Disclaimer: I don't own the Naruto or Naruto Shippuden Anime/ Manga. This is purely for fan based reasons.

Chapter 10:

The Ninth Challenge:

Team Survival Challenge

"Hey Ino it's to time to get up," Lee began shaking her. "The next challenge is going to be starting soon."

"You mean I overslept," She gasped and began getting ready. Lee began laughing.

"I mean there's still time," He pointed out. "I was just saying you should start getting ready."

"Thanks for the heads up,"

"You're welcome," Lee left her room letting her get dressed.

"It's time I had a talk with Sasuke," Ino smirked intending to do whatever it took to deal with her Hinata problem. However her primary goal was always the same destroying Kiba. It was now or never. The Inuzuka had to go and she was tired of waiting for him to screw up and get kicked. She left her team's house and made her way to Kiba's. On her way she bumped into Sakura who just recovered from what Sasuke did to her earlier. "Did you enjoy your celebration with Sasuke?" She asked.

"I will say if I wasn't pregnant before I will be soon. He really did a number on me." Sakura's body felt sharp pulse of pain just thinking about the roughness of earlier events. He was throwing her around damaging whatever he could with her body. This wasn't the Sasuke she was used to at all and she kind of liked it. "Anyway, Sasuke and I are cool now. We can go back to doing our thing so I will see you tonight." Sakura kissed her cheek already telling Sasuke she needed a break after the last time. Even she had her limits he crossed them big time. He understood admitting he went a little overboard getting scolded by Sai when he trashed the kitchen. Not to mention they were cracks on the wall from when he used Sakura's body as a battering ram.

"Ino," Sakura noticed her walking towards Kiba's Team's house. "You do realize where you're going right?"

"I know Sakura," She replied never wanting to set foot in their place since you know who resided there but this was important. She needed Sasuke on her side in order to get rid of Kiba. Sakura went to go with her curious what business Ino had in order to actually want to go inside the camp of the enemy. "Sorry but I need to go alone." Ino pressed forward and Sakura stayed behind hoping she was trying to fix things with Kiba. She knocked on the door.

"We're still looking," Kiba answered the door thinking it was Sakura still trying to find her panties that Sasuke had thrown somewhere. Only to be caught off guard by Ino's presence. It wasn't like her to ever set foot in their side of island. "Ino,"

"I didn't come to talk to you," She pushed him aside making her way to Sasuke's room. Kiba went to follow but she stopped him. "Don't even think about listening in on us. This is between me and him." She glared at him. "Just go take Akamaru for a walk it'll be over soon."

"Alright fine, it's not like I wanted to hear about you and Sakura's relationship anyway." Kiba left taking all of his team but Sasuke with him so they could be alone.

"We need to talk," She looked at Sasuke who had just returned from his bath wearing only a towel.

"Last I checked Sakura was my girlfriend. I don't require your permission to fuck her and I can be rough with her if I want. She doesn't belong to you. Are you upset that I'm better at pleasing her than you are? I figured this would come up sooner or later." Sasuke let out a sigh. "When did you want to start?"

"Start what?" She asked.

"Having a three way, I know you are curious."

"As if," Ino shook her head. "I may have liked you when I was a Genin but trust me that ship sailed. I wouldn't sleep with you if you were last guy on the planet. As for pleasing Sakura trust me you may have a penis but my lips will always be better." Sasuke blushed curious to see that in person though he'd never get the chance. "I didn't come here for Sakura. I came here to propose an alliance between three of us."

"Why exactly should I join you?"

"We share the same enemy. We both want to make Kiba's life a living hell. I also think if you, Sakura, and I were in the final that would make for a much better competition. After all it could only end your favor you're stronger than us. I don't mind losing to you as long as Kiba is gone. That's all I care about." She answered.

"No offense but I've been trying to get rid of Kiba since the competition began. I don't see how you being on a different team will be doing me any favors." Sasuke mentioned. "I'm tired of him being viewed as the alpha male when I'm clearly better suited for it."

"I know something you don't," Ino replied. "Also the team's have to be splitting up soon you're going to need all the help you can get."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," He assured her. "Also there are a few things I know that you don't so that makes us even. I'll tell you what I'll agree to work with you only for the sake of ditching the Inuzuka. As proof of loyalty we should exchange our info that way we can develop some form of trust."

"Okay Naruto, Kiba, and Hinata are planning to make it so they end up being in the final three. That's my info now tell me yours," She crossed her arms.

"Kiba's in heat," He informed her. "He's been trying to keep it a secret from you this entire time and has been using Naruto to hide it. Hinata is also assisting him in this. They can try to sneak it passed you but nothing gets passed my eyes."

"Really," Ino smirked knowing her next course of action. "First we should break the chances of those being in the finals by voting one of them off. If you lose this challenge I want you to try to vote Naruto off. I will take care of Kiba after I'm done he'll vote himself off. If my team happens to lose we vote Hinata off. That won't be easy but that's where your Sharrigan comes in I want you to make Lee vote for her and help convince Sakura. This is only the backup plan. Believe me after I'm done with her she'll be out of here in no time. I plan to be vicious." She informed him. "Do we have a deal?" She held her hand out.

"This competition has changed you Ino. I'm starting to take a liking to the new you." Sasuke shook her hand. "This should be interesting."

"It's been fun but I should go," Ino left letting Sasuke get dressed. Kiba tried to come back to eavesdrop but noticed her on her way out. She passed him a sharp glare and a wicked smile going to her place.

"Sasuke," Kiba growled running inside and tackling the Uchiha before he could even blink. "What did you tell her?" He yelled; he remained silent. "Answer me." He went punch Sasuke but Naruto pulled him off breaking up the fight.

"Hey quit it both of you," Naruto got between them. "We are on the same side fighting amongst ourselves won't be doing us any favors." He pointed out normally this was Shikamaru's job but since he was no longer with them he took it on himself.

"Naruto's right," Sai agreed. "If you don't keep it together Ino will beat us."

"I will back off the moment he tells me what the fuck he told Ino," Kiba growled. "You said something I know you did you should have seen the way she looked at me when she left. It was as if she was given the perfect tool to-," He gasped figuring out what was said. "You asshole you told her didn't you?" Sasuke remained silent but his expression gave it away. "I," Kiba began taking deep breaths knowing if he didn't get away from Sasuke soon he was going to do or say something he'd regret. "Let's just go, the challenge is starting." He led the way Sasuke went to follow. "I think you've done enough catch up later." Naruto looked at Sasuke.

"Tell me you didn't," He asked hoping even Sasuke wasn't that cruel.

"I did," He answered. "I don't regret doing it either."

Naruto looked at Sasuke disappointed that he would go so far as to tell Ino Kiba's secret. Now that she knew there was no way he could let himself be voted off or Kiba would end up doing something that would ruin everything he and Yumi had. The option of holding back was no longer an option; he had to give his all in order to keep Kiba safe. Even if he had to rely on the nine tails cloak to do so.

The two teams gathered eager and ready for the next challenge. Kiba wanted to use this challenge to blow off some steam. Ino wanted nothing more than add another win to her team's belt win or lose either way if Sasuke kept his end of their deal the competition was in her favor. "Good evening everyone," Guy looked everyone feeding off their anticipation. "By now you have been working in your team long enough to know the ins and outs of every member. So for this challenge we are putting not only your knowledge but your teamwork to the test in a team survival challenge." He explained. "Your opponent's for this challenge will be,"

"Us," Tsunade finished having none other than the other five Kage at her side. Kiba and Ino gulped while Lee and Naruto only saw an opportunity to test their strength against them. "Don't worry Guy; I'll save you the explanation." She added. "For this challenge you will be facing us in combat with no restraints."

"The team that lasts the longest wins while the individual who lasts longer than everyone else earns Immunity. The team that doesn't last the longest will be sending yet another player home. This is a test to see which you has what it takes to move on and who doesn't." Guy explained. "So I'd advise you to give it everything you've got." He cleared his throat. "The challenge begins on my mark," He looked at Team Ino. "Your team will start things off." Kiba's team stepped back to oversee Team Ino's results. "On three," He shouted. "One,"

"This is it no holding back," Ino prepared herself of the fight of a lifetime. "Sakura, Hinata, Lee, we can do this." She assured them.

"Two,"

"This will be over soon," Ay spoke looking at Ino. The Yamanaka reached into her bag of ninja tools knowing if he even touched her it was over. They were already fighting at a complete disadvantage seeing as it was five against four. She had to do something to even the odds.

"Three," Guy finished. The Kage prepared their all out attack only to be blinded by a smoke bomb. Ino quickly gathered her team and hid trying to devise a defensive strategy. Gaara quickly took the skies with the Kage searching for them.

"Okay everyone clear on the plan?" Ino whispered. They nodded. "Good let's win this," Ay hit Lee who blocked having his arms nearly shattered in the process. "Lee," Ino went to treat him but was hit by a water style Ninjutsu nearly being taken out by it.

"We are the five Kage," The Mizukage reminded her. "Surely you didn't think a mere a smoke bomb was going to enough to throw us off your trail. Perhaps I should show you how it's done," She began performing hand signs creating thick mist that burned Ino's skin. Ino quickly got out of range of the mist unable to see anything in the burning mist.

"Look out," Hinata yelled; Ino turned around realizing she was only seconds away from being clobbered by Lady Tsunade. Sakura quickly jumped in catching her master's fist and throwing her aside saving Ino's skin.

"Sand," Hinata turned around seeing Sand gather around her. She quickly used substitution to avoid the Sand Coffin. "Tsuchukage,"

"Don't boss me around," He went to use particle style on Hinata but she escaped into the forest. "She's a fast one this one."

"Not fast enough," Ay appeared in front of her; she gasped blocking being nearly defeated by one hit from his enormous strength. He left her alonr after that thinking she was out cold while trying to recover Hinata used her Byakugan to see through the mist. She noticed Sand gathering around Ino who was trying to avoid the mist.

"Ino," She yelled; Ino turned around seeing the sand jumping out of the way as fast she could. Ay turned around looking at Hinata; she gulped as he began running towards her. Before he could land a blow Lee kicked him keeping him off Hinata. She took this time to hide and use her Byakugan to assist those trapped in the mist. She watched as water formed behind Sakura while she kept her master at bay. "I won't let you," She tossed a Kunai negating the chakra within the water. She quickly went back into hiding before being spotted.

"Got you," Tsunade slipped through Sakura's guard hitting her knocking her directly into Ino. "Sorry Sakura but you still have a long way to go before you're at my level."

"You know," Mizukage emerged out of a puddle of water next to Hinata. "That chakra negation technique wasn't very nice." She blasted Hinata with Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu knocking her beside her allies.

"Ino," Lee appeared next to her too exhausted to keep Ay at bay anymore too scared of being hit again. "I don't think our defensive strategy is working." He pointed out.

"I'm starting to think your right," She admitted. "I'm also sick and tired of being pushed around. Team Ino let's show them what were made of."

"I'd thought you'd never ask," Sakura smirked fired up by Ino's command.

Ino pulled out a smoke bomb preparing the counter attack now that they no longer in that annoying mist. "This tactic again," The Mizukage shook her head. "Tsunade you're Leaf Ninja really aren't all that bright." She stepped forward signaling her companions to leave it to her hoping to teach Ino a lesson. The smoke blinded her but she easily overpowered with hot mist.

"Gotcha," Suddenly three explosive kunai hit her being mixed with the smoke bomb. While she was shaking off the attack being caught off guard by the fact the explosion was made of nothing but flowers that blinded her. It was merely a distraction which she fell for. Hinata quickly began hitting her chakra points using the highest number of palms she could reach. After her final hit Sakura jumped in punching her in the stomach getting a direct hit.

"Cha," She threw her to the ground so hard she bounced into the air.

"Finish it Lee," Ino cheered.

"Primary Lotus," He appeared behind the Mizukage and forced her into the ground creating a massive crater.

"Don't forget these," Ino dropped a nice bouquet of flower on her. The paper bomb connected to the lovely arrangement of flowers exploded adding insult to injury. "That trick never gets old." She smiled.

"Neither does this one," Mizukage appeared behind them. She fired a massive magma ball at them defeating both Hinata and Ino. Sakura jumped out of the way only to be caught in Gaara's sand and hit by Tsunade being taken out by the attack. Lee was shoulder tackled by the Ay directly into Tsuchikage's earth style Ninjutsu being defeated.

"Well Team Kiba you're up next," Ay encouraged ready and eager to test them.

"What a fine crop of men we have here," The Mizukage winked at them. Kiba gulped after witnessing how quick Team Ino was taken out by the Five Kage. He was frightened knowing if he slipped even once it was over.

"Let's do it," Naruto leaped down followed by the rest of Team Kiba. "I can't wait to see just how strong they are; beating would not only prove I have what it takes to be Hokage but will prove I'm one of strongest Hokage."

"Ok let's do it," Kiba agreed borrowing some of Naruto's enthusiasm to cure his fearfulness of getting his ass kicked. "Akamaru," He called his faithful companion emerged from the forest happy that there was finally a challenge he could take part in.

"On three," Guy reminded them. "One," Sasuke activated his Sharringan ready to get a jump on the five Kage. "Two," Kiba popped a food pill that greatly boosted his defense. Naruto activated the nine tails cloak deciding to hold nothing back for this challenge. "Three,"

"I hope you like it hot," Mizukage shot a huge magma ball at them. "Ay try not to screw this up," Kiba's team evaded her attack only to notice the magma had created a steamy mist that blinded them.

"Worry about yourself woman," Ay rushed into the mist trying to take down Sasuke.

"Reckless as always," Tsunade followed him into the mist heading towards Naruto.

"There are better ways to do this," Gaara targeted Kiba's Team with several sand bullets.

"You catch on quick Kazekage," Tsuchikage smirked. "This should take care of it," He used his particle style to lift up a huge boulder and threw it at Kiba's entire team.

"That's more like it," Tsunade appeared behind the massive boulder and hit it with her enormous strength making it rain on top of Kiba's team. Kiba's team gathered in one spot after evading all their attacks.

"It's over," Ay went to strike them down in one powerful blow now that they were grouped up.

"Time to counter attack," Kiba smirked. "Akamaru let's do it." Akamaru barked. "Rotating Fang," He and Akamaru performed fang over fang around his team moving so fast it acted similar to Neji's rotation. The attack not only blinded Ay by stirring up the dirt around him it knocked him back.

"Super Beast Scroll," Sai sent several ink creatures at Ay damaging him further.

"Your open," Naruto stood on flying bird created by Sai's Ninjutsu. He quickly hurled a Rasen Shuriken at the Ay which nearly obliterated him. "Sasuke,"

"On it," He activated Susano firing an arrow directly at Ay combining the arrow's power with Naruto's Rasen Shuriken. The result of the combo left the entire area engulfed in a crater.

"It's like I always say the best defense is a good offense." Kiba smirked knowing without a doubt the Raikage was down for the count. "Wait a sec," Suddenly Sai was hit being taken out instantly by Ay. Before he could hit Kiba; Naruto hit Ay knocking him back."Naruto, I owe you one."

"I don't think so," Sasuke deactivated Susano and used Kirin to stop Tsuchikage's earth style the moment he tried to use it on Naruto while he fended off Ay. The Mizukage used her water style hitting Sasuke making him stop his attack. If not he would have been defeated by his own jutsu. Immediately after Tsunade went to attack him; he used fire style to keep her away.

"Let's go Akamaru," Kiba ran towards Gaara at remarkable speeds attacking from his right side while Akamaru attacked from Gaara's left. Gaara put up his sand to defend keeping them from touching him. Finally he was pushed back by a tidal wave of sand.

"Got you," The Tsuchikage took this chance to use particle style defeating Kiba instantly. "Two down only two more to go." He went to use it on Naruto but he was moving too fast. Sasuke jumped down nearly striking with Chidori only to have it blocked by the Mizukage who used her magma style to keep him back. He created a blade from it trying to attack her but Gaara grabbed him from behind with his sand.

"Sand Coffin," Gaara crushed Sasuke only see a log in his place. "Well played Uchiha." Sasuke remained hidden keeping track of the time. He watched as Naruto used his shadow clones to keep Ay and Tsunade busy while he hid. The nine tails cloak worn off and as result he was exhausted just trying to buy time.

"Time's up," Sasuke smirked knowing their team beat Ino's team's time. Now it was just a matter of who got Immunity. "No offense Naruto but unlike you; I actually need Immunity." He shot a fire ball at Naruto. The Uzumaki gasped caught off guard by Sasuke's action; he evaded only to be hit by Tsunade being taken out by her attack.

"That's enough," Guy stopped the challenge after Naruto's defeat seeing no point in carrying with the challenge now that he had a winning team and a winning player. Tsunade hit Sasuke catching onto to his foul play. "Tsunade," He scolded.

"Say what you want Guy," She glared at Sasuke. "Sasuke's actions were entirely out of line. He targeted his team mate so he'd get the reward that's cruel even for Sasuke." She prepared to hit him again.

"I understand that but it is a competition and though it was foul it was still completely in the rulebook. I never said he couldn't do that. With that said Team Kiba is winner of this challenge and Sasuke wins Immunity though I'm not thrilled with how he did it." He complained. "I have to abide by the rules." He cleared his throat. "Sasuke go ahead and tell your allies the results when they wake up." Guy turned his attention towards Team Ino. "Unfortunately since your team did not win the challenge you will be sending another player home." Ino looked at Sasuke and he nodded letting her know he knew exactly what to do.

Once Kiba and the others were conscious Sasuke filled them in. While the Uchiha explained things and how everything went leaving out the part where he targeted Naruto. Naruto wanted to tell them but after everything Sasuke has already done like plotting against the village desiring it's destruction and betraying Kiba by spilling his secret to Ino. He was having a hard enough time trying to earn everyone's trust. Instead he decided to leave it alone. "Naruto is that really how it went?" Kiba asked.

"Exactly," He agreed passing up the opportunity to set the story straight. "No matter how hard I tried there's just no outlasting Susano."

"Okay then," Kiba looked at Sasuke. "That just leaves one thing."

"What more yelling," Sasuke spoke.

"No," He stood up. "Sasuke, you and I always seem to get off on the wrong foot. Regardless of that you still decided to stick with the team and really pulled through despite our differences. I just wanted to," Kiba blushed not too excited about saying this word to Sasuke of all people. "Thanks." He put simply. Sasuke smirked knowing it must have killed the Inuzuka to say that to him. Of course both of them knew now that Sasuke had immunity again he was going act like a complete jerk again. He was only being friendly because he had to in order to stay in the competition. "Let's get some sleep tonight guys." He suggested eager to change the subject. They nodded following him to their team house.

"Naruto," Sasuke spoke making the Uzumaki stop. "What game are you playing here?"

"What are you talking about?" He wondered. "I'm not playing anything."

"You had the opportunity to tell them what really happened but you didn't." He reminded him. "Why would you do that for me? Why didn't you just sell me out like everyone else would have done?"

"How many times do I need to say it," He shook his head. "We're friends Sasuke." He smiled. "I still believe the Sasuke who used to laugh along with everyone else is there hiding. I'm not going to stop believing and until that day comes where the real Sasuke appears. I'm not going to stop being there for you and I'll be there even after." He went to leave but stopped. "Next time you try something like that. Remember this: that acceptance that everyone has for you because of me. That is something Tayuya still fights for even now. You may not see it but it's a gift; don't waste it." He left not wanting to keep Hinata waiting any longer deciding he would spend tonight with her.

After his conversation with Naruto the Uchiha made his way to the place where Ino told him to meet her. It was the place where Ino would be confronting the Hyuga. "Ino," Hinata looked her. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes I did," She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry but I've spoken to the others they decided to vote for you. I had to tell them that you were scheming against us working with Naruto and Kiba. I mean talk about betrayal you not only betrayed me you betrayed the entire team. Here I thought it was Temari we had worry about. I mean come on I thought we were friends."

"We are friends,"

"Are we?" Ino asked. "Friends don't stab friends in the back Hinata. I get it you and Naruto are a thing; I'm not shocked about your alliance with him but Kiba. Sure he is on your squad but still it does not excuse you betraying knowing that he and I are sworn enemies. He treated me like shit and yet you still want to help him over me."

"To be fair, not a single person really knows what happened between you two. You say it was fight but I'm not so sure that's the case. I mean if it were simply a fight then why would either of you go so far as to never speak about it or seek to hurt one another? It's like you said Kiba and I are on the same squad so I know him a little better than most. The moment the two of you split he was heartbroken more hurt than I've ever seen him before. He's not the type of person to let a simple fight make him feel so badly also if he was truly a jerk then why does it feel like he's the only one who is suffering?"

"Regardless of what happened between us. The fact you betrayed me and your team still remains. If I were you I would go ahead and just leave. Now that everyone knows of your treachery they are bound to pick you anyway so save yourself the embarrassment and leave. Let's face it Hinata your too nice for a competition like this. Honestly you never stood a chance the others are going to walk all over you." Ino let out sigh.

"That's not true," She argued.

"Really, I know you Hinata. This competition is no place for a weak pathetic girl like you anyway. I mean you haven't done us any good ever since that eating challenge and that was a long time ago. This is as far as you go. I didn't want to be the one to tell you this but not a single person here is rooting for you. You have no bets why because even they know you can't do it." Hinata's eyes began tearing up. So save everyone the trouble and get out now. Otherwise it's going to be a lot worse when everyone on our team picks you. I assure you that they won't be half as nice as I'm being right now."

"What if I," Hinata frowned hoping she could apologize for betraying her team in hopes of staying but Ino cut her off.

"The damage is done Hinata." Ino spoke bluntly. "Just leave," She ran off leaving the island in tears. Naruto waved at her only to see her dart passed him towards the Kazekage wanting nothing more than to leave.

"Hinata, wait," He chased after her but she was gone. He glared at Ino. "What did you do?"

"You honestly thought I didn't know." She laughed. "Naruto you can't be this dumb." Ino wiped a tear from her eye from laughter. "I know you and her are teamed with Kiba. You were planning to make it to the end just the three of you. I'd have to be an idiot to let that happen so now your little team is broken up." She walked off. Naruto went attack her but Kiba stopped him the nick of time. Sure it was just a competition but it gave her no right to mistreat Hinata.

"We have to get her back Kiba," Naruto spoke finally calming down.

"Believe me it's on," Kiba assured him. There was no way he was going to let her get away with making Hinata.

"Ino, I," Sakura began looking around thinking Hinata was with Ino. "Where's Hinata?"

"She's out," Ino informed her. "She volunteered to leave."

"Well Lee was going to but I guess it doesn't matter now." Sakura smiled. "Hinata is just too nice for her good." She walked off with Ino planning to spend the night with her.