The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

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

39. Chapter 39

Chapter 39

The clash of ideals of two identical destinies.

As the day of the final fight approached, Naruto gathered the necessary weapons, preparing a plan for the fight analyzing every aspect of the advantages and disadvantages, both his own and his opponent's. But he wasn't the only one preparing in sweat excitedly awaiting this moment. Not far from the village was a canyon, where the one-tailed jinchuriki manipulated the thickness of sand to change the landscape compressing and shattering the rocks around it to dust. Temari and Kankuro, seeing his exertions began to worry about him.

Temari... I've never seen Gaara train so hard.

Kankuro chuckled at such a remark.

Kankuro... You bet, because he's going to have to fight that blond guy. And we've seen his strength and he's hardly shown his full potential.

Temari was very concerned about this fact.

Temari... Did you find out anything about him?

Kankuro faltered at this question and began to speak in a monotone.

Kankuro... To be honest, there's not much information, he was the worst at the academy, and he has little merit on his card, and his skills are almost dismissed to zero. You're just a country bumpkin.

Temari... But in reality, we've seen very different results...

Kankuro... That's right, it's like he's living two lives. One day he's a mediocre shinobi loser, and the next day he can almost compete with the local jonin on equal footing. He is now being called the most unpredictable ninja of the leaf!

Temari... Xoo, not even sure what he'll throw out in the next fight and not even sure Gaara will prevail.

Kankuro chuckled at such arguments.

Kankuro... Pfft, you know Gaara well, he's never lost to anyone. That blond guy, no matter how tough he is, he still won't beat Gaara.

Temari looked at her brother like he was an idiot.

Temari... All of Naruto's past three fights have predicted the same outcome, but where do you really stand? That kid from the Hyuga clan and the cloud swordsman were also undefeated, but this blond man was able to take them both down in one day.

Kankuro listening to these arguments began to doubt his thoughts and just looked at Gaara with anger.

Kankuro... Shh, even so, but Gaara won't back down from his decisions!

Temari began to worry about her brother and even get angry for his decision.

Temari... Damn it, I hope Gaara doesn't get out of control, or else my dad will have to do it...

Naruto was walking through the village after another training session and casually decided to enter the Uchiha clan and knocked on Shisui's door, but hearing no answer, he went to the exit where he was met by his friend and teammate who was leaning on the gate.

Sasuke... Yo, Dobe!

Naruto... Yo, Teme, you from practice, too?

Sasuke... Yes!

Naruto... Itachi didn't text you?

Sasuke, seeing his comrade's worried look, realized who he was really talking about.

Sasuke.. Unfortunately, he and Shisui, went on some sort of secret mission and were unlikely to write and risk their position...

Naruto lowered his head with a sigh of annoyance, but Sasuke was unaccustomed to seeing the melancholy in his comrade's eyes.

Sasuke... Dobe, let's go, there are a lot of unwanted ears...

Naruto didn't argue and just followed him past the streets of the neighborhood and after a few minutes they stopped at the bluffs of the Nakano River. After looking around and scanning the area with a chakro pulse, they sat down on the edge of the cliff.

Sasuke... Dobe, are you worried that Shisui won't come to your fight?

Sasuke received a silent agreement and simply placed his hand on his comrade's shoulder.

Sasuke... Naruto, he's your brother, he just can't not come!

Naruto receiving that encouragement simply nodded with the corners of his lips raised.

Naruto... Thank you!

A pause lingered as they gazed at the stars in the sky, enjoying the evening breeze. Naruto had one more question that he could only share with Sasuke.

Naruto... Sasuke!

Sasuke... Hmm?

Naruto... Do you think I'm doing the right thing by hiding the fact that I'm a jinchuriki from my peers?

The question stumped the brunet.

Sasuke... Why would there be such a question?

Naruto... Sasuke, you know my situation better than any other peer. I used to think I was hiding this secret for the good of everyone else, but what if by this secret I'm just hiding my fear of seeing the same looks in the eyes of my peers as the Dantebayo adults?

Sasuke had nothing to reply to that, but still put forward his thought.

Sasuke.. Dobe, no matter what happens to you, you'll still be my friend and Itachi's friend, Shisui's younger brother and the grandson of the third. If anyone's going to look at you like that, it's only those who don't have the brains to look at you as Naruto instead of Fox.

Naruto listening to these words started to get a little excited and stood up from his seat and clenched his fists.

Naruto... You're right, if that happens, I'll only have people who consider me a friend.

Sasuke stood in front of him and smiled blissfully.

Sasuke... Now I recognize good old Dobe!

Naruto... Okay, I need to get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a very hard day and trust me, I'm going to give it my best shot!

Sasuke extended his fist.

Sasuke... I expect you at the gates of the arena tomorrow.

Naruto... Yosh!

Clashing fists, they dispersed to their homes. Naruto rounded the corner he saw his house and on the porch sat his childhood friend.

Naruto... Inami?

The girl raised her haggard eyes and stood before him.

Inami... Naruto-kun, I wanted to wish you good luck in tomorrow's fight.

Naruto... Thank you!

Naruto seeing eyes full of despair began to shrivel a little at his thoughts.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, my secret is the one that hurt her the most. Enough, let her hate me, let her look at me with contempt. But she is dear to me too and I don't want to torture her anymore!

Naruto... Inami, I'm sorry!

Inami... Hmm?

Naruto hugged her tightly and began to force the words out with regret.

Naruto... Come over to my house to finish all my secrets?

Inami followed him leisurely and once inside the kitchen, they sat down at the table across from each other. Inami sat in eager anticipation looking into sky blue eyes while Naruto was more serious than usual.

Naruto... Before I say anything, I'm going to ask you a couple of dantebayo questions.

Inami nodded at those words and waited for questions.

Naruto... Do you know who jinchuriki are?

Inami flinched a little at such a question and began to think back to the mention of them.

Inami... I read about them in the library, and it said that each of the five great shinobi countries of the world had their own biju. And the biju themselves are sealed into their bearers, who are called jinchuriki.

Naruto nodded at this answer and decided to ask the next question.

Naruto... What do you know about the nine-tailed fox demon datebayo?

Inami didn't like this conversation anymore, but for Naruto's sake, she was willing to do anything new.

Inami... A fox demon attacked Konoha 12 years ago and nearly razed the village to the ground! The fourth hokage himself and the third himself killed him, saving the village from destruction.

Naruto saw Inami's slumped gaze and thought about stopping the conversation, but stopped shivering all over his body.

Naruto... Inami, the fox can't be killed permanently, the only way out is to seal it into a host, making it a nine-tailed jinchuriki.

Naruto paused and sighed deeply.

Naruto... Which is me!

Inami almost recoiled at such news, but through force she took her will in her fist and looked at the blond man in disbelief.

Inami... Is this a joke?

Naruto lowered his gaze in regret.

Naruto... I really wish it was a joke!

Inami, realizing the gravity of the situation, began to recover a little from such news.

Inami... So that's why the residents hate you.

Naruto... Yeah, that's why they lost their family the day the fox got out!

Inami didn't know what to say, but remembering another story.

Inami... But why didn't you tell me about it?

Naruto stammered at such a question and just said directly.

Naruto... Because I'm a coward!

Inami was taken aback by this response.

Inami. What do you mean?

Naruto looked away, but he had no choice but to tell the truth.

Naruto.. I was afraid you'd look at me the way all adults do.

The girl didn't like that answer and stood up from her chair, rested her hands on the table, and then looked reproachfully at the blond.

Inami... That's what you thought of me. You're right about one thing, I hate you, but not for being a jinchuriki. And because you lied to me that I was more than a friend to you. And friends shouldn't hide these things from each other, I could help you bear all this hatred, but I see you're doing fine without me.

Naruto though surprised by this answer, but still some of his fears were confirmed.

Naruto... Inami, leave me alone please.

The girl felt a bitter resentment and turned up her nose, she wandered towards the exit, but seeing the depressed and exhausted state of the blond, it was as if an electric shock had struck her heart. But wanting to mull over her feelings, she did leave the apartment. After the door was slammed shut, Naruto still sat as he was, unable to move.

Naruto's thoughts... What have I done, though it's better than her being in the dark and questioning herself. And what's worse, she could do something stupid. Xoo, if I tell, will they treat me like that too? Xoo, it's time to stop screwing yourself up dattebayo!

Naruto slapped his cheeks and headed for the shower and then went to bed. Inami, on the other hand, was walking through the streets toward home, trying to keep her anger from shaking.

Inami's thoughts... Idiot, how could he think that about me, we've known each other since the orphanage, and he... Ah baka, he's such a jerk!

When she got home, she put on her nightie and went to bed, but she couldn't sleep. She remembered Naruto's words about hating him, and as she remembered the blond's depressed state before he left, it was as if an epiphany had struck her heart.

Inami... What did I do, he was afraid I'd hate him, no matter what for, but I do. Instead of supporting him, I yelled at him. What an idiot I am, how am I supposed to look him in the eye now? He carries so much responsibility and I just started pushing! What to do, I need to talk to him right away!

But remembering the estranged look and the lostness in the blond's eyes, she gave up more and more in a lump and squeezed the pillow against her.

Inami's thoughts... No, he won't forgive me. I've said so many things to him.

She fell asleep berating herself for her intemperance and inability to keep her mouth shut.

The next morning Naruto woke up and sleepily went to his kitchen to fill his body with food energy. After washing the dishes behind him, he sprinted to the shower. Standing under the cool water, he began to think over his situation and gritting his teeth he said to himself.

Naruto's thoughts... Quit filling your head with all the meat for crying out loud. I have a fight tonight, so I don't have time to think about anything else. After getting out of the shower he wiped his hair dry with a warm towel and then dressed in all his underwear, he wandered over to the closet with his main clothes. He wore a collared jersey first, then a blue t-shirt. Pulling on his black pants with orange lines, he wrapped a holster around his right hip. Over the T-shirt, he wore his trademark orange vest. Slipping two gun scroll pouches onto his belt, he completed his image with a blue head mounted leaf projector. Walking up the hallway, he put his dark open-toed boots on his feet. Putting his sword on his back and his arm cuffs on his hands, he walked out of the house, closing the door behind him. As he walked through the morning village, he looked around, the adults around him, though not looking at him with hatred, still looked away from him or averted their eyes. The situation with peers or age younger, was different. The little ones began to clamor at the sight of him, and the peers simply raised their fists in a show of support.

Naruto's thoughts... Duttebayo, how am I supposed to proceed? They used to be hated, but it was easier to understand them. The adults and the little ones, hypocrites in a word. Maybe Sasuke's right, no matter what, the ones who see me as a person and not a monster will stay with me. Though judging from Inami's reaction, even the one I valued and protected had abandoned me.

All the way to the arena, he tortured himself by questioning whether or not he should speak. As he approached the entrance of the contestant arena, he met all of his comrades in arms. They all looked at him with approval and support, but the one who was missing was Inami. Naruto not finding her amongst the crowd began to get a little discouraged. Rock Lee walked up to him first, still hobbling on crutches and stood in front of the blond man and gave him a thumbs up.

Lee... Yosh, Naruto-kun, may the flame of youth lead you to victory!

Naruto smirked at his comrade's wakefulness.

Naruto... Gustobrowick, aren't you supposed to have datebayo foot surgery? I thought Grandma Tsunade said you had to take some medicine.

Lee looked at the blonde with determined eyes.

Lee... That's right, Naruto-kun, but I couldn't miss your fight, and I couldn't come and not support you!

Naruto placed a hand on his shoulder and closed his eyes and nodded to his comrade with a slight smile on his face. Kiba approached him next and held out his hand.

Kiba... Who would have thought you'd be the one to make it to the finals? Although, even if you beat me, there was no doubt about it.

Naruto simply smirked at such a call and responded to the handshake. Miroku approached him next, spreading her hands on her hips, it was obvious she hadn't lost her pride yet, though her haughty look had dried up during the last heart-to-heart talk.

Miroku... Show that sandman where it's at!

Ino and Karin... Yeah, give it to him!

After this duo cheer, Shino walked over and extended his hand.

Shino... I wish you victory, but remember that your friends will help you from now on.

Naruto cringed sensing the insects in Shino's body and just waved his hand with a silly grin. Shino though not offended, still stepped I from such actions of the blond.

Chouji stood to the side, eating chips with a worried look.

Choji... Oh my God, I'm so excited, go Naruto!

Naruto smirked at the voracity of Akimichi's comrade but another one was approaching him. Neji approached leisurely and looked at the blond with a slightly impassive look and exclaimed.

Neji... Naruto, your eyes see sometimes better than mine, I hope you see your victory through them!

Naruto... You know I don't like to go that far, but still, I'll do anything to win!

After shaking hands, Tenten approached him and slyly narrowed her eyes.

Tenten... Naruto-kun, if you lose, can I have your swords?

Naruto looked at her with a stern look and she immediately began to stir.

Tenten... Just kidding, but I still wish you the win!

Everyone around me smirked

Hinata stood behind everyone and tried to avert her gaze by blushing thickly and curling her index finger.

Hinata... Uddachiiii, Nnaruatto kkun!

Naruto though shook his head, but still smiled for the shy boy. Shikamaru approached lazily rubbing his neck and yawned sweetly. Naruto gave him a sieheid look at that.

Naruto... Did our number one slacker manage to get out of bed so early and come here dattebayo.

Shikamaru... How stressful, especially your jokes! But come on, you can think, you can fight, so good luck.

Naruto nodded to his comrade, but then Sakura approached him.

Sakura... Naruto, take care of yourself, and one more thing!

She handed him the pills with the words.

Sakura... Naruto, I realize this is a serious opponent. But I don't think energy pills will hurt you!

Naruto took the pills and put them in his pouch.

Naruto... Thank you, Sakura!

Sakura pulled back a little further and Sasuke came up on her right side and held out his fist.

Sasuke... Dobe, I know our support for you will hardly cheer you up, but I think you can still pull yourself together and not lose to him!

But the congratulations didn't end there, as more people came up to him from behind.

Jiraiya... Oh, Naruto, you're already here, so good luck!

Naruto... Thank you erosanin!

Kushina... Naruto, go ahead, we believe in you!

Kakashi... Mma, I know you will win, but still be careful!

Kakashi's thoughts... This bet should go in, it's just a pity the odds have leveled out for the last two fights.

Naruto.. Thank you Kakashi sensei, you're on time, is it going to rain today?

Everyone looked up, and indeed clouds were beginning to gather. At that pun, everyone started laughing, and Kakashi pulled away from the world staring at his book.

Naruto... All right, I'm off, it's supposed to start in an hour.

From the other side of the arena, Temari and Kankuro escorted their brother to the entrance of the arena and just quietly wished him good luck. At this time Inami woke up at the crack of dawn and looked at the alarm clock, realizing that she was late for the meeting she just rushed out of the house towards the arena. As she approached the gate for the participants, she began to drum on the door, but no one responded to her exertions. Kushina noticed her student and approached her with a concerned face.

Kushina... Inami, what's wrong?

Inami began to cry softly into her hands.

Inami... I didn't make it!

Kushina ruffled the girl's hair with odor.

Kushina... Come on, Inami, Naruto won't be offended, you're friends!

Inami... Not anymore!

Kushina was taken aback by this response.

Kushina... Not anymore? Why?

Inami... I said so many things to him yesterday!

Kushina... Did she? Come on, let's go to the side, here's a handkerchief!

They sat down not far away on a bench where no one passed close by. Inami sat up and wiped her tears, Kushina giving her a drink of water.

Kushina... What did you say to him?

Inami... I told him I hated him!

Kushina cringed at such news.

Kushina... Inami, tell us everything from beginning to end!

Inami... Kushina sensei, is it true that Naruto is the jinchuriki of the nine-tailed fox?

The woman started to wince and sank a little at such a question, but upon hearing the same question a third time, she turned her attention to the girl.

Kushina... Did he tell you that?

Inami... Yes!

Kushina lowered her gaze in regret and tizi like that.

Kushina... Yes, it's true!

Inami lowered her gaze, but tears began to drip onto her handkerchief.

Inami... Kushina sensei, I don't know what to say to him, he kept it from me because he was afraid I would hate him for being a jinchuriki too.

Kushina could barely keep from crying herself.

Kushina... Did you tell him you hate him?

Inami... I told him I hated him just because he kept it from me because he didn't consider me a friend. It was really true, he'd been with me since the orphanage, but even then he'd tried to hide it from me. I've been mad at him all this time, for his secrecy. But still, by my actions, I justified his fears. No matter what for, I told him I hated him! God, I'm such an idiot!

She snuggled into the woman's lap and began to cry bitterly, while Kushina herself stroked the girl's back, her thoughts elsewhere.

Kushina's thoughts... Naruto, even though I was a jinchuriki, even so I can't understand you. I have not had to deal with the anger of the residents. Damn it, I should have killed that Danzo asshole right away!

At this time, Rasa and Minato were sitting in the residence, working on paperwork, but there was talk of a fight.

Minato... Race, before the fight begins, I have something very important to tell you!

Rasa put the forms back on the table and waited for the story to be told. Minato started retelling the story of Haku ice style. Rasaya, listening to the story and in the course of the story, began to find many parallels and towards the end he almost fell from his chair for fear that the same fate awaited his son. Minato, seeing Rasa's slumped and broken look, decided to rouse him.

Minato... Rasa, do you realize that if you don't talk to Gaara. Will he suffer the same fate as Haku?

Rasa was completely overwhelmed, he didn't know what to do and just left on automatic, staggering from side to side. Minato, seeing the Kazekage's uncertain gait, began to doubt his resolve and just hoped for the best.

Rasa was walking down the corridors of the arena toward his son's booth. There was no way he wanted to think about any choice. Entering the cabin he saw his son sitting on the bench and in lionizing his son as he carelessly played with the sand he smirked softly. Gaara noticed his father and put the sand back into the jug.

Gaara... Dad?

Rasa took a seat next to him and decided to start from afar.

Race... Worried?

Gaara... No father, weapons need not worry, soon I will prove that I am the best weapon this world has ever seen!

Rasa took a deep breath and looked into his son's eyes. Seeing the rapturous fire and harm in his son's eyes, he also remembered how dead they had been a few years ago. He was literally torn between telling his son, but getting that dead look from his son again, or letting it go, but losing his son himself. Both options were simply unacceptable to him. But a third thought also visited him and surrendered his fist.

Rasa's Thoughts... Screw it, Karura I don't want to hurt Gaara anymore. Gaaru can't be changed, sorry Minato, Naruto kun. He's my son and I'll do anything to protect him, Karura, may I be damned in hell!

Race... Son, take it!

Rasa handed over the clinker and Gaara examined the contents and looked at his father with surprised eyes.

Gaara... Father, I won't be able to use them as well as you!

Race... There's a first time for everything, go for your goal!

Rasa placed a hand on his son's shoulder, Gaara was encouraged by this support and stood before him with a confident smile.

Gaara... Father, I will not let you down, rest assured, I will prove to everyone that I am the greatest weapon!

At the other end of the arena, a sad blond man sat in one of the arenas. His thoughts were mostly occupied with the responsibility that had been entrusted to him. This day will truly be a historic moment and he will be at the center of things. Grandpa's third, Maya chan, his older brother Shisui. As of late, Minato, Kushina, his mentor and friends. All of them had great hopes. He got so much support, but he didn't get the main thing, the person who could lighten his burden a little. But his prayers were answered.

Shisui... Yo, ototo, sorry I'm late.

That voice brought back his confidence. After all, it was Shisui who helped him with everything when everything was already lost and prevented him from sinking into oblivion. Excitedly he threw himself into the embrace with a joyous squeal.

Naruto... Brother Shisui, you're back!

Shisui... How could I leave you like that?

Naruto... Brother Shisui, I have so much to tell you dattebayo!

Shisui let go of Naruto and crouched down on one knee and gave him a supportive smile and ruffled his hair.

Shisui... You don't have to, I can only say one thing, whatever you decide. You can always count on me!

Naruto was encouraged to the max at those words.

Naruto... Yosh, Shisui's brother!

Naruto extended his fist and Shisui immediately responded to it.

Shisui... I'll be waiting for you outside, show them all what Naruto Uzumaki is made of!

Naruto... You bet, Shisui's brother!

At those words, Naruto was impatient and just waiting for the signal. The Hokage ordered three more stands to be built for the guests and residents of his village. On four stands sat citizens of sand, leaf, and cloud. Even though Cloud was eliminated from the competition, they were invited to the final tournament as a kind gesture. Everyone was excited for the fight and just eager to get started. On the balcony sat the two hokage, the reikage and the kazekage. Hey looked back at his watch often and nervously anticipated a good fight.

Hey... Goddamn it, when is it going to start? Time is so slow, I want to hang myself!

Minato... Patience, Raikage-sama!

Hey... By the way, Kazekage, are you worried about your offspring?

Race... Uh, yeah!

Minato seeing Rasa's uncertain state and the way he was trying to look away from him, began to think bad thoughts.

Minato's thoughts... Eh Rasa, you couldn't confess to Gaara after all. I can't condemn you for it, but I can't support it either. You're the only one I can trust, Naruto! Good luck to you my son!

Hiruzen's thoughts... Naru, you've been coming to this for so long and there have been many challenges along the way. I realize you've taken on too much, but you have to work through it. Show these people your will of fire that burns bright. Like your grandfather, I have always been, am, and will always be proud of you!

Shisui walked up to his own and sat down next to Itachi and Sasuke while the rest of the leaf ninjas sat around them.

Itachi... Shisui, did you talk to him?

Shisui... Yeah, I think he's relieved now.

Sasuke... I've never seen Naruto so unsure.

Shisui smirked at such a remark.

Shisui... No matter how experienced and strong he is, he is still a child.

Itachi... Oh, and Gaara was able to give him a good confidence boost and brainwash him.

Shisui... Though they have the same position, they are still different.

Sasuke... I wonder what the fight will be like, knowing Naruto, it will be something unusual.

Shisui... Rest assured, get ready to see a show!

Everyone else was excited and sat like a needle. Bea was sitting near Tsunade, at Raikage's request, so she could kick people if they started rapping and had already gotten a couple of hits for it. Kushina sat with her childhood friends. Jiraiya was surrounded by women, until he was kicked hard and had to go back to the rest of the jonin in the second row. Kakashi sat next to the sled and nagged for a new installment of the Icha Icha novel. Gai nags Kakashi to compete until the fight starts. All the other genin of the sheet, sat on the front row with the Uchiha. Temari and Kankuro sat surrounded by their own and began to worry little by little about Gaara. The time came and Minato gave a wave for the signal and turned to the third.

Minato... Third Sama, would it be an honor to slide a speech for this tournament?

The rest of us liked the idea.

Race... Yes, the third one herself, with your experience you will have a lot to say to the future generation.

Hey... Hiruzen dano, you've been through so much and you just can't say no to us!

Hiruzen smiled as he waddled over to the railing and waited for the participants to exit.

Naruto as heard the signal and started walking towards the exit and seeing a light at the end of the hallway, he sighed and stepped into the light. Everyone started yelling and screaming his name. Naruto was happier than ever, but when Gaara came out, there was less of a buzz and then some with neosota raising their hands.

Naruto's thoughts... You're broken Gaara, and I intend to fix it!

Gaara, seeing the blond man's relaxed state, was already anticipating the battle.

Gaara's thoughts... Finally, this day has come, I will fight against the weapons of this village and I can prove that I am the best!

Hiruzen lit a pipe and exhaled a puff of smoke and began his speech.

Hiruzen... Dear guests of cloud and sand, as well as the people of our village. I've lived long enough to witness the birth of all our villages. Before, we only gathered in one place for one occasion, war. But just not today, as we are all gathered to see the battle of two great shinobi. I want you to watch their fierce battle and learn a lesson, each to your own. At this historic moment, I would like to welcome our two final tournament participants. Uzumaki Naruto, Sobaku no Gaara, fight with valor and bravery, show your will to win. You can start as soon as you're ready!

Kushina and Minato looking at their son couldn't help but be proud of him, as he was the one who was at the center of things. Rasu was gnawing with guilt for helping Gaara in this battle, but remembering Haku's fate, he dispelled the unwelcome thoughts. Participants began to approach each other and stopped within a 100 meter radius.

Gaara... I hope you've thought about what I said.

Naruto... Yeah, you're probably right to call me a coward. Yes, I'm afraid to break the bonds with those I've only found a connection with because of my secret. But you're wrong about one thing, I'm not a gun and I'm not going to be a gun!

Gaara smirked at that answer and calmed down.

Gaara... You said that Hyuga guy lives in an illusion, but what about you? You make everything right, but our nature and you can't change, we are monsters in the eyes of others and they only see us as weapons! I accepted that fate, so why won't you accept yours?

All the uninformed began to stare dumbly at each other.

Ino... What are they talking about, are they okay?

Shikamaru... Ino, if you don't know the gist of their conversation, then don't talk too much!

Ino... What, I was just asking!

Sasuke... Ino, shut up!

She shivered at that tone and almost bit her tongue. Inami, on the other hand, seeing this tension, was starting to get a little jittery from last night.

Inami's thoughts... Xoo, Sasuke and Shikamaru protect Naruto kuna and were able to understand him, and me, what am I supposed to do? I love him, but I'm still hysterical about his secret!

Kushina, on the other hand, was in her own thoughts.

Kushina's thoughts... Naruto and Gaara both went through this fate, I wonder if I could go through it if everyone else knew I was a jinchuriki.

A tense atmosphere brewed in the arena and Naruto stood his ground.

Naruto... I'm not a gun and don't intend to be one, that's my answer to dantebayo.

Gaara... Hmm, so you won't show the power that sleeps within you!

Naruto... This power doesn't belong to me, if I use it, it will kill me or invalidate the meaning of my life and my purpose. Anyone who thought I was a monster would be right to start relying on that power. I'm not a monster or a weapon, I'm Uzumaki Naruto datebayo!

Gaara raised his eyes to the sky at this speech.

Gaara's thoughts... Hell, if he doesn't use that power, my victory will be meaningless.

Minato had heard from Jirai about Naruto's refusal to use the nine-tailed man's chakra and was even in favor.

Minato's thoughts... Naruto, I've already decided a lot of things in your life for you. If that is your answer, then I as a father can only support your determination!

Lowering his head Gaara looked at Naruto in all seriousness.

Gaara... Be therefore, Sobaku no Gaara is ready for battle!

Naruto... Uzumaki Naruto is ready for battle!

Hiruzen... Here we go!

Gaara began to send sand from different directions, and Naruto, in turn, went sideways with the help of acrobatics, throwing shurikens. As the distance between them shortened, Naruto slammed his hand into the sand of his opponent.

Gaara... My defense isn't called absolute for nothing!

Naruto smirked at that remark and simply disappeared into the shunshin, but a moment later, three clones appeared around Gaara and began making synchronized combination blows, taking each other away from the sand's counterattack. All the jonin began to rapturously watch this performance.

Kurenai... Wow, I've never seen such a synchronized clone attack.

Kakashi... Though Naruto has many powerful techniques, shadow clones are his calling card.

Lee... Gaara's sand has gotten faster, even at this speed and with the clones Naruto can't keep up with him.

Anko... And yet he's so masterful at clones that you can't even tell where the original is.

Shisui. And the original is not among them!

Such a statement made everyone start looking around for the original. Gaara fending off the hail of attacks from the blond man began to quietly boil over at the shambolic nature of the actions.

Gaara... A simple taijutsu, it won't work on me a third time.

All clones smirked and under the feet of Gaara, the ground began to crack and about there came out the original immediately prescribing a powerful uppercut from which Gaara jumped up and the original did not hesitate to kick in the back to throw even higher and clones jumped in the wake of Gaara to kick and distance from the ground. The original with the help of shadow theater moved behind Gaara's back and unsealed the fishing line from his wristbands, he tied it around Gaara like a cocoon and folded the seal.

Naruto... Fuuuuton, storm fist!

The wind on Naruto's fist began to whistle and with that fist he punched Gaara in the stomach so that he flew down in a twisted state and a column of dust rose from the rumble of the impact. Many were shocked by this combination but some were delighted by such a trick, especially the green brutes of Konoha.

Lee... Gai sensei is a frontal lotus...

Guy... Yes, very similar, but how could he achieve it in such a short time?

Kakashi made a facepalm and began to demur.

Kakashi... It may look like a lotus, but there's still a chakra involved. He just remodeled the lotus to suit himself with his capabilities.

Minoguez was also interested in another point.

Sasuke... Now I can see why those clones were just muscling through the sand.

Itachi... Yes, ototo, his sand has gotten faster though, but even so he can't defend against attacks underground.

Shisui... Keep your eyes open.

When the dust settled, there was a big hole where Gaara landed. Naruto stood thirty meters away from him, out of harm's way. Sand knew how to protect, Gaara, but for some reason was now all wet.

Race... Hmm, clever, getting the sand wet, very ingenious.

Minato's thoughts... Wow, looks like it's not a water elemental but a groundwater elemental, so you found a way to get rid of his main weapon! That's why it took you so long to dig underground. Saving chakra and pissing off your opponent, genius!

Gaara felt like he was out of place. He was up to his throat in water and somehow he got out of the hole and started sloshing around in a slurry of sand. He tried to pick up some sand, but it wasn't very good and he gritted his teeth and gave up. He looked at Naruto with a bestial grin.

Gaara... Oh, you!

Naruto showed his middle finger and started running in the opposite direction of him. Gaara shook himself off and began to infuse the drier sand with chakra and began to regenerate his sand armor, gourd, and then gathering the sand, he sighed with relief. Naruto was busily scanning these actions analyzing his opponent's actions.

Naruto's thoughts. The Hokage herself was right, Gaara spends more chakra to control the new sand. All right, phase two!

Gaara started kicking up swathes of sand with anger and Naruto ran away from Gaara. But at the last moment he dodged pushing off the wall, but another batch of sand flew to meet him. He threw a kunai at Gaara without thinking, but was still caught in a sand ball. Gaara was happy about that and just clenched his fist.

Gaara... Sand trap!

The ball of sand shrank crushing Naruto into ashes, but the strange thing was, there was no blood around and Gaara realized too late. The kunai flying at him turned back into Naruto and kicked him with all his strength so that he flew back five meters. Naruto decided not to stop and creating 10 clones he began to hit or flip Gaara from one clone to the next not letting the sand approach back to the owner. Everyone on the podium didn't understand this arrangement of the battle, but Shikamaru took it upon himself to clarify.

Shikamaru.. It seemed to have found another weakness, though his own sand was protecting him, but the sand around him was many times slower and Naruto had no trouble keeping up with its absolute defense. The key is to keep him from going back to his sand.

Naruto didn't stop the onslaught, but Gaara became enraged and swung his arms to his sides with all his might.

Gaara... Sand dome!

Gaara closed in the dome clasping his left eye. Naruto stood a hundred meters away from him and seeing the sandy eye above the dome he didn't take long to think and extended his middle finger upwards.

Naruto... Can you see everything?

On the balcony, all three kage made a facepalm, and the Raikage laughed.

Hey... What a tomboy, his fights will never be boring!

Minato's thoughts... Oh Naruto, this day will go down in history and what will it say, one of the contestants showed foul language?

Hiruzen's thoughts... Oh Naruto, sometimes you're such a child, if Hashirama Dano had seen you, they'd have sung together right away.

Rasa's Thoughts... Well, your son's optimism is not lacking in Minato.

It wasn't just the balcony that was shocked at such a gesture from the blond man. Some were holding back laughter and some were openly laughing.

Sasuke... It never changes.

Itachi... Shisui, you said you gave Naruto a book on manners.

Shisui folded his hands together in annoyance.

Shisui... Yeah, except I found this book two blocks from his house in a dumpster.

Gaara, however, didn't appreciate the blond's gesture at all and a small ball of sand began to form above the dome.

Gaara... Sand bullets!

Sand bullets from the balloon, began to fly at the blond man and he had to run to a safe distance, but the bullets did not lag behind and continued to fire. Naruto ran maneuvering his movements, dodging speeding bullets.

Naruto's thoughts... This technique is not infinite, he must get tired at some point.

He kept running, but not feeling the fatigue in Gaara, he landed on a wall not far from him and folded the seal.

Naruto... Suiton, water geyser!

A powerful stream of water column pierced through the sand ball above the dome. Oddly enough, the sand dome did not succumb to the water.

Naruto's thoughts... What the hell is dattebayo? Why doesn't the dome collapse from water? Xoo, looks like we need to punch out.

Next to the dome on the ground, the sands began to move in a circle.

Naruto... Come out, you're not gonna sit there forever!

Gaara... Do you care about that?

Naruto... Of course I care if you suffocate in there.

Gaara began to boil from the inside out and clenching his fists and then rising from his knees, he began to bring the sand around him into action. Sands began to vorm clones and about 20 sand clones appeared before Naruto. Naruto wordlessly grabbed his sword and bifurcating them he began slashing the clones out of the sand. It didn't come out well, as the sand clones began to regenerate immediately. He even got a couple of punches in and they piled on top of him, but Naruto didn't take long to push himself off the ground with the help of the wind and sat down on the wall, since in his experience, he couldn't get Sasuke there.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, hokage herself, I hope you won't kill me too much for this!

Naruto grabbed a kunaiami with an explosion of seals and jumped down from the top and started throwing it at the right places. He jumped to the ground and the entire arena began to explode, and at the site of the explosion, water began to pour out in a fountain, flooding the entire arena up to his knees. Everyone was shocked at such a bold yet cheeky act.

Kakashi... Mma, groundwater.

Sakura.. Sensei, he's flooded the entire arena!

All the Uchiha turned on their sharingan and began to watch this outrage.

Itachi... No chakra effects, it's natural water, but where could he find so much of it?

Shisui began to think about this whole situation and came to some disappointing conclusions.

Shisui... Oh, damn it, Naruto, this isn't a trap anymore, it's a disaster.

Sasuke... Only a Dobe could think of such a thing!

The Kage themselves were concerned about the incident, and Minato called Genma over and ordered him to check it out. When Genma came back with his report, he shocked everyone.

Genma... The Hokage herself, it's groundwater, and there's a river nearby that's dropped in level.

Minato... Are you kidding me, he couldn't hit a seal blast, exactly on target so you could... It doesn't matter, we'll deal with it after the fight.

Minato's thoughts... Xoo, should have read his battle plan after all!

Hiruzen's thoughts... Raised his own head, oh well, he'll get an earful after the fight and we'll make him clean up this mess.

Hey... But still now that area in the arena belongs to Naruto, Gaara won't be able to use the sand!

Rasa, on the other hand, sat with an impassive face, but was still surprised at this tactical move himself. Gaara was still sitting in his sand dome, trying to keep the sand layer under the water and seeing what was happening outside, he was starting to freak out.

Gaara's thoughts... Damn Uzumaki, what am I supposed to do now, I can't use sand anymore because of this damn water!

Naruto had already tried several times to break through the dome, but was met with thorns.

Naruto's thoughts... Gaara is still just as reluctant to step out of his comfort zone. That's what he's like.

Naruto created two clones and together they began to form a rasengan on one hand and a kaseri on the other.

Many knew the crowning technique of the fourth.

Kakashi... Rasengan, did you teach him, Jiraiya herself?

Jiraiya... Of course I am, of course I am!

Kushina's thoughts... Oh my God, it's been years, and he's still a liar.

Shisui's thoughts... Wow, Naru didn't sit idly by, but he still has to answer for the flood in the arena!

Naruto pushed off the springboard of air and flew straight into the dome.

Gaara, seeing such an attack, immediately folded his seals.

Gaara... The absolute defense of the demon Tanuki!

But a raccoon statue made of sand grew in his way.

Naruto.. Caseri!

Naruto punched through the statue of sand shattering it into small pieces and with his other hand he aimed straight into Gaara's belly.

Naruto... Rasengan!

The chakra on Naruto's hand began to swirl and increase in volume and then simply sent Gaara into a rapid flight towards the arena wall. Gaara punched himself through the wall leaving a hole in it. Everyone was impatient and just waiting for action, but some began to celebrate the blond man's victory. Naruto stood waiting and a pair of yellow eyes looked up at him from the hole.

Naruto's thoughts... Oh no, it felt like then, had he really decided to use his power?

Bloodlust and demonic power melted throughout the arena and people began to grow wary.

Shisui... Here we go...

Itachi... Shisui, know you have no right to interfere, Naruto made this choice consciously, he knew what he was doing.

Shisui didn't seem to be listening, but he couldn't do anything about it. The Kage was wary of such terrifying power at this point, but there was an agreement not to interfere, the Kazekage assuring that Gaara was controlling Shukaku's power. Gaara came out of the hole and looked at Naruto with a ferocious grin, his eyes were still yellow, his ears were pointy and his sandy hand was like a paw with black lines.

Gaara... Uzumaki Naruto, you made me use his power after all! By the power of Shukaku!

In the arena, the youngsters were perplexed and B was just on standby if things didn't go smoothly.

Sakura... What happened to this guy?

Ino... Is he even human?

Karin... Is this really the monster they were talking about?

Kiba... What the hell is going on here?

Choji... I'm scared!

Neji... Will Naruto have to fight against this...

Kakashi stomped on the ground to send electricity through it, which made all the genin start to come to their senses.

Kakashi... Quiet everyone, this is their fight, if anything goes wrong, we will intervene!

Inami... Sensei, is this really one of the nine?

Kushina, on the other hand, sat in a daze and even listened to her question.

Kushina's thoughts... That scary chakra, just like back then, Naruto! We've got to stop the fight!

Kushina teared up to stop the fight, but Mikoto's hand stopped her and whispered in her ear.

Mikoto... Kushina, if you do this, Naruto will never forgive you. He knows what he was going for, don't worry, if things go too far, Minato or my husband will stop him.

Naruto stood fifty meters away and Gaara rippled his paws out of the sand and looked at the blond with anticipation.

Gaara... Well, it doesn't matter anymore!

Gaara formed a sand flying platform and threw himself at the blond man. And Naruto started ducking and running through the water.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, his speed has been increased to the limit. We need to get rid of this platform!

Naruto didn't even notice as he received a powerful blow and started rolling around in the water like a pancake. And Gaara, with a mad grin, began spitting out words.

Gaara... Now I'm going to make you use your power, and then I'm just going to destroy you! Wind squall!

Naruto had to react as quickly as possible and stood on his feet and began to dodge with somersaults and jumps. Gaara struggled to pick up the wet sand and squeeze it dry, then covered himself completely and now resembled Shukaku, only smaller in size.

Gaara's thoughts... Chakra, because of the water I have to spend a lot more just to dry the sand! We need to finish this as soon as possible!

Gaara... That's it, you're dead now!

Gaara began to pick up a large amount of sand and squeeze dry as hard as he could.

Gaara... Sand dragon!

Naruto unsheathed his swords and infused them with wind chakra and began chopping the sand dragon into small pieces.

Naruto... Now it's my turn!

He ran at Gaara bringing his sword and at full speed he chopped his paw and then his legs and was about to destroy the platform when he was hit in the stomach with his tail and flew to the wall. Gaara tried to sand trap him against the wall, but Naruto shredded the thick sand and moved out of the line of attack. Gaara grunted and climbed higher to a height of 15 meters and began to pick up the wet sands with a new clutch. And then he turned those same sands into blocks of sand and lifted them above the ground. Gaara decided not to stop there and his stomach churned.

Gaara... Fuuuuuton, air bullets!

The air rudders were directed at the blocks of sand, thus increasing their power. Naruto now had to dodge the attack at full speed and even a few sands of wind-enhanced sand began to tear at his clothes. The attacks didn't stop and Naruto had to keep running from side to side, but then he caught the moment and created a clone and then created a rasengan on his hand, pushed off the wind springboard and flew at Gaara. Gaara couldn't see the attack because of his own technique, but he had a split second to get back from such a direct hit, but he still lost his tail because of Naruto's sword. Naruto, in turn, flew past Gaara and took aim at his right wrist.

Naruto... Rasengan shell!

A rasengan like a cannon flew towards Gaara and hit exactly in the right chest and from the explosion of the rasengan, Gaara flew straight to the water like a bullet. Everyone was shocked by this stunt and couldn't believe it was actually happening. The stone blocks began to crumble and settle to the ground. Everyone already thought that this was the end, and began to congratulate the blond in advance.

Kakashi... Wow, Jiraiya Sensei, I didn't realize you could use a rasengan from a distance.

Jiraiya was as surprised as everyone else around him.

Sakura... I hope that's it, he couldn't have survived that.

Sasuke.. Especially Gaara is now underwater and won't be able to use water freely...

On the balcony, Rasa sat gloomily, praying to all the gods that Gaara would be able to use his gift.

Hey. I think it's done.

Minato wasn't so sure and just nervously clenched his fists as he watched this lull.

Naruto in turn was busily surveying the chakro pulses approaching Gaara. Gaara himself lay underwater looking up at the sky.

Gaara's thoughts... No, it can't be, I must win, I must!

After these thoughts, he squeezed the vial that his father had given him and began to infuse it with chakra, and began to become covered in red chakra. Naruto was wary of such a powerful surge of chakra.

Naruto... Duttebayo, what the hell!

Shisui... Naruto, look out!

Naruto managed to scurry away, not only from the reaction, but also from the shockwave. The spot where Gaara lay began to glow with a golden glow. And then tons of sand mixed with gold dust began to rise. The sand began to form a huge Shukaku seven meters tall, and then golden dust began to cover it like armor. Minato seeing what happened started to boil, after all the gold dust is also infused with Rasa's chakra, which is like Rasa helping Gaara from a distance. Since Gaara himself is unable to use gold dust without first drinking chakra, that would take a long time.

Minato... Rasa, have you really gotten this far...

Rasa stood his ground and decided to fight back.

Race... Minato, don't you dare judge, you just don't have the right!

Minato gritted his teeth and sat back down on the chair clutching his kunai in his hand, to help his son in case of emergency. The other cachées were not happy about it either, but there was nothing they could do about it. Technically Rasa didn't break the rules, but it's still kind of mean and dishonest. Naruto stood and pondered a strategy against it.

Naruto's thoughts... That wasn't part of the plan, gold, stop, he's running gold now. And gold is a metal, a magnet, definitely a magnet. Lightning can interfere or reverse polarity. But where do I get the zipper.

He looked up at the overcast sky and remembered a chip.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, I'll have to sweat, I don't have the fire element, so I'll have to use them, it's a shame to waste them, but what can you do Duttebayo!

Gaara inside the golden Shukaku opened his eyes and began to contemplate his situation.

Gaara's thoughts... I spent too much chakra on it, but now because of the gold, the water won't wet the sand. There's very little chakra left, but I must defeat him.

Gaara... Uzumaki, I think this is the end, for you!

After saying that, he began to bring his huge paw around and slammed it into the wall where Naruto was standing. Because of this attack, barriers were raised in all the stands so no one would get hurt. Naruto got ready to start and began running in a circle on the arena wall. Gaara would send a wind squall at him or just try to catch him with all his limbs. Seeing Naruto running away from him started to catch flashbacks from his childhood. After all, as a child, all children ran away from him at the sight of him, and in another his peer is running away from him. And this action drove him into a frenzy and started yelling at the blond man.

Gaara... Stop it, stop running, why are you running away from me? You and I are alike, and yet everyone runs away from me, including you!

Naruto's thoughts... Oh, man, he's out of his mind.

Naruto reached the top pulled out two scrolls and printed out a hundred kunai with special seals and pointed them at the enemy. Gaara seeing the barrage of guns flying at him, channeled all his chakra into his stomach and hit it.

Gaara... Fuuton, wind squall.

Naruto moved out of range with the help of his clone and sat down on top of the wall to watch as the Wind Squall of the enemy tossed the kunai sky high and folded the seal.

Naruto... Perfect, fire!

The seals on the kunayaz were activated and like napalm exploded across the sky covering all the clouds with fire and heating the atmosphere.

Naruto... Xoo, that's not enough. Shuriken, kage bunshin!

A flurry of shurikens with the help of fishing line was directed at the enemy from above, forcing Gaara to apply a flurry of wind thus increasing the fire in the clouds. All the people were perplexed by such an action, but only Shisui and Itachi remembered such a trick.

Sasuke... Shh, I sometimes don't understand his actions, why would he want to scorch the clouds?

Itachi... He's heating up the atmosphere to cause thunder, I wonder how he's going to use this trick.

Shisui... And he's not going to use it, watch closely!

The sky erupted with thunder, but it wasn't enough as Gaara kept moving, trying to catch the blond who didn't even think about coming down from the top of the wall.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, we need to hold him in one place, as he has little use for magnetism to get struck by lightning. Looks like we'll have to utilize that new technique, but need to power it up! Kage bunshin no jutsu!

The original began to form a rasengan and the clone a kaseri and sighing they hit techniques trying to combine into one.

Naruto... Come on, control, control, balance, there's dattebayo!

The kaseri and rasengan combined to form a powerful rasensuriken with four blades and around half a meter in size. Minato seeing this technique began to worry.

Minato's thoughts... It's not an easy rassensuriken, it's more powerful than he showed in training. Damn, Naruto, I told you not to experiment without me, you're so pushy. Well, I hope it's nothing serious.

At the podium, many people were amazed by such a powerful technique and started a discussion. Gaara seeing this powerful technique began to form a spear covered in gold dust in his hand.

Gaara... What, did you decide to go straight?

Naruto... Yes!

After those words, Naruto and his clone launched themselves at the enemy with rassensuriken in hand. Rasensuriken simply destroyed the huge spear that had been brought in and pressed the technique against the golden raccoon's belly.

Naruto... Rassensuriken!

The rasensuriken exploded and began to increase in size, turning into a swirling ball with a few rings of wind swirling around the edges. Gaara began to spend all of his chakra on defense and even began to be covered in magnetic electricity. It was enough for lightning from the heavens to strike directly at Shukaku's golden raccoon. Gaara started yelling from the electric shock. Naruto's clone used the wind defense technique as the lightning strike affected the water inside the arena. The golden raccoon began to crumble and deform from both the shock of electricity and the rasensuriken. Naruto seeing the raccoon's head start to fall off showing Gaara, channeled chakra into his legs and jumping up he kicked his left foot right into Gaara's head breaking through the defense that Gaara had managed to put up in front of him. Gaara flew to the ground from the impact where the water was vaporized from the electricity. Naruto lay among the sands left by the golden raccoon. After moving his limbs he got down on one knee completely weakened. His clothes looked like rags, and his left boot was missing altogether. The blood from his nose had already been spilled as well as cuts all over his body. What about Gaara, though his clothes were slightly less damaged, the abrasions and burns were clearly visible. He too stood up shakily from side to side and began to move towards the blond man.

Everyone couldn't even utter a word from such a battle. On the balcony, Rasa sat shuddering at this situation.

Minato... Race, gold sand attracts electricity, do you realize what you've done?

Rasa went into a stupor from such a rebuke, but Minato's hand resting on his shoulder brought back a modicum of composure.

Race... Minato, I wanted to protect Gaara, but once again I made a mistake.

Minato... Rasa, this is your chance to stop the battle, Gaara has lost a lot of chakra, and in taijutsu he has no chance.

Rasa snickered and completely tried to disengage from the world, trying to listen to Minato's words. Minato himself, seeing the broken state of Rasa, simply dropped the matter. Naruto walked toward them with one leg limping, his right arm dangling as if it wasn't alive at all. They stood abreast and looked at each other with regret and with a kind of wistfulness.

Gaara... You're not gonna back down.

Naruto... And so are you!

Gaara brought his fist up for a punch, but was immediately hit in the stomach by the blond and as he bent down, he received a knee to the jaw and sat on the ground. Naruto still stood relaxed and countered every attempted blow with a counter attack, even though he couldn't move his right arm. As Gaara was slumped to the ground, Naruto turned away from him and began to back away towards the exit. Gaara spit up the blood and crouched down on his knees.

Gaara... Wait, we're not done yet!

Naruto turned his face and still looked on with regret.

Naruto... There's no point, the battle is over.

Gara roared at that answer.

Gaara... The battle will be over when one of us dies!

Naruto... I'm sorry, I don't want to die, and I don't want to kill you either.

Gaara was already hysterical.

Gaara... Again, again you are showing yourself to be something you are not. We're both monsters, and monsters kill, so if you won't kill me, then let me kill you!

No one was going to remove the barrier, as Minato had clearly ordered that no one should interfere with them at this point. Naruto, seeing Gaara's desperate state, decided to set the record straight.

Naruto... Gaara, I realize that your childhood was not the rosiest and not much different from mine, but even so. I understand your anguish...

Gaara cut off halfheartedly at this point.

Gaara... Shut up, how can you understand me? Everyone in my village hates me and thinks I'm a monster. You grew up well off, deceiving all your peers, hiding who you really are from them.

Naruto... If that's what you're worried about.

Naruto sighed in frustration and turned to the podium with a determined look.

Naruto... Villagers, I am Uzumaki Naruto, jinchuriki of the nine-tailed fox demon!

Such an admission made all the genin started to go crazy, but Naruto didn't think to stop.

Naruto... Yeah, me and Gaara being biju is not something we can be proud of. Yes, we are carriers of monsters of collosal evil, but what about yourselves? You hate us for existing. Yes, maybe the monsters inside of us have broken your lives by taking your loved ones to the other side of the world. But what's our fault? We sacrifice our soul, our name, our position just so that the monsters inside us don't destroy you. How you repay us for our sacrifices. You constantly harass us and don't consider us human beings just because of your fears! So how are you different from those monsters inside of us if you blame those who protect you from harm? How are you worse than monsters if you're willing to kill a child just to quench your thirst for evil? You are the ones who ruin the lives of others without regard for morality or humanity. One thing I'll tell you for sure, we're not monsters, we're not weapons. I'm a human being like you, if I'm in pain, I cry or feel sad. If I'm having fun, I laugh like everyone else. I am Uzumaki Naruto, genin of the hidden village in the leaf and protector of the village and future hokage.

Everyone listened to this bravado with their mouths hanging open, and no one could utter a word, for the blond man's words did not contain a drop of falsehood. But there were also those who wanted to object, to which they were quickly twisted. Bea heard these words and remembered his own childhood. He was very grateful to the blond man, and was even willing to sing a rap. But seeing how people around him started to think about his deeds, he decided to hold off. Kushina was mortified by this speech, as she rightfully thought she was the one who had broken her child's life the most. There was a sepulchral silence on the balcony, too, everyone thinking about their own things. After all, each of them had relatives who were jinchuriki. Naruto turned to Gaara who was equally shocked by this confession.

Naruto... No more questions now?

Gaara lowered his hands and bowed his head.

Gaara... Naruto, kill me!

Such a request made Naruto falter in his seat.

Naruto... What?

Gaara... Kill me, please, I have no point in living now...

Naruto... What are you talking about!

Gaara... I spent my whole life thinking I was a weapon and now I've lost, I'm no longer a weapon, I'm now nothing! There's no reason for me to live now!

Naruto... I don't want to do this!

Gaara... It's better if it's you! I'm begging you, do it!

Rasa listening to his son's words began to tremble and could not believe that this was really happening.

Naruto sighed regretfully and formed a kaseri on his left hand and began to walk leisurely towards Gaara. With only ten meters left, Naruto looked at Gaara with tearful eyes.

Naruto's thoughts... Gaara is broken, it seems there's no saving people like that. I'll never forgive myself for this!

She began to speed up the movement pointing the kaseri directly at Gaara's chest, he closed his eyes. He had already in his mind asked for forgiveness to Gaara a thousand times. A moment and he felt someone grab his arm and he opened his eyes. There was a wall of golden sand in front of him, and on his left side stood Minato, who was holding his hand.

Minato... Naruto, that's enough!

Rasa stood in front of Naruto and hugged Gaara.

Gaara... Dad?

Race... I'm sorry son, I should have told you a long time ago. I never thought of you as a weapon. I was afraid you'd shut yourself off again, lose the meaning of your life. You're my son, you're Kankuro and Temari's little brother. We are your family and we love you with all our hearts.

Gaara listening to his father's confession couldn't think of anything and even shed tears.

Gaara... Father!

Rasa looked at the tears of happiness on his son's face and was very happy about it. Coming to his senses he placed his son on a golden platform of sand and then turned to Naruto.

Race. Naruto-kun, I'm grateful that you were able to change my son.

Naruto knew how Rasa had treated his son and decided to remind him of it.

Naruto... You're welcome, you may have been a scumbag before, but you still managed to change. So why shouldn't Gaara change, too?

Rasa only smirked at that and shook the younger blond's hand. Minato, on the other hand, was nearly electrocuted by his son's answer. Rasa lifted his son up and looked into his eyes.

Race... Son, you need to get fixed up first, and then we're going home.

Gaara... All right!

Naruto and Minato almost burst into tears at the sight of this idyll. Minato came back to his senses and looked at his son, grinning.

Minato... Naruto, you did a good job today, you did good.

Naruto... Thanks, but you've done a good job of helping me with my training as well.

Minato grabbed his son's right arm to lift it up, but he immediately started flailing in pain. Minato took a closer look at his arm and came to a horror, there were cuts on his arm and the bone was slightly deformed. The older blond looked at his son with a stern look.

Minato... Naruto, I'm gonna have to have a serious talk with you about your new technique later!

Naruto grinned stupidly rubbing the back of his head.

Naruto... Maybe sometime tomorrow, I wanted to-

Minato... No!

Minato took hold of his son's left hand and lifted it up.

Minato... The winner of the Naruto Uzumaki tournament finals!

Shisui was the first to clap, followed by Itachi and Sasuke, and then his acquaintances, and so the claps were added along the chain. A few seconds later, the entire bleachers began to cheer. Minato was very proud of his son, but when he came to his senses he signaled Tsunade and she immediately came running with a squad of medics. Sanin started to check Naruto's hand and frowned.

Minato... What's wrong with him?

Tsunade... This is horrible! Get him on the stretcher now!

The nursing staff began to stir and twist on the stretcher and ran after Tsunade. Minato was nervous at this turn of events, but his business in the arena wasn't over yet.

Minato... I declare the tournament finals as well as the chunin exam closed. We will post the results after the final inspection!

Everyone started to leave already, Shisui ran to the hospital following the medics. Minato moved back to the balcony.

Hey... It was a very interesting fight, and it lasted over an hour.

Hiruzen... Yea, the contestants performed very well.

Hey... Yeah, Minato, I envy you for having shinobi like that. But what can you do, okay, I gotta get back. Cause my brother's going crazy with his rap music.

When only the Hokage remained on the balcony, Hiruzen exhaled smoke.

Hiruzen... Minato, take care of Naruto, I'll leave him to you!

Minato... Did you decide to undertake this mission after all?

Hiruzen... Yes, it's time for me to correct past mistakes too!

Minato... All right!

Hiruzen was about to leave, but stopped.

Hiruzen... Minato, remember your promise! He's your son, but it's too early for him to know that. I know your secret will be out, but still he must prepare for this news.

Minato... I got it. Are Jiraiya Sensei and Tsunade herself going with you too?

Hiruzen... Yes, this case is all about our team! We move out in three days.

Minato... All right. (chuckles)

After the finals were over, all the sheet genins gathered in the clearing of range number seven. Sasuke and Shikamaru decided to gather them to clarify some of the news they had learned about today.

Shikamaru... How annoying, guys, as you realized, Naruto is the bearer of the strongest biju. And we'd like to get your opinion on this.

Many were still reeling from such news.

Kiba... Who would have thought Naruto would turn out to be the jinchuriki of a nine-tailed man?

Miroku... So that's how he got his power.

Karin... Now it's clear why he was hated.

Ino... But why didn't he tell us before?

Sasuke gritted his teeth at their argument.

Sasuke... Because of thoughts like yours, I'm not even sure if he did the right thing by talking about it. But what's there is there.

Shikamaru... The four of you reacted so strongly to such news. So what if he's a jinchuriki?

Ino... But why did he tell you two and not us?

Sasuke... Why does he even have to say it? I'll admit, I was shocked by that news too, but that said, he hadn't stopped being my friend. And you're making a disaster out of it!

From those words, everyone began to think over their thoughts.

Lee... Sasuke kun is right, even if Naruto kun carries a biju. He also remains my friend and comrade in arms.

All were surprised at such a wise exclamation and now began to think of other things.

Neji... Okay, we're done with that, but Naruto doesn't know what we think of him. He'll probably be wary or just won't talk to us!

Shikamaru.. I suggest you tell him directly!

Everyone looked skeptical of the idea.

Sakura... Shikamaru, Naruto is a man of complex thinking.

Shikamaru... That's the reason why if you start to sneak around or doubt your words, he'll know right away.

Sasuke... We'll call it a day. Okay, I gotta go!

Some of the genin went home and some stayed to discuss today's battle. Minato in his office decided to call Genma in with all the reports and what happened in the arena today.

Minato... Genma, did you bring what I asked for?

Genma... Yeah, I don't know how he was able to find groundwater underground. But here are the lists of the workers who prepared the arena for the battle.

Minato took the folder and started flipping through and looking at the employee profiles. His gaze fell on a young boy with black hair and he remembered something.

Minato's thoughts... That's, like, the same guy Naruto went under the henge when he was still in the academy!

Minato tossed the picture to Genma and decided to ask a question.

Minato... What do you know about him?

Genma... Oh, you mean him? He just asked to work for us for three days before finals. Menma, I think that's his name! Strange name of course, who would name a bamboo stalk for ramen to their child...

At such an argument, Minato shivered.

Minato's thoughts... Menma, you've got quite an imagination, son.

Minato... What was he doing at your construction site?

Genma spread his hands.

Genma... Nothing much, he's been patching holes in the arena and growing sand. Not many people wanted to do that, but for some reason he was okay with it.

Minato's thoughts... You little weasel, it's okay, we'll have something to talk about.

Minato... Thanks Genma, you can go!

As Genma left the office, Minato began to write down the entirety of today's fight on a notepad.