...
Chapter 11
It has been a few days since Naruto met with Jiraiya and the Hokage. The Second Exam had finished about an hour ago. Anko was feeling better. Teams 9, 10, and the Team from Sound finished since the day Team 7 got to the Tower.
As of now, Teams 7, 8, 9, 10, Gaara's Team, and the Sound Team are in an arena like hall. Anko, the Jounin of each team, the Sandaime Hokage, and even Jiraiya of the Sannin are all present at the front, staring at the Genin. There was also the Shinobi Clan Heads. Sarutobi walked forward first. "Congratulations to all that passed the Second Exam. However, those of you left are too plentiful. For this reason, we will be forced to have a Preliminary round."
"What?" Kiba shouted, truly surprised.
Sarutobi looked at him. "There are too many of you left. There are Lords, Nobles, and even the Mizukage has decided to attend, though for an unknown reason." Naruto nodded, though the rest were confused. "We need to keep it moving as fast as possible, while keeping it interesting. As such, the numbers mut be whittled down. Nothing personal, just business."
Everyone nodded. Another Jounin, a female, appeared in front of them. "Lord Hokage, allow me, Yugao Uzuki, the proctor for this Exam, to explain things further." Sarutobi nodded, and the purple haired Kunoichi turned to the Genin. "Greeting everyone. I am Yugao Uzuki, the Proctor for the Third Exam. The Preliminary Round will be 1 on 1 elimination based matches. You fight, you win, you continue. The way we shall choose your opponents is with this." She looked at Anko, who nodded, before a panel opened up from the wall. "Note that the matches will be determined at Random. Now, is there anyone that would not like to continue? If you do not wish to continue, then your team will not take the fall with you."
No one spoke up. "No one? Alright then. Roll the names!" She shouted over her shoulder, before names scrolled on the screen.
Sasuke Uchiha
vs
Ino Yamanaka
Everyone that knew of Ino's infatuation did a double take. Team 7, Asuma, and Kurenai shared one thought. 'Ino is screwed.'
Sasuke had a different thought. 'Oh yeah. Time to vent.' Naruto and Hinata caught the thought, and shook their heads. "She's going to get herself killed here." Naruto stated, plainly. Hinata nodded in agreement.
Asuma looked at him. "Don't underestimate Ino, kid."
"I'm not underestimating her. If I didn't know what Sasuke would be thinking at that declaration, I wouldn't have said that."
"What is it?" Sakura asked, suddenly fearful.
"One word: Vent." Hinata stated. Sakura grinned a bit sadistically, scaring Kurenai.
"Sakura..."
"Don't worry, Sensei. This... is a match I'm going to enjoy." She replied. "Ino will get her butt kicked here."
The Sand and Sound Teams were confused at this, but kept watch.
"Ino Yamanaka against Sasuke Uchiha. Ready?" They both nodded. "Begin!" She jumped back. Ino instantly put on a sadistic face.
"You're mine, Sasuke-kun." She said.
"You're lucky you're a Konoha Kunoichi. Otherwise, you would be dead. I'll settle for extreme torture." Sasuke stated, earning a bit of surprise from Ino. Sasuke's eyes changed, but not into the Sharingan. They went Amber with a Black Slit, causing surprise from everyone who saw it... minus Team 7 and Sarutobi.
The moment Sasuke's eyes met Ino's she was caught.
-Genjutsu Realm-
Ino found herself in a place with a Red Moon in the sky. "Where am I?"
"Welcome to the Tsukuyomi. The Nightmare Realm. This is actually supposed to be a Sharingan specific Jutsu, and one you can't break out of."
"You're so cool!"
"You won't be thinking that when we're done here. Time and space, even physical mass. I control all of them. I will break you, and then I will continue to torture you." Sasuke said, before he disappeared.
"Sasuke-kun!" She shouted, before he appeared in front of her, Naruto doing... indecent things behind him.
"Pound it! Come on!"
Ino screamed as she watched it, unable to blink, or close her eyes to avoid watching it for what seemed to be an entire hour, before the image dissipated. "71 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds to go."
'What?' Ino screamed mentally. For what seemed to be another 20 days of torturing her mind, and mental prospect of him, he spoke again. "42 hours, 7 minutes, and 27 seconds to go." She screamed out loud.
"Now that you have nearly been broken mentally, time for the next point. Physical torture." Ino appeared on a cross, Sasuke appeared in front of her, a Katana appeared in his hand. He stabbed her in the stomach. "You won't be able to die here, unless I will it. I could kill you where you are now, but that wouldn't bring me any satisfaction. You're the only fangirl I have left. As such, I will be taking out all my hatred of Fangirls... on you."
She would've gasped, if it didn't cost her breath. 4 more Sasuke's appeared, each of which holding a Katana. He stabbed her Left Lung, her right arm, her right Kidney, and just below her waist. Another one sprouted from her chest from behind. This one missed her heart by an inch. Several other Ino's appeared, all of which tied to a separate Cross.
She kept screaming until it all faded.
-reality-
Sasuke and Ino stood there for 3 seconds, before Ino collapsed, and Sasuke turned around. "She's done. I'd be surprised if she woke up within 3 weeks."
Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Tsukuyomi?"
"It's either that or one of the more dangerous ones. I wasn't planning on explaining that one, though."
"And how do you plan on explaining what you did to Kakashi-sensei?"
"Say it was something that the Dragon's gave me. After all, I was using the Eye of the Dragon to use it. It's a neat way to perform the Mangekyo Jutsu without any true problems. I could just say that the eye of the Dragon has a few similar abilities, but only a summoner of the Dragons could wield it, and only after going through a harsh training."
"That's a good thought. Just one problem." Naruto paused. "How do you plan on explaining what you do with that?"
"Heh. You'd be surprised. I know there is going to be another Month before the Final portion begins. That's when I'm going to hone it, something I have yet to do."
"Good idea." Fu added. "If everyone else thinks it's a Jutsu from the Dragon Summonings, they may question how he found it, if only to add it into the village. It won't happen easily."
"If they ask that I do so, I'll tell them the truth. I didn't find them. They found me. They tested me. And I passed. Plain and simple. They still believe that I'm loyal to them. They are fools." Sasuke stated.
"Watch it Sasuke." Hinata warned. "You don't want to get hit for Treason do you?"
"My loyalties lie with the Dragons first. Naruto is second. The village is Third."
Naruto and Hinata shook their heads as Ino was taken out of the room, unconscious.
Dosu Kinuta
vs
Chouji Akimichi
A/N: This fight was purely Canon. As such, I shouldn't have to explain it.
Sabaku no Kankuro
vs
Tenten Higurashi
Tenten and Kankuro stared each other down, the bandaged object revealed to be a puppet. Blows were exchanged. Weapons were thrown or shot. After 10 minutes of this, Tenten pulled out 2 scrolls, and placed them on the ground. 'I was hoping I wouldn't have to use this just yet.'
Kankuro was a little surprised at the scrolls, but even more when they turned into Mist-like dragons that went skyward, before Tenten followed to the Apex of them. "Rising Twin Dragons!" She continuously unsealed weapons and threw them at Kankuro, and his puppet. The puppet managed to dodge, but Kankuro wasn't exactly as lucky as before. After Tenten had run out of weapons, Kankuro smirked. "Is that all?"
Tenten smirked, and flicked her fingers, before the Weapons all rose and charged Kankuro quickly. He didn't expect this, but managed to avoid all of the strikes. He then flicked one finger and Tenten was suddenly paralyzed, before his puppet had her in a strangle-hold. "That was quite the surprise. I didn't expect that to come. But you still lose. Give up, or I'll break your neck."
Needless to say she forfeited. "Winner: Kankuro. Next match!"
Everyone in the stands stood there, eyes wide at the next match.
Hinata Hyuuga
vs
Neji Hyuuga
Neji gave a sadistic look to Hinata. He was planning on enjoying her squirm. He was pissed when he realized that she didn't even cringe. She walked down to the arena floor, and stared at him with a blank face. "Begin!"
"You have already lost, Neji." Hinata said.
"Fate is on my side. You shall lose."
"Fate is not a part of this battle." Hinata retorted, causing Neji to scowl.
"Fate is..." He was cut off.
"That is one reason you have lost. There are 2 others. Both of which, you are blind to." Hinata stated, pissing him off even more.
"My eyes see all!"
"I never said your eyes were blind. I said you were blind."
In the Viewing room, Hiashi was surprised at the verbal insult. "Kakashi, just what did you teach her?" He mused aloud.
"From what I understand, nothing." Sarutobi stated, earning everyone's attention. "Kakashi Hatake does not train team 7. He doesn't need to. All training is done on even ground. Naruto Uzumaki is the one that provides the majority of the training."
"What do you mean? A few months ago, she couldn't take an insult from him."
"If I recall, a few months ago, she was a shy, broken, girl. Now, because of the team, she has grown, but has yet to bloom." Sarutobi retorted. "Naruto has done more for her than he should have, but he has done well."
"I see. Yet another thing to rub in the face of the Hyuuga Elders. Some of them are still pissed she progressed more under someone not of Hyuuga blood, than from them. If they caught wind of this, they'd be calling for blood."
"And if they do, they'll get the picture the moment his heritage is revealed." Sarutobi stated.
Hiashi nods in response.
-Back at the Arena-
Hinata sighed at the lack of promising insults from her cousin. "I was right. You have lost before the fight has begun. Your mental state is corrupted. That was the second reason you have already lost. And the final reason..." she immediately appeared behind Neji, before hitting him once and causing him to blank out and fall on his face. "Fate has lost its hold on me the moment I stopped living with the Hyuuga Clan. There goes a saying: Those who don't follow the rules are trash. However, those that abandon their comrades are worse than trash. There is one more piece I believe should be added on to that." She paused, as he looked at her in pure hate, but unable to move.
"Those who are blind to the truth, and do not wish to see it, are worse than those that abandon their comrades." Hinata said, turning around. "Proctor-san, I win."
Yugao nodded her assent. "Winner: Hinata Hyuuga."
Hinata went next to Naruto. "That good enough for now?" Naruto nodded. "I wonder what Fu would think?"
"You do realize I'm watching the entire thing with the Clan Heads, and the Sandaime, right?"
"No, I wasn't. Good thing too. Looks like I'm up next."
Naruto Uzumaki
vs
Sakura Haruno
Sakura paled. "Proctor, I forfeit!" She shouted that. Sasuke stared at her. "I don't stand a chance against him even if I'm at 100% and he were at 1%, without either arm, and missing a leg."
"Are you kidding?" Naruto shouted at her. "I've seen you train for a month. You're obviously better than you give yourself credit for."
"One of the many reasons why I don't stand a chance. I could give you a list of all the ways I could lose, but that would take days to write up, so that wouldn't do anyone any good." Sakura retorted.
Kurenai was surprised at this, but hid it well. Kakashi eye-smiled. "Well, Kurenai, it looks like I win that one, as well."
"You set that one up didn't you?" She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Honestly? I was hoping for the Inuzuka. But Sakura works just as well, as she did forfeit. Remember Gai, you've got one as well." Kakashi admitted. Gai nodded his assent.
"Winner by forfeit: Naruto Uzumaki."
Rock Lee
vs
Sabaku no Gaara
Lee instantly realized who his opponent was, and that he didn't have much of a chance.
-Flashback-
Naruto and Gaara were sitting together, and Lee walked up to them. "Naruto? What luck running into you here!"
"Lee?" Naruto asked, a little surprised. "Oh, hey! Lee, this is Gaara. Remember our little talk about the Bijuu in private?" Lee nodded. "Well... He's like me." Lee looked at Gaara, who was surprised that Naruto revealed it just like that.
Lee looked back at Naruto, who sighed. He then turned back to Gaara and bowed. "Pleasure to meet you, Gaara. Please know that me knowing this will not affect my opinion of you in any way that could be considered negative, just like I do for Naruto. He has told me about the Fuzzy in him, and I do not care one bit about it. However, if we face each other in the Exams from here on out, I will forfeit, as I have a feeling that I will not be able to defeat you as I am. I might never be able to, depending on the abilities you get."
Gaara blinked at that, before looking at Naruto. "That's why you told him?"
Naruto nodded. "He was the dead last of his class, unable to use Ninjutsu, or Genjutsu. He has a bit of Fuuinjutsu, but mainly storage. He is aware that who we have sealed within does not make us who we are unless we let them."
Gaara nodded at that. "I am afraid to say that I have a Blood crazed act up, and it will be staying up until after the Exams are over with." Lee nodded. "Do not tell anyone else about me, either. I may trust his judgment, but I do not trust you."
"I understand. This information will not leave my lips without your expressed permission, or I will forbid myself from using the Flames of Youth." Lee stated. "With me and my Sensei, that is better than you will get from an Honor-bound Samurai."
Gaara nodded, knowing what he meant. Lee looked at Naruto. "Naruto, Sakura-chan has been looking for you. She said it was important." Naruto nodded, and looked at Gaara.
"Looks like I have to go."
-Flashback... KAI!-
Lee got down there and raised his hand. "Proctor, I am sorry, but I forfeit this match, knowing that my style will never beat his."
Gaara inwardly smirked. 'Keeping to your word, I see.'
"Why don't you kill him now?"
'Because he is upholding a deal we have. The fact that he kept his end of the bargain means he is at least partially trustworthy.'
"Two forfeits in a row? What's going on here?" Yugao asked.
"I know when I am outclassed on Epic Proportions. Gaara would advance even if I did fight." Lee said, before walking back to his sensei.
"Lee..."
Lee looked at him and sent a clear message. 'He is not one to be played around with. He can kill Jounin with ease, and without blinking.' Gai blinked.
"Why?"
"He is only a Genin in rank. His skill deserves ANBU or higher." Lee told him. "There is also something else, sensei. Something is off about him. It is as if he knows everything about me, yet I know little to nothing about him. I am sorry Sensei, but this is a fight I cannot win."
Gai nodded. "Lee, you are a good judge of your own strength, and can tell when you will never win. Why do you not do the same with Neji?"
"Because even if he is stronger than me, I know him, and he needed to be taken down a few pegs. He is too arrogant for his own good, and it diminishes his Flames of Youth." Lee replied. "Sensei, this is the truth, whether we like it or not. However, I now have an Eternal Rival myself. And it is not Neji."
"Don't tell me it's Hinata..."
"No sensei. It is Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki. I have seen what his potential is. I am also striving for that potential."
"You're going to have a tough time Lee." Naruto said, not even looking at him. "I am not looking for Rivals, because I have too many enemies already." Kiba got knocked out by Temari. "And there goes Dog Breath. Anyway, I have several people after my head. I need to realize my potential before they make a move. The way things are going, I may not have enough time, but that will not stop me."
Kin and Shikamaru fought for a bit, and Kin lost. The last two, Zaku Abumi and Shino Aburame stepped forward.
(A/N: Canon fight. Ask and commit suicide.)
Yugao looked at everyone that was left. "Will all of you who proceed please come down?"
Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, Kankuro, Temari, Gaara, Shino, Shikamaru and Dosu walked up to her in a line. Anko came up to them with a box. "Pull a number from this box and wait for my signal to reveal, or speak."
They all did so, and Anko got next to Yugao. "Numbers?"
Naruto "1."
Hinata "6."
Dosu "5."
Shikamaru "7."
Temari revealed an 8, but did not speak.
Gaara spoke. "3."
Sasuke smirked. "4."
Shino showed his, revealing a 9.
Kankuro had a 2 and pointed at Naruto. "Why him?"
"So, my first opponent is a Cat?" Naruto questioned, freezing Kankuro in place. "Or is it just because he's a she? The makeup doesn't do much for a male image."
"IT'S WAR PAINT!"
"It looks like it came from your sister's makeup drawer." He paused to look at Temari. "Probably something for her lips. Can't say for sure."
Temari instantly got a tick mark, before glaring at Kankuro. "Kankuro..."
He paled when he heard her, and ran like Gai on steroids. "He'll get what's coming to him. He's been taking my Lip Gloss and Lipstick. They've both gone missing, and he always had the "War Paint" after they do. Can't believe I didn't notice."
"And you call yourself observant?" Gaara questioned. Temari shut up, and walked off. "I'll see you back at the room."
Gaara looked at Naruto, who nodded. Everyone but Team 7, the Konoha Jounin, and the Hokage were left in the hall, as the others had already left. "Alright, Naruto. What news do the clans have?"
"Nothing much is new. Everything is going according to our plans. However, Orochimaru has been getting a little impatient these last few days. He's definitely after Sasuke, though he is unaware of what the implications are at this point. Hinata, myself, and Sasuke will be training with our respective summons for the next month. Fu is going to the Kabutomushi. She will be staying there until after the finals. She is already aware of this, and she has agreed."
"I will not be training, as my team does not think I need to just yet. However, there is a bit of merit for Shukaku at this point. They are counting on her to destroy their enemies. She and I have already worked out an agreement. When the signal is given, I will be retreating into the forest, under the guise of losing it. When I am in the forests, I will attack all Oto Shinobi, but if Konoha or Suna Shinobi get in the way of the attacks, then it is their fault. Not mine. For this reason, it is my own piece to the plan. Lord Hokage, you better not die against the snake. Otherwise, I will bring you back, and I will kill you myself for your ineptitude." Gaara stated.
Sarutobi nodded in response, ignoring the shocked looks on the Jounin's faces. "He has been posing as the Kazekage for a while. Do not attack off the bat. Wait until the plan is executed, but be on guard the entire time. The snake is gonna pay for what he's doing to my village."
"Well said, Gaara." Naruto stated. "You're putting the Village above your orders. That's good."
"He will not be easy to catch off guard." Sarutobi stated.
"Trust me. He won't know what hit him. And neither will the attack forces. Suna Nin are to be knocked out, Oto nin: No mercy." Naruto stated. The Jounin nodded at that, seeing that Sunagakure was being manipulated by Orochimaru. "Unless they hit my traps entering the forest, of course. They'll be dead, anyway, as I plan on upgrading them from detainment... to kill." This made all Jounin pale.
"In any case, there's also the fact that I have another set of Armor to finish making for the Uchiha. I have the design, and materials, now I have the time. If you do not hear from any of us, then do not worry." Naruto left in a Flame Shunshin, Sasuke following shortly after.
Hinata sighed. "Why am I always last?" she left in a Whirlwind. Gaara shrugged and left in a Sand Shunshin.
Sarutobi turned to the Jounin. "Do you really think we should let him go through with planning against them, Lord Hokage?" Yugao asked.
"Yes, I am sure. He is already making plans for a group of S-rank Rogues that happen to be after his head. They won't get by him that easily. And I recently found out that he has turned his ENTIRE pranking experience into a strategy booklet. Jiraiya stated out loud that some of them are so crazy that a Nara would lose to it on their best day."
Everyone was surprised, and yet they nodded at that. Asuma was skeptical though, as was Shikaku Nara. Kurenai was standing a bit closer to Kakashi than most would think she should be, though Anko is the only one to notice. Everyone left, aside from Kakashi, Kurenai, and Anko.
Anko looked at them. "Alright, spill it. What happened?"
"What do you mean?" Kurenai narrowed her eyes.
"Just yesterday you were fawning over Asuma, and now you're after him?" Anko questioned.
"I didn't tell you, did I?" Kurenai asked. "Asuma is currently cheating on me. Kakashi made a bet with me that he would be a lot better than Asuma. And since we aren't officially broken up yet..."
"Payback?" Anko raised an eyebrow.
"One reason why." Kakashi stated. "However, she wasn't going to go for it at first. The Bet was that Sakura would forfeit her match in the preliminary round. I said she would, but Kurenai said she wouldn't. The moment she looked at the board displaying her opponent, she forfeited. I don't know how they did that, but still... I lucked out there. I definitely wasn't expecting her to land Naruto as an opponent."
"Somehow, I believe this was all fixed." Kurenai stated. "However, as per the first bet, I will give you the chance, but it is only a one time thing." Kakashi nodded, understanding this. They both left in a Shunshin.
Anko, on the other hand smirked at the implications. 'She is so gonna love him after that.'
-4 hours later-
Kakashi and Kurenai lay in a bed, both under covers, without any clothing. "My god... How are you so good at that?"
"I could have kept going, you know?" Kakashi stated, earning two wide eyes from Kurenai. "The only reason I didn't, was so I didn't shut down the nerves in your legs. I could tell they were already numb."
"You didn't answer my question."
"Would you believe that Icha Icha is a great way to learn about the human body and how it reacts?"
"No." Kurenai deadpanned.
"Then you wouldn't believe me if I told you." Kakashi replied.
"I'm staying here for tonight... Is that ok?" Kakashi nodded, before she nodded off.
'I can't believe I actually managed to get her to do this. Not bad for a virgin, such as myself.' Kakashi thought before falling asleep himself.
The next morning, he woke up, seeing that Kurenai was waking up, but still in bed. "Your students have trainers already, and Shino is with his father for the finals. Ready for round 2?"
"What happened to the one time thing?" Kakashi asked, a little surprised.
"Well, I changed my mind. Besides, this will give you a better reason to be late." Kurenai whispered into his ear, as he grinned a bit.
-3 hours later-
Kurenai and Kakashi separated. "I still don't get how you have so much stamina."
"When you had to catch Naruto after pulling a prank, your stamina is put to the ultimate test. Even ANBU fear those kinds of tests, because the only one to ever truly catch him was Iruka." Kakashi admitted. "You could say that I got the stamina through all of that."
Kurenai then got up, and didn't even bother to get dressed before walking to the bathroom door, and pointing to the camera that was looking at him... without his mask. She was conveniently out of the shot at that point. "That camera... it isn't recording here, is it?"
Kakashi looked at it for a second, before his eyes widened. He jumped up to it and turned it off. "I'm gonna kill Tenzou." Kurenai looked at him, before she realized what he said and her eyes widened.
"You mean..."
"That camera is programmed to continue recording until shut off. It goes straight to Tenzou's recording station. That means he has the entire thing recorded." Kakashi stated. "As I said, I am going to fucking kill him."
"Don't bother." Kurenai stated. "If it got everything... then it would have me saying I didn't want it to be a one-time only thing. Besides, if it gets to Asuma, then he'll go berserk, or break down."
Kakashi then got a devilish idea, which showed in the smirk he had at that point. "How about this..."
-that evening-
Asuma was called in to see the Hokage. "You called, sir?"
"Asuma, are you and Kurenai in a relationship?"
"I didn't think you'd call me for that, but... I guess. Never truly made it official, you know?"
"Well then, take a look at this. It is from Tenzou, as he is the one that caught it on tape." Asuma took it, and wondered what it was, before putting it in the VCR, and hitting play. After a few hours of No-Audio action, Sarutobi looked at Asuma. "Well?"
"That little..." Asuma was livid. This was NOT something he approved of. "I'm gonna kill that Pup."
"Asuma, no." Sarutobi commanded. "but pops..."
"You did not catch what was going on, do you? For I also have another one, though Kurenai had not yet seen it, she would've done something like this anyway if she did."
Kakashi appeared in the office. "Lord Hokage, I believe that... Asuma? What are you doing here?"
"Kakashi..."
"Let me guess, you already saw the tape Tenzou took of either this morning, or last night, correct?"
Asuma glared hard at him. "You only have yourself to blame for that. She caught you with that Kira Chick, but said that she was expecting it sooner or later."
"THAT WAS TO GET HER BACK ON HER FEET!"
"And yet you didn't explain it to her beforehand." Kakashi stated, before looking at the Hokage. "Lord Hokage, if I may ask, do you know when Jiraiya will return?"
"He is scheduled to return in 2 days. He has more information, but is also unaware of the other sources we have at the moment... or the fact that they are also gathering information on them as well."
Kakashi nodded. "Well, I am basically free until the finals. All 3 of my students have their own teachers for this, and no one will be able to find them except for you, and Jiraiya. From what I understand, however, Naruto will be hard to pinpoint for anyone but Jiraiya. The other 2 have a set location as there is only one summon for each. He has 3."
Sarutobi nodded at that. "And you are requesting a mission of sorts?" Kakashi shook his head. "Some time off is what I am requesting, sir."
"Why? So you can bang Kurenai again?" Asuma questioned, with a glare.
"That would be her choice if I did." Kakashi stated. "but in case you're wondering, that is not on my list of plans, though I can make an insertion if she asks." Sarutobi caught the double meaning and had a small nosebleed. "Anyway, that is all I really came here for."
"Very well. But make sure you are ready when the time comes." Kakashi nodded, and left in a Shunshin.
-With Shikamaru-
Shikamaru was with his father laying on the ground, when an idea worthy of Naruto came to mind. "Quick question." Shikaku looked at him. "Is it possible to summon Beasts from our shadow?"
Shikaku looked at him. "If you want to learn, then fine. However, only a select few Nara have ever been able to do so. The Jutsu was a rumor, but could've been true. I've never seen it happen, but I have heard descriptions." Shikaku explained it to him. "You'd have to experiment. I can honestly say I have no idea how to do so myself. It's the only thing I actually failed at. That is something that I quit working on after 3 months of no progress, but I knew of it before I tried."
Shikamaru hummed to himself for a bit, and then made a handsign that Shikaku did not recognize. The palms of the hands were touching at the heel, fingers were hooked on both hands. These "Hooks" have the base and first knuckles aligned straight with the back of the hands. From there to the next knuckle, it is perpendicular to the first segment, and the Last digit of each finger was bent towards the palm. The right hand had the hooks above, and the left went below, similar to the Boar sign. The thumbs were straight, running along the sides of the hands.
From there, Shikamaru's Shadow sent out a vibration and the result was something being formed from it, as it was running. It turned into a more demonic version of a Dog, but no eyes, and spikes all over the body. The spine was also protruding from the back as it ran around the field. It then turned its head to Shikaku, who was surprised he got it first shot, and was about to strike, before it was hit by another shadow and dissolved into more shadow. "A Fenrir... not bad, Son. First shot too." He stated. "but how did you get it right on the first try?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "The image came. Something that Naruto once described to me. I tried making one, and it worked."
"And the Handsign?"
"The moment I went for it, the image popped in my head. I figured, 'Why not?' so I used it. It worked."
"Think you can make others?" Shikamaru shrugged. "Then we have something that you should be able to work out. Work on making them, and others like them. When you make 10 different ones, then let me and your mother know. She's going to find out about it the moment we get back."
"Troublesome." Shikamaru deadpanned.
"Maybe so." Shikaku agreed. "However, that particular Jutsu is worth all that trouble, and then some." Shikamaru was shocked at the implications.
"You make it sound like it can do anything."
"As I said, I don't know how it works, exactly. But you can figure it out. The fact that you could do that, but I never could, and still can't, is a boon for you. At this point, if you can master it, then you can outdo a Jinchuuriki, unless they have access to a Clone Jutsu."
"Like Naruto, right?"
"What brought him up?"
"You did. I think he is one, but no one talks about it. It would makes sense, if you ask me. I mean, the day he was born, the marks on his face, sudden improvement with a competent sensei, it would definitely make sense. Not to mention the majority of the village hates him to the point of wanting to kill him. You don't go that far for pranks. No matter how bad they are."
'I figured you'd figure it out sooner or later.' Shikaku thought. "And if he is, then for what?"
"The Kyuubi no Yoko is my guess." Shikaku sighed at that.
"Shikamaru, that kind of information is SS-class. If you can figure that out, you've probably also figured out who his father is. If that is the case that is actually a SSS-class secret. I'm not even supposed to know. I'm letting you know this now, so that you don't get yourself killed saying it to anyone."
"So, his father has his face on a Mountain, huh? I really shouldn't be surprised. He's got the blood, talent, and the will to work it all together." Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome, but I get it. That stuff isn't going out. At least... not until it goes public through an announcement. I have a feeling it will all be released and the restrictions on them will be long gone." Shikaku nodded at that.
-with a certain Blonde in Fire country-
Tsunade and Shizune were packing up to leave another town.
"Lady Tsunade... why are we leaving now?" Shizune asked.
"The Chuunin Exams. They are in Konohagakure. I also received word that someone else is using a much more bastardized version of my Enhanced Strength. The information came from Naruto, and she does show promise. I am heading back now to help train her, and get her ready for whatever it is that's coming. They'll need all the help they can get." Shizune nodded. "Besides, we finally worked off my last debt. I was planning on going back after that happened anyway. Now I can go back to him with the only regret being that I didn't come any sooner." A Slug appeared in front of Tsunade.
"Lady Tsunade, there is a message from the Kitsune Clan. Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata all made it to the Final Part of the Chuunin Exams. They are training with the Phoenix, Dragon and Kitsune Clans respectively."
Tsunade nodded. "Send word to Naruto that I've tied up all the loose ends here, and I'm coming to the village. If that Pink haired Kunoichi is there, then I will ask her sensei if I can train her myself. The Haruno of Naruto's graduating year." Shizune nodded.
"Lady Tsunade, there is one more thing. The Toad and Monkey Clans are aware of an invasion, as are everyone else in the alliance. We are also going to help out, but we needed to let you know."
"I see. And why isn't Jiraiya telling me this in person?"
"He is already inside of Konohagakure, working on the defenses with a booklet that Naruto handed him. No one knows what he plans on doing with them, but since Naruto came up with them, which only the alliance, Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and Naruto know this, you can tell that if someone goes through them..."
"Someone is going to go down in style. If there's one thing I've learned from the letters I got from him, his Trap-making prowess is second only to his Pranking. If he designed the defenses, then damn near no one is going to get past them."
"Anything you wish for us to tell them?"
"Aside from my message to Naruto, nothing. If anything comes up with him I'll deal with it. And this includes his child."
"I was not aware he had child."
"It is Fu's child as well." Tsunade replied, smirking. "Thank you for the information. However, he doesn't want it to get out to those that don't already know. Keep that information to yourself."
"Yes ma'am." The slug disappeared, and Tsunade turned to Shizune. "You ready?" a nod. "Then let's go. Triple time." they both checked out, and left through a Shunshin.
-1 week later, unknown cave-
Several holograms were standing around.
"Leader-sama, why is it we were called?" One that looked like a fish asked.
"Zetsu has found some intriguing information."
"That plant dude?" The fish guy asked.
"Kisame shut up." The plant guy, Zetsu, stated. "It appears the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki has been evading our much more powerful sensory bodies. He is far smarter than most would think. Even us. And there is more. The Nanabi Jinchuuriki is also pregnant. It is the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki's child, as well."
"This is good news. The Nanabi Jinchuuriki will be the next target then."
"Won't work. The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki has already planned for that. She will be hidden until the baby is born. We have yet to find the location. It stands to reason that they are aware that we after them. As to how, we have no idea."
"Keep watching over them."
"We have lost both of them. They both went out through a Reverse Summoning Jutsu. We were not even aware that the Nanabi Jinchuuriki had signed one. We are at a loss at where to begin searching. We have yet to give up though. They can't hide forever. The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki is participating in the Chuunin Exam Finals. His first fight will not be a hard one. It is the second one that I worry for. There is an Uchiha or the Ichibi Jinchuuriki within the fight, as well as him. It would be prudent to see what he has been going for in his training."
"Very well. We have not lost him indefinitely. Kisame, Itachi. Wait outside of Konohagakure's detection range. He will be coming out of Konohagakure sooner or later. Go after him when he does."
"Yes sir." Itachi stated, before blinking out.
"Heh, this is gonna be fun when he does." The fish dude, Kisame, replied, before blinking out himself.
"Everyone else, return to your usual duties. Be wary. It seems the other Jinchuuriki know that we're after them. Something that doesn't seem right." The leader stated. "Be careful. They may have specialized squads to deal with us if they do."
The rest there nodded and blinked out, before another appeared. "Pein, have you any idea how they know of us?" He wore an orange spiral mask.
"My only guess is Orochimaru." The Leader replied. "Someone got the information from him, and they spread it around."
"No. I don't think Orochimaru gave out the information. He may have been a snake, but he would've tried to kill them instead of trying to save them. It is not his style. Something doesn't add up here, and I want to find out what it is. I mean, Yagura gave up his position as Mizukage, gave it to a Bloodline user, and committed Suicide. He also told his successor NOT to search for the Sanbi. If anyone knows where he is, we will be able to find out, however, this is putting a serious kink in our plans. It's been well over 6 months since then, and we STILL haven't found it."
"I am aware. Something is not right about this. The Jinchuuriki know too much. I can't help but think we were a little too careless. We only have the Rokubi at this point. The rest have been fleeing at the sight of any of us. This includes Deidara, which Orochimaru left an entire year before he joined." Pein stated. "Give it time. They will reveal their locations soon."
-Kabutomushi realm, 2 weeks after the Prelims-
Fu had seemed a little... fat is the word. The reality is, she has been here for what seemed to be 4 months. "Taigyoku, please, tell me when it is possible for me to leave. I've been here for 4 months already!"
"Lady Fu. It has been 4 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, 3 hours and 17 minutes here. However, only 16 days have passed in Konohagakure. We will be contacting the Phoenix Clan when it is nearly time for the birth. At the rate it's going, I'd say you have 2 or 3 weeks left in here with the current Space-Time displacement."
"You lost me."
"I'm afraid I'm not sure where to begin the explanation. Anyway, I guess you could say we're using the Summon realm to speed up the process of your Pregnancy. The baby will be born here, where Madara can't reach it. No one except a Kabutomushi can enter without permission. Hell, Jiraiya wouldn't be able to come here until we allow him to. This place is damn near on Lockdown. WE are going to get Naruto here for when it does happen. That way, he can be there for it. By the way, the gender has been found out."
"Well? What is it?"
"It's a..."
00000x00000
AUTHOR SYTLE: EVIL CLIFFHANGER NO JUTSU!
This is a cliffie that I just HAD to do. It'll keep you in suspense, and I KNOW that some of you are just DYING to find out whether the baby is male or female. There's going to be more going on during the birth than you think, however. And it is partially planned.
Next time: Fu's child birth and the finals!
Jain: This is turning out rather good, don't you think?
AG000: Yes. Quite. I started this chapter last week, and I finally finish it today. Definitely a good thing, considering that I haven't worked on this story for a while.
Airgod: You really need to calm down. Remember you have a test today.
AG000: I'm well aware of that.
Airgod: Then why haven't you studied?
AG000: You know me better than that. I'll be better off if I clear my head, relax, and listen to music. Why do you think I brought the PSP?
Lyla: Airgod is right. You need to study.
AG000: Shut it Lyla. I don't want to hear it. Besides, if my mind is overworked, I'll fail. There is no doubt about that.
Jain: I'm going to have to agree with Lyla here.
AG000: Not you too!
Jain: Sorry, but it should've been done. Besides, I know you haven't figured out the ports, and which one uses what. Chapter 24, I believe.
AG000: Ah... Dammit!
Jain holds up fingers in a V I win.
AG000: By the way, what happened to the others?
Jain: Garoth isn't coming. He said he had business with Ehren. Ryko and Wulf are both hunting.
Gragonith: Sorry I'm late. I had to take care of a few Power hungry bastards. What did I miss?
Lyla: Gragonith just arrived. Celestia had something to take care of.
Gragonith: You're wondering where the others are, right? AG000 nods. From my understanding, anyone that isn't here won't be coming. Not even my father.
AG000: Wait, Judgment Dragon is your father?
Gragonith: You didn't think he'd be part of the Lightsworn Bunch if he wasn't did you?
AG000: Can't say I did.
Crickets chirp
Jain: Wow. That was...
AG000: Don't say it.
Jain smirks. WELL~
AG000: Don't do it Jain!
Jain: WELL~
AG000: I'm warning you!
Jain: Alright alright. Walks off screen.
AG000: I hate it when I get surprised.
Jain slides in. WELL~ Jared is a bitch, he's big fat bitch, he's the biggest bitch in the whole wide world. Mouth continues moving, but no sound comes out.
Gragonith: I hate it when she does that.
AG000: How did you do that?
Gragonith shows off a remote control.
Airgod: Who knew?
AG000: That was... I don't even need to say it, do I?
Lyla grunted. You would've laughed if she continued.
AG000: Not the time for that. Besides, she was talking about me, you know?
Lyla: I'm aware.
Fu enters the room Why the fuck did you cut it off there?
AG000: Are you aware of what people are wondering regarding your "baby"?
Fu bristles. Yes.
AG000: You want to know, they want to know, Naruto definitely wants to know, and even I want to know. That was Airgod's idea to do. He wants the birth scene, and he's already got it decided on which gender. He's just as much an author of this story as I am. I'm leaving it to him.
Fu turns to Airgod, only to find he is already gone. Where is he?
AG000 looks around. Apparently, he doesn't want to deal with a pissed off Jinchuuriki. I can understand that.
Fu: Then find him.
AG000: Trying to. He's completely hidden. He also cut the link. I'm as clueless as you are. However, now that you brought it up, I'm curious as well.
Gragonith: He's screwed.
Lyla: Tell me about it.
Fu, Jain, and AG000 jump out the window.
Gragonith sighs. Why us?
Lyla shrugs. Who knows? Anyway, I'm closing this thing down.
Gragonith: Point taken. Later!