Chapter 35: The Chunin Exams, Part Two

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Sakura

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Those participants that passed the first two rounds of the Chunin Exams were scheduled for a month interlude before their one-on-one matches in the third round. There had been talk of a preliminary round to weed out some of the contestants— apparently too many teams passed the second round.

The preliminary round was to take place immediately after the second round, but Itachi Uchiha had objected and involved the entire Uchiha clan in their disapproval of the tactic. With Orochimaru and some of his followers having snuck inside the Forest of Death, Anbu was deeply involved in doing a full scale investigation. There would be no Third Round until there was certainty of no outside influence or risk to the participants from international terrorists.

The Kazekage had voiced his displeasure, but when Sasori pointed out that his own son would be in harms' way, Rasa had reluctantly agreed. Interesting enough, the Third Hokage had been vocal against the extra precautions. After all, the Snake Sannin had only expressed interest in Sasuke Uchiha.

Naturally this attitude didn't fly well with the Uchiha clan and their staunch allies— several of the village's most elite shinobi.

Naruto had been squirreled away by his godfather the Sannin Jiraiya. The goal was to help him learn to utilize his wind and water chakra to create the Rasengan and manage to work around the seal on his belly. Sasuke was receiving special training from both Kakashi and Itachi. On a mission a few years back, the Snake Sannin apparently had tried to kidnap Itachi. Orochimaru had been soundly defeated by the prodigy, but his obsession persisted, having shifted to the younger brother.

Sakura had been left to her own devices. At least until Shisui and Izumi Uchiha had come knocking on the door to her family home four days after the second round ended. The presence of the Uchiha, Mebuki's least favorite clan, consistently showing special interest in her daughter stoked the growing tensions within the Haruno family.

"You're determined to pursue this, aren't you?" Mebuki asked over dinner.

Sakura had finished saying the blessing over their family meal, exhausted and hungry after hours of training with the two Uchiha clansmen.

"I want to be a kunoichi, Mama," Sakura answered, setting down her chopsticks and giving her mother her undivided attention. She shifted her eyes towards her silent father, but he was busy staring down at his bowl. "I want to be a strong kunoichi. I am not content to be a genin forever. I will be a jonin within five years. Believe it!"

"Must you spend so much time with that clan? The Uchiha are a bad influence," Mebuki continued. "There are plenty of other shinobi that could train you."

"They are hard working, honest people," Sakura argued. "Auntie Mikoto is a kind and encouraging woman. And I haven't exactly seen you or father make any arrangements for me to train with any other shinobi. You certainly have nothing to teach me. And most shinobi will only train those from their clan. The Uchiha are being generous offering."

Mebuki slammed her fist on the table, jostling their bowls and cups. "That clan is the reason the Yondaime died!"

"Lord Minato died keeping Konoha safe," Sakura protested quietly. Her mother didn't argue that the other clans wouldn't train an outsider, nor did she offer any tangible suggestions. "The Uchiha clan had nothing to do with that tragedy."

"One of their kind unleashed the Fox spirit that killed my cousin!" Mebuki hissed. "Minato is dead because of an Uchiha— there is no denying it. That is fact!" She leaned back in her chair, her face flushed with anger. "I do not know which Uchiha, but it is enough to know it was an Uchiha!"

"Your cousin?" Sakura asked in a small voice. "The Yondaime? Minato Namikaze was your cousin?"

"He's the reason we're in this Kami-forsaken village hidden in the middle of a forest!" Mebuki answered. "We moved here so that you and your cousin could grow up together! Then Sarutobi forced Minato's son to live like a leaper — at least until he allowed him to be adopted by the Uchiha — the very clan that is responsible for Minato's death!"

"Honey, please calm down," Kizashi said quietly. "Let us take this time to enjoy the pleasant meal you have prepared us."

"I'm not hungry," Mebuki snapped, swiping her arm across the table and knocking for onto the floor, shattering her ceramic bowl.

"Naruto is my cousin?" Sakura asked, awed by the idea. She'd always felt a strong bond with the blond. Was their blood relation the reason why? "He's training with Lord Jiraiya right now. Mama, you're a Namikaze. Do you have nothing to teach me?"

Mebuki folded her arms over her chest. "I know apothecary and you are too young to be taught such things. Your mind is not mature enough. Minato was an outlier within our family. He was born with an unusual amount of chakra. It was suspected his mother came from the Senju. She was always cagey about her past."

"Why must every powerful shinobi in the village be assumed Senju or Uchiha?" Sakura countered. "Are not Sarutobi, Hatake, and Yamanaka from powerful clans? I am proud to be a Haruno — and I will be strong."

"It's true, not all powerful shinobi come from those clans," Kizashi agreed placating.

"Sasuke is training under Kakashi-sensei and his older brother. Shisui and Izumi offered to train me. Unless you actually know some skills Mother, Father, then I suggest you be grateful as I am to have such friendships that have offered their help." She swiveled her gaze back to her father. "Papa, you know that Shisui has been helping me with training since I was a child, because you couldn't be bothered. I think you helping me lasted a whole six weeks? Can you say nothing in the defense of my friend?"

"Your father and I have decided we are relocating. We'll keep the house, it's a solid investment, but we're leaving for Tea before the end of the year," Mebuki continued. "You can come with us, or you can continue to pursue a career that will only end in your untimely death."

"Don't answer right now," Kizashi hurriedly interjected. He gestured towards the cooling soup in front of Sakura. "Eat your dinner and sleep on it. Let us know your decision in a few days."

"Naruto is my cousin," Sakura whispered, smiling faintly. She shook her head briefly, trying to absorb everything her parents said. They were moving? They were leaving Konoha? What was she supposed to do? Live alone or leave behind her hopes and dreams? "And exactly what sort of life would there be for me in Tea? There are no shinobi there."

"There are plenty of career paths outside of the military," Mebuki reasoned.

"Life as a merchant or a housewife are neither appealing to me," Sakura countered. She pushed away from the table, no longer hungry. "I don't need a few days to think on the matter. Konoha is my home. I'm not leaving."

"Sakura, be reasonable. We're your parents. We're only looking out for you," Kizashi pleaded.

"I've legally been considered an adult since I became a genin," Sakura said quietly. "My preference would be to have your support while I pursue my goals, but it's not necessary." She bowed at the waist, the perfect picture of a respectful daughter. "Thank you for the meal." Then she scurried off to her bedroom, eyes prickling with tears.

Shinobi do not cry. It was one of the fundamental rules. Perhaps, she was not very good at following all the rules, but even if her parents abandoned her, she still had family. A faint smile tugged on the corner of her lips. She couldn't wait to tell Naruto what she learned!

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OoO

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Obito

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It wasn't real. He knew his mind was trapped within Fugaku's Izanami while his body was more or less comatose. Was someone feeding him while he was trapped in this infinite loop? At least he'd managed to change the scene. He was no longer killing Kakashi over and over again— apparently that was the wrong choice.

Though, every time he saw his old childhood rival crumple in a lifeless heap at his feet, his chest would feel warm and comforting. Yet, at the same time he would develop a piercing headache — right through the empty socket of his left eye straight to his brain.

So he paused and reconsidered, his mind circled back to that day he kept repeating when he'd been twelve — the day of the Bell Test. He'd convinced Rin to run off with him and play in the water. He asked her advice, but she didn't offer much. She did however play with his hair. When he thought of Rin and her kindness, his scalp tingled with the healing chakra of her green-glowing hands.

But, this wasn't the answer, though it was tempting to simply repeat due to the comfort.

Then he returned to the scene in the forest and the pink-haired kunoichi with the purple diamond on her forehead. Sakura.

Obito was certain that she held the answer he needed. She thwarted his plans and got him caught by his old clan. He knew she was the reason his clan wasn't rotting in a massive unmarked grave. They should all be dead. He'd worked hard to ensure the demise of the Uchiha clan.

Dead. Dead. Dead.

But he'd only managed to kill those subordinates whom had stubbornly craved the coup d'etat. It had been so easy to manipulate them. Every time he saw the lust for battle and the hatred towards the village light up their dark eyes, he felt the warmth in his heart. Those men had only the Sharingan, not the Mangekyo Sharingan. Only a few Uchiha had ever unlocked that devastating power — himself and Kakashi with Rin's death, Madara and his brother Izuna from four generations ago, Fugaku apparently and it would seem Shisui and Itachi.

Madara, the elder whom saved his life, showed him what a monster Kakashi was, allowed him to witness the death of his beloved Rin, would be so proud.

Or would Madara be disappointed? How could Obito fulfill his promise? How could he gather the tailed beasts, bring back Madara from the Purelands, and create a peaceful utopia for the entire world — a paradise where Rin lived?

"It's your fault," Obito hissed.

The pink-haired kunoichi narrowed her pale eyes as she started back at him silently. She was all alone. No Kakashi. No giant slugs. No ninja hounds. No would be recruits.

Obito didn't have Lightning nature like Kakashi when he had been a boy. When Obito had been on Team Minato he had Fire and Wind. Under Madara's tutelage he awakened the ability to manipulate Earth, Lightning and Water. He'd always had to work harder than Kakashi. Not everyone was a born genius.

Obito's father hadn't been a renown shinobi of the Leaf. He wasn't The White Fang of legend — unfairly demonized. Obito had felt bad for Kakashi that he'd lost his father in such a terrible manner. Obito's parents had died when he was no more than a toddler. He couldn't remember anything about them, but he remembered his grandmother. Granny cared for him and loved him even when he was dead last in his class at the Academy. She love him even when he struggled with the famous jutsus of the Uchiha clan.

And when Granny heard the news of his death, she'd died of a broken heart.

Why couldn't Obito have been so lucky?

He clutched at his chest again, that warmth making him itch right over his heart. He should have died the moment he saw the life fade from Rin's eyes. Why didn't he?

Obito shook his head, lightning sparked in his hand — his own Chidori. It was a technique he'd seen countless times and copied with his remaining Sharingan. He obliterated non-Sakura, watched the life drain out of her pale green eyes.

His head hurt, but his heart felt warm and satisfied.

As the scene replayed over and over, he knew this wasn't the right answer too. Why did nothing ever seem to play out as he intended? He never intended to kill Minato-sensei. He'd wanted to unleash the Nine-tails, cause havoc, and then capture the tailed-beast for his ultimate plan. He'd intended to absorb the Nine-tails himself, it would make it easier to capture the other beasts.

Why did Minato have to sacrifice himself? Tears began to brim in Minato's single eye. A shinobi wasn't supposed to cry.

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OoO

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Sakura

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A month passed between the second round, Forest of Death, and the third round of match-ups for the Chunin Exams. During this time, Sakura worked hard with both Shisui and Izumi — focused on her taijutsu and genjutsu. Assuming she wouldn't have to face her teammate Sasuke, her genjutsu would be a trump card.

She hadn't seen Naruto since he left with Lord Jiraiya and she eagerly awaited their reunion. Hopefully, they'd be able to watch the matches together. Master Kakashi and Sasuke still weren't back — she hoped they wouldn't be too late. Izumi assured her that they'd be there. Itachi had sent her a messenger crow saying they were on their way.

Sakura stood in the bleachers of the stadium waiting to watch the first match and to find out who she would be facing. It was rather annoying that the match-ups were kept secret until five minutes prior to the match, eliminating the ability to strategize effectively. So, Sakura had spent the last month learning all she could about all the participants.

"Look!" Izumi nudged her elbow into Sakura's side and pointed towards Naruto. He was by himself, at least until Shisui — in his Anbu gear dropped down beside him and escorted him to Sakura and Izumi. While both Sakura and Izumi were familiar with Shisui's Anbu mask, ironically, Naruto didn't recognize it.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto cried out throwing himself at her in an enthusiastic hug which she gladly returned. Shisui held his hand up in a brief salute of farewell and then puffed away, back on security detail.

"Naruto! I was worried you wouldn't make it back! Is Lord Jiriaya here to watch you?" Sakura asked, looking over her cousin's shoulder and not spying the Sannin.

"Nuh uh," Naruto said, his arms still around Sakura's shoulders, but leaning back to look at her face. "He dropped me off and then vanished on the back of a giant toad. He said he had investigation to do in Rain . He said there was no need to wish me good luck either, because he believed in me!"

Sakura nodded, smiling broadly at Naruto. "I believe in you too! I can't wait to see you fight!"

Naruto looked past her to see Izumi and smiled. "Did you train Sakura-chan?"

"Indeed. Shisui and I both worked with her. I hope you two don't have to face each other," Izumi said with a gentle smile. She reached over and ruffled the hair of both adolescents. "Such beautiful, bright hair," she sighed. "I'm so jealous."

Sakura eased out of the hug and anxiously looked towards the colosseum's entrance. Still no Kakashi or Sasuke. "I learned something about you and me," Sakura said quietly, her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Oh?" Naruto asked, his bright blue eyes flashing. "Spill! I hate secrets."

"I found out that my mother and your father are cousins. So— you and I are related! We're cousins, Naruto," Sakura said, keeping her voice at a whisper so only he and Izumi would possibly hear.

"What?" Naruto's mouth dropped open. "Seriously?" He hugged her again, picking her up off her feet a bit in the process. "I'm so glad!" He released her and clenched both hands into fists and pumped them into the air. "You and I will go prove our worth as Chunin now, believe it!"

The participants of the first match was announced, Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka.

"No," Sakura whispered.

"It will be fine," Naruto assured her. "Don't go easy on her. She'll be mad if you do. Go and kick her butt!" He grabbed her hand as she started to step past him. "But also, don't humiliate her."

Sakura snorted at the encouragement. She understood the fundamentals of Ino's mind-transfer technique. She would have to leave her body vulnerable in order to pull it off. Back at the Academy, Ino was a talented kunoichi. Her taijutsu was good, but after training with Shisui and Kakashi, Sakura knew her physical might would be stronger than Ino's. Both girls were intelligent. Sakura had an idea though and was eager to see if her plan would pan out.

"Forehead," Ino greeted, smiling broadly. She glanced past Sakura's shoulders towards the audience, her gaze settled on Sai. She waved at him playfully. "Just lose with a little grace. But know you're going down. I want to impress Sai."

"Ino," Sakura greeted. Once upon a time, she might have called her rival Pig, but such insults were beneath her. After spending time with Auntie Mikoto and Izumi, Sakura wanted to be a little more elegant. Demeaning names for fellow kunoichi was not elegant. "I'm glad you'll be taking our match seriously. May the better kunoichi win."

"Are the fighters ready?" Gekko Hayate asked. He had deep circles under his eyes and cleared his throat.

Sakura turned towards him in concern. "Not yet," she said, stepping closer to him and away from Ino. "What's wrong with you, proctor? Do you have a fever? May I examine you?"

The dark eyed man blinked at her for a moment in confusion. "I'm fine, Haruno. It's just a cold."

Sakura nodded. "I'll ask Izumi to check on you between matches. You should take your health seriously, proctor."

Hayate's eyes flickered towards the stands and settled on Izumi Uchiha. "It's nothing."

"Sakura, stop sucking up to the proctor," Ino hissed.

Sakura's hands flew to her hips. "I'm not sucking up, Pig! I'm just concerned! He looks like he might have pneumonia!" Okay, maybe Sakura wasn't quite as elegant as Auntie Mikoto or Izumi. She glared at Hayate. "I'm ready."

"So am I!" Ino declared.

"Uh, okay," Hayate said. He held his hand up and then brought it down rapidly. "The match between Ino Yamanaka and Sakura Haruno — begin!"

Ino threw the first punch and Sakura ducked. She let Ino take the offensive, wear herself out. Sakura didn't strike back once, but simply twisted, ducked, and side-stepped. She had a faint smile on her lips while Ino began to snarl in frustration.

"Stop dancing around! Fight back!" Ino panted.

"I am fighting," Sakura answered calmly with her arms behind her back, hands hidden from Ino's view. She began casting the seals for a genjutsu. Once Ino was caught Sakura stepped back as Ino continued to fight against an unseen foe. Sakura glanced up at the stadium and saw that Kakashi and Sasuke were now in the stands next to Naruto. The blond was whooping and hollering while her other teammates leaned forward to watch with rapt attention. Itachi and Izumi were seated in the row behind them. Izumi waved at Sakura, Sakura waved back, causing both Kakashi and Sasuke to lean back and both lift a hand in greeting.

Sakura smirked. She hadn't actually been waving at them, but it was cute that they acknowledged her. She brought her attention back to Ino. Tapped her on the shoulder, dissolving her own genjutsu. The blond kunoichi stared at her a moment in confusion and then her pretty face contorted into anger.

This time, Sakura began to use taijutsu of her own, easily getting in a few hits past Ino's guard as her rival grew more and more fatigued. Ino jumped away, creating distance between them. There were long shadows on the arena floor and Sakura wasn't minding them — shadow technique was Nara's technique after all, not Ino's.

Sakura hadn't expected Shikamaru to cheat though and offer aid to his teammate. Sakura found herself unable to move and narrowed her eyes at Ino's knowing smile. Then the Yamanaka heiress cast her mind-control technique.

Sakura observed within her own mind scape as Ino took control of her body and the moment Shikamaru's shadow manipulation ended, she expelled Ino violently from her mind. And while it wasn't flash-step, Sakura moved and punched Ino hard with a chakra laced punch. Before Ino could land onto the far side of the stadium — Sakura slammed her palms onto the earth and created a barrier of earth and water — a mud wall to absorb the impact.

The mud wall caught Ino.

Sakura stood and shifted her attention back to the proctor, Hayate.

"The winner of this match of Sakura Haruno!" Hatake declared. He laid his hand over her shoulder. "That was well done," he said in a quiet voice only for her.

Sakura smiled. "Thank you. Please proctor, get checked out. If it is just a minor virus, I can make you a tea for fevers and body aches."

"I promise to have my girlfriend check me over," Hayate answered with an amused scoff. "She has medic training. But if she's busy, I'll come find you, okay?"

"Alright, I'll hold you to that," Sakura said. She walked towards Ino, but Asuma was already there, scooping her into his arms and carrying her off the field.

Sakura rubbed her her fingers over her forehead, feeling slightly dizzy. Maybe she used more chakra than she had intended. Embarrassingly, she felt her own legs wobble and her vision began to darken into a tunnel. Then there was a warmth behind her, catching her against a firm chest.

Her savior was tall, lean, and smelled something between ozone, dog, and forest. "I've got you. You did well, Sakura," Kakashi's deep baritone murmured.

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OoO

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Kakashi

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The last four weeks had been some of the best of Kakashi Hatake's life. He actually felt like a teacher and it had been a lot of fun working alongside Itachi in training the younger Uchiha heir. Sasuke was like the best of both of them — he learned the techniques they taught him, but he was less burdened than either of them. And unlike Kakashi and Itachi, Sasuke actually knew how to make friends.

Sasuke was selective in his friends, but had actually gotten the full experience of Academy life. Both Kakashi and Itachi had graduated early and struggled with friendships with people their own age. Shisui and Izumi had helped Itachi. It had been Obito and Rin that had softened Kakashi's heart after Minato had gotten Kakashi to let his guard down. Unfortunately, that trio's death sent Kakashi spirally, but somehow Itachi and Shisui had wormed their way into Kakashi's withered away heart. And now, Kakashi would consider Guy, Tenzo, Yugao, and Genma all good friends.

And while having a trio of genin wasn't something Kakashi had ever wanted, he couldn't ignore the swell of pride he felt in the three. Sasuke's hard work and endurance the last four weeks solidified his spot in Kakashi's small circle. They arrived at the third round of the exams just in time to see Sakura's match.

Kakashi had shoved his hitai-ate into his hairline to watch the action more closely. Sakura was reading Ino's moves perfectly, predicting which way she would attack by watching the subtle shifts of her weight on her feet — that was exactly how Kakashi had read his opponents' attacks prior to Obito's gift.

"What the hell?" Sasuke hissed. "Shikamaru is interfering." He gestured towards the Nara sitting next to Asuma on the opposite side of the stadium, casting his shadow manipulation technique.

Kakashi almost stood to call out a demand for disqualification, but he was stopped by the small, warm hand of Izumi Uchiha. "Sakura will be fine," Izumi whispered. "Watch."

So, Kakashi watched as Sakura stood completely immobilized with her long pink hair blowing behind her on the breeze — the only movement. He released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding Shikamaru to dropped his shadow manipulation and then Sakura dispelled the Yamanaka from her mind. Then, when he saw her create the mud wall — which was one his favorite jutsus — well, he was extremely proud of Sakura Haruno.

He watched with barely veiled anger as Asuma hopping into the ring to reclaim his genin, as if he hadn't encouraged one of her teammates to help her cheat. Kakashi secured his hitai-ate back in position over his Sharingan and then hurried to the arena to collect Sakura — she looked about to collapse.

Kakashi was late to a lot of things in life, but this time he was perfectly on time. Sakura fell back against him in exhaustion. He tucked her small frame against him protectively and carried her back to the stands and her teammates. Izumi could run a medical scan on her to make sure she was okay.

When he arrived, both Naruto and Sasuke were standing anxiously awaiting their return. Kakashi spotted the pork rind snacks that Naruto had been feasting on and could hear the angry growling of the blond boy's stomach. Hopefully, his stomach would settle before his match, or else that could be quite the embarrassment.

"How is she?" Sasuke demanded. His hands opened and closed at his side repeatedly an agitation.

"I believe it's just chakra exhaustion," Kakashi answered, holding her a little closer as he sat back in his seat with his teammate in his lap. "Izumi?"

The medic kunoichi laid her hand gently over Sakura's forehead. "It was the removal of the Yamanaka technique. It takes a lot of power to do that. The actual fight shouldn't have tired her this much. She's lasted a lot longer training with me and Shisui."

"It's supposed to be impossible to dispel the Yamanaka mind-control technique," Itachi pointed out. "I suspect that clan will be wanting to investigate how it was done."

Kakashi felt his jaw clench of the reminder of those Yamanaka. He still was angry about someone in that clan tampering with his memories, creating the many holes that took place over a short duration of time a few years back. He had lost nearly two months of memories from around the time of Danzo's defection and the dissolution of Root.

"Does anyone have a blanket or something? We should probably lay her out to rest comfortably on her back," Izumi suggested.

Sasuke reached into his backpack, they'd come straight from training and pulled out the scroll that contained his bedroll. He spread it out on the floor in the space in front of their seats.

Reluctantly, Kakashi laid Sakura onto the bedroll and resumed his seat. Naruto had moved to kneel next to Sakura, but his name was announced moments later. He would be facing off against Kiba Inukuza.

"Give him hell," Sasuke encouraged, moving to take Naruto's spot next to the bedroll.

"There seem to be a lot of Konoha versus Konoha," Izumi pointed out.

"There were more Konoha genin that passed the previous rounds than other villages," Itachi explained.

They all watched in horror as the match between Naruto and Kiba was over within ten minutes. Naruto's upset stomach led to a foul passing of gas that knocked Kiba unconscious. The winner rushed off the field in a desperate effort to get to the bathroom in time to relieve his aching bowels.

"That was disgusting," Sasuke sneered. "Mother will be sure to give him an earful for eating that junk food."

"I suspect Naruto won't be eating pork rinds anytime soon," Kakashi observed.

Then Gaara of the sand defeated Rock Lee, Tenten fell to Kankuro, and Shikamaru conceded to Temari when he clearly could have won. Abarame was victorious next.

Kakashi noticed Sakura start to sit up and was at her side opposite Sasuke. He was relieved when her jade green eyes fluttered open and her gaze landed on him. "Yo. How you feeling, Sakura?"

"I'm alright. Did you see me?" Her gaze shifted to Sasuke.

"You were amazing!" The dark haired Uchiha slid and arm under Sakura's low back and helped her sit up. "I'm glad you're awake. I was afraid you'd sleep through my match."

"No way!" Sakura smiled at him warmly. "I can't wait to watch it!"

"Next match — Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno!"

"What?" Kakashi hissed. He looked towards Itachi for confirmation.

"This is unfortunately, but also perfectly legal," Itachi sighed. He looked between Sasuke and Sakura. "You two do your best."

"She's barely had time to recover from her previous match. How is this fair?" Sasuke demanded.

"It's not fair, but then the Chunin Exams rarely are," Kakashi answered. He watched helplessly as his two precious teammates walked to the field together. Naruto was still in the bathroom. He should go check on him, but he couldn't not watch Sasuke versus Sakura either.

The spectators watched in absolute silence as the two contestants walked onto the arena floor with Sasuke's arm around Sakura's waist in obvious solidarity as well as him helping her to walk.

The proctor, Gekko Hayate, grimaced watching the two of them approach. "Remember, you can concede the match," he offered Sakura.

"This isn't right. She has already won her match and I'm fresh," Sasuke protested.

Hayate scratched the back of his neck. "You were awarded a bi for the first round, Uchiha. Did no one inform you?"

"No," Sasuke growled.

The two teammates faced off. They started with taijutsu and Sakura surprisingly kept up with Sasuke, though he wasn't going all out. And then Sasuke sped up and knocked the chakra point into Sakura's neck, he whispered something into her ear and caught her as she fell towards the ground.

Sasuke glared at the proctor, holding Sakura in his arms.

"The winner is Sasuke Uchiha by knock out!" Hayate announced.

Kakashi was on the arena floor a moment later, taking Sakura's unconscious form from Sasuke this time. They walked off the arena floor, the crowd murmuring in disappointment at not seeing any of Sasuke's eagerly anticipated moves. "Go check on Naruto," Kakashi ordered.

Once more Kakashi brought Sakura back to the stands. Izumi gently roused her away with chakra stimulation. "Well, that was disappointing," Sakura murmured, seeing the score board. "I knew I wasn't a match for Sasuke, but I would have liked to have seen some of his new techniques."

"You know he wouldn't be able to use those techniques against you, Sakura," Izumi said quietly.

Sakura hugged her knees and then looked up to meet Kakashi's concerned stare. "This makes twice you've had to carry me off the floor of the arena. I'm sorry for being such a bother."

"It's no bother," Kakashi murmured. He stood at the railings and braced his forearms on it to watch the arena. Now it would be Naruto versus Neji Hyuga. He watched as Sasuke escorted Naruto on the arena floor.

Guy joined Kakashi at the railings and they both watched in silence as their two students talked and talked and talked. Finally, their match began.

Then it was Sasuke's turn again, but against Gaara of the Sand. The match had been going in Sasuke's direction, shattering Gaara's protective sand shield. The Chidori had been performed perfectly and the audience was roaring with appreciating for the exciting, destructive battle.

Then Gaara began to change and it became clear that he was no ordinary shinobi. He was a jinchuriki! However, until this match, no one outside of their immediate circle knew that Sasuke had the ability to tame tailed beasts.

Moments after Sasuke managed to calm down a rampaging Gaara, all hell broke loose and the vast majority of the arena was knocked under a powerful genjutsu.

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During the Konoha Crush, Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutoi faced off, the latter sacrificing his life to seal away Orochimaru's arms.

The Anbu led by Shisui Uchiha managed to stop the majority of the infiltrators from Sound and those from Sand were stopped by Sasori no Asuna.

At the end of the day — Lord Third was dead. Orochimaru was dying. The Fourth Kazekage was dead.

Otherwise, there were several captured shinobi from Sound, Sand, and even some former Root.

The Jonin and Elder Councils were unanimous in their desire to elect Jiraiya as Hokage, but he refused. The goal was now to track to Tsunade Senju to fulfill the role as Godaime. Jiraiya offered to find Tsunade, along with a couple of genin — Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno.

Since Orochimaru had a way of cheating death, the Uchiha clan had sequestered Sasuke since he'd been the target.

The Commander of Anbu, Taki Uchiha, was no longer hindered by Sarutobi's resistance and didn't care about politics. Since Orochimaru had in fact murdered the Kazekage between the second and third Chunin exam rounds, there was justification to enter Sound regardless of extradition or not.

He arranged a team of elite operatives to track down Orochimaru's lair and end the terrorist once and for all.

Kakashi joined a team with Shisui, Itachi, and Tenzo to look for Orochimaru's lair. Now that the Hokage had been murdered and Orochimaru had also murdered the Kazekage, there was justification to enter Sound regardless of extradition or not.

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