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.

20. Take a Breath

-A/N-

Holy Ultimate cliffhanger, Batman! Seriously, chapter 19→ Sep, 2012, Chapter 20→ Jan2016. Yuuki has been finally met un-freindly faces, but she still has a fight to take care of! Can she overcome this unforeseen set-back?

Chapter 20: Take a Breath

Shikamira locked eyes with her opponent. For a moment, the outside world disappeared. Yuuki scanned the battlefield, confident her opponent was already giving her the upper hand. "Thanks for the capture! Oh, and Check!" The clack of Shogi pieces made Shikamira wince.

"You've been getting much better at this. I'm glad to be playing someone near my level." Shikamira recovered her defense quietly and awaited Yuuki's move. It had been an hour in the game already, but finally it would seem the endgame was about to commence.

"Oh, come on. I'm sure Asumaru and Tekaku are a lot more fun to play. I tend to take quite some time before I move." Yuuki moved her rook to get a more fortified assault.

Shikamira quickly dropped a gold general near Yuuki's defense and continued the conversation. "My brothers are annoying. Tekaku uses very aggressive moves with an overwhelming offense. Asumaru plays The Yagura castle opening and rarely attacks. He takes longer turns than you because he spends five minutes staring at clouds." Yuuki scrunched her face, later pleased by what she saw. "So far you're the only one who treats it like a true battle of wits." Immediately after Yuuki moved, Shikamira pushed her lance piece into an attack, capturing the pawn. Yuuki responded by capturing the threat, but was quickly punished as Shikamira moved the bishop. "Discovered checkmate, how lucky." Yuuki's jaw dropped and head dipped.

"I don't get it; I had you on your toes the whole time. You played completely different. Jeez, and I had your rook too!" Yuuki traced back her steps and contemplated her error.

Shikamira smirked. "You lost because you moved your bishop from defense to offense. This game, I feigned a blunder and weakness to encourage an assault. I don't take credit for beating you. You take credit for beating yourself."

Yuuki sighed and looked up to the sky. "So, after accounting for my skill level, you knew you were more likely to win. That means I would most likely be eager to jump on your blunders, and you would just sweep in after I lost focus on defense. You suck."

Shikamira herself laid back. "That's about right, in a nut shell. Who knows, maybe I'm using that strategy on our exam scores."

Yuuki jumped up, pumping her fist. "Yeah right! You've only got six months to beat me before graduation. Besides, that stupid Noriko's still beating you!"

The Nara yawned, now crossing her hands behind her head. "I suppose you're right. I'm not a fan of pencil and paper. I know just about everything we cover, but why not save time and just work on combat?"

Yuuki shook her head and put on a smirk. "I knew there had to be some lazy in you! Pencil and paper is the first step towards victory on the battlefield!"

Her friend rolled up, narrowing her eyes. "Oh yeah? Where do your ideas come from? The brain. Writing it out is just extra work. Besides, you don't always have time to scratch a drawing out. Tactics are in the end, superior to strategies."

Yuuki quickly etched out designs in the dirt for a battle formation. "See? A single file three man charge, easy to understand strategy that everyone can execute swiftly."

Shikamira shook her head. "There's no way something like that could work. Too many flaws." She smirked, knowing where to strike a nerve. "I guess that's just what an average fighter would think of anyways."

Yuuki turned red in anger. "The day I'm looking to you as a weaker opponent, I'll give you a taste of what strategy can do!"

Shikamira put her hand to her chin. "Oh, so it'll end up just like that last Shogi match!" Yuuki's face was practically steaming, ready to throw a fist. However, the Nara simply relaxed once more and smiled. "That's why I think I like playing you in Shogi. Every time I see you, I can't help but feel threatened. I know there's almost no chance of losing, but you always look so strong and confident."

-End flashback-

OoOoOoOo

Shikamira drew her fans, but did not take a stance. Yuuki prepared herself, awaiting the call. Isami glanced between the two. "Begin!"

He disappeared, leaving the combatants into a stare down. Shikamira narrowed her eyes. "So, here we are. You, the superior foe, ready to prove yourself a worthy finalist."

Yuuki responded with a smile between breaths. "Oh yeah? I'm not scaring you, am I?" Yuuki dipped down, quickly needing to dodge a swift charge. Shikamira pressed her with impressive speed, forcing Yuuki to evade the shadows at the same time as her wind powered fan attacked. As the assault halted, Yuuki gained distance.

"That's the issue. For the first time, I don't feel threatened." Shikamira now dipped into her crouching tiger pose, ready to keep Yuuki of balance.

Yuuki grunted, drawing a kunai. My chakra's still a bit off, but I need to take a chance. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!" The clone spawned behind her, effectively stopping Shikamira from her ambush. She took this chance to gain as much ground as possible. "kage bunshin no jutsu!" A uniform mesh of clones now masked Yuuki, each preparing a jutsu. Shikamira quickly made her own hand seals.

The Yuuki's shouted, producing a loud hiss of multiple natures towards Shikamira. However, Shikamira had her own trick. "Doton: Doroku Henkou!" The land quickly altered around her, producing several arks, tunnels, and most importantly, a shield between the jutsus. She's not trapping herself, but it looks like this is going to end soon. Her chakra's about done for. Yuuki allowed all but two of her clones to enter the tunnel.

OoOo

"I don't like this, her chakra dipped significantly." Takeshi nodded with his sharingan picking up on the sluggish behavior. As Yuuki began fighting, everyone noted how weak she seemed compared to her fight with Kaito.

Everyone crowded around Tsumi, expecting answers. Nagi spoke up. "Tsumi, do you know what just happened? Moments before the fight, just as she staggered, her chakra was halved and going crazy. I know you saw it too. She is falling for all of Shikamira's traps."

Tsumi nodded no. "Something serious is going on. My brother seems to have noticed as well, but he still let her fight. I'm not sure how much of her weakness is exaggerated or what." Yuuki's chakra seemed to be fully stabilizing. "Even given the circumstances, don't forget the planning she was doing before the fight. I don't see how Shikamira still thinks she can win after that jutsu. She'll need to be very careful with her final jutsus."

OoOo

Suddenly, a massive explosion collapsed most of the cavern, destroying Yuuki's clones and leaving her crouching and tired. Shikamira escaped out of a preplanned hole, already charging the three. Yuuki got between her clones, charging forward single file. Shikamira smirked. Should've known she'd remember. How stubborn of her.

"Empty palm thrust!" Shikamira leapt in the air, releasing her hidden kunai fan. As the first clone fell, Shikamira landed in a crouched sweeping motion, unleashing her chakra fan on the rear guard. Continuing the flow into a small jump to avoid Yuuki's attack, she prepared to strike the opening. However, Yuuki vanished in smoke.

Shikamira's eyes bolted open. "What?" Beneath where the clone's foot was lay an unearthed explosive tag. She dropped her fans, bracing what protection she could before getting launched back towards one of her arks. Yuuki emerged from the destroyed tunnel system, closing in quick on her foe. Shikamira struck the ark, pushing to get her hands into a seal. The young Nara stumbled into a charge, catching Yuuki's shadow and drawing a kunai. Shikamira's eyes widened, feeling the cold steel upon her throat. Yuuki's body did not mimic as Shikamira dropped the kunai. Instead, she rose a hand to her chest. "release." The Yuuki in front of her melted away, revealing the actual Yuuki behind her.

"Genjutsu's a bitch, huh? I've been waiting to call 'checkmate' against you." Shikamira laughed.

"I know you know the difference between 'check' and 'checkmate!'" Shikamira melted into mud.

Unfazed, Yuuki quickly formed a bright ball of chakra, thrusting it into the ground. "Rasengan!" The earth below her was obliterated, revealing Shikamira in a mound of earth chunks. The crowd gasped at the technique. Yuuki squatted down and used her hands as a megaphone. "Checkmate!"

Isami showed himself quickly, checking Shikamira. "Are you able to continue?"

She sat up, stretching her body. "No point. I'm tapped and outmaneuvered."

"You heard it there, folks! Shikamira has been defeated by our first seat, and we have our finalist. Here's a fun fact: The only damage dealt in this fight was from the surprise rasengan to the floor! What a mind blow!" The crowd noise sky rocketed with cheers, applause, and whistles. Isami lifted the mic one final time to address the crowd. "Thank you for being the greatest crowd in the shinobi world, and thank you for your ramen sales! Good night, and be ready for an amazing showdown in the finals. It will be Uzumaki Vs. Uchiha: Round Two!"

Yuuki helped Shikamira up, struggling herself. "Hell of a match, given the circumstances." The dark haired girl shook her head.

"Can't believe I fell for the same tactic I used in Shogi against you." Yuuki snickered, making their way back. "To think we'd go through three separate helpings of it though…"

The Uzumaki shook her head. "I already told you, its strategy. I was drawing it up the whole time." Both girls laughed, finally nearing their friends. "I think everyone deserves a rest after this."

OoOoOoOo

The stands cleared and Naruto was anxious to get the final meeting together. Discussions carried on loquaciously. "Enough, there's nothing more we can do about it. As it stands, no threat was detected in the entire village. That's before and after the incident. Sasuke and Kakashi are looking deeper into this matter, since they're experts on time/space ninjutsu. Right now, we need discussions pertaining to the exams and our intel. Gaara, could you lead us off?" The Kazekage nodded.

"As everyone is aware, the Raikage supplied us with a vague intelligence report. We will learn more on how these two recent incidents are related later, but for now, consider Hell's Phoenix an active threat. He has also agreed to joint-investigations where he can. Continued silence from both Mizukage and Tsuchikage is raising a red flag. While we are waiting to re-establish communications with them, the Raikage has agreed to recognize the Village Hidden in the Rivers as a sixth great nation. This will be official after the chunin exams conclude, and will be heavily involved against Hell's Phoenix."

Shikamaru nodded to Temari, speaking up. "The first thing everyone here should know is that we will be the acting defense of Naruto and the village. The Anbu will be leading newly formed teams out to investigate our perimeter. Due to this fantastic display, we can no longer ignore their value as ninja." Most of the reactions were sighs. Shikamaru closed his eyes for a moment before opening them. "This will still take time, but it's going to happen. Until we receive further information, expect the three-year deadline to remain in effect."

Naruto rose. "We will meet later tomorrow at the usual spot. By then, we'll have updates. Until then, remember how well your kids have done. I haven't seen a chunin exam this electrifying since Isami and Hitomi went at it. Keep quiet about this information for now. We need to keep the civilians unaware until it's confirmed an assault is imminent." The group acknowledged his command and Naruto departed.

OoOoOoOo

"Watching the exams first hand, I can say you all have blown out the previous ones thus far." Isami gathered all the fighters together before dismissing them. While most of them were tired, the majority of them seemed excited by Isami's praise. He smiled. "Hitomi and I had one hell of a finals, and I truly hope you all can support Takeshi and Yuuki through their finals. However, I want to leave you guys with pointers." Everyone looked at each other and shrugged. "I'm starting with Shitto." The boy eyebrows raised, realizing he hadn't been forgotten. "It's in your clan's nature to be more isolated and cut-off. That's fine, but keep tabs on you and your team. I believe you lost your match because you went out to prove something you didn't need to. Don't stop fighting until you have assured victory." An awkward stare commenced between the two before Shitto dipped his attention to the floor. Isami's finger now skimmed over the room, settling on Kobi. Kobi was pre-occupied with petting Ripper to notice. "Hey, you."

Kobi looked around him, finally looking at Isami. Pointing to himself, he questioned, "Me, man?" Tsumi shook her head.

"You're like an even less focused version of your sister. Everyone has their issues, but you're not that stupid." Isami thought about his match and busted out laughing. "Okay, your match was probably my favorite, but still." He cleared his throat and continued. "You need find a better way to react. An enemy on the battle field may not bring you down with Taijutsu, but you'll end up in a worse situation than what Datsu did." Kobi felt his head dip low now. "You're a good teammate, keep it up and you'll be good to go."

Isami quickly shifted to Chojiko and smiled. "You surprised your father, you know." The chubby teen looked up to him with awe. "Remember the courage it took for you to stand up to Kaito. He's not an opponent who's easy to size up against. Now that you're comfortable being a ninja, maybe ask your sister for pointers."

Isami nodded, moving to Kankiri. "I don't think I need to say much. Being a puppeteer isn't easy, but try working on saving your trump card. Otherwise it may be exploited against you." She continued to stare at him, so he assumed the message was recieved.

Isami looked at Vin, who attempted to hide his face. "Vin! Really great fighting strategy and execution. I'm not sure what jutsu you were trying to use, but next time don't use it unless you have a teammate to cover for you." His eyes shifted to Isami, almost relieved to hear criticism. "Scars like that don't come with easy memories. However, don't shut out your comrades. They need to know they can trust you, and wearing that creepy get up all the time does not make that easy."

Isami's eyes narrowed, glaring at Nezero. "You sick child. I'm not sure what made you a masochist, but despite your superb combat skills, it is probably what got you beat." He sifted through the cards. "I see that's your first loss on record. Work on controlling some of that goofiness; your team relies on you to lead." The redhead seemed to consider the words.

"Akano. It may be difficult adjusting to things, but you have to expand your abilities for more situations. A sensor is vital to a team, but try to compliment them in another way. Give genjutsu a try." The noble teen nodded in appreciation.

"Mostly what I wanted to do is make all of those defeated in the first round recognize there is room for improvement. You still showed great ability, but understanding a key part you were missing. Everyone should leave with something, so I'll hurry up the next six." Isami pulled out a card. "Kaito: Great mindset, excellent swordsmanship, try working on breaking genjutsu to prevent dangerous scenarios. Oh, and hope we can help fix the sword. Tsumi: Superb ability, don't let spars be so fun. It won't be that way in battle. Nagi: ninja tools and taijutsu are great, but keep an open mind about varying your arsenal. Datsu: don't always rely on taking hits. Know that every combination has an exploit." Isami paused to take a breath throwing the card away. "Inora, you need to be wary of your own techniques. Keep fresh with taijutsu and watch out for taking those hits. It's going to cost you eventually. Shikamira, especially work on toughness. You manage the fight well, but you have to be able to take a couple hits."

Isami placed his hand on a small box next to him. "These are ninja cards documenting your stats at the start of the exam. They're rough estimates, but you should find them to be helpful to your improvement. Team Seven will not receive theirs at the moment, as two members are still in the exams." The group received their respective cards and awaited Isami to continue. He glanced around at them, wondering what they were doing. "What? I'm tired of talking all formal and crap. Go relax, or do whatever it is you do. I'm out." The make-shift coach vanished in an obnoxious swirl of leaves that bashed most the crowd in the face.

Yuuki spoke up before the group left. "Hey, I know everyone's tired, but I need to bring up very important facts that you won't know otherwise. Meet tomorrow at my house. Twenty-hundredish." Critical eyes gazed upon her, but everyone seemed on board.

OoOoOoOo

The young ninja eventually scattered home, none more enthusiastic than Kobi and Ripper. As his family arrived, they prepared a size-able feast. Kochi settled in and stretched out. "Ahh, almost missed eating together like this."

Kobi raised an eyebrow. "Don't you mean you missed free loading?" A faint gleam appeared in her eye.

"…almost missed it." She repeated. "Kobi-chan, you fought just like I imagined you would. Keeping the family tradition alive I see."

Kiba smirked. "So, did you learn anything today?"

Kobi shrugged. "Water jutsus are deceivingly painful…" Kiba chuckled at his son. Well, that's very much like us. Now his son crossed his arms behind his head. "I think I'm gonna try to think a bit more before I act. I can follow orders well enough, but I can't just muscle my way through everything. I hate how complicated everything is now, yet I find myself wanting to be seen as more than the airhead tough-guy stereo type…man." Kiba and Kochi both let their jaws drop.

"I see. Did you think of that on your own?" Kohada smiled warmly at her son.

"Of course I did!" Ripper barked loudly, making Kobi laugh nervously. "I guess I had a little help learning that. Still, it's what I want to do!"

Kiba scoffed quietly. "Well, good luck with that. I wasn't always that great with thinking either. Then again, neither was Naruto. Stranger things have happened." Kobi smirked once more, letting Ripper eat his scraps. To think someone could convince him to try and think more in combat. These kids really are growing up fast.

Kochi stretched out once again with a devious expression. "Well, I'm glad you're becoming more of a man. You'll have to introduce her to us sometime soon, man."

He nodded with a smile. "Yeah, sure…" He scrunched his face before sweating. "Wait! What makes you think this is because of some girl, man!? Chicks love the way I am right now, I'm doing this for my own good, man!"

Kiba took his son's side nodding. "He's right, I had all the girls falling for me when I was his age, man."

"But didn't you try to act smart to impress me, man?" Kiba sweated as his wife cornered him.

"Stop copying the way I talk, man! It's the only thing that makes me a distinguished character!" The family tilted their head in confusion as he got up. "I'll be back in a bit. Me and the guys…"He looked up for a moment. "The guys and I are meeting up to talk about the exams." Kochi narrowed her eyes as he left. If my senses are correct…

OoOoOoOo

"This is amazing dad! Thanks for taking us here!" Ino and her daughter sat disgusted with their eyes closed as the men devoured steak after steak.

Finally, Ino turned to her daughter. "You really showed those guys how strong kunoichi can be! To be honest, I had no idea you were so capable."

"We've been working really hard with our sensei. Shikamira has also been a real pain about constantly training to be our best. It's only natural for women to put men in their place." Chojiko looked up for a moment.

"You're really scary when you start talking like that sis." Both Ino and Inora laughed. For a moment, it seemed slightly sinister to the men.

Choji spoke between bites to add onto it. "She's got a point…most the strong people of their generation…appear to be women."

Ino shook her head. "You're just not used to women being strong. There were only five girls in the tournament. It just so happens they got most of the cool abilities."

"Oh my god, who cares! Are we going to be poor after this meal again?" Ino's eyes jolted as she forgot to moderate the food consumption of her men.

"Well, I hope you've been saving the money from your missions and our shop sales…"

Inora's eyes twitched. "You've got to be kidding me…"

OoOoOoOo

"Maybe you were acting like a goof too much in the part…I could have sworn they would underestimate you because of that. Is that not the key to victory in the exams?" Negi scratched his chin in deep thought.

Ten-Ten bonked him on the head. "You idiot! Just because Naruto was a buffoon that beat you don't mean Nagi can act like one and win! I can't believe you're still bitter after all these years."

Nagi sighed. "It's not like I'm too upset about losing. I wanted to fight Shikamira in the finals, but fighting such a strong opponent was well worth it." Nagi looked at his dad, who was still pondering. "…dad?"

"Right, yes. Losing is good…but to think, an underdog story that was missed. Perhaps rigged by Naruto, since Takeshi is on the same team as his daughter; therefore he would know everything about the byakugan, and Naruto in some twisted way would-"

"Stop getting delusional! Everyone knows how the byakugan and gentle fist works because you explain it to everyone you fight...in detail!" Ten-Ten inhaled deeply before smiling at Nagi. "Well, at least you were able to show off how awesome ninja tools are. I'm sure you only lost because Takeshi was taught not to trifle with a tool master." Ten-Ten jolted in realization. "Hmm, maybe it is a conspiracy; Takeshi with his sharingan and knowledge of the byakugan is too perfect of a mismatch to be a coincidence… "

Nagi grunted. "You're both delusional…"

OoOoOoOo

"So like I've said, if I were to have started with this instead, she would have countered like this…" Shikamira clacked pieces against the shogi board as Asumaru, Tekaku, and Shikamaru observed. Temari was taking her routine shift in the cryptics lab while the rest of the Nara's unwound.

"No way, that's way too passive for an Uzumaki. She would have done this and put you in check like this…" Tekaku moved the fictional Yuuki side for Shikamira.

"But then Shikamira would have taken on a defensive counter-measure like this…" Asumaru nudged Shikamira aside and moved her pieces.

Shikamira looked in growing confusion. "Wait, what's happening?"

"Clever, but too predictable. That's when my rasengan punches through like this…"

"Naïve! You've fallen into my trap as predicted Yuuki. Now for the counter attack…"

Shikamira froze up. "Oh god, it's happening again..."

"Falling for such a simple diversionary tactic? You're off your game, Shikamira! They were shadow clones the whole time!"

"Fool, I'm the smartest kunoichi in the exams! It's a thousand years too early for a girl like you to win! Take this!"

"I-impossible! When did she get behind me?"

"Looks like checkmate is mine once again, Uzumaki!"

Shikamira stared slack jawed in astonishment. "Are you two serious right now?"

Shikamaru roughed Asumaru's hair. "Simply amazing, Shikamira. Like a chip off the old block."

She face-palmed, gritting her teeth. "I'm over here dad."

"Guess there's no choice. I'll be Takeshi, your final opponent!" Shikamaru set up the board and prepared to face off against the underdog 'Shikamira'.

Shikamira grabbed Tekaku. "Hey, why don't you stop them now? Just because mom's working late doesn't give you three an excuse to do this kind of crap!" She narrowed her eyes, seeing Tekaku in deep thought. "What are you doing?"

"I don't know if I should cheer for my scandalous boyfriend or my best friend and rival of wits…"

Shikamira clenched her fist. I can't take much more of this…There's only one thing left to do when they dive this far into predictions and scenario planning… "Right! I'll be acting as the awesome host of these exams! The finals are finally here! Will our true underdog of this exam be able to match the amazing talent and durability of Uchiha Takeshi? Only time will tell! Uchiha Takeshi Vs. Nara Shikamira BEGIN!"

An awkward clack of the door rang out as the four froze in fear. They slowly turned to Temari, who had made it home early. She crossed her arms with an un-impressed expression. "Oh? Don't mind me. Go ahead, finish." A nervous sweat broke out among the four.

OoOoOoOo

"…" Shino stared at his son.

"…" Shitto stared back at his dad.

…

OoOoOoOo

In the Uchiha household, Sakura finished her assessment of Takeshi's health. "I suppose Isami has been keeping fresh with his medical training. I haven't had to worry about much these days." Her attempt to get a positive response out of her son was for naught. Takeshi mind was clearly set on something else. She let out a sigh. She sat down and wrapped an arm around him. "She's going to be fine, Takeshi."

He grimaced at the words. "Nothing is going right for her. She's almost died twice, she befriends Noriko only for her to leave the team, and I'm almost certain the frustration is going to kill her via her own training method. She lost a part of her, yet gained a sister. Now she's cursed with constantly trying to find the answers for everything. Just when she was opening up a bit more, it seems like something else has come up." Sakura began to rub his arm. "I wanted the strength to protect everyone. I've always secretly wanted to become the Hokage." Takeshi gritted his teeth. "How can I become the Hokage if I can't even save my best friend?" Sakura froze at the words. She couldn't help but chuckle.

"Sometimes I wonder whose son you really are." He looked questionably at his mother. "It's not a perfect match, but you remind me a lot of Naruto when we were on a team. If there's anything the Uzumaki's don't do, it's give up. That's why I've always trusted them completely. Even Isami."

Takeshi stared at her with a questionable look. "So, what's the real story? The story of Team Seven? The academy is pretty vague as far as what really happened."

Sakura stared down at the floor, hesitant to give an answer. "It's not for me to say to you alone. Hitomi doesn't even know." Takeshi nodded, pretending to understand. Sakura groaned, standing up. "We swore to keep it secret until you kids were all willing to hear it. I think the time is soon. Tell you what; I'll run it by your father and the rest of the old Team Seven. For now, I need to go assess Yuuki. I need you to hold down the house, alright?"

Her son nodded. "Well, I'll be sleeping anyways. Thanks mom." Sakura smiled on her way out the door. Takeshi stared down at his feet in thought. "So, Yuuki's dad was worried about his best friend too? Would that mean my dad? There's so much we don't know about our parents…"

OoOoOoOo

Naruto casually paced around the room, contemplating the details of Yuuki's assailants. "This is groundbreaking. Osamu and Luna, One for Affliction and One for Paradox. You did quite well learning about them while revealing nothing, Yuuki. I'm just surprised at how little they know."

"I wouldn't count on that." Yuuki grunted, lying back in her bed. Naruto interrogated through eye contact. "Just as I feigned overall weakness, they too may have distorted the truth. Why would they intentionally reveal all the secrets to their techniques? They had to have known I would tell you." Yuuki cringed, feeling more and more sapped of energy.

Naruto shook his head. "Rest up, Yuuki. You need some time to relax, as we're going to need you well in the coming days." She nodded, shedding a smile. Naruto slid the door open, seeing Isami and Tsumi. He whispered in his son's ear. "We need her healthy physically and mentally. Explain your theory to her."

With a nod, Isami entered the room with Tsumi close behind. They both sat down and silence filled the room. Finally, Isami broke it. "You surpass my expectations time and time again, Yuuki. Most Chuunin would be unconscious after everything you've done."

Yuuki smirked through a body ache. "I just wish I knew where my second winds have gone."

A new figure entered. "That shouldn't be too difficult to discern, right?" Yuuki's eyes lit slightly at the arrival of Sakura. "I worked with your father in more doses than I recommend anyone taking, but it did help me learn most everything about his physiology."

"So, what am I missing that you're seeing, aside from the medic puns?" Yuuki followed Sakura's eyes over to Tsumi. Yuuki jolted in comprehension. "Oh…"

Sakura looked Tsumi over very carefully, continuing the conversation. "For the life of me, I can't even begin to understand how a separate being is contained in one. However, it's an even greater conundrum when you manage to pull that being out of you and give her life." She finished her inspection and observed the seal on Tsumi's right shoulder blade. "I'm at a loss when trying to think of anyone who could perfect such a complex seal."

Tsumi covered her seal up. "I get it. Since I took the Kyuubi's gene pool with me, Yuuki doesn't have the capacity to recovery swiftly anymore. And on top of that, some pieces of her conscious could have been taken in the separation as well, right?"

Sakura nodded, now assessing Yuuki. Isami interjected. "Not quite." Sakura narrowed her eyes, and then opened them with a smile. He's becoming one of the greats, isn't he, Naruto. "This isn't the same as taking the Kyuubi out of dad and giving it a body. You two have shared sets of DNA. While most Kurama's genes and chakra were attributed to Tsumi, Yuuki herself still contains some of the genes evident to making swift recovery and endurance possible. Just not near the scale it used to be."

After a few awes, Tsumi cheered and stood up. "So, you just need to give your body a chance to adjust and you'll be as good as new."

Sakura chimed in, "So long as you stick to more healthy meals routinely. And don't forget to stretch before sessions."

The Auburn haired teen ran to the door. "Rest up, sis! I'll be back in to check on you later."

Sakura began to pack up herself. "I'll be taking leave myself. Yuuki is fine now, but she does need her rest. There's really not much I can help with after all. Take care."

Soon, it was just Isami and Yuuki. After a long silence, Yuuki leered at Isami. "Is there something we need to discuss?" Isami inhaled slightly before screaming, scaring Yuuki and causing her to throw her pillow at him. Yuuki gritted her teeth as he laughed. "What is wrong with you? Try that when I'm feeling better and I'll rip your head off!"

Isami gathered himself and wiped a tear from his eye. "That's better. You sound more like Yuuki now." She snatched her pillow away and plopped back down. "Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to talk to me about anything."

Yuuki glanced to the left before remembering a few things. "That seal on Tsumi. You said it was just a simple seal, yet even Takeshi's mom doesn't know anyone who could perfect it. It's about time you tell me about the real Isami."

"What? I'm an imposter?!" He chuckled a little before letting himself fall somber. "That's not exactly simple to answer. All I ever wanted was a care free life, yet I have these deeper urges to discover and innovate. Take that seal for example. Where others see something complicated, I see simplicity. Seals have always come naturally to me." Yuuki raised an eyebrow.

"You're a closet scientist? You're kidding me." Isami's confessions drew out Yuuki's memories of the past few months. "So, you already knew about clones being able to spawn further away from you?"

His eyes lit up. "No, I didn't! That's why I was so excited. Space/Time ninjutsu are my bread and butter, yet I wasn't clever enough to coin a jutsu like that. I do have chakra limitations to consider too." Yuuki nodded as Isami shifted pace. "Look, when I say discover and innovate, I don't mean creepy experimentation or anything. It's just…someday, I really would like your help in the matter." Yuuki was taken aback by his request. "Get your rest. And good luck in your meeting tomorrow!" Her jaw dropped just enough to catch a leaf in it as Isami departed.

She stared forward, running through the conversation in her head. I knew he was hiding some intelligence, but that was a bit more than I expected…"Huh…"

OoOoOoOo

"Damn it!" Datsu punched a crater in the ground, interrupting Kaito and Akano. Kaito smirked slightly before continuing his training.

"Move on. We were defeated." Akano went to proceed before Datsu continued.

"How are you all fine with what happened? We looked like idiots out there! I can take losing to anyone from team seven, but now some girl comes in and beats me? What are we doing?" Datsu sat against a tree and crossed his arms.

Akano narrowed his eyes. "If we stack ourselves according to the rankings, we were the average of the best. Yet, the overall worst team had two members go to the semi-finals. It's not enough to assume we're stronger than everyone based on past records. None of us could have defeated Inora. It was a complete mismatch." Akano shifted his eyes around. "Move…" Akano side-stepped a horizontal attack.

Datsu narrowed his eyes in confusion before scarcely evading a blade that cut through the tree. Datsu prepared himself as he sized up the opponent. Zente grinned as he pulled his blade back. Karui rested her staff in place with a bright smile.

"If you have enough time to punch craters in the earth, why not try to better yourself?" Datsu scoffed in response. Zente lowered his guard. "You are right to doubt the cards, but do not neglect them. They don't account for kekkei genkai, yet they are becoming the impression of who you are from a strategic stand point." Datsu pulled out his card, giving it another look. "By now, I'm sure you've looked at each others to compare. Aside from Yuuki, you were the only ninja there with ten or more in three stats. However, you have to see the bigger picture of what they represent. According to the pre-exam results, you had the highest aptitude in ninjutsu and chakra. However, you also are quite tough. They would likely consider you a mid-short range fighter based on this. Yet, to take this role in the next level, you really need to become much faster, better in taijutsu, and know how to break beginner to advanced genjutsu."

Datsu slipped the card in his pocket before stretching. "So, you guys aren't here just to tell us we need to train to be specialized. You're here because you want to spar, right?"

Karui put a finger up to her mouth. "Well, Zente probably wants to fight with Datsu. I would more like to practice with Akano." Akano seemed slightly deflated.

Zente turned to Karui. "Hey! Quit making me look bad. I just haven't had any practice in a while."

Karui stuck her tongue out for a bit. "Let's leave them be, Akano."

Akano searched around. "Where's Kaito, and why isn't Shin-sensei helping?"

Zente spoke once more. "It's far too early for any of us to spar with Shin. This team learns better through spars, so this is what we were told to do. Also, Nia is taking care of Kaito."

"He doesn't even have his sword." Datsu finished his stretches and prepared himself.

"It's different. He's already specialized in his role, but he needs a lot of work overcoming his weaknesses. You two need more specialization, so that's what we're going to supply. Enough talk, I've been outta the game for too long!" The team split up and began more rigorous training.

OoOoOoOo

Kobi grunted. "I just don't see the point. Everyone has their own way of doing things, but strategy and thinking have never been my way." Ripper whimpered and looked up to him, warranting a pat on the head from his master. "I think he's the master mind."

Tsumi paused in thought for a while. Maybe mental quizzes aren't getting us anywhere. "You're right. I guess we are just wasting time here."

He broke out in a sweat. "Well, I think it's still worth trying! And are you saying Ripper is smarter than me?" The dog barked and Tsumi nodded yes. Kobi looked to the ground in disappointment. Man…I'm so useless.

Tsumi sighed. "It's not that you are stupid at all. You just have issues maintaining focus and grasping concepts." Kobi's posture limbered slightly more with a sigh. Tsumi rolled her eyes. "It's true that people like Yuuki and Shikamira process information at extreme levels, but there's another side to the equation that makes them strong: The ability to act accordingly. You are the type that can do the second naturally without thought."

The boy straightened up and questioned her. "How can you say that when I got defeated by Datsu so easily? You can't act on something you didn't even think about. Please, I'm trying to get on the same page here."

Tsumi bonked him in the head. "Let me finish!" He bit his tongue just before cursing under his breath. "True, you can't act accordingly without knowing what the proper action is. The solution, however, is thorough training. We've all been doing it every day, so our bodies can react to danger and keep us safe, or deliver blows that are effective against our opponents' weaknesses. Not only do you learn differently, but if you train your body to prepare for any situation, you will overwhelm an opponent who requires intricate tactics. THAT is where you will triumph over foes."

Ripper wagged his tail as Kobi brightened up. "That sounds more like me. Just because I don't know the answer to logic puzzles doesn't mean I didn't get to the final portion of the chunin exams!" He shyly looked away and scratched his cheek and mumbled. "I wish I were smarter though…"

Tsumi crossed her arms and grinned. "Obviously. I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't already expect you to say that. Remember, I am Yuuki's better half!"

Kobi scoffed sarcastically. "Or, you're Tsumi's better whole. I like it better thinking of things that way.

Tsumi smirked once more, this time more warm. "You really do think in your own deluded way…Its refreshing."

Kobi smirked right back. "Thanks, even if that was still an insult in a way." Tsumi rubbed her chin in thought. Kobi smiled. "Hey, I get the feeling I'll need to get smarter through some intense training environment. Problem is, I'm beat. What'dya say we figure the rest out over a walk?"

Tsumi grunted. "About time we get moving anyways. I hate standing around so much." She jumped ahead of him and ran. Kobi reached a hand out as Ripper took off to. She turned at a slower pace with a grin. "Remember how I fought? It's more polished, but we're on the same wavelength. You're still rough around the edges, but I like that better than wet behind the ears." She turned around and ran again.

Kobi sighed, gaining speed in pursuit. "Is there even a difference! You're not cutting me any slack, are you?" As he approached, a rock zipped right by his cheek. It only took that brief moment before she was over twenty meters ahead. Seriously? Since when was this a death race! He smirked, increasing his speed drastically.

As he caught up, Tsumi snickered. "So, you can run well after all! Nice dodge by the way."

Ripper pulled back next to Kobi as he countered. "You're fast, but Nagi and Takeshi are the only ones I'll allow to outclass me. I didn't have much of a chance to show off my speed!" He pushed himself up another level and took the lead, but not for long.

"Hmm…don't be too full of yourself. Yuuki could out run you at this pace." He gazed at her in suspicion after judging how fast the trees zipped by. No way. We have to be going at least twenty meters per second. That's supposed to be excellent for a genin. Tsumi pushed up another notch. "If you can keep up, this is how fast she was when we last raced!"

Kobi's eyes widened, pushing to match the pace. "I wouldn't have guessed, but it makes me feel better. We're near twenty-five meters per second, right?" She nodded,, seeing him grin. "Don't under estimate me, man!" With a hard push from his legs, Kobi jolted forward.

Tsumi allowed him to peak out his stride. Ripper seemed to match his speed, but panting heavier than before. As she maintained an equal distance from him, she gauged his speed to how long it took to go one-hundred meters. Little over three seconds, so about thirty meters per second. If Yuuki's equation is right, that would put his speed at an eight. He sure knows his velocity math well. Let's see if he can get up to thirty six meters per second.

Kobi glanced back, seeing Tsumi gaining more speed. No way, I'm not fast enough? As Tsumi began to over-take him, he closed his eyes as if to help summon more will. "I won't lose to you!" Ripper began to fall behind slowly as he dug deeper and deeper until he reached his limit.

"This is quite faster than I expected you to go!" Kobi couldn't respond, but just gave her a questioning look. She smirked. "You're going about thirty-three meters per second, which is like an eight point five! It may seem cruel, but since you were nice enough to show me you're limit, I'll show you mine!" Tsumi took on a serious expression, deeply inhaling. "Don't underestimate the difference between eight point five and a ten!"

Kobi watched in awe as she made serious distance between them. No way! That's over ten more meters per second faster than me! She's insane!

OoOo

Both teens panted to catch their breath, Kobi for much longer than Tsumi. He took his hands off his knees and put them behind his head. "How…are you so much…faster than Yuuki?" Thanks to her heightened stamina, Tsumi perked up with smiling eyes.

"I'm just naturally leaner and built for speed." Kobi frowned slightly, making Tsumi sport a grin and point at him. "You're built just like that, at least for your legs. Just like that, I know you're pretty good at gauging speed as well. You even out classed ripper!"

Kobi plopped to the ground as ripper growled under his panting. "Ripper's more of a power house anyways. So this is the difference between numbers on a stat card…" He crossed his arms in deep concentration. With a pound to his open palm, Kobi reached his solution. "I'm gonna need some serious overhaul in my training routine." He sharply looked into her eyes. "Keep this between us. I want to completely obliterate that smug face Nagi!" Tsumi nodded, slightly surprised. He's simple, but the potential inside him is enormous. Her expression beamed all on its own.

A/N

Boooo, Hisssssss! Talking and complimenting each other!?

Seriously, re-reading this takes me back a bit. I obviously wanted to give a rest in the fighting while showing a more clear look into how teams and family respond to each other here. I will agree that some of these scenes are quirky, but I don't think they do any harm. Don't forget, Yuuki still doesn't know exactly what Takeshi and Tsumi have done either!