Tower Arena
The Tower Arena consisted of a rectangular space with concrete walls, a floor, and an upper section. There was also a giant statue of two hands performing the Ram hand sign against the back wall of the room and a huge screen to one side of the arena.
The Hokage stood before the statue and was surrounded by several Chunin, Anko, Ibiki, and the sensei of the eight teams who passed. As Goku was part of a four man team, that meant 25 Genin had passed onto this round.
"First of all, congratulations on finishing the second exam." Anko declared. "There were 79 ninja who took that phase. Frankly, I'm surprised even 25 passed. I knew less than half would make it, but I thought we'd be left with single digits by now."
The remaining participants were arranged in parallel lines. Aside from Team 7, Teams 8, 9, and 10 made it. This meant the Rookie 11, as well as Lee and Tenten, succeeded. Additionally, one Suna, Oto, and Kumo team made it. Lastly, there was Kabuto, accompanied by his teammates.
"I see your team did not do too bad, Kakashi." Guy whispered to his old rival, who was standing next to him. "They must have gotten lucky. Of course, with my team still around, yours is doomed to failure. After all, the next test is all about skill, and we got you far outclassed. Oh well, I suppose part of growing up is to learn how to endure defeat. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Hm, were you saying something?" Kakashi asked nonchalantly.
His lack of interest caused Gai to close his fists in anger and mutter things like, 'rival…cool, hip and trendy attitude…revolutionary reactions…our next challenge…power of youth…'
"So, that's Guy Sensei's rival." Tenten thought as she looked at the silver haired Jonin. "If I had to judge them on looks alone, I'd say Guy Sensei loses."
"Just watch Guy Sensei." Lee tightened his right fist as flames replaced his eyes. "I swear I will make you proud!"
"At this point, only the best could have gotten this far." Turles noted.
"Alright, pay attention." Anko declared. "Lord Hokage will now explain the third phase, so you better listen carefully maggots." She then looked at Hiruzen. "They're all yours, sir."
Hiruzen stepped forward. "Before I reveal the third exam, I find it necessary to explain a few things about the test itself. While these exams give our village the chance to toughen our Shinobi and improve relations with allies, the true purpose is to display military strength.
To show the rest of the villages that participate our battle prowess." The old man took a puff of his tobacco pipe, granting the Genins some time to process the weight and meaning of his words. "No village can afford to look weak in front of its allies, especially during times of uncertainty.
Therefore, we look for two things in the Chunin Exams: To grant the qualified prospects the rank of Chunin and bring pride to our nation. The more battle expertise we show, the more mission requests our village receives, and the more our country is invigorated."
"Okay, but why do we have to be the ones to risks our lives?" Kiba voiced.
"The strength of a nation is the strength of its Shinobi." Hiruzen retorted. "When a Shinobi is pushed to its limits, strength can be acquired. It is imperative for the younger generation to show promise while the older generation are tasked with the security of the village."
"So, we're supposed to improve our relationships with our allies by fighting them?" Ino asked. "That makes no sense."
The aged Sarutobi took another puff. "Friendship between villages is not what you think it is. The Chunin Exams is also a chance for the lesser Shinobi villages to turn the tides in their favor. The balance of strength, in the Shinobi World, is friendship."
Even though Naruto had a great deal of admiration for Hiruzen, he couldn't help but think his definition of friendship was stupid. What sort of friendship was that? True acts of friendship were born out of action, and maybe even words in certain cases.
If a village wanted to be allies with another, they had to help each other out, not kill their ninjas just for the sake of showing strength. If that was friendship in the Shinobi world, then he didn't even want to think what enmity between villages was.
"Now listen closely, as I will tell you what the third phase will entail." Hiruzen began.
Suddenly, an Inuzuka Jonin appeared atop his dog before Hiruzen. "Lord Hokage, with your permission, I would like to explain our present predicament."
This man had long, wild brown hair and the face tattoos of the clan while his attire consisted of the standard affair for Jonin. As he was riding atop his dark blue furred, canine companion, it was obviously far larger than the puppy Kiba currently had.
The third nodded. "By all means."
The canine turned before the guy boisterously lept off his back. "Hello everyone!" He landed before grinning at the gathered Genin. "My name is Yamcha Inuzuka while this here is my buddy Puar. We're the designated proctor for the third exam.
Under normal circumstances, said would be explained, and we'd call this a day. Unfortunately, you've proven to be rather exceptional. While that's great, the third phase is a public affair. Too many of you just wouldn't look good to the public, so we'll do a preliminary test."
"A preliminary test?" Naruto asked.
"Basically, we're aiming to half the number moving on." Yamcha informed. "This preliminary will consist of combat where opponents will be randomly chosen to fight one another. Anyone who doesn't feel up to it, now is the time to bow out."
"Wait, we're starting right now?" Choji repeated in disbelief.
"This whole thing is just too troublesome." Shikamaru commented, tiredly.
Kabuto raised his hand with a smile. "I got to bow out."
"Kabuto Yakushi of the Leaf Village." Yamcha looked through his papers before nodding. "Alright, you're free to step back."
"Understood." Kabuto retorted.
Kabuto's teammate with sunglasses stopped him before whispering, "Kabuto, what are you doing? Have you forgotten Lord Orochimaru's orders?"
"I'm leaving it to you." Kabuto whispered back. "What's the problem? For someone with your abilities, it should be no problem. This is your chance to prove yourself Yoroi. After all, you've always wanted my or Piccolo's place. Go for it."
"Hm, you might be one of Lord Orochimaru's favorites but careful you don't push it too far." Yoroi warned.
"Thanks for the advice." Kabuto smiled. "I'll keep it in mind." He then left, dropping the remaining Genin to 24. "It's probably for the best. Ever since I took that trip to Ryuchi Cave, I've had such a hard time keeping myself in check.
Can't have that. Might just blow my cover and lose my use as a spy. Besides, my job is finished. With you here, Lord Orochimaru, my services are no longer required. Ultimately, I'll simply save my fun for later."
"Does anyone else want to quit?" Yamcha waited but no one else stepped forward. "Alright then, we'll now begin the preliminaries. Your names will appear on that screen over there." He pointed to the screen. "We have an even number of 24 participants, so that's 12 matches.
You will fight until your opponent dies, forfeits, or if any of us proctor's interrupt. Since I'm the proctor, I will watch every match and intervene if necessary. As for restrictions, there are none. Now, our system will randomly select the first two participants…"
The screen turned on and started displaying various names before settling on the first match.
Karui vs Sasuke Uchiha
"Looks like they didn't want to waste any time." Sasuke thought.
Since Kakashi took the liberty of sealing that curse mark, it wasn't bothering him, nor would it impede him from fighting at his best.
"This is bad." Omoi muttered. "What if Karui ends up hurting the last Uchiha and igniting conflict that will leave both villages war torn?"
"Knock it off Omoi!" Karui exclaimed, angrily. "You told us before the first phase to save our beef for where it's official. Now, whatever happens is something Kumo can't be blamed for."
"Karui and Sasuke, you've been chosen for the first match." Yamcha declared. "The rest of you, wait in the upper levels. Once the match is over, the screen will show the next one."
The other participants moved up the stairs and were joined by their sensei. Vegeta gave his 'sensei' a pointed look and received a grin in return. The Sound Genin grit his teeth before opting to focus his gaze elsewhere.
Once the arena was clear, Yamcha spoke again. "Do either of you have any objection?" The two of them shook their heads in response. "Very well…Begin!"
Match 1: Karui vs Sasuke
"That blond loudmouth is your teammate, right?" Karui asked.
"Yeah, what about it?" Sasuke asked.
"Nothing, save the fact it makes my coming victory all the sweeter." Karui grinned. "Only way this could get better is if the blond were my opponent."
"Once I'm done with you, you'll wish your opponent was that loser." Sasuke retorted.
At the same time, the two Genin drew their respective blades and charged. As Karui attempted to go for Sasuke's neck, he parried the blade to the side before kicking out with his right foot. He nailed the Kumo Genin in the stomach, knocking her off her feet.
Karui managed to stab her blade into the ground, catching herself and looking where Sasuke had been. He was already running towards her, so she spun on her blade's handle before giving him a taste of his own medicine. He was able to see it coming and managed to prepare.
As such. While Karui did get off her kick, Sasuke wasn't knocked back. What's more, he'd grabbed her leg before she could retreat. With a smirk, he elbowed her leg hard sending pain throughout the whole limb. In her pained state, he pushed the leg back sending her to the ground.
Before she could recover, Sasuke put his knee on her stomach and held his blade up to her throat. "Surrender." Karui glared at him, as her hand holding the blade twitched. "I'll only ask once more." He pressed the blade into her neck, drawing blood. "Surrender."
"To get the better of a Kumo Swordsman, even a Genin who underestimated you, is a feat Sasuke." Orochimaru thought, enjoying the display. "Kakashi has been training you well."
"I…surrender." Karui declared reluctantly before her face morphed into an angry scowl that was more directed at herself. "Damn it, he didn't even need the Sharingan to outmatch me."
Tower Arena
"Sasuke Uchiha is the winner of the first match." Yamcha declared. "He will now advance to the third phase."
With his battle won, the Uchiha got off his opponent and sheathed his blade before walking towards the second level. All the while, his team was pumped.
"Way to go!" Naruto cheered while pumping his fists. "I can't wait until it's my turn!"
"Yeah, you just set the mood for team 7!" Goku added.
"Well done, Sasuke!" Hinata added.
"Sasuke took full advantage of his opponent underestimating him." Kakashi thought. "By the time she was willing to get serious, he already had the match."
After a few more moments of self-anger, Karui stood up, sheathed her blade, and began making her way up. He sensei, Samui, was a tall, fair-skinned woman with a curvaceous figure. She has blue eyes and straight, shoulder-length blonde hair cut in an asymmetrical bob style.
She wore a very low-cut outfit with mesh armor underneath a short skirt, red hand guards, high boots, and what appears to be a modified Kumogakure flak jacket that covers her stomach. She also carried a tanto strapped horizontally to her lower back.
"What did we learn Karui?" Samui asked.
"Go for the throat sooner." Karui stated, rubbing her neck.
"Not what I'm looking for." Samui stated. "Try again."
Karui sighed. "Don't underestimate the opponent, no matter what advantage you may think you have."
"Better." Samui nodded before looking at all her students. "One thing many in Kumogakure practice is Kenjutsu, but it does not mean you will automatically trump another who practices the blade. As such, never treat an encounter with one as easy."
All three of her Genin, even Karui, had to agree with her sentiment. Soon, everyone's attention was draw to the screen as names flashed at high speed until fate decided the next two opponents.
Omoi vs Yoroi
Samui noted her Genin was about to go about thinking of the worst possible outcome. "Keep in mind what was just said; however, don't let it overwhelm you." Omoi looked at her. "It's wise to think of the worst outcomes; however, obsession is your enemy."
"Understood, sensei." Omoi stated.
The Kumo and Konoha Genin made their way down to the arena floor where they came to stand across from one another. While everyone else was focused on the next match, Vegeta glanced the disguised Orochimaru's way, only to see him vanish.
The Sound Genin grit his teeth as more stacked up within his mind. "Orochimaru…"
"Shame I couldn't get Sasuke." Yoroi thought.
"With how Karui just fought, I need to show the might of Kumogakure." Omoi thought steadily as to not slip his thought process into what he considered to be the worst outcomes. "Despite alliances, I need to end this fast."
"If you're both ready, you may begin." Yamcha signaled the start of the battle.
Match 2: Omoi vs Yoroi
"Oh, I'm ready." Yoroi declared, making a hand sign.
"As am I." Omoi responded, drawing his blade.
Yoroi's right hand glowed with Chakra while he reached his left into his pouch and suddenly threw shuriken at his opponent. Suddenly, Omoi vanished from his sight in what seemed like an instant, resulting in the shuriken hitting nothing.
"Guy Sensei?" Lee asked.
Lee and Turles had both noted something specific as their eyes were trained enough to track the Kumo Genin. They weren't the only ones who could still see Omoi; however, that's not to say there weren't people among the crowd unable to do the same.
"It's not what either of you think." Guy voiced, drawing attention from others around them.
Suddenly, Omoi was behind Yoroi, who noticed too late. The Kumo Genin sliced the back of his opponent's legs, bringing him to his knees with a cry of agony. Omoi then positioned his blade's hilt and slammed it into the back of Yoroi's head hard enough to render him unconscious.
Yamcha came out to inspect the now laid out body. "Omoi is the winner of the second match, so he advances to the third phase."
Tower Arena
Omoi slashed out his blade to flick off the blood before sheathing it. "I made sure to only slice deep enough to drop him to his knees." He walked away to rejoin his team. "Given proper treatment, he should be fine."
"They aren't a particularly large number, but Kumogakure is home to the Swift Release." Guy informed.
"Swift Release?" Goku questioned internally. "That wasn't one of the natures I saw in my dream, yet it's something derived from my basic elemental natures like the rest."
"An advanced Chakra Nature comprised of Wind and Lightning Release which allows the user to move at incredible speeds." Guy continued. "Until that boy used it, I didn't know he had it."
"Shouldn't someone have known, aside from his team?" Hinata asked.
"More than likely, whatever team they saw in the forest learned of it." Kakashi answered. "Often, it can be hard to know with some releases. Especially if the one wielding it takes on traits from a parent without such a release, or there are no traits there to begin with."
"Knowing what we do now, I wish he had been my opponent." Lee declared. "I would have liked to test my speed against his."
"That's the spirit, Lee." Guy declared.
By this point, Medical-Min had loaded Yoroi onto a stretcher. After a precursory check of his leg wounds, they began to haul him off for treatment.
"That was a cool showing." Samui stated as Omoi rejoined them.
"Yeah, well done Omoi." Atsui smiled. "Your burned hotly to make up for Karui's performance."
"Atsui, I'll let you have that one." Karui put a hand on her teammate's shoulder, making him sweat drop. "Now, quit while you're ahead."
Atsui chuckled nervously. "Understood."
"Alright, moving onto the third match." Yamcha declared.
Everyone's attention was draw to the screen as names flashed and the next opponents were selected.
Shino Aburame vs Rock Lee
"Alright!" Lee began kicking the air. "I get to set the tone for Team 9!"
"That's right Lee!" Guy exclaimed. "Get out there and showcase your power of youth!"
Lee's spirits were ignited as he lept over the side of the railing.
"Alright, Shino. It's your turn." Kurenai nodded. "I have full trust in your abilities."
"You got this, Shino." Kiba declared. "I mean, just look at that guy. There's no way you'll lose."
"Don't go saying that Kiba." Sakura stated. "You can't judge strength based on appearance." She then looked to her teammate. "Good luck, Shino."
Shino adjusted his glasses and acknowledged their encouragement with a nod before meeting Lee down in the Arena.
"If you're both ready, we will begin." Yamcha informed.
Match 3: Shino vs Lee
The second the match started, Lee ran at Shino and lept into the air before spinning. "Leaf Hurricane!"
Shino didn't feel confident blocking that kick himself. "Insect Wall."
Insects poured from Shino, forming a wall that stopped the kick. Lee dropped to the ground before the insects surged after him, forcing the Genin to deftly dodge. Once there was sufficient distance, Shino pulled his bugs back.
"What is going on?" Naruto asked.
"Is this a summoning Jutsu?" Sasuke asked.
"The Aburame Clan are insect tamers." Goku informed. "When one is born, they enter a sacred pact with the insects."
"They are allowed to nest within the body, in return they obey their host's will." Hinata continued.
"It's a tough clan for anyone to deal with." Kakashi finished.
"One who manipulates bug, hm?" Lee stared his opponent down. "It will not be easy getting through that, but nothing ventured, nothing gained!"
Lee rushed in and doubled his efforts in attempting to land a hit. Shino recognized his opponent was now faster than he could keep up with himself. Fortunately, he'd given orders to his bugs to protect and attack. They were faster than he currently was. Still, Lee was persistent.
It was to the point he managed to punch small holes through the bug swarm and moved in a way that made it hard for them to land. Soon, rather than the slow approach of sneaking bugs on Lee as he attacked, Shino ordered them to swarm. This put the older Genin on the defensive.
"Whoa, Lee is good." Naruto commented.
At this point, Sasuke had his Sharingan active and smirked. "Now that my eyes gained a second tomoe, I can keep up with his movements."
Granted, part of him did register the fact that Shino was currently doing better than he had against the same opponent, but the satisfaction he felt overrode any feelings around that.
"At the rate he's going, the guy's going to wear himself out." Kiba chuckled.
"If he only uses Taijutsu, you're right Kiba." Sakura noted. "If someone like him starts using Ninjutsu or even Genjutsu, the tide will shift drastically."
"Those might be good ideas." Guy voiced, drawing the two Genin of Team 8's attention. "That is, if he had any." This now drew a lot of people's attention, though Team 7's Genin already knew. "Lee has no Ninjutsu or Genjutsu at all."
"You're kidding!" Sakura exclaimed stunned.
"Oh, that's nothing." Guy chuckled. "You should have seen how hopeless he was when I first met him. No talent to speak of."
"Really?" Sakura asked. "I can't believe it."
As they talked, Lee continued to deftly avoid the bugs before deciding to leap all the way atop the statue in the room. Shino pulled his bugs back to orbit around himself, keen on preparing to react rather than act in that moment.
"A ninja who can do neither Ninjutsu nor Genjutsu is certainly a rarity." Guy voiced. "Lee only has his Taijutsu to rely on. Some might consider that a disadvantage, but that's what makes him a winner." He gave a thumbs up. "Alright, take them off Lee!"
"Guy Sensei, you said that was a last resort when the lives of important people are at stake." Lee voiced.
"That's right, I did!" Guy smirked. "This here is an exception!"
Lee smiled before removing his leg warmers to reveal leg weights.
"Are those…" Ino began.
"How old fashioned." Shikamaru commented.
"Oh, leg weights." Goku smiled. "I should see about getting some for myself."
"Ah, that is better." Lee stood with the removed weights held in either of his hands. "Now, I will be able to move freely."
He dropped them.
"Does he really think dropping some messily weight will…" Kiba began.
His next words caught his throat as said weights impacted with the ground below kicking up two massive clouds of debris. This shocked absolutely every Genin, save those on Lee's team, there.
Goku's grin only widened. "Now I really want my own weights!"
"Guy, you are too much." Kakashi thought.
"Alright, go Lee!" Guy ordered.
"Yes sir!" Lee shouted back.
Shino stared critically at his opponent, only for him to suddenly vanish from eye sight. Suddenly, his bugs attempted to defend him as the older Genin was right next to him. Lee was now fully capable of punching large holes through his insects.
Just as Shino spotted him, Lee was gone and reappeared on his other side to kick away more of the bugs defending him. They were putting all their energy into defending Shino now; however, that wasn't enough to even slow the blows that were coming.
"I saw Lee had no aptitude for Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, so we skipped them to focus everything into Taijutsu." Guy informed. "This turned his disadvantage into a blessing. Now, he doesn't need those other things to win because he's transformed into the world's greatest Taijutsu specialist."
Lee continued to blitz Shino's insects before leaping into the air and putting a spin on it. This added even more momentum to the resulting axe kick which nailed Shino square in the head, his insects officially unable to keep up. Lee landed and skid back with a smirk.
"He's broken through Shino's bugs." Kiba stated, stunned.
Kurenai couldn't believe it herself, even with Lee being a year older than her Genin.
"He was holding back…" Sasuke thought, gritting his teeth.
"Yes Lee, let the power of youth explode!" Guy exclaimed.
"Right sir!" Lee shouted back.
He was now thoroughly blitzing Shino from all sides with fists and legs before slamming home a powerful haymaker that knocked his opponent off his feet. Shino began to stand up, his stance shaky and arms hanging down before him.
Lee was already on the move and lept into the air while spinning. "Leaf Hurricane!"
This time, his kick connected across Shino's face, and the force was enough to knock him clear into the back wall. The Aburame collapsed to the ground, unmoving. Yamcha came out to inspect him.
"Rock Lee is the winner of the third match." Yamcha declared. "He advances to the third phase."
Tower Arena
"Alright Bushy Brows!" Naruto yelled, suddenly assigning him a nick name. "You were awesome!"
Lee looked Naruto's way before grinning and shooting him a thumbs up. He then lept up to rejoin his team.
"You certainly set the mood for our team." Tenten voiced happily.
Turles gazed at his friend as he was loaded on a stretcher before turning to his teammates. "It'll get people thinking twice when they face you or I, Tenten."
"You did well Lee." Guy turned his student towards him and gave the older Genin a hug. "You're truly becoming a splendid Shinobi."
"Guy Sensei…" Lee was tearing up.
As Team 9 celebrated, Team 8 watched their teammate being taken out of the arena.
"I can't believe he lost." Kiba stated. "He's the last person from our team who I thought would."
"I know what you mean." Sakura frowned. "I guess that just goes to show how tough the competition really is."
"Shino gave it his best; however, his opponent proved too much." Kurenai put a hand on each of her remaining student's shoulders. "Don't feel too discouraged now because the two of you are still in this. If you think victory is out of reach, then out of reach it will remain."
Sakura and Kiba nodded firmly at that. Across the way, Gaara focused intently on Lee while shaking and firmly holding himself. This was not fear. It was the farthest thing from fear. If anything, how their brother was reacting made the other three Suna Shinobi fearful.
"Oh no, what that kid managed to achieve is making Gaara restless." Kankuro thought.
As Team Baki began to worry about their youngest, the next match had appeared on the screen.
Gaara vs Ino Yamanaka
"Temari…this is bad." Kankuro muttered nervously. "This is really, really bad…"
"Kankuro, calm down." Temari might be attempting to calm her brother, but the sweat trickling down her forehead betrayed how she felt.
That last match had given Gaara a certain look within his eyes they were all too familiar with. Lee had unknowingly caught the interest of what lied within Gaara, to the point it was now affecting him. Gaara held up two fingered and body flickered down amongst sand.
"Guess I'm up." Ino stated, looking to her teammates.
Shikamaru looked down at her opponent nervously. "Ino…I'm getting a bad vibe from that guy."
"Yeah, he's got some dangerous looking eyes." Ino admitted. "Still, I'm a kunoichi. I'll be fine."
She walked off, taking the path that would lead her by Team 9. Rather than her speaking to Turles, he was the one to speak with her.
"Ino, be on your guard." Turles voiced. "He's no normal opponent."
"I think this is the first time he's spoken his care for me." Ino noted, having picked up by now how his actions typically spoke for him when it came to her. "Right." She winked at him. "Just keep your eyes on me, and I'll show you how hard I've worked since the academy."
She walked on before Turles looked at his Jonin. "Guy Sensei?"
The student and teacher shared a look as Guy came to understand exactly what his student was asking. "You're doing it for the right reason, just be sure you're reading the situation correctly." Guy put a hand on his shoulder. "You have my permission."
Turles' own weights weren't nearly as much as what Lee currently used, but they were still heavy enough. He removed his current boots and set them on the ground to not give too much away. He then took out a scroll and unsealed a fresh, normal pair that he slipped on.
Once Ino stood across from Gaara, Yamcha nodded. "Once you are ready, begin."
Match 4: Gaara vs Ino
Ino yelled in alarm as the cork on Gaara's gourd flew off and hit her in the forehead. As she recovered from that, sand began to eerily slink out of his gourd.
"What is that?" Ino asked.
"Silence." Gaara commanded, arms folded together.
The sand that had been leaking expanded and shape shifted into an identical, yet sandy, version of her opponent. The sandy version's arms stretched out with surprising speed.
"What is that?" Sakura asked.
"Sand clone," Kankuro informed, catching people's attention.
"What do you mean?" Kiba demanded, approaching the Suna Shinobi.
Kankuro's gaze was fixed on his younger brother in disdain. "Gaara can control sand in any way imaginable."
Ino narrowly dodged the wicked attack, before screaming, "Oh my god!"
She took off in a dead sprint, running back and forth with the sand clone in hot pursuit.
"Ino, what are you doing!?" Shikamaru hollered at her. "If that thing catches you, it'll kill you!"
"I know that!" Ino screamed.
She whipped out a pair of kunai and managed to hurl them at Gaara as she sprinted. The Suna Genin did not blink as they soared toward him, and the Yamanaka was severely disappointed as they were both caught by a wall of sand.
"What is that Jutsu?" Choji asked Asuma. "He isn't even making hand seals!"
"If he's part of the Kage's line from Suna, it might be the Bloodline Limit, Magnet Release." Asuma responded.
"I'M SCREWED!" Ino screamed.
"There's no way she can win this!" Shikamaru turned to Asuma fiercely. "That sand automatically blocked her kunai."
"Shikamaru, you know as well as I do that brute strength isn't everything." Asuma retorted calmly. "If she can hit him with her Jutsu, the match is hers."
"I don't see sandman over there giving her that sort of time and space." Shikamaru grumbled.
Gaara's clone was still on the move, and he was now creating waves of sand along the ground to attack with. This resulted in a two-pronged attack which saw Ino smashed by the sand clone and sent tumbling along the ground.
"This…is boring." As she got up panting, Gaara glared disdainfully. "I'll give you one minute to pray to your god before I kill you."
"Is he serious?" Naruto asked nervously.
"He is." Kankuro shuddered. "Gaara has never been scratched. Some preppy wannabe, like that girl, is a goner."
"No." Shikamaru gave a faux grin. "This match is Ino's!"
Turles firmly clenched the railing, ready to move at a moment's notice. Ino was sobbing hysterically, hands clasped together in prayer. The sand slowly receded, and with it, the Yamanaka's hands slowly shifted.
She connected her thumbs while bending her index and middle fingers together. "Mind Transfer Jutsu!"
Gaara's eyes widened as Ino's chakra spirited her mind toward her opponent. Gaara's body slumped simultaneously with Ino's.
"She did it!" Shikamaru yelled, clenching his fist with relief.
Kankuro began to sweat as he ran over and grabbed Shikamaru by the collar. "What the hell did she do to Gaara?"
"She beat him!" Shikamaru looked taken aback but grinned, nonetheless. "All Ino's got to do is make Gaara surrender!"
"Fool." Kankuro tightened his hold and began visibly shaking. "You must get her out of there."
"Don't be a sore loser…" Shikamaru mumbled, as his eyes drifted back to the arena. "Strange, why hasn't Ino…"
Ino's bloodcurdling scream instantly snapped everyone to attention.
"Impossible!" Asuma exclaimed.
The blond was expelled back to her own body, perspiration and tears consuming her face. She was also biting her lip to the point it bled and her body shook uncontrollably.
Kankuro looked at Gaara in horror. "What has she done?"
The Suna Genin's face was half-concealed by sand, and as it began to shape itself in the form of a tanuki. Gaara raised his hands together and roared, a mad look on both the animal and human sides of his face.
"YOU'RE DEAD!" Gaara screamed wildly, murderous frenzy consuming his actions.
Sand exploded all around him, flying towards Ino. It crashed into her, throwing the girl into the wall, and knocking her out. Blood oozed from her head and down to her nose.
Yamcha's eyes widened in alarm. "That's enough!"
Note: Last Chapter, I did call Goku's transformation here Super Sage. I have now changed it to Grand Sage as I liked the suggestion from Dontus -not Donut- Powerus. Henceforth, Super Sage shall be known as Grand Sage.
As I said, every match you will read was randomized, with only two of them being matches seen in canon, because that's what was spat out to me. Now, let's talk about these matches. I know Lion's Barrage is a cool moment; however, Sasuke here wasn't restricted to Taijutsu alone because Kakashi had time to seal that mark before the start of the preliminaries. Given who Sasuke is, I could totally see him wanting to beat a sword user with his saber.
With who Karui is, I could see her underestimating a sword user outside of Kumo and paying the price for it. Then, we get to Yoroi vs Omoi. I know Omoi doesn't have Swift Relase, but I figured I'd have a little fun by giving someone this release. Out of any village there is, I feel it fits well within Kumogakure. With it, Yoroi is no trouble at all for Omoi. Third match is Rock Lee vs Shino.
While Shino is plenty smart, I think Rock Lee's year of experiance and Taiutsu would make it hard for Shino to effectively pin his opponent down, leading to his defeat. Match four is Gaara vs Ino. There's no other way to say this than Ino drew the short end of the stick. She doesn't have any way to get around Gaara's defense, and transferring into his mind is a bad move all around given what else is in there.
GojiraSerizawa: That is a lot of interesting Jutsu that I shall keep in mind.
NBATazuji: Come the training, Naruto is going to be highly motivated. As for sub elements, I naturally put thought into it since I did promise I wasn't just going to slap them into Goku should people be in favor of it. While Goku can use them, he can't truly access the ability to do that until he better understands the five basic elements first. Introducing Chakra variations of Ki techniques will come eventually, just not in the prelims. As for the matches, here's the first four.
Dontus -not Donut- Powerus: Yeah, she's pretty much in. I mean, she'll have to go through Ibiki and Inoichi, but that won't really be a problem since she has no hidden agenda here. When it comes to Crystal Release, I believe it's either Earth & Wind or Earth & Lightning. I still got time to cement what exactly goes into that, but there are worse problem to have with a story then determining what basic natures go into these advanced ones that don't say it.
As for who Goku saw, I did keep it purposefully vague. I'll even admit right now that I don't concretely know who it is yet, so Hogoromo is technically a right and technically a wrong answer all at the same time. Also, I fixed the mistake on appointment. Yeah, it'd basically only need to seal the Nine Tails last. They can pretty much then go in any order before that point. as for your name ideas, I have decided on Gran Sage. Thank you.