Normal speech
Thought
Nine-tails/Other big voices
InnerSakura
A/N:
Disclaimer
I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely for my, and hopefully everyone else's, enjoyment. Thank you!
Recap:
Lee unwrapped the bandages on his wrists. Naruto knew what was coming and tried to avoid it at all costs, but it was no use… he was kicked into the air by Lee. The only problem was that Naruto wasn't soaring through the air. To solve this, Lee continued to kick until he had gotten Naruto to the desired height…
Gai: Even the normal Lotus is self-damaging. All these extra kicks are dangerous for Lee too… End it here Lee!!
Lee: I am sorry Naruto… but this… IS THE END…!!
The bandages wrapped themselves around Naruto's body and Lee grabbed on tight…
Kakashi: This is a bad situation… Should I step in and save him… or should I just wait and see…?
The two began to rapidly spin and shot to the earth…
Lee: PRIMARY LOTUS!!!
Dust was kicked up and filled the entire arena. No one could see a thing and many began to worry…
Kiba: Oh man…! With that kind of impact, there's no way Naruto could have survived it…
Hinata: What?! You don't think he's…… He can't be…
Sakura: Naruto…?
Pride & Ambition
The dust began to settle and everyone anxiously awaited the results… Was it all over…? What is the fate of Lee and Naruto?
Once it cleared, Lee could be seen in the middle of a giant crater, but there was no Naruto in sight. Lee looked exhausted as from the still clearing dust and fluttering ribbons of bandages emerged Naruto as if nothing had happened…
Lee: I had no idea that you could do something like that Naruto… You are truly amazing.
Naruto: Yeah… well I had no choice. I had planned on saving it for some other time… but you forced my hand.
Naruto crouched again as Lee barely stood to his feet. In an instant Lee was knocked down and all around. It was beginning to look bad for Lee as he couldn't amount any kind of offense, much less defense to save his life…
Sakura: What's going on with Lee…? On minute he's bouncing all over the place… and now he can barely move…
Gai: The Lotus is a double-edged sword…
Kakashi: It's normally a forbidden technique. All that high speed taijutsu puts a lot of strain on the body… Right now he's feeling so much pain he can barely move… Right…… Gai? *looking over at him*
Sakura: … But then, why is Naruto still capable of moving the way he is…?
Kakashi: … Probably because of the clans he hails from… The jutsu he is using is that of a clan that proclaims that they are stars that fell from the heavens. In actuality, they have a great understanding of stars themselves and base jutsu from them. The technique he is using is one in which the user's speed is greatly enhanced… Even so, he will eventually feel its effects… The question is… how long can his body hold out?
Lee was hurtled through the air but he managed to catch himself. He then jumped back up to his feet…
Naruto: So, are you starting to feel better?
Lee: I am…!
Naruto: So your quick movements are coming back, huh? That's good… because it wouldn't be much fun if it wasn't difficult.
Naruto took out a few shurikens and threw them at Lee who dodged them. Once more Naruto threw some shurikens and kunais to test Lee's speed. It seemed that he was rejuvenated. Now came the real test…
Lee: Sensei is watching and smiling… Just from that I am revived… Stronger… even stronger…
Gai: Now the tables will be turned… "The Lotus of the Leaf blooms twice…"
Lee: … Though this battle of ours has been great… this will be the end of things one way or another…!
Kakashi: The lotus of the Leaf blooms twice…!? No way Gai!! You…
Gai: It's exactly what you think Kakashi.
Kakashi: Then that genin kid will… The "Eight Celestial Inner Body Gates"…
Gai: Yeah… he will open them… He had the ability…
Kakashi: Even if he had the ability… such dangerous techniques like that…! The "Extreme Lotus" is one technique that shouldn't be taught! I have no interest in making you tell me what that kid means to you and your reasoning… but there are limits…
Gai: …… What would you… know about that boy…? That kid has something precious that he would give up his life to prove. So I wanted to turn him into a man that could accomplish it… That's all…
Kakashi: That extreme recovery is because he opened the "Heal Gate"… *looks at Gai* Gai… how many of the Eight Celestial Gates can that kid open…!?
Gai: Five gates.
Kakashi: …… This isn't about hard work… That kid… he's a genius…
Sakura: … Wha… What is all this!? What are these "Eight Celestial Gates" things?
Gai: It's the "limit removal" that is done in preparation for going into the "Extreme Lotus". In the inner coils of the body that flows through eight spots… the "Eight Gates". These are constantly working to limit the amount of chakra that flows in the body… The Lotus forcibly releases these restraints using chakra… It allows you to release tens of times more power than usual… even as the user's body destroys itself… For example, the "Primary Lotus" is done by opening just the first gate. You release the brain's restraints with the initial gate, then with the heal gate you forcibly raise your stamina… Then from opening the third gate, the "Gate of Life", you enter into the "Extreme Lotus"…
Sakura: No way… The "Primary Lotus" damages his body so much… anymore and he'll…
Kakashi: Yes… this technique is truly a double-edged sword. Opening all of the gates is called "The State of Eight Celestial Gates"… and for a short period of time you will gain strength that can surpass a Kage… but in exchange, you will definitely… die…!
Lee: … Neji… Sasuke… Naruto… I cannot lose here… Gai sensei… acknowledge it… This is… the time I prove and protect my ninja way!!... THE THIRD GATE, "GATE OF LIFE"… OPEN!!!
Lee's skin turned reddish and his pupils disappeared…
Kakashi: He's opened the "Gate of Life"… Things are getting out of hand…!!
Lee: AND THE FOURTH GATE, "GATE OF… PAAAIN"…… OPEN!!! HAAAAAAAA!!!
Naruto was horrified at what he saw. He knew that he would have no chance if he didn't act quickly. Lee gathered himself and quickly attacked, tearing up the ground as he went. In what seemed like an instant to the spectators, he had gotten to Naruto and kicked him into the air…
Kakashi: Fast!!
Kiba: What happened!!?
Sakura: Where are they!?
Shikamaru: Above us…!! *pointing upward*
Chouji: But I can't see that Lee guy… Where!?
Naruto was being smashed all about. No one could really see it but they could see little ribbons of Naruto's shirt flutter to the ground after each sound of a crushing blow…
Hinata: … Na… Naruto…
Sakura: NARUTOO!!!
Naruto: Man… he's really thrashing me… If I don't…
Kakashi: His body can't take much more of this…
Neji: This is Lee…? But, since when did he…?
Lee: *looks at an astonished Neji* …Neji, this technique was originally meant for defeating you… Witness what it is that you have to look forward to!!
As Lee quickly moved in for the kill, Naruto knew that it was now or never…
Naruto: Oh man…! I hate doing this, I don't feel normal, but… "DRAGON KING'S REIGN"!!!
Kakashi: What!!?
A bright flash of light pinpointed Naruto's location amidst the chaos as he narrowly avoided Lee's punch. The action came to a stand still as both landed on solid ground. When they did, Lee made a startling conclusion…
Lee: Those horns… that tail… that golden colored chakra… It's the technique you used to evade my "Primary Lotus"…
Naruto: ... Yeah… I was desperate then, so I decided to use it… but just for a second and now… if I want to win this thing… I have no choice but to use it again!!
Naruto lifted his head and, with his pupil-less eyes, Lee could see into his golden colored eyes clearly. This was truly intimidating and yet, Lee was feeling excited.
Kakashi: Did he say "Dragon King's Reign"…?! That technique…! It spells trouble for Lee and even its user if he can't use it properly! I should really…
Lee: I have enjoyed our match Naruto… but this… IS THE END!!! FIFTH GATE, "GATE OF LIMIT"… OPEN!!!
Before anyone could blink the two clashed, creating a wake of chaos. The force of the impacts of their collisions was devastating the entire place, and the action was much too fast to be followed…
Naruto: DRAGON'S DANCE!!!! *was all that anyone could make out*
Naruto batted Lee from their airborne battle and towards the ground. There he quickly created a Shadow Clone that delivered a standing kick to Lee. As Lee soared through the air, two more clones followed up with two well placed punches, one to the abdomen and one to the skull. Another then kneed Lee in the back and finally delivered three uppercuts which forcefully sent Lee into the air once again…
Lee was barely conscious as he drifted among the debris and dust but he, and everyone around, could hear a low, ferocious growl. It was coming from the ceiling where Naruto was planted. He crouched low to the ceiling and exploded at Lee…
Naruto: I... will win...!!... SHOOTING STAR!!!
A streak of light could be seen as Naruto collided with Lee and the two shot to the earth at break-neck speeds. The impact of the crash created a large and deep crater in the ground that was soon filled with what was the ceiling…
To everyone's horror all the destruction and devastation caused by this match was now in the middle of the arena burying its combatants. Everyone frantically panicked as they tried to quickly recover the boys…
Naruto: Hey… what's wrong with everyone? You act like there's something important under all that rubble…
There on the statuesque ninja hands barely stood Naruto with Lee under his arm. Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see that the two were not crushed under the ceiling, but were confused as to how he had managed it.
Naruto: … How did I make it out…? Well… it's simple really… After we crashed I was still using my jutsu when I saw the ceiling crumbling… so I grabbed Bushy-brow and high-tailed it…
Kakashi: "Shadow Star", "Dragon's Reign", and "Dragon's Dance"… it looks like Naruto's been doing his best to learn jutsu from both parts…
3rd: … I gave him that scroll so that, in a sense, he could know who he was and what he represented. I had hoped that he would learn from it, but I had no idea…
Naruto slowly made his way down onto the pile of rubble as well and laid Lee to rest. Gai and a few Medic-nins rushed over to him. Hayate was about to declare him the winner when… Lee arose. He had taken his familiar stance but Gai soon revealed that he was unconscious. One of the Medic-nin approached Gai and asked to have a word…
Medic-nin: … His condition doesn't appear to be too critical, but… he has shattered bones, torn muscles, and he is breathing erratically. He will have a tough recovery, one that he will have to be extremely cautious with…
Gai: Just tell me… will he ever be able to return to action…?
Medic-nin: … If we do all we can and he takes it easy for a while, he may have a chance… I would advise that he no longer be a shinobi… but it's his decision…
Gai: … I see…
Naruto: … Um… Bushier-brow sensei… I'm sorry about all of this… but you shouldn't be upset because to me… Lee gave his best and proved that he's a great ninja… There's no way that this'll stop him… Even if I had lost… I would have been glad if it were to someone like him… That's why… if you get the chance… tell him I said… thanks. Because of him I was able to push my limits and reach a new level…
Gai: … Heh… Sure thing kid… I'm sure he'd do the same if he could… Because of you he still has a goal that he has to really work to achieve.
Gai followed the Medic-nins that collected Lee to the hospital but as he did Naruto was clearly confused…
Kakashi: You know… I heard about you and Sasuke's little scuffle with Lee… and with what Gai just said… I'm sure you're one of the ninjas Lee wants to surpass… And since you've still got a lot of room to grow… you'll always be one of the ways he'd measure his ability. If you continue to get stronger like you have and become a better ninja… then so will he and anyone else that you inspire to become strong like yourself…
Naruto smiled as everyone made their way back up so that the prelims could continue. Before he did however, Naruto slowly made his way to the side to retrieve his jacket…
Sakura: What are you doing Naruto?
Naruto: I'll be up in a minute… I just got to get something… *bending down*
Sakura: Here… let me get it… You should take it easy now…
Sakura ran to pick up his jacket but could barely lift it off of the ground. Seeing her struggle Naruto decided to get it himself. He grabbed it and tucked it under his arm as he headed upstairs…
Sakura: … He picked that thing up with one hand while I struggled to lift it… How heavy is that thing…? How strong is Naruto to pick it up with one hand…?and in the condition he's in…
Naruto slowly made his way up the steps with Sakura right behind him…
Sakura: … I'm pretty strong myself but I still couldn't really pick it up… I guess it makes sense though… his muscles are bigger than mine… And his physique… Wait a minute… what am I thinking… I like Sasuke and Naruto is only and will only be my friend… But that doesn't change the fact that he's got a nice body…
Sakura wiped the little bit of drool that was beginning to seep from her mouth before anyone else noticed. That's when she saw Hinata trying to speak to Naruto…
Hinata: N… Naruto… *getting his attention*
Kurenai: Hinata… Well well… I had no idea…
Hinata had closed her eyes tight and was offering something to Naruto. Kurenai and Sakura explained to Naruto that it was medical cream that would help heal his wounds faster. He didn't quite understand why she was giving it to him instead of saving it for herself, but he took it anyway…
Naruto: Uh… thanks Hinata… you're pretty nice you know…
Hinata just stood there blushing as Naruto and Sakura made their way past. Though she was too embarrassed to show it, Hinata was elated that she could help Naruto and that he accepted it…
Neji: Hm… You seem to be enjoying yourself… Lady Hinata…
Naruto was using the medical cream he received from Hinata and was amazed at how well it worked…
Kakashi: Only he could heal as quickly… I'm always amazed by the power of the Ninetails… but I'm even more surprised by your power Naruto… There's no doubt that the Ninetails's power has been working overtime to heal your wounds even during battle… but for him to be able to use the "Shadow Star" technique as many times as he did and still have enough energy to stand… Not to mention he used "Dragon King's Reign"… a technique not all that different from the "Eight Gates"… After all of this and the fight he had to endure, he shouldn't be able to blink without feeling a little discomfort… and yet…
Naruto walked over to the wall behind him with a smile on his face and sat against it. Sakura asked if there was something wrong and he said that he was fine. He even looked as if nothing were wrong… Kakashi would have to keep an eye on him… just in case…
Kakashi: He doesn't seem to be in such bad shape after everything… My guess is that he's got the best of both clans. He's naturally tough because "beast warriors" tend to have a knack for taijutsu, meaning that he is physically fit... and with his other half in the equation, he has a great deal of chakra... even without the Ninetails. If he continues to develop the way he is, he may just rise through the ranks faster than I originally thought.
Kiba: Aww man… I guess it's a good thing I didn't have to fight Naruto after all then… but now I'm curious… Who will I be fighting…?
Kurenai: Well… of the other 5, who would you like to face…?
Kiba: If I had my pick… it'd probably be either Chouji or the Sound guy… and the same for Hinata… The other two are bad news.
Shino: So you wouldn't want to face Hinata even though she may just forfeit and allow you to advance without any effort…?
Kiba: Of course not you idiot!! I wouldn't want her to just give up without a fight… and if she decided to fight… then I would think about quitting myself… You know as well as I do that Hinata is a lot tougher than she lets on!!
After a bit of discussion on the buildings durability, Hayate announced that they would proceed with the next match. To everyone's surprise it was…
Naruto pulls out an amazing win…!
What is the next match-up?
Next chapter: The Two Sides…