Hey everybody. I'm Baaaaaack. After quite a while of not updating, I figured it was time to pull this out again.
Once again, a big thank you to Ninja Bat Master for letting me take up this idea, and I highly suggest you read his original story
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Star Wars.
The crowd in the packed stadium roared, all the spectators eagerly awaiting the beginning of the final matches of the Chunnin exams. They would be held tournament-style in the large arena, allowing for people from all over to see the young shinobi in action. Most of the leaf spectators were, however, interested mostly in the match of Sasuke Uchiha. Being the last member of his clan offered him the special privilege of having his ass kissed for anything and everything. However, if everything went Vader's way, Sasuke would be getting his ass thoroughly kicked by his own black boot. According to the info they had gained from their new Grievous, he was hoping that the matches would go quickly enough that he would get his chance to finally one-up the Uchiha before the invasion of the village took place.
Standing in one of the two competitor's areas, Vader had a wide area to himself, as he was severely unnerving all the others. It was a half hour before the start of the first match, pitting himself up against Neji. The Hyuuga boy was without a doubt very different this day than the last that the Hakumei Grand Master had seen him. Gone were the traditional Hyuuga clothing. Replacing them was a new set of clothing, concealed behind a black, Hyuuga-style robe. At his hip, was a katana, something that Tenten, upon his arrival, had asked about, but had gotten no response. Vader had attempted to read his thoughts, but Neji seemed to have reigned in his anger. Maybe not gotten rid of it, but now had far better control. His mind was letting nothing out. No emotions to form pathways to read his thoughts. They were there, but seemed to be so well controlled, that there was no way into the Hyuuga boy's mind.
Up in another special section, the Kage's box, Sarutobi was meeting with the Kazekage...or at least, the man posing as the Kazekage. Grievous had told them all about his former master's plans. As such, Sarutobi had taken some insurance, adding more Anbu security, as well as bringing in two additional bodyguards.
"Sorry for the delay, Lord Hokage" said Orochimaru, disguising his voice perfectly, keeping in the role of the Kazekage. "Unfortunately, a small storm delayed my arrival."
"Perfectly understandable Lord Kazekage" replied Sarutobi, indicating for the man to take a seat, before he did so himself. "I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty of adding an extra security team. With my wayward student running loose around the village, I decided to be safe rather than sorry."
"Not at all" said the fake-Kazekage. "It is your village, and thus, you get to make the rules." Suddenly, an Anbu in a otter mask appeared.
"Lord Hokage, Ahsoka and Grievous have arrived" he said.
"Very well" said Sarutobi. "Send them up here at once." The Anbu saluted before disappearing. Hearing a rather odd clanking sound, both men turned to see the entrance of two rather unusual people. The first, Orochimaru noted, had her face obscured by the hood of her cloak. He couldn't make out too well what she looked like because of it. It wasn't her that caught his eye however, but the mechanical monstrosity that walked beside her. By the looks of him, he would make even Sasori green with envy. He let out a strained cough, bringing his six-fingered metal hand to the front of his face plate. As he did so, Orochimaru could make out the four swords strapped to his back under the rather large cape the metal being wore.
"Lord Hokage, Lord Kazekage" said Ahsoka, bowing respectfully. "We are here for guard duty."
"Who are these two, if I may ask?" said Orochimaru.
"These are two of my more...special recruits to the village forces. Ahsoka Hakumei, wife to Vader, who in a short time has become possibly the most powerful young ninja we've seen in many long years, and Vader's new subordinate, known only as Grievous. They are more than capable of going up against almost any opponent" said Sarutobi. To his credit, Orochimaru didn't even bat an eye, and kept his cool the whole time.
"Interesting" he said. "So this 'Grievous' is not merely a puppet as I would have thought."
"No" said Grievous, his voice metallic and hollow. Almost devoid of any humanity altogether. "I am not merely a 'puppet'." His words were punctuated with another fit of coughing.
"Now Grievous, mind your manners in front of Lord Kazekage" said Sarutobi, chuckling on the inside. So far, it appeared as though Orochimaru had no clue that they were on to him. "It is almost time to begin the exams. I do hope the first match turns out well."
"Yes. The Hyuuga boy is a prodigy from what I hear" replied the disguised snake-sannin. "However, I don't believe I've heard of this Vader. Care to tell me anything?"
"The boy is the first of a new clan of Shinobi" replied Sarutobi. "But he and his new clan use a power that I do not myself understand, so that is really all I know." Orochimaru frowned beneath the veil he wore to conceal his face. He was hoping he could at least garner a little bit more information on what had turned the Kyuubi vessel into the power that now stood in the competitor's box. But even the alliance between Sand and Leaf couldn't gain him any more than the scraps of cryptic info that he'd been given.
"Hmm" he said. "I would very much like to see him in action. Perhaps it is time that we proceed with the first match."
"You are right" said Sarutobi, sending the signal to the proctor to begin. "We've kept the people waiting long enough."
"It is time to begin the first match" said the proctor, eliciting a roar of approval from the electrified crowd. "Would Neji Hyuuga, and Vader Hakumei, please enter the arena?" Leaping down, both got into position across from each other as the proctor went over the rules. "Now then, you are allowed to use any techniques or weapons in your possession, until one competitor cannot compete, by dying or otherwise. I reserve the right to call this match at any time. Do you both understand?" Neither one of the two said anything, merely nodding in the affirmative. "Alright" said the proctor, Genma. "Begin." With that, he shunshined out of the arena.
All was silent as the two combatants stared at each other, the only sound the breathing from Vader. It seemed forever before anything happened, the stare-down seemingly eternal. Finally, Vader spoke.
"You seem different Neji. So calm, so collected. And you now have a katana, something not many Hyuuga are known to use." Neji said nothing, so Vader continued. "The force seems to be swirling around you as well. Perhaps you could tell me why?" Neji just glared.
"You refused to even tell your own sensei your secrets, and now you wish for me to tell you mine?" asked Neji. "I don't think so."
"So be it" said Vader, taking out his katana. "All should reveal itself on the battlefield in due time." Vader's cape and Neji's robe both swayed in the breeze. As if some unknown signal were given, Neji's Byakugan's sprang to life as Vader rushed him. Bringing his blade down on Neji, the Hyuuga used lightning speed to unsheathe his own blade to block. Spinning, Vader sent a backward slash at Neji, only to have the boy bring his arm out, once more blocking the strike.
"That is why I have my katana" said Neji, forcing Vader's away, before slamming a gentle fist palm strike directly into his chest, knocking him back.
"Ah" said Vader. "The Hyuuga's gentle fist style. Were it not for my ability to heal, that could have been much more harmful."
"Well, your chest is really my only target" replied Neji. "I have seen those mechanical arms of yours with my Byakugan. It would be useless for me to attack you there." This time, Neji dashed at Vader, slicing with an upward slash going diagonal across, which Vader easily blocked, switching back to Soresu. He blocked most of Neji's attacks easily enough, but the Hyuuga was incorporating his gentle fist into his sword style. A style that seemed oddly familiar to the black clad Force-user. But it shouldn't be possible. Yes, it was incomplete, but if Vader didn't know any better, he'd say that Neji had somehow learned how to use the saber form IV, Ataru. Throwing his arm out, Vader used the Force to force Neji back, before taking a look into the stands. Something seemed to be compelling him to look.
On top of one of the overhangs, stood two figures. The first was the ghost of Anakin Skywalker, watching the fight with the cloaked and hooded form of the former Jedi Qui-gon Jinn.
"It would appear that young Neji learns things quickly. I thank you for teaching him the basics" said Anakin.
"I never thought I'd teach someone the Jedi arts for the purpose of them becoming a Sith" said Qui-gon. "The council, were they alive, would have my head for teaching a boy filled with such anger."
"It's for a good cause" replied Anakin. "And besides, you were going to go against their wishes and train me anyway." Qui-gon chuckled a bit before nodding.
"Very true" he said. "Now then, he has the very basics of how to tap into the Force, and has fair skill for form IV, exceptional after only one month of training, though the trips into his mind helped quite a bit to speed things along. All that's left is for your new Vader to turn him to the Dark Side, and the balance of his clan will be established."
"Well, let's watch and see what happens" said Anakin, turning his attention back to the match, while Qui-gon sat down in a cross-legged position. While he couldn't hear the conversation, Vader did see the two on the stadium overhang.
"So" he thought. "It appears that the Force has indeed provided me a sith. However, I believe I should test him first." Throwing out his hand, Vader called out to the Force. As Neji was about to rush Vader again, he suddenly heard a cracking sound, as well as saw with his Byakugan, the wall behind him beginning to crack and break, before two large chunks broke free and shot at him. Turning, Neji jumped up and over the first piece of wall, before throwing out his own hand. Vader watched him call out to the Force and turn, taking the second piece and hurling it away. Taking the distraction to his advantage, Vader rushed in and managed to disarm his opponent, before kicking him backward. Rushing in again, the masked Force-user came in for a downward slash, but this time, Neji was ready, and began spinning on his heels at high speeds, forming what seemed to be a shield of chakra and wind around himself.
When the sword connected, Vader was thrown back, causing him to stumble. As Neji stopped spinning, Vader began talking. "Interesting. You have anger, you have hate. But you seem to hold them back. You refuse to let out your emotions in this fight, unlike your fight with your cousin." Glaring, Neji dashed for his sword, grabbing it and entering his stance.
"I have seen the hate you possess. Why do you not use it now?" continued Vader, blocking a strike from Neji, who leapt over the black-clad blonde for a slash at his head, which was easily deflected. "Did Hinata do something to you? It must have been something awful for you to attempt to kill her." Neji released a battle-cry as he lunged in, only for Vader to parry and kick at Neji's head, but the Hyuuga ducked in and rolled, avoiding the foot. Spinning, he set a strike into Vader's back, which was blocked easily enough, the masked warrior merely spinning and deflecting the sword away.
"Or is it that you are taking your rage out on her for some action done by another" he continued.
"Shut up!" shouted Neji, and for a moment, Vader could feel the emotions building within Neji.
"Ah, so it appears that anger hasn't left you after all" said Vader. "I can feel it within you. Burning like a flame that you cannot extinguish. Anger at the world. Anger at yourself. Anger at...your Uncle." Neji looked up at Vader with such a burning hate growing in his eyes. For a moment, Vader thought he could see a flash of yellow in them. Using the situation to his advantage, he broke into Neji's mind even further.
"So your attacks on Hinata in your match were merely a way to vent your anger at her father. You feel like your entire clan has betrayed you for what happened to your own father" continued Vader.
"SHUT UP!" yelled Neji, coming in with such a fury, swinging his blade in rage. Every slash, every strike, was easily blocked by Vader, unable to beat his Soresu form. Seeing an opening, Vader swiped his blade along Neji's arm, causing him to cry out in protest and drop his katana, which the Hakumei Grand Master kicked away. Sweeping Neji off his feet via Force-push to his upper body, Vader quickly took a position above the boy. Before Neji could get up, he found the end of Vader's blade tickling his throat.
"Your anger is a powerful weapon. But to truly use it, you must not hide it away. However, you also cannot let it control you. Master and use your emotions in battle, and nobody can stand in your way. Don't let them destroy you" he said. "Your anger cannot change the fact that your father was used as a sacrificial lamb. But they can be used to make your own path. Do not feel sadness for the dead. Instead, celebrate them. For they have moved on to a better place."
"Damn it" said Neji, growling. "Why won't you just SHUT UP!" Holding out his hands, Vader saw a small spark and instantly knew what was coming. Taking a defensive stance, he focused the Force around his blade, absorbing the small blast of Force Lightning into and through his sword, into his hand. He wouldn't deny that he was mildly impressed that someone with only a slight knowledge of the Force could access Force Lightning from sheer anger alone.
Taking the opportunity, Neji did a back flip into a standing position, before bringing his blade to him. While it pained him because of the gash on his arm, he fought through the pain to grasp his sword and took up his stance.
"You think you know anything about me?" he said with a snarl.
"More than you can possibly imagine" said Vader. "I also know there is far more you are meant for than being a servant to your clan." He paused for a bit, having to block the strike from Neji. "You are strong in the Force, and with more training could be a Force to be feared. Renounce your clan. Join me. The power and style you utilize now are a part of my clan's teachings. I have a right to either have you join my clan, or force you to never reveal these secrets to anyone under penalty of death. As you now possess some of my clan secrets, this is my right. You can either join me, or never discuss these things or teach them to anyone."
"You really think I would betray my family?" shouted Neji, sending a slash aimed for Vader's left shoulder, and would have traveled down across his chest. Vader blocked and deflected it easily
"Please. They brand you like cattle with their little 'Caged Bird Seal' and you still refer to them as family?" said Vader. "How pathetic." Stabbing his sword into the arena floor, he called upon the Force and sent Neji flying several hundred yards directly into the stone wall on the other side. Instead of falling to the ground, Neji was kept held in place by Vader, who held his hand out, directing the Force to keep Neji pinned against the wall. Closing his fist, Neji began to choke as his throat began convulsing.
"This power can be yours Neji. Yours to use, to get revenge against your clan for the atrocities they have committed against you and the other branch family members" continued Vader. The roaring of the crowd had died down, everyone seemingly more interested in the conversation than the fighting. "All you need do is renounce your clan, and join me. I can teach you much in the ways of the Force. What do you say?" Easing up on the Force choke, Vader allowed Neji to give his answer.
"I will do...whatever you ask" he said finally. "Teach me the ways of these powers. They are my only way to get revenge for my father's death. Without them, I have no hope of even touching a member of the main family." It was said in a whisper. Speaking of such a thing would likely get him punished through the seal kept hidden beneath his forehead protector. Better off his family didn't know that was his reason for joining Vader.
"Very well" said Vader, releasing his grip on Neji altogether, causing the boy to fall to his knees. "In dedication to the ways of the Sith, I grant you the title of Dark Lord of the Sith, and the name of my dead Master. From this moment on, you shall be known as Darth Tyranus."
Looking up with slightly yellowed eyes, Neji nodded. "Now then, Lord Tyranus. I believe this match has come to an end. You will be brought into my clan once these exams are over. Oh, and by the way...this is how you use Force Lightning." Neji's eyes widened as the lightning arched from Vader's fingers, striking the now former Hyuuga. It was by far one of the most painful things he had ever felt, and was easily stronger than his own attack from earlier. Dropping to the ground, his form smoking a bit, Neji passed out, just as Genma had reappeared, calling the match in favor of Vader. Cheers erupted from the stands. Never before had the audience seen such a spectacle.
Looking back up to the overhang, Vader found Anakin and Qui-gon had disappeared. Thinking nothing of it though, as he hadn't really expected them to stay, he made his way back to the competitor area as Neji was carted off to be treated for his wounds. Bringing him into the medical area of the stadium, they put Neji on a bed, the boy drifting in and out of consciousness. As he became more and more lucid, he noticed his uncle Hiashi, along with a few members of the Hyuuga elder council.
"You know the laws as well as I" said Hiashi angrily to the elders. "As he's in possession of Vader's clan techniques, he is perfectly allowed to take Neji as a member of his own clan."
"But Lord Hiashi" replied one of the members of the elder council. "You know who and what Vader is. We can't let that thing take the Byakugan into his clan."
"I don't care" replied Hiashi coldly. "The fact of the matter is that I do know EXACTLY who the boy is. And this is the perfect opportunity to foster an alliance between the Hyuuga and the new Hakumei clan he is forming. Now, either you will remove that seal, or I will." Neji's eyes widened at his uncle speaking like this. For as long as he could remember, Hiashi had never shown any interest in him since his father died. He had always been cold and distant. Perhaps there truly was a heart beneath the Head Hyuuga's ice.
"Fine" said the elder. "However, if he goes over to the Hakumei, he will not take the Byakugan with him. That is our decision Hiashi. You know OUR clan laws are quite clear. The Byakugan only leaves the clan when a Hyuuga girl marries an outsider, and even then, an alliance is formed. And so, effective immediately, I invoke the right of Caged Bird Constriction." Before Hiashi could say anything, the elder formed a seal. Neji was suddenly assaulted by the worst pain of his life, coming from two separate regions.
The first and worst were his eyes, which felt like they were being clawed out by some wild animal. The second was the far more sensitive region of the groin, which felt as though it had been lit on fire, but oddly enough couldn't beat out the pain in his eyes. Eventually, the pain stopped...along with Neji's ability to see. There was nothing but an inky blackness to take the place of his perfect vision. His sight had been taken from him.
"What...did you...do to me?" asked Neji, gasping for breath.
"We've taken your sight from you. Such a gift is for the Hyuuga clan only" he heard one of the elders say. "As a bonus, we've also made sure, that any children you sire will not possess the Byakugan. As of this moment, you are a Hyuuga no more. The seal on your head is gone...just like you always wanted." He heard the Hyuuga elders' laughter fade, indicating they had left the room. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Neji heard his uncle sigh.
"I am sorry Neji" he said. "I truly am. The Caged Bird Constriction is the worst thing anyone can do to a member of this clan. I tried to have it abolished years ago, but unfortunately, I failed." Sighing again, Hiahsi continued. "I want you to know Neji, that I loved my brother very much. He wrote a note for me to give to you when you were old enough to understand what happened back then...given the circumstances, would you like me to read it to you?" Neji nodded as he heard the sound of paper being unrolled as his Uncle began to speak.
Back in the arena, Sasuke hadn't shown up yet, so in place of his match with Gaara, Temari and Shikamaru were moved up to fight. Orochimaru wasn't worried. Although he would love to see his prize fight, he knew what kind of damage Gaara could do. Better he not damage Sasuke too much before the invasion began. As for the match with Vader and Neji, the disguised Snake-Sannin was thoroughly intrigued. Never before had he seen such powers at work. The strange lightning technique's the two boys used didn't even expend any chakra. "There is little wonder why Kimimaro never returned" he thought. "In his condition, he stood no chance. And against a genin no less. But it truly isn't the Kyuubi. Which means there is a chance I myself could attain such abilities."
"Your daughter is truly skilled with her battle-fan" said Sarutobi, drawing Orochimaru's attention away from the fight. Looking at the strange bodyguards behind Sarutobi once again, Orochimaru marveled at the genius of Grievous's metal body.
"Indeed" he replied. "And this...Shikamaru, is exactly as I would expect from the legendary Nara clan. There intelligence is revered even in Suna."
"Yes, I would expect so" said Sarutobi, chuckling. "But their intelligence isn't all they're known for." As if to accentuate the point, Shikamaru, after working hard and getting his opponent into an easily beatable position, simply gave up. The crowd booed and shouted at the young Nara boy as he began leaving the arena.
"Yes" said Orochimaru. "They are just as legendary for their laziness as their intelligence. Now however, perhaps if the Uchiha shows up, we could have a fair match. I would love to see just how he fares against my son."
The crowd seemed to be in agreement. The two could hear several shouts to bring out the Uchiha, and get on with his match. "Unfortunately" replied Sarutobi. "Sasuke is without a doubt late. It appears we'll have to disqualify him." Sending a signal to Genma, the man nodded before beginning to speak.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" he said. "I am sorry to inform you, that due to not having arrived yet, Sasuke Uchiha is-" He was cut off by the blast of wind and the flurry of leaves in the center of the arena. As it calmed down, the crowd roared to life as in the center stood Sasuke and Kakashi. The latter of whom was rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"Sorry we're so late" Kakashi told Genma. "We were training outside the village and unfortunately lost track of our time."
"You're lucky you got here when you did" replied Genma. "I was about to disqualify him. Kakashi, get up to the stands." Turning to one of the competitor's areas, Genma called down Gaara as Kakashi shunshined up to the stands.
"Cutting it a bit close, aren't you?" Kakashi turned at the sound of the voice and the raspy breathing that accompanied it. Facing Vader, Kakashi looked at him oddly.
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" he asked, a bit confused, having never seen him with his Vader suit on.
"It's me Sensei" replied Vader, passing Kakashi, who was stunned at the transformation his student had gone through. Leaning on the railing, Vader continued. "You've already missed the match of one of your students...perhaps you should at least watch one of the others."
"This match between Sabaku no Gaara" shouted Genma. "And Sasuke Uchiha...Begin!"
Chapter End
I hope you all liked it. It's been a while, so I decided to hit this chapter the last two or three days. You know the drill, tell me what you thought, but those who only say "Update soon" will only piss me off.
Peace to all my Fans
Fan of Fanfics.