The Burning Leaves

by ajd09

Naruto has saved his friend and lead to the destruction of Madara. The nations have prospered. However, twenty peaceful years pass and still someone lurks, waiting to take his mark. Will this new generation get caught in the middle of a rising threat? A long fic, recommended for readers who like the focus on future generation OC . Mostly from canon predictions. Now is Alternate TL.

18. Heating Up! Round Two

A/N

I'm sorry if you think any of my fights are not necessary. It's a challenge I face every time: Some things in Naruto are too unexplored, and I feel it's my job to show what they are truly capable of. Unless the strength level is a large gap, expect to see a well fought match. In the later fights, isn't it better if you understood what the fighters have gone through to make it their? Rhetorical, I think it's fun; therefore, it shall happen.

Chapter 18: Heating Up! Round Two

The stands soon revitalized and guest anxiously awaited the next round of the final exam. The fighters had returned and only five minutes remained until the scheduled eighth fight. The fatigue from the previous round had been mended as best as it could by the medical staff. However, chakra could only be replenished so much, and it was up to the ninja to keep themselves in optimal conditions. Yuuki finished her advice to her sister.

"Just keep in mind that these fights aren't a joke. You showed a lot of your attacks, so try to keep your moves a bit varied from here on. Does that help?"

Tsumi rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know. I just really enjoy the atmosphere of a fight, that's all. Are you sure you're ready to take on Kaito? And what did Noriko have to talk to you about?"

Yuuki smiled with a wink. "You'll have to wait and see! Kaito is powerful, but I think I know how I'm going to approach this one." Tsumi raised an eyebrow as Yuuki turned her back. "He's the son of a Samurai: It wouldn't be right to face him dishonorably, now would it?"

OoOo

"That's what I'm trying to tell you! I didn't make that giant tidal wave, so it must have been her. It's going to be like fighting another me out there…" Kaito watched as Datsu turned away. "But better…"

With a stern hand placed on Datsu's shoulder, Kaito smiled. "We've worked together for a long time, Datsu. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I refuse to face a worthy opponent by using assumptions. Win or lose, I only ask the match to be satisfying. That is all I've ever asked for, right?" Datsu looked at him, nodding in agreement.

"Someone's gotta face me in the finals, it might as well be you. I won't except defeat as an excuse!" Datsu turned away. Kaito smirked.

OoOo

A familiar voice rang through the area. "An hour has passed and our combatants are here. At this time, we ask everyone to take their seats." Isami appeared before the crowd in the center. "Yo! Who's ready to start round two?" A loud cheer let out as Isami pointed a hand to the contestants. "For round two, the arena will not shift. The talented folks who make such a thing possible have earned their rest." The crowd seemed to feel bummed out until Isami raised his fist in the air. "It's a match everyone's been waiting for. We've seen how vicious Kaito from the Village Hidden in the Rivers can be. With a seven-hundred pound sword, a young man more fit to be a samurai challenges himself to becoming a ninja. However, can these attributes guide him to victory against our ace of the tournament? Kaito, rank nine, VS. Yuuki, rank one. Ladies and gentlemen, no matter the result, the victors of this round will not disappoint you!" A wild applause grew as Yuuki made her final preperations.

-Match Eight: Arms' length-

"…Just strap this one in like this…" Yuuki fastened her blade to her back, easily accessible to her right hand. "There!"

As she went to depart, a hand gripped her arm. Takeshi eyed her suspiciously. "What are you doing with a sword? Don't even think about fighting Kaito with that."

Yuuki pulled her arm away with a grunt. "You already know I don't underestimate others. If you would have let me explain things earlier, you might understand." He looked to her, more with concern than annoyance. Yuuki sighed. "I've got a match to fight. Can you just keep quiet and watch?" She jumped down and walked to the center. Once she did, the crowd went wild again.

Takeshi crossed his arms and sighed. "Good luck, Yuuki."

OoOo

"The fighters are present, so let there be no further stalls." Isami glanced at Yuuki's additional weapon with a judgmental face. I didn't teach her how to use one of those. He shook it off as he flashed away from the ring. "Begin!"

Kaito's eye's shot open as he closed the gap with his signature low sweep lead. As Yuuki jumped backwards, her hands already formed the seal for shadow clones. Two appeared, unsheathing her sturdy old sword just slight enough to parry his rotating swing. Kaito smirked, pushing harder until he destroyed the clones. However, Yuuki had already opened up with a new attack. "Heavenly Spin: Auger!" Her body pushed forward, spiraling into the form of a drill that Kaito could barely attempt to block. The force managed to break through his defense and his body was sent flying back. The stunned crowd went wild. Kaito skid off the ground and recovered quickly.

"There's someone I'd like to honor this fight with." Yuuki drew her blade and pointed it at Kaito. "And I hope I can entertain both her and you with this." She let her left hand firmly grip the base and took a lower stance.

Kaito began to laugh, switching to his right hand. "An unexpected duel to say the least. Very well Uzumaki-san, let us talk with our blades this match." Yuuki felt the sweat drip off her forehead.

OoOo

"What is that?" Nagi prodded Takeshi for an answer. Takeshi nodded his head in disbelief himself. "The shadow clones I figured, but a mobile heavenly spin? And now she's challenging a swordsman to a duel?"

Without a response from Takeshi, he turned to Tsumi. "Do you know?"

Tsumi stared in awe and excitement herself. "I haven't seen her train with a sword at all. I'm just as lost as everyone else." Takeshi snapped back, turning to Noriko. No way, was that the reason? Noriko held her arms crossed and observed the match as it progressed.

OoOo

"Ungh!" Yuuki grunted behind the force as she parried downward with a jump. She spun her body to not take the whole impact and targeted Kaito with a left kick. Kaito dipped under and came down vertically. Rolling as she landed, Yuuki evaded his strike and lashed at his back. It was useless, as he pulled his arm back and blocked her swing. Damn, it's like trying to chip a diamond with wood. Yuuki let her blade scrape off his and swung for speed. With a rapid arsenal of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and stabbing motions, she showed him everything she had. He's just as quick as she said he'd be! On her last stab, he allowed it to go between his left arm and body and swiftly shattered her blade with his. Her hands screamed in pain as he kicked her to the ground. He pointed his sword at her.

"I'll take the win against the person you fought for. Now, I want to see what Yuuki can do." Before he could react, a clone blasted him away with an empty palm thrust.

Yuuki dropped her hand seal. "Looks like I'm still wet behind the ears with a blade." She stood up and Isami exhaled in relief. Kaito settled his feet with a smile as Yuuki closed her eyes. "Byakugan!" Her eyes bolted open and Yuuki's hands already showed her seal. "Kyuusoku Kage no Bunshin!" Kaito attempted to catch up as clones spawned while attacking all around him. They didn't all spawn at once, rather one right after the other. Over the course of ten seconds, he had fended off dozens before realizing the true nature of the assault. A distraction! As it came to a halt, he found himself staring down a couple ranks of Yuuki's clones consisting of four each. This won't be a walk in the park… He turned his back to see another rank behind him. Not at all. The ranks had already prepared their hand seals and released their jutsus. Starting from the second rank and moving to the back, the jutsus made a deadly combination. "Fuuton: Reppushou! Katon: Komakai Kaki! Suiton: Hahonryuu!" Kaito kept focused. From the front, a collaboration wind-fire jutsu wave coming at me. From the rear, Datsu's B-rank water jutsu. Four at once, being controlled into different paths? No escape available. Hah! That's more like it! Kaito quickly grabbed his sword with both hands and swung it tilted at a forty-five degree angle. His rotation became faster and faster until the jutsus collided over him.

OoOo

Shikamira joined the others in their shock. No way. They really weren't kidding when they said she took out all those thugs. Yuuki herself isn't even breaking a sweat at that amount of clones. She can literally command a platoon of ninja with one technique.

"No way! For a minute I thought she was on the losing end, but she just completely out gunned Kaito, man!" Kobi was practically hanging over the fence, looking in awe. Both Isami and Naruto observed the alteration to the technique. Coupled with the military like setup, they couldn't help but smile.

"Of course she had it under control! You think my sister would go down without a fight?" Tsumi smacked Kobi and looked back to her stationary sibling. "Finish it, Yuuki!"

Noriko was standing close as well, giving all her attention to the rising steam where Kaito was. Finish? Well she better, but how did Kaito…

OoOo

The steam turned into a twister and quickly dissipated. Kaito came to a halt, gasping for air. His clothes had been slightly charred and then soaked. The crowd roared as the fighter endured the amazing onslaught. His eyes rested on Yuuki. "Judgment day!" Pushing as fast as he could, he plowed straight through the clone ranks and straight for Yuuki herself. The speed and efficiency had been impressive, as Yuuki was barely able to touch her hand to her thigh before he was swinging down on her with both hands. She wasn't expecting to have to move, I've caught her off guard. I'm out of her strike range, yet she's in mine; Isami should stop the fight now.

"Haa!" Kaito froze in shock. The top half of his blade stuck in the ground and the base remained in his hand. His eyes glued to the wind infused blade that was held to his throat. Yuuki stood six feet away with a smile on her face. Kaito didn't need to look twice to know his blade had been sliced through.

He dropped the hilt and raised his hand. "It would appear you've inherited an interesting blade. Chakra blades…I…just have no counters." Kaito smiled. "You've shocked me, Uzumaki-San. I submit."

The crowd showed a revitalized roar as the judge made his way the fighters. "How about that? I almost called this match three different times. Inside the water and fire jutsu, Kaito managed to mix the two with a whirlwind and canceled them out. But let's take a closer look at those final seconds." The video played as Yuuki reached to touch her thigh. "As you can see, she had a seal that held the sword in it all along. Since it was a chakra sword, she could channel wind nature into it, and with skill, could cut through even Kaito's monster blade." Giving another cheer, the audience let them know how much they enjoyed them. Kaito picked up the pieces of his sword and Yuuki went back the fighter's stands.

OoOo

"Hey, you had me worried for a minute." Takeshi approached Yuuki as she adjusted her hair.

Yuuki laughed for a moment. "You know, I had myself worried for a minute. That was exhilarating!" Yuuki looked over to Noriko and nodded. She returned it and walked over to Datsu's team.

Tsumi busted in next. "That was cool! I didn't know you knew anything about swords!" Tsumi stretched quickly and jumped back up. "Now I just have to go through Shikamira to take you down. This should be fun!"

Nagi inched himself into the conversation. "Don't think she'll be a push over." After an awkward silence, he looked at Yuuki. "That was awesome! You have to teach me how to use the heavenly spin like that!" Everyone's eyes stared in shock at Nagi's childish reaction. He coughed, squaring himself up. "Yes, well, I look forward to seeing what else you know about the byakugan. If you'll excuse me…" Nagi backed away and headed for Shikamira.

Yuuki shot a look back to Tsumi. "Don't keep underestimating people. I'm telling you, Shikamira isn't someone you're going to want to play games with."

Tsumi waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. I know how smart she is. I'll be sure to take her super serious."

Takeshi and Yuuki looked at each other and shrugged. "Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you. If you don't go all out like you did against Shitto, then you're going to regret it."

OoOo

Kaito plopped down next to Akano, holding the two halves of his sword. Datsu slid in with a grin. "Rough fight?"

He set the blade down and looked up to Datsu. "She's insane. I felt like no matter what I did, I was playing into her scheme. She's clearly been training harder than us."

Datsu pumped his chest out. "Harder than you two maybe, but no one trains harder than me! No one will put me down this tournament!" Datsu glanced over, seeing Inora glaring at him for an awkwardly long time. He chuckled nervously, sitting down next to Akano. "Hey, what's with that girl? You think she's single?" Akano shook his head.

"Why am I so unfortunate? What did I do to deserve being placed in a team with this fool?" Kaito nodded subtly in agreement.

OoOo

"It seems like she's not taking her matches seriously. You aren't going to lose to someone like that, are you?" Shikamira sighed.

"I wish it were as simple as just making promises. You know how much chakra she has, and how quick she is." She gave him a smirk. "Luckily, she's not as cautious as Yuuki. I'll give it my best shot for you."

Inora's senses must have been tingling, as she was now next to them. "Oh, what's this? You two sure have been close lately. Am I seeing the next big couple?" Nagi pulled back as Shikamira shoved Inora's face away from the scene.

"You shut up! How many times do I have to tell you, Nagi is an obstacle I must over take. Nothing more!"

Inora smirked deviously. "So you want to 'overtake' him then? I didn't think that was your style, but I'll still cheer you on!" Shikamira gritted her teeth looking back to Nagi.

"We'll talk about this later!" Shikamira hurdled the fence and readied for her match.

Nagi cocked his eyes over to Inora. "Was she talking to me, or you?" Inora shrugged and then changed the subject.

"Hey, do you like Shikamira?" Nagi's eye twitched.

"You're pretty relentless, aren't you?" She snickered as Nagi changed the subject. "You like that masochist, don't you?" Inora's attitude dropped.

"Alright, we're done here."

OoOo

"Here we are, match two of round two! With a display of power and speed, Uzumaki Tsumi was swift to show exactly why she was high ranked. However, Shikamira has shown a very cunning approach to her fight against her cousin. How will brutality fair against strategy? You are about to find out! Match nine: Uzumaki Tsumi, rank two, VS. Nara Shikamira, rank ten. Begin!"

-Match Nine: Brain VS. Brawn-

Shikamira lead the assault with a quick attack from her chakra fan. Tsumi dipped back with glee, returning an uppercut that barely missed Shikamira's jaw. Damn, I need her to use up chakra, not try to punch me out. She rolled around Tsumi, using her fan to attack as she leapt back. Tsumi slid to the right and pressed after her, only to find more wind chakra skimming right by her side.

"Headed for the tree coverage, huh? I'm not about to let you have more shade!" Tsumi created five clones and made hand seals. That's good. "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!" Six massive fireballs were launched at Shikamira. The slow speed made them simple to dodge, but the tree she retreated to was incinerated quickly. Tsumi herself seemed excited by the maneuvers. "I guess I shouldn't let you get comfortable either." She created five more clones and the two groups created different hand seals. Shikamira began a forward charge. Can't really take any hits either. This is getting problematic. I figured she knew how to use shadow clones. The new clones readied themselves. "Suiton: Suishouha!" A massive amount of water accumulated as the real Tsumi jumped away. Shikamira glanced up, but focused still on the next wave of clones. The giant orb of water is coming straight for me, but what are the other clones doing? Shikamira increased her speed to avoid the impact of the giant orb as water quickly flooded in under her. That would have hurt. The clones slammed their hands into the water. "Raiton: Kangekiha!" Without another second, Shikamira jumped as high as she could with the assistance of her fan. A mass of hisses and crackles rang out as five powerful lightning jutsus combine and coursed through the water. Yikes, fire, water and lightning? Just like Yuuki used fire, water, and wind. That was a B-ranked technique too. The clones were destroyed, and Shikamira landed safely away from the water. Tsumi became more excited. "Looks like you're having all the fun right now. You want to step up the competition?"

Shikamira adjusted her fans and stared back. "Good. For a minute, I thought that's all you could do." One more act like that, and then I should be able to give it a go. Shikamira closed her chakra fan and put both away. She began making hand seals.

Tsumi grinned making a few herself. "Alright, smart ass! Let's see what you can do. Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!"

"Doton: Doroku Gaeshi!" A massive chunk of earth rose up to completely block Tsumi's fire jutsu. "That may buy me time, but now she'll use the byakugan with lightning jutsu. Doton no jutsu!" A chunk of earth formed into a makeshift shield as Shikamira drew her chakra fan.

Tsumi watched with her byakugan after making a clone. "Earth, huh? Didn't see that happening, but you know what to do." The clone nodded, finishing it's hand seals. "Raiton: Raigeki no Yoroi!" The clone was enveloped in an aura of electricity as it shot off with great speed.

The clone zipped around the barrier, dodging the wind jutsu. Shikamira bit her lip. Is this the real body then? Either way… "Eat this!" Shikamira launched the shield at Tsumi and waved an intense blast of wind at her. However, Tsumi was struck and dissipated in lightning. "A lightning clone enveloped in a lightning aura? A diversion, but from where?" She backed against the wall.

Tsumi pushed her palm up against the wall of defense. I'll keep it hidden for you, Yuuki. Rasengan! The wall exploded open, pummeling Shikamira with her own defense and launching her to the ground. "Boo!"

OoOo

"Gotta hand it to her, she's pretty good." Takeshi watched as Yuuki grunted.

"She's still not being careful though. Her chakra was pretty drained from Shitto, and now she's using more trying to toy with Shikamira. She should be keeping distance in this fight." I have to give her props for disguising the rasengan.

OoOo

Shikamira forced herself up, eyeing down Tsumi. That move had to have used up a lot of chakra. Still, blasting through a thick layer of earth? What was that? Tsumi herself laughed. "What's next then?"

Shikamira deployed her second fan, releasing explosive tags. Tsumi moved in close to strike, but Shikamira was ready herself. As chunks of earth flew by, they exchanged a few blows until Tsumi struck Shikamira in the solar plexus. As she fell once more, Tsumi sighed. "You seem to be tired now." Her chakra is pretty low. I should probably end this.

Shikamira laughed as she rose, still gasping for air in between. "On the contrary: it would seem you are the tired one." Shikamira reached in her pocket on her left side. Tsumi was shocked as her body mimicked. No way, was it when I hit her? There's no way I'm going down without a fight! She attempted to overpower the technique, making Shikamira struggle herself. They inched closer, barely capable of making any movement. It's no use…my chakra is just barely too low. Finally, Shikamira raised her kunai to Tsumi's throat and fake slashed it. "You're dead, Tsumi."

Isami bolted to the combatants and waved his arms. "It's over! Shikamira escapes with a win over Uzumaki Tsumi!" The crowd raged with excitement as Shikamira dropped the technique. "This is arguably the biggest upset of the tournament! Number two has been flushed down!" Shikamira teetered slightly, and Tsumi was there to stabilize her before she fell.

"As much as I want to hit you right now, that was pretty cool." She grinned at her, helping her recover her balance. "I guess I should have used my water and lightning combo to finish you off, but I hate staying so far away all the time."

Shikamira settled herself. Damn, down to the last bit of my chakra. I can't believe she was still able to resist that much. "I don't know how much chakra you have, but I'm glad you're so impatient with jutsus. I'll count this as one of my luckier wins."

OoOo

They made their way back to the fighters' area, where Tsumi wagered she'd catch hell. She waltzed up to her team with an indifferent attitude. Yuuki looked as if she was going to tear into her sister, but refrained. "You know, I could say I warned you, but you probably would have just waved that off anyways." Takeshi glanced back to Yuuki, surprised that she wasn't screaming at her. Yuuki turned her head to look at Shikamira. "I think what's frustrating me is something I need to get over. You're not me anymore, and different things make us happy." She looked back to her sister, who was actually shocked. Yuuki smiled. "It was a hell of a match, Tsumi. It almost looked like you were going to become a jutsu master out there."

She snorted in response. "As if I would enjoy that sort of cheap stuff." Takeshi gave her a funny face, making Tsumi groan. "Alright, maybe I like using clones and lightning, but that distance stuff is just too…safe." She quickly turned around, pretending to be upset. That wasn't too bad, but I bet Ripper still thought I was awesome. Tsumi ran over to the dog and began playing with it, rather carefree.

"She's pretty free-spirited, isn't she?" Takeshi spoke to Yuuki, who nodded in agreement.

"You know…I remember acting like that not too long ago. Maybe I am being a little too serious." Takeshi raised an eyebrow, deciding not to press the issue any further.

OoOo

Inora pressed up close to Shikamira. "That was amazing! I can't believe you pulled of a win against that powerhouse, byakugan users. I guess they aren't as tough as they want everyone to think they are." She looked with a cat-like smirk over to Nagi, who coughed to let them know he was right there.

"You're chakra is pretty low, Shikamira. That was an excellent win, but maybe you should eat something to help regain some."

She nodded a little bit, but leaned back. "Eh, I'm a little too tired to go buy food. I'll be fine." Nagi walked over to his things and tossed her his lunch. She looked at it and tried to give it back. "No, you need to eat too. Inora can go get me food if I really needed-"

"Inora's match is right after mine. I can buy my lunch, so you need to eat. That's the end of this discussion. If you'll excuse me…" Nagi walked away, leaving Shikamira to look wantonly at the food in her hands.

Inora got up, winking at her. "Well, a gift is a gift. It would be rude for you to reject it, right? And giving it to you with such authority…" Shikamira's face deadpanned as her stomach rumbled.

OoOo

Yuuki perched up against the rail, waiting for Takeshi to come. "You sure you can take him? You saw what he did to Akano."

Takeshi looked to her with a smirk. "You haven't seen the training I've gone through. I'm pretty sure I can beat him. I'm the only one capable of matching his speed now, and I'm going to kick it into high gear this round. I don't think you understand just what it means to face the sharingan."

Yuuki rolled her eyes. "Still an arrogant ass." Takeshi rubbed his nose and snickered. Yuuki regained eye contact. "Don't be throwing every move you got out there. You're going to need all the surprises you can get to beat me. In the finals."

Takeshi crossed his arms behind his head as he walked away. "And you call me arrogant."

OoOo

"The next two fighters have both showed you overwhelming skill at fast speeds. Overall, the speed stat in this year's exam have been phenomenal, however, two have shown themselves to be at the top. Uchiha Takeshi, wielder of the sharingan, will go against Nagi, wielder of the byakugan. Rank three VS. Rank six!" Isami paused as both Takeshi and Nagi readied themselves. "Begin!"

-Match Ten: The Battle of Eyes-

Without hesitation, Takeshi vanished and Nagi activated his byakugan. Body flicker, huh? "heavenly spin!" Takeshi, who had come inches away from striking Nagi, had been thrown back by the defensive maneuver.

Still on his feet, Takeshi pulled out a kunai to parry the ninja tools thrown at him. I figured it couldn't be that simple. Nagi began to retreat to distance. Looks like he knows that I'm more in the mid to short range fight. I'm not going to let him get off that easy! Takeshi utilized the body flicker technique to counter attack Nagi with shurikens. Then he formed hand seals on the fly. "Katon: Hosenka no Jutsu!" Multiple balls of fire were sent after Nagi, who prepared to counter them. However, shurikens shot out of the flames and made him dodge. Now the shurikens pulled back, missing him and landing in the ground. "Katon: Ryuka no Jutsu!"

Nagi shot his attention to the technique as his movement was impeded. Strings? That means… The fire traveled close along the chord, threatening to burn Nagi. "Heavenly spin!" As he came out of his attack, Takeshi came from underground and nailed him with a glancing blow to the chin. His moves flow well. Nagi dipped down, blocking the incoming knee with his gentle fist. There! Nagi went to continue the assault, when Takeshi vanished once more. Not a chance! "Heavenly spin!" His opponent was bounced away once again, but Nagi had already started panting a little. I get it. He's trying to chip away at my chakra. I can't afford to keep being careless. Something's off though…

Takeshi and Nagi charged head on. "Figured me out already, huh?" His eyes now lit red as they came into close quarters. He wasn't using his sharingan! Nagi put his all into striking Takeshi, but he felt like he was swinging at air. Impossible, is this some sort of genjutsu? Now Takeshi began striking back, while Nagi began trying to parry and dodge. I can't seem to shake him into a mistake. His reactions are perfect right now. Takeshi jumped above him and clasped his hands on Nagi's ears. No choice! "Heavenly spin." As Takeshi was thrown away, Nagi staggered. He threw my equilibrium off!

Takeshi had already began his next attack, forming his last hand seal. "Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu!" Shit! Nagi jumped to the side, only to be met by a knee to the face. As a result, he was sent twenty feet back and tumbling along the ground. The battered boy rolled over and looked at the sky, seeing Takeshi already above him. "You alright, Nagi?"

He smirked, trying to get his vision to focus. "If I had just been able to…use my tools a bit more. It's never a good sign when a Hyuuga uses heavenly spin four times in a five minutes. You really got me good."

Isami approached them and assessed Nagi. "That's it. Nagi is unable to continue. This match is Uchiha Takeshi's win! What an overwhelming performance!" Greeted with the now expected roar of the crowd, the fighters were escorted back to the combatants area.

OoOo

"Ah, so Takeshi won already, huh?" Inora walked out from the break room and Yuuki turned her head.

"Yeah, where were you?" She observed the smile on her face.

"Oh, you know. Just preparing for the next match. You'll see." Takeshi came back in a good mood.

"Good luck out there! Datsu isn't normal." She smirked and waved her hand as she walked away.

Yuuki turned to him now, seemingly in a lightened mood. "Those were some good tricks out there. Are you sure you saved enough?" Takeshi just crossed his arms.

"I think you'll find I'm your rival for a reason. You need to do your part as well." Tsumi looked between them and felt fire growing.

"Hey, that's the way I remember everyone being. Takeshi looked pretty cool out there, didn't he Yuuki? I saw you cheering a few times."

Yuuki turned around with her pride. "It was ok, but he was trying to go for style too much. Show off."

He shot a deflated pose. "Oh come on! I was just trying to survive that match, not show off…"

OoOo

Inora stretched as much as she could before getting ready to go. Nagi and Shikamira had been sitting next to each other, discussing Nagi's match.

"I see. Yes that does seem likely to have worked. I'll keep that in mind next time." He looked over to Inora. "Are you sure you're ready for this guy? Datsu looks pretty tough. He has a lot of chakra, and not only does he know a large amount of water ninjutsu, but he can use shadow clones too."

Inora remained in her peppy demeanor as she responded. "I guess we'll just have to see, won't we?" Nagi pulled back. She's pretty confident for someone who graduated with average marks. Is she really going to be alright?

Nagi's stomach ate at him and his eye's bulged. Ah, that's right! I gave Shikamira my lunch! Damn. As his eyes shifted to her, she gave him the rest. "I figured this would happen, so I only ate half." Nagi ever so slightly flushed as he accepted it.

"What do you mean, 'figured this would happen?'" Shikamira crossed her hands behind her head and smiled.

"It was a seventy-three percent chance that you would lose. Those were the outcomes of my predictions, anyways." She gazed at the clouds and the mid-day sun.

Nagi looked back to his food. "Seventy-three percent? I feel even worse now…"

She sighed. "Oh, get over it already. If it's any consolation, I was rooting on that twenty-seven percent chance you'd win." Shikamira blushed as she saw his expression and moved her hands in a defensive position. "Just so we could fight, you know? No other reason!"

OoOo

"Hell yeah! Just you wait, red eye punk! I'll show you how far I've surpassed you next round!" Datsu punched out his imaginary foe and put up the victory sign. Kaito sighed.

"Is it really that big of a rivalry? You two have only fought once, and we're not even from the same village. Maybe you should mellow out for a minute." Datsu clenched his fist at Kaito.

"Of course it's a big rivalry! What kind of main character would I be if every fight was stagnant? When I win these exams, everyone will recognize our village. And I'll be chosen as the Kyuuryuukage!" With his arms spread out, Datsu let out a maniacal laugh.

Both Kaito and Akano stared at him before looking at each other. "He's delusional."

Datsu put on a tough guy face and flipped them off. "Screw both of you! I'll prove how awesome I am. I've only ever lost once, and I've vowed to never let it happen again!" The boy leapt over the fence and met his opponent in the center.

OoOo

As Isami walked out, the crowd cheered and hollered. Isami put his hands up. "Please everyone! I know it's not every day an idol like me walks the streets, but you should be cheering for the next two fighters!" The crowd quieted. A brief period of awkward silence swept over the arena.

Finally, a fan stood up and shouted, "Just start the next match already!" Several kunai made him bite his tongue as Isami raged.

"Silence!" Tears flowed out of the man's eyes. I wasn't paid to get this many weapons thrown at me. The crowd stared in awe. Isami crossed his arms. "The moment before a match is crucial to a fighter. It is their chance to size up their opponent, and-"

Inora and Datsu threatened Isami now. "Just start the match!" Isami bowed his head in defeat.

"Alright, the next round is a strong willed girl that I suspect will be a dominatrix in the future, and she will be going against the self-proclaimed main character of some story he thought of in his head!" Datsu nodded as Inora face showed embarrassment and shock. Dominatrix! "Match eleven! Inora, rank eleven, VS. Datsu, ranked eight! …" Everyone's eyes twitched as the man clearly held a grudge against them. Isami's lungs are in amazing health by the way. "…eeeeeeeeeegin."

-Match Eleven: Making a Name-

"Kirigakure No Jutsu!" Inora waited as the fog rolled in and made a few hand seals. This outta be good. "Suiton: Chakra Kenpa No Ame!" Datsu smirked as the rain came down and his opponent's position was revealed. However, he noted as the rain seemed a bit heavier than he intended. "Oops, looks like we're going to get drenched. My bad!"

"How about you quit being a coward and say that to my face!" Inora feigned her anger and allowed chakra to pull out once again to form a butterfly. "I can still hear you, so I'll take you out in one strike anyways!"

OoOo

"What's she doing? That's not the way to win the match, my sweet butterfly!" Nezero cringed on sideline at what could be happening inside the mist. He turned to Vin, who stared at him like he was an idiot. "What if that creep turns out to be a super pervert?" Yuuki punched him over the head.

"Quit being weird!" Yuuki's eyes twitched as he giggled in excitement. She turned to Kankiri. "Seriously, why is he weird?" Kankiri shrugged, not being much of a talker. Yuuki grew chills. This whole team is so weird. Does Kankiri have multiple personalities.

Takeshi walked up. "He's got a point though. She knew this was coming, so does she really think it's a good idea getting caught up on his terms? She's going to waste her chakra swinging at nothing!"

Yuuki put a hand under her chin, scheming. "I did see something though. Inora really isn't just an average genin anymore." The group turned their heads back to the fight.

OoOo

Datsu grinned, knowing his technique had been working. Maybe I'll play mind games with her until she realizes how awesome I am. Then, surrendering is only natural. Good job, brain! He approached the girl, who was frantically looking around. From behind, he would give her a few close calls, and her panic would soon get the better of her.

"What's wrong? You call yourself a man? Get rid of this fog and accept punishment!" Datsu closed in behind, about two meters away. Hmph. Well, I guess it's time to get started. Inora made the same hand seals and the rain became normal again.

Datsu let his hand out to feel the rain. It's lighter…and different. Why can't I tell where she is anymore? Suddenly, his body was overwhelmed by a barrage of fist, elbows, knees, and kicks. However, they weren't the average strength attacks. These ones were crushing his body. "That's it! That's the face I like to see! Don't you look down on me, Datsu!" His hands were too slow to react, as a punch struck him in the abs and carried his body clear to the other side of the battleground. Both the mist and the rain cleared away.

As it did, not a single jaw was left closed. Inora stood in a giddy, playful mood. Oops! Looks like I went a little too far with that one. Better tone it down. Datsu was on the floor, battered and bleeding. He forced himself to his knees, only to fall forward and rest on his hands.

OoOo

Takeshi turned to Yuuki and pointed at the scene. "The fuck?"

Maintaining focus on the fight, she enlightened everyone. "Inora knows water jutsu's. She used the rain sensory jutsu at the same time Datsu did. This created a heavier downpour that he should have noticed, but she pretended like she couldn't see him. Once Datsu was close enough, she cancelled his out and literally overkilled him. I know it's Datsu we're talking about, but he's lucky to be conscious right now. Must be a few broken ribs in there."

Takeshi clenched the rail and looked back. "No way. Is he going to be alright?"

Nezero began throwing a small fit. "What right does that guy have? Taking all of her affection for himself is what he's doing!" Vin grunted, choosing to look back to the fight rather than listen to his teammate. Nezero smirked. "Just don't forget that bet, Vinney boy!" sweat began to perspire from the guy.

OoOo

"Shit!" Datsu hacked out blood, forcing his body to ignore the pain and look back at his aggressor. This is worse than I thought. She's not as empty minded as she looks. I can't let these scraps ruin my run though. I have to win! "That the best you can do?" Datsu hacked up more blood and spit to the side, leaving a grin.

Inora tilted her head back slightly, resting her chin on the back of her hand with a smile. "Another tough guy, huh? That's all well and good, but don't you think you should give up now?" Inora searched her options. That's definitely no good. I really can't go around killing people.

"Gloat while you can. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Datsu spawned several clones, causing him to hold his chest. No, damn it! Get your act together body. I'm not done here. The clones were left in a similar state, seemingly pushing through as best they could. The group spread themselves and began working jutsus.

Inora braced herself. Crap, I was hoping to end it before he could use that. Six colnes, huh? I heard he could do a lot more than that. Five of them stopped and let out their jutsu. "Suiton: Suishouha!" Inora jerked her head up to find a massive orb of water; however, it wasn't being guided to her. What's his goal? As the water flooded the ground, Inora and the remaining clone jumped on top. The other clones were destroyed? The clone and Datsu both charged in after her, both with a face of pain. Can't be helped. Inora followed suit, all three of them making hand seals.

Inora finished first, only a meter from the clone. "Katon: Hiendan!" This jutsu is massive, and at this range, it should stump whatever he's planning.

The clone stopped and finished his jutsu. "Suiton: Mizu no Tatsumaki!" A massive tornado of water managed to extinguish the fireball, and now the only Datsu left swung in from the left. No way! "Suiton: Mizu no Tatsumaki!" This time, the full force of the twister caught Inora in a violent spin up, tossing her out like a ragdoll. At this speed…Shit! Her body launched at one of the surrounding trees, but she used the rest of her calorie technique to channel chakra into her feet for a kick. The trunk was shattered upon impact. Unfortunately, her momentum continued until her leg broke impact on the floor.

With a agonized groan, Inora grabbed her leg and rolled up. "Son of a…" She twitched her toes, relieved to find movement. Hopefully it's just a bad sprain, but there's no way I can walk on this. Datsu slowly made his way over to Inora, visibly panting in exhaustion and holding his side. That guy…He must have used more chakra than he should have in the last match, so now his body is in a double jeopardy. I need to put a stop to this before he dies. This will be pushing it, but I have to try. Inora quickly threw forth strange hand seals. Datsu stopped, closely anticipating what the move could be. She glowed with a bright light that intensified the longer he stared. "Kokuangyo no jutsu!"

Suddenly, Datsu's vision left him. No matter where he tried to look, the light would not return. What the hell? I can't even hear myself. He clinched his kunai, feeling his grip. Datsu attempted to dispel the jutsu, but it had no effect. No way, I'm certain this is genjutsu. Why can't I dispel this? Don't tell me she's good at this lame stuff! He raised his kunai, gritting his teeth in anger. Like hell I'm going to lose like this! With a hard slam, the kunai shot straight through his thigh and his mind screamed in pain. However, his screams became audible to him and his vision returned. Now on the floor, feet away from Inora, he grunted and pulled out another kunai. "Don't fuck with me. I told you, I'm the main character of this story!"

Everyone stared in disturbance. The match was somehow panning out even. Inora put her hands forward with a half-smile. "This is for your own good. Shintenshin no Jutsu!" Datsu braced himself, but suddenly felt himself immobilized once more.

OoOo

"Where the hell am I now?" He looked around; it was dark, but just light enough to see. Then he heard grunts of pain. As he traveled towards the source, he could tell it was Inora. "What is this?"

OoOo

"Did she get it off? That move can end a round before it even begins. I don't think Datsu could even get out of it." Noriko stepped up next to Yuuki, clearly drawn into the fight. Before she could continue, Datsu began screaming in pain. Noriko pulled back. "What is she doing to him?"

Yuuki responded quietly. "The Shintenshin was successful. More than likely, Inora can't handle the amount of pain Datsu's body is in. All she has to do is raise his hand and give up. But it would seem even that is too painful." The entire stadium stared intently as Inora struggled to move his muscles.

OoOo

"I told you, you can't…keep going like this. Your body…it needs medical attention!"

Datsu had learned of the bloodline, also noting that he himself was not in pain. She's taken all the burdens, trying to force me to give up? Screw that, it's my body! Inora felt a pressure build around her, and the pain began to pulse. "Get out! Don't act like you know my limitations just because you can't take a little pain!" His words reached her, and the added pressure made her put her hands together.

I really can't take this. I have to release the technique!

OoOo

Isami shifted his eyes between the two. Inora moaned slightly and her head dipped before coming back up. Datsu spat out more blood, grinning at her. "crying over this small amount of pain? Ridiculous!" Talking big was his specialty, but all the pain he'd forgot rushed to his head, tearing into him. She watched as his eye's twitched and he reached his kunai towards her. Inora prepared herself with a kunai, but his grip loosened. With another cough of blood, Datsu's face planted into the floor. She stared in shock.

Isami quickly jumped in between and ran diagnostics on the boy. He waved his arms. "Datsu's body gave up on him, leaving Inora as the victor. Forgive me, but this boy from the village hidden in the rivers must be healed quickly!" Datsu's hand clenched Isami's shirt, shocking everyone more.

"Hey, Isami…How'd I do? Do they…recognize us yet?" Datsu's eyes were unfocused, and he didn't appear to be able to move any more than clinching his collar.

Isami smiled, placing his hand on the back of Datsu's head. "After a performance like that, no one will be able to ignore you three. You did well. As expected of the main character." The corner of Datsu's mouth rose as Isami put him asleep. He glanced over to Inora, where his clone grabbed her. "Come on. I can't forget about your leg either."

Inora blushed as the clone picked her up. "Oh, no need to worry abou-" Vanishing cut off her sentence and the crowd stood up in a frenzy of excitement.

Another clone took the mic and waved them to settle. "Datsu put his life on the line to see the battle through. After his body was punished, this guy still busted A-ranked jutsus! That was a very special fight. The Village Hidden in the Rivers has made its mark, producing fine ninja. At this time, we will be breaking for a total of three hours. Round two has concluded, and what a memorable four matches it was. Fighters, please head to the break room. You've earned a chunk of rest. Everyone else…" Isami put three fingers in the air. "Don't even consider going anywhere. Round three is coming. Need I remind you they're the semi-finals?" The crowd let out one final cheer before he turned to the VIP area. His father made a clear head motion to talk with him. "See you very soon!" Yeah, I've got some things to tell you too, dad. Isami threw an explosive tag down and vanished with a bang.

-A/N-

Well, sorry about a Monday morning release. I was aiming for last Sunday, but it's not always easy to get life on your agenda rofl. I try to explain jutsus when they happen, but if there's anything you want me to elaborate on, let me know. Soo, how many people were surprised by the outcomes? Who actually called these fights? Which ones are your favorites so far? Did any make you rage quit? I don't know these things unless you, the readers, tell me. I'm only one man; I can't catch all my blunders! Thanks for reading!