Declaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic, but my created characters they abilities and Jutsu and that is about all I own "Goes to corner and starts crying"
Writing: Italic: thought, Bold: Bijuu or summoning speaking.
"Is it possibly humans can exist without actually having to fight. But, many of your kind have chosen to fight. For what reason? To protect something? Protect what? Yourselves? Your future? If you kill people to protect yourselves and this future then what sort of future is it and what will you have become? There is no future for those who have died. And what of those who did the killing? Is happiness to be found in a future that is grasped with blood stained hands? Is that the truth?." - unknown
Naruto and the rest of the finalists all stood ready. After a month of training, everyone stood with an aura of readiness; except for Shikamaru, who looked ready to collapse. Looking over Naruto saw Dosu staring at him. He had gotten rid of the fur on his back and was standing straight instead of hunched over. "Good luck, Uzumaki," Dosu muttered loud enough for only Naruto to hear, but there was a clear message lying underneath those words. Dosu wanted a fight with Naruto.
"Good luck to you too, Dosu," Naruto said back with a smile as they returned back to their proctor. Genma gave a sigh of annoyance as he stared at each individual genin.
"The rules are the same from the preliminaries," Genma stated while scratching his head. "You fight until you give up, I say the match is over, someone interferes, or you die. With that in mind, the first match of the day is, Naruto Uzumaki vs. Neji Hyuga." The crowd erupted into a roar of excitement, but on the arena floor it was dead quiet. The two shared a look of contempt for the other before taking a few steps away. "Okay those who are not participating, exit the arena." One by one everyone left, until Naruto, Neji and Genma were the only three left. "Is everyone ready?" Naruto looked down at his right hand as he clenched it into a tight fist. "Okay, begin!" Genma jumped back, but the two didn't budge. Neji seemed to have an air caution about him, rubbing his throat from Naruto's attempt at strangling him.
"You surprised me that day," Neji said with a superior air about him as his eyes activated. "But fate as already decided the victor of today's match." Naruto said nothing, but stood completely still. "A simple ninja can never stand up to the power of fate. Today I will beat another fo-." Neji's words were lost as Naruto vanished from view. Ducking underneath his kick, Neji caught the look in Naruto's eyes before he leapt away. It was one of ferocity and leveled control. Pulling a kunai from his pouch, Naruto went into the offensive. Filling his hands with chakra, Neji deflected Naruto's attacks, but couldn't deliver his own. Not wasting time, Naruto threw his kunai at Neji only for the boy to duck, but only for him to see the incoming leg of Naruto. Bracing himself, Neji was sent skidding across the ground, but without any visible wounds. "So you are going to be more difficult then I thought, but the outcome still won't change, I will be victorious and you will be the failure."
"I've had enough," Naruto voiced his annoyance as he held his hand towards the Hyuga. "All you do is talk and talk, if you are so confident; then attack me." Neji gritted his teeth and did just that. As the collided, chakra flared out around them. Surprised onlookers watched as Naruto had pushed his own chakra into his fists. As the two continued, it looked to be a draw, but Neji was slowly getting more of an advantage. Neji threw his palm at Naruto, only for him to throw his own fist into it. Smiling, Neji closed his hand around Naruto's fist. Throwing the boy overhead, Neji went for Naruto's chest. Seeing this, Naruto quickly twisted his body around, narrowing avoiding the blow. Neji's eyes widened as Naruto grabbed the wrist of the offending appendage. Using Neji's own weight, Naruto turned his body around until his feet were leveled with his face. Delivering a double dropkick to Neji's face, Naruto saw the boy skid away, but stopped a few feet from Naruto. Neji rubbed the place Naruto had kicked him.
"That was a strong kick," Neji praised. "But it still lacked any real power behind it."
"Because I don't want to hurt you," Naruto announced with the same clear look in his eyes. "I know what happened to your father." Neji's eyes darkened at Naruto's words. "Do you think this is what you dad would've wanted?"
"You know nothing," Neji growled out as his hands glowed with chakra. "My father died because it was his fate to die for Hiashi. Just like it is my fate to prove them all wrong."
"Prove what wrong?"
"That the Branch house is nothing more then weaklings," Neji said as he removed his headband, revealing the caged bird seal. "This is the curse of the Branch house. With this seal we are nothing more then slaves to the Main house. If they so choose, the Main house could kill off the Branch house with just a single seal. You see my father's fate was already decided the day he was born!" Neji's eyes had ignited into two pits of rage as he stared at his opponent. "He was born to be a slave to his own brother and then die for him without a choice of his own!"
"Everyone has a choice," Naruto yelled back! "He could've chosen not to die for-."
"Don't you get it," Neji screamed out, as he placed the headband back on. "My father was already dead the moment he was born a few seconds after Hiashi." Dropping low into his stance, Neji ready himself for Naruto's attack. Seeing the argument as reached its end, Naruto got ready as well.
"So you think its fate that you will win," Naruto mumbled out, but got no response from Neji. "Fine, then I'll prove you wrong; by beating you into the ground!" The two ran forward and clashed once again.
XXX
Hinata tightened her hold on her hands as she watched Naruto and Neji collide in a flash of chakra. "Please be safe," Hinata thought with her mind focused on Naruto. Looking towards the balcony where the other contestants were, she could see some surprised looks among them. Gaara was the only one among them that showed any sign of excitement combined with pure rage. Then Hinata heard the one thing she thought Neji didn't know.
"Hakke Rokujūyon Shō (Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms)!"
XXX
Naruto quickly found himself unable to move as Neji sent a barrage of chakra laced palms into different parts of his body. As Neji sent the last attack into Naruto's gut, the Uzumaki slid across the ground; until he eventual came to a stopped. Falling to his knees, Naruto gasped for air as a sudden pain ripped through his body. "I've closed sixty-four of your chakra points, it is over," Neji turned to leave, but heard the sound of dirt being crunched. Looking back, Neji saw Naruto standing to his full height.
"It isn't over until I'm dead," Naruto announced as he closed his eyes and concentrated. About to attack, Neji stopped when his Byakugan saw a tiny flare of chakra begin to grow inside of Naruto. The ground began to collapse beneath Naruto as Kyubi's chakra erupted to life. As Neji watched with fear etched on his face. The energy wasn't like anything the boy felt before. It felt otherworldly. As the chakra died back down, Neji watched in confusion as the chakra completely vanished. "I promised not to hurt you severely. If I use that power, I won't be able to hold myself back."
Neji saw the blue traces of chakra in Naruto's body as it passed through his body uninterrupted. "What did you do," Neji asked a shocked looked on his face. "What was that chakra just then?"
"That is my little secret," Naruto replied as he held his hand to his side. Just then Neji noticed the swirl of chakra swirling about his palm. As the streams of chakra increased, Neji soon saw Naruto holding a sphere of pure chakra. "This is a secret I can tell you through. This is called Rasengan." Before Neji could process what he was seeing, Naruto charged at him. Spinnig on his heel, Neji began to release chakra until he was in a dome of spinning chakra.
"Hakkeshō Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven)," Neji announced his new jutsu further shocking Hiashi and Hinata. Growling at the challenge, Naruto slammed the Rasengan against the dome. Digging his feet into the ground, Naruto pushed his Rasengan further against the dome. The result was an explosion that threw both Naruto and Neji into the ground. As Naruto began to stand, the flak jacket he had on began to fall apart. Neji on the other hand was perfectly fine except for the cuts and bruises he sustained from the explosion. Seeing his flak jacket on the verge of falling off, Naruto grabbed a loose strap and ripped it off. Staring down, Naruto saw his copper pendant shining in the sun. Nodding his head, as if the pendant had said something, Naruto formed another Rasengan. "You can't beat the Kaiten with that. Sure you can make our techniques explode, but you will still take the most damage from it." Neji's calm tone didn't bother Naruto as he stepped over the remains of his jacket.
"You shouldn't be talking," Naruto spoke in an unnerving voice that caused sweat to drip down Neji's brow. "You should be spinning into that orb." Naruto dashed across the ground towards the Hyuga. Spinning once again, everyone watched as the two jutsu clashed once, but the same result was seen again. This time the explosion was bigger then before. Skidding across the ground, Naruto was holding his hand as smoke rose from it. As the dust settled, Naruto saw that Neji took a little bit more damage then last time.
"You drove more chakra into that one," Neji accused as Naruto smiled. "But you are still taking more injuries from this!" Creating yet another Rasengan, Naruto's grin turned vicious.
"Let's test that theory."
Gritting his teeth, Neji prepared another Kaiten. "You're a fool," Neji shouted out as Naruto got closer to him. "You should learn when to give up!" As Neji's Kaiten came to life, the attacks collided once more. The effect was instant. Naruto's Rasengan was slowly drilling its way into the Kaiten. Seeing this, Neji increased the chakra, causing yet another explosion. The force of the blast was enough to shake the trees, until they began to crack.
XXX
Up at the Hokage stand, two kages couldn't believe what they had just seen. Sarutobi could understand Neji learning those techniques; he wasn't called a prodigy for nothing. But Naruto was another story entirely. He had used the Rasengan. Even through it looked like he was still getting use to using it in battle, it was complete. "There is only one way he knows that jutsu," Sarutobi's mind turned to his student. Looking to the Kazekage, Sarutobi saw the expression of shock on the man's face. "This is sure an interesting Chunin Exam isn't, Kazekage?" Seeing the Hokage staring at him in amusement, the Kazekage regained his composure.
"You have an interesting Shinobi in your ranks," Kazekage said with a note of dignity in his voice.
Chuckling at the man's attempt to hide his surprise, Sarutobi turned his attention back to the fight. "But you are right, Sakin (Gold dust)," Sarutobi said. "He is an interesting ninja."
XXX
As the explosion died down, the crowd of onlookers saw a crater where the two combatants lay. Naruto was covered in burns and wasn't moving, but Neji was struggling to get to his feet. Reaching his height, Neji smirked at the down ninja. "I told you fate is inescapable," Neji turned, but just as Genma was about to call the match; Naruto's hand grabbed Neji's ankle. Surprised filtered into the boy's eyes as Naruto grinned at him.
"And Suigetsu said that we don't know how to give up," Naruto's form shimmered as chakra began to glow from him. "Bunshin Daibakuha." Neji's form began obscured from view as the clone exploded sending the blades of razor wind slicing through the air. Shielding themselves from the blades, the crowd grew silent as a lone figure stood in the middle of the crater. Neji's body had gashes across them, but not anything serious enough to cause long-term damage. Collasping to his knees, Neji gritted his teeth to stop from screaming. Just then a hand emerged from the ground. Looking towards it, Neji saw Naruto pulling himself out of the ground before dusting himself off. The two stared at each other, one with a form of pity the other with anger.
"I guess fate had other plans for me," Neji mumbled as he found himself unable to move.
Shaking his head, Naruto slid down the crater's embankment to the Hyuga. "No," Naruto said as he stood in front of Neji. "Fate had nothing to do with this. It was you." Neji stared at Naruto with a confused light in his eyes. "Fate isn't determined on the day you were born; fate is what you pave for yourself."
"That's easy for you to say, you never had to be treated like dirt," Neji spat out as his headband came undone. "The only thing the branch house serves as is nothing, but body shields!"
"Then change it," Naruto shouted out as he put his face an inch from Neji's. "You think you have it bad, let me show you something." Concentrating his chakra, Naruto revealed his seal inscribed on his stomach. "Tell me have you ever heard the name, Jinchuriki before." Seeing Neji shake his head, Naruto smiled slightly at the boy. "I didn't think so, but didn't you ever think it was weird that I was put in the bingo book when I suddenly disappeared from Konoha. Even stranger, that I was a baby." The words Naruto was saying was causing quiet a stir among the Konoha people. Some looked ready to throw things at the boy others looked ready to run for it. "Jinchuriki are indiviuals who have a Bijuu sealed inside of them. I'm the Jinchuriki to Kyubi no Kitsune." Silence was what greeted Naruto's words. Hinata looked towards her father, but the Hyuga leader's eyes had become unreadable.
"What are you talking about," Neji questioned. "The Yondaime killed the Kyubi." But even after saying these words, Neji had doubt grow in him.
"You can't kill a Bijuu," Naruto stated solemnly. "You can only seal it away. I was the child that was picked for that task." At this point the crowd had begun to throw things at boy, but Naruto ignored the trash and cans hitting him. "The fate of a Jinchuriki is to grow up alone and hatred, but I changed that. I have friends and brothers who love me, even if I carry the Kyubi within me." Neji stilled looked unconvinced, until Naruto placed one hand on his head. Images of a giant fox behind a cage with red eyes filled with hate and malice flew past Neji's mind. Releasing Neji, Naruto watched the boy fall back. "You choose your own path Neji and choosing a new path will change fate. If you want the Branch house and the Main house together, then fight for it, but this isn't the right path to do it." Naruto climbed out of the crater before staring back at Neji. "Listen to my words and think hard on them." With that Naruto left as Genma announced him the winner. Picking up his ruined flak jacket, Naruto caught a can that was thrown at his head. Looking towards the offender, Naruto crushed the can until it was a ball. The trash stopped at that point. Hearing footsteps, Naruto saw medics running towards Neji to assist him.
XXX
"He carries the Kyubi in him," Shikamaru thought of different things that could prove the boy was lying, but drew a blank. "Why would our Hokage place Naruto in the bingo book at such a young age? The only explanation is that he had a great power within him. I could account that to a Kekkei Genkai, but then why does he have a seal on him." Hearing someone inhale, Shikamaru turned to see Naruto returning from his battle. Haku and Suigetsu was the first walk towards the Uzumaki. The three talked away from the others, but taking a look around, Shikamaru saw that nobody seemed eager to talk to the boy. After a while, the three returned, but Naruto remained silent as he leaned across the railing; waiting for the next match to be called. Exhaling, Shikamaru approached the boy. Naruto's ears perked up hearing the sound of approaching footsteps.
"What do you need," Naruto asked without waiting for a question?
"Well, I would like more info on you being the Jinchuriki to Kyubi," Shikamaru stated without a hint of fear in his voice. Naruto fixed theNarawith a quizzical glance, as if scanning him for a hint of weakness. Seeing Naruto smirk caused some sweat to slide down the boy's brow.
"There isn't much to say," Naruto said with his eyes close. "Kyubi is sealed in me, because the Yondaime Hokage used me as the vessel for him. I don't know how else to explain it."
"Yeah I get that much," Shikamaru stated. "But what I'm asking is-." He never finished as the two saw sand sliding across the ground towards them. Turning towards the source, Naruto narrowed his eyes. Gaara was currently holding his head, as if he had a headache, gently mumbling to himself. Tearing his eyes away from the boy, Naruto glared directly at the Kazekage. Looking back, Naruto could see Gaara was seconds from snapping, but just as soon as it started it ended. The quivering sand stopped inches from Naruto's feet.
"Mother wants your blood, Uzumaki," Gaara's eyes held not a hint of life in them. "She is growing impatient and so am I." Looking towards the sand, Naruto waited for it to lurch for him, but instead it retreated back into Gaara's gourd. "But she wants to fight you in a more spacious area." With that Gaara left in a swirl of sand. Before anyone could ask what that was about, Genma called out for Shikamaru and Temari. Seeing Shikamaru hesitating, Naruto gave the boy a slight nudge off the balcony. Landing on the ground, Shikamaru glared up at the boy, but he only smiled and pointed behind him. Confused, Shikamaru turned around and saw Temari standing in front of him.
"This is going to be such a drag," Shikamaru stated scratching his head.
XXX
The plan was flawless. Orochimaru smile was on the brink of splitting his face in two. Everything was in place, from the Shinobi force to his own little surprise for his sensei. Looking at the three coffins, Orchimaru gave a quick handsign allowing them to sink back underground. "Kabuto how goes our Kazekage," Orochimaru questioned staring at his right-hand man.
"He is in position," Kabuto answered. "All you need to do is give the order."
"Perfect," Orochimaru hissed as he stared at Konoha. "Soon we will be stepping on the ashes of a soon to be, long forgotten dream."
"I do have one problem," Kabuto said earning him a predatory stare from Orchimaru. "What if Sakin backs off? I know this is what he wants, but what if he changes his mind."
"Then we kill him sooner," Orchimaru answered. "He has served his purpose up till now. The only reason why he is still alive is because he might prove useful in the battle against Konoha." Inhaling sharply, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with a devious happiness in them. "You smell that, Kabuto? It's the smell of Konoha's destruction." With that the duo walked the dirt road to Konoha.
XXX
The match didn't end exactly how Naruto pictured it. Instead of fighting like the rest of them, Shikamaru took on a more defensive used the fallen sun and his Kagemane no Jutsu to great effect. After Temari was captured that was when theNaragave up. Saying that his chakra levels were almost depleted and he wouldn't be able to hold her anymore. But the most shocking thing was Kankuro giving up before his match even began. Now it was Haku's turn to go against Sasuke. Haku decided to walk down normally, Sasuke jumped off the side of the balcony, landing on his feet. Walking towards the center of the arena, Sasuke smirked at the approaching Haku. "You are as good as done," Sasuke gloated as he stretched his body. Haku just shook her head and awaited the signal to go. As Genma's hand descended, Sasuke charged towards the girl, Sharingan spinning madly in his skull. Taking a bottle of water from her pouch, Haku splashed the water everywhere. Slapping her hands together, the water Haku began to freeze. Seeing this, Sasuke went though his own series of handsigns.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
Keeping her concentration on her jutsu, Haku could only watch as the fireball closed in. "Hyōton: Haryū Mōko," Haku announced as a tiger made of ice roared to life before colliding with Sasuke's fireball. As steam was released, Haku's vision was obscured, but caught a faint image of Sasuke's form. Flying through the handsigns once more, Haku released a barrage of ice needles at the boy.
"Nice try," Sasuke's voice echoed as he ducked underneath the ice. "But the Sharingan can see chakra in colors. Thanks to those ice needles having chakra in them, they are as plain as day." Dashing out of the fog, Sasuke fired off another fireball at the girl, but was blocked by a wall of ice. Setting her hand on the wall, Sasuke watched as spikes shot out of it. Using his Sharingan, Sasuke managed to twist and turn his body to avoid the dangerous projectiles.
"You move well," Haku complimented. "But those were meant to miss you." Turning around, Sasuke saw the spikes beginning to glow. As the explosion sent Sasuke back to the ground, splinter pieces of ice were sent everywhere. Grunting in pain, Sasuke slowly made his way back to his feet. That was when see saw it. It was the faintest bolt, but it was there. "That was-."
"Lightning," Sasuke finished as he appeared behind the girl. Shocked, Haku turned her head just in time to see a kunai descending upon her. Creating a s thin sheet of ice, Haku managed to block the blade. Jumping away, Haku only found Sasuke appear in front of her. "Increased speed and agility, this is what this Jutsu gives me!" Sasuke voice rang out across the arena. Up on the balcony, Mikoto turned to Kakashi and was about to question, but stopped seeing he was just as confused as she was. "I had to train myself, because my sensei refused to even spare a second on me. Well, I just proven I don't need him!" Sasuke spun on his heel catching Haku in the chest. As the girl sided backwards, her hands went to a very strange seal.
"Hyōton: Makyō Hyōshō (Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals)," As Sasuke dashed at her, mirrors of ice formed around the two in a dome shape. Smiling softly, Haku slid into a mirror. Looking around, Sasuke saw images of Haku appear on ever single mirror. "Now the true battle begins."
Well, here is the newest chapter. Oh, you guys know about the two new bills that congress is trying to pass, the SOPA and PIPA. Do you guys know if they will affect Fanfiction in anyway? It's just a question; anyway I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.