Chapter 13:The Next Rounds Begin
Okay so I'll be skipping the journey to the tower in this fic as Team 7 has both scrolls already. I think I'll only focus on the members of Team 7 for this chapter. But I will have to make some alterations to who fights who. Since Team Dosu won't be here as they were too injured with Zaku getting his arms blown up pretty bad and Kin got hurt by Naruto. Also I had thought for a while about having Sakura go up against Hinata since they are the love rivals now. Also Sasuke will probably have an easier time since he's not being affected by the pain of the curse mark, as that made him struggle against his opponent.
With their scrolls in possession, Team 7 stumbled through the forest to the tower that was where they had to be for the next round of the Chunin Exams. They stopped and caught some fish in a stream. There weren't many, but it was enough to give them some renewed strength. They then sprinted to the Tower, since they already had both scrolls there was no reason to delay. They ran as fast and long as their legs could carry them and after what felt like a long time reached the tower.
Seeing some instructions over head in the building which had the resemblance of an arena, they took out their scrolls and opened them. Looking at the writing, Sasuke's eyes widened. It was a summoning jutsu!
"Naruto Sakura! Get rid of those scrolls!" he shouted.
The two Shinobi knew better then to question their teammate, even if Naruto hated taking orders from Sasuke.
A puff of smoke appeared from the scrolls with a figure appearing within.
"Well, it's been a long time," a familiar voice said.
The smoke cleared and the man was revealed.
"Iruka Sensei?" Sakura questioned.
"Yep, and I see you're as sharp as ever Sasuke," the head of the academy said. "Those scrolls are equipped with summoning jutsus to bring the people overseeing the younger shinobi here, which includes their sensei's."
Naruto's eyebrow twitched as he heard Sasuke receive the praise. But he brightened up as he took in the next words.
"So Kakashi Sensei will be here? Argh!" he asked before putting a hand up to his neck which suddenly burned up.
"Naruto, you okay?" Iruka asked.
"Its that mark again isn't it, Naruto?" Sakura asked approaching him.
Naruto nodded. Whatever that Orochimaru had done to him giving him that mark, it was still hurting.
"You three get some rest. It will take a little time for everyone else to get here," Iruka said looking at Naruto worriedly.
…
They rested, glad to not have anything to worry about for a while. Within the next twenty-four hours or so teams reported in and opened their scrolls, summoning more of the Jonin and even the Hokage himself from the Hidden Leaf Village. Team 7 gathered down with the other participants. It would soon be time to begin. Looking around they saw both Ino and Hinata's squads. But also…
"Kakashi Sensei!" Sakura said.
Their masked sensei had appeared in front of them.
"Hey guys, glad to see you made it this far. Though I heard you had some trouble," Kakashi said. "I need all the details."
They told him about Orochimaru and the Sound Ninja attack. When they were done he looked grave.
"Well this isn't good," Kakashi said. "Orochimaru is one of the greatest threats to our village. And from what we know about his curse marks they aren't good. They make the user stronger, but they also carry his influence and malevolence."
"Why would he do that to Naruto though?" Sakura asked.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I'll do what I can to put a stop to it," Kakashi said.
"How?" Naruto asked.
"There is a technique that can seal that curse mark and prevent it from affecting you," Kakashi said. "But it will take some time. If your match is the first up then we might have to deal with that first."
Sakura looked at Naruto, whose face scrunched up ever so slightly. He was still in pain.
"Naruto, maybe you should quit," Sakura said. "You're in pain and if you are in too much pain you'll not be able to fight! We got this far so we don't need to act as a three-man squad anymore right?"
"That's true," Kakashi said. "But its up to you Naruto."
Naruto shook his head. "I'm not giving up. If I have to work with this thing on me so be it."
"But Naruto!"
"Don't try to talk me out of it Sakura!" Naruto snarled.
She recoiled at his anger and immediately regretted his tone.
"Oh, I'm sorry Sakura!" Naruto said. "I didn't mean to sound that harsh."
"That could very well be the curse mark," Kakashi said. "We'll see whose first up and then act accordingly.
Their sensei left as the proctor, Hayate Gekko, took over.
"Because of the large amount of ninja still here, we will be holding an extra round to cut it in half! This preliminary round will consist of one-on-one fights between two ninjas, so unlike the previous rounds you will need to rely on your teammates. From this moment even they are your adversaries as well," Hayate said.
"Well, I'm forfeiting," Kabuto said. "I took a bit too much damage on the way here, and I'm not really the fighter type."
So the guy who'd failed seven times in a row (now eight) left. That left his teammates by themselves, not that it mattered in this round. Both of Kabuto's teammates were dressed similarly with masks covering their heads, and glasses light and dark on their eyes. Sasuke gave Kabuto a small glance of suspicion. There was something off about that guy. And his teammates looked rather shady in those masks and glasses.
"The participants for every duel may use whatever tools or jutsu they have in their arsenal," Hayate continued. "But no aid from their squad mates. The panel above will display your names and select a random pair to fight."
So, they could go up against anyone here, including people from their own village as well as their teammates. Sasuke looked at Naruto.
"Hey, just so you know. You're one of the ones I want to fight the most."
Naruto looked at him in awe, and saw Sasuke was… smiling. He slowly smiled back. Feeling as if he was finally being acknowledged as a rival worthy to challenge him.
The names moved at high speed and for the first one landed on.
Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akadō
Sasuke smirked. "I'm first up!"
Naruto frowned. Sasuke always came up in front of him. But one day he would be the one on top. Noticing him, Sakura knew she had to do something. Whatever else that curse mark was doing, she couldn't let it affect him too much. She just hoped whatever Kakashi had planned would work.
"Naruto, come on cheer up! I'm sure you'll do great! You're not that stupid dead last kid anymore!" Sakura said putting a hand on his shoulder. Though her inner self said, Please don't make me regret this, I'm so worried about you with that mark!
Naruto looked at her and managed a smile. "Thanks Sakura."
They got up on the second floor where the spectators were gathered.
"Naruto, wait here!" Kakashi said.
He jumped down to the Proctor who was about to begin the match. Whispering something in the man's ear, Kakashi quickly returned up to his other two Genin.
"I've arranged for him to schedule your match once your able to move again. If your opponent is selected soon, they'll just move on to the next one. Come with me," Kakashi said.
Naruto looked back at the arena where Hayate shouted, "Begin."
Sasuke and the other guy began their fight. Naruto (as much as he sometimes hated Sasuke) wanted to stay and watch the match to cheer his rival on. But he knew he had to follow Kakashi, still he should at least say something.
"Kick his butt, Sasuke!" Naruto said. "I'm gonna beat you if we fight!"
Sasuke heard his voice and gave a small smirk at his teammate just before he vanished from sight.
"Don't take your eyes off an opponent!" Yoroi said as he lunged at Sasuke.
The Uchiha barely managed to dodge the attack. He silently cursed himself for letting himself be distracted by Naruto. Leaping back, Sasuke performed a few quick hand seals and sent a fireball Jutsu out. Yoroi wasn't prepared for a long-range attack and suffered a moderate burn that left him unable to move.
"The winner is Sasuke Uchiha," Hayate said.
Sasuke smirked, and so did Sakura as she watched him.
"Go Sasuke!" she said, not in a fangirl fashion like she would have a few weeks ago. But as a supportive teammate.
"Yeah, I knew you'd win Sasuke!" Ino shouted where she stood as well, more in the fangirl way.
Sasuke glanced at Ino and then turned to Sakura, he waved as a gesture of appreciation. Sakura's eyes widened a bit, was Sasuke opening up more to them? Maybe he'd be less cold hearted from now on? That would be good, maybe they could be closer as friends. Sakura looked back over her shoulder in concern. Hoping Naruto was alright.
…
Kakashi took a long time to write all the things he needed for the jutsu formula. Naruto grunted. He had taken off his signature orange jacked and the shirt underneath and was not only in his shorts. His body was now covered in markings from Kakashi's formula.
"Ah come on I hate sitting around! I want to watch the rest of the matches!" Naruto said. "Mine could be anytime now!"
"Relax Naruto, they're already aware that you'll be taking it easy for a little bit. Your match will be held off until you are awake. It might be a couple hours but you'll just have to hang in there."
Naruto huffed.
"Okay, get ready. This will hurt," Kakashi said.
And he administered the technique to Naruto's neck. The writing he'd put on Naruto gathered around the mark and sealed it off. Naruto screamed and collapsed, going unconscious instantly. Thanks to the Nine Tails healing though, he would hopefully be up sooner then another person would.
"That should do it," Kakashi said.
"Well, you've come far haven't you, young Kakashi?" a malevolent voice asked.
"No!" Kakashi exclaimed.
Orochimaru stepped out in a sound ninja jonin outfit, though he'd taken off his fake face to reveal his normal one for the moment.
"You think that seal will prevent me from influencing him. Someday that boy… or at least his fox will be mine!" Orochimaru said.
"You want to turn Naruto into your lapdog?" Kakashi asked furiously. "I won't let you have him! He is the son of the Fourth Hokage, my sensei! I swore I'd guard over him once he became my student! I don't care if you are one of the three legendary Sanin! I'll kill you myself! Or take you down with me!"
An impressive amount of killing intent filled the room, but Orochimaru just smiled. Kakashi's chakra lit up the room as he prepared a lightning blade.
"Very nice," Orochimaru said. "But not enough to kill me!"
Kakashi's ferocity suddenly vanished as quickly as it came. But Orochimaru made no move, except turning his back.
"I will have Naruto, one way or another."
The snakeman vanished. Kakashi sighed.
"What was I thinking? There was no way I'd survive."
…
Outside, Sakura and Sasuke both watched the rest of the matches. Shino Aburame, the insect user they'd gone to the Academy with defeated a member of a team from the Hidden Rain Ninja. That was easy like Sasuke's match since that squad didn't have much skill other then genjutsu. After that came Kankuro from the Hidden Sand Village, who went up against Kabuto's other masked glasses wearing teammate Misumi, who had the ability to stretch his limbs and squeeze his opponents like a snake. The display made Sasuke frown.
"That reminds me of that Orochimaru guy," Sasuke said.
Sakura shivered. "You're right. But he's from our village. No way he's involved with him right?"
Sasuke shook his head. "There's probably more then a few jutsu that are related to snakes. Probably just coincidence."
"Yes, there are many different types of jutsu that involve animals," Kakashi said from behind as he suddenly appeared.
"Kakashi Sensei! How's Naruto?" Sakura asked.
"I took care of it," Kakashi said. "I put a seal on the curse mark so it shouldn't affect him too much. He'll be up and probably come running out for his match soon."
Sakura sighed in relief. She turned her attention back to the match. Misumi had wrapped his flexible snakelike body around Kankuro… or what they thought was Kankuro. The Sand Ninja's face suddenly cracked and revealed itself as a wooden puppet. The puppet then wrapped itself around Misumi and squeezed, turning the tables on the man completely! There was the sound of bones breaking and Misumi fell.
"So he's using a puppet," Sasuke said. "Controlling it with his chakra. I could probably see that with my Sharingan."
"Yeah, also, don't forget your sharingan can copy other jutsu," Kakashi said. "It might be a good idea to use it when the matches are on. You might learn some new techniques."
"Ah!" Sasuke exclaimed. His sensei was right!
He almost activated his sharingan when Hayate said.
"That's three matches done! We will be taking a ten minute break before deciding the next one!"
That was good, cause Sakura needed to go the bathroom. She went then washed her hands and face in the sink before seeing someone behind her in the mirror.
"Oh hey Ino!" Sakura said turning around with a smile at her old friend.
"Glad to see you made it this far Sakura," Ino said. "Your match could up any minute. Hope you're ready. And even though we might not be rivals for Sasuke anymore I won't hold back if I'm going up against you."
"Wouldn't expect you too!" Sakura said. "We'll face each other as Leaf Village Shinobi competitors!"
They grinned at each other. Sakura walked back out to rejoin her teammates. Neither Sasuke nor Kakashi said anything as Naruto was the more talkative one. So Sakura turned her attention to the board. It was her turn! The board read…
Sakura Haruno vs. Hinata Hyuga.
Sakura's eyes widened. She was going up against Hinata? Her new love rival? Looking at the shy girl, Sakura saw she too wore a look of surprise. They slowly walked down the stares to the arena where Hayate waited, taking their positions on either side of the ring.
"I didn't expect to face you Hinata," Sakura said.
"Neither did I," Hinata said.
Sakura looked at her. Unlike Ino, Hinata was kind and gentle, not the violent type even against people who wronged her. Still, she came from a proud clan with a formidable jutsu, the Byaukugan. Like Sasuke's Sharingan, it was a Dojutsu in the eyes. Sakura had heard about it, from Hinata when they'd met each other as children in the academy. She'd seen Hinata's veins surround her eyes and asked about it. Hinata could see the chakra points on her target and hit them with swift accuracy, disrupting the flow of a persons chakra system. That would make her deadly in close combat. Which meant Sakura would have to rely on ranged attacks. A physical fight would be detrimental unless she had opening. But that would be tough, cause Hinata's byakugan allowed her to see all the way around her from what she'd told Sakura if the pinkette was remembering correctly.
"Begin!" Hayate said.
Sakura leapt back, drawing her shuriken and kunai, silently hoping that she wouldn't hurt Hinata too bad, but it was her only choice. Both of them knew the risks associated with being ninja. Hinata shuddered as the weapons came at her, though she quickly dodged them.
"Sorry Hinata! But I know your family jutsu is deadly up close!" Sakura said.
Hinata nodded with determination.
"Say… Sakura?" she asked, blushing heavily.
"Yes," Sakura replied hesitantly.
"Why don't we… make a bet?" Hinata asked.
"What sort of bet?" Sakura asked intrigued.
"If-if I win… I get to spend time with Naruto!" she said shyly. "But if you win… you can do it!"
Sakura looked at her. That was a bold move for such a shy girl. Of course, Hinata would want to spent time with Naruto and with them being on different teams and her reciprocating his feelings now, Hinata must be getting driven. For Hinata it would be less often she got the chance to be around her crush. They hadn't been doing any group training like they had in the beginning since the Land of Waves. The Hyuga must have felt a sense of desperation.
Sakura thought for a moment. Then an idea occurred.
"I think I have a better idea!" Sakura said. "How about you just tell Naruto how you feel to his face? He doesn't know, and while we maybe rivals for him now, I think you should at least do that! You've liked him since we were kids!"
"He's felt the same way about you though!" Hinata said.
Sakura nodded. "You've always been nicer to him though. He needs to see you and then make a choice. For now, lets just give each other our best, and may the best girl win! After this, lets both tell Naruto how we feel!"
She stuck her hand out at Hinata who was at a loss for words. But the Hyuga heiress smiled, blushing heavily as she shook Sakura's hand.
"Alright," she said. "Lets do it!"
Sakura then leapt back drew another set of shuriken and threw them low, trying to catch Hinata in the leg to slow her down rather then severely injure her. Hinata saw it coming with her Byakugan and jumped. Seeing a chance, Sakura repeated the tactic while moving forward. Hinata jumped again and dodged. She then saw Sakura weaving hand signs.
"Clone Jutsu!"
Two other Sakura's appeared on either side of her. But they were just images and not solid. Sakura drew another set of shuriken, and her clones mirrored her. Hinata focused, she had to dodge all of them as she couldn't tell which were the fake shuriken. Moving quickly she managed to do so. But Sakura came in just as fast with her next attack.
"Blinding light jutsu!"
She unleashed the same attack she had against Haku back in the Land of Waves. Hinata was forced to close her eyes as the light blinded her for a moment, and Sakura saw her chance. She charged in. At that moment, Naruto walked in from where he'd been just in time to see the end.
"Cha!"
Sakura's fist connected with Hinata's head and set the smaller girl flying. She hit the wall and was knocked out by the force of Sakura's blow. Sakura was well known for her monstrous strength, which was usually used on Naruto whenever he did something stupid. But she'd just used it and her keen intellect to win this battle.
Hayate walked over to Hinata who was out cold.
"The winner is, Sakura Haruno!"
"Great job Sakura!" Naruto shouted.
Looking up, Sakura smiled in relief. "Naruto you're awake!"
"Yeah! Good as new!" Naruto said.
After Sakura and Hinata were done, Ino went up against Neji. She was no match for the older boy who jabbed her with his gentle fist, disabling her chakra and knocking her down, she managed to block only a blow or two but he quickly crippled her defense. After that was Shikamaru and a second Rain Village Ninja. Shikamaru was able to win rather easily as this ninja was weak in the body and relied on genjutsu. A simple release hand seal and he got rid of it then moved in and caught the opponent in his shadow possession justu. Finally-
"Next match, Naruto Uzumaki vs Kiba Inuzuka!" Hayate said.
Naruto leapt down into the arena. Finally, he was going to show everyone that he wasn't the dead last anymore. Kiba likewise leapt down, the two hotheaded Genin faced each other.
"Well Kiba, I just want to say, don't take it personally if you get blown away," Naruto said.
Kiba cringed. "Hey that's just what I was gonna say! Except not so politely!"
Naruto smirked. "Let's get this started!"
"I couldn't agree more!" Kiba looked down into the jacket of his chest. "Ready Akamaru?"
"Woof!"
Kiba set down the little dog in front of him.
"Hey what's the puppy doing here? He's just gonna get in the way!" Naruto said.
"I never go into battle without Akamaru!"
"Hey you said our squadmates couldn't help us!" Naruto yelled at Hayate. "That's got to be against the rules!"
"Ninja hounds are allowed. They are just a tool in a ninjas arsenal."
Naruto sighed. "Ah well, dealing with Akamaru should be easy!"
"Don't' be so sure about that."
"Enough talk. Begin!" Hayate said bringing his hand down.
Kiba charged in and hit Naruto, sending him flying. He thought for sure it was over. But Naruto quickly got up.
"Is that all you got?" Naruto asked wiping his cheek, he'd hardly felt it.
"Eh… far from it!" Kiba shouted baring his teeth.
Naruto put his fingers together. Recognizing that stance, Kiba smirked.
"Gonna try and use a Clone against me? I'd love to see you try!" he shouted.
"Careful what you wish for!" Naruto said. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Three clones suddenly appeared, much to the shock everyone who went to the Academy with Naruto! That had been his worse jutsu. How could he have taken it to such a high level? Sakura watched as he stood there facing his opponent.
…
…
Hinata opened her eyes and saw her sensei Kurenai there.
"You did well Hinata," her sensei said.
"Don't give her false sentiment!" A new voice said.
Hinata looked over and saw her cousin Neji.
"Leave Neji!" Kurenai said.
Neji glared at Hinata. "You truly are a failure to lose to a girl from a mere civilian clan!"
Hinata frowned and stood. "Sakura has been working hard to improve her skills as a ninja!"
Neji's eyes, the same purple-white ones found in members of their clan, widened. Hinata was supposed to be the shy one? When had she gotten the courage to speak out, that bet earlier had also not been a typical Hinata move. It had been more bold, yet at the same time almost desperate.
"What's gotten into you?"
Hinata didn't back down. She couldn't afford to be shy anymore. Sakura had already been on at least one date with Naruto, it was time to be bold like he was if she was going to have a chance.
"I'm not going to let you or anyone else make me think less of myself. Even if my father or you don't think highly of me. That won't stop me from trying to improve even more! Just like Sakura has!" Hinata said.
Neji looked at her for a moment. Then frowned and walked off. He'd watch this match and see the failure she looked up to … fail.
…
Shadow Clones erupted around Naruto. Kiba gaped at the scene. Naruto could never learn the basic version of that technique, how could do the highest level of it?
"Ha!"
The Narutos (five in total) charged at Kiba. The canine user growled and quickly sat on all fours, summoning his doglike jutsu. This allowed him to have canine reflexes. Even if he was outnumbered, he could still be faster then all the clones. He managed to swipe at three of them with a growl, they popped and vanished as he struck, but the fourth Naruto managed to block him. That left the fifth (probably the real one) able to strike him! Kiba hit the ground next to Akamaru. The puppy whined in concern. Kiba felt a little blood on his mouth where he'd been struck.
"Nice one Kiba! But you might have a better chance if you send that puppy in to battle with you!" Naruto taunted.
"Why you!" Kiba growled and got up. "Come on Akamaru!"
Both master and dog went in at the two Narutos. They also charged in. Naruto's shadow clone went for Akamaru while the real Naruto went for Kiba. Akamaru leapt at the Shadow Clone, mouth open to bite with his tiny but sharp teeth that would more then suffice to make the clone go away with a single bite to the hand. The Shadow Clone barely managed to avoid the dog, barely, but still did. He then caught the puppy and restrained him. The real Naruto wasn't so lucky. Kiba's reflexes allowed him to get a good set of blows in as payback for earlier.
"Akamaru! Here!" Kiba shouted throwing a small thing at his puppy.
Akamaru ate the object, a pill. The fur on his body turned red as his chakra increased dramatically. He then kicked the shadow clone holding him in place, causing it to vanish with a pop. The real Naruto got up.
"What happened! What was that thing you fed him?" Naruto asked.
"A food pill!" Kiba said. "Makes your chakra have a major boost!"
"Naruto!" Sasuke shouted. "Use your clones, create a whole bunch of them quick!"
Naruto heard Sasuke behind him. While his teammate couldn't fight with him, that didn't stop him from offering support in other forms. But suddenly he heard something else as well.
You can use my power as well, a malicious voice said in his head.
The Nine Tailed Fox!
You can win easily if you use my power! The fox said.
Naruto grunted and clutched his head. "Not now!" he said aloud.
"Not now what?" Kiba asked, hearing him. "Not gonna use your shadow clones now? Well, that makes it easier for me! Come on Akamaru!"
The puppy leapt on Kiba's back. "Man Beast clone!"
Akamaru turned into a complete clone of Kiba. The two canine men snarled and looked at Naruto.
I'm not gonna use your power fox! Not unless I have to! I won't hurt Sakura or anyone else after I almost did last time! Naruto thought.
You can't survive without my help!
Naruto shook his head and quicky assumed the clone stance again. Just in time as the two Kiba's charged. Ten Naruto's were now in the room. But he wasn't quick enough to move as the two attacked, hitting him. Fortunately, his clones were on the enemies quickly. Kiba and Akamaru were hit from all sides. They managed to take down several of the clones but there were just too many of them! Pops filled the area quickly followed by grunts of pain then another pop sounded as Akamaru received several strikes and was knocked down, resuming his regular form.
"Akamaru!" Kiba shouted. "Oof!"
A shadow clone struck him, then another, and the real Naruto got back up and landed a sharp kick to his stomach. Kiba slid across the floor. Naruto panted.
Hayate walked over to Kiba who remained still.
"The winner is… Naruto Uzumaki!"
"Yeah!" Naruto cheered.
"Yeah, go Naruto!" Sakura cheered raising her hands up high.
Naruto grinned up at her and looked at Sasuke who was smirking. He walked up the stairs and suddenly Hinata came down with her other two squadmates.
"You did well Naruto," Kurenai said. "I thought you wouldn't stand a chance against Kiba but you proved me wrong."
"Well done Naruto," Shino said.
"Thanks," Naruto said.
"Um… here Naruto," Hinata said extending something to him. "This is a special healing ointment my clan uses. It should help with your wounds."
Naruto slowly took the gift and said, "Thank you!"
He was about to continue his way up when she continued, "Um… Naruto?"
He looked back. "Yes Hinata?"
"If you have some time afterwards, I need to talk with you and Sakura when we get back to the village." She blushed all over her face.
"Uh, sure," Naruto said.
He tried to continue but found the other Hyuga, Hinata's cousin he vaguely recalled, blocked his way.
"You may have won there, but if you face a true genius like me you will fail. It is your fate," Nejii said. "You are a failure, just like Hinata.
Naruto gaped at the words from the older boy's mouth. "Hey! She's your cousin! You should be nice to her!"
Neji turned his glare to Naruto now. "I don't have time to debate with you on matters you don't understand. You're just another failure like her, and you'll lose. Dead-last of this years rookies!"
Naruto gritted his teeth. Hinata wasn't the girl he liked but he didn't like her being spoken badly of one bit.
"Oh yeah! Well we'll see about that!" Naruto said pointing. "If I meet you in the finals I'm gonna kick your ass for saying that!"
Neji grinned. "I'd like to see you try… and fail!"
Fuming, Naruto made it up to his teammates as Sakura ran toward him.
"Naruto you did great!" she said as she hugged him.
Naruto blushed immensely before returning the hug. "Thanks Sakura."
He then turned to glance at Sasuke. "Thanks for telling me to use clones Sasuke. That helped a lot!"
Sasuke smirked. "Even if we couldn't fight together as a squad we still look out for each other!"
They turned around to watch the last few matches.
Sorry for the delay guys. I had quite a few issues and other things going on that got in the way of my writing this chapter and getting out on Wednesday like I planned. Ah well. Do what I can.
Okay so I changed things around a bit but Naruto still hates Neji and will go up against him later. Also Naruto and Sasuke didn't get to learn their barrages since the fight with Lee never happened earlier. Maybe I can have them develop it later? Sasuke did watch Lee using his Sharingan so he could still make Lion's Barrage after watching Lee and Gaara, and Naruto will make his Na-ru-TO Uzumaki Barrage. I know the fights were a bit short, though I did try to expand on at least Naruto'. In real life fights don't typically last very long. Lastly, Sakura and Hinata will both talk to Naruto at some point in the future chapters. Of course we know who's gonna be chosen. I know Hinata might be a little ooc with being more bold but she does have that in her as she refused to back down against Neji. She's shy but she does have a strong will I think, and seeing Sakura liking Naruto has made her realize she needs to act fast before she loses her chance. So she and Sasuke have changed a bit in this story thanks to seeing Naruto and Sakura. Maybe they will end up together, I'm still more on Hinakiba side since they are teammates and interact more, still I enjoyed some Sasuhina fics and my other narusaku has that as a side pairing.