The Angel Born in Hell

Chapter 12

"—XxX—" Scene Change

"Character Talking"

"Character Thinking"

"Jutsu or Shouting"

"Kurotsuchi" Akatsuchi's shouting verbiratet throughout the arena before he too jumped down on the arena to tend to her injuries.

"What did you do to her you bastard" Akatsuchi glared at Naruto.

"Isn't it obvious I cut her down" Naruto responded a triumphant tone in his voice.

"Come to think of it, only that emotionless kid from Iwa managed to go to the finals, quite a bunch of losers aren't you" he added.

Akatsuchi became ready to retort but was stoped by a sudden chakra burst. Naruto took his attention up on the balcony, where he saw Omukade, who was releasing the Charles, his face didn't show emotion but his aura conveyed a sense of anger.

Naruto payed him no mind before he started walking towards the stairs of the balcony, while medics from the Haruno Clan rushed inside the arena to tend to the injuries of the contestants.

Naruto looked at one of them, they were the same one's that had taken Kankuro earlier. He motioned to the head medic who came to him instantly.

"Did you do as I said" he whispered to him quietly "Yes, it's just as you ordered sir" was the short answer he gave before he was told to get lost.

Minato looked at his son's retreating back. His eyes were a mix of pride, guilt, and concern. He was proud that his son had come this far with no help for him. But he was also sad knowing that he had ruined his life.

Kushina had told him about the memories that Naruto had showed her, she had broken in tears calling herself a monster, while Minato simply looked at her shame in his eyes. He had realised quite a while ago that Naruto was his son.

He was berated by Tsunade, who said that she would return after the Chunin Exams to take Naruto away with her.

What's even worse, was that he had begun to see an ugly side to his other 2 children, Menma and Narumi. He had begun to see that they had become arrogant, uncaring people, he had been taking a close look during the Chunin Exams.

He was disappointed to see that his children hadn't even seen the disappearance of their third teammate Sakura Haruno, but where the girl had gone into the Forest of death he hadn't seen.

He was also disappointed in his student Kakashi, he knew of Kakashi's power and thought that he would be a good teacher for Menma and Narumi, but it had turned to be the opposite.

Kakashi had not taken their training seriously, he had made them do training drills to improve their teamwork, but had not assessed their individual level and where they need improvement.

If Menma and Narumi weren't trained by him and Kushina their entire life they might have ended up dead just like the team of Kurenai. And Kakashi didn't even seem aware of this fact.

He quickly ended his train of thought and focused on Naruto. "The White Room has made him strong, I hope he hasn't lost his humanity in the process" he thought to himself.

"Our bloodline has the potential to conquer the entire world, Why waste it on stupid things like morality" were the words that rang in Minato's head. The words of his late brother Izukita Namikaze. The one that he had killed himself.

He saw the medics carry Kurotsuchi out of the ring, with one gesture of the head, that was understood by the Jounin. All the Jounin of Konoha present jumped down placed their hand in the ground and started to repair the arena.

"That was impressive" Sasuke complimented Naruto, he had noticed a change in Naruto he had been going back to his old self that talked to him and Satsuki, Instead of the guy that used to give orders with a blank face that he had turned into after they became a team.

"Thanks, Won't you congratulate me Satsuki-Chan" Naruto said seeing that Satsuki wasn't looking at him to try and hide her blush.

"P…p…put s…some clothes on you idiot" she said trying to look away from his exposed chest.

Naruto simply chuckled before he looked down to the arena being repaired.

I took 2 minutes but the arena was repaired to the point that you couldn't see a difference from before. Gekko looked up at the board that had begun moving to reveal the next names.

"Menma Uzumaki vs Samui from Kumo" Gekko declared.

"Finally my turn, I was getting bored" said Menma as he jumped down on the arena. "I'll show that loser that I'm still better than him" he thought as he looked up at Naruto.

The sight of Satsuki blushing while looking at him made him even angrier.

"So it's my turn to fight now huh? Cool" Samui said her aloof expression never leaving her face.

"Interesting I wonder who'll get the free ticket to the next round" Neji thought outlouad.

"Huh, free ticket what are you talking about?" Tenten asked confused, she had not heard about a free ticket.

"7 teams have passed the forest of death which means 21 people are here, so one will go to the next round without fighting" Neji replied.

"Not fighting why would anyone want that, I hope I get to fight, I need to see if I have become a splendid ninja" Rock Lee shouted right next to him.

"That's the spirit Lee" his senses joined in, their conversation making everyone look at them as if their stupid.

"Are the 2 contestants ready" Gekko asked, the 2 ninjas nodded their head before Gekko jumped away signaling the fight to commence.

Menma took a second to stop and analyse any opening he could find. He made a single hand seal before he shouted "Shadow Clone Jutsu". In a puff of smoke 100 Menma's surrounded Samui.

"Cool" was the only thing she said before the clones charged at her.

Menma's clones surged forward with a synchronized precision that showcased his mastery over the technique. However, their assault was met with Samui's formidable skill, her movements a testament to her expertise. With a controlled elegance, she deflected, parried, and dispatched the clones with apparent ease, her strikes a blur of motion.

Meanwhile, the real Menma seized an opportune moment. Springing from behind, he propelled himself upwards, chakra coalescing in his palms. The air crackled with tension as he unleashed a massive fireball jutsu, the flames roaring to life as they surged towards Samui.

Samui's reaction was swift and precise, her instincts honed through years of training. Drawing her sword with a fluid motion, she met the fireball head-on. With a masterful swing, she cleaved the fireball in two, the flames dispersing harmlessly on either side of her.

The battle between Menma and Samui continued in a riveting back-and-forth. Samui's focus shifted between deflecting the clones and trying to locate the original. Menma, on the other hand, used his clones as distractions.

Samui remained clam however, she placed one hand on the ground. "Lighting Style: Electric Shock Jutsu" she whispered, before every copy of Menma in front of her was completely fried by her Jutsu.

Seeing that most clones were electrified, she looked around to see the see one Menma that hadn't been reached by the Jutsu. "That must be the real one she thought".

Wasting no time she appeared behind him, ready to pierce him with her sword. The moment her sword goes through Menma's back, an explosion goes off.

After the dust clears, a badly damaged Samui took a look around to see the Original Menma ahead of her smirking.

"Hahaha what an idiot you are, that was simply an Explosion Clone Jutsu and you totally fell for it" Menma said not being able to hide his smile.

"Hehe" a chuckle escaped Samui's lips which shocked Menma.

"Did you really think I wouldn't know about your little trick" she said before she dispersed into lighting.

"What" Menma screamed out.

"Lighting Style: Thunder Dragon" Samui said as she appeared above Menma.

Her hands crackeled with lightning before a it took the shape of a dragon and increased in size, and with a thunderous roar made it's way towards Menma.

"Shit I have to dodge this" Menma thought before he quickly vanished from his positions, allowing the lightning dragon to hit the ground without any resistance.

The impact of the Jutsu verbirated throughout the arena. Making a massive created on the ground.

"So you avoided my attack huh" Samui said looking directly at Menma.

"I'm impressed, how did you gain the speed to avoid lightning" she asked.

"I'm sorry but it's too late for you to give up" said Menma with self assuring smile.

"The winning side to surrender, that's not very common" she replied to him making him angrier in the process.

"Winning, you think your winning, against me…I'll show you what it means to win, ill crush you" Samui was taken back by the demonic tone of Menma.

"What the hell, what's going on with him" she thought to herself.

Minato rushed to his feat, fear gripped at his heart. He saw the demonic red chakra surrounding his son.

"Menma doesn't know how to control the Nine Tails Power, what's he thinking" he thought as he looked to Kakashi who understood immediately.

Menma would be stoped before he went to far. Kakashi and Minato were ready to interfere but were stoped by the comment of Samui who called Menma to come and attack her.

"Gurrhhhhhhhh" Menma roared, the ground beneath him cracking as he vanished only to appear in front of Samui.

His fingers had become claws. With one hit that Samui managed to avoid causing massive damages to the arena.

"He's fast, far faster than before" Samui thought she was using her sword to deflect Menma's claw attacks.

"And his fighting style is more and more like a beast" she analysed.

Menma took a bit of a pause and looked at Samui. He suddenly went down on all fours and 2 tails sprouted from his back. "Arrrrrggggghhhhhh" with one final roar he charged at Samui.

"Has he completely lost his mind" Satsuki asked.

"Seems like it" Sasuke said his Sharingan watching the fight. He had to admit that this girl Samui was absolutely incredible, she was keeping up with Menma with no special abilities, while it took him the Sharingan to keep up with him.

"But what is this power" he thought to himself.

Samui looked at the charging Menma, she impaled her sword in the ground, her lips curled up into a smile, "Perfect, you've entered my territory".

To the shock of everyone in the arena, a circle in the ground began to glow red. In closer inspection both Minato and Naruto arrived at the same conclusion. It was a seal.

With a smile on her face she dodged Menma's claw attack, her fingers had a red glow to them as she shoved them on Menma's stomach.

In a single second, the aura that had surrounded Menma was completely gone. The hand Samui had shoved on Menma's stomach was surrounded by the same red aura of Menma.

"W…what d..did you do" asked the weak voice of Menma who had been taken down on his knees.

"I blocked your seal, then absorbed your chakra" Samui's response left almost everyone stunned.

"You see I realised, that if I were to fight a Jinchuriki I would be at a massive disadvantage, a perfect Jinchuriki would be almost impossible to beat, but a Jinchuriki that fights with it's demon it's a different case, in that case I could defeat it with the Technique i just used" she said as she went down on one knee to look Menma straight in the eyes.

He was holding his stomach in pain. "By the way thanks for the gift, I'll need it if I am to fight that brother of yours" she said before she grabbed him by hair and kneed him right in the face, before she kicked him a few metres away. She sheathed her sword and started to walk away.

"Proctor I think this fight is over" she said to Gekko who was looking at her dumbfounded.

Minato was looking from atop the balcony, he was completely shocked, his son had been defeated and humiliated by this girl from Kumo.

As Gekko prepared to declare her the winner he was interrupted by the weak voice of Menma, "W..w…wait t.t..this is not o..over yet" he tried to scream but couldn't.

Samui sight-ed "Man I didn't want to do this, just know that you brought this to yourself" she said before she unsheathed her sword moving towards him.

Every step she took she looked more and more like a shadow of death approaching. She raised her sword ready to land the finishing blow.

"What are you doing surrender you idiot" Narumi shouted atop the balcony.

Samui's went through with her attack, blood splashed everywhere, and the sound of metal clashing verberated throughout the arena. "Huh, what are you doing Kakashi Hatake" Samui said.

Her attack was blocked by Kakashi's metal gloves though he had been injured, as blood flowed from his hand.

"Isn't it obvious, I am protecting my student"

"From the look on his face, I don't think he sees it that way" she said as she backed her sword sheathing it once again.

Kakashi turned to look to Menma's face, what he saw was a mix of surprise, betrayal and sorrow. Kakashi understood immediately, Menma had been completely humiliated in front of everyone. And now Kakashi even had to protect him as if he was a helpless child.

In Menma's eye his sensei had taken away his chance to fight as he had been disqualified the moment Kakashi stept in the arena.

"Sensei…why… don't you trust in me" Menma's eyes were flowing tears, before they rolled at the back of his head as he fell unconscious.

"Menma…" Kakashi said before he took his student and walked towards the medics room.

Narumi watched the scene unfolding before her, she had gripped the railing tightly to the point that it had started to break.

From the corner of her eyes she looked at Naruto. As if seeing her he had a smirk in his face, something that made Narumi even angrier.

"No,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,Noooooo…. This isn't how this was supposed to go, Menma and me were supposed to go to the final, only the 2 of us, we were supposed to crush everyone, especially Naruto" she frantically screamed in her mind.

"Woah, I definitely thought that the son of the Hokage, would go far in this, maybe even win it completely, who would have thought that he wouldn't have even made it to the finals" Anko discussed with a random Jonin, she tried to be as quiet as possible but was heard by Minato but he said nothing.

After making sure that the 2 contestants had been escorted outside the arena Gemma had continued with the next fight.

"Next up we will have Yugito of Kumo vs Tenten of Konoha"

"Good luck Tenten, let your flames of youth burn brightly" her teammate Rock Lee cheered her on.

"Don't worry I'll make this quick" Yugito said to Samui who just got back in the balcony.

"Fight" was the last thing Gekko said before he jumped away.

Tenten burst into action, leaping into the air with grace and precision. From a scroll, she unleashed a torrent of kunai and weapons, each one hurtling toward Yugito with deadly intent. Yet, Yugito's response was marked by an almost casual indifference. Her arms remained crossed, her stance unyielding as she watched the onslaught unfold.

A blue tail, adorned with intricate black markings, sprouted from Yugito's back. The air crackled with power as the tail swung with a single, effortless motion, dispersing the incoming weapons as if they were mere leaves in the wind.

Tenten's attempt to gain an advantage by circling around Yugito was met with a swift and powerful counter. The massive tail swung with uncanny precision, striking Tenten with a force that sent her hurtling into the wall. The impact left her unconscious, her battle cut short in a matter of seconds.

As Yugito was declared the winner, a triumphant laugh escaped her lips. Her words were laced with a mocking edge, a challenge to the prowess of the Konoha ninjas. "If this is the level of ninjas Konoha has to offer, they might as well surrender now."

The comment struck a nerve, and Rock Lee's anger flared in response. He clenched his fists, his determination unshaken despite the outcome. With a resolute gaze, he made his way to Tenten's side to ensure her well-being.

"That was embarrassing, to think that she is in our team" Neji said, his voice filled with disgust.

"That's no way to talk about a teammate Neji Hyuuga" Guy said in a low dangerous voice that somewhat scared Neji, he had never seen the serious side of his Sensei.

"W..whatever" he grunted.

"The next fight will be between Haku of Kiri vs Satsuki Uchiha" Gekko Hayate said gaining the attention of everyone.

"Sweet I finally get to fight, wish me luck" Satsuki said jumping down in the arena.

"Shit why did I have to get her. He seems to be fond of that girl, will he even let me fight her, should I just surrender now" Haku thought as she looked at Naruto.

"What's wrong don't tell me you're getting cold feet now, are you" Hush said from behind her.

"Oh yeah I also have this psycho to deal with too" she thought before she made her decision and jumped down on the arena.

"I don't have anything against you but I have to win, sorry in advance" Satsuki said before she fell into her stance.

"Oh yeah, same here" Haku said, she took a look up in the balcony, she saw Naruto's eyes looking down, but they weren't directed at her but to her opponent Satsuki Uchiha.

"Just who are you to him, Uchiha" she thought to herself.

The tension between Haku and Satsuki continued to build as the battle unfolded. Haku's nimble fingers danced with grace, manipulating the senbon with a practiced precision. She sent them flying towards Satsuki, who responded with a fluid evasion, sidestepping and ducking to avoid the incoming projectiles.

But Haku's plan was not just about the senbon themselves. As they left her fingertips, invisible wires trailed behind them, nearly imperceptible to the eye. In an instant, her bloodline ability was activated, and the wires froze, turning the senbon into ropes of ice that encircled Satsuki.

Satsuki's surprise was palpable, her eyes widening as the icy ropes constricted around her limbs. She moved swiftly, utilizing her agility to twist and contort her body, managing to break free from the ice's grasp. However, the ropes left a chilling reminder of Haku's ingenuity and the danger that lurked in her technique.

The battlefield was transformed into a dance of ice and evasion. Haku continued to employ her unique technique, sending senbon with hidden wires flying towards Satsuki. Each time, the wires froze in response to her bloodline ability, creating new icy ropes that threatened to ensnare her.

Satsuki's movements were a blend of grace and determination. She weaved between the frozen ropes with a dancer's agility, her sharp eyes tracking the trajectory of each senbon. Her evasion became a display of acrobatics, a testimony to her skill and instincts.

In the balcony, Minato's thoughts were diffrent from everyone else. The familiarity of the technique's mechanics reminded him of his wife, Kushina, and her powerful chakra chains.

"Is dodging the only thing you know how to do" Haku taunted trying to get a reaction out of her.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu" Satsuki said before a good amount of Shurikens covered in fire began moving towards Haku, which forced her to dodge.

She recovered quickly, getting to her feet as soon as possible, she took a look around, but couldn't find Satsuki anywhere.

She decided to close her eyes, then in an instant the ground underneath her froze and it began to spread like a circle to envelop the entire arena.

She looked back where she heard sounds, and she saw Satsuki struggling to stand in the now frozen ground.

"Found you".

"Did you?"

Haku's smile quickly faded when she sensed Satsuki behind her. She twisted and tried to turn around but it was to late as she was punched in the face and sent flying for a few meters.

"Alright fine, I'll take this seriously" said Haku as she spit a bit of blood.

"The one that she tricked me with wasn't a clone but a Genjutsu, since she doesn't have the Sharingan activated I must believe that she can cast Genjutsus without the Sharingan" Haku deduced.

"Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals" she said before a number of mirrors surrounded her completely forming a barrier like shape around her.

"Let's see how you handle this" Haku said before she entered one of the mirrors.

Haku began moving through her mirrors, her attacks had become devastating, with Senbons flying from every direction.

"Come on, activate your Sharingan already, don't tell me you're arrogant enough to believe that you would be able to defeat me without it" Haku demanded.

"Truth is, I can't awaken the Sharingan, at least not yet"

"What, you can't activated the Sharingan? But you are an Uchiha aren't you, in fact you are the daughter of Wicked Eye Fugaku why wouldn't you be able to awaken the Sharingan."

"It's not a story I am fond of telling, so I won't go into detail" Satsuki said.

"But if you think I am useless without the Sharingan then you are wrong" she said.

"That is disappointing to hear"

"Fire Style: Great Fire Ball Jutsu" Satsuki shouted as she completed the necessary hand seals to perform the great Jutsu.

The fireball roared towards the mirrors before it dispersed into nothing leaving no scratches whatsoever in the mirrors.

"It's Useless" Haku roared launching even more and more Senbons towards Satsuki, she got hit by hundreds of them.

"Guhhh" Satsuki grunt filled the arena.

"Just a little bit more" she thought to herself.

She made another set of hand seals for the Great Fireball Jutsu once again without effect.

"Sigh, when will you learn, it won't work" Haku laughed.

"Hehe, that's what you think" Satsuki chuckled which confused Haku.

"Look down around the mirrors"

Haku looked down and saw that some of her mirrors were dripping water, they were not dissolving but simply dripping. "So what they are still as impregnable as ever"

"A head on attack yes, but what about from the inside"

"What?"

"Hehe" Satsuki placed her hand on the ground, with a single whisper that Haku wasn't able to hear, Satsuki' Shane was cover by lightning, which due to the water in the ground began to spread all across water.

"Oh shit, this is what she was doing" Haku thought. Before she was grazed by the lightning , but she was too fast to be caught.

After she was forced to leave her mirrors Haku witnessed her mirrors dismantle into nothingness.

"See not as impregnable as you thought huh?" Satsuki taunted.

"Tch" Haku grunted but still smiled, "So what, don't tell me you think you can win, just because you destroyed my mirrors, I mean look at your shape" Haku stated.

"Shit, she's right, I took too much damage"

"Well should we continue, if you can" Haku said before she charged at her.

Her Senbons in her hands. Ready to strike at her neck. A hand to hand combat resumed for a bit as much as Satsuki could go for.

But it didn't take long for Haku to overwhelm her and have her pinned into the ground.

"Dammit, I guess this is over" Sasuke said up in the balcony.

Naruto didn't say anything, he was focused in the fight below.

Haku prepared to land the finish blow and end the fight with her Senbon. But the moment she tried to a block of ice stoped her.

"What the Hell, did she just uses an Ice mirror" Haku thought as she saw a mirror ice protecting Satsuki.

Haku tried to go for the final blow once again but was once again stoped by Ice mirror. "Guhhh this is getting annoying" she shouted before she tried to go again.

Only to be backhanded by Sastuki who appeared in front of her.

"What speed was that" she thought, but she couldn't even see Satsuki anymore, only to find Satsuki right in front of her with a Kunai at her throat.

"Surrender" Satsuki's demon like voice commended.

Haku looked at her eyes, Satsuki's eyes were different, she wasn't even looking at her, Haku realised she was fighting on instinct alone.

"I surrender" Haku declared.

"Winner of this match Satsuki of Konoha" Gekko declared.

After her victory was confirmed Satsuki removed the Kunai, and seemed to return to normal, but she was feeling dizzy.

After both Haku and Satsuki made their way towards their respective team, the board went through the last 3 remaining names for the last fight.

Before the board even finished in the 2 names, Hush jumped down into the arena. Gekko spotted him was ready to tell him to go back up but saw his name in the board.

"How did he know" he thought.

"For the last match we will have, Rock Lee of Konoha vs Hush of Kiri, that means Neji Hyuga gets a free pass into the finals" Gekko declared.

"Finally I get to fight" Lee shouted never hiding his excitement.

"That's the spirit Lee, but remember do not underestimate your opponent" Guy advised his student.

"Right"

"This will be fun hahahahah" Hush laughed to himself which caused Gekko to shiver.

"This guy's bloodlust is insane" Hayate thought.

Once both competitors were ready, Hayate, who was standing between them, raised his hand and lowered it while saying "Now let the final match of the preliminaries…Begin!"

As soon as Hayate yelled "Begin", Lee raced towards Hush at top speed and did a mid-air spinning kick while crying "Leaf Whirlwind!"

Hush brought up both his arms and held his ground while blocking the kick. He then pushed Lee away, causing the bowl cut boy to flip back and land a few feet back. Soon after though, Lee attack again.

Lee was astounded by his opponent. He not only saw through the feint attack of Leaf Whirlwind, but also blocked the continuous barrage of kicks. He had even found opening into his attack and planted an elbow and a haymaker which were really powerful.

Hush was a very powerful opponent. Lee prepared to attack again but saw Hush take out his sword from his back. "That sword complicates thing I should be more careful—" but Lee wasn't able to finish his train of thought as he saw Hush throw it away.

"Huh, hey not that I mind, but why are you throwing your sword, I mean isn't that your advantage"

"Oh trust me, I am very adaptable," Hush laughed.

Once the fighting resumed it quickly became clear that Hush held the upper hand. Lee's punches and kicks, executed with blinding speed and precision, were met by Hush's uncanny ability to block and parry with absolute accuracy. Hush seemed to effortlessly read Lee's movements, countering each strike with calculated precision.

Lee's brow furrowed with frustration as his taijutsu efforts were continuously thwarted. Despite his intense training and sheer determination, none of his attacks seemed to find their mark. Hush's defense was unyielding, his positioning flawless as he expertly countered Lee's every move.

Hush's strikes, on the other hand, were deliberate and impactful. Each blow he landed found its target, leaving an impact that was both strategic and potent.

No matter how much effort he exerted, Rock Lee's attempts seemed futile against his opponent's unyielding defense. He had pushed himself to the very limits of his speed and tried to capitalize on blind spots, yet every maneuver was countered with uncanny precision. The frustration of hitting an impregnable wall began to gnaw at him.

Amidst the heat of battle, Lee's mind raced as he grappled with the situation. He knew he had two options, both of which were circumscribed by the rules set by Guy-sensei. These rules held deep significance to him, and breaking them was not a decision he took lightly.

As his thoughts churned, a sudden shout from Guy-sensei pierced the air.

"Lee, do it"

Lee's attention snapped to his mentor, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. Was Guy-sensei suggesting what he thought he was? Lee's incredulity was evident as he turned to Guy-sensei, searching for any hint of jest in his eyes. However, what he saw was utter seriousness.

Guy's affirmation took Lee by surprise. The very idea of removing the weights from his legs, the weights that symbolized his unwavering dedication to taijutsu training, was almost surreal. He struggled to process the magnitude of the decision he was being presented with.

"But, Guy-sensei, I thought that was only permitted when protecting very important people," Lee ventured, his voice tinged with surprise and uncertainty.

Guy's response was unexpected yet resolute. "It's alright. I'll allow it," he declared, his tone carrying the unwavering conviction of a mentor who believed in his student's potential.

A mix of emotions flooded Lee's expression. He couldn't believe that Guy-sensei was granting him permission to take such a drastic step. It was a pivotal decision that had far-reaching implications, and the gravity of it was not lost on him.

As the realization sunk in, a smile spread across Lee's face. He knew what he had to do. With a determined spirit, he slid down the leg warmers, his hands reaching for the weights that had been a constant companion in his training journey. The clinking sound as he removed them echoed in the arena, a tangible symbol of change.

"Alright, I can move freely now!" Lee's voice rang out, brimming with newfound confidence. The weights lay cast aside, and with them went the constraints that had held him back.

The battle between Lee and Hush was an exhilarating dance of fists and feet, a symphony of movement that seemed to echo with the thrill of combat. Hush reveled in the experience, the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins as he exchanged blows with Lee. The exchange of punches and kicks was a thrilling display of their skills, each strike a testament to their training and determination.

But amidst the flurry of action, Lee's discerning eyes saw beyond the surface. He understood the gap that still existed between their abilities. Despite the illusion of equality in speed and the few hits he managed to land on Hush, Lee was acutely aware of Hush's superior strength and agility. It was a realization that fueled his determination to find a way to turn the tide.

In the heat of battle, Lee's thoughts turned towards the unorthodox technique that had been forbidden by his mentor, Guy-sensei. Breaking the rules that had been instilled in him was not a decision he took lightly, but with the odds stacked against him, he recognized that the moment called for such a drastic measure. The only option that remained was the forbidden Lotus technique.

His eyes flickered towards Guy-sensei, silently seeking approval. The gaze they exchanged conveyed volumes—Lee's plea for permission, and Guy-sensei's understanding of the gravity of the situation. The expression on Guy-sensei's face confirmed that he, too, believed this was the moment to unleash the forbidden technique. Lee's heart swelled with gratitude as he received the unspoken permission.

Yet, in the midst of Lee's triumphant realization, he failed to register the subtle shift in Hush's demeanor. A predatory grin played across Hush's lips, his eyes narrowing with a newfound focus. As Lee started to unroll his bandages, Hush's anticipation grew, a sense of exhilaration enveloping him.

The preparations complete, Lee charged forward with renewed determination. But he didn't launch his attack head-on. Lee's strategy was shrewd—aware of Hush's swiftness and reflexes, he veered slightly to the side, aiming to catch his opponent off-guard. The Renge technique he was about to execute held immense power, but it also carried risk. Lee was determined not to let its potential backlash impact the outcome.

Lee initiated his daring attack. With a surge of determination, he closed the gap between him and Hush, his fists and feet becoming blurs of motion. As he landed a powerful blow, Hush was sent soaring into the air, his figure becoming a fleeting silhouette against the sky.

Lee's resolve did not waver as he followed Hush's trajectory, his bandages unfurling to form a makeshift tether. With a swift and precise motion, he wrapped the bandages around Hush's form, intending to bring him crashing back down to the ground. The impact would surely be decisive, or so he thought.

Yet, in an astonishing display of agility and mastery, Hush defied the laws of physics. Just as Lee's attack seemed destined to connect, Hush vanished into thin air. A collective gasp swept through the audience as they witnessed the impossible unfold—Hush reappeared above Lee, suspended in the air with an eerie grace.

Lee's eyes widened in shock as Hush nimbly evaded his attack. It was a maneuver that left everyone but Naruto astounded.

The arena seemed to hold its breath as Hush's next move defied all expectations. As if harnessing the very force of nature, Hush charged toward the ground with astonishing speed. His fist connected with the earth below, triggering a cataclysmic display of power. The ground shattered beneath the impact, debris and shockwaves cascading in all directions.

The tremors that followed were nothing short of seismic, shaking the entire arena to its core. Everyone were buffeted by the force of the shockwaves. Lee's position in mid-air became precarious as the turbulence of Hush's attack reverberated through the arena.

In a swift turn of events, the shockwaves and the debris sent Lee hurtling towards a wall, his form colliding with the unforgiving surface. The impact was jarring, leaving Lee momentarily stunned as he slumped against the wall, his breath labored.

The arena fell into an eerie silence, the aftermath of Hush's devastating attack evident in the chaos it had brought.

Hush's surprise was evident as he observed Lee's astonishing resurgence. It was as if a second wind had swept through him, dispelling fatigue and pain, leaving behind a renewed vigor that defied explanation. The transformation was undeniable, and Hush's sharp mind was already piecing together the puzzle.

A realization dawned on him, and he couldn't help but marvel at Lee's ability. Inner Gates, Hush thought, recalling the concept he had come to understand. The Eight Gates, a legendary technique that tapped into the hidden well of a shinobi's potential. The intricacies of the technique were etched in his mind—the specific points along the Chakra Pathway System, each corresponding to a different gate, a different reservoir of power.

As Hush's thoughts unfurled, he comprehended the profound significance of Lee's revival. The Eight Inner Gates represented not just strength, but a cascade of amplified abilities, a burst of energy that shattered the boundaries of one's limits. And here, in the midst of battle, Lee had unlocked one of these formidable gates—the Gate of Life.

The aura that enveloped Lee spoke volumes. The vibrant green glow that radiated from him, combined with his flushed skin, was a visual testament to the power he had harnessed. Hush's admiration grew as he recognized the immense dedication and training that had led Lee to this point.

However, with great power came great sacrifice. Hush's gaze turned serious as he observed Lee's transformation. He knew the cost that came with opening the Inner Gates—strains that took a toll on the body, an exchange of vitality for strength. It was a double-edged sword, a decision that required the utmost determination and resolve.

Lee's words rang out, his declaration of intent reverberating through the arena. The Third Gate, the Gate of Life, was opened. The energy that surged within him was palpable, and Hush could practically feel the surge of power coursing through Lee's veins.

Hush's eyebrow arched in surprise as he witnessed Lee's astonishing transformation. Blood trickled down the boy's nose, his pained expression a stark testament to the immense strain his body endured. The very act of unlocking the Fourth Gate of Pain seemed to push Lee's physical limits to their breaking point, a price he was willing to pay to access unparalleled power.

Lee's charge was a blur of speed and force that left bystanders gaping in disbelief. The ground trembled and cracked beneath him, unable to withstand the tremendous impact of his advance. Yet, Hush's keen senses and honed instincts marked him as anything but an average genin. As Lee's upward kick surged towards him with ferocious intensity, Hush swiftly brought his hands together in an x-shaped formation, his defensive maneuver absorbing the brunt of the attack.

The ground beneath them bore the scars of their confrontation, a testament to the force that had been unleashed.

Amidst the flurry of combat, a momentary pause hung in the air—an exchange of glances between Hush and Lee. White eyes met with focused intensity, each reflecting a unique determination and an unyielding spirit.

A grin stretched across Hush's face, his excitement palpable in the very air around him. As fists clashed once more, the energy they channeled seemed to merge, igniting the arena with an intensity that could not be denied.

But Hush's strategy wasn't confined to the ground. In a swift maneuver, he seemed to defy gravity itself. He materialized behind Lee, propelling him upwards with a powerful kick. The rhythm of their battle took on a new dimension as Hush orchestrated a series of movements that defied expectation.

Lee found himself caught in a whirlwind of strikes—kicks, punches, and maneuvers that propelled him through the air. Hush's mastery of his flight ability allowed him to move with unprecedented freedom, a force to be reckoned with from every angle.

With one final attack pushing Lee to the ground with full force Hush landed down on the ground. "You can go ahead and this match, it's over" Hush said looking at Gekko.

"Winner of this match H…"

"What's wrong why did you sto.." Hush's eyes widened, he saw Lee again, he was standing, heavily injured but still standing.

"What, he…he's still standing, how?" Hush silently asked.

"He's unconscious, damn what will power he has" He added.

Gekko looked up at Might Guy his look telling him to come and take Lee, it was over "Winner of the last Match Hush of Kiri" Hayate declared.

He once again looked at the arena that had housed the fights, and all he saw was rubble and debri.

After everything had calmed down the proctor once again, he had a box with him, every competitor that won his fight was made to put their hand in the box and pick a number.

"1 - Naruto, 2 - Mina, 3 - Sasuke, 4 - Omukade, 5 - Satsuki, 6 - Yugito, 7 - Hush, 8 - Narumi, 9 - Neji, 10 - Gaara, 11 - Samui" were the numbers.

"And with that the Preliminary Rounds are over the matches in the finals will be as follows : Naruto Uzumaki vs Mina Yamakami, Sasuke Uchiha vs Omukade, Satsuki Uchiha vs Yugito, Hush vs Narumi Namikaze, Neji Hyuuga vs Gaara, the competitor Samui will fight against the winner of the first match does anyone have any questions" Gekko finished.

Seeing no questions, he decided to end it "You all have one month to prepare" with that said everyone started to leave the arena.

—-XxX—-

A few hours after the preliminary rounds finished, Minato finall arrived home. Where he was greeted with the sight of his wife. He looked around and saw that she had cleaned the entire compound and was now looking at some old photos, he saw that she had tears under eyes.

He guessed who's pictures she was looking at, and just as he predicted she had been looking at pictures of baby Naruto. The pictures she had gotten belonged to the hospital not that they had taken photos of Naruto.

She had been in this state for over 2 weeks, ever since she had meet with Naruto in person and had seen his memories.

"Kushina…" he said catching the attention of his wife who hadn't even seen him enter.

"Oh Minato you're back already" she said in a weak tone.

"Yeah… I have something to tell you" seeing no visible reaction from his wife he added "It's about Menma".

"What about him, he won his match didn't he" she asked believing her son had for sure passed his test.

"Narumi did win, Menma did not" Minato said shocking her, "What, what are you talking about, Menma lost in the preliminary rounds, how the hell could that happen Minato, he is our son, we have trained him his entire life how can he lose".

"Kushina I'm going to be honest with you, I think it's better that Menma lost now" Minato said shocking Kushina further "What?"

"I analysed all the participants, Menma never stood a chance to begin with, to win this tournament he would have to beat opponents which are leagues above him Naruto included" Minato continued his words leaving a silence between them.

Seeing his wife's face Minato turned around to look at the door, It was a Menma, he was being carried by Narumi. His chakra had been blocked and absorbed by Samui, so it would take around 2 days for him to recover.

And by the look on his face he had heard everything his father had said.

"So I'm a disappointment now, am I?" Menma said in a low defeated tone, that was completely unlike him.

"…You're not Menma, you were just not ready" Minato did, his face tired.

"I see…Narumi can you take me to my room" Menma asked in a low pleading tone that was completely different from his usual self.

"Don't worry I'll help you" Narumi said helping her brother move, she gave a glare to Minato on the way but said nothing.

Minato sigh-ed before he sat down on the couch.

—-XxX—-

It was morning of the next day and Minato once again found himself in his office, a gentle breeze of wind took him out of his thoughts.

He turned to look and saw his sensei made his way inside his office. "Sensei, why are you here?" Minato asked.

"Come on is that anyway to greet your sensei"

Jiraiya looked closely to his student, his face face was tired, he seemed to be going through something hard but Jiraiya already knew that.

"How have you been" he asked sincerely.

"Pretty bad… but don't worry I'll recover, so what brought you here sensei" Minato answered truthfully.

"Well I got news of everything that happened in the Chunin Exams, so I thought I'd come by and visit Menma, I also wanted to see Naruto" Jiraiya said.

"Naruto, why Naruto" Minato asked not knowing about his sensei's intentions.

"I wanted to see if I can train him, for this month"

"I don't know about that, but if he agrees then sure why not" Minato answered.

And just like that the door of the Hokage's office was opened by Naruto, who walked inside, he took a look around which confused the 2 adults in the room.

"Haven't been in here for quite a long huh" he said to no one In particular.

"How can I help you Naruto?" Minato asked looking straight at his son.

"I wanted to let you know that I am going on a training trip away from the village this month, I will be with Captain Aizen" Naruto told without a hestiation.

There was a bit of an awkward silence in the room as Minato and Jiraiya looked at Naruto.

"Captain Aizen, you don't mean Aizen of Sword do you? One of Izukita's captains" Jiraiya asked a bit out of the loop.

"Yes that's precisely what I mean" Naruto replied.

Jiraiya looked at Minato as if wanting confirmation that he knew of this. He lowered down to whisper into Minato's ear.

"Does he know about the White Room" he asked.

"Sensei" Minato replied not bothering to hide his tone "Naruto is the ultimate prodigy of the White Room, he is ranked number 1" he said.

Jiraiya was completely stunned he looked at Naruto with a shocked expression.

"How long will this training trip of your take Naruto?" Minato asked.

"I will return the day of the Chunin Exams finals" he replied.

"Isn't that too late, you won't be able to get rest before your fight" Jiraiya chimed in.

"That won't be a problem, I am an Uzumaki from Kushina's side so I have large amounts of chakra and even more stamina" he said his comment a dig at his parents.

"Naruto, Jiraiya Sensei here gave me an idea earlier, he wants to train you for this upcoming month, so what do you say" Minato asked hopeful that his son would take the offer.

"Didn't you hear me I said I will be training with Aizen" Naruto re-stated his comment.

"Why would I want to train under him" Naruto said making Jiraiya a bit angry in the proces.

"Listen brat, you might be talented but don't let that go to your head, I am one of the most powerful people on the planet" he retorted.

"I am the future strongest what's your point, besides tell me what could you teach me" Naruto said.

"You are not a swordsman so you can not teach me Kenjutsu, your not a Genjutsu specialist, I rarely use hand to hand combat so you can't train me in Taijutsu, the only thing you can teach me is with the Toads, which I don't want to, so tell me Jiraiya of the Sannin what can you teach me?" He added

"The Rasengan" Jiraiya replied with a small checky smile on his face, Minato and Naruto were both taken off guard by Jiraiya's words.

"You would teach me the Rasengan before Menma and Narumi, are you sure about that" Naruto said a smile present on his face.

"Did I stutter?"

Naruto's smile widened further, "Very well, but only 2 weeks, I'll spend the other 2 weeks training with Aizen" he gave his answer.

Jiraiya sigh-ed "I guess I won't get a better deal off of you will I. Fine 2 weeks"

Minato smiled for the first time, he thought his sensei was acting strange but, he trusted him to take care of Naruto. So he didn't say anything.

"When do we leave?"

"Right now, oh and just so you know it will be a race till our training camp, so try to keep up, old man"

"I'll make sure you know, how to respect your elders"

And with that Minato watched them both vanish from his office running's straight toward the village gates.

"I wish I was a regular Shinobi again"