The Ninja Witch (More or less Fem Naruto)

by Loki123534

Strange occurrences have revolved around Naruto since her birth, and not even the Hokage is aware of her true nature. That is, until a mysterious elderly man arrives in Konoha, asserting that Naruto possesses magic. My English is not very good and I'm sorry about that.

35. N Part 2: Chapter 3: The preliminaries

-This round will consist of individual fights, one on one, there are twenty of you left, it means we need ten matches, the survivors of these matches will be the ones who pass to the final stage of this exam -then Naruto narrowed his eyes waiting attentively for what followed -as for the rules, there are none -she smiles and knows what that means -you are going to fight until one surrenders or... dies , unless it is physically identified that it can no longer continue with the fight -also there is surveillance that will judge the matches *cough* occasionally, I can intervene if a match is lost -then one of the walls moves making a sound that reminded Naruto a lot of how it sounded when Albus touched the bricks so that they would move in a certain order, but she knows that this was not even magic or Chakra, a simple pulley system -here will appear the couples that will fight each other, the matches are random, so before each match their names will appear here, on the screen behind me *cough* with nothing more than add, let's start, in a moment the names of the first fight will appear - Naruto raises his head like everyone else looking when the screen lights up making a sound and the names begin to appear randomly quickly until it stops at two.

Naruto's eyes widen in concern, he lowers his head and looks at Sasuke, he can feel Sakura let out a gasp at the same thing she's seeing.

Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akado

- "It's not that I don't think Sasuke is weak" -Shikamaru looks at the boy who seems to have a sudden pain in his neck again –"but he's in really bad shape after the second stage…. Actually, I'd like to know what had happened for both Naruto and Sasuke to be knocked out, leaving Sakura alone" –

- What's wrong Shikamaru? -Chouji asks and the Nara just yawns and pulls his sore shoulder a little in a kind of massage, he can tell that he's worn out so he can't really say much about Sasuke's condition.

-Nothing - he answers frankly before walking with his team to the top of that place…

Sasuke's fight against that shinobi of the leaf was not something that Naruto could call a fight at first, Sasuke certainly did not have that much strength now and without a doubt the blonde knew that her teammate was feeling great pain where that mark was.

She gently turned her head to look at her sensei who didn't seem to be showing much about the fight in front of him, but... maybe Naruto was thinking too much when he saw that his teacher's shoulders were tense somehow despite being hunched over, his only visible eye never left Sasuke and he had a spark that at any moment seemed like it was going to explode.

As Sasuke was pinned to the ground with that blue Chakra above his head Naruto held onto the railing and the air grew cold, Kakashi almost immediately upon feeling that supernatural change in the atmosphere knew that it was not simply a feeling towards his student's fight, but also Naruto's feelings of unease.

Kakashi was no longer a faithful follower of the rules... But he knew that if someone managed to realize at this precise moment that it was Naruto who was causing this cold, she could first of all be investigated later by other villages for her ability and second be disqualified for "helping" her partner in combat, so he ruffled Naruto's hair watching as she jumped and was somewhat reluctant to the touch only to sigh some time later, the environment was still cold, but it no longer seemed like it wanted to freeze something.

- Who do you think will win? - Asuma says as he looks at his laziest student beside him leaning against the wall.

Shikamaru watches as Sasuke manages to get the gennin off of him before backing away, the Nara boy may not have socialized much with his class more than Chouji, Kiba and Naruto, but that doesn't mean he hasn't observed them , some people are more complicated than others, Kiba and Naruto are an open book that can be read with ease while the Uchiha boy was not so much.

But that didn't mean he didn't recognize slight gestures or the strength and weakness of those around him, after all he always wants to find the path that uses less energy and is more precise and concrete.

Sasuke was resourceful, strong and patient, he kept his head as cool as possible before entering into that whirlwind of anger that maybe even made him stronger, Shikamaru sighed and put his hands in his pockets, it was a burden when they were young to be paired up for practice fights, it was a matter of chance, Iruka sensei had little pieces of paper with their names on it and that was how he paired them up, Shikamaru almost always decided that it wasn't worth it and let Naruto take his little piece of paper...

Instead, Shikamaru didn't really know much about this ninja from his own village, he had never seen him walk around or anything -…. - when the ninja jumped Shikamaru could see for a second that boastful smile of the Uchiha only for a few seconds, in addition to that shine that stood out in those eyes normally dark to death - Sasuke will win this fight - almost as soon as he said it, Sasuke's way of fighting changed... it was a way he had never seen before...

For a moment she had thought that Sasuke had strange marks on one part of his face, but when she rubbed her eyes with her fists and looked again the marks had disappeared, she had thought it as a mistake in her vision when... - He's imitating Lee! - Naruto exclaims when he sees Sasuke behind the other ninja, he turned around his body and gave him a blow that made the genin fall to the ground,

-It's true - Sakura murmurs and a smile appears, now that the fight was over she relaxes and even sighs with relief.

-winner Sasuke Uchiha -Hayate says after checking the boy on the ground.

Sasuke was breathing heavily and when he managed to calm down the boy raised his head and his eyes met Naruto's, she smiled in an almost foxy way, Sasuke returned the smile with his own but more aggressive and proud.

Naruto was jumping up and down in excitement at her teammate's victory before startling when something green was beside her, she let out a squeal before raising her head even higher, it was Lee beside her, his brow furrowed as his hands gripped the railing tightly, she understood a little how Lee must have been feeling, Sasuke had been using his taijutsu after all, she jumped forward a little, her abdomen was the support she had on top of the railing as she leaned closer turning her head looking like a kitten "hey are you okay?" she asks and out of the corner of her eye she manages to see how Lee's teammates were looking at her... no, watching her.

- Mmh? - Lee erases the frown and when his eyes crash against the blue and gold every time Naruto blinked it confused him, he didn't think it was strange that this blonde boy cared about him, Lee was similar, he himself had made the oath to protect Sakura without knowing her too well - I'm fine Naruto kun, you should worry more about your teammate - Naruto hums lightly in response, she herself can feel a strange itch in her neck and shoulder where Sasuke was squeezing her tightly but at the same time she knew that her teammate would be okay... for the moment or at least that's what Naruto hoped.

Naruto steps back deciding to leave Lee in his own mind for now and goes back to Sakura only to see that Kakashi was now down next to Sasuke.

Naruto's hearing was sensitive to many things, but even so she couldn't clearly hear what Kakashi said to Sasuke before they both left at a slow pace.

- And what made you think Sasuke would win, Shikamaru? - The Nara boy's eyes never left Sasuke nor the way he held his shoulder… he had witnessed what happened to him in the forest of death after all - after all the boy seemed at a disadvantage, he looked tired and… sore - Asuma loved to ask Shikamaru things, he always thought that a Nara's point of view was… brilliant, although Shikamaru himself didn't know that his sensei thought that way about him.

-Sasuke is able to forge a path while fighting, he is fast and skilled, he fights with intelligence -Asuma hums as he watches the next competitors being selected.

Zaku Abumi vs Shino Aburame

Kiba growled when he saw that his name wasn't on the panel and instead his partner was, he wanted to fight, he really wanted to. "You can do it Shino," he said, looking at his partner again before the boy with glasses just adjusted them before going down to the first floor, only with Hinata wishing him good luck as well.

-Shino Aburame mmh wasn't that another one of your classmates? -Asuma asks softly watching the boy stand in front of the sound gennin.

-It was... we didn't talk much, honestly... I think we barely exchanged a few words -Shikamaru shrugs -I know a little about his combat style, but mostly it's his control over insects -Asuma had predicted it, he knew about the Aburame branch in the village -When did you come back Asuma sensei? -Asuma looked at Shikamaru with curiosity more than anything, that was sudden -I heard that you were working for years outside the village-

-ah -Asuma nods, he had returned about two months before taking his gennin team, the atmosphere between his father and him is still heavy because of the fight they had before the kyubi attack.

So the man was still catching up on some things… And with some people, he had asked Kurenai a couple of times about team 8 but the woman would just give him a smile and narrow her eyes in a way that made Asuma himself forget the question, apparently no jounin seemed comfortable telling about the advancement of their gennin… for the moment and now it was quite surprising to see -a few months before you graduated -he answers as the fight starts- Who will win this fight? - Asuma didn't even say "who do you think", Chouji who had been in front stepped back, for him too it was entertaining to watch Shikamaru think, his friend was a genius and he didn't care how many people licked Sasuke's feet, Chouji thought that Shikamaru would be able to match the Uchiha boy with his mind.

Shikamaru knew for sure more or less now what kind of attack the sound ninja used, from what he had seen here and at the beginning of the exams they had something that could cause sound waves, squinting when Shino fell to the ground he could notice the power of his attack, it was strong... that was something for sure, he had seen and faced the boy in the forest of death.

But he also knew a little about Shino's abilities, his bugs are capable of eating the Chakra of their opponents in addition to feeding on Shino's own Chakra, becoming stronger than a normal bug -Shino will win, his bugs can easily hold the ninja back while slowly extracting his Chakra until knocking him out or... killing him - Shikamaru concludes as what he predicted happens, the bugs dispersed from the Aburame boy's coat and grabbed his arms stretching them out when a blue bush covered them, there was no way for him to escape now.

Kiba knows that there is no escape for that ninja and his smile was partly proud and nervous, if it were any of his classmates, he would shout from the railing for them to surrender quickly... well depending, if it was that Sasuke then he wouldn't say much, but if it were someone else he would, and also that sound shinobi gave him as much of a bad feeling as that Gaara who had frightened his dear friend and loyal companion Akamaru.

Naruto felt his stomach turn a little and had to close his eyes when he saw one of the boy's arms literally explode, his shoulders shaking slightly, his hands gripping that cold metal, he took a deep breath before barely opening his eyes, between slits of golden eyelashes and blurred vision Naruto could see when the sound ninja fell to the ground.

She wanted to remember Mrs. Weasley's words that she was still a child, but now…. Naruto didn't feel like that so much, Shino was scary and she certainly loved his arms thank you very much.

She opened her eyes completely not getting used to the sight completely but relaxing just a few seconds later, this was the path she chose, Naruto will be hokage, they will recognize her, praise her and... wait, won't Naruto be the first hokage to have magic? She corrects herself a little and thinks about the list of hokage she knows - "third hokage... fourth hokage, fourth... second?" - she thinks while her anxiety manages to dissipate and a certain emotion invades her at the thought that she is right, she was a witch, but also a ninja can help that one day the hidden land will join again with the magical world .

-g-good... good job Shino - Hinata softly congratulates her partner, deep down she thought he was also something... terrifying, but at the end of the day he was her teammate.

-You did it- Kiba cheers and gives a tense smile to his partner who only adjusts his sunglasses with a finger as he stands back next to Kiba.

-Yes... I'm counting on you to come too - Kiba growls at that, they had always had disagreements between them due to their personalities and neither of them was willing to deal with the other most of the time.

- "I'm supposed to be the leader and he comes here thinking he is" -Kiba thinks to himself almost growling again

- Kakashi sensei! - Naruto exclaims after hearing the puff behind her, Kakashi still had his shoulders somewhat tense, but otherwise he definitely looked better than before, something that made Naruto smile a little bigger and less fake, Sasuke was fine.

Kakashi greets by placing two fingers on his forehead -yoh- he gives a smile to his two students, but that only unsettles Sakura.

- Don't be so relaxed Kakashi sensei! How is Sasuke? - Sakura asks, the anguish was fixed in those eyes.

-Alright -

Kakashi hears Sakura sigh and relief flood through her, instead he looks at Naruto who had a small smile full of relief, Kakashi knew or at least wanted to understand how much appreciation Naruto had for Sasuke and vice versa, when they showed him the team for the first time, he thought Naruto was deceased and Sasuke... was his younger representation, Sakura was Rin of course.

But over time Kakashi knew that Sasuke wasn't looking to run away from Naruto's touch or make her less like Kakashi once did with the noble obito and Naruto was loud, joking and impulsive like obito... Better said, Kushina, but... Minato was also there in the ideas she had and the way she guided others and... Kakashi still hurt to see her sometimes, she looked so much like her sensei, when she was deep in thought she didn't notice that she usually rubbed her fingers together and squinted... just like Minato did or when she gave those soft smiles that wrinkled a little under her eyes... Just like Minato and... Kakashi could go on with everything similar that Naruto had to his sensei.

Kakashi's gaze lit up for a second, but he just closed his eye and shook his head, this was not the time , Sasuke was in the infirmary surrounded by anbu while Naruto and Sakura still had to pass the preliminaries.

Tsurugi Misumi vs Kankuro

-Hey Naruto chan -Kakashi calls Naruto who turns his body a little to see his sensei who was next to the wall before he walked and stood to his right side away from Sakura and leaned down quite a bit and whispered -You told me about some things called wands? And that with that you could do "magic", I don't see that you brought it - Naruto blinks several times before understanding his sensei's words and puffing out his cheeks like a hamster.

-I can't use it- Naruto whispers softly as he puts a hand next to his mouth to keep this between Kakashi and her alone.

The copy ninja raises an eyebrow – Why? –

Kakashi found it adorable how Naruto sulked -it is forbidden since I am underage to use it outside -Naruto stops and thinks -that academy-

That honestly short-circuited Kakashi's brain a bit, Naruto was twelve and the older ninja saw it as at least feasible enough for him to use so how do they expect Naruto to defend himself if he doesn't have Chakra and shinobi training? Why do they train kids out there if they're not allowed to use it until it's maybe too late? "But they're not here so no doubt about it" Naruto fiercely shakes his head.

-I don't know how... But they know, they sent me a letter once when I did magic here -Naruto deflates -it was horrible, they almost kicked me out and I couldn't even do the big thing ttebayo- He finishes with a soft puff as he drops his chin against the railing, leaning even further.

- Had you seen that boy fight during the second stage? - Asuma asks, looking closely at the boy in the sand and the sound, that thing wrapped in bandages…. It made him think that the boy in the sand… Kankuro was a puppeteer.

-I didn't see it- Shikamaru says quickly as the fight starts- so I don't have a guess as to who will win or what they will do until I see them fight… that's too much trouble for me to want to focus on-

-But you will do it anyway -Chouji murmurs almost in an amused tone that makes Shikamaru roll his eyes, he knew that boy too well.

The moment Kankuro used that bandaged thing he had on his back, Shikamaru started to see the strings dancing on his fingers - it's… a puppet, that's impressive -

- What's so impressive about it? - Ino had come closer and asked while shuddering at how creepy the puppet is.

-I've never seen someone with the ability to manipulate a puppet to fight, it must require pretty good Chakra control if… it works like I think it does and -

- What kind of magic is he using! - Naruto exclaims loudly causing many eyes to focus on the blonde

Naruto had been shocked by that terrifying thing that moved through the blue-coated threads and had leaned so far forward that for a moment he felt like he was going to fall face first onto the arena floor.

She could do a lot of things with magic now, whether she did them well was another thing.

He could handle a simple levitation spell like Wingardium Leviosa, a softening spell like Spongify as well as fire and ice spells respectively, but those were mostly because he used too much power last year, almost accidentally burning someone and from that day on that spell was a big "no" for Naruto… at least for now.

All the spells that had more to do with casting fast and hard were something the blonde mastered easily, like the blocking and recoil spell as well as learning to put out the fires she caused along the way, currently it seemed she could also handle disarming spells, but... more than taking the weapon away from him, she sent it far away from her so she couldn't really call that a resounding success, but neither could it be called a failure like when she ended up losing against Sasuke in her academy years.

The ones Naruto was least proficient in were the precision ones , like Alohomora or the repair spell Reparo , transformation... mmh, the blonde supposes he does average ones because of the way Professor McGonagall always tries to give him more advice than most, which made Naruto think he was more of an idiot than the others for needing more help.

That was why she was so shocked to the point that she lost her point of reference, forgetting that she was not in Hogwarts and instead her mind wandered as she covered her mouth with one hand – "What kind of spell is he using? Is it a puppet-moving type ? I'm sure there must be a spell like that –

Kakashi let out a sigh as Naruto had just spilled his secret so easily, his shoulders tensed at the attention his blonde gennin was getting and he even felt the hokage's spicy gaze on them, the copy ninja could almost feel those narrowed eyes as if they were his own.

It wasn't good of Naruto to mention something so unique, especially when maybe Orochimaru was listening or one of his henchmen, but what was said was said and there wasn't much more he could do about it other than - what are you talking about Naruto? - Sakura asks with a raised eyebrow just as Kakashi was relaxing - that puppet is being controlled by Chakra threads -

Naruto removes the hand that was over his mouth and his blue eyes carefully study the threads that probe when the fight seems to come to an end...

She shudders as she feels a few angry stares directed at her, she has a hard time understanding it at first but eventually realizes what she had just said -oh... it was nothing! - Naruto exclaims with his face full of shame, the rest of the rookies looked at the blonde as if she had grown a second head watching as Naruto panicked -I-I mean I-I! - then Kakashi decided to silence him when they gave the winner of the match to Kankuro by covering the blonde's mouth.

-Naruto… your mouth got you into this situation, don't you think you should, you know… not give more suspicion? - Naruto blinks a couple of times before nodding and murmuring a "yes" into the jounin's gloved hand.

The winner of that fight was Kankuro who returned to the top with his brothers, thus marking the beginning of the next fight…

-nee Kakashi sensei -Naruto whispers beside him and points with a finger at the screen- that's a television right? -

-A… what? -Kakashi looks at the screen -Well, I guess it is, it was made with seals a long time ago, I think even the Uzumaki clan was still alive-

-ooh unbelievable- Naruto's gaze turned to the screen as his eyes filled with astonishment changed to disbelief- eh sensei, that's wrong, they are both ninjas from the same village "of the same class even" -

- What's wrong? - Kakashi answers as Naruto squirms slightly as he sees the names.

Sakura Haruno vs Ino Yamanaka

And from Sakura's confused face she didn't expect it either, squinting her eyes both girls look at each other, each one on opposite sides of the railing, before getting down.

- Who do you think will win here, Shikamaru? - Asuma asks after having urged his student to go down by lighting another cigarette.

But Shikamaru didn't respond, unwilling to take the match for granted yet when it's just started…. Besides this could be a disaster

-I hope Ino is okay -Chouji said leaning against the railing.

-I don't understand why you're so nervous - Kakashi says as he sees that they're not giving their all yet.

-when we were at the academy they were always together and one day they just didn't, they started fighting like... like angry cats over Sasuke, actually I don't know myself ttebayo! – Naruto pushes himself forward a little, letting his chin fall on his arms that were resting on the railing -I don't think I've ever had a friendship like that - Hermione and Sakura didn't count for that, Hermione was buried in her books and although she knew that they were friends they don't have the same tone that Sakura and Ino had and Sakura... she was sure that deep down that one day Ino and she would make up.

-I see- Kakashi can't help but stop watching the main battle to see Naruto's internal fight, those eyes shone with feelings that Kakashi could barely discern, there were so many and so few at the same time -I think that one day... you will have a friend like that- then the bright tone returned and a small smile appeared -oh maybe it's already forming without you realizing it, who knows-

Then everything stopped as a dull thud echoed through the silent room, neither of them moving much. "Why are you just standing there staring at each other doing nothing?" Naruto asks in a whisper, not really wanting to break the mood.

-Mah, mah, rivalry is complicated… you yourself should know that –

-it is not -

-… What? –Kakashi looks at Naruto and for a moment thinks that maybe Naruto really didn't know, but just a few seconds later…

-I really don't know... and maybe you think I should know since I've been fighting Sasuke for years, but... -a hand tightens on his chest where his heart is -it's... a childish fight that we always have, the rivalry that you think we have is as far away as our age or... maybe much more -

Then Kakashi understands, even though Sasuke and Naruto fight seriously for them it is still a union, they understand each other as they do it, as deep as they want to reach the other so old that it feels like their rivalry is older than their age.

The fight between the two kunoichi was heavy as was the atmosphere, both seemed to be at the same level of ability as they fought.

Naruto had never seen Sakura fight like that, the times they had trained together he always felt that Sakura was a cherry petal so he had to be careful to avoid seriously hurting her but now... Sakura seemed like the cherry tree instead.

- You didn't expect it? - Naruto jumps when he hears Shikamaru's voice beside him, putting a hand on his heart in horror - Oh... I didn't think I would scare you "I never manage to do it... how strange" -

-moh -Naruto pouts at that and looks at Shikamaru and Chouji's teacher there too -don't do that -sometimes Naruto had hated being able to feel people since he had attributed that ability to the capacity to hear ghosts and now that he knows it has nothing to do with it before losing him he still hated it, it made her very sensitive around him and others could feel it, but now she really missed him a lot.

Then Ino moved her hands in a technique that Naruto didn't think he had seen before - What is this...? -

-I think the fight is over -Shikamaru says in a whisper

- Ino, what do you think! - Chouji points out as Sakura falls to the ground.

Naruto sees Lee approaching them as he watches Sakura fall, that was all - What did he do to Sakura? - Naruto looks at his sensei who had an expressionless look.

-a clan technique… the Yamanaka family's Mind Transfer Technique -Naruto looks between his sensei and "Sakura" –he controls his opponent by substituting his control through Chakra and -Kakashi knew he had outgrown Naruto when he gave him a look full of confusion -Ino's mind is in Sakura's body and Ino's body is knocked out-

-oh… b-but Sakura can come back… she can still fight!... right? –

-It's useless- Shikamaru mentions to Naruto, you can't just break free from Ino's Jutsu unless you realize you're in it and most of the time it happens as if you're in a genjutsu, you don't feel it and your mind locks up, there's really not much Sakura can do- Naruto clenched his hands on the railing.

- "Sakura san" – Lee thinks – I think you put up a good fight – he says with his eyes half closed

-I Sakura Haruno give myself –"Sakura raises her hand about to give up

- "Not yet." - Naruto shakes his head before taking a breath, pushing himself up so that he's hanging from the railing on his abdomen. - SAKURA! - He screams so loud that the place could have shaken. - YOU CAN'T GIVE UP YET! IT'S NOT FAR ENOUGH FOR RAMEN AND YOU KNOW IT, YOU CAN STILL FIGHT… SO FIGHT! -

- "how noisy" - a part of Sakura's soul speaks without completely realizing it before the last part reaches her, she feels a strength she hadn't felt before, it was a lot of courage and really – "I can't give up yet, right?" - Sakura's soul mentions clenching her fists, a determination being born again… that same determination that Naruto had seen blossom even before she herself did.

- W-what? - Shikamaru wasn't sure what was going on when he saw his teammate writhing around clutching her head tightly after Naruto screamed… What did ramen have to do with all this?

- Do you know what's wrong Shikamaru? - The Nara boy tightens his grip on the railing at the question.

-it is not -

Asuma wants to think that it has to do with Ino's previous exhaustion and that she had lost a lot of Chakra when she finally released Sakura's body.

-h-how h-how did you get free? -Ino asks wiping the drops of sweat that were sliding down her cheek.

Sakura, breathing just as heavily, dropped to the ground, her shaky legs barely supporting her weight. "L-let's just say... s-someone t-told me that I had g-great determination." She took a deep breath before standing on her feet again.

When both girls slam their fists into each other's faces, Naruto knew now that it was the end of the fight, but... Who will be conscious enough to take the victory?

Silence filled the room as the moderator gave his verdict – since both fighters are not fit to continue being in a double knockout, I give this match as a draw –

Naruto dropped onto the railing, this had been too much pressure -very good... Sakura chan -she murmurs as a smile breaks out as she turns around watching as her sensei leaves Sakura resting against the wall, letting out the "chan" for the last time.

-Sakura san, hold on! -Lee exclaims as Chouji and Shikamaru look at Ino.

-I don't think either of them need medical attention, they'll probably wake up in a while- Asuma pulls his cigarette between his fingers before smiling, he was proud of his student and from the look on Kakashi's face, he had expected this growth too, he could almost read what he was thinking and what was going through his eyes.

Then the next fight began.

Tenten vs Temari

- Come on Tenten! -Lee supported his partner while Shikamaru returned to his position next to Chouji and what was left of team seven.

- How did you know I would react? - Shikamaru asks Naruto in a low voice, the girl in question blinks several times without really understanding the question.

-I just... knew- she replied with a shrug, giving Shikamaru a smile, only to be greeted by a raised eyebrow.

- Who do you think will win Shikamaru? - Asuma asks watching the Nara boy work on giving him an answer.

-From what I'm seeing, the sand girl Temari has a fan hanging on her back while Tenten has her pockets full of shuriken and kunai, plus I managed to discern a storage scroll a while ago, she's a weapons kunoichi - Naruto tried to follow Shikamaru's line of thought, but he got lost halfway and just muttered with a pout.

-Hey Gaara… -Kankuro looked at his brother only to see that the red-haired boy was staring straight ahead, when Kankuro set his gaze on Naruto a part of him could understand what Gaara was maybe thinking, he had his thoughts about the annoying and screaming blond and it was that…. He was nothing like Gaara, his heart was overflowing and for a few seconds he felt a pleasant atmosphere emanating from him… a great light.

Sakura looked up only to see that her fight was over... her gaze narrowed as she felt the sting of tears, clenching her clothes she looked to her side only to see Ino give her a tired smile, she handed her hita ate to her as she finally seemed to recognize her -that flower finally bloomed, I don't know how or when, but it did- Ino curses as she looks ahead.

Sakura could have thought that it had all been her, that she had pushed herself, but…. She couldn't lie to herself… she couldn't say that it was Sasuke who helped her grow because that was also a lie, she moved her head and found Naruto, small and excited bouncing on his feet -I didn't do it alone-

-it is -

-But it wasn't being on Sasuke's team that helped me grow... -a toothy smile breaks out on Sakura's face- it was being on Naruto's team that did it and -now she really would have loved to have the blonde's friendship when they were little, maybe it would have helped her so much... they would have helped each other so much.

-Oh Sakura, you woke up! - Naruto exclaims, giving a big smile to his teammate who could only let Naruto's kind essence fill her and her smile grow as she tried to get up.

Ino was surprised as she expected Sakura to talk about how being on Sasuke's team had helped her grow, but… seriously she was now a cherry blossom tree, a beautiful and strong one.

- Well? Did you get far enough ttebayo? - Sakura, despite her shaking legs, walked to Naruto's side and answered:

- I did it, I'll take you to eat ramen later –

- Yeii! - Naruto acted like a little girl who was about to receive the best gift of her life as he adorably leaned against the railing again…

Then he went back to watching the fight just as the sand girl Temari pulled her fan simply managing to make all the weapons fly out towards Tenten -oh- now Naruto understood what Shikamaru was saying about the fan and the weapons.

The fan could push them by the strong breeze if it could be strengthened -oh... Tenten won't have a good time ttebayo-

Both Guy and Lee look at Naruto, but it was Lee who asked - what do you mean? -

Naruto was about to answer, but Shikamaru pushes himself a little further forward so Lee can see him - he's in front of you, no need to explain - Lee frowns while Naruto raises his hands in a sign of peace.

-Look Lee, I'm great at spreading Chakra "it's not perfect, but that's not the point" I know what it's like to push Chakra to gain more strength and I know that a fan that big isn't that good against ninja weaponry as light as Tenten ttebayo's spear - he explains, surprising the others a little, they hadn't expected Naruto to understand so much.

-I see- Lee turns his gaze towards the fight.

Naruto tensed when the sand girl mentioned that it was his turn, taking the fan he performed a Jutsu that Naruto didn't know and waved it, Tenten flew out as if she were made of paper.

And when Tenten fell, the fight was over.

-Another victory for the sand… as you said Shikamaru -Chouji mentions only for Shikamaru to sigh.

- Watch out! - Naruto exclaims causing everyone to jump and look forward only to see Lee grab Tenten after Temari had thrown her away like she was trash.

Naruto felt a pressure on his chest and... he thought he knew where it came from, but he didn't know exactly why, raising his head his eyes crashed into Gaara's, they were so terrifying that it made the blonde shudder.

Shikamaru who was next to him narrows his eyes at the boy in the sand as he seems to speak, but it's not like Shikamaru is listening to him, too focused on this fight until the redhead lowered his head and looked at Lee with an air of disdain...

Kiba lets out a growl as he feels Akamaru shivering in his coat, totally scared, wrinkling his nose he just wants his turn to come and -Kiba… stop- Kurenai clarifies watching her student rake her teeth like a fierce dog ready to attack.

-Kurenai sensei is right… you should relax -Hinata says softly giving a gentle caress to Akamaru's head trying to calm him down too.

-You don't understand, Akamaru's fear is dangerous for anyone to face him "that one of my pack's people does it... that Naruto's puppy does it " -I have to face him -Akamaru lets out a pitiful moan at that -with or without you Akamaru-…

-You can beat them Naruto - Sakura says making Naruto come out of the bubble of fear he was in.

Sakura felt like she had to do it, Naruto had been there for her, it was her turn - I think you can do it! - she said with more confidence.

Naruto took a breath without waiting for words of encouragement from the pink-haired girl before a tiny smile appeared on his face -yes... -

Shikamaru Nara vs Kim

Ino cheered very loudly, leaving the others in disbelief, Ino wasn't like this before, she was more the type to bother her team or so Chouji thought.

Naruto was relaxed, even if there were complications along the way he knew his lazy friend would take the victory, call it a hunch or maybe simple loyalty, but… he felt it in his heart

And the battle clearly wouldn't last too long. Shikamaru knew the woman's technique as well as knowing well where he was fighting. They gave this battle almost on a silver platter to Shikamaru if it weren't for a few cuts here and there, but nothing that won't heal in a few days at most.

Also, the ending had made Naruto laugh, it was very funny how the girl ended up losing when her head literally ended up hitting a wall.

Shikamaru climbed back up to his team and watched as Naruto gave him a foxy grin before looking back at the screen.

The names changed rapidly, Kiba kept his gaze on the boy in the sand and just wanted to growl, he was waiting for his big moment the moment when he would avenge…

Kiba Inuzuka vs Naruto Uzumaki.

-… WHAT! -Kiba shouts looking from the screen to his old friend and classmate before seeing the hokage - Ah no, no, no, no! –

- What's wrong? - Ino asks as she sees her two companions' jaws drop in surprise and disbelief - Naruto and Kiba... are they rivals? No, that can't be, Kiba is too gentle with Naruto - Ino corrects herself.

-k-Kiba kun -Hinata tries to comfort her partner while trying to avoid looking at the blond so as not to blush.

-I'm curious too. What's going on? -Asuma asks, he hadn't heard that kind of stories about the blond and apparently Kakashi and Sakura hadn't either because they had the same curiosity...

Naruto felt the cold water fall on her body soaking her old t-shirt and shorts, it was freezing so much that her small body shivered and she hugged herself, while she heard some laughter... too much laughter, she turned her head only to see the Inuzuka boy smiling so much that his nose wrinkled with a bucket in his hand, he smelled too weird until Naruto realized where the water was coming from -I thought your clothes needed an ugly bath- Naruto presses his lips and his eyes water, when he sees the Inuzuka raise a hand, he steps back -come on... are you scared? Are you going to cry? You're just a loser with horrible marks on his cheeks... the monster boy-

It's true that Kiba liked Naruto when he was brought into his group and he got to know him, but before that he had been so mean.

He didn't want to hurt Naruto anymore... he didn't want to make him cry like he did when he was seven and Naruto was still six, just entering the academy.

-Hey Naruto you -Shikamaru looks at Naruto with some hidden concern.

- Wow! - Naruto suddenly exclaims, stretching out his arms - I can't believe it! I'm going to fight Kiba! - Chouji blinks as if trying to see if his eyesight was deceiving him.

Kiba swallows heavily as he steps down to begin the fight while Naruto bounces to his feet to confront his friend.

-The seventh match: Kiba Inuzuka vs Naruto Uzumaki -Naruto jumps to his feet looking at Kiba before turning her head being confused to see that the boy kept his gaze fixed on her feet.

- "A-what if I quit? No! I trained a lot for this, I just can't" -Kiba sees Akamaru, he looks ten times better when he notices that they wouldn't fight against the boy from the sand, even happy –"b-but I-I c-can't, I-I don't want to" -he clenches his fists and bites his lip until he tastes the metallic taste.

- "What's wrong with Kiba?" -Naruto wonders as he looks at him intently –"Maybe he's injured from the forest of death?!, no, I don't think so" –

-Kiba and Naruto had… a bad relationship at first -Chouji clarifies to the confused and curious people.

- Bad? Well, I see that it's very good nowadays - Sakura laughs as she remembers Kiba's effusive and friendly greeting towards Naruto, with his soft and smiling gaze.

-It was -Shikamaru remarks -Kiba was one of those who tormented Naruto the most during the first two years at the academy -that left all the young people in shock, they had never seen that part.

Sakura was not one to judge because she herself had hurt her now partner and friend, but - Why the hell did he do that?! - she exclaims, her inner Sakura throws punches.

-W-well I remember that Kiba wanted to be "cool", he hung out with those of higher rank than him and… -Chouji didn't want to give Naruto his whole life, but he knew it had to end -they tormented Naruto daily, they threw his things in the water, they threw him in the water and more –

-oh -Ino if she had known that… she would have been nicer to her friend with things in common before but now -I guess… Kiba stopped doing it one day-

-Not exactly, it was more like when Naruto played a joke that delighted Kiba, from that day on he wanted to be friends with Naruto, to play jokes together and other things - Shikamaru explains.

-But it wasn't easy to gain all the trust that Naruto lost in front of him, that's where he started to change, he stopped hanging out with those guys and started hanging out with us and little by little he became softer and softer with Naruto and I think... I understand how Kiba feels now -Chouji rolls his eyes a little -maybe he's too proud to tell us, but I know he's scared, Naruto is no longer just a person to hang out with for him, he's one of his best friends and he's afraid of losing him-

-He values his friendship a lot, believe me -Shikamaru says.

-Because… it was something he earned - Sakura mentions turning her gaze back to the fight.

Then the fight began….

…. start?

Both were in their initial positions, Naruto expected Kiba to attack first, he remembered how the boy loved to be the first to hit in his taijutsu tests at the academy whenever he fought someone... that's why he waited and... waited, but nothing ended up happening, he thought it was a master plan, to make Naruto make the first move and so... so, isn't she sure?

-h-hey Kiba… are we starting already? -Naruto whispers watching as Hayate was still waiting for him to start.

Kiba jumps a little -a-ah yeah me - then Naruto is like an excited puppy when Kiba drops Akamaru on the floor.

…. By this point Naruto was getting stressed Kiba wasn't attacking like he was supposed to and maybe finally his flea-ridden friend had managed to learn how to lock Naruto's mind like Shikamaru and if that was it, Naruto would give him ten points.

-okay... okay, let's start! -Kiba starts forward, but... too slow than Naruto expected, Akamaru looked equally confused at not receiving an order to attack.

Naruto just spins a little and dodges Kiba's punch.

-Inuzuka san doesn't seem very fast -Lee says watching as Naruto easily dodges each blow.

-I promise you it's very fast- Shino suddenly approaches scaring everyone with her sudden presence, Kurenai was frowning as she watched this farce of a fight happen in front of her, she had seen two old ladies move and hit with their staff faster than this.

-Well... Naruto will win this fight if things continue like this - Kakashi mentions noticing how Kurenai's frown worsens, he cups her mouth with his hands and exclaims.

- Kiba, speed up! - the Inuzuka boy responds to that by stepping back.

- "Okay, Naruto seems perfectly fine dodging that… and he doesn't look that scared… let's speed up a bit" - then Kiba moves forward a little more, and Kurenai at least thinks she's going at the speed of those old ladies now.

- "I thought this would be… I don't know, more exciting and fun ttebayo?" -Naruto jumps and dodges the kick –"this is weird…" –

-This fight without a doubt… -Sakura says seeing how Naruto looked so bored as if she was just watching the fight instead of being in it.

-Well if these circumstances weren't there, who would win Shikamaru? -Asuma asks, already becoming a habit.

-Kiba without a doubt -Chouji looks at his friend in surprise -look Kiba is stronger, twice as fast and can be twice as fast if he is with Akamaru-

- "It seems to be going well with this too, I think I will accelerate a little more… after backing off" –

Naruto didn't even feel the need to try to hit back, he felt like if he kicked Kiba he would send him to meet Merlin.

But then something made Naruto angry, Zabini's words - "Y-you feel sorry for me? Is that why you don't really attack?" - Naruto lowers his head and stays still when he notices Kiba step back.

Kiba threw his fist forward and, but again Naruto wasn't moving at all and it was too late to stop him, he didn't think that Naruto couldn't dodge such a slow attack, but…

He tried to stop, but it was too late and the memories invaded him, tears falling from the cheeks of his ugly whiskers as he pushed him with the river making him fall, the papers thrown during class with hurtful phrases, his clothes stained on the back with a marker with words like "here the monster child" or "I am the stupidest in the world".

The fist hit Naruto's face and sent her back "I-I Naruto" Kiba gasped his fists clenched as he tried to find words.

-Naruto didn't dodge it on purpose -Shino mentions in a low voice but the other rookies manage to hear, Shikamaru had come to the same conclusion.

- Why would I do that?! - Sakura looks at Naruto on the ground not really moving until a few seconds later.

- Do you t-think I'm that bad, Kiba? - Naruto clenches his fists and the air freezes as his magic swirls inside him - You feel so sorry for me! - She sits up and looks at him with eyes full of sadness and helplessness before standing up - I am, I am! - Everything began to break down and Naruto took a step forward - So... little to you? - She finishes in a whisper looking Kiba in the eyes, before launching herself forward.

His fist hits the Inuzuka's stomach pushing him back, but Naruto doesn't stop and immediately advances a little further -I-I don't think that about you - Kiba clarifies in a whisper making Naruto's frown rise a little - you're my friend... one of the best I have and I-I -

- Take me seriously if you believe every word you're saying Kiba! - Naruto stands up straight and his eyes clear again - and let's have fun -

Kiba looked at his hands before taking a breath and standing up. "Akamaru," he looks at his furry friend who barks in response and approaches waiting for the order, "let's start." Kiba narrows his eyes at Naruto who finally settles down waiting for the first blow.

Kiba ran at high speed towards Naruto causing her to make an X to cover her face, before she tried to kick him.

-Now the fight has started -Kurenai looked at Kakashi -your student wasted his chance Kakashi san-

-… mmh? Mah, mah, we'll see about that - Kakashi gives her a smirk and looks at Naruto, he couldn't have been more proud of her, even if she didn't win this fight.

Kiba steps back and her hands move in her clan's signature jutsu - you asked for it! - Shikyaku no Jutsu , Kiba gets on all fours and Naruto manages to see her fingers tense before she launches herself forward too fast for him to see and she can barely hear it when she feels an elbow to the stomach, Naruto spits as she is launched backwards.

Kiba expected Naruto not to get up, but was surprised when he spun in the air and landed on his feet holding his aching abdomen - itaiii, itaiii! - his surely broken ribs suffered at that and he trembled, but took a deep breath and looked at Kiba - that was a hit ttebayo! -

-It's better... that you leave Naruto, you know better - Kiba didn't finish, he wasn't going to hurt Naruto, not again.

Naruto frowns and shakes his head - you said you would take me seriously and it seems like you're not -

-Okay… but don't chew more than you can handle - Kiba gets back on all fours and lunges forward.

Naruto was receiving blow after blow, not being fast enough to dodge it and when Kiba threw a smoke bomb everything got worse, Naruto was weakened after the forest of death, she had tried to recover as much Chakra as possible, but... it seemed like something was absorbing it too. What was the kyubi doing?! Shouldn't he be healing his wounds?

So she decides she needs to come up with a plan soon or she was going to be literally kicked by a puppy, she thought she could do but she really didn't have much in her power –"come on... How about... mmh -she tried to dodge while doing it –"Kiba took out smoke bombs so those kinds of things aren't prohibited so." I got it ttebayo! -Naruto does the signs with his hands and when he sees Akamaru his clone takes him surprising the dog -I'm sorry, but today I don't care if you shudder cute little Akamaru -the dog writhes under the grip of Naruto's clone -now -Naruto opens the bag and takes out what is known as elephant toothpaste, let the fun begin.

-As you see, Kiba can - Kurenai stops dead when she hears a scream that she would undoubtedly recognize as Kiba's through the mist.

-t-that's it, what's that thing? -Ino had seen something bright orange at one point in the mist.

Kiba writhed as he got stuck between the slimy stuff that was getting bigger and stickier - let go! - then the smoke fades away revealing Naruto like a cat against the wall.

-Y-your student knows! -Guy says seeing the foxy smile appearing on the girl's face, before jumping his fist crashes into Kiba's face and taking advantage of the moment his foot ends up hitting his stomach when he uses it as a twist to get away from the monster of his own creation.

-wow... t-that's a g-good hit too! -Kiba gasps before realizing that his four-legged companion was no longer there - Akamaru!, Kiba pulls his legs hard managing to get away and look at Naruto, only to see Akamaru in Naruto's arms screeching at his capture -oh I see that you really want to play like this, we'll see! -Kiba has a small ball in one hand and in seconds he throws it at Akamaru -if it were me, I would release Akamaru -Naruto didn't want to reveal his kage bunshin yet so his best option had been to hold Akamaru on his own, but when she felt the propelled legs she felt a strong pain that made her shudder, letting go she noticed how Akamaru turned a reddish hue.

-W-what… ba-bad - Naruto watches as Kiba swallows one before Akamaru climbs on Kiba's head.

- Ready? - Kiba was unconsciously getting excited, Naruto was turning out to be an impressive challenge, something at his level, then in smoke Akamaru stops being simply Akamaru and becomes an exact copy of Kiba.

It didn't take long for her to realize that if she didn't do something fast Kiba was going to knock her out the moment they both attacked her and sent her reeling, she could barely keep up, her ribs were on fire every time she moved, she was in so much pain and couldn't think of anything but the pain and how she couldn't let Kiba hit her or it would get worse.

- Naruto! - Sakura shouts from above as she sees Naruto struggling to move and dodge.

Shikamaru knew the result, he never thought that Naruto would win, he himself thought that Naruto would lose against a puppy, a trained one of course, but a puppy, after all, one hit and everything will be over, he knows this because he himself would faint if they hit him with such force.

And then the expected happened and three times worse, in a whirlwind Akamaru in the form of Kiba and Kiba ran over Naruto, he let out a cry of pain.

Kiba snapped out of his reverie of this good fight to realize the damage he had caused, stopping next to his copy he saw Naruto on the ground -and- I told you that- Kiba didn't want to hurt Naruto, it was his mantra, not anymore, he did that for a long time before he discovered the amazing and maybe not so powerful person Naruto was, his kindness and goodness, his patience with him, Kiba wanted to give back the forgiveness Naruto gave him.

Are you going to give up ? Naruto hears the voice and a part of her recognizes it even though... it doesn't belong to any of her memories as Naruto. Come on, don't be so lazy, you can be better than this, little brother. She trembles when she takes a deep breath. That should be your path. You know that, right? After all, you never give up, Ashura.

Swallowing heavily, she stands up, she may not have been that "Ashura" but one thing was true… she never gives up, nor does she give in, she won't get anywhere doing it after all.

-n-Naruto -Kiba looks at his classmate perplexed

-Y-you know t-that I-I never give up -Kiba knows this, Naruto is focused on his goal he is so stubborn and obstinate- "okay, I have to catch Akamaru quickly, but how?" -Naruto started to move again and then he remembered, he could always push Akamaru to the limit if he pushed hard enough and maybe he could catch him in the mess of the slime thing -let's do this- Naruto pushes himself forward seeing the smile break out on Kiba's face.

- Hey Akamaru, your punch wasn't that strong! - Naruto says boastfully, the dog in question wrinkles his nose - it must be because you're still a simple puppy - then Kiba growls.

- What are you?... ah! Akamaru - the dog in the form of his master launches himself in a whirlwind towards Naruto.

- What do you think you're doing Naruto? - Sakura asks out loud when she sees that Naruto is making Akamaru angry.

As soon as Naruto notices Akamaru attacking her her hand shoots to her bag and feels the glass bottle, she thought she had no more sleeping potions left so it was a surprise to find the small bottle hidden at the back of her trunk, she takes the bottle and with one finger she uncorks the cork and jumped just when Akamaru was going to hit her falling headlong into the slimy thing, while she was still in the air the entire bottle landed on Akamaru, she doubted that Kiba would fall into the trap afterwards, plus she didn't want to risk falling again.

- What are you throwing at Akamaru?! - Kiba exclaims, launching himself into the air, performing the same whirlwind, crashing head-on into Naruto in the air, causing him to be thrown towards the wall.

- Naruto! - Sakura was worried, she had seen Naruto breathing a little heavily before, but she had attributed it to tiredness, but now... Naruto had fallen and she could see the little tremors of pain he gave.

Shikamaru was too focused on the battle, his eyes staring at Naruto's inert form on the ground waiting for him to get up because, he himself knew that Naruto would do it, he would never give up.

Then he gets up leaving the jar on the ground - Akamaru join me! - Kiba exclaims and stretches his arm in a fighting stance but something in his plan fails, Akamaru doesn't come closer - Akamaru! - he calls again and turns his head to focus on his canine friend only to see his copy yawn and disappear in a puff only to see Akamaru on top of the slimy thing snoring looking like he was having a big dream.

-I'm sorry Kiba, but I need Akamaru out of combat if I want to beat you - Kiba growls at that, but a smile appears.

He was more than proud of Naruto, he never expected the little crying boy he met at the beginning to become such a strong person, Naruto is no longer a puppy and although Kiba will continue to take care of him as always, he now knows that he can defend himself on his own... that he can be a leader if necessary.

- Mah! But don't think you'll win just because you're fighting alone with me, you can't run and hide, my keen sense of smell will hunt you down, I know your trail better than most - Kiba lunges as Naruto backs away dodging, before his smile widens surprising the Inuzuka.

- I know ttebayo! - Kiba feels a strong smell of snake viscera mixed with vomit when a cloth catches his entire face.

- Wah Naruto, put your pants on! - Sakura exclaims, a blush appearing on her cheeks when she sees Naruto's long underwear.

-Those... are ducklings? -Ino doesn't want to judge Naruto's cute duckling underwear, but she does.

-They are -Shikamaru says with a drop of sweat running down his neck, but his eyes shine as if he had been given a new riddle to solve- How did you think that, Naruto? -

Naruto's only regret is having to rip his pants and maybe a little watching Kiba writhe as he tries to pull his pants off his face, gagging. "My turn!" Naruto raises his hand and lunges forward, landing a punch to Kiba's stomach that only sends him flying.

- And mine again! - Suddenly a clone of Naruto appeared right behind Kiba as Kiba had finally gained his freedom, no matter what the smell, plus the kick had turned Naruto's pants into a sea of more than just snake guts, now he also knew the lunch already digested by Kiba.

She kicks him, sending him flying, and before Kiba can react, the real Naruto is in the air, raising both hands together. "Thanks for taking me seriously, Kiba," Naruto says quickly before unleashing the full force of his Chakra-filled fists on Kiba's stomach, sending the boy crashing to the ground.

- You taught him? - Asuma looks at Kakashi who has a proud gleam in his only visible eye as he watches the moderator approach and check on Kiba.

- You got it Naruto! - Sakura shouts raising a fist with joy.

-Kiba Inuzuka can't keep fighting, I declare Naruto Uzumaki the winner - Naruto jumps happily very high, Kiba had been a great opponent.

- itaiii! - Naruto stops jumping when he feels his ribs tormenting him again.

When Kiba was on the stretcher he opened his eyes slightly and saw Naruto picking up Akamaru before walking to the stretcher -n-Naruto you... don't you hate me? - Naruto hears Kiba's whisper and looks at him confused.

-I don't, if I did we wouldn't be friends, right? - then Kiba shakes his head.

-For what happened at the academy… for how bad I was to you - the Inuzuka boy clenches his fists as he watches Naruto think about it.

-Kiba, you were a person who was very bad to me… to most in general, but -then Naruto's gaze clears, that blue becomes brighter -I haven't thought about the bad Kiba from the academy in a long time, now I want to see the current Kiba, a kind friend who cares about me… -his voice was higher, but Kiba could never have heard a more powerful Naruto, then Naruto lets out a laugh -although sometimes not in the best way ttebayo -

- Hey! I'm being really nice to you now - Kiba smiles as he reaches out a hand, this time Naruto doesn't hesitate and bumps his hand against Kiba's - You were amazing - Naruto didn't understand what Kiba muttered before he was taken away and she had to climb back up.

As she walked past team eight she heard a small voice calling her - "Yeah?" - Hinata looked at her nervously as she fiddled with her fingers around a black jar - "What's that?" - Naruto looked on curiously as Kurenai smiled at Naruto.

-It's an ointment -Kurenai says quickly as she watches her student being taken away –"It seems that… you finally left the past Kiba, now I understand… why you value this friendship so much, your friend is a worthy opponent" –

-oh t-thank you Hinata chan - Naruto gives a smile to the young Hyuga who can't help but blush at that, her heart burned every time she saw Naruto.

… -put on some pants - Sakura twitches her eyebrow as Naruto walks up to her side wearing his duck underwear.

-I don't have any other Sakura- the girl simply mutters under her breath as Ino lunges forward.

-That... that was it -Ino lets out a shriek, she didn't expect Naruto to win, nobody in general expected it.

Naruto could only move a little uncomfortably before seeing the people trying to get the slime out for the next fight - How did you come up with that? -

- What thing? Pants? - Naruto doesn't move despite having the heavy curiosity of a Nara on her, as if she was already used to it - well... did he just do it? -

That did sound like Naruto to Shikamaru - then it's a good thing he did, I thought you were going to bite the dust for a puppy - Naruto pouts and looks indignantly at the Nara boy.

- "So this is how it is Naruto" -Asuma thinks watching as Naruto applied the ointment on some cuts making it a little easier for the kyubi to work healing them quickly –"How?" –

- "How?" -Shikamaru is as amazed as Lee and Sakura seeing Naruto's wound heal quickly and realizing that Uzumaki didn't really seem to be the last name of just an orphan, he had heard about some "Uzumaki seals" that were the ones that created the detector barrier around Konoha among other things, his friend had that last name… there was something more in all that… something more about the strange events happening around Naruto since they were little…. Something that shouldn't be just because of his last name.

Naruto looks at the screen as the names rotate again.

And then Naruto notices the nervous reactions around her to the names written in front of her…

Hinata Hyuga vs Neji Hyuga ….

…

Lin only remembered what she felt before she became a caged bird with the others.

People had predicted that he would become clan leader thanks to his great ability, he was proud, his parents were proud, the elders were proud.

Those suspicions that he would become leader only increased after the attack of the kyubi when the leader's current wife ended up seriously injured and they thought they would lose the baby.

It may sound selfish but his father wanted that, if that was the case, the elders would take him in and start educating him… not put him in a cage.

But to their misfortune one day in December a girl was born, small but healthy, the person who would inherit the clan, coming from the main branch… the cleanest according to many.

For his father, that blow devastated him since he had obtained the mark like everyone else... Lin also had it, but unlike his father, it didn't have the same relevance, he was just a lucky baby who had come to take his place, he didn't get angry or sad and even a small part of him felt relieved not to have to carry that weight on his small shoulders.

It only became relevant when her father slowly moved away, ceasing to be the same loving and proud father she knew, until he was barely the corpse of a father and was…. Being mean to Lin and her mother.

Her father was always a strict and serious man, he didn't like jokes and pranks, that was something that seemed totally ridiculous and stupid to her... something that Lin slowly began to think about.

He had never raised his fist to him unless it was during training, until after that, he had become aggressive, Lin wasn't sure if it was because of being caged or out of pride and jealousy...

Lin didn't dare to return the same aggression to his father, but… he began to feel regret for not feeling remorseful earlier when he lost his position.

Then the day when everything broke came…

When he entered the house his nose was filled with a strong smell of blood, his feet moved nervously before running towards where the smell was strongest and a terrible image hit him, his mother was no longer alive, the mark had disappeared, the corpse was so cold, his knees trembled when they finally gave way falling on them…

He didn't feel the presence behind him, nor the metallic sound until it was buried against the right side of his back, he quickly turned around taking a kunai from his weapons bag and stabbed his enemy in the neck, only to see his father gasp, as reddish drops fell from his mouth to his chin and ended up on Lin's hand, trembling he steps back shaking his head, he would never want this to happen, he didn't want that...

This clan was so damn sick when finally with his good reputation towards the elders he managed to get them to let him work under the direct command of the hokage… work in something even dirtier like an anbu…

I never expected to end up under the command of an Uchiha, no one did.

The clan elders were furious and Lin knew the resentment of both clans and found it ironic that two eye clans were fighting over which one was better.

I expect the seriousness, pride and madness characteristic of Uchiha, but…

But…

Never arrived…

His squad leader might be the smileiest Uchiha he'd ever met, and he didn't even see his face half the time.

One time he even started to doubt why his squad leader ended up in anbu and when he asked, the Uchiha's response was to roll his eyes and look with that mask that showed the hollow and dark eyes of an anbu "to keep me away from the pain."

"Was that of much use to you?" Lin asks and hears a dry laugh from her commander.

"Nah, anbu sucks" I could almost feel the smile under that mask "yes it took away the pain… but at the same time it brought me even more pain and misery"

"So… why are you still here if you see that it is useless?" The commander puts his arms behind his head.

"This way I can protect what I care about" Lin was confused, when you come to anbu this hollow, you have nothing to protect much less that you care about "it wasn't someone I had before anbu… it's someone very special to the world… to me" the tone was soft when he continued "like a little sister… a best friend" then the commander looks at Lin "I hope that one day you find something that gives you back some hope like I found that valuable person" …

Then his commander died and left his precious person behind… one he had promised to protect.

At first it was… commitment, he started following the little girl during the days when he wasn't too busy with missions to avoid the elders of his clan.

I had spoken to her during the funeral expecting to see tears of pain and… there were certainly some, but at that precise moment the little girl couldn't have looked braver as she didn't shed another tear.

Then one day she simply turned around and stared at him, who was hiding on a tree branch, the blonde gave him a little smile "hello... shell?" - Naruto points to his mask as if he had forgotten the name of the animal.

-turtle- Naruto nods and approaches, but his smile fades.

- Did Jii chan put you on a turtle? - she stammers softly, making her look smaller than she is.

-No... I don't - his tone of voice was monotonous and almost bored.

-Oh -she then narrows her eyes- Why here? -

I had caught Lin with that question.

Was he here for a simple promise?... he is not a person of promises... many say that promises are the death of a ninja

Did he even love his commander that much? No, he wouldn't open his heart like that anymore.

So back to the question, why was it there?

Lin no longer had a purpose or happiness, she had lost everything. What else could she do other than follow the course of her own existence?

Then one day the little girl handed her a small bouquet of tiny white flowers with a small smile "What is this?" Lin asks.

"flowers" she answers in a shrill voice.

Lin refrains from rolling her eyes "I know that… Why are you giving them to me?"

Then Naruto squirms a little and asks almost in a whisper "Did I make you happy?" the atmosphere fluttered between cold and hot at the question.

Lin answered vaguely and with false honesty "yes" expecting to see the blonde jump with happiness, but was greeted by a cold atmosphere.

"Lie," the blonde said sadly before backing away and running away.

That was the first time the little girl tried it and… she didn't give up.

She took him out to eat ramen and even showed him her favorite color expecting sincerity, but apparently she knew when Lin was lying and became increasingly sad at it.

The little girl was sitting swinging her legs in the Third Hokage's office when Lin walked in. "Hokage sama, I'm sorry if I interrupted anything, but..." Lin clenched one fist while the other clenched the piece of paper the elders had told her to take to the Third.

It was a revocation to anbu… they wanted him to leave it and return to the clan with his tail between his legs "please reject the resignation request" Lin left the paper on the desk and bowed to the hokage while the old man read.

"I'm sorry… to have to tell you, but I really can't interfere with the clans' affairs, I'll have to…"

" You can't or… you don't want to do it " that voice sounded high-pitched but so powerful that for a moment he thought it wasn't the little blonde who had said it, she had stopped and looked at him with a frown.

"This isn't something you can get involved in," the third sighed, watching the blonde frown.

"You're the one who says it" the little girl looks at Lin for a second before looking back at the hokage "too old… tired, you just don't want to do it… you don't want to see beyond your nose"

"Enough!" the hokage exclaims and the blonde steps back and shudders "you crossed the line Naruto Uzumaki, you are talking to your hokage"

But instead of continuing to back away, the little girl maintained her posture, curling up a little on herself but her blue eyes collided with the old man's wrinkled ones. "You're not going to do anything... really?" She stammers a little, clearly waiting for an answer.

"I can not do it"

The gleam in those blue eyes darkens almost completely with anger, her fists clench "bad" she says and the glass behind the hokage shatters as Naruto turns and walks away…

"How dare you!" Lin is shocked when one of the elders arrives at the Hokage tower with his face red with anger.

"… excuse me?" Lin was confused, when a paper was basically thrown in his face, his bored expression changed to one of surprise when he saw a work contract as an anbu, the sum of money he would earn would barely be enough to buy a lollipop if he was lucky.

"Turtle!" That same little voice that tried to protect him in front of the Hokage now ran to his side with a small, sweet smile. "Hello!" Naruto greets before looking at the contract. "Oh! You see, my tattoo for you."

"I deal," Turtle corrects, and watches as the old man sparks.

"There is no way you are accepting this job! You are no longer anbu, you second-rate piece of shit –

Lin frowns as she sees the anger now directed towards Naruto, but she keeps her distance and raises a finger. "What goodbye?" Turtle understood that Naruto was trying to say, goodbye, when he takes out from his shorts pocket the paper of Lin's resignation as an Anbu. "Look, look! Hokage hasn't signed yet." Lin's gaze clears as he feels strong emotions invade him, his commander had a truly precious person… one who was doing everything possible for him. "Then…"

" Turtle, do you accept my work, ttebayo!?"

"I hope that one day you will find something that will give you back some hope like I found that valuable person" the words of her commander resonated and for the first time in a long time Lin felt that she had the strength to move forward, to lose all hatred towards her clan.

At first it was a snort that turned into small laughs, the poor blonde was as surprised as she was confused because, Lin never laughed like that "yes" Lin looked at the old man who seemed to want to kill him… and he knew he could do it, but now he wasn't afraid of his cage, not while there was someone like his little care package nearby "I accept it"

"What's wrong?" Lin sees Naruto fidgeting as she looks into his eyes.

"Did I make you happy?" She repeats those same words waiting for an honest answer, her adorable eyes looking at the anbu hopefully.

The anbu can only think about when he stopped being that hole in his chest and thinks that if he had realized before that he was happy when Naruto made those little gestures for him, another thing that made him ask "Why do you want to make me happy?"

Naruto jumps at the question and a soft but sad smile crosses his face "Mouse came to me when I needed him… when I was sad" Naruto spoke slowly, finding the words "not anymore… I feel sad, that's why… when I saw you sad I wanted to do what Mouse did for me" the voice was soft.

I think I understand you now… Shisui…. "yes you did" Naruto is confused, having forgotten that she herself had asked a question "you made me happy… even before that" Naruto's eyes clashed with the dark, hollow eyes of the anbu mask, but this time she seemed to notice the sincerity and a smile broke out.

"Yeah!"

…

….

Lin woke up to the sight of this strange creature in front of him, the feline pushes his head slightly against Lin's chin -yes, yes stay still - gently pushing he notices by the softness of the fur that was certainly not on his anbu clothing, he felt the weight of his aching body letting out a growl, before narrowing his eyes and putting his hands in a corresponding sign - Byakugan - the veins accumulated around his eyes and he looked towards where he thought the forest of death and the tower were, recognizing those who were about to fight, the kneazle turns his head confused at the sight of the veins before looking where Lin was looking, only to see a smooth white wall -I hope... this doesn't become a problem - Lin puts a hand on his forehead before sighing, he had to go out soon and notify the hokage of his fight...

Naruto knew about Hyuga the little he had discovered about Turtle and it's not because the Anbu didn't want to tell her, she prefers to keep the Anbu's identity a secret after what happened to Mouse and with that the elders of her clan hated Turtle and wanted to lock him up or so the blonde thought, but when Lee mentioned about such a "preference towards the main branch" Naruto could only see a resemblance between the wizards who believed they were pureblood and felt superior because of it, maybe it wasn't the same but Naruto felt it was similar.

-And why don't you like each other? - Naruto leans against the railing sighing, Lee raises an eyebrow at him.

-because the secondary branch has a great resentment towards the main one-

-I understand that, but then… Why doesn't the main branch apologize and change things? -Kakashi approaches and ruffles Naruto's hair who jumps a little before raising his head and looking at his sensei.

-It's not that easy Naruto, they've been living like that for years... -Naruto sticks out his lower lip slightly in a pout before turning his gaze back to the fight that was just beginning...

-Before you do, I will warn you, Hinata sama - Naruto shudders at Neji's tone of voice watching as he narrows his eyes at Hinata - back off, your destiny was never to be a ninja -

Hinata opens her eyes so wide, Naruto can almost see her breaking.

-You are too soft and kind, you avoid conflict, you feel inferior to everyone, surely you came because Inuzuka and Aburame needed their third gennin, you didn't come of your own free will, right? -

- No! That's t-not true, I c-came - Hinata's voice softens and her eyes tremble - b-because I w-want to b-improve… a-at leas-a least a-little -

Neji lets out a light sigh before continuing -Hinata sama you have always been overprotected as the heiress of the Hyuga clan - then Neji's head rises seeming more as if he himself were the one ordering Hinata around despite maintaining a respectful tone -people don't change no matter how hard they try, they can't separate themselves from their true selves, an outcast will always be an outcast - Naruto tightens the railing between his fingers as he feels that blow as if it were worse than Kiba's tornado attacks - and thus they will be judged by their true selves, that's the way the world is, that's why there are elite people and outcasts, we can improve our appearances, skills with study and training, only to be finally judged by what we cannot change -

-…. -Naruto thinks for a moment that Neji's words are true, before shaking his head, she shouldn't think about that, she has to prove that she can do it because...

- Who are you to decide that because you saw it means it is like this?! - Hinata was shaking, Naruto couldn't hear the last words Neji had said or when he had activated his Byakugan but that didn't matter anymore, his blue eyes were fixed on the pearly ones of the older boy, before they moved on to Hinata who for the first time her huge eyes were on Naruto's - Hinata chan you can leave now if you want ttebayo - Naruto narrows his eyes - but you would only give this fool one more point, or you can fight regardless of whether you won or lost because... you said yourself that you came here to improve and that "at least a little"... is now, I think you can give a lot more Hinata chan - Naruto puffs out his cheeks but shrinks a little when Neji gives him the same look he was giving Hinata a moment ago, but he doesn't back down.

- "… What?" -Neji didn't expect the sudden change of the trembling and soft Hinata as her eyes hardened towards Neji.

- "I haven't improved enough" -Hinata thinks to herself while making the corresponding signs –"not for myself, I want… That "I believe in you" that you gave me to be my strength to fight today" –

Hinata felt tears welling up as she walked away from the Hyuga estate, running her small hands over her cheeks many times.

Why did she have to be so weak?

If she was stronger her four-year-old sister wouldn't have to train so hard, have that look on her face.

She tripped on the grass as she ended up falling into the grass, she quickly sat down burying her face in her knees, sticking her legs to her chest

It just showed how weak he was by crying like that.

- Pearl? - Hinata jumped at a somewhat childish and stammering voice, she thought that maybe it was a younger boy and that it wasn't for her - Pearl eyes - then Hinata inhaled deeply and knew that it was her they were talking to, she raised her head and looked to her side only to jump a little when she saw her classmate - You are pearl eyes from the academy -

-Oh... - she felt shy in front of the big blue eyes that were watching her, the marks on her cheeks gave her a foxy look and it made it worse when she turned her head.

- Why are you crying? - the blonde asks making Hinata get more nervous and wipe the rest of her tears - mmh. - Naruto sat down next to Hinata slowly, as if he was giving Hinata time to reject him, before imitating the sitting way she was, pressing her legs to his chest and putting her head sideways resting on her knees, his cheeks were swollen as he still looked at Hinata - you look - then Naruto sighs - sad -

Hinata avoids Naruto's gaze and looks at the grass, feeling the tears building up again. "W-why am I s-so w-weak?" The question came out before she could even think about it.

There was silence for a while. "I don't think…" Naruto paused, thinking carefully about his words. "You may be weak, but I think you're very sweet."

- I-Is it s-sweet? - Naruto nods and stretches his arms.

-If pearl eyes stopped being sweet... You wouldn't be you anymore -Naruto smiles softly -You're nice to me and you say hello to me... when I get to the classroom, sweet isn't weak- Naruto now narrows his eyes -Unless it's in a dictionary I didn't read- Then Naruto gives a big smile to Hinata, who can't help but blush and turn her head...

Naruto didn't think she was weak, but...

I didn't consider her strong either and it was true, she wasn't strong, she was always running away because of that.

- "I won't run away" Byakugan -he slowly adjusts until he ends up in the taijutsu that Naruto had only seen the turtle do… the taijutsu of the Hyuga clan.

Naruto understands from Lee's words that this was not just a type of taijutsu, it was the best one in Konoha to date -yes... I've said it before, on my team is possibly the strongest genin in Konoha- Lee's fists clench and Naruto swallows heavily, feeling an extra weight in this fight, as if she herself were Hinata and... after all it was Naruto who pushed her to fight -that gennin is... Neji Hyuga-

Naruto could see the currents of Chakra fluttering in every open palm strike they threw, he sensed when Hinata stepped back that Neji would lunge.

Neji was fast , and he intended to truly hurt, his eyes held a lot of resentment, while Hinata looked extremely determined.

-almost... - Naruto exclaims when Hinata almost hits Neji, but steps back dodging causing Hinata herself to do the same - attack inside? - Naruto steps out of the fight a little and looks at his sensei.

-The Hyuga clan is famous for their taijutsu to severely injure the body from the inside -he explains as simply as he can- with their Byakugan they are able to see the Chakra networks in our body as well as accurately see each muscle and organ, so a good well-placed hit and the fight will end, even the most trained ninja could fall under this taijutsu -

-Yeah... I see - Naruto goes back to watching the fight.

Then the fight finally takes a turn.

Neji's palm pushes into the center of Hinata's chest and the younger gennin spits as blood rushes to her throat – "Hinata chan!" - Naruto jumps in nervousness and even more so when Hinata tries to hit Neji again only for two fingers to dig into his arm and let out a pitiful sound.

Then Neji pushes Hinata's sleeve exposing that all this time he was attacking her Chakra networks - w-when? - Sakura asks more to herself than anything else.

-You said you weren't going to give up -Neji narrows his eyes- and there you nailed your destiny, now you are finished and without hope. This is my last warning, give up -

Hinata who was on the ground was breathing heavily -I-I -her hands pressed against the cold ground as she trembled trying to get up -I'm not going to give up because... -then she finally got up, passing the sleeve of her coat over her chin, blood slowly staining when she looked at Neji -I never break my word, that's my Nindo-

-Hinata chan -Naruto whispers watching as Hinata returned to her Hyuga taijutsu stance.

The blonde never thought that Hinata was listening to her or that she would follow her words like she did, Hinata was no longer just a kind and sweet girl, right now Naruto thought she was strong too –"You can't tell yourself you're weak anymore ttebayo" Hinata you can do it! -she screams, her ribs hurt, but she refuses to back down.

- "The courage returns to her gaze" -Neji notices when Hinata's pearly eyes shine again and she lunges forward.

- "N-Naruto kun yo… I've always been watching you" -Neji stops the punch and throws his palm against Hinata's shoulder, who steps back –"even before I realized why he was doing it" -Hinata crouches down and throws a kick that Neji jumps –"because you… despite your clumsiness, you shine like a sun, illuminating a dark world that only wants to sink you… that's why when I see you, I feel braver, more courageous, I know that I can get ahead… that I'm even worth a little"-

- Hinata chan! Itaiii - Naruto had launched himself over the railing when Neji hit Hinata below the jaw before his ribs complained from the sudden movement

- "You have always been so pessimistic" -Kunai thinks watching as Hinata refused to give up –"Even though you left your body and soul training you never managed to complete the missions and you always got depressed… today I don't know where this Hinata came from with that strong look… well maybe I know where" -Kurenai turned her head and saw the little blond looking worriedly at Hinata while clenching his hands on the railing –"Thank you for giving courage to Hinata" –

- Agh! - Hinata spits out more blood when Neji stabs her with his palm again and the young Hyuga falls.

Naruto squirms from where he stands before feeling a weight in his pocket, his hand feeling the texture of the wooden jar filled with ointment that Hinata gave him before their fight and one last scream escapes as Hayate ends the match - Hinata! -

-Naruto, that's enough -Sakura says -Hinata already….-

Then Hinata reacts by getting up, breathing heavily, and looking at Neji.

-Give up once and for all and you won't suffer anymore- Hinata breathes deeply even with the deep and palpable pain.

-The one who is suffering here, is not me Neji nii san, it is you -Hinata looks with narrowed eyes -with what happens between the main and secondary branches… the one who is suffering the most here… is you –

- You! - Neji lunges forward despite the referee's warning.

Naruto jumps off the railing his hand shoots to his chest and broken ribs before running towards Hinata when Neji is stopped by the jounin -Hinata chan - she stops standing on her hind legs in front of the Hyuga.

-n-Naruto k-kun I… y-you –

-You were amazing today- Naruto whispers so low that no one else could hear him when Hinata finally loses consciousness

-Hey... failure - Naruto jumps a little when he knows the insult is directed at her, his gaze rises and focuses on Neji and he wrinkles his nose, it doesn't matter if Turtle and this boy are from the same clan or the same branch, this wasn't a battle it was... revenge -I have two comments for you - the second he said that Naruto could only remember Zabini.

- Neji -Guy tries to stop him, but Neji just steps forward without looking at his sensei.

- What thing? -

-First, if you intend to call yourself a shinobi, stop all that fuss you made... it's pathetic , and second - Naruto stands up straight, feeling the pain fill her body mixed with rage and helplessness, her power flutters around her and she undoubtedly wants to explode in Neji's face.

Kakashi looks at his hokage who raised a hand for the Anbu to intervene if Naruto unleashed the… accidental magic or the Kyubi, either of them were a danger if he did it now.

- A failure will always be a failure, that will never change –

... It was a silence that barely lasted a few seconds, but it had felt like hours when Naruto finally, with his eyes half-closed -again... what gives you the right to decide that or even know the fate of people, I refuse to fall under your words ttebayo - Naruto stretches out a fist punching the air towards Neji, before lunging forward as a swaggering smile appears on Neji's face.

-n-Naruto -Sakura exclaims when she sees Lee preventing Naruto from moving forward.

-Believe me, I know how you feel, Naruto kun, but -Lee avoids looking at his teammate and Naruto- but the rules are already written, all the fights must be done in an official way… a fight between the effort against the prodigy, don't you think that would be exciting-

- What are you saying? - Naruto frowns, all he wants at this very moment is to run and give Neji a good punch, he had been worse than Draco.

-I was supposed to want to fight Neji, but… Naruto kun is fine too –

- Get the doctor here and fast! - Kurenai suddenly shouts causing Naruto to look behind her only to see the stretcher arrive, in the background hearing something like "he's not breathing" Naruto runs back to Hinata and sees how they take her away.

- "A failure will always be a failure" - Neji's voice echoed in Naruto's head like one echo after another, when suddenly he felt his heart pounding, being the only sound he heard.

He saw the blood on the floor and slowly ran his hand through it before making a fist towards Neji - I won't lose - Naruto's eyes were fixed on Neji's before he lowered his fist and walked back to the upper floor.