Ok, so I know I said that I'd wait for my editor but she's taking way too long and you guys have waited long enough, so I decided to edit my chapter the best I can. I hope I haven't lost my touch in these past two years. Please enjoy and review (positively)
4 days has passed since the second part of the exam began. On their first day, Team 7 faced Orochimaru, the second day, they faced the sound ninja (with the help of Lee and Ino's team). Sasuke insisted that on the third and fourth day, Hinata would get some rest and recover. She protested, saying that she would be fine after a good night sleep but he wouldn't budge. Now it was the last day of the exam and so far, Team 7 only had the earth scroll.
They sat around the fire, talking about their next move while waiting for the fish they caught to cook.
"It's already been 4 days since the second exam began" Sasuke said while tending to the fire
"Y-Yes and so far, we haven't made much progress" Hinata replied
"Yeah, we're sure not going to break any records, that's for sure and we only have 24 hours left"
"By now, m-most of the teams would be on their w-way or already at the tower. I wonder if there's any teams left?"
I wonder when this fish is gonna be ready...Naruto thought as he wasn't listening to the conservation
Sasuke looked at the scroll in his hand If we don't get a break, we're finished
A few minutes of silence passed as everyone was eating their fish. Then Hinata lowered her fish with a discouraged look on her face "I-I hate to be the n-negative one but I'm not sure there are any more heavens scrolls"
Sasuke sighed "Let's not think like that, we need to be positive"
"But Sasuke, like you said this is our f-fourth day into this part of the exam. There are 13 of each scroll and each team needs b-both a heaven and earth scroll, meaning only 13 teams can pass. Not to mention, that 26 teams have been looking for them." Hinata argued
"I know..."
Hinatas face started to turn grim "Based on the f-fact that this Orochimaru person burned our heaven scroll, l-leaving the total number of heaven scrolls 12. And some of the other teams may have reached the tower already, the odds don't look good"
Sasuke looked back at the scroll "We may have wasted more time resting but you needed your rest. We'll need you now more than ever"
Hinata blushed
"But now we need to get serious and make up for lost time" He looked at his teammates with determination "The next enemy could be our last"
Naruto and Hinata nods in agreement. He was right, now is not the time to get discouraged, they needed to stay positive and keep going.
Hinata's throat felt dry "Sasuke, could y-you pass the water, please?"
He picked up the canteen and felt it was empty. He started to get up "It's empty, I'll go get some more"
She stopped him "I-It's ok, I'll go myself. After all, I'm the one w-who wants water" She takes the canteen from him, looking at the boys "I'll be back in a minute"
Both boys watched her walk away. During his silence, Naruto was thinking about what his team's situation and thought of a way to pass this exam. He took hold of the scroll "Hey Sasuke..."
Said boy turned to him "What is it?"
"I know how we can do this without having to fight anyone"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow "What? You scared of fighting them?"
"Raaah! Shut up! I'm not scared of anything! I have a plan! You want to hear it or not?!" He said angrily
Sasuke sighed deeply "Well we are kinda desperate. So what's your plan?"
"Ok, look at this!" Naruto got his ninja pouch and dumped a bunch of scrolls on the ground
Sasuke looked at them "All I see are a few scrolls"
"That's right, I've got a bunch of them" Naruto picked up one of them "We can change the outside to look exactly like the heaven-"
"Hang on..." Sasuke cuts him off "Did you even think this through? Sure you can change the outer image of the scroll to look like the one we need but what about what's written inside? Without the stuff inside, there's no way of this working. And besides we're not allowed to see the inside, you moron"
Naruto ignored the moron comment, rubbing his chin "Don't worry, I've got it figured out! I think these things have a secret code written in them that only make sense if you put them both together! Yeah!" He leaned over to Sasuke, excited about his idea "And the secret code is like the password you need to get into the tower at the exam!"
Sasuke pushed Naruto's face away and gave him an annoyed look "You truly are an idiot. We never read the contents of the heaven scroll we had before, so how are you going to fake the inside?!"
Naruto stuttered for a moment then hung his head in defeat
Sasuke shook his head "Note to self: never listen to this idiot's ideas again"
Naruto raised his head with a serious look on his face "We have a clue to what's inside the heaven scroll" He lifted hand with a scroll in it "The earth scroll"
Sasuke's eyes widen "Don't tell me, you're..."
The blonde nods "It's our only chance, I'm gonna open it and read what's inside this scroll!"
Sasuke whacked him on the head, hard "You loser! Don't you listen?! We aren't allowed to open these scrolls"
Naruto holds his abused head "But if we don't do something, we'll never make it!"
"Stop being so dramatic, we'll be ok. We just need to come up with a better plan than yours"
"And what's wrong with my plan?!" Naruto shouted "It's not like they'll know, I'll copy it just the same!"
"Moron!" Sasuke yelled "There are two reasons for this plan to fail! One, these are chunin and jonin we're dealing with, some of trained to spot out fakes. And second, don't you think they might have booby trap the scroll in case of a plan like yours?"
"Please..." Naruto rolled his eyes "I think your just being paranoid"
"No I'm being smart about this" He said, getting up
"Where are you going?"
"Hinata's been gone too long, I'm gonna go get her" He turned to Naruto and gave him a stern glare "And while I'm gone, don't do anything stupid"
With that said he heads in the direction Hinata went, leaving Naruto muttering angrily to himself.
Hinata spotted a fresh water creek, not far from the campsite "Perfect, it's just what I need."
She uncaps the canteen and fills it up with water. After recapping the canteen, she started to get up but then a hissing sound reached her ears. Her throat tightened and her heart raced with fear, she quickly looked around before spotting where the sound came from. It was just a regular snake that wandered into the area and left as quickly as it came.
Hinata's body trembled as she fell to her knees, grabbing hold of her chest in attempt to calm her pounding heart. Before she didn't like snakes but she wasn't scared of them either, but now after her encounter with Orochimaru, she absolutely hates them. Memories of what happened days ago played in her head and she couldn't help but think if every hissing sound she heard, it might be him.
She was so wrapping up in her thoughts, she didn't notice Sasuke coming up behind her. When he got there, he saw her on her knees, trembling. He quicken his pace and came right behind her, he placed a hand on her shoulder. She screamed and used her gentle fist without knowing who was there.
Fortunately, Sasuke's reflexes kicked in, he grabbed her wrist stopping her attack "Hinata, calm down it's me!"
Hinata, still trembling, looked at him. She couldn't believe it, she was so scared, she attacked one of her teammates. Getting out of his grip, she lowered her arm and faced the ground "I-I'm sorry"
Sasuke looked down at her and noticed she wasn't trembling as much but it was still there. He get on his knees and gently put his arm around her. Hinata flinched in shock at first but slowly leaned into him. His warmth, his scent and the way he patted her hair relaxed her, replacing her fear with the feeling of warmth and safety.
They stayed that way for a minute, then Hinata sat up with a blush on her cheeks "T-Thank you, I'm fine now"
"What happened? Why were you like that like?" Sasuke questioned still concerned
Hinata sighed deeply, looking at her folded hands "I heard a-a hissing sound"
Sasuke lowered his brow in confusion "Hissing? Like a snake?"
She nodded "And w-when I heard it, I j-just...froze...and I-I thought-"
"You thought it was Orochimaru again" He said
Hinata hugged her knees and nodded. "Y-You know before this exam, I had the c-confidence to go on because...of you..." Sasuke felt his cheeks go warm "But now, after our counter with h-him and everything else...I...just don't know...I have what it t-takes to-"
"You're not going to give up after coming this far, are you?"
She hesitated a bit "I-I don't want to, b-but..."
"Then don't"
She looked up at him and saw this determined look in his eyes "I know things haven't gone our way since this exam started but this is how the ninja world is, we'll face powerful enemies and go into situations that could mean to difference both life and death..." He slowly took hold of her hand "But I know as long as we work as a team, things will get better...so what do you say?"
Her heart was beating fast as she looked down at the hand holding hers and couldn't help but blush.
Even after everything that happened, he still makes me feel like I have what it takes...
She squeezed his hand gently, a smile came to her face.
I'm so lucky to have him with me...and...and I want to show him how I've changed. "Ok, let's get that heaven scroll"
Sasuke smirked and helped her to her feet "That's more like it. Come on, let's get back to that idiot"
When they came back, they saw Kabuto kneeling next to Naruto, gripping his wrist.
An enemy?! They thought rushing to their teammate
After reaching them, Kabuto calmly explained to them what Naruto was about to open the scroll. Sasuke whacked him on the head while explaining to Hinata the conservation they had when she left.
"I can't believe you! I told not to open that thing!" Sasuke scolded
Naruto head was bowed in shame of getting caught and muttered what sounded like an apology.
"W-Well let's not be too hard on h-him, after all he was just thinking of our teams situation" Hinata said trying to calm Sasuke. It might not have been the best plan but it was for a good reason.
Kabuto spoke "That's all well and good but sadly it's a terribly idea. There have been others who have broken the rules and tried to peek at the scrolls, I've seen what happens to them. They're protected by a powerful hypnosis jutsu, a kind of booby trap for anyone unwise enough to try to read them"
"I was right, it was a trap." Sasuke whacked Naruto's head again
"Oww! Ok, I get it!" Naruto cried, rubbing his abused head
Kabuto continued "It will knock you senseless and by the time you wake up, the exam is already over"
"Thank you for saving Naruto" Hinata said bowing in thanks
He smiled "Your welcome"
Sasuke turned to him "Kabuto, right? We met at registration. What are you doing wandering around all by yourself?"
"Don't worry, I'm not after your earth scroll" He assured
"I guess not. I suppose if you were, we would have just swiped it from Naruto's when you had the chance. So you're looking for a heaven scroll, too huh?"
"Not really" Kabuto goes and pulls out both a heaven and an earth scroll "You see, I already have them both"
Sasuke and Hinata gasped at this
Kabuto puts the scrolls away "I had a run of luck. I was just on my way to the tower to wait for my teammates to show up." He turned away "So if you'll excuse me..."
"Hold it!" Sasuke stopped him "I'll fight you for it"
Kabuto glanced over his shoulder at him "You'll fight for it?"
"Hey, hold on a second! Is this a joke or what?!" Naruto angrily said
"You serious?" Kabuto asked
"Yeah, sorry but I don't have time to play nice" Sasuke replied
"Back off, Sasuke! In case you've forgotten, this guy just save our butts!" Naruto said
Hinata laid a hand on his shoulder "Naruto, p-please stop"
He turned to her "What? Come on Hinata, you're not gonna let him do this, are you?"
She sighed, staring at him with a guilty look on her face "Yes...I am"
Naruto stared back at her, shocked. She would let this happen?! He expected her to be the first one to stop this "B-But why?"
"Naruto, if this had h-happened at the beginning or even in the middle of the exam, I would have stopped this..." Her eyes hardened a bit "But look at our current situation now, i-if we don't get a heaven scroll by tonight, it's all over. This might be our only chance"
He took in what she said and pressed his lips together. He knew she was right but it would be ungrateful for them to do this "I-I know...but..."
"She's right, Naruto.." Sasuke said, glaring at Kabuto "It's either him or us, out here it's all about surviving and winning, nothing else matters"
Kabuto made a hmm sound, turning his head to the side "You're lying..."
Naruto looked at him confused "H-He is?"
"Come on admit it for all your tough talk, your heart isn't really in it. If it was true, if winning really was the only thing that mattered to you, why openly challenge me to a fight?" He smirked "Why announce it and put me on my guard? Why not just jump me when my back is turned?" He pushed on his glasses "After all, that's what a ninja would do..."
It's because he's trying to make up for the fact he needs to fight him when he really doesn't want to... Hinata thought looking at Sasuke
"But it's ok, actually I admire you for it. So here's what I'll do, I'll show you the path you should follow"
While the sun was still out, Kabuto and the others traveled through the forest to the path Kabuto was talking about. While they were making their way there, Kabuto explained that other teams would be there, ready to ambush each other for the scroll they need. He told them that not only other teams would be there but collectors as well. Collectors are ninja who take team's scrolls for either teams from their own team or for the secrets they have inside. Sasuke figured out that Kabuto brought them along because he was scared and he didn't deny it. When they came to the path, they were trapped in a genjutsu created by the rain ninja they encountered when the exam began. After they release themselves from the hypnosis, they battled with clones. In the end they won and arrived at the tower with both a heaven and earth scroll.
When all the passing teams arrived at the tower, each proctor that was assigned to welcome and congratulate them, led them to the room where the third part of the exam would be. The candidates were standing in the middle of the arena with the Hokage standing in front of them, the proctors stood by his sides and the candidates' sensei stood behind him.
"I'm really hungry" Choji whined holding his stomach
"What a drag, there's so many left, this is such a pain" Shikamaru complained
Ino glanced to the right and smiled, clapped her hands in delight "Sasuke and his team has passed too!"
"Well of course they did" Shikamaru said "After all the trouble we went through to keep them safe, they better have passed"
Tenten stared at Kakashi, smiling a little.
So that's Guy sensei's old rival, huh? Well if I had to judge them on looks alone, I'd say Guy sensei would lose.
Lee looked at his sensei with admiration, pumping his fist.
Guy sensei is just the coolest teacher ever. I mean he is so cool, he practically glows with cool "You watch Guy sensei, someday I'll make you proud of me!"
He thinks back to what happened between the sound ninja and him, especially thinking about how Hinata was crying.
I do not want to see tears from anyone close to me ever again...
He clutched his teeth and fists.
That is why I am not ever going to lose again, Guy sensei, never!
Neji looked at all the candidates around him.
As expected, all the best are...
He turned and stared at Sasuke.
Sasuke Uchiha, huh?
Zaku, with his arms in slangs, glared at Sasuke.
I'll get you back for what you did to me, Sasuke! No matter what it takes!
Sakura looks over at Sasuke and inwardly cheers.
I knew he would make it!
Hinata noticed something about the candidates "It seems all the 9 rookies are here" she whispered
"Everybody's here, old man Hokage, Iruka sensei, and even bushy brow. It looks like absolutely got left out this time" Naruto replied
"I don't have a very good feeling about this" Sasuke said, holding his neck
You're not the only one... Hinata looked worried when she saw him grabbing his neck
During the Hokage's explanation of the third exam, Hinata thought about Sasuke's situation. When they were fighting the rain ninja, she noticed something has changed. Whenever he used his sharingan, he would experience a stabbing pain in his neck and wouldn't be able to move because of it. And it was all because of that mark Orochimaru place on him.
So that mark only actives when he uses his sharingan?
She shakes her head.
No it's more than that, it's when he uses charka that it starts acting up. And that mean he can't use genjutsu or ninjutsu, he'll only be able to use taijutsu.
She thought back to the times they've trained together and concluded that he was good in taijutsu. But still, she knew during then he had worked on his ninjutsu far more than his taijutsu. In made her wonder if his taijutsu skills so far would be enough?
The biggest problem she was having about this was whether or not to tell the teachers about the mark. She knew it was the cause of all his pain and between that and how exhausted he was, she really wants to tell them. However she knew how he was, even from behind him she studied his posture. She could see that dispute the pain he was in, Sasuke was determine to continue this exam. And it wouldn't be fair of her to do that him. But still...
"I'm an avenger, to follow my path I must have power at any power at any price even if it means being consumed by evil."
She shuddered at the memory of that. After their mission in the Land of Waves, she did her research and found out about the massacre of the Uchiha clan and discovered that it was his older brother responsible for the entire thing. She knew he was still hurting and had every right to be angry. But it scared her to think where this path was leading him to. She saw that behind his stoic expression, he was a sweet person, one who cared for his friends, who knew what to do in bad situations and...who held her in his warm, strong arms when she needed comfort.
She blushed, mentally slapping herself thinking like that. Those kind of thoughts started to come to her after her conversation with Ino and Tenten. But now it not the time for that.
She was brought back from her thoughts when a sickly looking jonin by the name of Hayate, gave them the opinion of continuing or backing out.
Does he really think anyone's gonna quit? Sasuke thought, before a wave of pain came on causing him to clinch his shoulder.
"Sasuke..." Hinata said concerned
Naruto looked behind him when he heard her tone.
Sasuke tighten his hold on his shoulder.
Waves of pain, they're coming sooner and sooner.
"It's getting worse, isn't it?"
He turned to Hinata but her eyes were focused on his shoulder.
"The pain. It's gotten worse and it's all because of that mark." She looked up at him and he could see the concern in her eyes "I already know the answer to this question but I still want to ask. Are you going to continue with this exam?"
He said nothing.
Hinata clinches her hands to her chest "It s-scares me because I know that the pain isn't going away, I know how it's been affecting you, I-I know that you are at a disadvantage..."
"Hinata..."
"And even though I know all that and no matter how much I want to, I won't ask you to drop out of this exam."
His eyes widen at this "Hinata..."
Tears started to fill her eyes but she didn't let them fall "Y-You have been there for me, e-encouraging me not to give up. I-I can't ask you to give up soon you've come this far. But...please p-promise that y-you'll be careful."
He could see that her decision to let him continue wasn't easy for her. And he knew that if he struggles during his fight, it would be hard for her to watch. And despite all that, he wasn't going to stop. He had to continue with this exam, this was his opportunity to find out how far he's gotten and what he's made of. This is his path as an avenger and he wasn't going to stop no matter what.
Still I can't avenge anyone if I get myself killed...
"I promise I'll be careful" He gives her a determined look "So don't cry, I'll be fine after this, ok?"
With the look he was giving her, she nodded and quickly wiped away her unshed tears.
"Sasuke, you moron!" They both return to Naruto "Why are you making her worry so much? If you're hurt just-"
"Naruto.. Sasuke called, grinning at him "You're one of the ones I want to fight the most."
Naruto looked at him, surprised.
"Alright then, we'll now begin the preliminary round" Hayate announced "This round will consist of one on one individual combat at full battle intensity. This is not an exercise. There are 20 of you remaining, so that means we will need 10 matches. The surviving candidates of these 10 matches will advance to the third exam. As for the rules, there are none. You will fight until one dies or concedes defeat or is rendered physical incapable of continuing the contest. Naturally, those who are losing are urge to concede defeat promptly to avoid a fetal outcome. Furthermore, as proctor I'm given a certain amount of leeway in judge the matches."
He coughs before continuing "I might occasionally intervene ever match seems hopeless, to save the many lives as possible. Now it's time to reveal what fate has chosen for you."
He turns to Anko and she nodded, speaking into her headset "Open the panel"
From above, a metal panel began to rise revealing a large screen behind it.
"The names of each pair of opponents are chosen completely at random. Before each match, these names will appear on this display behind me. As there's nothing more to say let's begin. In a moment the names of the first two opponents will appear."
Everyone looked up at the screen as it was shuffling through the names. After a while, two names appeared.
Yoroi Akado
vs
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke smirked. Didn't waste any time, did they?
Yoroi snorted "I couldn't ask for anything more"
Hinata's stomach dropped as she looked up at the screen. Why was fate so cruel? Why couldn't his match be one of the last ones? That way he could rest a bit and cope with the pain.
"Alright now those whose names have been drawn, come forward." Hayate instructed
Yoroi and Sasuke moved to the middle of the field and faced each other.
"You have been chosen for the first match, Yoroi Akado and Sasuke Uchiha. Are there any objections?"
"None here." Sasuke said
"No" Yoroi replied
Please Sasuke, be careful and do your best. Hinata mentally pleaded
You better win, Sasuke! Naruto mentally demanded. If you ever hope to take me on.
Something's wrong, he's asking strangely... Ino thought as she noticed a difference in Sasuke's behavior.
Dosu was also looking at him from his spot in the back. Could it be the curse mark?
Sasuke, good luck! Lee inwardly cheered, clenching his fist.
Now we just sit back and sees what happens. Neji thought
Sasuke eyes widen as the pain returned but tries to ignore it. The pain won't go away.
Yoroi was amused at The expression on Sasuke's face and chuckled inwardly. That curse mark giving you trouble?
"Alright then, let's begin the first match." He coughed. "Okay, everyone other than the two opposing candidates will now clear the area and move to the upper level."
The leaf ninja went to one side and teams from other villages went to the other side. The ones remaining on the field were Naruto and Hinata.
"Hey! Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called cheerfully, waving his arm.
"Sasuke…" Sasuke glanced over his shoulder. "Don't use your Sharingan."
"So you know about it." Sasuke mused, hiding his shock.
"If that mark on your neck gets out of control your life could be in danger."
"I'm aware of that."
Kakashi mentally groaned at his student's carelessness.
"Just to let you know, if it gets to that point, I'll have to step in and stop the fight. Good luck."
Sasuke's eyes widened in shock. Stop the fight?!
He reached behind his neck and touched the mark. This thing...it seems to be responding to my charka.
He thought back to the trouble the mark as given him during his time in the Forest of Death. Use my charka, this thing gets a little stronger and gains a little more control over me. I've got to fight him without using my sharingan and even my own jutsu is off limits. Maybe I can make him laugh himself to death.
Regardless of his circumstances, he smirks with excitement. Whatever, let's get on with this.
Everyone on the upper levels were anxiously waited for the match to begin.
Watch yourself, Sasuke. Don't push yourself. Kakashi thought keeping a close eye on him.
"Then if you're ready, let the match begin." Hayate says.
"Oh, I'm ready."
"So am I"
The fight began.
Sasuke began drew a kunai but Yoroi threw a couple shuriken at him. Sasuke deflected the shuriken with his kunai, however the curse mark pulsed causing him pain.
Already?! The pain causes him to fall onto the ground.
He looked up and Yoroi appeared above him. He pushed himself to avoid Yoroi's punch, then stuck his kunai into the ground so that he could stop himself from going any farther. Then he kicked Yoroi in the ankle and behind the knee causing him to fall forward. Sasuke quickly maneuvered his legs, trapping Yoroi with his leg over his opponent's throat and holding his arm in a vice grip.
"Hey, he got him!" Naruto cheered.
"Really?" Yoroi said as he grabbed onto Sasuke's shirt.
Sasuke's eyes widen as he felt a change in his body. What's happening?!
During the match, Hinata activated her byakugan making sure he doesn't use any charka. She eyes widen as she saw what was happening.
Sasuke's charka...is being taken away from him!
When Sasuke grip loosened, Yoroi was able to lift his arm out of Sasuke's hand and slammed it down on the Uchiha's chest.
"Argh!" Sasuke groaned in pain. He tried to move but couldn't.
All my strength, suddenly it's gone!
While he was distracted, Yoroi charged at him.
In a moment of panic, Hinata forget her shyness and yelled out "Sasuke, lookout!"
But it was too late. As he sat up, Yoroi grab his forehead, forcing him back on the ground. Yoroi chuckled as he stole more of Sasuke's charka. Sasuke tried to push him off, but his strength was slowly decreasing. His right arm dropped to the ground, limp like.
Kakashi's visible eye widen at the scene.
Sasuke! Naruto thought, looking down at his teammate
"What the-? My chakra, what are you doing?" Sasuke wheezed.
"You're just noticing it now?" Yoroi laughed
"My chakra! You're stealing it!"
"You finally caught on, huh?"
Then Sasuke's other arm gave out.
Hinata clenches her fists so tightly, they became white. She could see the mark beginning to react due to Sasuke's charka leving his body. Sasuke please do something! If you don't then...
"Get…" Suddenly he finds the strength to move and planted his foot on Yoroi's stomach. "…off me!" and kicked him several feet away.
"So, you've still got some strength left, huh?" Yoroi mocked him. "Impressive… for a guinea pig."
Whoa, that was close. Sasuke thought as he was panting.
"Don't worry little man, I'll make it short and sweet." Yoroi charged at Sasuke as he staggered to his feet. Sasuke moved as swiftly as he could to dodge Yoroi's attacks.
However one of the blows caught his hair and absorbed more of his strength causing him to grunt as he stumbled away.
"What's the matter?" Yoroi asked, taunting him. "It that really the best you can do?"
Sasuke spun around, attempting to kick him but Yoroi easily jumped away, dodging it.
I don't have the speed to keep away from him and I don't have a chance at a close quarters fight. I need to think of something fast.
Gaara stared down at Sasuke. The great Sasuke Uchiha. Is that all he's got?
Come on, Sasuke! Naruto looked over at Hinata, who couldn't look away and who near to tears. "Hey, Sasuke! Come on, man! What was that?! And you call yourself an Uchiha! You're going to let this goon walk all over you. Come on, stop messing around and get it in gear." Sasuke turned to Naruto with a scowled on his face, panting.
They're all... His eyes widen as he got an idea. That's it!
Yoroi once again charged at Sasuke. "I'll teach you to turn your back on me! Big mistake and your last!"
Sasuke started dodging his attacks.
Everyone was watching them closely as he continued to dodge.
Is this as far as he goes? Hayate thought as he watched the young Uchiha.
Then he suddenly disappeared.
Yoroi was startled by this "Huh?! Where'd he go?"
Then he reappeared underneath him and kicked him up into the air.
That's my move!
What the...?!
Hinata and Naruto looked surprised by this.
H-He's mimicking Lee's taijutsu! Hinata thought as she watched him get on all fours and shot up disappearing from the ground and reappearing behind him.
"Okay, I admit, I kind of borrowed that move." Sasuke says, "But from here on in," He placed two fingers on Yoroi's back. "It's all original."
"The Dancing Leaf Shadow?!"
"Now take this!"
Just before he was about to strike, the mark pushed once again and Sasuke screamed in pain.
Hinata watched in terror as the mark began to spread throughout his upper body.
"No, not again! It keeps getting stronger and stronger!" Sasuke screamed as it spread across his face.
"Sasuke, please no."
Even with all this pain, He could still hear the voice of the person who he really cares for. His eyes glanced at Hinata and his heart cringed as he saw her close to tears.
"PLEASE STOP!" Hinata launched at him, wrapping her arms around him and held him close. Sasuke looked down at her and saw the terrified look in her tearful eyes "Please...no more Sasuke...please...go back...go back to way you were...please..." She then sobs into his neck
There was no way he was going to let tears fall from her eyes because of this mark. Not again.
"Come on! What was that?! And you call yourself an Uchiha!" Naruto yelled
And there was no way he was going to rely on this mark again!
Shut up, loser! Don't right me off yet!
Is this it? Kakashi thought as he observed the progression of the mark
No! I won't let this thing take over! No way! Sasuke manage to force to recede back into just a mark behind his neck and smirked.
Instead of tears of sadness, Hinata shed tears of relief. "Sasuke, you controlled it."
"Here we go." Sasuke pushed on Yoroi back and kick to the side, but Yoroi blocked it.
"You're no match for me." He scoffed but then his eyes widen at the Uchiha movements.
Whose no match for whom? Kakashi thought
Sasuke flipped around in midair to the other side of Yoroi and slammed his arm down on his throat, They both began falling towards the ground.
"Cone back here!" Sasuke yelled punching him in the stomach..
"I'm not done yet! Lion's Barrage!" Sasuke finished his move by slamming his heel into Yoroi's stomach, just as they crashed to the ground.
Sasuke sled across the floor flipped over onto his stomach. Both of them weren't moving moving and everyone was waiting to see who would get up first. Hayate walked up and checked on Yoroi.
Well, this one's had it.
Just then, Sasuke pulled himself up, panting heavily.
"I'm declaring this match over." Hayate announces as he got up. "…as the winner of this preliminary round, Sasuke Uchiha advances to the finals."
"Way to go!" Naruto shouted
"Sasuke!" Hinata smiles in joy and relief. It's finally over, thank goodness.
Sasuke began to fall back, before he fell to the ground, Kakashi was behind him, holding up with his knee to his back.
"Not bad." Kakashi commented
Sasuke panted a bit before smirking.
"Funny, before the Lion's Barrage your technique was very reminiscent of Gai's Taijutsu. You must have used your Sharingan to copy it when you fought with Rock Lee that time."
"You okay!?" Naruto shouted, grinning. "Hey, Sasuke! You won, but in such an un-cool way! You came out looking like you're the one that got beat up!"
"N-Naruto, be nice! He's been through a lot!" Hinata scolded
"Idiot! Give me a break you little..." Sasuke shakes his head "Oh well."
Hinata smiled down at him. Sasuke, I'm so glad everything worked out.
I can't wait until it's my turn! Naruto shakes with excitement
Rock Lee... Sasuke panted as looked up at the ninja next to Naruto. If I hadn't seen your moves up close when we went head to head, this one would have turned out badly.
Sasuke grunts in pain. Still I don't think it's a technique I want to use very often.
Lee was overwhelmed. Amazing. He only saw me do it once and he was able to copy it perfectly. So that is your special ability. You really are something, Sasuke. You just keep getting stronger all the time. You make me...almost...nervous.
Gai looked down at Kakashi and Sasuke. He reminds me of you, Kakashi. Back when you were young.
Tenten looked over at Neji and saw him intensely staring down at Sasuke. Last year, Neji Hyuga was the rookie to beat.
She turn her gaze to Sasuke. This year, it's Sasuke Uchiha. I wonder when we'll out which one's stronger.
She giggled inwardly. And also...
She glanced at Hinata, who was still smiling down at him. I'm curious about his relationship with Hinata. I'm positive he's the reason why she's different now.
The kid's incredible. To already develop his sharingan to such a level and to think we haven't even seen his full Uchiha ability yet. Kakashi thought looking down at his student
The medic came and carried Yoroi out. One of them approached the two "Sasuke Uchiha, maybe you should come along to the infirmary too and let us treat your injuries."
"Don't worry about it." Kakashi said. "I think you're out of your league this one. I'll look after him."
That caught Sasuke's attention "Okay, up you go." Kakashi ordered as he leaned down and whispered into his ear. "We've got to seal that curse mark."
"Before the preliminaries are over?! I wanna see you goes on to the finals and-." Sasuke protested.
"Forget it."
"But-!"
"And don't even think of arguing. If we leave it-"
"I'm not leaving! I have to be here!" He protested loudly
That got Kakashi to shut up.
"Please, just let me stay until the end of a certain match then I go with you. I won't fight, I won't resist, just let me stay until then."
"Sasuke, you're still in a great deal of pain, I don't think you can-"
"I'm fine, I can handle the pain. I want to stay."
"Sasuke, I don't think I can-"
"Sensei, please..."
Kakashi's eye widen in shock. He had never called him sensei before.
But Sasuke didn't see Kakashi's shocked expression as his eyes were looking at his bluenette teammate "I made a promise, I want to keep it."
Kakashi looked up and saw Hinata staring down at them, but mostly at Sasuke, with confusion and concern in her eyes.
He sighed. These kids may be the death of me.
He turned his eyes back the boy in front of him. She really brings out a different side of him, one he rarely shows to anyone.
"Okay."
Sasuke tore his eyes from Hinata and watched as Kakashi went into his pouch and pulled out food pills. "Eat two of these pills."
"What are they for?" The Uchiha asked as he took the pills.
"These are a special type of pill that relieve great deals of pain, but to an certain extent." He explained "That mark is still trouble but with those pills it should decrease to pain a great amount, making it like a dull pain."
"So does that means I can stay?"
"Only for a few hours that's how long the pills will last. During that time, I'll be monitoring you and that mark, just in case something happens. As long as the mark is under control and the pain is no bother, you can stay. But remember only a few hours, so you better hope the match you want to see comes sooner than later ."
I hope so too. Sasuke thought as he chewed on the pills, almost spitting them
"Oh, by the way they're extremely bitter. So you might want to force them down." Kakashi cheekily advised
T-This guy...!
Hinata and Naruto surrounded Sasuke as he returned with Kakashi.
"Man Sasuke, I almost you were done for." Naruto laughed "Guess you're an Uchiha after all."
Sasuke hmed "At least I got to go start and I won with just taijutsu. But I can' t say the same for you. You'll probably just lose after 15 seconds."
A vein popped on the blonde's forehead "Why you...!"
Hinata quickly got between them "Please c-calm down, he just finished a fight and you need to conserve energy Naruto. You don't know when your match will be."
"Yeah, that's right! I'll show you how strong I've gotten." He exclaimed, pointing a finger at Sasuke "Heck, I'll even end my match faster than you did."
"But my guest but I doubt you can beat my time."
"Gaarrh!" Naruto yelled in frustration.
"Ok that's enough." Kakashi said, ending their argument "Let's settle down, the second match is about to start."
"Humph!" Naruto pouts, turning away from his friend with his arms crossed.
"Hmph..." Sasuke did the same but struck his hands in his pockets.
"U-Um Sasuke..."
He turned to Hinata, who was fidgeting with her hands a bit "What is it, Hinata?"
She moved a bit closer to him and whispered "D-Don't you think y-you should go t-take care of that mark?"
"I'm fine." Sasuke assured "Kakashi gave me something for the pain, so it doesn't hurt as much anymore. Besides I'll go take care of it after your match is over."
"My match?"
He nodded, giving her a smile "I promised I'd be there when you need me. I wasn't about to break that promise."
"Oh Sasuke..." Hinata looked down at her feet, blushing. She was touched that he would go far to support her. She wanted to do something for him, so she reached into her pocket and held out a small container to him.
He looked at the object "What's that?"
"I-It's my homemade ointment. You still have scratches and bruises, so I thought..."
She looked up as her hands felt the weight of the ointment was gone. Sasuke opened it and applied some to the scratches on his arms.
When he was done, he closed it and put it in his pocket "Come on, let's see whose up next."
She smiled, happy that he used "Right."