Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18 have been all fixed up and looking quite even more kewler now. Special thanks to etheral-23 for that!
Betas: NinjaFang1331 & Godospartan the kitsune
Chapter 20: Demons Within
XxX ~ Last Time ~ XxX
Ino was about to yell at Kushina for her words then looked back to Sakura who looked pleadingly for her to surrender. She looked at everyone. She was making a fool of herself, and this was every kind of crazy joke on her. Clinching her hands she growled. "I am not weak!"
She charged, racing after Sakura with as much speed she could muster, pouring all her strength into her drawn back fist. It was in vein, however, as Sakura easily caught Ino's fist and slammed her own into her former friend's chest. The force sent her flying into the wall under the balcony which left a small crater, but not forceful enough to do any permanent or crippling injuries. Ino choked out a breath as she fell forward. She was unconscious before she hit the floor.
Before she hit the floor, and the last thing she saw, was the words of silence on Sakura's lips, meant only for her. "I'm sorry Neechan…"
When Ino didn't get back up, Kushina re-appeared on the field and checked the girl's pulse, and made sure she could still breathe. Happy she was, Kushina stood.
With a hand pointed to Sakura, she happily announced the winner. "Winner, Sakura Haruno!"
Asuma Shunshined down beside his student, both he and Kushina knelt down and gently turned her over. Sakura soon ran over and knelt down as well, all three were happy she was breathing but it sound slightly off. Putting her hand on the heiress chest, the redhead Uzumaki felt it rise and fall slowly.
Whilst she knew Ino was still relatively ok, she knew the sings of the injury well. Heck, she had them once or twice. "Fractured ribs get to the medics Asuma. Could have been worse, could have punctured her lungs if it was any harder."
The younger Sarutobi nodded as he picked his student and shunshined away. Kushina looks over to the rosette who looked a little down. "It'll be okay. I'd say you were very precise; control is a very big tool in that technique. Perfection if I do say so myself."
Sakura looked up with a weak smile. She did pull back, making sure to use only enough that would have rippled the bark off a tree and leave an indentation. "Maybe she will wake up now like I did."
The female Uzumaki winked; smiling as she pushed the rosette to go back up the balcony. "Let's hope."
XxX Round 2 XxX
As Kushina, walks back to her original spot she glanced seeing Sakura taking her place back beside her son. She sees her Sochi helping the rosette perk up after beating up her friend. Something she feels inclined to do the first thing when she sees Inoichi.
Seriously, that was pathetic for anyone to truly watch. When it is especially for the future heiress of the entire Yamanaka clan.
Will take it up with them later, Kushina sighs with hands on her hips. Turning her head, she watches along with everyone the names coming screen. As two names soon stop, the redhead lifts an eyebrow.
Tenten Higarashi vs. Kin Tsuchi
She sees both young kunoichi's glare at one another with dark smirk on Kin's lips. Might Gai with a very rare serious expression on his face staring at the confident almost smug looking Oto Jounin staring right back. Both girls begin walking down their respected side's as the young Genin are soon standing in front of the Uzu matriarch.
Looking to the bun-haired girl, Kushina wonders about something. "Your Tou-san is named Kaito right?"
The random question from Kushina makes Tenten looks over to the older woman. "Yes, do you know him?"
Kushina snorts with a light smirk, "That old bear made a lot of my kunai and shuriken. Now that I think on it wonder if he still has that one 'item' done that I asked for him to do." The redhead thinks absently aloud.
Jiraiya sweat drops, twelve years is kind of a long wait period red. However, knowing Kaito, that stubborn bastard has it stored in his shop. The Gama Sennin soon slaps his forehead while groaning. Why the hell didn't I pick it up for them?! By Seiryū I am an idiot.
Kin looks dryly at the older woman, then to her opponent while tapping her foot impatiently with her arms crossing under her chest. "I am all in favor of girl talk at the right time, but I would like to kill panda-girl here and then play around with your son Uzumaki-Kun."
A sharp look comes from both Tenten and Kushina as Kin glares with defiance at both. Jiraiya and Hiruzen only lift an eyebrow looking at each other while the blond Uzumaki feels a cold shiver up his spine seeing dark lusty grin from Kin in his direction. Dosu only rolls his eye while Zaku snorts.
Kushina gaze hardens seeing Kin staring at her son, not liking the girl eye-ing her son in such a dark way "Define 'play' young lady."
Looking back to the Uzu matriarch and she saw a slight gleam in the young teenager's eye. "You know the best way to kill a man? It's when his defenses are down and you feel him sliding inside you, the rush as your body and his in sync, and just the brink as you feel the warmth rushing inside you thrust the kunai into his skull." Kin shudders as she feels a rush of ecstasy coursing through her body just speaking how she enjoys her favorite prey.
The older Shinobi in the room narrow their eyes save the Oto Jounin who smirks while the young Genin grew wide eyes and pale, deeply unnerved by Kin's words and actions. Kushina clinches her fists as she snarls looking up to the Oto Jounin.
"What the hell did you do to her!?" The redhead growls out.
The Oto Jounin only chuckles in amusement making Kushina only madder, before explaining in his own right. "My, are Oto and Konoha allies? I see no reason in explaining what 'my' Genin requested she herself wanted to do when joining the ranks."
Her velvet eyes widen in absolute shock while Hiruzen frowns deeply under his hat along with Jiraiya. Kin's eyes shift back to Naruto as he feels the chill run down his spin again now seeing an eerie tint. "What the hell is she?"
Kakashi's one eye narrows. "She's a black widow. They are a type of kunoichi who takes their delight in killing men during intercourse." Both Naruto and Sakura lightly gasp in shock looking at their Sensei.
Glaring at the Oto Jounin Kurenai takes over. "These Kunoichi can be extremely vicious due to their high tendency for violence." The Genjutsu mistress looks over to Guy. "Tenten might have to kill her. You know that."
The green beast crosses his arm looking sternly down at the two Genin. "I am well aware. I have faith in Ten-Chan to do what must be done."
Karui and Yugito glance at each other while Haku unconsciously stood closer to her secret crush. Shikamaru shakes his head in disgust while even Chouji actually stopped eating looking pale. Zabuza only stares impassively while crossing his arms. Sasuke only glares along with Samui. Sakura collects herself now she follows Haku's motion standing protectively in front of Naruto.
Kankuro shakes his head, sighing as he rubbed his head. "Knew there was something about that chick in how she scares the hell out of me. But damn she is more twisted than I thought."
"Got that right, it's just wrong on all accounts." Temari only narrows her eyes while crossing her arms. She was a proud kunoichi that respected the ways she was taught when it came to being kunoichi.
Gaara said nothing as his eyes stay solely focused on Naruto and Yugito.
Kin only smirks seeing Haku and Sakura standing in the way of her prey. Hearing a snarl the Oto kunoichi looks back to her opponent. Tenten's eyes shaded by her bangs. "If you think for one minute I will let you kill my best friend." Her hands holding two kunai with a reverse grip, ready to strike. "I'll kill you were you stand you bitch!" Now raising her head Tenten shows her eyes full of rage and anger.
The Oto kunoichi smirks grows nearly maniacal, taking pleasure in driving her opponent up a wall. "Think you can kill me? I will welcome your attempt, just to see you bleed."
Kushina narrows her eyes as she raises her hand, firmly ready to start. "Tenten vs Kin, Hajimei!" She drops her hand, leaping away from the two.
In a second, Kin was on Tenten, who was going for a Kunai. Unlike Tenten, however, Kin had a hidden one in her arm warmers, and had one pulled and stuck straight with her fingers before stabbing forward, aiming for Tenten's face.
The sudden movement had Tenten going for survival, and thankfully, she was ready for it. Swinging upward, he arm slammed into Kin's and forced it away, making the strike miss. However, Kin had another Kunai that was hidden in the other warmer, and pulled it, as she got close.
When her first strike was pushed aside, Kin went for the underhanded tactic and went to shank Tenten in her side, unluckily for Tenten who was already in motion to strike Kin herself and didn't see the next strike.
Tenten's pulled Kunai sent forward straight for Kin's back, but Kin straightened up and put her free arm up, catching it behind her and grinning as she finally hit her mark, forcing all sharp inches of the Kunai into Tenten's side. Licking her lips, as Tenten tensed and looked in surprise at being caught close range, Kin chuckled darkly. "That all you got, Panda? I'll just love cutting you up into pieces."
Tenten groaned as Kin slowly twisted the Kunai before pulling it out, punching the wound, pulling Tenten around behind her, and throwing her to the ground. Holding her side, Tenten rose up to her knees, looking at Kin.
That Oto Genin Kunoichi was licking the blood from the Kunai. "Mmm, funny you don't taste like a Panda. I wonder if I go deeper you'll get the blubbery taste..." Shivering as she licked the last off her Kunai, cutting her own tongue a bit, she glared at Tenten, both Kunai rose. "You should be feeling quite lazy about now..."
Indeed, Tenten felt groggy, and she was hearing a silent humming. It was as if her body just wanted to shut down. Feeling the buzzing through her wound, she could hear it more when her hand came away. She gasped and knew something inside her was causing this, so she grabbed the Kunai she was holding and stuck it inside her, and heard a crunch along with the painful squelch of her flesh as she yelled.
"Tenten," Naruto's, Guy's, and Lee's voices ring out. Neji remains quiet but his hand tightens on the guardrail.
The act shocked everyone, including Kin. Pulling the Kunai out in an awkward angle, Tenten huffed and tossed the bell that was caught in the Kunai off and glared at Kin. "That was a dirty trick..."
'Oh that is a damn dirty trick Dattebane, but very effective against an unaware opponent' Kushina narrows her eyes along with Hiruzen who also figured out the technique.
Kin only grinned, chuckling lowly before laughing full-blown. "You would stab yourself to get that out of you just to continue the fight! How utterly delicious! Nevertheless, it was futile, because you are only asking for more punishment, which is fine by me. Now that you're ready for more, I can cut more of that pretty face up, maybe make you smile a little more!"
Kushina only shakes her head while Sakura lightly grabs onto Naruto's arm shuddering. "What is wrong with her? I can understand some people can be bloodthirsty but she is…"
Zabuza snorts, "Welcome to reality pinky. You will find people like her exist in this world everywhere. Maybe something happen to her and she ended up like this, or she could already been like this way since birth. In truth, it doesn't matter. This is a part of the world you need to see if you want to be a ninja."
Charging forward, Kin was ready for round two, having both Kunai ready. Tenten, however, was fully prepared. She rose up and put one arm parallel to Kin's, their Kunai clashing to keep Tenten's arm safe, and grabbed her by the wrist before twisting hard, blocking the other one with a rough push, causing Kin to arch her back and groan in pain from her twisting arm. Tenten's finally clearing an opening, slammed a knife hand against Kin's chest and making the girl slam her back into the ground.
Getting some distance, Tenten grabbed a scroll form her pack and opened it. Kin, getting up, seen she was not going to catch Tenten, who was running in circles around her in a wide arch, and watched, ready for anything.
Unsealing her items, she grabbed onto them in a poof of smoke they created from being unsealed, and rolled the scroll up. Putting it back, she stopped and rolled the items in her hand a little bit.
"You got it finished," Naruto smirks with everyone looking at him.
Looking with wide eyes, everyone seen that this girl was not messing around. In one hand, Tenten held an Eskrima fighting stick, twirling between her fingers. In the other, however, was a more intimidating weapon, a Tonfa with a rather large ball on the end of the longer striking end of the weapon, and out the shorter end was a chain, that hung lowly with a large spiked morning star at the end.
Tenten smirks also but keeps her eyes on her enemy, "Yep, Tou-san put the finishing touches on it last week."
"Awesome!"
Kouhei mentally whistles; that is a nasty looking thing I hate to be on the busy end of.
This was a rather intimidating weapon, and it made even Gai and Lee, who knew her and her weapons, rethink their approach on her training. If she had something like that, and did well in wielding it, they needed to step up their own.
"Naruto-kun, just what is that exactly," Lee asks fully curious along with everyone else.
The blond chuckles; "Something me and Ten-Chan were making together when we had free time. Just watch Dattebayo!"
Such a rather unique weapon, however, surprised both kin, but highly amused Tenten would still suggest close range combat when she had just gotten stabbed without difficulty. "You really want to fight me like that? You will just leave more openings for me to cut you up and spill that sweet blood of yours. Not that I am complaining, I so enjoy the taste..."
Tenten didn't say a word, but let her actions do the talking. Letting out more chain on the ball so it hit the floor, she lifted up and swung it in the air before spinning it beside her. Racing forward she struck forth with the swinging morning star, only to hit nothing when Kin ducked under it.
Retracting the chain till the morning star was clung to the rod of the Tonfa, she swung back at the swinging Kin, who tried for cutting into her shoulder this time. Kin was unfortunate enough to get into a weapons fight with the master, for Tenten blocked the striking Kunai with her Eskrima and struck with a firm smack and stabbing of the Morning star into Kin's side.
The force of the strike had the momentum carrying it to throw Kin to the ground, to the side, and Tenten didn't let Kin off easy. Letting the chain back out she swung the Morning Star behind her and threw it up before swinging it forward and letting it arch to Kin.
Thinking fast, Kin rolled out of the way, the weapon leaving a large impact crater the size of a watermelon when it hit where Kin had been. Getting up and back, Kin held her side, but what made Tenten look in shock and disgust was the sick smile Kin gave. "What the hell is so funny?"
Kin drew her hand up, covered in her own blood, and licked it, shivering as she rubbed her side. "Feels good to draw blood, even if mine is drawn as well. Though I much rather enjoy yours, has a better taste to it... pure..."
And I thought Gaara was crazy! Kankuro thinks absently. This girl was just bat shit nuts.
Having lost her Kunai, Kin went for her Senbon, grabbing a few and throwing them all around in front of her in a wide sweep. Tenten, seeing them coming straight, jumped up and over them to avoid the attack, and withdrew her Morning Star. The force and speed of the ball coming back into the Tonfa spun her around and gave her the momentum to throw the Morning Star again, sweeping in front of her at Kin.
Seeing this, Kin back-flipped, nearly cartwheeling, away from the swinging spiked ball, and threw more of her Senbon up at Tenten, a vertical sweep of them. The swinging Morning Star wasn't going to parry them all swinging horizontally, but Tenten slammed her Eskrima into the side of the chain, causing the swinging weapon to change direction and momentum as she guided it into a vertical swinging motion, flipping her from such a change, and swung into the Senbon right in time to knock them away.
Flipping onto her feet, Tenten had her back to Kin, which at this stage was a mistake. Kin, having done her work, put a single hand up; two fingers rose from it, and smirked. "Afraid its game over now, Panda-girl."
The Oto Jounin/Orochimaru smiles cruelly.
Dosu smirks under his bandages; "This fight is over."
Tenten turned to meet Kin, but was suddenly woozy, her head pounding and her stomach lurching. Forced to the ground from sudden illness, Tenten could only look up in surprise at an army of Kin, duplicates of herself, and the soft ringing in Tenten's ears making her fear her hearing.
Kin only chuckled as she started stepping closer, all of them mimicking each other step for step, and all talking in unison, the voices overlapping. "I'm going to love playing with you, spilling your sweet blood and cutting you to pieces, I'll drain you dry by the time this fight is finished... I want to enjoy every moment."
Feeling ill and under vertigo of movement sickness she was sure she didn't have naturally, she tried to stand, only to fall to her hands and knees, dropping her Eskrima. Kin, arriving next to her, kicked it away and then kicked Tenten up onto her knees, quickly grabbing the girl and lifting her up.
Fighting the Vertigo with all her might, she tried to strike with the Tonfa wherever the real Kin was, only to have it blocked easily and forced from her grasp, thrown away as well. Kin grabbed a Kunai from Tenten's pouch and sliced Tenten's arm, trying to grab for her to stop her.
Hissing in pain, Tenten was slowly cut repeatedly, her side, her chest, her face. Everywhere was being cut in shallow strokes, Kin laughing as she took the weakened strikes of Tenten's state of vertigo.
"What the hell is going on," Naruto asks concern showing his voice.
"Tenten-San was doing fine a minute ago," Sakura also vocal ling her worry.
"She is using sound as a weapon. No matter how you train you can't train your internal organs, eardrums included Naruto-San, Sakura-San," Samui speaks up.
This could get ugly, Asuma thinks absently.
Trying in all her power to slap Kin away, kick or punch her back, Kin just took it or blocked each strike and kept cutting until the oriental shirt was forced open at the collar, revealing her beloved Necklace. This seemed to make Kin stops, and looks closely. Tenten seen this and groaned, hissing as her pain kept her from moving her arms in her weakened and sick state. "Do your worst, but don't you dare touch my necklace!"
At that, Kin grinned evilly, and cut the necklace off, tossing Tenten to the ground and grabbing the Necklace instead. Looking it over, she admired it. "Very nice. Though I wonder how you could get something like this..." Before Tenten could try to be coy, Kin soon figures it out, knowing the technique used. "Oh, this is a gift from your beloved Naruto, isn't it? Oh such a nice gift too... Too bad, it has to go. I so do enjoy bringing my prey to their knees, physically. And emotionally."
Tenten, already wondering how to break the spell she is under to continue thrashing Kin somehow, now looked in shock and horror as Kin had her Necklace, and was planning to getting rid of it. She didn't know how, but she didn't like the way the sick Oto Genin was smiling at the crystal. "Don't you dare?!"
The crystal was very durable, but Kin knew a way to destroy it, and the evil grin she had made it seems far worse. "I think I know of a way to make you watch this thing vanish into dust, and make you bleed from every orifice... Say goodbye to your precious necklace!"
Laughing loudly she increased her power of the small ringing she had Tenten listening to, which was coming from the Bells from the Senbon she had threw around the arena. As the pitch grew around the necklace and Tenten's eardrums, Tenten could only yell and watch with pained horror as the Necklace broke into multiple pieces, then shattered around each edge from every piece until it was dust.
However, just as the Pitch hit the hardest, finishing the Necklace, Tenten found everything go silent. Her heart stopping, her blood freezing, her eyes stuck in wide horror as the Necklace was no more. The ringing was gone, the blood pooling from her eyes like tears turning the world around her a tint of red. Kin was still laughing, but she could hear nothing, in fact, she could see clearly, no more army of Kin, only one, the one that had just destroyed the necklace she held dear.
Feeling her vertigo disappears, the Necklace gone, her precious necklace from a dear friend, one that she considered a brother. She was huffing, the cold horror turning into warm shock, then into blind fiery rage. Screaming out she yelled in anger before jumping to her feet and rushing after Kin, grabbing her Scroll and making every weapon she could appear in front of her.
Kin felt amazing, the screams of her prey as she lost her most priceless of gifts, the look of terror, the blood seeping from every cut and orifice, she was ecstatic, almost orgasmic in feeling. Though that feeling was soon diminished as she heard the screaming battle cry of Tenten, and seen her clearly up and running.
This was NOT supposed to happen, Tenten was supposed to stay on the ground in a fit from her extremely high pitch sound Jutsu, forcing her into a state of motion sickness and vertigo, and to see multiple of her. She clearly was not feeling ill from moving around, and she was aimed right for her as if she knew exactly the real her to attack. She tried to make the Sound even higher pitch, but that only failed miserably as Tenten grabbed a large mace and a Tanto, along with a ball and chain, without spikes this time.
Before she could dive away, Tenten threw the chain around her feet, forcing her to, as she dived, fall to the ground in a heap. Tugging the chain, Tenten pulled Kin close before swinging the mace upon her legs, crushing her knee and swinging again to obliterate the bone before the pulled Kin along and threw her off to the side.
Both Hinata and Sakura cover their mouths paling in horror as they watch their Kunoichi-Senpai in their ranks going almost feral. While even some of the harden Jounin look slightly pale at the scene before them.
Everyone has a breaking point. Looks like we found Tenten's, Kakashi thought absently. Tenten right now was right now not thinking about the match, but wanting to get revenge on Kin for braking her Necklace that Naruto gave her.
Gaara's eyes that finally shifted to the fight grew wide as dark smile soon graces his lips.
However, the blond Uzumaki only stays silent, as his body was rigid as a statue. His cerulean eyes unable to turn away from what his first best friend is doing.
After the severe blow to her Knee, and getting it crushed to many pieces by Tenten rage induced swings of fury, Kin could only try to crawl away. This did not help her, as Tenten got her Tonfa back and swung the spiked ball into her hip and pulled hard, making Kin scream in pain and be pulled back, her tangled legs getting more so from the chain around them.
Fighting the chain off her legs, Kin could only focus on surviving when Tenten came upon her and stabbed forward. Lifting her legs, screaming from the broken knee as she did, she blocked the stab with the chains, but only partially as it still stuck into her legs. Grabbing the legs herself, Tenten forced Kin closer, almost completely under her, as she withdrew the Tanto and stabbed into Kin's other leg form the front, twisting and breaking the fore-leg bones completely apart, making Kin scream bloody murder, her bone sticking out from under her knee.
Not finished yet, she grabbed stuck the Tanto into the knee, forcing the Tanto into the leg and cutting the kneecap totally out. Kin could only scream in pain, but the pain was not only agonizing, it was orgasmic, Kin, although crying form the pain and the agony, was smiling and almost moaning in orgasmic bliss as her body was torn up, bloody and broken.
Tenten seen the face of bliss and agony on Kin's face, disgusted with it, and took the entire leg off her before letting the blood spill out on the ground. Kin was screaming, huffing, but most of all laughing in pleasure, jerking around as she rolled around. "You sick... Disgusting... trash! How can you be getting off on this when I just ripped your LEG OFF YOU BITCH?!"
Not getting an Answer, Tenten came up, dropping her special Tonfa and grabbing a Kunai. Slamming her foot down on Kin's chest, stopping the laughter of pleasurable agony form Kin's shivering body, she saw red as Kin could only grin madly with bliss from the agonizing pain she was in, bringing her closer to release.
Growling, although she could not hear herself from being Deaf, thanks to Kin's highly pitched Sound Jutsu causing her ears to pop, she hoped her next sentence got across as menacingly as she felt towards the Oto Genin. "Rot in hell you sick freak. You deserve much worse punishment for breaking Naruto's gift... Die!"
Drawing her arm up around her shoulder she screamed and bent down, swinging with all her might as her Kunai cut into Kin's neck, cutting into her spinal cord and cutting her head clean off. The rolling head of Kin still smiling, even as it no longer functioned. Kin's body went into a spasm wildly before flopping to a dead stop, Kin's blood flowing onto the floor.
The whole room stays silent as a wide eye visibly shocked Kushina had just watched her friend's daughter go into a berserk-like rage. She sees Tenten breathing heavily with light sweat and blood dripping from her face her body slightly slouching forward. The grip of kunai in the young Kunoichi's hand being held so tightly blood is dripping from in between her fingers to the floor.
As the adrenaline fades from her body Tenten feels her knees turn to jelly unable to keep herself standing. Falling to her knees her eyes gaze only at the floor as she only hears her own heavy breathing. She absently feels hands on her shoulders making her slowly look up seeing Naruto crouching in front of her looking at her with obvious concern.
Kushina blinks. When did her son move to now being in front of Tenten? Walking over she also kneels down to the girl's left side. She observes as her son moves hand down to Tenten's hand still gripping the kunai and he gently pulls her bleeding fingers away from the weapon.
"It's over Ten-Chan," the blond Uzumaki whispers to his friend. Gently pulling her fingers free he throws the kunai to his right side onto the ground.
Keeping their eyes locked on each other until finally the brunette leans forward resting her forehead on her friend's chest. "She broke it…" Tenten's voice small nearly a whisper.
Mother and son look at each other then back to the brunette as tears begin to fall from her eyes. Shunshining down Gai appears kneeling down behind his student. He says nothing as he gently picks her in his arms bridal style as Naruto and Kushina watch silently as they begin to stand.
"Tenten is the victor. Gai, take her somewhere to get some rest;" Kushina says gently.
"Hai Kushina-Sama." The Taijutsu master quickly Shunshins from the room as Naruto goes to pick up his friend's weapons.
Gathering them up the blond pulls out a scroll and sealing every item within it. Putting in his Kunai holster, he looks up to Oto Jounin with glare. In his guise Orochimaru only smirks in amusement, this only pisses off the blond further.
Feeling a hand on his shoulder his looks seeing his mother looking at him sternly. "Don't even think about it. The bastard is not worth it Sochi." Hearing the said bastard chuckle both Uzumaki glare up at the Oto Jounin.
"Enough!" Hearing Hiruzen's commanding voice gets everyone's attention. "Naruto, return to your team and sensei. Kushina ready you for the next match." Snapping his fingers with medic Nin appearing and going over to take away Kin's corpse.
Mother and son saying nothing knowing this was an order from their Hokage and not a request from their grandfather.
Neji and Lee turn seeing their sensei return with deep frown on his face. "Tenten will be fine; she just needs to get some rest. So let's focus on your coming matches."
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
It took about twenty minutes to clean away the blood and gore of Kin's remains while Sakura looks at Naruto with concern. Her blond friend not having spoken a word after what they just seen between Tenten and Kin. In truth, she has no idea how help him as he glares ahead at the other side to the Oto Team.
"Na… Naruto."
"I'll be alright Sakura-Chan, I just hope Ten-Chan will be alright," the blond says softly breaking his gaze to look over to the rosette.
She nods with a small smile as the board begins to light again. As the tension slightly died down every turn to see the board moving names rapidly. Asuma sighs deeply lighting up a cigarette. Hopefully this next match will help clear people's heads from that last one.
Rock Lee vs. Chouji Akimichi
That'll work…
A beaming smile crosses Lee's lips. "YES! IT IS MY TURN!"
Neji only sighs shaking his head. Why was he the stuck with two lunatics he will never know.
Shikamaru sweatdrops as he looks over to his longtime friend who he can tell was nervous. The young Akimichi heir either slowly, or not even bothering to, eating any of his favorite chips non-stop being the clearest of signs to the lazy genius. Asuma also knew as he sighs taking a drag off his cigarette.
"You'll do fine Chouji. Keep your head clear and you can beat him," the young Sarutobi says with assurance.
Seeing his Akimichi student fidgeting him smirks knowing the one thing that get him going, "You beat Lee I promise all you can have barbecue for a week."
Instantly Asuma and Shikamaru take a few steps back as Chouji goes from nervous to fire in his eyes and around his body. "I'll smash him!"
Looking over Naruto and Sakura sweatdrops, ten to one free barbecue I bet.
Haku blinks watching Lee leaping off the balcony land perfect on his feet; "This will prove interesting to see."
Zabuza snorts but says nothing as he keeps his eyes on the young Akamichi heir walking past him. Naruto smiles patting Chouji's back.
"Kick some ass Chouji!" Sakura rolls her eyes though smiling seeing both boys give large cheesy grins at each other.
Kushina almost snorts as Chouji now stands in front of Lee. Yeah he is Chouza's son alright.
The young Taijutsu expert jumps lightly on the balls of his feet smiling brightly; "Let's face in honorable combat my large bellied compatriot!"
Karui and her team blinks seeing every person from Konoha go completely silent as their skin goes ghostly pale white. Haku tilts her head seeing sheer terror crossing the faces of Naruto, Sakura, and even Sasuke. Kushina only gawks in disbelief as she silently inches backwards.
Jiraiya feels his eyes almost popping out, this kid must have either a death wish or balls made of steel?
The Sandaime only shook his head rubbing his eyes. While even a disguised Orochimaru only shakes his in slight amusement. Temari clearly not getting the odd reactions from Konoha looks over to her sensei and sweatdrops seeing him a little pale as well.
"Is there something I am missing here sensei," the Suna kunoichi places a hand on her hip.
Slowly turning his gaze to his female student Baki looks at with an unnerving seriousness, "you never comment upon the weight of a member of the Akimichi Clan. To do so is meet with certain death."
The blond kunoichi pales while her younger brother Kankuro looks over with a raised eyebrow, "You can't be serious Baki-Sensei?"
Back with the two Genin Chouji body froze after hearing Lee's words before his body began twitching. Fire literally covers his body as his eyes turning demonic red. "CALL THE MATCH NARUTO'S KAA-SAN. THIS IS NOW A FIGHT TO THE DEATH!"
Kushina only sweatdrops but slowly nods dumbly to Chouza's son as she lifts her hand and drops it, "HAJIMEI!" quickly jumping back safely behind Jiraiya as her own personal shield.
Baika no Jutsu: Nikudan Sensha (Multi-size Technique: Human bullet Tank)!
Lee takes stance watching Chouji's body grow larger and rounder. He sees the Akimichi heir's head and limbs duck within his clothes as pure chakra explodes out from the sleeves, pant legs, and shirt collar. Soon his body begins to slowly rotate and gaining momentum quickly.
Naruto eyes widen; "Bushy-brow move before Chouji flattens you!"
The blonde's warning falls on deaf ears as the Akimichi heir charges forward with startling speed, and literally ripping through the cement floor. Even then, Lee's eyes only shine with determination. Sorry Naruto-Kun, but I will not lose so easily! I will prove hard work is just as good with someone with natural talent.
Just as Chouji was, a hair's breathe at Lee, the young Taijutsu leaps into the air thrusting both his feet at the human raging boulder. Performing a near perfect standing dropkick Lee puts all his strength into his legs and feet reinforced with chakra.
The results speak for themselves…
Like a human slingshot, Lee's feet hit with such force it sends Chouji backwards. Still using his jutsu, the Akimichi heir hits and bounces off the wall back to his target. Landing on the ground Lee perfectly flips himself back to his feet, soon spinning on his left heel he knocks Chouji off course with a roundhouse kick.
With a zigzag motion, Chouji hits the walls on both the left and right side leaving small to mid-size craters. Everyone's eyes follow the Akimichi heir's movement as he nears the large double doors of the room.
"This feels like some painful version of pinball," Naruto speaks up absently. "Shinobi style," Kakashi finishes eye smiling.
Lee stays focused seeing Chouji coming back still in a zigzag motion. Slowly balling both of his fists, the moment happens in an instant, which only the Jounin, Kushina, Hiruzen, and Jiraiya see. With his left leg straight and right at slight angle, both feet rooted to the ground. Lee's torso curved to the left both his fists connect into the human bullet.
The dual impact and sheer strength expels Chouji's Jutsu restoring him to normal. Pain flairs through his chest and stomach as Lee's powerful fists connected Sakura and Hinata flinched when hearing the breaking of bone. The young heir is unconscious even before sliding of Lee's fists and hitting the ground.
"Chouji," Naruto and Shikamaru yell out.
Before he could blink as Lee straightens himself he sees Kushina kneeling down beside his fallen opponent, she's so fast! That was not even shunshin! The redhead gives a big mental sighs in relief feeling a pulse.
Standing to her feet she point to the young Taijutsu expert; "Winner Rock Lee!" snapping her fingers the medical team runs in. Standing and moving near Lees the young Genin look to the redhead.
"Will Chouji-San be alright Kushina-Sama?"
It is nice hearing the concern in Lee's voice for his opponent, "That duel punch either cracked or broken his sternum along with a few ribs. That I could tell by the sound, as for the rest will have to be learned at the hospital."
Lee nods mentally sighing in relief. While he knows he can be overeager, at times he does try not to openly hurt anyone while sparing, or in this case even becoming chūnin, especially a Konoha ally. The young Genin bows respectfully to Kushina who waves it off, Lee soon runs back to his team.
Asuma sighed tiredly lighting a cigarette hearing his most lazy student rub his eyes muttering 'troublesome'. Even from the balcony, he knew Chouji was not too badly injured, but will be taking it easy for a while.
These are times I wished Tsunade-Sama did not leave the village. However, his train of thought stopped realizing something as he looks back to Kushina then to Naruto. Oh shit... Then again, I do not want to be anywhere nears that massive shit-storm that will come if she does come back. By the gods it is amazing she is actually holding her temper in check as much as she is.
Shikamaru sighs watching his longtime friend being carried away by the medic Nin. So he is the last one of team 10, no pressure right? This whole thing is just too damn troublesome for his liking.
Karui rubs her temples, "That actually made my eyes hurt with all that damn zigzagging."
"Still a cool match. Though ended quicker than I expected." Samui speaks up tilting her head.
Kouhei shakes his head. "He looks like a freak, but has some damn good skills."
Both Haku and Chojuro nod in agreement, making a mental note keep an eye on Lee. Once more, the names begin to flash on screen. Kushina runs her hand through her long red hair lightly sighing. Always count on the exams to frazzle on the nerves like they were when she was a kid.
Soon her eyes widen as she sees her son's name stop at the top of the screen. Quickly however they narrow dangerously with the second name.
Naruto Uzumaki vs. Dosu Kinuta
Both chosen competitors glare at one another with nothing but determination in their eyes. Feeling a hand on his shoulder Naruto turns seeing Sakura with nothing but worry in her jade eyes.
"Please be careful. We both know he only wants to kill you."
It actually made the blonde's heart feel some warmth hearing genuine concern from the rosette. The blond smirks; "No way in hell do I intend on dying here."
Winking at the rosette he turns with his face going serious as Sasuke eyes him sternly. Neither says anything to the other as Naruto walks passed the Uchiha heir. As this went on Kakashi saw neither tension nor real anger between his two young male students.
XxX ~ xx ~ XxX
Cerulean glares to a single onyx as Naruto and Dosu stare at each other with Kushina eying both of them. Like before the Oto Genin is hunched forward his arms dangling covered by his longs sleeves. The blonde also notices the damage done by his rasengan on Dosu's chest all bandaged up.
"Still owe you for this chest wound, Uzumaki. Now I intend to collect." The Oto Genin's voice calm as always.
"Oh?" The blond raises an eyebrow fringing interests. "Thought you wanted me to switch sides. Not anymore?"
Hiruzen and Jiraiya both narrow their eyes sharply at that, while Kushina slightly tensed her shoulders. Dosu only shrugs. "True, but I'll settle with just taking that head of yours." Lifting his as his sleeve drifts back revealing his hand he points a finger over to a glaring Sakura. "Then that pink haired bitch, I will take my time with. Make her scream till she begs me wanting to die."
Naruto bit back a snarl, clinching his bandaged fists tightly. This son of bitch is baiting him into doing something reckless and he knew it. One of the lessons Jiji and Ero-Sennin drilled into his thick head on how some enemies like to go at you by playing with your emotions.
Exactly like his master Orochimaru, Dosu is a manipulator of the mind. Not as subtle as that snake bastard, but good enough to rattle people.
The blonde also notices from the corner of his eyes that his mother is also fighting her own anger seeing how white her knuckles are. Taking a deep breath Naruto settles his boiling blood looking even and cold at his enemy.
"Then show me what you really got you son of a bitch." Naruto gives a feral grin taking Nenshou Tsuki first stance.
Dosu only chuckles keeping his arms dangling. Upon calming herself Kushina lifts arm. "Naruto Uzumaki vs Dosu Kinuta. Hajimei!" Beat his ass Sochi! The red haired Uzumaki leaps out of the way.
The ground creaks under Dosu's feet as he back-flips out the way before a sharp crystal spike shoots upwards that would have ran through his chest within seconds.
Shoton: Kessho no Hari!
No need for hand seals for that eh? Let's see what else you got Uzumaki, Dosu thinks absently. Going through rapid hand seals, he finishes at the dragon.
Raiton: Jibashi!
A powerful wave of lightning fires forward from the Oto Genin's hands as he slams them on the ground. Kakashi's eye widens along with shocked gasps from Team Kumo. That jutsu is at least an 'A' rank jutsu! You have to be a least a low Chūnin to learn that jutsu. The copy-cat ninja's one eye narrows. This Dosu, you never do really pick the easy fights do you Naruto.
The blond Uzumaki leaps out of the way going through his own hand seals, Shoton: Rokkaku Shuriken: Randu!
Hundreds of crystal shurikens appears in the air and fires forward towards Dosu. The said shinobi releases his jutsu, begins to duck, and weaves through the barrage of crystal shuriken. Naruto lands on his feet smirking, "And here I thought you were a one trick pony with that oddball gauntlet."
"You'll find me full of surprises Uzumaki. While my melody arm is my go to weapon, I have got more than that." Dosu tilts his head, creepily so "We Shinobi have to keep our aces well hidden after all."
Raising his hands Dosu grips a kunai in each as Naruto forms dual crystal Tantos. Neither says a word as they charge forward. Further up Asuma lost his cigarette while Kurenai simply looks wide eyes to Naruto and Dosu's start so far. This was not the same trouble making kid that pulled pranks on a daily basis on people and the village.
"Naruto… you really have grown, kid." The young Sarutobi speaks aloud before smirking.
I heard he did took things more seriously after graduation. I heard he has a bloodline limit, but to use his Kekkai Genkai to this degree, The Genjutsu mistress looks sharply over to Kakashi. "Just how far are Naruto's skills, Kakashi?"
The silver haired Jounin gazes over lazily. "Hmm… Watch and find out Kurenai, my cute little Genin just might surprise you." Giving his trusty eye-smile as she looks at him dryly. While Zabuza, Samui, Gai, Team Gai, Team Kiri, Team Kumo, and Sakura narrow their eyes at the Copy-Cat Shinobi.
Shikamaru slumps his shoulders sighing. "So there was something different about him. Thought that Kabuto person was lying. However, to think that blond maniac kept this so well hidden. Oh to hell with it, too damn troublesome for me to figure out right now." The lazy Nara heir yawns loudly making team Kiri and Kumo sweatdrops.
Kouhei shakes his head. "Heard Nara's were lazy bastards, but good gods."
Sasuke only sighs rubbing his eyes. "Trust me, if you ever see Shikamaru excited then he is napping on the ground watching clouds."
Standing by her sensei Hinata only watches not really listening to everyone talk around her. Her pupils-less purple eyes keep gazing only at Naruto as he blocks Dosu's kunai with his crystal Tanto. His skills have really gotten better over the past few months.
She gives a small smile looking on with only a stoic Shino lifting a brow at her. Down at the fighting Kushina keeps a critical eye on her son. Jiraiya was really not the right person to teach Naruto my Taijutsu. Sochi has the concept but his body is too rigid, he needs to flow with a balance of speed and strength.
Flipping over his opponent, the blonde's dual Tantos begin shifting into crystal chains and start to extend from his grip.
Shoton: Baningu Kosoku!
Wrapping around Dosu's neck he barely has time to be surprised as he is near violently whipped backwards. In a feat of strength, Naruto throws the bandaged Genin into the left side of the wall with enough force to leave a mid-size crater. His crystal chains vanish as the blond goes into another set of rapid hand seals.
Dosu, who hit the ground around the same time, coughs lightly with few seeing the red stains through his bandages. Slowly rising to his feet, his one eye opens wide seeing a dozen crystal hummingbirds.
Shoton: Kessho Hachidori!
Kushina only looks in awe at the fine detailing made into these crystal creations. The redhead soon blinks as one flies right in front of her. It actually blinks tilting its head then turning back to the enemy.
"Incredible, those birds even act as if they are alive, Dattebane!" said Kushina.
Giving the unspoken command, all the birds fly swiftly towards their target as Dosu rushes quickly out of their way. Finally getting past the last of the crystal hummingbirds, the Oto Genin charges forward at impressive speeds towards his enemy. Going for the blonde, he goes for a punch which Naruto catches and pulls a near perfect back toss, swinging Dosu around with his own momentum, sending Dosu flying.
Recovering in mid-air and skidding on his feet the Oto Genin goes through his own set of hand seals.
Raiton: Museifu (Lightning release: Anarchy)!
Extending out his right hand with his left hand holding his right wrist, four powerful arcs of lightning fire forth out from his palm. Before the blonde could react, he is struck hard, sending him into wall leaving a small crater. Landing on his hands and knees, Naruto's muscles convulse from the high charge of electricity that went through his system.
"Eye for an eye Uzumaki." Dosu says calmly lowering his hand.
Naruto did not have time to put up his Kessho no Yoroi. The unified thought from Haku and Sakura sounded.
Gritting his teeth Naruto has no time to recover from the lightning jutsu as the Oto Genin rushes him nailing a strong kick to the blonde's chest. Light coughing out blood he growls as Dosu grabs his hair pulling up harshly. With Dosu rearing back his fist and throwing it forth, the blonde catches the punch, and kicks his opponent in the chest pushing him back.
Dosu flips back, catching himself the last second and skips on his feet before firing off the Jutsu he prepared during his flip.
Raiton: Dō ki shindō dātsu! (Lightning Release: Pulse Shock Darts)!
The large weapon on his arm lights up with vibrant lightning, pulsing before a barrage of lightning projectiles shot forth at Naruto, aiming to skewer him. This, however, fails as Naruto raised a wall of Crystal to defend against the large spread of lightning darts.
Not even halfway done yet, Dosu races forward once he had fired the satisfactory number of Lightning Darts at Naruto, which were all now stuck to the wall created to block them. His weapon was still pulsing with lightning all around it as he came upon the defensible wall and slams the weapon against it.
The lighting darts and the lightning around the weapon connecting with bolts before a ringing sound nearly starts to deafen everyone around, the crystals making an excellent conductor to his sound waves, as the lightning darts pulse into bursts of lightning. This blows the wall apart, blasting Naruto backwards into the wall as the light blinds the entire crowd still watching with open eyes.
"I can't see shit," Karui covers her eyes. Absently hearing 'not cool' from Samui.
'That mummy-teme is good,' Yugito mentally growls. Inside her mind Matatabi scowls, that bastard is better than even I thought. Come on cutie-kun kick some ass!
With both eyes, open Kurama watching silently.
"Naruto-Kun!" this coming from Sakura, Haku, and surprisingly Hinata.
Sasuke growls covering his eyes. "Come on Naruto, until we fight you can't lose yet!"
Racing forward, Kunai drawn, Dosu aims to claim the head of Naruto whilst everyone was still blind, no one to stop him, not even Orochimaru. Sadly, this does not go as planned, the blast making Naruto close his eyes, preventing him from being blinded for long, and he sees it coming when the bright light of the aftermath fades away.
Dosu's hand is caught, being forced backwards until it almost snaps off. Twisting his hand, Naruto grabs the Oto Genin's arm and throws him up against the wall upside down before letting him fall, turning, and grabbing Dosu's feet. Roaring with all his strength, he raises Dosu in the air before slamming him into the ground so hard he bounces up, almost straight and landing on his feet.
Before Dosu can land on his feet, however, Naruto twists around with a vicious swinging back kick, and making him slide and bounce along the ground, being scratched up by the debris of the crystal wall as he went.
Sliding back on his on his feet, catching himself the last second to prevent further debris cutting into him, Dosu simply charges forward. Naruto quickly going through rapid hand seals finishing with his palms open; Guess I get to try if this works!
Shōton: Rubi Kyō (Crystal Release: Ruby Crystal mirrors)!
Rearing for another punch, Dosu hits only a large rectangular ruby crystal mirror, which soon turns into several forming a huge dome around the Oto Genin.
Team Kiri, and a disguised Orochimaru, widen their eyes for varying reasons. Just like Guren, but ruby instead of jade. In addition, the shape is also different from her's as well. A dark smirk grew on the hidden Sannin's lips.
"That's just like Haku's mirrors!" This coming from Chojuro and Kouhei.
The said female brunette is only spellbound at the sight before her. Seeing something completely like her ice mirrors, but made of pure crystal. She has never seen anything so beautiful in her life. Zabuza only stares with wide eyes, gawking in stunned shock.
"Damn that kid is good!" Kankuro says in a stunned tone.
Really, how did you guess genius? Temari mental retorts rolling her eyes.
Beside her stunned Uchiha teammate and Cyclops sensei, Sakura cheers on loudly. Hinata looks in complete awe while Shino raises both eyebrows. Whilst she cannot help having a calm and proud smile form on her lips, while inside Kushina's mind a chibi version of herself is dancing around like a madwoman cheering to the heavens, THAT'S MY SOCHI! KICK SOME ASS NARUTO! SHOW THAT CREEPY MUMMY-TEME!
Narrowing his one onyx eye, Dosu glares through his crystal prison to Naruto. "What's next? Or do you intend for this little cage of yours to keep me held in?" His lone eye widens before he spins on the heels of his sandals, kunai in hand, as Naruto jumps out of the crystal behind Dosu and charges.
Sakura's heart stops as she sees the kunai penetrate Naruto's head only to shatter into thousands of ruby crystal fragments.
Rubi Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Ruby Shadow Clone Jutsu)!
Cursing under his breath, realizing he made a rookie mistake taking his eye off his opponent, he quickly spins back around. The only thing he sees is deep crimson eyes running at him in blinding speeds. However, what Naruto was doing next shocked and stunned many in the room. It was the Rasengan, but with Kyuubi's chakra, it changed color.
Jiraiya was stunned that is part-time student just master the Rasengan before smirking, Naruto you would make your father proud if he could see you now.
Hiruzen the Sandaime Hokage of Konoha has seen a lot in his time that surprised him in his life, but see Naruto master the Rasengan in such a short amount of time was filling him with shock, but happiness seeing how far Naruto has come.
Kushina knew that it took her husband Minato three years to master and create the Rasengan, but seeing her SOCHI using the Yondaime Hokage's signature offensive jutsu reminded her of Minato using it. In fact, it looked like Minato was using the Rasengan along with Naruto in a ghost like scene in front of her.
Orochimaru was SHOCKED that Minato's brat could use the Rasengan. 'If Naruto-kun keeps on getting stronger at this rate he could be a strong enemy in the future. I must claim him and Kushina or kill them both if it comes to that.
Sasuke was wondering what Jutsu the Dobe was using and questioned himself if he can learn it.
Kakashi was shocked that Naruto, his sensei's son, learn and master the Rasengan. Just how must of Naruto's training did he miss, while he was training Sasuke.
Everyone else, besides the Team's Kumo, Kiri, Gai, and Sakura, that were mesmerized and in awe at what kind of jutsu Naruto was using.
Shui Rasengan (Vermillion Rasengan)!
Slamming into Dosu's chest, instead of a normal Rasengan, was a now pure crimson, with a purple glow in the center –influenced by Kurama's chakra-, and being much larger in size was Naruto's newest Rasengan Jutsu. The Oto Genin roaring in pain as his body is, almost like a cannon ball, shot through the crystal mirrors, slamming into the concrete wall.
The crater is massive as Dosu's body is literally stuck in the wall with a gaping hole where his heart used to be. As the crystal mirrors shatter into dust, the blond Uzumaki glares at the corpse of his enemy, his eyes turning back to cerulean.
Adding the Kyuubi's chakra with his own to a Rasengan, talk about deadly consequences. Jiraiya thinks absently keeping his eyes on his part-time student.
A small smile crosses Kushina's lips, those eyes; you look just like me Naruto. You have your father's looks, but a true Uzumaki's will. Tsukiko-Baachan would be proud of you like I am.
The redhead walks over to her son as he looks up to Sakura who smiles brightly. "Winner, Naruto Uzumaki!"
A few people are surprised in seeing both Team Kiri and Kumo cheer along with Sakura. Sasuke crosses his arms with a small smirk while Kakashi gives his trademark eye-smile and thumbs up. Jiraiya lightly puffs his chest feeling a swell of pride coursing through his system.
"Kaasan?" The blonde lightly whispers getting his mother's attention. "Does it ever get any easier?"
Kushina only looks at her son solemnly whispering back, "If it did, I don't think we would be humans anymore."
Rubbing her hand through Naruto's hair she gets small smile from her son. Watching him walk back up to his team while the medics carefully take Dosu's body from the wall she walks up to Jiraiya.
"I'll take over Naruto's training with Taijutsu and Kenjutsu. Figure us both help in Fūinjutsu while you help on his chakra training. Deal?" the red haired Uzumaki crosses her arms under her bust.
The Gama Sannin chuckles. "Like I have any right to deny a mother wanting to help her son. Also saw you keeping an eye on the Haruno girl."
"Mebuki, she should be proud of her little girl. She has talent and plan to help her anyway I can," Kushina smirks.
XxX ~ Naruto ~ XxX
The moment the blonde came back to his team Sakura is already fussing all over him for any injuries. Looking over Kurenai only looks on in surprise. To think the supposed dead-last of this generation could have improved himself this much.
Her crimson eyes soon take notice of Hinata fidgeting with a small item in her hand. A small crosses her lips, "Hinata."
Turning her head the young Hyuga heir looks to her sensei; "Hai?"
"I think Naruto-Kun would like that ointment to help with his wounds." The Genjutsu mistress smirks seeing the girl blush brightly.
"B… But… I… I," poor thing is stuttering a storm.
Kurenai rubs Hinata's shoulder gently speaking softly; "Acts of kindness go a very long way. Just never be afraid."
Letting her sensei's words wash over her the Hyuga heiress slowly collects her heart-rate and breathing. With a nervous turn of her heel she makes her way over to her longtime secret crush.
Beside Sakura, Haku sighs with a smile; "I must admit, did not think I would be seeing a crystal version of my ice mirrors today. Impressive, Naruto-Kun."
The rosette dryly glares at the brunette while Naruto rubs the back of his head; "Sorry about that, but using that jutsu was the only way to make my crystal clones to even work."
Haku shakes her head smiling; "It is fine. Your crystal mirrors were quite beautiful, I am happy I could help. Even if it was us being enemies once."
"Um… Na… Naruto-Kun."
Blinking when hearing a soft meek female voice they turn to see Hinata nervously fidgeting. Sakura tilts her head curiously; "Hinata-San, everything okay?"
"H… Hai. I… I just wanted to see… If… If… N… Naruto-Kun Would want this...," nervously lifting her arms they seen a small jar.
Is that healing cream? Haku eyes the Hyuga heiress.
Taking the small jar from Hinata's hand and opening the lid, "Healing balm huh?" Naruto looks up smiles; "Thanks Hinata."
Her face flushes as she fidgets with her fingers a small smile comes from Hinata's lips. But unnoticed to everyone, Neji's eyes narrow towards Hinata. You seem to be enjoying yourself, Hinata-Sama.
As the arena floor is cleared, names light up once more on the monitor. As the two names appear, Kurenai stiffens as Hinata's blood runs cold. A dark determined look crosses Neji's eyes.
Neji Hyuga vs Hinata Hyuga
As both Hyūgas stand in front of Kushina, the redhead wanted to say something, but feeling the vibe from both of them stays quiet.
"I did not think… I would have to face you, Hinata-Sama." Neji speaks in his usual stoic tone.
"Niisan…"
Naruto looks sharply to Kakashi, "Are they brother and sister?"
"No, first cousins. Hinata's father you've met before, Hiashi Hyuga." Both Naruto and Sakura widen their eyes as their sensei continues; "Neji's father was Hizashi Hyuga, Hiashi-Sama's twin brother."
The blond Uzumaki caught on to their sensei's words, he looks back down to the arena.
Sasuke keeps his fixed on both Hyugas as Haku speaks up; "From what I was taught from Zabuza-Sama, The Hyuga Clan is one of the oldest clans within Konoha next the Senju and the Uchiha. They are made up of the Main house and branch house."
Zabuza spared no expense in teaching Haku a lot about potential enemies didn't he? Naruto and Kakashi think absently.
Keeping their focus on the area below Asuma lit a cigarette, 'Ever since that day. The main and Branch houses have not been Seeing Eye to eye.'
Naruto grips the metal handrail, 'I may get Sasuke's reasons a little. However, hating your own family… I just don't understand it.'
Neji keeps his focus solely on Hinata, while despite her timid posture keeps her eyes locked on his own. "Hinata-Sama, before we begin I must say this. Forfeit now!"
Her eyes widen; "You do not have the makings of a good Shinobi." Hiruzen narrows his eyes along with Jiraiya while Kushina bit down her anger. "You are far too kind, and much to gentle. You seek in avoiding conflicts, and wish for harmony rather than to resist."
Naruto could feel his anger spiking but trying to keep himself calm. While he rarely if ever spoke to her, he did know one thing about Hinata. The girl did not possess a single hateful bone in her body. Moreover, who the hell cared, you did not have to be a hateful prick to be a shinobi.
Just the will and determination to protect what you loved with all your heart. Who is most precious to you…? Just like what Haku-Chan taught me.
"I knew full well your lack of confidence, and I felt it would have been best had you remained a Genin. However, learning of the Chūnin exams required a 3-person team. You had very little choice, and you did not want to disappoint you teammates, am I wrong Hinata-Sama?"
"No… I…" Hinata's mind flashing back to her father's words when Kurenai came for her.
The Hyuga do not need her… A loser below the skill of her own seven-year-old sister.
"I also heard Hisashi-Sama's words to Kurenai-San when she picked you up that day. As stated by your father, my uncle, 'The Hyuga do not need you'. So why do you continue when you know you are a failure?"
Hinata's body slowly began to shake as light tears started forming from the edges of her eyes. "A person cannot change their fate."
"OI, WILL YOU SHUT UP," Naruto's angry voice echoing throughout the room. "Hinata has every right to be here as every other Genin in this room!"
Neji turns his head partially to the blonde, "This is Hyuga Clan business Naruto, none of your concern."
It became our problem if Hisashi is doing this to his daughter I am going have a talk to him, Kushina narrows her eyes.
Naruto snarls out in frustration. "The hell it is, I told you there is no such thing as fate Neji! Anyone can change! Hinata, do not think for a moment your weak! As long as you have someone precious to you, no one can beat you!"
Hinata's quivering eyes lock onto Naruto's fierce gaze as she feels his words giving her strength. Haku only looks at the blonde with stunned realization. He took her words to heart. A warm smile crossed her lips.
"There may be small exceptions to this, if the gods so deem it. But fate is still inescapable to those they feel unworthy." Neji's voice being both cold and unfeeling.
Naruto glares at the unfeeling opponent Hinata has. "Shut up, because you will see just how wrong you are, Neji."
Deciding not to incite her son into breaking the rules here with Neji, she raised a hand. "Neji Hyuuga versus Hinata Hyuuga..." This got the desired effect of Naruto shutting up for now, and Neji just glaring.
Oh this prick needs to be taken down a peg, I'm with you Sochi. You'll get your chance, but not yet'
Seeing Neji get into stance, Kushina looks to Hinata, fearing the talks so far may have gotten to her. However, it seems the shy Hyuuga was ready, standing firm in the family stance as Neji was, and her Byakugan active. Smiling, she started the match. "HAJIME!" With that, her hand comes down and she disappears to a safer distance.
Neji didn't hesitate to take down his cousin, running forward and throwing a fast striking palm at Hinata. Though even with his ruthless intentions to destroy his cousin, he was not going to destroy her so easily, as she ducks under the strike and swings her arm up against his side, a flurry of Chakra flaring form both their arms as they started their match.
Matching her speed, Neji turns his body back and to the side, dodging the brunt of her strike and fluidly striking with his other arm, hitting her dead on in the ribs with two fingers. Hinata ignores the pain as she draws back from the strike and smacks his arm to the side, stepping forward with a powerful palm thrust to his chest.
This was a shock to Neji, who expected her to yell out from his strike and back off, only to be taken by surprise and blast by a powerful wave of chakra to his chest and making him step back, unbalanced and almost falling from the sudden push. Before he could recover, Hinata was on him again, this time going for a double strike into his stomach.
Finding a way out, Neji slams his hands down onto Hinata's arms, using the leverage to get his feet steady. His cousin's strike now deflected, he struck her shoulder as hard as he could with his palm, making her stand up straight and wince in pain, ready to receive his next two strikes, one into her other shoulder and the other into her arm, which was coming up to toss his first two finger strike off her. His pinpoint strikes causing some damage as she held her arm close, backing off.
"What Taijutsu is that," Sakura asks out loud.
Lee speaks up, "It's called Juken (Gentle Fist), and it is the Hyuga Taijutsu combine with their doujutsu. A truly deadly combination."
Going on the offensive, Neji strikes with vigor with blasts of chakra coming from his palms, though Hinata was somehow more skilled than he originally predicted. Throwing her hurt arm down, numbing the pain with the sudden violent shake, she smacked his first strike away before spinning under his next strike and blocking the third aiming for her head, throwing her own up to his chin.
Kurenai lightly bit the tip of her thumb.
This was what Neji had not expected, her to ignore the pain he brought by cutting off her strikes and hitting her and continue her own assaults with grace. Dodging the strike at his neck, he swings under it and throws his next strike into her arm that was aimed to hit him.
The counter-attack Neji gave Hinata effectively stops her from hitting him full on, but with a chakra infused strike grazing his arm, she did the damage she wanted before smacking the arm away from her, though the strike to her upper arm made it spasm from the movement and she gasped in pain, backing off and holding her arm, relaxing it to let it calm down.
Though this was a bad move on her part to stop her assault, as Neji came in full force with a flurry of pinpoint strikes to her arms and shoulders, cutting into her with devastating and powerful chakra infused finger attacks.
With a final thrust of his palm, Neji blast Hinata back, making her fall to the ground. Blood hits the ground as the young heiress coughs heavily. For her older cousin he lightly catches his breath.
'To think she improved this much. Hinata-Sama…,' Neji shakes his head; "Your skills have improved Hinata-Sama, but the results are still the same. A failure cannot change."
Naruto could not stop snarling as his grip on the railing began to bend the metal. Sakura doing her best trying to keep him calm. Haku feels her fingers twitch with light frost on each digit.
Calming himself Neji's eyes only widen as Hinata slowly stands back to her feet. Blood drips from her lips as her left hand holds her chest. Her breaths raspy and shallow as her eyes look just as determined as ever.
"Nii-san… You speak of… fate…," Hinata covers her mouth as she coughs. Lowering her hand, she looks mournfully at her cousin, "But I can see clearly… what is in your heart…"
Those words snap something in Neji's mind as his fists clinch as his calm mask shattering showing absolute rage. He sprints forward with his right two fingers aimed, ready to strike down his own flesh and blood.
It happens less than a second as a hand wraps his throat, Neji's body soon feeling pure pain as it is slammed into the wall so hard it makes a crater by Kushina before the Konoha Jounin could act. His body dangles in the air as he coughs up light blood from his mouth. The Uzu matriarch does not apply pressure, which she could do easily as her eyes are shadowed by her hair, a dark frown on her lips.
"You would openly kill a member of your family," Neji shivers at the deadly calm cold voice coming Kushina as he feels nothing but rage from Naruto's mother. "Has the famed Hyuga clan turned into nothing but mindless butchering cannibals to their own kin?"
The whole room is frozen as they could feel the subtle but powerful killer intent oozing of Kushina. Neji to his credit stares defiantly; "Rules of the prelims stat killing is legal. You had not called the match thus I acted accordingly."
Both the redhead's hand and arm shook as she wanted nothing more than crush this arrogant boy's windpipe and snap his neck. However, Neji was being truthful, killing is allowed, regardless if it your own family. Moreover, even if she did kill the boy it would serve nothing to find out just what hell happen to the whole damn Hyuga clan.
Anger turns to concern as her ears pick a body falling to the ground. Sharply turning her head Kushina sees Hinata hitting the ground as Kurenai, Shino, Naruto, and even Sakura are with her in seconds. Slowly shifting her head back both Genin and former Anbu captain glare at one another.
"Winner, Neji Hyuga," Kushina nearly growls it out as she drops the young man from her steel grip.
Gently the genjutsu mistress turns her dearest student over as Hinata's eyes slowly open. She blurrily sees her sensei, Shino, Naruto, and Sakura kneeling beside her with worrying eyes. "N… Naruto…." Her voice weak.
Weakly she lifts her hand as the blond cups it gently; "I'm here…" Naruto speaks softly as Sakura moves Hinata's hair from her eyes.
"D… Did I… Do well," her voice strained with each word.
Naruto slowly smiles weakly along with Sakura, "Yeah… You did good."
Even despite if it is bloody, a small bright smile crosses Hinata's lips before she coughs harder. Kurenai looks up sharply, "Medic nin now!"
Moving away to let the medics do their thing Naruto glares over to Neji who stares at him. Snarling the blonde is about to go give a piece of his mind before Shino puts his hand on the blonde's chest.
"A time and a place Naruto-San," the Aburame speaking calm as ever.
Feeling a hand with his he sees Sakura shaking her head 'no'. Slowly looking back takes deep breath. "One way or another I am fighting you in the third exam. And I swear I am going beat your ass."
Kushina lightly glares behind her to Neji who only keeps his gaze at Naruto. "We shall see Uzumaki."
XxX xx (Custom Jutsu's) xx XxX
Raiton: Dō ki shindō dātsu (Lightning Release: Pulse Shock Darts); a Jutsu Dosu developed in conjunction to his affinity with Raiton chakra and the Sound Weapon on his arm. Using the pulsing waves of sound and reverberation to enhance the power of the lightning's energy wave length, it is a Jutsu used for assassination in crowded places or crumbling walls to destroy cover or provide ways in buildings for slaughter. First firing Darts from the enhanced charge within the Sound Weapon's chambers, he activates his sound weapon with a magnetic lightning charge to supercharge his darts, stuck to solid objects, and make the combined power of the darts and the ringing sound of his weapon to blast his targets to dust, and blind anyone in the vicinity to complete his assassination without being detected.
Raiton: Museifu (Lightning release: Anarchy); mid-to long rang lightning jutsu firing four string arks of lightning. Damages and stuns it victims.