Chapter 7: The Prelims

Chapter Text

The battles had begun, and they were unfolding with intensity. Watching the first few matches, I couldn't help but notice their one-sided nature, which stirred a growing sense of concern within me. As I observed the next fighters preparing for their match, my apprehension heightened.

"Kin-chan, you've got this. Don't let your guard down; that guy is very dangerous," I commented, keeping my gaze fixed on the arena before shifting my attention to the Oto kunoichi beside me.

"I'll be fine, Miraju," Kin replied, her voice carrying a hint of determination. "I won't underestimate him. I'll do whatever it takes to win this match and advance to the final stage."

"Okay, I'm here to root for you, and I know you've got this," I said as I saw her opponent's name, Shikamaru Nara. Yeah, the guy looked kind of lazy across the way, but something told me that there was way more to him than that, that behind the laziness there was someone who was very dangerous. That gave me concern about Kin and this match.

She nodded her head towards me and then went to enter the ring, her eyes showed a focus, as she was at least taking my words seriously. I soon felt a hand on my shoulder. "Relax, man, you really do have a bad crush on that one," Amara said softly patting his shoulder as she looked at the fight. "Getting a girlfriend from Oto, you mom is going to laugh out of shock at this when she finds out."

"Yeah, yeah, and when your mom finds out about Neji Hyuuga, how is she going to react?" I retorted knowingly, which really caught Amara off guard as she didn't know that I knew the name of Amara's new crush and also her savior back in the Forest of Death.

Amara's eyes widened in surprise, and she stuttered for a moment before regaining her composure. "How did you... I mean, it's not like that!" she protested, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Neji... he's just... he helped me out, that's all." She glanced away, unable to meet my gaze. "Anyway, let's focus on Kin's match for now."

"Let's see how this plays out," I say with a nod, my attention fully on the match unfolding in the arena between the Konoha ninja and the final Otogakure participant in the tournament.

I watch the movements closely as I observe Kin's attempt to trick and gain an advantage. She is careful, and it seems she takes my warning to heart. I cheer openly and loudly, even if I'm the only one doing so. I also pay close attention to the two fighters; Kin's genjutsu is pretty good, and her taijutsu is solid as well. The problem is, she's up against a tough opponent. This Shikamaru guy is obviously a genius; his ability to move around the arena and ultimately outsmart Kin in a mind game is as dangerous as I feared. His skill in using his shadows to control someone's movements is formidable.

I grip the rail tightly, unknowingly sending sparks of electricity out from my hand. I want to jump in and help her, but I know I can't. As the fight comes to an end, I'm filled with instant determination as I pick up Kin and look over at her opponent. "You've shown me too many of your tricks. When I fight you, things will go differently," I declare, pointing directly at Shikamaru. My declaration is ignored except by my teammates, who facepalm themselves, and the sand siblings, who seem a bit more curious about this fellow Suna ninja who is so brash in that moment.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, mildly intrigued by the Suna ninja's bold declaration. "You've got guts, I'll give you that," he remarked casually, his lazy demeanor unchanged. "But don't get ahead of yourself. There's a reason I made it this far in the exams."

With a nonchalant shrug, he turned away, seemingly unbothered by the challenge. "Maybe we'll cross paths again," he added cryptically before heading off, leaving Miraju and his team to process the outcome of the match.

I of course help Kin over, helping her over to my side as I see that she is recovering, "Good try out there," I comment softly as she is waking up. The loss isn't unexpected but, I know she did her best.

As Kin slowly regains her senses, she offers a weak smile in response to Miraju's comforting words. "Thanks," she murmurs, her voice still a bit shaky from the intensity of the match. "I gave it my all, but he was just too good."

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Kin's expression shows a hint of determination. She seems resolved to learn from the experience and come back stronger in the future.

The matches continue, and I watch as Arumajiro fights with all his heart, but his earth jutsu and defense can only hold out for so long against Shino Aburame before he is defeated and left unconscious on the arena floor. Anger wells up within me at this unfair outcome. Then comes the truly unjust match: Amara versus Sasuke Uchiha. It's painfully one-sided as Sasuke easily defeats Amara, knocking her out cold. I watch as she's carried away on a stretcher, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. But what catches my attention even more is Sasuke's near altercation with Neji Hyuuga after the match, surprising many in the crowd on that side of the arena.

I understand why Amara might have lost the battle badly, but it seems that the girl had some kind of impact on the cold-looking Hyuuga. I shake my head, pondering this for a moment before realizing I'm essentially standing alone. My team looks like the underdogs, the unimportant group that doesn't matter and isn't at the same level as the top competitors. We're also included in a minor group of characters there for one moment alone. Taking a deep breath, I know what I must do: win.

As I'm called down, I look at my opponent, Choji, a fellow teenager like me, who can use the size-changing jutsu and probably has other tricks up his sleeve. I know I must be ready for anything and fight like a warrior. I have to win and show everyone that my team matters and can't be underestimated.

I watch taking up a neutral stance as I look at Choji, my hand out in front as I hold my sword in my back hand, I know this guy is most likely the powerhouse in terms of strength, he saw the brains of Shikamaru and the strange ability of Ino, already in the fight, meaning this guy is the muscle of the group. I think about possibilities,but I keep myself ready to move in any direction. "Choji, good luck, may the best ninja win," I comment as the sword of mine sparks with a bit of lightning from the tip of it.

Choji nods in response, a determined expression on his face. "Thanks, Miraju. Let's have a good fight," he replies confidently, his voice filled with determination.

As soon as the match begins, Choji charges forward with incredible speed, his body tucking into a tight roll as he aims to barrel into me like a human bullet tank. I quickly react, sidestepping his direct approach and allowing him to pass by harmlessly.

With Choji momentarily off balance, I seize the opportunity to strike. Channeling lightning chakra into my sword, I deliver a swift and precise slash aimed at Choji's flank. However, he anticipates my move and manages to twist away, narrowly avoiding the full force of my attack.

Undeterred, Choji quickly regains his footing and prepares for another assault, his determination evident in his focused gaze. I brace myself for the next exchange, knowing that victory will require all of my skill and strategy.

I dodge a few more times, moving quickly as I come up with an impromptu plan, my mind working as I break a number of senbons in my hand and crumble them into small bits of metal. I have an idea, and it should work, but to those watching, I am sure I look like a man who has lost his damn mind and is breaking his own weapons on purpose. They aren't my weapon of choice, but they are what is needed, and they are light enough to break into many parts too.

I wait as Choji comes right at me and throw out the broken pieces of cheap metal into the area. "Lightning release, lightning cloud," I call out, using lightning to fire at the group of senbons. They hit between them, creating a kind of lightning net or mass area of lightning as they bounce off each other, connecting the whole group of metal pieces together. A moment later, they slam into Choji, shocking the hell out of him.

I quickly follow this up, attacking the stunned Choji with a combination of punches, finishing with an uppercut that defeats him and leaves me victorious in this match. I stand there, with the arena more surprised that this unknown had advanced than anything else, except for, of course, the rather proud and happy Otogakure kunoichi watching on.

I quietly get back to my own side, as I see that my victory has gotten the attention of the sand sibling as well. I am a suna ninja after all, their fellow villager. I nod respectfully at Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara as I return to my spot. Their expressions are unreadable, but I can sense a mix of surprise and perhaps a hint of respect in their demeanor. It's clear that they, like everyone else, hadn't anticipated our team making it this far. But here we are, defying expectations and proving our worth. As I settle back into place, I can't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through me. The finals are within reach, and I'm ready to give it my all.

I sat down as that fight took a good bit out of me, that lightning move was great, but it was a bit stamina draining too. Something I am going to have to really work at in order to fight and win in the finals. I feel a hand on my shoulder and look at Kin giving her a smile. "Seems I advanced," I say with a goofy smile on my lips.

Kin returns the smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and relief. "Congratulations, Miraju. You fought well out there," she says softly, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

I nod, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. "Thanks, Kin. Couldn't have done it without your support," I reply sincerely.

As we sit together, watching the remaining matches unfold, I can't help but feel grateful for Kin's presence and support. In the midst of this intense competition, having a teammate like her by my side makes all the difference.

As I sat there, I had no idea how much my presence alone and my victory had changed the course of things. I watched the rest of the fight, observing the power of Gaara, the dangerous and intimidating power that he possessed. I made many mental notes as I watched alongside Kin. What I didn't know was that I was already considered the wildcard of the finals, the unknown element, the one who wasn't accounted for making it.

I was unaware of the plans that were in motion, as I was never supposed to be around for that. I was supposed to lose with the other Suna genin and return back to the village long before that event would happen. Yet, I won, and I advanced, and that meant someone had to keep an eye on me. They needed to make sure that I didn't cause problems and keep me far from any information about the plans that were happening behind the scenes. This is where the second change happened as a result.

Kin Tsuchi, destined to be used as a sacrifice due to her total lack of importance, now had a purpose. One that would, of course, be unique to her and give her cruel bosses a reason to keep her alive. That purpose was to keep an eye on me and to ensure that I stayed away from any information that might prove problematic.