AN-1: Hello Good People, it has been a Very long while the last update but welcome to chapter Eight of our adventure with the finish of the mission to river country and push into the chunin exams. A little warning the first round of the exams will like the one in my story Dollmaker. I actually had written this a while and didn't realize I had this one finished and another nearly finished, so I may make a double upload to get an opinion on something. Now Let's Begin The Ruckus.
"Speaking"
シーンブレイク(Scene Break)
[..Pause ...Long Pause]
Flashback
Biju
Summons
-Chapter Eight-
*Land of Rivers - Katabami Mines*
Naruto says a silent prayer in front of a small grave for flora and her father with haku doing the same, "May you rest in Peace" he whispers, slowly rising to his feet. The sound of shunshin echoes as the pair look back to see mei and kaguya, "What happened" mei asks.
"An innocent little girl and her father lost their lives to Raiga's allies" haku says, sadly.
"What about you two" naruto says, rubbing under his nose.
"We encountered a few of Raiga's family but nothing major.. Though this sword is powerful.. I'm sure Yuri-sama will accept the Green April and Black March in place of the Kubikiribocho" mei says.
"You were the lucky ones" naruto says but kaguya pulls him into a hug.
"Don't blame yourself" kaguya says, running her hand up and down his back.
"She's right.. Blame Raiga and his group" mei says. Naruto pulls back from kaguya with a small sniffle, "Right... We should find the others and link back up with our Sensei" he says and all of them nod. The four continue on towards the magistrate's place with no issues but soon encounter a thick mist, "This is the Kirigakure no Jutsu" mei says.
"I hear fighting" kaguya says, before activating her Byakugan and sees nearly thirty people fighting against two.
"Konan and your teammate are in trouble" kaguya adds, quickly.
"Let's go then" mei says and they rush into the mist, as the mysterious men rush them. Naruto brings to vortex gaze and swings forward but his eyes narrow as he slices through the person, only for them to turn into mist and reform not away from him.
"Huh?!" naruto says. Another attacks from behind and he beheads him but again becomes mist, "Clones" naruto thought and weaves signs to bird, "Fūton: Toppa" he though, expelling a heavy gust of wind and blowing the mist away but not the people.
"Something is wrong" kaguya says, hitting her back to naruto. He sees konan, mei, haku and buntan fighting nothing with dazed looks on their faces.
"Genjutsu?!" naruto says.
"How Odd.. You aren't affected by my Dojutsu or my Chakra Ghost Technique" a voice says. Kaguya and naruto see a young man with a slightly feminine appearance having chin length purple hair parted in the middle and red eyes. He wears a light-purple shirt with black stripes on each side, a sash around his waist, a pair of dark pants and sandals.
"Who are you and what have you done?!" naruto says.
"My name is Ranmaru" the person says, his eyes glowing.
"Naru" kaguya shouts, grabbing by the back of his shirt and leaping as lava crashes where they were. Naruto sees the lava came from mei as they land but have to dodge paper bombs from konan, "He controlling them with his Genjutsu.. They must see us as those figures we saw" he says, parrying buntan with black march.
"We can't hurt them" kaguya shouts, bringing out her staff.
"Then we won't.. Kaguya corral them'" naruto says, setting his sights on ranmaru. Kaguya raises her staff as the four rush the pair and slams her staff down as vines burst from the ground, ensnaring the others and pulling them together as they struggle.
"Clever but futile" ranmaru says, his eyes glowing once again. Konan peels off a few slips of paper and they float to the heads of the others, "You monster" kaguya says.
"Perhaps but I am Lord Raiga's Monster" ranmaru says, as naruto finishes weaving signs to bird.
"Then meet a Real Monster.. Magen: Hunter's Moon" naruto says, as the world is bathed in a red moon and darkness. Ranmaru looks around as he is no longer near the magistrate's home but in front of a dark ocean, "Is this Genjutsu.. But it feels Real" he says, feeling the water pass over his sandals.
"For the Crimes of intending to do harm to what is Mine.. Prepare to face.. Him Who Lies Dreaming" naruto says, seemingly from everywhere. Ranmaru attempts to break naruto's genjutsu with his eyes but fails as he sees a massive and muscular arm burst from from the murky ocean. A second arm erupts next and this unease settles on top of ranmaru as the upper-body lifts out of the water. Its head is a pulpy, tentacled mass surmounted by a grotesque and scaly body with rudimentary wings.
"What in Kami's name?!" ranmaru says, with a shuddering breath as rot and decay assault his nose. The funk of centuries and this primordial horror spreads across the land. The entitiy leans forward as its red eyes bare a hole through ranmaru as cosmic horrors tears through him. Naruto watches ranmaru clutch his chest and collapse to never rise again, "Are they ok" he says, turning to kaguya.
"W-what happened?!" mei says but sees she is bound by green vines.
"You were under a Powerful Genjutsu" naruto says, as kaguya frees them and the others awaken. Kaguya and naruto get everyone up to speed as konan explains how they encountered ranmaru but fell victim to his unknown dojutsu, "He managed to enthrall us even if we were aware" konan says.
"No matter how many we struck down.. They wouldn't die" buntan says.
"Well the caster is dead now" naruto says, looking to ranmaru's body.
"We should find our Sensei" konan says.
"No need" zabuza says, appearing with yugao via shunshin.
"Are you all ok" yugao says.
"We are Sensei" naruto says and starts explaining things about tessai, zakuro and ranmaru but also flora and her dad's death. In turn zabuza explains about dealing with raiga and yugao getting the finishing blow, unfortunately the magistrate has been killed by raiga's gang. The two teams would have remain in town for a few days as the river lord sent a new magistrate, before both teams would say their goodbyes. Team-11 would return to konoha where minato would ask if yugao managed to secure some sort of alliance with kiri but nothing was hammered out. Another three months would go by in the blink of an eye as the time for the chunin exams would soon begin.
シーンブレイク
"What do you think the Chunin Exams will entail" kaguya says. She is wearing a red blouse and black high waist shorts to her mid-thigh having garter straps to thigh high black stockings and calf length boots that button-up the sides.
"One can wonder but all we know it is Team based" konan says. She is wearing a white dress shirt with a dark blue collar and matching mini-tie. A dark blue low-cut corset vest with high waist black pants and calf length boots that button-up the sides as well. Naruto flips a few pancakes as the others set the table, "Sensei kept things vague" he says. He's wearing dark cargo pants with his kingsglaive boots, a fitted white tank top having skull and chain designs on it. Lastly a faded black, 3/4-length, hooded leather coat with white interior linings and the insomnia flag emblazed on it laying on a chair. The three sit down breakfast and soon finish getting ready for the first round, "I can't wait for Kushina and Rebecca to get here.. Kushina will love Ichiraku Ramen" kaguya says. Naruto sets the security system for the house with a little shudder, "Yeah.. Their Ramen is good" he says. The village is very lively for the exams as ninja from foreign villages, visitors from a variety of countries were descending upon konoha.
"Think all the Major nations will be sending teams" konan says, seeing a few shinobi or kunoichi from kusa, taki and ame.
"Possible" naruto says.
"Look... It's Samui" kaguya says and points, "Samui" she shouts. The ice cool blonde turns and smiles as she sees team-11, "How Cool to see everyone.. You remember Omoi and Karui" she says. She is wearing a purple-black blouse with the purple as lightning bolts and gray cargo shorts, white thigh-highs with combat boots. Lastly a cobalt blue and black hoodie having white lightning bolts on with cobalt flames as well.
"Hey" karui says. She has long spiky red hair and amber eyes, wearing a long, short-sleeve dress with frilly edges complete with a kumo flak jacket, two simple yellow earrings, fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots with white soles and a hitai-ate like a bandanna.
"Hi" omoi says, offering them lollipops. He has short, spiky, white hair and dark eyes accentuated with eyelashes curving upwards from the corners. He wears a dark overlong shirt with a hood, with red bandage hand guards, kumo shin guards, and a black hitai-ate along with a kumo flak jacket.
"Are Kushina and Rebecca here" samui says, as the two teams head towards the academy.
"Not until the Finals or a few days before" naruto says. A few notice how comfortable team-yugito and team-11 were being but didn't voice their opinions, "Naruto Nox Fleuret" a voice declares, once they were near the academy. The two teams stop to see a konoha team or rather team-gai, "We'll go on ahead" samui says, leaving with her team.
"Can I help you Lee" naruto says, staring at the bowl-cut with his teammates neji and tenten.
"Why are associating with Kumo ninja" neji says, his pale eyes judging them. He's wearing a white kimono-shirt with long, loose sleeves, matching pants, a navy-grey apron tied around his waist and black shinobi sandals.
"We met Samui and her friends during our travels.. Your Point" naruto says.
"You were in Kumo" tenten says, the white brocades over her panda buns blowing. She wears a long-sleeve, high-collar white blouse with maroon edges, black fingerless gloves, low-heeled sandals and maroon, puffy hakama-style pants with the exposed parts covered in bandages.
"We traveled to many places" konan comments.
"We even saw a Volcano" kaguya adds, excitedly and liking the taste of her cherry lollipop.
"So if you don't have any point other than National Pride.. We'll go" naruto says.
"Wait a moment.. I wish to fight you Naruto" lee says, wearing a green jumpsuit with orange leg warmers and bandages on his hands to his elbows.
"Why do you wish to fight him now.. You refused to when we met for Kaguya to learn some of the Juken" konan says.
"She's right.. Fighting you now holds no value for me.. Now if you excuse us" naruto says. Team-gai watch them leave as neji glares at naruto but also kaguya, "Don't worry Lee.. You just need to make it to the Finals to face him" tenten says. Team-11 reach the academy as proctors were taking genin's entrance slips but also handing them numbers of one, two or three.
"What are the numbers for" kaguya asks, as they hand in their slips.
"You will be assigned a Floor for the First Round" one proctors curtly replies and hands each their nmber. Naruto gets three as konan gets one and kaguya two, "Splitting us up for the first round" he says, as they pass through the gates.
"Must be some sort of test... Well this is me" konan says, once they were inside and genin were milling about.
"Good Luck" naruto says, giving konan a soft hug and kaguya doing the same. Kaguya and naruto head up to the second floor and she says her good luck with a hug but adding a kiss to the cheek.
"What you think your Dad will put in your way" veldora says.
"We'll see but it won't stop me" naruto thought. He reaches his floor and the room is filled with single members of each team as he sees satsuki, ino, asuka, kiba, mei and omoi with a few others standing out as well. One in particular is a suna genin with dark spiky hair, small eyebrows and green eyes having red face paint. He wears a suna flak jacket, a brown full-body outfit that covers his throat and black calf-length shinobi sandals. Lastly a large black coat with a fur collar and the whole thing looks made of black sand. Another is a suna kunoichi with teal eyes and sandy blonde hair, gathered into four consecutive pigtails. She wears a purple long-sleeve blouse with a high collar under a grey top, a dark blue skirt with a split in the middle revealing her leggings and fingerless gloves. He also notices ino and kiba have no situational awareness as they were talking loudly, while many genin were glaring at them.
"Yo Nox" kiba shouts. Naruto internally sighs as the konoha rookies approach, "Hey Everyone" he says, seeing asuka glaring at him from a distance.
"So you have this floor" satsuki says and naruto nods, glancing to see someone watching them. He is a konoha genin with onyx eyes and ash-grey hair in a ponytail with black rimmed circular glasses. He wears a dark purple shirt with a high collar, a white under-shirt, and dark purple pants with a white cloth waistband and dark purple fingerless.
"You should keep it down" the genin says.
"Who are you?!" kiba snaps.
"My name is Kabuto Yakushi" the genin says and adjust his glasses, "And well I am your Senior.. So I have a word of advice.. You should be More aware of your surrondings" he adds.
"He's right" naruto says and the rookies see many genin looking at them with unease or anger.
"You said you are our Senior.. How many times have you've taken the exams" satsuki says.
"Well.. Seven times.. They are Not easy but I have gained some valuable information on the competition" kabuto says and pulls out some blank cards, "By channeling my chakra into these cards.. I can give you some Vital information" he adds.
"Anyone taking the exams" kiba says and kabuto nods, "Then how about Nox here" kiba adds.
"Is Nox your name" kabuto says, kneeling to one knee.
"Naruto Nox Fleuret" naruto says. Kabuto channels chakra into a blank card and it spins until information appears on it, "Let's see.. Naruto Nox Fleuret on Team-11 with Konan Atsuko and Kaguya Otsuki.. 1 D-rank.. 9 C-ranks and 1 B-rank.. Son of the Fourth Hokage and the Oracle Lunafreya Nox Fleuret" he says, getting a few murmurs as several hear naruto's info.
"How about him" kiba says, pointing to the suna shinobi. He approaches with the suna kunoichi, "My name is Shinki.. Tell me what you know" he says. Kabuto does the same again and shinki's info appears, "Shinki Yuto.. 25 D-rank.. 12 C-ranks and 4 B-rank.. Possesses the Jiton Kekkei Genkai" kabuto says and naruto's eyes narrow.
"He knows info from foreign villages that wouldn't be actively broadcasted" veldora says.
"How about Omoi Kawamoto" naruto says and omoi is about to speak but the blond covers his mouth, before kabuto does the same again about omoi.
"This screams a Spy but for who" veldora comments.
"Don't forget Oto.. You wannabe Genin" a voice shouts and all of them look left. A shinobi from oto is sneering at them with arrogance in his eyes. He has spiky, black hair and dark eyes, wearing a beige shirt with two black stripes and three prints of the kanji for death on the front. A snake-pattern scarf around his neck and matching pants with a happuri hitai-ate.
"Though Boorish.. Zaku is correct" a oto kunoichi says. She has fair skin, dark eyes and light blue hair in a spiky ponytail with long strands of hair framing her face. She wears a teal short kimono with a grey turtle neck and short sleeves having a jade-green rope belt around her waist, red shorts, light purple wrist bands and navy blue sandals. Kiba glares at the two oto ninja and was about to shut zaku up but several puffs of smoke erupt to reveal several dressed in gray uniforms.
"Fighting is not allowed.. So sit down and Shut up" one says and the genin take their seats with naruto next to satsuki.
"My name Mara and I am Proctor for the First Round of Chunin Exams" the lead proctor says and clears her throat, "The First Round is a written test... Now only teams with a combined score of 250-points will pass to the second round" mara says and pauses for effect, "Meaning each member Must score a minimum of 83-points" she adds, causing everyone to murmur. Naruto looks down at his paper as he touches his neck with his right hand and uses a litte magic, "Can you hear me" he thought.
"I can" konan relays.
"Same here" kaguya says.
"You heard the rules" naruto thought.
"It's a clever way to test one intelligence but also the trust in their teammates" konan relays.
"If you have an idiot on your team and they score poorly.. Your team fails" kaguya says.
"Alright.. You have one hour to complete your test and If you are caught cheating.. You and your team will be disqualified... Now Begin" mara declares and the test begins.
"However Eighty-three times Three is Two-Hundred and Forty-nine.. So even if your team scores the minimum.. You still fail.. So at least one has score Eighty-four or above to pass" naruto thought.
"And being on different floors.. You can't tell your teammates.. They even added this cheating aspect" veldora comments. Naruto looks around the room and sees many were starting to struggle on their tests, "The questions are not out of the wheel house of an Academy graduate.. However the pressure of your teammates potentially scoring too low is affecting some" he thought. He looks around the room and sees others subtly cheating in various ways under the watchful eyes of the proctors, "Good luck you two" naruto thought.
"Seems the temperature is changing subtly" veldora says, as naruto glances to see satsuki using her Sharingan. Slowly genin were being caught and escorted out by proctors as time ticks by. The time limit soon comes to an end as mara looks around the room as other proctors rise from their seats.
"I have an Addendum for this test" mara says and looks over the genin, "You don't have to do it... However know that if you do and fail this Addendum.. You will remain a Genin Forever" she declares, shocking many in the room.
"Are you serious?!" a genin shouts.
"Dead Serious.. Now again you don't have to take this Addendum.. That way you can take the next exam... So if you wish to forgo the Addendum.. Raise your hand" mara says, a smirk on her face and a gleam in her blue eyes. The tension begin to rise as genin question their choice to forgo and try again or attempt the addendum, risking the chance of being a genin forever. Mara looks around the room and sees a few cool genin like naruto or shinki, "Lord Yondaime's kid" she thought. A dozen or so genin refuse and are escorted out as this increases the pressure on those that remain.
"Anymore" mara declares and no one moves, "Then... You all passed" she says.
"We passed?!.. What do you mean?!" ino says.
"This First Round was a test of your resolve and trust of your teammates.. As we speak my fellow proctors are giving the same speech" mara says and clears her throat, "Now the Second Round will take place in Training Ground 44.. The proctors will guide you" she adds.
シーンブレイク
"So we have spend at most Five days inside" kaguya says. Team-11 were standing with the other genin as anko explains about the second round of survival but also having two armbands called heaven and earth, killing was allowed and waivers needed to be signed.
"Well we've survived worse" konan says, seeing anko slicing kiba's cheek and licking his blood. Naruto looks around the field of genin and the numbers have thinned some but the major teams were still in play.
"I sense my kin" veldora says and naruto looks around, seeing a redhead standing with his arms crossed by temari. He has raccoon like dark circles over his teal eyes, wearing long-sleeve crimson coat and full-length dark trousers. Over the coat is two buckle belts, a grey vest held in place by a single strap over his left shoulder and suna sandals.
"That's him alright" veldora says. Naruto and the redhead lock eyes for a moment and the latter's eyes promised death, "One doesn't compare to Nine though" naruto thought and veldora laughs loudly. He goes back to scanning the field and sees zaku with his team, both wearing snake-patterned clothes. One is a girl with long black hair having a purple bow and the other is a guy covered in bandages with a straw poncho. They were speaking to the other oto team and these three give off the air of seasoned dealers of death. The kunoichi didn't declare her name like zaku but clearly could boss him and his team around. The second of her team is tall with spiky orange hair and a gentle facade on his face but something lurks behind his red-orange eyes, his form hidden by a black cloak.
"But him.. He has my attention" naruto thought, a faint smile on his face. He clearly is the leader of the three with his vivid green eyes looking down on and through everyone, his shoulder-length white hair divided down the middle on his head with two separate partings on either side of his face and two red, tube-like hair ornaments on both sides. He is wearing a light lavender, loose-fitting, long-sleeve, zip-up shirt, black pants cut off around mid-calf, bandages wrapped around his ankles, traditional shinobi sandals and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow.
"Two possible targets of interest" naruto thought, following konan and kaguya to get their armband.
"That's him Kimimaro.. Guren" zaku says.
"Do we kill him in the forest" guren says.
"The contract specifically said in the Finals for all to see" kimimaro says.
"What about the Uchiha twins" zaku's teammate Dosu says.
"She's not bad looking" zaku's other teammate Kin says.
"They are off limits for now.. Lord Orochimaru has another target" guren says, glancing to a certain kusa team. Time ticks by as each team get their armband and are assigned to one of the various gates to enter the forest.
"Do we head for the tower quickly and ambush a team for a Earth armband" kaguya says.
"We'll see how things shake out" naruto says. A proctor unlocks the chain on the gate after they check their watch, "Five Minutes Genin" they say. The horn blares loudly and the gates open as teams rush inside the bleak forest, some with cruel intentions for some genin.
[Music: Escape the Fate - One For The Money]
It has been twenty minutes since team-11 have entered the forest but one could listen closely and they would hear the screams of other teams, "You two are lucky" kaguya says, her ears moving. Naruto raises his hand as he lands on branch and a lance forms, before leaping and flinging it forward with enough force to pierce through a tree into the stomach of an ame shinobi in a yellow jumpsuit, further pinning him to another tree.
"Bastard!" his teammates roar but one is dealt with by paper bombs and other by a delayed dropkick to cave in his chest.
"Another Heaven" konan says, after they check the three shinobi.
"We'll keep it on us in case we run into Samui" naruto says, before manifesting his sawed-off double barrel shotgun and firing up to create an explosion.
"Kekehaha.. Nice reflexes" a voice says. Naruto rests his rifle on his left shoulder as three iwa shinobi appear in front of them, all wearing the stock iwa uniform with either one or both sleeves.
"Can I help you" naruto says.
"We finally going to get revenge on the Yondaime by killing his son" one says, having a nondescript build. Naruto sighs with a shake of his head as he dispels his rifle, "Killing me won't solve your issues.. His Precious daughters are in this forest.. Go after them" he says, shooing them away.
"We kill you and then them" a second shouts, the largest of the three. Naruto sighs once again and slips off his coat with a toss to konan, "Want help" she asks.
"I can handle this on my own" naruto says, slipping on some black gloves. The first wastes no time and rushes naruto as the large one coats his arms in rocks, while the last digs their left hand in a pouch.
"Die" the first shouts swinging a left straight, shockingly creating an explosion that engulfs naruto. He cackles like a hyena but it dies in his throat as a shield is protecting naruto, "Ranton: Laser Arrow" naruto says, tearing through the chest the first with a storm arrow. Naruto dodges the second's rock fists to weave more signs and shoots his hands forward, "Ranton: Final Shine" naruto shouts, engulfing the second. This freezes the third from using his clay bomb as naruto appears with arm surging with lightning, "Raiton: Clothesline from Hell" naruto says, connecting a devastating clothesline to crush the last's windpipe.
"Good thing you didn't completely eviscerate them" kaguya says, checking the bodies for the earth armband and strike it rich as the last has it.
"Well let's head to tower" naruto says, taking his coat from konan and slipping it on.
"You sure" konan says.
"Yeah.. This is a big forest.. If we meet up on someone.. We'll deal with it" naruto says, as the three leave. A few minutes pass before team-10 emerge from the shrubbery, "Was that real?!" choji says. The three members of team-10 have just witnessed six genin be killed in manner of minutes and despite knowing deaths were involved, it was still a shock to the system. However for tsubaki it is recognition as she saw the coat naruto was wearing, "Could my rival Vortex Heart be Naruto Nox Fleuret" she thought. She had challenged the leader of the vortex royals on several occasions and failed each time but it inspired her to attempt to add the skills of a ninja to her repertoire.
"What will we do Ino" tsubaki asks.
"We avoid Naruto's team and try to find a Earth armband.. Also try to survive in this Damn forest" ino says. In another part of the forest azula screams and clutches her shoulder as a three comma mark forms, "KuKuKu.. I do hope you enjoy my Gift Princess Azula" orochimaru says, tittering and looking to a downed asuka and hinata. [song ends]
シーンブレイク
About an hour passes since the beginning of the second round and team-11 were taking a break after dealing with some large leeches, "How much further to the tower" naruto asks, spinning a valiant pistol in his hand. Kaguya is in a high tree with her Byakugan active as konan is sitting on naruto's shoulders, "Still about Three Kilometers away" kaguya says.
"If we make there by the end of the day.. I wonder if we can go back into the forest or have to remain the Tower" konan says.
"Not sure.. I hope they have decent food" naruto muses, squeezing her thighs as konan snorts but taps his head.
"Stop enjoying my thighs" konan says.
"Well.. Well.. Well.. Look who it is" zaku says, landing in front of naruto and konan with dosu and kin landing beside him. Kaguya lands next to naruto and konan as she hops off him as a small stand-off begins to make itself known, "We don't have to fight.. We have a extra Heaven Armband" kaguya says.
"Fuck you Rabbit.. Better yet Fuck me instead.. You Fucking Animal" zaku says. A chill goes up dosu and kin's spine as naruto slowly rises to his feet, "You must be tired of living Zaku.. If you decided to not only suggest my Girlfriend have sex with you.. However most egregious is calling her a fucking animal" naruto says, coldly. Zaku raises his hands forward with a wide grin on his face as they open to reveal small openings in his palms, "She will and is.. Zan..." he shouts but suddenly he's looking at his body from a flipped perception as dosu and kin have moved. Dosu swings his melody arm towards naruto but kaguya hits him with a dropkick, sending him into a tree as konan surrounds kin in paper but leaves room for her to breath.
"I-I can barely breath" dosu thought, struggling to sit up.
"Now then.. Some time ago I passed through the Land of Sound and several Mercs tried to kidnap me for their Master" naruto says and points vortex pain, "You are going to tell me Who that is" he adds.
"I-I-I don't know" dosu says, the bandage around his mouth turning red.
"You don't know or you refuse to tell me.. Meaning this Master is powerful to inspire such fear" naruto says and looks to kin, "How about you.. Want to answer my question" he adds. Kin couldn't see naruto's face but the Ki he is leaking is palpable, "I-if I tell you.. W-will you spare me" she says.
"You have my word" naruto says, as konan removes the paper from her face.
"I-it's O-orochimaru" kin says, before suddenly her body seizes and blood starts to tickle from every orifice. Konan release kin and she falls limply to ground with a wide eyed stare as naruto grips his sword, "Could it be?!" he says.
"Curse Magic.. Lady Crowe told me about it.. It can be used to keep secrets.. She may not have known" kaguya says, kneeling to close kin's eyes.
"So Orochimaru knows Curse Magic or has a Mage in his forces" naruto says, turning back to dosu but he has already passed on. Naruto dispels his sword and kneels to turn kin on her back before placing her hands on her stomach, "We'll bury her.. She deserves that" he says and both nod, as konan uses her paper to cover kin's body before naruto seals her away. Team-11 would leave dosu and zaku to the beasts of the forest to make the last legs to the tower, the sun has already set on their arrival as one of the Anbu greets them with a weasel mask and black hair in a low ponytail.
"Congratulation on making it" weasel says.
"Are we one of the first" kaguya asks.
"No unfortunately.. Both Suna Teams have arrived" weasel says.
"Can we return to the forest.. Now that we have arrived" konan asks.
"No.. Teams will have to remain inside the tower" weasel says and all three slowly nod. Another Anbu escorts them inside and shows them the mess hall or medical room if needed and their rooms for now.
"You two take the bed.. I'll take a sleeping bag" naruto says.
"We can all fit in one bed.. We can keep out hands to ourselves" kaguya says, giggling and naruto sighs. Team-11's time in the tower is a quiet one as teams would reach the tower in staggering rates with samui's team arriving around mid-day on the second day. Naruto uses the stairs for exercise as the suna teams avoid the other teams but the blond would get glimpses of them. Konoha's rookies and team-gai would trickle in the same with kimimaro's team but it was during the night of the fourth day did naruto get a rude awakening. Loud knocking echoes outside naruto's room and snaps the blond awake from a very erotic dream. He was having sex orgy with a very much older kaguya having brown horns and a third eye, his aunt tsunade, shizune, anko and even the girl from team-gai but also they were all vampires.
"Good thing there were no Nocturnal Emissions" veldora says, as naruto grumbles escaping from between konan and kaguya. Naruto opens the door to kakashi with a serious look on his hidden face, "Follow me" kakashi says.
"Why" naruto says.
"Now Genin" kakashi says, seriously. Naruto grabs a some pants and follows kakashi to one the upper rooms of the tower, "What is this about" naruto asks but kakashi says silent. Soon kakashi opens a door and naruto sees a seated minato inside with a concerned look on his face, "Come in Naruto" minato says.
"What do you want" naruto says, hands in his pockets as he enters.
"I need your help.. Azula is in danger" minato says and naruto tilts his head, "I know you removed Anko Mitarashi's Curse-mark... I need you to do the same for Azula" he adds, looking his son in the eye. A tense silence fills the room but naruto breaks it with a snort into a laugh, "Are you serious" he says.
"Show some respect to your Hokage" kakashi says. Naruto glances back to kakashi and back to his old man with a point, "All my life I was a disappointment to him.. His Son could Only do wrong but his Precious daughters could do No wrong... Yet now he need me" naruto says.
"Naruto.. She could die" minato says.
"Aren't you and your Sensei not a Seal Masters.. Why do you need me.. Is it because I have a skill you want to exploit" naruto says.
"Sealing it away and waiting for Jiraiya-sensei will do her no good.. When you can simply remove it like Anko" minato says.
"Speaking of Anko.. Why didn't you remove it for her.. I'm sure you both studied it but she still had it" naruto says but minato remains silent, "Is it because you didn't Trust her.. She was Orochimaru's apprentice.. So she had to Earn her freedom" he adds.
"Naruto" minato says, with a bit of edge to his tone.
"You want me to save your Daughter.. When you always refused save your Son... To you I was nothing but an afterthought.. A reminder of what could have been I guess but Now I am useful to you.. You want me to save your daughter.. I have No obligation to help Azula.. You and your Sensei can do it" naruto says.
"I am Ordering you to remove the Curse-mark from Azula" minato says.
"I refuse" naruto says and kakashi grabs him by the front to his shirt. Naruto locks eyes with the lone eye of kakashi, "Let me go Hatake" naruto says, coldly but kakashi ignores him and reaches for his hitai-ate.
"Kakashi!" minato says and kakashi lets the blond go, "Naruto.. I can pay you for your services of helping Azula" he adds.
"Give me my Inheritance" naruto says.
"I can't Naruto.. There are rules in place" minato says.
"Then you have my answer... Now I am going back to bed" naruto says and turns on his heels but stops at the door, "One more thing Lord Yondaime.. I know this isn't an Ideal situation but to uphold certain ideals.. You have to accept less than ideal outcomes for those who don't deserve it.. The village Must come before Everything.. Even Family" he adds, leaving.
"Sensei.. He's committing treason.. He should be stripped of his rank and locked up" kakashi says. Minato clenches his fist in anger and rises to his feet, "Kakashi.. Seal the Curse-mark and inform the Anbu to find Orochimaru at all cost" he says and vanishes in a yellow flash.
"You sure it is wise to try and piss him off" veldora says.
"Maybe it is childish but the Nerve of that man.. If it was someone other his Daughter.. He wouldn't blink at all" naruto says. The last day of the second round ends with no real fanfare as thirty-six survivors were in large arena having a balcony around the length with a small raised section having a pair stone arms in the ram-sign. Minato is giving a speech about the real reason for the chunin exams and them being a substitute for war but also pride for one's country. How the finals will be a multi day affair and only half of them would be able to participate, meaning preliminary matches would have to happen to fill the final's field and one of them would be fighting two matches back to back in the finals.
"Now I will turn things over to Anko and the board above to choose the prelim matches" minato says, looking to azula. The hokage's princess looks exhausted from the sealing and her experiences in the forest but she would persevere, his gaze also drifts to his son and his anger would rise. He never hated his son but a hate has been born as he now sees naruto similar to cersei's view of him, "The Odds will be against you Naruto.. Even if you think have Lord Ieyasu as an ally" minato thought, moving to the balcony above the stone arms. The board cycles through the names comes to halt on kankuro and misumi, "Alright.. Everyone head to the balcony.. Kankuro.. Misumi.. You two stay" anko declares.
"The rules of the Forest still apply but if I call a stop.. You Stop" anko adds and both nod. The match between the pair is boring affair as misumi shows a skill of unlocking his joints to capture kankuro but fails to realize he switched with a puppet. Kankuro took the victory by poisoning misumi with his poison needles from his puppet. The next match is equally nonstellar as temari faces tenten but it is a grossly mismatched clash as the latter relies on her weapons but could not pierce the former's wind technique. The match ends with tenten landing back first on temari's large war fan and lee coming to aid his teammate, allowing temari to mock them both about tenten's weakness.
"Looks like I am first" konan says, seeing her name and asuka of all people.
"Try not to hurt her too bad" naruto says. Konan makes down the stairs as asuka does the same as many of the konoha rookies were whispering about this fight, even a few of the jonin were as well.
"Who do you think will take this" asuma says.
"Konan is a relative unknown but Asuka has been trained by some of the best" kurenai says, glancing to roki.
"Let the match Begin" anko declares. Asuka immediately backpedals several steps but tosses a few shuriken as she does and konan parries them away with paper shuriken of her own. A few slips of paper peel away from konan's body and form butterflies as she sends them forth while asuka counters with kunai and weaving signs, making them multiply to take down the butterflies.
"Kami Shigure" konan says, spreading her arms apart and firing paper in rapid succession. Asuka swaps with a log and weaves signs to hare, "Suiton: Mizurappa" she says, before firing a jet of water. Konan backflips several times to avoid the water as asuka lands in a crouch but sprints forward into a four-piece combo to put konan on the backfoot. Asuka sends a left but konan catches it and counters with her own that asuka catches into a test of strength. Azula watches her twin sister attempt to overpower konan as this voice whispers dark thoughts, "Don't lose to one of Them Asuka" azula thought. Konan frees one of hands and connects with a gut shot that sends asuka staggering back several steps but she quickly recovers, clutching her left arm as a spiraling orb forms in her hand.
"What's that?!" sakura declares.
"The Rasengan.. Signature of Lord Yondaime" kakashi says. Asuka rushes forward and shoots the orb forward, "Rasengan" she declares, slamming it into konan's chest and seemingly attaining victory but konan explodes into paper.
"Shikigami no Mai" konan says, swirling around asuka and suddenly trapping her. Asuka falls back as konan reforms with a lance of paper, "Surrender" konan says, coldly with only half her face formed.
"I-I Yield" asuka says, between gritted teeth. Konan releases asuka as anko declares her the winner but could see the heated glare from azula but also roki.
"You won" kaguya says, once konan reaches them.
"And pissed of my sister and one of my dad's lap dogs" naruto muses. A few proctors clean up the water left by asuka as kankuro makes his way towards naruto's team, "Nice match" kankuro says, with a similar eye-smile to kakashi. Naruto ignores kankuro's fishing and sets his sight on kimimaro's team across from his own, his eyes closed as nothing seems to piqué his interest and his large friend next to him with a calm facade. Among the genin only he, kaguya, konan, kimimaro, his large friend, guren, shiniki and gaara were genin in name only. Samui could be in this conversation but he has yet to see her fight. The time comes for the next match and it is a lackluster affair as satsuki faces yoroi, showing of his ability to siphon chakra through his hands. Satsuki manages to avoid his hands for the most part and striking with fluid but fast strikes, even when he manages to grab her arm. She pulls off an enzquiri kick to his head with enough force to knock him out.
"Kukuku.. Though short.. She is quite skilled.. I would prefer Sasuke but attaining his sister to Breed me a veritable army of Uchiha is more preferably" the disguised orochimaru thought. The board cycles again to land on azula and sakura as the princess of konoha smirks, "Watch and Learn Sister" azula says, as she would confidently crush the civilian girl. Sakura makes her way down and she is weary to face azula the former kunoichi of the year but also daughter of the hokage.
"Begin" anko says. Azula makes the first move and closes the gap with a five-piece combo and sakura manages to block two as three connect with her face and stomach. Sakura staggers back a few steps into a back jump and tosses a few shuriken but azula parries them with a kunai. The dark voice in the back of her mind is telling her to crush the weakling before her and azula obliges by picking up her speed. Sakura tries to block the furious assault but azula is relentless and this is worrying to her teammates but also ino.
"Argh!" sakura cries, as azula breaks her nose and several drops of blood hit the floor. Azula slams a hard kick to sakura's stomach to throw her back as she weaves signs into an inhale, "Katon: Haisekishō" azula thought and spews a light ash cloud to engulf sakura, before igniting it with her teeth. Many gasp as the cloud explodes into a fire plume and tosses sakura out with several burns to her body as she comes to a halt.
"Sakura?!" sasuke shouts, leaping down and rushing to her side followed by his sister.
"Hehe.. Perhaps you should have trained your Pet Better Sasuke" azula sneers. Sasuke is about to spring to his feet but kakashi appears to stop him as medical ninja rush to collect sakura as azula walks off. Naruto looks to minato and sees the man is more concerned for azula than sakura who was nearly killed by her.
"Your sister is very Cruel" kaguya says.
"She can be and No one curbs it at all" naruto says. Sakura is quickly taken away as the board cycles through to sasuke and choji, who immediately forfeits at the look on sasuke's face and goes check on sakura as then the board cycles to the next match of samui and kiba.
"Yahoo.. It's our turn" kiba crows. Samui makes her way down with her swords across her lower back and a slight glance to naruto, "Watch me.. You too Konan and Kaguya.. Joker is going to win this" she thought.
"You're Pretty Hot" kiba says. Samui levels a icy look on her face as she draws her katana, "Thank you but my Eyes are up here" she says, pointing up. The katana gleams with a round guard akin to a lightning bolt and its hilt white and icy blue.
"Don't worry.. Once I beat you.. I'll take you on a date" kiba declares. Konan and kaguya immediately glance to naruto as anko calls for the match to begin but the blond shakes his head, "Kiba may be a Perv but he won't give Samui a run for her money" he thought.
"Beast Mimcry: All Fours Jutsu" kiba says, as his teeth and nails grow sharper.
"He's similar to Big Sister Yugito" samui thought. Kiba rushes forward into several furious swipes as samui blocks with her sword having minor sparks erupting from each blow but samui manages to cut kiba a few times.
"Raiton: Lightning Whip" samui says, after a back leap and swinging down. Kiba narrowly dodges the white lightning whip, "Akamaru.. I'm going to need you Bud" he says and tosses akamaru a pill, causing the pup to turn red and become a clone of kiba.
"She's capable of White Lightning?!" minato thought and a few others were thinking the same. Samui shifts her stance with her sword forward and her legs slightly bent as her opponents leap into swirling tornados, "Gatsūga" kiba shouts. Samai manages to dodge as they crash into the ground but akamaru is on her with rapid swipes and parries him away as kiba rejoins the fray.
"Kiba has her on the backfoot" konan says.
"For now" naruto says. Kiba and akamaru go for another gatsūga but samui springs into action by going for the ninken, "Raiton: Lightning Whirlwind" she declares, creating a white whirlwind and hitting akamaru.
"Akamaru?!" kiba shouts, seeing his partner on the ground and rushes to him but samui get in his path to hit him with the flat side of her sword.
"Raiton: Static Burst" samui says and knocks kiba out with a burst of white lightning.
"Winner Samui Nii" anko declares and medics come to collect kiba and akamaru. The next three matches go in quick succession as ino faces mei and the lava user bests the blonde with her new sword and superior skills. Tsubaki and karui have a very spirited sword bout as both show off their skills with the sword having tsubaki edging out a victory with a double iaido using sword and sheath. Kabuto forfeits before even facing kimimaro so his skills were protected from being seen and keep them from being known.
"Finally" naruto says, seeing his name on the board with neji.
"Be careful" kaguya says, taking his coat.
"She's right.. He might have standing orders" konan whispers. Naruto nods and makes his way down as neji does he says but the blond's gaze is on his father, "He hopes the Hyuga puts me in my Proper place" naruto thought, slipping his hands in his pockets.
"This will be interesting" asuma says.
"Show him your Power of Youth" lee shouts.
"He is the son of the Yondaime and is quite skilled.. I wonder if he will use his Hunter's Moon Genjutsu" kurenai says.
"Hunter's Moon" kakashi says.
"It's a special Genjutsu created by him and Kaguya.. It is Very real" kurenai says. Naruto and neji stare each down with as anko calls a begin to the match, "You should give up.. Fate has chosen Me as the victor" neji says.
"Fate" naruto says.
"Yes.. Winners and Loser are chosen a birth and one can no escape Fate" neji says, activating his Byakugan with a ram sign. Naruto smiles and leans little forward with his hands in his pockets, "And I must be Loser huh?!... However I am the Son of the Hokage.. I have the blood of Kings from my Mom.. So we'll see how your Fate deals with that" he says. Neji shifts into his juken stance and naruto remains in his hand-pocket stance as many genin were on bated breath, before naruto makes the first move of a thrust like strike with his right hand as neji narrowly parries it away. Naruto follows with a flurry of left jabs and neji parries each but a sour look forms as sees the blond's tenketsu points were not closing.
"What's the matter.. Not winning as easily as you thought" naruto says, before neji's head snaps back from what looks like one blow. However in actuality it was an uppercut into a overhand strike as neji staggers back several steps with stars on his eyes.
"The transition between blows was so fast" satsuki says, her Sharingan active.
"That was two punches?!" kurenai says.
"It was Seamless transition" kakashi says, a little anger bubbling to the surface and the same could be said for naruto's sisters but also hinata as well. Neji shakes himself back in time to dodge a left straight from naruto and counters into a quick strike to his left shoulder but again the blond's tenketsu points do not close.
"I was saving this for the Finals but I will need to use it" neji thought, back leaping to put some distance between them.
"Ranton: Laser Circus" naruto says, firing several laser beams as he links his hands together. Neji grits his teeth and spins on his heel to create a dome chakra as hinata's eyes widen, "He knows a Main House Technique?!" she thought.
"What is that?!" temari says.
"Don't know but it blocked his Jutsu" shinki says. Neji come to a halt and naruto is closing the gap but quickly shifts with one arm forward and the other back, "You have entered my Field of Divination" neji says and shoots forward, "Hakke Rokujūyon Shō" he declares, before striking to close naruto's sixty-four tenketsu points.
"Two palm.. Four palm.. Eight palm.. Sixteen palm.. Thirty-two palm.. Sixty-four palm" neji recites, as he strikes the blond and pushes him back. Hinata clenches her fist on the verge of breaking skin, "He even knows the Hakke Rokujūyon Shō too" she hisses. Azula and asuka were enjoying each strike naruto is taking but more so azula as finally her fool of a brother would taste defeat. Neji goes for the final strike to finish naruto off as his arms drop and strike his chest but blond grabs his hand to the shock of many.
"I have Nothing bad to say about that attack.. Against Anyone else it would succeed but again Us.. Well it comes up short" naruto says, pulling neji into a knee strike to the gut. The hyuga scion staggers back with spittle coming from his mouth as naruto closes the gap in a lowered stance but weaving in a infinity symbol as neji barely gets up a guard before naruto slams punch after punch in a swaying motion. Neji's guard cracks open and the punches hit his face unmolested until one sends him crashing to the ground.
"Winner Naruto Nox Fleuret" anko declares. Naruto looks down a neji with a sigh but then to his father, "I have become someone You will Never be able to Ignore" he thought. Medics quickly come for neji and to get medical attention as the remaining genin talk amongst themselves.
"He used the Kyubi's chakra to keep his Tenketsu Points open" minato thought.
"He didn't show much" mei says.
"Maybe he didn't have to.. One Jutsu and everything else Taijutsu" haku says and looks to hinata, seeing the simmering rage on the heiress' face.
"Mother's wants to taste his Blood" gaara whispers, a predatory grin on his face.
"Mendokusei.. Naruto is skilled enough to overcome the Juken.. That only makes him harder to beat" shikamaru says.
"Kukuku.. I wonder how he'll do against Kimmimaro.. Dear.. Dear Cersei wants him dead quite badly" orochimaru thought, also thinking cersei may revoke their deal once she learns azula has been marked. The board begins to cycle around and lee is starting to get agitated as he has yet to fight, "Please let it be me to fight next" lee says, but his hopes were dashed as shikamaru and yodo were chosen.
"Mendokusei.. I have to fight a Girl" shikamaru says. Yodo simply pops a bubble of gum as she makes her way down with her headphones over her ears and her eyes closed. She has long blonde hair to her thighs and wears a dark red full-body suit, under a lavender jacket with a large hood, black gloves with bandages around her ankles and right thigh.
"Begin" anko declares. Shikamaru immediately uses his shadow paralysis but yodo dodges as the shadow extends, when that doesn't work he switches to tossing kunai and again yodo dodges with ease.
"Mendokusei.. She's moving around too much" shikamaru thought.
"Are you done" yodo says, pulling her hood down. She grabs her hair and whips it forward to create a sonic boom to the shock of many as shikamaru covers his ears, "High-frequency sound" shikamaru thought, his shirt being torn as he is pushed back. Yodo fires another one as shikamaru moves right and tosses a smoke bomb to extend his shadow once again, adding in two feints but she dodges.
"You two are lucky" kaguya says, holding her ears down.
"High pitched sound with her hair.. That's impressive" naruto says.
"It's sound.. You managed to dodge even inside the cloud and your headphones are gone.. You have sensitive hearing like Kaguya Otsuki.. You can notice even subconscious movements" shikamaru says, before trying some explosive notes.
"One more" yodo says, whipping her hair and destroying them enough that they explode. However shikamaru takes advantage of this as yodo struggles to look down, "He used the explosion to hide his movements" she thought, as shikamaru points a kunai.
"I-I yield" yodo says, as he releases her.
"Impressive of him to overcome Yodo" shinki says.
"Seems so" temari says. The next matches were rapid succession as shinki defeats omoi as he literally talks himself out of facing the suna shinobi. Buntan manages to overcome shino's kikaichu with her ration by becoming a walking bug zapper. Hinata easily defeats araya by deciphering the puppeteer is using a puppet version of himself to fight due to a case of stage fright.
"Finally my turn" kaguya says, as lee cries a fountain of tears. Her opponent jugo makes his way down as naruto whispers something to kaguya and his calm facade slowly fades as the two are now face to face, "You two ready... Begin" anko says. Jugo tosses off his cloak to reveal black pants and a purple robe with ripped sleeves but he slowly starts laughing, his skin slowly turns darker and his eyes a pale gold.
"Hahahaha.. Sorry Little Bunny but I have to hurt you" jugo says, more mania in his tone. He blitzes forward as kaguya weaves signs to tiger, "Suiton: Suijinheki" she thinks, spewing a wave of water to slow him down and chains more signs, "Raiton: Kangekiha" she adds, electrifying the water. Jugo hisses in rage as he lands in a crouch away from kaguya but flexes his right arm as it changes before everyone's eyes with spiky growths and an axe.
"Freaky.. How's he doing that" ino says.
"A Kekkei Genkai of some kind" asuma says, as jugo rushes kaguya with a few wild swings but the demihuman dodges. Kaguya slams her fists together and a pair of segemented gauntlets form up to her elbows, allowing her to block jugo's downward blow as the ground spiderweb under her boots.
"Hahaha.. Struggle Little Bunny" jugo says as more his skin darkens and sclera turns black, with a black stripe forming from the middle of his forehead and down the bridge of his nose. Kaguya uses her legs with enough force to send his arms up and allowing her slam a front dropkick to his chest, sending flying back a few feet and this gives team-10 some flashbacks. Jugo touches his chest and sees an indention of her boots, "Hahaha.. Not Bad Little Bunny" he howls, as his hands gain claws and six jet booster-like appendages erupt from his back.
"I'll Kill you" jugo shouts, his voice changed and more insane.
"Will Jugo be able to keep his head" guren says.
"I'll handle him" kimimaro says but she wasn't so sure. Kaguya shoots forward into a leaping whirlwind kick but jugo gets one of his arms up to block as he skids a little, "It is like a steel beam" she thinks and dodges a downward blow from him. He swings another sweeping blow as kaguya leaps over and slams her hands on the ground for a hurricane kick but it has no effect on jugo.
"Hahaha.. What's wrong Little Bunny.. These kicks are tickling" jugo says. Kaguya lowers her stance and rockets forward into a leaping bicycle kick that staggers jugo as she raises her hands, "Shard Buckshot" she shouts, firing numerous crystalline shards. This intrigues guren as it looks similar to her own crystal release, "Is that this Magic you spoke about" she says.
"It is.. Naruto knows it as well.. His mother was known as the Oracle Healer from Niflheim" the disguised orochimaru says. Jugo crashes into a wall from kaguya's combination as she reaches him but suddenly raises her hands to create a checkered green barrier as jugo unleashes a blast of chakra from the appendages on his back. The force of the attack sends kaguya crashing back as jugo cackles, "Nice block Little Bunny" he howls, shooting forward. Kaguya fires more buckshot shards but jugo powers through with a fist surging forward and she manages to get her arms up to block, sending her flying back as she catches herself into a weave of signs to tiger.
"Suiton: Mizuame Nabara" kaguya thinks, unleashing a burst of viscous water and jugo's legs get caught as he crashes to his knees. Jugo roars and struggles to free himself as he seems to morph more but kaguya brings out her staff, "Temple of Morpheus" she says, as hazy blue glow erupts. Jugo's eyes roll back in his head and crashes as his body reverts to normal, "Jugo is unable to continue.. Winner Kaguya Otsuki" anko declares.
"Kukuku.. She managed to overcome Jugo.. Perhaps I should acquire her" orochimaru thought. Kimimaro collects jugo as the genin talk amongst themselves as lee prays to kami to be next but by the process of elimination is in his favor.
"I won" kaguya says, reaching her teammates. Naruto open his arms and kaguya goes in or a hug with a kiss to her forehead, "Yeah you did" he says.
"You were right.. He was brimming with Natural Chakra" kaguya says. Naruto looks to the downed jugo with a sigh, "Good thing it was you facing him.. He might have killed someone from the rookie teams" he says.
"Yosh!.. It's my Turn" lee shouts, fire in his eyes. His opponent gaara simply sand shunshins to the arena floor and lee joins him immediately, slipping into his goken stance with a serious look as anko calls for the match to begin. Lee catches the cork of gaara's gourd with a smirk as sand pours out, "You are quite Cheeky" lee says and rushes forward into a lead hurricane. However gaara's sand blocks the kick and surges forth forcing lee to dodge with somersault into a skid as the sand retreats seemingly on its own. Shino and the members of his team each remember how gaara killed three ame shinobi with seemingly alive sand.
"Is it a sand manipulating Jutsu.. It won't be easy to get through.. However nothing ventured nothing gained" lee thought. He rushes gaara again as the sand reacts to his various strikes of kicks, knees, elbows and punches. It attacks thim from behind and forces lee to draw a kunai to slice as and dodge with several rolls, even reacting to him throwing shuriken from behind.
"Is Shukaku helping Gaara or is it something else" naruto thought, hearing kankuro telling satsuki about the sand and gaara never being hurt.
"Possible.. However He's a bit crazed and really won't readily help.. So it could be something else" veldora says. The sand manages to catch lee by the leg and tosses him into a wall but misses him as lee closes the gap with several punches.
"He can't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu" kaguya hears from gai, "So he wanted to face you with Just Taijutsu" she says.
"Taijutsu can overcome others.. Might Gai's father Might Dai defeated a few of The Seven Swords of Mist" naruto says.
"It's a stain on our history" mei comments.
"My Scumbag brother managed to survive.. Same with Biwa" buntan adds.
"Still only Hand to Hand.. Most will keep their distance" karui says and shuts up omoi before he can speak. Lee continues to try and penetrate gaara's defense to no avail, even slipping on the sand and dodging at the last moment to land on the stone hands.
"Alright Lee.. take them Off" gai shouts and lee's eyes widen.
"Are you sure Gai-sensei?!.. You only said to do that as a Last resort" lee says but gai gives him a thumbs up. Lee smiles and sits cross legged to remove his leg warmers, revealing leg weights on both his legs before taking them off.
"A bit Old fashioned" naruto says but his eyes widen as the weights crash to the ground with a large dustup, covering his mouth from laughter. Many present were shocked by the amount of weight but more so as lee's speed has increased tenfold, shocking gaara as the sand could not keep up. Lee cracks gaara across the face and sends him crashing to the ground to the shock of the suna ninja.
"So he focused solely on Taijutsu.. It would be interesting to face him" naruto thinks. Lee connects with an axe kick to gaara's face and staggering him back, "No way.. Gaara's being injured" temari says, something the other suna ninja were thinking. Gaara crashes to the ground from another leaf hurricane as lee holds his goken stance, while gaara slowly rises but lee gasps as gaara has a wide grin on his face as sand breaks from his face and his eyes wild.
"Huh?!" lee thought.
"I knew it.. I could tell he was getting unstable as time passed" temari says, as the sand reforms his blank face. Lee slowly loosens the bandages on his hands before ramping up his speed into several revolutions around gaara, culminating in a series kick to lift them several feet off the ground and away from gaara's sand. Lee winces in pain and closes his eyes for moment before wrapping his bandages around gaara, "Omote Renge" lee declares, slamming gaara into the ground. Everyone watches in anticipation as lee lands with deep breaths and dust cloud dissipates to reveal gaara laying motionless in the crater.
"Did he win?!" ino says. Anko makes her way to the crater as gaara slowly breaks down into sand to the shock of many as lee's eyes flicker.
"An Empty shell.. When?!" ino says.
"It was the moment Lee closed his eyes in pain" kakashi says. Gaara slowly rises with ominous chuckling and forms a ram sign as more sand raises.
"Seems Shukaku is influencing him more and more" veldora says. The sand lashes out and sends lee flying as he struggles to move due to the effects of the omote renge, his body trembles and gaara takes advantage with a predatory grin as his sand forms a wave. The wave sends lee crashing into the wall and further lashing him to kick up a lot of sand, "He's toying with him now" kankuro says, seeing his brother licking his lips. The dust slowly clears away to show lee on one knee with his hands outstretched in front him and looking worse for wear. Gaara sends his sand forth to grab lee by his limbs to the horror of the konoha rookies but team-11 and the horror of gai, "Now then.. Sand..." gaara says.
"Enough.. I'm calling the Match" anko declares but gaara doesn't listen. However suddenly the sand is severed from gaara's control by a certain blond with the katana of the warrior, "All that sand must clog your ears.. The proctor has called the match" naruto says, his sword resting on his shoulder.
"N-naruto" lee says, on his knees. Gaara glares at naruto as shukaku howls to kill veldora, "The mood has passed.. Though I look forward to killing you Kyodai" gaara says, reforming his sand shield and returning his team. Naruto shunshins back to his team as medics come for lee as the konoha teams and jonin give a few looks but don't say anything. The last match of the prelims is guren and haku with both showing off their hyoton and shoton respectively. Guren would take the victory by using several dirty tricks but also showing it was no easy feat to overcome her crystals. Anko calls the eighteen finalists or seventeen as sasuke is with sakura as minato gives another speech how the finals would in one month, allowing foreign daimyo and dignitaries time to arrive.
"Your opponent will revealed one week before and which day of the First two days you will be fighting.. Lastly as I said.. One of you will fighting twice.. Among the Eighteen of you.. The one I believe can handle this task is... Naruto I believe you can handle it" minato says and gets a few looks, "Foreign teams will be allocated hotels and Training Grounds to use for the duration" he adds, before dismissing them.
"Payback for not saving his daughter" veldora says.
"Probably.. No Matter I'll defeat who I must" naruto thought, glancing to kimimaro.
"You have the short end of the stick" konan says.
"Always" naruto muses, seeing gai approaching.
"Naruto" gai says and bows at the waist, "Thank you for saving Lee" he adds. Naruto ruffles his blond locks with a sigh, "Not a problem.. He wants to fight me and I want to fight him too.. Besides it was the right thing to do" he says.
つづく
AN-2: I'll end things here with the chunin exams first two rounds over with the finalists and naruto facing two foes back to back. The finals will span four to five days allowing konoha to make some money. I hope you enjoyed the fights and the exams so far and next chapter will continue on until the finals, also kushina and rebecca arrive in konoha with the vortex royals completely together. Lastly as you see Azula has the curse-mark and a plan is formulated for it. Thank you for your support and as always Stay Frosty. Byeeee!