Last time, the match between Naruto and Sasuke has finally ended with Naruto's victory. As the audience tried to regain their composure on what just happened, Naruto walked back to the participant's box.
Arena
Currently, Naruto was heading towards the hallway entrance to the challengers box. As he was heading into it, he saw several Konoha medics running out of the same hallway into the arena. They carried a stretcher and everything to carry Sasuke out of the arena to apply emergency training.
As Naruto watch the medics pick up Sasuke, as well as his cut arm, and placing him on the stretcher, while applying emergency first-aid on him, he couldn't help but pity Konoha for having such a spoiled brat.
At the same time, Kakashi, immediately, shunshin down from the audience stands to be next to his student. He watch closely, but kept a good distance away from the medics so not to interfere, to see the damage that Naruto inflected on Sasuke, before turning his attention on Naruto's figure walking away from the spot.
It wasn't till Naruto sense Kakashi looking at him that he stop near the entrance of the hallway. And without turning around he spoke just loud enough for only Kakashi to hear.
"Tell me Kakashi…" getting his attention, "… Do you think, even as I'm a Kumo shinobi… As his last student left, do-do you think that he be proud of me?" Naruto asked
(Naruto Shippuden OST: Scene of a Disaster full)
Kakashi was caught off guard on Naruto's question. Kakashi then regained his composer as he looked at Naruto's back for a moment, thinking about it.
"Well…" Kakashi taking a moment to breathe as he explained, "… As a Konoha shinobi… I don't know what he would think…" Getting Naruto to lower his head, "… but putting that aside, I think he would be proud of how strong you turned out to be, even if you're not a Konoha shinobi." Kakashi answered
Naruto lifted his head slightly, while moving his it slightly to his right, "Thank you." Naruto replied, before going into the hallway to get the contenders box.
As Kakashi watched Naruto walking away, he couldn't help but see Minato back alongside Naruto's back.
"Sensei… I really wish you were here right now. Even if he's a Kumo ninja, I know that you be proud of how strong your son has turned out to be." Kakashi thought, as he remembered how fast, strong, powerful, but mostly how compassionate and merciful he was since he remembered that Naruto gave Sasuke a chance to surrender, even if he did play a cruel mind game with him.
(End OST)
Once Kakashi finished thinking on his personal thoughts, he went back to see that the medics stabilize Sasuke and were ready to transport him to the emergency wing in the stadium to begin surgery to try and save his arm.
Kakashi closely followed them were he also wondered on how the chunin exams will turn out now.
Hallway
Naruto walked through the hallway before turning into a staircase that led up to the audience and contender box. He walked up till he reached the level of the contender box which also led to another staircase to the audience stands.
Naruto was about to walk towards the contender's box when he heard running from the staircase from the audience stands. He turned around to see that Sakura and Ino running down the stairs. When they reach the floor, they turned to see the staircase that led to the emergency medical room, where they then saw Naruto standing nearby, heading towards the contender's box.
Sakura and Ino were stunned for a moment after noticing Naruto. It was then that they're stunned looks turned to glares at him, which Naruto could tell what it meant. Naruto just turned back his head and started to walk towards the competitor's box.
"You… how dare do that to my Sasuke-kun!" Sakura yelled out, where Ino agreed, while telling Sakura that Sasuke belongs to her.
Naruto sigh, "It's not my fault that Sasuke didn't surrender. He should have known at the end of the match that he was outclassed and should have forfeited. If he have then he would not have lost his arm." Answering both Sakura and Ino
They both glared at him as he walked away from the hallway. Sakura and Ino looked at Naruto as he walked away from them, but stop when a sudden puff appeared next to Naruto. It was then that Cee appeared next to Naruto.
"Cee-san, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be guarding Raikage-sama at the Kage's box?" Asking Cee
"Raikage-sama has sent me to look at your wound since it could be a problem." Cee answered where he then whispered to him, "Especially since you might be facing the Ichi and Sanbi Jinchuriki's later on."
Naruto nodded where he sat next to the wall, while Cee looked over Naruto's wound. As Cee was taking care of Naruto, Sakura and Ino decided to leave but not before telling off Naruto that Sasuke will get even with him, where Naruto just scoff it off.
Kage's box
After the match, A looked at Cee and ordered him to look at Naruto to assure that he is ready for the next battle. Cee agreed where, before he left, look at Darui and nodded at him, which he understood.
As the medics worked on getting Sasuke in a suitable condition before moving him, the Sandaime looked at the small conversation that both Naruto and Kakashi had before leaving the arena. He wondered on what they were talking about, but hope that Kakashi reveal Naruto the secret about his parents, although he has a feeling that Naruto already knows from A.
His thoughts about the situation were interrupted by A.
"Alright Hokage… I hope you don't feel to upset at knowing that 'one' of my shinobi has defeated your Uchiha prodigy. Although, given from the match, I can hardly call him a prodigy." With a bit of smug tone.
"No, but I must admit that I was more surprise to see Naruto was alive. In fact, I'm wondering on how he can be alive given the situation that involved around him." the Sandaime mention
A replied, "Let's just say that he drop down on Darui arms and leave it at that."
As both the old Hokage and A talked, the other 2 kages were having thoughts about the situation.
Mei had to admit that the match was indeed unique in its own right. She, like so many other people, couldn't believe that N, the Kumo genin is actually a shinobi that was born in Konoha. She had to admit that Naruto's determination and ingenious tactics were indeed impressive. Hiding his abilities, being able to read his opponents tactics, as well as using Sasuke own mental problem against his brother towards his advantage while remaining in control showed a lot of qualities that are in chunin.
The Kazekage just plainly looked at the arena floor, while internally having some kind of struggle on what just happened.
Both the kage's thoughts were stop when the Sarutobi asked them on their opinion on the match and Naruto if is qualified to be promoted to Chunin. A of course said that Naruto is indeed worthy of becoming a chunin given the performance he has shown.
"I have to agree with Raikage-sama. Naruto has performed quite impressively." Mei admittedly
Mei explained that Naruto's mastery in Kenjutsu is impressive, where he used his sword instead of using some kind of ninjutsu to block Sasuke's fire techniques. The incredible speed and strength he used before taking off his weights, not to mention on his mastery in his senses. Using psychology and mental games to distract and make his opponent lose his cool. Of course, Mei admitted that the most impressive thing in the match was for Naruto ingenious way to use Kakashi Hatake's Chidori against Sasuke's own Chidori.
"With all his exceptional abilities as well as his performance against Hyuga Neji, Naruto is indeed worthy of becoming chunin." Mei admittedly
The Kazekage also agreed with lady Mizukage, as well as the Sandaime. A was pleased to hear that the other kage's has officially stated that Naruto is worthy of becoming chunin. As kage's converse among themselves, hidden among them, a snake was peeved on what has happened to Sasuke.
Stadium Emergency Room
Beneath the stadium stands, the doctors and medics that were assigned for the chunin exam were now working quickly on their newest patient. Sasuke was brought to the medical ward for serious injured fighters, where the medics were using their medical knowledge to both reattach his arm back to his body as well as dealing with the deep wounds on Sasuke's chest.
Outside the emergency room, Kakashi standing in front of the doors, waiting to hear on Sasuke's status. As he waited, he thought about on what happened in the match, more so on Naruto then the match itself. As he thought about it, he can't help but think about what Naruto was able to do.
Flashback
"My confidents… my determination… and my unstoppable will… it's what allowed me to where I am, it's how I was able to beat your Sharingan and… it's what allowed me to be Chidori's true master."
End Flashback
Kakashi remembered on what his sensei, Minato, told him when he saw him use Chidori for the first time, about the weakness on going high speed with such a powerful jutsu. It wasn't till he received his Sharingan that he was able to use his Chidori effectively. But now, knowing that Naruto, of all people, not only was he able to replicate it but also found an inventive way to actually use it in combat was nothing more than outstanding.
"Hmph… he's right. Without my Sharingan, there was no way for me to use Chidori or Raikiri without paying my life with it. But, where I have failed, he was able to utilize it almost perfectly. If it wasn't for Sasuke's Sharingan, then Naruto would have succeeded in using my attack. He was right though, Naruto is the true master of Chidori… and possibly Raikiri as well." Kakashi thought
His thought were interrupted when he heard running footsteps coming closer to him. He turned to see that Sakura and Ino were running towards him.
Sakura and Ino came running down the steps and into the hallway to see Kakashi was standing near the emergency room entrance. When they reach him, they both started to ask him questions on Sasuke's condition. Kakashi, of course, told them that he doesn't know since they just started and that he won't have any information about Sasuke's condition.
As both Ino and Sakura were panicking and wondering about Sasuke's condition, a medic came out from the emergency room. The medic went up to Kakashi and asked if he was Sasuke's sensei, which he nodded in agreement.
"Well, from what we were able to estimate from just a quick recap. Sasuke's injuries are very serious. Along with exhausting his chakra, the wound on his collarbone will patch up nicely with minimal scarring. However, with his arm was completely cut clean off from his forearm is a problem in itself, but his chest if more of a problem. The slash marks on his chest were very deep and close to his heart. The young boy was very lucky since if the slash was about another inch lower, it could have been half way towards his heart. Right now, we're already trying to repair the damage first before moving towards his arm since we need to stabilize him." The medic heard
Kakashi nodded in understanding the situation, while Sakura and Ino looked horrified on what they heard. Before they could ask anything else about him, the medic said one more thing.
"Also, you should know that because Sasuke's arm was cut completely clean off, even if we reattach it back on. The chances of him to actually use Ninjutsu or to use it just as effectively as it was before would be very difficult if not possible."
When Kakashi, Sakura and Ino listened to what the medic said about Sasuke's arm, they were stunned to hear that Sasuke might not be able to use his right again. Once they heard this, Kakashi thanked the medic about Sasuke's status, and asked to be informed about his condition later on. The medic agreed where Kakashi then told Sakura and Ino to head back to the stadium seats with him.
Contender's box
After Naruto let Cee treat his injuries from his battle against Sasuke, he walked into the contender's box. When he entered, everyone that was inside the waiting room instantly tense up a bit.
Shikamaru and Shino watched as Naruto walked towards the railing and looking over the arena floor with his arms crossed. Shikamaru and Shino were both now trying to decipher Naruto out. When they heard Naruto say that he was born from Konoha, they couldn't understand on what happen in the past but knew that if he attended the academy with them, then they would have believed that Naruto would've been 'Rookie of the Year' instead of Sasuke.
As Shikamaru and Shino were eyeing Naruto, Ko observed Naruto with keen eyes as he received a message from Danzo.
Letter
Ko, kill both the Ichibi and Kyuubi Jinchuriki since he is a threat to Konoha.
Ko, of course, had little drive in doing shinobi work but took his orders and did them completed them without fail or hesitation.
Temari kept her distance from Naruto. When they saw on what Naruto did against Sasuke, she was suddenly worried on what he could do to her. Not only that, but now the secret mission that she was given has now failed since Sasuke was now under guard in the medical ward from the life threating injuries.
Gaara looked at Naruto with glee as he was would enjoy killing him. He was, of course upset that Naruto took his prey, Sasuke, away from him, but he would enjoy killing the one that defeated his prey with ease. As Gaara continue to look at Naruto with a crazy look on his eyes, he couldn't help but be disappointed at how Naruto didn't have the same hateful look in his eyes just like he and Sasuke.
Arena
After a couple of minutes of waiting, during Sasuke's was given emergency treatment was completed, Genma was at the center of the arena.
"Alright. Sorry with the waiting but now we can begin the second match of the semi-final. Now, well Temari and Ko come down to begin the match!" Genma yelled out
Ko was ready to go, but just before he was ready to leave, Temari announced that she forfeits her match, which the audience didn't like. Of course, the audience couldn't do a thing about it.
When Temari said that she forfeited, Genma immediately announced Ko as the winner. He then announced that Gaara would move to the finals as well since he has no opponent. With that set, there were now three finalist: Naruto, Ko and Gaara.
"Now, since we have three finalists, we're going to have to figure out a way to decide on how the finals should be carried out." Genma explained
The audience were now getting irritated on how the final match should be.
Kage's box
Right now, the Sandaime was wondering on how the final match should play out. Have three participants with one hasn't yet battled while the other two has.
A, Mei and the Kazekage wondered on what to do as well. But before any of them could think of a perfect idea, they saw someone take the initiative.
Arena
After waiting a bit, Naruto jumped onto the railing before he jumped with enough force to land near the middle of the arena. This got many wondering on what Naruto was trying to do.
It was then that Naruto looked back at both Gaara and Ko, where he then pointed at the two to come down. It was then that he said out loud, "How about a three way battle between the three of us." With a smirk, although he mentally hope he knows what he's doing.
When the crowd heard Naruto suggest a three way battle, many cheered at the thought. Kakashi, who made it back to the other with Sakura and Ino, felt worried at what Naruto said. He wondered if Naruto was sound in mind. Sakura and Ino yelled out in acceptance and hope that Ko or Gaara defeat him.
Gaara smiled sinisterly at Naruto's request since he has been waiting to fight all day. Gaara shunshin to the arena floor eagerly to fight Naruto and Ko.
Ko was a bit reluctant but decided to go since if he killed both of them in the match, then legally, there wouldn't be any problems with Suna and Kumo since killing was acceptable in the chunin exam matches.
Ko jumped down to the arena floor and stood a good distance away between Gaara and Naruto. As all three of them looked at each other, Genma looked at that kage's box and waited for the decision about Naruto's request.
Kage's box
When they heard Naruto's decision, the Sandaime and the Raikage were both naturally worried. For Sarutobi, the fact that there are e jinchuriki facing off against each other could mean destruction on a high caliber if they were pushed to far against each other. A had similar thoughts but was worried that Naruto might be over his head on this.
There thought were disrupted when they heard the Kazekage say, "I believe that an interesting idea. Why not let the three fight it out."
The other three kages looked at the kazekage like he was nuts, but by the cheers of the crowd it looks like the suggestion would pass. The old Hokage looked at Genma and signal him to allow the three way battle to commence.
Arena
Genma looked at the hokage were he got the okay to approve the match. Genma looked at the crowd as he said, "Alright! The Idea has been pass. So the finals will be a three-way battle with Uzumaki Naruto of Kumo vs. Ko of Konoha vs. Gaara of the desert. Now, are all three participants ready?" Genma asking all three of them.
Naruto nodded in agreement, Gaara the same except he had an evil smile on his face and Ko looked uninterested but agreed.
The crowded waited as the three genin were prepared for battle.
Shikamaru thought that this was insane since Gaara was going to fight and that he's probably to most dangerous of them all considering the fact that his sister near him looked afraid at him.
Shino was worried that Ko might be over his head but couldn't do anything about it.
Kakashi looked worried at what going to happen since there were three jinchuriki ready to fight against each other. Possibility of the stadium being destroyed was very likely.
In the shadows, the Konoha elder looked at the arena waiting to see how the battle goes and hope that Ko lives up to their expectations. As they looked on, Homura looked at Danzo.
"So, did you give him the order?" asking Danzo
"Yes… by the end of this match both Naruto and Gaara will be dead either by Ko or by some of my hidden agents." Answering Homura's question
"In anyway, we cannot let Kumo have the Kyuubi jinchuriki since if we let them have it then the consequences could be great, especially if Naruto master not only the Kyuubi's chakra but become Kumo's Fuin Master." Koharu explained, where the other two agreed
Arena
Genma looked at all three boys just before he yelled out, "The final match of the chunin exam can now…" getting everyone's attention, "… Begin!" Genma yelled out, where a powerful gust flew into the arena blowing up dust into the air as Naruto, Ko and Gaara got ready for their biggest fight yet.
Till Next Time
I know, I know… the chapter isn't as big as the last one and many were hoping there would be fighting in this Ch, but I didn't. Next Ch. will begin the fight where also the Konoha invasion will begin.
Also, the poll on "Elemental Master Naruto" has now open up today. So go and vote. But please note that vote one for the relationship size the rest is for the girls (just to be clear about it).
I added two more characters in the poll and increase the vote number from 8 to 9 to give those who already voted to vote for the new one or others.