AN: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters.
Undisclosed location, far away from the Land of Fire
"You wish to bargain?"
"I have not come here to bargain. I have come here to strike a deal."
"Careful with your tone merchant."
It was the apprentice.
"I am no common trader. I am Gato. Emperor of the biggest crime ring in all the Elemental Nations!"
"Yet still a civilian."
"The point is I can help you. Will you accept my help?"
"Oh. You can help my Lord? How is that?"
"Your master has made no secret of the hatred he possesses for his former home. One that has recently caused me enormous losses."
"To the point of destitution" he added.
Gato breathed in. He hated annoying young punks.
"Semantics aside, we have a common enemy. What was the saying?"
"The enemy of my enemy is an ally."
"Indeed. Why not come to an agreement advantageous to both of us?"
"Present your terms."
"I want the Leaf destroyed. I don't know or care how you do it. I want the bloodied hitaite of everyone on that mission on my desk. I want your lord to personally fetch & deliver them to me."
"You dare to command my Lord?!"
"Yes. Because I will finance everything."
It was only then that he spoke.
"Easy, my neophyte. The rich feel they can get their way everytime. Gato-san has delivered quite favourable terms. But I have some of my own."
"Of course."
"I get anything I want, no delays or questions. You will stay out of the way from start to finish, & if you tell anyone you will be wishing for something as sweet as the sensation of pain."
"I can agree to those conditions."
"Good. You can finalise the terms with my pupil, I have other matters to attend to."
After his exit, they spent another hour finalising the details.
He rejoined his Lord once Gato left.
"Once everything has been provided, get rid of him. Make sure to particularly messy."
"Any particular way you'd like me to dispose of him?"
"When you are finished, give him to me."
He bowed & exited.
Konohakagure no Sato, Sarutobi residence
"Those glasses look good on you", Kiyo Oba-san complemented him.
"Thanks", Naruto smiled back at her.
"I'm sure he's got that from all the girls, haven't you."
Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Not really."
"Their loss."
Shinjiro Oji-san sat down next to him & stole a bite of dinner.
Kiyo Oba-san swatted his hand away.
"We haven't prayed yet. You're worse than Konohamaru."
"Hey!"
"You know she's right", Naruto turned him.
"Still," he complained "cheap shot."
"We have to wait for your Asuma Oji-San to arrive."
The bearded jounin arrived some ten minutes later, & they were soon at the dinner table.
"What took you so long Asuma?" Shinjiro Oji-san asked. "You've been late the last few times."
Asuma-sensei nonchalantly flicked his wrist, "Work & stuff. You know."
He pulled out a cigarette & went to light it.
Kiyo Oba-san pulled the cancer stick from between his lips.
"In front of the kids? Really Asuma?"
"I'm sure they don't mind Nee-san."
He placed another cigarette in his mouth, & Kiyo Oba-san took it away again.
"That's like the least fun game ever."
Konohamaru snickered at his uncle's joke, & promptly shut up when his mum gave him a dirty look.
"Well I have a problem with it."
"Can you two not start already?", Shinjiro Oji-san sighed.
Naruto smiled.
Some things never changed.
"Your team is growing restless Kakashi-kun."
"Yes, Sandaime-sama."
"It is to be expected. The youth have very little patience."
"They will not disobey orders my Lord, if that worries you."
"I have full confidence in your team Kakashi. I'm just worried about putting them in a situation where things can go out of hand very easily."
"Has there been any progress with a cure?"
"The investigation is still underway. Jiraiya had to leave urgently."
"He would not leave unless he felt it was of the utmost importance."
"Indeed. In the meantime, I think there is a way to sate your genin. Every year, there is a martial arts tournament in the Land of Fire. Fighters from all over the Elemental Nations arrive."
"I must confess I have never heard of such an event."
"Nor have most shinobi. That's because it imposes a blanket ban on the use of chakra. Hence almost all participants are civilians - since they can't use chakra, most shinobi consider it beneath them & give it no thought."
"I'd say that's quite arrogant."
"It is. Konoha sends at least one genin squad every year. This year, I'm of the mind to send all three rookie teams."
"Where would this be?"
"That's the best part. It's in Konoha this year. The event commences tomorrow, at the Western Forests. You'll know once you get there."
"Of course Hokage-sama."
Kakashi bowed, & as he was closing the door the Sandaime called out to him.
"Kakashi. Try not to lose, will you? I'd hate for it to be you whose salary I deduct to fulfill my wager with the Daimyo."
Kakashi-sensei had instructed them to gather up outside the Missions Office at 0800 sharp.
As usual they were on time.
Their colleagues on the other hand were not.
Sakura spoke to Naruto whilst they waited.
She had a few concerns with this tournament they were about to participate in.
For herself & Naruto.
"Are you sure you want to participate in this?"
"Of course."
"Even with your optic beams?"
"Don't worry about that. I've fastened elastic bands to a pair for sleeping & showering. I'll use the same one."
"What if they're damaged during a fight?"
"Then I'll just have to fight with my eyes closed."
"That's not funny Naruto."
"I was being serious."
Before Sakura could say anything else, Kakashi-sensei arrived.
"You're only a few minutes late today. Must be a record."
Kakashi-sensei chuckled at Sasuke-kun's jibe.
"As long as I'm not the last to arrive, then I don't consider myself late."
The other teams arrived soon, & by 0815 they were on the move.
Kiba asked him a question.
"How do people fight without any chakra?"
"I think you're about to find out."
Shino asked another question.
"Would it be beneficial for shinobi to learn civilian fighting styles?"
"One thing you will soon learn is that if you have a style, you have a weakness. So no, a shinobi should not have a fighting 'style'. However, an aggregative style can be very useful."
Sasuke looked over at him, "You mean taking the best components of different styles and combining them?"
The masked jounin nodded his head "Yes. Discarding that which is superfluous or unnecessary, and replacing it with the most efficient form. This applies not only to fighting styles, but to jutsus as well. It doesn't matter how cool or big a jutsu appears, so long as it gets the job done."
The boys were unsurprisingly pumped up, from the spring in their step and the determination in their eyes (not that he could tell about the Aburame kid).
Ino & Sakura were somewhat tense, the former less; no doubt Inoichi having given the former at least some hand-to-hand training.
The Hyūga girl on the other hand seemed very tense and withdrawn; even more so than usual, and Kurenai was looking at her worriedly every now and then. She looked at him intently, and he understood that to mean she had something to tell him.
"Why don't more shinobi take part in this tournament? I'm surprised I've never heard of it before."
"If you ask me Naruto", Asuma answered, "it's a combination of arrogance & fear."
"How so?"
"One thing you'll learn about people in our line of work is that they take a lot of pride in what they do. This pride is often accompanied by hubris & disregard for those who choose a different way of life."
"I can understand that" Shikamaru said, "but then what is there to be afraid of?"
Asuma let his cigarette drop to the ground.
"Fear of defeat. If a shinobi was to lose to a civilian, they would be vilified by their home state. Even on a personal level, they would probably never come to terms with defeat."
"That's just stupid." Ino said. "It's a competition; somebody wins & somebody loses."
"I agree with you, but unfortunately many shinobi don't."
Naruto was surprised by the turnout. An enormous tent was set up in the centre, around which smaller booths and stalls were located. A PA system announced that the first fight would begin in 30 minutes.
It was quite a sight to see huge muscle-bound men line up and enter the tent one-by-one, similar to old ladies queuing at a grocery store, if only the grannies were jacked and bald-headed.
A little boy came running and slipped red pamphlets into their hands.
"Mixed Martial Arts! Mixed Martial Arts! All bets open!"
Sakura turned to their sensei, worry evident in her eyes.
"Are there separate tournaments? Like adults and minors? Or males and females?"
Kakashi gave them a serious look, "This isn't the academy anymore. In the real world you're not protected. Besides, you've gone through taijutsu training, it's time you apply it."
He saw Sakura grow even more worried, and contemplated saying something.
Naruto wouldn't deny to being somewhat intrigued by such stuff. On one hand, he didn't want to fight for other's entertainment & amusement. But he couldn't deny the potential benefits - from what little he did know of civilian fighting styles they could be used by shinobi.
Instead, Kurenai-sensei spoke.
"You don't have to participate if you don't want to. No one's going to force you."
She looked at the other two senseis, and they wordlessly agreed.
Asuma-sensei then turned to his laziest student, "But if you do, no physical training for two whole days".
Shikamaru decided to stay in the line, whilst Sakura & Hinata stepped away. This disappointed him a bit: he felt Sakura should've stepped out of her comfort zone, and because he had been looking forward to see the famed Hyuga taijutsu in action.
He met the brunette's eyes for a second and saw the slightest hint of ... bitterness? Why he had no clue, and wasn't particularly inclined to investigate.
He'd never spoken to two words to her, and was a bit weary of her considering who her father was and what clan she came from.
Before he could expound further, a loud BANG sounded from behind, and Naruto sighed. He'd recognise that sound anywhere. Only one man was flamboyant enough to perform such dramatic entrances.
He turned around to see the strangest sight he had ever seen.
A bowlcut man in green leather and flack jacket was hugging and sobbing with a bowlcut boy in green leather and flack jacket, and the boy had the biggest set of bushy eyebrows Naruto had ever seen. And if that wasn't weird enough, a rainbow & sunset beach materialised in the background.
He recognised the man of course - Might Guy, Konoha's resident (& highly eccentric) taijutsu specialist - the aptly codenamed Green Beast; and Naruto could've sworn he'd seen the boy before.
Ah!
From the academy. But if his intel was correct, the boy's chakra coils were repaired beyond damage and the chances of him being a ninja were hopeless. Then what was he doing being a mini-Guy?
"What the fu-?"
It was a long wait, but Sasuke was unbothered. The timing of it was almost too good to be true. Almost immediately after he'd achieved his birthright an opportunity had arisen to make use of it. And from what Kakashi had said, a good shinobi was able to merge taijutsu forms. If the legends were true, Sasuke had the ultimate tool at his disposal from which to merge and perfect combat.
What bothered him though were the two buffoons who'd made such an outlandish appearance.
Sasuke found it difficult to take either of the two figures seriously. From their dressing style to their hairstyle, and the exceedingly loud manner in which they talked.
The first thing the man did was go up to Sasuke's sensei and slap him in the back.
"Kakashi! My eternal rival! How invigorating to find you here. Together our students will channel the Power of Youth and storm through this tournament!"
They were followed by two others, a boy & a girl who looked to be the same age as the the lunatic in green, which was about a year or so older than himself.
He recognised the second boy immediately.
Those pale deathly eyes, and that aristocratic arrogance with which he viewed everyone made it obvious.
Hyuga.
Sasuke had heard of him - Neji Hyuga. The most talented in his clan since his father and uncle - there was even a nickname for him amongst the high ranking clans:
The Pride & Sorrow Of The Hyuga.
Pride for his talent and dedication, and sorrow because faith had passed him over for his inferior cousin; whilst his talents were wasted away in the branch clan.
Sasuke had heard...unsettling rumours about the Hyuga hierarchy. His mother had forbade such talk around him, but Sasuke had eventually learned about their regressive ways - for as talented Hyuga Neji was; he was relegated to the branch clan and would never amount to anything more than a glorified bodyguard for the main branch.
The girl he had never seen before, but he could see from how she carried herself & the innumerable weapons on her back that she took being a kunoichi serious. That made her unique.
Their teammate had done the exact opposite thing. He'd bumbled over to Sasuke and stuck his hand out, expecting Sasuke to reciprocate. Sasuke let his hands stay where they were.
"Ah, so it's true. The Uchiha are as good as they are imperious. The name's Rock Lee. I look forward to facing you in the chunin exams Sasuke-kun. It will be a great pleasure to beat you."
What surprised Sasuke was that whilst the boy was saying this, there was not a drop of malice in him. It seemed this Rock Lee was genuinely enthusiastic about facing him. The earnest honesty shook him enough that he didn't even think about being angry at the boy for assuming he could beat Sasuke was a foregone conclusion.
Sasuke did as he always did when he wanted to avoid human interaction - he turned his back and pretended the person wasn't there.
Sakura picked up on the boy's words as well.
"What do you mean in the chunin exams Lee-san? Are you not participating here?"
From the corner of his eye, he saw the boy turn to his teammate & take her hand into his. For some reason he found it vexing.
The boy then bowed & placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
"It is my fortune to begin my day by setting my eyes on a beautiful maiden. I can see your beau does not appreciate my affection, I did not know the Uchiha to be capable of jealousy?"
Sasuke was enraged by his behaviour.
Sakura wasn't impressed either.
She took her hand away.
"I do not appreciate your affections either. And you still haven't answered my question."
Lee's female teammate walked up behind him & thumped him on his head.
"Don't mind this idiot. He always makes a fool of himself around a pretty girl. To answer your question, we participated last year. The organisers invited us as guests of honour for this year."
Sasuke turned around to face the girl.
"Guests of honour? You won this tournament last year?"
They both gave the same answer.
"I didn't."
Both of the newcomers turned to their teammate.
The Pride & Sorrow of the Hyuga
Naruto turned to Kakashi "That boy, I've seen him in the academy before. He was even more hopeless than I pretended to be. What happened to him?"
"Might Guy did. As much as people like to laugh at him, he's the hardest working shinobi I've ever seen. He took Lee in, and molded him into what he is today. Do not take him lightly Naruto; in pure taijutsu that boy might be the best in all the elemental nations for your age."
Looking at him, the boy certainly didn't look like it.
Finally they arrived at the front of the line. They were told to sign some consent forms, and then grab a raffle which would contain a 3 digit number. This number would be randomly paired with other numbers belonging to the other participants to draw fights.
In the beginning rounds, multiple fights would occur simultaneouly, and the use of weapons was allowed. Naruto didn't mind them, he'd had some practice with weapons.
The initial rounds would take place in the smaller tents in the paralled, and the final round would take place in the main tent.
Luckily, Naruto had held onto the pamphlet the little kid was distributing, and he used the time to go through it, reading all he could about the elite fighters participating.
Two stood out to him:
The first was one of last year's semi-finalists - Gansuke Hirohito. A 6'7 brute of a giant who apparently crushed boulders with his bare hand, and had won a bout by squeezing his opponent so hard all his bones had broken.
The last entry was the most intriguing - someone named Tanaka. Not even a first name, only surname. There wasn't much to go on about this Tanaka person, but there was undoubtedly a reason this individual was mentioned in this list.
A PA system blasted through the speakers:
Fight 1! Giant Gansuke versus Tanaka!
Well, it was always best to begin with a bang.
They were able to get seats close to the fights. Everyone took a look at their hitaite and made way for them.
The stage was circular, with wooden flooring & surrounded by sand.
Two tables containing weapons were on opposite sides.
Gansuke was cracking his knuckles in anticipation.
"You still have time to run away boy. Go home & save yourself the beating of a lifetime."
When the man said nothing, Gansuke sneered at him, "I will enjoy destroying you punk."
This time the boy replied.
"Likewise."
The referee announced the rules.
"Everything goes, except nutshots or biting. If a fighter verbally yields or taps either hand, fights over. If a fighter goes limp, fight's over. If I say a fighter can't continue, fight's over. If a fighter's feet land in the sand thrice, fight's over. You will listen to my command at all times. May the best fighter win!"
The bell rung & a cocky grin appeared on the giant's face as he balled his fist and smashed at Tanaka's face with all his power.
For a second he thought Tanaka's face was going to be pulverised, when at the last second he caught Gansuke's outsized paw in his hand..
The crowd gasped, and the giant struggled with all his strength to break free, the shock in his eyes as clear as the Sun.
In desperation, the giant swung his other arm at Tanaka.
His forearm was inches from connecting with Tanaka's temple when he tilted his head to the right, letting the offending limb go by him.
Sasuke was shocked as well; from what he could tell the man was going faster than Naruto had at their genin test, and all his movements were so casual, as if he was expending no energy at all.
He turned & his eyes met his teammate's: his shock mirrored back to him.
Tanaka pushed Gansuke back, his face as emotionless as a stone statue.
"You got lucky", Gansuke snarled at Tanaka.
Sasuke involuntarily, or perhaps with some conscience, activated his eye. The giant appeared crisper to him, but he was in front of him, blocking his line of sight at Tanaka.
The giant brute was clearly a case of brawns over brain, & he charged his opponent again.
Sasuke witnessed Tanaka drop onto his knees as the opponent got within a metre.
Gansuke's momentum propelled him over Tanaka.
Sasuke wouldn't have witnessed the moment were it not for the Sharingan.
Tanaka struck his enemy in the mid-section as he passed over him, & the giant's groan echoed across the place.
He staggered forward a few steps, before coming to a stop & tilting backwards.
Instead the giant dropped forward onto his knees & then floored on his abdomen.
There was pin-drop silence for a moment.
Then everyone roared in amazement at what had just occurred.
Astonishing
Sasuke had never seen such a combination of speed, strength, agility & precision.
He put his Sharingan, memorising the movements. Good.
He allowed himself a smile. These would be of great use.
The fights continued.
Slowly the genin were eliminated.
Ino was the first to go.
Choji was second.
Then Shikamaru followed them.
Kiba was knocked out in the next round.
They fought well.
But if Kakashi was honest he hadn't expected anything from them.
If he expected a full salary this month, Naruto was his meal ticket.
Sasuke was the backup.
Shino was the surprise.
The boy was above-average at best at his hand-hand skills, but his true talents were in observation.
Kakashi could imagine the gears in his head spinning as made note of everyone's moves & decipher the best way to counter them.
His bugs helped as well.
Anytime Shino was at risk they would swoop out & crowd the enemy, biting away at them.
The first opponent that happened to was livid.
Kurenai had to knock him out to stop him from attacking Shino after their bout.
Naruto had just qualified for the semi-finals, where he would face the winner of the last quarter-final:
Sasuke vs Shino
"I will be honest. I have no interest in fighting you."
"Then forfeit."
"That is not an option."
"Then what do you propose to do?"
Sasuke thought he saw Shino smirk underneath his jacket, & then he felt a shock from his ear.
His body seized, & he collapsed to the floor.
"What the-?"
He paled as he understood what Shino meant.
Kikaichu.
The Aburame neared him, bending down to his eye-level.
"Forgive me Sasuke-san, but a shinobi must win by any means necessary."
Sasuke also saw Naruto being held back by Kakashi & Asuma.
"Let me go!" the blonde protested, "That bastard broke the rules."
"I did not, " Shino answered without breaking eye contact.
"I did not use chakra. My kikaichu did. There is nothing in the rules against this."
Sasuke felt pathetic.
To lose to an inferior opponent, & because said opponent exploited the rules.
"It will be over in a few minutes. Till then, rest."
Sasuke started feeling dizzy, & unconsciousness took over.
When the senseis let go of him, Naruto excused himself to go the men's room.
Instead he followed Shino to the Aburame's tent. All semi-finalists were given one.
He parted the flap & saw Shino with his back turned to him.
"I understand you have regular dialogue with Shikamaru."
"Is that a question or a statement."
"It's the truth. I do have a question for you, if you're feeling honest."
"You can ask. My honesty will depend on the question."
"Have you spread your kikaichu around this room?"
"The moment you stepped in."
Naruto took off his shades.
"Good. Time for a demonstration."
With all the restraint he could muster, Naruto opened his eyes & let loose.
As he expected, Shino was able to move in time.
The Aburama then sent his bugs at Naruto.
Naruto aimed his beams at the entire swarm, increasing the power behind them.
He heard the sound of that bird again, & he closed his eyes when a few them were hit, taking satisfaction when he heard Shino groan.
Naruto walked over to the Aburame heir who was crumpled on the floor, holding his ears in agony.
"What did you do to my kikaichu? They're in so much pain. So much fear."
"I gave them a warning to stay away from me."
"You're diabolical."
"As if I'm supposed to know what that means."
Naruto leaned down to him.
"Now you asshole, we'll have a fair fight."
Sakura watched Naruto make his way to his corner.
An announcement rang out:
"Aburame Shino has announced his resignation from this tournament. Uzumaki Naruto advances to the finals!"
There was a mix of jeers & applause from the crowd.
He walked over to stand between her & Ino.
"Where's Sasuke?"
"The medics took him away" Ino answered.
His next question was to her.
"Did you go to him?"
"With sensei," she nodded "where were you?"
"Taking care of some business."
"Make way make way!" A voice rang out.
Sakura turned to see medical staff pushing out a trolley.
She recognised the person on the trolley.
"What happened to Shino?"
"Kami knows."
The smile on Naruto's face said otherwise.
Ino saw it too.
"You know what happened to him."
Naruto didn't even try to contest the accusation.
"He had it coming."
"You attacked him?"
"I attacked his Kikaichu. There's nothing in the rules against that."
"That's your defence?"
"No. He went after Sasuke. I was standing up for my teammate."
"Why do you boys resort to violence whenever you want to make a point?"
"You'd rather he get away with what he did?"
"He didn't break the rules."
"Neither did I. I can't believe you of all people are against me on this."
Sakura's blush was clear & evident.
Ino stood up for her best friend.
"We just want the best for you. Something like this could get you in trouble."
"It'll be worth it."
Tanaka won his semi-final as well.
They faced off in the centre of the circle, first bowing to the arbitrator & then each other.
When the horn sounded, neither attacked. They circled each other slowly, two predators sizing up the other.
"Did your master teach you how to fight with weapons boy?"
Naruto nodded.
"Well then, it's time for a test."
The man threw a sword at him.
Naruto had never felt this way with a weapon in his hand before. This wasn't a sword in his hand. It was an extension of him.
The man swung his bo staff and without thinking Naruto retaliated with his weapon.
The resounding clang resonated across the tent, and drew a breath of gasps from the crowd.
Naruto fought the itch to take off his glasses.
This far into the tournament, he felt like a dam holding back an entire ocean. The Kyubi's power urged to take over him, and he calmed himself by taking a deep breath before meeting his opponent's strike again. This time, he caught the staff with one hand and slipped underneath, slashing at the man's legs.
Hikaru jumped, and landed on the flat of the blade. He kicked at Naruto's chest, and Naruto rolled back, his momentum taking the staff out of Hikaru's hand.
Hikaru picked up the sword.
An exchange of weapons.
This brought the crowd back to life, which was roaring them on.
It seemed the Kyubi had come back as well. Naruto was able to drone everything out. Everything apart from enemy ceased to exist.
It was at times like these that the Kyubi was a blessing.
So what if he wasn't allowed to use the Kyubi's chakra?
No one had said anything about its senses.
This time Naruto went on the attack, and he swung the staff like a sword. It was parried by Hikaru, who then came forth with his sword, but retreating quickly to stay out of range of Naruto's longer staff.
They tested each other again, neither really trying their utmost.
Soon both came to the same realisation.
"You're not as good with the sword."
"You prefer the bo."
Naruto stared tensely at Hikaru, wondering where this would lead.
"How about another exchange? My bo for the sword."
Naruto stayed still. Ninjas weren't the only ones capable of deception.
Hikaru smirked at him, "You are a true shinobi. As a sign of good faith, I'll start."
Hikaru tossed the sword at him, and he caught it with his other hand.
The bo stayed in his dominant hand.
"What prevents me from not reciprocating?"
"Because you're a warrior as much as you are a shinobi. You wouldn't be able to sleep unless we settled this fair and square."
The bo was sent into Hikaru's hands.
The crowd cheered on their encouragement.
Sasuke managed to return in time for the finals.
He had half a mind to exact revenge immediately, but then he watched the Aburame being stretchered out.
He looked quizically at Sakura.
"Naruto."
That was all Sasuke needed to understand that his teammate had stood up for him.
Not that he needed Naruto to do so, but nevertheless Sasuke appreciated him for it.
Unfortunately he hadn't yet recovered enough to use the Sharingan.
That didn't take anything away from the spectacle he was witnessing.
He'd known after the first fight that Naruto was the only one with a chance against Tanaka, & so far his teammate had matched the opponent strike for strike.
Sasuke hadn't known Naruto to be this adept with weapons; & he sorely wished he could use his Sharingan.
Tanaka was unquestionably a skilled fighter, but Sasuke had observed a pattern in his fights.
All of them ended quickly.
Unlike Naruto & himself, who were taking the time to gauge their opponent's weaknesses before retaliation.
Perhaps Tanaka didn't want to give away too much information, but as Sasuke continued analysing their spar he considered another possibility.
"That sonofabitch."
"What?"
The others gave him strange looks; he disregarded them all.
He walked over to his sensei.
"Can we halt the fight?"
"Only if both fighters agree."
"Make Naruto request for one. I have something in mind."
After another flurry of attacks, they both pulled back.
Naruto heard Asuma-sensei whistle at him, & he turned around slightly to face him.
He saw a timeout signal being sent his way, & he nodded in acceptance.
Naruto relayed the signal to Tanaka, who agreed with him.
The PA drowned out everything as he returned to his corner.
"BOTH FIGHTERS HAVE AGREED TO A SHORT BREAK. THE FIGHT WILL COMMENCE IN FIVE MINUTES!"
He sat down & controlled his breathing.
Kakashi dabbed him with a towel whilst Sakura applied some ointment to a cut on his forearm.
"Listen to me, I've figured him out."
Naruto was surprised to hear Sasuke's voice.
"You're back this early?"
"That's not important right now. What's important is you can beat him."
He winced slightly as Ino applied a bandaid on his index finger.
"I'm listening."
"His attacks are always with a downwards motion, never upwards."
"What of it?"
"Next time don't get out of the way."
"Is this your idea of a joke?"
"No. Let his momentum take him downwards, then trap his weapon on the floor. Close the distance & attack him with your sword."
"You got all that from the Sharingan?"
"I don't need the Sharingan for this."
Naruto got up.
"If this doesn't work I'm going to kill you."
I hate it when the bastard's right
Naruto hated to admit it, but Sasuke's observation was correct.
Here goes nothing
Taking his teammate's advice, Naruto ducked & slashed at Tanaka's legs.
His opponent jumped & came down with his bo staff extended.
Naruto stayed near the ground, waiting for the right moment.
When the staff was about to strike him, Naruto grasped onto it & pulled it downwards.
Locking it in place with one foot, he spun the length of the bo staff & stabbed at Tanaka, who rolled backwards.
The crowd gave an appreciative gasp.
Naruto attacked again, stabbing downwards with both arms.
Tanaka did something he had never seen before.
He caught the sword in both arms.
The audience gasped louder this time.
Naruto saw Tanaka's leg move before it did, & with all the strength he could muster he tilted the sword.
Naruto held on the sword & rolled back, his momentum sending the sword flying behind him.
It had the intended effect.
Blooddrops spattered to the floor from Tanaka's palms.
The grasps grew louder.
Tanaka gave little reaction to either blood or pain, reaching him in an instant & putting him into a chokehold.
Naruto remembered his training, striking with his elbows into his larger enemy's sides.
It had no effect.
His glasses were also slowly inching upwards.
Running out of options, Naruto resorted to playing dirty.
He wrapped both hands around Tanaka's head, & with all the energy he had left pushed both thumbs into the man's eyes.
This time he got a reaction.
Tanaka jerked his head back & howled in pain.
Without turning around, Naruto lifted his right leg & struck backwards, taking satisfaction in the CRUNCH of his target's knee shattering as he yelled & dropped to one knee.
He spun around & socked Tanaka in the jaw, sending him to the ground.
"Do you yield?"
Naruto massaged his throat as he waited for his opponent's answer.
"I"
He sagged his shoulders & relaxed.
Which is why he was taken by complete surprise.
"Don't!"
Somehow, his opponent gathered the strength to dive at him.
He fell on top of Naruto, whose head bounced against the hardwood with a sickening CRACK.
Naruto groaned & then later struggled for breath as Tanaka wrapped both hands around his throat, squeezing him like toothpaste.
He clawed at his assailant's arms, who wisely had extended himself this time, keeping him away from Naruto's attacks.
Naruto tried to move his legs, when he felt his feet go through the soft ground.
Tanaka had tackled him half onto the sand.
He stopped his futile attacks, & quickly both hands to use.
Just before he was about to blackout, Naruto lifted both arms & flung the sand at Tanaka's face.
He hissed in pain & fell to the side, clawing at his eyes.
Naruto gasped for a few seconds, then got up gingerly.
He slowly made his way over to Tanaka, panting with each step.
"Why...won't...you...quit."
"You'll...have...to...make...me."
"If that's what it takes."
Naruto grabbed Tanaka's left arm & flattened him onto his stomach.
He stepped on his shoulder & with all his remaining strength pulled upwards with both hands.
The sound of Tanaka's shoulder being dislocated was barely audible over the blood pounding in his veins.
A shrill whistle sounded as the ref bounded towards them.
"Fight's over! Fight's over! Uzumaki Naruto is this year's champion!"
Naruto collapsed onto his knees, breaking his forwards fall with his forearms.
He felt two arms gingerly lift him up & steady him.
"Congratulations."
Then he lost consciousness.
"It's nothing to be worried about. He's stable now. You can see him."
Kakashi stepped aside for the ANBU medic to leave, then moved the flap aside to enter the tent.
Naruto was resting on a cot, & gave him a small smile.
"How are you feeling champ?"
"Like shit."
"You look that way as well."
"Is there any way to get a hold of that sword?"
"Funny you should ask that. Your final opponent said you'd want it."
"He did?."
"In fact, he made sure you'd get it. Give me a second."
Kakashi went outside again, returning with the weapon.
"I know you like it, but I'll hold onto it except when you're out on missions. At least until for a few years."
"I can live with that."
Kakashi placed the sword on Naruto's lap, who regarded the weapon with near divine reverence.
"Seeing you reminds me of the first time I laid eyes on a sword."
"Really? What was it?"
"My father's tantō."
"Shit, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It's quite a special feeling, to have a bond with a weapon."
"Makes you almost understand the ways of the Seven Swordsmen."
"Almost."
"Is there going to be a medal ceremony?"
"You missed it. The organisers couldn't delay any longer, so I had Sasuke & Sakura go in your stead."
"Did I cross the line?"
"You're asking the right question to the wrong person."
"I should apologise."
"Too late. The man left once he gave me the sword."
"In his condition?"
"Yes."
Kakashi didn't want him to dwell on the topic, so he changed it.
"We were thinking of going out for a team dinner."
"Great. Ichiraku's?"
"No. Somewhere fancy."
Naruto shrugged, "I had to try."
"I don't blame you. I did try, but the other rookie teams wouldn't go for it."
Kakashi helped his student up.
"We'll go to Ichiraku's later. Your treat."
"Definitely. Now let's have dinner. You must have a huge appetite after breaking a man's arm & leg."
Dinner had been a good event.
They'd gone somewhere fancy for once, not the barbeque joints Choji swore by.
Ino would've liked to be have been dressed accordingly, as they were given strange looks by the well-dressed patrons.
She didn't get as much chance to speak with Naruto with everyone around, though they had shared a moment across the table.
Ino had smiled at him over her cup, & he'd returned it with that soft smile he'd seemed to reserve for only her.
Now she was walking him, being escorted by her teammates.
Ino assured them she could make her own way home but Choji had insisted, & made Shikamaru come along as well.
Their teammate huffed out his patented 'troublesome' line, but tagged along nevertheless.
Sometimes Ino wondered it was all an act by him.
Underneath it all he had a heart of gold.
Besides, Choji's house was on the way to her own. Shikamaru's was just a bit further along.
"I still don't get it."
"Get what, Choji?"
"Naruto's eyes. What really happened to him."
"Asuma-sensei mentioned something about his chakra coils. Maybe there's been some damage to them."
"Is that really your answer?"
He'd waited for their teammate to leave before asking her the question.
She looked at him strangely.
Shikamaru held her gaze.
Surely Naruto's teammates knew.
That left his own.
Choji of course would have no clue. Ino on the other hand...
He knew Ino had some strange bond with her fellow blonde.
She was the one who had sent him down this rabbit hole initially...with her strange mind-reading powers.
"Apart from Choji, we're all aware?"
She made a confused face.
He sighed, "Let's drop the act. We both know the truth about Naruto, about what he really is."
"He's a shinobi of the Leaf, & our friend."
The stern warning in her tone escaped no one.
"Naruto is a jinchuriki."
Ino's hand flew at his face.
It did not strike him however - his left forearm rose up to block her instinctively.
"Don't call him that!"
"Is it not true?"
"How did you find out?"
Shikamaru gulped, before answering in a very quiet voice.
"I overheard you."
"What? I didn't catch that."
He drew a deep breath, before speaking at an audible level.
"That day in the Konoha library, I was searching for some books when I stumbled across Ino & Sakura."
Their eyes widened as they realised what day he was talking about.
"You spied on us?"
"It wasn't my intention."
"Then why didn't you stop?"
"If I'd moved an inch from my spot you would've found out."
"That's the sorriest excuse I've ever heard."
"I didn't want you to think I was spying on you."
"Even though that's exactly what you were doing?"
He didn't have an answer to that, so he stayed quiet.
"Go home Shikamaru. I can make my own way from here."
He didn't want to push her, so he heeded her.
One day this would end in a messy conclusion.
Shikamaru feared that day was closer than ever.
Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you have a good time & stay safe!