Chapter 8: Now or Never!
AN
Man, this was fun to write. Might switch over to this longer chapter form. Felt like it got me in my groove. But that's right, major update! Big Chapter! Big Fights! Big Reveals! Also gave me time to refine my notes and oh boy do things pick up from here! Enjoy!
Being a mother was often an exhaustive job. Training her son on various kenjutsu techniques had been easy enough. For one odd reason or another, he always got the offensive techniques down. But failed with more subtle skills. As she watched her son spar with a clone she realized her intervention and guidance would be needed yet again.
Kushina knew in truth how powerful Neji truly was. She had been friends with Hyuga for years now. They had been friends of the Uzumaki of the past and often would come to her, offering various rewards to continue making seals for them as her kin had. But she had politely declined. Not agreeing with the seals they used. But in those meetings, she had heard whispers of a prodigy. Naruto was her joy, he was unflappable, powerful in his own right. If he were less compassionate there was no doubt Naruto would defeat Neji handily. He merely would have to use their shared burden. But her son refused. He called it his "ace". But in truth refused to use it unless around her.
But as a mother, she must support him in his endeavors. Kakashi had visited, informing the two Uzumaki that he had delayed the training. Giving them two days off. In the two days, Naruto had seemed more like his father than ever with his focus on training. He quickly picked up the new techniques. But in truth, Naruto's weakness was his mind. Oh, he was no fool, he often showed a brilliant instinct not unlike Minato. Learning the shadow clone jutsu in mere hours had merely shown this further. But he often lacked planning. His instinct and impulses were solid but often had him fighting at a disadvantage. She had wracked her brain on how to break through to Naruto. The solution was an interesting one. As proposed by another of her friends, Yoshino, the Nara family visited. The two important ones were a motivated Shikamaru and Shikaku. Yoshino had nearly asked and the two jumped. Well trained, Kushina supposed.
The two quickly got down to business. They were training Naruto in Shogi, as well as giving him various tactic scenarios. Both are done simultaneously of course. One week simply wasn't enough time to close the gap between the two boys as they were. But with the added knowledge Kushina held of shadow clones, a solution had been found. Since shadow clones sent the memories back to their creator when dispelled Naruto could expedite his training to absurd levels. While she could've taught various jutsu to her son. She felt if she ironed his mind out to its potential he would quickly grow. So now Shikamaru, Yoshiro, and Kushina all played Shogi with the clones of the blonde. Meanwhile, Shikaku would write down battle scenario questions for the horde of blondes. Each brings their answers one at a time. Admittedly the training was odd. But Kushina was sure Shogi would translate well with his use of shadow clones. And the battle scenarios were being tailor-made to sharpen him. Kushina smiled as she defeated the clone of her son rather quickly. It would be a lot of work. But for her son, she would do it gladly.
Kurenai was admittedly a bit of a rookie. New to being a Jounin, new to being a sensei, and now. New to seeing any team hold such resentment in two of its members. At least since Kakashi and Obito anyway. Her team had arrived on their field at their normal time. Meeting early to discuss the plan for today. Team Seven arrived shortly after. Shortly after introductions Neji and Naruto had gotten into an argument. Before looking at Ino and making an odd adjustment. Kakashi and Ino stood sheepishly as Naruto and Neji politely talked smack. Their voices lowered and both were mere inches from each other.
"You let them act like that?" Kurenai questioned.
"Believe it or not, this is a fantastic improvement, ne!" Kakashi replied evenly.
"Naruto!" Choji called out happily, running over to the blonde. Naruto smiled at this, shoving Neji away by his face. Ignoring the Hyuga, who stumbled back, swearing angrily. Kakashi puts a hand on his shoulder as a reminder.
"Choji!" Naruto was equally happy. "How you been man? Haven't seen you since we kicked Mizuki's ass."
"Great! Kurenai sensei is crazy strong!" Choji leaned towards the blonde. "My teammates are kinda scary. Haha"
"Now that I understand! I got Ino on my team, after all. Sometimes she seems like a"
"Finish that if you dare blondie." Ino interrupted.
"You're blonde too!"
"Yes, but I'm smart. Not a brute unlike you." Ino countered with a smirk.
"Could've fooled me," Naruto replied with a smirk. Ino merely flicked his forehead.
"Oh, Ino, good to see you too. My dad says Inochi owes him 50 ryo." Choji said with a grimace. "Sorry, he insisted I bring it up."
Ino sighed. "Daddy said the same thing about yours." The two shared a laugh at the two's dads' odd friendship.
"Oh ya, your families are super close!" Naruto exclaimed.
"That's because of an alliance made back in the Warring Clans Era. They had formed an alliance called the Ino-Shika-Cho formation." Shino said, appearing behind Naruto.
"Felt you coming that time Bug Boy!" Naruto bellowed.
Shino merely stood the blonde down with a silent stare. "Whatever blondie." He replied dryly.
"Oh my, are we teasing the blonde?" Yuno stated as she approached the group. "I'm game. I like blondes, after all" She said as she grabbed his arm. Naruto seemed shocked, Ino as well, even Neji appeared at least mildly perturbed as well.
"Alrighty," Kakashi interjected. "I think it's time we begin. Now this is a joint team exercise. This officially, is a mission but, in reality, we are merely training. Our focus for the day is teamwork. Now my cute little genin have been struggling with this, so…"
"In the three exercises we do today. Team Seven will be at a disadvantage. Today is not a competition but a chance for growth. I will not tolerate any of you spoiling it." Kurenai stated. Her presence was the epitome of professionalism. Something Naruto, Ino, and Neji immediately felt envious of.
"The first activity? Tag." Kakashi stated excitedly.
"Team Seven will pursue me while my own team will pursue Kakashi. The first team to make physical contact wins. Of course, we will hold back a good bit so you can catch us." Kurenai lectured. "Any questions?" Silence follows.
"Begin!" Kakashi called the two Jounin immediately after taking off. The Genin stood stunned for a second before both teams raced after their set target.
Neji ended up leading the chase being the fastest. Though, he was comfortable with this. Besides Jounin or not, he had his Byakugan on her, there was no escaping his sight. Naruto and Ino tailed behind the genius. Neji saw the Jounin pause, seemingly attempting to mask her presence. She had rested just ahead on a branch. Quickly Neji silently closed in from "Above!" Neji called out as he jumped straight up, attempting to tap Kurenai's ankle. But she merely jumped up.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto called as he summoned many clones. All of them surround the area. Pairing up the clones, each threw another at the Jounin. She managed to twirl past the first blonde missiles in mid-air. But to her shock, she heard. "Uzumaki Reflect!" The blondes flew back, being thrown by more clones and managed to crash into Kurenai. But to Team 7's shock, Kurenai merely faded away on contact.
"Genjutsu!" Ino called as she dispelled from herself. She ran over, to Naruto to release him, but the blonde had managed it himself.
"I thought your eyes were all seeing!" Naruto complained.
"I don't understand." Neji replied, frowning. "Most Genjutsu are useless against the Byakugan. She must be nothing short of a Genjutsu master."
"We're doomed!" Ino added in.
"I hate to say it, but we are in trouble." Naruto commented. "I can barely detect them and even you two, were caught in it. Plus, we have no clue how long we've been in one."
"Surprised you thought of that Naruto." Neji sniped with a smile. "But yes, I was worried about that as well. With shinobi, you can never be quite sure, if they are playing by the rules after all. She could've put in this as soon as we arrived."
"So this exercise is more complicated than we first imagined. Also, we should be on guard, we could still be in one." Ino summarized. "Anyway, your vision can tell if we're in one now that you're aware?"
"Yes, I should be able to detect them, but only once they're in play. She has some way of hiding the chakra of her genjutsu. Meaning in battle, we'll be sitting ducks. She would easily escape, while I free us. I can say we're free of one right now." Neji explained.
"Well, couldn't I do this then?" Naruto asked as he formed an all too familiar hand sign. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" one hundred clones formed around Team Seven.
"I'll never get used to you doing that." Neji complained. "I assume we will send them out en masse with us transformed to look like you."
"Yep."
"So she can't accurately tag us with genjutsu!" Ino called out. "Plus nothing, makes a chase easier than numbers."
"For once Uzumaki, you've done well." Neji concluded. With this, the three tensed up. Prepared to achieve their well-earned victory-
"Sorry, my cute Genin, but Team Nine takes this one." Kakashi calls out.
Team Seven all looked over, shocked to see Team Nine surround their Jounin. They have had to only touch him, but all three could testify just how slippery he could be. Yet not only had they landed something, but they had done it damn quick.
"Good work Team Nine. Team Seven, I saw you strategizing. A step in the right direction, but you needed to be prepared to work together from the start. My team did so and was able to touch Kakashi. Who is a significantly more powerful ninja." Kurenai hammered the message in with efficiency.
Naruto and Neji were obviously upset, visibly reigning themselves in. Meanwhile, Ino just looked slightly agonized.
"Heads up kids! The next one is easier or harder, depending on your preferences. Where have you all beat the tar out of each other, ne!" Kakashi said, childlike wonder somehow in his tone.
Kurenai glared at the eccentric Cyclops who, rubbed his head and stepped back. Once he was cowed properly, Kurenai added on. "The first fight is Naruto VS Yuno and Ino. Neji Vs Shino and Choji."
"You heard the lady." Kakashi timed in. "Chop, chop."
The noncombatants left the field, leaving Naruto standing against the two females. The blonde gulped nervously. Ino could be scary as hell and these days was growing quickly. Yuno was a bit of an unknown, but he knew she was a Uchiha. Which, was one of the big clans in the Leaf. Even in its diminished state. Which meant she was probably crazy strong. Hell maybe just plain crazy with that weird behavior earlier. He was in deep trouble. He thought back to his intelligence training. Naruto knew his plan, if he did it right they wouldn't even get to fight back. He looked over at them planning. Who knew what kind of devious plan they were cooking up.
Ino wasn't one to be embarrassed. She was popular in the academy. Had paramours all around. And tended to get her way. Yet this Yuno woman had her back foot. So much so Ino considered retreating.
"You're telling me you don't think he's hot?" Yuno asked with a giant smile.
"Not really, he's a giant goofball. Do you remember that orange jumpsuit he wore in year one?!" Ino asked incredulously.
"I thought it was cute. But come on, the weird whisker thing. Giant warm smile. One of the few genuinely nice guys. Plus blonde means bonus points." Yuno listed.
"Being blonde is awesome. But firstly, sure he's nice and funny and all that. But where's the interest at?" Ino asked. "He's no Sasuke or anything. Secondly, I need something different, some normal guy won't cut it."
"Firstly, Sasuke is my cousin. That is gross." Yuno countered. "Secondly, my cousin is a stick in the mud. Thirdly, if you really think Naruto is just some nice guy you don't pay attention. I barely know him yet I've seen such pain in his eyes. I was merely informing you to be kind. I may want him for myself." Yuno said as if discussing the weather. Ino looked at her. She knew she had no right to do so but wanted to cut that off. She growled, this no way Naruto would want a floozy like this! Besides, what did she know about Naruto?
"I don't like the way you're talking about him." Ino said, her voice sounding annoyed. "But before I talk about boundaries. Let's win this thing!"
At this shout, Ino and Yuno immediately fled back, seemingly filling the air with Kunai. Naruto merely grinned at this. He drew his tanto and took an odd stance. Legs spread out and his body hunched. The man holding the tanto as if planning to slice from the ground to the heavens.
"Uzumaki Style: Rising Spiral!" He said, slashing upwards while spinning. Visible chakra swirled from the blade, deflecting the storm of weapons. "Like my new technique!" The blonde called a foxy grin challenging the ladies. "My turn! Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Fifty clones surrounded the woman.
"I hate him sometimes." Ino said as she drew two kunai and a scroll. Placing the scroll in her mouth. "I think I have a way, to take care of these clones."
"Excellent, I'll pursue the real deal," Yuno said, dashing forward, weaving hand signs as she did. "Water Style: Water Geyser!" She said as she slammed her palms into the ground in front of her. A miniature geyser formed underneath a group of clones destroying all but one, who rolled away desperately. Yuno went to pursue dodging various clones who tried to stall her. Ino jumped into the air, spitting out the scroll and releasing its contents. Flower petals flew into the field from the scroll.
"I Was saving this for Kakashi but you and your damn clones Naruto!" Ino yelled as she formed a hand sign. "Scattered Petals: Explosive Beauty!" As she said this, various flower petals fell from her sleeves. The petals that had filled, one side of the fields started booming with mini explosions. These destroy most of the clones and filling the clearing with smoke. Ino and Yuno go back to back once she lands, attempting to spot the blonde.
But with a sudden burst of speed, two of him appeared holding kunai to the two girls' throats. "Sorry ladies, but this fight is mine."
"You men. Always trying to end things too fast." Yuno said with a smile.
"Unfortunately, we women like to play it patiently." Ino continued. As she finished this sentence, she and Yuno faded.
"Demonic Viewing: Shifting Reflection." Yuno stated simply as she and Ino formed behind one blonde each, both of them, now holding Kunai to his neck.
"You're not wrong!" The clones answer at once. "But we're not him, we're much worse!"
"They sure are." Naruto replied, walking in the field from the opposite side. "Ino, you know what my walking landmines can do. This match is over."
Ino looked at Yuno and nodded. Yuno smiled. "Advice for next time. When facing a Genjutsu specialist, expect layers." Naruto's eyes widened as he formed a hand sign to dispel it. Once he had, he saw Yuno inches away holding a kunai to him.
"I like you, Naruto, you're fun." Yuno said to the blonde. "Lemme know if you ever want company," she said, patting his face. The Uzumaki rolled back, escaping her touch.
"Something about you freaks me out." Naruto called from a distance.
Ino bumped Yuno's shoulder as she walked by. Seemingly perturbed by Yuno's mannerisms. "Back off." She said,
Yuno chuckled. She doubts either of them knew it quite yet. But the blonde was spoken for. Yuno would have to find another toy. Shino may be broken yet.
Kurenai walked up as the fight concluded. "Good work everybody there. Naruto great job going on offense when you're outnumbered. You wanna be on offense not defense. Also playing cautiously is wise. But keep in mind how your opponent will react to what you're doing. It was smart using your clones to set a trap. I guarantee Yuno would've been much more problematic otherwise. Ladies did an excellent job hunting him down and dispatching his plans. As well as, having a backup plan like that. Naruto would've won if you hadn't put two genjutsu on him. Bold of you to risk it like that I must comment though. If he had caught on he may have blown you to bits."
"Nothing risked, nothing gained." Yuno responded with a shrug.
"Very true!" Kakashi called it merrily. "Your turn grumpy."
Neji, Choji, and Shino walked out. Akimichi and Aburame on one side. The Hyuga on the other.
"Begin!" Kakashi called.
"I warn you both now. You cannot defeat m-"
"You shouldn't waste time talking like that." Choji said as he enlarged his hand. "Take it from a guy who knows you don't wanna give Shino time."
Neji responded by charging. Choji swept his giant hand horizontally attempting to knock Neji out. He ducks this and jabs at his chakra point. But to his shock, Choji didn't react. Merely slammed his hand this time. Neji rolled out of the way his nearly 360 vision showed Shino behind him aiming a roundhouse for his head. Neji ducked this and jabbed at the man who rolled back instantly, dropping back. Neji, still seeing Choji as he focused on Shino, jumped in the air avoiding Choji's giant palm slam.
"Sorry!" Choji called. "My chakra points are too large to damage like that!"
"That's the beginning of the end." Shino started. As he said this, Choji expanded into a ball. As well as giant patches of insects covered the front of trees. "That's because you wasted time with idle threats." Shino continued. Choji started to violently wheel about clearing every time he slammed into a tree, a patch of insects seemed to allow him to bounce off with increasing speed. "Choji made this technique using an insect of mine that is, filled with gas making them function as a cushion. This nearly making them immune to being crushed. Pair this with the Choji Full Body Expansion technique. And you make a deadly combo. Neji stuck to a tree.
"Then I will merely hold the high ground." Neji taunted.
"The high ground almost always applies to me." Shino replied casually. As he said this, swarms of insects came from the forest. "You really must get that ego in check, Hyuga. Neji desperately dodged the insects and looked to the ground. But Choji was getting even faster. Even the Hyuga would be helpless against that. He dodged even more insects, but Shino was adding to the barrage, with the ocassional shuriken or kunai. Every time he tried to retreat to the forest, more insects came and the kunai would pepper him.
Eventually, Neji decided to risk it. He landed and within seconds Choji was coming in fast. Neji smiled just enough time to activate Kaiten. As he did so though insects flew into it. They absorbed a large portion of the jutsu right when activated allowing Choji to land a blow absolutely flooring Neji. He rose to his feet with a murderous expression on his face.
"I saw we call it there, ne?" Kakashi said walking between the combatants. "You ok Neji?" Neji sighed and nodded. Looking a bit angry but still able to control his emotions.
"Alright, a bit more straightforward on this one." Kakashi informs. "Neji you may be strong, but when you're outnumbered like that. You should play for keeps. Act like that and there's no doubt in my mind Naruto will defeat you."
"That is preposterous! That loser could never!" Neji countered.
"Kakashi sensei!" Naruto called out calmly. "Allow me to fight Neji right here. Right now." He then eyed his sensei.
Kakashi thought about this. He had given the week timeframe so Naruto would have a chance to catch up. But honestly, apparently, the extra training for Kushina was working wonders. The blonde seemed determined as well. "Are you sure about this Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
"Damn straight," Naruto replied
"Neji?"
"Indeed."
Kakashi sighed heavily. "Kurenai do you mind?"
"Not at all besides. Your old team was always like that too." Kurenai replied.
Naruto and Neji squared up. The tension in the field was immeasurable. Kurenai went to officiate but Kakashi held a hand up. Merely shaking his hand no. They needed to truly cut loose. This proved to be wise as the two started at close range immediately. Neji tried for a palm thrust to the face, but Naruto ducked and drew his tanto. Slashing at the Hyuga's legs, Neji backflipped to escape this. Leaping forward and unleashing a barrage of finger jabs. Naruto wisely used his tanto to block these until one of the jabs landed.
Naruto puffed into smoke.
"Nice job jackass!"
"Ya, you beat one of us!"
"Only took like seven moves!"
"Might as well have been a thousand!" Clones called out as they walked into the clearing. Neji's eyes scanned around but couldn't identify the blonde from the clones. "Now, let's get him with one of our newest moves! Naruto Hammer!" Clones called out in unison as they fired off each other towards the Hyuga who was dodging easily enough. "Naruto Reflect!" The clones kept the blonde missing flying manual redirecting them with numbers if needed. Neji constantly dodged but was getting closer and closer to getting hit.
"Damn you! Kaiten!" Neji called. Spinning in place he was surrounded by chakra that destroyed the clones slamming into it.
There was a lull of action as the smoke cleared. "You realize, I see you and your copies in the forest around me right?" Neji asked.
"Do you know which one is the real one?" Naruto asked.
Neji growled. Before, more clones charged. He met their charge tearing through them before seeing one of the explosive clones come in. They attempt to grab the Hyuga, but with Kaiten he manages to escape unscathed.
"Hey, Neji!" Naruto called as he fell. From above the Hyuga. "Block this!" Neji seemed to take this to heart. Immediately reactivating Kaiten. Naruto smiles as he pulls his tanto and assumes the stance had earlier in mid-air "Uzumaki Style: Rising Spiral!" Once again, a twisting amount of chakra flowed from the tanto focused on the top of Kaiten. The two techniques clashed, spinning in opposite ways, the two attacks grinding together. This caused an explosion that rocked the field. As the dust settles from the attack. Neji stumbles unharmed but obviously dazed from being in the center. Naruto cast a smirk as he called once again "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
The blonde was once again surrounded by clones. He led a charge with some of the others stopping to fire kunai, shuriken, and Naruto hammers. Neji saw the widespread assault coming but merely growled, matching their charge once again. A blonde missile fired off directly at the Hyuga who spun out of its way. In the process spinning kicked another flying clone out of the way. Swiping a kunai out of the air aimed for his neck, he clashed with another clone. The two pushed their blades trying to overpower the other. Immediately dropping the knife, Neji unbalanced the clone. Dispelling it with a palm strike. As he did he blocked a roundhouse from another, but was hit by another clone who landed a hard body kick on the Hyuga. Neji stumbled back in pain but quickly rolled when he noticed yet, another flying clone coming from above. As he recovered his stance, he ducked a slash from a Naruto. Another tried to sweep his legs. But Neji merely jumped into the air with a call of "Kaiten!" All the clones attacking the Hyuga, were knocked into the air. All but one popping. Neji smirked as he landed and dashed to where Naruto would land.
"This is crazy." Choji whispered, amazed.
"Naruto!" Ino called out concern when she saw how hard Kaiten hit the blonde.
"This very well could be over. Neji is absurdly strong for a Genin. I have sparred against him several times in class. And never managed much. Naruto should be proud to do this well. Unfortunately, Neji seems keen on ending this."
"Shame, I thought blondie had more spunk than that." Yuno said simply seemingly disappointed.
"Just you wait! Naruto is gonna turn this around!" Ino retorted instantly.
Naruto fell towards Neji. Seemingly a bit out of it from the hard blow. As the blonde drew close Neji merely smiled as he spun again. "This is the price of defying fate! KAITEN!" The dome returned and the blonde slammed into the top of it. He bounced upwards and fell again. Neji merely continued his rotation. The blonde bounced again now bruised and bloodied. Neji stopped his rotation and chambered his hand. As Naruto fell from the sky defenseless, Neji mercilessly called out. "PALM BOTTOM!" He slammed his palm into the blonde, Naruto coughed up a bit of blood as he flew back. Rolling on the ground and stopping in a heap.
"This is done. That is the weight of fate." Neji said coldly as he stomped forward. Naruto had done fairly well but it was disappointing to see he had failed. A small part of the Hyuga hoped he would be proven wrong today.
"Where the fuck you going?" Naruto called out. He stood on his feet. He was covered in dirt with an occasional bruise. He had a bit of blood flowing from his mouth and oozing out of a cut on his forehead. But he stood strong, even smiling at the Hyuga. "You really should've finished me when you had the chance." Naruto said his smile was growing. "That would've been a great finish! But I prefer to end things with a bang! Shadow Clones: Walking Landfield Jutsu!"
Neji's eyes widened, first at the blonde still standing. Then at the numerous wells of chakra glowing throughout the field. As he scanned the area he saw he was surrounded by exploding clones hiding underground. A damn tunnel system had been caved in by them! He spun desperately as the clones exploded. Creating a massive explosion. Coating everything in a dust cloud.
"Why must he blow everything up?" Kakashi complained while watching. Kurenai seemed to be glaring at him. The Cyclops wondered if it was the brutal fight, the potential lethality of it, or the destruction of her training field. Kakashi would be putting some earth jutsu on display after this.
As the ground cleared Neji was still standing mostly unharmed except slightly singed. He stumbled but received no pity. With a shout, several blondes flew from the air hitting Neji in tandem. Before Neji could fly away they grabbed the Hyuga and held him up. Each holding one of his limbs and lifting him in the air restraining him "I'M ENDING THIS NOW!" Naruto called as Neji saw him and a clone flew through the air above. One was holding the other Naruto by the hands. Flipping through the air the two build speed. Neji touched two fingers from two of the clones holding him, dispelling them and freeing his arms. Unfortunately, this led to his upper half falling. Neji realizing he would not have time to avoid nor the freedom for Kaiten crossed his arms over his face. Filling them with chakra he mounted the best defense he could muster. Naruto flew in hard, screaming "NARUTO BATTLE AX!" His foot slammed into the Hyuga. The blow sent the Hyuga into the ground cracking the concrete below. His arms saved him somewhat but his back and skull still crashed into the ground. Only Neji's determination kept him conscious. The two clones holding him were expelled from the harsh impact. Naruto jumped back and waited. He was certain Neji couldn't tank a hit like that but it never hurt to be sure. Once ten seconds passed the blonde decided to approach the Hyuga carefully.
"LET'S GO BLONDIE! BLONDES FUCKING RULE!" Ino cheered excitedly.
"Haha! Who knew Naruto had it in him?" Choji agreed, happy to see his friend succeed.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Yuno interjected.
"Why not? Naruto laid him out." Choji asked
.
"That's because Neji's playing him." Shino informed them.
"Otherwise Kurenai and I would be down there." Kakashi informed.
"Naruto…" Ino said quietly. She wanted to warn him but he would likely be furious if she did.
Naruto approached and held out in front of him. Twenty feet away, ten, five. Neji had yet to move. As Naruto got into arms reach, the Hyuga sprung up with a roar. Naruto prepared for this and countered with a thrust. But Neji seemingly had seen this already, having thrown a kick to counter the thrust. He kicked the blonde off balance. And with a smile prepared his new technique. "You're in my range. One Palm!" Neji dashed forward, Naruto attempted to counter with a slash but Neji landed a finger on his shoulder before he could. Naruto could feel his arm numb and hesitate. This was all Neji needed to continue the assault. "Two Palms!" One went high and low making the blonde stumble back. "Four Palms! Eight Palms! Sixteen Palms!" Naruto seemed completely defenseless, the pain seeming to overwhelm him. "Thirty-Two Palms!" Naruto was barely standing. Neji merely growls viciously as he moved to finish the blonde. "Sixty-Four Palms!" Naruto flew back and landed flatly on his back. Neji fell to his knees. Both panted on the ground. Naruto with a groan crawled to his feet picking up his tanto as he did so. Neji sighed as he rose as well.
"Are you running on empty?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, I see you're struggling to mold chakra. Surrender."
"I planned for this actually," Naruto stated simply as he made a new stance with his tanto holding it up for a downward slash. "I don't need chakra for this technique. "Uzumaki Style: Raging Wave!"
Naruto slashed downward, his sword glowing as he did so. Once he reached the bottom of the swing Chakra burst from the blade in a quick straight line. Neji was shocked but twirled by instinct. "Fate has spoken! Your future is decided! YOU CAN'T CHANGE ANYTHING! KAITEN!"
"Then I'll break my fate! I'll show you! YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR OWN LIFE!" Naruto screamed. As the two yelled their fury, Naruto's newest technique slammed into the barrier. There was a clash of chakra as the two ground against each other. But the domed seemed to bend inward before shattering. The wave of chakra hit the Hyuga. The blow knocked him back and burnt him. On his chest was a slash as if he had been cut by a blade. There was silence as everyone waited to see if Neji would rise again. But the Hyuga did not. The final blow had knocked him out.
Kakashi appeared to check on the Hyuga. Once he was happy that Neji was stable he stood and stared at Naruto. Kurenai appeared as well. The shock on her expression as well. "Naruto Uzumaki wins the spar!" She called. Both teams cheered happily both seeming to have enjoyed the fight and the victor. "What the hell are you teaching them, Kakashi?" She asked. "Chunin would've struggled to do anything against either."
"Oh, they both carry heavy burdens." Kakashi explained simply.
Kurenai rolled her eyes at the lack of info on the answer. But they were both interrupted by a waking Neji. Even as damaged as he was he rose to his feet. Stomping over the blonde. Kurenai went to interfere but Kakashi stopped her again.
Neji arrived barely standing in front of Naruto. Naruto was hurt but managed to stand firm. "You actually defeated me. You were nothing special ye-"
"Listen, our circumstances are important, they help make us who we are. But they are not the only factor. Things are never set in stone. The only time they are is when we give up. I could never become Hokage, but I never would give up. I don't have much in this world. But I have my willpower, my drive, my dreams. So one day when I AM Hokage, I'll set the branch members free." Naruto said as he walked forward holding out his fist. Neji seemed to stare at it unsure of what to do. But with a small smile, he met the fist.
"I apologize for my actions. I look forward to working with you. Loser." Neji said.
"You too, you absolute ass." Naruto countered.
Ino felt the pressure building inside her dissipate. The fight was over somehow Naruto had won, and even better somehow the men seemed closer. Choji and Shino were both happy to see the blonde win. Yuno merely seemed fascinated with the blonde.
Kakashi merely smiled. He wondered if Minato and Rin would be proud.
Jiraiya chuckled from the trees nearby. It had been murder getting here in time but it was well worth it. Kushina had written to him informing the Sage of the match the blonde was involved in. Jiraiya had to see the fight. See if the kid had his father in him. The blonde had actually knocked off Neji, decisively as well. He had even shown guts. The man was one he hadn't met yet. A busy man like the Toad Sage was often on the go. But the blonde had Kushina so he was not worried. Yet in that fight, it was like watching Kushina and Minato battle together again. A mix of viscous planning and sharp instincts had allowed the blonde to win. Jiraiya wanted so badly to introduce himself but not yet. He would get the blonde as a tutor as soon as he was promoted. And after this performance, Jiraiya had no doubt he would soon see his godson. But for now, he would wait. "Soon Naruto, soon."
A group of five traveled to a structure well known to Leaf Shinobi but now abandoned. An old holdout of the Uchiha's a symbol of their independence even once joining the leaf. The Uchiha Hideout was the former base of the Uchiha. The Saninn had heard cats were maintaining the grounds. But seemingly knowing the four were there avoided them. Perhaps the Saninn would send some men to investigate. The five were led by quite a famous man. Orochimaru of the Sannin, walked with his most powerful and trusted soldiers. His right-hand man Kimimaro was a younger man with white hair that parted with an odd zigzag pattern. His forehead was marked with markings that told of his Kaguya clan heritage. His eyes seemed almost lifeless, just green orbs impassively observing their surroundings. He wore a lavender kimono wrapped in the braided rope his elites were gifted. He might just be his strongest soldier. A likely candidate for his newest host. The utterly loyal man was a favorite soldier. Walking to his left was a woman with a most unique kekkei genkai. Crystal Style was a tempting choice as a host but she was widely useful. Once he had removed the young boy from her life she had shattered. A bit of manipulation and Guren had become quite a useful tool. Her unruly spiky pale blue hair pulled into a bun but still spilled out onto her face. She had a cold expression that fit her beauty. She wore a green turtle neck dress with one long sleeve and a short one. As well as brown gloves and boots. Lastly and certainly not finally was his most dubious ally. Doubtlessly powerful and useful but his loyalty was impossible to guarantee. He had served a master slain by the leaf but had yet to give details. Merely demanding to work with the Sannin in exchange for the destruction of the Leaf. While not necessarily his end goal it would certainly be worth his time for what the man self-named "Zetsu" offered. He could move undetected at high speeds making him perfect for the more fragmented Sound Village. In battle, he was a simple fighter using earth jutsu and his travel to kill his opponents. After all, the man had killed Jugo when Orochimaru had sicked him. Rarely would Orochimaru gather his leaders so at once, but the circumstances demanded a show of force. The group that was waiting to meet them was uniquely dangerous. Orochimaru was sure in a pitched battle they would be victorious but it was impossible to guarantee due to the powers of his newest allies.
The group finally arrived at the main chamber of the room seeing their other party waiting. Ikam sat on the throne, seemingly expecting the other group. Next to him stood a woman with a remarkable resemblance to Kushina. But she was shorter and slightly thinner. Orochimaru wracked his brain before releasing who it must be. Mishio Uzumaki, the infamous thief of the Uzumaki. She had stolen the mask before a team of Leaf had captured them from her. Using it as a bargaining chip to form an alliance. He had sworn her dead at the very least she would be ancient. But Orochimaru sensed no transformation; she somehow was still young. The man standing to the left of Ikam was even more shocking. Standing next to Ikam was the man of history, Ashina Uzmumaki, the man who had helped seal the tailed beast. The founder of Village Hidden in the Whirlpool. If Mishio should be dead Ashina should've been rotten. Two dead shinobi stood alive and well next to Ikam.
"Ah, Ikam, Uzumaki, clever in a simple way I suppose." Orochimaru started.
"Yes you may forgive me but I must hide my own identity as far as history is concerned I'm a dead man. I prefer it that way. Also, refrain from calling us that accursed name. It is my shame the world even knows it." Ikam replied as he stood. "Mishio put on the mask I gave you." The woman nodded silently doing so. Putting on an unnerving mask that showed some ghoulish face of a woman. The eyes of the mask seemingly glowing in the dark room.
"Ah the Amanojaku Mask." Orochimaru observed. "Said to see the hearts of all. An effective lie detector. Quite wise when dealing with a snake."
"Of course, no offense to you but in business situations like this I find it best to have honesty. Even if forced." Ikam replied evenly.
"No matter, how did my drug perform?" Orochimaru asked hungrily.
"Mizuki did receive a noticeable boost of power but still was defeated handily. It increased his speed and strength. Not to mention he had become as durable as stone. Blades are not even able to pierce his skin. I must admit I intend to buy some from you."
"Kukukukuku, it seems it worked as expected, excellent. I have enough on me for this Guren!" Orochimaru called. The woman walked forward with a large duffle bag sitting it a couple of feet in front of the Uzumaki.
Ashina silently walked forward and grabbed the bag. Checking its contents brought it back to his group nodding towards Ikam once he was satisfied. "Wonderful doing business with you Orochimaru. I'll be in touch about that seal you asked for. But remember if you find an Uzumaki you report them to me."
Orochimaru merely nodded with a smirk. Ikam glared at the Sannin but gave up once it was clear he would not be cowed. Orochimaru's group left with caution. Then tension in the air did not go away until Ikam could no longer feel them. He would have to be careful of that snake. He may very well be the death of him after all.
Sai was woefully conflicted. He never really had his own personal thoughts. Years of training had seen to this. He always thought towards whatever the objective had been stated as being. He didn't mind this, sure he had read books that discouraged him from having work as his life. But reading those books was against the rules anyway. Sai knew his existence was a poor one. But he felt nothing for it or did anyway. Now Sai was having thoughts and opinions, he even smiled without meaning to once. He knew this meant he was compromised but to the life of him, he couldn't stop. He was compelled by Danzo to report this, but he did not fail. But he had failed, but such wasn't accepted by root. Besides he had read in a book that double negatives cancel out. He blamed Tenten and Shikamaru. Shikamaru was oddly understanding; it seemed his intelligence made him relate to some degree towards Sai. Shikamaru also explained various social constructs very well. Tenten seemed to be supportive not only in regards to befriending Shikamaru but also in general. In such a degree Sai was sure she was either trying to seduce or manipulate him. And since Root rarely engaged in breeding he doubted the first one. If she was trying to manipulate him she was almost certainly a deserter or spy. Sai knew he should report this to Danzo yet he chose not to. After all, he may not feel anything but he remembered he used to hate the man.
Orochimaru's Stats
Ninjutsu: 12
Taijutsu: 10
Genjutsu: 9.0
Kenjutsu: 12
Fuijutsu: 10
Hand Seals: 8.5
Intelligence: 10.5
Battle Intelligence: 12
Strength: 7.0
Speed: 11
Stamina: 8.5
Endurance: 10
Chakra Level: 8.0
Chakra Control: 12
Total: 140.5
Average: 10
Guren's Stats
Ninjutsu: 9.0
Taijutsu: 8.0
Genjutsu: 7.0
Kenjutsu: 6.5
Fuijutsu: 7.5
Hand Seals: 8.5
Intelligence: 8.0
Battle Intelligence: 9.5
Strength: 7.5
Speed: 9.0
Stamina: 7.5
Endurance: 9.0
Chakra Level: 8.5
Chakra Control: 10
Total: 115.5
Average: 8.2
Naruto Uzumaki (Updated) Stats
Ninjutsu: 7.5
Taijutsu: 7.0
Genjutsu: 2.0
Kenjutsu: 7.0
Fuijutsu: 4.0
Hand Seals: 5.5
Intelligence: 5.5
Battle Intelligence: 8.5
Strength: 7.0
Speed: 7.0
Stamina: 8.5
Endurance: 8.5
Chakra Level: 9.0
Chakra Control: 4.0
Total: 91
Average: 6.5
Neji Hyuga (Updated) Stats
Ninjutsu: 8.0
Taijutsu: 8.5
Genjutsu: 2.0
Kenjutsu: 2.0
Fuijutsu: 2.0
Hand Seals: 6.5
Intelligence: 7.5
Battle Intelligence: 8.0
Strength: 6.5
Speed: 8.5
Stamina: 7.5
Endurance: 6.5
Chakra Level: 7.0
Chakra Control: 8.5
Total: 89
Average: 6.4
AN
Man, this chapter was a doozy. Passed out last night writing the first half. And proofreading dear god is hard. But well worth it for this chapter. I mean we got shit done here. What did you guys think of Neji VS Naruto? It's the first big fight I've done so let me know how I did. And man keep in touch with this cuz from here the plot speeds up. Not looking forward to the Chunin Exams. My notes for it are already 6k and that's just the summary. Either way, review, follow, or favorite if you enjoyed reading or want to know your opinion. Thanks for reading as always. And remember, every live-action anime depiction sucks.