The Angel Born in Hell
Chapter 11
"—XxX—" Scene Change
"Character Talking"
"Character Thinking"
"Jutsu or Shouting"
The arena fell into an uneasy hush as the emotionless Omukade of Iwa emerged victorious over Omoi from Kumo. Satsuki and Sasuke exchanged glances, their expressions conveying a shared sense of surprise and curiosity.
Sasuke's voice held a tinge of intrigue as he asked, "Naruto, did you know that Omukade's Centipede was actually a puppet?"
Naruto's brown eyes shifted from the battlefield to his teammates, a glint of understanding in his gaze. "Yeah, something about its movements seemed off. I suspected it might not be entirely what it appeared."
Satsuki's lips curled into a half-smile, her eyes narrowing with playful amusement. "You always had a knack for seeing through things, didn't you?"
Satsuki's question was met with a chuckle. "I guess you can say that".
The murmurs and quiet discussions among the gathered shinobi gradually subsided, the attention returning to the arena. The display board indicating the matchups for the next round shifted, revealing two new names side by side: "Narumi Uzumaki-Namikaze of Konoha vs Akatsuchi of Iwa."
Narumi began her descent down the balcony. Naruto's gaze shifted towards his sister, destain clear on his eyes.
Narumi's descent brought her to the center of the arena, her determined steps echoing softly against the polished floor. Her gaze was resolute, focused solely on her opponent, as she readied herself for the battle that lay ahead.
From beneath the earth's surface, a rumble signaled the emergence of her adversary. Akatsuchi, a sturdy figure hailing from Iwa, burst forth from the ground with a resounding impact. His rock-covered form stood as a testament to his earth-based abilities.
"Quite an entrance for someone who's about to lose" Naruto mocked.
"Quite a loud mouth, no doubt you got that from your mother" Akatsuchi replied a mocking smile on his face.
Akatsuchi's comment made a few of the Genin in the arena snicker while some even burst out into laughter.
Seeing his family's name being laughed at made Menma go red in the face. "Narumi you better destroy that son a bitch, you got it" he shouted.
Narumi who had already gotten a tickmark on her forhead because of her anger cracked her knuckles. "Don't worry I plan on it".
High above, on the balcony, Hokage Minato Namikaze ignored the comments about his wife and watched intently. His eyes, a reflection of parental pride and concern. He recognized the significance of this moment, witnessing his daughter's growth and her determination to prove herself on the battlefield.
As the two combatants squared off, the tension between them was almost tangible. Narumi's stance exuded a controlled intensity, Akatsuchi's movements were deliberate, his stance solid.
The battle commenced with a surge of energy. Narumi's agility was on full display as she weaved through the arena, her movements fluid and precise. With a swift sequence of hand signs, she unleashed a barrage of wind-enhanced kunai, each aimed strategically to keep her opponent on his toes.
"Wind powered Kunai huh, not gonna lie I expected more" said the mature voice of Akatsuchi
Akatsuchi responded with a resolute stance, channeling his earth-based chakra into the ground. Rock formations surged upward, creating a protective barrier that deflected Narumi's projectiles. His stance shifted as he thrust his hand forward, sending a barrage of rocky projectiles hurtling towards Narumi.
Narumi's reflexes were lightning-fast as she danced away from the oncoming assault. With a flicker of hand signs, she channeled her chakra into her feet, launching herself into the air. The crowd watched in awe as she soared above the battlefield, her form a graceful silhouette against the sky.
"So her agility is her best weapon huh" Akatsuchi thought.
As she descended, Narumi's chakra flared, and her fists connected with the ground upon impact. A shockwave rippled outward, creating a fissure in the ground that snaked towards Akatsuchi. The earth trembled under the force of her attack.
"Her strength, it's just like that of Tsunade" he thought.
Akatsuchi's defenses were put to the test as he summoned walls of rock to shield himself from the approaching force.
Narumi's lithe form darted with remarkable agility, her footsteps leaving fleeting impressions on the polished surface. Her eyes remained locked on Akatsuchi, her focus unwavering as she weaved through the battlefield. A sudden burst of chakra propelled her forward, her body a blur as she closed the distance between them.
"Now take this you fat bastard" Narumi screamed.
Akatsuchi's response was swift and calculated. He shifted his weight, causing the ground beneath him to ripple and morph. With a seamless transition, he melded with the earth, becoming one with the terrain. His rock-covered form flowed like liquid, a testament to his mastery over his earth-style jutsus.
Narumi's fists connected with the spot Akatsuchi had occupied just moments before, the impact sending tremors through the ground.
"Dammit he avoided me" Narumi cursed inwardly.
She pivoted gracefully, her movements a dance of anticipation and precision. As Akatsuchi reemerged from the earth, she unleashed a rapid flurry of strikes, each punch aimed with pinpoint accuracy.
Akatsuchi's solid rock form proved difficult to penetrate. He deflected Narumi's blows with the sturdy surface of his skin, his body absorbing the force of her attacks. With a grunt of effort, he countered with a sweeping kick, his foot carving through the air as he aimed for Narumi's midsection.
Narumi's reaction was immediate. She leaped into the air, a gust of wind swirling around her form. Her body twisted in mid-flight, evading Akatsuchi's kick with a fluid grace. The wind manipulation allowed her to change her trajectory, and she landed with practiced ease, her movements flowing seamlessly from evasion to offense.
As Narumi landed, a surge of chakra pulsed through her limbs. Her fists ignited with a brilliant glow, the energy swirling around her knuckles like a protective aura. She lunged forward, her punches a blur of motion as they hammered against Akatsuchi's defenses.
"What the hell, her strikes are getting even more powerful, so I guess it is true, she really is a Jinjuriki, I thought that those dumb villagers were only bluffing" Akatsuchi thought to himself.
Nonetheless he met Narumi's chakra-infused strikes with a combination of earth-style jutsus and physical prowess. Boulders materialized from the ground, forming a temporary barrier that absorbed the force of Narumi's assault. With a powerful sweep of his arm, he sent the boulders hurtling towards Narumi, testing her reflexes and adaptability.
Narumi's response was swift. She channeled her chakra into her legs, her body springing into the air with astonishing agility. Twisting and turning, she navigated through the airborne obstacles, her movements reminiscent of a graceful acrobat. Her fingers danced through hand signs, and a gust of wind materialized around her, creating a protective barrier that deflected the incoming barrage.
The crowd watched as Narumi's display of skill and technique unfolded.
After the boulders sent her way were cut to harmless pieces by her wind barrier Narumi's onslaught of attacks continued, her movements a mesmerizing blend of speed and precision. Her fists cutting through the air like a whirlwind. But amidst the intensity of her assault, a transformation began to unfold.
A dark, crimson chakra began to envelop Narumi's form, swirling around her like a tempestuous storm. The very air seemed to crackle with its malevolent energy as two tails materialized behind her, swaying with an otherworldly grace. The scene that unfolded was both awe-inspiring and unsettling, as Narumi tapped into the formidable power of the Nine-Tails.
Naruto, Kakashi, Hush, Omukade, Gaara, Yugito, and Minato all recognized the transformation, their reactions varied and charged with emotions.
"So she is using it but can she control it" Kakashi's single visible eye wondered. He marvelled at Narumi's progress, a testament to her growth as a ninja. Minato, the Fourth Hokage, felt a swell of paternal pride, his heart swelling with the knowledge that his daughter was harnessing her potential.
Gaara's eyes narrowed, he understood that Narumi was just like him, but something was off to him, she didn't seem like some one who would contain a demon inside her, he glanced at Yugito the other demon container, he saw that she and her team were taking notes of way Narumi fought.
"Hahahahaha, well would you look at that, she is a demon's as well, I guess it runs in the family huh, hahahahahaha"
Hush known for his unpredictable and psychotic nature, burst into maniacal laughter. His amusement at the chaotic turn of events was palpable. "Hahahahaha, well would you look at that, she is a demon's as well, I guess it runs in the family huh, hahahahahaha" he nearly shouted while looking at Naruto.
"The Nine Tails huh, this could be a problem in the future, I should eliminate her in the next round" thought Omukade, the enigmatic figure from Iwa, as he watched with a stoic expression.
Naruto simply looked on with a small smirk on his face.
As Narumi's chakra surged, a palpable energy filled the air, crackling with a dark, malevolent power.
Akatsuchi's grunts of effort echoed through the arena, the sound of his rock-covered form colliding with the ground reverberating like thunder. Narumi's strikes were like lightning, a relentless barrage that sent shockwaves through the air with every impact. The arena floor vibrated underfoot, the sensation of each collision reverberating through the very bones of those who watched.
Amidst the chaos, a hush fell over the crowd as Narumi's chakra coalesced into a pulsating sphere. The air seemed to thicken, the energy tangible and electrifying. Minato's heart pounded in his chest, his senses attuned to the unfolding spectacle.
"What, that's impossible, Narumi doesn't know the Rasengan" Minato thought to himself with worry clear on his face.
"That can't be the Rasengan, it is too small, and she can't even control it properly, so it must be just a concentrated amount of Chakra, most likely the Nine Tails formed the attack to harm her by destroying her arm, and the fool probably thinks that that is her own attack" Naruto deduced to himself.
With one last primordial scream Narumi charged her arm holding a large mass of concentrated Chakra. "I can't meet that attack head on I must avoid it" Akatsuchi thought before he slammed his hands down on the ground making the floor come up like a wall creating a few metres of thick barrier before him.
The moment of impact was a blinding flash, the world around them consumed by a brilliant, searing light. The sound of the collision was like a deafening roar, an explosion of raw energy that reverberated through the arena. The ground cracked beneath the force. But as the dust cleared, it was obvious.
Narumi stood above the defeated Akatsuchi, her chest rising and falling with each breath as the dust slowly began to settle around them. Her dark red chakra had receded. The arena was a scene of both triumph and turmoil, the battle having left its mark on the polished floor.
Gekko Hayate's authoritative voice cut through the lingering echoes of battle, his declaration ringing out with clarity. "The victor of this fight is Narumi Uzumaki-Namikaze of Konoha!"
In the stands, Minato's eyes held a mixture of pride and relief. His daughter had emerged victorious, a testament to her growth and determination. The emotions that swelled within him were a complex tapestry, woven from the threads of parental love, admiration, and a touch of worry for the challenges that lay ahead.
As the dust continued to settle, the arena gradually returned to a state of relative calm and all eyes once again turned to the board where the names of the next contestants were being drawn already.
"For the Next Match will be, Mina Yamakami of Kiri vs Kankuro of Suna, the 2 contestants make sour way to the stage" declared Genma.
"So she'll fight now, hope she doesn't go crazy" thought Haku as she carefully eyed her third teammate.
"Put on a go show for us, will you hahaha" Hush laughed as he spoke.
"Sorry I don't do shows, I have to teach those unbelievers the power and supremacy of Sukuna" said Mina with playful smile on her face.
With her staff behind her she slowly began to turn into water, then to water began to take form once again in the middle of the arena, revealing Mina.
Seeing his opponent ready for the fight Kankuro jumped on the arena.
"Interesting, she does seem to posses power like the Hozuki Clan, but her last name was Yamakami, so how?" Minato thought to himself. He knew about Konoha's Genin abilities but many of the Genin from other villages were a complete mystery.
"Sukuna? What does she mean Sukuna?" Satsuki curiod turned to look at her sensei.
"Oh right you wouldn't know about it, well Sukuna is a God worshipped in Kiri, it's not the main religions in Kiri, it's more like a cult, they believe that their God "Sukuna" is the originator of water and all life form on earth" explained Yamato, he had quite a bit of knowledge about this because he had been on missions, quite a number of times in Kiri.
"And what about the staff, what's the deal with it" asked Naruto, his eyes fixed on Mina.
"Staff, what about it?" Yamato asked.
"Didn't you see it glow a little when she became water" Naruto responded.
Yamato took a closer look at Mina, his eyes widened "What but how?"
Seeing his shocked state made his students look at him
"What's wrong sensei" Yamato's shocked state drew even the attention of Kakashi.
"Her staff, it is that of a priestess"
"A priestess? Is that bad" Sasuke asked confused by his sensei.
"Yeah it means that she is at least low Jonin level to achieve that rank" Yamato said, completely shocking everyone around him.
"Low Jonin, you can't be serious, then why the hell would she still be a Genin" Menma shouted at Yamato.
"I don't know that," Yamato admitted.
"Low Jonin huh" Naruto muttered to himself while a small smile played on his lips, something that didn't go unnoticed by Kakashi.
Gekko Hayate's command echoed through the arena, the tension in the air intensified. He swiftly leaped away from the combatants, giving them the signal to engage. With practised ease, Mina Yamakami began to channel her abilities, her movements almost imperceptible as water began to envelop her form.
The water moved with a fluid grace, forming a watery shield around Mina. Then almost in an instant, her attacks commenced. Tendrils of water lashed out towards Kankuro, each strike swift and calculated. What was most astonishing was that Mina remained steadfast, never once shifting from her initial position.
Kankuro's eyes widened "What the hell is that". He moved quickly, his steps carrying him through a complex dance of evasion. The arena floor was his canvas as he twisted and turned, narrowly avoiding the deadly strikes that Mina effortlessly sent his way.
From the stands, Temari's surprise was evident in her widened eyes. She watched in awe as the water obeyed Mina's commands.
"The water protects her, it's almost like Gaara, does she have a demon inside of her as well" she thought to herself.
Turning her gaze to Gaara, she was met with a chilling sight. His lips curled into a psychotically twisted smile, his eyes gleaming with a maniacal intensity. The scene sent a shiver down her spine.
But her attention was swiftly drawn back to the battlefield, where Kankuro struggled to keep up with Mina's relentless assault. The water danced around him like a deadly serpent, its movements graceful yet lethal. Each time he thought he had found an opening, Mina's watery attacks thwarted his attempts, forcing him to recalibrate his strategy.
Mina's gaze held a calculating edge, a chilling smile slowly forming on her lips—a smile that sent an unsettling shiver down the spines of many Genin who watched.
Mina's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Alright, how about I show you more of the power of Sukuna?" Her words hung in the air, charged with an ominous anticipation. The declaration itself felt like an unspoken promise, a foreshadowing of something far more formidable.
The water that had been assaulting with erratic randomness shifted with an eerie fluidity. It transformed into lethal spikes, gleaming ominously in the arena's light.
Kankuro's eyes widened as he witnessed the transformation of Mina's water attacks.
"What the, she can change it's form, dammit one attack from that and i could die"
Fear gnawed at the edges of his thoughts as the water spikes took form, creating a deadly barricade around her. It was a manifestation of control and power that he hadn't anticipated, and his mind raced to formulate a new strategy in the face of this unforeseen development.
Mina's power surged, and the water spikes launched forward with a newfound precision. Each spike bore the weight of calculated intent, aiming for specific points where Kankuro might attempt to evade. His heart raced as he backpedaled and leaped, his movements a desperate dance of evasion in the midst of the watery onslaught.
Kankuro's struggles were clear in his every movement, his evasion attempts growing more frantic as the water spikes pursued him.
Kankuro's thoughts raced, his mind a flurry of calculations. "If I can manipulate my puppets just right, I might catch her off guard," he thought as he surveyed the battlefield, formulating a plan that would exploit her blind spots.
Mina's eyes gleamed with a wild excitement as she watched the smoke spread. Her lips curled into an eerie smile. Her mastery over water was unparalleled, and she was ready to demonstrate that.
"This should work," Kankuro thought as he activated his smoke bomb. The fog enveloped the area, his heart pounding with anticipation. "She won't see this coming."
Mina's gaze pierced through the smoke, her instincts guiding her. The silhouette of Kankuro's movement became clear to her. She grinned madly. "There you are." With a focused determination, she summoned her water, readying herself for a calculated strike.
Temari's screams filled the air as they witnessed Kankuro's form run through by Mina's water spike.
Suddenly, Kankuro reappeared beside Mina, kunai in hand. His intent was clear, a desperate gamble for victory. "I have to end this now."
Mina's instincts flared, her connection to water responding to her will. A shield of liquid formed around her, a testament to her control. She locked eyes with Kankuro. "You won't catch me off guard."
"I've come this far, I can't back down now," Kankuro thought, his resolve hardening.
Kankuro's anger blazed like a consuming fire, its intensity fanning the flames of his resolve. Gripping the kunai with a white-knuckled determination, he surged forward, his every movement propelled by an unyielding purpose. The blade that had been ensnared within Mina's watery shield now sliced through the liquid with a determined force, the unexpected resistance shocking Mina to her core. "How is this possible?"
Mina's widened eyes mirrored her disbelief, frozen in a moment of vulnerability as the reality of Kankuro's advancement sank in. Her mastery over water, usually her unwavering ally, had been momentarily thwarted by Kankuro's unrelenting resolve.
Before Mina could react, before her body could respond to the alarm bells ringing in her mind, Kankuro's kunai was upon her. The blade moved with a speed that defied her instincts, a chilling promise of danger as it drew closer to her throat.
The impact was as swift as it was final. Mina's body crumpled to the ground, a shockwave of pain radiating from the vicious wound on her throat. Blood pooled around her, a stark contrast against the once-pristine battleground.
All around them, the water that had once responded to Mina's command evaporated in an eerie dance, leaving behind a haunting silence that seemed to echo the weight of their confrontation. The ground, once a canvas for their contest, was now painted in somber shades of red.
As Kankuro's gaze dropped to the scene before him, his heart ached with a mixture of triumph and regret. The victory he had sought came at a cost he hadn't fully comprehended until now. The guilt clawed at him, a relentless reminder of the life that had been extinguished by his hand. But he forced himself to push onward.
Yet, before his eyes could fully focus on the balcony where his team had watched in anticipation, a searing pain erupted within him. The world spun, the colors and shapes blurring into a dizzying haze. He clutched at the agony that lanced through him, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. "How... how could this happen?"
His strength faltered, darkness looming at the edges of his vision. As the spear's cruel point pierced his stomach, Kankuro's breath caught in his throat, his body betraying him as blood spilled from the wound. The world spun, his thoughts whirling in a chaotic dance of questions and shock. The pain was a searing reminder that he was no longer in control, that the tide had turned against him.
Through the haze of his fading consciousness, Kankuro's gaze settled on the figure standing behind him. Mina Yamakami emerged from the shadows, her form untouched by the violence that had erupted moments ago. A smile curved her lips, an eerie expression that sent shivers down Kankuro's spine even as his senses dulled. Her words, delivered with a calm certainty, struck him like a bolt of lightning. "Did you think that our Lord Sukuna would allow me to lose to you? Think again."
The world around Kankuro blurred, his consciousness slipping away as darkness closed in. His last sensation was a combination of bewilderment, pain, and a profound realization that the battle had never been a contest that Mina Yamakami was always in control of the fight.
As Kankuro lay unmoving on the ground, Gekko's voice resonated through the arena, the declaration ringing with finality. "Mina Yamakami from Kiri is the victor!"
Witnessing her brother's injuries, Temari's heart clenched with a mixture of fear and concern. Her tears blurred her vision as she rushed down to his side, the world around her fading into insignificance. Her trembling hands reached out, her touch gentle yet urgent as she assessed his condition. "Hang on, Kankuro. We'll get through this."
Medics surged forward, their swift and practiced movements a testament to their expertise. Temari's eyes remained fixed on Kankuro, her heart heavy with worry. She couldn't bear to imagine a world without him.
Mina Yamakami's gaze met Temari's glare, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.
With a grin, Naruto's voice cut through the tension. "Quite the brutality." His comment hung in the air, a chilling observation that earned him curious glances from his teammates and their sensei.
Menma and Narumi huddled together, their conversation focused. The topic revolved around Mina's power, an analysis that left them absorbed in their thoughts. Sakura, unnoticed by her teammates, bore the weight of being ignored in silence. Her silence, however, didn't escape Kakashi's keen observation.
"Did you kill him Mina?" Haku asked her teammate that just made her way back to the balcony.
"No Lord Sukuna's shadow of death wasn't upon him yet, so i let him live, he should be greatful" Mina said a playful smile on her face.
She looked across the balcony, seeing Naruto with a small smirk on his face. She smiled to herself.
The names of Genin started to roll again in the board until it setteled in two names "Sasuke Uchiha vs Sabaku Temari, can the contestants make their way to the arena" Gekko Hayate stated.
"Guess it's finally my turn" Sasuke said.
Naruto turned his gaze towards his teammate, with a small smile he told him "You got this"
Sasuke replied with a somewhat arrogant smile "Of course i got this"
"Don't be too overconfident Sasuke, these guys are not gonna be easy to get through" Yamato chimed in, wanting his student to be focused.
"Yeah i know" was the last thing Sasuke said before he jumped down into the arena.
"I have to tend to Kankuro so i'll end this quickly" Teamri said as she took her stance.
Seeing the readiness Gekko Hayate started the match quickly.
Temari's fan snapped open with a resounding crack, wind chakra surging forth in a torrent that whipped through the air with relentless force. The gusts roared toward Sasuke, Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his lithe form a blur as he danced through the onslaught of wind attacks. Each step was a calculated dodge, his body moving with the precision of a finely tuned instrument.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Temari's lips as she watched Sasuke's agile evasion. "Not bad," she taunted, her voice carrying over the winds she commanded. "But can you keep up?"
Sasuke's lips quirked into a confident grin as he leaped into the air, propelled by the surge of wind beneath his feet. "Just watch," he shot back, his voice dripping with determination.
The wind subsided, leaving a momentary lull in the exchange. Sensing his opportunity, Sasuke's hands flashed through a series of intricate seals.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu"
Flames ignited within him, his breath a blazing inferno as he exhaled. A massive fireball formed, its intense heat creating a fiery maelstrom that surged toward Temari with scorching intent.
Temari's teal eyes blazed with a mixture of challenge and focus. Her fan swung into action, wind chakra gathering around her like a protective shield. The flames roared toward her, clashing with the wind in a tumultuous display of power. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, the heat and force of the collision creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
As the flames subsided, Sasuke's expression shifted, his chakra transitioning from fire to lightning in a seamless flow. His hands moved with practiced precision, his fingers forming the necessary seals. A surge of electric energy enveloped him, crackling in the air as he summoned a formidable Lightning Dragon.
The serpent of lightning coiled and surged, its power palpable as it lunged toward Temari with electrifying intensity. The arena seemed to vibrate with the energy of the attack, the air charged with the promise of destruction.
Temari's eyes widened as the lightning serpent drew near. Reacting swiftly, she swung her fan open, the wind chakra within it swirling into a vortex that aimed to divert the creature's course.
But as the lightning serpent clashed with her wind barrier, a realization dawned upon her. The power of Sasuke's attack was too great, its force overwhelming her attempts to redirect it with wind alone. In a split-second decision, Temari's body moved, her movements swift as she dodged to the side with remarkable agility.
The lightning serpent grazed past her with a crackling hiss, its electric energy leaving the air charged in its wake. Temari's breath came in rapid bursts as she regained her footing, her heart racing from the close call. She shot a glance at Sasuke, a mixture of respect and challenge in her teal eyes.
Sasuke's chest heaved as he stood poised on the other side of the battlefield, his eyes locked on Temari. "Impressive," he conceded, his voice carrying a hint of acknowledgment.
Temari's lips curved into a confident smile. "Likewise," she retorted.
"Well your student is very impressive Yamato" Kakashi congratulated his student as he got closer to team 6.
"Yeah I know, but this is just the beginning, he still hasn't show all he can do" Yamato somewhat bragged.
"Yeah I noticed that, so when does he plan to show us the Sharingan" Kakashi asked with his usual one eye smile.
"Soon" was the response he got from Yamato.
Seeing that none of the students from team 6 were paying him any attention he decided to look at the fight.
"Alright how about we continue" Sasuke said before he took out his sword that was behind his back and charged towards Temari.
"I can't let him get near, I'm outsclased in both Kenjutsu and Taijutsu" Temari thought before she unleashed another massive wind attack that was supposed to meet Sasuke halfway.
Seeing the incoming attack Sasuke for a second closed his eyes before he opened them again, his eyes had become red and with 2 Tomoe in each eye.
His eyes moved around scanning every possible route he could take. With absolutely mastery he navigated his way right in between the wind like slashes send his way.
"What, how did he do that" Temari screamed in her mind.
With in seconds Sasuke covered the distance between him and Temari, his sword clashed against Teamri's fan which she used to protect herself from the incoming sword attack.
Temari tried to resist a bit more but the sword attacks of Sasuke were too strong to fast before long she found his sword at her neck.
"Give up, I don't want to kill you" Sasuke said in a cold voice devoid of warmth.
Seeing his two blood red eyes, deadly serious made Temari shiver a bit before she made her decision.
"I surrender" she said looking at Gekko.
"Winner of this match Sasuke Uchiha from Konoha" Gekko Hayate declared.
"Good match" Sasuke siad with a warm smile that caught Temari off guard.
"What the hell, he seems completely different than before, back then he looked ready to kill me now he is smiling as if nothing happened" she thought to her self.
She had forgotten that at the end of the day the Genin were also human, her brothers Gaara was… well Gaara while Kankuro never really bothered to be smile unless it was a cocky smile while fighting, then their new allies from Iwa were not really a bunch that smiled a lot.
Her face turned red before she quickly ran off to the balcony next to Gaara.
Sasuke was left somewhat confused at Temari's actions, while in the balcony above his team alongside Kakashi were smirking at him. He didn't really know why, but he thought probably because of the fight.
"For the next fight we will have…" said Gekko as he looked at the board that was going through a list of names.
As the board finally settled in 2 names, a chilling wind began to carry sand towards the arena.
"Sabaku no Gaara vs Sakura Haruno" stated Gekko Hayate.
"You gonna fight him?" asked Menma uncaringly.
"Just try not to lose in less than a minute" Narumi chimed in.
Their sensei Kakashi made his way towards them "Sakura don't take this the wrong way, but i don't think you can win this" he said without hesitation.
"I know you didn't want to hear that, but I think your life is more important that this fight" he added
Sakura was visibly hurt by Kakashi's words, her sensei's words while she knew were true she didn't want to hear them now.
She took a glance at Naruto, he was looking down at Gaara with a serious look, then he suddenly looked at her from the corner of his eye.
Sakura smiled, before her face took a more seriously expression, without a word she jumped down. "Huh, were you even listening to me" Kakashi groaned.
Sakura stood her ground, her emerald eyes locked onto Gaara's intense gaze. As his Killing Intent washed over her, a chill ran down her spine, threatening to paralyze her with fear. But deep within, her determination burned bright. She clenched her fists and took a deep breath, rallying her strength to overcome the suffocating pressure of Gaara's malevolent aura.
With Gekko's declaration, the match began, and Sakura wasted no time. Ignoring the fear that still lingered, she lunged forward, her heart pounding with adrenaline. Her movements were swift and calculated, her determination pushing her to confront Gaara head-on.
High in the stands, Naruto's brows furrowed as he observed the unfolding battle. He let out a sigh, his voice carrying an air of resignation that caught the attention of his teammates, Satsuki and Sasuke Uchiha, who exchanged puzzled glances. Beside them, their sensei Yamato raised an inquisitive eyebrow, wondering about Naruto's cryptic comment.
"It's over," Naruto murmured under his breath, his gaze never leaving the arena. His words hung in the air, shrouded in mystery, leaving those around him confused.
Sakura's assault was swift, her strikes aimed at exploiting any opening she could find in Gaara's defenses. However, her efforts were cut short as an immense surge of sand burst from the ground. In an instant, Sakura was ensnared, her struggles in vain as the sand constricted around her. With a brutal force, she was sent hurtling towards the wall, the impact jarring her entire body.
Gaara's eyes glinted with a malicious intent as he raised his hand, ready to deliver a finishing blow. Sakura's heart raced, her breath coming in shallow gasps as the threat of impending doom loomed over her.
In the blink of an eye, Naruto appeared between Sakura and Gaara. He met Gaara's gaze head-on. "What a pain"
The arena fell into stunned silence as the confrontation unfolded. Gaara's attack halted, mere inches away from Naruto's outstretched hand. An unseen force seemed to repel the malevolent sand, creating an invisible barrier that held back the impending violence.
Confusion and uncertainty crossed Gaara's features as he exchanged an incredulous look with Naruto. Sakura, struggling to regain her composure, pushed herself up from the ground, her eyes wide as she witnessed the standoff between the two formidable ninjas.
Satsuki and Sasuke shared bewildered glances, their eyes alert and focused on the scene below.
Seeing the end of the fight, the confusion in the air was almost palpable. Menma and Narumi engaged in a detached conversation, their focus centered on Gaara's formidable sand manipulation skills. Sakura's well-being seemed to be of little concern to them, an unsettling observation that left those around them with more questions than answers.
Kakashi's mind was a tumultuous sea of introspection, his thoughts a whirlwind of regret. He couldn't help but mentally berate himself for not intervening and putting a halt to the fight. "Why didn't I step in when I had the chance?" he silently questioned, his visible eye reflecting his inner turmoil.
From atop the balcony, Hush's presence exuded a dark aura. A chilling, maniacal laughter escaped his lips, directed at Naruto. The atmosphere grew tense as Hush's taunting words hung in the air. "Since when do you play the hero of justice?"
Naruto's response was silence. A subtle confident smirk tugged at his lips.
Minato, ever vigilant, observed the interaction between Naruto and Hush with a mix of concern. His piercing blue eyes never wavered from his son's form. He couldn't shake off the unease that gnawed at him, his thoughts focused on Naruto's safety and well-being.
"The winner of this match by disqualification, Gaara of Suna" Gekko Hayate declared.
"Naruto…" Sakura's weak voice got the attention of Naruto who turned to face her.
"What is it"
"I..i..i just w..wanted to s..say i a…am sorry… i had to get you involved into all of this because i wanted to prove to myself that i wasn't pathetic, i should just die somewhere" Sakura said as she burst into tears.
Naruto was taken somewhat back, but didn't show anything. "I told you Sakura, if you want someone to feel sympathetic towards you, then find someone else i am not that guy" his cold voice said.
"I..i u…understand" she said wiping away her tears as she began moving towards the door holding her shoulder which had blood due to the collision with the wall.
"Next match is gonna be…" said Gekko as he waited for 2 new names to appear.
"The next match is gonna be between Naruto Uzumaki vs Kurotsuchi of Iwa" declared Gekko.
"So it's Naruto's turn now huh" said Satsuki.
"Yeah but this is going to be a very tough fight, i heard that his opponent is the granddaughter of the Tsuchikage of Iwa, a tough opponent to be sure" Sasuke said.
"Granddaughter of the Tsuchikage huh, well i guess that failure doesn't stand a chance does he" Menma chimed in having overheard their conversation.
"Why you" Satsuki was clearly angered by Menma's words but was held back by her brother.
"So now it's his turn to fight huh, this should be interesting" Haku thought to herself as she looked down at the man that had branded her with a slave seal on her back.
"Of all the contestants here, why did he have to get paired against one of the strongest," Minato thought.
"Hey proctor, did I hear this right? Did I get a match against Naruto Uzumaki?" Kurotsuchi's voice cut through the air.
"Yeah that's right," Gekko confirmed.
After taking this information in, a smile began to spread across Kurotsuchi's face. She slammed her fists against one another. "Man this is awesome, i actually get to kill a son of the Hokage, granted it's a bastard but it will still do"
She jumped down on the arena excitement clear on her face.
Kurotsuchi stood before Naruto, a glint of excitement in her eyes as she eagerly anticipated the upcoming fight. With a challenging grin, she taunted him, her words dripping with venom. "I'm looking forward to killing any of the Hokage's children,i get it that you are a bastard but it doesn't matter."
Naruto's expression remained cool, his smirk unwavering as he met her gaze. In a voice that held an air of confidence, he retorted, "Being a bastard is far better than being related to Minato Namikaze."
Up in the balcony, Minato winced visibly, his pain evident in his eyes. The impact of Naruto's statement hit him hard, stirring a mix of regret and heartache within him.
As the battle commenced, Kurotsuchi wasted no time, launching a series of attacks with calculated precision.
A sword materialized in Naruto's hand, a move that left onlookers in shock. His team and Hush alone seemed unsurprised.
His every move carried an air of calculated elegance, a sophistication that contrasted sharply with his previous self.
The battle raged on, Naruto's movements were calculated and elegant, his swordplay a mesmerizing dance that kept Kurotsuchi on the defensive.
With each clash of their blades, Naruto's voice dripped with an almost mocking confidence. "Your efforts are commendable, I suppose," he drawled, his tone condescending as he effortlessly parried Kurotsuchi's attacks. "But you're fighting a battle you can't possibly win."
Kurotsuchi's frustration was palpable, her eyes narrowing as she bristled under Naruto's patronizing tone. "Don't think for a second that I'll let your arrogance go unchallenged," she retorted, her voice seething with anger.
Naruto's smirk deepened, his superiority complex evident in his demeanor. "Arrogance? You mistake my confidence for arrogance. But don't worry It's a common trait among those who can't comprehend true power."
Their swords clashed again, the reverberations echoing through the arena as their clash intensified.
Kurotsuchi's attacks grew fiercer, driven by a mix of annoyance and determination. "You're no different from the rest," she spat, her frustration evident. "Traped inside your own illusions and fantasies"
Naruto's laughter was tinged with amusement as he deflected her strikes effortlessly. "Ah, you still don't understand," he replied, his tone infuriatingly smug. "Illusions are a stepping stone to understanding and mastering power. It seems you're still trapped in the shallows."
Kurotsuchi's frustration bubbled to the surface as Naruto's condescending words hit a nerve. She met his gaze with unwavering determination, her voice steady as she retorted, "You're the one who doesn't understand. I don't fight for power if fight so that i can protect the legacy of those who sacrificed their lives for us. I fight to honor their memory and to ensure a future for the generations to come."
Naruto's smirk remained, his tone dripping with derision as he responded, "How quaint. Honoring the dead is a pathetic excuse for ambition. Men of power are destined for greater things than being bound by the past."
As Kurotsuchi tapped into her other abilities, combining the basic natures of chakra, an advanced attack took shape. The fusion of earth and fire-natured chakra resulted in Lava Release, a potent technique that reflected her mastery over her abilities.
However, her shock was palpable as she witnessed Naruto's complete lack of concern. His expression remained unfazed, his posture unchanged as if her advanced attack held no threat whatsoever.
Naruto's voice held a touch of boredom as he commented, "Is that your best shot? It seems you underestimate the power I possess." His confidence was unshaken, his demeanor reflecting the calculated superiority he had been portraying.
Everyone watched in awe as Kurotsuchi's attack failed to elicit the reaction she had hoped for. Her shock and Naruto's unwavering stance only deepened the intrigue surrounding their battle.
From the balcony, Minato's worry for his son's safety was intermingled with a growing curiosity about the extent of Naruto's abilities.
The lava surged forward, a torrent of scorching heat and destructive force. Yet, Naruto's response was almost casual as he raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. With impeccable timing, he stepped to the side, the lava splitting effortlessly around him. He seemed unaffected, his movements almost nonchalant.
Kurotsuchi's shock was evident in her widened eyes, her breath catching in her throat. The crowd, too, was stunned into a hushed silence, captivated by the unexpected display of Naruto's power.
Mina Yamakami's who up to this point had been standing against the wall suddenly moved, griping the railing of the balcony, her face held a massive almost psyochotic grin.
Back on the battlefield, Kurotsuchi's determination remained unshaken. She summoned the steam from the lava's contact with the arena, creating a veil that temporarily obscured Naruto's vision. Seizing the opportunity, she moved with agile precision, launching attacks from within the steam.
Naruto's steps were measured, his movements fluid as he seemingly anticipated each attack before it happened.
Kurotsuchi soared above the arena, her eyes focused and determination etched across her features. Her voice carried on the wind as she warned Naruto of her impending attack, her tone laced with a hint of urgency. "Prepare yourself. This is my strongest attack. If you're wise, you'll run."
Naruto's smirk remained intact, his gaze unyielding as he locked eyes with her. His response was a taunting challenge, his voice dripping with calculated arrogance. "Come on, give it your best shot, it will only prove just how arrogant you've become."
Kurotsuchi's anger flared, her resolve intensifying in the face of Naruto's relentless mockery. With a fierce determination, she unleashed her formidable attack. A massive explosion of lava erupted from below the arena, enveloping Naruto in its scorching embrace. The very ground seemed to tremble as the molten waves surged upward.
Rocks were torn from the arena's surface, propelled by Kurotsuchi's chakra. They flew upwards towards her before being launched with precision towards Naruto. The arena was transformed into a chaotic battlefield of fire and earth.
The spectators watched in awe and horror as the devastating attacks unfolded. Satsuki's expression twisted into one of distress as she witnessed Naruto seemingly engulfed by the onslaught. The sight struck her to her core, igniting a spark of fear for her friend's safety.
Minato's shock was palpable as he leaped to his feet, his blue eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and concern. Fear for his son's well-being gripped him, his heart pounding with a father's worry.
Even Akatsuchi, a spectator with insider knowledge of Kurotsuchi's capabilities, found himself taken aback by the sheer magnitude of her attack. "I didn't think she would use her strongest attack here" he said, his teammate Omukade didn't say anything but narrowed his eyes.
Kurotsuchi descended gracefully onto the remnants of the arena, her expression a mix of triumph and exhaustion. Her chakra-infused flight was a display of skill, and her landing sent ripples through the lava and rock-strewn terrain.
Gekko Hayate, recognizing the gravity of the situation, descended into the arena as well. His eyes darted around the devastation, a somber realization settling in as he searched for any sign of Naruto's chakra. His attempt to sense his presence yielded silence, a void where there should have been a presence.
Turning his gaze upward to the balcony, he exchanged a grave look with Minato. The unspoken understanding passed between them, a shared recognition of the potential outcome of the battle. The anguish in Minato's eyes was evident, his heart heavy with the possibility of his son's loss.
Attention then shifted back to Kurotsuchi, who wore a self-assured smirk. As Gekko raised his hand to officially declare her the victor, a sudden disturbance shook the arena. A massive purple aura erupted from behind him, shattering the silence
The purplue aura began to fade and the image of a person walking could be seen. Kurotsuchi's eyes widened, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Right before her stood Naruto, he walked outside the rubble he had been surrounded by earlier, his clothes were torn in many different places revealing his well developed chest which more than a few girls blush.
But the think that shocked Kurotsuchi was that on his skin there was zero damage. It was as if he hadn't gotten any damage.
"Wh…what…b..but how did… why didn't you get any damage" Kurotsuchi struggled to form a coherent sentence.
"It was a weak attack that's all there is to it" he replied in a smug tone.
"Why… you damm bastard I kill yo…" said Kurotsuchi before she was interrupted by Naruto who raised his hand to her.
"Huh"
"5 seconds"
"What are you talking about?"
"5 seconds is all you have" replied Naruto.
Kurotsuchi stood looking at him dumbfounded she didn't know wether he was serious or not.
"Times up" was the last thing she heard Naruto say before he vanished from her sight only to appear behind her. Blood splatter from Kurotsuchi as she fainted into unconsciousness.
A smile could be seen across Naruto's face.
Author's note: I saw a comment asking if I had added Iruka on Chapter 10 as a hologram or something. No Iruka is dead, it was simply a continuity error, still I appreciate the questions about the story.