Chapter 21
Naruto, Hinata and Lee all stood in the open white room, now looking up at the board with a meaning they were trying to understand.
It was day five...
No, they didn't take that long to get their scrolls and set them up. They spent 3 days gathering them and then for the last two days. They spent them training.
They searched out teams that were having trouble finding one or two scrolls. And made a wager.
A one on one fight, no killing and the winner would be determined by a set death blow.
This got reactions from all the teams. And they got their fights... But most were not honest and jumped in at the last second.
Course the guys had their cans handed to them and the team removed their scroll for foul play.
The teams they did fight and win fairly left with their scroll.
This was done day and night and now, with some increased experience. They were now ready for the end of their exam. Having gained enough out in the forest of death.
Naruto rolled both scrolls forward and they opened up releasing smoke. And as it exploded a voice rung out.
"It's good to see you're here on time..." The smoke cleared showing Gai. "I was expecting you sooner..."
"We took this time to gain some experience in field combat against teams of other ninja... It was rather fun actually." Naruto said with a grin. Gai merely smiled at the team.
"Well you've made it within the dead line... Follow me..."
The genin team followed their sensei to a large room. Other teams stood in rows and glanced back to see who the stragglers were.
"Yo..." Naruto spoke with wave as his team walked up.
"I was beginning to think you'd got lost getting here..." Kikan said with a smirk. He was at the back of his team's row.
"Don't get too excited... We just spent our time training before we beat you..." Naruto said with a smile.
"We'll see..." Kikan said as he looked to Naruto who now stood at the front of his group. Lee was at the back.
Naruto made a glance to Sasuke who merely had a constant scowl. A black bruise on his forehead. Naruto didn't say anything as he glanced about.
Garra's team with Temari and Kankuro stood at the far end.
Next came the sound team with god knows who names they were.
Then was Kiba, Shino and Mina. Man he remembered her from being some of the few girls. Who weren't absorbed with Sasuke Uchiha.
Then was... Who? Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Lee..." Naruto spoke.
"Yeah?"
"Who's the team there? The fourth along."
"Hm... Well the front one is Neji Hyuuga. Next is Ten-ten... But the last... I don't know who he is."
The last member was a young male with pale skin. He wore black short with a white vest. He wore a black sleeveless jacket on top. He had a pouch at the left side of his waist and the kunai holster on the right thigh. With a single short blade resting on his right shoulder. He had black hair and black eyes. The hair seemed in what Naruto could describe as a Lee style with more spiked edges than squared off.
Next along was Shikamaru's team with Chouji and Ino.
Then it was Naruto with Hinata and Lee.
Sasuke, Sakura and Kikan of course after.
Then was the team with that weird male, Kabuto along with his teammates.
So that was... 8 teams... 24 people through the second round.
The 3rd hokage then spoke up. Telling the true reasons for the exam. Some people more eager to start than over stopped the hokages speech. And that's when a new person stepped forward.
Hayate Gekkou. The judge for the next exam stood before the teams. Explaining some new information to them.
Seeing there was too many genin for the final exam. They were about to begin preliminaries right now. Only 12 would remain if all went right it would seem to Naruto.
The first match...
Chouji Akimichi.
Vs.
Naruto Uzumaki.
Naruto and Chouji remained as everyone began to make their way to the balcony.
Naruto smiled with a glance to his friend. Chouji returned it. Both turned to face each other with serious looks.
'I was hoping to kick Sasuke ass... But a brawl with Chouji will be fun.'
"The first match..." Hayate spoke up between the pair. "Naruto Uzumaki vs. Chouji Akimichi will now... Begin!"
"Show me what you've got Chouji!" Naruto yelled as Chouji nods.
"Here goes! Baika no jutsu!!" Chouji roared forming a seal. "Now... Prepare for my best!" Chouji yelled as he withdrew his body parts. He instantly began to roll. "Nikudan sensha!"
The ball rolled at Naruto at a thunderous rate.
"What's he doing?" Ino asked. "He's just standing there..."
Naruto tucked his body in and crouched. His hand clenched.
'He's going to stand against Chouji's attack?' Were the thoughts are a vast majority of the genin and jonin.
As Chouji hit Naruto's hand thrust forward and a field of energy pulsed from his hands and stopped the boulder in a bounce. Naruto jumped forward and kneed the ball up. Naruto's right leg swung out and a right kick connected and sent the ball flying back at a thundering speed and crashed into the wall.
As the smoke cleared it show Chouji slumped against the wall with his eyes in spirals. 'What hit me...?' Was the semi conscious thought, before Hayate called the match and giving Naruto the win.
Naruto walked up to Chouji. "You ok man?" Naruto spoke as Chouji regained his sense from the kick. He looked up as Naruto held his hand to him.
"Yeah... Ugh... That was a kick..." Chouji grunted as he stood.
"Sorry, still got to be careful of that strength of mine... I hope next time Chouji. When we fight. I won't have such ease next time. Improve, I want to feel that attack next time we face each other." Chouji nods as they shake hands and make their way up to the balcony.
There was some silence from the vast amount of genin.
"Yosh Naruto-kun!" Lee roared. "A must swift finish!"
"Yeah..." Naruto muttered as Chouji returned to his team. He flinched as Ino berated Chouji for not lasting more than three hits from Naruto before losing.
Though that's what everyone saw but Naruto. Three hit's while he only did two. The first one wasn't even contact.
A loud beep echoed and the next match was about to begin.
Kikan kazehana vs. Kiba Inuzuka.
"Easy..." Kiba and Kikan stated at the same time. Both glared at each other and jumped down.
Akamaru barked as he stood beside Kiba.
"This is going to be a piece of cake." Kikan smirked.
"Don't feel bad when I beat you Kiba... Only the best can advance to face Naruto." Kikan stated.
"Heh... Not that I really care about face Naruto... But who said I'm going to lose?!"
Hayate spoke up, getting the pairs attention.
"Begin!"
'I'm make this quick.' Kiba crouched and formed a seal. He didn't even get a word in before he jumped aside as a kunai dug into the wall behind him.
"What the hell! Give me time to prepare!" Kiba yelled pointing at the teen. "I wasn't even ready."
"I want to win... What make you think I'll let you get ready...?" Kikan said as he clenched his right fist.
"Tch fine!" Kiba stated as he formed his seal. "Shikyaku no jutsu!" Kiba crouched and pounced forward. Kikan blinked and jumped at the last second.
'Didn't expect him to be so quick.' "Take..." Kikan drew out four shuriken. "This!" He yelled.
The shuriken spiralled off missing Kiba as he dodged. "That all? Come on, you must have improved somewhat? Ha!" Kiba threw a kunai which sliced under Kikan's right arm. With s flinch he landed with a skid.
"Still a no talent I see..." Kiba stated as he stood to face Kikan. "Not only do you have girly name... You're as weak as your last name states... Come on... Give up."
"Don't make fun of my name..." Kikan growled. He'd though he would be through with being picked on by have a name that meant Mirror windflower. Guess Kiba was still up for name calling.
"Oh yeah...? What you going to do about it?"
Kikan scowled and drew a shuriken. He threw it and it tilt end swung round Kiba's back. Stabbing just behind the large kunai of Kikan's. Kiba smirked.
"Is that..."
"Kiba!" Mina yelled. "Behind you!" Kiba turned to see the large kunai coming his way and pulled to his left.
That was an error. As a steel wire could be felt. Kiba brought his right arm up and braced himself. The kuani dug into the side of Kiba's arm and flow on by to Kikan. The teen caught the kunai as it passed his left shoulder with his right hand.
"Don't... Underestimate my skills..." Kikan stated as he grasped the kunai tight.
'How... How did he do that?' Kiba replied the scene and scowled. How had he been able to pull on the kunai like that? Bah...' Kiba shook his head. "Akamaru..." Kiba called. The puppy nods and Kiba rushed forward. Smoke bombs in hand as he threw them. Kikan glanced about as he was attacked.
"Damn it..." Kikan grunted and got punched from his left.
'I need to find him... Wait...'
Kiba smirked and punched Kikan again. Now was his chance. Kikan turned face on as he looked for him and attacked Kikan. The teen was knocked back as he tried to grasp Kiba at that punch.
Kikan slid out the smoke, only for Akamaru to tackle the boy back in.
'Got him!' Kiba smirked as he landed outside the smoke as Akamaru barked in a happy state.
"Good boy!" Kiba said as he looked at Kikan's boy laying flat on his front. As Akamaru got close, Kikan's hand clasped shut and a small flow of sparks appeared. The shot down a line of loose wires on Akamaru's body and the body yelped before it felt its body move on its own.
Kiba didn't get time to act as the dog bit down. "Argh! Akamaru... Let go!" Kiba yelled.
"Heh... Bet must sting... Being bit by your own dog..." Kiba looked to Kikan as he breathed lightly. His hands holding wire.
"What have you done?"
"Well you see... I have a rather interesting skill. I can use ration and with my skills of wiring. Can control a lone person. Or dog in this case..."
"You... Argh!" Kiba yelled as the dog whimpered. Its teeth still dug into Kiba's hand.
"If you give up. I'll get Akamaru to let go..." Kikan stated. Kiba scowled.
"Like hell... Kiba gripped a kunai and threw with his left. He then glanced down to Akamaru and pulled the wire free as Kikan dodged the kunai. It hit the plate on the glove and landed on the ground as Kikan moved away a he lost control of his technique.
'He loses focus if he's being attacked...' Kiba summarised. "Akamaru... Let's do this!" Kiba stated as he pulled out two food pills. One for Akamaru, who's fur turned red. The other for himself.
"Now!" Kiba yelled as Akamaru jumped on Kiba's back. "Juujin bunshin!" Akamaru went up in smoke and two beastly Kiba's growled as they faced Kikan.
'Here they come...' Kikan grasped his kunai tight and prepared.
Both Kibs'a palmed hands and began to spin.
'What?' Kikan blinked.
"Gatsuuga!" Kiba roared as both became spinning tornadoes and attacked Kikan from both sides.
Kikan crouched and jumped back. The two Kiba's bounced from the exploding ground and rushed from Kikan's sides. Kikan jumped and both bounced each other.
'Shit!' Kikan swung his blade out and both spirals spread passed the teen and on his back. Kikan threw his kunai forward to the ground and pushed his hands against the two spirals.
Kikan yelled in pain as he was knocked up into the air and the two Kiba's spun out and skidded to a stop. Kikan bounced on the floor with a thud.
"Heh... He's down. Call the match." Kiba called. Hayate glanced to the boy then back to Kiba.
"D-don't..." Kikan grunted as he slowly pushed himself up. He spat blood to the floor before rubbing his chin. "Don't fall from a first attack..." Kikan stated as he panted. 'I need to finish this... But it's not time yet. I don't think I can at this rate. Curse my low reserves...'
Kikan grunted as he got into taijutsu stance. Kiba smirked.
'We'll finish this with the next strike...' "Let's go Akamaru!" Kiba roared as both spun. "Gatsuuga!"
'Here he comes!' Instantly smoke bombs went off and Kikan cursed out loud as he jumped the first strike. Akamaru and Kiba spiralled down from above. Kikan glanced up. He was air born with no defence.
"Gotcha!" Kiba yelled as both Gatsuuga blasted the ground with an explosion.
"Kikan!" Sakura called out. Naruto blinked at her call.
'What the hell?!' He could only stare dumb founded by that yell.
As the smoke began to clear Kiba and Kiba stood in the centre.
"Heh..." He smirked as he rubbed his chin. His nose twitched and he turned to his left. Kikan had his right fist back and Kiba ducked. The copy didn't see what Kiba had ducked forward and took the blow full on.
Kiba bounced along the floor as the other turned and punched Kikan in the gut. Kikan gasped and stumbled back. Breathing hard from the punch and on his back.
'M-missed...' Kikan grunted to himself as he shockingly stood. He looked to see Kiba checking Akamaru.
"Akamaru..." The dog whimpered. "What's wrong?"
"H-he won't be moving any time soon..." Kikan grunted as he stood. His feet shaky.
"What did you do to Akamaru!" Kikan panted hard.
"I... Released a lightening charge into his body. Freezing the nerves for a time period... I picked it up as I studied ways to use my ration in taijutsu... He won't be moving for a day... Maybe less..."
Kiba scowled. "Damn you! Gatsuuga!" Kikan stumbled back and took the full force into the wall. As the smoke cleared it Kikan was held by Kiba's grasped fist round his collar. Kikan didn't seem to be responding.
"Heh... Got nothing to say now have you? That's for Akamaru..." Kiba shoved Kikan up against the wall and walked off.
The second his back turned Kikan's mouth twitched.
His right hand twitched and a spark appeared and shot long a line. Its thread move up to Kiba's arm and along the fine wire to the back of the neck.
A jolt caused Kiba to stumbled and fall flat on his face. 'What...' Kiba could only blink. His body had stopped moving.
"Finally..." Kikan stated as he sat there. "Got you..."
"What did you...?" Kiba spoke.
"The technique..." Kikan stated as he slowly stood. Only to fall on his hand and knees. "Requires a shock to the face's spinal system... A simple jolt is all that I need to paralyze the body. You made it easy..."
"What?" Kiba spoke. How did he get caught?
"You should watch out in the smoke..." Kiba blinked.
"When you attacked me before Akamaru. I attached a wire to your coat. My gloves magnetized it so it would ring against each other. And because of the thin wire. You didn't bat an eyelid to it..." Kikan took a breath. 'I best get this over with... My body's in serious pain...' He rubbed the blood from his chin and tried to stand.
"When yo attacked with your gatsuuga. You weren't able to see me. So I planted a trap." Kikan smirked.
"When you must me the first time. I had laid out wire to stick to you like a fly try. And because you were head first. I took a shot there." Kikan stated as he picked up the kunai.
"Then when you attacked me from above. I released a full set of wire... Hoping that enough would be coated in that tornado of yours... I knew I couldn't dodge. So I took the hit..." Kikan walked up with the kunai.
"I then waited to a point when I could attack without you noticing. When you attacked above. I threw a kunai with a wire and was able to pull aside from the brunt of the damage. Then I attacked. I knew the real one. But you ducked before I could finish you and hit Akamaru. But I didn't stop there." Kikan panted as he crouched with the kunai in hand.
"I always have a hand full of wire. My gloves as I said. Make them magnetic... I dug a small fish hook to the line of your coat as you punched. And attached the wire to the one on your wrist. Then I just played it out. Letting the wire fall limp to the floor." Kikan held the kunai to Kiba shakily. "You let your guard down to soon... Never underestimate me..."
Hayate took a moment to see if Kiba was going to move. "Kiba is unable to continue... I hereby make Kikan Kazehana the winner..."
Naruto cheered along with his team. Sakura cheered while Sasuke merely huffed.
"That was a feeble show... Just a couple of losers fighting."
Naruto scowled as he heard Sasuke. But no one else seemed to pay attention as they cheered. 'Jerk...'
Kikan sat on his butt and waved. 'Hehe... I'll see you in the finals Naruto... Now...' His eyes rolled back and he lay flat on his back. 'I need... Rest...'
As Kikan and Kiba were carried out the computer beeped again.
"Kikan is rather talented, right Naruto-kun?" Hinata spoke.
"Yeah... I never expected him to do so well against a taijutsu level like Kiba's... He's very determined."
"I believe it was your challenge to him... That drove Kikan on." Naruto glanced to Sakura who walked up.
"Really?"
"Kikan knows you're one of the strongest here... He felt like he was worth your time when you said you wanted him in the next round. He said he wasn't going to lose... And he was right..." Sakura said with a smile.
"That's cool... I didn't know I had that much affect..." Naruto said as he glanced to the fight going on while still talking to Sakura.
"Naruto... I... I want to say I'm sorry." Naruto glanced to her.
"Why you sorry?"
"Because... Because I asked you and you couldn't come... I really wanted you too... But my mother..."
Naruto frowned as he leaned on the railing. That answered all his questions... Cause the simplest events would ultimately give his answer. He should have at least begun to put two and two together when he found out about the Kyuubi.
"It's ok... I guess it was going to happen..."
"Why?" But that was all she got out as Zaku, the male sound ninja was lead away and Shino passed to the next round.
"So that's 6 down... 18 to go..." Naruto muttered as the beeping could be heard. He raised an eyebrow. 'This will be interesting...'
Sasuke Uchiha
Vs.
Hinata Hyuuga.
Hinata gulped and glanced to Sasuke who smirked. She was nervous. Sasuke looked to have recovered from what happened in the forest. Even with the bruise still visible.
"Don't worry..." Naruto said as he put his left hand on Hinata's right shoulder. Hinata blinked and looked to the blond.
"You've gotten stronger in the time we've been a team... Show him what you're made off. And be careful... His eyes were red when I last best him..."
"Sharingan..." Gai spoke up. "Be careful Hinata." Hinata nods.
"Yosh! Good luck Hinata! Make it two for two!" Hinata nods with a smile and made her way down.
Sasuke huffed as Hinata stood to face him. "Why must I get the weak ones to fight? Is there no competition here?"
"Say's the guy who I creamed in the forest..."
Sasuke glared hard as Naruto said that. He didn't want to be reminded of that... He was tired from what had happened and was weak. He wasn't going to fail like that again... The he smirked. 'I'll show that fool what I'm made of... I beat his teammate down right from the get go. Let's see what you think then Uzumaki."
Hinata was nervous under Sasuke glare.
"Come on Hinata! Don't look like that! Face him like you faced other in the forest!"
"H-hai!" Hinata replied.
"Great! We know you can do it! Don't let me down!" Naruto roared.
'I... I won't Naruto-kun...' Hinata calmed herself as Hayate spoke.
"Begin!" Sasuke formed seals.
'Katon: Housenka no jutsu!'
Hinata jumped to the side and formed her seals as she rushed forward. "Byakugan!" Hinata called as Sasuke glanced to her. His eyes turned red as he smirked. He deflected Hinata's palm cross the front and kneed Hinata in the chest. Hinata gasped as she skidded back.
Sasuke smirked. His body shuddered and he felt really out of breath. 'What?' Sasuke looked up as Hinata got into stance.
"Jyuuken only needs to graze you to do damage..." '....' Hinata glanced up to Naruto. Her eyes then followed to Neji. 'As much as I don't want to show my skills to Neji...' Hinata undid her vest and Sasuke blinked.
A metal belt? Why was she carrying that? Did she think removing that would help her? Fat chance.
"So you've just going to remove a small amount of weight... Like that will do anything."
'We'll see...'
Naruto and Lee had shown her what weights removed could do. She vowed to follow their example. Now it was time to put everything she learned into action... Not even the Uchiha will be able to match her now...'
She threw the weight aside and it cracked the 9 tiles round the area of its impact. She then got into Hyuuga stance. Then with closed eyes she turned her right palm upside down with the two inner fingers curved and the thumb bent. The index and middle slightly clawed. The left followed the same palm gesture. But the arm bent out and her hand moved more to the middle of her chest. Palm sideways.
'That's not the Hyuuga form...' Neji blinked as he watched the heir use foreign moves to her clan.
Her knees hand also closed the gap. Naruto smirked.
'She's not messing round...' "Go for it!"
Sasuke got into stance and blinked as Hinata covered the ground in three steps. Her left elbow thumped Sasuke in the chest and the Uchiha gasped at the sudden strike. He growled as kicked out with his right.
Hinata rotated and bounced the leg up and over her head as she lowered her body. With her feet she spun round and kicked Sasuke in the back. Sasuke stumbled forward and turned. Only to find the Hyuuga gone.
"Sasuke!" Sakura called out as Sasuke turned to find Hinata at his back. A palm strike to his back made Sasuke tumble forward. His body weak. How could she be doing so much damage with a simple palm?
'Sasuke know's nothing of the Hyuuga... He's a goner.' Naruto smirked as Sasuke growled and stumbled forward to his feet. He turned and attacked with a left fist. Hinata leaned to the side and pushed Sasuke's fist out. The teen didn't even get time before Hinata kicked Sasuke in the back and he slid face first along the floor.
"Yatta! Go Hinata!" Lee and Naruto cheered.
"Quickly Hinata! Stop him from getting up!" Naruto called. Hinata watched as Sasuke tried to stand.
Slowly the Hyuuga walked up and looked at the grounded Uchiha... He wasn't even as much a match as she thought. Sasuke hadn't gotten any stronger but in his ninjutsu. And she was fast enough to evade.
With a poke to Sasuke right arm the boy crumpled. Them to his left. "I've numbed the muscles... You can't move them..."
"D-damn it..." Sasuke grunted as he tried to stand on his feet. But he was having trouble moving. Hinata looked to Hayate.
"Do you see any reason Sasuke-san can continue?" Hinata asked as Sasuke grunted, trying to move his blasted arms. He wasn't supposed to be beaten like this!
Hayate watched for several moments. "I call this match. Sasuke Uchiha is unable to continue. Winner Hinata Hyuuga." Kakashi helped Sasuke away as Hinata walked up to her team after collecting her belt.
"Now that was putting that Uchiha in his place Hinata!" Naruto said with a thumb up and a grin. Guess a bit of Gai has got to him.
"Th-thank you N-naruto-kun..." Hinata stuttered out with a blush. Lee cheered beside Hinata.
"Yosh! That was an amazing display of your training Hinata-san. You really put your form into that style..."
"Yes... And it's an insult to the Hyuuga..." Hinata blinked and felt dread as she glanced back to Neji, who was scowling at her.
"And you're Neji Hyuuga, correct?" Naruto asked as he stepped forward.
"I have no deal with you Uzumaki... Hinata is the one I wish to talk to."
"I don't like the tone your useing on my friend. So back off Neji..." Naruto growled. Both glared at each other.
"Know this Hinata... Your father won't be pleased you've used moves outside our clan..." Neji then turned and walked away. Naruto pulled his eye lid down and stuck his tongue out.
"I can see you know..." Neji stated.
"Mike mi mare..." Naruto stated with his tongue messing with his words. The screen beeped and Naruto looked up.
Kankuro
Vs.
Misumi Tsurugi
The fight was a swift one and Naruto got to see what he held that day under them bandages.
Kankuro won by crushing is flexible foe.
That left Lee on his team.
Sakura for Kikan's.
Mina for Kiba's.
Temari and Garra were left in the sand team.
Two left in sound team.
All of neii's were still to go.
Then Kabuto and his teammate.
And Shikamaru and Ino.
5 had passed from the ten. 7 more spaces left. Who would be fighting in the finals?
The screen beeped and Naruto blinked in surprise.
Ino Yamanaka
Vs.
Sakura Haruno.
XXXXXXXXX
And the fights are underway.
Naruto was pretty swift.
Kikan I thought I would have a bit of fun against Kiba. Showing what he's made of. Kikan may have been low in his grades. But he knew his stuff... And that's why he's called a wire master.
I felt we all know Shino vs. Zaku. So a small chat was what was needed.
Then Hinata vs. Sasuke.
Due to my slightly cocky Sasuke. He didn't get his thought together fast enough to remember the fact he had Lee's taijutsu skill. Good thing too...
I wonder if anyone knows the mystery person. Please note he won't be as you know him. I'll explain when I use him at the end of the chapter.
Kankuro vs. 'mr I'll snap you neck with my worm body' was as simple to remember as others.
Next time is Sakura vs. Ino... How will it go?
Now onto other news... I found this really addicting song. It's called triple baka. And I'll put a link on my fanfiction profile. And I'll link it in my deviant art box so other readers can look.
It's funny and plus the other uses brolly. Seriously. Blue with a blue wig is funny shit in this. Take a look!