Well here's the next chappy - hope you all enjoy it... it took a little longer to get this one out. Sorry about that, but I've been busy with apples, cucumbers and other things that need to be harvested...THE SQUASH IS TAKING OVER...cough ... Umm, other then that I don't really have much to say this time so I'll just, umm, I don't know. I'll just hand out doughnuts... yea... ok on with the chapter!
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As Naruto ran from the hospital room in a frantic panicked state he ran into his teammates who stood in front of him to stop his mad dash towards... his general frontwards direction. Unfortunately, Naruto couldn't stop too easily with all of his momentum behind him from running at a high speed. Naruto instantly began to slide when he stopped his feet from moving.
Sakura watched the display somewhat amused until she realized that the blonde wasn't going to stop his slide and quickly wound up for a punch. As Naruto slowed, he saw Sakura winding up and brought up his arm to block. This resulted in Sakura punching Naruto right on his plaster cast. He couldn't help but laugh as Sakura shook her red and throbbing hand.
"Oh, and I was hoping you could get this thing off of me, too." Naruto said attempting to rub the back of his had with his casted arm. He quickly switched arms as he looked over the cast. He sighed as he knocked on the plaster. It was up past his elbow and about 4 inches from his shoulder. "Want to try again?" Naruto asked, holding up the cast for Sakura.
"You idiot!" She screamed as she pounded his head down. Haku looked concerned, but just shook his head knowing full well that it would be pointless to try to intervene.
"Hey! Not so hard! I did just come out of a coma you know! Or, at least, so I've been told..." Naruto said blocking another punch with his cast. Sakura once again shook her hand. "Hey, this thing's better then a steel guard!" Naruto commented, looking at the plaster.
'Huh, let's see if I can go for three!' Naruto thought to the fox as he mentally smirked.
"If she hits that plaster once more she'll need a cast of her own! Go for it!" Kyuubi cheered on
"Wouldn't it be soo cool if you could cover your whole body in this stuff! You'd be invincible!" Naruto said, doing his best to wave his arms around. Sasuke shook his head, fully knowing the outcome as Haku sweat dropped.
"You idiot! If you were covered from head to toe in that stuff, you wouldn't be able to move!" Sakura screamed, voicing Sasuke's thoughts and getting herself angrier. She prepared another punch and once again hit the hard cast.
"Three strikes, you're out!" Naruto called with a smirk.
"Why you-!" Sakura started to push up her sleeves when a call from behind her made her redirect her anger.
"Hey billboard brow!"
"INO PIG!!" Sakura screamed but was quickly silenced as Ino held up her hand.
"We heard you and your team got pretty badly hurt and from the dead last there I guess we heard right." Ino said, watching Sasuke out of the corner of her eye.
"Naruto, how much damage did you do to yourself?" Shikamaru asked as he came over to stand next to the blonde. Naruto shrugged, earning a 'troublesome' from the brown haired genius.
"So, you going to be able to compete Sasuke-kun?" Ino asked, swinging her arm around Sasuke.
"Hey, get off of him!" Sakura demanded loudly, locking eyes with Ino as sparks flew between them.
"Women are so troublesome..." Shikamaru yawned while Choji nodded and opened a new bag of chips. Sasuke ducked away from the two women who were now screaming at the tops of their lungs. The insults flew and the boys fled from the two.
"You know, I've been doing more running since I got here than I did the whole time I was in that forest!" Sasuke screamed as the five reached the balcony overlooking a large arena like set up. Naruto sighed and sat down looking at a clock to see the time
"Only two more hours left" Naruto said crossing his legs and leaning against a wall. Shikamaru sat next to him before leaning all the way back and laying down to look at the ceiling. "Sooo..." Naruto started, looking around. "Anyone up for a game of cards?"
--
As more and more people began gathering in the arena below, Sasuke, Naruto, Haku, Shikamaru and Choji sat atop the balcony playing Crazy Eights. Shikamaru had fallen asleep with his face covered by his cards, which shifted with each breath he took and threatened to be inhaled. Sasuke sat looking pissed at the cards he held before placing a three of diamonds down to the pile. Choji had givin up and had left in search of more chips. Haku looked at each player as if sizing them up. Naruto yawned before placing down a six of diamonds and saying "last card"
Haku placed his card down and looked to Sasuke. After a moment of thinking, he placed an eight and called out 'clubs', however Naruto was ready for this as he placed his last card down to the pile... An eight of spades. "Son of a..." Sasuke swore silently to himself while Haku nodded. Naruto motioned down to the crowd and they all decided they should probably go too.
"I still can't believe you kept a deck of cards in your kunai pouch" Haku said shaking his head in bewilderment.
"Well, you never know when it might come in handy." Naruto shrugged as he collected his cards kicking Shikamaru awake as he did.
"I still can't believe you beat me that time..." Sasuke said sighing "I will win against you next time... WE WILL HAVE A REMATCH!" Sasuke half said half yelled as he stomped off down the stairs. Naruto watched his back and helped Shikamaru up. The three then proceeded to jump down to the arena floor, effectively beating Sasuke down the stairs. This of course only made the Genin fume more.
As the last few stragglers came and stood in their lines, the Hokage cleared his throat, signalling everyone to be quiet. "As you well know the first part of the Chuunin exams are now over." He took a small puff on his pipe and sighed out the smoke. "However, there are still quite a number of you left, so we have to have a few preliminary matches... we have not needed to do so in five years!" The Hokage said, taking another puff on his pipe "So if everyone could be so kind as to go up to the balcony, we will begin to randomly match you up for a preliminary fight." The Hokage then stepped back, his speech done.
While the next examiner explained the rules, Naruto was off in his own little world trying to think about how to beat Kiba but make it look like an accident or that it was a really hard match for him. Naruto went over a few scenarios in his head and finally settled on one, smirking to himself maniacally. Once the explanations were over Naruto went up the stairs grinning once again as he watched the names flash up on the board. He saw Shikamaru come up beside him, mumbling about how troublesome it was to go up and down the stairs.
Naruto just sat down hung his legs through the bars as he looked around the arena. He spotted Tsunade down at the bottom talking with some medical nin. When she spotted him looking to her, he waved and gave him a thumbs up. Naruto yawned as he watched Sasuke's match unfold in front of him. He was not really paying attention, already knowing full out who will win.
He was just about to close his eyes when Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ahh, Naruto, just the person I was looking for!" Kakashi said happily. Naruto turned to look to him as the Jounin took a seat beside Naruto. "So, I talked to the Hokage about... continuing to compete despite your injuries." Kakashi said locking eyes with the Genin.
Naruto immediately caught on to what Kakashi was doing and saying; hiding the true meaning of the conversation from listening ears. "Oh, that's good. He didn't mind did he?"
Kakashi seemed to smile enjoying himself. "Oh no, he didn't mind one bit!" Kakashi said. Naruto nodded.
"That's good." He sighed in relief.
"However..." Kakashi said locking eyes with his student. "It seemed I didn't need to say much to convince him." Kakashi's eye softened
"Huh? Really?" Naruto questioned.
Kakashi nodded. "It seemed as Tsunade looked you over before you woke up and said you should be fine to compete..." Kakashi said turning his eye into a U.
Naruto blinked. "Really? When did she do that?"
"Near the beginning, when you entered the hospital... after you were all fixed up I mean." Kakashi then gave Naruto a look that told him he was sorry for doubting his story and that he wanted to talk more about this later.
Naruto nodded, thanking Kakashi as he stood to leave. Naruto sat there watching the back of his sensei a bit before he closed his eyes and leaned forward into the bars of the arena as the first match had ended.
Shikamaru, who was sitting not too far away, had listened intently to the conversation, trying to figure out why Kakashi had to ask the Hokage whether Naruto would be allowed to compete. Granted he had heard that the blonde had suffered some rather large injuries, but still, if he wanted to compete he would compete. 'Even if the Hokage had said no, he still would have fought, knowing him... so why would he even ask?' Shikamaru thought, looking at Naruto. "What a drag..." He sighed, knowing now he'll have to watch Naruto more closely.
'So, Tsunade had told the Hokage at the beginning of the exams...' Naruto thought to the fox.
"So it seems... Well, at least she saved Kakashi an awkward conversation." The fox said, trying to be helpful. "Besides, it was only a matter of time before the old man found out anyway with that damn crystal ball of spying..." Naruto smirked at the fox's comment, an action which didn't escape Shikamaru's gaze. This of course caused the brunette to wonder what he was thinking about and why he wasn't watching the matches below them.
'Hmm, true. Oh well... At least the matchups are still the same... Wait!' Naruto's eyes snapped open as he began to gaze around the crowed until he spotted the man he was looking for. 'Kabuto! Last time he quit the Chuunin exams but this time he didn't... What is he up to?!' Naruto thought angrily, glaring daggers to the silver haired man.
Naruto locked his gaze onto Tsunade next, waiting until she returned it. Once she did Naruto motioned to his right to where Kabuto was watching the matches. Tsunade glanced at him, returned her gaze to Naruto, and nodded in understanding. 'Keep an eye on him...' Naruto thought as he watched Tsunade a moment longer before once again closing his eyes in thought.
"Perhaps because Orochimaru is dead, he hasn't received his orders to withdraw and so he's playing out the Chuunin exams." the fox said thoughtfully.
'Even so, it still has me worried. Knowing Kabuto, he might have heard already about Orochimaru's death and wants to pick up where he left off.' Naruto thought back to the fox.
"Or he's sizing up his competition, trying to figure out which one of the Genin here could have been the one who killed him."
'Maybe, but if that's the case, then I need to be extra careful... On top of that, if memory serves, he might suspect Gaara... the way he fights it would make sense... Well, to him anyway...' Naruto sighed out a few curse words, unable to think of too many reasons. 'I just hope he doesn't fight anyone who can't handle him...' Naruto thought.
He opened his eyes just in time to see Sakura and Ino knock each other out ending the match in a tie. 'That's the same at least.' The screen above them revealed the next to fighters. Tenten and Temari were up. Naruto sighed watching as Shikamaru turned towards him. 'Okay, he's getting suspicious. Better perk up.'
"Begin operation 'Throw Shikamaru Off the Trail'!" The fox said, almost making Naruto giggle
"When will it be my turn?! Aw, come on, I wanna fight next!" Naruto screamed, punching his fist in the air.
"I don't understand why you're so eager. I'm quite content to stay here..." Shikamaru yawned and said "I'd be happy to go last really..."
"Awww I'm sure you'll do great! But I wanna fight now!!" Naruto whined mimicking a mini temper tantrum. Tsunade laughed at the sight as she looked over to the blonde though no one noticed her little giggle fit.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes and looked back towards the match. "Man I'm glad I don't have to fight her..." he said suppressing a shudder.
Naruto inwardly smirked. "Well now that you said it you probably will!" Naruto said earning a sigh from Shikamaru.
"Don't jinx me." He said shaking his head.
A few moments later and the match was over, Temari coming out as the victor. Naruto looked up to the monitor, bouncing slightly. " I hope it's my turn. I hope it's my turn. I hope it's my turn. -" Naruto said quickly, crossing his fingers knowing full well it was his turn. " I hope it's my turn. I ho- OW!!" Naruto screamed, rubbing the new bump on his head where Sakura hit him "Meanie..." He accused, only to get glared at.
"Quit acting like an idiot!" Sakura screamed at him.
"That's physically impossible considering an idiot can only act like an idiot." Sasuke said, coming over from the opposite side of Naruto. Naruto quickly looked between Sasuke on his left and Sakura on the right. He then looked at the screen which had his name displayed along with Kiba's.
"I'd love to stay and, err, be insulted but it's my time to shine!" And with that, Naruto jumped over the railing into the arena, faintly hearing Kiba saying 'we got lucky. This will be easier than I thought...'
'Oh how wrong you are.' Naruto laughed manically, in his head of course, as Kiba joined him down in the arena.
"So Naruto you ready to lose?" Kiba said, smugly putting his dog down.
"Meh, I think you're overly cocky." Naruto smirked and pointed a finger at Kiba. "You're soo going to lose!"
"Oh am I now? And how's your arm there? Is that your new secret weapon? Broken Arm no Jutsu?" Kiba asked, snorting.
"Umm, I said begin…" The examiner coughed out.
"Hey were building a verbal climax!" Naruto said, turning to the hacking man. Naruto turned back to see Kiba running at him, Akamaru sitting and watching the fight. "Aren't you going to use your little dog pal?" Naruto asked, dodging a punch thrown at his head.
"I won't need his help to beat a weakling like you!!" Kiba roared out as he threw another punch, which Naruto dodged again letting Kiba's fist barely miss him making his moves look sloppy.
As Kiba threw punches left and right, Naruto dodged letting Kiba tire himself out. Kiba caught on quickly though, knowing full well that if it was a match of stamina, Naruto could easily win. Growling, Kiba jumped back, panting slightly and glaring at the smirk he was given in return. "Gah fine... AKAMARU!" Kiba yelled and immediately the little dog sprang into action. Akamaru quickly charged at Naruto to try to hold him down. As the little dog jumped up Naruto blocked with his arm only to have the dog clamp down on Naruto's cast.
"Is that it?" Naruto asked, poking at the dog hanging from his cast it was gripping tightly. He swayed as Naruto poked him. Everyone watching the match sweat dropped at the sight. Akamaru was barely even a hindrance to Naruto as he moved his arm back in forth with Akamaru clinging to the cast. The dog was too light to really hold him down and biting the cast caused no damage.
"Akamaru!" Kiba yelled as he watched his dog sway on the cast.
"Um, I think his teeth got stuck in the plaster..." Naruto said, trying to pry the dog off his arm to no avail. Everyone sweat dropped again. Akamaru whimpered slightly as Naruto pulled the dog off the plaster. Akamaru opened his jaws as wide as he could and was flung towards Kiba, who caught him. Naruto inspected the teeth marks that were now in his cast. "Well, that was unexpected..." He said, looking at Kiba.
"Fine! Time to get serious!" Kiba brought out his little pills and fed one to the dog and ate one himself. As Akamaru's fur began to change to a rusty color, Kiba crouched down on all fours and the puppy leaped onto his master's back. "Man Beast Clone!" Kiba screamed as he and Akamaru transformed. Naruto reached into his kunai pouch and instantly found what he was looking for. He held up the little orange ball somewhat fondly and smirked.
"Oh Kiba-kun!" Naruto started in an overly sweet voice. Kiba and Akamaru watched as Naruto tossed up his little orange ball and caught it. He played with the ball a little more before holding it in his left hand. Winding up, he let it fly. "Fetch!" He said as the little orange ball exploded in a cloud of smoke. Instantly, everyone who was above Kiba began choking and gagging.
Sakura held her hand over her mouth and nose as she called out "Agh! That reeks! Naruto what the hell did you just do!?" She gagged again. Sasuke had pulled his face almost completely into his collar while Shikamaru brought out a cloth and tied it around his face.
Kakashi smirked. "It's times like this I'm glad I wear more than one mask!" He said happily, not showing any sign that he was bothered by the unholy smell.
"Taste that Kiba! Stink bomb!" Naruto yelled through bits of laughter.
"That's an effective weapon to use against Kiba." Kurenai said coming up besides Kakashi, also having a cloth around her face. "With Kiba's extra strong sense of smell, this is about 100 times worse for him." She said, making Shikamaru look more inquisitively at the arena.
"AAGHK! MY EYES THEY BURN!" Naruto finally went on the offensive to the wreathing and twitching Kiba. He punched him in the gut with an uppercut causing Kiba to intake air after having it knocked out of him. A punch to the head made the dog boy go flying into the nearby wall. Small bits of rubble crashed down and Naruto smirked. A small whooshing noise was made as Naruto kicked Kiba in the stomach, putting more pressure on the wall. Although he was only using his left arm to attack and his movements were slow, his attacks still sent Kiba for a loop.
Tsunade, watching from afar, smirked, knowing full well what the blonde was trying to do. As Naruto kept pummeling Kiba into the wall, Akamaru was recovering as the smell dissipated. As soon as his head was clear, Akamaru attacked. Kiba smirked as the dog clone grabbed onto Naruto's leg, making him stop attacking Kiba and focus on Akamaru. "Don't forget there are two of us fighting!" Kiba said as he stood up straight coming to attack.
Naruto stood there watching Kiba smirking. The smirk of course made Kiba stop in his tracks knowing that if Naruto was smiling he was up to something "Oh, what's the matter Kiba? Scared?" Naruto taunted, making Akamaru growl and bite onto Naruto's leg.
"Why would I be scared of you!? Back in the academy, you could barely pass!" Kiba snarled.
"Well, for one, I haven't unleashed my most powerful weapon!" Naruto said bringing his hands together and awkwardly fumbling until he made a cross seal. A number of poofs were heard as multiple Naruto's appeared, giving cause for Kiba to look around somewhat nervously.
"You think a bunch of bunshin are going to scare me?! You've got another thing coming!" Kiba prepared to attack again.
Naruto just smirked wider exposing teeth making his grin look all the more malicious. "Who said anything about scaring you? And besides, you can't exactly tell..." The Naruto being held by Akamaru stopped talking and another in the crowed finished the sentence "Which one of us is real!"
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Well, there's chapter 19 all done and good! Wow this one's a long one, eh? Oh well I decided to break the battle up. I find cliffies are easier to start a new chapter from. And in case you've been wondering, I'm not going to write all the battles step by step, except for the ones that have a change in them. Most of them don't... but anyway plz R&R! Use the power that has been bestowed upon you for good, not evil! So yea... REVIEW!!
THANKS HELKAT FOR EDITING THE CHAPTER!