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:
To everyone's, except Naruto, surprise Hinata had sat up and was struggling to stand…
Naruto: She may be at her limit but she's not the only one…
Sakura: What do mean by that…?
Naruto: You may not see it but I do… Neji's putting up a front, he's in much worse shape than you think…
She finally made it to her feet, her wings had dispersed but the ring around her head was still flickering…
Neji: Why…?! Why do you stand…?! If you keep pushing yourself, you'll die…
Hinata: He's finally watching me… the person I admire…I can't let things end… this badly…
Neji: It's over… acting tough is useless. You can barely stand, I can see that. From the time of birth, the responsibility of the Hyuuga main house has been forced upon you and practically taken away… You have always hated yourself for your own weakness… but people cannot change… that is destiny. There is no need to suffer anymore… Let it go!
Hinata: That's not true brother… because I can see it, even without the Byakugan… it's not me at all… The person lost and suffering within the destiny of the main and branch houses and the triviality of my heritage is you…
This sent Neji over the edge. He wasn't going to sit there and be insulted by someone who didn't know what she was talking about. If she wanted to continue the match, then they would…
Neji: Be silent… YOU INFERIOR…!!
Neji charged Hinata as fast as he could. He was going to finish the match one way or the other. As he closed in and tried to deliver the finishing blow the present Jounin tried to stop him… but not before he made full contact…
The Good, The Bad, & The Deadly
The Jounin sensei and Hayate, excluding Asuma, had subdued Neji, but not before he had thrusted his palm into the chest of…
Sakura: Naruto…!!
Naruto had stepped between Hinata and Neji's attack before it could hit and now… Naruto was pissed…
He coughed up blood on Neji as it began to run from his mouth… but that wasn't what caught Neji's eye. Naruto's tail was like a lizard's as it slithered its way around Hinata's feet and horns began to jut out from his head. Naruto looked up and startled everyone around as his eyes were two different colors, gold and red.
Naruto: … Are you gonna remove your hand…? Or am I gonna have to do it for ya?
Neji and the Jounins immediately gave Naruto a little breathing room. Then Hinata began to cough up even more blood and everyone turned their attention to her…
Neji: Who told you to interfere…? If it wasn't for you cheering her on, she wouldn't be in this position…
Naruto didn't say a word as he was solely focused on Hinata and her well-being…
Gai: Neji, give it a rest. You gave me your word that you wouldn't lose your head over this main family stuff.
Neji: Why do even the other Jounins jump in…? I guess it's just more special treatment for the main family's "princess"…
Naruto began to feel an unusual shift. His one gold eye turned red as he could feel chills up his spine and in his scaly tail. He had an urge, but he managed to keep himself under control. The only thing that was important at this time was Hinata.
Kurenai was listening to Hinata's heartbeat as it began to weaken. She was anxiously awaiting the Medic-nins when Hinata spoke up…
Hinata: … Na… Naruto…
Naruto immediately kneeled down to better listen to her, his eyes returning to gold…
Hinata: …Do… do you think…… I was able to… change… a little…? *in a fading whisper*
Hinata's eyes completely closed and her heart stopped to a crawl. The medics finally arrived and checked her pulse before preparing to move her…
Neji: Hey you… the loser over there. I'd like to tell you two things. If you're a shinobi then act like one and cut out the pathetic cheering… and one more thing… In the end… a loser is a loser… They cannot change!!
Naruto: Is that all you got to say…? 'Cause if it is, I have a few things to tell you… You're pathetic! You said that her attacks did nothing but you've got fresh blood dripping from your mouth and you look like a breeze could knock you over!! And earlier you were nearly out of breath when you finally managed to stop her chakra flow!! She had you beat…! You lucked out and you know it!! So don't act like you're all high and mighty…! If you want to test me then you better be sure…
Neji: Heh…
In an instant Naruto had charged for Neji but Kakashi had stopped him just a couple of feet away…
Kakashi: Naruto, I can understand how you feel, but now's not the time for this. Keep yourself under control…
Still glaring at Neji, Naruto heeded the words of his sensei and began to return to normal, at least as far as having red eyes and a scaly tail. He then turned his attention back to Hinata as she was being carted away…
Naruto looked at the blood left by Hinata and back at Neji. He walked over, placed his hand in it, and held it up at Neji…
Naruto: I promise you… You… are going down!!
Kankuro: What an idiot! He actually thinks he has a chance… But now there are two people to worry about… The only thing is that Gaara's got a temper…*looks over at a shivering Gaara* … Damnit, all of this blood and destruction is getting Gaara excited again… The demon inside of him is without a doubt waking…… But that Neji guy is strong. I wonder if what the pipsqueak said was right or if he was just running his mouth… I need to think of a plan for when the main test comes around… I should gather some info. Maybe I'll ask that idiot, Naruto.
Kankuro walked over to the side Naruto was on to see him actually looking a bit docile. He tried to make with the small talk but Naruto wasn't responding…
Kankuro: Come on, I think you're a funny guy… I like you.
Naruto: Yeah… *coldly* …well you're not funny even though you look like a clown… I don't like you.
Kankuro: Bastard… I'll kill you!! How dare you!!
Naruto: What do you want?
Naruto would hardly even pay the guy any kind of attention…
Kankuro: Oh… umm… it's about that guy, Neji but…
Naruto: I'm gonna kick his ass!! *horns popping up, eye twitching*
Kankuro: No-… Nobody is asking that…
Hayate: (Cough, cough)… And now… (cough)… we will begin the next match…
Shikamaru: Hey Chouji, you're in trouble. Only strong guys are left, what will you do? Especially that Sand guy. His eyes speak volumes of danger. Those are the types that are the most dangerous.
Chouji: I'll just… immediately forfeit so I don't care… *crossing arms*
Asuma: So does that mean that you don't want the "All-you-can-eat" steak dinner after the test?
Shikamaru: Hey… don't convince him with food…
Chouji: No way… *coldly turning away*
Asuma: Don't worry, if things get dangerous I'll jump in and save you. You saw what happened to Hinata, right?
Ino: Yeah!!! You can do it Chouji…!! Listen to sensei!!!
Shikamaru: I don't know… Hey, with Hinata the only sensei not to jump in was you!! Is Chouji going to be alright…?
After hearing his sensei's proposal, Chouji was very enthused about his match…
Chouji: LET'S GO STEAK!!! LET'S GO STEAK!!!
Kiba: Craaaaap!!! There are only four of us left… and the Sand brat is still in the running… Please… anybody but him…
Shino: Look at it this way… he's only one of the three opponents you may have to face. The odds of you facing him are 1 in 3…
The screen revealed the participants in the next match and Gaara made his way down to the ground…
Gaara: Well… *coldly* …get down here…
Kiba: Ha ha ha… I can't believe the luck…
Chouji: OOOOOOOOHHHHH…!!!... SAFE AGAIN!!!
Ino: Stop doing that you idiot, everyone will think you're some kind of coward!! *bonking him on the head*
Gaara vs. Kiba Inuzuka
Kiba: What rotten luck!! The best thing to do would be to forfeit, but… after Hinata gave her all… I can't let myself look bad in front of everyone!! I'm gonna do this!! *tears forming, shaking*
Shino: I think he has a death wish… Hopefully it doesn't come to that…
Hayate: Then please… begin!
Kiba: "BEAST MIMICRY: ON ALL FOURS JUTSU"!! Ready or not… here I come!
Kiba quickly charged at Gaara who stood motionless as if he didn't even care. Kiba slashed at him only to be blocked by…
Kiba: The sand…!
The sand then turned on him and he got away as fast as he could. He tried again only to be turned away by the sand again…
Kiba: Man… this is tough. Looks like I'm gonna need your help Akamaru…
Akamaru was scared and reluctant but he prepared to help out however he could. Kiba threw a smoke bomb and he and Akamaru attacked. Before the smoke could clear however, both Kiba and Akamaru were tossed out…
Kiba: Nothing seems to work on this guy… I guess we have to go all out then… Let's do it Akamaru!!
Kiba tossed a soldier pill to Akamaru who jumped on his back as he grew and his fur turned red. He then transformed into a clone of Kiba…
Kiba: "BEASTMAN CLONES"!!!
Ino: Whoa… his eyes are scary!!
Shikamaru: What did he take?
Chouji: A soldier pill…
Ino: Huh? Soldier pill…?
Chouji: The soldier pill is a special medicine that is said to allow a soldier to fight for three days and nights without resting. It's full of proteins and contains a special stimulant. Kiba and Akamaru's chakra has likely momentarily increased.
Asuma: Releasing the body's chakra and attacking like a wild beast. It's the perfect thing for Kiba.
Kiba: Here we come… "ON ALL FOURS JUTSU"!!
The two attacked furiously, trying to get at Gaara, but the sand blocked them at every turn.
Kiba: Take this!! FANG OVER FANG!!!
The two then turned into living drills as the violently spun and drilled at and through anything and everything they could trying to get Gaara. When the dust settled, Gaara was still in the same disposition without even a speck of dirt on his clothes…
Gaara: Is that all…? Are you done?
Gaara put out his hands and Kiba knew exactly what was coming… He and Akamaru did there best to avoid being caught by Gaara's sand, but when he nearly had Akamaru, Kiba sacrificed himself…
Kiba: RUN AKAMARU!! GET OUT OF HERE WHILE YOU CAN!!!
Akamaru instead ran right for Gaara, foolishly trying to save his master. Without showing any sign of emotion, Gaara lifted his hand up and the sand that was wrapped around Kiba floated into the air. The sand itself protected Gaara from Akamaru's attack and smashed him against a nearby wall…
Kiba: NOOO!!!! AKAMARU!!! STOP THIS…!! I GIVE UP!! JUST LET ME GO SO I CAN CHECK ON MY DOG!!
Gaara: I don't think so…
Kiba: AT LEAST LET AKAMARU GO!! *struggling to get free*
Hayate: The match is over Gaara, he's forfeited… you won… Let him go…
With a look of disdain, he continued…
Gaara: … Sand…
Kiba: I'm gonna die…!!
Kiba shut his eyes as tight as he could and waited for what was to come…
Gaara: … Cof-…
Kiba heard that Gaara had suddenly stopped and opened his eyes to see why…
Kiba: What happened…?! I'm not covered by sand… *looks up* …Naruto?
Naruto had swooped in at the last possible second and plied Kiba from Gaara's sand. He had been on edge ever since Hinata's fight and now it seemed like he was going to take his aggression out on someone. Everyone was amazed to see this sight and was perplexed as to why he would put himself in danger…
Naruto: Kiba… get Akamaru and get out of here…
Naruto was freaky looking to Kiba. He had never seen him like this... Black horns with red tips were growing out of his head, his tail was scaly and lizard-like, his eyes were red, and wings were shrinking into his body. He even had this strange look in his eyes, like he was in some kind of trance. Kiba noticed that Naruto was baring his teeth. In a primal sense, this was a sign to Gaara that he should back off. Gaara however, didn't even bat an eye at this… well more like a crazed look with one eye shortly twitching. Naruto also appeared to be twitching as his right eye and his mouth sort of fidgeted. Tension was steadily building as everyone looked on as the two just stared at eah other. It was as if two monstrous demons had staked claim and were ready to fight to the death for it. Kiba didn't want to be caught in the middle of these two right now, so he immediately went to get Akamaru but was chased by Gaara's sand. While Gaara was focused on trying to eliminate Kiba, Naruto took this opportunity to attack him…
Gaara's sand came to a complete halt when it had Kiba cornered. It then rapidly changed its direction. Naruto had made his way past the sand and the returning sand tried to block his way but… Naruto got through using his "Shadow Star" and landed a hit on Gaara.
Everyone was shocked, especially the Sand team. This was the first that they had ever seen Gaara touched by anyone. Naruto quickly pounced on Gaara while he was down and started wailing on him. As he did, he noticed that pieces were being chipped off as he punched him…
The sand converged on them but by the time it had gotten back to Gaara, Naruto was no longer there.
Kankuro: Oh no… he's using his sand armor… The fact that he's relying on it proves that he's in a bad defensive position… I thought that everyone here was pushovers, but the ones that have made it past the prelims so far have been a bunch of freaks… Fortunately, there'll be one less to worry about…
Sakura: Naruto!! What are you doing…?! Are you trying to get yourself killed…?
Sakura's yells of concern didn't get through to him. He had a look in his eyes that let on just how focused he was in this matter. A golden colored chakra began to enshroud Naruto once again. Everyone watched in anticipation if this would prove successful or just a waste of time…
Naruto rushed Gaara and disappeared from his sight. When he reappeared there were six Narutos. They all stood still but one attacked. Gaara focused all of his attention on that one and managed to capture him through a great deal of trial and error…
Gaara: SAND COFFIN!!
He crushed Naruto but there was no blood splattering everywhere, just smoke…
Temari: Gaara!! Look out!!
Gaara turned to meet a punch right in the kisser. He was then kicked into the air by four separate Narutos. As he reached his high point, he was met by another Naruto and his heel to the face.
Gaara flipped through the air once and landed on his gourd. He looked up to see Narutos raining down on him…
Narutos: STAR SHOWER!!!
They crashed into Gaara, driving him further into the ground. Naruto began to pace as Gaara's formerly motionless body began to shift. As Gaara made his way to his feet Naruto smiled as if he were enjoying this little scuffle…
Sakura: Kakashi sensei… someone has to stop Naruto before something bad happens…
Kakashi: I'm sure everyone wants to put a stop to this as well… but I'm sure that everyone is curious to see exactly how this turns out.
Gaara and Naruto were staring each other down and prepared to launch another wave of attacks… but they were stopped by Hayate who stepped in between them. Gaara saw this and snapped out of it. He began to breakdown and no longer wanted to have anything to do with this. He returned to his team up top. Naruto, though reluctant, also returned to the rafters.
With that disaster diverted the prelims could finally come to a conclusion. There was only one match left so there was no reason for the screen and the last remaining combatants were asked to come on down…
Both Chouji and Dosu complied meeting in the center of the arena, on top of the still remaining rubble…
Dosu: I never thought I would be last… At any rate, I'll have to win so that I can fight Sasuke in the finals… Lord Orochimaru, I will fulfill your wishes… I now realize what your plans were… the way you went ahead to find Sasuke before we could find him and implanting your curse instead of killing him… In other words, we were your "guinea pigs" to see what Sasuke's true strength really is during these trials… What you really wanted wasn't his life, but Sasuke himself…
Hayate: (Cough)… Well then, match 10, Begin!
Shikamaru: You can do it!!
Ino: GO FATASS!!
Chouji: Tho-Those guys better watch it! I'll win this match and tear them apart!
Dosu: Well then… I guess I'll put a stop to the playing and end it quickly for you… fatty…
Chouji was steaming. That was the last straw and he was going to rain down destruction on the mummy man's head…
Chouji: NINJA ART: MULTI-SIZE JUTSU…!! MEAT TANK!!!
Chouji tucked in his head and limbs and turned into a giant bowling ball. He accelerated in Dosu's direction ready to do some serious damage. Dosu barely evaded the first attempt at crushing him by jumping to the side. Chouji changed his direction and went after his opponent again but was evaded again… and again… and again…
Dosu had hopped all around trying to find a point of attack that wouldn't get him crushed. While focusing all of his attention on Chouji, Dosu tripped over some rubble and rolled down the hill… Chouji wasn't too far behind…
Dosu came to a stop and could see Chouji barreling his way. He had no time to get up and would be crushed…
Ino: YAY, CHOUJI!!! YOU DID IT!!!
Dosu laid on the pile of rubble, not moving. Chouji released his jutsu and began to jump for joy. Just then… Dosu appeared behind him. He turned around in time to feel a punch to the gut and some violent vibrations…
As his body jiggled from the attack, Chouji began to feel worse and worse by the second. Dosu withdrew his attack and awaited any sign of sure victory. Chouji stood on his feet mumbling something about feeling sick before finally… he dropped to the floor.
Hayate: Winner!! Dosu Kinuta!!!
Dosu: Lord Orochimaru… I'll show you that I'm no "guinea pig"…
The Medic-nins collected Chouji and cleared out of the arena. With that, the prelims were officially over. The winners were to line up and await information about the finals…
Kabuto was standing outside, enjoying the breeze when…
Kabuto: The prelims have ended… and they will begin the finals.
Orochimaru: … This place has really become accustomed to peace… in a time when it's said that other countries are busy strengthening their forces. I'm sure that we could take it if we wanted… Though, I'm not sure there will be much fun in taking the head of the old geezer…
Kabuto: Is that so? It seems to me that you're still hesitant to act… From now on, the various hidden villages will fight against each other in a long and intense battle… the Hidden Sound is also one of them. You intend to become the trigger for all this… and he's the bullet for that purpose, isn't he? Sasuke Uchiha…
Orochimaru: Hehe… you're so intuitive that it's scary.
Kabuto: Not really. You speak too highly of me… I didn't know about Dosu, Kin, and Zaku after all. As part of my assignment to gather information on Sasuke and Naruto, I wanted to know the power of the three Sound-nins… I acted foolishly and purposefully took them on… I haven't gained your absolute trust yet… it seems…
Orochimaru: Was there a necessity to even tell you, my right hand man, about something as insignificant as those three…? That is the proof of my trust… and that's why… I may ask you to take care of Sasuke for me… It seems that the curse mark I placed on him was sealed up by Kakashi… not that it will have any effect of course… as long as the "darkness" in his heart doesn't disappear… I want you to kidnap him now… *malicious smile*
Kabuto: That's so unlike you… You seem so anxious…
Orochimaru: There was something that bothered me a little…
Kabuto: Is it… Naruto Uzumaki?
Orochimaru: Hehehe… such a clever who lives for the sole purpose of killing his brother Itachi in revenge… he's a child who will never die until he achieves that goal… but when he fought me… he came at me without fear of death, even though he knew he wouldn't be able to defeat me. I didn't think he was one who rushed to die so quickly. According to your data, it looks as if his contact with the Ninetails boy is changing Sasuke's goals and heart… He's a child with much influence on Sasuke… so the sooner we tear them apart the better… I must dye him in my colors soon…
Kabuto: … Well then…
A wicked smile crossed Orochimaru's lips…
Orochimaru: Kabuto… if you want to stop me… all you have to do is kill Sasuke now… You can't likely kill me. You're strong… but only about the same level as Kakashi…… (chuckles)… I'm only joking. Go on now, I have faith in you.
Kabuto went on his way to retrieve Sasuke…
Hayate: All of those that have won the right to compete in the "third round test" of the Chunin Exam… (cough)… one is missing but… congratulations to you all!
Sakura: … Sensei… I… I have something to ask you…
Kakashi: … Is it about Sasuke? Who knows, I'm sorry to say that even I don't know all that much about what's going on right now… But… don't worry too much… The rest is up to Sasuke, but… Sakura, I have to leave for a moment so be sure to listen to what the tournament instructions are…
Sakura: … O… Ok…
The 3rd Hokage stepped in front of the winners to further explain things to them…
3rd: Well, now I'd like to start explaining the main test. As I told you before, in the main event, your matches will be seen by everyone. Each of you will fight to represent the strengths of your countries. I'd like for you to show all of your abilities with no reserves. That is why… the finals will be held a month from now…
Naruto: We're not gonna do it right here, right now?
3rd: This break, you can say, will be for preparations…
Neji: What does that mean?
3rd: It means… that in addition to informing all the various country lords and shinobi leaders, this is the time needed to arrange for the gathering of the event… and this is also preparation time for you examination students.
Kankuro: … I don't understand what you're trying to say. What does that mean?
3rd: Basically, it's the preparation to get to know your enemy… and yourself. It's the time period where you can calculate your chances of winning by analyzing the data you gathered during the trial competition. The battles up to now had you fight as if you were in an actual combat situation with… the assumption of fighting an unknown opponent… However, the final trial will not be like this. There are those that have shown all they are capable of. There are those who competed and were badly injured against a strong opponent… to make things fair, the one month should be used by all of you to advance and improve yourselves. Of course, it'll be fine to rest your bodies as well…
Naruto: I've got to improve… There's no way I'm gonna do nothing but rest for a whole month!!
Sasuke laid in bed, quietly resting… That is until there was a struggle outside of his hospital room… The door opened and in walked Kabuto, nonchalantly…
Kabuto: (Sigh)… There's such a thing as being too outstanding… We were both unfortunate to catch the eye of Lord Orochimaru… To think that even at such a young age, he has a demon living in his heart… and for it to be used against him… Eventually with that ninjutsu, this boy will also…
Kabuto pulled out a scalpel and slowly approached Sasuke's resting frame. As he got closer he sensed a presence. Without even looking, he tossed it at the one standing behind him…
Kabuto: … Just what I'd expect of you… Kakashi. To stop my attack on you from your blind spot…
Kakashi: You… You're no ordinary genin, are you…? Noticing my presence and immediately attacking with your weapon, you're quite a guy.
Kabuto: No… not really…
Kakashi: What do you want with Sasuke? Depending on your answer… I'll have to capture you and have you interrogated.
Kabuto: Can that be done…? *eerie smile* …By the likes of you?
Kakashi: You want to try me…? Just who are you? *looks around the room* ...To easily kill all the ANBU members that I stationed… You… Aren't you the son of a Leaf ninja doctor…? Wasn't your name Kabuto?
Kabuto: Next time, you better prepare at least ten men…
Kakashi: I'm asking you a question, so answer me. You're connected to Orochimaru, aren't you?
Kabuto: … If you capture me here, you might not be able to prove whether I am or not. I won't talk no matter what. I don't really like to fight… If you let me get away, it's something you'll eventually find out… so won't you let me go? *smiles*
Kakashi pulled out a kunai and Kabuto quickly pulled out a curved kunai of his own…
Kabuto: I guess you aren't just gonna let me go then…
Kakashi: You know the laws of the village, don't you…?
Kabuto: Please stop acting so superior, I've got the advantage right now…
He held his kunai over Sasuke's throat. In one swift motion, he tried to stab him but was stopped by Kakashi who knocked away the kunai and kicked Kabuto away. As Kakashi subdued him, he noticed a figure out the corner of his eye that ran for the door…
It was one of the ANBU corpses but once he opened the door… there stood another Kakashi. He was now surrounded and targeted by both Kakashis. Unfortunately, this was just a diversion as the real Kabuto had jumped through the window. Kakashi quickly rushed to the window in time to see Kabuto fall into a tree and make his escape…
Kakashi: Damn, I let him escape. He's really something… It's just as I thought… this is the "Dead Soul Jutsu" where you control the dead body by making the heart beat for a short period of time. As if that weren't enough, he even changed the dead body's face surgically to look like him…
He checked the room for any other clue as to what Kabuto was doing or a way to track him. He noted that there was no odor and that he didn't leave anything to chance. This kid was good and he wasn't the slightest bit embarrassed to say it…
3rd: Well, I'd like to dismiss you now, but… there is something that has to be done for the finals before I can do that. There are pieces of paper inside the box that Anko is holding. Each of you are to take one piece…
Anko made her way around to each combatant until all present had a piece of paper. They were then asked to call out the number on said paper so that they could be placed against the proper opponent. When all done, the tournament bracket was…
(1)Naruto Uzumaki vs. (2)Neji Hyuuga
(3)Gaara vs. (4)Sasuke Uchiha
(5)Kankuro vs. (6)Shino Aburame
(7)Shikamaru Nara vs. (8)Dosu Kinuta
(9)Temari – (to face the winner of match 4)
Temari: What…? The finals are just a regular tournament…?
Shikamaru: Oh man… I've got an extra match. It's not like I want to avenge Chouji or anything… What a drag…
Kankuro: Thank god I'm not in the same block as Gaara…! The guy would probably make good on his promises to kill me if he was really given the chance…
Gaara: Sasuke… Uchiha…
Neji: … Perfect…
Naruto: Neji Hyuuga, right off the bat…! And either Sasuke or Gaara after that… I couldn't have asked for anything better…!
3rd: Well then, you're free to begin strategizing or resting as you like. With this I'll dismiss you all, but are there any final questions?
Shikamaru: Since it's a tournament, wouldn't that mean that there can only be one winner, right…? Which would mean that only one person can become a Chunin doesn't it?
3rd: No, that's not quite it… There will be judges, including myself, the Kazekage, Lords of various countries that will make mission requests and other ninja leaders who will be watching the final test. Throughout the tournament, these judges will be evaluating your abilities… Those judged to have the necessary qualities of a Chunin will be able to become a Chunin… even if they lose their match.
Temari: That means that… there's a possibility of everyone here becoming a Chunin…!?
3rd: Yes… but also the possibility that no one will become one. To advance in the tournament means that you will have more chances to appeal to the judges. If you understood that, then thank you for all the effort you exerted for these trials! You're all dismissed until a month from now!
Naruto: If I win my match then the second round will be against either Sasuke or that browless Sand freak… Either way… it'll be a lot of fun. I'm getting excited just thinking about it... To be on the safe side, I'd better ask Kakashi sensei for a little help…
As everyone left to… do whatever it was that they needed to do, Naruto set out in search for his sensei. He finally found him in the hospital and asked Kakashi to help him with his training and give him some pointers. Kakashi, on the other hand had another plan. He would let someone else help Naruto while he took care of "other matters".
Naruto: Hey that's no fair…!! I bet you plan on training Sasuke!! Why won't you…
Kakashi: Now now… don't say it like that. Besides, I found someone that is a lot more reliable than me…
Naruto had a questioning look on his face when Kakashi pointed behind him. Naruto turned to see…
Naruto: … WHAT…!!? THIS GUY…!? THE… THE… CLOSET PERVERT…!!?
Kakashi: What… did you call Ebisu sensei… a… closet pervert…?
Naruto: Why the hell does he have to train me…!? He's a pain in the ass and he's weaker than me!! He's completely useless…!
Ebisu: How rude…!
Naruto: Before this, I beat this guy with my "Harem Ju-"…
Before he could finish Ebisu put a hand over his mouth…
Kakashi: … "Harem… Jutsu"…?
Ebisu: Oh, well it's nothing really… (Nervous chuckle)… just a joke between friends…
He pulled Naruto to the side and offered to treat him to anything he wanted as long as he kept the events surrounding their past encounter to himself. Naruto agreed to keep things on hush, at least for now…
Kakashi: Well, I'm not too surprised as Ebisu is a Special Jounin that's assigned to help Konohamaru's development, but…
Ebisu: Hahaha… yes well, we go way back, right?
Naruto: But why is it this guy? I really don't like this…
Ebisu: Same goes here. If it wasn't Kakashi's request, who'd want to train the likes of you!?
Kakashi: Naruto… of you and the other two, you seem to be the one with the worst basic skills. Since Ebisu sensei is a tutor who specializes in teaching only the elite, he should be able to teach it to you thoroughly this time. If you learn to better utilize your chakra, you could be a great ninja in no time.
Naruto: … Fine…! But compared to Sakura and Sasuke, where do I come up short?
Ebisu: Naruto, after hearing about you and the other two from Kakashi sensei, I analyzed the data… and could tell that you aren't able to control your chakra very efficiently. I'll explain one by one all the faults you have in detail...
A/N: Time skip/Fast Forward – If you want to hear the long winded explanation it's in the manga and anime… (fast forwarding sound)
Ebisu: In your case… you can't afford to point out others faults. You are even more inept than Sasuke. When you only need 30% you inadvertently create 50%. Furthermore, in your case, you're so unskilled at controlling your chakra that you can only use 10% when you really should be using 30%. You are only able to conserve 50% of your stamina and can only create one clone with 40% of wasted chakra just remaining unused… Even when you three use the same jutsu, there is this much of a difference! Well, this example might have been exaggerated a little to show the difference in you three, but you, Naruto, build up too much chakra, use too much stamina , and your jutsu activation is also unstable.
Naruto: … Is that right…? Are you sure you aren't exaggerating even more? If you'd seen me in action yourself, I'm sure you wouldn't be saying these things. Sure in my last fight I started running low, but that was probably because I couldn't use my ability to sense the amount of chakra I put out like I normally do…
Kakashi: You couldn't use your ability…? Regardless of that, among you three, you just happen to have the greatest amount of stamina. Well, on the other hand, it can also be said that because of the influence from the Ninetails, who is at the root of that stamina… the chakra becomes more difficult to control…
Kakashi went on his way and left Naruto to Ebisu. Naruto reluctantly followed his new teacher to the bathhouse. Once they arrived, Naruto couldn't help but notice that they had "inadvertently" come to the women's bathhouse.
Naruto: … Uuum… what are we doing here…? If I had to guess, I'd say that you were hoping to use me as an excuse to spy…
Ebisu: No no, Naruto! It's not what you think. I won't allow any shameless acts!!! *blushing as he nodded to a group of women*
Naruto: Right… whatever, you… closet pervert!
Ebisu: Now… we will begin training here at the hot springs.
Naruto: What are we gonna do?
Ebisu: Hehe… walk on the water… I've heard from Kakashi that you've already done the lesson to climb trees without using your hands… It's a variation of that.
Naruto: Oh… that! I remember Kakashi and Zabuza doing that! It was so cool!
Ebisu: Well, if you remember… in tree climbing, you only have to continually create the same amount of necessary chakra and gather it to the necessary place. The tree is solid and all you have to do is stick to it. In order to walk on water however, you must always expel the appropriate amount of chakra into the water from your feet and make it match only the amount necessary to stay afloat… This chakra control is much more difficult than to simply continue to create the same amount of chakra and is meant to be used for control training where you learn to create a set amount of chakra needed to expel for the use of a jutsu.
Naruto: This… is gonna be tough…
Ebisu: Well, in your case it's probably better to show you how to do it… First, you gather the chakra to your feet. *doing so* …Then, as you continually expel a set amount of chakra… you match it to the weight of your body.
Ebisu stepped out onto the water and began to walk around on top of it. Naruto was amazed. Not wanting to waste any time, he decided to give it a try. He followed Ebisu's directions and gathered the chakra to his feet and tried to match it to the weight of his body, but…
As soon as he stepped onto the surface he plummeted to the bottom. Since the water was boiling hot, Naruto jumped out as quickly as he could.
Ebisu: It's just as I expected…
Naruto wasn't gonna let this stop him. He would try and try and try again until he got it right. Unfortunately, he just failed and failed and cooked time and time again…
Ebisu: … You have nothing to be ashamed of… I assumed that we would be doing this everyday for the entire month, but… I'm surprised. It's only been a few hours and yet you're able to take a few steps across the water. That's impressive for a genin, though…
Naruto had fallen in again and was slowly made his way out of the hot spring and onto dry land…
Ebisu: … it appears as though you're beginning to run low on stamina... You're coming out slower and slower. Perhaps we should call it a day and pick it up tomorrow…
Naruto: No! I'm not tired yet… The only reason why I'm coming out slower is because I'm starting to get used to the heat of this hot spring. It's not burning like it was… Besides, I'm starting to get it now…! Even without my ability to make it easier, I'm gonna suck it up and do this!!
Ebisu: … To think that he'd grasp the concept of this chakra control so quickly… Who'd have imagined you'd progress like this… It's true that there are no shortcuts, no matter what you do… It looks like I was wrong about you… You are a much smarter teacher than I… and you weren't just some fox monster… You are a proud Leaf ninja…!
Ebisu noticed that Naruto was losing focus because he was looking at something. He turned around to see someone peeking into the women's bath and approached him with Naruto's splashing and drowning in the background…
Ebisu: … I don't know who you are… *ignores Naruto's yells of help* …but I will not allow such shameless behavior!!!
"Buzz off… I can't concentrate on my work with some annoying guy in my ear," the old peeper pointed out.
Ebisu: Is that so…? Then I guess that I will have to force you to stop this obscene behavior…
The peeping-tom turned around to see an enraged Ebisu charging him. Before Ebisu could get to him however, a giant frog appeared and gave him a tongue-lashing he would never forget.
Naruto crawled out of the spring to see his teacher knocked unconscious and a white-haired guy sitting on what appeared to be a giant frog. Upon further investigation, Naruto realized that he knew this guy but wasn't sure. He came forward for a closer look…
Naruto: What's with that huge frog?!! Who the hell are…huh?
Naruto looked at his face and his clothes and recognized him as…
The prelims of the Chunin Exams ends and the winners begin their preparations...
Naruto has a run-in with a familiar face and learns something new...
Next chapter: Naruto gains control...