Hello again! Not much happening. I decided to take the Hapkido class, and so far it's turning out pretty good. I'm learning some interesting wrist techniques as well as basic strikes. It's not as intense as Muay Thai, but still they find a good way to batter my forearms.

Also, just as I was finishing up this chapter, I made a discovery that bummed me out. Where I go to school there was an Anime Express store. Not only did they have a bunch of DVDs on sale; they had some available for rent, and sold manga, collectables, and video games as well. If they didn't have the specific DVD, series, or boxset you wanted, you could special order it and they would have it under your name within a week. It was the place I relied on the most for most of my anime purchases. Since this would be my last year in the area, I decided to stop by for at least one last purchase. But low and behold: They sold the place. I knew the anime industry was going through a crisis before, and if no other factors were involved, that just reminded me! I thought it was an awesome store, and I sincerley hoped that it would eventually become more mainstream and have a great business here in America. Hopefully, someone else if not them will try an endevour like this again and succeed, but it's not looking so good. So, RIP Anime Express, and to the former owners, I wish you the best of luck and domo arigataro for your superb services.

Now for the story: The final chapter of the chunin exams!! I hope most of you enjoyed this, as I know some of you have not. I wanted to make a story that would lead to the next generation, and give Naruto the same experiences as the ninja that came before him. I also wanted the next generation to fight alongside him as well, and the purpose of this arc was to bring them up closer to his level. And believe me, very soon, Naruto will need all the help he can get! While there were many similarities between this exam and Naruto's, I hope I added enough differences between them to make this enjoyable enough. Now for review responses!

This is my(your?) name: Well, I wasn't trying to make this too different from the Naruto we all know and love, and Naruto's team, against Jaa and Hanabi, were essentially darkhorse canidates. The outcomes were predictable, true, but I felt the process of getting there was more fun. Hopefully, this chapter will change things for you.

JDay and Spazzgirl: It's what I do best.

Mrfipp: You're about to find out. And I think you'll love this chapter for another reason too.

Korisen: Another word eludes the spell check once again!! I'll try my best not to let it slip again! I do intend to finish this story, as all the events that will follow are very clear in my head, and I think would be a waste to let it go unfinished. And thanks for the address. I'll try it sometime!

And now for Pirogeth: Th...Waitaminute! Where the hell is he!? Pirogeth!? Pirogeth!? NOOOOOOO!!

In the sky, something flew in the clouds. Most observers would say it looked like a huge bird. However, it had no feathers, and its "beak" was much rounder than normal. And if one where to feel it, he would realize it was made of clay. "About time, ya! That was hell!!" Deidra sat on top of the head, more moody than usual. His Akatsuki cloak was torn, he had several scratches across his body, and worst of all, the jinchuriki they managed to nab cut off his ponytail!! Deidra, like most other things that involved him, thought his hair was a work of art. So, that was a major blow to him. He was brought out of his thoughts when his partner moaned behind him. "Tobi…it's been 3 DAYS NOW. You've had more then ample time to recover from that, ya!"

Tobi was on the back of the bird, lying on his back and holding something very precious to him. "My balls…" During their fight with the Orochi Jinchuriki, Tobi was nailed in the groin, and that was apparently the first time he was hit there. To top it off, he didn't know that was a weak spot.

For once, Deidra sympathized with him on that day. After all, no one liked to get hit there. But even if the memory of it was painful, to hold on to it for this long…"Tobi…you sit up like a man, or I'm throwing you off!! Do you understand, ya!?"

"It hurts so bad!! Tobi's in pain!! PAIN!!"

Deidra did not keep his promise. Instead, he just proceeded to get him in a leg lock. "Tell me, does this hurt as much as that one blow from three days ago!?"

In Soragakure, a woman waited. She had no emotion on her face as she was waited for the Akatsuki's most egotistic and dumbest members. They came into view once Deidra's clay bird broke through the clouds. When the bird landed, Tobi fell face first.

"I may have took it too far." Deidra commented as he hoped off the bird.

"Did you obtain the jinchuriki you were assigned?" the woman asked.

"Ya." Deidra replied. "Let me tell you, he was a tough one. If it weren't for my masterpieces, we would have been toast, ya."

Tobi suddenly shot straight up. "But Deidra-sempai!! If it weren't for my jutsu, you'd be dead right now!!"

"You're the one who was crying over a low blow for three days!!"

"But it hurt so much!!"

Deidra was about to make another retort, when a water spout separated them. "Enough." The woman replied calmly. "Kizu-sama wants to see you immediately."

Deidra shut up, and had his bird open its mouth. There, the unconscious jinchuriki he obtained was removed and thrown over Tobi's shoulder.

Kizu went to a compartment and pulled out what looked like piercings.

"You're planning to use those?" Madara asked. "Like you did on her?"

"This is a slightly different variety." He tossed the piercings up, and caught them in his hand. "With these, not only can I control what the person is doing, but I can speak through them, and see what they see, as if their body was mine. Unfortunately, I can't perform my own jutsus, only their own." Kizu walked down the stairs. "But with the victim I have in mind, that may not be necessary."

He walked down into the meeting room where he finally met up with the other members. "Welcome back." Kizu then looked at Deidra questionably. "Deidra…did you get a hair cut?"

Deidra gritted his teeth, but knew better than to talk back at his master. He smiled and tapped the area where his ponytail used to be. "Ya! I felt it was time for a change! Do you like it? Isn't it a real work of art?"

Kizu could only think "It looks terrible."

"He didn't like it at all!!" Tobi interrupted. "You should have seen Deidra-sempai!! He was using so many bad words!! What if children had been around!?"

"Tobi, shut up!" Deidra yelled.

"I've been nothing but a good boy!! You can't talk to me like that!!"

"ENOUGH!!" Kizu yelled. Deidra was annoying enough, but if it hadn't been for his jutsus, Tobi wouldn't have a place in the organization. "Anyway, I have another mission for you two. The extraction can wait a few minutes. First off, I would like to reintroduce Hidan."

His female partner carried the head into view. "Deidra, Tobi…to what do I owe the pleasure?" Hidan asked in a sarcastic manner.

Zetsu rose from the floor, plopping the dead body of Kakuzu onto it. "You may want to step away from the circle." Zetsu said. "You better do as he says!" the other half said. "Not unless you want to make this even more of a freak show!"

Deidra and Tobi looked down, and behind them. Indeed, a circle lined with seals was behind them. Though they did not exactly know what would happen, Deidra decided it would be safer to find out from outside. Tobi had other ideas and stayed where he was. "You heard what they said!" the Iwanin yelled.

"But sempai! I want to see what happens!"

Kizu himself threw Tobi out of the circle. "This jutsu only works when two are placed in the circle. One must be crippled, the other must be dead."

Deidra's eyes widened. "Kizu-sama…what are you planning to do?" Kizu said nothing, and instead, made hundreds of hand-seals at lightning fast speeds. Finally, he placed his hands right on the edge. "Shouten Yuukai no jutsu!!" A light shot from the floor, and everyone was surrounded in light…

Kiba and Shino stared down in the arena in anticipation, one being more nervous than the other.

"Has your cousin improved any?" the Aburame asked.

Kiba gulped. "Yeah…a little." Truthfully, Kiba thought Hige came a long way. However, even without seeing what his opponent could do, he knew he was going up against a relative of someone from the council. That was never a good thing. Kiba feared what training he could give to his cousin would not be enough.

"His opponent being the grandson of Danzo is not something to worry about, only what skills he will bring to this fight is." Shino said, as if he read Kiba's mind.

Tsunade stood in her chair with her hands tucked under her chin. So far she had been impressed. Miyamoto showed excellent wits and copied her signature offensive ability. She would definitely promote him to chunin. Iori, as feared, lost control initially, but snapped out of it and used a summoning technique to finish the fight. As soon as she could do a more proper evaluation, she would put her decision on hold. Jaa was still somewhat immature, but it paid off having him learn under Konoha's taijutsu specialist. He also demonstrated that he could potentially win a fight if his taijutsu was countered. Besides, with the family he had, he could use a bigger pay, and he had worked hard for it. Hanabi was a great fighter, but she was terribly arrogant. It was no big deal; most of the Hyuga were promoted to chunin by appointment anyway. Hiashi himself did not pass the exam when he was their age. Tsume and Chan were good, but so far, nothing impressive. This match, however, would be a tricky decision without even knowing the outcome. And when she caught someone out of the corner of her eye, she was reminded why. "Danzo…to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'm simply here to get the best view possible to witness my grandson's match. Nothing more." Since Tsunade wasn't told that he would sit next to her, there was no seat for him. Some servants were carrying it instead.

When he sat down,Tsunade asked "So, what did you think of the other matches so far?"

"I've come here to observe my grandson, and nothing more." Danzo repeated, clearly annoyed.

Tsunade had to scoff. He was probably in the lounge arranged for members of the council doing whatever he likes to do other than get on her nerves.

"I probably don't even need to bother." Danzo commented. "He'll make chunin anyway."

Tsunade said nothing. "I've a feeling…" She then looked at the ceiling above her. There, a certain man in an ANBU mask stood. Tsunade mouthed "You may go, Yamato." The ANBU nodded, and jumped down the opposite side.

Before anything could be said, the Tea Daimyo shouted "I'll bet ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY THOUSAND RYO on the Naka kid, no odds!! Not only is he the grandson of an esteemed council member in this village, but he is also another pupil of this Uzumaki! Face it, Heionkaze, you've got no chance now!"

The Wind Daimyo calmly replied "I've no obligation to accept your wager. You've wasted so much money now. While my people can use more money, I think we will be fine now. I suggest you start saving some for your people."

The Tea Daimyo gritted his teeth in rage. "Time for Plan B." The Tea Daimyo leaned in to his companion's ear. "Well, I'm sure in your eyes, I'm not worth risking that much. But what about your sister? I'm sure she's worth it."

The Wind Daimyo's thoughts halted immediately. If he brought up his sister in a situation like this, it could only mean one thing: leverage. While inside he was scared like he was a child who had a bad dream again, he kept his composure. "Very well." He said. He narrowed his eyes as the Tea Daimyo turned away and smirked. "I must inform the Kazekage of this right away." He then began to write something down as Shinichiro was looking away…

Shiguri faced Hige, not the least bit concerned. Hige, who had on a coat similar to Kiba's when he was younger, was clearly nervous, but he didn't loose his resolve. Genmai was right beside him, his tail up and alert. Hige scratched his back, trying to get as much comfort as he could before the match began.

Gendou, as usual stepped up. "The next match!! Naka Shiguri vs. Inuzuka Hige! Begin!!"

Both of the genins' eyes widened at the signal, and threw their shuriken. Each one collided with one another and collapsed on the ground. Shiguri charged and struck. Hige blocked, and the exchanged continued for a few seconds. Then, Hige whistled. Shiguri looked to his side and saw Genmai coming at him! The dog tackled Shiguri to the ground, and proceeded to sink his teeth in. Shiguri pulled a kunai and got Genmai to clamp his jaws around steel instead of flesh. However, he was completely defenseless against Hige, who came to his side and kicked him, sending him sprawling across the ground. Shiguri immediately jumped up and made his hands signs. "Doton! Tetsutsukami no Jutsu!"

Two hands made of stone grabbed Hige's wrists, and squeezed. Hige tried not to scream, but a small gasp did escape. "You're not even worth using my weapon against!! I'll be nice and make you beg for mercy right now!!" Shiguri pulled out a kunai, and ran towards Hige.

Hige, despite the fact that his circulation was being cut off, managed to mouth something. Shiguri couldn't hear it, but Genmai could. "Genmai…get into my pouch! Quickly!"

The dog planted its face in his master's pouch, and took out something. A soldier pill! The dog woofed it down, and it's fur became more spike-like. "GRRRRRRLLLL!" Genmai leapt upon Shiguri and scratched his hand, forcing him to let go of the kunai.

Shiguri stepped back, clutching his cheek. "You sons of-"

Before he could finish his insult, Genmai dug through the stone locks. Hige was now free! "Let's do it boy!" Genmai barked in response, unintentionally sounding vicious. He stood atop of Hige , who made a sign. "Juujin Bushin no Jutsu!!" Genmai immediately transformed into a double of Hige. Then, the two split off, and charged!

"Okay…" Shiguri mumbled. "Whatever shall I do?" he smirked, mocking them in fake concern. He could try to take out both, but he would risk using enormous amounts of chakra. He could try and focus on one, but he would risk being open to attack. Besides, his victory would count only if he defeated Hige; the dog would not count. Shiguri was soon brought out of his thinking. He was forced to dodge their attacks from all sides, and it was beginning to wear him down. This was like going against a pack of…or swarm… He suddenly snapped his fingers."That's it!"

One of the two Higes, unfortunately, body slammed him towards the wall. But that wouldn't stop Shiguri from finishing his jutsu. "Summoning no jutsu!" His hand managed to stop his trajectory, and smoke exploded from the ground.

"What's going on?" Hige asked. Genmai, however, knew. He growled. "What?" Hige asked. "Bugs?" Suddenly, he heard it, and they appeared from the smoke. Several wasps, as big as a large rabbit! One went straight for Hige! He side stepped and kicked it away. Normally, he wouldn't worry about getting stung by one. But if they were summoned, then they had to be able to do some damage! Plus, having one that big fly towards you was quite intimidating. His attention turned when he heard Genmai yelp. Genmai was still in his transformed state. But his left arm hung loose.

"You're lucky that was only a scratch." Shiguri said, holding his hands in his pockets and grinning wickedly. "If one of these beauties manage to hit your torso, game over." Soon, the Inuzuka and his dog were surrounded by a whole swarm.

Naruto looked down, and sighed.

"What?" Kakashi asked. "Aren't you excited?"

Naruto replied "I don't know what to think right now. A part of me wants him to do well, but…he just…"

"Just what, Naruto?"

Naruto closed his eyes, thinking of how best to put it. "There's something dark about him. He doesn't seem to care about the life of his opponent. If he was fighting with a ninja from another village, most probably wouldn't think anything of it…"

"…but since he's fighting a fellow leaf ninja…don't worry, Naruto. I'm sure he'll end this fight the right way."

Naruto didn't respond. For once, his hopes weren't that high.

Hige threw smoke bombs to distract the wasps. He needed to stay next to Genmai, as they needed each other. He got next to him, and pulled out a kunai. "Genmai, can you move?" Genmai arfed in response, which Hige knew meant yes.

Suddenly, Hige deflected a kunai thrown at him. "Ah-Ha! You're the one!" Shiguri rushed towards him, two kunai in hand. He tried to stab Hige, but Genmai grabbed him with his good arm. Shiguri flip-kicked Genmai on the chin and made another motion towards Hige. Hige countered with his kunai, and caught something out of the corner of his eye. Another wasp! Hige ducked, avoiding getting stung in the neck. As he rolled, he saw Genmai struggling to get away from the other wasps. Hige threw his shuriken, managing to hit every one of them. However, he saved his dog at the cost of his own defense: Shiguri grabbed him by the collar, and threw him towards Genmai.

He collided with him, and soon they found themselves under the swarm. Hige looked at his dog. "Hey, you think that technique cousin Kiba showed us will help?" Genmai just barked in response. "I'm not sure either, boy. But we can't afford to go overkill yet." The two stood up, and then together. "Gatsuuga!" Much like an ordinary Gatsuuga, the two formed separate twisters. However, unlike Kiba's technique, where the two would split off, they stuck together, side by side. Which meant double the impact. They shot out, disintegrating one wasp after the other. Soon, there was nothing left.

Shiguri just stood there, looking at them nervously. Hige just stared back, and for once, he was the one smirking. "You're next. Gatsuuga!" The two tornadoes came towards Shiguri, who managed to dodge only by a hair. Of course, they would veer course and hit him again. But he anticipated that. "Perfect time to test out these little new toys." He shot both of his arms out, and something sprung from them. Whatever they were, they wrapped themselves around the ends of the twisters. Then, he pulled. While it put great strain on his arms, the twisters did stop, and the momentum that was left wrapped the things around Hige and Genmai's legs even tighter. They both fell to the ground, yelling in pain. Right by their ankles, blood was drawn. Then, the chain like material withdrew, cutting their skin even more. Genmai released his transformation, unable to concentrate any longer.

Hige looked back and stared in horror. Attached to Shiguri's arms were…chains? The portions wrapped around his arms and that he held onto were most certainly chain. But the rest was different. The "chain links" had crescent shaped hooks on each side, as sharp as a razor, and the ends on both were kunai.

"Like'em?" Shiguri asked, chuckling. "I made them during my training. I haven't thought up of a name for them though…" He looked at each one, deep in thought. "Dragon tongues." He turned to Hige, smiling once more. "That will do for now."

"Okay, why is it my own students keep pulling off things like this behind my back!?" Naruto yelled, clenching his fist.

Kakashi answered "Well, Miyamoto got the designs from his father for his weapons. Iori was from another country if I recall correctly, and learned hers from there. Naka…well, I guess he's just one of those who can come up with something original every now and then."

Naruto sat down, and took a closer look. "Oh man. That weapon is MEANT for killing. It's just as I feared."

Shiguri fired his dragon tongues. Hige leapt towards Genmai and gathered him up before he was hit. "Are you okay, boy?" Genmai whimpered. He was in pain, but he could still fight. Hige let him down, and they got ready to fight again. Shiguri began twirling his weapons. Then, he raised them up into the air, and headed towards them. Hige and his dog backed away, but the dragon tongues had incredible range. Hige jumped over one aimed low…and saw the other heading straight towards him. He spun in mid-air, but the edges still manage to take off a good portion of his back. Hige fell to the ground wincing, but he was alert enough to roll away when one of the chain like daggers came down where he had just been.

The weapons were flexible, hard to predict. With time, one could predict the movement of one. But added with another, there was simply no good way to counter-attack. Shiguri was about to attack again, when something held him back. Genmai bit into his leg, holding him down! "ARGH! You little runt!!" Shiguri kicked him into a boulder, knocking the wind out of him. Shiguri then yelled to Hige "Just be patient! I'll take care of you soon enough!!"

Hige's eyes widened in horror as he realized what Shiguri was about to do. The doton user turned towards the dog and shot a dragon tongue in his direction! "NOO!!" Hige stepped in between Genmai and the weapon, and as a result, caught it on his shoulder.

Shiguri smiled evilly, and pulled, deepening the wound. The shock was so great to Hige he couldn't even cry out. "How noble of you, but in the Shinobi world, your dog is considered a tool. And no tool is worth your life."

Hige breathed heavily, clutching his shoulder. Genmai whimpered, and ran over to his master. The dog immediately began licking the wound. The Inuzuka dogs' saliva did in fact have some healing properties, but not enough to really help in a situation like this. Still, Hige appreciated the effort. "Thanks boy." Hige just managed to stand, and stared Shiguri right in the eye. "That tool, as you call him, is my best friend. And I'll make you pay for what you nearly did to him!!" Genmai barked with him, and they both charged at Shiguri.

Shiguri just chuckled evilly. "Brave speech." He then twirled his weapons over his body again. "But with great courage comes extraordinary stupidity!!"

Right before Hige and Genmai were in range of his weapons, Hige threw a smoke bomb. The dragon tongue sliced it, causing an explosion of smoke. Shiguri coughed, struggling to keep his eyes opened despite the pain. "Damn! Focus!" When the smoke began to clear, he looked around. Shiguri stepped back just in the nick of time to avoid getting scratched by Hige. However, his shades flew off. At first, it looked like it would be nothing more than an annoyance. But he found out that it would become deadly.

"Genmai!! Now!!" Genmai leapt from the remaining smoke, spun around, and peed into Shiguri's eyes.

"Ahh!! What the hell is this stuff!?"

Genmai and Hige ran right behind Shiguri. "This is our best chance! Are you ready!?" Genmai barked in response and jumped on top of his master's back. "Inuzuka Ryuu Chinjuu Konbi Henge: Soutou Rou!!" Hige and Genmai then transformed into an enormous beast. It looked like a giant dhole, with black legs and red fur. However, its claws, even for its size, were far too big for them to possibly belong to a dog. Never mind the fact that it had two heads, both drooling and showing off their fangs. The beast howled, and ran towards Shiguri, who had just regained his sight. Before he could react, Shiguri was swatted by the creature, and in midair, captured him in one of its mouths and threw him in the opposite direction.

Shiguri growled and stared at his foes with rage. "You think a little transformation like that will be enough!?" He readied his Dragon Tongues once again, spinning them in circular motions above his head. The beast that was Hige and Genmai formed the Garouga and charged. Shiguri shot his weapons out, but they broke apart on impact. He was hit dead on, and sent flying into the air.

After he landed in a heap, the beast turned back to its original forms. "I think we did it boy." Hige whispered, and collapsed on his knees. Both had used up most of their chakra in that final attack. They couldn't pull it off again.

Kiba finally breathed. "Oh man. That was too close." Kiba had to smile, proud of his cousin and student. "You've gotten strong, Hige."

"It's over." Shino said.

"Yeah."

"No, it's over. For Hige. He's going to loose." Kiba turned to face his partner with his face contorted in anger. "What are you getting at!? Didn't you see the move he pulled!? He knocked that Naka kid flat on his ass…"

"And used up almost all of his chakra. Think about it. Look at what jutsus Naka used. How much chakra do you think he planned on using up?"

Kiba was about to argue back, but then his mouth froze in mid-speak.

"That's right." Shino answered. " As little as possible."

Kiba turned back to the stadium, looking in fear.

"Well, if Shiguri stands up, he will win this fight." Kakashi noted.

Naruto looked on, troubled. "I have a feeling that he's not going to simply stand up and gloat about his victory."

Hige turned to stare at Shiguri's body, and his eyes widened again. "Oh no! It can't be!!"

The body cracked, and turned into pebbles. "Doton: Iwa Bushin no Jutsu." Shiguri came from beneath the ground, and shook the dirt off his clothes. "Cool move, but you didn't time it right! I've got plenty of chakra to spare, and I'm going to end this! Right here, right now!" Hige was on guard, but knew realistically he wouldn't have a chance. "You opted to use big moves to finish me off. However, I'm a lot tougher than I look." Shiguri made more hand-signs. "Doton! Taaru Kubochi no jutsu!!"

Suddenly, the ground began to turn black, and slowly Hige and his dog began to sink. Shiguri made more seals and summoned his wasps again. "Pick up the sharpest pieces you can find." Shiguri commanded them. The wasps flew in all directions, each returning with a piece of the weapon that Hige broke. Then, they hovered over the two helpless victims.

Genmai was closer to the border of the tar pit, and was beginning to climb out. This did not go unnoticed by Shiguri. A wasp buzzed next to his ear, then shot towards Genmai. The dog saw it coming, but he could not escape when covered in tar, and the wasp pierced his back. Genmai yelped in pain, then his body began to go numb. He couldn't move. And not one paw managed to reach solid ground, which meant he was sinking.

"Genmai! Genmai!!" Hige panicked, causing him to sink even deeper, right down to his chin.

"Well, well!" Shiguri cackled. "This is quite a predicament you've gotten yourself into, isn't it!? But let's face it: The two of you are doomed anyway. But…I might be willing to change that. All I ask…" He started straight at Hige with a malicious grin. "…is that you give up, and agree to surrender your life. In return, I will spare your dog's life, I'll even lift him out of the pit first." Shiguri bowed slightly with his arm crossed. "Do we have a deal?"

Hige sputtered some tar out of his mouth. He wanted to get back at him so badly, to get out of there! Heck, he wanted to live! But when he turned to see Hige, he saw his head go under, with just a bit of his shoulder remaining outside the tar. He knew what he had to do then. "Yes!" he yelled, swallowing some tar. "Yes, just spare my dog! My life is yours!"

Shiguri stood up straight, satisfied with the answer. "Very well." Shiguri snapped his fingers, and all the wasps converged on Hige. It would have been easier for them had Hige had more parts of his body sticking out. But the wasps, without complaint, all landed on his shoulder and began to pull. Hige was then lifted far into the air, covered in tar. The wasps simply plopped him onto the ground. Shiguri turned back to Hige, who looked at him like he was prepared to accept his fate. "By the way…" Shiguri said. His frown turned up into a smile "I lied."

Hige would have screamed as many curses as he could had it not been for the fact that his mouth was beneath the surface. The wasps picked up their pieces, and dove right for him. It looked like the end for him. But then, several figures arrived into the arena!

Naruto, Gendou, and Kiba destroyed all the wasps before they could touch him! Akamaru walked into the arena, and picked up his kin in his jaw. By this time, Hige, completely covered in tar, managed to surface.

A wire was then fired into the tar pit. "Get your arm out!! Grab on!!" Yuji was the one who fired it, and with Iori supporting him from behind, intended to pull him out. Hige struggled, and finally he managed to get his arm out to grab the thin piece of metal. Yuji and Iori pulled, but it was not enough. Then Naruto came from behind them both and helped. Finally, Hige erupted from the pit, safe.

Shiguri just stood there in shock. "Why!? Why did they interfere!?"

After dispatching the last wasp, Gendou stood in the arena center calmly. However, those that knew him would see he was beyond mad at Shiguri's behavior. "Hige is unable to continue the fight. And for using excessive force, Naka Shiguri is disqualified!"

Shiguri yelled "What!? That's bullshit!!" Shiguri leapt, ready to punch Gendou. Though the jonin could have handled the situation easily, he received some help; Naruto jumped in between them and punched Shiguri right into the ground. The black-haired genin looked at him in shock. "Sensei…"

Naruto looked down on him, his eyes hidden by his bangs and disappointment etched in his face. "Get out of the arena." He growled.

Shiguri didn't change his expression, didn't say anything, he didn't even pound the dirt. He just stood up, and walked away, looking at Naruto in a way that was asking for forgiveness. Naruto would not look at him.

Then Shiguri looked at his two friends. Their eyes met….and his two friends turned away. "Go home Shiguri." Yuji whispered.

Shiguri said "Yuji…"

"I SAID GO HOME!!" Yuji yelled. "You won the fight the instant you made that tar pit. Going that far…was not only unnecessary…it was cruel. Unlike the Shiguri I knew."

Soon, he was left alone in the arena. "Get out of here brat." Gendou growled, standing in the middle. "You've no place here anymore."

Shiguri didn't bother to put up a fight. He just hung his head low, and walked out of the arena.

"You can't do that!" Danzo screamed at Tsunade. "He was doing what shinobi are supposed to do!!"

Tsunade didn't turn to yell at him. She only stared at the arena floor emotionlessly. "You do realize that all of our competing genin are from this village, correct? While killing is overlooked if it happens by accident, your grandson clearly planned to murder the boy from the start. Having him kill a fellow leaf ninja is contradictory to our ultimate objective."

"The strong live, and the weak die. That is a law of nature as it is of the shinobi world. That Inuzuka boy was simply not fit to be a ninja."

Tsunade turned to look at Danzo, with an obvious hint of rage within her. "If that were true, you shouldn't have been allowed to live the day the Biju attacked."

Danzo hastily stood up and nearly cried "You b-" He didn't finish.

Shizune had pinned him to the wall, and held a kunai to his neck. And the weirdest part of all was that she was smiling in a most sinister manner."You of all people should know better than to insult Tsunade" she hissed in an unusually dangerous tone. "Remember, you would have to face my wrath as well."

Danzo was about to retort, but something caught his eye. Something Tsunade hadn't noticed, as she only looked passively from the corner of her eye.

"Shizune." she finally said. "Enough."

Shizune kept her kunai fixed on Danzo's neck for one second, then let him go. And when she did, she smirked. "You will be next." she whispered so low even trained ninja would have trouble hearing it.

Danzo said nothing, and walked away. "It will be a terrible sacrifice, but he just might be the edge I need."

As soon as he was out of sight, Tsunade spoke up. "Shizune…while I do appreciate you coming to my defense, that was completely unnecessary."

Shizune turned, and bowed. "My apologies. But with everything you've been going through lately, I felt I should have come to your defense."

Tsunade was still puzzled by her behavior, but decided to let it go for now. "Well, the final round is about to begin." She smiled as she turned back towards the arena. "Let's enjoy the rest of the show!"

"I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS-" The Wind Daimyo plugged his ears as the Tea Daimyo shouted words that were considered unbecoming in nobility. The Wind Daimyo was about to say something, but the Tea Daimyo was too obsessed with his own rage to realize it. "That's it! I've had it!!" He snapped his fingers and his two fellow ninja followed him out.

The Wind Daimyo sighed in relief. There would be no more disputes over money, but there was one thing that concerned him. "I still need to take care of that." He gestured to one of the Sand Ninja to come over, and whispered into his ear. "He's threatening my sister. Send the best kunoichi you can to deal with him."

The chunin nodded. "My sensei should be able to handle it."

"This is your fight, you got that? Your time to shine." Yuji was encouraging Iori like he was her coach. Naruto was right there as well, of course.

Iori just smiled confidently, and said "Yeah, I know." Truthfully, she was embarrassed the way Yuji was praising her. But at the same time, it felt good. Real good.

Naruto's hand on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts. "Good luck." He smiled proudly. Iori smiled back, and nodded. She jumped to the floor, and ran to the center to face Tsume.

"And now…" Gendou shouted. "For the final round!! Myojin Iori vs. Shiro Tsume!! Begin!!"

Iori attacked immediately. Tsume managed to block, and it became apparent that as far as orthodox taijutsu went, that would be all he would do. "Still afraid to hit a girl!? A part of me is thrilled by the prospect of that, but at the same time, I don't feel too good about that!!" Finally, Iori shot a punch into Tsume's gut, sending him tumbling on the ground. As soon as he stopped, she ran towards him and leapt into the air, intending to land a powerful kick on his stomach.

However, he surprised her: He jumped up and wrapped himself around her arm! "What the!?-" Iori fell down with him, and before she knew it, she was in an arm bar.

"Don't worry." Tsume said. "I won't break it. But you will have no choice but to surrender!" He started to pull just enough for Iori to feel the pain. Iori struggled, but there was no way for her to get out of the arm bar.

This went on for a good few minutes. Eventually, the stadium cried for more action. "This fight is boring!!" One spectator yelled.

That one got to Iori. While she didn't care much for giving anyone a show, she didn't like it when people talked trash about whatever she would do. "Oh, I'll give you action alright!!" The silver chakra surrounded her once more. Her features changed, except for one thing: Her mind was still intact! She lifted Tsume with ease and slammed him to the ground. Tsume let go, only to grab onto her leg. "AUGH! Let go!!" She swung her leg into the wall, cracking it and injuring Tsume pretty good as well. However, he held on.

He went for various locks and holds, getting slammed onto some surface by the powerful kunoichi each time. Finally, he circled around her and got her into a bear hug. Then, he did something shocking: He kissed her right on the lips!

Iori's eyes widened, and she grabbed him and tossed him across the floor. "You bastard!! I'll-" Suddenly, her beast-like features faded. Her eyes became droopy, and she stumbled around. Finally, she collapsed face first into the ground.

Gendou knew exactly what Tsume had done, and smirked. "The winner! Shiro Tsume!!" Everyone in the stadium booed, while Tsume simply gave them the finger.

"I'll kill him!!" Yuji tried to lunge at Tsume as he passed by, but Naruto stopped him.

"Now now. He just wanted to win without causing her any harm. Nothing romantic about it." Yuji didn't listen, so it was a good thing that Naruto kept his hold on him. "Then again, if that was Sakura- chan, I'd be pretty pissed too." he thought.

Speaking of whom, Sakura had already gone to pick Iori up. As she passed by Naruto, with the genin in her arms, she said "Don't worry. It was a sleeping pill he forced her to swallow, nothing more. She'll be up and about in an hour or two."

Yuji finally calmed down, and Naruto let him go. "I don't know if I'll hit him or hold him while Iori does." He began to walk away, looking downcast.

And Naruto knew exactly why. "It's not Shiguri's fault that he chose the way to fight, it's his grandfather's." Yuji turned to face him. "His grandfather is an extremist. He wants Konoha to become in his mind a clan of perfect warriors. Shiguri doesn't agree with him entirely. But he's still young. Impressionable. And Danzo is still the only family he's got, and to him it's someone he wants to make proud. For now, he cannot be allowed to think his way of ninjutsu is okay. But he will learn what it really means to be a ninja, and what's really important."

Yuji cracked a small smile, and nodded before walking away.

"Tsunade-sama?" Shizune asked. "It's time."

Tsunade nodded, and made her way into the arena. She looked around, observing the damage, and whistled. "They really did a number on this place."

She then turned her head up to the audience. "Thank you for coming here today!! It has been a spectacular exam this year, and these genin have given us all great hopes for the future!! What these genin have experienced is only the beginning of one of many obstacles they will face in their futures! But this exam has proven that they will overcome them as time goes on!! Just as their ancestors before them, they will protect and serve this village that they were raised in and loved, and ensure our will of fire continues to burn bright!! I hope you all had a wonderful time seeing the pride and joy of this village, and rest assured, there will be more to come!! Please come back again the next time for the next exam, and once again, thank you!!" Tsunade humbly bowed as the crowds cheered.

Tsunade then turned around to look at Shizune, and sighed. She couldn't get used to the fact that her student and assistant held her hands forward, and no longer carrying Tonton. "This has been an entertaining day. Let's go home, Shizune. After all this, I feel I can get back to work." "Yes, Tsunade-sama!" The two medi-nins walked out, glancing back at the cheering crowds. One, however, gave a sinister smile. "Not quite the way I wanted, but I will get my wish." Shizune then hurried back to Tsunade's side.

A small distance away from Konoha, a foot touched down. Several more followed it. "So this is the legendary Konoha." A figure spoke. "It looks more like a town for ordinary people rather than ninjas."

Finally, Sasuke chimed in. "We will camp in the outskirts and wait for the signal." He gripped his sword in anticipation.

One of the others said "I look forward to killing all of those women and children soon!" He raised his weapon and shouted "Hi-"

Suddenly, another sword was pressed right against his neck. It was Sasuke's kusunagi. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that…you have guard duty and specific assassinations, nothing else. More than money is at stake should you not comply."

The swordsman gulped, and backed off. Normally, he would have cut down anyone who threatened him. But Sasuke was different: Sasuke recruited the swordsman by beating him.

"We will camp out, and hide. I will watch for the signal." Sasuke said, heading the direction opposite into Konoha. All four figures retreated into the woods.

Back in Soragakure, the light diminished. Tobi put his hand down and looked towards the circle, as did Deidra. Neither of them believed what they were seeing. It was Hidan, but not the one they knew. His head looked the same, but for some reason he had a scarf over his mouth, and masks mounted his shoulders.

"How do you feel, Hidan?" Kizu asked.

Hidan looked at his new body in wonder. "I can feel them…Kakuzu's powers!" Tendrils shot out of his body, piercing everything. "It's like they've always been mine…yet I know they haven't. Do I…?"

Kizu nodded. "You still retain your abilities as well." He walked up to him and handed him his trademark scythe. "I've made improvements. It's now a kusarigama."

Hidan took the weapon, and swung. The blades extended, and sliced the hard metal floor. "Hehehehe, yeah! This is what the power of Jashin should be like!" Hidan then turned to Kizu.

"You MAY get the chance to find someone to…perform your rituals on. However, that will only be if Uzumaki decides to bring help. " Kizu looked at Deidra and Tobi. "He will be joining you. I will alert you to the plan as soon as you are within Fire Country."

Deidra nodded, while Tobi yelled "I'm excited! We never worked with another person before, Deidra-sempai!"

Deidra just moaned and placed his hand on his forehead. "Tobi, you have no idea how crazy that bitch is, ya."

Kizu then walked over to Tobi. "Tobi-san, take these with you." Kizu then placed the jewels in his hand.

Tobi stared at them for the longest time before asking "What are these? "

"That is not relevant. Not now."

"But if they're not weapons…" Tobi tossed them aside without a care.

Before he knew it, a demonic hand made of chakra pinned him to the wall, while another grabbed the items. "Do NOT toss them away!! They are very important parts of the plan."

The hand tightened around Tobi's body "ACK!! Tobi can't breathe!!"

"Just do what you are told! After all…" Kizu's voice turned sweet, almost fatherly like as he released his hold. "We are family after all, right? And you wouldn't want to disappoint your family, would you?"

No one could tell what Tobi was thinking, but if his body language was any sign, he was nervous. "Tobi is a good boy. Tobi WILL be a good boy."

Kizu, seemingly satisfied, turned around. "Get going." Deidra created another clay bird, and his two comrades boarded. When they took off, Zetsu appeared before him. "Zetsu, I need to ask a favor of you."

"What is it, Kizu-sama?" Kizu simply held up a photograph, which Zetsu took from his hand. Zetsu stared at it, his face unchanging. "This is…"

"Find him. He'll be perfect to combine with Itachi." Zetsu bowed, and disappeared into the floor.

Okay, I'll admit it: Shiguri's weapons are a total rip-off of the Dark Prince of Persia's Daggertail. Hopefully, adding one more gave it some originality.

Next chapter: Life has returned to normal for Naruto. He trains his team, and his relationship with Sakura at this point in time couldn't be any better. But then calamity strikes Konoha, and it's up to the blond jinchuriki to save the day! But it's not a simple invasion: what the enemy is planning is worse..

Shouten Yuukai-Death Fusion

Heionkaze-Peaceful WInd

Tetsutsukami-Iron Grip

Taaru Kubochi-Tar Pit