy? Constantly hoping for a miracle that Jiraiya had given up on years ago, no for now they would keep the boy ignorant of his parents so he could have some semblance of a normal life. Well as normal as a shinobi could hope for.

Trying to cheer himself up Jiraiya decided to go peak on some of the ladies at the nearby stream. Turning to look at Naruto, who was desperately cling to Gamabunta's back, he smiled saying, "Yep, I'll let you two work out your differences, for there is research that needs to be done.

Sarutobi closed the file on Hayate Gekkou letting out a tired sigh as he did so. When he had been alerted to the young jounin's death he had been sadden to know such a tragedy had occurred within his village. Putting that aside he began trying to figure out why someone would go to the trouble of killing him. Cat was convinced that it was Danzou, which considering Hayate's place among Ibiki's group was a possibility. However, Sarutobi wasn't so sure. It just seemed that so much was going on within the village at the moment that unraveling the mystery of Hayate's death would probably never happen.

Getting up from his desk he looked out of his office window trying to calm the unease he felt. Ever since Orochimaru had been spotted he had felt uneasy as if a storm was on the horizon. Hayate's death just further convinced him the premonition he felt was true. Now all that remained to be seen was whether or not the great tree of Konoha would whether that storm or fall. But he had faith that his home would prove a match for any challenge that his traitorous student tried to throw its way.

Naruto woke up wondering where he was. The last thing he remembered was standing on Gamabunta's head as the sun began to set before losing consciousness. Looking over to his right he saw Haku looking at him while mixing some herbs.

Taking stock of Naruto waking up Haku said, "Well Naruto, it's a new record for you. Although I don't think being unconscious for three days is something you necessarily will want to beat in the future."

"What happened?" Naruto croaked out his throat feeling dry and raw.

Haku however was prepared and handed him a glass of water saying, "You tell me. Lord Jiraiya dropped you off here looking like you had been run through the ringer. Although he did say that somebody named Gamabunta told him to tell you he will recognize you as his henchman. Your training must have been incredibly hard to leave you in such a state though."

"If you can call being thrown off a cliff training," Naruto stated.

Haku arched an eyebrow at that so Naruto filled him on what had happened. When he finished he asked, "You say I was asleep for three days right?" Haku nodded his head so he said while getting out of bed, "Then that means we still have a week till the last round of the chunin exams then. I don't have time to be just lying around in bed I suppose. Better go hunt down that pervert then see what else he's got for me to learn."

"I don't think Jiraiya expected you to make such a quick recovery though as he said, he has some other business to take care of," Haku said as Naruto was getting dressed.

"Typical, the Pervy Sage throws me off a cliff to make a point about using the Kyuubi and then he blows me off. Probably, for that crazy snake lady I'd bet. Guess I'll just practice on getting the summoning jutsu down using my own chakra then," Naruto said as he finished wrapping his face. "See you later Haku."

Leaving the cottage Naruto left for one of the training grounds lost in thought. He hated to admit it but the pervert had been right if he hadn't used the Kyuubi's chakra in the chasm he would have been dead. He figured that was what the Pervy Sage had been trying to prove in the end which was why he wasn't to mad at the man. If a cliff could have almost have killed him how would he be able to stand up against nine S-class missing-nin? But just because he acknowledge the Perv's point didn't mean he was going to be going Kyuubi all the time. No he decided that he would only do it when he absolutely had to or he had to defend those precious to him.

Anko was nervous as she had ever been on her way to the room Jiraiya told her to meet him at. Coming to the room in the bottom of the Hokage's tower she found Kurenai waiting outside it. Surprised Anko asked, "What are you doing her Kurenai?"

"Lord Jiraiya asked me to come down here said you would probably need my help for something," the red-eyed jounin replied.

"Where is he?"

Kurenai shrugged in response saying, "I don't know. I'm guessing inside the room but the door is locked and he didn't answer it when I knocked."

Feeling antsy Anko was about to kick it in when the door unlocked showing Jiraiya as he stepped into the doorway saying, "Ah right on time excellent. Well step on in and let's get this show on the road."

Upon entering the barren room, the only piece of furniture being a chair in the corner, both jounin where amazed as they saw that almost every available space was covered in strange symbols, except for an empty circle in the center. Seeing the circle Anko asked, "So am I supposed to sit in the circle?"

"Yeah," the Toad Sannin answered, "however there are still some steps that need to be completed. First you need to strip."

"Now hold on if this is some ploy to get some research…" Anko began.

But Jiraiya stopped her saying, "The rest of the symbols need to be drawn on you Anko which is why Kurenai is here. I figured you would be more comfortable if she was the one to do it."

Kurenai though, was uncomfortable at that idea not being a seal master saying, "I wouldn't even know where to begin. I'm not a seal master."

"Relax Kurenai," Jiraiya instructed, "Look over on that chair over there," indicating the one sitting in the corner

Doing as the Sannin said she found a large rolled up piece of paper with an outline of a body's front and back on it indicating all the symbols that had to be drawn onto Anko. As he watched Kurenai's eye roam over the paper Jiraiya said while making his way for the door, "Follow the instructions on the paper. I'll inspect your work when you're done," Seeing Anko about to protest he said, "Trust me Anko, you'll be covered under so much ink I doubt I'll get any suitable material from it."

Eight hours later Kurenai finally called Jiraiya into the room. Much like he had claimed the symbols were so small and packed together so tightly it appeared as if she was completely covered in ink except for her face. However that didn't seem to be enough for Anko who had used a few scraps of Kuernai's combat wraps to cover her groin and nipples. Unable to resist teasing Anko he said, "Well who knew that you were such a prude considering how provocative you dress."

Blushing furiously Anko said, "Can we just get this over with."

Walking around Anko, he inspected all the symbols seeing that Kurenai did an excellent job he said, "Nicely done Kurenai. Okay Anko lay down in the circle with your head pointed towards the door."

Following the Toad Sannin's instructions got into the circle as he directed having to adjust herself slightly until he told her she was lined up correctly. He then filled in the circle with more symbols until they lined up with the ones drawn on her body.

Finishing he said, "Anko this is going to hurt"

Nodding her head she said,"Do it."

Making the necessary hand signs he then pressed them over her mark saying, "Six Ring Seal."

Anko's last coherent though before the pain became too much was Jiraiya had been putting it mildly when he said it would hurt. Even receiving the curse mark hadn't caused her such pain.

Kurenai watched in amazement as the symbols turned red and observed as they began moving towards the curse mark on Anko's neck. She looked on in worry as screams were torn from Anko's throat. As the symbols all reached Anko's body she covered her with the special jounin's jacket. When the jutsu was finished the curse mark was still there but was surrounded by six rings each one bigger than the last.

Kurenai looked at Jiraiya to see if there was something wrong but the Sannin looked as if everything had gone well. This confused the woman as she had been under the impression from what Anko told her as she painted the symbols that the jutsu would have removed the curse seal. She was just about to ask Jiraiya when he said due to his probably being able to see the confusion on the woman's face, "I'll explain what the seal does when Anko wakes up."

Several hours later Anko began to stir and found herself in a hospital bed. Her friend Kurenai was reading a magazine in a chair in the corner with Jiraiya looking out on the village while sitting in the window sill. Noticing Anko had awoken Kurenai handed her a glass of water which she quickly drank in a few gulps.

When she was finished drinking Anko used the glass as a mirror to inspect her neck but seeing the curse seal still there was about ask Jiraiya what went wrong when he said, "The seal worked perfectly the rest is up to you now. The first five rings represent the elements in the following order Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning and Wind. The last ring represents the absence of all the elements and is the Void ring. The seal will use your will to crush the curse seal. You'll notice that the rings will begin to constrict around it, the greater your desire the faster they will do so until it completely removes it."

Opening the window Jiraiya said, "Now ladies if you'll excuse me," then jumped out of it to the ground below.

Once more examining the seal with her glass Anko could swear that the rings already looked smaller. Smiling she laid back down making plans with what she would do once finally free of Orochimaru's gift.

Waking up from having slept like a baby Naruto got ready for the challenges of the day. Today was the big day. He had trained hard in the week since waking up and while he wasn't able to summon Gamabunta he could summon toads a little more useful than Gamakichi. Joining the others already eating breakfast he was surprised to see Sai sitting in the kitchen with them his hand still lightly bandaged. But the boy simply told him he was there to cheer for his teammates. Smiling at that he even let it past when he called him by the nickname he hated so much.

As he finished the last bite of his breakfast Zabuza asked, "Are you ready, you two?"

Haku nodded yes but Naruto asked, "Zabuza do you have any more Chakra Suppression Seals?"

Searching his pouch Zabuza saw he had only one left asked while handing it to the blonde, "What do you need it for?"

"I was using Shadow Clones to scout out some of the competition and it appears Kakashi taught Sasuke some sort of lighting jutsu," Naruto said.

"So you want the seal to make sure he can't use the jutsu?" Zabuza questioned.

"Not exactly," Naruto said smirking, "You'll see, well if that Gaara doesn't kill him first I suppose. That one frightens me. He never sleeps and I never saw him train."

"He probably doesn't need to since he is a jinchuriki," Sai said.

The rest of team Zabuza stared at the smiling Sai until Zabuza asked, "And just how do you know that?"

"Lord Danzou has spies in many foreign countries and was able to find out," Sai said evenly.

"Well why tell us now?" Zabuza asked.

At that Sai got a confused look on his face and asked, "Isn't that what friends and teammates do? Share information to ensure the success of the group as a whole."

Haku smiled at the boy saying, "Indeed they do Sai."

Sai smiled back and to Haku this one was different it was smaller than the others and it was real. Naruto however missed the exchange, too caught up in his own thoughts. He had never met another jinchuriki before. What had his life been like? Judging from the darkness coming from the boy he doubted it had been pleasant and if it had been anything like his first six years of life lonely. Looking around the table at his friends and teammates he decided he would help the boy by showing him he wasn't alone.

Gaara entered through the back entrance alone having not bothered to wait for the two nuisances that claimed to be his siblings. As he entered a seemingly deserted corridor he stopped for a moment his senses honed from surviving multiple assignation attempts telling him he wasn't alone. Turning around he was surprised by who he saw behind him. "What do you want?"

"Now Gaara is that any way to address your father?" the man dressed in the Kazekage's robes asked.

"I've never thought of you as a father," the boy monotone voice showing no emotion. "Now what do you want."

"There has been a change of plans," the Kazekage informed him. "You will forfeit your match with Sasuke."

"No."

"Don't not tell me no, boy," the Kazekage said angry, "you will do as I command or I kill you myself here and now."

Gaara looked like he was willing to call him on it so Orochimaru who was impersonating the dead Kage said, "Think of it this way boy. Sasuke is beneath you and will easily fall to your power. Save your strength for the invasion and you'll be able to kill to your heart's content."

Gaara thought on that for a moment before saying, "Very Well."

Orochimaru walked pass the boy on his way to the Kage's booth when Gaara said, "I'll kill you one day as well," before going his own way.

Orochimaru in his Kage disguised chuckled internally at that as he thought, "Sorry boy, But your father is already dead. I'm afraid you'll never get the pleasure of crushing him with that sand of yours."

As he made his way to the Kage box, Orochimaru was confident today would see the fall of Konoha despite the minor setbacks he had experienced as of late. The first had been his failure to mark Sasuke; the second was the sudden illness that had gripped Kimimaro. That to be honest was the greater disappointment seeing how he was the last of the Kaguya and who he had planned to use as his next host. Kabuto had thus far been able to find a cure, perhaps his old teammate would be willing to do so if properly motivated that was. Smiling at the idea, he got into his role of playing the Kazekage as he made his way to join Sarutobi in the Kage's viewing box.

Hinata didn't sleep well during the night constantly tossing and turning. She supposed the pressure was finally starting to get to her. It wasn't that she felt under prepared, far from it since after deciding to give Sakura time to decide on hers feeling for Ronin before making her own move, she had focused all her time and energy on training. It was the atmosphere within the Hyuuga compound that was getting to her. With both her and Neji in the finals and the possibility that they would face each other the clan had seemed to draw battle lines. If they did fight it would be the Pride of the Main Family versus the Prodigy of the Branch. As a result several high ranking elders of each family would be in attendance. She found it all so foolish but still couldn't help but feel the pressure.

So to clear her head before the match she found herself walking through Konoha. She finally came to a stop in the Academy courtyard near the swing Naruto used to sit on and where she had eaten her lunches during her time in the academy. Sitting on the swing she thought about how Naruto had looked so sad when he used to sit here, and how she had wanted to comfort him but hadn't had the courage. As it became her spot during her years in the academy she used to sit her when she felt blue as well and used to fantasize that Naruto would show up to push her on it to make her feel better. Although it obviously never happened the idea did make her feel better.

Lost in thought she didn't notice Ronin's approach who was also thinking about matters. Ever since Sai dropped the bombshell that Gaara was a jinchuriki Naruto had been conflicted. So after breakfast he told the others he would meet them at the Chunin Exam Stadium later and began walking the village. He supposed what bothered him was how the two jinchuriki he knew about seemed to be blood thirsty monsters and was worried if that fate awaited him. He wanted to know what made him different, was it that he had people in his life that valued him. But according to Zabuza, the Mizukage had been the favorite of his predecessor. Also, if Sai was to believe Gaara was the son of the current Kazekage, hadn't his father cared for him?

While not really thinking about where he was going his feet took him to the spot where he used to go when feeling down and that was the old swing in the Academy courtyard. Finding his spot already occupied by Hinata who was absent-mindedly drawing in the dirt with her foot while sitting in the swing. While he knew he should probably keep his distance from her to respect the Third's wishes that he remain in his Ronin persona, especially in light of the fact that Haku believed she suspected who he was, she appeared to be slightly depressed. Besides, he had already made headway with his friendship to Sakura and figured Hinata deserved the same.

With that in mind he said, "Hello Hinata."

Hinata instantly focused on the voice a little embarrassed at being caught day dreaming, which quickly turned into mortification at the voice turning out to be Ronin. Remaining seated she said, "R-ronin, what are you doing here?" Cursing the stutter she let slip.

Putting his own worries on the back-burner he said, "Oh, I was just a little nervous I guess and decided to take a walk to calm myself. What about you?"

"Trying to put on a happy façade she said, "The same I guess."

However Naruto wasn't convinced saying, "You're not a very good liar, you know."

Blushing at that she said, "I wouldn't want to burden you."

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know," he said approaching closer. Causing Hinata's blush to worsen before the subject matter they were talking about caused it to go away.

"I'm just worried about what will happen if I end up fighting my cousin Neji," She said.

"Why not just do your best and not worry about the outcome it's just a test," Naruto said.

Shaking her head sadly the blue-haired girl said, "It's not that simply." She then filled him in on all the politics involved as well as her cousin hatred of her. Finishing her tale she said, "So if I win my cousin will continue to hate me, but if I lose I'll end up disappointing my Father and my clan."

Seeing Hinata so depressed over it he said, "That's messed up about your family, but I don't think you are thinking about it clearly. I don't believe if your cousin wins he's going to hate you any less. So all you can do is go out there and kick his ass."

Hinata knew what Ronin was saying was true, but the guilt she felt about being the cause of her uncle's death made her say, "It isn't that simple, because he does have reason to hate me. It's because of me that his father is dead." Seeing the confused look in Ronin's eyes she told him of the first kidnapping attempt on her.

Still not understanding how Neji could hate Hinata for something outside her control he said, "That's stupid, you were three at the time. There wasn't anything you could do to change what happened."

Hinata though wasn't convinced arguing, "I was so worthless back then though, and I was weak after it too. And it wasn't just my uncle that suffered because of my weakness. A friend of mine sacrificed himself for me to because I was to…"

Figuring she was talking about him and not liking that she had ever thought of herself as worthless said, "That's enough Hinata. I'm sure your friend was glad to sacrifice himself for you, because he never thought of you as worthless, otherwise he wouldn't have. I'm sure he only ever thought of you as one of his precious people."

Hinata looked up at him wide eyed. Then tears began to appear in the corner of her eyes. Mistaking the tears in her eyes as her being sad and not sure what he said that upset her. He got behind her to do something he had always wished someone had done for him when he had been sitting on the swing when he was sad.

Hinata had wanted to say how happy his words had made her feel but couldn't get them out. She knew she had tears in her eyes but wondered at the slightly panicked look that appeared on his wrapped face. Her eyes widened and a smile appeared on her face when he got behind her pulling the swing back and letting go. As he pushed her forward on her return swing Hinata though that although she was ninety-nine point nine percent sure Ronin was Naruto. That on the off chance she was wrong and Ronin really was another boy entirely he wouldn't make a bad boyfriend.

Naruto was approaching the stadium and his excitement was growing. After pushing Hinata on the swing for a while she had surprised him by jumping off at the highest point. When she landed she turned to him and smiled thanking him for his kind words. She then wished him luck in the Chunin Exams, but said she hoped they fought so she could show him how strong she had become. Before running off she had run up to him and kissed him on his right cheek. Since Sakura had kissed his left one and he didn't have any experience with girls he just assumed that was how they said good-bye, not that they had potential feeling for him.

Now that the arena was in sight he focused on who it would be he was fighting. Unfortunately, he didn't really know much about Shino as he had secluded himself from everyone training in his clan's compound. Therefore the Shadow Clones that he had used to gain knowledge on his potential opponents, although he didn't spy on Hinata as he felt that would be cheap, had not been able to gain access. However that didn't dampen his belief he would win because one he was going to be Hokage and two, he had years of combat experience. But one thing he knew was never to take an opponent or situation lightly otherwise you'd find yourself dead.

Sakura was excited as she took her seat with Ino. She was going to do her best to cheer Ronin on just as he had done for her. Also, in the month leading up to the final round she had decided she was going to try and purse Ronin. So she planned to be one of the loudest people cheering him on. She became aware of a boy in black standing in the aisle next to the empty seat, she recognized him as being Ronin's teammate Sai.

"May I sit here Miss Gorgeous," Sai said addressing a blushing Ino.

"Sure," Ino said happy to be sitting next to such a good looking boy who apparently knew true beauty when he saw it.

Looking over at the pink-haired girl Sai said, "Hello Sakura."

Getting elbowed by Ino and getting the point Sakura said, "Sai, I'd like to introduce you to Ino."

Sai smiled, but to Sakura it appeared fake, however from meeting the boy in the Forest of Death she knew that was just the way he was. Smiling at him she said, "So are you here to cheer on your team."

"Yes, although I think Dickless and Ugly will easily win in this completion," Sai said.

"You must not like them to call them such names though," Ino said confused.

"Not at all," Sai said, "Those are just the nicknames I gave them."

"Really, well I guess I'm glad you didn't give me a nickname like that," Ino said.

"Actually," Sai said, "I used the same method by which I thought up their nicknames. So I'm surprised you seem to like the one I gave you."

Sakura curious asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well one of the book I read said to pick a feature and then call the person the opposite. For example, it suggested calling a tall person tiny or a fat person slim."

Ino though not realizing what that meant to her just yet said while thinking along a different track, "Wait so if you call Ronin, Dickless are you saying…"

To answer Ino's unfinished question Sai held up both his hands giving an estimate of Ronin's length in that department. Sakura felt something begin dribbling out of her nose at what the pale boy was implying. Ino oblivious to Sakura as she began wiping her nose asked, "And what about Haku."

"He's is probably the most attractive person that I have ever seen," Sai said.

Confuse Ino said, "But he is a boy."

Now it was Sai turn to be confused as he asked, "What bearing does that have on his general level of attractiveness?"

Not really understanding why Sai was having a hard time seeing her point said, "Well… you're a boy."

"Yes I am," he said giving a smile.

Sakura though began giggling before outright laughing. Ino looked at her not understanding what was so funny. Sakura decided to share the joke saying, "Don't you get it Ino he uses the opposite of the attributes that he sees or thinks you posses. That means him calling you Miss Gorgeous means he thinks your ugly."

Ino suddenly rounded on the pale-boy seeing him nodding his head. Her eye's turning white in her anger she slugged him in the jaw knocking him out of the seat and down the steps. Before he reached it to the bottom though, he was stopped by Zabuza who was sitting near the front of the stands in the aisle seat.

"What happened to you?" Zabuza asked, letting the boy take the empty seat next to him.

"I'm not sure, but I don't think I should continue giving people nicknames," Sai said.

Zabuza chuckled saying, "you might live longer if you stopped." To which Sai nodded his head.

On the opposite side of the arena Mei was taking her seat enjoying the refreshment that she had bought. It had been easy to gain access to the village considering all the visitors for the exams. As she and the others had walked through Konoha, Mei marveled at how different it felt and hoped one day Kirigakure could be just like it. It gave off the air of a happy little village. Although, she had sensed the Anbu patrolling the area, found that preferable to how they were an omnipresent presence back home, visible on almost every street corner. Which just showed the startling difference in how the Anbu were being used here in Konoha the Anbu were meant to protect, while back home they were meant to intimidate.

Looking up from her drink she saw Chojuro and Ao, looking for her having decided to take a look around the stadium. Waving them over, she let them into the aisle. They still hadn't decided to let Chojuro in on their secret yet figuring it could wait for the return trip. She found the young genin to be a good companion so was sure he would easily accept especially since he dreamed of one day reforming the Seven Swordsmen of Mist one day. She also knew the boy had a small crush on her so that would also probably help convince him.

Sitting next to Mei, Chojuru said his cheeks heating up, "Here you go Mei. I got you a program of all the matches."

"Why thank you Chojuru," she said sweetly causing his blush to intensify. Mei took the program from him and then while taking a sip of her drink opened to the states of the contestants in the first match seeing a familiar blonde was in the first match.

Ao didn't need to be a sensor type to know that Mei was shocked and surprised as she spit the contents of her drink onto the guy in front of them. Mei easily calmed the man down using her charm and then asked Chojuro to get her a new drink. As soon as the boy left Ao asked, "What is it Mei?"

"Zabuza is here," Mei said scanning the crowd for some sign of her lover.

Ao wondering how she could possible get that from a program asked, "How do you know?"

Holding the program up to the first fight she said, "The blonde-boy is Zabuza's student. Ao can you…"

Knowing what she wanted he closed his eyes and concentrated. He had served with Zabuza back before his coupe d'état and knew what to look for. However there were also four other chakra signatures that he knew in the village. Opening his eyes he said, "The stands directly in front of us and to our one o'clock towards the front."

Mei looking where instructed saw him sitting next to a boy wearing a leaf head-band with two asterisks on it. When Zabuza turned his head to respond to something the pale-boy asked Mei caught a glimpse of the headband Zabuza wore. It had the Leaf symbol on it. Wondering what was going on she was about to go over to talk to him.

When she began to get up Ao grabbed her arm asking, "Where are you going?"

"He's wearing the Leaf symbol I want to know what is going on."

Ao shook his head and said, "Forget it. There are also members of the hunter division mixed within the crowd."

"Why?" Mei asked shocked at the revelation.

Ao responded clearly as confused, "I don't know. Maybe they got word Zabuza was here, but if they did they hadn't sent word through the normal channels. Otherwise I would assume I would have heard about it. But we can't ignore the possibility that they are here to observe us."

Mei sat down clearly not pleased but understanding they had to be careful. Ao was right after all, Yagura may have gotten word somehow that Zabuza was in the Leaf and was dangling him in front of her to see about her true loyalties. However, he either didn't know Ao was loyal to her or that he had the amazing ability to remember ever chakra signature he had ever come across. If this was a trap she would place her money on the second option. Mei narrowed her eyes at her fiancée though when they met next she was going to give him a long and possibly painful piece of her mind.

Across the stadium Zabuza felt a cold chill creep up his spine and thought, "I don't know why, but I get the feeling I fucked up."

Sarutobi looked at his bodyguard Raidou in the Hokage box and asked, "Where's Sasuke."

"Unknown sir," Raidou said, "Do you think Orochimaru got to him even with Kakashi training him?"

But before the Hokage could answer he turned to greet the Kazekage who was flanked by two bodyguards saying, "Welcome, Welcome, I trust you had a good journey."

"Yes thank you," The Kazekage said taking the open seat next to Sarutobi, "I'm just glad they are being held in Konoha this year. I'm sure the journey would have been much harder on you. Perhaps it is time to choose your successor."

Laughing good-heartedly Sarutobi said, "Nonsense, I'm sure I have years before such a thing is necessary." Beginning to stand, he said, "Now, let's begin…"

Standing in the center of the arena Naruto listened the Third Hokage announced the beginning of the final round. He noticed that Sasuke seemed to be missing and although he hoped it was because he realized he was in for an ass kicking but he doubted it. Looking at Gaara he could see him eyeing him, he tried to look friendly at the boy but he just turned away. As the Hokage finished the other contestants took their spots in the waiting box.

Shino and Naruto took up positions across from one another they listened as the new proctor whose name was Genma announced the rules. When he said begin he moved away as the two boys sized each other up. Shino tried a little intimidation tactic said, "You may have an impressive ability with that Shadow Clone Jutsu you possess, but even you are outnumbered when facing me." As he spoke Naruto watched as beetles began swarm from beneath the boy's coat and sleeves.

Naruto made five shadow clones that quickly charged the Aburame but he watched slightly worried as the beetles swarmed the clones quickly draining them of chakra. The beetles then swarmed at him, he tried to use his Wind Cutter Jutsu but the bugs moved out of its path. Naruto began fretting as he constantly dodged the beetles trying to prevent them from making contact. He tried to think of some jutsu in his arsenal that could take these bugs out, but couldn't until he remembered one time while practicing the summoning jutsu he had summoned a little yellow toad that had asked him for a treat.

Dodging a swarm that can particularly close Naruto said, "I may be outnumbered, but the animals you got helping you are lower on the food chain than the animal's I've got helping me." Biting his thumb he made the hand signs for the summoning jutsu and pressed his hand to the ground.

Shino pulled his swarm back as the waiting for the smoke to clear. Sensing the sudden unease that traveled through his Kikaichu beetles, he knew that whatever was in that smoke had them worried. When he saw what Ronin had summoned he knew why as he stood on top of a large orange toad with blue markings that was wearing a necklace with the kanji for loyalty around its neck. The beetles may have been trained to operate with a shinobi but they still had their old instincts. Right now those instincts were screaming retreat, which was exactly what the beetles did, as they began o return to their hive which was Shino.

Shino wasn't doing much better as he saw the creature smile at him. As it opened its horrible wide mouth Shino was reminded of the nightmares he had when he was younger, which had him being eaten by the various animals that preyed upon insects. He knew it was irrational but he felt that fear now considering the toad was the same size as him just like the dreams of old. A further parallel to his old nightmares occurred when the tongue from the toad lashed out hitting him dead center in the chest and then yanking him off his feet pulled him towards its mouth swallowing him in one bite.

Genma said, "Winner Ronin."

The audience broke out into applause but Naruto was too busy trying to get the toad to spit up Shino to pay it much mind. He finally convinced it to when he told it he would find enough insects to equal the same body weight as Shino to feed it. Spitting the slimy Shino up before dispelling, Naruto helped him to his feet saying, "Sorry about that."

"That was a most disagreeable experience, however you fought well," Shino said, good naturedly accepting the hand up. The two then separated with Naruto heading up to the waiting box while Shino headed to the stands.

Up in the Hokage's box the Kazekage said, "Well it looks like Gaara gets a pass on this one then," referring to the matter that Sasuke was still missing.

"So it would seem, I'm sorry about this I'm sure you would have liked to see your son tested against him," Sarutobi said.

The Kazekage replied, "A wins, a win, besides it might be good for us that it appears your Sasuke Uchiha appeared too scared to show."

Nodding his head and about to give the signal to announce the forfeit of Sasuke, the boy in question and his sensei appeared in a swirl of leaves in the center of the arena.

Kakashi rubbing the back of his head sheepishly said, "We're not late are we?"

Genma said, "Just made it." Causing Kakashi to blow out a held breath, clearly relieved his constant tardiness wasn't responsible for Sasuke losing out on his chance to make chunin.

Genma then announced the next match would be Sasuke vs. Gaara. Turning to Gaara he said, "Care to join us down here."

To Naruto, Gaara appeared conflicted, he knew the boy wanted to fight but for some reason he wasn't moving. Genma getting impatient asked, "Well how about it, care to join us?"

Finally Gaara said, "I forfeit." Not only did this shock Naruto but apparently his two teammates as well who looked at him with gaping mouths.

While Genma announced the results the Hokage looked at the Kazekage saying, "May I ask why you think your son forfeit?"

"I ordered him to," the Kazekage said surprising Sarutobi. Seeing the look on his face he clarified his reason saying, "I'm afraid my son is a tad unstable and I fear that your Sasuke would have been killed facing him. I wouldn't want to hurt relations between Sand and the Leaf by my son being responsible for finishing the job Itachi started."

Sarutobi accepted the Kazekage's reason, although he found it only to be a half truth he turned his attention back to the arena floor as Hinata and Shikamaru made their way to the center of the arena.

Up in the stands Ino was just recovering her hearing after listening to Sakura's yelling during the Ronin match. Seeing her friend so fired up over someone other than Sasuke made her smile. Not just because it meant she might have one less competitor for Sasuke's affection but also she believed that Sakura had gone for the boy to be part of the crowd in the first place. Maybe the flower that Sakura was had finally begun to bloom.

"Hey Ino, can I sit here?"

Looking up, she saw her other teammate Chouji standing there holding a picnic basket full of snacks. While she had been hoping a cute boy would come along again she said, "Sure," after all at least Chouji had never said she was ugly.

Hinata led Shikamaru out of the tunnel leading to the arena floor not surprised her opponent was taking his time. Apparently, he hadn't gotten less lazy since the academy. But little did Hinata know that he was deliberately acting the part of the lazy slacker that the girl remembered. It was all part of his plan to lure her into a false sense of security. The truth was that Shikamaru was as motivated as he had ever been. He knew getting past Hinata wasn't going to be easy, but he needed to in order to get to his real target, Ronin.

The reason had to do with Ronin's defeat of his team at Wave. He knew the Hokage was sponsoring him but he didn't believe him worthy of being allowed to join the Leaf. No matter how they dressed it up Zabuza and his two lackey's had been willing to kill a good man. The only reason they left Tazuna and them alive was because they believed Gato was going to betray them, not some sort of innate decency. At least that's what he believed.

Knowing he was the least favorite to win. He figured if he could take Ronin and Haku out of the competition then that would ruin their chances of successful joining the village. Hinata assumed her stance and activated her Byakugan as he stood there lazily with hands in his pockets. As soon as Genma said begin he threw the kunai that he had put in his pocket before the match. Hinata had know it was there of course easily dodging the knife. But couldn't move towards the shadow user as he dropped into his stance for when he used his shadow.

Hinata gracefully avoided the shadow retreating until it could no longer reach her. Bringing her hand to her lips she began spitting small fire balls at the Nara forcing him to retreat into the small area of trees located along the edge of the arena. Hinata was too smart to follow though knowing with all the shadows inside the brush she could be walking into a trap. Relying on her blood ability she continued to observe the boy who had assumed a strange stance resting on his hunches holding his hands in front of him. Finally, after waiting several minutes Shikamaru made his move coming from out of the brush running right at her. As he closed the distance he reached into his pouch and pulling out a light bomb threw it behind Hinata.

Hinata was surprised that he would attack head on but even more so as the bomb went off behind her. She was sure that Shikamaru would know that even though the Byakugan had three hundred and sixty degree vision. You couldn't blind them by throwing a flash bomb behind them, but she realized what he was up to when he dropped to his knee and extended his shadow towards hers, which was now several times larger and almost to him. However, Shikamaru underestimated just how fast and agile she was as she managed to dance her shadow away from his.

Tiring of Shikamaru's constant shadow attacks and wanting to take advantage that he was now in the open she reached into her own pouch and pulled out a smoke bomb. She then lodged it at him hitting him dead center. Trusting in her ability to see through the smoke she charged in attempting to nail Shikamaru. As she closed the distance she saw him blindly stretch his shadow at where he guessed she was. Easily avoiding it she managed to hit him in the shoulder but then found she couldn't move.

As the smoke cleared the people watching saw Hinata standing there her arm outstretched with her hand striking Shikamaru's shoulder. However, most people couldn't see the confused look on her face. Shikamaru let her look down and saw that while she had been concentrating on the moving tendril he had also created a small circle around him which she had crossed when she struck him.

Trying to get him to break the connection Hinata channeled her chakra into her hand shutting down the Tenketsu point in his shoulder she had struck. Shikamaru stumbled back causing Hinata to do the same. Unable to use his arm he maneuvered Hinata to the point where the kunai he had first thrown was and had her pick it up. Having her hold it to her throat he said, "Surrender or I'll have you cut your throat."

Hinata read his body language as best she could and believed he was bluffing decided to call him on it said, "No."

"I mean it. I need to advance to the next round," Shikamaru said.

"I don't believe you do," she said while thinking, "Also, Naruto is watching and I can't bear the idea of looking weak in front of him."

For a second Shikamaru tensed and Hinata wondered if he would do it, but then giving an annoyed grunt said, "All to hell with it. I give up." He then released the jutsu and made his way out of the arena.

As Hinata made her way back up to the waiting box she passed her cousin who scoffed saying, "How fortunate for you that you faced an opponent not willing to take your life to advance. But should we fight, you will not be so lucky."

Continuing on her way without replying she wished she knew a way to reach her cousin through the hatred that he had surrounded himself with.

Neji emerged from the tunnel finding that Temari who had apparently jumped from the box was already waiting. After Genma announced their fight Temari asked, "So are you going to try and avenge the disrespect I paid your teammate in the prelims like that green buffoon did."

"Hardly," Neji said coldly, "Tenten was fated to lose to you. As such, there is no point in wasting time or energy towards such pursuits. I'm going to defeat you simply because you're in my way."

In the stands sitting with Gai-sensei and Lee, who were sitting in the same row as Zabuza, Tenten couldn't help being heartbroken by those words. It most have reached her face because Lee said, "Do not fret Tenten. I'm sure Neji is just attempting to keep up his hip attitude."

Appreciating the gesture even if she knew that Lee probably didn't believe the words anymore than she did said, "Thanks Lee."

Next to the pair, Gai thought, "Well done my youthful student. Well done."

Temari though said, "My, that's a pretty cold attitude for a teammate." Then reaching behind her pulled her fan as Neji charged. Swinging her fan she kicked up a massive dust cloud as the devastating wind attack made its way towards him. When the dust settled Temari was shocked to see him not only standing there but without a scratch. The round crater he was standing in though told ever Hyuuga in the arena that Neji had mastered rotation.

Smirking Neji said, "Is that it?" he then assumed his pose to unleash the Eight Trigrams Sixty four palms which he did to overwhelming effect. Temari's chakra pathways closed she had no choice but to surrender and hoped she had enough time to recover before the invasion began.

Kankurou cursed as he made his way down to the arena. He had been hoping he wouldn't need to fight in this meaningless competition to keep the workings of his puppet a secret. At least, until the time of the invasion, but Gaara's forfeit and Temari's quick lose made it necessary to buy time for the invasion force to get into position.

Following behind the masked boy he allowed him to get further ahead and performed the substitution with Crow. Walking out they faced each other waiting for Genma to say start. Once he did so Haku made no move to attack so Kankurou asked, "Well come on."

Haku cocked his head at the puppet user saying, "There is no point you've already replaced yourself with your puppet." To prove his point he fired off several senbon all of which caught Kankurou in the face, causing the disguised sand covering crow to crack and fall away.

"Shit," Kankurou thought while hiding himself in the trees around the arena, "Oh well, not like I could of gone or the quick victory this time anyway. I have to take up as much time as possible."

Haku easily avoided the puppet having removed his weights the week before the Final round to get used to the increased speed. He probably wasn't at Lee's level yet but he was much faster than before. Avoiding the puppet as it attack was easy since it seemed to only be using the knives located in its hands. That was making Haku nervous; he knew that a puppet's strength lied in its many hidden mechanisms so why wasn't Kankurou using any of them. He supposed it was due to his wanting to save some surprises for future opponents. But still, he had to realize Haku was far too fast for him to get the puppet in close.

Haku tried to locate the puppeteer. He figured he had to be hiding somewhere in the trees, but where was the question. As Haku moved about the arena he began to notice a pattern. The puppet tended to defend a certain area more vigorously than others and when Haku would try to lead the puppet to the opposite end of the arena it would chase him only so far before returning to a particular spot obviously Kankurou was unwilling to leave himself open without protection.

Haku believed he now knew where Kankurou was hiding, but how to get to him was the question. He went over all the information Zabuza had given him on Puppet Masters. Throwing a handful senbon in a wide arc the puppet blocked the ones heading only towards one tree though. Smiling underneath his mask Haku reached into pouch for one of the special senbon Zabuza had crafted from the left over metal from when he had had Naruto's sword made. Charging it with wind chakra he threw it at the spot he had pegged as a likely vantage point for Kankuro to remain hidden but have a good ability to see the battlefield.

Kankurou moved the puppet to block the senbon but it passed right through it. The senbon traveled unimpeded towards Kankurou who was caught by surprise that the senbon hadn't been stopped and got caught in the side. Falling from the tree Kankurou stood quickly holding his side and saw that Haku had already closed a considerable distance. Knowing he couldn't buy anymore time he quickly surrendered.

Naruto was loudly cheering Haku on after his victory. His joy didn't last as Sasuke said, "Well are you ready or are you going to quit too loser."

Naruto noticed Gaara tensed at Sasuke's words. Focusing on the Uchiha, Naruto replied, "Don't worry your getting the ass kicking that I promised you."

The boys left to enter the arena leaving Haku, who had quickly returned after his win, with the remaining finalists and Gaara until Temari and a recently patched up Kankurou returned. They took up positions in front of Gaara who had retreated to a corner. Haku found this to be strange as the viewing box they were in, from what he could tell, was generally only for the finalist. Now that the three had been eliminated they really had no reason to be there.

Reaching the center of the arena Sasuke and Naruto stared each other down during Genma's announcing of the match. Sasuke had apparently changed his style during the month of training, his clothes being a darker blue than they had been before. Also, his left arm was bandaged from what Naruto assumed was a result of his practicing the jutsu his shadow clones had seen him being taught. What was really pissing Naruto off though was the way the bastard kept smirking at him.

After Genma said, "begin," The Uchiha further agitated him by saying, "I'm going to show you just how meaningless that promise you made to avenge Sakura truly is."

Up in the stands Sakura eyes widen at that as she asked Ino, "What is he talking about?"

Ino replied, "After Sasuke beat you in the exams. Ronin said he was going to show Sasuke as much sympathy as he showed you."

Sakura put her hand over her heart and couldn't keep the smile from her face as she watched the two boys staring each other down. Ino couldn't help but be annoyed by that for some reason. She thought she would be happy that Sakura was targeting someone else so why was she jealous. Maybe it was just that Sakura had this Ronin who was willing to fight for her honor while the one she liked barely paid her any mind. Looking over she saw Chouji happily munching on his chips, and then noticed that Shikamaru was on his way down the steps towards them.

When he joined them Ino said, "Wow, Shikamaru I've never seen you so fired up before. To think you almost beat Hinata."

Chouji said between bites, "That's because his goal was to fight and defeat Ronin and Haku."

At this Sakura looked over shocked asking, "Why would you want to fight Ronin?"

"To prevent his joining the Leaf," Shikamaru said sending a glare the blonde-boys way. "He may have everyone else fooled but he's just a thug."

Sakura growled out, "Take that back. Take it back right now."

Ino said trying to calm her friend, "Sakura you weren't at Wave. They were going to kill a good man for money. The only reason they didn't was because they believed they were going to be betrayed."

Before Sakura could retort a voice chimed in, "Well that's what Shinobi do."

Turning to look at who was joining in their conversation Sakura said, "Kakashi-sensei."

Shikamaru said, "That's not what Konoha shinobi do."

"Are you sure Shikamaru," Kakashi said, "One man's hero is another man's villain. Besides even if they thought they were going to be betrayed that doesn't explain your survival."

Clearly surprised it was Ino that voiced the question all three members of Team Ten had as she said, "What do you mean?"

"Well even if they felt they were going to be betrayed, the simple thing to do would have been to kill everyone on the bridge," Kakashi said while looking at the two boys in the arena. "Leaving your team alive could and probably did create problems for Zabuza and his apprentices."

"I still don't trust them," Shikamaru said defiantly.

Kakashi shrugged saying, "That's your right, but you may one day find yourself wishing you had."

Gai seeing his rival had bound up the steps saying, "Ah Kakashi, You must be excited to see your student facing such a strong opponent in this Ronin."

"Did you say something," Kakshi replied causing Gai to through a small fit. Ignoring Gai he thought, "Excited isn't the word I would use. I fear that if Sasuke loses the darkness I see in him will grow stronger, however if Naruto loses then he may not be allowed to join the village despite how well he performed in the first two exams."

Tired of waiting for Ronin, Sasuke charged in attempting to catch the blonde boy in the jaw with his fist. Naruto though quickly step back enough to cause him to miss, responding with a punch of his own to Sasuke's exposed rib cage. Staggering back Sasuke began forming hand signs for the Grand Fireball jutsu. Naruto's eyes widen in surprise and he seemingly froze as the fire reached him. Sasuke kept the jutsu going for a handful of seconds before stopping. His smirk was replaced with a frown as he didn't see anything in the charred earth. He suddenly jumped up avoiding Naruto as he emerged from the earth. He didn't really sense the attack but learned from his previous experience with Kakashi. He counter-attacked with a kick to the blonde's chest that sent him flying away from him.

Naruto landed on his feet as he skidded away from Sasuke. Despite his desire to rearrange Sasuke's face he admitted he was having a good time. He next created a dozen clones that then ran at Sasuke in an attempt to overwhelm him. Sasuke kept his cool though dispelling several of them before one came from behind and managed to grab him around the waist. The clone then spun him around so the clone that had been running behind it could catch Sasuke with a kick to the chin that launched him into the air.

Naruto tried to capitalize and hit Sasuke downwards with a kick when he reached the top of his upward trajectory, but Sasuke caught his foot spinning them in the air and throwing Naruto into the ground. However, the Naruto that smashed into the ground dispelled into smoke causing Sasuke, who was still in the air, to look around in surprise. Before he could locate the real Naruto he was kicked in the back sending him hurtling into the ground. Sasuke stood up shakily Naruto then closed on him before he could completely regain his senses.

What followed for Sasuke was a series of punches that kept the Uchiha back peddling as they connected. Sasuke tried to block but Naruto got his punches through every available gap in his defense as he did his best to treat Sasuke the same way the Uchiha had Sakura. Finally after what seemed forever to the would be avenger Naruto hit him with a hard right that sent the boy flying so that he landed on his back looking up at the sky.

Sasuke thought, "Forget what Kakashi said about using the Chidori for protecting others, I'm not losing to him."

Getting to his feet, Sasuke quickly created some distance from the blonde eventually stopping at the top of the wall surrounding the arena. Channeling the chakra to his hand as Kakashi had showed him for the past month he delighted in the chirping noise that heralded Ronin's death.

As soon as Sasuke began forming the Chidori most eyes turned to the boy, Sakura was no different as she turned to ask Kakashi what the jutsu was. However Guy beat her to it saying, "You taught him Chidori."

Ino said confused, "Chidori?"

Gai addressing the blonde girl said, "It's an assignation jutsu in which the caster channels lightning chakra to their hand to give them a jab of incredible power."

Not liking the idea of Ronin facing a jutsu meant solely for assignation Sakura said, "Why would you teach Sasuke a jutsu only used for killing?"

"Because as his sensei I had to make Sasuke was as prepared as possible to face an opponent of Gaara's caliber," Kakashi said evenly despite the turmoil he felt.

"But Sasuke shouldn't be using it against someone who wants to join the Leaf Village," Sakura said disgusted at the length's Sasuke would go to win.

However she was surprised when Kakashi said, "You shouldn't allow your emotions to factor into it Sakura." This caused Sakura to look at him in shock like he was justifying the potential murder of Ronin so he clarified what he meant saying, "Let me ask you this, if he was using it against Gaara would you feel as strongly about it?" Receiving no reply and having never looked away from the match said, "I didn't think so. You see Sakura, you're expected to lay everything on the line in these exams and while out right killing an opponent is frowned upon it isn't forbidden. Besides while Sasuke may have ignored my wishes that he only use that jutsu to fight Gaara or for the protection of others he also ignored my warning of not using it against a clever opponent. For you see while everyone was gawking at Sasuke's jutsu, including Sasuke, Ronin has been taking steps to exploit the fatal flaw of the chidori."

"Fatal flaw?" Shikamaru asked confused.

Kakashi either didn't hear or didn't feel like responding so Gai took over the explanation, "You see as I said before the Chidori is an extremely powerful jab. As such it requires the user to attack in a straight line. This leaves the attacker open to counter attacks should he miss. The only reason it is an effective jutsu in Kakashi's hands is because of his Sharingan's ability to read the movements of his enemies."

With Sasuke's chidori now fully manifested he began running at the masked blonde cutting a groove down the wall as well as the ground when he reached it. Reaching the smirking blonde he reached back and jammed his fist into his chest.

Although in two different areas of the arena two girls blew out a held breath when instead of blood and gore exploding out of the blonde's back chunks of rock did. The Rock Clone then clamped onto Sasuke's arm slapping the Chakra Repression Seal that it had been given after being created when everyone's eyes had been on Sasuke. Feeling his strength fade from him Sasuke pulled feebly in an attempt to free his trapped appendage.

Appearing from the ground behind the clone Naruto turned toward Genma saying, "You should call this match."

Genma confused looking at the still struggling Sasuke said, "Are you giving up?"

Naruto shook his head and then pointed towards a corner of the arena in which another Rock Clone was standing. The clone raised his hand saying, "Yo!" before exploding.

Genma turned to a now pale Sasuke who was redoubling his efforts to escape, before Naruto said, "I can do the same thing to that clone so unless you want the arena to be covered in little chunks of Uchiha I'd call the match."

"No! I can still fight," Sasuke roared still trying to pull his arm loose.

"Fine," Naruto said, while slowly and with exaggerated motions brought his hand up to point at the struggling g Uchiha. Just as he was about to say, "Boom," Genma called the match.

The clone then crumbled away allowing Sasuke his freedom, who then began to storm off, but stopped when Ronin said while rubbing the back of his head, "Uhm excuse me, can I have that seal back please?"

Sasuke looked at the adhesive seal that had been placed where the clone had grabbed him and removing it ripped it in half. Which was why Naruto wasn't surprised when Zabuza stood up in the bleachers roaring, "You stupid brat. I told you to be careful with that seal."

Naruto turned towards Zabuza while pointing at the retreating Sasuke shouting back, "Hey, it's not my fault he's a sore loser. I asked for it back nicely."

"Save your excuses," Zabuza countered, "I'm docking your pay till you buy me a new one,"

As the blonde and his sensei argued much to the amusement of the laughing audience a cloaked figure that had remained standing in the shadows clenched a fist in anger. The person was dressed from head to toe in black the clothes giving no idea of the gender of the person. Beneath a hooded cloak the person wore a mask that completely covered the head and face. The top portion of the mask was red with the bottom half being white. The anger came from the deep hatred that the person held for the village of Konoha and the disrespect they were showing to Sasuke. However what brought the anger to a white hot rage was that the person who had bested the Uchiha was the spawn of Kushina. One day the person swore these laughing fools would be screaming in terror and it would be the Uchiha who were laughing. Having no further interest in these exams the cloaked figure disappeared once more into the shadows.

In his disguise as the Kazekage, Orochimaru smirked as Sasuke began to leave the arena thinking, "Perhaps I should send the Kyuubi brat a thank you card. I'm sure now, that should I find the opportunity to mark Sasuke with the curse mark he'll come running to me in search of more power due to this defeat. But, now on to more pressing matters the complete destruction of Konoha."

Hinata allowed her cousin to head down first, she was happy she did as Ronin who was returning to the waiting box wished her luck. Taking her time, not in any type of hurry to face her family, she tried to calm her racing heart. Eventually though she came to the end of the tunnel and knew that it was time she and her cousin settled this messy business between them. She only wished that it hadn't come to this.

In the participator's waiting box, Haku had gone on guard as Temari and Kankurou shifted. It wasn't much just enough that he could see it gave them a good angle to attack him while protecting Gaara. His concerns were further confirmed when Naruto arrived in the box and they shifted again to compensate for the new arrival. Haku sent a signal to Naruto that said, 'They're up to something.'

Naruto sent a return signal, 'Message received,' and then took a position far from Haku against the opposite wall from the Sand siblings.

Kabuto dressed in Anbu garb began casting his genjutsu to put the audience to sleep now that Sasuke's match was over.

Neji was staring holes through Hinata as Genma announced their match, "Are you prepared to see how useless all your training has been Hinata. For today, I'm going to show you how you are fated to always be that worthless little girl."

Hinata's reply though was swallowed up as the Hokage's box erupted into smoke.