Chapter 22: Wildflower (Chuunin Exams, Preliminaries, Part II)
"Winner of the match is Shikamaru Nara," announced Hayate, coughing into his fist once more.
Kimiko offered a polite round of applause, her claps soft and measured, while Naruto whooped loudly beside her. Team Ten followed suit, cheering and waving their hands in celebration.
On the arena floor, Shikamaru scratched the back of his head with a lazy sigh, his gaze resting on the unconscious Kusagakure genin sprawled on the ground. Several kunai jutted out from the boy's arms and legs, his limbs slack from the lingering effects of the Shadow Possession Jutsu. Shikamaru's shadow, which had stretched across the floor like a creeping vine, slowly retracted to its original shape beneath him.
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets as he turned and strolled away.
The fights that preceded Shikamaru's were just as predictable, though with far less spectacle than expected. Most of it played out exactly as Kimiko had anticipated. Temari strutted after her victory over Tenten, smugly swinging her fan over her shoulder like she'd won a festival prize. She even had the audacity to taunt Lee after he caught his teammate mid-fall, prompting him to call her out for her poor sportsmanship — a display that grated on Kimiko's nerves. Meanwhile, Kankuro soundly defeated Kabuto's remaining teammate, using his classic puppet misdirection. His opponent fell for it like clockwork, ensnared by a trick that was simple, effective, and entirely avoidable.
At first, Kimiko had been interested to see how the Kusagakure trio would perform, but it didn't take long to see the pattern. Unlike the infamous Sound-nin trio from canon, who left scars on their opponents and minds alike, the Kusagakure genin failed to leave any meaningful impression. Their techniques were basic, their strategies uninspired, and their resolve shaky. Their performance was survival, not victory.
Shino's match was over in minutes. His opponent, a Kusagakure genin with no notable techniques or skills, found himself surrounded by Shino's insect swarm. Trapped on all sides by a buzzing wall of relentless, hungry insects, the boy surrendered before a single attack landed. There was no spectacle, no desperation — just the cold, mechanical efficiency of a methodical victory.
Shikamaru's match had gone in much the same way. His opponent, overconfident and reckless, charged directly at him. A mistake. The moment his foot crossed the threshold of Shikamaru's range, the Shadow Possession Jutsu took hold. The boy's limbs jerked, mimicking Shikamaru's movements against his will. With a bored expression, Shikamaru casually raised his hand — and his opponent's hand rose in sync. A heartbeat later, a dozen kunai rained down on him from every direction, piercing his arms, legs, and torso, Shikamaru releasing the shadow possession at the last moment to dodge out of the way of the mirrored attack. The Kusagakure ninja crumpled to the ground, completely immobilized.
"Another easy win," Kimiko muttered, tapping her chin with a finger as she glanced down at the arena. "Their sensei must be really embarrassed. Didn't even watch any of their matches,"
Even Karin, arguably the most capable of the Kusagakure trio, failed to achieve a clean victory. Her match against Ino Yamanaka ended in a double knockout. From what Kimiko observed, it wasn't due to any lack of effort or talent on Karin's part, but rather because of how ill-suited her abilities were for direct combat.
"She's a support-type," Kimiko had said to Naruto after the earlier match, her eyes following the medics as they lifted Karin and Ino onto stretchers. Her gaze shifted between them, calm and assessing. "She can fight if she has to, but it's not her strength. She's more useful on a team where she can focus on support, not head-to-head brawling."
Naruto had nodded at the time, his face scrunched in exaggerated seriousness despite clearly not understanding a word she meant. Kimiko didn't bother explaining it further, knowing it would be a waste of breath.
Her attention returned to the present. Shikamaru's match had just concluded, and she watched as his opponent was dragged off the arena, kunai still embedded in his limbs. Kimiko's gaze shifted to Hayate, who coughed into his fist while calling for the next match to begin. Her fingers drummed lightly against her arm.
She knew it wouldn't be long before either her or Naruto's name lit up on the board. The way things were going, it almost felt like the matchups were following a script, each battle falling into place like pieces of a puzzle she'd seen before, with the exception of the Kusagakure-nin replacing Otogakure. Predictable. Too predictable. Her eyes remained on the screen, waiting for it to flash with the next names.
"Man, even a lazy bum like Shikamaru won," Naruto complained, tapping his foot impatiently. "When's it gonna be my turn?" He glanced at Kimiko, clearly expecting her to agree with him.
"We'll all get to fight eventually," she replied smoothly, "Just be patient."
Naruto groaned, tilting his head back as if he'd been asked to wait in line for hours. He rolled his shoulders, his foot tapping louder against the floor.
The scoreboard flickered to life. The names spun rapidly, like shuffled playing cards, each flash catching the attention of everyone in the gallery. It clicked, slowed, and finally stopped.
"UZUMAKI NARUTO VS INUZUKA KIBA"
Kimiko's lips twitched into a grin as her eyes shifted to Naruto, who looked up at the board, his face frozen in shock for a heartbeat. Then his entire body jolted like he'd been struck by lightning. His grin broke wide and wild.
"WELL IT'S ABOUT TIME!" he yelled, thrusting a fist into the air and twisting to face the other genin. "Thanks for waiting, everyone! I'm gonna make this worth your wait!"
"Look at that, it's us against that idiot," Kiba's voice rang from across the gallery, sharp and full of confidence. He crouched forward, his arms loose at his sides as his eyes zeroed in on Naruto. He turned to Akamaru, who was tucked in his hoodie, with a toothy grin. "Hey, Akamaru, I think we just won the lottery!"
The small dog barked twice, as if in agreement.
Kimiko stepped up to Naruto and placed her hands firmly on his shoulders. Before he could react, she shifted, cupping his face between her hands, her fingers pressing lightly against his cheeks. Her thumbs lightly tapped his cheeks, grounding him with each tap.
"You got this," she said, her voice clear and deliberate. "Come on. Do your best. Remember our training. And don't ignore Akamaru. A dog companion is part of every Inuzuka's fighting style."
Naruto blinked once, twice, and then his grin evened out into something more focused, less reckless. "Right! I got it, Kimiko-chan!" His voice had more weight to it now, like he wasn't just saying it to sound cool. "I won't lose to Kiba, not a chance!"
"Good," she said as she released him, her hands falling away from his face. Her arms crossed over her chest as she gave him a slow nod. "Now go prove it."
Naruto nodded, cracking his knuckles as he placed a hand on the railing and vaulted over it with ease. He landed in a low crouch, his fingertips brushing the ground before he straightened to his full height. He threw his arms wide with a grin that could light up a stadium. "It's my time to shine!" he declared, his voice booming across the arena.
On the other side, Kiba walked down the steps with a casual, swaggering confidence. His eyes were focused entirely on Naruto as he made his way to the center of the stage. Kimiko's eyes followed him from the gallery, glittering with quiet delight. She could already tell this was going to be a fun match. Naruto was stronger than his canon counterpart by a long shot, and it would be interesting to see how that strength played out against Kiba.
"Now for the seventh match," Hayate announced, his voice rough but firm as he raised one hand. "Uzumaki Naruto versus Inuzuka Kiba."
"I've been waiting forever for this!" Naruto roared, taking a step forward and pointing at Kiba with all the bravado of a man who'd already won. "Sorry, Kiba, don't take it personally if I blow you away!"
"Tch, that's what I was going to say, only not as politely!" Kiba shot back, jabbing a finger toward Naruto with a cocky grin. "Right, Akamaru?" He glanced down at the small dog tucked inside his hoodie.
Akamaru barked in agreement.
"Oh yeah? Well, talking's easy," Naruto said, his eyes narrowing playfully. "Let's see what you've got to say at the end of the match!"
"Little squirt," Kiba muttered as he crouched and plucked Akamaru out of his hoodie, setting the pup down at his feet. Akamaru shook himself, his little ears perking up as he barked sharply in Naruto's direction.
"Hmmm," Naruto muttered, squinting at Akamaru with an over-exaggerated look of scrutiny. "Kimiko-chan told me to watch out for that dog, though I doubt an ugly mutt like that can do anything against me."
Akamaru barked aggressively, his hackles raised as his little paws scraped at the ground like he was ready to charge.
"But, whatever," Naruto continued with a dismissive shrug, flashing a cheeky grin. "If you need a dog to fight for you, who am I to judge?"
"Hah!" Kiba scoffed, crouching low as he glanced at Akamaru. "Alright, sit this one out, Akamaru. I'll handle him alone." He rose from his crouch, cracking his neck as he rolled his shoulders, his cocky grin never leaving his face. Akamaru growled low but obeyed, backing up slightly, though his eyes stayed on Naruto.
"Oof, bad idea," Kimiko muttered from the gallery, eyes narrowing as she leaned on the railing.
Kakashi, who had returned a few matches ago, nodded in agreement. "Mm," he hummed, his visible eye glancing down at Kiba like a teacher watching a student make a predictable mistake.
Kimiko glanced at him. "Oh, is Sasuke okay?" she asked, her eyes flickering with a hint of concern. "He can't watch the rest of the match?"
"Nope," Kakashi replied, his eyes still fixed on the arena. "He's too tired. He's resting in the infirmary."
Kimiko hummed thoughtfully, her gaze shifting back to Naruto as he bounced on his feet, energy radiating off him in waves. Her eyes flickered toward Kurenai, who patted Hinata's shoulder in quiet reassurance. Hinata looked conflicted, her fingers fidgeting nervously, but Kurenai only smirked and shook her head.
Sorry, sis. Kimiko's eyes sharpened with quiet certainty. Naruto's going to beat Kiba. I'm sure of it.
"Look, I feel sorry for you, so I'll end it in one shot, okay?" Kiba said, his eyes fixed on Naruto like he was already imagining his victory.
"Is that so?" Naruto tilted his head, his grin lazy but sharp at the edges, like he knew something Kiba didn't. "Man, you're even dumber than you look if you think you can beat me."
Kiba's grin immediately twisted into a snarl, his eyes narrowing with irritation, and Akamaru barked in agreement. "You sure talk tough for such a loser!" Kiba snapped, his voice rough like a growl. Akamaru barked again, louder this time.
Naruto shrugged, his eyes half-lidded, hands still stuffed in his jacket pockets like he had nowhere better to be. He didn't rise to the taunt. Good. About time, Naruto.
"When you're ready," Hayate said, his raspy voice carrying over the quiet murmurs of the crowd. He raised his hand, eyes flicking between the two of them. "Begin!"
Kiba was already moving. His hands blurred into a hand seal, and his chakra exploded outward like a flame suddenly fed oxygen. The energy clung to him, raw and untamed. "Imitation Beast Ninja Art: Four Legs Technique!" he barked, and his whole body shifted.
Kimiko watched his nails sharpen into claws and his canines lengthen. His muscles grew taut, his movements becoming more erratic, animalistic. His posture dropped into a low crouch as his breath came in slow, steady pants, a predator preparing to pounce. Classic Kiba. All instincts, no patience.
"Here I come!" he roared, his voice rough with the undertone of a growl. He was already gone, the space where he had been now empty. He shot forward, his body a blur of speed and raw force. The ground cracked beneath his feet as he lunged, his elbow aimed like a spear toward Naruto's stomach. It was fast — faster than most genin could track. She could hear the faint gasps from Choji and the now awake Ino.
Hm. He's fast, huh?
Naruto didn't move at first. Kimiko's eyes narrowed, her fingers tapping lightly on the metal railing. Come on, Naruto. Don't freeze. Don't flinch.
And then his arm moved.
It wasn't flashy. No grand display of speed or flair. It was sharp, simple, and exact. Naruto's hand shot up with practiced precision, his palm snapping forward like a trap closing on prey.
THUD.
The sound of Naruto's open palm catching Kiba's elbow echoed louder than it should have. It wasn't a clash. It wasn't a parry. It was a stop. An absolute, immovable stop.
Kimiko's eyes widened slightly. Perfect.
Kiba's body jerked to a sudden halt. She saw the ripple of force travel from Naruto's hand, down Kiba's arm, and into his chest. His eyes were wide, pupils blown in shock. That moment. Right there. That brief flicker of realization when your entire plan crumbles in an instant.
"Wha—?!" Kiba's voice cracked, disbelief clear as day. He tried to push forward, his muscles flexing, his feet scraping against the stone floor. But Naruto didn't move. His grip was solid, unwavering, his fingers curling around Kiba's elbow like an iron vice.
Naruto didn't speak. He didn't taunt. He just looked at him. No grin. No shouting. Nothing. Just silence.
"That's it," Kimiko muttered under her breath, her eyes locked on the scene below. Hold him. Make him understand.
Naruto's other hand moved. It drew back, his elbow cocked ready. Kiba saw it. He knew it was coming. But there was nothing he could do.
The backhand struck like a falling boulder.
CRACK.
The sound was so sharp, so sudden, it felt like the air itself had broken. Kiba's head snapped to the side, his face twisting from the impact. His body followed the momentum. Kimiko watched him fly — and he really did fly. His feet left the ground, his body twisting mid-air, his arms flailing uselessly as he spun like a doll tossed from a child's hand. Dust kicked up where his body skidded and tumbled across the stone. He hit the ground twice before sliding to a stop, a trail of cracked stone marking his path.
The arena went silent.
Kimiko's fingers stopped tapping. Her eyes tracked Kiba's crumpled form as he lay still for a moment before he groaned and shifted, his hands weakly pushing at the ground beneath him.
She glanced at Naruto. He still stood there, his arm lowered, fingers flexing like he wasn't quite sure if he'd actually struck Kiba. His face wasn't triumphant, wasn't smug. He stared at Kiba with something quieter.
Not the look of a boy who got lucky. The look of someone in control.
Naruto took a slow breath, his mouth set in a flat line. His gaze didn't leave Kiba as he spoke, his voice carrying across the arena.
"...Did you think you could beat me without fighting at your best?" He snarled. "Don't you EVER underestimate me!"
The weight of his words hit harder than the backhand. Kiba's head slowly lifted, his eyes wide, face scuffed with dirt and stone dust. For a moment, it didn't seem like he'd heard it. But Kimiko saw it. The recognition. The disbelief.
That moment when pride tastes like ash.
Kimiko leaned forward on the railing, her lips curving into a slow, knowing smile.
"That's it, Naruto. Make him feel it."
Kiba grunted, his teeth gritting as he tried to push himself up. His arms shook, knees trembling as he forced himself to stand. His eyes darted to Akamaru, who barked at him, urging him on. But his movements were sluggish, his balance uneven.
"Still standing, huh?" Naruto muttered, tilting his head slightly. His hands stayed at his sides, fingers twitching with leftover adrenaline. "Guess I didn't hit you hard enough. Fight with everything you got, Kiba. Because you're going to need it, you know!"
"Mm," Kakashi muttered, his lone eye crinkling in something that was either pride or quiet surprise. "He's come a long way."
Kimiko leaned her chin on her hand, eyes flicking back to Naruto. "Yeah. He has."
Below, Kiba finally gathered his wits, wiping the dirt from his face as he got back to his feet. His eyes narrowed, fierce and wild. "Fine. Come on, Akamaru!" he snarled, his voice rough with frustration. The little dog barked in response, his small frame practically vibrating with energy as he dashed forward to join Kiba.
Two smoke bombs appeared in Kiba's hands. With a sharp flick of his wrists, he tossed them toward Naruto, the capsules clattering once before releasing a burst of thick gray smoke that billowed across the arena. The smoke curled and twisted, rapidly swallowing up the space around Naruto.
Amateur.
Kimiko leaned her cheek against her knuckles, watching with mild disinterest. He's still not taking this seriously, she thought, glancing at Kakashi from the corner of her eye.
"Kiba's still not taking this seriously. Naruto's going to crush him," she said flatly, her voice as calm as if she were reading off weather reports. Her eyes shifted back to the smoke-filled arena. "Actually, Naruto's toying with him too. He could've dispelled that smokescreen easy."
Kakashi hummed in agreement, his eye watching intently, but he said nothing.
The sharp sound of punches echoed from within the smoke. There were no clear visuals, only the shifting haze of gray, shadows flickering inside like shapes behind frosted glass. The sound of blows hitting flesh echoed louder than the gasps of the other genin.
Then, in a sudden blur of movement, Naruto shot out of the smoke, his body twisting mid-air. But as soon as he landed, Akamaru was already on him. The small dog lunged with precision, tackling Naruto straight back into the smoke.
The moment Naruto's body disappeared into the swirling cloud, the smoke began to thin. Slowly, the arena became visible once more. As the fog dissipated, the figure of Akamaru came into view. Just a few feet away, Naruto lay sprawled on the ground, face down and unmoving.
"Alright!" Kiba's voice rang with triumph as he threw his fist in the air. "I won!" he declared, his grin returning as he turned toward Akamaru. "Come here, buddy!"
Akamaru ran up to him, tail wagging like it was the happiest moment of his life. But just as Kiba reached out to pet him, Akamaru's jaws clamped down on Kiba's arm.
"Ow—! What the—?!" Kiba's eyes went wide, his face scrunching in pain as he looked down at the small dog now latched onto his forearm. His voice pitched up, confused. "Huh?! Akamaru? What are you doing?!"
Across the gallery, Kurenai blinked, confusion clear on her face. "Huh?" she muttered, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Kimiko, however, let out a small, knowing breath. "Mm. Yup." Her lips curved into a small, sharp smile.
Suddenly, with a puff of smoke, the "puppy" transformed. The small, fluffy body shifted, limbs stretching, features twisting until Kiba was no longer looking at Akamaru. Instead, he was staring at Naruto, grinning wide, his teeth still clamped on Kiba's arm.
"Gotcha," Naruto muttered through his teeth, his grin widening like a cat that had caught a mouse.
Kiba's eyes went wide with realization. "No way!" His gaze darted around, his mind scrambling to make sense of it. "Where's—?! Where's Akamaru?!" he barked, eyes wild with panic.
"Right here," came a familiar voice. From behind one of the arena's stone outcroppings, another Naruto clone walked out casually, holding Akamaru by his little front legs like a misbehaving puppy. Akamaru's ears drooped in embarrassment, and he let out a whimper, his eyes squinting like he knew he'd been caught.
Kiba's jaw dropped. "Tch!" He yanked his arm free from Naruto's bite, stumbling back a few steps. Naruto spit to the side, his face scrunching up in disgust.
"Bleh," he muttered, sticking his tongue out like he'd eaten something foul. "You taste like dog."
From the gallery, Kimiko let out a short giggle.
"Heh," Kiba muttered, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, still staring at Naruto with disbelief. "Guess you've gotten stronger, huh—?"
Before he could finish, Naruto was already in front of him.
Kiba's eyes went wide as his breath hitched, his body tensing too late. Naruto's fist drove into his stomach with brutal force, the air knocked out of his lungs with a loud "Oof!" Kiba's entire body folded inward, his breath stolen in an instant.
Kimiko leaned forward, fingers curling lightly over the edge of the railing. Good. Don't stop there. Keep going, Naruto.
Naruto didn't stop. His hand shot up, grabbing a fistful of Kiba's hoodie, pulling him down. His knee rose sharply, slamming into Kiba's face with a clean, bone-jarring hit. Once. Twice. Three times. Each impact echoed through the arena. Each time, Kiba's head jolted back, his body completely under Naruto's control.
The third knee left Kiba's nose bloody, his head lolling slightly as his eyes spun in a daze. But Naruto wasn't done. His grip on Kiba's hoodie tightened, his arm flexing with raw, unfiltered strength. With a grunt, Naruto twisted his body, using his hips for momentum as he hurled Kiba across the arena like a sack of rice.
Kiba's body spun mid-air, arms and legs flailing before he hit the ground hard, skidding and bouncing twice before slamming into the wall at the edge of the arena. The stone cracked on impact. Kiba lay crumpled in a heap, his limbs limp like a discarded puppet.
Akamaru was sent flying shortly after. The Naruto clone tossed the little dog with an almost lazy flick of his arms, and Akamaru hit the ground beside Kiba, rolling twice before coming to a stop at his side. The puppy let out a weak, groggy whine.
"Kiba!" Naruto's voice boomed, sharp and cutting as he walked toward them, his steps deliberate. His gaze locked onto Kiba's fallen form.
"I already told you..." Naruto's eyes narrowed as he stared down at Kiba, his shadow stretching long behind him. "Fight me seriously."
The weight of his words echoed through the arena like the aftershock of thunder. No one said a word.
Kimiko's lips curled slowly into a satisfied smile. She flicked a glance at Kurenai, who was staring at Kiba with an expression caught somewhere between shock and worry.
"W-Wow!" Hinata whispered, her hands pressed together just beneath her chin. Her pale eyes were locked on the arena, wide with awe. "Naruto-kun… has gotten so strong." Her voice was filled with quiet disbelief, like she was still trying to process what she was seeing.
"Is this the same Naruto we know?" Ino asked, eyes blinking rapidly as she leaned forward on the railing. She tilted her head to get a better view of the fight below. "He's so strong. He doesn't even seem to be trying that hard…" Her brows furrowed, clearly unsettled by the drastic shift in Naruto's abilities.
"Yeah, he grew up a lot," Shikamaru muttered, hands in his pockets as he leaned against the wall. His eyes were sharp despite his lazy posture, watching every movement Naruto made. "It's annoying, honestly."
Below, Kiba let out a low, frustrated growl, his eyes narrowing into sharp slits. "Fine!" he snarled, his voice rougher than usual. His hand darted into his pocket and pulled out two small black pills.
Kimiko's eyes sharpened, her smile fading. "A soldier pill, huh?" she muttered, tapping her finger against the railing.
"Yep," Kakashi confirmed, his hands tucked into his pockets as he observed the match below. "Looks like he's pulling out all the stops. But he'll regret it later. The exhaustion after using those is no joke."
"Still, he must really want to beat Naruto," Kimiko murmured, her gaze fixed on Kiba. Her eyes flickered to Akamaru, who was crouched low, waiting for Kiba's next move. Desperation, huh? It never ends well.
Kiba flicked one of the soldier pills into Akamaru's mouth. The little dog snapped it up, his growl deepening as his fur shifted from white to a deep, blood-red hue. The change was instant, his body twitching as chakra surged visibly around him. Without hesitation, Kiba bit into his own pill, his eyes narrowing with renewed focus as his muscles tensed.
Akamaru moved behind Kiba, crouching low. Kiba formed a handseal, his fingers locked in place as he called out, "Let's finish this, Akamaru! Imitation Human Ninja Art: Beast Human Clone!"
A puff of smoke erupted around Akamaru, briefly obscuring him from view. When it cleared, there were now two Kibas, each crouched low, their eyes wild with focus and their grins sharp with excitement.
"That's always creepy," Ino muttered, watching the two identical Kiba clones shift in sync.
"Yes, but it works," Kurenai said, eyes narrowed in quiet concern. Her gaze flickered toward Naruto. "If Naruto doesn't do something soon, he's going to get caught up in it."
"Mm," Kimiko hummed softly, "But…I think Naruto proved that he's more than capable of facing your boy, sis." Said Kimiko, audible enough for Kurenai to hear.
Without warning, both Kibas lunged toward Naruto at blinding speed, attacking from opposite sides. Their movements were fast — enough to be challenging to most people his age. They closed the distance in an instant, one aiming for Naruto's flank, the other for his back.
But Naruto didn't panic. His feet shifted, his body tilting backward just enough to evade their lunges. No wasted energy, no reckless spins or desperate jumps. Just clear, simple movement.
Kimiko's eyes narrowed. No wasted movement. Not bad, Naruto.
The two Kibas didn't stop. As soon as their feet touched the ground, they sprang back in with renewed force, charging Naruto from both sides in perfect synchronization. Their claws slashed at him, wild and fast, but Naruto's arms moved like clockwork. He blocked and dodged, his footwork steady, his eyes sharp and locked on both opponents. It was clear, even from up here, that Naruto had been training hard. Every dodge, every block — it was methodical. Controlled. No wild flailing. Kimiko could see lots of her movements as well as Sasuke's technique, only with the added Naruto flair.
"Huh," Kakashi muttered, tilting his head, his lone eye narrowing as if reevaluating Naruto entirely. "He's grown up… by a lot. Must be all that training the three of you do together."
"Mm," Kimiko hummed again. Her lips curled into a grin as she watched Naruto pivot to the side, slipping between the attacks of both Kibas. "To think he'd be able to keep up with two combatants jacked up on soldier pills. Guess all that extra training finally paid off."
Below, Kiba and Akamaru leapt back, growling in unison as they crouched on either side of Naruto. Their eyes locked onto him, their breathing heavier now. Frustration.
"Enough!" Kiba barked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'll finish this in one move! Akamaru, let's go! Fang Over Fang!"
Both Kiba and his clone dashed forward, their bodies blurring from the speed. As they closed the distance, they jumped high into the air, curling into tight spirals. The speed increased rapidly, their rotation so fast it looked like they'd transformed into spinning, twisting drills. They roared through the air, two spiraling whirlwinds hurtling straight for Naruto from both sides.
Kimiko's eyes narrowed. This is it. Show me, Naruto.
Naruto didn't flinch. He didn't back away. He stood his ground.
Both his arms rose slowly, his hands extending outward, palms open as he focused his chakra. His fingers spread wide as his gaze locked on both Kibas, tracking their rotations. He's not going to dodge.
"Wind Style: Gale Palm!" Naruto's voice boomed, clear and sharp.
A heavy blast of air burst from his palms, sharp and pressurized. The force collided with the spinning Kibas, causing a shockwave that blew the dust and dirt off the arena floor. The air blast wasn't enough to stop them completely, but it was just strong enough to disrupt their spin. The violent rotation of their Fang Over Fang technique faltered, their speed dropping just enough to throw off their trajectory.
Kimiko grinned. That's it. Break their momentum.
Kiba and Akamaru hit the ground hard, their bodies rolling and scraping across the stone before they skidded to a stop. They tried to get up, but they weren't fast enough.
Naruto was already moving.
He shot forward, his body low like a sprinter at the start of a race. The ground cracked beneath his feet as he launched himself straight toward the two downed opponents. Kimiko's eyes followed him, her eyes tracking his movements. Fast. Too fast for them now.
Before Kiba could rise to his feet, Naruto's fist connected with his face. It was a clean, brutal jab, sharp and direct. Kiba's head snapped back, his body jerked sideways, and his knees buckled.
The other Kiba barely had time to react before Naruto's follow-up punch hit him as well, just as sharp, just as precise. Both Kiba and Akamaru were sent flying backward, bodies rolling across the arena like discarded dolls. They landed side by side, groaning in pain.
Naruto exhaled slowly, his body relaxing as he turned to face them.
"Kiba!" Naruto's voice rang out, loud and clear. His eyes locked onto Kiba's prone form.
"I already told you," Naruto said, "You can't beat me! I'm gonna become the next Hokage!"
Kimiko tilted her head, her eyes never leaving Naruto's form. Her gaze shifted briefly to Kurenai, who was leaning forward, concern plain on her face as she glanced between Kiba and Akamaru.
"Naruto's gotten stronger," Kurenai muttered. Her eyes lingered on Naruto, her brows furrowed like she was trying to reconcile what she was seeing with what she knew.
"Mm," Kimiko said with a hum, her grin small but proud as her gaze returned to Naruto. "Told you. He's not the same loudmouth from before."
Kakashi glanced down at her, his single eye crinkling with amusement. "You three really do push each other, huh?"
Kimiko nodded, her grin turning sharper. "Yeah. And this is just the beginning. Keep your eyes on the match though, sensei."
Below them, Kiba, looking more desperate than ever, charged at Naruto again. His eyes were wild, teeth bared in something closer to frustration than confidence. Two more smoke bombs appeared in his hands, and with a flick of his wrists, he tossed them to the ground.
Hissss! The bombs exploded in a swirl of thick gray smoke, flooding the arena once more. The familiar cloud obscured everything, shrouding both Naruto and Kiba in the swirling fog.
"Not this again," Kimiko muttered, eyes half-lidded with boredom. She could still hear it. The sound of spinning drills echoed from within the smoke. Fang Over Fang. Kiba and Akamaru's signature technique. The sharp, rapid sounds of impact echoed over and over as Kiba peppered Naruto with hit after hit from within the smokescreen. Each thud was followed by the crunch of stone as Naruto's feet skidded against the floor.
"Mm, can't believe Naruto let that happen to him again," Kurenai said, shaking her head, arms folded tightly over her chest. "Guess he's gotten stronger, but not smarter."
Kimiko's eyes flicked to her sister, her gaze flat, unimpressed. With a long, slow exhale, she sighed. "Seriously, nee-san, stop underestimating him," she said dryly, her tone bordering on scolding. "He has me for a teammate. I wrangle both him and Sasuke every single day. They look to me as their team leader. I can tell you with absolute certainty — your boy is severely outmatched."
"Have to agree with her, Kurenai," Kakashi added, his visible eye curving with a familiar, lazy amusement. His hands stayed firmly in his pockets as if this whole thing was a formality.
The smoke began to settle, thinning just enough to reveal the figures inside. But instead of two identical Kibas, there were three.
"Transformation Jutsu?!" Kurenai gasped, leaning forward on the railing, her eyes locked onto the arena below.
"Aha, smart," Kakashi remarked, his interest clearly piqued now.
"Yep," Kimiko said, her grin small but sharp as her red-ringed eyes zeroed in on the three Kibas. "By transforming into Kiba, he makes sure that neither Kiba nor Akamaru can attack freely. If either of them makes a move, they risk hitting the real Kiba or their own ally." She tilted her head, her grin widening as she glanced at Kurenai. "Meanwhile, Naruto is the only one who can attack with impunity."
"Clever," Kurenai admitted, leaning back with a nod. "But fruitless. You shouldn't underestimate Kiba either, Kimiko."
"Mm," Kimiko replied noncommittally, letting the conversation drop. She knew exactly what Kurenai was thinking. Olfactory tracking. Of course, she'd bet on that.
Kimiko's eyes flicked to Kiba. He'll realize it in a second. And when he does…
"Heh, I was careless before, but now I'm on to you!" Kiba shouted, baring his teeth in a sharp grin. He crouched low, claws flexing. "Your transformation jutsu won't work on me anymore, and here's the reason why!" His body tensed, his pupils shrinking as he focused, chakra surging toward his nose.
Here it comes.
Kiba lunged at the Kiba on the far right, moving in a sharp, direct line. His arm cocked back, his muscles surging with power. His fist slammed into the Kiba's jaw, the force sending him flying back. The impact was harsh, the sound sharp as the figure hit the ground with a thud, sliding across the stone tiles before coming to a stop.
"I can smell you!" Kiba grinned, his eyes locked on the crumpled figure. "Never underestimate a canine's sense of smell!"
Kurenai tilted her head, glancing at Kimiko with a look of quiet triumph. "By focusing his chakra on his nose, Kiba can—"
"—multiply his sense of smell by a thousand times," Kimiko finished with a calm, serene smile. Her gaze didn't shift from the arena as she cut her sister off. Her eyes didn't even flicker. "I know, nee-san. But just watch."
Kurenai raised an eyebrow but turned her eyes back to the arena, her arms still crossed.
Down below, Kiba's grin faltered. The Kiba he'd punched didn't move, didn't groan in pain. Instead, it burst into a puff of smoke, dissipating in an instant. What remained lying on the ground wasn't Naruto. It was Akamaru.
"Akamaru?!" Kiba's eyes went wide, his grin gone. He froze in place, his arm still extended from the punch. His gaze snapped down to the little dog lying on the ground, his body trembling with realization. "What in the world is going on?!"
Panic flashed in his eyes as he spun toward the next Kiba, his breath quick and shallow. "T-Then you must be Naruto!" he barked, charging forward. His movements were quicker this time, more wild, more desperate. He threw his fist forward, smashing into the second Kiba's face with all his might. The clone's head snapped back, its body crashing to the ground.
Kiba took two heavy breaths, wiping sweat from his brow. "Finally," he muttered, chest rising and falling rapidly. But something was off. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up.
The body on the ground didn't stay down for long. It poofed into smoke, and in its place lay…
Another Akamaru.
"What?!" Kiba stumbled back, his eyes darting between the two Akamarus. His breathing quickened, his eyes moving too fast to process the reality before him. "That can't be! I— I smelled it! I was sure of it!"
The first Akamaru, the one he'd knocked down earlier, slowly rose to its feet. Kiba turned just in time to see the Akamaru's fur shimmer, its body shifting as a cloud of smoke surrounded it.
When the smoke cleared, it wasn't Akamaru anymore. It was Naruto, grinning wide with wild eyes, his fists already clenched.
"You let your guard down, Kiba!" Naruto yelled, his voice sharp with excitement as he dashed forward. His legs moved like a spring-loaded trap, and before Kiba could react, Naruto was on him.
"Naruto baited him," Kimiko said, leaning forward, her voice clear and loud. Everyone around her turned to listen. She glanced at Kurenai, giving her sister a patient, knowing smile. "When it became obvious that Kiba could identify him by smell, he adapted. He had the presence of mind to transform into Akamaru after getting hit. When Kiba thought he'd figured it out, he punched the other 'Kiba' on instinct, thinking he'd found Naruto." Her eyes followed Naruto as he closed the distance on Kiba, his fists already raised. "That mistake was all it took. Kiba eliminated his own companion."
"Naruto is the number one most unpredictable ninja," Kimiko continued, her eyes gleaming with quiet pride. "He's the future Hokage." Her gaze shifted to Naruto, who had already formed the hand seals for the Shadow Clone Jutsu. In a burst of smoke, three identical Narutos popped into existence beside him, each one brandishing a kunai in their grip.
"Gah! A ninja must be able to see through layers of deception! Take this!" Naruto roared as he and his clones shot forward in sync. One darted to Kiba's right, another to his left, and the central Naruto rushed straight at him, kunai aimed directly for Kiba's chest. Their formation was sharp, tight, and coordinated in a way that spoke of practice and intent, not reckless improvisation.
"Naruto Uzumaki Style: Dance of the Crescent Moon!" the three Narutos declared in unison, their voices ringing across the arena like a battle cry. In the next instant, they struck as one. Kunai flashed, cutting sharp arcs through the air as Kiba was assaulted from three sides at once. Each blade struck with precise timing, leaving no room for escape or counterattack.
Kurenai blinked, her lips parting slightly in surprise. Below, Hayate raised an eyebrow, his sunken eyes showing a flicker of interest. For a moment, his lips tugged into a small, knowing smile.
"But above all," Kimiko said, her voice loud, clear, and sharp enough to command the attention of everyone in the gallery. "He's my teammate." Her eyes tracked Naruto with quiet pride, her arms folding over her chest. "And as you can see," she added, glancing toward Kurenai and Kakashi with a grin , "he's made his own kenjutsu technique. Derived from Father's, Hayate-senpai's, and my own."
Kiba, to his credit, was still standing. His body swayed like a tree battered by a storm, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, fresh wounds and bruises blooming across his face and arms. His breathing was ragged, every inhale sharp and shallow. But he stood. Stubborn as always.
Naruto, on the other hand, was far better off. A few scrapes, a couple of bruises, but nothing that slowed him down. He shook his head with an exasperated sigh, brushing some dust off his jacket. "Mm, well, alright," he muttered, eyes narrowing with renewed focus. "You're a good opponent, Kiba. So I guess I'll use my new jutsu on you."
Kimiko raised a brow, her eyes flicking down to Naruto with renewed interest. New jutsu, huh? Let's see it.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto's voice echoed through the arena as he formed the familiar hand sign. In an instant, three puffs of white smoke erupted around him. Six more Narutos emerged from the cloud, each one grinning.
"Prepare yourself!" the Narutos called in unison, their voices overlapping like a battle hymn. They moved, circling Kiba like a pack of wolves closing in on prey. Their eyes were sharp, their movements tight and measured.
Kiba, already barely conscious, stumbled back, eyes sluggish, barely able to track the Narutos as they moved. He was too slow.
One Naruto dashed forward, closing the distance in a blink. His fist shot forward like a piston, slamming into Kiba's face with a clean, brutal CRACK. Kiba's head snapped back, and his body staggered, his feet barely keeping up with his falling momentum. His body rocked like a ship in a storm, tilting backward.
But before he could hit the ground, three of the clones were already on him. They sprinted forward, leaping onto the back of the Naruto who'd just punched him. Each clone used him as a makeshift springboard, their feet pressing into his shoulders as they launched themselves into the air. Their bodies spun like cannonballs, tucking their knees in as they flipped through the air.
Kimiko's eyes widened.
That's not just random acrobatics. That's choreography. That's practiced.
Meanwhile, Kiba, still stumbling, didn't even get the chance to fall. From below, three other Narutos shot toward him, sliding across the ground in perfect sync. Their palms pressed flat against the stone as they shifted their weight, their bodies twisting into a powerful upward kick.
Three simultaneous kicks.
Each heel struck Kiba from below, hitting his back, shoulder, and head at the same time. The combined force lifted him off the ground, his body twisting mid-air like a ragdoll. He flew upward, arms flailing, eyes wide with shock.
"Perfect," Kimiko muttered.
The three airborne Narutos, still spinning, suddenly untucked their bodies. They stretched their legs out, all three of them positioned directly above Kiba's ascending form. Their knees locked, their legs fully extended like descending guillotines.
Three leg drops. All at once.
The air seemed to shift as all three Narutos dropped down with precision timing. Their heels collided with Kiba's chest and stomach, the force of all three impacts exploding in unison, causing Kiba to spit up blood. His body was driven downward like a meteor, his descent faster than his original ascent. The clones disappeared into bursts of smoke as their job was done, but Kiba's momentum remained.
But it wasn't over yet. There was one Naruto waiting for him, diving alongside his falling body.
Now this is really new.
Naruto's right fist was cocked back, his body rotating slightly to add force to the strike. His entire arm was engulfed in spiraling wind, a fierce vortex that twisted and spun around his hand like a living hurricane. The pressure it created was intense, distorting the air around him, creating a faint, shrill hum that echoed with each rotation.
Kimiko felt it from the gallery. She could feel the shift in the air pressure, the faint pulse of wind like a distant storm rolling in. He's gotten really good at Wind Release….wait…
Her eyes lit up with realization. He's been holding back this much the entire time.
"U-ZU-MA-KI NARUTO HURRICANE BARRAGE!" he roared, his voice carrying across the arena like a war horn. Every syllable pounded like a drumbeat, growing louder with each sound.
His fist came down with all the momentum of his body weight and gravity behind it. The wind vortex around his arm spiraled faster, sharper, condensing tighter into a compact storm of raw force. It wasn't just a punch anymore. It was a drill of air and chakra, spinning with the weight of a falling comet.
Kimiko's breath caught in her throat. Crap. Bye, Kiba.
BOOOOM!
Naruto's punch connected dead center with Kiba's chest. The moment they collided, an eruption of air exploded outward in all directions, sending a violent shockwave across the arena. The ground below cracked instantly, fractures splitting out in jagged lines like a shattered mirror. Dust and debris shot into the air as the pressure wave blasted outward, forcing some genin and even Asuma and Kurenai to shield their eyes. The shockwave echoed like a thunderclap, deep and rumbling.
Kiba's body crashed into the ground with a loud, bone-jarring THUD, the force so strong it left an impact crater beneath him. His limbs sprawled out at awkward angles, unmoving, his chest rising and falling faintly.
The dust settled slowly. Bits of shattered stone rolled along the ground, falling into cracks and craters as the arena returned to stillness.
Kimiko let out a slow, measured breath, her gaze steady as she watched the boy standing in the center of the wreckage.
Naruto.
The vortex of wind around Naruto's arm faded with a soft hiss, the air settling back into stillness. His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling in steady, measured intervals, but his posture didn't waver. He stood tall.
"He's finished," Kimiko said. Her eyes stayed on Kiba's unmoving form in the crater below. "This wasn't even close."
A tense silence followed, thick with the weight of realization. It was Kurenai who finally broke it, her voice quieter than usual but edged with curiosity — and maybe a touch of concern. "...Just what sort of training did you put them through, Kakashi?" Her eyes shifted to him.
She wasn't the only one. Asuma leaned forward, exhaling through his nose, his eyes flicking to Kakashi with clear interest. It wasn't long before Hinata, Shino, and all of Team Ten turned to look as well, each of them wearing a mixture of confusion, awe, and disbelief.
"Don't ask me," Kakashi replied with a shrug, his voice as dry as ever. He reached out lazily, placing his hand atop Kimiko's head and giving it a small, deliberate pat. "A certain kunoichi on their team got the bright idea of having them learn elemental ninjutsu and train six days a week, with four of those days spent sparring." His lone eye curved into a familiar half-moon smile.
"Ha!" Gai's booming voice rang out like a cannon blast, causing several people to flinch. Kimiko glanced to the side just in time to see his face light up with fiery enthusiasm. His teeth gleamed with unnatural brightness, like he'd been waiting for this moment his entire life.
"Such incredible work ethic! Such youthful passion!" Gai declared, his voice filled with so much emotion it practically echoed off the walls. His fist shot into the air, veins bulging from his forearm as he raised it like a victory banner. His eyes burned with flames so intense they could have melted steel.
Kimiko turned to see Neji glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. She met his gaze with a slow, deliberate smile, tilting her head just slightly. She reached up to flick a lock of curly hair behind her ear and raised a single finger with all the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she was doing.
"I am in the springtime of my youth, after all."
"YEEEEES!" Gai's roar echoed so loudly it could have been mistaken for a battle cry. His eyes widened to near-impossible proportions as tears welled up and streamed down his face in glittering rivers of unfiltered emotion. His hands shot out, gripping Kakashi by the shoulders with all the force of a bear trap.
"Did you hear that, Kakashi?! The SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH!" he bellowed, shaking Kakashi back and forth with wild fervor. "A shining blossom of passion has bloomed before our very eyes! Her resolve is strong, her flame burns brightly! Truly, she is destined for greatness!"
"Yeah, yeah, I heard her, Gai," Kakashi muttered, his head rocking back and forth as Gai shook him like a ragdoll. His voice remained as deadpan as ever. "You don't have to break my neck about it."
"She understands, Kakashi! She understands the essence of youth!" Gai roared, his entire body trembling with the weight of his emotions. His grip on Kakashi tightened. "Mark my words, Kimiko Yuhi will become an icon of the new generation! A legend for all kunoichi to aspire to!"
Eventually, the medical nin arrived to take Kiba away. His body lay slack on the stretcher, his face bruised, his breathing shallow but steady. As the medics secured him, Hayate raised his hand, his voice carrying over the quiet murmurs of the crowd. "The winner of the seventh match is Uzumaki Naruto," he announced, his tone hoarse but firm.
"Yeah!" Naruto's shout rang out with all the force of a victory cry. He beamed up at the gallery, his grin as wide as ever. But what made Kimiko's smile grow wasn't his celebration — it was the way he moved to help the medics with Akamaru. He didn't hesitate, didn't wait to be asked. He gently carried Akamaru, cradling the pup in his arms, careful not to jostle him too much, and helped put him onto the stretcher with care. Thoughtful. Kind.
Kimiko's eyes softened as she watched him, her heart warming at the sight. Yeah, that's still Naruto.
As he climbed back toward the gallery, something made him stop halfway. Kimiko tilted her head, curious, only to see him glance to the side. Ah. Hinata.
"Hi, Hinata," Naruto said casually, his voice lacking his usual boisterous edge. It was softer. Genuine.
Hinata's eyes widened briefly, her breath hitching as her cheeks flushed a light pink. "H-Hi, Naruto-kun," she stammered, her voice quiet but far more steady than it used to be. The nervous tremble was still there, but it was subdued now — maybe thanks to the time they'd spent together recently. Her eyes met his. "You were… really cool and strong…"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, his grin lopsided but proud. "Kiba's really strong, you know. I could tell he trained really hard." He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, hesitating for a moment, before suddenly reaching out. His fingers curled around Hinata's hand, giving it a small, firm squeeze. "Good luck on your match. Thank you."
Hinata froze for half a heartbeat, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as if she couldn't believe what had just happened. Then, slowly, her fingers squeezed his hand back. Her face turned a deeper shade of red, but she didn't look away.
Kimiko had to clamp a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggle. Her eyes flicked to Kurenai, whose lips twitched with amusement. They shared a glance, one of quiet satisfaction. Hinata had grown. But more than that, Naruto had, too.
But the warmth in Kimiko's chest faded when she spotted a shift in the air. A presence. Tense. Cold. Unkind.
Her eyes flicked to the side, landing on Neji. His arms were folded, his posture stiff, but it was his gaze that caught her attention. His pale, featureless eyes were locked on Hinata. His gaze was sharp. Merciless. Murderous.
Kimiko's fingers tightened against the railing. Her reyes turned to meet his, and she didn't look away. Her gaze was just as merciless and cruel. Her chin lifted slightly, her brows raised in quiet defiance. Her look wasn't angry. It was imperious. Commanding. Unyielding.
I see you, Neji. I see what you're doing.
He held her stare for a moment longer, but eventually, his gaze shifted away. His jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he turned to face the arena below. Yeah. Look away.
Naruto's voice broke the silence as he let go of Hinata's hand, giving it one final squeeze before walking up to Kimiko with his hands behind his head, his grin as bright as ever. "Did you see me out there?" he asked, his voice brimming with energy. His eyes practically sparkled as he looked up at her like he already knew the answer.
"Yes," Kimiko replied, reaching out to ruffle his hair. He groaned in protest, trying to swat her hand away, but she was faster. Her fingers messed up his spiky blond hair with ease. "You were really awesome, Naruto. Sasuke would have been proud."
"Psh, like I care what Sasuke thinks," he muttered, puffing out his cheeks like a stubborn child.
"Uh-huh," Kimiko replied with a knowing smirk, pulling her hand away. "Well, you and Sasuke both reached the finals. I guess I'll have to join you there."
Naruto grinned wide, leaning forward with his fists on his hips. "You better make sure you reach the finals too!" he yelled, his eyes bright with belief. "Besides, you're the strongest kunoichi I know. You've got this in the bag!"
Her smile softened, her eyes shining with warmth. "You're right," she said, tilting her head with playful confidence. "I do."
Once the field was clear, Hayate's raspy voice echoed through the arena. "Alright… time for our eighth match." The electronic screen flickered for a few seconds before settling on two names.
HYUGA HINATA VS HYUGA NEJI
The moment the names appeared, a cold, suffocating stillness blanketed the room. Conversations died. Excitement faded into tense, uncomfortable silence. Everyone knew. Kimiko's faint smile vanished, her jaw tightening as her fingers gripped the cold steel of the railing. Her knuckles whitened as she squeezed it so hard it creaked. …Damn it. This is going to be brutal.
Her gaze immediately found Hinata, whose eyes were wide with fear. Her small hands trembled at her sides, her breathing uneven. Poor girl.
"Hinata," Kimiko called out, her voice firm but warm. Her eyes met Hinata's, holding them in place like a lifeline. "Don't get in your own head. Remember our training." She didn't raise her voice, but it carried. "You can do this."
Hinata's gaze flicked to Kimiko, and for a moment, the tremble in her hands stopped.
Kimiko's heart ached in her chest. She knew she couldn't get involved. This wasn't something she could step in and fix, no matter how much she wanted to. This was something Hinata had to face on her own. It would hurt them both, but some pains couldn't be avoided. Some were necessary.
"Huh? Why are you so worried?" Naruto asked, his brow furrowing as he leaned forward, glancing at her. His gaze followed hers to Hinata, his face scrunching in confusion.
Kimiko didn't answer, her eyes fixed on the arena floor below as Hinata and Neji began their descent. The two of them walked with slow, deliberate steps, their sandals tapping lightly against the stone.
As they reached the center, Neji's eyes locked onto Hinata with all the warmth of a glacier. His eyes, so similar to hers, held no kindness, only cold detachment.
"I never imagined we'd be facing each other like this, Hinata-sama," Neji said, his tone soft but laced with mockery. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Fate has an odd sense of humor, doesn't it?"
"N-Neji nii-san…" Hinata's voice was barely above a whisper. Her fingers curled inward toward her palms as she glanced away.
"Huh? Are they siblings?" Naruto tilted his head, squinting in confusion. "Hinata never mentioned having a brother."
"Not quite," Kakashi replied, leaning on the railing with his usual calm detachment. "They're part of one of Konoha's oldest and most prestigious clans — the Hyuga Clan. But they're not brother and sister, not in the way you're thinking."
"That's right," Kimiko added, "They're related, but their dynamic is… different."
"Yes!" Lee's voice was loud, eager to explain. His green jumpsuit practically gleamed under the lights. "Hinata is a member of the Main Branch of the Hyuga Clan, while Neji belongs to the Cadet Branch! It is the duty of the Cadet Branch to serve and protect the Main Branch with unwavering loyalty!"
"Tch. Sounds rough," Naruto muttered, scowling as he eyed Neji. "If it's family, it shouldn't be like that."
"It's like me fighting Karin-chan, huh?" he added, glancing at Kimiko.
Kimiko tilted her head, considering it for a second. "Yes, exactly like that," she admitted before her eyes darkened. "But also… not really." She exhaled slowly, her gaze shifting to Hinata, who stood as still as a stone at the center of the arena. "Hinata and Neji's relationship is… complicated. There's tension between the two branches of their clan. It's not just rivalry — it's deeper than that. The conditions for resentment have admittedly been set by the main branch, and Hinata's the one to suffer because of it."
She let her eyes drift to Kurenai, who had gone quiet, her eyes filled with silent understanding.
"Old family grudges, huh?" Naruto muttered, his gaze hardening. "That stuff's the worst."
Hayate coughed harshly, drawing everyone's attention. "Very well… please start the match!"
But before they moved, Neji raised a hand, his eyes narrowing on Hinata. "Before we even begin, there's something I need to say, Hinata-sama."
Kimiko's eyes narrowed, her grip on the railing tightening again.
"You're not cut out to be a shinobi."
The words hung in the air like thunder after lightning.
Hinata's breath hitched, her eyes widening.
"Withdraw from the match."
Kimiko's nails dug into the railing, her jaw clenched so tight it hurt. This bastard.
Neji stepped forward, his cold, piercing gaze never leaving Hinata. "You're too kind. Too gentle. You seek harmony and avoid conflict. You let yourself be swayed by others. Admit it, you have no confidence. You feel inferior to everyone here." He took another step forward, his eyes narrowing with raw contempt. "It would have been better for you to stay a genin forever. But because registration requires three-man teams, you forced yourself into this exam just because Shino and Kiba wanted to compete."
His eyes were sharp, his voice razor-edged. "You never wanted to be here."
Hinata's shoulders shook, her head lowered as she looked down at the floor. "N-No. You're wrong," she muttered, her voice trembling but still audible. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides. "I wanted… I had to find out. I did it because I wanted to see if I could change."
Kimiko let out a slow, controlled breath, her gaze flicking to Kurenai. Her sister's eyes were full of sorrow. You can't interfere, can you, Nee-san?
Neji's face twisted, his eyes narrowing further as his tone grew sharper. "...Hinata, you're the pampered offspring of the Hyuga's Main Branch." His voice dripped with disdain, each word carefully chosen to cut her as deeply as possible. "People can't change, no matter how hard they try. No one can run from their true nature." He took one final step forward, his eyes burning with conviction. "A failure will always be a failure."
Kimiko's chest felt tight, her throat constricting with quiet, building rage. Her grip on the railing shook, her fingers aching from how tightly she held it. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down.
SLAM!
The sudden, sharp sound of metal echoed through the air.
Kimiko's eyes darted to the side, only to see Naruto's hands flat against the railing next to hers. His fingers curled into the metal, his entire body tense. His head was down, his eyes hidden beneath the shadow of his bangs. But she didn't need to see his eyes to feel his rage. It was radiating off him. Boiling. Seething. Much like hers.
The low, guttural growl that followed wasn't just his.
Neji's gaze didn't soften. "People are judged by their true nature. It is the way of the world," he said with the calm certainty of a man reciting a poem he knew by heart. "That is why we have an elite, and why there are outcasts. We can change our appearance, hone our skills with training, and polish our talents with study. But ultimately, we are judged by what we cannot change. What can't be changed… must be endured."
He took a slow, deliberate step forward. "We are who we are, Hinata. And we must live with it. Just as I must live with the fact that you were born into the elite of our clan while I am from a cadet branch."
The venom in his words was subtle, barely there, but it was enough to make Kimiko's heart harden. She could feel Naruto's rage beside her like a second heartbeat, each thud as loud as her own.
"I understand these things because I see the world clearly, with my Byakugan," Neji continued, his voice smooth but frigid. "Despite your brave words, what you're really thinking right now is that you'd like to run. Run as far from this place as you can."
"N-No, you're wrong! You're wrong about me!" Hinata's voice wavered, her fists trembling by her sides.
Kimiko gritted her teeth. Don't let him shake you, Hinata. You've come too far for this.
"Byakugan?" Naruto's voice was strained, his hands still pressed on the railing, knuckles white with tension. His lips curled in a snarl, but his eyes darted toward Kakashi. "What's that?"
"It's the kekkei genkai of the Hyuga Clan," Kakashi explained calmly, his gaze never leaving the arena. "A visual jutsu, similar to Sasuke's Sharingan. In fact, some say the Uchiha's Sharingan was derived from the Byakugan a long time ago. But in terms of sheer insight, the Byakugan has no rival."
Not true. Kimiko narrowed her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line. "That's just one theory," she said, "There are historians who argue the two dojutsu have always been distinct. Separate lineages from the start." Which was true. Kaguya had both the Byakugan and the Rinne-Sharingan. They were never one and the same
Her gaze flicked back to Neji.
As if on cue, Neji's eyes sharpened. "Byakugan!" he declared.
Veins bulged around his eyes as the Hyuga's iconic dojutsu activated. His pupils became more pronounced, pale eyes no longer still but filled with predatory focus.
Across from him, Hinata inhaled sharply. Her breath hitched, and her posture tensed as she raised her arms in front of her chest, shoulders tight. Kimiko's heart ached at the sight.
"My eyes cannot be deceived," Neji said coldly, his eyes narrowing on Hinata. "Just one moment ago, I saw your gaze shift to the upper-left corner of the room." He paused, letting the words sink in like a dagger. "At that moment, you were thinking of your past. Your bitter past."
Hinata flinched.
"Then, your eyes flickered to the lower right," Neji continued, his tone even colder. "A mere flicker, but I saw it. To me, it was as clear as if you'd spoken it aloud. You were thinking about all your mental and physical suffering. You were seeing your old self — weak, fragile, helpless — and you were wondering if your life up to this point has prepared you for this moment."
He took another step forward, his pale eyes boring into her with merciless clarity. "You see yourself losing."
"Shut up."
The words weren't shouted. They weren't loud. But they were sharp. Like a snap of thunder that cuts through a storm.
Kimiko turned her head just in time to see Naruto slam his hands down on the railing. His fingers dug into the steel, the muscles of his arms taut with barely contained fury. His head was tilted forward, his wild blond hair shadowing his eyes. His breaths were heavy, like a low, steady growl rumbling from his chest. "Shut. Up."
Kimiko glanced at him, then at Hinata, who looked like she was about to collapse. Her breath came in shallow, uneven gasps. Her hands were trembling, not with rage but with fear. Crap. This isn't a lesson anymore. This is torture.
And for a moment, Kimiko debated. Her instincts were screaming at her to step in. To say something. To do something. But her body stayed rooted in place, her knuckles tightening on the rail until her fingers ached. Come on, Hinata. Fight him. Push back. Do something.
Neji wasn't done.
"The way you're holding your arms in front of your body like that?" he said, his gaze shifting downward to her stance. "It tells me you're building a wall. Trying to distance yourself from-"
"Hinata!" Kimiko's voice cut through the arena like the crack of a whip. Every head turned toward her. The jonin looked to her. Her fellow genin looked too. Even the Hokage glanced her way.
Neji's gaze slowly drifted upward, his expression calm but sharp, his eyes narrowing on her.
Kimiko didn't care. Not one bit.
Her eyes bore into Neji's like daggers of red-hot steel. "Don't let him get into your head, Hinata."
Her tone softened, but only slightly. "Remember what your father said. About how proud he is of your progress. He's proud of you, Hinata. He sees it. We all do."
She turned her gaze directly to Neji now, her eyes narrowing into sharp, dangerous slits. Her voice grew colder, "Don't listen to him. He's a sad excuse for a man who hurts others because he's too weak to face his own pain. He's taking out his frustrations on you because he can't rage against the system that led to his predicament."
Her voice grew louder, sharper, every word deliberate. "For someone who preaches about 'fate' and 'accepting what can't be changed,' he sure loves to lash out at people who had no control over the circumstances of their birth, nor the system they were born into."
There was a stillness in the air.
Neji's eyes sharpened. "...What did you say?" His voice was low, dangerous.
"You heard me, Hyuga Neji of the Cadet Branch." Kimiko's gaze didn't waver, her expression as calm as it was commanding. "All that 'fate can't be changed' talk is just an excuse to stay bitter. You're not preaching a philosophy. You're throwing a tantrum."
Neji's fists clenched, his teeth grinding together. Kimiko tilted her head slightly, daring him to respond.
Her eyes flicked back to Hinata. "Don't let his bitterness become your burden, Hinata." Her voice softened again, carrying the same warmth it did before. "I believe in you. We all do."
Neji's jaw tensed, his face hardening like stone. But even from where she stood, Kimiko could see it. The flicker. The moment of rage
And that was enough.
Kimiko glanced at Naruto from the corner of her eye. His hands were still pressed against the railing, his breathing heavy, but his face was no longer buried in shadow. His eyes were sharp, angry but focused. Not just rage. Resolve.
"Yeah!" Naruto snarled, his voice raw with anger. "Who gave you the right to tell her what she can and can't be?!" He leaned forward, his face twisted into a furious scowl. His eyes locked on Hinata, his voice rising even louder. "Go on, Hinata! Show this guy he's wrong!"
Neji's gaze shifted, his cold, detached eyes landing on Naruto. He didn't say anything, but his silence spoke volumes. His attention returned to Hinata, who was still frozen, her breath shallow, her hands trembling by her sides.
Kimiko's eyes stayed locked on her best friend. She could see it — the fear clawing its way up Hinata's spine. She wasn't moving. Not yet. Come on, Hinata. Don't listen to him. Look at me. Look at Naruto. Look at anyone but him.
Her heart squeezed in her chest. Her lips parted. She couldn't hold back anymore.
"HINATA!"
Her voice echoed across the arena. Naruto's voice joined hers at the exact same moment, equally loud, equally fierce.
"HINATA!"
Hinata flinched. Her head lowered for a second, her bangs hiding her eyes. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps — but then, slowly, she exhaled. Her hands uncurled from tight fists, her shoulders relaxing just a bit. She raised her head, and this time, her gaze was steady. Her eyes were still wide, but now there was something different about them.
Conviction.
Kimiko breathed out slowly, eyes still locked on her friend. That's it, Hinata. Hold on to that.
"So, you're not going to withdraw?" Neji asked, his eyes narrowing as his gaze met Hinata's. His tone was cold, but his posture shifted, his weight settling into a more serious stance. "Then I won't be responsible for what happens here."
Hinata closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply. "I…" she said softly, her hands still trembling, but not from fear. She exhaled slowly, and when she opened her eyes, her gaze was clear. "I don't want to run anymore."
Her hands formed a hand seal. Byakugan. Veins bulged around her eyes, her pupils sharpening as her field of vision expanded. She shifted her stance into the familiar form of the Gentle Fist. Her arms were steady now, her feet grounded firmly beneath her.
"Neji nii-san," she said, her tone stronger than it had been all match. Her eyes rose to meet his head-on. "Let's… fight."
Neji's eyes narrowed, but a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the edge of his lips. He mirrored her stance with a slow, deliberate motion, his arms rising into the perfect, practiced posture of the Gentle Fist. "Okay then."
"I mentioned it before…" Lee's voice was low, carrying just enough to be heard by those around him. His eyes were locked on the arena below. "When I said the strongest genin is on my team… I was referring to him. Hyuga Neji. He might be the strongest genin Konoha has ever produced."
Kimiko's eyes flicked to Lee briefly, then back to the arena. She didn't argue with him. She knew Neji was strong. She knew this wasn't going to be a fair fight. Not even close.
Her eyes stayed glued to the fight below as Hinata and Neji charged at each other. Their first exchange was a flurry of open-palmed strikes, fast and precise, like the crash of two thunderstorms meeting in the center. Their palms struck with sharp claps, bursts of blue chakra flaring into the air like sparks from a fire. Their movements were smooth, sharp, fluid. Kimiko's eyes darted from one strike to the next, her focus razor-sharp.
Behind her, she could hear Lee and Naruto speaking, Kakashi and Gai explaining something about the Gentle Fist. But their words were background noise. Kimiko was focused. Too focused.
Did I train you hard enough, Hinata? she thought, her eyes locked on the girl below. Her fingers dug into the steel of the railing. Was it enough? Or was it too little, too late?
Her gaze sharpened as Hinata ducked under Neji's strike, sliding her palm beneath his wrist and deflecting his arm upward. Yes. There it is. Her eyes tracked the movement, heart pounding in her chest as Hinata surged forward, her open palm striking Neji twice in the abdomen with a flash of blue chakra.
Neji's face twitched, his lips tightening in a small, subtle wince.
Good. She's faster than she was in canon. She actually landed two hits. Kimiko's breath slowed. Keep it up, Hinata. Don't let him take control.
Neji skidded back, his feet sliding across the stone floor as he re-centered his stance. He lunged forward, his arms blurring in a rapid series of open-palmed strikes. Hinata ducked, parried, and deflected each one as best she could, her eyes darting wildly to keep up.
"Hinata! Way to go!" Naruto yelled, his fists slamming on the railing. "Umm, so what are chakra pathways anyway?"
Lee answered this time, his tone patient. "They're the circulatory canals that distribute chakra throughout the body, similar to a person's vascular system — the veins and arteries that carry blood."
"Oh, so they're chakra veins?" Naruto asked, his eyes lighting up in understanding.
"Basically, yes," Lee replied. "But unlike blood veins, the chakra network is so closely interwoven with vital organs that when the network is attacked, those organs suffer damage as well."
"Whoa, Lee! When'd you get so smart?" Naruto asked, grinning despite the tension.
Kimiko would have giggled, but her eyes remained fixed on the fight. She watched each movement, each clash, each subtle shift in their stances. And slowly, her heart sank. Hinata is still no match for him.
She'd trained Hinata. Helped her break past her limits. But it wasn't enough. Neji's basics are just too strong. His fundamentals are sharper, his experience deeper.
Her heart clenched when she saw it. Hinata lunged forward with an open-palmed strike aimed at Neji's heart. But Neji was faster. His fingers jabbed her shoulder with pinpoint precision, striking the tenketsu at her arm.
No.
Hinata's eyes went wide as her strike slowed. Neji's other hand struck forward, his fingers jabbing the tenketsu near her heart. His fingers pressed into her chest just enough to make her stagger. Her lips parted, and a sharp cough escaped. Blood splattered onto the stone floor.
"So this is the extent of the main branch's strength," said Neji idly.
"H-Hey, what happened?! I thought Hinata hit him perfectly!" Naruto's voice was frantic, his eyes darting around wildly.
Hinata gasped for breath, staggering forward. Her hand pressed against his arm, forcing it off her chest. Her eyes stayed locked on him. Her face was pale, her eyes filled with pain, but she still raised her palm.
Hinata swung her hand at Neji's face, her palm aimed at his jaw. For a moment, it looked like it might land.
But Neji's body shifted, his head tilting back just a fraction. Her strike missed by inches.
He grabbed her wrist, inches away from his shoulders.
His fingers pressed into the tenketsu under her forearm. "It's over," he muttered.
Kimiko winced, her heart twisting painfully in her chest. "He shut down her chakra points," she muttered, voice grim. "Her arms… they're done."
Her eyes followed Neji as he grabbed Hinata's arm, pulling her sleeve back to reveal the red, swollen points along her forearm. "He struck her tenketsu at the start of the fight. Every blow she landed was useless. He cut off the chakra flow to her arms."
Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "He… what?! When did he—"
"From the very beginning," Kimiko said bitterly. "He's been shutting down her arms with every exchange."
"Don't give up, Hinata," Kimiko whispered, leaning forward. "Don't you dare give up now."
Neji's open palm struck her square in the stomach. The force of the blow sent her flying, her body hitting the ground with a harsh thud. Idly, Neji approached.
"Look, Hinata," Neji said. His eyes narrowed, filled with cold disdain as he glanced at her trembling form. "I'm completely out of your league, and that won't change. This is what separates the elite from the failures." He took a step forward, his gaze bearing down on her like the weight of the entire Hyuga Clan itself. "You may not like it, but it's a fact."
He tilted his head ever so slightly, his gaze unwavering. "From the moment you declared you wouldn't run away anymore, your fate was already sealed. You were destined for failure." His voice was calm but absolute, "And now? You're consumed with hopelessness."
Kimiko's nails dug into the steel of the railing, her heart pounding like thunder in her chest. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.
Neji's eyes narrowed further. "This is your last warning, Hinata. Forfeit this match."
Down below, Hinata's body shook. She was on her knees, her arms hanging limply at her sides, blood dripping from the corner of her lips. Her breath came in short, uneven gasps. Her fingers twitched like she was trying to make a fist but couldn't quite manage it. Her head hung low, her bangs hiding her eyes from view.
Move, Hinata. Please. Move. Get up.
Kimiko's heart ached with every tremor that passed through Hinata's frame. She could feel every wince, every shudder of pain, like it was her own. Her throat was tight. Her chest hurt. Her vision blurred as hot tears traced a line down her cheek.
"I… I…" Hinata stammered, her voice so soft it barely reached them. Her shoulders shook, her whole body threatening to collapse.
Kimiko gritted her teeth so hard it hurt. Come on. Come on, Hinata. Come on.
Then, slowly — slowly — Hinata's fingers pressed against the cold stone floor. Her arms shook, muscles trembling as she forced herself up. No. She's not done. Not yet.
"I…" she repeated, her legs wobbling as she pushed to stand. Her knees knocked together, and for a moment, it looked like she'd fall again. But she didn't. Her knees locked, her back straightened, and she stood tall.
"I never go back on my word."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it was steady. The tremor was gone.
Kimiko's breath hitched in her throat.
"B-Because that too is my nindo. My ninja way."
Her voice echoed through the arena like a ripple through still water. It wasn't loud, but it didn't need to be. It was clear. It was firm. It was undeniable.
Naruto's eyes widened as if he'd been struck by lightning. His body tensed, his breath caught in his throat. "...Hinata…" he muttered, his voice hoarse.
Kimiko felt him shake beside her. His whole body trembled. But this wasn't like before. It wasn't just anger. It was something deeper. Something raw.
But then, Hinata spoke again — and what she said next hit Kimiko like a kunai straight to the chest.
"I will be strong, to p-protect those I love and cherish," Hinata gasped, her chest heaving with effort. Her Byakugan remained active, her eyes sharper than they'd ever been. She raised her head high, looking Neji directly in the eyes. "Even if it's at the expense of… my own life."
Kimiko's breath left her in a sharp gasp. Her eyes widened, her heart seizing in her chest. Her vision blurred as tears gathered at the edge of her eyes.
That's me.
The realization hit her harder than any punch ever could.
That's me. She learned that from me.
Her lips trembled, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. Her eyes stayed locked on Hinata, wide with disbelief, sorrow, and pride all at once.
"...Hinata," Naruto said again, but this time it wasn't a growl. His voice was soft, cracked, almost broken. He shook as if something inside him had finally snapped. His breath came out uneven, his hands curling into fists on the railing. "You… you're amazing."
"She's a lot like you," Lee said from behind them, his voice softer than usual. His eyes were wide with quiet admiration as he stared down at Hinata. "And you too, Kimiko. I can see it. She looks up to the two of you so much."
Kimiko's body trembled, her hands still gripping the rail. Her breathing came faster, shallow and uneven. She glanced down at Hinata, her lips parting as her eyes flickered with realization.
Her tears fell freely now, hot against her cheeks.
She blamed herself.
Her gaze never left Hinata, not for a second. Why didn't I put in more effort? Why didn't I push harder? I called her my best friend, but I didn't train her like one.
Her chest burned. Her throat tightened. Her eyes stung.
If I had trained her harder… If I had been there for her more…
Her tears dripped from her face, falling onto her hands. The droplets clung to her skin like heavy rain, but she didn't bother wiping them away. She didn't deserve to.
"I…" Kimiko's voice cracked. Her lips trembled, her breath catching in her throat. Her fingers shook as she tightened her grip. Her head bowed as she forced the words out, each one heavier than the last. "I failed her."
Her vision blurred, and for a moment, all she could see was the image of Hinata standing below, battered, bleeding, but still standing. Still fighting. Fighting with everything she had. Fighting with words Kimiko believed in.
Her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest.
"I failed her."
But she couldn't look away. She wouldn't. She owed Hinata that much.
Hinata winced, her body convulsing as she coughed up another mouthful of blood, her hand clutching her stomach in a desperate attempt to ease the pain. The dark red stain spread across her jacket, a grotesque reminder of her injuries.
"Go, Hinata!" Naruto's voice cut through the arena. "You can do it!"
And somehow, she did. Hinata pushed herself forward, her feet moving on sheer instinct. She charged at Neji, her eyes filled with raw determination. They clashed again, open-palmed strikes meeting one another, soft thuds echoing like a steady drumbeat. Her blows were weak. Ineffectual. But she didn't stop.
Kimiko's eyes widened. She's still fighting. The thought echoed in her mind, hollow with disbelief. The match is over. She's lost. She knows it. Everyone knows it.
But she still refused to stop.
Even when she overextended on a strike, stumbling forward with too much weight on her front foot, she didn't stop. But Neji didn't hesitate to punish her. His palm struck upward with brutal precision, slamming into her chin with a sharp crack. Her head snapped back, blood spraying from her lips like red flower petals caught in the wind.
Kimiko's heart seized in her chest. Her eyes darted to her sister, Kurenai, standing on the other side of the gallery. Kurenai's gaze was firm but gentle, her lips pressed into a thin, proud smile as she watched Hinata.
But Kimiko felt no pride.
Just pain.
Pain for her best friend, pain for not doing more, pain for letting this happen. She could barely hear the gasps and murmurs around her. Her whole world was focused on Hinata, battered and beaten, standing in front of someone who was supposed to be her brother in spirit.
And still, she fought.
Hinata's foot dragged as she stumbled forward once more. Her body swayed, but she didn't stop. She didn't even hesitate. Her movements were sloppy, reckless, but she still charged at Neji with everything she had.
Don't do it. Don't do it, Hinata. Please.
Her body was too slow. Her arms were too sluggish. Neji's eyes narrowed, his stance shifting. Kimiko's heart dropped before he even moved.
He struck her dead center in the chest with a palm strike so sharp, so precise, that it echoed through the arena like a gunshot.
Blood sprayed from Hinata's lips once more, splattering Neji's bandaged upper arm in crimson streaks. Her body jolted like a puppet with its strings cut. Her feet lifted off the ground for a brief second, weightless, before gravity reclaimed her.
She crumpled face-first onto the cold, unforgiving stone of the arena floor. The impact echoed louder than it should have.
Her body lay still.
Neji side-eyed her from above, his expression unmoved, as if he'd merely swept aside a fallen branch. He gazed down at her limp form. "Don't you know when to quit?" he said coolly, "From the start, your attacks have been completely ineffective."
"That was Neji's master stroke," Gai muttered, his voice tinged with regret. "He struck her in the heart. It's over. The girl can no longer stand."
Kimiko's jaw clenched.
Hayate stepped forward, coughing into his hand before speaking. "Seeing as the match can no longer continue—"
"DON'T STOP IT!"
Naruto's voice erupted from beside her like an explosion. Everyone's heads whipped toward him. Kimiko glanced to the side, her eyes flicking toward him for a brief moment, but her attention snapped back down to Hinata.
Her heart stopped.
She's moving.
Kimiko's eyes widened as Hinata's arms twitched. Her fingers pressed weakly against the ground. Her shoulders shook, her body swaying as if she were being pulled up by invisible strings. Her knees dragged under her body as she slowly, slowly pushed herself up.
Her breathing was shallow. Blood dripped from her lips in a slow, steady stream, staining her jacket. But she didn't fall. Her legs wobbled like they'd give out at any moment, but she didn't fall.
She's standing. She's still standing.
Kimiko could feel her chest tighten as something swelled inside her, something equal parts pride and pain.
Why do you always have to do this, Hinata? Why do you have to make me feel so helpless?
Her eyes stung as tears again pooled at the corners of her eyes. She blinked rapidly, forcing them away.
"If you continue to fight, you're going to die," Neji snapped, his teeth clenched. His face was twisted with something Kimiko couldn't quite name — anger, disbelief, or maybe indignation. "Just give up, Hinata. You've done enough. Just give up, and your suffering will end!"
Hinata didn't respond. She raised her head, looking up — but not at Neji.
Her eyes found Naruto and Kimiko in the gallery above.
Her lips curved into a small, fragile smile.
Kimiko froze. Her heart ached so badly she thought she might fall over.
Then, slowly, Hinata turned back to face Neji. Her legs barely moved, but she dragged herself forward, her whole body trembling with every step. It wasn't elegant. It wasn't graceful. It wasn't fast.
But she still moved.
Neji watched her, his fists trembling at his sides. His eyes twitched, his teeth gritting as he let out a sharp breath. "Give up the tough guy act," he sneered. "I can tell you're barely standing."
His eyes scanned her, "You've been carrying a very heavy burden. Being born into the main branch of the Hyuga Clan, you've cursed yourself for being weak. I can see it. You've blamed yourself your entire life." His voice dropped lower, filled with cold finality. "But look, people can't change the way they are. That's just how it is. Just accept defeat, and you won't have to suffer anymore."
Hinata's breathing was shallow, her body heaving with effort. But still, she shook her head. Her eyes remained focused on him, unwavering.
"No, you're wrong, Neji-nii-san." Her voice was breathy but firm. Her chest rose and fell with every shallow breath, but her eyes stayed locked on his. "You've got it… backwards."
Neji's eyes widened.
"What did you say?" he muttered, taking a step forward, his face tense with disbelief.
"I can tell," Hinata said, her voice barely louder than a whisper. Her fingers twitched at her sides. "You're the one… you're suffering so much more than I am."
Her gaze softened, and her lips trembled as she took another breath. "You're the one who's all torn up inside."
"I'm what?" Neji barked, his voice cracking just a little.
"You're suffering," Hinata said softly, her gaze unwavering. "You've been carrying the weight of the fate of the main and cadet branches on your shoulders for so long… and it's killing you."
Silence.
A tense, heavy silence.
Neji's eyes widened as his breath caught in his throat. His whole body went stiff, his fingers curling into fists. "Shut up."
His voice was low, trembling with barely concealed rage.
Kimiko's heart stopped. She knew what was about to happen. Her head snapped to the side, linking with Naruto's own wide eyes. No words passed between her and Naruto, but they understood what they needed to do.
Neji charged at Hinata, his body a blur of movement, every ounce of his intent sharpened into a deadly spear aimed at her heart. Kimiko felt it before she even saw it.
Killing intent.
It poured from him like a storm of daggers, so thick that even the least experienced genin in the room would have felt the sudden shift in the air. Every jonin felt it too. The weight of it was suffocating.
"Neji, no! The match is over!" Hayate's voice rang out, hoarse but frantic. He moved to intercept, his body launching forward with a burst of speed.
Kimiko had already moved.
A flicker of black, crimson, and orange tore across the arena like lightning. Her body flickered in and out of view. One second, she was in the gallery. The next, she was there, directly in Neji's path.
The metallic ring of steel echoed as her tanto was drawn in a flash, the blade stopping just short of his neck. The edge pressed lightly against his skin — not deep enough to draw blood, but close enough that the chill of the metal could be felt.
Her toxic, blood-red chakra seeped along the edge of her blade, bubbling and swirling like molten fire. A hiss rose from the steel as if it were alive, hungry for blood.
Neji stopped instantly, his eyes widening as he caught sight of her. His reaction was immediate. His palms shifted, his stance changed. One hand rose to touch her chest, his fingers only a hair's breadth away from the tenketsu on her heart.
But her eyes met his.
Cold. Unblinking. Absolute.
"The match is over," Kimiko said, her voice low, but it echoed loud enough for everyone to hear. Her eyes didn't waver, didn't blink. She wasn't afraid. She wasn't moving. She had already decided that if he took one more step, she would act.
Neji's eyes narrowed. His teeth gritted. "Get out of my way," he snarled. "Or I'll force my way through you."
Wrong answer.
Kimiko didn't move, didn't so much as twitch. Her gaze was steady, like she was staring at something far beneath her. Her grip on the tanto didn't tighten, didn't tremble. Her control was absolute.
Her eyes flickered briefly behind her, catching the movement she'd been waiting for.
Naruto.
He'd leapt down the moment she moved. His landing was heavy but steady as he dashed forward with single-minded determination. His face was locked in a snarl, his eyes wild with rage and desperation. But there was no hesitation. None at all.
Good job, Naruto.
She watched as Naruto stood from his crouched form, cradling Hinata close as if she were made of glass. She hung limply, her breath shallow and uneven, blood dripping from her lips. But she was alive, looking up at Naruto with awe.
And that was all that mattered.
Kimiko turned her gaze back to Neji, her eyes as cold as frost on steel. Her blade remained firmly against his neck, unwavering. She tilted her head just enough to let him know she saw every move he made, every twitch of his muscles, every shift in his weight. Her gaze pierced him like a lance.
And then, for the benefit of everyone in that room — the genin, the jonin, the Hokage himself — she spoke loud and clear.
"Go ahead and try." Her words cut through the air like a blade. Her voice was even, calm, but there was venom beneath it. Her eyes bore into his like she was staring straight through him, past his pride, past his pain, to the root of everything that made him. "Go ahead and try, Neji."
The air grew heavy. Every breath seemed louder. Every eye in the room turned to them.
Kimiko's next words dripped like venom.
"And I'll make sure to show you such cruelty…" Her lips curved into a smile, but it wasn't kind. It wasn't kind at all. "...that you'll be begging me to send you to whatever hell your useless, pathetic father went to when he died."
Silence.
It was deafening. No one moved. No one spoke. Not a single genin, not a single jonin, dared to breathe.
Neji's face twisted in fury. His hands tensed. His whole body trembled with barely restrained rage. His breath was short, uneven, his nostrils flaring as his eyes darted between her eyes and the blade at his neck. His fingers twitched.
But he didn't move.
Because Kimiko's eyes didn't flinch. Her stance didn't shift. The deadly red glow of her chakra-coated blade hummed softly, its presence an unspoken promise.
If Neji moved, she would act.
And everyone knew it.
"That's enough, Kimiko." It was Kakashi's voice, calm but firm, like a father calling his child back from the edge of a cliff. He flickered right beside her, hand on her head. Hayate also made his way next to her, Kurenai meanwhile, was right beside Naruto. Might Guy also appeared, placing a hand on Neji's shoulder from behind him.
Kimiko didn't take her eyes off Neji. Her grip didn't loosen. The blade didn't move.
"Kimiko." Kakashi's voice came again, softer this time. "Naruto has her. It's over."
Her eyes flickered to Naruto behind her. He was holding Hinata close, her face pressed against his jacket as he cradled her in his arms. His eyes met hers, filled with quiet gratitude. Beside him, her sister looked at Kimiko with concern, one hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"I got her," Naruto whispered, his voice hoarse but resolute. "I've got her, Kimiko."
Kimiko closed her eyes for a moment, her breath slow and even. She stayed like that for one heartbeat. Two. Then, slowly, she pulled her blade away from Neji's neck. Her chakra flickered out, the crimson glow fading as she lowered her arm.
Neji didn't move. Not a muscle. He stayed still, his gaze following her every movement like a cornered animal. His breathing was still shallow, his teeth still clenched, his hands still trembling.
"Smart choice," Kimiko muttered. She turned her back to him, tucking her tanto back into its sheath with a quiet, deliberate click.
Her gaze settled on Hinata, her best friend, battered, broken, but still alive. Kimiko's eyes softened as she met Hinata's gaze. Her lips curled into the smallest, faintest smile. "Rest, Hinata," she said softly. "Rest. You've earned it."
Behind her, Neji's breathing grew heavier. She could hear it, that shaky, uneven inhale, like a dam about to burst.
"You think you know everything." His voice was like a hiss of steam, his anger finally spilling out. "You think you understand me, but you don't."
Kimiko turned her head just enough to glance at him from over her shoulder. Her eyes weren't cold anymore. They were hollow. Empty. Her smile was gone.
"I understand more than you think. And regardless if I didn't?" She meth is eyes again. "If you had been stupid enough to move a finger, I would have killed you either way. Damn be the consequences."
Her eyes showed the same steel as the alloy of her tanto. For a brief moment, Neji saw something in them — something that froze him in place.
Kimiko Yuhi wasn't bluffing.
She would have done it.
Everyone in that arena knew it.
Even Neji.
The silence stretched for one long, agonizing moment.
Then, with a deep breath, Neji turned away, walking toward the far edge of the arena. His back was straight, but his hands were still shaking at his sides. His sensei with him, hand still on his shoulder.
Hayate cleared his throat, coughing into his sleeve before speaking. "The eight match is over. Hyuga Neji is the winner."
But no one clapped. No one cheered.
Kimiko didn't look away from Hinata.
Her sister, Kurenai, stared at Kimiko still, eyes filled with concern. But Kimiko ignored her. She watched as the medical corps surrounded Hinata, carefully lifting her from Naruto's arms and placing her on a stretcher. Naruto didn't resist. He just watched, his fists clenched at his sides, his eyes filled with the same rage that had burned in Kimiko's heart.
This should have never happened.
Her nails dug into her palm. She didn't wipe away the blood.
This will never happen again.
Above her, unnoticed by even Kimiko, a certain genin from Sunagakure leaned forward on the gallery railing. His wide, wild eyes shimmered with barely-contained excitement. His fingers drummed against the metal, not out of impatience, but anticipation. Trembling with bloodlust.
