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.

21. A Break For the Better

A/N

Do you feel it? We're about to kick into a faster pacing! The finals are soon, but there are pressing matters that need to be dealt with before we can get there. Very important chapter, this one.

Spoiler Alert: The finals are next chapter ;)

Chapter 21: Break For the Better

"I see." The meeting room was significantly darker than necessary. The overwhelming silence in the area after his response made the shadowy figures shift around in anxiety.

Luna began to speak confidently. "Based off the data we have and what she showed, there are inconsistencies with our intel. In our brief time there, we already discerned that she leads her team and has been just as successful as her father against powerful enemies. However, we have discovered an explanation for this."

Osamu placed his hand on a chakra stat card and slid it over to the leader. His hand slowly reached out. Suddenly, an ear-shattering blast rang out followed by an intense light. As it faded, the man's face cracked a smile. "Good…This is even better than I would have hoped." The table, which seated eleven people, began to chat amongst themselves. The man channeled chakra into his hand and swiped it over the card. Duplicates shot out to everyone and silence coated the room once more. "We may have missed our chance for Isami, but it would appear our goals remain intact. As our highest ranking members, I expect you to pass down the false information Yuuki provided. Make it clear we want nothing to do with her." A wicked smirk came over his face. "This has become entertaining, hasn't it? Naruto."

OoOoOoOo

She awoke rather pleasantly. With a few stretches of the arms, Yuuki jumped out of bed. Her body was still a little stiff, but she pushed through and opened the blinds. A quick assessment showed the day to be slightly rainy. "That figures. Can't remember the last time I slept that well though."

"Talking to yourself again?" She jumped as Tsumi entered the room. Yuuki put on a smile, much to Tsumi's surprise. "Woah, what happened to you? Looks like you actually slept."

"I don't really know myself, but I just feel good today. Where did you run off to yesterday?" Her eyes showed curiosity, rather than questioning.

Tsumi scratched her nose. "Well, I went to help Kobi with his confidence. He was pretty down after losing to Datsu, so I've decided to whip him into shape."

Yuuki snickered. "Kobi, eh? I guess that makes sense…but still, Kobi?" Yuuki made a gag.

Tsumi crossed her arms. "There's nothing wrong with him. He may be slow, but he's not an idiot. Just wait, once he really applies himself, he'll be as strong as Takeshi." Tsumi smirked. "I'll bet he ends up attractive like his dad."

Yuuki waved her on. "Oh, yes. I'm sure he will, man!"

Tsumi narrowed her eyes and puffed a little. "I forgot how annoying you could be. Anyways, Takeshi and I have something we need to say. Get dressed and meet us out back."

Yuuki's face straightened up. "I suppose it can't just be a good day, can it?" Tsumi face grimaced slightly before closing the door. "Make it by the bridge under the tree. No reason to get wet." She yelled.

OoOo

She ran out to find Tsumi and Takeshi leaning against the railing of the bridge. Neither of their expressions indicated a good-natured talk was imminent. With a sigh, Yuuki crossed her arms. "Alright, I'm going to listen. I assume you're going to come clean."

Tsumi and Takeshi looked at each other before Takeshi looked back. "I can't bear to hide things from you, Yuuki. I only wanted to tell you when both Tsumi and I were here. You are too important for me to just hurt all the time." He sighed, swallowing his guilt as Yuuki tightened up more. "When Tsumi and I were recalling memories, we had a moment. There's no nice way to say it, but we kissed a few times and fell asleep together." Yuuki's eyes widened and her whole body felt heavy. Takeshi's eyes were closed, as if he was tearing himself apart. Tsumi couldn't make eye contact.

"It was my fault! I just felt such a strong attachment to him at the time and played with his emotions. None of us have been the same since that day. Yuuki, words can't express how sorry we are."

Yuuki sat down against the rail support as the rain became heavy. Silence took over the group. Yuuki's face became wet with a few tears, but she still looked up to both of them. "I wasn't sure how I would feel when I heard this. I knew in my heart that something more happened between you two. But this much…" A heavier dose of tears ran down her face. Takeshi went to step towards her when Tsumi stopped him, shaking her head. His fist clinched. After taking a moment to recompose, Yuuki spoke softly. "I know it's not just your fault Takeshi. I've been so deep in training that I was more or less annoyed when I wasn't getting stronger. My original goal was to be strong enough to help you, but I lost track, only focusing on getting strong enough to destroy Hell's Phoenix. I went a little too far."

Takeshi pushed off Tsumi, sitting next to Yuuki. "You didn't go just a little too far; you obliterated an entire portion of the Forest of Death. Look, we both have our reasons of being upset with each other, but it can't get the better of us. I don't expect you to forgive me yet, but I promise I'll try to patch us back up to how we were before our first encounter with Hell's Phoenix." Yuuki looked at him. His eyes were sincere and held a level of confidence in them.

Yuuki elbowed him in the side and made him grunt. "It's a good thing you're so tough now. I'm going to kick your ass so hard in the finals, a normal man will have died a thousand times over."

Takeshi nodded in acceptance. "As much as I deserve it, I'm going to prove to you just how powerful I am. When we fight, I'm going to pound your ego back into the floor. That way, you won't try and kill yourself with training. I needed to tell you this, but now I at least feel like I can properly face you in the finals. I'll give you some space until then." Takeshi rose, walking away.

This prompted Yuuki to gather her strength and stand. "Takeshi!" He stopped, not turning around. "I'm still Uzumaki Yuuki. Our teams are still united against Hell's Phoenix. Tonight, I'd like to gather everyone here." She shied a little. "And even though I hate you right now…Thanks." Takeshi continued on, leaving Tsumi and Yuuki alone.

She shifted around a little. "Yuuki, I-"

"Enough. This hurts a lot, but it's also a unique case. Takeshi and I fought once about it already, and he said you were more like me than I was. In fact, you were me until recently. I can't describe the emotions I feel right now, but if I had to pick one over the others…" The rain began to die down as Yuuki looked up. The sun beamed into her face as she collected the thoughts. "I'd have to say, relieved." Tsumi smiled warmly. "You've found your own interest. Even with how much this hurt, I feel clarity in what I'm doing. Once these exams are over, I'm going to get everyone involved. I'll explain more tonight. Right now, I need to go for a walk."

Tsumi crossed her arms, departing herself. "Honestly, I don't know how you do it. You really are returning to the Yuuki we love. Just don't forget to share the burdens with us."

As she left, Yuuki scanned her eyes over to notice her mother. Her face reddened, knowing she was careless about the secret meetings info. "M-mom! How much did you hear?"

Hinata warmly smiled to her and hugged her. "Enough to know you're emotions are in turmoil. I'm proud of how mature you've become, but please don't overdo it."

Yuuki felt a radiance of warmth more comforting than the sun envelop her as she returned the hug. "Thanks. Sorry about the secret meetings we've been having here. Could you not tell dad?"

Hinata rubbed her hair softly as she pulled away. "We already know, sweetie. All the parents do." Yuuki's jaw dropped. "You're all becoming quite capable ninja in such a short time. Your father commended the idea, but he didn't want you to know. It's better to allow you to speak in private, since your friends are keeping quiet as well. We just can't afford to have the civilians panic. On top of all this, you've created bonds with other villages that will likely last. You don't understand just how proud your father is of you."

The revelation made Yuuki smile more sincerely. "That makes me feel so much better, mom. I promise to take it down a notch on training and help shape a future for the better."

Hinata nodded happily. "Be sure to give Takeshi a good beating for me while you're at it." They snickered with each other. A few moments later, Hinata proceeded to head inside.

As Yuuki went to leave, Isami showed up. "Yo! I just had an awesome idea!"

Yuuki passed by him. "Nope. Entirely too much talking for one sitting. Try to find someone who cares."

Isami sank in depression, shuffling off.

OoOo

"'Try to find someone who cares', she says. Yeah, don't concern yourself with me. I'm only your awesome brother! Women, I swear." He looked back to his listener, scratching his head. "Ah, who am I kidding, you don't want to hear about this either, do you?" He started petting a patient stray cat.

"A-Are you talking to a cat?" The woman's voice made him jump to his feet and spin around with thumbs up.

"Not at all, Hitomi! I knew you'd be here and placed my statement accordingly. Do you like my stretching routine?" She narrowed her eyes and shook her head.

Hitomi crossed her arms. "Look, we have to talk anyways. Just come inside, you can tell me all about how your sister is annoyed by your presence."

She closed the window. Before heading inside, he looked back. "She didn't mean any disrespect. I know you're not just a cat." The feline tilted his head as the strange human walked inside.

"So, hurry up and close the door. I mentioned this a little bit ago, but I didn't fully explain. Also, with everything going on, I think we ought to make things…clear."

Isami tilted his head back. "Oh god, it's one of those conversations. Look, I know clearly about where you stand on this issue. Can I go talk to my friends now?"

Hitomi bashed his head with a heavy fist of fury. "Keep it up and you can talk to them permanently!" Isami pouted, rubbing his head. Hitomi withdrew. "Fine, let me be more tactful so you can get the messege." She looked away sheepishly. "I think we should let everyone know about our relationship. You were right to bring this up when Yuuki and Takeshi were feeling a bond, I should have listened."

Isami's face brightened significantly. "No kidding? Hitomi, this is what I've been…" He shifted his head, slightly confused. "Wait, it's been so long, so why now?" He crossed his arms in brief thought. "I see. So, Takeshi figured it out. So, little miss top-secret romance spilled the beans, eh?" Hitomi jolted back, disturbed by the name and his deduction skills.

"Hey, I have my pride to worry about! Remember, the plan was to show everyone a polished, gentlemen Isami before I dated you! Also, don't give me that crap! You're the one with the super-secret research."

Isami beamed up again, pulling out a large scroll. "Never fear, there are several scenarios I had to plan for in this case. How would you like this news to be broken? I have a collaboration pitch to give Kakashi-san if you want to-"

"I refuse! We aren't going to gather our family up and shove it in their faces. Why did you even have that as a plan?"

Isami scoffed, scratching it out exaggeratedly. "Tsk, and here I thought that sounded the most awesome. Anyways, let's see. I'm assuming I should get rid of the 'straight-forward, up-front, and honestly' sections?"

Hitomi gritted her teeth. "Remind me to hit you later." She looked up with a more lightened expression. "Buut, yeah, toss those out. What else you got?" She moved closer to him and sifted through it.

After a moment, Isami tossed the scroll aside and locked eyes with her. "All these years of prepping, and I just realized the solution now. Since Takeshi seems to have figured it out, I'll drop Yuuki a little hint and she'll pick it up from there. She'll get really mad at me and that's when I talk to Takeshi about it and you handle Yuuki. Then, it'll be secret between us and things will work out smoothly from there." Hitomi raised an eyebrow. "I know we swore to break it off if the two became serious, but…" Isami scratched his cheek, glancing away. "In a selfish way, I'm sort of glad it didn't work out for them. Well, only if my other future plans go accordingly."

Hitomi narrowed an eye and looked up in thought. "So, I'm going to be talking to Yuuki and Takeshi will talk to you, eh? I hope this works." She smirked at him. "Other future plans, hmm? Can I see them?"

Isami's eyes widened and he sweat nervously. "Wha-, no! They're, uh…not finished. Hah, you know me, always obsessing over the minor details before I show the results!"

She feigned an ignorant and innocent sad face. "Aww, but maybe I could help you finish them."

Isami jolted up, "Goodness me, look at the time! I'd best be off to train! Haha!"

She grabbed his arm. "Hold up, take me with you. I was just messing around." They locked eyes for a moment. She blushed, turning her head. "I could use a good spar, ya know?"

"You just can't get enough of me, can you?" Isami grinned. She opened her mouth to refute, but he promptly cut her off. "You always know just what to say." The pair zipped off.

OoOoOoOo

Her posture shifted as she went into a fluent strike. Yuuki had taken up slow-motion fighting as a way to focus her mind and check her form. Her eyes shifted, hearing the door slide open. "Hey, sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to let you know we're heading out." Naruto watched his daughter as she continued to go through the motions.

"Alright, try not to drink so much this time." Naruto snickered before becoming somber. He walked up next to her.

"You know, these last few months have been relentless." He motioned to join her in a slow motion spar, which she nodded in acceptance. "You're form looks good, and your focus has returned." Their hands moved in complex ways. But even slow, the form did not lack elegance. Their pacing was perfectly in sync.

Yuuki smiled, quickening her pace slightly. "You were still stronger than me at this age, right? Isami was as well, I'm sure. However, since I'm your daughter, I think I can find a way to cope with the new threat." She even further picked up the pace to about 80%.

Naruto smirked, adding in shadow clones. "You're response is puzzling. The Yuuki I know should be able to come up with more than one way to cope. I just worry which one she chooses." He glinted an eye at her excellent execution, despite the added shadow clones. "Wow, you really have the hang of this!"

Yuuki responded to his pressed attack by upping her speed to the max. Naruto grew excited as she pushed through his form and began to press him. However, before she realized it, her clones had been dismissed and her dad's hand lay stretched out gently on her throat. "Check!" He raised his other hand in a fake stab as the clone dispersed. "Mate!" Yuuki's eyes remained wide. Naruto relaxed into a grin. "You really have gotten stronger; smarter too, if that's possible! I guess I should be taking the new Team Seven more seriously!"

Yuuki retracted her form and crossed her arms, smirking. "It's only the surface of our abilities, but we're about three years too soon to spar with our parents."

Naruto puffed his lower lip out in an irked way. "Three years, where do you get off? You're old man and his subordinates are some of the strongest ninja to have existed! The previous Hokages even told us that. TWENTY YEARS AGO! You think you can do it in three years?"

Yuuki laughed, twitching an eye. "See, I already know your weakness now. What are you going on about? Even twenty years ago, the previous Hokages were all resting peacefully." Her face became a little more intrigued now.

"Ah, well…" Naruto looked her over, seeing a change in her he didn't notice before. "Perhaps soon, We'll have to sit you all down and talk about Team Seven and the full details of the war. For now…" He looked concerned, but shrugged it off. "Just be very careful with shadow clones. Before me, no one ever used them in bulk. There may end up being side effects other than extreme fatigue after a while." He gripped his chin lightly before breaking the thought. "Just speculation, don't work too hard before your fight!"

Yuuki nodded, waving him off. She then looked at her fist, clenching them together. "Takeshi's mom did say the Kyuubi's healing effects would build back up, but maybe that's not what made me tired. Potential side effects, huh? If there's someone I know that can help me on that one, it's –" She grimaced in thought of saying it. "Isami." She turned around to see no one. Confused, she looked around some more. "Wow, he usually doesn't miss a chance to get attention."

As if there was a divine need to fill her annoyance meter, she noticed a head pop over the tall brick fence that contained the enormous yard. "Yoooo! Yuuki, when is the secret me-" A hand silenced the man.

"Hey, you moron, it's not a subject to announce to everyone here." The boy maintained a grip as the loud one flailed.

"However, it is now even more suspect, is it not?" A third head popped up, making them both stare in realization.

"Just get over here you idiots!"

OoOo

"So, as you can see, that's why we're here early." Datsu, Akano, and Kaito sat politely at her table, sipping on tea.

Yuuki narrowed her eyes. "But you didn't say anything except 'So, as you can see, that's why we're here early.'"

"Indeed."

Yuuki's face dead panned. "Whatever, everyone will show up soon anyways. In the meantime, I need a word with you Datsu." He shot up in a salute, making her even more repulsed.

They stepped outside as the sun was getting low. The clouds held a reddish pink tint. "Hey, really nice view you got here. It's to be expected of the Legendary Hokage, though."

Yuuki turned to him. "What, you guys were taught about my dad?"

Datsu became slightly irate. "Just because we're not a major village yet doesn't mean we aren't taught important history. Do you think I'm a fool?" Yuuki laughed nervously. Datsu crossed his arms behind his head and smiled. "Anyway, it goes beyond that. I didn't care much for the man as much as the title before. One of the times I was being scolded by the old man, I brought up that he wasn't any Legendary Hokage." Datsu snickered at the memory. "Man, was that an earful. Ever since then, I began to pry more and more about your father." Yuuki was actually content listening to him for once. Noticing this, Datsu rubbed his nose. "It's still a bit intimidating being watched by him in the exams and being in his house, but you know, Rekano told me something interesting history didn't: Naruto behaved a lot like me! You're old man's more or less my idol! You don't understand how hard it was to contain my excitement when you showed the shadow clone technique to me. That's why I know how important it is not to show anyone else until we're in a heated battle." Datsu caught himself, scratching the back of his head. "Woah, got in a bit of a rant, huh? Did you smell lavender just now?"

Yuuki turned away, slightly red faced. "Man, didn't ask for your life's story. And what are you talking about lavender for?"

Datsu chuckled a little more. "Ah, sorry. But what were you going to talk to me about then?"

Yuuki jolted, becoming a bit more serious. "Well it's actually about the shadow clones. I don't know for sure, but it definitely occurred to me: There could be 'side-effects' you're not aware of when you use it too much."

Datsu panicked, looking over himself. "S-Side-effects? What have you done to me? Am I going to turn into a hideous monster?" Yuuki bashed him on the head.

"I don't know either, but don't say such stupid things!" Datsu swore under his breath as Yuuki recomposed herself. "My dad made a good point. Other than you, me, and him, no one else uses shadow clones in bulk. Or rather, they can't. However, he has Kurama, the Nine-tails, to help regenerate. I have a similar effect thanks to that, but not as potent. You, on the other hand, don't have any of that. You seem lively enough, but I want to know, do you have any kind of ailments aside from immediate fatigue after uses?"

Datsu thought intensely for a moment. "Well, I have been just a bit more spotty in my performance recently, but nothing really that notable. I've mostly been training with three at the max to get more combinations down. More of a ninjutsu man myself. You seem like you're concerned with it quite a bit. How much did you use them when you were training?"

Yuuki shied away slightly. "Well, I mean…not THAT much. Let's see." Yuuki thought quickly counting her fingers nervously. "Before the exams, probably one or two hundred a for a few hours a day. But the way the logic behind it works, that's the equivalent to about one or two hundred days of strict practice a day."

Datsu dropped his arms and his jaw. "Two-hundred? Yuuki, you're insane!" Datsu bit his thumb in thought. "Not just in an amazing way, but in a stupid way as well. When you cram a hundred days of training into one day, that means you're suffering from over training! Did you really do that much just to become a chunin?"

Yuuki crossed her arms. "Yeah, I know. The more I think about it, the dumber it seems. However, here's the enticing piece of facts. It's takes ten thousand hours to become an expert. You could either practice ten hours a day for three years to fully master a jutsu, or you could practice ten hours with one hundred of you for one hundred days. Ending result is you cut the time it takes to master the jutsu by one-hundredfold." Yuuki glanced to the ground. "I feel like I should have been more cautious, but then I thought about the times I've almost died and…" Yuuki turned away.

Datsu cursed, shifting his head to the side. "I guess it goes the other way around then…"

Yuuki heard him, narrowing her eyes in confusion. Before she could inquire, the door slid open. Tsumi peeked her head out. "Umm, sorry if I'm interrupting, but everyone's here. What're you two talking about for so long?"

Datsu pushed by her. "It's nothing. Just discussing training tactics."

Tsumi eyed him suspiciously and turned back to her. "Seriously? What'd you do?" Yuuki turned back in a similar state, but slightly more relaxed.

"Just reminding ourselves of what's important." She walked past Tsumi with strength and stood tall in front of all her friends. "Resolve."

Voices in the room died down. "Resolve is more than determination. It's the highest form of clarity in your goal. That's what a couple of us have discovered, and what others are desperately searching to find right now." Datsu tilted his head slightly. The table was dead silent, awaiting her next words. Yuuki felt a rise in her confidence. "What is my resolve? It's not something I was aware of until recently. Peace." Yuuki clenched her hand tightly. "Cliché I know, but it is no mere thought of something that would be nice to have. No, this is different." She punched her fist out straight forward. "Peace that must be carved out through brute force and guided by an open mind. That is the very reason I have chosen to push myself too hard and formulate strategies completely hypothetical. However, just before my match with Shikamira, something I didn't foresee occurred. My chakra plummeted and became stirred. Everyone noticed and I'm about to tell you why." The table leaned in, as if it were the only question they'd ever had. "Hell's Phoenix confronted me."

A collective gasp befell everyone. Takeshi stood up, bringing up the facts. "That just can't be possible! Isami was right there, the ANBU were on patrol, and to top it all off, we had two Kage sitting right there watching. Someone would've noticed."

The group turned to her. Yuuki closed her eyes. "Sadly, this one is not so simple." She moved out a planning board and wrote out two names and titles. "Luna, One for Paradox and her partner Osamu, One for Affliction. Luna is a women in her younger twenties, has short silky white hair, a soft voice, and is very pale. Luna's ability allows her to transport ones spirit to a realm parallel to ours." Kobi scratched his head. Yuuki responded accordingly. "It's basically the spirit realm. My spirit was able to move independently form my body. I could see everyone, including me, frozen in time. Why would someone like this need to have a partner?" Yuuki looked back to the board, putting the explanation down. "She can't fight. She stated, 'my hands are a little tied at the moment.' So, to my knowledge so far, she can transport those of her choosing to the spirit world, but may not attack them." She now drew an arrow to the next name.

"That's where Osamu comes in. He's a powerful idiot, bald with bushy red mutton chops. This man cannot finish complete thoughts, but he has excellent combative abilities. Osamu did all that damage in one knee. He can absorb chakra based attacks and also disrupt the chakra in one's body. I'm led to believe he's an excellent sensor based on the way he fights." Yuuki turned back, clapping her hands free of chalk.

"So, why am I still alive? Why didn't they attack the Hokage or Kazekage? This is also where things get strange: they were after me." The whole table shifted about and Takeshi clenched his fist. She noted how uncomfortable they were. "There is some good news. They have a very small amount of information on us, and I made myself out as a babbling buffoon who must have had insane luck to make it this far alive. Luna picked up on my stupidity and tried to make me feel threatened by mentioning their leader."

"So, what do these punks want with you when they tried to kill you before?" Shikamira asked rhetorically, as if she already knew the answer.

"There are two reasons. The first and most important one is this: Hell's Phoenix was never our enemy." Everyone stirred around, casually saying things to each other. Yuuki sketched out a robe with the flame pattern on it. "This robe is black with vibrant flames trailing up them. Neither Biton nor Guden Utsushi dawned these garments. They didn't come out and say it, but they referred to Guden as hot-headed. On top of all this, the leader of Hell's Phoenix seems very knowledgeable on my Byakugan and the shadow clone technique. Reason I'm alive number two: I was invited by Luna to join Hell's Phoenix." A few gasp and chuckles filled the room. Yuuki smirked before continuing. "They know my family specifically very well. Based on that, he likely knows Takeshi's as well. Also, we were seen as a threat to them before, and now it's mutual. Something very crucial to Hell's Phoenix happened somewhere that must directly link their actions now and Guden Utsushi. Whether I have all the details or not is up to what Isami and my father entrust to me."

Nezero spoke up now. "So, what should we be doing then? I'm a little more in the dark about all this." Yuuki looked over to him, but Nagi interrupted before she could answer.

"Nothing. Our enemy has been blurred into uncertainty. If they are actively trying to recruit the Hokage's daughter knowing full well she was attacked by a rogue member, they had to know it would be a resounding no. On top of that, they knew she would tell her father later on. They would not prepare for an attack knowing we'd be ready and armed with intel. So, all we can do is continue to train and don't rouse suspicion. Am I correct?"

"Yes, Nagi nailed it. Clearly they have a mole somewhere around that feeds them information, but they get very vague information. However, it leads full circle into my resolve. Peace. We move forward, paving the way with our fist and enjoy ourselves. When someone threatens that peace, I'll be ready." Yuuki raised her fist. "Who's with me?" The group collectively raised their fist in cheer.

Takeshi looked over them all with excitement. Yuuki's on fire again. I better really bring my A game when we fight!

Yuuki sat down and joined them. "By the way, our parents are apparently aware we are meeting and discussing this sensitive information. That means they trust and acknowledge us all. We'd do well to show them well by figuring out more information and keeping quiet until the information is public." She wiped her head. "That's enough talking for me; let's talk about those awesome fights!"

As Yuuki led them to a more comfortable subject, cheery conversations started and they debated over the stat cards. Datsu, while putting up a front, was not his usually carefree self. Yuuki had noted this, but left him be. Other way around…That's right, he did kill two innocent foes. Kaito did also, but he at least has the sword to remember him. Datsu only has scars. Yuuki shook off her thoughts, falling back into occasional conversation.

OoOoOoOo

Yuuki opened her eyes as the morning sun rose. Yesterday had been spent relaxing and taking minor changes into account. She loosened up with a few stretches before sifting through her plans. "Today's the day, huh?" As she coursed a hand through her hair, she looked in the direction of Takeshi's house. "We've come a long way since the academy. If he's serious about recovering my trust, he'd better give this fight everything he's got. This is my chance to show exactly what I'm made of." She narrowed her eyes. "And a chance to put that cheating, ego-centric bastard in his place." Yuuki geared up, departing early to the arena.

OoOoOoOo

"You sure you're ready, Takeshi?" Hitomi prompted her brother as he crossed his arms in thought. The sun was out and their battled scarred yard was unusually tranquil.

"I won't know until the signal is given by Isami. Just from the rankings, she certainly has the advantage. Couple that with her analytical prowess, I doubt obsessing over a plan is going to help me." Hitomi nodded, rubbing her chin. Takeshi pounded his chest with a smile. "But if it's anything she's going to miscalculate, it's how tough my family has made me. On top of that, I've got something to protect."

His sister couldn't help but feel happy for him. "You and Tsumi really did the right thing by telling her. You'll still probably die though."

Takeshi threw his hands up as if to brace himself. "Hey, come on! I know you women are scary when you're angry, but don't start planning my funeral." She laughed as he calmed himself to a smile. "She really is going to let me have it though. I think about how much she's kept hidden from her training and I actually feel like I might die." She put on a face of concern for her brother. Takeshi, however, put on a grin. "Well, maybe not die, but certainly in a world of pain! She'll probably use every type of offense known to man."

She looked over to Yuuki's house with a smile. "You sound a lot like what I was thinking when I fought Isami. I tried so hard out the gate to keep the momentum, but after giving him everything I had, he still managed to come away with the win. Those Uzumaki's always pull a finisher out of nowhere. Even down to the last possible jutsu." Takeshi watched his sister smile as she was lost in thought. Part of him wanted to bring up the dating issue, but he dropped it in the back of his mind. Hitomi shifted her eyes to him, seemingly comprehending his thoughts. "I know it's a lot to go through right now, but just try to enjoy everyone's company. You're all so much stronger than we were at that age, so win or lose, remember to smile about it with your friends." Takeshi shared her happy grin for a moment before stretching himself up.

"Well, I'd best be off. Wouldn't want to keep everyone waiting. Thanks for the encouragement, sis!" He leaped the fence and was gone before she knew it.

Hitomi sighed as she laid back. "What a straight forward kid. I was wrong to worry about him after all."

OoOo

"What's up, Takeshi!" The voice threw off his landing and resulted in a face plant. The culprits let out a sweat.

Takeshi recovered, dusting himself off. Arm outstretched, he pointed forcefully. "Don't just hang out side of people's property Kobi!" Takeshi pulled back, noticing Tsumi laughing right along with him. He puffed up and began his walk.

"Sorry, man. It was just too priceless finally seeing you do something lame! Wait up." The group fell in step with the young Uchiha. Kobi scratched his cheek. "So, what's your plan? She's gonna be pretty pissed at you."

Takeshi shifted his eyes to him. "So you know we fessed up, then?" Tsumi rubbed her arm nervously. Takeshi smirked. "My plan is to fight until I can't keep fighting." Both of them looked over to him in shock.

"As expected of my rival!" A familiar voice broke in as Datsu struck a thumbs up. The trio continued passed him without even batting an eye. Datsu sweat, running to get in pace with the group. "Hey, you can't just overlook the main character like that!"

Takeshi smiled, lighter in heart. "Craving attention that badly, huh?" Datsu crossed his arms behind his head and looked the other way.

"pfft, and here I thought you'd of wet your pants by now." Takeshi narrowed his eyes, deciding against responding.

"Hey, Tsumi." His gazed switched over to hers. "Where's Yuuki at?"

She responded with a lift of her shoulders. "Beats me. She left pretty early. Probably plotting the best way to kill you." The men laughed nervously. Tsumi rubbed her chin. "It's going to be a long fight, isn't it?"

Both Datsu and Kobi shifted their attention now in confusion. Datsu chuckled. "You kidding me? It's pretty obvious that she's been holding a lot back. With the couple days of rest, she'll also be in top shape. Takeshi's pretty much screwed." Kobi nodded as Ripper barked.

Tsumi and Takeshi pushed passed them lackadaisically. "Oh please. Takeshi's been holding out too. Don't forget, he's had the toughest opponents and still out classed them. Don't underestimate his hardiness."

Datsu and Kobi paused, looking at each other with skepticism. Takeshi stopped, looking back to them. "If you two want to be my rival, watch closely. You'll see why the Uchiha and the Uzumaki have made such a name for themselves."

Datsu perked up, rubbing his nose. "Yeah, yeah. Just you wait! Soon, there's gonna be a new name to fear. Datsu Hashimoto!" Both Takeshi and Tsumi froze in place, staring at the proud boy as he passed. The group looked at each other before getting back to the trek. Takeshi pocketed his hands in thought. Just now, did he finally give us a surname?

OoOoOoOo

Yuuki watched on the opposite side of the break room as the group pulled in. As Takeshi eyed her, she smirked, going back to her planning. Other teams began filing in, gossiping about the fight coming soon. However, it didn't take long for the chatter to subside as a new set of faces came in. The female member marched straight over to Yuuki.

With arms crossed, the blond tapped her fingers while standing uncomfortably in front of her. Yuuki glanced up to see Lili. With everyone watching, she returned to her reading. "Oh, it's you."

The girl blushed, tightening her fist. "What's this?" She reached a hand down, swatting the journal out of Yuuki's hands. Everyone's jaws dropped at the audacity. Shikamira herself twitched. That won't end well.

Yuuki sat still for a moment. She felt her fist tighten and begin to shake. Suddenly, she stood in Lili's face. "The hell was that? No one interrupts my planning and gets off easy. I'll kill you, Lili!" Tsumi grabbed her sister as sweat dropped from everyone's head.

"I'm so scared, since you failed the first time in all." With a false sense of superiority, the girl laughed haughtily. Tegun was quick to cover her mouth, laughing nervously.

"Sorry everyone. Lili isn't good at first impressions." With both Yuuki and Lili still squirming under restraint, the man continued. "My name is Tegun." He pointed with his head. "That man over there still lost in thought is Hoshido." He struggled to restrain Lili's violent thrashing. "And this ball of sunshine is our leader; Lili. We're cloud ninja. Nice ta meet ya!"

After a moment of settling down, the groups mingled together. Takeshi pounded fist with Tegun. "I was afraid you guys wouldn't make it."

Kobi piped up now. "Wait, so how do you two know each other, man?" The rest of the guys showed interest themselves.

Tegun punched his fist together firmly with a smiled. "We fought in the Forest of Death! It was mostly Lili's idea to fight Team Seven, but it gave me a good chance to fight Takeshi here." Tegun loosened his shoulder up. "Definitely gave me a good beating though."

Takeshi patted his chest in response. "Hey, it wasn't a one way transaction either! I was sore there for a while." The group grew intrigued by Tegun's strength.

Chojiko entered the conversation, which was rare in and of itself. "You traded blows with Takeshi? You must be pretty strong, huh?"

Tegun winked, pulling out a stat card. "I guess. Some weirdo showed up and gave us these. Not sure why, but it's helped us plan out a good training regime." Takeshi grabbed it, eying it over. Tegun rubbed his head. "Easy killer, I need that in one piece, ya know?"

Woah, he's got three tens on this card. Toughness, speed, and taijutsu. Only genjutsu is under five, too. Takeshi looked up in shock. "This is amazing, Tegun! You really don't have a lot of holes in your game. I almost wish we were going all out. You would've been tied with Nagi and Vin with that rating!"

The rest of the guys looked over the card in amazement themselves. Datsu even let out a sweat. Tegun laughed nervously. "I wouldn't put too much stock in it. But, had we met in the tournament, I coulda really showed you what I was made of." He rubbed the back of his head. "Did you get one of these cards?"

Takeshi shook his head. "Since Team Seven is still in the tournament, we haven't received ours yet." He crossed his arms. "With all these amazing stats, I'm just wondering how I managed to be on par with some of you." Takeshi shook himself off. "So, are you the strongest on your team?"

To the groups surprise, he indicated no. "Nah, Lili's got me beat. Weirdo said she'd have been rated fourth if we made it. Hoshido is last of the three in overall score, but diligent bastard doesn't have a single stat under six." The group attention shifted to the man as he stared at his card.

"What if I were to fall under a high level genjutsu…then I wouldn't be able to realize the danger…I could trip on something and break my neck…" Most of the group let out a sweat.

"Still, to think you were all defeated." Nagi pondered as he glanced between the cloud ninja. Lili held herself quite proudly as she mingled with the other girls. Rubbing his chin, he continued. "Yuuki didn't appear too fatigued when they arrived. Not a scratch on her, in fact. That means she won decisively."

Tegun rubbed his head, more somber now. "Uzumaki Yuuki. She's pretty scary alright. Lili was in pretty intensive care for a while." Nagi deduced the man's fearful tone shift. "She ended the fight with a massive tsunami outta nowhere. Lili barely protected herself against it." He glanced around. "What, you guys didn't know?"

Datsu nodded in understanding. "I figured I was right. So that was Yuuki that destroyed a good portion of the forest." Shock came over everyone but Takeshi and Tegun. Datsu crossed his arms. "You weren't very fortunate. Yuuki wasn't thinking very straight when that portion of the exam was happening." Takeshi and Tegun raised an eyebrow. Datsu pumped his fist. "I have no doubt that she will never do anything that stupid again. Her mind's out of the murky waters now."

Tegun shifted his eyes over to Yuuki, who had stopped reading and was listening in on Lili's conversations with a smile. Takeshi put a hand on his shoulder. "We've been through a hell of a lot. She was lost for a moment, but she's getting back to who she once was. I'm the only person she has beef with now."

Tegun laughed heartily. "I see. So that's how it is." He slapped Takeshi forcefully on the back. "Well then. Try not to die, friend!"

Takeshi smirked, partly due to the force of the slap. "I've heard that like ten times already…"

"Yo." Suddenly, Isami was inches from Takeshi's face.

"Gah!" Takeshi flung himself back, activating his sharingan.

Tegun recovered from his jump back as well. "Oh, it's that weirdo! How'd he do that?"

Takeshi clenched his fist at Isami, who was picking his ear. "What the hell, Isami-san? You trying to give me a heart attack?"

Isami finished picking his ear and winked with a thumbs up. "Good luck not dying today!" Takeshi deflated, knowing a conversation at this point was useless.

Isami screamed as a foot jammed him between the legs. "Useless brother. Just do things like a normal human for once!" Yuuki inhaled deeply, moving a piece of hair as she exhaled.

Tegun let his composure return, realizing the name. "Brother? Isami-San?" His eyes shot open. "Ah! THE Uzumaki Isami?"

The man in question shot up with a smirk. "The one and only!" Yuuki and Tsumi's face dead-panned. Lili's eyes shot open at the sight and mention of him. The usually brave women hid behind a seat with a blush. Inora caught it in her eye and practically squealed. Isami crossed his arms. "I'm just as excited as everyone else for this match! Whatd'ya say we kick off these finals off? Hurry to the combatants' box, with feeling now!" As he vanished away, the whole group erupted in excitement as they quick walked out.

Only Inora, Nagi and Lili trailed behind. Lili looked up to the girl was practically drooling. "Secret Love, forbidden across far away lands."

Lili blushed. "W-what are you going on about? I would ne-"

"You'd better give up while you can. She's deaf to reason when she's in that state." Lili looked back to the girl, whose obsessive look began to give Lili shivers.

"W-whatever. Like I'd care what rumors she could spread. Stupid leaf ninja are so creepy." Nagi felt a slight drop in dignity as they departed.

-A/N-

It's here! The final round of the Chunin exams! It'd be a reeeeal big shame if it was interupted before it could finish, huh…

It's not easy having a double-header dialogue chapter, but hopefully I nailed the flow and feel of this one for my readers. Yuuki is not good with relationships, but she still feels the emotional impact of the betrayal. In her mind, she prepared for something like this; Still a betrayal, but hell if it isn't confusing on how to interpret it on the logistics side.

Get ready! If memory serves me right, this is one hell of a fight. Not only that, but we're getting the plot moving from here on out ;)