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.

22. Grand Finale

Chapter 22: Grand Finale

Sasuke entered the VIP section and took his seat without word. Naruto glanced over, seeing a calculating demeanor on his face. He leaned over to him. "Any leads?"

The Uchiha paused a moment, scratching his head. "Not a clue. It makes since, if what Yuuki says is true. We've tried everything on our end, but there's likely no way of tracing it. The only things we can rely on is learning the radius of the move, how much chakra it takes, and tracking down the jutsu's origin; Suggesting the latter exist." Naruto matched his troubled face. After a period of silence, Sasuke checked the time. "It's about that time."

Naruto smirked, looking out the final arena. As standard, it was well flattened and barren. "To think we'd be sitting here a second time, wagering on our kids." He nudged the Uchiha with a confident smirk. "Who's gonna win this one? I haven't even had a chance to help Yuuki, but I know she's gonna blow everyone away!"

Sasuke shrewdly tilted his head to the side. "It's too early to call. We've been really pushing Takeshi hard. You may not have noticed, but he's been allowing a lot of slack towards his opponents. Even Inora's chakra infused hits did marginal damage." Naruto crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. The prideful Uchiha bent up and crossed his arms behind his head. "Sakura has built his bone density to be ten times the average ninja. I, myself, made sure he didn't lose any speed or dexterity with it. It won't be another Isami vs. Hitomi match."

Garaa glanced between the two as they boasted their children. He scratched his head. Maybe I should help Nezero train harder. He further pondered himself. No, that's not the problem. He needs to get over his weakness of women. Garaa's face dead-panned once more. Naruto looked over to him. "Huh? What's wrong, Garaa?"

The red head eyed him in jealousy. "You two had better count yourselves lucky." Naruto glanced to him in ignorance of his thoughts.

OoOoOoOo

An explosion detonated above the center of the arena as Isami landed. Soon after, a massive fireball rained down from the sky. Isami leapt to the side, deflecting the incoming tools while summoning shadow clones. Out of the debris, Hitomi revealed herself and summoned a blade. Isami's clones leapt forward throwing out precise kick combos and deadly strikes. However, Hitomi simply danced right through them and pressed Isami. Responding perfectly with Hitomi's strike, he nailed her opening with a rasengan only to have it disperse into a log. Keeping a cool head, his left arm already pointed back inches away from Hitomi's chest. Her blade was already inches away from execution itself. The crowd exploded in cheer as a third person appeared before them, holding the mic.

"A near perfect rendition!" Hitomi and Isami both stood and bowed to Naruto. After an extended applause, Naruto raised a hand and silence returned. "For those of you that weren't here five years ago, this is Uchiha Hitomi and Uzumaki Isami. During their exam, they stunned everyone with their overwhelming skill and prowess among their peers. They fought their last fight with the strength and elegance of experienced Chunin. However, that time has come and passed." Naruto handed Isami the mic, flicking it off. He placed a hand on both of their shoulders. "You two have both done a great deal for your siblings." Naruto looked to Hitomi with a bright smile. "I know he can be quite the thorn in your side, but thanks for keeping him in line for all these years."

She blushed, slightly shying away. "More like he makes me keep him in line." She looked at him with a grin. "Don't worry, I'll make sure not to let him off the hook for as long as I'm around." Naruto felt a shock on his face as Hitomi laughed nervously herself.

Naruto snickered. "That must be your mother's genes in you. She said the same thing about me." Isami had twitched an eye over as Naruto distracted himself with a hearty laugh. Hitomi rubbed the back of her head. With a pat, Naruto regained focus on his son. "Oi, Isami." He stared at him in a serious demeanor, making his father smile. "Let's see how your help with Yuuki matches up against the Uchiha household training regime. Sasuke's talking a lot of smack."

Isami accepted the mic with a wide smile. "If it's just that, then there's nothing to worry about." Naruto crossed his arms anticipating his son's next remark. 'I've never lost a match!' Is that about right, Isami? The young man rubbed his nose. "I believe my sister is going to do well and be happy. That's a win for me, even if she does lose!" Naruto dropped his hands in shock. He really has matured a lot. Naruto glanced over to Hitomi, who smiled admirably at his response. Hitomi too. You use to be unable to get these two within a mile of each other.

Naruto busted out in a laugh. "You two should consider dating at this rate." Both subjects cringed at the words, making Naruto tilt his head.

Isami recovered. "You've got the best ideas, pops!"

Hitomi backed away in a nervous laugh. "I-I should go…" Hitomi departed in a flash, causing Naruto to scratch his chin further.

"You two are never making sense. Guess I gotta go back myself."

With the departure of his dad, Isami turned on the mic. Well, I'd say we might have blown it again. Dad's not the one I'm worried about though. Isami glanced over to Sasuke, who eyed him in annoyance with his sharingan active. Isami felt a cold sweat as he began. "Sorry about that, folks! You didn't come here for Hitomi, the kages, or me. You came here to see the best Genin duke it out in raw ninja combat!" His audience wound up into a cheer once more as Isami got comfortable again. His attention shifted to the combatants' box.

OoOoOoOo

"That was a pretty long talk my dad gave." Yuuki narrowed her eyes in thought before getting disrupted. Both Tsumi and Noriko her a small shove from behind.

"He called you up there, dry eyes! Focus on fighting." Yuuki turned a stink eye to Noriko before nodding.

Meanwhile, Takeshi pondered himself at what they were saying. I already know they're either dating or have dated recently. I couldn't read what Yuuki's dad was saying, but they sure looked suspicious. Kobi planted a hand on his back with a grin.

"You're up, man! Knock her down a couple pegs!" Takeshi looked back at his friends, smiling at the encouragement.

Datsu crossed his arms with a serious face. "You're the last man standing. Show these women that we aren't push overs! It's only natural that my rival puts his entire being into the fight!" Datsu punched his fist aggressively in the air, leaving it with an intimidating face.

Chojiko rubbed his head. "Isn't that a bit too much? Just go out there and give it your best, Takeshi."

Takeshi looked around to all his friends with a confident smile. "Just pay attention. You haven't seen anything I can do yet!" Leaping out, he met Yuuki at the center of the arena. They remained silent as Isami spoke.

"That's it folks. This is your last chance to see an Uzumaki and an Uchiha square off in the finals of the Chunin exams! The pressure now turns to them to get you your money's worth. Enough talk! I can't even hold back my excitement!" Isami turned his attention to the two with wild determination. "Uzumaki Yuuki, master of deception and strategy, Vs. Uchiha Takeshi, master of endurance and speed. Without further ado, begin!" Fireworks lit off and dazzled the crowd as Isami retreated to the combatants' box.

Final Round: Heartbroken Rivalry

Takeshi looked to Yuuki. Her face was an agitated seriousness. The young Uchiha pounded his fist. "I can't undo what's been done. However, you're still a very important person to me. I won't hold back, so don't even consider pulling any punches."

Yuuki removed her headband from her thigh and tightened it on her forehead. "We'll start from equal distance. Ten paces from where we are now." Takeshi smirked.

"No, fifteen paces." Yuuki smirked back with a nod. As she turned with him and did the paces, the crowd grew dead silent in suspense. He is serious. Trying to thwart my initial plans, are we? Yuuki smiled, still remaining vigilant. Alright, Takeshi. Prove yourself to me, or die trying!

As she reached her fifteenth step, she instantly turned and readied to summon shadow clones. However, Takeshi was only moments from her with a knee cocked forward. As if she had expected it, she let the chakra in her feet grow to destroy the earth under her, dodging the knee and keeping her jutsu going in the process. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!" Takeshi recovered from his shock as a clone spawned in pace with him and attacked for his kidney. He shifted his chakra before it could land a hit and caught the hand. Using a sharp twist, the clone was launched at Yuuki. Yuuki was so shocked by the outcome that she couldn't cancel her jutsu and dodge it quick enough. She was bashed right into the ground with a puff of smoke masking her eyes.

OoOo

"Woah, Takeshi got the first hit!" Tsumi was on the edge of the box, watching every detail. The group had swarmed next to her and Nagi, since they could map out the details.

Kobi pumped his fist in excitement. "Oh yeah, my man got the most important advantage in the fight. First strike!" The group watched as Takeshi recovered and jumped into the air.

OoOo

Come on Yuuki, bet you didn't count on that! The boy finished his hand seals. "Katon: Goenkyu!" Takeshi spewed a meteor like mass of fire at the small crater Yuuki remained. The ball neared its target before something grew off about it. Shit! Takeshi began to spin his body.

"Rasenkiri!" The whole crowd leaned forward, seeing Yuuki spin straight through the jutsu with a drilling chakra at her palm. Isami smirked nodding his head. The jutsu only grazed passed Takeshi, but it still shredded his chest bad and forced him into a defensive stance. The fire jutsu proceeded to explode and mask the area "Kage Shi Jinbutsu!" With the small opening, Yuuki summoned four clones with half her chakra split amongst them. However, something else became immediately obvious as the haze cleared. They had distinct appearance differences.

Both youths activated their eyes now. Takeshi let out a sweat as searched his options. Damn. Here I thought I had the new tricks up my sleeve. Takeshi looked over the formation. The forward most clone had a more elegant, yet battle ready kimono dawned with black hair neatly up. It dipped into a proper gentle fist stance. Behind this clone was a taller, stronger looking version of Yuuki. It held an arrogant smirk with the chakra blade resting in one hand over its shoulder. Its hair was a wild orange and its clothing choice was as revealing as Hitomi's. Behind this one were two more clones. The clone on the left had shorter, wind swept hair that was fuchsia in color. It's outfit was that of a lightly armored battle maiden attire geared towards mobility. The clone to the right had delicate features with long, sea green hair mid-way down her back. Her shoulder and nape were revealed in a stunning midnight blue kimono traced with an extravagant gold design. They both fanned out symmetrically and threw up a hand seal. Yuuki herself stood tall at the back, crossing her arms with a smirk. Takeshi himself let out a nervous laugh. "Not exactly trying to hide their roles, are you?"

Yuuki tilted her head back with a grin. "Don't get careless. These are more than mere clones. I call them personae."

OoOo

Isami busted to the front of the group like a child awe struck by fireworks. One couldn't fault him for it, since the majority of the group stared in confusion themselves. Shikamira glanced at Tsumi, then back to the battlefield. "Tsumi, what's up with that? It almost looks like Yuuki made more twins."

Before Tsumi could respond, Isami gave the explanation. "They're certainly close, but distinctly different." Isami closely scanned the personae. "Tsumi has a completely unique chakra signature, making her a separate being."

The group waited for Isami to finish, but Nagi took the explanation. "I see. Yes, these clones Yuuki has created still carry her base chakra signature." Nagi rubbed his chin. "However, unlike normal shadow clones, the chakra is clearly still different among them."

The group collectively nodded, Kobi clearly unable to understand. Tsumi pulled him aside. "Did you know the byakugan and sharingan can see chakra signatures?" Kobi nodded yes. She continued, "Well, did you know we can also tell what jutsu or style of chakra you'll use as you focus it?"

Kobi narrowed his eyes before pounding his fist. "Ah, I get it! So those clones are already geared in a certain element or style, giving them the chakra someone would otherwise need to channel! She basically just gave them specialized roles so they could all be on the same page and operate with more coordination." Datsu among others widened their eyes, actually understanding the nature of the personae. Kobi crossed his arms. "It's like she's cutting out other natures so these clones can gain a more natural talent for the assigned nature." Everyone in the group shot a stare at him in shock, jaws agape. Ripper tilted his head with a whine of confusion. Even Tsumi and Shikamira took a double take at the personae.

"Bingo!" Isami finished giving Kobi a thumbs up. Returning to a pondering view, he crossed his arms. "Simply put, using this method is like cheating nature at its own game. However, I've never seen the likes of it before. Judging by the way she's using it, I'd have to assume there's a flaw in it somewhere."

The group quickly resumed focus on the battle. Tsumi nudged Kobi, giving him a jolt. She gave him a warm gleeful smile, making him laugh and rub his head.

OoOo

"Oi, Yuuki. Enough standing around." The bladed persona blitzed out in front, signaling the rest to prepare for an assault. Takeshi smirked, reading himself. If it's just a blade… her attack suddenly hastened with wind chakra, surprising him. It grazed his shoulder and opened up a wound. With a cheeky smiled, the persona began slashing violently at him. Thanks to his father's training, he was able to fully avoid further injury and dance around the attacks. There! As she swung horizontally, he was able to dip down, pushing off the ground into a kick to her side. Something shocked him as she was sent flying. I know she looked it, but she was definitely more durable than Yuuki. Before his thoughts returned, he instinctively guarded.

"Empty palm thrust." Takeshi managed to stay grounded and defend, but began getting pressed by the black-haired persona. "It's a little too late to be getting surprised, Takeshi-kun." Hearing the honorific get applied to his name unsettled him enough to take a blast to the chest. However, he dug through the pain and tossed the persona with one arm. Takeshi quickly turned his gaze. This jutsu. Not only is it tough, but it's messing with my head as well! Seeing the fuchsia-haired clone, he cursed under his breath and prepared a counter.

"Fuuton: Reppushou!" A powerful gale of wind shot at him, but his jutsu was already in action.

"Katon: Gokakyuu no jutsu!" The fireball consumed the wind and bolted straight for the persona.

"Suiton: Hahonryuu!" The sea green persona pushed and doused the fireball away as she stood next to her. "Idiot! Think before you throw out a jutsu!"

The fuchsia haired persona puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms. "Party pooper. I had it under control."

Takeshi felt a sweat drop as he watched the two bicker. Suddenly, he jolted. Shit, where's Yuuki? "D'ya miss me?!" Takeshi expertly avoided the slash of her blade as the wild persona jumped back in. However, this time he was also taxed with avoiding a seamless assault from the black-haired persona. Takeshi was forced into taking grazes of the sword so the gentle fist couldn't stop him.

As if rehearsed, the armed persona bolted clear of the area. Then, the black-haired persona smirked. "Suiton: kami Ougaa!" Takeshi barely crossed his arms in defense. Damn. Starting into a heavenly spin, she pushed it to form a gushing torrent mimicking that of a massive drill. The force finally managed to get him airborne and spun him like a ragdoll, tearing through his defenses.

As he flew, he noted the same black-haired persona waiting for him. No time! He contorted his spinning motion into a kick, but was met a heavenly rotation that sent him to the ground. Takeshi coughed up a mixture of water and blood as he pushed himself up on all fours. Of course. The signatures are so similar, I didn't even notice her take on that one's appearance. More blood forced its way out. Takeshi's left side was quite torn up, but he was still able to push through the pain. He tightened his fist and frustration. She knows me so well, yet I've never seen all these complex traits. Takeshi felt a snap somewhere deep inside. No. There's more to me as well. More than even she could know.

OoOo

The crowd had been cheering and awing at the spectacle. Isami was scratching his chin. "I see." He remained in that pose until he noticed no one was paying attention to him. The man quickly leaned over right next to Tsumi's face and repeated. "I see."

In reluctance, she sighed. "Fine, what do you want?"

He coughed, returning to his pose. "Why do you think Yuuki's holding back?"

Tsumi rolled her eyes before scratching her head at the question. "Yeah, I guess I'm sorta curious myself. I mean, she practically came out and said she wanted to kill him. Why is she not following up any of her attacks?"

Isami raised a finger. "It's actually simple. It's because Takeshi is holding back." Tsumi saw his point slightly. "More precisely, I believe he's too afraid of hurting her again. His goal is to protect his friendship, yet in doing so, he's unintentionally offending her."

Tsumi nodded in understanding. "Wish they could talk it out. Those two are just having one misunderstanding after another."

Isami grinned, roughing up her hair. "Yuuki's smart enough to realize his true feelings already. She's just helping him out by talking via good old-fashioned butt-kicking." Tsumi nodded, half understanding and half pissed about her hair.

OoOo

Takeshi stood tall, showing no signs of fatigue. His gaze rose to meet the bladed persona, unnerving her. With a powerful strike to the solar plexus, she was blasted straight back towards the black-haired persona. As she barely evaded her teammate, Takeshi pelted ninja stars to force her into a heavenly spin. As she disengaged the move, her arm jabbed straight into where his chest should have been. However, Takeshi had perfectly rolled off it. Shock had overwhelmed her. "What th-!" As his arm wrapped around hers, she noted his eyes as he slung her straight into the bladed-persona.

As if by instinct, Takeshi swiftly dodge rolled. "Fuuton: Juuha Reppou Shou!" A powerful wind had been concentrated into a powerful slash attack that carved deep through the earth he just stood over. He scoffed at the attack. That was close. Red eyes locked quickly on the water using persona as she made hand seals. Not a chance!

Takeshi bolted swiftly in her direction, using a single hand seal. "Doton: Domu!" Takeshi's skin turned hard as steel as approached. Water is useless against me!

The persona smirked, slamming her hand to the ground. "Raiton: Raikou Oonami!" Takeshi's eyes narrowed as he was caught stunned by a lightning shockwave. No way, lightning? He cringed as the jolt singed his body. Gotta get this jutsu down! Lightning attacks rip straight through earth-style defenses! As he managed to do so, he noticed the wind-persona using another attack, but it was quite familiar to him. Not good.

She finished her attack. "Katon: Gakakyu no jutsu!" The fireball headed for him, slow in comparison to most. Takeshi grunted. I should be able to evade and-"

"Fuuton: Juuha Reppu Shou!" His eyes narrowed as he barely braced his skin with the steel skin.

"Gah!" The powerful blast of explosive wind thrust him back over fifty meters and slammed him hard a foot deep in the wall. Gravity released him down on his knees once more. However, he managed to rise to his knees with a grin. The young man eyed his opponents as they regrouped into a line. With a spit of blood, Takeshi stretched his shoulder. "Nice hit, Yuuki. I see you're not hiding anymore." He clenched his fist, looking over the bladed-persona. "Personae, huh? Can't believe that one can still be up with the punch I gave her." Said persona shifted her blade around with a scowl, flipping him off.

Yuuki crossed her arms with a matching smirk. "There's no point in playing mind games now that you've stopped pulling punches." Yuuki stretched herself. "Guess the warm up, is over. Let me properly introduce you." She glanced to her far left at the bladed-persona. "I call that one Mari." The girl didn't look at her and flipped the bird her way now. Yuuki narrowed her eyes. "Continuing, this one is Ayano." The black-haired person bowed slightly. Yuuki shifted her stretch looking right. "The fuchsia-haired one is Hikari." The girl beamed a bright smile waving both hands as if to say hello. Rolling her eyes, Yuuki stood crossing her arms. "Lastly, there's Rin." To ostentatious girl crossed her arms, looking away.

Takeshi combed over them once more. Mari pointed her blade at him. "I'm gonna pay you back double for that hit, Takeshi!"

Hikari jumped in, shaking her hand at Mari. "Now, now. You're the only one you have to blame for your short-comings. Try not to leave so many openings!" She turned to Takeshi with her thumbs up. "Please keep up the good work, Take-kun!" Takeshi's eyes twitched, staring in confusion. Take-kun?

Rin bashed her upside the head. "Moron! Take your own advice and stop being such an air-head!" The girl faced him now. "Uchiha-kun. You're still holding back too much." She clenched her fist. "I'll crush your bones to dust if you look down on me!" His eyes widened. What a circus show.

Ayano cleared her throat. "This talking is pointless. Please focus your efforts on staying on the battlefield." She looked back to Mari. "That means actually using teamwork." The orange-haired girl scoffed, not actually placing an argument.

OoOo

Both Sasuke and Naruto had been rubbing their chin in bewilderment. Sasuke chimed over to his rival. "Oi, just what's up with that technique?"

Naruto punched his fist. "I see!" He looked over to Sasuke with a cheeky smirk. "Basically, she created powerful clones that carry a lot of chakra."

The man scoffed. "Anyone can see that, idiot. What's with the separate appearance and chakra type though?"

Naruto crossed his arms, puffing out a tough guy lip in annoyance. "I was getting to it!" He returned to rubbing his chin with a smile. "Yuuki focused on giving each of these clones a distinct role, down to the very nature they use. This makes extended collaboration much simpler than regular clones." He nodded, as if to agree with what he said. "Seeing as this can't be easy, it would appear she attached distinct personalities to each clone, making them appear to take on a life of their own."

Sasuke crossed his arms and his legs, also closing his eyes. "Guess that makes sense. Tsk, already more of a pest for the sharingan than you were." He opened his eyes, focusing on his son. "The technique probably still has flaws though. Takeshi's been pretty conservative thus far, so I'm not worried."

Naruto nodded. "Definitely. Since each chakra is different, I'd wager…" He stopped himself looking between Yuuki and the black-haired persona. I hope you considered this, Yuuki.

Garaa dropped his head, having eavesdropped on the whole conversation. Of course he lost his train of thought right at that moment. He shook it off. I can put two and two together though. Still, an intimidating technique, that's for sure.

OoOo

Silence blanketed the area as the two both re-fastened their headband. Takeshi punched his fist together, staring down his opponents. "Enough of this! If the formalities are over, let's get this party started!" The formation held their ground, awaiting his move. Takeshi scoffed. Splitting out personalities into clones means nothing to me. Yuuki's the only one I'm concerned with. Quickly slamming the ground, He yelled, "Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu!" The ground turned to sand and Takeshi was swiftly underground.

Yuuki raised an eyebrow. "Get ready. He's not going to hold back." Her eyes bolted as massive spikes of earth made her dodge. The amount was staggering, making her turn her head. "Rin!"

Her persona scoffed. "I know already! I can't get a jutsu off that'll reach either!" Suddenly, Takeshi popped up in her face as she leapt off a spike. The Uchiha already had his knee driving into her chest before she could react.

Quickly, he prepared hand seals. "Katon: Karyuden!" Suddenly, mud shot passed the Uchiha and was ignited into a magma bomb.

Yuuki quickly launched towards Rin. Shit, that's a shadow clone. A collaboration jutsu from underground? Stepping in front, Yuuki finished her counter. "Suiton: Hahonryuu!" The torrent that emerged was enough to thwart the attack, but a spike now rose en route to pierce Rin. "Ayano!"

As Yuuki turned, she saw her diligent persona already protecting Rin. Before she could smile, two Takeshis emerged on either side of her. Shit!

"Raiton: Jibashi; Katon: Gokakyuu no jutsu!"

Already by her side, Mari and Hikari stepped up. Hikari finished her jutsu. "Fuuton: Goukuuhou!" The gale of wind met the lightning, effectively diminishing the attack. With water channeled into her blade, Mari charged forward and sliced through the massive flame ball and crushed the clone with a slam of water.

"Chidori!" Mari, left wide open and in shock, was directly hit through the chest in a discharge of electricity. Takeshi was surprised, as she remained intact long enough to grab at his collar and shoot him a look. Finally she dissipated away. Takeshi himself pulled back, feeling some fatigue. Clones that hang on for that long…and that look.

Ayano cursed. "Shit, Mari is down." She turned to Rin. "Get up already! We need to get ready!" Rin, still in pain from the knee, rose up and followed.

Takeshi looked over to the motionless Yuuki, preparing to rush. What's with that reaction? Hikari prepared a jutsu, but was blindsided by his speed and tossed aside. Yuuki remained staring at the floor, so Takeshi took the opening to throw a punch. To his surprise, her fist rose to catch it with some good force.

Yuuki raised her head with a wild grin as her hair tinted orange. "D'ya miss me?" Thrown off, he was kicked away as she threw up hand seals. "Fuuton: Kaze no Yaiba!" A burst of wind let out from her left hand, but didn't seem to hold anything. She smirked, now drawing her chakra blade and putting wind into it. Takeshi back stepped a little, preparing himself. "I know you can see it." With a swoosh of her left hand, the earth beneath her was sliced cleanly. Her face turned unamused. "You played the wrong girl, Uchiha. I'm gonna scar you up as payback!"

With a strong rotation incoming, Takeshi leapt back, pushing to evade the powerful slices of air. Damn, she's completely cracked! I can't afford to make any mistakes with her right now. "Fūton: Shinkūgyoku!" Takeshi's eyes widened. Shit, the sharingan isn't even helping me watch my blindsides at all!

Managing to roll under a slash, he jumped passed one of the massive balls of wind before getting struck by one as it changed direction. "Guh!" The jutsu tore right through the skin on his left leg as the third and final ball struck him in his back, launching him several meters. As he grabbed the ground to regain balance, he heard another justu.

"Suiton: Suiryuuben!" His eyes barely caught track of whips of water that pelted his body in lacerations. With his clothes tearing away at the torso, he managed to form the hand seals for stone skin quick enough.

"Useless! How long can you survive my fury!" Yuuki crouched back channeling a massive amount of wind into the sustained current she'd already had. With a flash of speed, Yuuki blasted past him. "Yuurei Houkou!" In a display that would catch any swordsmen's attention, a loud burst exploded in the area as dozens of slashes consumed the area around Takeshi. Even the ground was minced as dust and debris kicked up. The personae attempted to shield their eyes.

"Rrrah!" Rin was too late to react as Takeshi emerged from the ground and impaled her through the heart. The persona winced before disintegrating away.

Takeshi took a moment to clench his shoulder in pain. He looked himself over. He'd managed to plug the cuts with mud, but his entire body was coated in wounds. To think she'd manage to do this much damage…This leg wound is hurting pretty bad.

"Surprised, aren't you?" Yuuki turned to him now, showing softer features, a cold expression, and sea-green hair. "We made a promise to both get stronger. In the midst of it all, you found time to play around behind my back." She narrowed her eyes. "This cold feeling is one we both created. Although your growth in strength is obvious, I'll never acknowledge it at this rate."

Takeshi gritted his teeth in frustration. I get it. When I destroy one of these personae, it meshes with her, personality wise. It looks like she retains some of their chakra and most of the personality. He prepared himself. "Take on that attitude if you want. I'm not here to appeal to an aspect of Yuuki. I'm gonna show all of Yuuki how much stronger I am." Takeshi touched his arms where seals hid.

Yuuki turned her head as she prepared hand seals. "Hikari!" On cue, a wind jutsu let out that countered the direct assault of ninja tools. Takeshi shielded himself, rushing forward. "Suiton: Teppoudama!" crushing balls of water pounded the teen as he pressed through. He used chakra in his feet to stay grounded, paying a toll on his guard. After the third hit, Hikari was punctured in both shoulders by falling kunai. As she winced in pain, Takeshi delivered a punishing blow to Yuuki with his good leg.

Now landing, he finished a surprise jutsu. "Katon: Gokakyuu no jutsu!" Hikari managed to roll off of most the damage, but her right leg was seared by the attack. As he finished, he noted Yuuki had risen and used both hands separately. What's she up to?

Gritting her teeth, she thrust her arms forward. "Suiton: Tsuin Hahonryuu!" Cursing, Takeshi braced himself as two massive water vortexes spiraled around each other. On impact, it was powerful enough to rip the earth Takeshi gripped up with him, launching him into the arena wall once again. He pinged off, falling down to the floor. Yuuki struggled over to Hikari, holding her injury. I took a pretty good knee in a weaker state. That's bad. She knelt down, placing a hand on Hikari. "We'll try and finish him together." Hikari glowed, fueling Yuuki with an aura as she dissipated. Her hair became more ruffled as it changed to a pinkish hue.

Takeshi punched a hole in the ground as he got up. It's just one thing after another. I haven't been in this kind of pain since the day this all started. He looked up to see Yuuki stretching her arms and clinching her hands. Ayano stood by her, ready to defend. The Uchiha forced himself into a recovery. That's right. I've been through way too much to let scratches get me down.

Yuuki put a hand on Ayano now. "Hey, sit this one out 'til I get in trouble. He's earned that much." Ayano nodded, stepping back. She walked up to mid-range where they both stopped and traded stares. Yuuki lifted her scowl, shocking Takeshi. "Wow, you've really come a long way." With a beaming smile Yuuki continued. "Jeez, I've tried and tried, but my strongest moves only come to me when I'm one with a persona." She wiped her forehead before returning attention to him. "I've always admired your ability to become strong. Anytime I closed in, you were able to break forth and tear down the walls ahead." She crossed her arms puffing her cheeks. "And here I thought I'd be able to wipe the floor with you and teach you a hard lesson."

Takeshi's mood lightened, knowing these traits the most. "Hate to burst your bubble, but there's no way I'd let you take the gold so easily. That's what happens when you're always staying a step behind." With a chuckle, he could see her puff her cheeks. "You've got a lot of emotion built up inside, I can see that. For taking so many techniques to the extremes and still come away as a great person…Well, all I can say is that I'm genuinely sorry, Yuuki." She put her hands on her hips as he rubbed his head. "You're my friend, and I'm most comfortable with this side of you. However, I realize that your true feelings are a mesh of the personae, and most of them are clearly upset. It's just…" He glanced over to her as she tapped her fingers against her arm, visibly irked. "Well, we've already discerned most of what we have to say. Let's see what you can do with this persona."

Yuuki beamed with excitement. "Finally!" She put her hands together. "But I'll warn you, I'm no push over!" Within a flash, her hands moved forward. "Fuuton: Senpuuken Reiki!" A precise wind blast shot out as she returned her arms into combat position. Takeshi only just managed to evade them enough to get into defensive stance.

His red eyes observed the chakra swirling around her arms. It's sustained, like a chakra blade. I'd assume it'd be bad news if I took a direct hit. He reminded himself of the pain in his torn up leg. Those wind techniques are definitely strong enough to tear through my skin. However… Takeshi's skin hardened to stone quality as he closed. "That's gonna drain your chakra pretty quick, isn't it." Yuuki stuck her tongue out quickly before matching his charge. Yuuki spun around his jab, dropping to attack his left leg. Seeing this, Takeshi pushed off her head and over. As she rolled off the ground, she shot a blast of wind out that struck in the back. Even with the stone skin up, the attack stung his wounds. As he regained composure and turned, she was already upper-cutting him into the air.

She leapt up with him. "It's been fun, Take-kun!" She inhaled deeply, channeling her strength. "Fuuton: Kyoufuu Shougeki!" Takeshi barely managed to harden his skin to steel. Rapidly punching her fist, dozens of massive balls of wind blasted into him and the surrounding cone under him. After over thirty of them were released, she continued towards him. "Fuuton: Kami Ougaa!" She now spun into him with the force of a massive drill. Takeshi was blasted into a crater as Yuuki herself collapsed into the ground.

"Yuuki!" Ayano ran over to her as she remained on one knee, trying to catch her breath. Yuuki nodded to her, and the persona returned her chakra. To Yuuki's shock, Takeshi came crawling out of the crater. She looked to the ground in exhaustion. Can't he just stay down for his own good?

Very slowly, they both rose to their feet. Takeshi smirked as his sharingan drifted back into normal eyes. Yuuki's byakugan wasn't far behind his. "Hey, Yuuki." He grabbed his chest hurting to talk more. "You're pretty amazing." He looked up to see her hair was its normal lavender. "Glad I could tell the whole Yuuki that."

She smiled lightly herself. "You're not so bad for an arrogant ass." She threw out some hand seals, quickly plunging him into a woozy state. "Shiawasena Kyuusoku." Yuuki pulled her arms back, slowly making her way to him.

OoOo

"Looks like you're tapped on chakra, Yuuki." Takeshi stared at her, grabbing his last kunai.

Yuuki showed shock, looking at her hands and clenching them. "To think you'd come to grow so powerful." Takeshi stopped to talk, but she rose a hand to silence. "Not just physically. You've fought so hard, through so much pain, just to keep me as a friend." He stopped, taken aback. She smiled. "This is me, genuinely happy that you went this far for me. Your heart has always been your true strength."

"Yuuki…" Takeshi pulled himself to speak, but she continued.

"You really did hurt me a lot, but I feel more at peace now. The situation was really slated against you." She crossed her arms with a grin before raising her hand in the air. "Alright. I give."

Takeshi crossed his arms himself. "Nice try, Yuuki!" He raised a hand. "Release!"

OoOo

Takeshi snapped to, grabbing Yuuki's arm as it began to extend a kunai. In shock, she was thrown away by the reaction. She remained on her feet, several meters from Takeshi. She snapped her head to him. "Even more impressive. I didn't expect you to break that genjutsu so quickly."

Takeshi responded by smirking. "Come on! An Uzumaki giving up is unheard of, but the minute your mouth said it, it was way too obvious." Yuuki couldn't help but chuckle in pain, making Takeshi mimic the gesture.

"Alright, ego-centric ass. You ready to wrap this up?" She gripped her kunai tightly.

The Uchiha wiped the blood out of his eyes as Yuuki sidestepped slightly. He couldn't help but show his excitement. "Thought you'd never ask. You got a lot of guts taking me without chakra." Yuuki snickered before they both charged in.

"Takeshi!"

"Yuuki!"

Both youths threw their kunai, making them collide before the clashed together in a taijutsu match. Yuuki had been landing a few hits in, but she didn't want to use anymore chakra and risk severe injury. Seeing this, Takeshi managed to pull through an attack and punch her in the solar plexus. Finally, he jumped, spinning into a kick with his right leg. She was launched back over four meters. Takeshi landed, crouching in pain. Yuuki struggled to tilt her head up at him. "You really…made it a bitch." Takeshi chuckled, stopping once she channeled chakra into the ground near him. No way! His eyes shot down to see a design in the ground. A burst of gas released that made his muscles lock up. Takeshi folded over, losing control. Yuuki rose her arm over her view of him, simulating a possible attack. "Boom."

Isami appeared before them, waiting for Yuuki to force herself to a knee. He glanced over to Takeshi, who remained motionless. Her brother looked over to her with a smile. "By the skin of your teeth, eh?"

Yuuki laughed in pain. "That's…an understatement." Isami nodded in agreement.

With a sharp pump of his fist, the host delivered his final announcement. "Takeshi has been incapacitated. The strongest Genin has been decided. Uzumaki Yuuki is victorious!" With an explosion rivaling an S-ranked fire jutsu, the crowd let out a cheer that wouldn't let up for quite some time. Yuuki rose to her feet as Isami cured Takeshi of his paralysis. She knelt down to him as he sat on his rear.

-Champion: Uzumaki Yuuki-

"No fair, Yuuki. You cheated!" After puffing his cheeks, they both let out a laugh.

Yuuki piped up in a horribly exaggerated impression of him. "Is it even possible to cheat in a ninja fight?" The pair laughed until they both held their wounds in pain. Yuuki sat next to him. "One promise down, right?" Takeshi nodded in a lifted mood.

Takeshi slouched over, gripping his left side. "Yuuki, if I were to go back in time, I woulda never believed we'd be standing here...and I'd be in this much pain." Yuuki clenched her chest, trying to heal her singed leg slightly. He smiled warmly. "We both gave it our all in the end. Thanks for…forgiving me…once more." Takeshi smiled faintly before finally passing out.

As if on cue, Hitomi caught him. She glanced over to Yuuki, smiling. "Way to go Yuuki! After the way we trained him, I didn't think anyone could bring him down. Chin up! You've probably just gained rivals from across all nations like Isami did!"

Yuuki rubbed her head, laying back to relax. "Thanks. I think I'm finally ready to meet that challenge. I've been trying too hard to find every answer, but Takeshi helped me see in front of me again." Hitomi stood, carrying Takeshi as Isami walked over. Yuuki yawned. "I need a good nap…that's what I need." Not more than five seconds later, she was out cold.

Isami lifted his sister, mirroring Hitomi. The crowd let out one final roar, with warm cheers. The couple locked eyes with each other. Neither could resist matching grins. Isami spoke. "They were incredible. You did a great job helping Takeshi!"

She shied away slightly. "I really only gave him advice. He did it himself. You did a much better job training Yuuki."

They matched grins once more. "Funny, I could say the same about her." They made their way to the healing zone to begin the mending process.

OoOoOoOo

"Hehehe! Looks like you're buying us all the drinks next time!" Naruto cheered so much he could dance around. Sasuke continued to hide his face in his hands.

"You've gotta be kidding me! He was that close! That was basically a draw, Naruto!"

Naruto crossed his arms. "That's what you said when Hitomi lost too! This is how all Uzumaki/Uchiha fights are!"

Sasuke regained his composure enough to scoff. "You're just playing off how nervous you were near the end." Naruto grinned, rubbing his head. Sasuke watched his daughter and Isami leave with the finalist. "Yuuki is an enigma. From nothing special to a pure genius. She's like you if you had been smart back then."

Naruto nodded, also watching the youths. "It makes me worried sick...and proud. I can't tell which more, since both my kids are far smarter than I'll ever be. Takeshi fought like a Hokage today, that's for sure." For once, they both agreed.

Garaa remained silent, smiling at the two. The families are just amazing. Within a lifetime, Naruto's completely established the Uzumaki's name as top clan, and Sasuke has begun to restore the Uchiha clan to its former glory. I will never cease to be amazed by the leaf.

Naruto rubbed his head. "By the way, did you even know Takeshi and Yuuki dated before this?"

Sasuke spun around, eyes wide. "What?!"

Naruto rose his hands and smirked. "It's fine! They broke up pretty quick I guess. I don't know the full details."

Sasuke sighed. "Can't say it's surprising. Uchiha and Uzumaki just don't mix. Hitomi had the right idea. You have to deal with them, and if possible, ignore them. Anything more, and you're asking for a brain aneurism."

Naruto clenched his chest as if taking a punch to his chest. "Ouch." Naruto jolted, recalling details. "So...who did Hitomi move in with again?"

Sasuke rubbed his head. "Kochi, I'm pretty sure. That has nothing to do with anything, moron."

Naruto jolted more, glancing back in the direction of the healing center. "Hmm…that's pretty funny I guess. Isami moved in wit-" He grew chills, looking back to Sasuke with an ignorant laugh. "You know what, I forgot! Guess I've been focusing too much on Yuuki."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Whatever. Let's go see our kids."

Naruto stretched. "Yup, just gotta close out the ceremony officially and I'll be right there." Naruto beamed up. What an awesome fight! Things like this make me wish I could be a genin all over again!

-End Chapter-

A/N

There it is, one big ass fight. People, I get it; Yuuki is rather strong. There are indications, however, that she won't be able to get much stronger without risking something back-firing. When I go back through and read this, I can't help but smile. Writing something like a final battle is intimidating, but in my book, I am quite happy with how this turned out.

Right here, you've probably seen the climax of action in this part of the Burning Leaves. I know, having the climax fight be a tournament is sometimes under-whelming, but there will be some pretty intense fights coming near the end of part 1. It was a blast writing this tournament, and I only hope I've managed to entertain you all with some decent fights :)

Here's the thing though...The fights are over. Now, we're jumping straight into the next step, no time to unwind now. Chapter 23 is coming 1/28/2016