The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

Abandoned at birth, searching for strength for survival-this is all about Naruto.

36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Phase Three.

In one of the dark dungeons of the Land of Ricefields, one of the legendary leaf sanin lay on a bed. After the battle with the rest of the Sanin, Orochimaru was tearing up and throwing things, and there was no way he could recognize the trembling anger from the failure. At this point, it was obvious that the sanyan was too weakened and just lay there trying not to lose vitality. At this time, one of his main subordinates, Yakushi Kabuto, who had suffered just as much from that failed battle, entered the room. But thanks to his medical skills, he was able to overcome his ailments. Kabuto walked in with a tray of a whole bunch of medicine and pouring water into a glass handed Sanin a few pills and a glass of water. Orochimaru sipped all the necessary medicine and sighed heavily in frustration.

Orochimaru... Jiraiya and Tsunade be damned, my body is weakened from that battle.

Kabuto had been serving Orochimaru for a long time and had grown fond of him, and judging by his concern, it was clear that he wished his master nothing but the best.

Kabuto... Orochimaru yourself, why don't you agree to take Kimimaru Kaguya's body?

This suggestion, Orochimaru kept as a backup plan, in case the capture of Naruto's body failed. But Orochimaru waited fiercely for Naruto, even if he was having trouble with burned chakra channels. Orochimaru coughed up blood once more and looked at his assistant.

Orochimaru... Well, there's no choice, but that doesn't mean I'm going to refuse to take over Naruto-kun's body.

Kabuto... Orochimaru herself, but you can only get Naruto-kun's body three years from now next time!

Orochimaru looked at his henchman like he was an idiot.

Orochimaru... Kabuto, it's not that important, his body should be mine.

Kabuto... But why didn't you take over his body when Naruto was only 4 years old, at that point he was defenseless.

Orochimaru set aside the tray of medicine and looked on with anger.

Orochimaru... At that point, every dog in Konoha was looking for me idiot. Especially since I had to flee the country and go around the world. And those rebels at the fire temple really put me on edge...

Kabuto stepped back to a safe distance as the sled emitted a terrifying ki that nearly crushed him to the ground. When the sled more or less calmed down, Kabuto decided to cut to the chase.

Kabuto... Orochimaru myself, I will prepare Kimimaru's body for your transfer.

Orochimaru was still in thought and Kabuto took the silence as a sign of agreement and strode away.

It was just past noon in Konoha at this time, envira was due for the third stage of the chunin title. At the entrance of the village, the villagers began to gather and greet the guests who had come from all over the shinobi world. Among them were officials, daima advisors, and other rich men who could afford to keep orders for ninja services. Minato as the head of this village was expecting very important guests with his entourage and Hiruzen as the most experienced in these matters stood directly next to his once former protégé.

Hiruzen... Minato, I hope the arena is ready?

Minato... Yes, third one by myself, all that's left is to greet the guests.

Hiruzen... Well, good, I hope our participants will not hit the dirt and show the strength of their village.

Minato... Okay, I think they're coming!

At that moment, lightning began to spark at the entrance, and after a veil of lightning, a tall, tanned, muscular middle-aged man with silver hair pulled back and a short mustache appeared on his face. He was dressed in a light haori revealing a toned torso. White pants with the same color sandals underneath, and his hat was kage was pulled back. Standing next to the man were two attendants. One of them had a muscular build with tan skin, short needle-like and white hair. He was dressed in black pants with white sandals, a white cloud armored vest and on his back hung a weighty and wide cleaver. The other had a slender build and his skin was whiter. His hair was yellow in color, straight and slightly longer than his partner's. He was dressed the same as his partner, only he didn't have a sword.

Announcer... Meet the head of the hidden cloud village. Fourth Raikage, Hey!

As Ai approached the two hokage, he shook hands with both of them.

Minato... Welcome to our village, Aimee.

Hey... Enough pomp and circumstance, it's not the first time we've seen each other, Minato!

These two had been through more than one battle already, and they were currently the fastest shinobi in the world from their generation. Only Minato was in the lead over Ai! Ai was by nature a very hot-tempered and proud ninja and even so he couldn't handle the cold-blooded and clear mind of the fourth hokage.

Minato... It's been a long time since I've seen you, Raikage.

Hey... Yes, Minato, by the way, I heard that my nephew defeated your daughter this time and thus changed the score in our confrontation.

Minato's thoughts... Except you forgot I have another baby, so don't get excited too soon.

Minato... It works out that way, but let's look at the totals.

Hey... It doesn't make sense anymore as I'm sure C will win this tournament and make the finals. And in two weeks, he will set his sights on the strongest genii from the three great countries!

Minato's thoughts... Looks like the reikage's self-confidence hasn't diminished one bit!

At that moment, wind began to flutter near the entrance of the gate and little specks of gold gathered in the boughs. The gold began to increase and pile up each time. And when the big huge golden sand swirled in the space then dispersed at the entrance stood three people. In the middle stood a middle-aged man of slender build. Her hair was brown in color, and the length was short and inoculated in all directions. His face was swarthy and you could read the sorority and seriousness on his face. He was dressed in a strict white zaori reaching down to his feet. And the kage's hat had wind written on it. Behind stood his two co-conspirators, a man and a woman. Both were wearing the uniforms of the sand village. The man was wearing a bandana on his head covering the top of his head and his left eye. The woman, on the other hand, had orange colored hair, except that the curls on her face had a black tint to them.

Announcer. Meet the head of the hidden sand village, the fourth Kazekage Rasa Sama!

The delegation from the sand approached the rest of the kage and greeted each other.

Race... To think that just 13 years ago, we were ready to kill each other. Now we stand here and prepare to welcome the next generation of our village's defenders.

Minato... Times change, Race itself, hopefully the next generation will not repeat our mistakes.

Hiruzen... All right, dear guests, please make yourselves comfortable. The best hotel rooms have already been prepared for you, so you're welcome.

Race... Thank you for your hospitality, third one myself!

Hey... Thank you, Hiruzen.

Minato... Raikage herself, Kazekage herself, I'll ask you to proceed to our residence and discuss some points of the third stage.

Raikage... Shi, Darui, to visit Bea, I hope he hasn't sicked this village with his terrible rap.

Kazekage... Pakura, Baku, you can go and look for my children.

The four kage retired to the residence and began their meeting. The Raikage frowned at the fact that only one representative of the cloud village had made it to the finals. The Kazekage, on the other hand, was pleased with his children, except that after hearing about Gaara's shenanigans in the preliminaries, he decided for himself to talk to him tonight. At the end of the meeting, the Kazekage and the Raikage dispersed to their men.

Minato... I hope the same incident doesn't happen again tomorrow.

Hiruzen... Minato, anything can happen, but it's worth warning the judge to stop the battle just in case.

Naruto and Sasuke, after disarming the failed genin, decided to practice with Shisui and Itachi to consolidate their results. The next morning, Naruto woke up and had a water session. After a hearty breakfast, he put on his blue t-shirt, orange vest, orange shorts, and trademark white wristbands with the whirlpool sign. Rounded it all off with his banlana leaf. Taking his sword he put on his blue sandals and walked towards the exit where Shisui was waiting for him outside.

Shisui. Hey, Naru, you ready?

Naruto... Brother, I'm always ready!

Shisui. Let's go ototo!

Along the way, they watched as the villagers gathered into a crowd and walked towards the large stadium. He met up with Sasuke and Itachi on the way and they continued on their way together, talking about some of the tournament. Kakashi was walking at this time in the company of Gai and Lee. Lee was really begging to see Neji and Lee fight. Tsunade was against it, but she couldn't refuse, and she herself would be among the medics in case someone got hurt at the tournament. Lee walked on his crutches and tried not to think about the consequences.

Guy... Kakashi, it's finally happening, you and I are going to fight each other! Naruto kun, though he doesn't have as much skill as my Neji. Still, he has an unwavering spirit and will to win.

Kakashi... Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.

Kakashi's thoughts... Today was the first time in ages I wasn't late and then I met this idiot...

Guy... Lee, you wanted to defeat Neji, but what are you going to do if Naruto kun defeats him?

Lee threw his hands up in the air.

Lee... If that happens, no big deal, Neji is my eternal rival anyway. But with Naruto-kun, I also want to face off in battle and test our skills. It's going to be a battle between two hard workers.

Guy... Now that's my student, I'll even help you with that and so will Kakashi, all in the name of youth!

Kakashi... Oh, what's that got to do with me?

Guy... Well it's your student, it's in your best interest to see whose student will prevail.

Mvsli Kakashi... Mma, why do I have to suffer alone?

Kakashi... Yeah, sure, whatever you say.

In the grandstand of the large arena, all the guests had already begun to gather, as well as the junin sensei and their genin, both those who had participated and those who had failed. Kakashi gave an introduction and wished his geninis good luck. Mikoto Kushina Tsunade and Shizune sat in a single row and talked about their lady business. Inami silently sighed as she stared at the blond's back, Hinata did the same, inwardly wishing her luck. Except Lee walked up to the blond man and shook his hand.

Lee... Good luck Naruto kun, may your youthful strength lead you to victory.

Naruto seeing the pitiful condition of his comrade in arms, silently sympathized with him. Seeing the eyes determination not to give up and go all the way, simply responded to his hand.

Many people in the stands made preliminary predictions and all in one voice began to roar, about the blond's defeat. But those who were well aware of Naruto's strength didn't hesitate to bet in favor of the blond. A signal was heard and like a string all nine participants lined up. Naruto decided to give his tanto to Shisui before entering the arena, as he needed to deal with Neji first. The Hokage as the head of this village pushed a rousing speech and then looked at his son and mentally wished him luck. Genma Shiranui stepped into the middle and signaled for everyone to obey him.

Gemna... All right, contestants, the first couple stays, and the rest of you go to the bleachers!

Everyone obeyed the referee and only Neji, Naruto, and Genma remained in the large arena. The atmosphere in the stands was relaxed as many people were clear on the outcome of this fight, but only a few were of a different opinion.

Genma... The rules are the same as in the qualifying tournament, I have the right to intervene if I see that there is no point in continuing the battle. Here we go!

After these words, the jonin disappeared into the shunshin, but the two fighters stood and looked into each other's eyes. Neji stood relaxed and with a haughty look decided to start the conversation.

Neji... Anything to say?

Naruto... Needless to say, I swore to Hinata and Lee to defeat you datebayo!

Neji smirked at such a statement and gave a haughty look.

Neji... Like I said, weak stays weak, you'll fall in line with them. It's a fate that no one can change! I thought you said you wanted to become Hokage, but I'm sorry to disappoint you. People were born to be Hokage! And you're just a useless inept, your destiny is to lose to me!

All the people in the stands could feel the tense atmosphere going on in the arena. Hiyashi and her eight-year-old daughter Hanabi sat on a bench.

Hiyashi.. Hanabi, look carefully, Neji has strong blood that surpasses not only your sister's but even yours.

Hiyashi's thoughts... It's undeniable, in Neji's eyes, hatred for the main branch of the Hyuga clan.

Hanabi sat back and looked at the fighters enthusiastically.

Hanabi's thoughts... That Uzumaki Naruto, that's who my sister likes. But it's a shame he'll lose, Neji's brother is a tough opponent.

All the other genins with their mentors looked at the oponets with equal impatience.

Kiba... Xoo, I hope Naruto knows not to block Neji's attacks. Because if he touches it even once, it's a goner. Naruto may be cunning, but his tricks won't work on him!

Ino... Poor Hinata, but at least she had a chance. Naruto, on the other hand, won't be able to use the techniques and will just have to endure.

Miroku... I don't care, he signed up for it!

Sasuke listening to this rant quietly began to boil inside. Naruto himself, on the other hand, stood just as speechless and stared earnestly into his opponent's eyes.

Naruto... Then I need to prove you wrong!

After saying that, he went into a side stand crouching a little lower by 10 cm. The right foot was in front and the left foot was 20 centimeters behind the left. The two outstretched arms were at chest level and parallel to the legs. The right palm was turned rearward toward the enemy. Her left hand, on the other hand, was slightly behind and palm touching the elbow of her left arm. This kind of rack, was very similar to Wingchun. Neji was surprised by such a stand, it was unknown to anyone, and all of the Hyuga clan were just as interested in such a stand. Nedji turned on the byakugan and came to a shock.

Neji's thoughts... His chakra had changed, a month ago the chakra circulation was just hellish. I thought he never practiced chakra control. Yeah and that rack, okay, let's see what he can do.

Neji... I see you're ready to go?

Neji got into a fighting stance and began to approach Naruto. Naruto felt the chakra on his palm, so he just deflected the blow and tried to strike, but Neji started to deflect the attack. At one point, Neji tried to punch his chest, but Naruto elbowed his palm so that Neji grimaced in pain. Naruto and Neji had only worked in a defensive nature so far to test each other's abilities. Every palm of Neji's hand, Naruto met with an elbow. Neji, on the other hand, was reflecting Naruto's elbows with his palms. Neji only hit the Tenketsu twice, and Naruto caught the moment and grabbed his opponent's left elbow, pulling it towards him, and then using his other elbow to drive it into his collarbone, tearing his opponent's muscles. Naruto could sense with his chakra pulse what muscles I was tensing when I attacked and shut them down at the right moment.

The opponents bounced off each other to analyze each other's actions. Neji looked at his hands and noticed a few small cuts.

Neji... You're not so bad, you could hit me. I see that you are channeling chakra into your elbows thus reflecting my soft fist. But it's useless, because I've already closed two of the 368 chakra points.

Naruto simply dispersed chakra over the closed tenketsu thereby opening them and driving Neji into shock.

Naruto... Unpleasant to say the least, what about your collarbone, because my elbow touched you too. It's unlikely you'll be able to repair torn muscles!

Neji looked with the byakugan at the left kobchika and was horrified. The thin billows were torn and he gritted his teeth a little.

Neji... Hmm, I see so I see you wield the element of wind, only it could cut so precisely. But enough games, it's time to get down to business.

Tsunade... Hmm, so that's why he asked to study human anatomy. That was smart, because now Neji would have to be on his guard and stay away from such blows, or Naruto might tear every muscle in Neji's body.

Shizune... But after all, Naruto knows so many techniques, so why does he only fight in taijutsu?

Tsunade... It's because of Lee, and Hinata. Naruto had given them his word that he would only defeat Neji in taijutsu.

Naruto stood up again in his new stance that he had prepared just for Neji.

Naruto... You're right, no more games, it's time to get serious.

The opponents raced at each other and began throwing s'mores punches at each other at high speed. They tried to reflect and strike at the same time. Naruto got a few kicks to the tenketsu and Neji got his muscles torn in a couple places. Everyone's already starting to get excited about this fight. Because Naruto had little experience with such subtle chakra control, he could lightly cut a couple of muscle fibers. Which to Neji was just palpable. Naruto dodged a couple attacks to the side and shunshin stood behind him and began aiming an elbow at his lower back. But here Neji reflected his elbow with the palm of his hand without looking back and began to spin around.

Neji... That's enough, Kaiten!

The chakra around the wind began to visorize forming a dome-shaped spiral, throwing the blond five meters away. Naruto did a somersault in flight and landed on the ground.

Hiyashi's thoughts... Amazingly, Neji had learned the techniques of the main branch of the clan.

At high speed, Neji approached Naruto and stood to the side bending forward with his arms spread to either side.

Naruto's thoughts... Xo, we have to do something or he'll knock out all the chakras on datebayo's body!

Neji... You got within range of my equipment. 64 beats of heaven. 2 beats 4 beats, 8 beats, 16 beats 32 beats of heaven.

Naruto had to act for sure and weakened the flow of chakra into the tenketsu to leave as much chakra in the hearth as possible. After the last 64 hit, Naruto flew off of Neji and had to roll on the ground when he landed. Neji stood jubilant at his victory over him.

Neji's thoughts... This opponent was very unusual, but still he didn't hurt me that badly, and the torn muscles I'd be able to repair back.

Naruto's thoughts. Hooh, still managed to hide the chakra in reserve and shut down the hearth. I have a third of my total chakra left. Xoo, I'm saving money, and I still have to fight that swordsman. Okay, gotta procrastinate, time before I can get the hearth back up and open all the tenketsu dattebayo!

Neji looked with the byakugan in circulation and made sure.

Neji... It's over, you have no chakra left. Like I said, weak stays weak, it's fate.

Naruto stood up from his seat and looked at his opponent with a menacing look.

Naruto... Why, why do you think fate has control over me? Why do you hate Hinata and think she's useless. Why don't you count your partner as a goofer?

Neji. Because their weakness pisses me off. I'm a genius at what I do and they're losers just like you. You shouldn't have messed with me in taijutsu, it's not your thing! Better get back to your focuses, you're clearly better at them!

Naruto.. But what is the reason for such aggression on them. What have they done to you and why are you complaining so much about the fate of Datiebayo?

Neji looked at him embittered, but decided to share the story. He began to carefully remove his bandage and revealed the seal of submission on his forehead.

Neji... As you know, our clan is divided into a main branch and a side branch. According to our clan rules, a side branch must serve the main branch and be expendable. My seal on my forehead, proof that I am of the lowest branch. Many years ago, two twin brothers were born into the Hyuga clan. The eldest was named Hiashi, and it was clear that he would be the head of both the main branch and the entire Hyuga clan. But the younger brother was called Hizashi, he got the role of the head of the side branch, thus naming his descendants in the service of the main branch. All members of the Hyuga clan are given this seal called a bird in a cage so that we can be controlled and all our grievances can be stopped.

Naruto... It's a sad story, but what are you trying to say?

Neji... Hizashi Hyuga, my father! He was everything to me, I respected him and appreciated him with all my heart. He taught me a lot. Still, he was of the younger branch and his fate touched me as well. When I wasn't even four years old yet, I got that stamp.

Naruto was beginning to realize Neji's position in his clan.

Naruto... But that doesn't explain why you hate Hinata!

It was obvious that it hurt Neji to remember those moments.

Neji... 9 years ago at Hinata-sama's birthday party, there was an incident. The ambassador from the village of stone kidnapped Hinata herself to steal her Byakugan. The head of the Hyuga clan, Hiyashi herself killed the ambassador thus saving Hinata herself. But the head of the stone village considered it an insult to kill his ambassador and demanded the dead body of his murderer, or else war would happen. The elders of the Hyuga clan couldn't let that happen. They decided to go tricky giving up the dead twin brother for Hiyashi sama's place. They killed him and bought off the demands of the village of stone. They killed my father, left me an orphan. If Hinata wasn't born so weak herself, none of this would have happened. Hiyashi himself did nothing and just watched his brother get killed and packed into a coffin. It's people like Hinata, Lee, and you that piss me off. You're forever trying, but the bottom line is the same no matter how much effort you put in. You will remain what fate intended you to be, weak and feeble. I told you that you don't understand me, I know you're an orphan like me. But you've never had the bonds of parenthood, so stop playing the understanding one. You're just a street kid and an idiot who thinks that everything in this world can be achieved by hard work. Admit it, you're living in an illusion.

Neji spat out the last words with imminent anger. Hiyashi listening to this story felt deep regret and guilt.

Hiyashi's thoughts... I'm sorry, Brother Hizashi, you should have become clan leader after all..

Those words touched everyone, especially Minato and Kushina.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto, once again you have to listen to all this. And it's all because of me.

Kushina's thoughts... Naruto, what kind of mother am I, with living parents, you have to carry the burden of an orphan.

Shisui listening to all of this began to boil inside and was ready to drive Neji into the tsukuyomi. Naruto stood there stone-faced, thinking about what he'd said, then looked at Neji with a serious look.

Naruto... Are you done? Well, listen to me carefully, drama queen. You say I'm the one living in an illusion, but what about you? You blame Hinata for your father's death. But she wasn't even three years old at the time. What could she do genius?

Neji... But my father was killed because of her, that's a fact!

Naruto... What makes you think Hizashi herself was killed by someone else's will?

Neji... What are you talking about, my father-

Naruto... Don't you dare feel sorry for Hizashi herself!

Such a shout from the blonde woman left everyone bewildered.

Naruto... Hizashi herself could disfigure her face before going under the knife. It would have failed the plan of the Hyuga clan elders. Then there would be a war. And the last third war and the Kyuubi's exit took a lot of experienced shinobi. And then our village would need to send children to the front again. Hizashi herself really appreciated you and couldn't let this happen. He sacrificed not just for his brother, not just for the clan. He sacrificed himself for the village so that the next generation would not repeat the horrors of the Third Shinobi War, for even in that war it was necessary to send children into battle. Hizashi herself is a great man personifying sacrifice. And you are his blood, his own son, dishonoring his soul and his memory with your whining. What about my parents, yes they are gone and I will never think of them so as not to dishonor their memory and disturb their souls as you are doing now. You're wrong, I know how family feels. I had someone I considered a mother. She sacrificed herself for me, she died in my arms, I'd rather cut my tongue out than voice my displeasure over her death. I pray every day for her peace of mind. And how did you repay Hizashi yourself? Whining and whining as soon as the occasion presents itself, thus devaluing his exploits. You wanted to kill Hinata herself, the one your father gave his life for. You're not an orphan like me, you have family, Hiyashi herself, Hinata. And I have an older brother Shisui and grandfather third Hiruzen Sarutobi, the ties don't necessarily have to be blood ties! So tell me, which of the two of us is living in an illusion?

Neji listening to this bravado started to wince and couldn't even say a word.

Kakashi's thoughts... How does Naruto get so good at understanding people's actions without even meeting them?

Minato began to shudder at such an admission and could barely keep the trembling away.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto, stop talking like that and value our souls. We're not worthy of it.

It cost Kushina a lot to hold back her tears.

Kushina... I can't hear it anymore, it makes it worse that you appreciate us.

Shisui and Hiruzen were conversely proud of those words, and Shisui himself even let go of the railing that had his finger marks on it. Naruto didn't hear the answer and made a seal of nin.

Naruto... Neji, they call you a genius. You said genius can't be defeated by hard work. Well, I'll dispel that illusion too.

After those words, chakra began to envelope Naruto's body.

Neji... What, I already closed all your tenketsu, how could you open them since you have no chakra left.

Naruto... You said your eyes could see everything, and you were fooled by that?

Neji... I don't care, I won't lose to you!

Naruto... Then let's get started!

Naruto had already started running at his opponent and had already baited him with several cuts and punches. It was obvious that Naruto's words had an effect and Neji began to miss an order of magnitude more punches than he tried to throw himself. Naruto began to play with his opponent, as he had already learned all the techniques and even began to hit Neji with his eyes closed, as he could feel all the directions of his opponent's blows better with his chakra pulse. Neji realized he was losing and shouted.

Neji... Kaiten!

Naruto managed to jump back in time and started throwing shurikens.

Tenten... Useless, even though Naruto had already broken Neji's spirit, he still couldn't break through Neji's absolute defense!

Sasuke... You've already seen for yourself that Naruto makes the impossible possible.

Naruto... You're just going to defend yourself?

Neji stopped and looked fearfully at his opponent.

Neji... I said I won't lose to you, I have enough chakra for my technique.

Naruto... All right, let's see how dantebayo is!

Naruto began to concentrate all the chakra on his feet and ducked down for a start. And then he ran at his opponent and Neji began to whirl around in a whirlwind. Naruto on the other hand, a couple centimeters away from the vortex, began to circle around Neji's vortex.

Tenten... What, is he just going to run around in circles?

Kakashi... Not really...

Naruto began to pick up speed with each run and Neji didn't stop his whirlwind. But then the wind began to flare around the vizsla.

Neji's thoughts... What the, his speed is faster than the rotation of my vortex.

Naruto began emitting wind chakra as he ran and a hurricane of sand formed around the vortex under his feet. Due to Neji's technique and Naruto's abnormal speed, the hurricane of sand began to grow and already reached a height of 8 meters. Everyone on the podium did not understand what it was all about, but they were still delighted with the idea.

Neji... How could you create this hurricane?

Naruto... And it's not me, it's you. I'm just running around blowing wind and you're just boosting it with your wind. I don't waste much chakra on this trick, but you-

Neji... So if I stop spinning.

Naruto... I don't recommend doing this, as you'll only stop. You'll just get sucked into the vortex. After all, you're standing right in the center, and I can just get off of it because this hurricane chakra only obeys me.

Neji... Uh, you're trying to squeeze all the chakra out of me. Xoo, if I keep spinning, I'll only make your vortex bigger.

Naruto... I told you at the last tournament. Don't brag about what you own, or it will be the one that ruins you!

Neji... Damn it, it's impossible, it's not my destiny!

As soon as Neji began to weaken and stopped using the vortex, he began to be sucked into the vortex and and after the third spin. Neji pushed off the funnel with his kaiten and landed farther away from it. Everything on the podium was excited about this battle. Neji landed on the ground and started to look for the blond man like everyone else. As the dust from the funnel rose so that it was nowhere to be seen.

Sasuke... Is Naruto missing, I can't see Naruto's chakra in the dust!

Neji was already afraid of what the blond was going to do and started looking around with his biakugan.

Neji... Up, down, left, right. Where the hell is he?

Then cracks began to crack from under the ground and popping out of it Naruto hit an uppercut with such force that Neji flew backwards. Neji stood up staggering from that blow. Naruto folded his seals and crossed his arms.

Naruto... Blades of Caseri!

On the fingertips of both of Naruto's hands, small wind disks with colossally sharp wind blades began to spin. All of the Uchiha paired with Kakashi began to look at the brondin's new technique.

Kakashi... It's not an easy Caseri, they are though smaller but more concentrated. And the blades are as sharp as a scalp. When did he learn how to do that.

Tsunade... Oh, my God, he's gonna do it! Medics, stand by!

Medics... There's Tsunade herself!

Everyone started to lean in, but Naruto moved closer to Neji and got into a vinchun stance. But Neji himself was wary and even afraid to touch Naruto's fingers.

Naruto... 64 strokes of heaven? What about the 64 muscle cuts?

Neji tried to strike with his right hand, but Naruto managed to touch his biceps and Neji couldn't even move his right arm, from the intense pain.

Naruto... I'm starting!

Naruto began cutting almost every muscle on Neji's body at full speed, circling around him.

Naruto... 2 cuts, 4 cuts, 8 cuts, 16 cuts, 32 cuts!

Naruto cut almost all the muscles on Neji's body leaving only the muscles on his left arm and legs. As Naruto touched the last touch of the kaseri's fingers, Neji began to shiver and pour out copious sweat from the aching pain. Naruto stopped and stood in front of Neji with a calm look.

Naruto... Does it hurt?

Neji spit up blood and looked at the blond man.

Neji. This pain is hell. What did you do to me?

Naruto... When the eight gates open, the muscles on a person's body begin to tear and the pain is much worse. You said Lee is infirm, but unlike you he doesn't whine and moves on, so which one of you is infirm?

Neji lowered his eyes with understanding and remembering the pain Lee had experienced at the tournament.

Neji... Did he really put up with this pain? I admit, he's stronger than me, he has stamina!

Naruto... So what now?

Neji looked at Naruto lifelessly

Neji... And what can I do, it's all useless...

Naruto shook his head.

Naruto... You contradict yourself, you said the weak remain weak. And therefore the strong remains strong. You think you're strong, so why are you giving up on dantebayo?

Neji... What can I do? I had no strength left, and you tore my muscles.

Naruto... What about Hinata? You knocked out her tenketsu too, but despite that, she didn't give up and fought until the end! The power of skills and techniques is nothing without willpower. Hinata's will is stronger than yours! Is that what you're trying to tell me?

Neji at those words made a lunge with his left hand and Naruto grabbed it with his left hand and looked at Neji.

Naruto... I didn't doubt you, but still, I swore to Lee and Hinata to defeat you. I'm not going back on my word, it's my ninja way!

After saying that, Naruto ripped a muscle on Neji's left arm with Kazeri's finger and everyone like Neji had a flashback. After all, that's exactly what Neji did to Hinata.

Naruto.. And this one's from me personally!

Naruto pulled himself up holding his hands and on his right palm he gathered compressed air and the same palm he pressed against Neji's solar plexus. And then with his left hand he clapped his right palm releasing the compressed air all over Neji's body thereby pushing all the liquid out of Neji's body. The clap was heard from the bleachers and the splashes of sweat coming off his body were clearly visible. Tsunade leapt over the benches and jumped out of the bleachers and into the arena, as did all the medics coaxed after her. She ran over to Neji and gave a water bath. Tsunade seeing Neji greedily gulping down the water looked at Naruto with a stern look.

Tsunade... You tore every muscle on him, but why did you have to push all the fluid out of his body, he could have died of exhaustion!

Tsunade brought her hands in for a slap.

Neji... Tsunade herself, don't, I deserve it! He also could have died in the qualifying stage from exhaustion, and I didn't recognize that and thought it was just weakness.

Tsunade hadn't expected to hear those words, but knowing Naruto's brainiacism she just shrugged.

Naruto... Remember, Neji, the weak bend to their fate, the strong bend to theirs! Perhaps your eyes see many things, but they don't see the important things in this life.

Neji... Okay, I recognize you and thank you for this fight, Uzumaki Naruto!

Naruto... You too, Hyuga Neji!

Tsunade's thoughts... Hmm, maybe I should take Naruto as a psychologist to my hospital. He would be a great help to us!

Tsunade... All right, guys, take it away, but be careful! Because one of the knuckleheads over-educated me!

As Tsunade and Neji left taking Neji away on a stretcher, Genma walked up to Naruto and realized his hands.

Genma... The winner of the first pair, Uzumaki Naruto!

Everyone started galloping and shouting congratulations. The Kage in the stands looked on with delight at the blond man's triumph.

Race... Wow, the hokage herself, it's only the first fight and it's already so interesting!

Hey... So C didn't ask for a fight with him for nothing! Daaaah, that's a very worthy opponent for my nephew, haha he even lost hope of finding it.

Minato looked at the raikage interestedly.

Minato... What, C wanted to fight Naruto?

Hey... Yeah, my C even turned down the chunin exam last year. Just to fight with that brat! I feel like it's gonna be a heated battle!

Minato... Do you happen to know why he wants to fight him?

Ai grinned and hissed in a serious tone.

Hey... I found out that C lost to this kid four years ago. He asked me almost every day then to let me go to Konoha to search for Naruto Uzumaki.

Minato... I hope things don't get any worse.

Hey... Rivalry is good, but crazy stalking is too much even for me. If it's from C's battle today, he won't realize anything. I'm gonna have to put a good idea in his head myself.

Race... That blond guy is really good at going over brains, though! Isn't he a fan of yours, Minato?

Hey... Yeah, he's so much like you, it's a hell of a scare!

Minato... Uh, I don't know.

It cost Minato a lot not to show emotion in front of such important people. The Kazekage, on the other hand, was very interested in the younger blond.

Rasa's thoughts... Uzumaki Naruto, he's not like my son. Though he is the jinchuriki of this village. Strange all of this, apparently those close people Naruto was talking about had raised him well. I wonder what Minato himself knows, I'll have to ask him after the tournament.

Naruto jumped back into the bleachers and Shisui extended his fist.

Shisui... Congratulations Naru, you did it!

Naruto bumped his fists together, but the rest of the Uchiha were waiting for him with Kakashi's fists outstretched.

Sasuke... Dobe, you're always in your own head.

Itachi... To think you defeated a taijutsu genius with his own weapon.

Kakashi... I knew you'd win!

Naruto... Thanks, guys.

As he pounded his fists, the green beasts of Konoha approached him with eyes burning with excitement.

Lee... Naruto-kun, that was awesome!

Guy... Yosh, even though Neji is my student, you two put up an awesome fight! There's a youthful vigor in the two of you!

Lee... Now I want to fight you even more Naruto-kun!

Naruto pretended to listen to this point and moved on to another topic.

Naruto... Lee, I've proven that hard work is just as important as genius!

Lee... Yeah, now it's my turn Naruto kun, I'll heal two, no three times faster and prove it too.

Guy... Kakashi, you're a good teacher, being able to teach your student so much in such a short time!

Kakashi... Uh, yeah, sure.

Shisui listening to this praise just rolled his eyes.

Shisui's thoughts... Yeah, I've been training Naruto since I was two years old! That's how Naruto feels when your merit is awarded to others...

Hiyashi took a long time to recover from such a battle, and so did her daughters.

Hanabi... Father, I thought Neji's brother would beat Naruto san?

Hiyashi... You heard yourself, Neji was in the illusion he put himself in.

Hiyashi's thoughts... This kid is very unusual, he was able to learn about Hizashi's desires without even knowing him by sight. Just by analyzing Neji's words. It's a very honorable thing to do.

Hiyashi got up from his seat and walked over to Naruto.

Hiyashi... Naruto kun, I'm grateful to you, you were able to change Neji for the better.

Naruto... Uh, you're welcome, Hiyashi herself.

They bowed to each other, and then he turned to his daughters.

Hiyashi... Hinata, Hanabi, wait here!

Hiyashi walked off the bleachers leaving his two daughters with an unmrlvlv question.

Hanabi... Sis, you love Naruto san, don't you?

Hinata blushed thickly and looked away.

Hinata.. What are you talking about?

Hanabi made a sly face.

Hanabi... Come on, I found your notes in your room! He's strong, just like you sis!

Hinata smiled at her younger sister and then looked at the blond enthusiastically. Inami listening to Naruto defending Hinata's honor just lowered her head. But was still happy for the blond man's victory. Miroku on the other hand just couldn't believe this was really happening, a loser defeating a genius. Kushina seeing Naruto get what he deserved, she was just happy and proud of him. Xi was convinced of Naruto's strength and was just eager for his turn. Well, a lot of people had their minds blown about the blond guy today. But they were not allowed to rejoice for long, as the judge announced the exit of the next participants.

Gemna... The second pair of contestants are invited into the arena!

Yashamaru... Gaara, remember what Rasa told you! Don't do anything stupid, it's just a duel, you're not forced to fight to the death!

Gaara... Good uncle!

After those words, Gaara appeared in a wither of sand, in the arena. Sasuke, on the other hand, stood in the circle of his comrades and family.

Itachi... Ototo, be careful

Sasuke.. All right!

Sasuke jumped into the arena and landed 20 meters away from his opponent. Gaara stood speechless with a stone face. Everyone was looking forward to this fight, as many were curious to see how a representative of Konoha's strongest clan would cope.

Gaara... Don't disappoint me, give it your best shot! I've waited so long for this.

Sasuke smirked at such a remark and when given the go-ahead, he turned on his sharingan and simply threw himself into the fray dodging Gaara's sand. Sasuke was probing the ground for an attack, and when he found his rhythm, he came close to his opponent and kicked at full speed. Gaara flew off a few meters and landed began to dust himself off with sand.

Sasuke... Hn, so this is your famous sand defense?

After these words, Sasuke downloaded chakra into his muscles and threw himself at his opponent at full speed, striking from all sides so that the sand didn't have time to protect Gaara. Lee was saddened that the Uchiha was able to accomplish in a short time what he had to accomplish for a year. The others, on the other hand, were pleased with the brunet's progress and simply shouted a sign of encouragement.

Guy... Kakashi, your students have progressed well in such a short time, you must have trained them well. They're both on fire!

Kakashi... Uh, yeah, sure.

Itachi listening to this praise just rolled his eyes, as did Naruto.

Itachi's thoughts... Kakashi's lucky, they gave them two students and he's just messing around at work...

Gaara already realized that he couldn't keep up with his opponent and simply closed himself in the sand dome. Sasuke hadn't seen this move yet and just decided to test it out with a hand punch. But as soon as Sasuke touched his fist on the sand dome, sharp sand spikes came on that blow and Sasuke had to jump back.

Sasuke's thoughts... Xoo, that's something out of the ordinary, what to do!

Sasuke had already made a couple lunges and each time spikes of sand were released in his direction. And then he folded the seal.

Sasuke... Cato, fireball!

The fireball flew at the sand dome, but the action prevented it and even strengthened the sand. And the eye that flew over the dome, it was pointless to destroy, because instantly a new one appeared.

Sasuke's thoughts... There's no way out, we'll have to use this technique.

Sasuke jumped back against the wall away from the sand dome 200 meters away. Sitting on the wall Sasuke folded the seal and grabbed his left wrist. The chakra on his left hand began to spark and fully formed a blob of concentrated lightning. The audience seeing this picture, just came to the delight.

Itachi... Wow, you taught Sasuke that technique?

Kakashi... I thought it would be very fitting, under the sand of the enemy.

Sakura... Kakashi sensei, what kind of technique is that?

Kakashi... This technique I created myself, concentrated chakra in my hand with the addition of wind chakra. Hear what sounds like the sound of machinery like birds rustling. It's called Chidori.

Sakura was as excited about this information as anyone, but one question plagued her.

Sakura... Sensei, so it was you who taught Naruto the Kazeri technique? It is very similar to the way Chidori works!

Kakashi... No, he invented it, I just showed him how it works. Plus, Kaseri acts with the addition of wind chakra, which I don't have.

Sakura looked enthusiastically at her teammate but everyone else looked at him with skepticism. Naruto purposely didn't show the full power of his technique so as not to reveal his cards to his opponent.

Naruto... Sensei, what's the difference between chidori and raikiri?

Kakashi... Um, almost nothing, just that Raikiri is more focused than Chidori, so...

Naruto was incomprehensible at such news.

Naruto... Sensei, did you change the name of the technique just to make it more concentrated? This smells like hackwork, Kakashi sensei!

Kakashi slapped his backside and cocked his head up and folded his arms to his side.

Kakashi... My technique, I do what I want, I do what I want!

Everyone laughed at that pun, but, the battle wasn't over yet. Chidori reached the right concentration and Sasuke ran at his opponent holding Chidori lower so that the ground would help increase the power of the technique. Sasuke slammed Chidori at full speed into the dome where his opponent was presumably sitting. Sasuke was already cheering, but then he noticed something wrong. The chidori was stabbed right into Gaara's collarbone, but then Gaara started crackling and Sasuke realized it was a sand clone.

Gaara... Gotcha!

Gaara stood behind him and clenched his fist.

Gaara... Sandy tomb!

The sand began to envelop Sasuke's body at a great speed and eventually formed a shallow pyramid. Sasuke was inside this pyramid, only his head sticking out the top. Gaara gave out a raspy sigh.

Gaara... It's a shame, though you're not bad, you were still weak in front of me. Don't move or I'll crush you so I'll break every bone in your body!

Sasuke was incomprehensible and didn't understand how he could have been tricked like that. And Wo Gaara stood relaxed and somewhat with a pouty face.

Sasuke... What now?

Gaara.. Like I said, I fight the best, you're done! I'm interested in your friend.

Sasuke already realized where the question was leading, but for the sake of propriety.

Sasuke... So what?

Gaara... Answer me, why in this village is he considered a monster?

Sasuke couldn't let anyone know about his friend.

Sasuke... Why do you need to know that?

Gaara stood without showing emotion.

Gaara... Answer me!

Gaara clenched his fist slightly thus compressing the sand. Sasuke endured the compression of his bones.

Sasuke... You don't need to know that.

Genma was already yelling for him to stop, but Gaara didn't care.

Naruto... Duttebayo, he's going to crush him.

Mikoto... Stop the fight!

Fugaku... Itachi, come with me!

All the Uchiha led by Fugaku began to jump out of their stands.

Gaara didn't stop and continued to clench his hands harder.

Gaara... Answer me!

Sasuke... Go to hell.

Gaara started to squeeze even harder, and he just pushed Genma away with sand. But then gold dust began to gather from the foot of the pyramid and while Gaara didn't completely crush Sasuke, the pyramid disintegrated in all directions. Sasuke collapsed on the sand, breathing convulsively and rubbing his chest. Gold dust began to swirl next to Gaara, and then the fourth Kazekage himself appeared and looked at his son with a stern look.

Race... Gaara, what do you mean, I told you not to overdo it!

Gaara... Dad? I'm sorry, I got too carried away!

Gara lowered his eyes in regret and Rasa shook his head and turned to the judge.

Race... Judge, what ruling will you make?

Genma shook off the sand and walked over to the Kazekage.

Genma... If any of the contestants are unable to participate, the winner will be obvious. Uchiha Sasuke, can you continue?

Sasuke came to his senses and breathing heavily, rose to his feet holding his ribs.

Sasuke... Hey you! Why do you want to know about my friend?

Gaara... It's none of your business anymore!

Genma examined Sasuke, and after revealing that he had one broken rib, he gave his verdict.

Genma. Due to his inability to continue fighting, the winner is awarded to Dog no Gaara!

Gaara walked away in a whirlwind of sand, but Rasa was already pretty sure he was going to ask Minato about everything. Mikoto walked over to her son and began to heal with her mystical hand. Fugaku breathed a sigh of relief and ordered everyone back to the bleachers. Gaara turned back to his team and glared at the blond man for a long moment.

Gaara's thoughts... Who the hell are you, Uzumaki Naruto? There's a reason your buddy didn't want to talk about it.

Sasuke was given a seat on a bench near the bleachers and began to cheer.

Itachi... Ototo, don't worry about defeat.

Shisui... Yes, Sasuke, there's no shame in losing. Especially this opponent is very strong.

Fugaku walked over to his son and put a hand on his shoulder.

Fugaku... I'm proud of you son, you still didn't give up and tried to fight to the end!

Sasuke looked at his father and then at everyone and smiled gratefully.

Sasuke.. Thank you all!

Rasa sat back down in his seat.

Race... Hokage herself, please forgive my son's actions.

Minato... Nothing, thanks for stopping him!

The scandal was resolved, because if there was a death in the exam, Rasa would lose face, in front of the rest of the kage. Genma announced the names of the next contestants and Temari descended on her fan. Shikamaru, on the other hand, exclaimed.

Shikamaru... How stressful is it, do I have to fight a girl again?

All the girls raised a hum, especially Karin, Inami, and Miroku.

Karin... Hey, pineapple-head, I'm gonna kick your ass, you bastard!

Miroku... Do you want to get it again?

Inami... I'll break every bone in your body!

As the buzz went up, Naruto pushed Shikamaru so that he flew down towards the arena.

Naruto.. Get out of here, you lazy dantebayo!

Shikamaru kicked his heel against the sand and began to bring out the bravado.

Shikamaru... You idiot! I won't forget this!

Naruto... Shikamaru, it would be stupid if you lost before reaching the arena! So say thank you!

Shikamaru strode towards his opponent mothering one restless blonde. Temari stood with her head arrogantly cocked back and smirked at her opponent, and Shikamaru was crushed beyond belief. When the start command was given, Shikamaru began to lean back from the strong wind current and kept his distance trying to catch his opponent in his shadow. And Temari was dodging shadows and trying to set her opponent in a corner. Shikamaru sat in a tree and contemplated a plan of attack, it was obvious that he had little chakra left. Shikamaru then made a great detour to dodge the wind and began to lure his opponent to his desired point with the help of shadows and Temari's last moment to bring her fan to attack, but suddenly she froze and looked down.

Temari... What? How did you catch me?

Shikamaru... Look at the back!

Temari turned her head and came to a shock. The Shadow crawled to her from behind and tied him to Nara.

Shikamaru... I took advantage of the hole Naruto made in the fight with Neji!

Temari... Oh, you!

Temari couldn't believe she could lose, and they both started to approach each other. Shikamaru as well as Temari raised their hands. Everyone in the stands began to rave about such a strategically biva and were already beginning to think that Nara had won. And Temari began to shake with fear of defeat.

Shikamaru... I surrender!

Everyone got a mute question and started looking at Shikamaru in surprise.

Temari... What, is this some kind of trick again?

Shikamaru... No, I've read over 50 events of the outcome of this battle and they were all of this result. Judge, I have no chakra left, I surrender!

Gemna raised Temari's hands and exclaimed.

Genma... Winner, Dog no Temari!

The Kage watching this fight marveled at Shikamaru's strategic thinking.

Hey... Hmm, he did the right thing, because he wouldn't have enough chakra to fight your son Kazekage dano!

Hiruzen... He's living up to his clan's calling, the lazy genius!

Rasa was saddened that his daughter would now be fighting his son and simply remained silent to the Raikage's remark. When Shikamaru returned to the bleachers, he received a rebuke from Ino!

Ino... God, you could at least try, Neji and Sasuke even though they lost. But at least they held on until the end and didn't think of giving up.

Shikamaru.. Pfft, how stressful!

Temari turned back to her brothers and looked at Gaara. Though she loved her baby brother, she still wanted to figure out his obsession with being the best long ago.

Yashamaru... Kankuro, you're up!

Kankuro jumped into the arena and there waiting for him was Shino who came down on his bugs.

Genma... Here we go!

Bugs started crawling over Shino's body and Kankuro couldn't help but comment on it.

Kankuro... Gross, how can you carry around those nasty bugs?

Shino. Bugs are my friends. They will help me in this battle.

Kankuro... You're kind of weird, but okay!

Kankuro ran at his opponent in a taijutsu and tried to strike but Shino just let the bugs loose on him and started to grab his body. But then the real Kankuro began to emerge from behind Kankuro's back and with the help of chakra threads began to control the puppet and with the help of the long arms of the marionette grabbed the opponent in a grip and began to strangle him.

Kankuro... Ha, the fight's over, you can't get out.

Shino on this just scattered bugs and the original appeared behind.

Kankuro... What, a bug clone?

Shino... Exactly!

Karin... Ew, gross, good thing I didn't have him as an opponent.

Kankuro was not discouraged and hit his opponent at high speed with his kunai. Shino jumped back a few meters and started to check the spot of the slash which immediately started to turn a blue hue.

Kankuro... It was stupid to approach me from behind, the kunai is poisoned so...

The blue tint on her skin began to fade, driving her opponent into shock.

Kankuro... What the-

Shino... My beetles, your poison can neutralize it!

Kankuro... Wow, so it's going to be interesting!

Kankuro took out his scrolls and printed out two more marinottas and directed a thread of chakra at them. Shino and Kankuro kept their distance guiding the puppets and bugs into battle. None of the opponents could get close to each other. Shino at some points started getting dispatched cuts and Kankuro's puppets started covering me with bugs. Toward the end of the battle, Shino stood covering his large cut where the poison had begun to spread throughout his body. Shino couldn't stay on his feet any longer and crouched down on one knee. Kankuro smirked victoriously.

Kankuro... Hmm, your bugs couldn't handle that much poison.

At that moment, all of Kankuro's puppets fell to the ground.

Kankuro... What the...

Shino... Look at your hands.

Kankuro looked at his hands where the bugs had started to crawl.

Kankuro... When did you get here? I've seen the direction of your bugs!

Shino... Look at the back!

Kankuro saw a tunnel behind him where bugs began to crawl out and approach Kankuro.

Naruto... You're welcome Shino, you don't have to thank datebayo!

The beetles channeled an entire swarm and began enveloping Kankuro's body.

Shino... My bugs feed on chakra, both mine and my opponent's.

Kankuro fell to the ground from chakra depletion as did Shino from poisoning. Everyone was confused as to what the outcome would be. Genma comes out to the middle with the results.

Genma... According to the rules, if the contestants can no longer continue the fight, both are considered losers.

Medics led the two participants off the field, and Genma continued his broadcast.

Genma... A break is announced for one hour, after the break the winner of the first pair and contestant number nine will enter the arena.

Everyone started to get up from their seats and go get food. Naruto left with the Uchiha in one of the rooms in the arena and Shisui gathered everyone around.

Shisui... Sasuke, you have something to say, don't you?

Sasuke... Yes, Gaara asked Naruto about you. He wants to know why all the residents think you're a monster...

Everyone present began to think about this problem.

Itachi... I wonder why he'd want to know that.

Sasuke.. I have no idea, Naruto, did you happen to run into him?

Naruto... Uh, like yesterday morning before I went to your place, I went to the market to get a snack. He was there too, buying himself apples. I think one of the bystanders told Duttebayo!

Shisui... Damn, that's not good, it's weird that he's even interested in this...

Itachi... What do we know about him, he's the son of the Kazekage, he seems to be mentally fine.

Naruto... Is that okay? He shattered the bones of Gustojrowiku, and Sasuke was almost crushed to pieces today because of his dantebayo technique.

Shisui... Naru, you know there are worse psychos than Gaara.

Sasuke... Think of Orochimaru, he's totally creepy to me!

Shisui... Okay, we'll figure it out as we go, but for now, it's a duel. Naru, I trust you've regained your chakra?

Naruto... Quite, I think that's enough for this fight.

Shisui... Great, we'd better go grab a bite to eat, we've got plenty of time anyway. Sasuke, how's your rib?

Sasuke... It's a little sore, but my mom's already healed it, so it's tolerable.

Shisui... Great, then we're going to Yakiniku!

Everyone got up from their seat and went into the restaurant. At this time, Neji was lying in one of the rooms where his torn muscles had already been repaired. As he lay there, he pondered many things from his life and was ashamed of his actions. He didn't notice the head of the Hyuga clan, Hiyashi, enter through the door. Neji tried to bow in greeting, but the pain throughout his body prevented him from doing so and he started to fall to the ground, but Hichshi caught his nephew and sat him back on the bunk.

Hiyashi... Neji, you shouldn't make any sudden moves!

Neji... Hiyashi-sama, are you here on important business?

Hiyashi was glad to see the changes in Neji, though. Still, he was filled with guilt for his actions.

Hiyashi... Yes, I've come to tell the truth about that day.

Neji... About that day?

Hiyashi... That day, I was preparing to die!

Neji was shocked at such a discovery and looked at the arrival in disbelief.

Pausing, Hiyashi pulled out a scroll from behind his sinew and held it out to his nephew.

Hiyashi... Neji, take it, it's all written here.

Neji recognized his father's handwriting, unfolded the scroll and began to read each line.

Recorded by Hizashi... Neji, the day Hinata was stolen by one of the stone ambassadors. After his death, the head of the stone village demanded the body of his murderer. More specifically, my brother Hiyashi. The Hyuga clan elders offered me to die in Hiyashi's place. When Hiyashi found out about this decision, he was against it and was preparing to go under the knife himself. But if we didn't fulfill Tsuchikage's request, there would be a war. I resisted his rejection for the first time then. I hate the main branch of the clan with all my heart. But I didn't do it for the main branch, I did it for my loved ones, for the village, for you. I don't want you to experience the horrors of war that our generation has endured. I did it because I wanted to take fate into my own hands and I succeeded. Neji, I wish you would take your destiny into your own hands and follow your own path!

After reading it, Neji looked with tearful eyes at Hiyashi who knelt before him.

Hiyashi... It's true!

Neji... Hiyashi-sama, please stand up!

Hiyashi rose from his knees and looked regretfully at his nephew, who was equally saddened by his situation.

Neji. Why?

Hiyashi... Hmm?

Neji... Nobody knew about that sweater!

Hiyashi... Yes!

Neji... Naruto has never met my father, and he doesn't even know what he's like. Why did he understand my father's motives and I his own son didn't even understand it?

Hiyashi wondered about that himself.

Hiyashi... I don't know! But you fought him and realized that Naruto-kun is not as simple as it seems.

Neji... I practiced and honed my skills, I thought my skills were superior to many. But after that battle, I realized exactly how weak I was. In spirit, he's right, Hinata has a sami and will stronger than mine. I've spent my whole life telling myself that everything that happens to me. It's my destiny, but not now. I will take fate into my own hands like my father did!

Hiyashi was very happy about this decision of his nephew's. But he had important business with his daughter Hinata.

Hiyashi... Neji, I'm glad you decided, but I have to go.

Neji... Hiyashi herself!

Hiyashi... Hmm?

Neji... Do you know where Hinata herself is? I want to apologize to her for that fight.

Hiyashi was surprised at this coincidence.

Hiyashi... Neji, you need to get better.

Neji... Hiyashi herself, I won't back down! It may hurt me to walk, but I have to do it!

Hiyashi had nothing to do but hand the crutches to his nephew.

Hiyashi... Let's go!

On the way, Hiyashi and himself pondered over all the words he wanted to say to his daughter. After his brother died, he shut himself away. And seeing Hinata's weak character, he simply stopped considering her and gave more time to her younger sister Hanabi. But after the fight with Neji and the way Hinata held on to the end, then for the first time in his life, he was starting to feel proud of her. But remembering all his actions towards Hinata, he began to blame himself for it.

Hiyashi's thoughts... Naruto kun, not only have you changed my kids for the better, but you've changed me too, thank you!

Hiyashi... Neji, stay here, I'll get her.

Leaving Neji near the entrance where no one was, he walked over to the bench where his daughters were sitting.

Hiyashi... Hinata, we need to talk, come with me!

Hinata was surprised at this intonation, since it was the first time her father's voice didn't give off steel, and simply followed him. And Hanabi was left puzzled, but decided for herself to ask her sister later. Hinata walked around the corner where Neji stood in front of her on crutches with guilty eyes.

Neji... Hinata herself, forgive me, I was wrong about you!

Hinata was even more perplexed.

Hinata... Neji's brother?

Neji... Hinata myself, I realize I was mean to you and blamed you for everything. Naruto's right, you really are stronger than me. You have a very strong spirit. I want to make it up to you and help you become stronger.

Hinata was shocked and just couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Hinata... Brother Neji, thank you, I'll be glad if we keep practicing again!

It was like a stone had dropped on Neji's soul, but it was only one stone.

Neji... Thank you for your kindness, but I have more business to attend to, I must take my leave.

Hinata tried to help, but was stopped by Hiyashi.

Hiyashi... Hinata, I have something to say to you too!

Hinata... Dad?

Hiyashi crouched down on one knee in front of his daughter.

Hiyashi... Hinata, I too would like to apologize for my actions. After your mother died, I stopped valuing you as my daughter. I thought you were weak and unworthy of your place as head of the Hyuga clan. But importantly, I also forgot about the path you want to take. Neji took fate into his own hands, do the same for you. And remember, whatever path you choose, I will still love you.

Hinata thought it was a dream and tried to reason with herself, but when she saw her father's kind look, she just hugged him and let the tears flow.

Hinata... Father, I love you too!

At this time, Neji walked over to his team and saw Tenten, Lee, and Gai in front of him. But the team itself, seeing Neji's pitiful condition, was simply perplexed.

Tenten... Neji, you shouldn't have come, you need to get better!

Neji... No, I don't want to postpone this conversation!

Guy... What kind of conversation?

Neji... Lee, I want to apologize to you!

Lee... А?

Neji... Since our team was formed. I didn't believe in you and thought you were a liability just because you couldn't use ninjutsu. But you went forward no matter what and did not give up in the face of difficulties. Now I feel the pain you felt every day from the hard training. You saw for yourself today that I didn't even think about going all the way and hitting Naruto. But you in your past fights, no matter what, you kept your hands up and fought to the end!

Neji smirked at that phrase.

Neji... Looking at the two of us, I'm not sure which one of us is a genius at taijutsu myself! I believe you can achieve your dreams.

The whole team listened to this with their mouths hanging open, but Lee himself with burning eyes broke into a hug, but the pain on his legs prevented him from doing so.

Lee... Hoo, Neji, I'm so glad to hear those words. When I heal my legs and arms, I will challenge you to a fight!

Neji smirked at his co-commander's resignation.

Neji... But you know I'm not going to sit back and just let myself be defeated either. I'm your eternal rival, after all!

Gai grabbed his students in an armful and they both started yelling in pain and Tenten had to hit her sensei with her baton.

Tenten... Gai sensei, you're hurting them!

Gaius rubbing his bump stood up straight.

Guy... Oh, right, I forgot, but, uh, I'm glad you two have youthful vigor. Tenten was glad that after all this time their team was more cohesive.

Tenten's thoughts... Thank you Naruto-kun, you were able to do the impossible today.

All the people in the stands began to gather and eagerly await the next battle. Naruto walked over to Shisui and drew his sword causing everyone to be puzzled, and Si was pleased at this action by the blonde and held out his fist.

C... Well, Naruto-kun, I hope we show some real sword fighting.

Naruto... Yosh, Cee san!

Responding to his opponent's fist together jumped into the arena and began to wait for the referee. The people in the stands are really starting to crave this fight. Kiba looked at Neji's pitiful condition and was simply perplexed.

Kiba... Sakura, why didn't Naruto show in our fight that he could fight like that? Is he showing off in front of everyone that he can beat me without tech?

Sakura slapped her face for saying that.

Sakura... Kiba, that day, Naruto not only couldn't do techniques, he couldn't even walk thickly on the wall. He just outsmarted you, that's all!

Ino realized today how wrong she had been and now she was just ashamed of her words and tried to stay out of the blond man's sight.

Kakashi... Wow, they've decided to have sword fights, which I think will be interesting!

Shisui... You bet, the years of training must be paying off.

B stood in front of the podium and raised his hand up with the cool sign and began to rap praising his student and belittling his opponent.

Hey... Oh, sorry, I'm shas!

The Raikage struck his brother as if struck by lightning so that he flew back to the arena.

Hey... Bea, stop rapping or I'll throw you out of this village!

Minato... Haha, he never changes.

Race... By the way, you only have one genin left from your village like the Raikage. Who do you think will win?

Minato... Hmm, I don't like to guess, I haven't seen Naruto in kenjutsu, but I think they'll show themselves well.

Hiruzen... Believe me, it will be an unforgettable fight!

Hey returned to the podium and contributed to this conversation.

Hey... Hokage, the battle between the cloud and the leaf is about to be decided. Are you excited Minaito?

Minato... You betcha!

Miroku crouched down next to Neji and just tried to help him with his ailment.

Miroku's thoughts... What a nuisance, it's okay, if one of them wins, I'll challenge him to a fight!

Kushina de just mentally supported her son wishing him victory as well as Minato.

Naruto and Si stood a hundred meters away from each other looking into each other's eyes. And it's as if C was switched and decided to reminisce about old grudges.

C... At last we will meet in battle, Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto... Uh, are you okay?

C... I've been waiting four years for this, I told you I'd get my revenge on you!

Naruto... What are you talking about, a rematch, have we met?

Xi was furious at such a question.

C... You, how could you forget me? You could at least think of me in the month I've been in this village.

Naruto... What are you talking about? I can't even remember what I had for breakfast last week and you're asking about four years ago!

Xi had already begun to sing out those words.

C... Four years ago, Lightning Country, Yotsuki clan. You went in there with your buddies.

He pointed at Itachi and Shisui and continued.

C... We fought with swords then, but our fight was not over!

Shisui... Oh, that's how we know him!

Itachi... He grew up and even grew his hair, no wonder we didn't recognize him.

Sasuke... Did Naruto make enemies there, too? So that's why this guy was looking at Naruto so unkindly.

Everyone began to listen to the story perplexed and even perked up their ears. Cee, on the other hand, never ceased his exertions.

Naruto... Oh, I remember now, xoo, it's been four years.

C... No way! But you know I have to prove to everyone that I'm the best. I've never lost to anyone!

Naruto... Uh, wait, you lost to me then, didn't you?

Everyone was aghast at such details and started whispering perplexedly amongst themselves.

C... A brazen lie, our fight wasn't over. Tonight, I'll finish the battle! I'll show everyone who's a kenjutsu master! Judge, here we go!

Si didn't think long and ran at his opponent with one sword, Naruto standing still just pulled his tanto from his back and crossed it with his opponent's sword. Si looked at Naruto adoringly.

C... Get ready, today I'm going to show you everything I've learned.

Naruto... You should see a psychiatrist!

Naruto and Si jumped away from each other and started running at each other already hitting each other several times with their swords along the way. As they suddenly stopped in place and began parrying each other's attacks from all sides. Naruto dodged his opponent's attack and swung his sword hilt and kicked him in the stomach so that he flew backwards and landed on his feet. Xi wiped the blood from his lips and pulled out a second sword.

C... Not bad, and how do you handle two!

Xi ran at his opponent again and launched another attack in a paired sword attack and Naruto grew heavier and stepped back fending off the two swords. Xi lunged from the side with his left sword to take the opponent's sword and began to charge from the other side with his other sword. Naruto fed chakra into the hilt of his sword and split the tanto into paired swords and was able to repel the attack. And the two by two swords were in a crossed state.

C... Wow, I see you haven't been idle either!

Naruto... You betcha!

After saying that, Naruto hit his chest with a frontal leg kick so that he leaned back. Naruto began to charge in now with two swords. From the outside, it looked like some kind of sword dance. After all, the two did not yield to each other in such a confrontation. Tenten and Miroku seeing the swords in Naruto's hands began to remember someone.

Tenten... That sword in Naruto kun's hands, is it really...

Miroku... I've only seen one shinobi with a folding sword like that. Neji, take a good look, don't you recognize these swords?

Neji turned on the byakugan and started looking at the hilt of the sword and the marks that were on it and came to a shock.

Neji. No way, that sword belongs to that guy under the anbu fox mask. The one we saw a year ago!

Miroku... Are you sure about this?

Neji... There can be no mistakes!

Miroku... Really...

Tenten. Look at the pgo wristbands, they should have seals on them too!

Neji took a closer look at Naruto's wristbands and just fell into a stupor.

Neji... No way, Naruto is the Fox! Especially since he was the only one who could wield two swords so well.

Miroku was furious because Fox had hurt her.

Miroku... Mom, that's the guy who scammed us out of money, Kakashi sensei, Gai sensei!

Kushina and Kakashi made a facepalm, but team 3 and 4 started whispering I between themselves.

Lee... Who would have thought that Liss is Naruto-kun. I have to fight him now.

Neji... How did I not realize, it was obvious. Especially, it was impossible to advance in taijutsu like that in a month.

Tenten... Come on guys, I'm more interested in his armor and swords, I should steal them sometime and look at them.

Karin... Who would have thought that blond guy would be the one we were looking for.

Inami's thoughts... Naruto's an asshole, he could have at least told me. When the fight's over, I'll shut it down. It's also called a friend. But he's so cool... No, ducking is more important!

Gai walked over to Kakashi and began enthusiastically.

Guy... Kakashi, did you know that Naruto Kun is the one we've been looking for?

Kakashi... Mma, Guy, I didn't even know-

Guy... It's okay, I'll make him fight Lee and Neji for the power of youth.

Kakashi's thoughts... Naruto, rest in peace!

Shisui's thoughts... Oh shit, we should get Naruto away after the fight.

Sasuke's thoughts... Now nobody's gonna fight with me, though.

Kushina's thoughts... Oh, son, now we have to calm them down.

Kushina... Quiet, everybody!

From such a shout, everyone sat back in their seats and tried not to miss a single movement of these kenjutsu masters.

Minato's thoughts... We should put some anbu on Naruto!

In the arena, already the opponents had begun to increase their strike speed and the sparks from the impact of the swords began to obscure the view. The clang of metal from the crossing of swords could be heard from the stands. Naruto had already inflicted several cuts on his opponent while he himself stood without a scratch. Xi was disturbed by his position and jumped away from Naruto's attack, pulling out the rest of his swords and grabbing the hilt with all his limbs.

C... That's not all, acrobat!

Shi jumped up and as if hedgehog in the air headed for his opponent, while Naruto simply stepped aside and began to work on counterattacks. Xi started juggling swords to mislead the enemy. But Naruto himself was juggling not only his own swords, but his opponent's swords as well. They stood side by side and their swords were spinning in the air and Naruto and Si just grabbed the swords, fought off the attack and released the swords and took the other side doing the same thing. All the spectators were dumbfounded by such swordsmanship.

Naruto... What, you think adding swords gives you an advantage?

C... Oh, you!

Si kicked his foot against the hilt so that the sword flew near Naruto's temple scratching his skin.

Naruto... Cool, how about this?

Naruto kicked his opponent and then with his swords lifted all four of his opponent's swords into the air and began kicking the hilt at such a speed that all flew back at his opponent. Cee didn't want to hit the dirt and tried to catch them all, but the last one fiddled with his knee.

C... Shit!

He drew his sword from his knee and Naruto threw one sword at his opponent and Si dodged to the side, but then he noticed a chain on the hilt of his sword and Naruto pointed his sword at his opponent with the chain so that he could neither fight back nor dodge and the sword cut the white vest of the cloudman. Naruto now began the battle in a new whip style throwing his swords at his opponent. Naruto now fights at a distance due to the length of the chains on the tanto. Xi jumped back against the wall, but Naruto threw his swords and chains at his opponent and began to charge at him. They were so engrossed in the fight that they didn't notice they were approaching the podium. Xi realized he was losing and infused his swords with lightning chakra and dashed at his opponent. As suddenly his two swords shattered from the impact, and Naruto's swords had wind chakra on them.

Naruto... The wind is stronger than lightning!

C... Damn it!

Si jumped back to the trees and hid behind them contemplating a new plan, while Naruto landed in the evil of the small forest.

Naruto... Come out, or I'll have to make you dantebayo.

C... Yeah, how are you gonna get me to do that?

Naruto infused his swords with wind chakra and began chopping down trees at a distance. Si jumped back from the fallen tree to the ground and tried to reflect Naruto's swords with his own. But as a result, his sword shattered and the blades were pinned to the wall. Naruto tucked the chains back into the seal on the hilt and joined them folded them back into the scabbard.

Naruto... I don't think kenjutsu is going to happen anymore!

Xi was saddened but not broken and folded the seal.

C... Raytheon, Laser Circus!

Rays of lightning flew at Naruto and he folded the seal.

Naruto... Fuuton, the palm of the storm!

Naruto directed a stream of wind at the beams and simply neutralized them. And then Naruto created a clone and folded the seals.

Naruto... Suiton, water bombs!

Water balloons reinforced by the wind began to shoot at the enemy and he had to run away from them, but Naruto did not stop his pressure. Cee lands a nice shot to the middle of the arena and folds the seals.

C... Ryton, lightning hounds!

The lightning in Xi's hands began to concentrate and take the form of a coyote and several coyotes from the lightning bolt launched themselves at Naruto at high speed.

Sasuke... Wow, the reports about him didn't lie, he's really good in the lightning element.

Naruto had to run a safe distance away from them. And Si in turn controlled them from a distance through a thread of lightning like puppets. Naruto folded the seals at a run and crossed his wrists.

Naruto... Caseri!

Discs of wind began to form on both of Naruto's palms and he blew strands of lightning at the coyotes at a rapid speed. When Naruto cut off the last thread, he stood in front of Xi 30 meters away. Shi was devastated and looked at the raikage and then at Naruto.

C... Well, you left me no choice.

After those words he was covered in lightning so from such a concentration of chakra lightning, Naruto cringed.

Naruto's thoughts... What the, he used such a trick against Miroku, but only for a moment. I wonder what it will do for him?

C... Naruto, I'm sorry, I have to win.

Shi dashed at his opponent like a shot and sent Naruto against the wall with a leg kick. Naruto punched through the arena wall with his body and almost got stuck there.

Hey... Damn it C, he can't keep up this regimen that long, if he doesn't, he might get hurt. His body's not ready.

Minato... Should we stop the fight?

Hey... We'll wait for now.

Minato had seen the actions of this technique often and was already beginning to fear for his son's life. Naruto dodged Xi's next attack in full reaction and was already quite alarmed by the situation. Naruto created clones, himself starting to hide in the bushes. Xi was just destroying all the clones that appeared at full speed. Si is sick of these cat-and-mouse games.

C... Stop running and fight me!

Naruto... Stop fighting, let's run dantebayo!

Sasuke... Shh, even in this situation, this jerk is trying to make jokes.

Shisui... He's stalling, but it's unlikely he'll be able to run from it for that long.

Everyone began to look anxiously around the arena.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, we gotta do something, I'm gonna have to speed the hell up. Oh I feel like the chakro channels on my legs are going to be sore in the morning, I'm still reeling from the fight with Neji. Huh, it was dattebayo!

Naruto pumped chakra into his legs and started running up the wall.

C... You can't run away!

Si began to follow him up the wall.

C... What the hell, I can't catch up with him.

Naruto folded the seal and a Kazeri began to appear on his right hand and increase in size a little at a time. Sasuke watched all of this with his sharingan on.

Sasuke... What the, the wind around Kaseri is getting him drunk.

Shisui... Although the wind around him strengthens his technique, it still wouldn't be able to hold such a volume of chakra. I think he's going to wabank.

Naruto and Si ran around the circle of the wall and when their distance narrowed to exactly half. Naruto stood at one end of the arena and Si at the other. A burst of wind from Kaseri began to cover the blond man's entire body.

Naruto.. Si, let's all or nothing, test our strength in a datebayo clash!

Xi began to increase the concentration of lightning on his body.

C... I've been waiting for this!

Naruto pushed off the springboard of the wind and Si swept at full speed like a bullet at his opponent. The wind so embraced Naruto's body that it looked like a drill in flight. And Si was leaving a trail of lightning in his wake. All the kage even jumped off the balcony to see the collision of the colossal concentration of wind and lightning.

Naruto... Caseri!

C... Arkan!

As they collided, the lightning and wind began to push past each other. Due to the colossal volume of chakra, a hurricane with lightning sparks started at the battle site. Everyone on the podium was dreading the outcome of such a technique. But then the sparks of lightning on the hurricane stopped and the hurricane scattered in different directions as if by impulse. The layer of dust was so high that it even flew toward the bleachers. Kaschekage removed all the sand from the stands as well as the layer of smoke in the arena. When the dust settled, there were two contestants lying motionless in the arena 10 meters away. Everyone's holding their breath waiting to see who wakes up first. Naruto moved his hand and then slowly began to rise. When he stood up he started coughing up a layer of dust and when he shook it off he noticed that all of his clothes were torn in several places. All the spectators began to raise their hands enthusiastically and cheer for the blond man's victory.

Hey... Even though my nephew lost, it was a worthy opponent.

Minato was over the moon.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto, you did well as a father, I'm very proud of you. I wish I could tell you that!

Naruto strangely began twirling the kunai on his finger and waiting for the results to be announced. Genma saw C's unconscious body and gave his verdict.

Genma... Winner...

He didn't get a chance to finish as Xi was covered in lightning again and came at Naruto at full speed, who threw the kunai upwards.

C... I told you I'm not playing! Arkan!

Xi tried to hit Naruto, but there was a kunai that Naruto threw upwards. Naruto himself flew overhead and with a sword infused with wind chakra tried to stab his opponent in the back.

Naruto... You don't fool me, you simpering fucking dantebayo. Uh, tentacle?

But then the unbelievable happened. Octopus Tentacle pushed Xi away and Naruto chopped Tentacle in half with his sword. Minato and Ai had a flashback, since that's how Bea saved his brother from Minato's attack in the war. Naruto absentmindedly raised his sword in defense and in front of him stood Shisui, who was already ready to attack. And standing next to C. was B.

Shisui... What does it mean, why did you intervene in the fight?

Minato and Ai moved into the arena and stood next to their ninjas.

Minato... Shisui, Naruto, put the guns away. Bee was just looking to stop the fight.

Hey... C, you lost, accept your defeat.

Si couldn't move anymore and just lowered his eyes.

C... Uncle, I'm not worthy to bear the name of Xi, I've lost.

The Raikage became furious and simply slapped the top of his nephew's head.

Hey... Asshole, there are no undefeated people! Just because you lost doesn't make the world go upside down. Wipe your snot, that name is already yours and no one has the right to take it away from you, not even me! Just like you're not gonna be my nephew anymore.

Si sniffed his nose and tried to stand up, but the pain all over his body prevented him from doing so.

Hey... Don't move, that technique almost killed you. Let this be a lesson to you and use it wisely from now on. Medics, take him away and please follow him.

As Si was carried away on a stretcher Ai turned to the leaf ninja.

Hey... I apologize for my nephew's actions. But also congratulations to you, Naruto Uzumaki!

Naruto... Thank you, raikage herself!

Hey... Minato, it's enviable that you have such ninjas growing up.

Minato... Uh, thank you.

Hey... All right, I'll go!

As the reikage went into a lightning bolt, Bea began to squirm in front of Naruto.

Bee... Yo bro you're something, even though you smacked my tentacles into something! Yo, bump fists?

Naruto hesitantly approached him.

Naruto... Isn't it contagious? Suddenly I'll be talking so weirdly dantebayo too!

Minato smirked at such a catchphrase.

Minato... Don't be afraid Naruto, it's a communication style.

Naruto bumped his fist with Bea's and felt a strange chakra inside Bea.

Naruto's thoughts... What the, I felt the same thing inside him as I felt inside Gaara. It only happened when I released that power. Duttebayo, do they-

Bea walked over to the tentacle and pulled it back into his body.

Minato... All right, we should get back. The tournament isn't over yet!

Naruto... Yosh!

Naruto began to limp as he walked and Shisui seeing his exertions just put him on his back.

Shisui... Naru, I see you've had your fill today.

Minato shook his head at his son's restlessness and touched them moving them to the podium.

Minato... You're welcome!

Minato jumped onto the balcony to the rest of the kage leaving a dazed Shisui with Naruto on his back.

Shisui... Naruto, they know you were under the anbu mask a year ago.

Naruto... What? Xoo, what do we do, run! That's right, run!

Shisui ushered Naruto to his team out of harm's way. Kushina quieted everyone at Minato's request before Naruto was even brought to the bleachers. Everyone Naruto knew began to look at the blond man with rapt attention. There was the last fight of this tournament, with Gaara and Temari standing in the arena. You could read the doom in their gaze.

Temari... Bro, I think it's pointless. You will not back down from your goal.

Gaara... Temari, I don't want to fight you either, but you know I have to do it!

Rasa was saddened that his children would have to fight each other and looking at them just prayed for a successful outcome.

Temari... Bless you, I hope you don't make a mistake. I surrender!

Temari raised her hand in defeat thus incriminating many. Rasa breathed a sigh of relief but Minato stood up from his seat and over his exclamation to the podium.

Minato... At the end of the tournament, Naruto of the Leaf and Gaara of the Sand are the finalists. The finals will be held two weeks later in the same arena. I declare today's tournament closed! Everyone started coming out of their seats and discussing today's battle.

Naruto... So I'm the only one who's been in two fights?

Shisui... Why, is Otto unhappy about something?

Naruto... Of course I'm not happy, I'm very unhappy. I'm busting my ass saving my chakra for two bouts of dantebayo!

Shisui decided to lead Naruto through the secret corridors to avoid the swarm of questions from the others and calmly walk him home.