Last time, Naruto and Neji continued their standoff against each other, mostly fighting with words and their beliefs. After some heated discussion, as well as powerful attack in the end, Naruto emerge victorious.

With Neji

Neji was, currently, being treated by the medical nin after his loss against N (Naruto). They explained to him about the condition he was in, not to mention the amount of rest he well need. But in honest, Neji was barely paying attention to them. The only thing that Neji had on his mind was on what Naruto did to him.

Neji remembered on what Naruto had told him, that he had a great power than the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, as well his ability to break destiny. He remembered that before he was carried out of the arena floor, the chunin proctor, Genma, came up to him and told him:

"You know… even a cage bird will grow wise and try to break his cage with its beak… the dream of flying free… is too much to resists."

As he continue to think, Neji's thoughts were interrupted when he heard the medical nin say Hiashi's name. Hiashi requested them to leave him and his nephew alone for a bit, where they were a bit hesitant at first but then complied with his request.

Neji struggled to get up from a lay down position to a sit on the medical bed. Once he was sitting, he looked at Hiashi, "What is it that you want?" with a neutral tone since he didn't really want to talk to his uncle.

Hiashi looked at Neji before he began to explain to Neji about something. "I came here to tell you the truth of that day."

"What do you mean?" Neji asked narrowing his eyes.

"It was I who was prepared to die instead of Hizashi." Hiashi confessed

Neji looked at Hiashi, with stun eyes, before he yelled out, "That's a lie! My father was killed because of the family." With a snarl in his tone

Hiashi slowly reached into his robes and pulled out a scroll. He then went and place it next to Neji, "This scroll has the answers you seek." Hiashi stated

Neji looked away, saying that the scroll was nothing more than excuse from the Main family. Hiashi said, "The person you are now should be able to understand it." Where Neji looked down to see that it was written with his name, but saw that the hand writing was that of his father.

Neji unrolled the scroll where he began to read it. He confirmed that it was his father's hand writing where he then learned, from his father, everything on that day, nearly, 9 years ago (look it up). Once he was done reading it, he heard his uncle, "This is the truth." He turned to see that his uncle was on his knees with his head down as he apologized to Neji.

It was, at this point, that Neji couldn't be angry at his uncle anymore. After a bit of kneeling, Neji told Hiashi enough and wanted some time alone. Once Hiashi left, he looked out into the glass window to see a couple of birds flying around as he recalls his father's last written word to him, "… Forge your own destiny Neji… destiny has to be taken by your own hands."

Neji looked at the birds as he thought about what about his life now. "Father, as of now, I'm starting to now wonder on what my path in life would be… would someday, I be able to fly freely as these birds in the sky, I don't have an answer for it. But even if I don't know the answer, I have gain a new goal… I want to become stronger… so strong that I won't lose to anyone…" picturing Naruto, "…. That's how I feel now…" Neji told himself as he watched the birds fly away into the blue sky.

Stadium

Currently, everyone was conversing among themselves either about N of Kumo vs. Neji's match, N's secretive identity, or the upcoming match between Karui of Kumo vs. Konoha's final and heir to the Uchiha clan, Sasuke. As the crowd discussed the match among themselves, the 4 Kages also discuss about the match to see if either N or Neji would become chunin.

"My, the match was indeed an interesting match, wasn't it?" Mei, the Godaime Mizukage

"Yes, although there wasn't much physical fighting in the match, but there was a lot of psychological fighting that influence the outcome of the match between them though." The Yondaime Kazekage stated

"Yes… now do any of you think that either of them are worthy of becoming a chunin?" the Sandaime Hokage asked to the other 3 kages.

"Of course, I recommend N to be a chunin since he has shown qualities and skills that would make him a fine chunin." A stated

"I've seen that N has shown some extraordinaryskills when fighting the fighting the Hyuga, such as being able to avoid the Hyuga's Juken Style as well as finding the weakness behind the Kaiten technique. I, personally, would like to see how he does on his next match to see if he is worthy of being a chunin." Mei explained

"I kind of have to agree with the MIzukage-sama since I would also like to see him perform again before making any decision." Said the Kagekage, as he agreed with Mei.

"Very well then… let's wait till after his next match to see if he is worthy of being a chunin. Do you agree with this decision Raikage-sama?" asked Sarutobi

The Raikage grunted in agreement since the only thing they were asking for was to see Naruto perform one more time to see if he can be promoted. They then turned to Neji Hyuga were none of them agreed that he is worthy of being a chunin. Once they settle the matter about the first match, they started to hear a lot of commotion going around the stadium as many wanted to see Sasuke fight now.

Combater's box

After defeating Neji, Naruto walked towards the combater's box where Samui, Haku, and Karui congratulated him on his victory, as well as approved nod form Shino. He made his way to the rail guard of the room to have a clear to see a front row seat the, possible, next match between Karui and Sasuke Uchiha.

As he stood by it, Shikamaru eyed from where he was to see N's face. He remembered that N's other mask was torn up as well, but on his left side where only the top half of his left face was exposed. Now, with the right part torn off, Shikamaru now had an idea on where he looks like which he only got was spiky blonde hair. As he watched him, he saw Samui walk up to N, whispering to him.

"N, we should probably look for another mask… even though the seal on the mask is still effective to block the Byakugan, if the mask gets anymore torn up or it completely tears up, everyone in Konoha might figure out who you are." Samui muttered to Naruto

Naruto only closed his eyes about it then opened them again with no sign of fear in them but with determination. "If that happens, so be it… I can't keep my identity a secret forever, Samui-chan. At least this way, I can show all of them, all the people who hated, despise, and tried to kill me on what they unleashed into the world." Said Naruto to Samui

Samui looked at Naruto and could only sigh at his own stubbornness. She then said, "Very well N, even though I don't think it's a cool idea, I can't simply try and convince you since you've always have a stubborn streak on you." Looking at Naruto, with concern in her eyes, which he look back at her with warmth in his eyes to insure that everything was alright. It was then that Samui's eyes then narrow a piercing gaze at him, "… and don't think I didn't hear on what you said about you and the Hyuga girl." Where Naruto got a bit nervous, "… I can understand that use it as a tactic, but still… to describe her, in a black bikini, with you on the beach isn't cool you know. Especially on what happened last night." Samui muttered out, where if someone look closely at her face there was a bit of pink, as she remembered on what happened last night between her and Naruto.

Naruto knew that he was in hot water considering on Samui's mode. He made a mental note on apologizing to her later, since he really does care about her. Once he thought about apologizing to Samui, his mind went to Karui since she is going to be facing Sasuke Uchiha, if he arrives on time.

Stadium

Genma looked at his pocket watch to see that a few minutes have pass, where he then notice the crowd in the stands are starting to get impatient about why the match hasn't started yet. They were all asking where Sasuke was and why he isn't in the arena floor.

As the crowd began to get restless, Sarutobi's advisor walked up to him and said that it would be best to disqualify Sasuke since he isn't here or haven't been able to locate him and Kakashi, but also had deep fear that he may have been abducted.

Hiruzen sighed, "Lord kages… since Sasuke isn't here, I have no choice but to disqualify as the rules state."

The Raikage and Mizukage were about to agree with him, but suddenly the Kazekage asked them to wait a bit longer. Sarutobi asked for a good reason since he can't let the lords and shinobi leaders wait for one person.

"Then, it's a good thing that there is a satisfying reason as to let young Sasuke continue with his match." The Kazekage stated, getting the Raikage and Mizukage.

"The majority of the shinobi leaders and lords, including, I think, Mizukage and Raikage as well as myself, are here mainly because we wanted to see this next match. He is, after all, a member of the Uchiha clan and we, of Kaze no Kuni, would also request that our Gaara be given the opportunity to fight him as much as the Raikage with his shinobi." The Kazekage explained

Even though they didn't say it, Mei and A actually agree with the Kazekage explanation. The Sandaime thought about for a bit, "Hm… very well then, will make an exception and have this match later on. Go and inform the examiner." Ordering his advisor.

Genma stood in the center of the arena floor when the Hokage's advisor came up to him. As the advisor talked with Genma, many were screaming for Sasuke's match to begin.

"What's going on? Isn't Sasuke-kun even here for his match yet?" Ino asked out of concern, while Sakura had a look of concern for Sasuke as well, but for another reason.

"What the heck is that jerk doing? Is he even planning to come or not? Shikamaru complaining to Shino that was next to him.

"I wonder if I'll even have to fight him?" Karui wondered, since she has been training this whole month on just to take on Sasuke Uchiha.

"Personally, it doesn't matter to me if he shows up or not. From what I can tell, when I first saw him, he's an arrogant, spoiled brat. Personally, I don't want to fight him because it would be meaningless fight for me. I fight to not just get stronger but also to be able to test my limits. The Uchiha is only fighting for his own selfish desires for power, which aren't the way of the shinobi." Naruto retorted to Karui.

Samui nodded in agreement since she didn't like the Uchiha considering the attitude he had. They then saw that the young advisor finished speaking with Genma about the Hokage's decision.

"I wonder how would the other Kages plan on responding to this type of action." Haku wondered out loud

"Ladies and Gentlemen…! The contestant for the next match hasn't arrived yet! Therefore, we'll push this match back and begin the next one!"

With that, the crowd cheered since Sasuke's match was set aside for later. Naruto didn't like, since if he was in Kumo, he would accept his responsibilities and punishment for being this late in the chunin exam, where A would have disqualified him.

"Hey…" Shikamaru yelled out loud for the other participants attention, "… This means that my match has just got one closer!"

Genma they yell out the next match, which were Shino and Ko. Shino calmly walked down the stairs, along with Ko, to the arena floor. This was a match that Naruto was interest since he can find out on what Ko can actually do.

Arena floor

A few minutes of waiting, Shino and Ko made it to the arena floor, where they went to the center at a nice distance from each other. Once they were ready, Genma started the match between them.

Both of them waited for a moment before Shino made his move. From his long sleeve jacket, Shino's insects came out of his arms creating a somewhat circular motion around his arms.

After a bit of waiting, Ko pulled out his tanto, that was strapped to his back, and charged at Shino. Shino responded by unleashing his insects towards Ko. The insects were moving in a circle motion, assuring that Ko would be trapped in a 3 way lock, insects on his side and Shino in his front.

Ko performed side flip into the air between Shino and the bugs, where they followed. When he spin towards the bugs, Ko finished a set of hand seals where he unleashed a powerful fire attack from his mouth, engulfing the bugs a majority of insects.

Shino was surprise about this, but soon snapped out of it as he moved away right before Ko continued his fire attack from Shino's insects to Shino himself. When he landed, Ko rushed through the field towards Shino. Shino rushed in as well, grabbing a kunai from his holster. When both reach other, they fought with their blades where Shino was having a bit of difficulty since he wasn't used to fighting with bladed weapons.

Shino was able to get some distance, where he used the insects that didn't get cooked from Ko's fire attack to attack Ko from behind. Ko notice the insects swarming towards him, which he ran towards the wall. The insects followed, where Ko once again prepared a fire jutsu to take care of them. Before he could even finish his hand signs, Ko stop, gripped his tanto and deflected shurikens at him. Shino saw Ko preparing to take care of his insects, where Shino grabbed some shurikens from his holster and launch them at Ko. This not only stop Ko from finishing his hand seals, but also distracted him from the insects.

Ko quickly ran up the stadium wall, that was behind him, to avoid the insects. It was then that he jumped into the air. Before he jumped, he performed a few hand signs. Once in the air, Ko said, "Suiton: Teppōdama" at the swarm of insects. Ko's water attack was like a water hoes that collided with some of the insects, while the rest hit the wall. Ko turned his head in order to try and hit the rest of the insects while he was in the air.

Stadium

Everyone watched as Ko and Shino's match was progressing along. The audience was intrigue about Ko's ability to use fire and water ninjutsu. The kages and shinobi were not only intrigued about Ko's fire and water ability but also on how Shino ability to cordinate his insects for attack in multiple location or to create distractions as such.

Competitor's box

All the competitors, except a few, were viewing the match for their own sake of planning for their upcoming match. As eac competitor was paying close attention Naruto had his own thoughts.

"Ko… from what Yugito told me, you're the new Jinchuriki of the Sanbi. From what I can see, your completely different from what I and Yugito can see… your completely different from the rest of us. It's like your being devoid of any type of feelings. If so, then you're not going to be able to control the Sanbi like Killer Bee and Yugito can with their biju. I wonder, could that have been me if I was still in Konoha." Naruto finished as he continue to look at Ko's fighting against Shino, eyeing every move that Ko made.

Arena floor

Both Shino and Ko were using a lot of their own skills against one another. Shino's made sure to keep a good distance to avoid the water and fire ninjutsu that Ko was using against him, while also assuring to keep his insects in the battle. Ko was doing everything to insure to keep Shino and his insects in front of him since it was very problematic trying to fight an enemy from both front and behind.

As Shino continue to move around the arena with his insects moving around him as well. Ko was finishing his preparations against Shino and his insects. Once everything was set, Ko unleashed a powerful fire jutsu all around him. Shino jumped out of the way, while also directing his insects away from the fire attack.

Ko spread the fire all around the field, creating a steam cloud from the water that was around it, blocking everyone's view on the battle. When the steam was created, Ko, ignoring the discomfort, hid himself inside the steam mist to avoid Shino's gaze. A moment or two pass when Shino figured that the steam must have cool down enough and decided to enter while using his insects to find where Ko was hiding.

Once Shino entered, something strange was happening to him and his insects. As he was walking around, he started to see and feel things that were kind of weird. He then figured out that it was a genjutsu where he broke it, but his insects were a completely different story.

When Ko entered the steam first, he focus his chakra and did what Danzo had said to do. Danzo was able to get Ko to actually start using the Sanbi's power, where one of its power is a powerful genjutsu, especially with mist of some kind. So, when Shino entered the steam mist, his insects got affected by Ko's jinchuriki power. So, with Shino's insects unable to figure things out, Shino was now fighting on his own.

As Shino's insects were now moving around, completely like headless chicken, Shino kept his guard up since he doesn't know where Ko was hiding. As he kept his guard up, he called forth his insects to return to him in order to break the genjutsu that was surrounding them, as well as wait till the steam goes out. He waited for his insects to return, which took a couple of minutes since they were completely distorted from the genjutsu.

It was then that Ko came behind Shino, who finally gotten all his insects inside him. Ko went in with his tanto sword when Shino jumped forward and out of the way from the sharp blade. Ko guessed that Shino figured where he was, probably from using his insects as a sort of radar to see where they bump him or moved around him.

Ko began to unleash more of his jinchuriki powers into the steam as he then started to turn the steam cloud into a mist. Shino could feel the atmosphere around the steam turned into a mist, where he suddenly gotten a bit colder. Shino decided that he needed to get out of the mist in order to have a better chance. He leapt up, to get near the arena wall, but was surprise when several fireballs came flying out of the mist intending to hit him. Shino dodge in midair, avoiding all the fire attacks, but was surprised when he was attacked from behind by Ko. Ko kicked Shino several times in the air, before sending him back into the mist.

Once inside, Ko unleashed the power of the sanbi to create a genjustu, using the mist on Shino. Shino picked himself up, after a bit of struggle, where he then notice that he was inside a genjutsu again. Before he could break it, Ko stepped in and attack Shino with his sword. Shino was barely able to dodge the sword strike, where a near his shoulder his jacket got slice but not his skin. Shino then felt like he stumbled on something where he looked down and saw a ball covered in explosive tags. Shino jumped, but was caught of guard by Ko's Suiton: Teppōdama. It hit Shino dead on and send him flying at the arena wall.

Before Shino could recover, Ko quickly threw a couple of shurikens. Shino would have escape, but the shurikens that Ko threw surround Shino from all sides on the wall, keeping him immobilize. Shino was about to unleash his insects to try and get Ko, but Ko had already finished doing some hand signs and unleashing another fire attack at Shino. Shino quickly moved leap away from the fire attack, where Ko quickly submission Shino to the ground, then placing his tanto at Shino's neck while kneeling his body against Shino's to prevent him from moving.

"It's over Shino-san…" Ko stated

"Your right… it is over." Shino replied, where Shino's body started to fall apart to reveal thousands of insects.

Ko suddenly felt a kunai, behind his back where he look behind him with no emotion of surprise or worry, just plain. Ko looked at Shino as he said, "Your tactic was indeed well thought out, but unfortunately for you, not only was I able to break the genjutsu on my insects, but I also they kept me from being caught in your genjutsu as well as, secretly, let some of them back out to be my eyes outside the battle field, to insure that I can see. With this, the match is over." Stated Shino

Ko look unimpressed as he started to fade like water, where Shino raised his eyebrows, "Your right about it being over."

All of a sudden, Shino found himself tied on the ground, with Ko standing over him. With Shino tied up like that and Ko on his defense, Genma called the match over with Ko's victory.

Till Next Ch.

P.S. I've decided to reopen the poll for "Elemental Master Naruto" girlfriend since I've gotten some comments after I closed it which kind of second guess my choice. So I would place a new poll for it with the choices that many thought would be a good pair for him. Voting starts today and ends on the chapter before her grand appearance. So please think carefully and vote right (even though I know there is no right or wrong answer).